A software company in the Eastern European country of Hungary has unveiled the first bronze statue of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Reuters has reported.
Erno Toth made the sculpture for the Budapest campus of software maker, Graphisoft. Speaking to Reuters, Chairman Gabor Bojar said: "He was one of the greatest (personalities) in our era, that's what we wanted to express with this sculpture here."
Bojar also added that thanks to Jobs the company was able to become a world leader because he gave the company money and computers.
Jobs passed away in October 2011.
Sourced from: Reuters. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
A Smurfing blue village
Residents of a village in Spain have voted to keep their houses painted in a vivid blue, after it was painted so while shooting the movie, The Smurfs, Sky News has reported.
Citizens of Juzcar in Andalucia agreed with Sony Pictures they would re-paint their homes back to white after it was used in the movie shoot. But in a referendum, the population decided to stick to the bright blue.
The town’s mayor, David Fernandez, has been dubbed Papa Smurf and he has said: "It has given a boost to the local economy, it has increased our happiness, our dreams and our levels of employment. Thanks to being painted blue we are known throughout the world."
A Smurf fair has been set up and guided tours have been arranged for the increased number of tourists.
Citizens of Juzcar in Andalucia agreed with Sony Pictures they would re-paint their homes back to white after it was used in the movie shoot. But in a referendum, the population decided to stick to the bright blue.
The town’s mayor, David Fernandez, has been dubbed Papa Smurf and he has said: "It has given a boost to the local economy, it has increased our happiness, our dreams and our levels of employment. Thanks to being painted blue we are known throughout the world."
A Smurf fair has been set up and guided tours have been arranged for the increased number of tourists.
Monday, December 19, 2011
A Santa Claus he is not
A teenager from California has been rescued from his home’s chimney after he tried to sneak into back into his house.
The Huffington Post has reported that 18-year-old George Herrera had broken curfew and was trying to get back into the house. Emergency crews tied ropes around Herrera’s wrists and hoisted him up the chimney. The entire rescue took a mere 15 minutes.
Sourced from: The Huffington Post. Text by: Priya Pitamber
The Huffington Post has reported that 18-year-old George Herrera had broken curfew and was trying to get back into the house. Emergency crews tied ropes around Herrera’s wrists and hoisted him up the chimney. The entire rescue took a mere 15 minutes.
Sourced from: The Huffington Post. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Birds mistake parking lot for water
Thousands of migratory birds have crash landed into a Walmart parking lot and surrounds in the USA, after mistaking it for a body of water, as reported by Associated Press.
Officials from the Department of Wildlife Resources said the storm clouds above the city lights could have caused thousands of grebes to become confused. They were migrating south for winter.
Crews have cleaned up thousands of carcasses and more than 2000 have been rescued. People have also been dropping birds off at the department.
Sourced from: News24. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Officials from the Department of Wildlife Resources said the storm clouds above the city lights could have caused thousands of grebes to become confused. They were migrating south for winter.
Crews have cleaned up thousands of carcasses and more than 2000 have been rescued. People have also been dropping birds off at the department.
Sourced from: News24. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
An illuminating ‘Christmas Story’
How about getting into the Christmas spirit with a million lights? Go to Croatia and you can! According to Reuters, a Croat has turned his estate into a fantasy land of light and colour over the festive season.
Back in 2002, Zlatko Salaj, a 67 year old former telecommunications engineer turned his 7 hectare land mass into something Christmas dreams are made of – with 70,000 light bulbs. This year, he has expanded to 1.2 million lights, many in the festive shapes of Santa, sleighs and reindeer.
His project, called “Christmas Story” became an attraction. "It was a sensation in the whole region, particularly for children. People asked me how many lights I would use the following year and I said '100,000'. So the number grew more and more each year," Salaj told Reuters. Preparations start 3 months before December and he has begun to charge a small entrance fee to cover the huge electricity bill.
Sourced from: Reuters. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Back in 2002, Zlatko Salaj, a 67 year old former telecommunications engineer turned his 7 hectare land mass into something Christmas dreams are made of – with 70,000 light bulbs. This year, he has expanded to 1.2 million lights, many in the festive shapes of Santa, sleighs and reindeer.
His project, called “Christmas Story” became an attraction. "It was a sensation in the whole region, particularly for children. People asked me how many lights I would use the following year and I said '100,000'. So the number grew more and more each year," Salaj told Reuters. Preparations start 3 months before December and he has begun to charge a small entrance fee to cover the huge electricity bill.
Sourced from: Reuters. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Super car pile up
In what must be a world first, luxury motor vehicles caused a 14 car accident on a highway in Japan, as reported by The Guardian.
Eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini, three Mercedes, a Prius and another Toyota were in the most expensive crash ever recorded, amounting to over R31m. Police believe the accident occurred when a driver of a Ferrari attempted to change lanes while going over the speed limit and hit the barrier during heavy rains. The others collided while trying to avoid him.
It has been speculated that the drivers were on their way to Hiroshima for a gathering of luxury cars.
Sourced from: The Guardian. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini, three Mercedes, a Prius and another Toyota were in the most expensive crash ever recorded, amounting to over R31m. Police believe the accident occurred when a driver of a Ferrari attempted to change lanes while going over the speed limit and hit the barrier during heavy rains. The others collided while trying to avoid him.
It has been speculated that the drivers were on their way to Hiroshima for a gathering of luxury cars.
Sourced from: The Guardian. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Friday, December 2, 2011
Protesting against bribes using snakes
A man in India has released dozens of poisonous snakes in a tax office after he claimed staff had been asking for bribes, as reported on Sky News.
Hakkul, a snake charmer, said he has written to numerous officials and even the president for land to conserve snakes. Though senior officials have cleared his request, it was being held up by other officials.
"I had to dump the snakes because DM (district magistrate) and SDM (sub divisional magistrate) told us that 'we have approved your application but lower-level officials are sitting on it'. They are demanding bribes time and again but I am unable to meet their demand,” he told the media.
“Where will I keep these poisonous snakes? I don't have space?” The forestry department was called in to remove the serpents and no one was reported injured.
Hakkul, a snake charmer, said he has written to numerous officials and even the president for land to conserve snakes. Though senior officials have cleared his request, it was being held up by other officials.
"I had to dump the snakes because DM (district magistrate) and SDM (sub divisional magistrate) told us that 'we have approved your application but lower-level officials are sitting on it'. They are demanding bribes time and again but I am unable to meet their demand,” he told the media.
“Where will I keep these poisonous snakes? I don't have space?” The forestry department was called in to remove the serpents and no one was reported injured.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
A road trip from hell, anyone?
A bus company in the USA has initiated an investigation after a driver left over 40 passengers stranded for almost eight hours at a petrol station in Missouri, Reuters has reported.
Greyhound company spokesperson, Maureen Richard, has said: “It was certainly unprecedented and absolutely inexcusable." She also added that the unidentified female driver is cooperating with officials.
The driver was on course from Memphis to St. Louis, a trip that usually takes about six hours.
Things started to go wrong when the driver ordered a rowdy passenger off the bus, after which she abandoned it. The replacement Greyhound employee only managed to get to the bus eight hours after the ordeal began.
Sourced from: Reuters. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Greyhound company spokesperson, Maureen Richard, has said: “It was certainly unprecedented and absolutely inexcusable." She also added that the unidentified female driver is cooperating with officials.
The driver was on course from Memphis to St. Louis, a trip that usually takes about six hours.
Things started to go wrong when the driver ordered a rowdy passenger off the bus, after which she abandoned it. The replacement Greyhound employee only managed to get to the bus eight hours after the ordeal began.
Sourced from: Reuters. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Friday, November 18, 2011
Berlusconi: releasing an album of love songs
Other than having a way with women, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi also has a way with words it seems. The Huffington Post has reported that the PM has penned a CD of love songs, and it will go on sale just in time for the holiday season.
A certain Mariano Apicella sings the songs and he says they are all about love. Some of the, ahem, cheese filled lyrics include: “I run my hands down your side, because it's you. I adore you and I already miss you” and “Another day of wind and rain, another night without you.” Will you add this to your loved ones’ Christmas stocking?
Sourced from: The Huffington Post. Text by: Priya Pitamber
A certain Mariano Apicella sings the songs and he says they are all about love. Some of the, ahem, cheese filled lyrics include: “I run my hands down your side, because it's you. I adore you and I already miss you” and “Another day of wind and rain, another night without you.” Will you add this to your loved ones’ Christmas stocking?
Sourced from: The Huffington Post. Text by: Priya Pitamber
Friday, November 11, 2011
‘Superman’ swoops in to deal with Malema
A man donned in a Superman cape, shorts and no shoes, took to a supermarket in Johannesburg to air his feelings towards suspended ANCYL president Julius Malema, as reported on News24 via The Citizen newspaper.
The unnamed man told a local reporter he was Superman from the clouds, sent by a guru to kill someone whose name started with the letter J. “I am looking for Julius Malema. This is my mission, to kill him.” He had to be sedated and taken to Dundee hospital after he threw shopping trolleys, jumped on car bonnets and attempted to kick a truck.
The ANC’s national disciplinary committee suspended Malema from the party and he has been ordered to vacate his position as president of the youth league.
The unnamed man told a local reporter he was Superman from the clouds, sent by a guru to kill someone whose name started with the letter J. “I am looking for Julius Malema. This is my mission, to kill him.” He had to be sedated and taken to Dundee hospital after he threw shopping trolleys, jumped on car bonnets and attempted to kick a truck.
The ANC’s national disciplinary committee suspended Malema from the party and he has been ordered to vacate his position as president of the youth league.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Robbed of their Halloween sweet stash
Police have charged five teenagers from Virginia, USA, with robbery and assault for attacking two other teenagers while they were trick-or-treating over Halloween, as reported by Reuters.
Spokesperson for the Prince William County Police Department, Jonathan Perok said the group surrounded a 15 and 17 year old. One teenager claimed to have a gun and demanded the pair give them their Halloween sweets, collected from trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood. After they refused, the group attacked them. “Robberies are not unusual, but these are kids,” Perok said.
Spokesperson for the Prince William County Police Department, Jonathan Perok said the group surrounded a 15 and 17 year old. One teenager claimed to have a gun and demanded the pair give them their Halloween sweets, collected from trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood. After they refused, the group attacked them. “Robberies are not unusual, but these are kids,” Perok said.
Friday, November 4, 2011
UFOs in the Free State sky
Residents in the Free State were left perplexed after an appearance of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the South African sky, as reported in the Volksblad.
Riaan van Greuning said he saw what looked like fireballs in the sky over Harrismith. "It was cloudy and the phenomenon was fairly low in the sky. Five of these objects appeared in a matter of 20 minutes. They moved north to south, made no noise and were slow moving.”
Greuning said he does not believe in aliens, but it was a very strange event. "I do not know what it was. Something like this makes one think. All I know is that it was not a helicopter's searchlight."
Riaan van Greuning said he saw what looked like fireballs in the sky over Harrismith. "It was cloudy and the phenomenon was fairly low in the sky. Five of these objects appeared in a matter of 20 minutes. They moved north to south, made no noise and were slow moving.”
Greuning said he does not believe in aliens, but it was a very strange event. "I do not know what it was. Something like this makes one think. All I know is that it was not a helicopter's searchlight."
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A keen eye for dates
There are two very important days in the month of November this year, according to a retired teacher in California, as reported on Huffington Post.
If you look at your calendar, you will notice that both November 1 and November 11 can be written as 1/11/11 and 11/11/11. Ron Gordon has called it the “Ones Upon A Time” mathematical celebration.
Gordon has forged a reputation for spotting quirky dates and naming them accordingly. Back 2009 he named March 3 (3/3/09) “Square Root Day” since three times three is nine. He now has his eyes on the future. “I am thinking of calling Feb. 2, 2022, 'Trumpet Day,' because it's 2/2/2022, which is sort of the sound that a trumpet makes."
If you look at your calendar, you will notice that both November 1 and November 11 can be written as 1/11/11 and 11/11/11. Ron Gordon has called it the “Ones Upon A Time” mathematical celebration.
Gordon has forged a reputation for spotting quirky dates and naming them accordingly. Back 2009 he named March 3 (3/3/09) “Square Root Day” since three times three is nine. He now has his eyes on the future. “I am thinking of calling Feb. 2, 2022, 'Trumpet Day,' because it's 2/2/2022, which is sort of the sound that a trumpet makes."
Friday, October 28, 2011
One giant burger, to go please
A food outlet in the USA, famous for making massive burgers has managed to break its own record, Associated Press has revealed.
Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar unveiled the "Absolutely Ridiculous Burger" weighing at 153 kilograms, and is 91cm tall. It contains: 6.8kg lettuce, 13.6kg bacon, 13.6kg tomatoes and 16.3kg of cheese and has taken 22 hours to cook.
Manager Jason Jones says if you order the burger, it comes with a drink and chips. Good luck trying to burn off the 540,000 calories, though.
Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar unveiled the "Absolutely Ridiculous Burger" weighing at 153 kilograms, and is 91cm tall. It contains: 6.8kg lettuce, 13.6kg bacon, 13.6kg tomatoes and 16.3kg of cheese and has taken 22 hours to cook.
Manager Jason Jones says if you order the burger, it comes with a drink and chips. Good luck trying to burn off the 540,000 calories, though.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Twins give birth on same day
Identical twins in the USA have given birth to their children just hours apart, in the same hospital, Huffington Post has reported.
Jennifer Patterson first gave birth to a baby girl. Her twin sister, Jessica followed suit eight and a half hours later and gave birth to a baby boy. They have named their babies Adalynn Rose Patterson and Mason Douglas Patterson respectively.
Hospital spokesperson, Amanda Roach, has said no one working there has ever experienced this sort of an incident before. Jennifer has described the same-day births as "kind of cool".
Jennifer Patterson first gave birth to a baby girl. Her twin sister, Jessica followed suit eight and a half hours later and gave birth to a baby boy. They have named their babies Adalynn Rose Patterson and Mason Douglas Patterson respectively.
Hospital spokesperson, Amanda Roach, has said no one working there has ever experienced this sort of an incident before. Jennifer has described the same-day births as "kind of cool".
Friday, October 21, 2011
Laughing for World Peace
Professional clowns from Mexico and Central America hope their 15 minute laugh-a-thon (comprising of a lot of tee-hees and hahahas) will help contribute to a more peaceful place, Huffington Post has reported.
About 300 clowns have gathered for a four day convention – to exchange jokes and hone their unique skill set. They came together in Mexico City with a slogan that states: "Clowns For Peace, A World Without Violence." They believe increase laughter means there will be less time for people to be violent.
About 300 clowns have gathered for a four day convention – to exchange jokes and hone their unique skill set. They came together in Mexico City with a slogan that states: "Clowns For Peace, A World Without Violence." They believe increase laughter means there will be less time for people to be violent.
A century old and still fit enough to run a marathon
At 100 years old, there is nothing stopping Briton Fauja Singh from running races. In fact he has become the world’s oldest marathon runner after completing a race in Canada, as reported on Sky News.
It took Singh eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds to complete the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon and he took the 3,850th place. Singh started to run 11 years ago after his wife and son passed on. Since then he has trained every day and runs 16 km. Singh credits his success to ginger curry, drinking tea and “being happy”.
It took Singh eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds to complete the Scotiabank Toronto Marathon and he took the 3,850th place. Singh started to run 11 years ago after his wife and son passed on. Since then he has trained every day and runs 16 km. Singh credits his success to ginger curry, drinking tea and “being happy”.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Watch out for the bucks!
A South African mountain biker suffered a nasty knock on the head after an antelope charged at him.
Evan van der Spuy was racing thought the Albert Falls Dam when out of the blue; a Red Hartebeest buck knocked him off his bike. The incident was caught on camera thanks to fellow racer, Travis Walker and has become a You Tube sensation.
Despite the collision, van der Spuy walked away with no injuries and tweeted: "I'm all stable with nothing more than a very stiff neck," and “That specialised helmet really saved me today."
Evan van der Spuy was racing thought the Albert Falls Dam when out of the blue; a Red Hartebeest buck knocked him off his bike. The incident was caught on camera thanks to fellow racer, Travis Walker and has become a You Tube sensation.
Despite the collision, van der Spuy walked away with no injuries and tweeted: "I'm all stable with nothing more than a very stiff neck," and “That specialised helmet really saved me today."
Serial pooper caught
Police in Florida have allegedly arrested a man for defecating numerous times on the steps of a school classroom, as reported by the Huffington Post.
After the problem persisted, security cameras were installed on premises and caught Kenneth Martin Sorsony doing his business. When Detective Mike Bowman interviewed the suspect, he admitted he is the person caught on tape and said he committed such an offence because of “bad spirits”. Sorsony also admitted he “needs help”. Might we suggest some potty training too?
After the problem persisted, security cameras were installed on premises and caught Kenneth Martin Sorsony doing his business. When Detective Mike Bowman interviewed the suspect, he admitted he is the person caught on tape and said he committed such an offence because of “bad spirits”. Sorsony also admitted he “needs help”. Might we suggest some potty training too?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Speedster traps himself
A Swiss motorist, who used his mobile phone to capture images of him driving more than 320km/hour, has had his license confiscated and is awaiting trial, as reported by Reuters.
While being questioned for another case six months after the speeding incident, police found the photographs of his Bentley’s speedometer on his phone going more than three times the speed limit.
So let this be a lesson - next time you want to impress your friends with wrong doings, remember to have the sense to get rid of the evidence before you are hauled in by the cops. Just saying…
While being questioned for another case six months after the speeding incident, police found the photographs of his Bentley’s speedometer on his phone going more than three times the speed limit.
So let this be a lesson - next time you want to impress your friends with wrong doings, remember to have the sense to get rid of the evidence before you are hauled in by the cops. Just saying…
Monday, October 3, 2011
Cat burglar caught
The wife of a British MP has been found guilty after breaking into his mistress’s home and nabbing her cat, Beauty, Reuters has reported.
Despite camera footage showing Christine Hemming crawling on her hands and knees under a window of the home belonging to Emily Cox, and leaving with the cat tucked under her arm, Christine has denied the charges and said she went into the house to deliver letters for her husband, Liberal Democrat MP in Birmingham, John Hemming.
Three days before the cat-napping, Christine and John separated. He fathered a child with Cox back in 2005. Beauty has not yet been found and John has stated on his website: "Her brother Twinkle is pining for her."
Despite camera footage showing Christine Hemming crawling on her hands and knees under a window of the home belonging to Emily Cox, and leaving with the cat tucked under her arm, Christine has denied the charges and said she went into the house to deliver letters for her husband, Liberal Democrat MP in Birmingham, John Hemming.
Three days before the cat-napping, Christine and John separated. He fathered a child with Cox back in 2005. Beauty has not yet been found and John has stated on his website: "Her brother Twinkle is pining for her."
Fat tax for Denmark
In a world first, Denmark has created a “fat tax”. In other words if you want to wolf down some cake, a burger and chips, be ready to pay more for it, as reported by Sky News.
This is a drive by the Danish government to encourage people to eat healthier foods. The new tax will be imposed on all foods containing saturated fats, from butter, dairy products, oils, and precooked food. It has prompted people to mass buy and stock up their freezes, leaving supermarkets with nothing but empty shelves. We wonder if this sort of binge eating will actually leave the Danish population healthier.
This is a drive by the Danish government to encourage people to eat healthier foods. The new tax will be imposed on all foods containing saturated fats, from butter, dairy products, oils, and precooked food. It has prompted people to mass buy and stock up their freezes, leaving supermarkets with nothing but empty shelves. We wonder if this sort of binge eating will actually leave the Danish population healthier.
Getting her 2 cents worth
How far would you go for a 2 cents discrepancy in a super market? A certain Mary Bach, known consumer activist in the USA has taken Walmart to court over just that amount, as reported on the Huffington Post site.
When she bought a packet of sausages listed at 98 cents, it scanned at $1, Bach pointed it out to the cashier and got a refund. It should have been all’s well that ends well but it happened a second time a few days later. She decided a refund just wouldn’t cut it and filed a civil suit against the wholesale giant.
In their defence, Walmart lawyers said the store had just changed their packaging and that the newer packs were marked at $1. Regardless, Bach was awarded a $100 in damages and $80 dollars in court costs. She told a news channel in the US: "This is the fifth lawsuit that I have now won against this store.”
When she bought a packet of sausages listed at 98 cents, it scanned at $1, Bach pointed it out to the cashier and got a refund. It should have been all’s well that ends well but it happened a second time a few days later. She decided a refund just wouldn’t cut it and filed a civil suit against the wholesale giant.
In their defence, Walmart lawyers said the store had just changed their packaging and that the newer packs were marked at $1. Regardless, Bach was awarded a $100 in damages and $80 dollars in court costs. She told a news channel in the US: "This is the fifth lawsuit that I have now won against this store.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Great Ostrich Run
Steal an ostrich and - it will race back home as soon as your back is turned! After thieves stole an ostrich from a farm in Romania, the bird managed to navigate all the way home, reports Orange News.
Native to Africa, these flightless birds are well known for their ability to run at fast speeds. Navigation skills? Not so much. This one, however, seems to be an exception. Owner Florin Diaconescu has reportedly said: "I saw this cloud of dust heading towards the farm and she came running into the yard as fast as her legs would carry her." Very touching! But why, oh why, would anyone would want to steal such a big bird?
Native to Africa, these flightless birds are well known for their ability to run at fast speeds. Navigation skills? Not so much. This one, however, seems to be an exception. Owner Florin Diaconescu has reportedly said: "I saw this cloud of dust heading towards the farm and she came running into the yard as fast as her legs would carry her." Very touching! But why, oh why, would anyone would want to steal such a big bird?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)