Bravery of young mother who stayed by her horse’s side for three hours after getting trapped in mud ‘like quicksand’ | Mail Online

 

Race against the tide: Bravery of young mother who stayed by her horse’s side for THREE HOURS after getting trapped in mud ‘like quicksand’

 

This was the terrifying moment a brave young mother battled to keep her beloved horse calm as sea water closed in on the animal after he became trapped in mud ‘like quicksand’.

Exhausted and mud-splattered, Nicole Graham clung to her trapped horse Astro for three hours keeping his head high in a race against the tide.

The 78-stone show horse had sunk into quagmire-like mud and was facing the prospect of drowning as the water rose around them.

‘Like quicksand’: Both Miss Graham and her horse were stuck up to their waists in the mud as the tide was closing in

Desperation: Nicole Graham comforts her 18-year-old show horse Astro after he gets stuck in coastal mud

Swallowed up: Astro was stuck fast and Miss Graham’s efforts to pull him free only resulted in herself sinking deeper into the quagmire

Miss Graham had been out on an afternoon ride with her daughter along the coast near Geelong, south of Melbourne, when 18-year-old Astro suddenly sank into the mud.

Before she could shout a warning, the smaller horse her daughter Paris was riding was also partially swallowed up by the mud.

After dragging herself through the mire, Miss Graham helped her daughter and the other horse on to firmer ground.

However, Astro was stuck fast and her efforts to pull him free only resulted in herself sinking deeper into the quagmire.

To the rescue: Vet Stacey Sullivan prepares to sedate Astro in a bid to get him out safely

Tidal terror: The brave mother tries to keep the horse calm as rescuers work how out to free the animal

Emotional: Miss Graham said it was heartbreaking to see her horse so exhausted and struggling

As Paris ran to their car and phoned for help, Miss Graham stayed at her horse’s side. She courageously clung on to his neck, terrified that he would not be freed before the tide came in.

After three ‘terrifying’ hours, rescuers managed to pull Astro and Miss Graham from the mud.

Miss Graham, who owns more than 10 horses and runs an equine dentistry business, told the Geelong Advertiser how a peaceful afternoon’s ride had turned to terror.

She said: ‘It was terrifying. It was also heartbreaking to see my horse exhausted and struggling.

Race against the tide: The water is seen getting closer to the horse as the group battles to free him

Stuck fast: Rescuers look for ways to free the stricken horse as time is slowly running out for him

Pulled free: Astro is dragged from the mud with the aid of a farmer’s tractor

‘We went straight down and under. There was mud everywhere and every time I moved it sucked me back down. It wouldn’t let us go.’

After ensuring her daughter and her horse were safe, she returned to Astro and prayed that rescuers would arrive before the tide engulfed the horse.

She added: ‘I’ve been riding here for 20 years and never had a drama. I’ve never seen any signs and didn’t realise it was so boggy.

‘When I saw the dust from the rescue trucks I was so relieved. I was starting to get overwhelmed.’

Fire lieutenant Roger Buckle, who was among a team of helpers, said: ‘It was like a quicksand.’

Fire crews worked with a local farmer, who provided a tractor, and a veterinary team. The firemen used hoses and a winch, but none of this equipment was successful.

Sedated and exhausted: Astro collapses on the ground after he is pulled free of the mud, to the relief of rescuers

Saved: Vet Stacey Sullivan helps Astro to his feet as the effects of the sedation wear off

A local helicopter was put on standby as a last resort at pulling Astro from the mud.

The combined rescue effort paid off. With minutes to spare before the water reached him, Astro – who had been sedated by vet Stacey Sullivan – was dragged from the mud with the aid of the farmer’s tractor.

‘It was a race against the tide and fortunately we won,’ said Lieut Buckle, who praised everyone efforts, including those of Miss Sullivan whose work in sedating Astro made it easier to pull him free.

Miss Sullivan said Astro was dehydrated but had coped well.

‘A lot of horses don’t make it and I think without the owner there the chance of survival would have been a lot lower,’ she said.

It’s all over: Miss Graham leads her horses away from the beach after the traumatic rescue

Aftermath: Astro and Miss Graham are led to safety after the drama. The vet said the horse may not have made it had it not been for the efforts of his owner.

By Kerry Mcqueeney

Bravery of young mother who stayed by her horse’s side for three hours after getting trapped in mud ‘like quicksand’ | Mail Online

BBC News – Belfast’s book of condolence for Frank Carson

Through all our troubles in Northern Ireland he made us laugh both at ourselves and the World…he will be missed by a lot of people…….jboy2244

Belfast’s book of condolence for Frank Carson

The Belfast-born comic rose to fame in the 1960s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times

Belfast City Council has opened a book of condolence in memory of Frank Carson.

The Belfast-born comic died on Wednesday after battling poor health for some time. He was 85.

Friends, family and the world of show business have been paying tribute to him.

Famous for his sayings "it’s a cracker" and "it’s the way I tell ‘em", Carson came to prominence in the 1960s after winning Opportunity Knocks.

He leaves a wife, Ruth, daughter Majella and sons Tony and Aidan, as well as 10 grandchildren.

Tony told BBC Radio Ulster that he was a father first and a celebrity second.

"He was a pain in the butt, in the nicest way," he said.

"He was non-stop."

"Dad was kind and generous, he had great affection for us all, especially his grandchildren as he got older and had more time on his hands.

"He had such a positive outlook on life, on everything. There was definitely a child within that wanted to have fun and give fun.

"Laughter is the best exercise for the heart and he got plenty of exercise for his."

The Carson family plan to bring Frank back to Belfast for burial on Saturday 3 March.

The first and deputy first ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said the comedian would be remembered with "special fondness".

"A bit of colour has dropped out of everyone’s life following the death of Frank Carson, but his laughter will echo around his native Belfast, and farther afield, for years to come," they said.

"He was a warm, funny and generous-hearted man who dispensed sunshine to everyone he met and was a great ambassador for his homeland."

The former bishop of Londonderry, Edward Daly, booked the comedian to perform to sell out crowds at St Columb’s Hall in the city nearly a 100 times in the 1960s.

He said he spoke to him by telephone last Sunday.

"Frank was a good man – he certainly made my life a whole lot more enjoyable," he said.

"He helped me and I think I helped him too."

Tributes

As the news of his death broke on Wednesday night many stars took to the social networking site Twitter to share their memories.

BBC News – Belfast’s book of condolence for Frank Carson

Iran: Nadarkhani execution fears

Iran: Nadarkhani execution fears and long-awaited trial for church leader  21/02/2012

 

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has been informed that Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyer is trying to confirm reports that the Iranian authorities have decided to execute the pastor. There are grave concerns that the death sentence could be carried out at any time without prior notification and that the authorities will merely announce it later, a practice that is not uncommon in Iran.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani is facing a death sentence for apostasy, and has been awaiting a final decision on the verdict for several months. On at least four occasions he has been offered freedom in exchange for renouncing his faith, but has consistently refused to do so.

CSW has also received reports that the long-awaited trial of Farshid Fathi Malayeri, an evangelical church leader who has been held in prison since December 2010, took place on 5 February in a Revolutionary Court based in Evin Prison. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in three months time. Mohabat News reports that the trial had been postponed several times. 

The father-of-two was arrested by the authorities on 26 December 2010 during raids which targeted a large number of Christian citizens and house church members, many of whom were later released after exorbitant bail payments. 

Farshid Fathi Malayeri was kept in solitary confinement for a large part of his incarceration, and interrogated by agents working for the Ministry of Intelligence about his church activities and contacts abroad. The equivalent of £120,000 was demanded as bail for his release, but when his family eventually managed to raise the money, the authorities refused to release him.

Fathi is now reportedly being held in the general ward of the prison. He is believed to be in good health and his family has been allowed to visit him.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “CSW is deeply concerned at the very real possibility that Pastor Nadarkhani’s death sentence could be carried out at any time, despite the fact that there is no legal basis for this sentence. We urge the international community to press the Iranian government to release Pastor Nadarkhani, Farshid Fathi Malayeri and others who are unjustly imprisoned or facing execution following flawed judicial processes. It is unacceptable that Farshid Fathi Malayeri had to endure over a year of incarceration while awaiting his trial date, including a lengthy time in solitary confinement. CSW also remains deeply concerned at the ongoing harassment and imprisonment of Christians, Baha’is and other minorities, actions which contravene international covenants to which Iran is signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees freedom of religion. We urge the Iranian authorities to follow due process, and ensure respect for the right to freedom of religion.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visitwww.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.

Christian Solidarity Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyer is trying to confirm reports

 

Take action – Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Please share on your Blog/Wall/Tweet and let your friends know – take action now! This is wrong and I hope we will not sit back and allow this to happen….Please use your voice and please use it now.

Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyer is trying to confirm reports that the Iranian authorities have decided to execute the pastor. There are grave concerns that the death sentence could be carried out at any time without prior notification and that the authorities will merely announce it later, a practice that is not uncommon in Iran.

Take action – Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Your voice could help to save Pastor Nadarkhani’s life:
Email Mr Sadegh Larijani today!

Mr Sadegh Larijani, is the Chief Justice of Iran.

Use this link now….Please

http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=88&ea.campaign.id=13092

Toddlers and Tiaras pageant moms given beauty queen makeovers – with scary results | Mail Online

Is it just me or is there something very disturbing and wrong about this !!..jboy2244

My, how you’ve grown! Toddlers and Tiaras pageant moms are given beauty queen makeovers – with scary results

By Daisy Dumas

We thought the day would never come – but, for the first time ever, a group of indomitable and infamous pageant moms have been given the beauty queen treatment, transforming them into adult-sized versions of their daughters.

Anderson Cooper and his team have taken TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras’ four most famous mothers and given them pageant makeovers – even going as far as dressing them in copycat outfits to mimic their daughters’ favourite competition costumes.

Little and large: Pageant moms are given the beauty queen treatment by Anderson Cooper. The results are hilarious, if a little disturbing

The results, while hilarious, are an attempt by the talk-show host to encourage the controversial women to think differently about dressing their young girls up and asking them to perform in the revealing outfits and make-up.

Six-year-old Alana Thompson, aka Honey Boo Boo Child, looked like a miniature version of her mother, June Shannon, from McIntyre, Georgia.

The self-proclaimed ‘Coupon Queen’ said she found the corset a little tight, but apart from that she was determined to see the humorous side of the get-up, echoing the mothers’ attitudes towards the pageant world as a whole.

Look at mummy! Honey Boo Boo Child, aka Alana, looks very pleased to see her mom, June Shannon, in the hot pink outfit

The self-proclaimed ‘Coupon Queen’ said she found the corset a little tight, but apart from that she was determined to see the humourous side

‘We have had a blast,’ she said of the day at the studio. ‘This is something we’ll laugh about for years to come. This is fun, this is all about having fun.’

When questioned ether the outfit may make her change her philosophy towards child beauty pageants, it became clear the embarrassing makeover experience had made no impact.

‘I don’t rethink any decision that I’ve made for my daughter as far as pageants,’ she said.

The tiny electric blue spandex number was a touch on the revealing side for the mother-of-three Alicia

‘This was all in fun for us today, yeah, the corset is a little tight. With her, she enjoys doing it, so we are going to continue doing it.’

She insists on the programme, airing tomorrow, that the highly criticised pageant world is nothing more than a sport.

‘To us women who do it everyday it is a sport. Alana, she loves doing it, she’s not into the basketball or the baseball or anything like that.’

Honey Boo Boo Child and Pretty Woman: Alana Thompson and June Shannon, left, and Paisley with mom Wendy Dickey, right. Wendy famously dressed her child as a prostitute for a show when aged just three

When asked whether she had indulged in any ‘GoGo Juice’ – the caffeine-heavy mix of Red Bull and Mountain Dew she famously uses to energise her child – the larger-than-life June pointed out that Anderson and the audience had drunk it all. Indeed, at one point, the host takes a swig from a bottle and declares that the potent mix is ‘very sweet.’

‘I don’t give her GoGo Juice everyday of the week,’ explains June. ‘Sometimes I don’t give it to her at pageants at all, we may use another remedy that day which may be pixie sticks or candy or just a regular caffeinated drink.’

The mother of eight-year-old Laci was a little less enamoured with her Lady Gaga costume. The tiny electric blue spandex number was a touch on the revealing side for the mother-of-three Alicia, whose daughter’s verdict of the outfit was simply: ‘Weird.’

What a pair: EverRose Sims sparkles in pink and purple with her mother Kayla Sims, left, and Laci Crews with mother Alicia Morgan, right, in their teeny, tiny electric blue Lady Gaga leotards

Mr Cooper suggested that the audience had found the diminutive outfit ‘surprising’ for such a young child, but the mom disagreed.

‘Not at all. I mean, she doesn’t have anything, it’s different for children, it’s not showing anything, it’s a swimsuit for her.’

Happily for the mothers, there is another team of parents – namely, Lifetime’s Dance Moms – who are perhaps even more eyebrow-raising than they.

‘They are worse than us, they make us look really good’ said June, while Kayla, who famously encouraged her daughter to diet and lose 10 pounds, said of the Dance Moms: ‘I think they are mean, they seem mean-hearted.’

Throw it back: Anderson tries the famous GoGo Juice – a mix of Red Bull and Mountain Dew that June uses to energise Alana before shows. He winces and declares the mix to be ‘very sweet’

Speaking about eight-year-old EverRose’s diet, Kayla said she simply did not want her children to ever reach the weight of 300 pounds – as she once had.

‘Obviously it does look like my child lost ten pounds in a couple of weeks,’ she said of TLC’s editing. ‘If I could do that I would bottle it, I would sell it and I would be a millionaire. Also, I would be skinny too.

‘We watch what we eat all the time, not just a couple of weeks… Ten pounds she probably put on over the summer because she did not do as much activity. She takes dance, gymnastic and cheer. Over the summer that usually stops, so she was a little more sitting around. So she probably easily put that on over the summer.’

Beauty queen scene: The infamous pageant moms defended the beauty queen scene to Anderson, with June saying it just like a ‘sport’

She explains that she aims to teach her children to be as conscious of diet and exercise as they can be so that they do not have to deal with the bullying caused by obesity.

‘I have four children and I want them all to not live the things that I have lived, as we all have experienced things in our lives that we don’t want our children to deal with,’ she emotionally revealed.

Toddlers and Tiaras pageant moms given beauty queen makeovers – with scary results | Mail Online

Oscar presenting disasters – Yahoo! Movies UK

 

Oscar presenting disasters

When hosting the Academy Awards goes horribly wrong

 

By Steve Charnock

 

After scheduled host Eddie Murphy pulled out of hosting this year’s Academy Awards ceremony at the end of 2011, Oscar bigwigs started to panic. Who were they going to get in to replace the ‘Nutty Professor’ ‘funnyman’? After all, there’s been a severe decline in TV ratings in recent years and plenty of dodgy shows before now.
Luckily for the Academy though, Ol’ Safe Hands himself, Billy Crystal has signed on to host proceedings (this year’s awards will be his ninth in charge – only Bob Hope beats him with a whopping 18!). But not everyone can be trusted behind that podium come Oscars night. Here’s a useful guide for future hosts on how to present the Oscars, using some real-life examples:

James Franco and Anne Hathaway (2011)

Pretty in pink… Hathaway and Franco (Credit: PA)
This duo might go down as the worst Oscar presenters in history. Firstly, Franco. He couldn’t have looked more uncomfortable if he’d had one of the Academy Awards stuffed down the back of his trousers. He said it was ‘cos the material written for him was rubbish (which it was), but dressing up as Marilyn Monroe in a pink dress and blonde wig didn’t help. As for Hathaway… did she really need that many costume changes?

Rude… Letterman (Credit: PA)David Letterman (1995)
Late Show host David Letterman’s dry wit is hugely popular in America, especially with his cynical East Coast audience, but LA luvvies weren’t appreciative of his irreverent hosting style though. His dismissive style of comedy was seen as too disrespectful and a daft joke about Oprah Winfrey caused the Queen of TV to blank him for more than a decade afterwards.
Jerry Lewis (1959)
Professional pratfaller Jerry Lewis had to fill up 20 minutes of air time due to a scheduling error. The comedian could only waffle on for so long before he decided to jump into the orchestra pit to kill time and start playing a trumpet terribly. It was embarrassing. Luckily, the TV network (NBC) pulled the plug and cut to a documentary about pistol shooting instead. We hope someone got fired.
Donald Duck (1958)
1958′s ceremony saw Donald Duck co-host along with Bob Hope, Jack Lemmon and David Niven. And it just looked weird. Unsurprisingly.

 

Acerbic… Rock (Credit: PA)Chris Rock (2005)
You’re not Ricky Gervais and this isn’t the Golden Globes. Chris Rock managed to upset a fair few people with his acerbic barbs back in 2005. Saying that some of the Best Picture nominations ‘sucked’ will do that. Chevy Chase set the precedent in this though – calling the assembled crowd ‘Hollywood phonies’ back in 1987.
Ellen DeGeneres (2007)
The comedian spectacularly fawned over everyone in the most cringingly awful way imaginable in 2007. She posed for photos with people and then even cried about how ‘beautiful’ it all was the next day on her talk show.

No hosts (1989)
The academy has tried to hold the Oscars with no hosts seven times (usually to try and trim the running time). They abandoned the idea in 1989 after the show opened with a now infamous skit featuring Rob Lowe and Snow White (played by Eileen Bowman) singing a version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Proud Mary’. So embarrassing the Academy has seemingly expunged all traces of it from the internet. Disney considered suing.
Have you got any suggestions for future Oscars’ hosts? Do share ‘em…

ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE FROM Yahoo! Movies UK:

Oscar presenting disasters – Yahoo! Movies UK

David Kelly dead: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory grandfather dies, aged 82 | Mail Online

David Kelly brought happiness to many people with his many and varied roles he will be missed..jboy2244

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory grandfather David Kelly dies, aged 82

By Alanah Eriksen

Irish actor David Kelly, who played Grandpa Joe Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has died, aged 82.

The dapper dresser passed away after a short illness following a career on stage and screen spanning 50 years.

He became a familiar face on British television during the 1970s with a long running role as the one-armed dishwasher Albert Riddle in Robin’s Nest.

Tributes are flowing: Irish actor David Kelly, who played Grandpa Joe Bucket in the 2005 remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, alongside Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, has died, aged 82

Despite his longevity, Kelly reckoned a nine-minute part as a feckless builder on Fawlty Towers gave him more fame worldwide than all his years acting.

Kelly also remarked he finally made it as a sex symbol after an unforgettable scene in the 1998 film Waking Ned where he rode a motorbike naked.

He was married to actress Laurie Morton – whom he met in the Dublin suburb of Goatstown – with whom he had two children.

Actor friend Niall Toibin, who lived with him in London for six months, paid a warm tribute to Kelly, saying he would always remember him with a smile.

‘He was a hilarious man. He had an outlook on life that was slightly skewed and made you laugh all the time,’ the former Ballykissangel star said.

Pouring himself into the role: Kelly with Freddie in a scene from the Tim Burton-directed movie

Flashback: One of Kelly’s first roles was a vicar on the The Italian Job in 1969, alongside Michael Caine and Noel Coward, with director Peter Collinson

‘Even when he was down in the dumps recovering from our mutual, sort of, weakness for the bottle, he was still extremely funny and very light-hearted and he had a wicked sense of humour.’

Born in Dublin, Kelly was a calligrapher and talented watercolour artist and began acting aged eight at the Gaiety Theatre.

His impressive list of film credits includes playing a vicar on the The Italian Job in 1969, Into The West in 1992 and Waking Ned for which he earned a Screen Actors’ Guild nomination.

Others included Agent Cody Banks 2 in 2004, Laws of Attraction that same year, Stardust in 2007 and his role as Grandpa Joe in the Tim Burton remake alongside Hollywood heavyweight Johnny Depp and rising star Freddie Highmore.

Coveted role: He became a familiar face on British television during the 1970s with a long running role as the one-armed dishwasher Albert Riddle in Robin’s Nest, alongside Tessa Wyatt, Richard O’Sullivan and Tony Britton

Among his many talents: Kelly, pictured with Ian Bannen, joked that he had finally become a sex symbol in the 1998 English comedy Waking Ned, during a scene where he rode a motorcycle naked

He was widely tipped for an Oscar nomination for the role which saw him lead Freddie’s famous character Charlie around Willy Wonka’s factory after the youngster won the golden ticket in a chocolate bar for a tour.

Kelly received a lifetime achievement award in 2005 at the Irish Film and Television Awards.

Toibin added to RTE Radio: ‘Even when he was in the depths of hangover he was hilarious company, always.’

My love: Kelly, pictured in 2008, was married to actress Laurie Morton with whom he had two children

In 1975 he took the Fawlty Towers role of O’Reilly for one episode. He also had parts on British sitcoms like Oh Father, On the Buses and Never Mind the Quality Feel the Width. Other television work included Glenroe on RTE, Ballykissangel and Emmerdale Farm.

Kelly, considered a charmer, continued to work up until last year but one of his most acclaimed performances was his portrayal of Rashers Tierney in the 1980 RTE series Strumpet City. He also pointed to it as one of his favourite roles.

Born on July 11 1929, Kelly went to Synge Street Catholic Boys School.

David Kelly dead: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory grandfather dies, aged 82 | Mail Online

Syria news: Britain and US demand further action at UN as Homs is bombarded for 11th day | Mail Online

 

Britain and U.S. join forces to demand further action at the UN as Syria continues bombardment of Homs for ELEVENTH day

By Daily Mail Reporter

Britain and the U.S. have joined forces to demand the United Nations take further action in Syria, as President Bashar Assad’s brutal military crackdown shows no sign of stopping.

Prime Minister David Cameron and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed in a telephone call last night on the ‘need for international unity’ – as the city of Homs was bombarded by rockets and mortars for a eleventh consecutive day.

Today’s attacks saw Assad’s troops attacking rebels and homes on several fronts, with Homs succumbing to severe food and fuel shortages as residents remain trapped inside their homes.

The need, Cameron’s spokesman said, included: ‘Further action at the UN and a broad and strong coalition in the new Friends of Syria group.’

 

Warzone: Syrian army tanks are now a regular sight on the streets of Homs, as Assad continues to fight the 11-month uprising

Joining forces: British PM David Cameron (left) and U.S. President Barack Obama (right) want the UN to take further action in Syria

The two leaders, who are reluctant to get dragged in militarily, also ‘discussed the possibility of increasing the pressure on the Assad regime through additional sanctions’.

The conversation came after the Arab League floated ideas to send in a joint U.N.-Arab peacekeeping force.

That plan has been backed in part by the Obama administration, which feared it would be difficult to gain authorisation by the UN Security Council.

Chief among the hurdles is opposition by Russia and China, which vetoed a far less ambitious Security Council action already this month.

Russia has said peacekeepers could not be sent without Syrian government approval, and  officials in Damascus have already rejected the proposal, calling it unjustified interference in internal affairs.

‘We support the Arab League’s decisions … to try to end the violence and move toward a transition,’ Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

Destruction: A house in Homs has been left as rubble after being shelled by Syrian forces

Raining down: Bombs continue to fall on the city of Homs as the crackdown continues into a second week

‘There are a lot of challenges to be discussed as to how to put into effect all of their recommendations. And certainly, the peacekeeping request is one that will take agreement and consensus.

‘So, we don’t know that it is going to be possible to persuade Syria. They have already as of today rejected that, but I think this is what we are trying to explore,’ she told reporters after meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at the State Department.

At the White House, press secretary Jay Carney said the administration has begun discussions with the UN, the Arab League and allies about how an eventual peacekeeping force could work.

He said nothing about any U.S. participation, but it would be unlikely in the near term.

Wounded: A young girl, injured in shelling earlier this month, sits in her Homs home as the brutal crackdown on opposition against Assad continues

Destruction: Homs, which is the centre of the uprising against Assad, is still being bombarded by rockets and mortars

For now, talk of a peacekeeping force is preliminary, and largely theoretical. Carney said the discussion is about how peacekeepers ‘could help to maintain peace in Syria, starting with there being a peace to keep’.

A February 24 meeting is scheduled in Tunisia of the Friends of Syria group that will plot efforts to compel Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime to end its brutal crackdown on opponents.

Training: Syrian rebels rehearse their moves which they continue to use against Assad’s forces

Making a noise: Despite unleashing thousands of mortars and rockets onto Homs, Assad has still not put down the rebel uprising against his rule

Ahead of that meeting, Clinton said the U.S., Turkey and other supporters of the Arab League plan would be discussing ways to support the opposition and expand the delivery of humanitarian supplies to those in need.

Among the topics of discussion will be intensifying sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Assad and his inner circle, greater outreach to regime opponents in and outside of the country and boosting financial contributions to organizations like the International Committee for the Red Cross and Red Crescent that are working in Syria.

Scars: Doctors said they are treating dozens of young Syrians injured during the violence at a hospital run by Paris-based Medecins Sans Frontieres in Amman

Maimed: All five men have undergone reconstructive surgeries at Red Crescent Hospital in Amman

Syria news: Britain and US demand further action at UN as Homs is bombarded for 11th day | Mail Online

BAFTAs 2012: Meryl Streep loses shoe while collecting award.

 

BAFTAs 2012: Meryl Streep loses shoe while collecting award

By Orlando Parfitt 

An otherwise predictable BAFTAs was livened up when Meryl Streep had a footwear malfunction.

As expected, ‘The Artist’ continued its inevitable march towards Oscar glory by scooping up the big gongs, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor.

2012 BAFTA film awards highlights.

But the sedate ceremony, which was broadcast on BBC1, briefly came to life when Streep made a right mess of collecting her Best Actress gong and needed a helping hand from Colin Firth.

Streep won for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’.

‘Where’s my shoe?’… Streep loses footwear

After her name was read out, the actress seemed unsure whether she needed her sparkly clutch bag. She started carrying it towards the stage, only to stop, shake her head and hand it to an audience member.

Then as she walked across the stage her shoe fell off. She paused, pointed at it, then abandoned the rogue item and continued towards the rostrum.

My hero… Colin Firth presents rogue stiletto

Luckily the ever-so-lovely Colin Firth, who had read out the Best Actress nominations beforehand, was her knight in shining armour.

He picked up the shoe, knelt down in front of her and presented it to her foot. The duo then shared a couple of friendly kisses.

Very friendly… Oscar-winners share smooch

"Thank you so much!" blustered Streep. "That couldn’t have gone worse!".

Here’s hoping her footwear is more secure when the Oscars come around in a couple of weeks.

If only the rest of the BAFTAs was so exciting…

BAFTAs 2012: Meryl Streep loses shoe while collecting award

 Movie Editor’s Blog – Yahoo! Movies UK

Amazing ‘tsunami cloud’ hits Florida coastline – Yahoo!

 

Amazing ‘tsunami cloud’ hits Florida coastline

At first glance, it looks as though a tsunami wave is about to crash into a swathe of high-rise tower blocks.
But for beachgoers and surfers alike along Panama City Beach, Florida, there was no need to panic, the giant wave was just an curious illusion caused by harmless sea fog rolling off the Gulf of Mexico.

The tsunami-like clouds are just a harmless weather phenomenon.

Photo: Splashnews

So what’s the science behind the captivating photograph taken from a helicopter earlier this month?
This ‘tsunami cloud’ effect is believed to be caused by a phenomenon known as the ‘Kelvin–Helmholtz instability’ that can occur in both air and water.

This is when a fast-moving layer of fluid or air washes over a slower, thicker layer – creating the wispy wave effect.
According to helicopter pilot JR Hott, the clouds appear a few times a year but normally further down the coast.

Mr Hott wrote: "When the temperature, humidity and winds are just right, we’ll get this fog that forms on the high rise condos on the beach.”

He added: “The event, while it can form quickly, moves gently and slowly. It isn’t something that happens with more than a gentle breeze.”

Amazing ‘tsunami cloud’ hits Florida coastline – Yahoo!

By Gaby Leslie

John 3:16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.