Hundreds of street parties for Royal wedding....

• 5 March 2011, 10:50

Royal Wedding Parties Set To Sweep Nation

Councils across the nation have been flooded with requests for road closures as thousands prepared for massive celebrations to mark the Royal Wedding.

An estimated 2,000 applications have been submitted to close streets for parties in the run up to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on April 29.

Hundreds of applications were still expected with London party planners sending in 70 requests, so far, across the capital's boroughs.

The Welsh capital of Cardiff was also planning festivities as 24 applications were made while Coventry and Bristol councils each received 23 requests.

Councillor Chris White, chairman of the local government association's culture, tourism and sport programme board, hailed the community spirit sweeping the nation.

"Street parties are an established part of British culture, they're a great way for people to meet their neighbours and strengthen community bonds and a tradition councils do their best to support."

Mr White said regulations vary depending on the type of event and said several authorities had waived the normal road closure fees.

"It's great that we're seeing such community spirit sweeping the nation, it's exactly this spirit which will be so important in seeing us through the tough years ahead."

Clare Green, who is organising a party in Coventry, said she was planning a street party for her two young children and expected at least 10 guests.

"We're planning a very traditional party with traditional games like musical statues and pass the parcel, plus bunting and food," Ms Green told Sky News Online.

She said it was very easy to get the council to approve a road closure and required only email communication and an online application.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was set to kick-start events with a party for St George's Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

Around 1,900 people will watch William and Kate exchange their vows at Westminster Abbey, with more than half the guests drawn from the couple's family and friends.

Students use 'sex' book as class notebook....

What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex: book of blank pages become surprise bestseller

A book with entirely blank pages has become a bestseller after becoming a hit with students.

What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex 

7:30AM GMT 03 Mar 2011

39 Comments

“Professor” Sheridan Simove has produced a 200 page book entitled “What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex”.

The work has sold out online on Amazon following heavy promotion in student unions across Britain.

The £4.69 item, which was intended as a novelty gift, is being used by students as a notebook.

Nottingham university student Jess Lloyd said: “I bought a copy for my mate as a joke and he started using it as a note pad for lectures. Now everyone seems to have one. It’s started a real craze on campus.”

“Author” Sheridan Simove said: “This book is the result of 39 years of painstaking research and practical study into the subject. I left nothing to chance and really threw myself into my work.

“After many years of hard work I finally realised that men think of absolutely nothing apart from sex. It was a shocking conclusion and I realised that the world needed to be informed of my findings.

“I never thought for one moment that my life’s work would be embraced by Britain’s students in their thousands. It is very gratifying to see my book outselling many other academic works whose authors claim to have worked even harder than I to break new ground and further the extent of human knowledge.”

Mr Simove, 39, an Oxford University graduate who is an author, performer and entrepreneur, added: “I never anticipated that my book would be used for students to take their lecture notes in. In a sense they are proving me wrong by filling my book with content. But I wonder how many of them go back to thinking about sex once the lecture is over. I’d be willing to bet that answer is 100%. In fact I would go even further and estimate that 99% are thinking about sex even during the lecture. They probably think using my book as a notepad will help them get laid. And they are of course totally correct in that hypothesis.

“I now intend to develop my research further and am planning a PhD at the university of life on the subject of what women think about apart from sex. I hope to publish my findings in another decade.”

Florida church welcomes scumbags...

Scumbags welcome!: Church's controversial billboard attracting criticism 

Last updated at 10:57 PM on 4th March 2011

It shines out in the night like a beacon of light, attracting the attention of all passers by.

Of course, if you are going to put a gigantic sign screaming 'Scumbags Welcome!' on the road side you probably didn't intend it to do much else.

The pastor of Lake County church, Florida, hopes that the controversial billboard will help bring people closer to God.

Scumbags welcome: The giant sign advertising the SNL church has enraged many residents who believe it conveys a non-Christian message

Moses Robbins, of the Saturday Night Live (SNL) church, put the billboard up along Highway 441 between Tavares and Leesburg. 

In less than a week, he said the phone has been ringing off the hook - not from Sumbags wanting to be welcomed - but from people criticising it and its message.

But Robbins said there is nothing vulgar about the sign and he doesn't care if it offends people, assuring this was not his goal.  

He said that for people to understand they must read the Bible verse Mark 2:13-17, in which Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors,  to realise what inspired the billboard.

He claims that the message is based on Jesus Christ's work to engage sinners and put them on the right path and believes the problem stems from people not going to church.

Controversial: Pastor Moses Robbins has defended the sign saying he hopes that it will attract more people to his Saturday Night Live church

He told WFTV: 'It's nothing outrageous by any means. It's not some crazy cult. We're not out sacrificing chickens in the back. We're just teaching the Bible and introducing people to God.

'I wanted to create a short and blunt statement that would create some wonder and lead more people to church.'

The City of Tavares had code enforcement take a look at the large message after the city received complaints from residents.

Mark 2:13-17

'Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 

'As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

'While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 

'When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

'On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners".'

A spokeswoman said the church is well within its right of free speech and had no other comment.

Passerby Bradley Lord said: 'Calling people scumbags, that's just not right. I was raised in a Christian home and I was raised not to insult people.'

Resident Sissie Zollinger was surprised to see the billboard but says she understands the church is just trying to reach people.

'I think they have a good message. They don't want to exclude anyone,' she said.

Pastor Robbins said he has the billboard leased for six more months and in three he has another planned, which deals with sex.

The SNL church formed in April 2010 and has less than 50 members.

On their Facebook page, where they do most of their marketing, members have voiced their support over the billboard.

Danae Copeland McPherson posted: ' I saw you on the news last night and was BLESSED! Love it! 

'Love the message and love the LOVE! Thank you for spreading the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel!'

Joe Parvu said: 'I’m Joseph, husband and father of two and a follower of our Lord Jesus and I’m a scumbag. Proud to be part of the SNL church.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1363082/Scumbags-welcome--Churchs-controversial-billboard-attracting-criticism.html#ixzz1FkDrVibb

6-year-old boy gets 2-storey pirate ship bedroom...

That's one boy who will never be short of first mates: Designer creates ultimate pirate bedroom for lucky six-year-old

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 4:21 PM on 4th March 2011

• Boy's bedroom features rope ladder to timber pirate ship
• Badly behaved shipmates can be locked away in wrought-iron jail
• Crew can escape through two-storey spiral slide, or down rope ladder into closet

It looks like every little boy's dream idea of their perfect bedroom.

But this is in fact one extremely lucky six-year-old's very own pirate ship room, complete with rope bridge, crow's nest and a two-storey hidden slide. 

This ultimate in cool sleeping quarters was created by designer Steve Kuhl, and also features a wrought-iron jail cell and hidden rope ladder access to the closet.

Ship-shape: The ultimate pirate bedroom was created by Steve Kuhl for a lucky six-year-old in Minnesota

On the lookout: The amazing creation also features a crow's nest, rope bridge and two-storey slide

Dream bedroom: Intrepid explorers, or even little sisters, have to enter the ship over a wooden rope ladder after climbing on top of a wrought-iron jail cell

The bedroom was chosen by its owner in Minnesota from a selection of a space ship, racing car, castle and the pirate ship.

Mr Kuhl, who owns Kuhl Design Build, used two large planks to construct the hull of the ship before covering them with layers of plywood as the deck planking.

A mixture of plaster and epoxy resin was then used for the ship's hull.

There is also a spiral slide which is accessed through a hole at the top and comes out in a sports court on the bottom floor of the house.

No doubt the proud owner will not be short of friends.

Escape route: The ship also features a rope down into the closet underneath

Testing: Designer Steve Kuhl puts the two-storey spiral slide through its paces, and again...

Rapid descent: A drawing showing where the spiral slide deposits its inhabitants

Helmsman: Steve Kuhl who came up with the ultimate boys' bedroom design

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1363023/Thats-boy-short-mates-Designer-creates-ultimate-pirate-bedroom-lucky-year-old.html#ixzz1FkCkWbom

Sin tax gets public support-Denmark

Sin tax gets strong public support

FRIDAY, 04 MARCH 2011 12:11 JB NEWS

Higher fees on cigarettes, booze and junk food would lead to rise in smuggling and cross-border shopping

Duties on cigarettes, booze and unhealthy food are too low, say most Danes, according to Epinion/DR poll.

The poll came on the heels of a new calculation from the Tax Ministry that the the price of cigarettes adjusted for inflation had fallen by nearly ten percent since 2002. The price of alcohol fell in the same period by about 15 percent.

Some 72 percent of people said fees on cigarettes ought to be raised. A smaller proportion, but still a majority at 59 and 58 percent respectively, thought alcohol and junk food should also bear heftier duties.

Despite the apparent public support, a hike in the sin tax is unlikely to come soon, however.

“The very same people who want higher duties will jump in their cars and drive over the border where prices are lower to go shopping, just as soon as we raise the duties. There is a limit to how high duties can be and we are already at that limit,” said Karsten Lauritzen, member of the tax committee and the prime minister’s Liberal Party.

The opposition proposes raising duties on cigarettes and junk food, but not on alcohol, according to Social Democrat René Skau Björnsson.

“If we raise the fees on alcohol, we run the risk that cross-border shopping will rise even more, and then we won’t get any benefit out of it. That’s why we propose beginning with cigarettes and junk foods.”

The connection between higher duties and increased cross-border shopping is well documented, according to the government’s Prevention Commission. On the other hand, so is the connection between higher cigarette prices and less smoking.

Police roadblocks catch drivers smoking behind wheel....

Roadblocks set up to catch drivers smoking

Police roadblocks are being set up to catch drivers who are breaking the law – by smoking at the wheel of their company vehicle.

The law made it illegal ito smoke n all vehicles used primarily for business purposes by more than one person Photo: ALAMY

By Martin Evans 7:00AM GMT 02 Mar 2011

Council wardens and Essex Police will carry out random inspections across the county to look for evidence of illicit cigarette use.

They will even hunt for cigarette butts in the ashtrays and smell the air inside the vehicles in order to clamp down on the outlawed practice.

Workers were banned from smoking in their company cars as part of the Health Act introduced in 2006.

The law made it illegal in all vehicles used primarily for business purposes by more than one person.

Anyone caught breaking the law faces a £50 fixed penalty fine or a possible court conviction, which carries a £200 fine.

The culprits’ employers will also be informed and also be heavily fined.

Chris Kitchen, acting head of environmental services at Tendring District Council in Essex said: “Police together with council officers will be stopping business vehicles and public transport vehicles on the highway.

"We have noticed that people are smoking in commercial vehicles where in fact it's banned and we will be looking for evidence that people have been smoking.

He added: "We will be looking for ashtrays and whether the vehicle smells of smoke."

Ian Wilkins, environmental officer at Tendring District Council, explained that the scheme was intended to raise awareness of the law.

He said: "When the new legislation came into force on July 1 2007, it became illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed public places and public and work vehicles.

"I think it is fair to say that most people understood the rules when it came to public buildings, but there was some confusion over the rules about smoking in vehicles.

"We will use the month of March to carry out inspections, offer advice and generally try and make sure people are aware of and compliant with the legislation.

"This is primarily about raising awareness but, if we feel the case is appropriate, we will take action where contraventions are observed."

The scheme which is being carried out throughout March has been organised to coincide with National No Smoking Day which takes place on March 9.

700-year-old mummy found by roadworkers....

She's aged well: Face of incredibly preserved 700-year-old mummy found by chance by Chinese road workers 

By OLIVER PICKUP
Last updated at 2:03 PM on 4th March 2011

• Eyebrows still intact highlighting amazing level of preservation
• Mummy believed to be a high-ranking member of the Ming Dynasty
• Wearing silk and cotton, she's the first major discovery in years in the area

Amazing discovery: The 700-year-old mummy was found in the city of Taizhou, in Jiangsu Province

These incredible pictures show a 700-year-old mummy, which was discovered by chance - by road workers - in excellent condition in eastern China.

The corpse of the high-ranking woman believed to be from the Ming Dynasty - the ruling power in China between 1368 and 1644 - was stumbled across by a team who were looking to expand a street.

And the mummy, which was found in the city of Taizhou, in the Jiangsu Province, along with two other wooden tombs, offers a fascinating insight into life as it was back then.

Discovered two metres below the road surface, the woman's features - from her head to her shoes - have retained their original condition, and have hardly deteriorated.

When the discovery was made by the road workers, late last month, Chinese archaeologists, from the nearby Museum of Taizhou, were called into excavate the area, the state agency Xinhua News reported.

They were surprised by the remarkably good condition of the woman's skin, hair, eyelashes and face. It was as though she had only recently died.

 

Oh mother! The woman, discovered two metres below the surface in a wooden tomb, was wearing a  Ming Dynasty dress and is thought to have been at a high-ranking level

Immersed: The mummy was found by road workers, and had been preserved in a brown liquid

Bejewelled: The right hand of the 700-year-old mummy shows her preserved skin, and a ring adorns her finger

MING DYNASTY FACTS

The Ming Dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644

It was 'one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history' according to venerated tome A history of East Asian civilization

Ming rule saw the construction of a vast navy and a standing army of one million troops

There were enormous construction projects, including the restoration of the Grand Canal and the Great Wall and the establishment of the Forbidden City in Beijing (pictured) during the first quarter of the 15th century

Estimates for the late-Ming population vary from 160 to 200 million

Her body, which measures 1.5 metres high, was found at the construction site immersed in a brown liquid inside the coffin. 

And the coffin was opened earlier this week, on March 1, much to the excitement of the local city - and further afield. And the right hand of the 700-year-old mummy showed her preserved skin, and a ring. 

The mummy was wearing traditional Ming dynasty costume, and also in the coffin were bones, ceramics, ancient writings and other relics.

This is the latest discovery after a lull of three years in the area. Indeed, between 1979 and 2008 five mummies were found, all in very good condition.

Those findings raising the interest in learning the techniques of preservation funeral of this dynasty and customs in time to bury the dead. 

Director of the Museum of Taizhou, Wang Weiyin, told Xinhua that the mummy's clothes are made mostly of silk, with a little cotton.

He said usually silk and cotton are very hard to preserve and excavations found that this mummifying technology was used only at very high-profile funerals. 

The first finding of the Ming Dynasty in Taizhou dates from May 1979 and led the opening of the museum. 

At that time the bodies were also found intact, but due to lack of experience of archaeologists only clothing, belts and clamps could be preserved. 

The Ming Dynasty, who built the Forbidden City and restored the Great Wall, was the last in China and marked an era of economic growth and cultural splendour which produced the first commercial contacts with the West.

Wonderfully preserved: This close up of the mummy's shoes shows how well preserved her corpse it

Raised: The group of archaeologists, from the Museum of Taizhou, are shown lifting the corpse out of the coffins to examine their find

Exciting find: Archaeologists raise up the 700-year-old mummy (left), and two other wooden coffins were found

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1362957/700-year-old-mummy-road-workers-east-China-excellent-condition.html#ixzz1FdqKQ4dz