Monday, August 30, 2010
Slave owner 'handed himself in' to police
By Yoni Bashan
From: The Sunday Telegraph
August 29, 2010 3:02AM
THE captor of a 26-year-old slave blew the whistle on himself when he took the young man to police to treat his severe injuries.
Nathan Barnes, 26, was allegedly beaten, starved and forced to work as a cleaning slave for Mervyn John Ferry, 41, and Paula Diane Morrison, 46, from Bathurst, New South Wales, between February to August this year.
Police are baffled as to how Mr Barnes was held captive for six months in an open, clean suburban home, with a low fence and neighbours close by.
The situation only became public when Ferry, a Woolworths employee, allegedly showed up at Bathurst police station on August 9 with Mr Barnes in tow, saying he needed medical attention.
Police allege the victim had been badly assaulted with a baseball bat.
Acting Inspector Lionel White described the case as "bizarre". Ferry "presented him (Mr Barnes) with his injuries and said you better look at him," Acting Inspector White told The Sunday Telegraph.
"He (Ferry) waited at the front of the station while we spoke to him."
After speaking to detectives, Mr Barnes was transported to hospital where his injuries - which included two black eyes, fractured ribs and a punctured lung - were treated.
An eight-member police strike force was formed immediately after to investigate the matter.
Last week the team conducted a search warrant on the home at Fish Parade, Gormans Hill, collecting several items as evidence.
Detectives returned with a second search warrant on Friday where they arrested Ferry and Morrison around 9.15am.
Mr Barnes was allegedly being held against his will inside the home where his mobile phone was confiscated and he was forced to perform all cleaning duties.
Police have charged Ferry and Morrison with 27 offences - both were refused bail in court on Friday.
Officers said Mr Barnes was allegedly subjected to severe bouts of physical and psychological abuse and was denied medical treatment.
He had lost almost half his normal weight - 70 kg - during the ordeal.
He weighed just 40kg after being rescued by authorities.
Mr White confirmed that two adolescent children were living in the house at the time and would likely become police witnesses in the matter.
Mr Barnes is now recovering in a secure location.
From: http://www.news.com.au/national/slave-owner-handed-himself-in-to-police/story-e6frfkvr-1225911382780
From: The Sunday Telegraph
August 29, 2010 3:02AM
THE captor of a 26-year-old slave blew the whistle on himself when he took the young man to police to treat his severe injuries.
Nathan Barnes, 26, was allegedly beaten, starved and forced to work as a cleaning slave for Mervyn John Ferry, 41, and Paula Diane Morrison, 46, from Bathurst, New South Wales, between February to August this year.
Police are baffled as to how Mr Barnes was held captive for six months in an open, clean suburban home, with a low fence and neighbours close by.
The situation only became public when Ferry, a Woolworths employee, allegedly showed up at Bathurst police station on August 9 with Mr Barnes in tow, saying he needed medical attention.
Police allege the victim had been badly assaulted with a baseball bat.
Acting Inspector Lionel White described the case as "bizarre". Ferry "presented him (Mr Barnes) with his injuries and said you better look at him," Acting Inspector White told The Sunday Telegraph.
"He (Ferry) waited at the front of the station while we spoke to him."
After speaking to detectives, Mr Barnes was transported to hospital where his injuries - which included two black eyes, fractured ribs and a punctured lung - were treated.
An eight-member police strike force was formed immediately after to investigate the matter.
Last week the team conducted a search warrant on the home at Fish Parade, Gormans Hill, collecting several items as evidence.
Detectives returned with a second search warrant on Friday where they arrested Ferry and Morrison around 9.15am.
Mr Barnes was allegedly being held against his will inside the home where his mobile phone was confiscated and he was forced to perform all cleaning duties.
Police have charged Ferry and Morrison with 27 offences - both were refused bail in court on Friday.
Officers said Mr Barnes was allegedly subjected to severe bouts of physical and psychological abuse and was denied medical treatment.
He had lost almost half his normal weight - 70 kg - during the ordeal.
He weighed just 40kg after being rescued by authorities.
Mr White confirmed that two adolescent children were living in the house at the time and would likely become police witnesses in the matter.
Mr Barnes is now recovering in a secure location.
From: http://www.news.com.au/national/slave-owner-handed-himself-in-to-police/story-e6frfkvr-1225911382780
Sandy teen gets squeaky dog toy lodged in lung
Maile Tua'one, Staff Writer FOX 13 News
12:36 PM PDT, August 26, 2010
SANDY, Utah - Paramedics said it was the first time for them after a Sandy teenager got a dog whistle lodged in his lung. The teen's mother said each time 13-year-old William Robertson took a breath, he squeaked. William was supposed to start school on Tuesday but instead was in surgery to get the whistle removed.
"He coughed on the way and it slipped into his lungs," said William's mother, Laurie Robertson. "They had to do surgery then to get the whistle out."
Robertson said William was wrestling with his dog over a squeaky toy.
"I squeezed it just as the dog jumped on me and it fell," said William. "Every time I breathed, it would happen to squeak."
William's mother said he has a new nickname from the incident but William said he does not find it funny.
"It's kind of irritating," William said. "It's kind of funny but then again, it's scary cause I just don't see how choking is funny."
Williams is taking a couple days off to recover from a sore throat.
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/kstu-teen-squeaky-toy-incident,0,376276.story
12:36 PM PDT, August 26, 2010
SANDY, Utah - Paramedics said it was the first time for them after a Sandy teenager got a dog whistle lodged in his lung. The teen's mother said each time 13-year-old William Robertson took a breath, he squeaked. William was supposed to start school on Tuesday but instead was in surgery to get the whistle removed.
"He coughed on the way and it slipped into his lungs," said William's mother, Laurie Robertson. "They had to do surgery then to get the whistle out."
Robertson said William was wrestling with his dog over a squeaky toy.
"I squeezed it just as the dog jumped on me and it fell," said William. "Every time I breathed, it would happen to squeak."
William's mother said he has a new nickname from the incident but William said he does not find it funny.
"It's kind of irritating," William said. "It's kind of funny but then again, it's scary cause I just don't see how choking is funny."
Williams is taking a couple days off to recover from a sore throat.
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/kstu-teen-squeaky-toy-incident,0,376276.story
Infant Flushed with Alcohol Instead of Saline Dies
FOX8.com Staff Writer
6:02 AM PDT, August 26, 2010
FINDLAY, Ohio - An Ohio baby died after his system was flushed with alcohol instead of saline during open heart surgery.
According to WLWT in Cincinnati, 7-month-old Tressel had heart issues since birth and parents Emilie and Scott Meinardi knew a procedure would be necessary.
Tressel went into his treatment at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital smiling, but the infant never made it out of the OR. He died over the weekend.
The CEO of the hospital sent a memo to its workers, saying while it cannot disclose specifics about patients to the public, "Families have the right to know their child's medical status, treatment and outcomes. In cases where there has been an error we accept responsibility, admit the error, apologize for it and explain what happened." It went on to say, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child, with our caregivers and the entire Cincinnatti Children's family. This is a difficult time for many."
"It just devastates me to imagine not seeing his smiling face again," a family friend told WLWT.
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/wjw-ohio-baby-flushed-with-alcohol-dies-txt,0,7925755.story
6:02 AM PDT, August 26, 2010
FINDLAY, Ohio - An Ohio baby died after his system was flushed with alcohol instead of saline during open heart surgery.
According to WLWT in Cincinnati, 7-month-old Tressel had heart issues since birth and parents Emilie and Scott Meinardi knew a procedure would be necessary.
Tressel went into his treatment at Cincinnati's Children's Hospital smiling, but the infant never made it out of the OR. He died over the weekend.
The CEO of the hospital sent a memo to its workers, saying while it cannot disclose specifics about patients to the public, "Families have the right to know their child's medical status, treatment and outcomes. In cases where there has been an error we accept responsibility, admit the error, apologize for it and explain what happened." It went on to say, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this child, with our caregivers and the entire Cincinnatti Children's family. This is a difficult time for many."
"It just devastates me to imagine not seeing his smiling face again," a family friend told WLWT.
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/wjw-ohio-baby-flushed-with-alcohol-dies-txt,0,7925755.story
Arizona police say gunman kills 5, then self
A gunman entered a western Arizona home and fatally shot five people, including the mother of his two children and her new boyfriend, before fleeing with the kids to Southern California where he killed himself, police said Sunday.
The shootings late Saturday occurred as 23-year-old Deborah Langstaff and friends were celebrating her boyfriend's birthday, Lake Havasu City police Sgt. Joe Harrold said. In all, six people died.
Police went to the Lake Havasu City home after dispatchers received an emergency call at 11:57 p.m. Saturday from a woman who said an intruder had shot several people.
Officers responding to the home said they found the bodies of Langstaff, Primo Verdone _ who had just turned 24 _ Russell Nyland, 42, and Ashley Nyland, 20.
Two others were wounded, but 20-year-old Brock Kelson died of his injuries early Sunday. Deborah Nyland, 44, was in intensive care at a Las Vegas hospital Sunday afternoon, Harrold said.
Lake Havasu City police issued an Amber Alert for the children early Sunday and traced the alleged gunman, 26-year-old Brian Diez, to the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., residence of his sister several hours after the shooting.
At about the same time, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies were sent to the Rancho Cucamonga home about a reported suicide. Deputies discovered Diez dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at about 3:30 a.m., authorities said.
The two children _ a 4-year-old and a 13-month-old _ were found unharmed at the house, police said.
Rancho Cucamonga is about 250 miles away from Lake Havasu City.
Ashley Nyland was a friend of Langstaff's, and Russell and Deborah Nyland are Ashley's parents, Harrold said. Kelson was Ashley Nyland's boyfriend, he said.
Diez fathered the two children with Deborah Langstaff during a long-term relationship, but the couple had been estranged, Lake Havasu City police said.
Langstaff, a nurse at a local hospital, took out a restraining order earlier this year that prohibited Diez from seeing her or the children after he was accused of slapping their infant son, Harrold said.
Diez violated the order Aug. 13 when he approached Langstaff and talked to her, Harrold said. Diez didn't make any threats during the encounter, he said.
Lake Havasu City lies on the shores of a lake formed from a Colorado River dam built in 1938. The city of about 52,000 is perhaps best known as the home of the relocated London Bridge and as a spring break destination for college students.
From: http://www.azdailysun.com/news/national/article_77049a63-68fb-54da-9597-bc098a96004b.html
Man charged with Dublin schoolgirl's murder
30 August 2010 Last updated at 08:43 GMT
A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Dublin at the weekend.
The body of Michaela Davis was found in undergrowth beside the Royal Canal on Saturday.
The man and his father arrived at a police station on Saturday night, where he was arrested and questioned for almost 24 hours.
It is understood the girl left her home just after midnight on Saturday morning.
Her parents reported her missing two hours later.
A passer-by found her body on the banks of the Royal Canal at Porterstown on Saturday afternoon.
From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11123766
A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Dublin at the weekend.
The body of Michaela Davis was found in undergrowth beside the Royal Canal on Saturday.
The man and his father arrived at a police station on Saturday night, where he was arrested and questioned for almost 24 hours.
It is understood the girl left her home just after midnight on Saturday morning.
Her parents reported her missing two hours later.
A passer-by found her body on the banks of the Royal Canal at Porterstown on Saturday afternoon.
From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11123766
Girl in hospital after dog attack
Monday, 30 August 2010
A 10-year-old girl is being treated in hospital after being attacked by two Rottweilers.
The child was riding her bike in Dundee's Dryburgh Street on Sunday when she was set upon by the dogs.
She suffered a fractured jaw in the attack and will require plastic surgery, Tayside Police said.
It is understood the dogs will be put down on Monday and their owners may be charged.
The attack happened at around 11am on Sunday as the girl cycled near shops.
The dogs were disturbed by the child's grandmother, who ran from her nearby home, and a passing motorist who tooted his horn.
The girl is being treated at Ninewells Hospital.
Police said inquiries into the attack were continuing and appealed for witnesses to contact them.
From: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/girl-in-hospital-after-dog-attack-2065727.html
A 10-year-old girl is being treated in hospital after being attacked by two Rottweilers.
The child was riding her bike in Dundee's Dryburgh Street on Sunday when she was set upon by the dogs.
She suffered a fractured jaw in the attack and will require plastic surgery, Tayside Police said.
It is understood the dogs will be put down on Monday and their owners may be charged.
The attack happened at around 11am on Sunday as the girl cycled near shops.
The dogs were disturbed by the child's grandmother, who ran from her nearby home, and a passing motorist who tooted his horn.
The girl is being treated at Ninewells Hospital.
Police said inquiries into the attack were continuing and appealed for witnesses to contact them.
From: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/girl-in-hospital-after-dog-attack-2065727.html
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Australian school apologises for awarding child dressed as Hitler costume prize
An Australian school has apologised after a child dressed as Adolf Hitler won a costume parade.
Published: 5:50PM BST 27 Aug 2010
The boy was judged best dressed among his class of nine and 10-years-olds by the principal and other teachers in a book week contest, with the costume which featured the swastika.
The unnamed Perth Catholic school sent a letter of apology to parents after a number of complaints that commending an outfit of the Nazi dictator was inappropriate.
“It’s a one-off thing that in retrospect we’d do differently,” the principal, who was not named, told The West Australian newspaper, defending himself by saying Hitler “was a fairly famous person”.
The letter to parents said future dress-up days would be restricted to characters “appropriate for primary school-aged students” and said care would be taken to ensure students understood the “sensitivities” around certain people.
Meanwhile a US High School principal has apologised after a quote from Hitler ended up in the school yearbook.
Easton Area High School Principal Michael Koch, said the quote, which reads “And in the last analysis, success is what matters”, was a mistake and oversight by the administration.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/7968390/Australian-school-apologises-for-awarding-child-dressed-as-Hitler-costume-prize.html
Published: 5:50PM BST 27 Aug 2010
The boy was judged best dressed among his class of nine and 10-years-olds by the principal and other teachers in a book week contest, with the costume which featured the swastika.
The unnamed Perth Catholic school sent a letter of apology to parents after a number of complaints that commending an outfit of the Nazi dictator was inappropriate.
“It’s a one-off thing that in retrospect we’d do differently,” the principal, who was not named, told The West Australian newspaper, defending himself by saying Hitler “was a fairly famous person”.
The letter to parents said future dress-up days would be restricted to characters “appropriate for primary school-aged students” and said care would be taken to ensure students understood the “sensitivities” around certain people.
Meanwhile a US High School principal has apologised after a quote from Hitler ended up in the school yearbook.
Easton Area High School Principal Michael Koch, said the quote, which reads “And in the last analysis, success is what matters”, was a mistake and oversight by the administration.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/7968390/Australian-school-apologises-for-awarding-child-dressed-as-Hitler-costume-prize.html
Dad Charged With Stalking Daughter
Police: Man Disapproved Of Girl's Relationship
POSTED: 6:23 am PDT August 27, 2010
UPDATED: 7:15 am PDT August 27, 2010
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A teenage daughter can bring out the protective side in any father.
But a Florida man is accused of taking his parental concern too far after being charged with stalking his own child.
Dennis Hobbs, 59, is barred by a restraining order from going near his 19-year-old daughter now.
Police said they found a loaded gun, a video camera, a wig and a notebook detailing his daughter's whereabouts in Hobbs' car.
Hobbs was dressed in black and had painted his face black, police said.
He was arrested after being spotted driving slowly around a women's shelter where his daughter told police she had taken refuge out of fear of an overly protective and religious father who disapproved of her relationship with her boyfriend.
Hobbs' attorney called it a case of a concerned father worried about his daughter living in a high-crime neighborhood.
According to the police report, Hobbs sent his daughter several e-mails prior to his arrest.
One read, "I love you, but there is no loving way to do what I must."
When he was arrested, Hobbs told police, "You just signed her death certificate."
From: http://www.kcra.com/r/24782312/detail.html
POSTED: 6:23 am PDT August 27, 2010
UPDATED: 7:15 am PDT August 27, 2010
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A teenage daughter can bring out the protective side in any father.
But a Florida man is accused of taking his parental concern too far after being charged with stalking his own child.
Dennis Hobbs, 59, is barred by a restraining order from going near his 19-year-old daughter now.
Police said they found a loaded gun, a video camera, a wig and a notebook detailing his daughter's whereabouts in Hobbs' car.
Hobbs was dressed in black and had painted his face black, police said.
He was arrested after being spotted driving slowly around a women's shelter where his daughter told police she had taken refuge out of fear of an overly protective and religious father who disapproved of her relationship with her boyfriend.
Hobbs' attorney called it a case of a concerned father worried about his daughter living in a high-crime neighborhood.
According to the police report, Hobbs sent his daughter several e-mails prior to his arrest.
One read, "I love you, but there is no loving way to do what I must."
When he was arrested, Hobbs told police, "You just signed her death certificate."
From: http://www.kcra.com/r/24782312/detail.html
Local teacher found dismembered
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. -- Detectives are investigating the death of 48-year-old Putnam County teacher, Jan Keller. Thursday night they found some of her body parts in a bag underground.
The rest of Keller's body was found in the garage of a home she shared with her boyfriend, Timothy Rose.
Rose was found inside the home Tuesday morning in an unconscious, possibly drug induced state. He was transported to Flagler Hospital and later arrested.
Detectives say Rose has alluded to certain aspects of the murder, but has otherwise been uncooperative.
Thursday afternoon, detectives searched an undeveloped area near the couple's home in Samara Lakes. Detectives spotted a suspicious area, near the wood line, that could have been recently unearthed.
Deputies on the ground began digging and found Keller's other body parts in a bag two feet underground.
Rose faces murder charges.
From: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mostpopular/story/Local-teacher-found-dismembered/gVipKma5DUC31HVKAvo_1A.cspx
Father Puts Baby Boy in Freezer While High on Meth
6:42 PM PDT, August 27, 2010
CHANDLER, AZ -- A father is facing child abuse charges after allegedly putting his 7-month-old son in the freezer.
Police say Chance Kracke admitted he was high on meth when he put the boy freezer.
Kracke told police he was holding his son when he went into the kitchen to make himself a snack.
So, he put his son on the bottom shelf of the freezer and closed the door, according to police.
After a minute or two he heard his son crying so he opened the freezer and instead put the boy on the floor.
The boy had a cut on his forehead, possibly from the freezer door closing on him.
When asked why he put his son in the freezer, Kracke apparently told police because the kitchen floor was too dirty.
Kracke and his wife Leann are facing charges of child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia and animal cruelty in connection to another matter.
Police also found the couple's 19-month-old daughter next door at the grandmother's apartment and found a burn and multiple bruises all over the girl's body.
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-dad-toddler-freezer,0,7093159.story
Settlement Reached in 'Condom in Soup' Case
KTLA News
7:28 AM PDT, August 26, 2010
SANTA ANA -- A Mission Viejo man who claims he chewed on a condom while eating french onion soup has settled his lawsuit against an Orange County Claim Jumper restaurant.
The amount of Wednesday's settlement were not disclosed. Both sides said the deal indicates no admission of liability on either side.
The suit by Philip Hodousek, 51, sought unspecified damages and a public apology from the Irvine-based restaurant chain and any vendor associated with making the soup, according to his attorney Eric Traut.
Traut provided a statement on behalf of both sides, saying: "Claim Jumper sincerely regrets, and apologizes for, statements which have appeared in the media which have cast Mr. & Mrs. Hodousek, in an unfavorable light. With the conclusion of this litigation, Claim Jumper wishes the plaintiffs well and sincerely hopes that they are successful in putting this regrettable incident behind them."
According to court documents, Hodousek and his wife, Sherry, along with their then 18-year-old daughter went to the Claim Jumper restaurant in Mission Viejo to enjoy an Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 12, 2009.
Hodousek said he ordered several items, including a bowl of french onion soup.
As he ate the soup, he felt what he believed was a tough piece of cheese on the side of his mouth. When he couldn't chew it into pieces, he told his family that it felt like rubber, according to the court filing.
Hodousek says he spit it out into his napkin, at which time his wife said, "Oh my God, it's a condom." Hodousek says he then vomited in the men's bathroom.
After speaking with the server, the restaurant's general manager, Marc Hadley, came over to the table and explained that the item was a rubber glove used by employees to prepare food and apologized, the documents state. Hodousek insists upon further investigation it was determined the item was not a rubber glove, but clearly a condom.
Hodousek snapped a picture of the item with his cell phone, wrapped it in a napkin and took it with him.
Hodousek had the condom tested by Lab Corp in North Carolina, and preliminary tests revealed female DNA.
According to Traut, Claim Jumper Enterprises, Inc. conducted its own tests but has not provided all the results.
Last July, Hodousek admitted to owing the state and federal governments nearly $300,000 in back taxes and penalties, but said his debt and the restaurant incident are unrelated, the O.C. Register reported.
Traut later told the Register, "the IRS was wrong ... the negotiated amounts total less than $15,000."
From: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-condom-soup-court,0,6914918.story
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Satanic Retribution
AN ACTUAL AD IN AN AMERICAN NEWS PAPER
AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD
To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.
Date: 2009-05-27, 1 :43 a.m. E.S.T.
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.
First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 ..45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!
I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].
After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!
I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]
I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.
Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.
The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc..).
In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky.Have a good day!
Thoughtfully yours,
Alex
AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD
To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.
Date: 2009-05-27, 1 :43 a.m. E.S.T.
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.
First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 ..45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!
I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].
After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!
I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]
I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.
Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.
The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc..).
In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky.Have a good day!
Thoughtfully yours,
Alex
Doctors remove world's largest malignant tumour weighing FOUR STONE from woman, 54
Last updated at 4:02 AM on 26th August 2010
Doctors have removed a tumour weighing nearly four stone from a woman in Argentina. It had been growing inside her body for 18 months.
The huge three stone 8.7lbs growth was taken out of the 54-year-old's womb during a four-hour operation at a hospital near the capital Buenos Aires.
The unnamed patient was discharged weighing just over 16 and a half stone - five stone 7lbs less than when she was admitted.
Medics say they believe the malignant tumour is the biggest ever removed in the world. Malignant tumours of this type usually weigh between 4lbs and 7lbs.
Lead surgeon Dr Oscar Lopez said: 'I've never seen anything like it in my 34 years of medical service.
'In medical literature a giant tumour is one that weighs more than 8.8lbs. But we've not found any references to a larger tumour.
'Its weight is comparable to that of a four-year-old boy's. In layman's terms, it was as if this woman had been pregnant with quintuplets.
'I haven't been able to establish its length but it's diameter is similar to the oil cans they sell in petrol stations.'
The woman, who comes from the town of Lomas de Zamora on the outskirts of Buenos Aires where the surgery took place, had suffered constant abdominal growth for the past year and a half.
She had trouble performing everyday tasks like walking and bending down to tie up her shoe laces.
She was referred to Gandulfo Hospital, where surgeons operated on her, from another medical centre.
A team of specialists performed a laparotomy on the woman. This meant they cut through her abdominal wall before separating her intestines and bladder and removing her uterus, ovaries and the tumour.
The woman is now back at home after being kept in hospital for five days following the operation.
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1305990/Doctors-remove-worlds-largest-malignant-tumour-woman--weighing-FOUR-STONE.html
'Ghost Train' Hunter Killed By Real One
Man Struck While Waiting On Trestle; Body Thrown Into Ravine
Posted: 5:18 am EDT August 28, 2010
Updated: 8:37 am EDT August 28, 2010
STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Authorities say a man who was waiting with several friends for a "ghost train" from a North Carolina legend was killed when a real train came down the tracks.
Iredell County Sheriff Phil Redmond says 29-year-old Christopher Kaiser of Charlotte was killed about 2:45 a.m. Friday as he waited with friends at a railroad trestle. Redmond says witnesses said about 12 people were on the trestle hoping to see a ghost train when the real train rounded a bend.
Everyone but Kaiser was able to clear the tracks at the end of the trestle. The train struck Kaiser, who was thrown into a ravine.
The legend developed from a train wreck on Aug. 27, 1891, that killed about two dozen people and injured many others. Folklore Web sites claim the accident can be heard on each anniversary.
From: http://www.wsbtv.com/nationalnews/24795050/detail.html
Posted: 5:18 am EDT August 28, 2010
Updated: 8:37 am EDT August 28, 2010
STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Authorities say a man who was waiting with several friends for a "ghost train" from a North Carolina legend was killed when a real train came down the tracks.
Iredell County Sheriff Phil Redmond says 29-year-old Christopher Kaiser of Charlotte was killed about 2:45 a.m. Friday as he waited with friends at a railroad trestle. Redmond says witnesses said about 12 people were on the trestle hoping to see a ghost train when the real train rounded a bend.
Everyone but Kaiser was able to clear the tracks at the end of the trestle. The train struck Kaiser, who was thrown into a ravine.
The legend developed from a train wreck on Aug. 27, 1891, that killed about two dozen people and injured many others. Folklore Web sites claim the accident can be heard on each anniversary.
From: http://www.wsbtv.com/nationalnews/24795050/detail.html
14-Year-Old Girl Accidentally Shot
Posted: 7:36 am EDT August 27, 2010
Updated: 7:43 am EDT August 27, 2010
DAHLONEGA, Ga. -- A 14-year-old girl is in stable condition after being accidentally shot in the stomach, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office investigators said.
Investigator Darren Martin said the 14-year-old girl was in a home on Cavender Creek Road with her 14-year-old cousin when the cousin brought a gun into a room and attempted to show it off. The gun then accidentally discharged, Martin said.
The girl was shot in the stomach and was life-flighted Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. She is in stable condition.
Police do not plan to file charges.
From: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24781279/detail.html
Updated: 7:43 am EDT August 27, 2010
DAHLONEGA, Ga. -- A 14-year-old girl is in stable condition after being accidentally shot in the stomach, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office investigators said.
Investigator Darren Martin said the 14-year-old girl was in a home on Cavender Creek Road with her 14-year-old cousin when the cousin brought a gun into a room and attempted to show it off. The gun then accidentally discharged, Martin said.
The girl was shot in the stomach and was life-flighted Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. She is in stable condition.
Police do not plan to file charges.
From: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/24781279/detail.html
Woman attacked after getting into car she thought was cab
Driver took her to east end of Glasgow before indecently assaulting her.
28 August 2010 12:07 GMT
A woman was indecently assaulted in Glasgow's city centre after getting into a car she thought was a taxi.
The woman climbed into a blue car in the early hours of Thursday morning on Renfield Street.
The driver drove to the east end and indecently assaulted her. Strathclyde Police said that the woman was extremely distressed by the incident.
Detective constable Graham McCreadie said: "This has been a very frightening ordeal for this woman and she is extremely upset. It's possible this man has approached other women, pretending to be a taxi driver, and I would urge them to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency as they may have additional information which could assist our enquiry. It's imperative we trace the man responsible."
The woman was picked up outside the Bistro kebab shop.
The driver was Asian, in his 30s and had a moustache. The car did not have taxi plates.
Officers warned people to ensure they always used a licensed taxi and to plan their journey home in advance where possible.
They also recommended customers asked drivers for identification.
From: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/194452-woman-attacked-after-climbing-into-car-she-thought-was-cab/
28 August 2010 12:07 GMT
A woman was indecently assaulted in Glasgow's city centre after getting into a car she thought was a taxi.
The woman climbed into a blue car in the early hours of Thursday morning on Renfield Street.
The driver drove to the east end and indecently assaulted her. Strathclyde Police said that the woman was extremely distressed by the incident.
Detective constable Graham McCreadie said: "This has been a very frightening ordeal for this woman and she is extremely upset. It's possible this man has approached other women, pretending to be a taxi driver, and I would urge them to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency as they may have additional information which could assist our enquiry. It's imperative we trace the man responsible."
The woman was picked up outside the Bistro kebab shop.
The driver was Asian, in his 30s and had a moustache. The car did not have taxi plates.
Officers warned people to ensure they always used a licensed taxi and to plan their journey home in advance where possible.
They also recommended customers asked drivers for identification.
From: http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/194452-woman-attacked-after-climbing-into-car-she-thought-was-cab/
Scores of children injured when horses spooked on torch-lit ride in Germany
Nearly 50 people, most of them children, were injured when 100 horses were spooked and threw them during a torch-lit evening ride in northern Germany.
Published: 6:44PM BST 27 Aug 2010
The group of 100 riders, most of them aged eight to 17, headed out late on Thursday for the ride when several of the animals panicked, throwing off their riders and trampling them, police in the German town of Lethen said.
Forty-four people were injured in the crush, several of them seriously.
One 14-year-old girl remained in critical condition in hospital on Friday.
Several adults were accompanying the group, which had set out from the holiday stable, where they had been staying, police said.
It was not immediately clear what caused the horses to panic.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/7967774/Scores-of-children-injured-when-horses-spooked-on-torch-lit-ride-in-Germany.html
Published: 6:44PM BST 27 Aug 2010
The group of 100 riders, most of them aged eight to 17, headed out late on Thursday for the ride when several of the animals panicked, throwing off their riders and trampling them, police in the German town of Lethen said.
Forty-four people were injured in the crush, several of them seriously.
One 14-year-old girl remained in critical condition in hospital on Friday.
Several adults were accompanying the group, which had set out from the holiday stable, where they had been staying, police said.
It was not immediately clear what caused the horses to panic.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/7967774/Scores-of-children-injured-when-horses-spooked-on-torch-lit-ride-in-Germany.html
Man Killed In Apparent Bull Attack
Caledonia Man Found Dead, Apparently Gored By Bull
Posted: 10:58 pm CDT August 27, 2010
Updated: 11:51 pm CDT August 27, 2010
CALEDONIA, Wis. -- A Caledonia man was found dead on his farm after he was apparently gored by a bull.
Racine County Medical Examiner Tom Terry said the wife and brother of Kip Sullivan found his body Friday morning in tall weeds near a pen that contained long-horned bulls.
Sullivan's wife told police that her 52-year-old husband went to his farm Thursday afternoon and did not return. She searched for him late Thursday but could not find him. The wife called the brother Friday morning to help with the search. They called authorities after they found Sullivan's body.
It's not clear why Sullivan apparently had been in the pen with the bulls. Terry said several bulls in the pen will be sent to a slaughterhouse.
From: http://www.channel3000.com/news/24792985/detail.html
Posted: 10:58 pm CDT August 27, 2010
Updated: 11:51 pm CDT August 27, 2010
CALEDONIA, Wis. -- A Caledonia man was found dead on his farm after he was apparently gored by a bull.
Racine County Medical Examiner Tom Terry said the wife and brother of Kip Sullivan found his body Friday morning in tall weeds near a pen that contained long-horned bulls.
Sullivan's wife told police that her 52-year-old husband went to his farm Thursday afternoon and did not return. She searched for him late Thursday but could not find him. The wife called the brother Friday morning to help with the search. They called authorities after they found Sullivan's body.
It's not clear why Sullivan apparently had been in the pen with the bulls. Terry said several bulls in the pen will be sent to a slaughterhouse.
From: http://www.channel3000.com/news/24792985/detail.html
Two Amish Men Face Incest, Bestiality Charges In Grant County
Grant County Authorities Conducted Three-Month Investigation
Updated: 10:35 pm CDT August 25, 2010
Wis. -- Two Amish brothers are facing a string of sexual assault charges, including committing incest and engaging in bestiality, on a Grant County farm.
The Grant County sheriff said it's one of the strangest and most disturbing cases he has seen.
Authorities issued two criminal complaints on Tuesday for the men -- Christian G. Stolzfus, 19, of Fennimore, and Dannie G. Stolzfus, 18, of Fennimore. They were the subjects of a three-month investigation by the Grant County Sheriff's Department and the county's Department of Social Services.
The men face charges involving at least six different family members and multiple animals.
Christian Stolzfus is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child, four counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 without great bodily harm; attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 without great bodily harm; two counts of incest; exposing genitals or pubic area; and two counts of sexual gratification with an animal. Authorities said that they believe these incidents occurred during a four-year period.
Dannie Stolzfus is charged with two counts of incest and sexual gratification with an animal. Authorities said that they believe these incidents occurred over a three-year period.
Investigators said that the some of the incidents occurred at an Amish farm in Hickory Grove Township. Additionally, some of the actions that Christian Stolzfus is accused of committing are alleged to have occurred at another farm in Mount Ida Township.
Authorities said the victims, at the time, ranged in age from 5 to 16 years old.
"The age of (the victims) is a concern to us," Grant County Sheriff Keith Govier said. "There was also some developmental issues with some of the victims. And hopefully their work with Social Services will address those things."
The sheriff said that surprisingly, and contrary to the Amish culture, the family reached out for help and contacted Social Services. By law, the agency got in contact with the Sheriff's Department about the alleged incidents.
The allegations were investigated over the past three months and on Tuesday charges were filed against the two brothers.
"I don't believe this is indicative of the Amish community here in Grant County, because through this, this family has reached out and accepted Social Service services," Govier said. "They've also accessed mental health services to deal with this."
Govier said that that the animals allegedly involved were a cow and a horse.
The two men have not yet been arrested. Instead, the Grant County Sheriff's Department said they will be summoned to court to face the charges against them.
If convicted of the charges, Christian Stoltzfus faces more than of 400 years in prison. Dannie Stoltzfus faces nearly 90 years in prison, if convicted.
No court dates have yet been set.
From: http://www.channel3000.com/news/24744019/detail.html
Updated: 10:35 pm CDT August 25, 2010
Wis. -- Two Amish brothers are facing a string of sexual assault charges, including committing incest and engaging in bestiality, on a Grant County farm.
The Grant County sheriff said it's one of the strangest and most disturbing cases he has seen.
Authorities issued two criminal complaints on Tuesday for the men -- Christian G. Stolzfus, 19, of Fennimore, and Dannie G. Stolzfus, 18, of Fennimore. They were the subjects of a three-month investigation by the Grant County Sheriff's Department and the county's Department of Social Services.
The men face charges involving at least six different family members and multiple animals.
Christian Stolzfus is charged with repeated sexual assault of a child, four counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 without great bodily harm; attempted first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 without great bodily harm; two counts of incest; exposing genitals or pubic area; and two counts of sexual gratification with an animal. Authorities said that they believe these incidents occurred during a four-year period.
Dannie Stolzfus is charged with two counts of incest and sexual gratification with an animal. Authorities said that they believe these incidents occurred over a three-year period.
Investigators said that the some of the incidents occurred at an Amish farm in Hickory Grove Township. Additionally, some of the actions that Christian Stolzfus is accused of committing are alleged to have occurred at another farm in Mount Ida Township.
Authorities said the victims, at the time, ranged in age from 5 to 16 years old.
"The age of (the victims) is a concern to us," Grant County Sheriff Keith Govier said. "There was also some developmental issues with some of the victims. And hopefully their work with Social Services will address those things."
The sheriff said that surprisingly, and contrary to the Amish culture, the family reached out for help and contacted Social Services. By law, the agency got in contact with the Sheriff's Department about the alleged incidents.
The allegations were investigated over the past three months and on Tuesday charges were filed against the two brothers.
"I don't believe this is indicative of the Amish community here in Grant County, because through this, this family has reached out and accepted Social Service services," Govier said. "They've also accessed mental health services to deal with this."
Govier said that that the animals allegedly involved were a cow and a horse.
The two men have not yet been arrested. Instead, the Grant County Sheriff's Department said they will be summoned to court to face the charges against them.
If convicted of the charges, Christian Stoltzfus faces more than of 400 years in prison. Dannie Stoltzfus faces nearly 90 years in prison, if convicted.
No court dates have yet been set.
From: http://www.channel3000.com/news/24744019/detail.html
Boy Found Playing with Used Condom in Hotel Room
Updated: Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 12:33 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 23 Aug 2010, 5:55 PM EDT
By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. - Attorneys for an Alpharetta family say a 4-year-old boy was injured after his family found him with a used condom in his mouth during a recent hotel stay in Atlanta.
According to Attorney Thomas Jones, 4-year-old Chase Del’Shawn Jones was staying with his grandmother, Carmen Jones, and other family members at the Wyndham Garden Hotel on Piedmont Avenue NE in Atlanta on July 31. Ms. Jones says their family made the hotel reservations with plans to visit the Georgia Aquarium the next day.
After spending the night, the family’s attorney says the boy’s grandmother woke up and called the front desk because it appeared her room had not been cleaned. While she was in the bathroom, she says she heard another member of her family scream.
Ms. Jones’ attorney says she ran out of the restroom to see her grandson with a used condom in his mouth, and he was attempting to blow it up. According to Ms. Jones’ attorney, the condom had semen inside it, and the boy found it in the sheets of the bed.
“He had his tongue in it,” Jones said in a statement released by her attorney. “I immediately took it out of his mouth.”
The family’s attorney says the hotel manager came to the room, and took possession of the condom, citing company policy. Jones had requested to keep it so it could be tested, but the manager said no, the attorney said.
The boy’s family says they took him to a family doctor and later to a hospital for treatment. They say he developed sores in his mouth following the incident, and he has had a series of tests. They say the results are pending.
Jones’ attorney says she has filed a report with the Atlanta Police Department.
FOX 5 contacted Wyndham Hotels for comment on the alleged incident. A hotel spokesperson said in a statement, "We are just learning of the allegations directed at the hotel and have not had an opportunity to investigate the claims or discuss the situation with the facility's owner."
From: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/boy-found-playing-with-used-condom-20100823-es
Published : Monday, 23 Aug 2010, 5:55 PM EDT
By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. - Attorneys for an Alpharetta family say a 4-year-old boy was injured after his family found him with a used condom in his mouth during a recent hotel stay in Atlanta.
According to Attorney Thomas Jones, 4-year-old Chase Del’Shawn Jones was staying with his grandmother, Carmen Jones, and other family members at the Wyndham Garden Hotel on Piedmont Avenue NE in Atlanta on July 31. Ms. Jones says their family made the hotel reservations with plans to visit the Georgia Aquarium the next day.
After spending the night, the family’s attorney says the boy’s grandmother woke up and called the front desk because it appeared her room had not been cleaned. While she was in the bathroom, she says she heard another member of her family scream.
Ms. Jones’ attorney says she ran out of the restroom to see her grandson with a used condom in his mouth, and he was attempting to blow it up. According to Ms. Jones’ attorney, the condom had semen inside it, and the boy found it in the sheets of the bed.
“He had his tongue in it,” Jones said in a statement released by her attorney. “I immediately took it out of his mouth.”
The family’s attorney says the hotel manager came to the room, and took possession of the condom, citing company policy. Jones had requested to keep it so it could be tested, but the manager said no, the attorney said.
The boy’s family says they took him to a family doctor and later to a hospital for treatment. They say he developed sores in his mouth following the incident, and he has had a series of tests. They say the results are pending.
Jones’ attorney says she has filed a report with the Atlanta Police Department.
FOX 5 contacted Wyndham Hotels for comment on the alleged incident. A hotel spokesperson said in a statement, "We are just learning of the allegations directed at the hotel and have not had an opportunity to investigate the claims or discuss the situation with the facility's owner."
From: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/boy-found-playing-with-used-condom-20100823-es
Man guilty of pouring boiling stew on girlfriend
By Alison Middleton
Posted Wed Aug 25, 2010 3:00pm AEST
A Supreme Court jury in Darwin has today found a man guilty of seriously harming his girlfriend by pouring boiling stew over her.
Gordon Brown has also been found guilty of depriving the 26-year-old of her liberty by stopping her from getting help for a day.
When she eventually got medical help two days later, her burns were infected and had started to smell.
Brown had pleaded not guilty to the charges laid over the incident at Darwin's Bagot community last November.
He is being held in custody and will go before court again tomorrow for sentencing submissions.
From: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/25/2993211.htm?section=justin
Posted Wed Aug 25, 2010 3:00pm AEST
A Supreme Court jury in Darwin has today found a man guilty of seriously harming his girlfriend by pouring boiling stew over her.
Gordon Brown has also been found guilty of depriving the 26-year-old of her liberty by stopping her from getting help for a day.
When she eventually got medical help two days later, her burns were infected and had started to smell.
Brown had pleaded not guilty to the charges laid over the incident at Darwin's Bagot community last November.
He is being held in custody and will go before court again tomorrow for sentencing submissions.
From: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/25/2993211.htm?section=justin
Cannibal restaurant adverts turn German stomachs
Flime restaurant seeking diners willing to donate body parts to be turned into gourmet meals, but some suspect a ruse
Kate Connolly in Berlin guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 August 2010 16.46 BST
Would you be prepared to sacrifice your testicles, stomach fat or ears for the sake of high-class cuisine? A soon-to-open Berlin restaurant is touting for diners willing to do just that: donate body parts that it says it will turn into gourmet meals according to the age-old cooking habits of an Amazonian tribe infamous for its cannibalism.
The promotion has been declared grossly distasteful by a growing number of protesters, who say it is in particularly bad taste following the case of a real cannibal in Germany.
In a prominent advertising campaign on the internet, in German newspapers and on television, the restaurant, Flime, is appealing for willing donors and diners to become members of what it hints at being a new dining movement.
"Members declare themselves willing to donate any part of their body," the advertisement reads, adding that any resulting hospital costs will be taken on by the restaurant. They say they are also looking to employ an "open-minded surgeon".
The location of the restaurant – if it exists – is being kept a secret, as is the identity of the owners and investors behind it. As a foretaste of its menu, Flime is suggesting traditional Brazilian dishes such as bolinho, which it describes as "fried tatar balls with a sweet-sour dip", or feijoada, a main course consisting of "various pieces of meat with black beans and rice". It does not specify what type of meat is used.
The restaurant cites as its inspiration the indigenous Brazilian Waricaca tribe, which once practised the ritual of "compassionate cannibalism", or eating parts of the corpse of a loved one to emphasise the connection between the living and the dead, which was said to help with mourning.
The advertising campaign has provoked incredulity and outrage in equal measure. Michael Braun, the vice-chairman of Berlin's Christian Democrat party, said he had received several protest emails calling for the restaurant to be banned. He had been unable to get to the bottom of who was behind what he said might be "a stunt".
"I'm working on the assumption that this is some sort of a warped joke," he told Bild. "But it's disgusting, not least because it wasn't long ago that we had the case of the Berliner who was murdered by a cannibal."
Braun was referring to the case of the computer technician Bernd Jürgen Brandes, who in 2001 volunteered himself to the self-confessed cannibal Armin Meiwes, who chopped off his penis and prepared it as a dish seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic.
Meiwes then killed Brandes and consumed his flesh over the following months. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006.
The case drew attention to a growing underground cannibal movement. Experts believe cannibalism has about 800 followers in Germany alone, only a minimal number of whom have carried out the practice.
From: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/26/cannibal-restaurant-flime-germany
Kate Connolly in Berlin guardian.co.uk, Thursday 26 August 2010 16.46 BST
Would you be prepared to sacrifice your testicles, stomach fat or ears for the sake of high-class cuisine? A soon-to-open Berlin restaurant is touting for diners willing to do just that: donate body parts that it says it will turn into gourmet meals according to the age-old cooking habits of an Amazonian tribe infamous for its cannibalism.
The promotion has been declared grossly distasteful by a growing number of protesters, who say it is in particularly bad taste following the case of a real cannibal in Germany.
In a prominent advertising campaign on the internet, in German newspapers and on television, the restaurant, Flime, is appealing for willing donors and diners to become members of what it hints at being a new dining movement.
"Members declare themselves willing to donate any part of their body," the advertisement reads, adding that any resulting hospital costs will be taken on by the restaurant. They say they are also looking to employ an "open-minded surgeon".
The location of the restaurant – if it exists – is being kept a secret, as is the identity of the owners and investors behind it. As a foretaste of its menu, Flime is suggesting traditional Brazilian dishes such as bolinho, which it describes as "fried tatar balls with a sweet-sour dip", or feijoada, a main course consisting of "various pieces of meat with black beans and rice". It does not specify what type of meat is used.
The restaurant cites as its inspiration the indigenous Brazilian Waricaca tribe, which once practised the ritual of "compassionate cannibalism", or eating parts of the corpse of a loved one to emphasise the connection between the living and the dead, which was said to help with mourning.
The advertising campaign has provoked incredulity and outrage in equal measure. Michael Braun, the vice-chairman of Berlin's Christian Democrat party, said he had received several protest emails calling for the restaurant to be banned. He had been unable to get to the bottom of who was behind what he said might be "a stunt".
"I'm working on the assumption that this is some sort of a warped joke," he told Bild. "But it's disgusting, not least because it wasn't long ago that we had the case of the Berliner who was murdered by a cannibal."
Braun was referring to the case of the computer technician Bernd Jürgen Brandes, who in 2001 volunteered himself to the self-confessed cannibal Armin Meiwes, who chopped off his penis and prepared it as a dish seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic.
Meiwes then killed Brandes and consumed his flesh over the following months. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006.
The case drew attention to a growing underground cannibal movement. Experts believe cannibalism has about 800 followers in Germany alone, only a minimal number of whom have carried out the practice.
From: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/26/cannibal-restaurant-flime-germany
3 Colombian teens on Facebook hit list killed in past 10 days
By Arthur Brice, CNN
August 24, 2010 -- Updated 2138 GMT (0538 HKT)
(CNN) -- Three teens who were on a 69-name hit list posted on Facebook have been killed in the past 10 days in a southwestern Colombian town, officials say.
Police say they do not know who posted the list or why the names are on it.
"It is still not clear," Colombian national police spokesman Wilson Baquero told CNN. "This is part of the investigation."
But officials note that a criminal gang known as Los Rastrojos and a Marxist guerrilla group called the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia operate in the area.
The hit list on Facebook, which was posted August 17, gave the people named three days to leave the town of Puerto Asis or be executed, said Volmar Perez Ortiz, a federal official whose title is defender of the public.
Police at first thought the posting was a joke, Perez said in a statement issued Saturday. But the publication of a second list with 31 additional names led authorities to convene a special security meeting Friday, Perez said.
The posting of the lists and the meetings occurred after the first two killings, which took place August 15, Perez said.
On that day, officials say, 16-year-old student Diego Ferney Jaramillo and 17-year-old CD retailer Eibart Alejandro Ruiz Munoz were shot and killed while riding a motorcycle on the road between Puerto Asis and the town of Puerto Caicedo.
Both their names were later found on the first published hit list.
Also on the list was Norbey Alexander Vargas, 19, who was killed August 20, Perez said. Another young man, 16-year-old student Juan Pablo Zambrano Anacona, was wounded in the same incident when he gave chase to the assassins, Perez said.
Colombian media said Monday the number of those threatened has grown and panic has overtaken Puerto Asis, with some parents sending their children out of town because their names are on the Facebook notice.
The names of 31 women were posted on the other list, said Radio RCN, semana.com and other news outlets.
Residents have been overcome with "panic and anxiety," several news outlets quoted Putumayo state official Andres Gerardo Verdugo as saying.
Several of those residents posted their concerns on Twitter, an online messaging site.
"Panic in Puerto Asis, Putumayo, because of threats against young people," wrote a user who goes by JuanSepulvedah. "Our youth must be protected."
Someone who posted under the name JulianEco brought up the Facebook connection.
"The situation in Puerto Asis is tenacious, that a social site be used to add fire to the Colombian conflict," the post said.
Twitter user hugoparragomez likened the situation to the drug-fueled crime waves in other Colombian cities.
"What is happening in Puerto Asis, Putumayo, is grave, the same as in Medellin," the tweet said. "Authorities should take control of the situation. Who is investigating?"
Still others inflated the death count.
"In Puerto Asis they have killed 20 young people threatened on Facebook and the authorities have not said anything," wrote jesusmhenriquez "That is Colombia."
Federal officials say they are taking the threats seriously and have sent investigators from Bogota, the nation's capital, to Puerto Asis. Internet experts are among the investigators assigned to the case.
Authorities also are offering a reward of 5 million pesos (around $2,750) for information on the killings.
Perez, the federal defender of the public, noted that the Los Rastrojos criminal gang is active in Puerto Asis, "executing violent actions, resolving community conflicts, imposing living and conduct norms, intimidating and meting punishment against ... drug sellers and consumers, sex workers, people with criminal and unlawful histories and threatening social leaders, business people, taxi drivers and motorcycle taxi drivers."
Perez said the Marxist guerrillas, commonly known as the FARC, also are active in the remote area, which borders Ecuador.
Two Facebook representatives did not return a message Tuesday asking for comment.
From: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/08/24/colombia.facebook.killings/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular#fbid=O_LyZpCfUD8&wom=false
August 24, 2010 -- Updated 2138 GMT (0538 HKT)
(CNN) -- Three teens who were on a 69-name hit list posted on Facebook have been killed in the past 10 days in a southwestern Colombian town, officials say.
Police say they do not know who posted the list or why the names are on it.
"It is still not clear," Colombian national police spokesman Wilson Baquero told CNN. "This is part of the investigation."
But officials note that a criminal gang known as Los Rastrojos and a Marxist guerrilla group called the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia operate in the area.
The hit list on Facebook, which was posted August 17, gave the people named three days to leave the town of Puerto Asis or be executed, said Volmar Perez Ortiz, a federal official whose title is defender of the public.
Police at first thought the posting was a joke, Perez said in a statement issued Saturday. But the publication of a second list with 31 additional names led authorities to convene a special security meeting Friday, Perez said.
The posting of the lists and the meetings occurred after the first two killings, which took place August 15, Perez said.
On that day, officials say, 16-year-old student Diego Ferney Jaramillo and 17-year-old CD retailer Eibart Alejandro Ruiz Munoz were shot and killed while riding a motorcycle on the road between Puerto Asis and the town of Puerto Caicedo.
Both their names were later found on the first published hit list.
Also on the list was Norbey Alexander Vargas, 19, who was killed August 20, Perez said. Another young man, 16-year-old student Juan Pablo Zambrano Anacona, was wounded in the same incident when he gave chase to the assassins, Perez said.
Colombian media said Monday the number of those threatened has grown and panic has overtaken Puerto Asis, with some parents sending their children out of town because their names are on the Facebook notice.
The names of 31 women were posted on the other list, said Radio RCN, semana.com and other news outlets.
Residents have been overcome with "panic and anxiety," several news outlets quoted Putumayo state official Andres Gerardo Verdugo as saying.
Several of those residents posted their concerns on Twitter, an online messaging site.
"Panic in Puerto Asis, Putumayo, because of threats against young people," wrote a user who goes by JuanSepulvedah. "Our youth must be protected."
Someone who posted under the name JulianEco brought up the Facebook connection.
"The situation in Puerto Asis is tenacious, that a social site be used to add fire to the Colombian conflict," the post said.
Twitter user hugoparragomez likened the situation to the drug-fueled crime waves in other Colombian cities.
"What is happening in Puerto Asis, Putumayo, is grave, the same as in Medellin," the tweet said. "Authorities should take control of the situation. Who is investigating?"
Still others inflated the death count.
"In Puerto Asis they have killed 20 young people threatened on Facebook and the authorities have not said anything," wrote jesusmhenriquez "That is Colombia."
Federal officials say they are taking the threats seriously and have sent investigators from Bogota, the nation's capital, to Puerto Asis. Internet experts are among the investigators assigned to the case.
Authorities also are offering a reward of 5 million pesos (around $2,750) for information on the killings.
Perez, the federal defender of the public, noted that the Los Rastrojos criminal gang is active in Puerto Asis, "executing violent actions, resolving community conflicts, imposing living and conduct norms, intimidating and meting punishment against ... drug sellers and consumers, sex workers, people with criminal and unlawful histories and threatening social leaders, business people, taxi drivers and motorcycle taxi drivers."
Perez said the Marxist guerrillas, commonly known as the FARC, also are active in the remote area, which borders Ecuador.
Two Facebook representatives did not return a message Tuesday asking for comment.
From: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/08/24/colombia.facebook.killings/index.html?eref=rss_mostpopular#fbid=O_LyZpCfUD8&wom=false
2 teens dead, 1 critical in nasty wreck
Teens crash in Old South End after stealing car
Updated: Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 10:05 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 2:21 PM EDT
TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Two teenagers were killed and a third teen was severely injured after a nasty wreck in a stolen car early Tuesday morning in Toledo's Old South End.
Witnesses say the accident was so bad, it split the Honda-model car into three parts.
The car was traveling southbound from downtown toward the south end in excess of 80 mph.
The Honda was reported stolen Monday evening between 6-10 p.m., from Aladdin's Eatery 4038 Talmadge Rd. in West Toledo, Toledo police said.
The accident took place at around 3:30 a.m. on Broadway Street near Field Avenue, between South and Western avenues.
Toledo police officers said a car with three people inside was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control, hit a pole and broke into three sections.
One section of the Honda was found nearly a block from the impact.
All three teens were thrown from the car upon impact. Two teens - Markeon Atonious Chaney and Gregory Williams, both 19, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sixteen-year-old Javaugn Jones remains in critical condition at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
"It almost sounded like a bomb. It was just so loud," said Cheryl Olsen, who lives a few houses from the deadly accident.
She was asleep and the sound she described, she thought it was a dream. But when Olsen was told there was an awful accident outside her house, she rushed to see the destruction.
"We was crying for them boys 'cause just to see them dead, lying on the ground, that was horrible," she said.
Robert Jaimes heard the crash, and quickly tried to help the 16-year-old.
"I went over to talk to him and he kept on saying to me, 'Can you fix my legs sir? Can you fix my legs?'," Jaimes said. "I said just hold on. The left leg, he was laying down. The bone was just stuck out. It was broken."
The intersection was closed for more than six hours after the crash. police said.
Investigators aren't sure if alcohol played a role in the accident.
The crash remains under investigation.
From: http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/toledo-local-two-dead-in-south-toledo-wreck
Updated: Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 10:05 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 24 Aug 2010, 2:21 PM EDT
TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Two teenagers were killed and a third teen was severely injured after a nasty wreck in a stolen car early Tuesday morning in Toledo's Old South End.
Witnesses say the accident was so bad, it split the Honda-model car into three parts.
The car was traveling southbound from downtown toward the south end in excess of 80 mph.
The Honda was reported stolen Monday evening between 6-10 p.m., from Aladdin's Eatery 4038 Talmadge Rd. in West Toledo, Toledo police said.
The accident took place at around 3:30 a.m. on Broadway Street near Field Avenue, between South and Western avenues.
Toledo police officers said a car with three people inside was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control, hit a pole and broke into three sections.
One section of the Honda was found nearly a block from the impact.
All three teens were thrown from the car upon impact. Two teens - Markeon Atonious Chaney and Gregory Williams, both 19, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Sixteen-year-old Javaugn Jones remains in critical condition at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
"It almost sounded like a bomb. It was just so loud," said Cheryl Olsen, who lives a few houses from the deadly accident.
She was asleep and the sound she described, she thought it was a dream. But when Olsen was told there was an awful accident outside her house, she rushed to see the destruction.
"We was crying for them boys 'cause just to see them dead, lying on the ground, that was horrible," she said.
Robert Jaimes heard the crash, and quickly tried to help the 16-year-old.
"I went over to talk to him and he kept on saying to me, 'Can you fix my legs sir? Can you fix my legs?'," Jaimes said. "I said just hold on. The left leg, he was laying down. The bone was just stuck out. It was broken."
The intersection was closed for more than six hours after the crash. police said.
Investigators aren't sure if alcohol played a role in the accident.
The crash remains under investigation.
From: http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/toledo-local-two-dead-in-south-toledo-wreck
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Man shot in head felt bullet only 4 years later
BERLIN – A 35-year-old man who walked around for five years with a bullet lodged in the back of his head says he suspected for a while something was there but only went to doctors after he started getting headaches.
Robert Chojecki was partying on New Years Eve five years ago in the German town of Herne when he was hit with the .22-caliber bullet. Doctors removed it this week from between his skin and skull.
The Polish-born Chojecki told RTL television Wednesday he thought he'd been hit by fireworks, but later forgot about it.
He said at first he had "no pain, but approximately one year ago I started to get a headache."
Police say the bullet may have been fired in celebration. Doctors say he should have no problems now that it has been removed.
From: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100826/ap_on_fe_st/eu_odd_germany_bullet_in_head
Addicted Gamer Sues Game-Maker, Says He is ‘Unable to Function’
•By David Kravets
•August 19, 2010 |
•6:54 pm
A federal judge is allowing a negligence lawsuit to proceed against the publisher of the online virtual-world game Lineage II, amid allegations that a Hawaii man became so addicted he is “unable to function independently in usual daily activities such as getting up, getting dressed, bathing or communicating with family and friends.”
Craig Smallwood, the plaintiff, claims NCsoft of South Korea should pay unspecified monetary damages because of the addictive nature of the game. Smallwood claims to have played Lineage II for 20,000 hours between 2004 and 2009. Among other things, he alleges he would not have begun playing if he was aware “that he would become addicted to the game.”
Smallwood, who did not immediately respond for comment, alleged that the company “acted negligently in failing to warn or instruct or adequately warn or instruct plaintiff and other players of Lineage II of its dangerous and defective characteristics, and of the safe and proper method of using the game.”
Released in 2003 as a sequel to the original Lineage game, which was a national phenomenon in South Korea, Lineage II is an immersion 3-D MMORPG that gained a reported 600,000 users within a few years, and is still being regularly expanded and updated six years later — all the better to turn more vulnerable Americans into bleary-eyed shut-ins.
U.S. District Judge Alan Kay refused to dismiss parts of Smallwood’s complaint this month, possibly clearing the way for a trial. ”In light of plaintiff’s allegations, the court finds that plaintiff has stated a claim for both negligence and gross negligence,” Kay ruled (.pdf).
An attorney for the company was not immediately prepared to comment on Kay’s August 4 decision. But in a Tuesday court filing, NCsoft again urged the judge to dismiss the case.
From: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/08/lineage11-addiction/
•August 19, 2010 |
•6:54 pm
A federal judge is allowing a negligence lawsuit to proceed against the publisher of the online virtual-world game Lineage II, amid allegations that a Hawaii man became so addicted he is “unable to function independently in usual daily activities such as getting up, getting dressed, bathing or communicating with family and friends.”
Craig Smallwood, the plaintiff, claims NCsoft of South Korea should pay unspecified monetary damages because of the addictive nature of the game. Smallwood claims to have played Lineage II for 20,000 hours between 2004 and 2009. Among other things, he alleges he would not have begun playing if he was aware “that he would become addicted to the game.”
Smallwood, who did not immediately respond for comment, alleged that the company “acted negligently in failing to warn or instruct or adequately warn or instruct plaintiff and other players of Lineage II of its dangerous and defective characteristics, and of the safe and proper method of using the game.”
Released in 2003 as a sequel to the original Lineage game, which was a national phenomenon in South Korea, Lineage II is an immersion 3-D MMORPG that gained a reported 600,000 users within a few years, and is still being regularly expanded and updated six years later — all the better to turn more vulnerable Americans into bleary-eyed shut-ins.
U.S. District Judge Alan Kay refused to dismiss parts of Smallwood’s complaint this month, possibly clearing the way for a trial. ”In light of plaintiff’s allegations, the court finds that plaintiff has stated a claim for both negligence and gross negligence,” Kay ruled (.pdf).
An attorney for the company was not immediately prepared to comment on Kay’s August 4 decision. But in a Tuesday court filing, NCsoft again urged the judge to dismiss the case.
From: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/08/lineage11-addiction/
'No mercy' as Glenrothes wife killer jailed
A man who murdered his estranged wife in front of their daughter has been jailed for at least 16 years.
James McKenzie, 61, stabbed wife Denise Grieve 10 times in front of their 19-year-old daughter Jordan.
McKenzie, who admitted murder, carried out the killing at her flat in Glenrothes, Fife, in March.
Jailing him for life at the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Turnbull told the killer he had shown a lack of remorse and deserved "no mercy".
The couple had split up last October after a stormy relationship.
Although McKenzie was hoping for a reconciliation shortly before the murder, he wrongly believed Ms Grieve was pregnant by another man, Robert Graham, and planning to set up home with him.
Mr Graham decided to end the relationship and McKenzie moved back to the family home in Ednam Drive.
But he snapped on the morning of 15 March after Ms Grieve, 48, said she did not want to get back together with him.
Lord Turnbull told McKenzie: "You perpetrated a crime of unfathomable viciousness motivated by a level of selfishness which would be beyond comprehension to most right thinking people.
"To kill the woman you married in such a premeditated and determined manner reflects an attitude on your part which deserves no mercy.
"Furthermore, to leave your daughter with images of such violence and horror is conduct that few would imagine a proper father to be capable of."
From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11096249
Murdered Belfast woman found on her wedding day
A woman who was due to get married was found murdered on her wedding day, the police have said.
The body of Patricia Bardon was discovered at her flat in Elm Court off Donegall Pass in South Belfast on Monday, her 51st birthday.
A man was arrested and remains in police custody.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said they want to know where Ms Bardon was in the days leading up to her death.
The PSNI wants to speak to anyone who saw her or spoke to her anytime between Friday 21 August and Monday 23 August.
The cause of death has not been released.
From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11092824
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Priest suspended after walking out on wife and two children to start new life with secretary
Last updated at 11:11 AM on 24th August 2010
A priest has stunned his congregation by walking out on his wife and two children to start a new life with his married personal secretary.
The Reverend Peter Ballard has been suspended and faces being banned from the priesthood after his affair with mother-of-two Val Beetham was discovered.
Rev Ballard, 55, quit as canon at Blackburn Cathedral, Lancashire, and left his post as diocese's director of education in charge of schools.
Mrs Beetham was the canon's secretary, based at Church House, in Blackburn, and it is believed the affair had been going on for months.
The father-of-two resigned from his roles at the end of July and went on holiday with his mistress to avoid the scandal.
Mrs Beetham, the secretary of Accrington Theatre Group, and Rev Ballard both left their partners to move in together.
Rev Ballard's wife, Helen, is a religious education teacher.
The Blackburn Diocese confirmed the scandal, saying: 'The Rev Canon Peter Ballard has tendered his resignation to the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, following the breakdown of his marriage and after announcing his intention to form a new relationship with another woman.'
A Blackburn Diocese spokesman declined to comment on the identity of the woman with whom Rev Ballard had the affair.
The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, said: 'I know this will be a time of sadness for all those affected by this decision, and my thoughts and prayers are with them. I hope the privacy of those close to him will be respected.
'I remain grateful for all that Peter Ballard has contributed to this Diocese, and the Church of England, particularly in the field of education.'
A tribunal will decide what action the diocese will take. The Reverend faces being banned from the priesthood for life.
Similar cases have seen clergy removed from office in the Church of England for up to 10 years.
It is not known if Mrs Beetham is still employed with the Blackburn Diocese.
Fred Kershaw has been appointed as acting director of education.
Rev Ballard was brought up in the North West and has lived in Lancaster for the last 15 years. He has been a governor of St Martin's College for the last eight years and has served as acting chair.
He has also been director of DBE Services Limited, a joint venture between all the North West Dioceses to provide 'high quality educational services' across the region.
Rev Ballard was made Archdeacon of Lancaster in 2006, but quit this role in April, blaming a gradual increase in his additional responsibilities.
In 2001, Rev Ballard, as director of education, said he was 'saddened' to hear of a Preston headteacher who had resigned after an extramarital affair.
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305630/Priest-suspended-walking-family-start-new-life-secretary.html
Italian priest shot dead after being mistaken for wild boar
Nick Squires in Rome
Published: 11:50PM BST 23 Aug 2010
Father Francesco Cassol, 55, was camping with colleagues in a national park in the southern Puglia region of Italy when he was shot dead in his sleeping bag in the middle of the night.
Police believe that a hunter looking for wild boar may have mistaken his silhouette for a boar crouched in bushes and fired a shot without checking the target.
The priest was hit in the stomach and is believed to have died almost instantly.
Crime scene investigators found a brass cartridge 30 yards from the body of the priest.
They believe it came from a high-powered hunting rifle which is used almost exclusively for hunting large animals such as boar.
The accident happened near the town of Altamura, close to Puglia's border with the neighbouring region of Basilicata.
The hunter is believed to have fled the scene – Don Cassol's colleagues heard a shot just after midnight and then the distant sound of a car being started. Police are appealing for him to give himself up.
The priest's colleagues told police that he had not quarrelled with anyone during the spiritual retreat and were mystified as to why anyone would want to harm him.
The incident is being investigated by police and magistrates in Bari, the provincial capital of Puglia, which forms the heel of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula.
Italian hunters have a reputation for cavalier behaviour – each year dozens are injured and a few killed after being accidentally shot by fellow enthusiasts.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/7960132/Italian-priest-shot-dead-after-being-mistaken-for-wild-boar.html
Hitler 'had Jewish and African roots', DNA tests show
Adolf Hitler is likely to have had Jewish and African roots, DNA tests have shown.
By Heidi Blake
Published: 6:25AM BST 24 Aug 2010
Saliva samples taken from 39 relatives of the Nazi leader show he may have had biological links to the “subhuman” races that he tried to exterminate during the Holocaust.
Jean-Paul Mulders, a Belgian journalist, and Marc Vermeeren, a historian, tracked down the Fuhrer’s relatives, including an Austrian farmer who was his cousin, earlier this year.
A chromosome called Haplogroup E1b1b1 which showed up in their samples is rare in Western Europe and is most commonly found in the Berbers of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews.
"One can from this postulate that Hitler was related to people whom he despised," Mr Mulders wrote in the Belgian magazine, Knack.
Haplogroup E1b1b1, which accounts for approximately 18 to 20 per cent of Ashkenazi and 8.6 per cent to 30 per cent of Sephardic Y-chromosomes, appears to be one of the major founding lineages of the Jewish population.
Knack, which published the findings, says the DNA was tested under stringent laboratory conditions.
"This is a surprising result," said Ronny Decorte, a genetic specialist at the Catholic University of Leuven.
"The affair is fascinating if one compares it with the conception of the world of the Nazis, in which race and blood was central.
“Hitler's concern over his descent was not unjustified. He was apparently not "pure" or ‘Ayran’.”
It is not the first time that historians have suggested Hitler had Jewish ancestry.
His father, Alois, is thought to have been the illegitimate offspring of a maid called Maria Schickelgruber and a 19-year-old Jewish man called Frankenberger.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-war-2/7961211/Hitler-had-Jewish-and-African-roots-DNA-tests-show.html
By Heidi Blake
Published: 6:25AM BST 24 Aug 2010
Saliva samples taken from 39 relatives of the Nazi leader show he may have had biological links to the “subhuman” races that he tried to exterminate during the Holocaust.
Jean-Paul Mulders, a Belgian journalist, and Marc Vermeeren, a historian, tracked down the Fuhrer’s relatives, including an Austrian farmer who was his cousin, earlier this year.
A chromosome called Haplogroup E1b1b1 which showed up in their samples is rare in Western Europe and is most commonly found in the Berbers of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as among Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews.
"One can from this postulate that Hitler was related to people whom he despised," Mr Mulders wrote in the Belgian magazine, Knack.
Haplogroup E1b1b1, which accounts for approximately 18 to 20 per cent of Ashkenazi and 8.6 per cent to 30 per cent of Sephardic Y-chromosomes, appears to be one of the major founding lineages of the Jewish population.
Knack, which published the findings, says the DNA was tested under stringent laboratory conditions.
"This is a surprising result," said Ronny Decorte, a genetic specialist at the Catholic University of Leuven.
"The affair is fascinating if one compares it with the conception of the world of the Nazis, in which race and blood was central.
“Hitler's concern over his descent was not unjustified. He was apparently not "pure" or ‘Ayran’.”
It is not the first time that historians have suggested Hitler had Jewish ancestry.
His father, Alois, is thought to have been the illegitimate offspring of a maid called Maria Schickelgruber and a 19-year-old Jewish man called Frankenberger.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-war-2/7961211/Hitler-had-Jewish-and-African-roots-DNA-tests-show.html
Albino girl, 11, killed and beheaded in Swaziland ’for witchcraft’
An 11-year-old albino girl from Swaziland was shot dead in front of her friends and then beheaded in what police believe was a ritual murder.
By Aislinn Laing, Johannesburg
Published: 6:46PM BST 20 Aug 2010
The child had been washing clothes and bathing at a river with friends and was returning home when she was grabbed by a man wearing a balaclava.
As her friends looked on, the man shot her in the back before dragging her away. Her headless body was found upriver a short time later.
The murder is the latest in a series of albino killings in Sub-Saharan Africa, where sufferers of the rare skin pigmentation condition are concentrated.
Earlier this year, another 11-year-old albino child was killed close to the same spot in Swaziland and her hand was removed.
Police believe both children may have been targeted because of a belief by witch doctors that the blood and body parts of albinos - who lack pigment in their eyes, hair and skin - can bring good luck and fortune when used in potions.
Their value for black magic practitioners sees them often fall prey to human traffickers, one of whom was jailed for 17 years in Tanzania this week for abducting and attempting to sell a live albino man.
The girl murdered in Swaziland was named locally as Banele Nxumalo. A man identified as her father, Luke Nxumalo, told The Times of Swaziland that his late uncle had also been an albino.
“What happened to my child is very painful. I wonder why albinos are targeted because they are just humans like us and a gift from God,” he said.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/swaziland/7956458/Albino-girl-11-killed-and-beheaded-in-Swaziland-for-witchcraft.html
By Aislinn Laing, Johannesburg
Published: 6:46PM BST 20 Aug 2010
The child had been washing clothes and bathing at a river with friends and was returning home when she was grabbed by a man wearing a balaclava.
As her friends looked on, the man shot her in the back before dragging her away. Her headless body was found upriver a short time later.
The murder is the latest in a series of albino killings in Sub-Saharan Africa, where sufferers of the rare skin pigmentation condition are concentrated.
Earlier this year, another 11-year-old albino child was killed close to the same spot in Swaziland and her hand was removed.
Police believe both children may have been targeted because of a belief by witch doctors that the blood and body parts of albinos - who lack pigment in their eyes, hair and skin - can bring good luck and fortune when used in potions.
Their value for black magic practitioners sees them often fall prey to human traffickers, one of whom was jailed for 17 years in Tanzania this week for abducting and attempting to sell a live albino man.
The girl murdered in Swaziland was named locally as Banele Nxumalo. A man identified as her father, Luke Nxumalo, told The Times of Swaziland that his late uncle had also been an albino.
“What happened to my child is very painful. I wonder why albinos are targeted because they are just humans like us and a gift from God,” he said.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/swaziland/7956458/Albino-girl-11-killed-and-beheaded-in-Swaziland-for-witchcraft.html
Pa. woman gave son, 6, to stranger on bus
The Associated Press
Published: Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh woman faces charges after she allegedly left her 6-year-old son with a stranger on board a bus while she was being arrested on a shoplifting charge. Police said Portia Scoggins had two children with her Friday when she boarded a bus after taking items from a pharmacy, but just one when they pulled it over and arrested her.
Officers said Scoggins left the older child on board, giving a stranger the address for one of the boy's friends and instructions to drop him off there.
Police later learned the boy had been on the bus and found him at the address Scoggins supplied to the stranger.
Online court records don't detail the charges against Scoggins. A phone listing for her could not be located Monday.
The children are in the custody of county social workers.
From: http://www.ocala.com/article/20100823/APA/1008231029
Published: Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, August 23, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh woman faces charges after she allegedly left her 6-year-old son with a stranger on board a bus while she was being arrested on a shoplifting charge. Police said Portia Scoggins had two children with her Friday when she boarded a bus after taking items from a pharmacy, but just one when they pulled it over and arrested her.
Officers said Scoggins left the older child on board, giving a stranger the address for one of the boy's friends and instructions to drop him off there.
Police later learned the boy had been on the bus and found him at the address Scoggins supplied to the stranger.
Online court records don't detail the charges against Scoggins. A phone listing for her could not be located Monday.
The children are in the custody of county social workers.
From: http://www.ocala.com/article/20100823/APA/1008231029
Sunday, August 22, 2010
French woman finds dead son while burying brother in cemetery
A French mother discovered by chance that her son had died and had been buried last month when she stumbled on his freshly-dug grave while attending her brother's funeral.
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Published: 6:34PM BST 20 Aug 2010
Josiane Vermeersch attended the funeral of her 54-year-old brother in a cemetery in Hellemmes, northern France this week with her ex-husban, Elie Langlet and other relations.
After the brother was laid to rest in the family vault, the congregation were walking back down a cemetery path when a 19-year-old niece noticed a new gravestone 50 yards away and let out a cry.
She read out the name: "Olivier Langlet, 1968-2010". This was the name and date of birth of Miss Vermeersch's 42-year old son. He lived alone nearby, and the mother had left a message on his mobile phone for him to attend his uncle's funeral but could not get through. She had intended to pay him a visit after the funeral.
But to her horror, the local undertakers and town hall confirmed that her son had died on July 5, and that a letter had been sent to next of kin informing them of his demise. However, it appears they had sent it to the wrong address. After receiving no response from the family, the town hall ordered the deceased son's burial on July 18.
"My son was buried like a dog," the mother told Europe 1 radio.
The family intends to file a legal complaint against the local authorities.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/7956594/French-woman-finds-dead-son-while-burying-brother-in-cemetery.html
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Published: 6:34PM BST 20 Aug 2010
Josiane Vermeersch attended the funeral of her 54-year-old brother in a cemetery in Hellemmes, northern France this week with her ex-husban, Elie Langlet and other relations.
After the brother was laid to rest in the family vault, the congregation were walking back down a cemetery path when a 19-year-old niece noticed a new gravestone 50 yards away and let out a cry.
She read out the name: "Olivier Langlet, 1968-2010". This was the name and date of birth of Miss Vermeersch's 42-year old son. He lived alone nearby, and the mother had left a message on his mobile phone for him to attend his uncle's funeral but could not get through. She had intended to pay him a visit after the funeral.
But to her horror, the local undertakers and town hall confirmed that her son had died on July 5, and that a letter had been sent to next of kin informing them of his demise. However, it appears they had sent it to the wrong address. After receiving no response from the family, the town hall ordered the deceased son's burial on July 18.
"My son was buried like a dog," the mother told Europe 1 radio.
The family intends to file a legal complaint against the local authorities.
From: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/7956594/French-woman-finds-dead-son-while-burying-brother-in-cemetery.html
Gunman shot dead after attacking police station
Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
(08-18) 04:00 PDT Mckinney, Texas -- A 29-year-old man towed a trailer full of explosives into a suburban Dallas police station's parking lot on Tuesday, then set fire to his pickup truck and began shooting at the building in an apparent attempt to lure people outside to kill them, authorities said.
Patrick Gray Sharp died after a shootout with officers, but it's unclear whether he was killed by an officer's bullet or one of his own, McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski said.
No one else was hurt during the Tuesday morning clash, which led a local college to lock down its campus.
Sharp may have intended to lure people from the police station so that he could shoot at them from a field across the street where he had taken position, Kowalski said. He also may have intended to kill them by blowing up the trailer, he said.
Investigators found an assault rifle, a shotgun and a handgun on Sharp. Kowalski said Sharp fired at least 100 rounds at the police station, and that he counted at least 23 bullet strikes on the building.
Sharp was found dead after police fired an unknown number of rounds while pursuing him in a line of trees near Collin College, the chief said.
The chief said investigators haven't determined why Sharp initiated the attack in the suburb of roughly 127,000 people about 30 miles north of Dallas.
From: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/18/MNVD1EVH6E.DTL
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
(08-18) 04:00 PDT Mckinney, Texas -- A 29-year-old man towed a trailer full of explosives into a suburban Dallas police station's parking lot on Tuesday, then set fire to his pickup truck and began shooting at the building in an apparent attempt to lure people outside to kill them, authorities said.
Patrick Gray Sharp died after a shootout with officers, but it's unclear whether he was killed by an officer's bullet or one of his own, McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski said.
No one else was hurt during the Tuesday morning clash, which led a local college to lock down its campus.
Sharp may have intended to lure people from the police station so that he could shoot at them from a field across the street where he had taken position, Kowalski said. He also may have intended to kill them by blowing up the trailer, he said.
Investigators found an assault rifle, a shotgun and a handgun on Sharp. Kowalski said Sharp fired at least 100 rounds at the police station, and that he counted at least 23 bullet strikes on the building.
Sharp was found dead after police fired an unknown number of rounds while pursuing him in a line of trees near Collin College, the chief said.
The chief said investigators haven't determined why Sharp initiated the attack in the suburb of roughly 127,000 people about 30 miles north of Dallas.
From: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/18/MNVD1EVH6E.DTL
Shock for man ordered off flight and arrested by armed police at Heathrow... because of a traffic dispute seven months earlier
By Daniel Boffey
Last updated at 12:27 AM on 22nd August 2010
A man was ordered off a flight and arrested by four armed police at Heathrow over a traffic dispute seven months earlier.
Officers swooped on Tom Hardyment as he returned from a trip to Washington – even though he had told them he would be away and had offered five times to fix a date to report to a police station.
The car dealer was led off the Virgin plane, driven away in a cage inside a van, then held in cells for six hours before being released without charge.
Five days later he was told no further action would be taken.
Police were investigating claims from a driver that he had been threatening and racially abusive.
But Mr Hardyment, 40, from Chiswick, West London, said: ‘The passengers must have thought I was a terrorist. The police knew I was on the flight as I’d told them my movements.’
The road incident took place in West London in January.
Mr Hardyment swerved at a junction after a car pulled out in front of him. When both cars stopped at lights, an Asian woman leapt out and pounded on his passenger window.
He said: ‘At first I thought it was an attempted robbery. The woman was going berserk.
‘I got out and the woman was screaming abuse. She said she was a nurse looking after a child. I said judging by her violent behaviour she shouldn’t be in charge of children and I’d make sure she never worked in this country again.’
Mr Hardyment believes this may have been misinterpreted as racist. Within days police contacted him over ‘a racist attack’.
On one occasion when he tried to meet police, the officer concerned was away on holiday, and a further meeting was cancelled because a new officer assigned to the case needed more time to research it.
Mr Hardyment had fixed a date to see police after his U.S. trip.
He is making a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and asking his MP Vince Cable to take up his case.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘We treat all allegations of race crime seriously.’
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305091/Shock-traffic-row-driver-held-airport-gun-police.html
Last updated at 12:27 AM on 22nd August 2010
A man was ordered off a flight and arrested by four armed police at Heathrow over a traffic dispute seven months earlier.
Officers swooped on Tom Hardyment as he returned from a trip to Washington – even though he had told them he would be away and had offered five times to fix a date to report to a police station.
The car dealer was led off the Virgin plane, driven away in a cage inside a van, then held in cells for six hours before being released without charge.
Five days later he was told no further action would be taken.
Police were investigating claims from a driver that he had been threatening and racially abusive.
But Mr Hardyment, 40, from Chiswick, West London, said: ‘The passengers must have thought I was a terrorist. The police knew I was on the flight as I’d told them my movements.’
The road incident took place in West London in January.
Mr Hardyment swerved at a junction after a car pulled out in front of him. When both cars stopped at lights, an Asian woman leapt out and pounded on his passenger window.
He said: ‘At first I thought it was an attempted robbery. The woman was going berserk.
‘I got out and the woman was screaming abuse. She said she was a nurse looking after a child. I said judging by her violent behaviour she shouldn’t be in charge of children and I’d make sure she never worked in this country again.’
Mr Hardyment believes this may have been misinterpreted as racist. Within days police contacted him over ‘a racist attack’.
On one occasion when he tried to meet police, the officer concerned was away on holiday, and a further meeting was cancelled because a new officer assigned to the case needed more time to research it.
Mr Hardyment had fixed a date to see police after his U.S. trip.
He is making a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and asking his MP Vince Cable to take up his case.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘We treat all allegations of race crime seriously.’
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1305091/Shock-traffic-row-driver-held-airport-gun-police.html
Woman Wanted Husband Dead
Norma McDermott Accused Of Trying To Hire Hitman
POSTED: Thursday, August 19, 2010
UPDATED: 8:03 pm EDT August 19, 2010
PORT HURON, Mich. -- A 42-year-old Michigan woman was arrested Tuesday after she tried to hire an undercover police officer to kill her husband, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said.
Sheriff Tim Donnellon said Norma McDermott and her 47-year-old husband, Joe McDermott, live in Lexington, but that McDermott was arrested in the parking lot of Birchwood Mall just after 9 p.m. while she was making a deal with an undercover officer to hire him as a hit man.
Donnellon said McDermott had called a friend inquiring into how she could find a person to kill her husband of 11 years. That person called authorities, who then set up the meeting with the undercover officer and McDermott.
"I said it was stupid and she realizes now it was stupid," said McDermott's daughter, Heather Downs.
Downs said she expected her parents to file for divorce because of past problems but said she never thought her mother would do anything criminal.
Donnellon said it's not exactly clear why the woman would want to kill her husband, except for "major marital disharmony."
McDermott was arraigned Thursday on an attempted murder charge. She is being held on a $750,000 bond. If she posts bail, she has been court ordered to stay away from her husband.
From: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/24690903/detail.html
POSTED: Thursday, August 19, 2010
UPDATED: 8:03 pm EDT August 19, 2010
PORT HURON, Mich. -- A 42-year-old Michigan woman was arrested Tuesday after she tried to hire an undercover police officer to kill her husband, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said.
Sheriff Tim Donnellon said Norma McDermott and her 47-year-old husband, Joe McDermott, live in Lexington, but that McDermott was arrested in the parking lot of Birchwood Mall just after 9 p.m. while she was making a deal with an undercover officer to hire him as a hit man.
Donnellon said McDermott had called a friend inquiring into how she could find a person to kill her husband of 11 years. That person called authorities, who then set up the meeting with the undercover officer and McDermott.
"I said it was stupid and she realizes now it was stupid," said McDermott's daughter, Heather Downs.
Downs said she expected her parents to file for divorce because of past problems but said she never thought her mother would do anything criminal.
Donnellon said it's not exactly clear why the woman would want to kill her husband, except for "major marital disharmony."
McDermott was arraigned Thursday on an attempted murder charge. She is being held on a $750,000 bond. If she posts bail, she has been court ordered to stay away from her husband.
From: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/24690903/detail.html
Rape Victim Runs Over Wrong Man
Woman Accused Of Mowing Down Man She Thought Raped Her
POSTED: Friday, August 20, 2010
UPDATED: 10:36 am EDT August 20, 2010
HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. -- A chain of horrible events in Florida ended with a rape victim in jail and an innocent man dead.
Amber Lee, 21, has been jailed on preliminary charges of murder after authorities said she ran over a man she thought raped her. But the Florida Highway Patrol said she hit the wrong guy.
She claims it was a horrible accident, but the victim's family isn't so sure.
"I'm not a murderer," Lee said.
Lee and her boyfriend were trying to sell their CD player last December when the alleged rape occurred.
"He made me get out of the car and pulled me behind a building and that's where he raped me," she said. "When he pulled me around the building, I thought I was gonna die. I didn't know he was gonna do that until he told me to get on my knees."
Lee said she pleaded with the man to let her go, thinking of her young daughter.
"We were just trying to get out of there," she said. "We tried to go around one man in the middle of the road. It just ended up happening, it happened so fast."
The Florida Highway Patrol said Lee mowed down Timothy Bualkmann, 32, with her car. Authorities said she thought Bualkmann had raped her.
"It's hard," Lee said. "It's not fun, it's not easy. I'm sorry for the man's family and everything, but what happened was an accident."
Baulkmann's cousin said he doesn't feel bad for Lee, and wants her to pay.
"He lost his life; we lost a family member," Tim White said. "The law can do something to her."
Now just months away from giving birth to another child, Lee worried the accident could mean a life sentence away from her two children.
"From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry," she said. "I can only imagine what they're going through. But I don't want them to think that one day I don't think about him."
Lee's attorney said the man accused of raping Lee was arrested, but there wasn't enough evidence to charge him.
From: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/24699812/detail.html
POSTED: Friday, August 20, 2010
UPDATED: 10:36 am EDT August 20, 2010
HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. -- A chain of horrible events in Florida ended with a rape victim in jail and an innocent man dead.
Amber Lee, 21, has been jailed on preliminary charges of murder after authorities said she ran over a man she thought raped her. But the Florida Highway Patrol said she hit the wrong guy.
She claims it was a horrible accident, but the victim's family isn't so sure.
"I'm not a murderer," Lee said.
Lee and her boyfriend were trying to sell their CD player last December when the alleged rape occurred.
"He made me get out of the car and pulled me behind a building and that's where he raped me," she said. "When he pulled me around the building, I thought I was gonna die. I didn't know he was gonna do that until he told me to get on my knees."
Lee said she pleaded with the man to let her go, thinking of her young daughter.
"We were just trying to get out of there," she said. "We tried to go around one man in the middle of the road. It just ended up happening, it happened so fast."
The Florida Highway Patrol said Lee mowed down Timothy Bualkmann, 32, with her car. Authorities said she thought Bualkmann had raped her.
"It's hard," Lee said. "It's not fun, it's not easy. I'm sorry for the man's family and everything, but what happened was an accident."
Baulkmann's cousin said he doesn't feel bad for Lee, and wants her to pay.
"He lost his life; we lost a family member," Tim White said. "The law can do something to her."
Now just months away from giving birth to another child, Lee worried the accident could mean a life sentence away from her two children.
"From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry," she said. "I can only imagine what they're going through. But I don't want them to think that one day I don't think about him."
Lee's attorney said the man accused of raping Lee was arrested, but there wasn't enough evidence to charge him.
From: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/24699812/detail.html
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Horror Hotel aka City of the Dead (1960)
City of the Dead (US title: Horror Hotel) is a 1960 film directed by John Llewellyn Moxey and starring Christopher Lee and Valentine Dyall. Produced in England but set in America, the British actors were required to speak with American accents throughout.
Plot synopsis
On the recommendation of her professor (Christopher Lee), a young female student (played by Venetia Stevenson) travels to the fictional Massachusetts town of Whitewood to do some research into witchcraft. She finds the town occupied by the reincarnation of an infamous witch (played by Patricia Jessel) burned at the stake in the 17th century; in order to sustain her immortality, Virgins must be sacrificed to her every year--and this year, the student has been the chosen victim.
Censored Lines
In the American version, a few minutes of dialogue were removed, including these lines near the beginning, which were supposed to set the stage for the events that followed:
--"I have made my pact with thee O Lucifer! Hear Me, Hear Me! I will do thy bidding for all eternity. For all eternity shall I practice the ritual of Black Mass. For all eternity shall I sacrifice unto thee. I give thee my soul, take me into thy service."
--"O Lucifer, listen to thy servant, grant her this pact for all eternity and I with her, and if we fail thee but once, you may do with our souls what you will."
--"Make this city an example of thy vengeance. Curse it, curse it for all eternity! Let me be the instrument of thy curse. Hear me O Lucifer, Hear Me!"
Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey - Produced by Max Rosenberg
Milton Subotsky, Donald Taylor - Written by George Baxt, Desmond Dickinson - Starring Venetia Stevenson, Christopher Lee, Dennis Lotis, Betta St. John, Valentine Dyall - Music by Douglas Gamley, Kenneth V. Jones - Cinematography Desmond Dickinson - Editing by John Pomeroy - Distributed by Trans-World Film - Release date(s) 1960 - Running time 76 min. - Country UK - Language English
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_City_of_the_Dead_(film)
Girl, 8, requires 175 stitches in her face after being mauled in horrific dog attack
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:31 PM on 20th August 2010
An eight-year-old girl needed 175 stitches in her face and head after she was mauled by a dog having been told by its owners it was safe for her to stroke.
Sky Barker was playing in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, last Thursday evening when she asked the owner of a fearsome Japanese Akita if she could pet the animal.
However horror struck when the dog - which was tied to a wall - leapt forward and grabbed her head in its mouth as she approached.
Sky Barker, 8, needed 175 stitches in her face and head after being mauled by a Japanese Akita whose owners told her it was safe to stroke
Incredibly, a week after the attack the animal-loving youngster has said she doesn't want the vicious animal put down.
Her father Brian Hackett, 33, told how Sky survived the horrific attack as she was able to roll out of the reach of the tethered dog and the emergency services were called.
The eight-year-old was rushed to hospital for a four-hour operation and received 60 stitches to the back of her head, 85 in her face and 30 inside her cheek, which could leave her scared for life.
Mr Hackett was on his way home from his work as a joiner when he received a call from Sky's mother Amber Barker, 30, who he is separated from, telling him their daughter was in hospital.
He said: 'She is lucky to be alive. She was playing in a communal area opposite where she lives with her mum when it happened.
'Apparently the owners had only had the dog a couple of days so why would you let it be around children like that when you don't know if you can trust it?
'The first thing I knew about it was when her mum called me and told me what had happened, she heard Sky screaming and came running out. I rushed to the hospital and I was just horrified for her.
'I am so annoyed by what has happened, and not just because of Sky but I want to make sure that this dog doesn't attack anyone else now because next time they might not survive.'
Doctors have warned that it could be 12 to 18 months before Sky regains feeling and movement in her face, while she has only just managed to crack half a smile.
Mr Hackett , who lives with wife Karen, 38, stepchildren Jordan, 17, and Phoebe, 13, and Sky's big brother Josh, 11, in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, added: 'We are trying to make her use the muscles in her face by making her smile as much as possible, and she is just managing to smile on one side of her face now.
'Sky is going to have to go through a lot of pain in the future because of this attack, and I just don't want something like this to happen to someone else.
'Since the attack I have seen the dog out on a lead with the owners and I want to make people aware that it is still in the area.'
Sky, who has been described by her father as "bubbly", has a soft spot for animals and, touchingly, Mr Hackett revealed that even after she was savaged by the large pet she didn't want it to be put to sleep.
He said: 'Sky would pick up and care for absolutely any animal, from a dog down to a spider or an ant and look after it - that is just her way.
'Since the attack she has been a bit wary of other dogs but she is alright with our three dogs because she knows she can trust them.
'It says everything about her that even after the attack she said she didn't even want the Akita put down. She said she wants it to go away and doesn't ever want to see it again but she doesn't want it to die.'
The Japanese Akita is considered to be one of the most dangerous dogs in Britain, with numerous reported attacks which have resulted in the victim needing stitches and surgery.
Akitas are not listed as dangerous dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act but they are classed as a fighting breed.
Because the dog is not listed under the Act, the police say that they cannot force its owners to have it destroyed.
A spokesman said: 'Because of the classification of this particular type of dog, we cannot seize the animal and have it put down. Instead, all we we can do is strongly encourage to the owners that the dog is put down.'
The spokesman said that although there was nothing they could do, the owners have told police that they plan to have the dog destroyed in the coming days.
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1304780/Vicious-dog-attack-Eight-year-old-girl-needs-175-stitches-mauled-horrific-attack.html
Last updated at 5:31 PM on 20th August 2010
An eight-year-old girl needed 175 stitches in her face and head after she was mauled by a dog having been told by its owners it was safe for her to stroke.
Sky Barker was playing in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, last Thursday evening when she asked the owner of a fearsome Japanese Akita if she could pet the animal.
However horror struck when the dog - which was tied to a wall - leapt forward and grabbed her head in its mouth as she approached.
Incredibly, a week after the attack the animal-loving youngster has said she doesn't want the vicious animal put down.
Her father Brian Hackett, 33, told how Sky survived the horrific attack as she was able to roll out of the reach of the tethered dog and the emergency services were called.
The eight-year-old was rushed to hospital for a four-hour operation and received 60 stitches to the back of her head, 85 in her face and 30 inside her cheek, which could leave her scared for life.
Mr Hackett was on his way home from his work as a joiner when he received a call from Sky's mother Amber Barker, 30, who he is separated from, telling him their daughter was in hospital.
He said: 'She is lucky to be alive. She was playing in a communal area opposite where she lives with her mum when it happened.
'Apparently the owners had only had the dog a couple of days so why would you let it be around children like that when you don't know if you can trust it?
'The first thing I knew about it was when her mum called me and told me what had happened, she heard Sky screaming and came running out. I rushed to the hospital and I was just horrified for her.
'I am so annoyed by what has happened, and not just because of Sky but I want to make sure that this dog doesn't attack anyone else now because next time they might not survive.'
Doctors have warned that it could be 12 to 18 months before Sky regains feeling and movement in her face, while she has only just managed to crack half a smile.
Mr Hackett , who lives with wife Karen, 38, stepchildren Jordan, 17, and Phoebe, 13, and Sky's big brother Josh, 11, in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, added: 'We are trying to make her use the muscles in her face by making her smile as much as possible, and she is just managing to smile on one side of her face now.
'Since the attack I have seen the dog out on a lead with the owners and I want to make people aware that it is still in the area.'
Sky, who has been described by her father as "bubbly", has a soft spot for animals and, touchingly, Mr Hackett revealed that even after she was savaged by the large pet she didn't want it to be put to sleep.
He said: 'Sky would pick up and care for absolutely any animal, from a dog down to a spider or an ant and look after it - that is just her way.
'Since the attack she has been a bit wary of other dogs but she is alright with our three dogs because she knows she can trust them.
'It says everything about her that even after the attack she said she didn't even want the Akita put down. She said she wants it to go away and doesn't ever want to see it again but she doesn't want it to die.'
The Japanese Akita is considered to be one of the most dangerous dogs in Britain, with numerous reported attacks which have resulted in the victim needing stitches and surgery.
Akitas are not listed as dangerous dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act but they are classed as a fighting breed.
Because the dog is not listed under the Act, the police say that they cannot force its owners to have it destroyed.
A spokesman said: 'Because of the classification of this particular type of dog, we cannot seize the animal and have it put down. Instead, all we we can do is strongly encourage to the owners that the dog is put down.'
The spokesman said that although there was nothing they could do, the owners have told police that they plan to have the dog destroyed in the coming days.
From: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1304780/Vicious-dog-attack-Eight-year-old-girl-needs-175-stitches-mauled-horrific-attack.html
Mesquite man sentenced to life for fatally beating 4-month-old daughter
11:41 PM CDT on Friday, August 20, 2010
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
A Mesquite man who beat his 4-month-old daughter to death because she cried too much was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
State District Judge Gracie Lewis pronounced the automatic sentence for Franzwa Miller moments after a jury found him guilty of capital murder in Lea Miller's death. He is not eligible for parole.
Miller showed no reaction, but several of his relatives and friends began to cry in the courtroom. As bailiffs escorted Miller to a court jail cell, one woman shouted: "It's OK. It's OK. We're there for you."
Alesha Dean, the child's mother, who faces up to life in prison for her role in the case, was not in the courtroom when the verdict was read. No trial date has been set for Dean, who is charged with injury to child for not taking steps to prevent the abuse.
Miller's family and friends declined to comment, although one woman did shout expletives in the hallway. Jurors, who left without commenting, were escorted from the courthouse by bailiffs.
Dean testified against Miller earlier this week, saying that he forcefully slapped Lea as she lay on the bathroom floor of their Mesquite apartment in June 2009. Dean and a friend of Miller's, Jason Lester, also testified that Miller frequently beat the baby with a spatula, rarely fed her and made Lea spend most days in a portable crib in a closet because she cried too much.
Dallas County prosecutors Reynie Tinajero and Elaine Evans, said that the choice was clear for jurors.
"I think the evidence was overwhelming," Tinajero said. "When you think of the way this infant lived her life, in the closet, afraid of him – her daddy."
Miller's defense attorneys, Scottie Allen and Patty Morris, said prosecutors filed the wrong charge against Miller. Allen said jurors acted emotionally because a baby was killed.
"Obviously, we're very disappointed," Allen said. "He may not have been a very good parent. But they didn't charge him with that."
Allen reiterated a contention that he made during the trial: that it was Dean, and not Miller, who killed Lea.
After Miller hit Lea, she lay unconscious on the floor for five minutes to an hour – depending on which version of events is used – before Dean and Miller called 911.
Doctors who treated the girl said she had old rib fractures, a broken arm, a skull fracture, bleeding in the back of her eyes and brain injuries.
Dean, who said Miller abused her, testified that Miller once broke a spatula while hitting Lea with it. Dean testified that she didn't prevent the abuse to the child because she was afraid Miller would harm her or her family.
Dean has another child, a girl who was 18 months old at the time Lea died. That child was not injured and now lives out of state with her biological father.
From: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-babytrial_20met.ART.State.Edition1.355857e.html
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
A Mesquite man who beat his 4-month-old daughter to death because she cried too much was sentenced to life in prison Friday.
State District Judge Gracie Lewis pronounced the automatic sentence for Franzwa Miller moments after a jury found him guilty of capital murder in Lea Miller's death. He is not eligible for parole.
Miller showed no reaction, but several of his relatives and friends began to cry in the courtroom. As bailiffs escorted Miller to a court jail cell, one woman shouted: "It's OK. It's OK. We're there for you."
Alesha Dean, the child's mother, who faces up to life in prison for her role in the case, was not in the courtroom when the verdict was read. No trial date has been set for Dean, who is charged with injury to child for not taking steps to prevent the abuse.
Miller's family and friends declined to comment, although one woman did shout expletives in the hallway. Jurors, who left without commenting, were escorted from the courthouse by bailiffs.
Dean testified against Miller earlier this week, saying that he forcefully slapped Lea as she lay on the bathroom floor of their Mesquite apartment in June 2009. Dean and a friend of Miller's, Jason Lester, also testified that Miller frequently beat the baby with a spatula, rarely fed her and made Lea spend most days in a portable crib in a closet because she cried too much.
Dallas County prosecutors Reynie Tinajero and Elaine Evans, said that the choice was clear for jurors.
"I think the evidence was overwhelming," Tinajero said. "When you think of the way this infant lived her life, in the closet, afraid of him – her daddy."
Miller's defense attorneys, Scottie Allen and Patty Morris, said prosecutors filed the wrong charge against Miller. Allen said jurors acted emotionally because a baby was killed.
"Obviously, we're very disappointed," Allen said. "He may not have been a very good parent. But they didn't charge him with that."
Allen reiterated a contention that he made during the trial: that it was Dean, and not Miller, who killed Lea.
After Miller hit Lea, she lay unconscious on the floor for five minutes to an hour – depending on which version of events is used – before Dean and Miller called 911.
Doctors who treated the girl said she had old rib fractures, a broken arm, a skull fracture, bleeding in the back of her eyes and brain injuries.
Dean, who said Miller abused her, testified that Miller once broke a spatula while hitting Lea with it. Dean testified that she didn't prevent the abuse to the child because she was afraid Miller would harm her or her family.
Dean has another child, a girl who was 18 months old at the time Lea died. That child was not injured and now lives out of state with her biological father.
From: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-babytrial_20met.ART.State.Edition1.355857e.html
Rhinocarcinoma
Fei Jianjun, 40, who suffers from rhinocarcinoma, is photographed at a hospital in Changchun, Jilin province. Fei found a red knot on his nose last September, which then grew into a size as big as a human fist. He did not receive any medical treatment due to poverty until the hospital offered him a free surgery.
From: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/day_in_photos_august_XHjNBStLJO9gpzU5I73H7H?photo_num=8
Ind. mom charged with starving 4-year-old to death
The Associated Press
Aug. 20, 2010, 2:28PM
GREENSBURG, Ind. — A southeastern Indiana woman faces child neglect and reckless homicide charges alleging she starved to death her 4-year-old son, who weighed 12 pounds when police found his emaciated body in a crib.
Courtney G. Tressler, 25, of Greensburg was arrested Wednesday, more than three months after her severely disabled son died from malnutrition and dehydration. She was released from jail in the city about 40 miles southeast of Indianapolis after posting $15,000 bond.
Tressler called police May 17 to say she had found her son, Payton Wesley Ettinger, dead four hours after feeding him and putting him in his crib for a nap, authorities said. A pathologist's report found the boy had virtually no food in his stomach or intestines when he died.
The pathologist found that the boy suffered from "profound malnutrition," had no body fat and that the "skin on his face was drawn tightly against his skull and face bones with obvious emaciation," according to a probable charge affidavit against Tressler.
Investigators said the boy had not seen a doctor since Nov. 3, 2006, when he weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces as a 1-year-old, according to the affidavit.
Tressler told officers she had intended to take her son to a doctor May 15 after noticing he had lost weight but had delayed the trip for financial reasons. But investigators said in the affidavit that she visited a doctor twice on May 19 for her own medical reasons.
Police said Tressler also claimed she had twice applied for Medicaid assistance for her son, but investigators found that was not the case, according to the document.
Payton Ettinger was unable to speak, walk or control most of his physical movements due to brain damage suffered during abuse by his father, police said. The boy's father, Martin Ettinger, is serving a 5-year prison sentence in Michigan after pleading guilty to battering his son so badly the child was confined to a crib and required constant care.
Tressler moved from Michigan to Indiana in January 2007 after she married Greg Tressler, who told Indianapolis television station WTHR that his wife is innocent and now traumatized by accusations she's responsible for her son's death.
"Is this just a misunderstanding? Is this just someone got the wrong idea or something like that? I think it's a small town and someone's trying to make a name for themselves," he said.
Greg Tressler said his wife does not yet have an attorney.
Decatur County Prosecutor Bill Smith told the Greensburg Daily News he could not comment about why Greg Tressler has not been charged in the boy's death, noting he was not the child's legal guardian and the law is "complicated."
Smith declined a Friday request for comment from The Associated Press.
From: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7161817.html
Aug. 20, 2010, 2:28PM
GREENSBURG, Ind. — A southeastern Indiana woman faces child neglect and reckless homicide charges alleging she starved to death her 4-year-old son, who weighed 12 pounds when police found his emaciated body in a crib.
Courtney G. Tressler, 25, of Greensburg was arrested Wednesday, more than three months after her severely disabled son died from malnutrition and dehydration. She was released from jail in the city about 40 miles southeast of Indianapolis after posting $15,000 bond.
Tressler called police May 17 to say she had found her son, Payton Wesley Ettinger, dead four hours after feeding him and putting him in his crib for a nap, authorities said. A pathologist's report found the boy had virtually no food in his stomach or intestines when he died.
The pathologist found that the boy suffered from "profound malnutrition," had no body fat and that the "skin on his face was drawn tightly against his skull and face bones with obvious emaciation," according to a probable charge affidavit against Tressler.
Investigators said the boy had not seen a doctor since Nov. 3, 2006, when he weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces as a 1-year-old, according to the affidavit.
Tressler told officers she had intended to take her son to a doctor May 15 after noticing he had lost weight but had delayed the trip for financial reasons. But investigators said in the affidavit that she visited a doctor twice on May 19 for her own medical reasons.
Police said Tressler also claimed she had twice applied for Medicaid assistance for her son, but investigators found that was not the case, according to the document.
Payton Ettinger was unable to speak, walk or control most of his physical movements due to brain damage suffered during abuse by his father, police said. The boy's father, Martin Ettinger, is serving a 5-year prison sentence in Michigan after pleading guilty to battering his son so badly the child was confined to a crib and required constant care.
Tressler moved from Michigan to Indiana in January 2007 after she married Greg Tressler, who told Indianapolis television station WTHR that his wife is innocent and now traumatized by accusations she's responsible for her son's death.
"Is this just a misunderstanding? Is this just someone got the wrong idea or something like that? I think it's a small town and someone's trying to make a name for themselves," he said.
Greg Tressler said his wife does not yet have an attorney.
Decatur County Prosecutor Bill Smith told the Greensburg Daily News he could not comment about why Greg Tressler has not been charged in the boy's death, noting he was not the child's legal guardian and the law is "complicated."
Smith declined a Friday request for comment from The Associated Press.
From: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7161817.html