Saturday, September 11, 2010

A Smart tea cosy - Switzerland

Grannies knit Smart car tea cosy

Twenty grannies have spent two months knitting nearly 70lbs of wool into a trendy tea cosy for a Smart car.

The project was the brainwave of Zurich-based company the Swiss Senior Design Factory and had the aim of bringing young designers in touch with older crafts people.

The giant car cover depicts a lace-up trainer and exposes the car's wheels, making it into a giant roller skate.

The designers have contacted the Guinness Book of Records to claim the world record for the biggest hand-knitted car cover.

Spy camera to ensure lollipop lady gets no stick

Hidden cameras are being used by lollipop ladies and men under a scheme to expose bad drivers outside schools..

By Andrew Hough
Published: 8:00AM BST 11 Sep 2010

Spy cameras are being hidden in traffic lollipops under a new scheme to expose bad drivers outside schools.

School crossing patrolman Tom Holmes with a lollipop stick fitted with a camera in red at bottom of the ring Photo: LIVERPOOL DAILY POST

The “lollicams” are being introduced around schools in Wales after successful trials of similar schemes in England and Scotland.

While critics labelled the moves “sad and disappointing”, officials defended the scheme as a necessary way of protecting schoolchildren and traffic wardens.

Under the Flintshire County Council pilot, “lollipop” sticks would be fitted with hidden cameras at several locations across the area.

Any video footage would be used to prosecute dangerous and careless driving and help stamp out road rage. School crossing wardens are to undergo training to use the devices.

The cameras, which will be moved throughout the area, are activated when the pole touches the ground and are pointed at the offending car to record the number plate.

The scheme has been launched for the first time in Wales after a number of incidents in which motorists assaulted crossing patrol staff or ignored their demands to stop.

Latest figures show that around 1,400 such incidents are reported to councils across the country.

In extreme cases some lollipop staff reportedly needed hospital treatment after being hit by cars.

'Here you have' email attacks world computers.

'Here you have' virus that promises free sex films causes havoc as it spreads across the world

By NIALL FIRTH
Last updated at 1:21 PM on 11th September 2010

A new email virus that promises a link to free sex films is wreaking havoc at some of the biggest businesses across the world today.

The 'trojan' virus, with the subject ‘Here you have’, is filling inboxes with multiple emails after infecting users' address books.

In some cases, the virus is bringing down corporate email systems with the sheer weight of messages.

Trojans are malicious programmes that hide inside apparently harmless computer files.

A grab from one of the 'Here you have' emails which have been crippling businesses in the US

The virus arrives as an email with the subject line ‘Here you have’ and invites the user to click on a link to a PDF.

One of the most common variants promises a link to free 'sex downloads'.

Once they do so, the virus is downloaded onto their machine and spreads to all of the contacts in their email account, sending them the same email in turn.

The worm also tries to shut down any anti-virus software that has been installed.

Firms including Nasa, Comcast, AIG, Disney and Proctor & Gamble have all been affected.

Comcast was forced to shut down its servers yesterday afternoon after being hit with the attack.

The term ‘Here you have virus’ is now one of the most searched for phrases on Google.

More...

One version of the email says, 'Hello: This is The Document I told you about, you can find it here' and includes a link to what looks like a PDF.

Another includes the subject 'Just For you' and says 'This is The Free Dowload Sex Movies,you can find it Here.'

If you receive the messages, computer security firm McAfee says to delete the message without clicking the link and alert your IT office.

Ram Herkanaidu, security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, said that the email closely resembles the 'I love you' virus which caused havoc about ten years ago.

His firm has now raised their global 'threat' level.

Only 104 days to Christmas go... and mince pies are on sale

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 9:32 AM on 11th September 2010

Mincing around: The season to be jolly tis approaching

Temperatures are still nudging 20c and the children are barely back at school after summer – it must be time to start the Christmas preparations.

Mince pies and Santas made of milk chocolate are hitting supermarket shelves a mere 104 days before the main event.

Sainsbury’s was first to get in on the act, with packets of mince pies appearing in stores on September 1.

This week they were joined by Christmas puddings and large £5 tins of Quality Street.

Decorations are not far behind, expected to be in stores later this month.

Last week Tesco and Asda started selling large tins of sweets and Morrisons began building up its Christmas range on Monday, according to the Grocer magazine

But their enthusiasm is not exactly shared by David Meara, Archdeacon of London, who said selling festive products so early was ‘to the detriment of the spirit of Christmas’.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Zombie protesters win pay out

A US city is to pay more than £100,000 compensation to seven students who were arrested for dressing up as zombies.

The seven sued Minneapolis city attorney's office after they were arrested and jailed for two days but never charged with any crime, reports the local Star Tribune.

They said they wore white face powder, fake blood and dark eye make-up in downtown Minneapolis to protest "mindless" consumerism.

The protesters were walking in a stiff, lurching fashion and carrying four bags of sound equipment to amplify music from an iPod.

Police officers who arrested them said they were carrying equipment that simulated "weapons of mass destruction."

A US District Judge dismissed the zombies' lawsuit, but it was resurrected by the Court of Appeals which concluded police lacked probable cause to arrest the seven.

That decision would have led to a federal trial this autumn had the city not agreed to pay the $165,000 (£107,000) settlement.

One of the seven zombies, Raphi Rechitsky, 27, of Minneapolis, said: "I feel great that the city is being held accountable for the actions of their police."

Mr Rechitsky, a sociology student at the University of Minnesota, said he and his friends were performing street theatre when they were arrested.

Minneapolis City Attorney Susan L. Segal said: "We believe the police acted reasonably, but you never know what a jury is going to do with a case."

Thursday, September 9, 2010

French barman, 54, 'fathered 55 African babies in £1m benefit scam'

By PETER ALLEN
Last updated at 1:48 PM on 9th September 2010

unemployed Paris barman was under arrest today after claiming he fathered 55 African babies so as to allow their mothers to move to France on full benefits.

The scam is said to have cost the country more than a million pounds in fraudulent social security payments.

It involved a 54-year-old Frenchman who cannot be named for legal reasons but who has a Sengalese background.

Extraordinary love life: The 54-year-old man registered the 55 women and their children at his two bedroom flat in a flat near the Gare du Nord Eurostar terminal in Paris

He faces up to 10 years in prison and five figure fines after being charged with making false paternity declarations and aiding and abetting the filing of false administrative documents.

However, he claims that the children are in fact his, and had agreed to DNA tests.

The man’s allegedly extraordinary love life saw him registering the 55 women and their children at his two bedroom flat in a flat near the Gare du Nord Eurostar terminal in Paris.

Support the country by smoking and drinking.

Russians urged to drink and smoke more

Russia's finance minister has urged his countrymen and women to support the country - by drinking and smoking more.

Alexei Kudrin called for increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a bid to boost the state's revenues, reports Metro.

"If you smoke a pack of cigarettes, that means you are giving more to help solve social problems," commented Kudrin.

"People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state."

Russia, noted for its high consumptions of both cigarettes and alcohol, has among the lowest duties on cigarettes in Europe.

In June, plans to double the excise duty on cigarettes from 250 roubles, roughly £5 per 1,000 cigarettes, to 590 roubles (£12.49) by 2013 were outlined.

The comments by the minister seem to contradict recent government moves to control Russia's excessive nature and improve its life expectancy rates.

Residents of Lustful Court vote for name change

The residents of Lustful Court in Georgia, US, have asked for a name change as they are sick of being subjected to ridicule.

Published: 12:53PM BST 09 Sep 2010

Residents of Lustful Court vote for name change

Lustful Court (right) Photo: GOOGLE EARTH

The Bibb County Commissioner, Lonzy Edwards, brought up the suggestion of a possible name change after receiving complaints.

Michelle Washington, a resident of Lustful Court, Macon, says the name sparks laughter and confusion when she tells people where she lives.

After listening to residents, commissioners decided they'll consider the change if neighbours start a petition. No one could recall where the name originated.

Macon is about 90 miles (144.83 kilometres) south of Atlanta

Romania attempts to tax witches and fortune tellers

Proposals to tax witches and fortune tellers in Romania were voted down by senators.

Published: 12:33PM BST 09 Sep 2010

Romania attempts to tax witches and fortune tellers

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

The politicians who had drafted the new law claim it is because they feared they would be cursed if they passed the plans.

Alin Popoviciu and Cristi Dugulescu of the ruling Democratic Liberal Party drafted a law where witches and fortune tellers would have to produce receipts, and would also be held liable for wrong predictions.

Maria Campina, a well-known Romanian witch, said that it was difficult to tax thousands of fortune tellers and witches partly because of the erratic sums of money they received.

It's unclear whether there will be an attempt to redraft the law in Romania.

Mind reading machine.

'Mind-reading machine' can convert thoughts into speech

A mind reading machine is a step closer to reality after scientists discovered a way of translating people's thoughts into words.

By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent
Published: 5:30AM BST 08 Sep 2010

27 Comments

'Mind-reading machine' can convert thoughts into speech

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Researchers have been able to translate brain signals into speech using sensors attached to the surface of the brain for the first time.

The breakthrough, which is up to 90 per cent accurate, offers a way to communicate for paralysed patients who cannot speak and could eventually lead to being able to read anyone thoughts.

"We were beside ourselves with excitement when it started working," said Professor Bradley Greger, a bioengineer at Utah University who led the team of researchers.

"It was just one of the moments when everything came together.

"We have been able to decode spoken words using only signals from the brain with a device that has promise for long-term use in paralysed patients who cannot now speak.

"I would call it brain reading and we hope that in two or three years it will be available for use for paralysed patients."

The experimental breakthrough came when the team attached two button sized grids of 16 tiny electrodes to the speech centres of the brain of an epileptic patient. The sensors were attached to the surface of the brain The patient had had part of his skull removed for another operation to treat his condition.

Using the electrodes, the scientists recorded brain signals in a computer as the patient repeatedly read each of 10 words that might be useful to a paralysed person: yes, no, hot, cold, hungry, thirsty, hello, goodbye, more and less.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Oh goodness gracious me.....

Ringtone race row lands fan in a cell

Cell phone: Martin Smith’s movie ringtone landed him in trouble with the police.

Published Date: 07 September 2010

MOVIE fan Martin Smith landed in court on a racism charge after he downloaded part of the soundtrack from the 1980s comedy film Rita, Sue and Bob Too! and installed it as a ringtone on his mobile.

Martin, of Holmewood, north Derbyshire, claims friends and workmates got used to hearing the voice of an Asian actor reciting the words "I can't help being a Paki…".

But a woman from a mixed race family wasn't amused when Martin's Nokia went off as she queued alongside him at a village shop.

Over-hearing the clip from the movie – which chronicles the exploits of two schoolgirls growing up on a rundown estate in Bradford – the woman went home and lodged a formal complaint with the police.

Officers arrested the 36-year-old at home two days later and locked him in the cells at Chesterfield for four hours before charging him with contravening race relation laws.

Angry warehouseman Martin hit out after magistrates fined him £191 with £85 costs for using racially aggravated threatening or insulting words or behaviour.

He said: "Arresting me was a total over-reaction - surely the police have better things to do with their time.

"If Channel 4 can put Rita, Sue and Bob Too! on TV all the time, as it does, then why can't I play a clip from the soundtrack on my phone?

"If it's good enough for prime time Tv then it ought to be good enough for me and my mobile.

"My ringtone wouldn't have suited everybody, but the film's my all time favourite. I've seen it 15 or 20 times and I should be able to download what I want without the police hauling me off to the cells and calling me a racist.

"I've had the ringtone for a year and nobody's ever complained. All my friends and workmates thought it was hilarious.

"I've got a lot of Asian friends, who've seen the film and they thought it was really funny as well.

"I wouldn't have minded if the police had taken me to the station and told me to get it changed.

"I get on really well with Asian people and the last thing I wanted to do was upset anyone. I just did it for a bit of fun because I love the film so much.

"I'll not be taking any chances with the ringtone in future though. I'll be sticking to plinky plonky music like everyone else from now on."

The court was told the unnamed woman, who was from a mixed African-Mediterranean background, overheard the ringtone while she was waiting to be served at the grocery store near Smith's home in Holmewood.

Jon Barber, defending, said his client denied making a racist remark in front of the complainant, but accepted the woman may have been offended by the ringtone.

"He thought it was amusing – but it's a lesson learned."

Shopkeeper Geoff Wallage said the woman had made no complaint to his staff at the time.

"I feel very sorry for Martin, he's a really decent bloke with a great sense of humour and he didn't deserve all this trouble. I feel that it's been a complete waste of public money. They should have told Martin to swap his ringtone and left it at that, instead of dragging him to court.

"I've got a Pakistani accountant and he couldn't believe it when I explained what had happened. It's just ridiculous."

Lingerie thief fined $500

Sep 8, 2010

Lingerie thief fined $500

By Khushwant Singh

LIM Koon Yaw, 23, was facing a minimum of a year's jail and caning for snatching
a bag of lingerie from a woman in March. Instead, the fast-food worker pleaded
guilty to theft on Wednesday and was fined $500.
A psychiatric report revealed that he had a fetish for women's undergarments.
In the report dated July 4, Dr Jerome Goh of the Institute of Mental Health stated
that Lim had been suffering from the condition since he was 12 years old.
He kept bras and panties in his room and would become sexually aroused when
imagining people wearing them.
Community Court Judge Soh Tze Bian decided that a fine was appropriate as Lim
could be considered a first offender. Although he had been brought to court for
housebreaking previously, Lim had successfully completed a 1 1/2 year probation
stint in 2006.
Lim paid the fine.

Act on poor English - Singapore.

Sep 8, 2010

Act on poor English

Speak Good English campaign recommends 'guerilla tactic' to clean up language lapses

By Lim Wei Chean

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan speaking at the launch at Xin Food Court yesterday. This year's drive is aimed at getting people to consciously speak in correct English in any situation. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

THE next time you see a sign written in poor English, don't just walk by. Instead,
paste a sticky note over it, correcting the grammatical error.
The people behind the Speak Good English Movement are hoping that this guerilla
tactic will get more Singaporeans to be conscious of their English and help others
correct their mistakes.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan kicked
off this year's campaign by being the first to correct a sign at the Xin Food Court at
the HarbourFront Centre yesterday. He replaced an ungrammatical sign saying 'No
outside food allowed' with a correct one which reads 'No food from elsewhere, please'.
The reach of this year's movement, now in its 11th year, has been widened to get
Singaporeans to consciously speak good English, regardless of whether they are having
a conversation with a colleague, a family member, a hawker or a taxi driver.
This year's tagline is 'Get It Right' - aimed at getting people to use good English, full stop.
In his speech at yesterday's launch, Dr Balakrishnan reminded those gathered that English
was chosen as the main language of communication here for pragmatic reasons. It is
the language of science and technology, which the Republic needs to advance, and it
helps to bridge the gap between the different races here, and to reach out to the wider
world. English, he said, is the most common second language in the world.

Driver faces trial for blowing nose - Scotland

Driver faces trial for blowing nose

A man is facing a criminal trial after blowing his nose behind the wheel of his car

A man is facing a criminal trial after he was caught blowing his nose behind the wheel of his car.

Michael Mancini was given a £60 fixed penalty notice after a policeman decided he was "not in control of his vehicle" when he wiped his nose with a tissue.

But the father-of-two told the Daily Record newspaper that he had "made sure it was safe" to blow his nose before taking his hands off the wheel.

Mr Mancini, 39, said he was in stationary traffic and had put his handbrake on when he committed the alleged offence in October last year.

He refused to pay the fine and now faces a trial later this year.

Who can bear the truth ?

Third of adults still hug teddies

More than a third of adults still hug a teddy bear while falling asleep, according to a new survey.

More than half of Britons still have a teddy bear from childhood and the average teddy bear is 27 years old, the poll found.

Travelodge, the hotel chain, surveyed 6,000 British adults and found that respondents said sleeping with a teddy a "comforting and calming" way to end the day.

The survey also found that 25% of men said they even took their teddy away with them on business because it reminded them of home.

Travelodge said that in the past year staff have reunited more than 75,000 teddies and their owners.

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Saturday, September 11, 2010

Grannies knit Smart car tea cosy

Spy camera to ensure lollipop lady gets no stick

Hidden cameras are being used by lollipop ladies and men under a scheme to expose bad drivers outside schools..

Related Articles

'Here you have' virus that promises free sex films causes havoc as it spreads across the world

More...

Only 104 days to Christmas go... and mince pies are on sale

Friday, September 10, 2010

Zombie protesters win pay out

Thursday, September 9, 2010

French barman, 54, 'fathered 55 African babies in £1m benefit scam'

Russians urged to drink and smoke more

Residents of Lustful Court vote for name change

The residents of Lustful Court in Georgia, US, have asked for a name change as they are sick of being subjected to ridicule.

Romania attempts to tax witches and fortune tellers

Proposals to tax witches and fortune tellers in Romania were voted down by senators.

'Mind-reading machine' can convert thoughts into speech

A mind reading machine is a step closer to reality after scientists discovered a way of translating people's thoughts into words.

Related Articles

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Ringtone race row lands fan in a cell

Sep 8, 2010

Lingerie thief fined $500

Sep 8, 2010

Act on poor English

Speak Good English campaign recommends 'guerilla tactic' to clean up language lapses

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan speaking at the launch at Xin Food Court yesterday. This year's drive is aimed at getting people to consciously speak in correct English in any situation. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

Driver faces trial for blowing nose

Third of adults still hug teddies

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