US consumer spending flat, income up 0.5 pct.

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Americans spent no more in June than they did in May, even though their income grew at the fastest pace in three months.

The lack of growth in spending follows a decline in the previous month, suggesting consumers are staying cautious with their money as they economy weakens.

Income rose 0.5 percent, the Commerce Department said in its June report on consumer spending and income. That was the biggest gain since March and was driven by a 0.5 percent increase in wages, the largest component of income. After-taxes and adjusting for inflation, income grew 0.3 percent.

The extra money in June paychecks went straight to savings. The savings rate rose to 4.4 percent in June, the highest level in a year.

Slower growth in consumer spending this spring was the main reason the economy grew at an annual pace of just 1.5 percent in the April-June quarter. That's less than the 2 percent growth rate in the January-March quarter this year. Consumer spending drives roughly 70 percent of growth.

In June, consumers spent slightly more on services. But they cut back on autos and other long-lasting manufactured goods. They also spent less on non-durable goods, such as clothing, food and gasoline ? although some of that may reflect lower gas prices.

"Consumption ended the second quarter on a very weak note as households opted to save rather than spend their extra income," said Paul Dales, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics. "Renewed concerns over the jobs outlook, growing fears of tax hikes and worries over the health of the overall economy are prompting households to keep their wallets in their pockets."

Economists don't expect growth to accelerate much in the second half of the year. Europe's financial woes and a U.S. budget crisis are likely to weigh on business and consumer confidence. And job growth is expected to stay weak.

Annual growth of 2 percent generally adds only about 90,000 jobs a month, according to economists. That's not enough to drive down the unemployment rate, which is stuck at 8.2 percent. Healthier growth of 4 percent or more is needed to reduce unemployment significantly.

The government will release the July jobs report on Friday. Economists forecast that employers added 100,000 jobs. That would be only slightly better than the 75,000 a month from April through June and still down from a healthy 226,000 average in the first three months of the year.

Without more jobs, income growth is likely to remain sub-par and consumers are likely to remain cautious about spending.

Sluggish economic growth could compel the Federal Reserve to announce further efforts to bolster the economy. Fed officials meet Tuesday and Wednesday.

Still, many private economists believe the Fed will wait until their Sept. 12-13 meeting. That would allow the Fed more time to review the July and August jobs reports before taking new steps.

Economists had hoped that falling gas prices would give consumers more money to spend elsewhere and boost growth in the second half of the year.

But gas prices have stopped falling and have even started to rise in recent weeks. And this summer's severe drought is expected to push food prices up toward the end of the year.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-07-31-Consumer%20Spending/id-9f1a1c2e95604d50afa3f128046b1fc3

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DISD board president Lew Blackburn launches reelection campaign

?

Dallas ISD board president Lew Blackburn kicked off his reelection campaign today for the District 5 seat, which he has held since 2001. Blackburn is asking for supporters to make a $56 contribution to his campaign during the next 56 days.

What?s up with Blackburn and the number 56? Well, he was born on June 30, 1956, and turned 56 on his birthday.

The May election is still months away and I haven?t heard a peep on who else might be interested in the seat. But?Blackburn is clearly heading out of the gate ? now. His campaign literature lists some of the district?s accomplishments: rising test scores, increased graduation rates, and more students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams. Expect to hear more on this from Blackburn on the campaign trail. His campaign website is?lewblackburn.com.

District 5 includes Oak Lawn, West Dallas, Wilmer, Hutchins and portions of East Oak Cliff.

Other seats up in May are District 4, held by trustee Nancy Bingham, and Eric Cowan?s District 7 seat.

Also, folks are watching to see if trustee Adam Medrano makes a run for a Dallas city council seat being vacated by his aunt, Pauline Medrano, in May. Adam Medrano, who is in DISD?s District 8, said he is ?seriously considering? a run. He would have to step down from his job at the city?s Park and Recreation department if he does.
_______________________________________________________________________

Tawnell Hobbs writes about the Dallas Independent School District. Follow @Tawnell on Twitter, @DallasISD_News on Twitter and the Dallas ISD Blog on Facebook.

Source: http://educationblog.dallasnews.com/2012/07/disd-board-president-lew-blackburn-launches-reelection-campaign.html/

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Japan jobless rate down as households boost spending

Japan's unemployment rate edged down in June while households loosened their purse strings, offering a glimmer of hope for the nation's fragile economy.

But the positive data was tempered by figures on Monday that showed factory output turned down unexpectedly last month, stoking concerns that turmoil overseas is increasingly hurting the world's third-largest economy.

On Tuesday, official data showed the nation's unemployment rate hit 4.3 percent last month, down from 4.4 percent in May and beating market forecasts that Japan's jobless rate would remain unchanged, Dow Jones Newswires said.

Separate data from the internal affairs ministry showed Japanese households boosted spending last month.

"Japan's job market continued to improve in line with a gradual recovery of the nation's entire economy," said Naoko Ogata, a senior economist at Japan Research Institute.

The job market improvement was partly due to growing demand for jobs in northeastern Japan, where reconstruction was in full swing following last year's quake-tsunami disaster, analysts said.

Average household spending in June came in at 269,810 yen ($3,450), up 1.6 percent from a year earlier, but lower than the 2.9 percent rise forecast by economists.

"All in all, the Japanese economy is still on course to recovery, led by improvement in domestic consumption," Ogata said.

"But an end to auto incentives later this year may dampen consumers' sentiment," she added, referring to temporary government subsidies for eco-friendly cars.

Ogata also said a strong yen was a negative for Japan's economy as it makes exporters products pricier overseas while shrinking the value of firms' foreign earnings.

Many Japanese firms have blamed weaker quarterly earnings on huge foreign-exchange losses.

On Monday, data showed Japan's factory output was down 0.1 percent in June, well short of market expectations for a 1.6 percent rise.

The output decline came amid growing fears about the fiscal situation in Europe -- a major market for Japanese products -- and the strong yen hurting demand.

Japanese industry is also facing major challenges after the country shut down its nuclear reactors in the wake of last year's atomic crisis, with industrial users being asked to make deep cuts in energy consumption.

All 50 of Japan's nuclear power stations were switched off after the March 11 tsunami, which swamped reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant and sent them into meltdown.

Despite widespread anti-nuclear sentiment the government later approved a plan to restart two reactors, which have now come online.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/japan-jobless-rate-down-4-3-june-ministry-030412689--finance.html

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Planning a Spa Vacation | Leisure Group Travel

Lisa Kasanicky

Walk up to any random woman on the street ? pick the one bustling down the sidewalk with a laptop bag slung across one shoulder, an iPhone in one hand and a Starbucks and gluten-free muffin in the other ? and ask her if she could be teleported anywhere right now, where it would be. Nine times out of 10, the answer would be ?the spa.? Now that?s not a scientific study by any means, but I can attest from personal experience that women live for a good spa day.

Spa vacations are on the rise, and for good reason. Where else are you forced to trade your cell phone and frenzied pace for a pair of comfy slippers, a soft terry robe and an itinerary laced with massages, facials and yoga? And, sharing the experience with like-minded girlfriends is the icing on that gluten-free muffin.

But first, the ground rules. If you?re leading a group of women on a spa-centric girlfriend getaway, be sure they are armed with the following pre-trip tips.

View the Digital Flipbook Edition Below

Source: http://leisuregrouptravel.com/planning-a-spa-vacation/

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Garcia Bernal feels Chile's pain in latest film

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2009, file photo, actor Gael Garcia Bernal poses for a portrait at the Gibson Guitar Lounge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Garcia Bernal said during an interview on Monday, July 30, 2012, that his latest film has taught him a great deal about the pain that Chileans suffered during a long dictatorship. The Mexican actor stars in "No," which revisits a publicity campaign that helped oust Gen. Augusto Pinochet from power after 16 years of his brutal regime. (AP Photo/Mark Mainz, file)

FILE - In this Jan. 17, 2009, file photo, actor Gael Garcia Bernal poses for a portrait at the Gibson Guitar Lounge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Garcia Bernal said during an interview on Monday, July 30, 2012, that his latest film has taught him a great deal about the pain that Chileans suffered during a long dictatorship. The Mexican actor stars in "No," which revisits a publicity campaign that helped oust Gen. Augusto Pinochet from power after 16 years of his brutal regime. (AP Photo/Mark Mainz, file)

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) ? Gael Garcia Bernal, best known for his role as a young Ernesto "Che" Guevara in "The Motorcycle Diaries," says his latest film has taught him a great deal about the pain that Chileans suffered during a long dictatorship.

The Mexican actor stars in "No," which revisits a publicity campaign that helped oust Gen. Augusto Pinochet from power after 16 years of his brutal regime.

Garcia Bernal plays Rene Saavedra, an advertising hotshot, drawn into a 1988 referendum TV campaign who tries to persuade people to vote "No" to eight more years of Pinochet. His character uses adverts that feature catchy jingles, a rainbow graphic and dancing Chileans ? from cowboys and housemaids to cooks and miners ? to sell them the idea that positive change could end the regime.

The publicity stunt worked when the strongman, who once compared himself to the best Roman emperors, was ousted with 55 percent of people voting "no." Pinochet's removal paved the way for the country's return to democracy and more than two decades of economic prosperity.

Garcia Bernal said he grew up with a group of Latin American exiles but didn't fully understand their suffering until he shot the film about the referendum in Chile.

"This made me realize the profound pain caused by the dictatorship and it hit me hard," he told The Associated Press ahead of the film's premiere in Santiago on Monday. "The director wanted to make a movie about the history of what went on in 1988, as well as an introspection and reflection on democracy."

Chile remains highly divided over Pinochet's rule. Even the mere mention of his name makes many Chileans cringe with the memories of him shutting down Congress, outlawing political parties and sending thousands of dissidents into exile, while his police tortured and killed thousands more.

But to his loyalists, Pinochet remains a fatherly figure who oversaw Chile's growth into economic prosperity and kept it from becoming a socialist state. Chile's government estimates that 3,095 people were killed during Pinochet's rule.

"Before this campaign no one dared to talk, so when they were finally given a chance, the knee-jerk reaction could have been let's tell the world about everything that's wrong with Pinochet ? his countless atrocities and about those who have died. But the minds behind the campaign said 'no,' let's use another way," Pablo Larrain, the film's director told the AP.

"They said? the way to oust Pinochet is to show something positive about what would come next, to tell people: 'the happiness is coming,' and that was the turning point. The dictatorship was dumbfounded, they didn't know how to react and a very original campaign came from this that finally defeated Pinochet."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-07-30-Chile-Garcia%20Bernal/id-5e204a41f2314441bc1130333a504dac

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US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed

As much as the US Census Bureau has worked to embrace the digital space, its sea of data has been largely locked away from developers not keen on doing much of the heavy lifting. As of late last week, however, there's now a public app programming interface (API) for quickly putting all of that knowledge to work. Both mobile and web apps can hook into either the complete 2010 census or the 2006-2010 American Community Survey, bringing in basic demographics as well as more complicated subjects such as commuting habits and education. The Bureau sees the API leading to not just a more informed public, but to smarter government as well -- imagine a state government that knows the income levels by county through a custom smartphone app. Budding statistics hounds can request a key for API use right away, but if you'd rather just see what public access will mean in practice, you can check out an app gallery at the second source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Software

US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Verge  |  US Census Bureau (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/30/us-census-bureau-posts-its-first-api/

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UCF, NCAA Infractions Committee Schedule Conference Call For Tuesday

By Tim Blank - Newsdesk writer

The NCAA will be holding a conference call on Tuesday to talk about the violations involving UCF sports. Will the organization lay down any stiff penalties on the team?

Follow , and Like SB Nation Tampa Bay on Facebook.

Jul 30, 2012 - After the NCAA laid down their punishments for the Penn State football program, the attention is now going to the Central Florida Knights in regards to recruiting violations by the football team. A conference call is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a tweet by Associated Press writer Ralph D. Russo.

The violations have already forced assistant head coach David Kelley to resign and basketball head coach Donnie Jones to was suspended three conference games for unethical behavior. Athletic director Keith Tribble also was forced to resign in the wake of these violations.

While any penalties handed down by the NCAA in this article won't appear to be nearly as bad as the NCAA hit the Penn State program for its problems, any punishment handed down by the NCAA will hinder progress that the Knights are trying to obtain.

Read More: Central Florida Knights

Follow , and Like SB Nation Tampa Bay on Facebook.

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Source: http://tampabay.sbnation.com/central-florida-knights/2012/7/30/3203620/ucf-ncaa-infractions-committee-schedule-conference-call-for-tuesday

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Galleria recruits new Marketing Manager | PRLog

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 30, 2012 -
Galleria Retail Technology Solutions, the leading provider of retail and category optimization solutions, has hired Atia Bukhari as Marketing Manager for the company.
?Atia is a welcome addition to the Galleria team, and we?re looking forward to the contributions she will make in publicizing our retail software solutions and the successful applications of those solutions by our customers around the world,? said Ian Duncan-Lewis, CEO, Galleria.
Bukhari said. ?I?m excited to join Galleria and look forward to marketing their entire suite of technology services for the retail industry.?
Bukhari has more than 8 years of retail experience, most recently working as a Product Development Executive with InComm Europe ? an industry- leading marketer, distributor and technology innovator of stored-value gift and prepaid products.
Prior to that, she served as a Product Marketing Executive with Redstone Managed Solutions, which provides network-based, end-to-end managed services, technology and infrastructure solutions.
Bukhari has also worked as a Business Development Executive with Action Coach, a business consultancy company, and as a Marketing/Public Relations Assistant with Air and Ground, an aviation logistics and parts supply firm.

She attended Staffordshire University, where she received a First Class Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in Marketing Management in 2009.

Source: http://www.prlog.org/11937260-galleria-recruits-new-marketing-manager.html

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Venezuelan diplomat held over ambassador's killing

By NBC News staff and wire reports

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan police have arrested a Venezuelan diplomat over the killing of the country's acting ambassador in her official residence, the High Court heard Monday.

Venezuela's acting ambassador and charge d'affaires, Olga Fonseca, was found dead in her official residence on Friday. Police said she was strangled, though the motive is unclear.

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Dwight Sagaray, first secretary at the Venezuelan Embassy, was arrested on Saturday and Kenyan police on Monday made a court application to hold him in custody for another 14 days.

"The suspect was arrested by the police after his diplomatic immunity was waived," deputy prosecutor Tabitha Ouya told the courtroom.

'Investigation is incomplete'
Sagaray, wearing a yellow and green baseball jacket, appeared composed as Venezuelan?officials observed the proceedings.

"The investigation is incomplete and (we) require more time to secure crucial evidence and apprehend other suspects," Ouya said.

According to Kenya Capital FM News,?Ouya said authorities needed to interrogate more witnesses and also awaited the results of DNA samples taken at the scene of the crime.

More Africa coverage from NBCNews.com

Jotham Arwa, the lawyer representing?Sagaray, said the suspect was also a student at the University of Nairobi, Capital FM News said.?

Sagaray was arrested along with five Kenyans who worked at the Embassy but it was unclear whether the local suspects have been charged or released.

More Americas coverage from NBCNews.com

Kenyan Foreign Ministry officials said local staff at the residence had complained to its Diplomatic Police Unit after the new envoy fired them.

Fonseca had sacked them after they refused to retract sexual harassment claims against the former head of the Venezuelan Embassy, the employees said.

Fonseca, 57, had only been the country since July 15, the EFE news agency reported.

Full international news coverage from NBCNews.com

Jose Miguel Reyes, administrative assistant at the Venezuelan Embassy, told EFE?that the servants "were never fired," but they had "refused to acknowledge Fonseca's authority" and kept working at the residence anyway.

Judge Florence Muchemi will rule Tuesday whether to remand Sagaray in custody or release him on bail.

Post-mortem results and DNA analysis have not yet reached police investigators, according to court documents.

Reuters contributed to this report.

More world stories from NBC News:

News on NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/30/13032722-venezuelan-diplomat-held-after-ambassador-found-slain-in-official-residence?lite

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As it happened: London 2012 Olympics, Day 2

BREATHE IT IN Olympic fans, we had another day chock-full of a diverse range of sports.

Send us your thoughts and comments on the action. E-mail us at sport@thescore.ie, tweet us @thescore_ie, post to our Facebook wall or leave a comment below.

9.46 ? ? and lean. That?s good, stretch it right out. Feel ?the bur? oh, hello.

You join us at the start of what promises to be another action-packed day of Olympic fun in London.

We?re just getting Team TheScore.ie limbered up for action. There?s a lot of sore bodies after our marathon of coverage yesterday.

Sean Farrell here to get the relay underway. We?ll be keeping a close eye on the Irish athletes dotted around east London and Weymouth and will bring you all the other headlines ? after all, it turns out that there are more countries than just ourselves in action.

9.58 ? There are a handful of events already on the move. We?re keeping a close eye on the Beeb, who have moved mercilessly from Team GB losing to Bulgaria in the indoor volleyball to their female archers, who currently trail Russia at Lord?s.

The first Irish athletes will be getting underway in the next hour. While you?re waiting; why not jump into the visual glory of Day one, in pictures or engross yourself in the?Olympic-themed Sunday papers with some of our favourite?sportswriting?of the week.

10.03 ? Right, enough of that. We?re off to the Aquatic Centre where Melanie Nocher is making her way out to the deck for heat two of the 100m backstroke.

There she is in lane four?

10.04 ? And they?re off. Nocher well in contention at the turn, fourth, I make it. 6 behind the leader.

10.06 ? THIRD FOR NOCHER. She powered home in 1:02.44. Good finish, but will it be enough to finish in the top 16? We?ll have to wait and see.

10.09 ? That time from Melanie Nocher was 0.5 seconds off her personal best. She is 10th at the?minute?with three heats still to go. Lets hope she gets a chance to hit the PB in a semi-final.

At the minute, though, it doesn?t look likely.

10.12 ? Oh dear, another fast heat.

Emily Seebohm of Australia sets a new Olympic record with 58.23 and most of those left in her wake also appear to have bettered?Nocher?s time.

10.15 ? More sub-minute finishes in heat five. the sixth and final heat is on now, featuring the (almost) great, Missy Franklin.

10.18 ? China?s Wu was on a sub world record split on the turn, but she couldn?t sustain the pace and Franklin taps in first with 59.37.

With all the results in we can now confirm that Melanie Nocher will not make the semi-final. She ends up 33rd in the world after the first round of heats.

10.24 ? You may have noticed some mild furore simmering regarding the sight of empty seats at many events. Today is no different. This is the tone you can expect from The Mirror in England tomorrow.

10.29 ? News from poolside is that.. well, read for yourself.

10.35 ? Okay, we?re knee-deep in the heats for the men?s 200m freestyle. Ryan Lochte is looking for gold number two. This is heat three.

10.38 ? Lochte was outside the top three in in each of the splits, but turned on that outboard motor of his in the final 50 to take second place behind Sun Yang of China.

10.49 ? With the men out of the way, there?s no time for the water to settle before we?re into the 100m breaststroke ?heats.

Sycerika McMahon is coming up soon against Leisel Jones, but while you wait, have a look at this interview NBC did with Ryan Lochte?s Havana-born mother. Nice woman.

10.53 ? Heat four, Lane eight: 17-year-old Sycerika McMahon reaches the turn in around 32 seconds?

10.56 ? In she comes in eight place. Lithuania?s?Ruta?Meilutyte?took first with a time of 1:05.56 ? the fastest time in the world this year.

McMahon clocks?1:08.9, just outside the Irish record.

11.01 ? Heat five knocks McMahon down to 19th place and so, out of contention for a semi-final spot.

Ruta Meilutyte ? remember the name ? is only 15 years of age and has only 262 followers on Twitter. That?s about to change.

11.09 ? Here?s your not-so-exclusive?post race reaction from Ms Nocher.

11.17 ? We?re sticking with action in the pool because the men?s 100m backstroke heats are coming to a conclusion. Team GB?s Lee Tancock places second in his heat behind the most French name I?ve ever heard: Camille LaCourt.

It looks like Lochte?s main competitor in this event?will?be his fellow Yank, Matt Grevers, who won his heat in 52.92.

11.29 ? Coming up next are the heats of the women?s 800m freestyle. Where Grainne Murphy ? hailing from Wexford, swimming out of Limerick ? is Ireland?s big hope.

11.41 ? I?ll say one thing about the 400m swim; it gets a little awkward when everybody is left waiting for the back markers to finish. Turkmenistan?s Jennet Saryyeva came last in her three-competitor heat, left to swim the last two?lengths?on her lonesome.

Sagmeister and Rodriguez, having battled it out for first and second watched on sans goggles as she eventually made it home. The worst thing was, the racers in the next heat were already on the deck eager to get swimming.

GB?s reigning 400m Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington is now in action.

11.43 ? And Adlington takes first with 4:05.75 ahead of the USA?s Chloe Sutton with 4:07.07. Here comes Grainne Murphy.

11.44 ? Murphy seventh after the first 100m, 60.29 seconds.

11.46 ? Oh no. Murphy?s stroke isn?t going smoothly at all and she is struggling here.

11.49 ? Did I say 800m? Corrected now. That?s the 400m and Murphy finishes in a disappointing 4:19.07

Coralie Balmy wins the heat with 4:03.

11.59 ? The action in the pool just keeps on coming. Heat one of the men?s 4 x 100 freestyle is on with Brazil, GB and South Africa (among others) in action.

12.02 ? France, South Africa and?Italy?take heat one in that order. The French sprinters touching home in 3:13.38, well off world record pace, but we?ll soon find out what the Australians and Americans can do.

12.04 ? Lane four and five will be holding all my attention for the next three minutes or so, that?s where the big guns are.

They?re off.

12.05 ? Russia lead after the first 100m having put their 50m sprinter out first. Australia off to a slow start, not in top three.

12.06 ? Russia, still hold a lead over the US with Germany third, but hold onto you cork-laden hats, here come Australia.

12.08 ? James Magnussen is a superstar. He absolutely kills his final leg and Australia come home first with a time of 3:12.29. USA take second and Russia slipped down to third.

That was good.

12.17 ? Lets see if we can clear our lungs of chlorine for a few minutes and see what other sports this jamboree has to offer on day two. Eurosport are trying to convince us that the 10m air pistol is an actual event, but we?re not buying it.

Ireland?s Camilla Speirs has been awarded a score of 47.6 in her outing in dressage with Portersize Just a Jiff. She sits 15th overall.

12.32 ? The women?s cycling road race is at full pelt. They are almost through the first quarter of the 140km run, but?nobody?has been able to sustain a breakaway. The entire peloton of 66 riders are snaking their way together along the Thames.

12.52 ? There won?t be a sheep shorn on the south island of New Zealand tonght!

Their women?s hockey side have won the trans-Tasman battle with Australia by one goal to nil. Cathryn Finlayson scored the only goal of the game in the third minute as the Blacksticks dominated?possession, but allowed Australia create the better chances in the rest of the game.

Eranga Jayawardena/AP/Press Association Images

13.11 ? Afternoon folks. Niall Kelly in the hotseat here while Sean hits up the local eaterie ? and I?ve got some doping news to get the ball rolling. Don?t ever say that I don?t bring sunshine and happiness into your life. This has just landed from AFP:

Uzbek gymnast Luiza Galiulina has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for the banned diuretic furosemide, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Sunday.

Galiulina underwent a drugs test on July 25, three days before the start of the women?s artistic gymnastics competition.

?Once the results of the B sample have been received, a definitive decision will be announced by the disciplinary commission,? said the IOC.

13.13 ? BREAKING: It?s raining in London. Properly manky. That should make life interesting in the road race and a couple of other events.

13.25 ? And if anyone knows how treacherous the road race course will be after a bit of rain, it?s Fabian Cancellara who looked like a contestant on Total Wipeout yesterday when he ploughed head-first into a barrier. The good news is that it now looks like he?ll be fit to defend his Olympic time trial title next week, but he still had a request for today?s spectators.

13.27 ? Hearing that the opening race of the men?s star down in Weymouth, which will feature Irish medal hopefuls Peter O?Leary and David Burrows, has been delayed. Not sure for how long but we?ll keep you posted when the lads get underway.

13.37 ? Today?s lesson in spoof comes to via Lord Sebastian Coe himself. A lot of questions are (rightly) being asked about the empty seats in some of the venues. I mean, who has tickets to see Michael Phelps v Ryan Lochte and doesn?t use them?

Anyway, Coe reckons that those empty seats don?t really exist:??Let us put this in perspective. Those venues are stuffed to the gunnels. The public are in there.?

Full story here >

13.39 ? Here?s the latest view from Weymouth ? I wasn?t kidding you. Good crowds though.

13.43 ? Checking back in with the women?s road race, there?s about 80km to go as the race heads up the Box Hill climb. There have been a couple of tentative attacks but nothing too consequential yet.

13.51 ? MEN?S STAR: There?s movement down in Weymouth so I?m guessing O?Leary and Burrows will be in action very shortly. We?ll keep you posted.

13.56 ? Up and running in the sailing star. Wind is 11 knots for those who are interested.

14.00 ? John Joe Nevin: friend of TheJournal (and by association, TheScore)

14.12 ? The men?s 66kg judo quarter-finals appear to have descended into farce. World champion Masashi Ebinuma appeared to have been eliminated by Cho Jun-Ho of South Korea after their bout went to a judges? decision. Bizarrely the judges awarded the fight to Cho and then changed their minds following the intervention of the International Judo Federation.

Crazy stuff but Ebinuma survives and moves into the semi-finals.

14.13 ? O?Leary and Burrows are still trucking along in the men?s star but they?re not in top five as far as I can see. Germany look to be doing well as do the Portuguese crew.

14.17 ? BREAKING: That John Joe Nevin account appears to be fake. Collective devastation in TheJournal/TheScore HQ. Why don?t you love us, JJ?

14.31 ? Afternoon all, Sean here again; passing the chicken-fillet baguette like a baton to Niall Kelly as he trundles through the door for a well earned break.

His head has been wrecked these past minutes trying to make sense of the Star class sailing. I?m here to clarify matters? Ireland ain?t winning.

14.43 ? Just when I was about to get engrossed in the water polo, I was reminded that the self-styled dream team of USA men?s basketball. They will tip off against France in the coming minutes.

My excitement isn?t shared universally, though. Even Kobe, LeBron and Russell can?t manage to fill every seat at these Games.

14.49 ? Eoin Rheinisch is at the top of the K1 course and off he goes.

14.52 ? Rheinisch going very well, fastest split through the first hate and he clocks a time of 91.97.

That was 2.43 quicker than everybody else so far. Only one two-second penalty tarnished his run.

Brilliant stuff, he?ll qualify for the semi-finals.

14.58 ? Absolutely brilliant to see an Irish flag atop the leading split time when the next man comes out trying to beat it. It?s a very, very good time from Rheinisch and hopefully he can keep it?

Belgium?s Doby is currently on the water and he threatened the leader, but lost control half way down his run and (after a penalty) must?settle?for 92.74.

That?s nine of the 22 competitors gone. The top 15 will go through ? taking the best time from two runs.

15.03 ? Rheinisch?s time has been beaten by New Zealand?s Mike Dawson.

Staying on the water, but drifting down to Weymouth? it seems I was a little hasty saying that Peter O?Leary and David Burrows were not winning. They have jumped majestically from 14th to second. The race is not quite over yet, let?s hope they can push on from there.

15.08 ? No time to blink in the world of canoeing or kayaking or whatever they call it. Rheinisch appears to have?successfully?appealed his two-second penalty and he is back on top.

The pride is putting us close to tears. COME ON IRELAND!!

15.12 ? And the tears keep on coming. O?Leary and Burrows tracked down the French leaders, but must settle for two-points and second place. With a low score being a good thing in this game.

15.22 ? Rheinisch news: The great man has slipped down to fifth. Spain?s Samuel Hernanz chalked up a time of 87.07 while Mike Kurt Mateusz Polaczyk and Helmut Oblinger have also gone quicker than our boy.

Ah well, it was nice while it lasted? and, of course, we have another run to go today and then a semi-final in midweek. Qualification is all that matters.

15.34 ? The women?s road-race is nearing a sodden end. With 2.5km to go we have three breaking away with the peloton 40 seconds behind.

Lizzie Armitstead of Team GB is in third, behind a Dutch and Belarussian rider. Hold on to your hats..

15.39 ? Marianne?Voss takes god after 140km for the Netherlands. Lizzie Armitstead claims a first medal of the games for Team GB and in third, having led for much on the run-in, is Belarussian Olga Zabelinskaya.

Great?finish?in the rain, shall we celebrate (with) Dutch Gold?

15.44 ? Over on the canoeing course, Eoin Rheinisch is sixth overall with all competitors having taken their first run.

They go for a second round this afternoon, unless ten men go faster than him in that run, he?ll be in the semi-final.

16.05 ? A frank and informative explanation. Thanks, Simon.

16.07 ? Unfortunately we haven?t been able to put our paws on a stream of the men?s basketball. Rumour has it that the US men are completely outclassing Tony Parker and France. We look forward to seeing edited highlights later on.

16.17 ? At last! If you?re near a TV get RTE on now, they have sensational commentary to?accompany?USA v France.

?Dunk it down ? Michelle Obama looks happy with that one.?

16.33 ? Andy Murray has finally overcome a Swiss tennis player on Centre Court with a 6-3, 6-3 straight sets win over Stanislas Wawrinka to cruise through the first round.

16.36 ? Kevin Durant top scored with 22 points for Dream Team 2.0 as the US cruised to a 98-71 win over Tony Parker?s France in their opening game of the men?s basketball tournament.

Timmy McCarthy?s commentary might have been the best part of what was a comfortable enough victory for the Americans.

16.45 ? Paula Radcliffe is clearly heartbroken about being forced to pull out of the marathon at London 2012 today but she still found time to congratulate Team GB?s first?medallist Louise Armistead. Classy.

16.50 ? Great news coming out of Weymouth in the Star Class as the team of Peter?O?Leary and David Burrows stand second after two of ten races.

The Irish pair are on eight points, just two behind leaders Brazil and four ahead of third placed GB.

Ireland?s consistency has been good in the first two races, finishing second and sixth respectively.

16.58 ? Forgot to introduce myself earlier on. It?s Steven O?Rourke taking the?baton?for the third leg of our liveblog relay.

More importantly,?Eoin Rheinisch will be setting off on his second round in the kayak shortly.

17.10 ? A clean run from?Eoin Rheinisch but his time of 90.72 is marginally slower than his first run 89.97.

Standing sixth with nine competitors to go, he has made the semi-finals of the K1.

C?mon Ireland!!!

17.17 ? There?s a lot of love going around Team USA at the moment with Ryan Lochte and Dwayne Wade?falling over themselves to congratulate each other:

17.20 ? Sebastian Coe is there to meet 19-year-old Kazak weightlifter Zulfiya Chinshanlo as she walks off the stage after lifting an incredible 131kg in the women?s 53kg clean and jerk.

A world record, Olympic record and a gold medal. Not a bad day for the former double world champion.

17.33 ? Ireland?s Eventing team are placed a respectable 10th after the dressage phase of the competition. Camilla Speirs was the highest placed Irish rider on Portersize. Her score of 47.60 sees her hold 27th place overall.

Italy?s Stefano Brecciaroli leads the individual competition with 38.50 points while Germany head the team event.

17.42 ? Ten man Senegal have taken a 2-0 lead over Uruguay. Abdoulaye Ba saw a straight red for bringing down Louis Suarez and received a round of applause as he walked off the field.

Fair to say the?Wembley crowd would like to see a Senegal win.

17.46 ? If you like your tennis with added grunting and shouting, Maria Sharapova is?cruising?towards a first round win over at a rain sodden Wimbledon.

The Russian took the first set 6-2 and leads 4-0 in the second.

17.52 ? It?s raining as we approach the end of the K1. Over on RTE Myles Dungan is wondering if the rain will affect the paddlers.

I?m not sure he?s noticed all that water beneath their boats yet.

17.57 ? While Maria Sharapova coasted through her round one game in the women?s tennis in just over an hour, the second seed Agnieszka Radwanska is out.

The Pole lost 7-5, 6-7, 6-4 to Germany?s Julia Goerges.

18.11 ? The Gold Medal match is taking place in the women?s archery team event but the rain is bucketing down.

It doesn?t seem to be having too much of an impact on the archers though as Korea and China are level after two ends at 102 each.

18.20 ? RTE?s coverage of the women?s synchronised 3m springboard is a little delayed.

However, it?s no less impressive when you see how in synch the Chinese pair of Zi He and Minxia Wu are.

18.27 ? Australia?s Cadel Evans has withdrawn from the Olympic time trial on Wednesday.

Evans struggled through this year?s Tour de France and his withdrawal leaves Michael Rogers as Australia?s only entry in the event.

18.37 ? The British women?s beach volleyball team have just pulled level in sets against Canada in their Group F game.

I?m not sure the sunglasses and rain go together mind. Still, top marks for effort.

18.41 ? For the seventh Olympics in succession, the South Korean women have emerged victorious in the team archery event.

A nine with the last arrow was enough to give them a one point victory over China.

18.44 ? Spain have had an impressive 16 point win over China in the men?s basketball.

Pau Gasol was the MVP for the Iberians with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

19.08 ? In fencing, the men?s individual sabre has reached the medal matches.

Aron Szilagyi of Hungary and Italy?s Diego Occhiuzzi will battle it out for the gold medal at about 19.15.

19.20 ? Ireland?s Martyn Irvine had his first look at the Velodrome today, well ahead of his Olympic appearance.

19.26 ? In swimming, it?s been confirmed that both Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps are included in the US 4?100 team tonight.

Next up in the pool is the final of the women?s 100m butterfly. Can anyone beat Dana Vollmer?

19.36 ? Dana Vollmer wins gold in the women?s 100m butterfly in a time of 55.98, a new world record and the first woman ever under 56 seconds.

A brilliant second 50m from the American sees her storm past China?s Ying Lu and Alicia Coutts of Australia.

19.43 ? Before the start of the 200m freestyle semi-finals, Nick O?Hare on RTE informed us that Ryan Lochte didn?t get to bed until after 2am last night.

It didn?t seem to have too much of an impact on the American though as he finished second behind world record holder Paul Biedermann in a time of 1.46.31.

19.56 ? Bernard Dunne believes in Adam Nolan and why wouldn?t he?

His fight is expected to take place at about 22.15 tonight.

20.07 ? Patrick McCarry here to see you through the final hour of live coverage. Don?t fret though Olympic fans, we will be burning the nearly midnight oil to keep you posted on the efforts of Chloe Magee in the badminton and Adam Nolan in his opening bout.

20.10 ? Team GB have taken the lead in their football match against the UAE and it is a crisp finish for evergreen, bearded?Ryan Giggs, who connects well with a nicely flighted cross from Craig ?Bellers? Bellamy. 1-0 and more for the taking.

20.13 ?

Wayne Rooney likes what he sees.

20.15 ? Men?s 100m Breaststroke ready to get splashing. Rickard of Australia will do battle with van der Burgh of South Africa. Beep!

20.18 ? GOLD! Cameron van der Burgh does it and by some distance too. He stormed out to a healthy lead. I thought his turn was laboured but what do I know? Not much apparently as he powers clear and finishes with a World Record time of 58.46. Christian Sprenger of Australia finishes second and Brendan Hansen of the US of A gets bronze.

20.22 ? Women?s 400m Freestyle coming up and Rebecca Adlington of GB is in Lane 8. She needs a swim out of nowhere to stand a chance. Splash time!

20.25 ? Non-Olympics-related sports piece but Fred Couples has won the British Seniors Open. He finished on -9 after Bernhard Langers? challenge implodes. We?ve heard that tune before.

20.29 ? GOLD! Camille Muffat of France wins the 400m Freestyle gold as she shows determination to hold off the challenge of American Alison Schmitt, gaining an Olympic Record in the process. Rebecca Adlington finishes so, so well to claim bronze.

Relay update: Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps have been drafted in to help the United States push for 4?100 relay gold later this evening.

20.37 ? Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls has made his Olympic basketballing bow with Great Britain. The Sudanese born, London raised, player and his teammates trail 24-19 after the first quarter.

20.52 ? France are tonking the British 37-11 in the handball. Ryan Giggs and his buddies have not been able to add to their 1-0 lead over UAE. Missy Franklin of the USA is out and eager for another swim ? she will take on Gemma Spofforth, a world record holder, in the 100m Backstroke semi-finals.

20.56 ? Jill Scott of the Team GB Women?s Football team is chuffed after bumping into the roving Olympic ambassador/Olympic hunk, David Beckham.

20.59 ? Recently displaced tennis world number one Novak Djokvic has vowed to improve after his 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 win over Italy?s Fabio Fognini.

Missy Franklin won her 100m Backstroke semi-final. Emily Seebohm of Australia wins the other, just shy of an Olympic Record.

21.02 ? We have the Men?s 4?100 Freestyle Final for you before signing off. The United States, with Phelps and Lochte on the scene, are overwhelming favourites but the Australians pose the greatest threat. Their female counterparts won gold last night.

21.03 ? GOAL! Rashed Eisa has equalised for the UAE against Great Britain. Oh dear.

21.06 ? The USA lead. Lochte to finish it off?

21.09 ? FRANCE WIN GOLD! Unbelievable finish and revenge for 2008. Adrian and Phelps definitely did their job but Jones swam a poor third leg and Lochte let the slender lead slip away in the final 25 metres. Agnell turned it on to pip him to the wall and France won in a time of 3:09.93. The US finish with silver and Russia in bronze. The Australians were poor and finished fourth.

21.14 ? That stupendous swimming contest will end things here, live coverage-wise at least. Stay with us, however, as we will have coverage of the London 2012 bows of Chloe Magee and Adam Nolan. We will also have our Olympic Village: Day Two wrap in the next hour. Keep the comments coming and the coffee brewing.

Source: http://thescore.thejournal.ie/live-london-2012-olympics-day-2-536742-Jul2012/

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Automotive Troubleshooting Secrets: An Internet Site To Allow You ...

Everyone has issues with their cars or trucks during one time or another. The question then gets to be, what is wrong and just where do I go to get it fixed? There is a method online that can help you with the diagnosis of your problems. It is identified as ATS or Automotive Troubleshooting Secrets, and it is is an Online program to help you fix your automotive problems. The problem solving will not be with software or robots, but one-on-one with a genuine mechanic online.

The technician will talk about the symptoms with you and help you identify the problem yourself. You are certain to get useful feedback and drawings that are simple to understand. With a click of your mouse button, you can get the most up-to-date information on automotive repairs. You can repair any problem you have by equipping yourself with the most recent solutions to your problems. Any work done on your car can be reviewed with ATS no matter what mechanic does the work. Skilled professionals are there to help you solve your auto repair problems, with ATS?s massive database of actual garage fixes and automotive software. The repairs are for starters analyzed and then emailed to you. visit site

The best method of fixing your car problem will undoubtedly be properly researched and evaluated. Common remedies and electrical diagrams from their repair database are combined using secret techniques for testing suspected parts. Some of these experts are made up of retired mechanics and engineers who are very good at analyzing problems and are knowledgeable of different systems. When your concern is complicated and hard to correct, the technicians will be able to help you do a scan using a scanner that many top garages use. ATS has confidence in their item by offering a lifetime membership which has a one time payment, and a 90 day money back guarantee. bestbathroomfans.org

The usability of ATS is actually precisely why it works so well. Simply by making use of the service, it will save the mechanic time to do it and it will save you money as well. It may help when you test your serviced vehicle only to find that the problem is still there. You will definitely be able to analyze problems including hesitations, stalling, no-starts with illustrations and get practical solutions. Here at ATS, they will likely demonstrate how to repair small problems before they get out of control. You will get unlimited assistance until your car is repaired and it doesn?t matter whether you are a garage owner, a mechanic or just a driver.

Not everyone can fix their very own car but at least with this information, you know exactly what the mechanic needs to do. ATS could save you a lot of time and money as well as headaches. Experiencing car problems is inescapable, and is usually one big pain to deal with. Backgroundreport360 review

Source: http://www.redhouserocksvt.com/automotive-troubleshooting-secrets-an-internet-site-to-allow-you-to-save-money-on-car-maintenance/

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Beatrix asks: I broke up with my boyfriend yesterday and told him why, yet he's messaging me on Facebook saying he's confused?

Men, I think, don?t get much out of talk. We understand things physically. So when you kiss us, touch us, make love to us, we understand you love us. When you talk to us, well, it says something, but if it goes against your actions, it doesn?t make sense.

Women, I have found, place much more emphasis on words. You believe words more than you believe actions. A guy can treat you like shit, but if he tells you he loves you, over and over, you seem to believe that for an awful lot longer than a man ever would believe it. Conversely, if we don?t tell you we love you, no matter what we do, you don?t believe we love you. You need words.

So these are the different love ?languages? of men and women.

Your problem is that you think he is speaking your language and he isn?t. He is looking what you do. And what you do is love him. In this case, you even tell us you love him very much. He sees this and does not pay attention to your words, because your words are lying. Not deliberately, mind you, but they don?t say the same story as your body does.

If you want him to break up with you, you have to stop loving him. You have to get in a fight and make him feel bad. You have to convince him this is the end. Right now, I doubt if you can do that, because you still love him.

What I think you are doing, and probably not consciously, is trying to stir the pot a little so you can solve this long distance problem. I don?t believe you want to break up, really. I think that subconsciously, you are hoping that by saying you want to break up, you will motivate him to do something to solve the distance issue. Because, let?s face it, isn?t that what you really want?

Source: http://www.fluther.com/147903/i-broke-up-with-my-boyfriend-yesterday-and-told-him-why/

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Promotional Rugby Ball - What to consider when choosing a ball for ...

Promotional balls When the administration of a team considers purchasing equipment for the players, quality is always first on their mind. A good ball for example must be well sown and made from the best type of leather. The dimensions should be perfect and the size and weight should meet the requirements set by various sports governing bodies. The shape should also be considered since different types of balls have different types of shapes. A mini rugby ball for example is oval shaped and is made from rubber.

However, apart from these requirements, a ball could also have an attractive look and feel to it. This helps to make the ball more dynamic and appealing as well as more vibrant as it is thrown from one end of the field to another. For this, a rugby team, for example, could choose to purchase a promotional rugby ball. These balls usually feature various graphics and color finishes as well as different types of paint and pictures. All these are aimed at ensuring that the ball is appealing to the eye of the beholder.

There are various designs that are used and the administration of the team could choose the one that they fancy most. However, the administration could also choose to customize the design to meet their promotional needs. The ball could include a logo from a well known organization in the colors and designs of the organization. Such a ball will meet all the requirements of a regular ball in terms of weight and size, but the color and graphics on it will be different.

The type of sport When purchasing a ball, it is important to consider the type of sport that the ball will be used in. This is because balls that are used in the game of football are very different from balls that are used in the game of basketball. This is because a basketball is handled by hand and therefore it should have more grips, than a soccer ball which is played using the foot. Other types of sports require balls that differ in terms of weight, shape, size and even material. It is therefore important for the administration of sports clubs to be familiar with this before they purchase a ball.

Ball manufacturers Furthermore, it is important to have information on the different ball manufacturers on your fingertips. This is because reputation is also important when choosing where to buy a sports ball from. For example, some netball manufacturers are known for making high quality balls that are durable and easy to play with. However, others do not have the same reputation as they may have made less appealing balls in the past. The administration should therefore do their homework and determine which manufacturers are the best when it comes to making the types of balls that they want.

Original Article Source from http://www.articlemonkeys.com/What-to-consider-when-choosing-a-ball-for-a-team-sport-463309.html

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Tiger Shark Steals Camera From Filmmaker George Schellenger ...

Tori, the Smoking Orangutan

Tori, a 15-year-old orangutan, holds a cigarette stub between her fingers inside her cage at Satwa Taru Jurug zoo in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, Friday, July 6, 2012. Zookeepers said they plan to move Tori, who learned to smoke about a decade ago by imitating people, away from visitors who regularly throw lit cigarettes into her cage so they can watch and photograph her puffing away and exhaling smoke. (AP Photo)

Boy Finds Lizard in Loaf of Bread

A HORRIFIED boy found a dead LIZARD in his Tesco toast as he munched his breakfast. William Evans, 10, screamed in terror after making the gruesome find - bringing his dad Marcus running from upstairs. Outraged Mr Evans, of Hawkchurch, near Axminster, Devon, said: "The poor little lad was absolutely traumatised by it. "He went to take a slice off for some toast, turned the loaf over and found the lizard stuck on the bottom." He added: "It was one of Axminster Tesco's baked in-store, multi-grain brown loaves. "The lizard had not been cooked so it must have got into the packaging and died there. "You could see the impression of its body in the bread so it must have been warm when he got in." William, a pupil at Hawkchurch Primary School, said: "I was making some toast and cut off a slice when I saw something that looked like a leaf. "So I took the wrapping off and found the lizard inside. "It certainly put me off my toast! "It was about two to three inches long." His mum Clare said it would have been even worse if William had sliced through the end with the lizard on it - and eaten it. "That would have been even more distressing," she said. Mr Evans, a volunteer church worker, said they had alerted Tesco's customer service department. He said they told him it was impossible for a lizard to get in one of their loaves because of their high level of hygiene "I am surprised they didn't tell me 'every little helps'," said angry Marcus. "They have asked me to take it into the manager but I am thinking of contacting environmental health officers. "We are keeping the lizard and loaf in the fridge for evidence." A Tesco spokesman said: "We have conducted a thorough inspection of the bakery area as well as the rest of the store. "We are confident that our robust procedures mean that there was no food safety risk to the product whilst it was within the store. "If the customer would like to return the product, packaging and proof of purchase to us, we will be able to investigate further."

21-lb Lobster

This photo released by the New England Aquarium, in Boston Tuesday, July 24, 2012, shows a 21-pound lobster caught July 14 off Cape Cod, and donated to the aquarium where it will be displayed after a 30-quarantine period.

State Trooper Find Baby Deer In Car

A Washington State Patrol trooper who responded to a report of a deer killed by a truck on Interstate 5 ended up with a 2-month-old fawn in his car. The patrol says when Trooper Scott Brown arrived at the Bellingham scene on Tuesday evening, other deer in the area stayed back but the fawn -- possibly orphaned by the collision -- ran up to him. Trooper Mark Francis says the baby deer nuzzled against Brown and started "mewing."

Police have released a photo of the culprit in a series of flag thefts from the graves of soldiers at the Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson, NY. As you can see by the photo, it looks like they caught the thief in the act: This woodchuck right here in the middle of the screen.

Twitter Helps Find Dog

Patch, a Jack Russell terrier, got separated from his owner on an Irish Rail train to Dublin, but was reunited by Twitter users who helped locate the pet.

Baby Raccoon Stuck In Sewer

A baby raccoon that got stuck head-first in a sewer grate is free thanks to the quick and slippery work of some city workers in suburban Detroit. A release from Dearborn Heights says the crew took the raccoon to the Public Works yard for a "much-needed shower" before letting it go in the woods.

Tyrannosaurus Bataar

The U.S. attorneys office sued Heritage Auctions of Texas in June to force it to return a Tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton to the Mongolian government.

Mutant Pig Dog

Locals in Xinxiang city scratched their heads over this four-legged creature, believing it to be a mutant escaped from a scientific lab. Cops confirmed that it is, in fact, a Chinese Crested Hairless.

Shar Pei Nurses Endangered Tiger Cubs

In this picture taken, Monday, June 4, 2012, Shar Pei dog Cleopatra feeds two baby tigers in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, southern Russia. Two baby tigers whose mother refused to feed them found an unusual wet nurse, a wrinkled, sand-colored Shar Pei dog named Cleopatra. The cubs were born in late May in a zoo at the October health resort in Sochi.

Big Oyster

The Jurassic monster next to a normal oyster. Aquarist Jenna MacFarlane from the Blue Reef Aquarium with a gigantic oyster fossil that was accidentally trawled up by fishermen off Portsmouth is to be MRI scanned to see if it contains the worlds biggest pearl. The prehistoric mollusc is more than 100 million years old and is ten times bigger than a regular oyster shell. After layers of mud were washed off, it was clear the item was a huge fossilised shell that measured seven inches wide and three inches thick. The shell of this size was nearly 200 years old when it died and could be concealing a pearl the size of a golf ball, dwarfing the size of an oyster pearl's found today.

Rattlesnake And Frog

Check out this amazing and unappetizing video of a rattlesnake purging a hefty frog from its digestive tract.

Super Egg

Cookie Smith shows off a normal egg and a "super egg" Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Abilene, Texas. Cookie Smith went to collect eggs from her three laying hens on Monday afternoon, and discovered one normal egg and one "super egg" in her coop.

Dog With World's Largest Eyes

Bruschi, a four-year-old black and white Boston Terrier, who lives with his owner, Victoria Reed, in Grapevine, Texas, holds the Guinness World Record for "dog with the largest eyes" -- a whopping 1.1 inch in diameter.

Calico Lobster

This May 9, 2012 photo provided by the New England Aquarium in Boston shows a rare calico lobster that could be a 1-in-30 million, according to experts. The lobster, discovered by Jasper White's Summer Shack and caught off Winter Harbor, Maine, is being held at the New England Aquarium for the Biomes Marine Biology Center in Rhode Island. The lobster is dark with bright orange and yellow spots. (AP Photo/New England Aquarium, Tony LaCasse)

Lion Tries to Eat Baby Dressed as Zebra

This situation sounds scary, but it's actually quite cute. A lion at the Oregon Zoo tries to get a baby! One-year-old Jack was visiting the zoo with his family while wearing a black and white striped jacket. There were lots of children at the zoo that day, but the lion only came over whenever Jack sat down by the glass. The lion scratched and bit the glass partition separating the two, but the he seemed to be unphased by the commotion. Some think the lion thought Jack looked like a baby zebra.

30,000 Bees Stuck In New Jersey Attic (PHOTOS)

Bee removal expert Gary Schempp removed a 25-pound hive from the attic of a home in Cape May, N.J. The hive had 30,000 bees living in it.

Giant Rat

An English man named Brian Watson killed a large rat his granddaughter's boyfriend found while cutting grass on April 21, <em><a href="http://news.sky.com/home/strange-news/article/16213384" target="_hplink">Sky News</a></em> reports. The water rat was so large, Watson broke a boat paddle trying to kill the critter.

Giant Shark Caught In Mexico.

Two fishermen in northeastern Mexico claim they netted a dead great white shark estimated to be near 20-feet-long on April 15, 2012.

Prada

This March 8, 2012 photo shows Nicole Andree feeding a hamburger to her dog, Prada, a 4-year-old pit bull mix, at an animal control facility in Nashville, Tenn. Andree is fighting a lengthy legal battle to save her dog's life after the animal was ordered euthanized for attacking other dogs.

LEFT: The Stargazer fish which bears an uncanny resemblance to Homer Simpson. (Caters News / Getty Images)

Kitten Found In Car Engine

After driving about 85 miles to Santa Cruz, Calif., a man discovered that this runaway kitten had been inside his car's engine in March 2012.

At two weeks old, Beyonce, a Dachsund mix born at a Northern California animal shelter, is just under four inches long and is in the running for the title of World's Smallest Dog. Here she is pictured resting on an iPhone.

Piglet In Hotel Lobby

This adorable injured baby pig was found roaming a hotel lobby near Honolulu's airport. The Hawaiian Humane Society renamed her Pukalani and says she'll be available for adoption later in March.

Cat Cafes Threatened In Tokyo

TOKYO - JANUARY 20: A woman strokes a cat at Nekorobi cat cafe on January 20, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. Changes to Japan's Animal Protection Law threaten the future of these furry bars by imposing a curfew on cats and dogs. (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

Is This A Woolly Mammoth In Siberia? -- Feb. 2012

This newly released video taken during the summer of 2011 allegedly shows a living woolly mammoth crossing a river in Siberia. There is much speculation and debate as to whether this is, indeed, a living specimen of prehistoric elephant-related animals that were thought to be extinct.

Albino Penguin -- Jan. 2012

A rare, mostly white-colored penguin was discovered in Antarctica in early January 2012. The picture was snapped by naturalist David Stephens.

'Cupid' The Cat -- Jan. 2012

This stray orange tabby in Houston earned the nickname 'Cupid' after he survived a piercing shoulder to shoulder wound in January 2012. A vet safely removed the arrow and 'Cupid' is expected to make a complete recovery.

Lucy: World's Smallest Working Dog -- Nov. 2011

Lucy, a mini Yorkshire terrier from Absecon, New Jersey, is now in the Guinness Book of World Records. Weighing just 2 1/2 pounds, Lucy was named the world's smallest working dog last week, bumping out a 6.6-pound police dog in Japan.

Polydactyl Kittens -- Jan. 2012

Undated Cats Protection handout photo of 4-month-old polydactyl kittens named Fred (left) and Ned (right), currently in the care of Cats Protection, Gosport Town Branch in the United Kingdom. They will shortly be going to their new home once they've been neutered. Ned has an extra eight digits, while his brother Fred has 10 more than the usual 18, making a total of 54 digits between them.

Crocodile in Belgium -- Dec. 2011

A man holds a crocodile with tape around its mouth, as workers from the Natuurhulpcentrum, a wildlife rehabilitation center, collect several crocodiles at a villa in Lapscheure, near the Dutch border, on Dec. 22, 2011. Police discovered eleven Nile crocodiles and one alligator (all alive) in a villa rented by a German man, Rolf D., during an investigation into financial fraud.

Booie, The Smoking Chimpanzee, Dies At 44 -- Dec. 2011

Booie, a chimpanzee that kicked a smoking habit and used sign language to beg for candy, died at the age of 44 at a California animal refuge in mid-December.

Taxidermied Squirrel -- Dec. 2011

Rick Nadeau has saved up quite a nut by creating taxidermied squirrels that he puts in unusual outfits. He sells his works starting at $65 all the way up to $200.

Giant Crocodile Captured In Philippines -- Sept. 2011

In this Sept. 4, 2011, photo, Mayor Cox Elorde of Bunawan township, Agusan del Sur Province, pretends to measure a huge crocodile, known as Lolong, which was captured by residents and crocodile farm staff along a creek in Bunawan late Saturday in southern Philippines. Elorde said that dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the 21-foot (6.4-meter) male crocodile along a creek in his township after a three-week hunt. It was one of the largest crocodiles to be captured alive in the Philippines in recent years.

Skywalker the Rodeo Bull Gets Stuck -- Nov. 2011

Skywalker, a rodeo bull in Hawaii, could not eat or drink while a 50-pound tire was stuck around his head. A ranch hand was able to pry it off after Skywalker exhausted himself, allowing the worker to get near the cranky animal.

Gorilla check-up -- Oct. 2011

Yakini the gorilla received a medical check-up from vets at Melbourne Zoo before being moved to a new multimillion-dollar exhibit at Werribee Open Range Zoo, on Oct. 28, 2011, in Melbourne, Australia.

3-Eyed Nuclear Fish -- Oct. 2011

Fishermen landed a three-eyed fish in Argentina near a nuclear reactor in October 2011.

Earthquake Dog -- Oct. 2011

Roman Akisen carries Cip, a 5-year-old German shepherd who found 18-year-old Imdat Padak alive under the rubble of a collapsed building more than 100 hours after a magnitude 7.2 quake, in Ercis, Turkey, Oct. 28, 2011.

Tiger Goes To The Dentist -- Oct. 2011

Dr. Doug Luiten drills the tooth of Kunali, a 300-pound, 7-year-old Siberian tiger, during root canal surgery at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Alaska, Oct. 20, 2011. This was the first procedure in a recently opened operating room and the first for the zoo's new veterinary table, complete with hydraulic lift and fold-out leafs to accommodate limbs and tails.

Moose In A Pool -- Oct. 2011

This New Hampshire moose was swimming a little too deep, forcing nine rescue workers to help remove it from the pool.

Mass For Animals -- Oct. 2011

Gil Florini, of Saint-Pierre-d'Arene's church, blesses donkeys with holy water after a mass dedicated to animals on Oct. 9, 2011, in the southeastern French city of Nice.

World's Smallest Living Cat -- Oct. 2011

Fizz Girl, a Munchkin Cat from San Diego, Calif., has grabbed the record title for Shortest Living Cat. Measuring in at just 6 inches tall from floor to shoulder, Fizz Girl weighs 4 pounds, 2.3 ounces. Munchkin cats are a special breed that have little legs caused by a naturally occurring genetic mutation.

Kayaker Snags Shark -- Sept. 2011

This is the jaw-dropping moment a canoeist landed a 6-foot shark after it dragged him through the water for 10 minutes. Brave Rupert Kirkwood, 51, had paddled a mile off the United Kingdom's Devon coast when he suddenly felt a snag on his line. The 70-pound beast nearly pulled him overboard, before pulling his 16-foot canoe through the water as he desperately clung on. After 10 minutes of wrestling with the beast, he eventually hauled the massive fish on board.

Baby Elephant at San Diego Zoo -- Sept. 2011

A newborn African elephant lifted his trunk in search of his mother at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In this rare moment, the calf stood alone after he had wandered off a few steps, but shortly thereafter, his mother, 5-year-old sister Khosi (koh-see), and 2-year-old brother Ingadze (in-Gahd-zee) rushed over to tend to the unnamed calf. The Safari Park is now home to 18 elephants (eight adults and 10 youngsters).

Elephant Polo -- Sept. 2011

Elephant polo players from the Spice girls team (left) and the British Airways British Army team battle it out for 5th place during the final day at the King's Cup Elephant polo tournament Sept. 11, 2011, in Hua Hin, Thailand.This year marked the 10th edition of the polo tournament with 12 international teams participating for the unusual annual charity sports event.

Orangutan Kicks Smoking -- Sept. 2011

An orangutan in Malaysia is kicking its smoking habit. Wildlife officials have removed Shirley from a state zoo after the captive primate was regularly spotted smoking cigarettes that zoo visitors had tossed into its enclosure.

Animals In The News

Tha Sophat, a 20-month-old Cambodian boy, suckles from a cow in Koak Roka village, Siem Reap province, Cambodia, Friday, Sept. 9, 2011. Tha Sophat started suckling the cow in July after he saw a calf do the same since his parents moved to Thailand in search of work, said his grandfather UmOeung.

This Little PIggie Has Two Snouts

This tiny porker has an excuse for making a pig of himself at mealtimes. He really does have two mouths to feed. The bizarre two-month-old youngster -- part of a litter born on a farm in northern China -- can use both his mouths to eat and appears otherwise normal, say his owners.

Drunk Moose

A moose is seen stuck in an apple tree in Gothenburg, Sweden, September 6, 2011. The police believe the moose was trying to eat apples from the tree and became intoxicated by fermented apples. The moose was freed by police officers and after a dose on the lawn, he sobered up and returned to the woods.

Woman Punches Bear to Save Dog

Brook Collins holds her dog, Fudge, at her home in Juneau, Alaska on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011. Collins punched a black bear in the snout after the bear attacked Fudge on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Elephant with Prosthetic Leg

Motala, age 50, rests in the afternoon sun with the new prosthetic made for her at the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) elephant hospital in the Mae Yao National Reserve August 29, 2011 Lampang,Thailand. Motala lost a foot many years back after stepping on a land mine and now is on her third prosthetic, as they need to be changed according to the weight of the elephant. The world's first elephant hospital assists in medical care and helps to promote a better understanding of the elephant's physiology, important in treating them for illness. For generations elephants have been a part of the Thai culture, although today the Thai elephant mostly is domesticated animal, since Thailand now has few working elephants. Many are used in the tourism sector at special elephant parks or zoos, where they perform in shows. In some cases Thailand is still deals with roaming elephants on the city streets, usually after the mahout, an elephant driver, becomes unemployed, which often causes the elephant serious stress.

Elephant in Water Reservoir

Indian army personnel use a bulldozer during a rescue mission to save a wild elephant trapped in a water reservoir tank at Bengdubi army cantonment area some 25 kms from Siliguri on August 30, 2011. A wild elephant fell into the water reservoir tank as a herd crossed the area. Army personnel of 16 Field Ammunition Depot along with wildlife elephant squad of Mahananda wildlife sanctuary joined forces to save the animal.

Open Rabbit Sport Tournament

Lisa Marie Bach leads her pet rabbit Marie through an obstacle course in the middle-weight category at the 5th Open Rabbit Sport Tournament (5. offene Kaninchensport Turnier) on August 28, 2011 in Rommerz near Fulda, Germany. Eighty rabbits competed in light-weight, middle-weight and jumping-for-points categories at today's tournament in Rommerz that is based on Kanin Hop, or Rabbit Hopping. Rabbit Hopping is a growing trend among pet rabbit owners in Central Europe and the first European Championships are scheduled to be held later this year in Switzerland.

Hippo Goes to the Dentist

North Carolina Zoo Chief Veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis recently returned from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where he helped perform a dental procedure on a 3,000-lb. old friend. Loomis, along with veterinarians and keepers from the Parque de las Sciencias museums in Bayamon, conducted dental surgery on "Tomy," a 39-year-old male hippopotamus that the N.C. Zoo veterinarian has been treating on a semi-regular basis for two decades.

Dolphin's Fake Tail

Winter, a six-year-old dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, lost her tail when she was three months and now uses a prosthetic tail made especially for her.

Otis, skydiver.

"Otis'' the pug gets his harness put on him before making his 64th skydive at the Parachute Center in Acampo with his master, veteran skydiver Will DaSilva of Galt. Otis knows that harness means he's going skydiving and sits patiently while it is put on him.

City Chicks

John Huntington poses with one of his chickens on a lead in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 15, 2011. Mr Hungtington's 'City Chicks' are chickens for those living in an urban enviroment, complete with small walking leads and harnesses and elasticised nappies. 'City Chicks' will be showcased at Sydney's ABC Gardening Australia Expo.

Dolphin Flip

A dolphin flips in the air and splashes water over a watching crowd during a summer attraction at an aquarium in Tokyo on August 17, 2011. Theme parks and attactions such as this one are booming in August when many people try to beat the summer heat by visiting indoor attractions.

Sprinkles the Koala

'Sprinkles' the Koala following her life saving radiation treatment at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in Brisbane, Australia, August 9, 2011. Suffering from an extremely rare case of excessive drooling, sprinkles developed a skin infection due to the excessive moisture flowing from her mouth.

Sprinkles the Koala

Veterinary specialist Dr Rod Straw holds 'Sprinkles' the Koala following her life saving radiation treatment at the Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre in Brisbane, Australia. Suffering from an extremely rare case of excessive drooling, sprinkles developed a skin infection due to the excessive moisture flowing from her mouth.

Mobile Home Filled With 154 Reptiles

Inside Walter Kidd's North Carolina trailer home were 154 reptiles, including cobras, vipers and Gila monsters. About 100 of the animals were dead and frozen, according to the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

Camel in the Family

t's not every day you can say that a camel has shared your breakfast - unless you're Nathan and Charlotte Anderson-Dixon. Each morning they and their 18-month-son Reuben are joined by pet camel Joe, who pokes his head through their conservatory window to help himself to something to eat. The three-year-old happily munches eats bread, fruit and cereal plucked from the table at the family's detached country farmhouse. Joe, who measures 17.5 hands, loves bananas on toast but hates toast with cheese or Marmite. He lives with four other camels but is the only one to share breakfast with his owners. The others have to eat hay, barley, straw and corn mix in their stable in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Nathan, 32, has owned Joe for two years and uses him for camel racing.

Camel in the Family

Charlotte Anderson-Dixon pushes her 18-month-old son Reuben on the swing as Joe the camel watches.

Camel in the Family

Nathan Anderson-Dixon, his wife Charlotte, their 18-month-old son Reuben, Joe the camel and a reindeer.

Big Brutus

Brutus, a giant crocodile, was photographed leaping out of the water in Australia by picture-taker Katrina Bridgeford. The 18-foot long croc is a fan favorite among tourists who take cruises along the Adelaide River as he is known for making a big splash while jumping for buffalo meat.

Gary, the Kit-Kat Loving Fish.

Sea Life London Aquarium undated handout photo of a giant gourami that aquarium staff have weaned off chocolate.

Andre The Turtle

Thirteen months ago, Andre the turtle suffered massive injuries from boats that left a massive hole in his shell and the inside of his body exposed to the elements. However, thanks to some innovative treatments, including using orthodontic techniques to repair his shell and a vacuum treatment on open wounds, he is scheduled to be set free on Aug. 3.

Kitler

Kitler, a kitten small enough to fit in a cup with a remarkable resemblance to Hitler is looking for a home after being found abandoned at the side of a busy road. An animal charity is struggling to find a loving home for an abandoned kitten - because it looks like HITLER. The six-week-old moggie was found abandoned on her own by the side of a busy main road by a member of the public. She was handed in to Wood Green animal shelter in Godmanchester, Cambs., where staff nicknamed her 'Kitler' because of her distinctive black moustache. Nobody came forward to say they were Kitler's owner so the centre put her up for rehoming, but she is yet to find a loving family because of her unusual markings.

Horse rescued from pool

The horse, which is boarded on the 4 acres of land next to the O'Brien's home, backed into the swimming pool where it became trapped. Officials with the Brevard Zoo, a veterinarian, and the Brevard County Fire Department responded along with a hazardous materials team. The horse was not injured.

Sperm-sniffing Police Dog

Police Dog Handler B-G Carlson with the sperm-sniffing dog Rapport's Opus, which collected evidence against a 23-year-old man who was charged with a rape. Credit: <a href="http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article13335666.ab" target="_hplink">Aftonbladet</a>

Animals In The News

This pet duck, named 'Duckie,' won't hurt himself on the hot sands of San Diego's beaches thanks to a pair of customized booties made especially for him. Previously, the owner, who goes by the name "Miss Love," had been putting duct tape over his feet instead.

Gorilla With Toothache

Two Bay Area dentists made a house call at the San Francisco Zoo on Monday, July 11, to help out a gorilla with a toothache. Dentist Dan Mairani (left) and endodontist Steve Holifield, who usually perform procedures on human patients, worked for three hours on Oscar Jonesy (O.J.), a 30-year-old male western lowland gorilla that developed an abscessed canine tooth. Thanks to this dental team, the abscess was successfully treated and the tooth was saved!

Monkey Photographs Self

One of the photos that the monkey took with Davids camera. These are the chimp-ly marvellous images captured by a cheeky monkey after turning the tables on a photographer who left his camera unmanned. The inquisitive scamp playfully went to investigate the equipment before becoming fascinated with his own reflection in the lens. And it wasnt long before the crested black macaque hijacked the camera and started snapping away sending award-winning photographer David Slater bananas. David, from Coleford, Gloucestershire, was on a trip to a small national park north of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi when he met the incredibly friendly bunch.

Heidi, the cross-eyed opossum

Heidi the cross-eyed opossum is pictured in her enclosure at the zoo in Leipzig, eastern Germany on June 9, 2011. Heidi moved to her new enclosure at the Gondwanaland tropical experience world, which will be inaugurated on July 1, 2011 and where Heidi will be presented to the public for the first time. Cross-eyed Heidi made the headlines in December 2010 and became an internet hit, winning more than 65,000 "friends" on social networking website Facebook.

Off-Road Alligator

The flattened and preserved reptile is at the center of possible legal action against three area men charged with it's theft and subsequent display on a Ford pickup at a nearby mud-bogging party in Michigan.

Insect with Singing Penis

A small water boatman of the species <em>Micronecta scholtzi </em> is seen in this photo from the University of Strathclyde Glasgow. The insect has been found to use its penis to perform a very loud mating call. Scientists say the "singing penis" -- relative to its body size -- is the loudest animal on Earth.

Elephant Votes in Thailand

Elephant puts a ballot in ballot box during campaign to promote the general election in Ayutthaya province on June 21, 2011. The July 3 general election will be the first since Thailand was rocked by its deadliest political violence in decades last year, when more than 90 people died in street clashes between armed police and opposition protesters. (Pornchai Kittiwongsakul, AFP/Getty Images)

Deer With Wings

A Montana resident says an energy company has identified the cause of a brief power outage as "deer with wings." Lee Bridges says she was outside with her dogs around the time the power went out when a NorthWestern Energy truck pulled up, giving her a chance to ask the driver what caused the problem.

World's Biggest Bitch

Nova, a 35.5 inch tall Great Dane, was named the world's tallest female dog by Guinness World Records in June 2011

Antarctic penguin swims to New Zealand

An emperor penguin that arrived on June 21, 2011 at New Zealand's Peka Peka Beach, more than 2,000 miles from its native Antarctica, will not be transported home.

Two-headed Bearded Dragon

A two-headed bearded dragon is set to be the latest attraction at the Venice Beach Freakshow. Pancho and Lefty sit in new owner Todd Ray's hand.

Scientist Swims With Whales

Natalia Avseenko swims with beluga whales in the White Sea off the coast of northern Russia. A skinny dipping Russian researcher took a ten meter sub-zero plunge in a bid to get up close and personal with two beautiful 15 foot long beluga whales. Scientists believe that the whales could be more friendly with humans if they swim naked - but as these pictures show the clever-looking marine mammals called Matrena and Nilma seem happy to swim with the same lady whether bears all or not. Champion free diver, Natalia Avseenko, 36, from Moscow gamely jumped into an ice hole in the White Sea off the coast of northern Russia. She was able to hold her breath and swim underwater for an incredible 11 minutes. The pictures show her swimming in the minus one degree Centigrade waters - cold enough to kill a normal person in 15 minutes. Beluga whales generally shy away from conventional scuba divers because they dislike the bubbles they produce. It is thought the synthetic materials used to make wet suits smell bad to them.

Sweden Moose on Loose

The slightly injured moose on its way out in to freedom after his visit to a geriatric care home in Alingsas east of Goteborg, Sweden, Thursday June 9, 2011. The moose jumped through a canteen window into the building in Alingsas in western Sweden Thursday. The residents were evacuated and the moose locked into a small room next to the entrance. Since the moose's injuries were concluded to be minor it was released into freedom. (Adam Ihse, Scanpix/AP)

Bear in Hot Tub

Jenny Sue Rhoades sat down on her couch to watch television when something outside caught her eye. It was a large Florida black bear walking through the back yard of her Barry Court home in southwest Seminole County.

Heidi, The Cross-Eyed Possum

German media sensation Heidi the cross-eyed opossum is presented to the press at the Leipzig Zoo on June 9, 2011. On July 1st, 2011 Leipzig Zoo will open the 20,000m2 "Gondwanaland Tropical Experience World" to the public - a near-natural home for 300 exotic animals and more than 17,000 tropical plants with Heidi being one of its inhabitants.

Trouble, The Millionaire Dog

Hotel magnate Leona Helmsley left $12 million for her dog Trouble when she died in 2007, but a judge reduced the bequest to $2 million.

Earless Bunny

A new-born rabbit without ears is held in Namie City, just outside the 30km exclusion zone of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. The owner of the rabbit says it was born without ears on May 7.

Surf Dog

A dog competes during the during the 6th annual Loews Coronado Bay resort surf dog competition in Imperial Beach, near San Diego on June 4, 2011.

Water Skiing Elephant Dies

In this undated 1958 photo provided courtesy of Liz Dane, Dane is shown performing her act with Queenie the water skiing elephant. The Valdosta Daily Times reports that 59-year-old Queenie was euthanized Monday, June 2, 2011, after her health deteriorated.

Animals in the News

"Shrek," New Zealand's most famous sheep, died in June at the age of 16. This merino wether (a castrated male sheep) came to the world's attention in 2004 when he was found in a cave near the city of Otago after being on the lam for six years. He had managed to avoid capture all that time and when he was finally found, he was carrying nearly 60 lbs of untrimmed fleece, nearly six times more than the average merino fleece.

China Liger Cubs

In this photo taken on Thursday, May 19, 2011, a dog nurses two liger cubs at a zoo in Weihai in east China's Shandong province. Cong Wen of Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo in eastern China says four cubs were born to a female tiger and a male lion on May 13. The tiger mom fed the ligers for four days then for unknown reasons abandoned them, she says. Chinese zoo workers brought in a dog to nurse them instead, but two died of weakness. (AP)

Horse plunges into crowd

In this May 5, 2011 image provided by Animals Australia, a riderless horse plunges into a crowd of spectators after jumping a fence at the Warrnambool Grand National Steeple Chase at Warrnambool, Australia. An 80-year-old woman and a two-year-old boy are in stable condition in a hospital while 5 others were also injured.

Posing Praying Mantis

Giant Malaysian Shield Praying Mantis pictured in Igor's studio in Munich, Germany.

Roo the Reading Dog

Roo the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D) helps a pupil at Graytown Elementary School in Graytown, Ohio.

Goose and Deer Become Unlikely Friend

Wildlife experts in Buffalo, N.Y., have been amazed by an unusual springtime friendship between a deer and a nesting goose. It's a relationship that has blossomed inside a cemetery.

Ride Cow Like a Horse

When Regina Mayer's parents refused to buy her a horse, the 15-year-old German girl trained Luna the cow to be a top-class riding companion. Not only do the two regularly go on long rides together through the picturesque southern German countryside, they even do jumps.

Elvis Bug

Is it Elvis... or Bert from "Sesame Street"? This stink bug photographed in Singapore seems to be a fan of one of them -- but it's not clear which one.

Smokey the LOUD Cat

Pet cat Smokey is believed to have the loudest purr in the world -- with piercing purrs as loud as a lawnmower. Most cats purr at around 25 decibels but Smokey's powerful purrs average an amazing 80 decibels. Owners Ruth and Mark Adams, of Northampton, Britain, say Smokey's deafening purrs make it impossible for them to hear the television or radio when she is in the room and they struggle to have telephone conversations.

Camel Fight

Afghan festival-goers watch as a "camel fight" starts during the second day of Persian new year, or "Nowruz," celebrations in Mazar-e-Sharif, in northern Afghanistan.

Missing Rare Indian Star Tortoise

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Tutti is a rare Indian star tortoise. Butti, the zoo's missing tortoise, looks similar to Tutti. The two are brothers and live at the zoo in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Sheep Dog

This is a lamb in China that looks just like a dog. Farmers in Fugu County, in western China's Shaanxi Province, were left open-mouthed when they saw the young animal running around their field. The lamb has a mouth, nose, paws and tail which look very similar to a dog's features - but still has a white woolly coat.

Gibbon Betina

Withe-handed gibbon mother Betina, 32, holds her 2-week-old baby at the Safari zoo in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv on March 17. The birth of the gibbon surprised the zoo staff, as it had been 11 years since Betina last gave birth.

Big Litter

Hania, a 4-year-old Great Dane, feeds her 3-day-old puppies in the Warsaw suburb of Nowa Iwiczna on March 17. Hania gave birth by cesarean section to 17 puppies.

Spider With Human Face

A rare spider with a human face, known as a lichen crab spider, has been spotted at a nature reserve in Wareham, Dorset, England.

Britain's Saddest Puppy

Six-month-old puppy Princess has such delicate skin she can't go outside. While other dogs run free at Britain's Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, Princess must gaze through the window. But this canine, otherwise known as Britain's Saddest Puppy, has become a minor celebrity in the media.

Parrot on Roller Skates

A parrot trained by Italian trainer Anthonie Zattu performs wearing a pair of rollerskates during the International Festival of Cirkus Art on Feb. 20, 2011, in Prague.

Charlie the Cat

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? No, it's Charlie -- an unlucky cat who happens to look just like the evil Lord Voldemort from the "Harry Potter" films. Charity workers are trying to find a new home for the British kitty, who lost his nose and ears to skin cancer.

Silverback Strut

Ambam, a silverback gorilla at the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent, England, shows off the stance that's turned him into a viral video sensation. Ambam doesn't do the typical ape walk -- he stands and struts like a person.

Leaping Lemurs

A group of lemurs encounters a unusual roadblock on the way to their feeding den: a turtle. The lemurs clearly don't want to get into a territorial spat with the creature... so they take turns leaping over it in this photo sequence shot at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Heidi, The Cross-Eyed Possum

Jeepers, creepers -- where'd she get those peepers? Heidi the cross-eyed possum has become a media sensation in Germany.

Titanic Toad

Of course she's unhappy. Who likes getting weighed right after the holidays? This is Agathe, a cane toad, and she's sitting on a toy scale during an annual animal inventory at the Hanover Zoo in Germany on Jan. 5. Agathe weighs a slight hop over 4 pounds.

Orange Gator

Sylvia Mythen, a 74-year-old woman from Venice, Fla., snapped the photo of this orange alligator sunning itself by a pond near her home. Florida Wildlife Commission experts have analyzed the photo and determined that the reptile's coloring is not genetic. Officials suspect the animal might be the victim of a prank but won't know for sure until they can examine it.

Clothing a Battered Chicken

Amy Leader with Sunny, a rescued chicken, in his newly-knitted sweater. Kind-hearted animal lovers have come to the rescue of a group of featherless chickens by knitting them their very own woolly sweaters. Sunny and his not-so-feathered friends were rehomed after being rescued from a poultry farm. Many of them are missing their plumage because the conditions they used to live in.

Rhino Cow

A bizarre three-horned cow has proven itself to be a cash cow for a farmer in Baoding, in China's Hebei province. Farmer Jia Kebing said the 2-year-old cow was born with a small bump on its head that has grown to be nearly 8 inches long and now resembles a rhino's horn. "My farm has fame in this region for this cow, and people came in just paying a visit to this cow," said Jia.

Monkey Macaw

This lazy monkey hitches a ride to the top of a tree -- by sitting on the back of a parrot. The squirrel monkey, which lives with a male and female parrot at a hotel in Colombia, was photographed by Alejandro Jaramillo after it hopped onto the macaw. These kinds of bizarre inter-species friendship aren't unheard of, but they aren't common.

Guru, the Hairless Chimp

Looking almost like a bronze statue of a person, Guru the hairless chimpanzee eats in his enclosure at India's Mysore Zoo. Guru lost all his hair to alopecia, a condition that can also affect humans.

Kangaroo's Human Lifestyle

Beemer the kangaroo has Vegemite on toast with a side salad of fresh-picked wild grasses, accompanied by adoptive "mother" Julianne "Julz" Bradley.

World's Longest Cat

Robin Henderson stretches her cat, Stewie, outside of her home in Reno, Nev. Stewie, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, has been accepted by Guinness World Records as the world's longest cat at 48.5 inches long.

Bear Steals Car

This photo shows a bear inside Ben Story's car on July 23, in Larkspur, Colo. Story said the bear got into his empty car, honked the horn and sent it rolling into a thicket with the bear inside. Sheriff's deputies released the bear using a rope to open the door.

Piggyback Monkey

Miwa, a baby monkey, rides a young boar named Uribo in the Fukuchiyama City Zoo, in Kyoto, Japan, on Oct. 19. Both have been sheltered by the zoo since June after losing their mothers

Rare Lobsters

The odds of seeing these three together are roughly 1 in 900 quintillion -- but a series of timely donations has allowed Connecticut's Maritime Aquarium to put together one of the most unusual lobster displays ever. While the blue lobster is a 1 in a million catch, the orange and calico are even rarer -- with the odds of finding them roughly 1 in 30 million.

Pink Kitty

This kitty isn't naturally pink. The cat's owner, Natasha Gregory of Britain told The Sun that she wanted her pet "to match my hair." The 22-year-old also has a shocking dye job.

Yoga Bear

There's Yogi Bear, and there's yoga bear. Meet Santra, a female brown bear at the Ahtari Zoo in Finland, famous for her morning yoga stretches. After the bear woke up from a nap, amateur photographer Meta Penca took amazing shots of her fitness routine, which reportedly lasted about 15 minutes and included a number of poses.

Dog Swallows Shot Glass

This dog wanted a drink. Meet Billy the German pointer and the shot glass he swallowed. The pooch underwent emergency surgery after doing a shot of Jagermeister -- and the glass it was served in. The 18-month-old, who lives in Darwin, Australia, downed the glass during a party thrown by house sitters while his owners were away. It wasn't until three days later when Billy began vomiting blood that the house sitters realized something was wrong.

Chimp Art

In art, there's primitivism and there's primate-vism. Meet Jimmy, a 26-year-old chimpanzee who can paint. Pictured while creating a painting on cardboard on Sept. 20 at a zoo in Niteroi, Brazil, the monkey's art works have caught the attention of zoological experts who plan a special exhibit for the chimp.

Skateboarding With Tillman

Tillman the skateboarding dog is always learning new tricks. The famed canine skater -- who is also an acclaimed surfer and snowboarder -- made an appearance at Madame Tussauds on the Las Vegas Strip on Sept. 16.

World's Smallest Cow

Swallow, an 11-year-old sheep-sized cow from the West Yorkshire region of England, is one of the stars of the 2011 edition of "Guinness World Records." This 33-inch-high Dexter is the world's smallest cow.

Lip-Syncing Monkey

A female monkey lip-syncs during a show by the monkey drama troupe Prakit Sitpragaan in Bangkok in September. Prakit Sitpragaan has been performing traditional stories adapted from Asian classical novels and folklore in Thailand for more than 30 years.

Giant Atlas Moth

Giant Atlas moths have hatched at Berkeley Castle Butterfly House in Gloucestershire, England. These huge moths -- the largest in the world -- are native to the rain forests of Asia and South America. They don't have stomachs and their mouths do not form properly so they don't eat a thing during their two-week life span.

Smallest Frog

Some frogs eat flies. This tiny amphibian is not much bigger than one. The Microhyla nepenthicola, a newly discovered species of frog, lives in the jungle on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It is barely larger than a pea.

Beer Deer

A pet deer at a resort in Weihai, northern China's Shandong province has become addicted to beer. According to Zhang Xiangxi, who works as a waitress at the resort's restaurant, she discovered the deer's unusual tastes last November when she was cleaning up after some customers. She comments: "I saw a bottle of beer was still half full so I playfully passed it to the deer. Unexpectedly it bit the bottle and raised its head and drank all the beer in one shot."

Two Legged Lamb

A farmer in China's Shandong province has saved a two-legged lamb after being touched by its struggle to survive. Farmer Cui Jinxiu said the lamb was one of two born in July 2010. "The first one was a very healthy and normal one," she told Rex USA. "However, the second one surprised me. With a further look I was surprised to find that the lamb only has two legs." The family thought the lamb wouldn't survive, but it proved its strong desire to live. "I thought of dumping it after it was born, but the next morning it even stood up by itself."

Zookeeper Lives With Lions

Alexander Pylyshenko, 40, will live in a cage with two lions for five weeks to raise awareness about living conditions for animals in captivity.

Kangaroo On The Loose In Washington State

Late June 2012, this kangaroo disrupted traffic several times along a highway in Washington state.

Gemini, The Two Faced-Kitten

Sadly, Gemini, a kitten from Rhode Island, had a short life.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/29/tiger-shark-steals-camera-filmmaker-george-schellenger_n_1716202.html

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