Wii Sports Resort will give us more fitness options!
Here is the report from PC world
Wii Sports Resort, the sequel to the hugely successful Wii Sports game, will go on sale this June in Japan and a month later overseas, the game's designer said Thursday.
Shigeru Miyamoto, who heads Nintendo's entertainment division and was the brains behind the Wii console and many of its most popular games, announced the launch plans during a news conference in Tokyo but remained tight-lipped on much else including the price.
Wii Sports Resort takes players to the beach in the new game, which includes games such as Power Cruising (jet ski), Disc Dog (frisbee) and Sword Play (fencing).
But it's more than just a sequel. The game will make use of the Wii Motion Plus accessory that was announced last year and promises to deliver what Nintendo calls "the most responsive and realistic experience possible." The device will be included with the game and plugs into the Wii Remote controller, according to previous announcements from the company.
Miyamoto, who has been deeply involved with the company's recent hardware development, assured that he is working on new software but was determined not to provide any clues of the games. He wouldn't detail any of the projects and also declined to name any of this current hobbies as his interests have often translated into new games.
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http://www.pcworld.com/article/162844/wii_sports_resort_coming_in_june_in_japan_july_overseas.html
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Friday, 13 March 2009
Horrific New Roller Coaster
Thorpe Park opened it's new roller coaster, Saw, last night it is the first whitknuckle roller coaster to be themed on a horror movie and comes with lots of nasty surprises, so much so one woman suffered a panic attack and had to be treated by paramedics and another clebrity failed to ride as she was worried about the g force on her breast inplants!
Here is the full story
Thorpe Park's £13.5 million Saw ride broke down before it officially opens to the public on Saturday, a park spokesman said.
He said stars such as Jonathan Ross, who had managed to get to the end of the ride earlier in the evening, had "thoroughly enjoyed" it.
TV and radio presenters Edith Bowman and Dermot O'Leary, and singer Katie Melua were among those who tested their nerves. Reality TV star Chantelle Houghton was not brave enough to face the scary ride and was concerned her breast implants might not cope with the G-force, the spokesman said.
Bosses at the Surrey park said the ride experienced a "temporary shutdown" due to "minor teething problems" at Thursday night's event.
To add to the drama on the adrenaline-fuelled ride, a female member of the public suffered a panic attack. A spokesman for Thorpe Park said an evacuation was carried out and first aid teams helped the woman.
Thorpe Park hopes visitors will flock to have a go on Saw, dubbed as the first ever horror movie themed rollercoaster.
Featuring the world's steepest freefall drop (a 'beyond vertical' drop of 100 degrees from a height of 100ft), it goes upside down and inside out to add to the fear factor.
It is based on the Saw horror films and includes adrenaline-pumping challenges and surprises.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090313/tuk-horror-theme-ride-hits-a-hitch-6323e80.html
Here is the full story
Thorpe Park's £13.5 million Saw ride broke down before it officially opens to the public on Saturday, a park spokesman said.
He said stars such as Jonathan Ross, who had managed to get to the end of the ride earlier in the evening, had "thoroughly enjoyed" it.
TV and radio presenters Edith Bowman and Dermot O'Leary, and singer Katie Melua were among those who tested their nerves. Reality TV star Chantelle Houghton was not brave enough to face the scary ride and was concerned her breast implants might not cope with the G-force, the spokesman said.
Bosses at the Surrey park said the ride experienced a "temporary shutdown" due to "minor teething problems" at Thursday night's event.
To add to the drama on the adrenaline-fuelled ride, a female member of the public suffered a panic attack. A spokesman for Thorpe Park said an evacuation was carried out and first aid teams helped the woman.
Thorpe Park hopes visitors will flock to have a go on Saw, dubbed as the first ever horror movie themed rollercoaster.
Featuring the world's steepest freefall drop (a 'beyond vertical' drop of 100 degrees from a height of 100ft), it goes upside down and inside out to add to the fear factor.
It is based on the Saw horror films and includes adrenaline-pumping challenges and surprises.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090313/tuk-horror-theme-ride-hits-a-hitch-6323e80.html
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Michael Jackson To Return To The Stage
News has been announced that Michael Jackson is to return to live performances.
He has just signed a deal with the O2 to possibly do a run of 21 concerts during the summer. Surely a show that could normally be found in Vegas!
Here is the full report form Sky News
Sky News understands that after years of rumours Michael Jackson has finally agreed to perform a string of concerts in London this summer.
The 50-year-old will end his exile as a live performer by staging a residency at the 02 Arena this summer, in one of the biggest comebacks in pop history.
While the exact dates of the shows are yet to be revealed, Sky sources say that Jackson has exchanged contracts with the venue and is now committed to return to live performance.
The first dates of the concerts will be confirmed at a press conference on Thursday at the 02 and it's understood the star may appear there to make the announcement.
A small number of shows will be released initially but more dates will go on sale, emulating Prince's successful 21 night stay at the venue in 2006, if interest in the shows is as high as promoters expect.
It seems inevitable that the concerts, which sources say are the only live shows he is planning, will sell out instantly but what is never certain with Michael Jackson is his behaviour.
In his prime he was unquestionably one of the all time greats: a sublime singer, a thrilling dancer and a songwriter whose gifts were such that he wrote the highest selling album of all time in Thriller.
However, that peak was a long time ago.
Since the 80s Jackson has appeared to be increasingly damaged in every area of his life.
The surgery has robbed him of his looks, the eccentricities have robbed him of his cool, the recurrent child abuse allegations (all of which he was cleared of any wrongdoing) and the money worries have clearly taken a huge toll.
When Jackson last appeared in London at the World Music Awards in 2006 he was able only to mime to a few bars of We Are The World before leaving the stage.
And when he appeared in public in Las Vegas just before his 50th birthday last August he looked weaker than ever, dressed in pyjama trousers he appeared gaunt and frail.
It's long been said that Jackson's health was the main reason that he had not agreed to stage a comeback tour, with various rumours surrounding the reason for his weight loss.
Whether he has been able to work on his fitness to sustain a residency will be one of the key questions ahead of this series of dates.
But it may be that Michael Jackson's finances are now in such a state of disrepair that quite simply has no choice but to go back to work.
The gates of Neverland have closed, the possessions from his fairytale home are to be auctioned and he has had to turn to various sources for loans.
If he were to emulate Prince's record residency at the 18,000 capacity 02 Arena then he could play to an estimated half a million fans, which are according to some experts could generate in theory up to £50m.
If he will be able to repair his finances or his reputation through this residency remains to be seen but there is no doubt it will be fascinating to watch him.
Whether it's a car crash or a triumph as always with the former child star it will undoubtedly be compelling.
Many will be astonished just to see him back on a stage and cynics will say, regardless of contracts, that there is plenty of time for Jackson to have second thoughts before he steps out on the stage of Britain's biggest arena.
Ultimately, as with all the greats, what remains is the sheer quality of the music and Jackson's best work is up there with the greatest musicianship of the 20th century.
If Jackson can reclaim just a little of his genius to do them justice then this residency would be the most unlikely of triumphs. We shall see.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090303/tuk-jackson-to-take-residency-at-the-o2-45dbed5.html
He has just signed a deal with the O2 to possibly do a run of 21 concerts during the summer. Surely a show that could normally be found in Vegas!
Here is the full report form Sky News
Sky News understands that after years of rumours Michael Jackson has finally agreed to perform a string of concerts in London this summer.
The 50-year-old will end his exile as a live performer by staging a residency at the 02 Arena this summer, in one of the biggest comebacks in pop history.
While the exact dates of the shows are yet to be revealed, Sky sources say that Jackson has exchanged contracts with the venue and is now committed to return to live performance.
The first dates of the concerts will be confirmed at a press conference on Thursday at the 02 and it's understood the star may appear there to make the announcement.
A small number of shows will be released initially but more dates will go on sale, emulating Prince's successful 21 night stay at the venue in 2006, if interest in the shows is as high as promoters expect.
It seems inevitable that the concerts, which sources say are the only live shows he is planning, will sell out instantly but what is never certain with Michael Jackson is his behaviour.
In his prime he was unquestionably one of the all time greats: a sublime singer, a thrilling dancer and a songwriter whose gifts were such that he wrote the highest selling album of all time in Thriller.
However, that peak was a long time ago.
Since the 80s Jackson has appeared to be increasingly damaged in every area of his life.
The surgery has robbed him of his looks, the eccentricities have robbed him of his cool, the recurrent child abuse allegations (all of which he was cleared of any wrongdoing) and the money worries have clearly taken a huge toll.
When Jackson last appeared in London at the World Music Awards in 2006 he was able only to mime to a few bars of We Are The World before leaving the stage.
And when he appeared in public in Las Vegas just before his 50th birthday last August he looked weaker than ever, dressed in pyjama trousers he appeared gaunt and frail.
It's long been said that Jackson's health was the main reason that he had not agreed to stage a comeback tour, with various rumours surrounding the reason for his weight loss.
Whether he has been able to work on his fitness to sustain a residency will be one of the key questions ahead of this series of dates.
But it may be that Michael Jackson's finances are now in such a state of disrepair that quite simply has no choice but to go back to work.
The gates of Neverland have closed, the possessions from his fairytale home are to be auctioned and he has had to turn to various sources for loans.
If he were to emulate Prince's record residency at the 18,000 capacity 02 Arena then he could play to an estimated half a million fans, which are according to some experts could generate in theory up to £50m.
If he will be able to repair his finances or his reputation through this residency remains to be seen but there is no doubt it will be fascinating to watch him.
Whether it's a car crash or a triumph as always with the former child star it will undoubtedly be compelling.
Many will be astonished just to see him back on a stage and cynics will say, regardless of contracts, that there is plenty of time for Jackson to have second thoughts before he steps out on the stage of Britain's biggest arena.
Ultimately, as with all the greats, what remains is the sheer quality of the music and Jackson's best work is up there with the greatest musicianship of the 20th century.
If Jackson can reclaim just a little of his genius to do them justice then this residency would be the most unlikely of triumphs. We shall see.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090303/tuk-jackson-to-take-residency-at-the-o2-45dbed5.html
Coupons Are The Mainstay Of Beating The Credit Crunch
With the credit crunch getting worse by the day we are all looking for ways of cutting back on expenditure.
Mums are getting into action and sharing the ways they have discovered for saving money. In particualar the use of the internet for providing all sorts of couponds that can be used in store to save money.
Frugal Coupon mom blogs are exploding. Frugal sites run by moms that help with you coupons like Money Saving Mom, The Frugal Mom and Coupon Cravings are among popular explosions about bloggers for 2009.
The concept is not new, and many were profiled by LALATE in 2008. We often told you about websites that tracked coupons for Holiday savings, both in store and online. But now more moms are getting in on the action.
Many say a year ago they didn’t know what a blog was. Some reportedly operate on free blog hosting sites, some are more advance with their own demands. How much traffic do they get? Some track numbers based upon subscriptions. While numbers are significantly lower than a celebrity news site, they do offer something great for readers and for their owners.
http://news.lalate.com/2009/03/02/frugal-coupon-mom/
Mums are getting into action and sharing the ways they have discovered for saving money. In particualar the use of the internet for providing all sorts of couponds that can be used in store to save money.
Frugal Coupon mom blogs are exploding. Frugal sites run by moms that help with you coupons like Money Saving Mom, The Frugal Mom and Coupon Cravings are among popular explosions about bloggers for 2009.
The concept is not new, and many were profiled by LALATE in 2008. We often told you about websites that tracked coupons for Holiday savings, both in store and online. But now more moms are getting in on the action.
Many say a year ago they didn’t know what a blog was. Some reportedly operate on free blog hosting sites, some are more advance with their own demands. How much traffic do they get? Some track numbers based upon subscriptions. While numbers are significantly lower than a celebrity news site, they do offer something great for readers and for their owners.
http://news.lalate.com/2009/03/02/frugal-coupon-mom/
Saturday, 21 February 2009
How Many Times Should You Take Your Drivng Test?
Learning to drive can bee a difficult task that takes determination however a South Korean woman has failed driver's test 775 times
A South Korean woman who has failed the driver's exam 775 times is not about give up on her hope of buying a truck one day to go into her own business, whether other drivers want her on the road or not. Skip related content
Cha Sa-soon, 68, has been trying since 2005 to pass the written portion of the test to get a licence, but she has so far failed to get the 60 percent required to clear it.
"I've looked up some guidebooks to get a driver's licence, and they were saying it takes at most five years to get this," Cha said in North Jeolla province, where farmers on tractors or cows can be just as common on country roads as motor vehicles.
"It's already been four years, so I might pass the test next time. That's what I hope for."
Driving schools in South Korea offer courses to enable applicants to walk away with a licence in a week. Cha has not been fortunate enough to set foot in such a class, which tends to congregate more in busy metropolitan areas, but she remains unfazed, even after having spent more than 10 million won ($6,800) on test applications.
"I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it," she says. "So don't give up your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20090221/tod-oukoe-uk-korea-driver-116e0fe.html
A South Korean woman who has failed the driver's exam 775 times is not about give up on her hope of buying a truck one day to go into her own business, whether other drivers want her on the road or not. Skip related content
Cha Sa-soon, 68, has been trying since 2005 to pass the written portion of the test to get a licence, but she has so far failed to get the 60 percent required to clear it.
"I've looked up some guidebooks to get a driver's licence, and they were saying it takes at most five years to get this," Cha said in North Jeolla province, where farmers on tractors or cows can be just as common on country roads as motor vehicles.
"It's already been four years, so I might pass the test next time. That's what I hope for."
Driving schools in South Korea offer courses to enable applicants to walk away with a licence in a week. Cha has not been fortunate enough to set foot in such a class, which tends to congregate more in busy metropolitan areas, but she remains unfazed, even after having spent more than 10 million won ($6,800) on test applications.
"I believe you can achieve your goal if you persistently pursue it," she says. "So don't give up your dream, like me. Be strong and do your best."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20090221/tod-oukoe-uk-korea-driver-116e0fe.html
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Renewing Vows Leads To Armed Police Raid!
Themed parties could lead to more than you bargained for if this story is anything to go by. A Party to celebrate the renewal of wedding vows has lead to a full armed police raid including helicopter!
Toy gun-wielding revellers at a cowboy-themed party were left gob-smacked when armed police teams swooped on the pub venue.
Roy and Val Worthington, from Castle Donington in Leicestershire, were celebrating renewing their vows with friends and family when a police helicopter and cars turned up.
A member of the public had called the county's force after spotting a man walking down the street with what appeared to be a rifle over his shoulder.
In fact, the weapon was a toy and the man was headed for the Worthingtons' silver wedding anniversary do at their local, The Moira Arms.
Mrs Worthington said: "We just came out of the church and my husband said 'I bought you a helicopter' as a joke, because there was one overhead. And when we got to the bottom of the road there was all these police cars stopped outside. There was an armed police unit and a police dog.
"Somebody had phoned up and said there was a man walking around Donington with guns. I suppose they were right to have responded but it was a little bit over the top."
She said she contacted Leicestershire Police in November to warn them about the party and that guests may be carrying toy weapons.
Tina Whiting, friend of the couple and landlady of The Moira Arms, said: "I think it was obvious, they were dressed as cowboys and indians. You could tell it was a party and not a shoot-out."
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: "The police helicopter was already in the area at the time and assisted with the incident. No action was taken against anyone at the party.
"Leicestershire Constabulary has to treat all reports of firearms as genuine and respond to them accordingly. People need to remember that it is an offence to carry a gun, whether real or imitation, in a public place and should bear this in mind when attending fancy dress parties. It can cause real distress to those who witness it and may result in arrests and charges."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090210/tuk-armed-police-swoop-on-cowboy-party-6323e80.html
Toy gun-wielding revellers at a cowboy-themed party were left gob-smacked when armed police teams swooped on the pub venue.
Roy and Val Worthington, from Castle Donington in Leicestershire, were celebrating renewing their vows with friends and family when a police helicopter and cars turned up.
A member of the public had called the county's force after spotting a man walking down the street with what appeared to be a rifle over his shoulder.
In fact, the weapon was a toy and the man was headed for the Worthingtons' silver wedding anniversary do at their local, The Moira Arms.
Mrs Worthington said: "We just came out of the church and my husband said 'I bought you a helicopter' as a joke, because there was one overhead. And when we got to the bottom of the road there was all these police cars stopped outside. There was an armed police unit and a police dog.
"Somebody had phoned up and said there was a man walking around Donington with guns. I suppose they were right to have responded but it was a little bit over the top."
She said she contacted Leicestershire Police in November to warn them about the party and that guests may be carrying toy weapons.
Tina Whiting, friend of the couple and landlady of The Moira Arms, said: "I think it was obvious, they were dressed as cowboys and indians. You could tell it was a party and not a shoot-out."
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: "The police helicopter was already in the area at the time and assisted with the incident. No action was taken against anyone at the party.
"Leicestershire Constabulary has to treat all reports of firearms as genuine and respond to them accordingly. People need to remember that it is an offence to carry a gun, whether real or imitation, in a public place and should bear this in mind when attending fancy dress parties. It can cause real distress to those who witness it and may result in arrests and charges."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090210/tuk-armed-police-swoop-on-cowboy-party-6323e80.html
Friday, 30 January 2009
Real Life Ghostbusters Requred!
A call has been placed for 'real life' Ghostbusters to attend to a spooky problem in The Royal Derby Hospital.
Is this an extreme case of looking after staff welbeing?
A ghostbuster has been called to a "haunted" hospital following reports by staff of a cloaked figure roaming the wards and corridors.
The spooky sightings at the new Royal Derby Hospital have prompted NHS bosses to summon an exorcist, The Sun claimed.
Senior manager Debbie Butler sent an email to staff, informing them of a plan to bring in a priest to rid the hospital of paranormal activity.
She wrote: "I'm not sure how many of you are aware that some members of staff have reported seeing a ghost.
"I'm taking it seriously as it is affecting some members of staff and the last thing I want is staff feeling uneasy at work. I don't want to scare anyone any more than necessary, but felt it was best I made you all aware of the situation and what we are doing about it.
"I've spoken to the Trust's chaplain and she is going to arrange for someone from the cathedral to exorcise the department."
The £334 million hospital is located on the site of the old Derby City General Hospital, which was built in the 1920s over part of a Roman road.
Ms Butler added: "I understand that some of you will probably be worried or scared about this. If any of you wish to discuss this, feel free to contact me at any time."
Anglican priests usually need to seek permission from a bishop before performing an exorcism. A spokesman for the Bishop of Derby told the newspaper: "Any case such as this is put to the Bishop. He would seek proper advice before taking action."
A spokeswoman for Derby Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We take information from staff seriously and are working with the hospital chaplaincy to put people's minds at ease."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090130/tuk-spooked-hospital-calls-ghostbuster-6323e80.html
Is this an extreme case of looking after staff welbeing?
A ghostbuster has been called to a "haunted" hospital following reports by staff of a cloaked figure roaming the wards and corridors.
The spooky sightings at the new Royal Derby Hospital have prompted NHS bosses to summon an exorcist, The Sun claimed.
Senior manager Debbie Butler sent an email to staff, informing them of a plan to bring in a priest to rid the hospital of paranormal activity.
She wrote: "I'm not sure how many of you are aware that some members of staff have reported seeing a ghost.
"I'm taking it seriously as it is affecting some members of staff and the last thing I want is staff feeling uneasy at work. I don't want to scare anyone any more than necessary, but felt it was best I made you all aware of the situation and what we are doing about it.
"I've spoken to the Trust's chaplain and she is going to arrange for someone from the cathedral to exorcise the department."
The £334 million hospital is located on the site of the old Derby City General Hospital, which was built in the 1920s over part of a Roman road.
Ms Butler added: "I understand that some of you will probably be worried or scared about this. If any of you wish to discuss this, feel free to contact me at any time."
Anglican priests usually need to seek permission from a bishop before performing an exorcism. A spokesman for the Bishop of Derby told the newspaper: "Any case such as this is put to the Bishop. He would seek proper advice before taking action."
A spokeswoman for Derby Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We take information from staff seriously and are working with the hospital chaplaincy to put people's minds at ease."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090130/tuk-spooked-hospital-calls-ghostbuster-6323e80.html
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Britain Celebrates Obama's Inauguration
Today is one of the biggest days in American History with the inauguration of the first black American President.
Britain is not letting this occasion go unmarked and several events are happening to coincide with this special day.
A series of events marking the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America are set to take place this side of the Atlantic.
American singer Kelly Rowland will be one of the performers at the Yes We Did inauguration party at the Intercontinental Hotel in Park Lane, central London.
The event will also celebrate the achievements of black Britons and other performers will include British singer and TV presenter Mica Paris.
There will be more celebrations at two balls at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, in central London, and The Davenport Hotel, in Dublin, which will raise money for Democrats Abroad.
The US political party's overseas branch will use the money raised to encourage American voters living abroad to register to vote back home.
Oxford has taken inspiration from Hawaii where the new president was born and spent most of his formative years. A Hawaiian luau will create a party atmosphere at the Kukui bar where party guests will include Oxford Union president Charlie Holt.
American students and staff at Queen's University in Belfast will gather in the Students' Union to watch Mr Obama take his oath.
Vice-chancellor, Professor Peter Gregson, said: "This is an important day for all our American students and staff and we are delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to come together to watch this historic inauguration ceremony.
"I hope that years from now they will look back at Queen's with fond memories when they recall where they were the day Barack Obama was sworn in as America's president.
"This is a day of historical significance for us all, not just the United States."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090120/tuk-uk-events-held-to-mark-obama-6323e80.html
Britain is not letting this occasion go unmarked and several events are happening to coincide with this special day.
A series of events marking the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America are set to take place this side of the Atlantic.
American singer Kelly Rowland will be one of the performers at the Yes We Did inauguration party at the Intercontinental Hotel in Park Lane, central London.
The event will also celebrate the achievements of black Britons and other performers will include British singer and TV presenter Mica Paris.
There will be more celebrations at two balls at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, in central London, and The Davenport Hotel, in Dublin, which will raise money for Democrats Abroad.
The US political party's overseas branch will use the money raised to encourage American voters living abroad to register to vote back home.
Oxford has taken inspiration from Hawaii where the new president was born and spent most of his formative years. A Hawaiian luau will create a party atmosphere at the Kukui bar where party guests will include Oxford Union president Charlie Holt.
American students and staff at Queen's University in Belfast will gather in the Students' Union to watch Mr Obama take his oath.
Vice-chancellor, Professor Peter Gregson, said: "This is an important day for all our American students and staff and we are delighted to be able to give them the opportunity to come together to watch this historic inauguration ceremony.
"I hope that years from now they will look back at Queen's with fond memories when they recall where they were the day Barack Obama was sworn in as America's president.
"This is a day of historical significance for us all, not just the United States."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090120/tuk-uk-events-held-to-mark-obama-6323e80.html
Monday, 12 January 2009
Squirrel Flavour Crisps Could Be Winner!
Walkers have recently launched a competition to discover new flavours for their popular crisp brand.
They are now down to the six finalists but the favourite looks to be Cajun Squirrel! Do you think this could replace Salt & Vinegar?
Chilli and chocolate, crispy duck with hoisin sauce and Cajun squirrel are among a tastebud-testing new range of crisp flavours launched in Britain on Friday.
The flavours, chosen by the public and developed with the help of top chief Heston Blumethal, also include fish and chips, builder's breakfast and onion bhaji.
"The complexities of flavour fascinate me and to watch the British public get so excited about taste has been absolutely inspiring," said Blumenthal, chef of the Michelin three-starred Fat Duck restaurant.
"We've had an incredible response and sifting through the entries has been quite incredible. I can't wait to see which one the public choose as their winner!" he said.
The six flavours were chosen from more than a million suggestions sent in to crisp makers Walkers after they launched their "Do Us A Flavour" campaign last year to find out the British public's snack tastes.
They will be sold until May, after which there will be a vote to decide which flavour stays on sale permanently. The creator of the winner will get 50,000 pounds (77,000 dollars, 56,000 euros) plus one percent of future sales.
Of the six finalists, only one was proposed by a man: Cajun squirrel is the brainchild of Martyn Wright, 26, who said he was inspired to enter when he saw squirrel on a restaurant menu.
"This gentle Cajun flavouring will be delicious for the public and although the idea might sound bizarre, it really works," he said, while underlining that no squirrels were harmed in making the crisps.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090109/tuk-britain-nuts-over-squirrel-flavour-c-a7ad41d.html
They are now down to the six finalists but the favourite looks to be Cajun Squirrel! Do you think this could replace Salt & Vinegar?
Chilli and chocolate, crispy duck with hoisin sauce and Cajun squirrel are among a tastebud-testing new range of crisp flavours launched in Britain on Friday.
The flavours, chosen by the public and developed with the help of top chief Heston Blumethal, also include fish and chips, builder's breakfast and onion bhaji.
"The complexities of flavour fascinate me and to watch the British public get so excited about taste has been absolutely inspiring," said Blumenthal, chef of the Michelin three-starred Fat Duck restaurant.
"We've had an incredible response and sifting through the entries has been quite incredible. I can't wait to see which one the public choose as their winner!" he said.
The six flavours were chosen from more than a million suggestions sent in to crisp makers Walkers after they launched their "Do Us A Flavour" campaign last year to find out the British public's snack tastes.
They will be sold until May, after which there will be a vote to decide which flavour stays on sale permanently. The creator of the winner will get 50,000 pounds (77,000 dollars, 56,000 euros) plus one percent of future sales.
Of the six finalists, only one was proposed by a man: Cajun squirrel is the brainchild of Martyn Wright, 26, who said he was inspired to enter when he saw squirrel on a restaurant menu.
"This gentle Cajun flavouring will be delicious for the public and although the idea might sound bizarre, it really works," he said, while underlining that no squirrels were harmed in making the crisps.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090109/tuk-britain-nuts-over-squirrel-flavour-c-a7ad41d.html
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Tax Payers Are Being Targeted By Fraudsters
It is now that time of year when many of us are trying to complete ouer tax returns before the deadline. It now transpires however that there is a new type of fraudster targeting us when we are at out most vulnerable.
To be aware could stop you being the victim of identity theft;
Revenue and Customs officials warned of an unprecedented wave of false email messages and telephone calls.
They urged people to be on their guard for scam emails attempting to gather personal information and bank details.
The messages tell the recipient they are due a tax refund and ask for bank or credit card details so the fictitious refund can be paid. Some residents have also been approached on the telephone by conmen posing as tax officials trying to arrange rebate payments.
There have been more than 11,000 reports of fraudulent repayment emails since April last year.
Customers who provide their details risk thefts from their bank accounts and having their details sold to organised criminal gangs.
Lesley Strathie, who heads HM Revenue and Customs, warned that fraudsters had become more sophisticated than ever.
She said: "This is the most sophisticated and prolific phishing scam that we have encountered. We only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances. I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email to send it to us for investigation."
Officials said attempts to dishonestly gather personal information were likely to continue after the January 31 self-assessment deadline had passed.
A HM Revenue and Customs spokesman said officials were working with police in Austria, Mexico, the United States, Thailand and Japan to tackle the fraudsters.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090108/tuk-fraudsters-target-british-taxpayers-6323e80.html
To be aware could stop you being the victim of identity theft;
Revenue and Customs officials warned of an unprecedented wave of false email messages and telephone calls.
They urged people to be on their guard for scam emails attempting to gather personal information and bank details.
The messages tell the recipient they are due a tax refund and ask for bank or credit card details so the fictitious refund can be paid. Some residents have also been approached on the telephone by conmen posing as tax officials trying to arrange rebate payments.
There have been more than 11,000 reports of fraudulent repayment emails since April last year.
Customers who provide their details risk thefts from their bank accounts and having their details sold to organised criminal gangs.
Lesley Strathie, who heads HM Revenue and Customs, warned that fraudsters had become more sophisticated than ever.
She said: "This is the most sophisticated and prolific phishing scam that we have encountered. We only ever contact customers who are due a refund in writing by post. We never use emails, telephone calls or external companies in these circumstances. I would strongly encourage anyone receiving such an email to send it to us for investigation."
Officials said attempts to dishonestly gather personal information were likely to continue after the January 31 self-assessment deadline had passed.
A HM Revenue and Customs spokesman said officials were working with police in Austria, Mexico, the United States, Thailand and Japan to tackle the fraudsters.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090108/tuk-fraudsters-target-british-taxpayers-6323e80.html
Monday, 5 January 2009
Sexual Bullying The New Scourge In Schools
Frighteningly it seems that there is an increase in the number of sexual bullying cases in schools resulting in many pupils being excluded from school for participating in such activities. The rise is particulary relevant in the younger age range.
A "shocking new trend" in sex bullying has been revealed as figures showed more than 3,000 children were suspended from school for sexual misconduct. Pupils suspended for sex bullying
Around 3,500 pupils in England were given fixed-term exclusions from school for sexual misconduct in the academic year 2006/07 - including 260 in primary schools, statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families have shown.
The figures are featured in a BBC1 Panorama programme which also quotes the findings of a survey of 11 to 19-year-olds by the charity Young Voice, showing one in 10 had been forced against their will to take part in sex acts.
Sexual misconduct can cover a range of behaviours from a one-off incident of daubing sexually-explicit graffiti on a wall to name-calling, inappropriate touching and serious sexual attacks.
Groping and the use of sexually-abusive nicknames have become almost part of daily life for some pupils, according to the Panorama programme.
Writing in the Daily Mail, presenter Jeremy Vine said he gathered a group of a dozen mothers and fathers in a bar to talk about sexual bullying.
Richard Piggin, from the charity Beatbullying, said sexual bullying was "relatively common" and a serious problem.
"We are looking at sexual misconduct, name-calling and also inappropriate touching, and young people being forced into sexual activity that they are not really comfortable with," he told BBC Breakfast. There is a significant number of young people that we have worked with who have told us that they have either experienced it, or have witnessed it in their schools or in their community."
The Panorama programme comes after Children's Secretary Ed Balls asked the Anti Bullying Alliance to draw up guidance for teachers on tackling sexual bullying.
The guidance will tackle inappropriate language, advise teachers on how to manage cases of harassment, and encourage healthy friendships between teenage boys and girls amid concerns of misogynistic attitudes linked to gang culture.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090105/tuk-pupils-suspended-for-sex-bullying-6323e80.html
A "shocking new trend" in sex bullying has been revealed as figures showed more than 3,000 children were suspended from school for sexual misconduct. Pupils suspended for sex bullying
Around 3,500 pupils in England were given fixed-term exclusions from school for sexual misconduct in the academic year 2006/07 - including 260 in primary schools, statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families have shown.
The figures are featured in a BBC1 Panorama programme which also quotes the findings of a survey of 11 to 19-year-olds by the charity Young Voice, showing one in 10 had been forced against their will to take part in sex acts.
Sexual misconduct can cover a range of behaviours from a one-off incident of daubing sexually-explicit graffiti on a wall to name-calling, inappropriate touching and serious sexual attacks.
Groping and the use of sexually-abusive nicknames have become almost part of daily life for some pupils, according to the Panorama programme.
Writing in the Daily Mail, presenter Jeremy Vine said he gathered a group of a dozen mothers and fathers in a bar to talk about sexual bullying.
Richard Piggin, from the charity Beatbullying, said sexual bullying was "relatively common" and a serious problem.
"We are looking at sexual misconduct, name-calling and also inappropriate touching, and young people being forced into sexual activity that they are not really comfortable with," he told BBC Breakfast. There is a significant number of young people that we have worked with who have told us that they have either experienced it, or have witnessed it in their schools or in their community."
The Panorama programme comes after Children's Secretary Ed Balls asked the Anti Bullying Alliance to draw up guidance for teachers on tackling sexual bullying.
The guidance will tackle inappropriate language, advise teachers on how to manage cases of harassment, and encourage healthy friendships between teenage boys and girls amid concerns of misogynistic attitudes linked to gang culture.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20090105/tuk-pupils-suspended-for-sex-bullying-6323e80.html
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Is A Tax On Mileage Rather Than Gas The Answer?
With the recent concerns over the costs of upkeeping roads, the price of gas and also the effects of global warming the state of Oregan is testing out taxing mileage rather than gas.
In order for roads to be maintained at their current levels the Government will need to recover the lost revenue from fuel efficient cars this may be the way forward!
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon is among a growing number of states exploring ways to tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive instead of how much gas they use, even going so far as to install GPS monitoring devices in 300 vehicles. The idea first emerged nearly 10 years ago as Oregon lawmakers worried that fuel-efficient cars such as gas-electric hybrids could pose a threat to road upkeep, which is paid for largely with gasoline taxes.
"I'm glad we're taking a look at it before the potholes get so big that we can't even get out of them," said Leroy Younglove, a Portland driver who participated in a recent pilot program.
The proposal is not without critics, including drivers who are concerned about privacy and others who fear the tax could eliminate the financial incentive for buying efficient vehicles.
But Oregon is ahead of the nation in exploring the concept, even though it will probably be years before any mileage tax is adopted.
Congress is talking about it, too. A congressional commission has envisioned a system similar to the prototype Oregon tested in 2006-2007.
The National Commission on Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing is considering calling for higher gas taxes to keep highways, bridges and transit programs in good shape.
But over the long term, commission members say, the nation should consider taxing mileage rather than gasoline as drivers use more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
As cars burn less fuel, "the gas tax isn't going to fill the bill," said Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The next Congress "could begin to set the stage, perhaps looking at some much more robust pilot programs, to begin the research, to work with manufacturers."
Gov. Ted Kulongoski has included development money for the tax in his budget proposal, and interest is growing in a number of other states.
Governors in Idaho and Rhode Island have considered systems that would require drivers to report their mileage when they register vehicles.
In North Carolina last month, a panel suggested charging motorists a quarter-cent for every mile as a substitute for the gas tax.
James Whitty, the Oregon Department of Transportation employee in charge of the state's effort, said he's also heard talk of mileage tax proposals in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado and Minnesota.
"There is kind of a coalition that's naturally forming around this," he said.
Also fueling the search for alternatives is the political difficulty of raising gasoline taxes.
The federal gas tax has not been raised since 1993, and nearly two dozen states have not changed their taxes since 1997, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
In Oregon's pilot program, officials equipped 300 vehicles with GPS transponders that worked wirelessly with service station pumps, allowing drivers to pay their mileage tax just as they do their gas tax.
Whitty said the test, which involved two gas stations in the Portland area, proved the idea could work.
Though the GPS devices did not track the cars' locations in great detail, they could determine when a driver had left certain zones, such as the state of Oregon. They also kept track of the time the driving was done, so a premium could be charged for rush-hour mileage.
The proposal envisions a gradual change, with manufacturers installing the technology in new vehicles because retrofitting old cars would be too expensive. Owners of older vehicles would continue to pay gasoline taxes.
The difference in tax based on mileage or on gasoline would be small — "pennies per transaction at the pump," Whitty said.
But the mileage tax still faces several major obstacles.
For one, Oregon accounts for only a small part of auto sales, so the state can't go it alone. A multistate or national system would be needed.
Another concern is that such devices could threaten privacy. Whitty said he and his task force have assured people that the program does not track detailed movement and that driving history is not stored and cannot be accessed by law enforcement agencies.
"I think most people will come to realize there is really no tracking issue and will continue to buy new cars," Whitty said, noting that many cell phones now come equipped with GPS, which has not deterred customers.
Others are worried that a mileage tax would undermine years of incentives to switch toward more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"It doesn't seem fair," said Paul Niedergang of Portland, that a hybrid would be taxed as much as his Dodge pickup. "I just think the gas tax needs to be updated."
Lynda Williams, also of Portland, was not immediately sold on the idea but said it was worth consideration.
"We all have to be open-minded," she said. "Our current system just isn't working."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090103/ap_on_re_us/mileage_tax
In order for roads to be maintained at their current levels the Government will need to recover the lost revenue from fuel efficient cars this may be the way forward!
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon is among a growing number of states exploring ways to tax drivers based on the number of miles they drive instead of how much gas they use, even going so far as to install GPS monitoring devices in 300 vehicles. The idea first emerged nearly 10 years ago as Oregon lawmakers worried that fuel-efficient cars such as gas-electric hybrids could pose a threat to road upkeep, which is paid for largely with gasoline taxes.
"I'm glad we're taking a look at it before the potholes get so big that we can't even get out of them," said Leroy Younglove, a Portland driver who participated in a recent pilot program.
The proposal is not without critics, including drivers who are concerned about privacy and others who fear the tax could eliminate the financial incentive for buying efficient vehicles.
But Oregon is ahead of the nation in exploring the concept, even though it will probably be years before any mileage tax is adopted.
Congress is talking about it, too. A congressional commission has envisioned a system similar to the prototype Oregon tested in 2006-2007.
The National Commission on Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing is considering calling for higher gas taxes to keep highways, bridges and transit programs in good shape.
But over the long term, commission members say, the nation should consider taxing mileage rather than gasoline as drivers use more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.
As cars burn less fuel, "the gas tax isn't going to fill the bill," said Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The next Congress "could begin to set the stage, perhaps looking at some much more robust pilot programs, to begin the research, to work with manufacturers."
Gov. Ted Kulongoski has included development money for the tax in his budget proposal, and interest is growing in a number of other states.
Governors in Idaho and Rhode Island have considered systems that would require drivers to report their mileage when they register vehicles.
In North Carolina last month, a panel suggested charging motorists a quarter-cent for every mile as a substitute for the gas tax.
James Whitty, the Oregon Department of Transportation employee in charge of the state's effort, said he's also heard talk of mileage tax proposals in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado and Minnesota.
"There is kind of a coalition that's naturally forming around this," he said.
Also fueling the search for alternatives is the political difficulty of raising gasoline taxes.
The federal gas tax has not been raised since 1993, and nearly two dozen states have not changed their taxes since 1997, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
In Oregon's pilot program, officials equipped 300 vehicles with GPS transponders that worked wirelessly with service station pumps, allowing drivers to pay their mileage tax just as they do their gas tax.
Whitty said the test, which involved two gas stations in the Portland area, proved the idea could work.
Though the GPS devices did not track the cars' locations in great detail, they could determine when a driver had left certain zones, such as the state of Oregon. They also kept track of the time the driving was done, so a premium could be charged for rush-hour mileage.
The proposal envisions a gradual change, with manufacturers installing the technology in new vehicles because retrofitting old cars would be too expensive. Owners of older vehicles would continue to pay gasoline taxes.
The difference in tax based on mileage or on gasoline would be small — "pennies per transaction at the pump," Whitty said.
But the mileage tax still faces several major obstacles.
For one, Oregon accounts for only a small part of auto sales, so the state can't go it alone. A multistate or national system would be needed.
Another concern is that such devices could threaten privacy. Whitty said he and his task force have assured people that the program does not track detailed movement and that driving history is not stored and cannot be accessed by law enforcement agencies.
"I think most people will come to realize there is really no tracking issue and will continue to buy new cars," Whitty said, noting that many cell phones now come equipped with GPS, which has not deterred customers.
Others are worried that a mileage tax would undermine years of incentives to switch toward more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"It doesn't seem fair," said Paul Niedergang of Portland, that a hybrid would be taxed as much as his Dodge pickup. "I just think the gas tax needs to be updated."
Lynda Williams, also of Portland, was not immediately sold on the idea but said it was worth consideration.
"We all have to be open-minded," she said. "Our current system just isn't working."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090103/ap_on_re_us/mileage_tax
Friday, 2 January 2009
Death Of World's Oldest Person
Sadly the New Year has started with the death of the World's oldest recorded person
A Portuguese woman who was the world's oldest person has died at the age of 115.
Maria de Jesus became the world's oldest person after an American woman, Edna Parker, died in November at the age of 115 years and 220 days, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
A family member said Maria de Jesus died in an ambulance on her way to hospital.
She was born on September 10, 1893 and reached 115 years and 114 days old
Gertrude Baines from California now takes over the mantel of Oldest Living Person
An African American , Baines lives in Los Angeles. Aside from her arthritis and inability to walk, Baines is very healthy and has never had a seriously sick day in her life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Baines
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090102/twl-world-s-oldest-person-dies-at115-41f21e0.html
A Portuguese woman who was the world's oldest person has died at the age of 115.
Maria de Jesus became the world's oldest person after an American woman, Edna Parker, died in November at the age of 115 years and 220 days, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
A family member said Maria de Jesus died in an ambulance on her way to hospital.
She was born on September 10, 1893 and reached 115 years and 114 days old
Gertrude Baines from California now takes over the mantel of Oldest Living Person
An African American , Baines lives in Los Angeles. Aside from her arthritis and inability to walk, Baines is very healthy and has never had a seriously sick day in her life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Baines
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20090102/twl-world-s-oldest-person-dies-at115-41f21e0.html
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