Tag Archives: story
105-Year-Old Secret
A 105-year-old Texas woman has earned a place in almost all headlines by revealing the most unlikely secret to her long life.
Strangely, her key to longevity is bacon. Yes, you read it right; 105-year-old Pearl Cantrell loves to eat bacon and feasts on it almost every day. Her story, for sure, will be a subject of research for most health scientists.
Pearl Cantrell, who’s mostly referred to as the ’105-year-old bacon woman’, said in an interview with a local NBC station, “I love bacon and I eat it everyday. I don’t feel as old as I am, that’s all I can say.”
Resident of Central Texas, Cantrell, a mother of seven, has outlived three of her kids, as well as her husband. Her recent 105th birthday bash was a three-day affair that included more than 200 guests.
Reports according to KRBC state that Cantrell’s love for bacon grabbed the attention of the American meat and cold cut production company Oscar Mayer. A representative of the company was present at Cantrell’s birthday. The spokesman reached her home in a Wienermobile and gave the ‘bacon woman’ a ride in the hot dog-shaped truck, gifting her tons of bacon, with more to come in the future.
“We’ve seen a lot of stories on the road, but nothing quite like this one, so we’re excited to be here,” Abraham Luna, one of the representatives, told KRBC, of the 105-year-old bacon woman. “Pearl is an inspiration for the community, and her friends and family, so we had to make a special stop here for her today.”
Cantrell’s daughter Anno says that her mother taught them to work hard and think about living everyday they woke up. She never spoke about dying. She is very active and still loves to dance.
This story comes as a challenge to the latest study conducted by the University of Zurich, which clearly states that eating too much bacon elevates the risk for bowel cancer.
4G Network set for 1 million users
EE, the U.K.’s first and still only 4G network operator, confirmed that after five months of 4G trading it has hit a total of 318,000 4G-specific customers out of a total of 13.7 million postpaid mobile subscribers (Overall EE has a mobile & fixed line broadband subscriber base of 26.4 million).
It’s worth underlining that the 318,000 figure does not consist of only new customers joining EE but includes existing 3G customers who have upgraded to its 4G offering. In its, Q1 results release today. EE said ”strong take-up of 4G services amongst new and existing customers validates our data monetisation strategy”, noting that it is continuing to “successfully migrate Orange and T-Mobile customers with 4G-ready phones to high value EE 4G price plans in areas where 4G coverage is available”.
It added that it is “firmly on track” to meet its target of more than one million 4G customers by the end of 2013. This is a target that is arguably rather unambitious, as IHS Screen Digest analyst Daniel Gleeson noted on Twitter.
EE reported postpaid mobile net adds of 166,000 for its Q1. The quarter is traditionally a weaker one for the carrier to add new customers but EE noted that Q1 2013 outperformed its past two year-on-year Q1 quarters, which saw 150,000 and 160,000 net postpaid adds respectively
Commenting on the results in a statement, EE’s Chief Financial Officer, Neal Milsom, said: “Today’s results are in-line with our expectations, and we are making good progress focusing on high value segments. We’re announcing 318,000 4G customers after just five months of trading, strong postpaid net adds and continued growth in our underlying average revenue per user. We expect to strengthen our industry leadership position in the year ahead as the 4G roll out continues and we introduce double-speed 4GEE.”
Last month EE announced its 4G network was now within reach of 50% of the population.
Doctors approve Sainthood
The medical council has recognized one healing as inexplicable. If the theologians’ give their consent, John Paul would become a Saint only eight years after his death.
The canonisation of Wojtyla, better known as John Paul II, is getting closer quickly and it could be celebrated next October. In fact, in the past few days, the medical council of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has recognized as inexplicable one healing attributed to the blessed John Paul II. A supposed “miracle” that, if it is also approved by theologians and the cardinals (as it is very likely), will bring the Polish Pope, who died in 2005, the halo of sainthood in record time, just eight years after his death.
This is the overcoming of the first fundamental hurdle, given that the alleged miracle must now be approved by theologians and then by the cardinals and bishops of the Congregation, before being subjected to the Pope for the definitive “yes“. The approval of the council is considered the most important step of the two.
From the steps taken, the desire of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to work quickly is evident, as it had already happened for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, celebrated by his successor Benedict XVI the 1st of May, 2011. This fast lane that continues to be open for Wojtyla indicates that even Pope Francis is in favour of the canonisation of the Polish Pope.
It is still premature to talk about dates for the canonization, but the rapidity with which the examination of the miracle process is happening still leaves open the possibility of celebrating it on Sunday October 20th, very close to the liturgical holiday assigned to the Wojtyla, which is on October 22nd.
Order Pizza with your Xbox 360 App
Pizza Hut is launching an app for Xbox Live, letting users order a pizza through their Xbox 360.
Once you’ve linked your Xbox Live account with a Pizza Hut account, and chosen the nearest pizza parlor, orders can be made using the game controller, voice input or Kinect gestures. And for those looking to combine ingredients for that perfect pizza, custom orders are also available.
This, of course, is not the only way to digitally create an order your pizza online. Domino’s iPad app has already something in place. However, given the historical link between gaming on platforms such as the Xbox 360 and pizza, it might be the more natural.
“If you look at our audience, they love pizza. I mean, who doesn’t? It has international appeal, and Pizza Hut is a recognized brand that matches up well with the Xbox brand,” Xbox’s Larry Hryb told Polygon.
The app should be live starting today, April 23. To sweeten (salt, pepper?) the deal, Pizza hut will give Xbox users a 15% off their first purchase, as long as they download the app and make the order before May 6.
Successful Launch of Private Rocket
A company contracted by NASA to take supplies to the international space station launched a test rocket Sunday. WCAV reports Antares was the biggest rocket ever launched from Virginia.
“Antares moved smoothly through its two stages and achieved orbit, drawing applause from those watching in the control room. Officials say the mission is a success.”
The unmanned rocket blasted off from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, but WTVR reports liftoff came after two delays.
“The rocket was scheduled to launch last Wednesday… a glitch pushed the launch back to Saturday… and high winds moved it to just after 5 pm Sunday.”
Antares is made by a Washington, D.C. spaceflight company called Orbital Sciences. It has a $1.9 billion contract with NASA for at least eight resupply flights to the space station using its cargo ship Cygnus.
“The company is aiming to launch a rocket carrying its cargo ship this summer to dock with the station. If successful, they want to make the first of eight contracted deliveries in the fall.” -WWBT
NASA TV reports Antares had some special cargo on board on this test flight.
“Antares also delivered to orbit a trio of phoneset nanosatellites, designed and built at Ames research center to showcase the ability to launch to space low cost, easy to build satellites.”
Orbital Sciences had a lot riding on the successful liftoff, which NBC reports marked a critical test flight of a new commercial launch system.
The company’s executive vice president said “the company has invested about $300 million developing the Cygnus spacecraft alone, slightly more in the rocket itself.”
The launch was visible all along the East Coast, from Maine to South Carolina.
‘Bed Of Needles’ Minimizes Pain
Researchers have come up with a better way of keeping skin grafts in place through a bed of microscopic needles so pain, and damage, would be minimal compared to staples. (Via Counsel and Heal)
The nature inspired “bed of needles” is actually a parasitic worm to be exact which preys on fish. It uses its pointing microscopic head to latch onto the fish’s intestine.
But what makes the worm unique is that once it gets the needles inside its prey they expand to get an extra-tight hold. (Via Bio Lib)
And the bed of needles does the same thing. Once it is inserted into the skin, the needles swell when they meet moisture. (Via Science CodeX)
It’s a method that is hardly comparable to any other treatment available today. When the bed of needles is compared to medical super glue or a standard micro needle patch, its grip is extraordinarily tighter. (Via Youtube)
The lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Karp told the BBC its snug hold isn’t the only benefit.
“The unique design allows the needles to stick to soft tissues with minimal damage… Moreover, when it comes time to remove the adhesive, compared to staples, there is less trauma inflicted to the tissues, blood and nerves, as well as a reduced risk of infection.”
Researchers not only hope the invention will one day be an alternative to staples and other devices used for skin grafts but it might also be used to administer therapeutic drugs like proteins. (Via EurekAlert!)
Millions Generated for Boston Victims
Donations are pouring into the Boston area as victims deal with mounting medical debt. The Internet has been a useful tool in raising money for those affected.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino created “The One Fund” on the day of the attack and raised more than $7 million in the first 24 hours. (Via CBC)
Elected officials are not the only ones in the fundraising effort, though. GoFundMe is a popular fundraising site which has also helped a number of victims pay their high medical bills.
A mother and daughter named Celeste and Sydney have received an outpouring of donations. That fundraiser has garnered nearly $500,000, including $25,000 from late night talk show host Chelsea Handler.
GoFundMe also helped out one victim who lost both of his legs in the blast. Jeff Bauman gained notoriety when graphic images showing his injuries surfaced. More than $300,000 has been raised. As a result of the constant flow of donations, the donation goal has been raised to $1 million. (Via New York Daily News)
And the man who had his boat destroyed when police captured a suspect has been getting donations as well.
According to ABC, David Henneberry’s boat is now full of bullet holes and is expected to be used as evidence in the case for quite some time. Donations for him to get a new boat have ranged from $25 from an Orlando woman to $1,000 from a personal injury attorney.
But with money at stake, law enforcement officials are warning against scammers trying to take advantage of well-wishers.
KTTS reports police are telling people to, “be careful of online donation sites or charities that have similar names to legitimate ones.”
The Omaha World-Herald notes one of the best ways to steer clear of scams is to not donate to a charity on an unfamiliar website.
Samsung’s Mind-Control Technology
Have you ever imagined controlling things with your mind? Samsung are investing in research to help that become a reality!
The company has reportedly teamed up with researchers at the University of Texas to create a system that will allow a user to control a tablet such as the Galaxy Note 10.1 through thought patterns.
The techies are trying to bring this about by using a female looking swimming cap wired with EEG sensors that are used to measure the brain’s electrical activity.
Users were monitored to reveal patterns that occur after they were shown repetitive visual patterns. Researchers have discovered that users are able to open an application and use it effectively by concentrating on an icon that was blinking. (via MIT Technology Review)
And Gizmodo reports Samsung’s flashy system has managed an accuracy of about 80 to 95 percent although the head wear isn’t exactly sexy.
Popular Science also notes the telekinetic technology isn’t really all that fast either. It apparently takes, on average, five seconds for the sensors to make a selection, so sticking with the hands-on methods might be a more appealing option.
In any case, Jedi-mind control isn’t as new of a concept as you might think.
NeuroSky already makes wearable bio sensors and signal processing systems for consumer electronics, health and wellness applications and education.
Or if you just want a pair of mind-reading cat ears…
As for Samsung’s latest project, there’s no indication it’ll be put into mass-production anytime soon, so if you want to control something with your mind you’ll probably have to stick with cat ears for now.
Improve Memory whilst sleeping
Is it possible to boost your brainpower while getting a good night’s sleep? Well according to
a study it is by listening to music!
According to a new study if you have music that’s in sync with brain oscillations, or the repetitive rhythm that represents activity, can help improve your memory. (Via ScienceDirect)
According to the Daily Mail, researchers have known for a while that slow brain oscillations are important to retain memory. Now, sound can be used to improve those oscillations.
“Researchers say slow rhythms are best and that stimulation that is out of sync doesn’t help. They also say in-sync rhythms can make slow-wave sleeps last longer.” (Via WXYZ)
These conclusions were drawn by researchers in Germany by tested 11 people. They interchanged between sound exposure while sleep and a placebo. Before they went to sleep, the participants memorized word associations. (Via Nature World News)
The researchers discovered after listening to music while sleeping the participants did a better job of remembering the associations than those who didn’t sleep with music. (Via Counsel and Heal)
Medical Daily points out that using music as a research tool is nothing new when it comes to studying the brain.
A recent study showed brain patterns can predict what music people are most likely to buy.
And a 2010 study showed music can be used as therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. (Via PBS)
So, what could come of this new study? In a press release the researchers said the findings could do more in the future than just improve sleep.
“…it might be even used to enhance other brain rhythms with obvious functional significance—like rhythms that occur during wakefulness and are involved in the regulation of attention.”(Via EurakAlert!)
Smartphone App Avoid’s Incest
When you go to a club or bar asking someone if they’re your cousin is probably not the best chat up lines or breaking the ice with someone. However, in Iceland such an important piece of information can make the difference between incest or not. For this reason a new app was made to prevent such dangerous liaisons.
Its called the Islendinga App and it allows users to bump smartphones, and if you both share a grandparent it will set off an alarm and send you a text message as part of the “Incest Spoiler” feature. (Via WOLO)
Three University of Iceland students developed the app as part of a contest to make “new creative uses” of the Book of Icelanders (The book is the country’s extensive genealogical database which traces the lineage of its current citizens back roughly 1,200 years).
A writer for Popular Science notes most of the country’s 320,000 people share a common descent from ninth century Viking settlers, and because of that “the danger probably lies more in kissing your second cousins.”
And apparently that occurs a little too often. Medical Daily quotes one of the app’s developers, saying:
“Everyone has heard the story of going to a family event and running into a girl you hooked up with some time ago. It’s not a good feeling when you realize that girl is a second cousin. People may think it’s funny, but [the app] is a necessity.”
Yes, he really called an app with an “Incest Spoiler” feature a necessity. But wouldn’t meeting someone with the same last name of one of your relatives be an immediate red flag? A writer for Wired explains the name game isn’t reliable in Iceland.
“Part of the problem … is that Icelandic naming conventions don’t reflect someone’s descendants. … Each new generation has a completely different name to the name of the generation that preceded it.”
So that means your cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews could all have different last names.
Businessweek points out the app has other convenient features, like a calendar to remind users of their relatives’ birthdays.
The Android app has been downloaded almost 5,000 times and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Though if you want to get your hands on it, you’d better brush up on your Icelandic as that’s the only language it’s available in. The developers say they hope to release a version for iPhone users soon.
Madeleine’s Mother forgives Abductor
Kate McCann has revealed she “could probably forgive Madeline’s abductor” as her missing daughter’s 10th birthday approaches.
The practicing Catholic spoke of the cycles of grief, hope and mercy she has endured in the six years since Madeleine was snatched.
Speaking to the Telegraph, the 45-year-old said: “I think I could probably forgive Madeleine’s abductor whatever the circumstances… I can’t change anything and I don’t want to be eaten up by hatred and bitterness.”
Madeleine was nearly four when she vanished from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as her parents dined with friends nearby.
Kate, who is also mother to eight-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, admits she and husband Gerry continue to struggle daily with their loss.
She said: “Living in limbo with this void and uncertainty is truly dreadful It’s hard to rest, to find peace. It’s unsettling and uncomfortable all the time. Even on a ‘good’ day, that feeling is lurking.”
Despite the limbo of not knowing what has happened to their daughter, whose 10th birthday is on May 12, the McCanns are adamant she may still be found.
On their website Find Madeleine, they write: “There is absolute nothing to suggest that Madeleine has been harmed. Madeleine is still missing and someone needs to be looking for her.“
“She is very young and vulnerable and needs our help. We love her dearly and miss her beyond words.”
There have been numerous reported sightings of Madeleine throughout the years, but none have produced any firm leads.
Kate, who is running Sunday’s London Marathon to raise funds for the charity Missing People, adds: “There are moments when you despair, but they are infrequent now. As someone said: It’s not that your burden gets any lighter. It’s just that your legs get stronger. That really sums it up.”
$3M hotline fights Human Trafficking
Google offered a $3 million donation to help setup a global anti-human trafficking hotline up and running.
“The global human trafficking network will work to share data and to develop a better response for victims. It joins together organizations in the US, southeast Asia and also Europe.” (Via CNN)
Google is hoping the money donated will help gather statistics from local, national and international helplines to create a data-driven network. This network envisages an improvement in efficiency in the fight against human trafficking. Google launched a commercial on Tuesday discussing its efforts.
“We think of trafficking as being similar to modern-day slavery. Trafficking is incredibly diverse. It’s extremely fluid. Traffickers are often moving quicker than the response is moving.”
SlashGear reports two other organizations have also joined the effort. One will donate data integration and an analytics platform and another will help scale call tracking to an international level.
Google has given more than $14 million to stop human trafficking since 2011. Analysts are calling this donation Google’s next step to end human trafficking all together with the wealth of information that will be available through this new international campaign.
Drones Deliver Morning Paper
Will paper boys need to find a new way to earn their pocket money in France? Well if the province of Auvergne are to believed they will pilot a drone newspaper delivery service in May. The official postal service, La Poste Group, has already been beta-testing the automated delivery service with 20 hornet-looking unmanned aerial vehicles.
Word is that FedEx may want to get in the game by using drones for peaceful non controversial services. It has come to my attention that it has been a vocal proponent of a drone-powered delivery service, and the FAA has been steadily approving regulations to permit commercial drones by fall of 2015. If this happens, say goodbye ladies to seasonal sexy UPS men in short shorts.
At least one state, Virginia, is on the path to place a two-year moratorium on law-enforcement drones, but that surely wouldn’t derail FedEx’s plan for an army of automated delivery drones.
While the morning paper is nice, I can’t wait for the taco-delivery service, Tacocopter (or a ChickCopter run by KFC). Even though this flavor fairy was a hoax (which fooled The Colbert Report), I hope it’ll be a reality soon as it will save me a trip everyday when I want to have lunch.
NOTE: Sorry everyone! This is an April Fools joke, which suckered a lot of outlets, because it was not put out on April Fools day, but 3 day ago. Someone in a marketing department for La Poste Group has too much time on his hands!
Ignorance Without Choice
The similarity of the philosophical attitudes of Plato and Voltaire in respect to the former’s book ‘The Allegpry of the cave’ and the later book ‘The story of the Good Brahmin’ is that both books deal with the themes of knowledge of being made aware of things and the culture of ignorance in the context of the lack of awareness of the subject matter.
The differences in the philosophical attitudes of both authors in respect of the themes of knowledge and ignorance is that Plato outlines an imaginary situation in which people are deliberately prevented from having the opportunity to think for themselves and are presented with an illusionary depiction of reality which they accept as being actual reality in defiance to a different perspective posed by a person who has been freed and able to realize that his former prisoners of ignorance have been provided with an illusionary depiction of reality and informs his former colleagues that they are being deceived and present evidence to justify his claim which they refuse to accept because they have accepted their indoctrination as reality without realising this fact.
However in the case of ‘The story of the Good Brahmin’ by Voltaire. The depiction of knowledge and ignorance is presented differently from the case of the allegory of the cave. This is because a prosperous Indian who had the possibility to receive a spiritual education realises that despite his privilege, he admits that he is ironically and paradoxically ignorant because what he has learned does not helping answer why he basically exists as a human being and these puzzles and upset him.
In contrast, his neighbour who Voltaire describes as ignorant, bigoted, stupid and poor when faced with a religious question about her existence is unable to answer as she does not understand the question posed to her as her poverty and perhaps as a result of the denial of an education in such religious matters. She is presented as being happy to accept that she is ignorant without realising that she is ignorant of such matters pertaining to why she believes in her religious faith.
In conclusion both people who have limited knowledge in both books know that they have a limited understanding of reality and ask questions to find out more information about reality as they saw it. The people who were considered ignorant in both books as a consequence of their ignorance of reality, have beliefs that are limited to what was presented to them ‘willingly’ and ‘against their will’ by others that if they understood what that term against their will means in a dictatorship and in the poor Indian lady’s case under her undesirable social and economic circumstances relating to the cause of the poor Indian woman’s poverty which she is possibly unaware of in terms of the causes of her poverty is due to her ignorance which she is unaware of.
Libyan Woman Faces Lawsuit After Rape Claim
BY JONATHAN KETZ
ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN
You’re watching multisource world video news analysis from Newsy.
[Obaidi screaming to reporters]
Just days after Libyan woman Iman al-Obaidi ran into a hotel claiming 15 of Gaddafi’s military men had raped her– the accused sue her for slander.
Obaidi ran into a hotel full of journalists to tell her story- and Gaddafi loyalists forced her outside the hotel and into a car… where officials took her to prison- arrested for protesting in an anti-government movement. (Video from CNN and Al Jazeera)
The New Jersey Star Ledger writes, “Undeniably, she is brave… If his forces are willing to clamp down on dissent this way in full view of the world, imagine what they do when no one is watching.”
The Washington Post reports the government first insisted Obaidi was either drunk or mentally ill when she reported the rapes. CNN’s Reza Sayah points out the government even claimed Obaidi was a prostitute.
Reza: “In what is clearly an attempt by the Gaddafi regime to discredit Iman al-Obaidi even before all the facts are out, some regime officials have suggested she’s a promiscuous woman, leading a lifestyle they say, that’s not in keeping with Islam.”
Sky News’ Rhiannon Mills went to a press conference where officials claimed Obaidi’s back with her family now, a complete 180 from what the government had said before.
Spokesperson: “Ms. Iman has been released because of course she hasn’t committed any particular major offense. She just entered a place she wasn’t supposed to enter. She made claims about being kidnapped and raped.”
But Obaidi’s family says they still haven’t seen her- and that the regime is lying about where she is. Since the capture, Obaidi has become a hero among women in the country. Al Jazeera says women protesting in the city is a good sign for the rebel movement.
Anita: “The family’s defiance would have been unheard of two months ago, but the cracks are starting to show in Libya’s formerly coward population.”
But Obaidi may have to pay for her courage. Al Arabiya quotes her cousin — who says there are only one of two possible outcomes here.
“…the first that Obaidi will be killed and the second is that she will be declared insane, especially that the latter was already alleged by the authorities. … ‘Next time we might see [her sister] on Libyan TV confessing under gunpoint that Eman is insane or emotionally disturbed.’”
Obaidi had bruises on her face, legs and even blood on her inner thigh when reporters saw her. In a recent interview – Obaidi’s mother told CNN she’d – quote – “strangle” Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi if she saw him.
You’re watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy.
The Dreamer: Fantasy Novel by Philip Stone
The Dreamer, an epic fantasy novel, tells the story of a young man, Aaron Brown, whose studies in physics have led him to a series of startling discoveries about the nature of the universe! His thesis, entitled “Dream Theory”, has cost him years of ridicule from his peers. Yet it is these discoveries into the very fabric of dreaming, which hold the key to saving more than one world. The Dreamer takes the reader on a startling journey through science and myth, and on to other dimensions where a dark shadow is consuming whole worlds. It’s ravenous appetite for destruction can only be stopped by the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, one in which Aaron is to play a pivotal role. The future of many worlds hangs in the balance, as Aaron struggles with theoretical physics, a golden tablet which unlocks dimensions, and the realization that the fate of an entire universe may very well rest solely upon his shoulders!
To read a 20 page excerpt from the dreamer of to purchase and download the entire book visit my ebook
myebook aims to revolutionize the way we create, publish and share ebook content online. Built on a feature-rich social platform, complete with powerful, browser-based, builder software, and a slick reader environment, there’s never been an easier way for anyone and everyone to ‘get it out there’.
Obese Man Chair
The tragic death of a 43-year-old morbidly obese Ohio man and his unusual circumstance has the media speaking out.
The unnamed man didn’t move from his recliner for two years and when his girlfriend and other roommate found him unconscious, they called authorities to help transport him to the hospital, where he later died. Police had to cut him out of his chair and cut a hole in his house just to get him out. (Video from WTRF)
“They said the man was welded to his chair with urine and feces, that he hadn’t left his chair in two years, that maggots were visible, that one police officer had to throw away his uniform after helping cut the man out of his chair.”
The blogosphere responded with outrage over what is widely seen as an unnecessary death. A Fox News blogger wonders why the man’s two able-bodied housemates didn’t step in.
“When it comes down to it, the people he depended on failed to give him the help that he clearly needed. And that, to me, is the saddest part of the story.”
And blogger for The Stir points a finger at the man’s girlfriend.
“[She] used to feed him his food since he never got up. That’s very kind of you, girlfriend, but how do you let it get to that point? How do you let someone you love get so over-the-top unhealthy and do nothing about it?”
But landlady, Lou Ann Bennett, says the deceased man’s girlfriend had no control in their relationship. Bellaire’s WTRF continuing coverage reports, Bennett tried to help.
“… [S]he once offered to call the authorities about him and his obvious problem with inertia. She says his girlfriend wouldn’t hear of it. ‘She begged me not to. She said please, Lou Ann, don’t do it because if you do, [explicit] Rich is gonna take it out on me.’”
One friend tells Steubenville’s WTOV, help was offered — but the man refused to leave his chair because of arthritic knees.
“… I tried to suggest him going to the hospital and getting his legs checked out, but he wouldn’t do it. He said he didn’t like doctors. So you can’t force somebody to do something that they don’t want to do.”
The man’s roommates and landlord have cleaned the home per requirements by the local police department, but reports indicate no charges have been filed in his death. His body will be cremated at a local funeral home.
Smiley Culture dies during drug raid
Reggae star Smiley Culture died today during a police drugs raid on his home.
Smiley Culture 1963 - 2011
Sources said the musician, is understood to have died from self-inflicted wounds when officers swooped on his home in east Surrey. The police watchdog has been called in to investigate the death.
Smiley Culture, real name David Emmanuel, was one of the first black London artists to find fame in the pop charts in the 1980′s he appeared on Top of the Pops with singles including Cockney Translation and Police officer (no give me producer).
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “As part of an ongoing operation officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Serious and Organised Crime Command today attended a residential address in east Surrey to make an arrest, while they were at the address, an incident occurred during which a 48-year-old man died. Officers from Surrey Police attended the incident and it has been formally referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.” The IPCC confirmed it was investigating.
In September 2010 , Mr Emmanuel appeared before magistrates charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
His 1984 hit single “Police Officer” was based on actual events, the song tells of how he was caught in possession of cannabis but let off when the officer recognized him as a reggae artist. In an interview with the Guardian last year he said: “My hit single Police Officer was a true story – the police used to take my weed. It was better than being arrested, and I made that into a hit.”
Police Officer reached number 12 in the charts in 1984 while Cockney Translation – in which he explained rhyming slang – made it to number 71 when re-released in 1985.
The artist, who lived in Warlingham, made a cameo appearance in the David Bowie film Absolute Beginners in 1986 and recently featured in the BBC4 documentary Reggae Britannia which explored the rise of UK reggae.
Russians are buying and then re-selling the iPad 2 for a huge profit
The iPad 2 is in high demand. So high, in fact, one college student sold her spot in line to nab the new gadget for nearly a grand.
STUDENT: “The first hour that I was here, I had one offer of $600.”
REPORTER: “Oh my God…and so how much did you end up selling it for?”
STUDENT: “$900.” (Video Source: After Dawn)
…but there’s a new conspiracy afoot as to why the iPad 2 is selling out so quickly…and it’s a lighter shade of the black market.
“The idea is that the person who put up the money to buy the iPad2 was preparing to resell it elsewhere, usually outside the borders of the U.S., at an inflated price. Welcome to the world of the gray market.” (Image Source: News Quest Online)
One blogger points a finger at a more specific group: Russians. After listing a spare iPad 2 on Craigslist, a Russian man tried to buy it. Chip Chick tells his story.
“…he says he started waiting in line for the iPad 2…He also said that afterward he waited in line to buy a second round. He then came back a third time with a disguise on…and purchased a third round, and paid a guy in front of him in line $200 to get him another.”
Some bloggers blame Apple CEO Steve Jobs for the burst in others’ overseas profits–since he made up the two-per-household limit for the new tablet. (Video Source: Apple)
Website 9to5 Mac is one site blaming Apple– and reports online megasites like eBay are also seeing high price sales of the iPad 2.
“For those in the US and abroad, the biggest gray market is eBay where iPad 2s are going as high as $4000. There seems to be something wrong with Apple’s distribution strategy, though it doesn’t immediately seem like anything can be done.”
While most media reports indicate the iPad 2 is sold out, ZDnet still encourages those tech-obsessed to scour local stores because hey, it’s cheaper than the alternative.
Zodiac Sign About to Change
“Hey baby, what’s your sign?” — it’s a classic pickup line, but now- the once-simple question could land you in an astrological debate instead of a date.
ABC has the story.
“Your zodiac sign was determined by Babylonians based on what constellation the sun was in on the day you were born. But astronomers at the Minnesota Planetarium society point out, things have changed over thousands of years. The Earth has shifted on its axis, and shifted us up one sign on the zodiac wheel.”
For a look at the updated zodiac calendar see the Washington Post article
