Mice to be used to sniff drugs and explosives... not the cheese.

• 3 February 2011, 10:02

Sniffer mice to find drugs and bombs

Mice are being trained to detect would-be bombers and drug couriers at airports.

Israeli scientists have created a detector, similar to a full-body scanner but with three concealed cartridges each containing eight specially trained mice.

Researchers claimed to the New Scientist that the mice, which work four-hour shifts, are more accurate than sniffer dogs and x-ray machines.

Air is pumped into the cartridges every four hours so the mice can breathe.

When the mice sense traces of drugs they run to a side chamber where they trigger an alarm, the magazine said.

Inventor Eran Lumbroso, whose company BioExplorers is hoping a larger company will help with the final stages of development, said: "It is as if they are smelling a cat and escaping. We detect the escape."

The device was tested last year on 1,000 shoppers in a Tel Aviv shopping mall when the mice successfully picked out 22 people carrying mock explosives.

The idea may be appealing to airport authorities who feel that body scanners invade customers privacy.

Vertical parking on ice....

4th February

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This Feb. 1, 2011 photo shows a car that landed vertically into a snowbank after a multiple vehicle accident on Interstate 93 during a snow storm north of Salem, N.H. No one was injured. Snow storms continued to batter north America for several days

Nurse unfairly sacked for straddling naked patient... 'Carry on' style.

Carry on nursing: Health worker sacked for making cheeky joke as she straddled naked patient was unfairly dismissed

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:14 PM on 4th February 2011

A nurse who cracked a saucy joke as she helped to restrain a patient having an epileptic fit was unfairly fired, the Appeal Court has ruled.

Laura Bowater, 34, quipped: 'It's been a few months since I have been in this position with a man underneath me' as she straddled his naked body while doctors tried to give him an injection.

The trousers of the 'extremely strong' 31-year-old patient had been removed so doctors could inject his buttock and Ms Bowater sat on his ankles to control his flailing legs.

Laura Bowater's quip was reminicent of the double entendres made famous in the Carry On films, such as Carry On Doctor, which starred Barbara Windsor, Jim Dale and Hattie Jacques (pictured)

But the patient span on to his back, exposing himself and kicking her forward so that she ended up astride him.

The senior staff nurse's remark would have been considered 'merely humorous' by many people and did not warrant losing her job, the judges found.

Ms Bowater was on her way home from a 12-hour shift in the accident and emergency department at London's Central Middlesex Hospital in July 2006 when she stopped to help staff.

Former nurse Nadine Dorries, now Tory MP for Mid Bedfordshire, described the sacking as 'insane' 

A complaint was made six weeks later even though no-one suggested the unconscious patient could have heard what Ms Bowater said.

She was fired from her £25,000-a-year post for gross misconduct over the quip despite four years' unblemished service.

A panel at Watford Employment Tribunal upheld her unfair dismissal claim but North West London Hospitals NHS Trust successfully challenged it at the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Appeal Court judge Lord Justice Burnton has now overturned that decision but ruled that the nurse 'contributed' 25 per cent to her own dismissal.

The case will return to the original employment tribunal for Ms Bowater's unfair dismissal payment to be decided.

Tory MP for Mid Bedfordshire Nadine Dorries, a former nurse, had slammed the sacking, saying: 'This is insane. Why has she lost her job?  

'She made a joke as her way of having to deal with a stressful situation.

'She perhaps could have been given some kind of warning. There are ways of dealing with it and sacking her was not the correct way.

'It's difficult enough trying to recruit and retain nurses at the moment.'  

Ms Bowater refused to comment on the case.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353595/Nurse-Laura-Bowater-sacked-lewd-comments-unfairly-dismissed.html#ixzz1D1NPOvrT

Football fan paints his Mercedes in tribute to fave player....

Fri Feb 04 09:09am EST

Steelers fan paints tribute to Polamalu on Mercedes trunk

By Chris Chase

Behold "The Immaculate Mercedes."

To show his support for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-year-old Martin Reese spent about 90 hours over the past three weeks customizing his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D into a rolling tribute to the AFC champions. The high school art teacher from Daytona Beach, Fla. hand-painted the car black and yellow with a Steelers logo on the hood, Ben Roethlisberger(notes) on the passenger side door and a psychedelic, flowing tribute to Troy Polamalu(notes) and his Samson-like locks on the trunk. Good thing he didn't paintJames Harrison(notes) on it or else that car would be hitting everything.

Reese started the project, which he named after the 1972 Franco Harris catch that became one of the biggest moments in Steelers history, before the AFC championship game. It was a risky proposition seeing as how the Steelers still had to play the New York Jets before advancing to the Super Bowl. He didn't let that little matter deter him though. "I had faith they would beat the Jets," he told the Orlando Sentinel.

After completing the project this week, Reese took off for Dallas in the car. He doesn't have a ticket to the game but expects to be welcomed by Steelers nation with "open arms."

Our only piece of advice: Be careful if you ever drive the "Immaculate Mercedes" through Cleveland or Baltimore. Though we think it's a masterful work of art, it's hard to imagine Browns or Ravens fans agreeing.

The world gets fatter with Americans leading the way...

• 4 February 2011, 9:13

More Than One In Ten People On Earth Obese

More than one in 10 people around the globe are obese as more countries embrace "Western" lifestyles.

Three papers published in The Lancet show obesity levels have doubled in the last 30 years.

On the plus side, the studies also revealed the proportion of the world's population with high blood pressure fell over the same period.

In 2008, more than half a billion adults worldwide - 205 million men and 297 million women - were clinically obese.

This means they had a body mass index (BMI), measured by dividing a person's weight in kilogrammes by their height in metres squared, of 30 or above.

An estimated 9.8% of men and 13.8% of women on Earth were obese in 2008, compared with 4.8% of men and 7.9% of women in 1980.

Pacific island nations had the highest obesity rate, with average BMI levels reaching 34-35 - up to 70% higher than some countries in south-east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Americans have the highest BMI for both men and women in high income countries - being overweight is now the norm for the average American.

Britons had the sixth highest BMI for women and ninth for men in Europe.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "There has been a striking escalation of obesity over the last 30 years.

"It's an ugly, upward trend but it can be reversed with effective policies and sensible lifestyle changes."

Roman road found after 1,900 years.

Built to last: Huge Roman road found in Dorset forest... 1,900 years after it was constructed

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:47 AM on 4th February 2011

• The 15ft-high road ran from London to Exeter

An enormous and well-preserved section of one of Britain's first Roman roads has been uncovered in the depths of a Dorset forest.

The 1,900-year-old road was constructed by Roman invaders to run from London (Londinium) to Exeter (Isca).

The 85ft-long earthwork stands over 15ft high and consists of a sweeping road with deep ditches on either side.

The Forestry Commission had been aware that the ancient road existed but because it was so densely covered by trees staff couldn't find it.

They called in expert Peter Addison, from English Heritage, who located the section - and was stunned by its scale.

The Norway Spruce fir trees in Puddletown Forest in Dorset were cleared and the size of the half-mile long monument is now there for all to see.

Mr Addison said it is the biggest Roman road he has come across and that it was designed to make a statement.

While more research needs to be done on the road, it is thought that it might be from the first century, shortly after the Roman invasion.

If it were built in the early days of the occupancy, its scale would have been chosen to deliberately intimidate the locals. The site of a Roman legion marching along the road would surely have had the desired effect.

Between deep ditches: Experts believe the road's scale was to deliberately intimidate the locals - the site of a Roman legion marching along the road would have had the desired effect

The section uncovered was built from gravel and is amazingly well-preserved thanks to never having been under the plough and later covered with a dense pine wood

It is thought the road would have been made from layers of gravel and the fact it still exists is testimony to the building skills involved.

It has a central cobbled 'street', which would have been used for rapid troop movements, and outer 'droving' roads for livestock, as well as ditches for water drainage.

A Forestry Commission spokesman said: 'By clear felling a plantation of Norway Spruce fir trees in Puddletown Forest, we have painstakingly uncovered one of the UK's most remarkable sections of ancient Roman road.'

Mr Addison said: 'It's extraordinary. It has been known about but when the Forestry Commission wanted to find it, they struggled.

'The trees were planted so tightly it was difficult to move through them. They called me in and I managed to find it.

'It is part of the road that goes from Badbury Rings to the fort at Dorchester and was part of the network of roads from Old Sarum (now Salisbury) to Exeter.

Artist's impression: The Roman road being built in the Dorset forest 1,900 years ago

'It is absolutely huge and unlike anything I have ever seen. Here you have a large road with huge ditches either side.

'It is raised very high which is unusual. It is only speculation, but the height might have been to make a statement.

'It is thought this was a road made early in the occupation and not used for long. If so, then it would have been incredibly impressive to the locals.

'In other parts of the forest we know the road was made using gravel and they probably used layers to build up the agger to the surface.

'They built ditches on either side to act as "soakaways" to prolong the life of the road. But more work needs to be done to find out these details.'

It is hoped archaeologists will now get to examine the road properly and provide a detailed earthwork survey.

The Forestry Commission has said it won't plant any more trees on it and it is thought that it will be grassed over in the future.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1353574/Roman-road-Dorset-forest-1-900-years-construction.html#ixzz1D0BIPTco

Man tattoo's 'Genius' on forehead spelt with a 'J'

Some 'genius'! Suspect on assault charge pictured with misspelt tattoo

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:43 AM on 4th February 2011

It's wrong on so many levels.

As if covering your face with ugly DIY tattoos wasn't a dumb enough thing to do, this suspect in an assault case even managed to misspell the one that runs right across his forehead. 

Jerome Smith had the word genius written with a 'j' instead of a 'g'.

Spelling mistake: Accused Jerome Smith has a misspelt 'genius' tattoo

The 27-year-old also has 'omerta' - the Italian word referring to the Mafia code of silence - tattooed on his neck.

He is accused of striking an eight-month pregnant woman in the head with a gun, said an affidavit filed in Hamilton County Municipal Court, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Smith, of Wegman Avenue, was arrested for allegedly battering Tiera Bryant on Saturday, according to The Smoking Gun website.

He was released from prison three months ago on a narcotics charge, and he also has convictions for attempted murder, burglary and drug possession.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1353389/Jerome-Smith-police-mugshot-misspelt-genius-tattoo.html#ixzz1D09J6CNH

New York bans smoking in Times Square....

New York smoking ban extended to parks and Times Square

Lawmakers have voted to extend New York City's smoking ban to parks, beaches – and Times Square.

New York City's smoking ban will extend to Times Square Photo: ALAMY

12:03AM GMT 03 Feb 2011

The ban approved on Wednesday by a vote of 36-12 is one of the most ambitious outdoor anti-tobacco efforts in the U.S.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn says the new law will save lives and make New York a healthier place to live.

The smoking ban will cover some 1,700 parks and 14 miles of public beaches plus boardwalks, marinas and pedestrian plazas. The law will go into effect in 90 days.

New York City outlawed smoking in bars and restaurants in 2003.

"This summer, New Yorkers who go to our parks and beaches for some fresh air and fun will be able to breathe even cleaner air and sit on a beach not littered with cigarette butts," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Backers of the ban say even brief exposure to second-hand smoke can pose health risks.

Many smokers say the law will infringe on their rights.

US security plane lands on flatbed lorry on busy highway.

Miracle escape for pilot and crew as plane lands on flat-bed truck on busy highway

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 3:49 PM on 2nd February 2011

Motorists had to do a double take as a light aircraft made its way along a freeway after being forced to make an emergency landing.

The plane had been returning to Teterboro Airport in New York when it suffered a fuel line malfunction.

But disaster was averted when a truck with a flat-bed trailer was scrambled and driven out on to the Interstate 80 in New Jersey - and the pilot managed to land on it.

Scroll down to see the news video of the miracle escape 

Emergency landing: The plane, owned by the American Justice Department, safely landed on a flat-bed trailer

Saved: The plane ran out of fuel but luckily no one was injured

The Department of Justice was forced to admit that the government aircraft was being used for security training purposes.

Aside from the rookie pilot, a flight instructor and law enforcement officer were also on board.

It isn't known who landed the plane, but nobody was injured.

But apart from a few bemused motorists at around 2.30pm on Monday, nobody was any the wiser.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352860/Miracle-escape-pilot-crew-plane-lands-busy-highway.html#ixzz1CtMnHM9h

Farrah Fawcett's red bathing suit from famous poster to be auctioned.

Farrah Fawcett's red bathing suit to be auctioned

Items from actress Farrah Fawcett's career will be enshrined in national history on Wednesday with a donation to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, including that red bathing suit.

Ryan O'Neal stands next to the red swimsuit belonging to the late actress Farah Fawcett Photo: AP

9:30PM GMT 02 Feb 2011

The 1976 iconic image of Fawcett curled up in a red bathing suit and a wide smile sold over 12 million posters and became a recognisable sign of the decade.

The bathing suit forms the centrepiece of the donation, according to the Smithsonian's website.

An original copy of the poster, a leather-bound book of Fawcett's personal copies of scripts for the first season of the television series "Charlie's Angels," magazines with her on the cover and other Fawcett paraphernalia will also be donated in a ceremony attended by actor Ryan O'Neal, with whom she had a long romantic relationship, and Nels Van Patten, friend and observer of the 1976 poster photo shoot.

The items will be a part of the popular culture history collections.

Fawcett died in 2009 at the age of 62 from cancer.

600 year old Ming Moonflask worth £1million taken to auction in cardboard box.

Hauled to auction in a cardboard box... the 600-year-old Ming 'moonflask' worth £1MILLION

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 3:13 AM on 3rd February 2011

A Chinese vase that was taken to an auction house by a 79-year-old pensioner in a cardboard box has stunned experts when they realised it was from the early Ming period - and worth £1million.

The 11.5in-high 'moonflask' dates from between 1403 and 1424 and is a very rare discovery. 'Moonflasks' are so called because their curved shape was likened to that of the moon.

Its owner, who prefers to remain anonymous, carried the vase to Duke's auction house in Dorchester, Dorset, in a cardboard box.

The vase, said to be influenced by Islamic design, was made during the reign of the Emperor Yongle - the third emperor of the Ming period

YONGLE, THE TOLERANT LEADER WHO BUILT THE FORBIDDEN CITY

The Yongle emperor was the third emperor of the Ming dynasty and ruled from 1402 to 1424, when he died aged 64.

It was he who moved the country's capital to Beijing and there he constructed the Forbidden City.

During his reign, the Grand Canal was almost completely rebuilt and was used to move imported goods from all over the world.

Yongle's tolerance of Chinese ideas that did not agree with his own philosophies was well-known, but he despised the Mongols.

Yongle called for the construction and repair of Islamic mosques during his reign and two mosques were built by him, one in Nanjing and the other in Xi'an, and they still stand today.

Repairs were encouraged and the mosques were not allowed to be converted to any other use.

During his reign the monumental Yongle Encyclopedia was completed. Artists and craftsmen flourished in his reign. 'Moonflasks' are so called because their curved shape was likened to that of the moon.

It is not known what he paid for the vase but prices for artefacts from the Far East have soared in recent years.

This latest example was made during the reign of the Emperor Yongle - the third emperor of the Ming period.

The name Yongle means 'perpetual happiness' and demonstrates the exceptional level of refinement achieved during the emperor's reign. Europe was unable to turn out porcelain of such quality until the 18th century.

The elegant blue and white piece with simple loop handles is thought to have been influenced by Islamic design. It has a flattened globular body with a bold-shaped mouth and simple loop handles, which derive from a near Eastern form.

The body is decorated in underglaze blue with Islamic inspired decoration of latticing and shaped panels centred by a six-pointed star containing leafy arabesques and scrolls.

Around the neck is a band of clouds and the circular foot has lappets and dots.

Because of its Islamic influence, potential buyers are likely to come from the Gulf states as well as China.

Last year, a Chinese vase found during a house clearance sold for an astonishing £43million.

Guy Schwinge, from Duke's, said: 'When my colleague initially showed me what had arrived in a cardboard box I could not believe my eyes.

'The vase is in perfect condition and it is amazing to think that it has survived unscathed for almost 600 years.

'It is the largest recorded example from a rarefied group of early Ming moonflasks dating from the Yongle period.

Giuseppe Eskenazi, one of the world's leading dealers in Chinese art who is based in Mayfair, London, said of the vase: 'It is very fine and should do very well. It is very rare and in 50 years I have only seen three flasks like this.

Last year, Duke's sold a Chinese vase from the Qianlong period that had been used as an umbrella stand for £765,000.

The sale is on May 12.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352857/600-year-old-Ming-moonflask-Chinese-vase-worth-1MILLION.html#ixzz1CtBtHaLL