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Drunken Spaniard admits to kicking Scottish grandfather to death
A Spaniard yesterday admitted beating and kicking to death a Scottish grandfather on holiday in the Canary Islands.
Hamed Mohamed Hamed, who comes from Melilla, the Spanish enclave on the north coast of Morocco, claimed he had been drunk and under the influence of drugs when he attacked Brian Hobbs, 52, of Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire.
He launched the attack at a bar in Fuerteventura only hours after he had arrived on the island in May 2006. Mr Hobbs had been drinking and was asleep at the time. The court heard Hamed had consumed 12 whiskies and taken cocaine before the attack and had claimed the killing would not have happened if he had not been drinking.
As Hamed admitted the crime, prosecutors accepted a plea deal and agreed to a 12-year jail term instead. Sentence will be passed in two weeks' time.
Mr Hobbs's widow, Barbara, was present in court. Mrs Hobbs had been unwell and her husband had nursed her for many months. He went on a short break without her and because of a fear of flying had been drinking heavily.
A statement read to the court at the beginning of the hearing emphasised that Mr Hobbs in no way provoked his attacker. The victim was asleep at a table when he was attacked "without any justification and without there being any argument or provocation", said the prosecutor's statement.
During the attack Mr Hobbs was punched and knocked to the ground where he was repeatedly kicked and beaten about the head.
(Angust Howarth, Scotsman) A Spaniard yesterday admitted beating and kicking to death a Scottish grandfather on holiday in the Canary Islands. ... more -
Women scotch the men-only whisky myth
The number of women joining Scotland's premier whisky connoisseurs' club is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Over the past three years, women have accounted for one in four of all new memberships at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. That compares with just one in 10 in previous years.
Experts say the rise has been prompted by a new generation of female drinkers prepared to experiment with new spirits and different flavours as well as a series of tasting events that combine whisky with food. Celebrities such as supermodel Kate Moss and radio presenter Zoë Ball have also been pictured consuming whisky.
Anne Griffiths, venue director at the Society, which has a total UK membership of 18,500, said the number of new female members was exceeding expectations and most were in professions such as business, medicine, academia and the law. The new generation of young, professional female whisky drinkers were also introducing their friends, colleagues and clients to the spirit, Griffiths said. "They like to try new things, like to sit down and nose whisky and taste it, and they are not afraid of saying whether they like it or not."
There was a definite trend towards younger whisky drinkers, Griffiths added. "My great-aunt used to have a whisky every day but that was a blend. Now women are enjoying malts, even the gutsy, peaty ones from Islay, which were always thought of as a man's drink."
Gemma Scott, a trade and consumer magazine editor from Glasgow, believes the Society's figures reflect a general trend. "For a very long time women were scared to drink whisky because it had such a masculine image. But times are changing and female drinkers are much more open to trying new things," Scott said. "In my opinion a woman drinking whisky looks far sexier than a woman drinking a sparkly pink cocktail with a straw in it."
(Excerpts / Jeremy Watson, Scotsman) The number of women joining Scotland's premier whisky connoisseurs' club is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Over the past three y... more -
Northern Star not as constant as expected: scientists at loss
Shakespeare's Julius Caesar once described himself as "constant as the Northern Star/ Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality/ There is no fellow in the firmament". But far from staying firm and fixed, the North Star has thrown astronomers into confusion with some unexpected activity.
The star is not, it seems, quite as constant as was previously thought. Polaris had long been known to be a Cepheid variable star, changing in brightness about every four days. But in recent decades astronomers have noticed the star's vibrations were dying away. Now they have been stunned to discover the star seems to have come back to life again.
The discovery will be announced to 350 international delegates today on the first day of the Cool Stars 15 conference at the University of St Andrews. Dr Alan Penny from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St Andrews will tell the conference that he was part of an international team of astronomers who observed that vibrations in the Pole star, which had been fading away to almost nothing over the past hundred years, have recovered and are now increasing.
The astronomers were watching Polaris in the expectation that they would catch the star switching off its vibrations completely when they made the surprising observation of their revival. Dr Penny said: "One hundred years ago Polaris varied by 10 per cent, but over the last century the variations became smaller and smaller until ten years ago it only varied by 2 per cent. It was thought the structure of the star was changing to switch off the vibration. Yet the team has found that about ten years ago the vibrations started picking up and are now back up at the 4 per cent level."
Cepheid stars are generally known to get brighter and fainter every four days, but the details of their variations are not well understood. Dr Penny said he was pleased the existing theory had been proved wrong, because it would further astronomical understanding. "Now we know it's doing this we will watch it for another 100 years and see what it does," he said. "We have found something new that we need to understand. That means we can make progress. We are very excited when we are proved wrong."
The slow decline in the vibrations in the star was in itself unusual, as no other Cepheid is known to have done this. Astronomers thought Polaris was ageing and its structure was changing so that it was no longer unstable. The scientists were following its progress to learn about how stars age. But now Polaris has started vibrating again, this explanation of the ageing process seems unlikely.
The scientists think a more complex process may be at work, which will require extra studying before it is understood.
(Excerpts / Jenny Haworth, Scotsman)
Shakespeare's Julius Caesar once described himself as "constant as the Northern Star/ Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality/ There i... more -
Cow Charm: Highlanders used magic on cattle
Kirk session records have revealed examples of Highlanders using so-called good and bad magic on cattle.
Dr Karen Cullen, of higher education institute UHI, trawled the papers in her research for a lecture - Charmed Cows and Contentious Neighbours. The practice of charming to either protect or harm livestock was used during the 17th and 18th centuries.
She said: "The lecture is an off-shoot of my research of a famine of the 1690s and my interest in how weather impacts on crops. I found in Kirk session records that in upland areas, where people were more dependent on cattle than crops, there were tensions in local communities and of people suspecting neighbours of harming their cattle."
With little understanding of the scientific reasons behind poor productivity, people believed witchcraft was used to stop dairy cattle expressing good quality milk. Dr Cullen said: "There is mention of cows having less profit, or goodness of milk, and people suspected a witch had taken that away. People then used counter charms such as putting rowan branches above the milking shed to ward off evil magic, or paying charmers to protect their cows."
The practice continued in some places into the 20th Century, but the beginning to its end was the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in the mid 1700s and greater understanding of scientific explanations to natural events.
(Excerpts / BBC News) Kirk session records have revealed examples of Highlanders using so-called good and bad magic on cattle. ... more -
How emotional pain can really hurt
Love really does hurt, just as poets and song lyric writers claim.
New brain scanning technologies are revealing that the part of the brain that processes physical pain also deals with emotional pain.
And in the same way that in some people injury can cause long-lasting chronic pain, science now reveals why some will never get over such heartbreak.
Emotional pain can take many forms; a relationship break-up or social exclusion, for example.
But it does not get any more extreme than losing a loved one, as Scottish broadcaster Mark Stephen did.
In July 1995 he was driving a tractor while hay-making and accidentally hit his young daughter. She died shortly afterwards
Mark's grief was overwhelming, he says.
"When people talk about a broken heart, that for me was where it was seated, just below your sternum.
"It feels like your heart is leaking and you can't run away from it because you are the source of that pain."
Thinking he would go mad with grief, he sought help from David Alexander.
Professor Alexander is director of the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research. He led the psychiatric team that first responded to the Piper Alpha oil-rig disaster.
Since then, he has been involved in helping survivors of many disasters including the Asian tsunami, the war in Iraq and, most recently, the earthquake in Pakistan.
He also managed to get Mark Stephen through his darkest days.
Love really does hurt, just as poets and song lyric writers claim. ... more -
Scottish isle objects to one CCTV camera
It may not look much, but a small CCTV camera erected by the council in the fishing village of Elgol, Skye, has led to a storm of protest by local people who claim that the surveillance society of modern Britain's towns and cities has no place in their idyllic island community.
Highland Council insists that the only reason it has installed the camera is to monitor a simmering dispute between the two rival boat trip companies - one run by an Englishman, the other by local residents - who operate from the jetty and have fallen out over berthing slots.
It may not look much, but a small CCTV camera erected by the council in the fishing village of Elgol, Skye, has led to a storm of prot... more -
How to have a happy beaver
No, not that kind of beaver. The animal kind, you dirty beast. Though I do acknowledge that *all* beavers deserve to be happy.
The Independent reports that Britain's beaver population is beginning to thrive again, thanks to conservationists.
The European beaver was hunted almost to extinction in the UK in the 16th century, killed both for its fur and for castoreum, a secretion from the beavers' scent gland which was used in some medicines. (Ick)
But sixteen other European countries started reintroducing beavers to the wild as long as 80 years ago and there is a thriving population living along the Elbe, the Rhône, and also in parts of Scandinavia.
And now, the charity Trees for Life is to reintroduce European beavers to Knapdale, Mid Argyll in Scotland. Hooray!
Have you ever seen a beaver in the wild? Would you like to?
No, not that kind of beaver. The animal kind, you dirty beast. Though I do acknowledge that *all* beavers deserve to be happy. ... more -
Strongest beer ever has campaigners in a froth
The owners of one of Scotland's largest independent breweries, BrewDog, were yesterday lambasted by health campaigners and politicians for creating Britain's most potentbeer ever – with a staggering 12 per cent alcohol content.
Dr Bruce Ritson, the chairman of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, declared there was no place for such a high-strength beer on the market. He said: "It is the last thing we need. If it became popular it would have devastating consequences for health as well as social order and violence on the streets."
Jack Law, the chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, also condemned the beer. He said: "What justification can there possibly be to bring an extra strong beer on to the market? Super-strength drinks are often favoured by young people and problem drinkers – is this really who the brewery wants to target?"
But James Watt, one of BrewDog's co-founders, remained unrepentant about his company's decision to brew what they are describing as an "intergalactic fantastic oak aged stout" which has been made with specialist malts, jasmine and cranberries before being aged on French toasted oak chips.
"The beers that we make are to be savoured and enjoyed. The (£4 per 330ml bottle) price takes it away from the market that are just drinking beer to get drunk. We in fact are the cure and not the problem." The owners of one of Scotland's largest independent breweries, BrewDog, were yesterday lambasted by health campaigners and politicians... more -
Worst golfer in Scotland nets £15k for hole in one
Self-confessed "rubbish" amateur golfer Allan Errington, of Aberdeen, was half way through his round at Newmachar Golf Club, and was averaging an abismal seven shots per hole.
On the par three ninth however he somehow hit a miracle hole in one, which won him a Volkswagen Golf (!), worth £15,000. He recalled how he pulled of the shot of a lifetime: "I hit the ball and I knew it was good and I saw it go in. It was a fantastic feeling", adding: "I lost all my other 23 balls."!
Self-confessed "rubbish" amateur golfer Allan Errington, of Aberdeen, was half way through his round at Newmachar Golf Club, and was a... more -
Glasgow battle could destroy Gordon Brown
A senior member of Gordon Brown's government has said that defeat in July's Glasgow by-election would mean a rapid move to replace him.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) are being tipped to take the seat on the 24th July, after the favorite, Labour MP George Ryan, pulled out. If Gordon Brown cannot hold onto the seat, which labour won in 2005 with a 13,500 majority, "There will be moves in September ... to ask him to stand down." A senior member of Gordon Brown's government has said that defeat in July's Glasgow by-election would mean a rapid move to replace him... more -
Gay asylum seeker to be deported despite fear for his life
Syrian Jojo Jako Yakob, 20, has been refused permission to stay in Scotland and was told he is likely to be safe in his homophobic country of origin if he behaves "discreetly".
Yakob suffered horrific abuse because of his sexual orientation and political activities in Syria. Having been arrested for distributing 'anti-government' leaflets, his treatment worsened once Syrian police officials and prison guards found out that he was homosexual. As a result, he was shot and beaten so badly that he fell into a coma for twenty days.
In 2006, Yakob fled to the UK in a lorry. He attempted to start a new life in Scotland, but last March, the Home Office ordered his deportation. Last week, his appeal against the decision was denied even though the immigration tribunal accepts that Yakob is gay and that Syria criminalises and represses homosexuality.
Even though campaigners and lawyers are convinced that Yakob's life will be in serious danger if he has to return to Syria, the tribunal suggests that he is unlikely to be harmed as long as he keeps his sexuality hidden. The ruling by the Asylum Immigration Tribunal, sitting in Glasgow, states: "Syria criminalises and represses homosexuality. Homosexuals have to modify their behaviour and lifestyle accordingly."
Gay rights campaigners are outraged at the judgment. According to Peter Tatchell, a gay rights activist, "this young man's life will be in danger if he is deported. It's outrageous that our Government is showing such a callous disregard for human rights.
Yakob says he now fears for his life: "I am very afraid of being sent home," he said. "I am afraid for my life. But I will do my best to win my case and stay in Scotland. I want to stay here, but I can't do anything until I am allowed to stay. I can't get a job, I can't do my computer training – my life is on hold."
Yakob's lawyers are currently planning a last court bid to stop his deportation.
Syrian Jojo Jako Yakob, 20, has been refused permission to stay in Scotland and was told he is likely to be safe in his homophobic cou... more -
How to beat Rafa Nadal
It seems easy when Nick Bolletieri puts it like this... But Andy Murray could probably do a lot worse than listen to one of the best coaches in the world. I think Nadal will prove to be just too good for Murray and win in four sets but you never know. It seems easy when Nick Bolletieri puts it like this... But Andy Murray could probably do a lot worse than listen to one of the best c... more
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Gordon Brown to lose voting rights under Conservatives
If the Conservatives where to get in power at Westminister they would hope to obtain a strangle hold on English issues by reducing voting power for Scottish MPs and hence disabling much of the labour heartland. The new-regulations would be brought in to overcome what they say to be a "dangerous" threat to the countries constitution, as English laws can be passed without a majority of English MPs. However the new proposals would strip many key figures in the labour party including current Prime Minister Gordon Brown of their vote. Under a Conservative government it would mean complete control of these issues with know accounatability through parliment and a future Labour government could find itself in power but without the numbers needed to pass any laws in England. If the Conservatives where to get in power at Westminister they would hope to obtain a strangle hold on English issues by reducing vot... more
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An un-holy affair? Priest sues Catholic Church after being sacked for affair
Joseph Creegan, a former Scottish priest, is to sue the Catholic Church for sacking him over an 18-year affair with a woman.
Creegan was suspended earlier this year after evidence of an affair surfaced. He now wishes to take the Catholic Church to court in order to claim for lost wages via an employment tribunal.
However, church lawyers will attempt to have the case thrown out, arguing the clergyman did not work for them but for God. If they are successful, the case will fail as only employees can go to a tribunal. One senior priest and legal expert insisted priests are not employees: "There is no employer/employee relationship. Once a priest is incardinated into a parish, he is on his own. A priest can walk away, disappear any time he likes, there are no 'priest police' to bring him back.
If church lawyers are successful and the case does not proceed to an employment tribunal then Mr Creegan has the option of appealing, which could see the claim taken to the House of Lords. Peers would then have to rule if the clergy are employees with the same rights as other workers.
Joseph Creegan, a former Scottish priest, is to sue the Catholic Church for sacking him over an 18-year affair with a woman. ... more -
'Safe' Catholic school that let killer deal drugs, have sex and worship the devil
The police investigation into the killing exposed a culture of drug taking, violence and Satanism among some pupils which raised disturbing questions for the authorities that run the Roman Catholic secondary school - one of 59 such schools in Scotland.
Midlothian Council has refused to reveal what action, if any, was taken to tackle Mitchell’s behaviour, but senior school sources admit teachers were "not in control" of the teenager.
Now parents and politicians have demanded an investigation into why a pupil with a history of violence, drug dealing, underage sex and a fascination with Satan was allowed to continue his damaging behaviour seemingly unchecked.
Mitchell’s criminal activities and his attempts to corrupt other pupils with drugs and Satanism were no secret at St David’s. The police investigation into the killing exposed a culture of drug taking, violence and Satanism among some pupils which raised distu... more -
Should knife crime carry a mandatory prison term?
A Scottish MP has lodged a motion calling for the implementation of a "Damian's law" following a petiiton that was started by a father who lost his son to knife crime.
Damian Muir was fatally stabbed 8 times by a man who, of his own admission, claimed that his victim was in 'the wrong place at the wrong time,' the loss of his son has influenced John Muir to try and step up the sentencing for knife carriers.
What's your thoughts? Should those who carry a knife be given a mandatory custodial sentence?
A Scottish MP has lodged a motion calling for the implementation of a "Damian's law" following a petiiton that was started by a father... more -
Figures show extent of Scotland's hospital drink cases
Glasgow has Scotland's highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions, new figures have shown.
Alcohol misuse is estimated to cost Scotland £2.25bn every year, with related deaths more than doubling in the past decade.
The statistics showed wide variation across Scotland in the number of people admitted to hospital as a result of alcohol-related illness.
East and south east Glasgow and south east Highland were among the worst areas nationally, parts of which had 3% of the population admitted to hospital at least once because of alcohol. Glasgow has Scotland's highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions, new figures have shown. ... more -
Team Rambo grab Swamp Soccer World Championship
Swamp football! That's football in a swamp, in Scotland.
It was the third annual championship this year, and included 42 teams and 100 matches with mud-lovers coming from as far away as Switzerland and Russia.
Apparently, they beat the Fuddy Muckers 5-4 to win the title. Swamp football! That's football in a swamp, in Scotland. ... more -
Father's Day cards were banned in Scottish schools
Thousands of primary pupils were prevented from making Father's day cards at school for fear of embarrasing classmates with single mothers and lesbians.
Telling those kids:" forget about your DAD on father's day "is very much in line with years of feminism, no fault divorces and same sex life style.
This must be comprehensive education !!!!
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Thousands of primary pupils were prevented from making Father's day cards at school for fear of embarrasing classmates with single mot... more -
Shetland island breaks away from UK, EU
Stuart Hill, sole owner and resident of a 2.5 acre island off Scotland, declared his independence from the UK this weekend, saying he wanted the territory to be a crown dependency like the Channel Islands.
He named the island Forvik in honour of the Shetland's Scandinavian past.
you too can apply for citizenship Stuart Hill, sole owner and resident of a 2.5 acre island off Scotland, declared his independence from the UK this weekend, saying he ... more
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