Electrifying: The terrifying moment a jet was struck by lightning on approach to Heathrow

By SIMON NEVILLE

Highly charged: The Emirates Airbus 380 being hit by lightning


It was an awesome example of nature’s power on a stormy night in London.

As this flight came into Heathrow, a jagged bolt of lightning smashed into the roof, right above the pilots’ heads.

The powerful jolt of electricity passed right through the body of the Airbus A380 before shooting out to continue its journey to the ground.


Plane sailing: The Airbus on a routine take-off. Planes get hit several times a year - they act as a conductor


Amazingly, the Emirates service from Dubai landed safely minutes later, with not even a scratch and its 500 passengers and crew unscathed.

This incredible image was captured on a Saturday night last month by photographer Chris Dawson in south-west London.

‘I saw the storm clouds gathering and I thought the conditions would be perfect for a lightning strike,’ he said.





David Learmount, operations and safety editor of website Flightglobal, is not surprised the Airbus A380, the world’s biggest commercial plane, escaped damage.

‘Planes get hit by lightning several times a year,’ he said. ‘They act as a conductor. Getting a good strike like this can look very dramatic but it might not make any impact.

‘Manufacturers must make aircraft capable of withstanding a lightning strike and protecting those inside.

‘It means the plane’s body must contain metal so it can act as a conductor, allowing the electricity to pass through it.

‘If it didn’t have the metal, the plane could explode when hit.’


source: dailymail

Security fears on eve of World Cup as fans injured in stampede at warm-up match

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7TyNFlAVygendofvid
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By Christian Gysin

Stampede: Police attempt to restrain fans as they burst through the gates ahead of a warm-up match between North Korea and Nigeria in Johannesburg


Fears over how South Africa will deal with 350,000 visiting supporters to the World Cup were highlighted after a terrifying stampede at a pre-tournament friendly.

Ten people were taken to hospital - with one police officer suffering serious injuries - after 1,000 spectators rushed to get into the friendly match yesterday between Nigeria and North Korea at the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg.

Disturbing scenes showed children being taken away with blood pouring from their faces.

Bloodied: An injured supporter walks away from the stampede in Johannesburg


The images will unnerve the game's governing body FIFA which has resisted claims that South Africa does not have the infrastructure and organisation to stage the tournament.

Fans had tried to break down the gates at the ground after police had closed them after the 4pm kick-off as earlier spectators tried to get into the ground.

The problem of dealing with a relatively small crowd came as England prepare to play at a similar ground tomorrw in a pre-tournament friendly in front of sell out crowd of 12,000.

The game against South African side the Platinum All Stars takes place near their Rustenburg training camp and the crowd has been reduced to 12,000 although the ground has a 20,000 capacity.

Last night the South African authorities made a plea for football fans to turn up early for tournament games to prevent a repeat of yesterday's scenes.

However, while fans from many other countries like to enter grounds more than an hour before kick-off thousands the tradition for English supporters has been to make their way to their seats less than 15 minutes before the games start.

Problems occurred for the South African police and authorities yesterday when hundreds of fans attempted to enter the ground carrying photocopies of free tickets which had been distributed before the match.


Fans show their tickets to police prior to the warm-up match between North Korea and Nigeria in Johannesburg, South Africa today



Security concerns: Police hold the gates shut, above, but were powerless to stop the rush of people, below


Most of those involved in both an initial stampede and then an attempt to rush the gates of the stadium appeared to be wearing Nigerian jerseys.

Of equal concern to the South African World Cup organisers was a problem inside the ground shortly after the second half began.

The match referee was forced to halt the game for ten minutes after a railing attached to a grandstand broke loose and left hundreds of fans just feet from a dangerous fall from the terracing.

Last night an FA spokesman said that the South African tournament organisers had made assurances that security for the England friendly today would be 'intensified.'

The Makhulong Stadium has a 15,000 capacity and last year was the subject of a £3.8 million refit as one of four practice stadiums to be used in and around the city during the World Cup.

The ground has been cleared by both the South African Premier Soccer League and FIFA and boasts floodlights, a 200 square metre media facility and both VIP and V-VIP areas


Nigeria's fans cheer their team on


A child clutches a plastic trumpet as he wanders through police officers


Yesterday fans caught up in the stampede told how they were crushed on the ground shortly before kick-off.

'The crowd just overpowered me and I went down,' said Japhta Mombelo who suffered cuts to his head.

'I fell down and people just fell over me.The crowd was overpowering.'

The first rush came when the gates opened to allow fans into the stadium. Police soon closed the gates, but when they were reopened, a second rush occurred, with more people being pushed over.

A total of six ambulances were sent to the scene .

The Nigeria and North Korean football teams were lining up for the national anthems when the second surge happened and had no idea about the scenes outside the ground.

Last year, FIFA fined Ivory Coast's football federation more than £30,000 after 22 people died in a stampede at a World Cup qualifying match.



Rush: Fans could be seen falling over as people attempted to get into stadium


Official World Cup security was not in place at the match because it was a only classed as a 'friendly' but one police officer blamed FIFA for the trouble.

'FIFA made the tickets free and now look what happened. This was not our problem but FIFA's problem because so many people heard they could watch a match for nothing.'

England's warm-up game today (Mon) at the Moruleng Stadium will see all supporters produce their tickets for the match which is eagerly anticipated by local soccer enthusiasts.

Last night an FA spokesman said: ' We were always insistent that there should only be 12,000 tickets for this game even though the stadium is capable of holding 20,000.The distribution of the tickets was also very carefully controlled.

'But after the incident at the Nigeria-North Korea game we called the organisers to highlight the need for measures to prevent any such rush or stampede at our game and have been assured security in and around the ground will be intensified.'


Onlookers climb onto a roof as they try to watch the match
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British racing driver escapes with broken leg after car disintegrates in 200mph horror smash

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Mike Conway goes airborne before crashing into the fencing after colliding with Ryan Hunter-Reay (37) during Indianapolis 500


This is the moment British driver Mike Conway was launched into the air at 200mph during the Indy 500 motor race.

His car catapulted into the safety fencing and disintegrated in front of hundreds of thousands of horrified spectators.

But amazingly, Conway only sustained broken leg and ligament damage.


Dreyer & Reinbold Racing driver Mike Conway flies through the air after crashing with Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay


The car was airborne for several seconds during the penultimate lap of the race


Team owner Dennis Reinbold told how the accident happened a split second before he was about to warn Conway that other drivers were sklowing down.

'I was just getting ready to tell Mike, 'Some guys are going to slow down, so give yourself some room'' Reinbold said, his upper lip quivering. 'I never got the words out.'

With cars slowing to save fuel, the 26-year-old Briton entered the narrow short chute between turns three and four, ran into Ryan Hunter-Reay's sputtering car and flew into the catch fence.

The accident on Lap 199 prompted the final caution of the race and shook up the drivers.

'It's not comforting going underneath a car flipping in the air,' Danica Patrick said. 'I got through it, but I hope they're OK. It's never good when people are upside down and doing cartwheels


The car begins to disintegrate as it strikes the catch fencing going backwards at 200mph


This amazing image captures the split second when Conway's car slams into the fence


Horrified spectators look on as the racing car splinters apart. But, crucially, the cockpit remains intact saving Conway from serious injury


The remains of the car skids along the race track with the driver strapped inside. Because the vehicle was very low on fuel, there was no fire


Reinbold didn't even realize at first that it was Conway and teammate Ana Beatriz involved in the crash.

The small-budget team owner with four cars in Sunday's lineup had his eyes on IndyCar's biggest prize - winning the Indianapolis 500 - and decided to send Conway after it.

'We caught the pack. When you catch the pack and you're going that fast, it's a gamble,' Reinbold said. 'But it's the Indianapolis 500 and sometimes you have to take a gamble.'


Survived: Mike Conway suffered compound fracture to his left leg


The risk didn't pay off, shaking Reinbold and his team as the car was unloaded in two long pieces and the destroyed chassis was thrown into a pile of rubble.

Doctors rushed to his aid as wreckage was strewn across the track and Conway, 26, was airlifted to hospital.

His injuries were last night described as 'gruesome' and the man from Bromley in Kent faces a long fight back.

Doctors believe Conway suffered a compound fracture of his left leg, as well as tearing ligaments and tendons in his knees and ankles.

The miracle is that his injuries were not more serious given the severity of the accident that drew gasps not just from the crowd, but from the drivers coming to the end of one of the fastest and most gruelling events in the motor racing calendar.

Reinbold acknowledged series officials didn't have enough time to react to the slowing field and the hard-charging Conway.

Brian Barnhart, IndyCar president of competition and racing operations, said there was probably nothing he would have done anyway.

'It looked like the closing rate was pretty significant between the 37 and 24 and when you're in the middle of a corner like that,' Barnhart said.

'It's one of the risks that happens when you come down to the end of a race.'

Hunter-Reay, however, thought it could have been prevented another way.

'In hindsight we should have stopped for fuel,' he said. 'It's dangerous. ...

There's no runoff lane. There's no bailout procedure. You've got to slow down or you're going to hit the car in front of you.'

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Lin Ping's 1st Birthday!

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News Center Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Zoo commemorated big birthday panda cub, Lin Ping, age of first year fans flock appreciate congestion. While a great little panda development continued. China preparing for negotiations is extended to two more years in Thailand.

Panda cub, Ling Ping, is now weighing 36 kg with a height of about 135 cm while the newborn panda weighs only 257 grams at only the overall strength completely good health. From experiments such as bamboo shoot eating solid food and various fruits. Along with milk consumption. While skills in climbing improved significantly.












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Lord of the dance: Prince Harry ditches ceremony and gets down to the Calypso beat in Haiti fundraising effort

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqs2jXBQgcwendofvid
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Royal effort: Prince Harry gets into the groove in a Haiti fundraising effort in Barbados along with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho

Harry strutted his stuff on the stage of a Haiti benefit concert in Barbados after challenging donors to raise thousands to get him onto his feet.

The 25-year-old royal joined revellers at the televised fundraising gig last night then decided to help increase the funds by laying down a royal gauntlet for viewers.

The compere announcing the calypso acts told the audience in the grounds of Farley Hill national park that Harry would dance for them if they donated 5,000 Barbados dollars (£1,560) in the next 25 minutes.


Looking good on the dancefloor: The prince wears a t-shirt bearing the slogan Haiti we care, as he dances on stage with a local singer


It is not known how much money was raised in the time but Harry, who made an undisclosed personal donation, remained true to his word and left the VIP section of the venue to wait patiently in the stage wings to wow the audience.

The royal was joined by Prince Seeiso of Lesotho as the pair are in Barbados to launch a fundraising polo match later today in aid of their charity Sentebale which helps impoverished African children in the Kingdom of Lesotho

The pair both wore blue T-shirts produced to promote the concert emblazoned with the words Haiti We Care.

Harry and Seeiso came on to a great cheer from the crowds who had been dancing to music since the morning.

The 25-year-old swayed to pulsating rhythms provided by singer Red Plastic Bag, real name Stedson Wiltshire, winner of last year's Barbados Calypso King title.
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Haiti earthquake: No food, no water... and gutters running with blood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXHopCrs46Uendofvid
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By LIZ HAZELTON

Grief-stricken: Residents of Port-au-Prince, mourn as a girl's body is removed from the rubble


16 Britons missing after quake rips island apart

Hillary Clinton: 'Biblical' damage is on par with the 2004 Asian tsunami

Aid workers begin to pour on to island as emergency fund launched

Britain pledges £10m in aid as Brown describes 'tragedy beyond imagination'

Tens of thousands of people are facing a second catastrophe tonight as they struggled for survival on the devastated island of Haiti.

With no food, no water and no shelter, aid agencies were in a desperate race against time to save the victims of the earthquake

Witnesses described gutters running with blood and children sleeping among heaps of dead bodies after becoming separated from their parents.


Desolate: Survivors gather around bodies laid out after being recovered from the wreckage


There are growing fears that lack of basic sanitation and disease could claim thousands more lives.

Gordon Brown described the situation as a 'tragedy beyond imagination' and urged people to support emergency appeals.

The government has already pledged £10million in aid, including £6million to an appeal set up by the Disasters Emergency Committee for what Mr Brown called a 'tragedy beyond imagination'.

Rescue teams from around the world - including the UK - are descending on the stricken island.

But international aid is still only trickling through, hampered by poor communications and damaged roads.


xhausted: A mother sleeps in a makeshift with her children clustered around her (left) while an image of Pope John Paul II hangs on a wall that cracked by an earthquake


Rubble: A woman looks dazed as she wanders through once bustling streets


Many rescuers were forced to dig with their hands to free survivors trapped under tons of rubble.

Residents of the capital Port-au-Prince were squatting in makeshift refugee camps, parks and sports grounds around the ravaged city.

There were reports of looting and members of the UN peacekeeping force, whose own headquarters has been destroyed, attempted to keep order.

Laura Bickle, an American working at an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, told the BBC: 'All the parks are filled with people - they either have no home to go to or they are too scared to go home.

'They are pulling people out of the rubble, literally with blood running in the gutter like water.'

Gareth Owen, Save the Children's director of emergencies, believes that up to two million children have been affected by the earthquake. Many were in school when it struck.

'This is an unbelievably traumatic experience for children in Haiti. We believe up to two million could be affected, and the emotional damage of what they’re going through could last their entire lives.

'Thousands more will have lost all contact with their families and friends and are now struggling to survive alone in the rubble.

'As well as getting basic supplies in, it's crucial that children struggling on their own are protected from being crushed by more debris and are kept safe from abuse on the streets.

'This is not a safe place for children. We know that the prison has collapsed and lone children are incredibly vulnerable.

'Children are petrified and in danger. Many will have been orphaned or be badly injured themselves and in urgent need of medical help.

'They are sleeping on their own, trying to cope with the trauma of seeing dead bodies, and will have no idea where to go for help.'

Mr Owen added that there was growing concern for 20 Save the Children staff who had been missing since the earthquake.

'This is much worse than a hurricane,' said Jimitre Coquillon, a doctor's assistant working at a triage center set up in a hotel parking lot.

'There's no water. There's nothing. Thirsty people are going to die.'

One aid worker added: 'Money is worth nothing right now, water is the currency.'


Terrible task: Men carry away the battered body of a young woman plucked from the rubble in Port-au-Prince


Displaced Haitians walk the streets amidst collapsed buildings and rubble


Estimates for the number of fatalities vary but the Haitian Red Cross today said at least 50,000 are likely to have died.

UK officials said 16 Britons were still missing but International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said that did not necessarily mean they were casualties.

U.S. President Barack Obama announced that 'one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history' is moving towards Haiti with up to 3,500 U.S. soldiers and 2,200 marines on their way.

U.S. navy ships have also been sent, including an aircraft carrier and a hospital ship.

His Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the damage as 'Biblical', and likened the disaster to the 2004 Asian tsunami.

'This is going to (be) one of the highest in terms of loss of life in recent years,' she said.


Major logistic challenge: The poorest neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince have been completely devastated


Haitians set up impromtu tent cities thorough the capital after the earthquake


On the streets of Haiti, rescuers were forced to turn pickup trucks into ambulances and doors intro stretchers.

Planes carrying teams from China and France, Spain and the United States landed at Port-au-Prince's airport with searchers and tons of water, food, medicine and other supplies - with more promised from around the globe.

It took six hours to unload a Chinese plane because the airport lacked the needed equipment.

The Red Cross estimates three million people - a third of the population - may need emergency relief. Some could need help for as long as a year.


Tthe Haitian national palace shows heavy damage following the earthquake. The city's airport was operational, opening the way for international relief aid to be ferried in


Ruins: Many areas of Port-au-Prince were completely devastated while fire broke out in the city's cathedral after the quake struck (right)


Survivors have been forced to scavenge food from the rubble.

Bodies lay in the street, covered by white sheets. Some people dragged the dust-covered dead along the roads, trying to reach a hospital where they might leave them.

Others tried to carry dead relatives to nearby hills for impromptu burials,

prompting Brazil's military - the biggest continent among UN peacekeepers - to warn the practice could lead to an epidemic.

It said it is asking local authorities to create a new cemetery.

Hospitals, too, are barely functioning.

Charity Doctors Without Borders treated wounded at two that had withstood the quake and set up tent clinics elsewhere to replace its damaged facilities.


Helpless: A woman waits to be freed from rubble (left) while another survivor looks dazed as she walks through the streets of Port-au-Prince bleeding and covered in dust


A young child lays on a stretcher as he gets medical care after the earthquake
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Evidence of dogs' sixth-sense: Labrador bolts from U.S. office before earthquake tremors strike building

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG5w7oo-vakendofvid
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Sixth sense: The dog relaxes on the floor (above) before dashing for the exit (below) seconds before a quake hits the office


Animal instinct, pet owners swear by it. From cats sensing impending health problems like seizures, to dogs barking madly when unfamiliar footsteps appear on the garden path.

Even as far back as 373BC, it is recorded that animals, including rats, snakes and weasels, deserted the Greek city of Helice in droves just days before a quake devastated the place.

Those without that 'special bond', though, remain sceptical. But doubters, prepare to be converted.


CCTV footage has emerged of a news station office in North Carolina seconds before an eathquake struck on January 9.

It shows a dog idly passing the time on the floor before, apparently without any duress, springing up and making a swift exit.

Seconds later seats swing out of position, draws slip open and fixtures and fittings begin to wobble. Then, the shuddering really starts.

While our K9 friend has escaped prior to the quake, people dash for the exits when the room begins to shake forcibly.

The only question is, why didn't man's best friend warm his unaware human collegues?

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Outlook is bright as U.S. weather girl accepts boyfriend's surprise proposal live on air

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV4W-kVxWnwendofvid
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By Cher Thornhill

What are you doing here? A forecast on the U.S. Weather Channel is interrupted when presenter Kim Perez's boyfriend steps on to the set


She may have forecast stormy weather but the outlook certainly appears bright for weather girl Kim Perez.

The unsuspecting presenter was describing rainfall in South Florida on the US Weather Channel when her boyfriend walked in front of the camera and proposed.

Policeman Marty Cunningham had clearly prepared for the moment which was accompanied by a soundtrack of tear-jerkers.


Instant atmosphere: A heart appears on the weather map as policeman Marty Cunningham gets on one knee to a Hollywood-style soundtrack


Tear-jerker: Kim holds back tears as Marty asks her to marry him on-air


Happy ending: The couple kiss before a voiceover introduces the football forecast


'You got me': Kim's marriage proposal has become an internet favourite

As he got down on one knee, the words ‘Will you marry me?’ appeared in a heart in place of the America weather map.

The beaming police sergeant said: ‘We've been talking about this for a long time.
‘And I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

'So I'm asking you today, will you please marry me?’
Miss Perez immediately threw her arms around her boyfriend and said: 'I will,' before adding ‘You got me’ and ‘You make me so happy.’

The unconventional proposal has been viewed by hundreds and become an internet favourite.

Miss Perez worked as a weather forecaster in the Air Force before joining the Weather Channel.
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Christmas Wishes From President & Mrs. Obama

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: Hello everyone, and Merry Christmas. As you and your families gather to celebrate the holidays, we wanted to take a moment to send greetings from our family—from me, from Michelle, from Malia and Sasha—and from Bo.

FIRST LADY: This is our first Christmas in the White House, and we are so grateful for this extraordinary experience. Not far from here, in the Blue Room, is the official White House Christmas Tree. Its an 18-foot tall Douglas-fir from West Virginia and its decorated with hundreds of ornaments designed by people and children from all over the country. Each one is a reminder of the traditions we cherish as Americans and the blessings were thankful for this holiday season.

PRESIDENT: Thats right, especially as we continue to recover from an extraordinary recession that still has so many Americans hurting: parents without a job who struggled to put presents under the Christmas tree; families and neighbors whove seen their home foreclosed; folks wondering what the new year will bring.
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Vatican drama: Pope attacked at Midnight Mass by SAME 'mentally unstable' woman who jumped barrier last year (2)

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The Pope is pulled to the marble floor of the Vatican
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Vatican drama: Pope attacked at Midnight Mass by SAME 'mentally unstable' woman who jumped barrier last year

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Commotion: Pope Benedict XVI is helped to his seat moments after a woman jumped barriers and knocked the pontiff down

The Pope has been knocked to the ground tonight during Midnight Mass at St Peter's Basilica by the same woman who jumped the barriers last year, according to reports.

Pope Benedict XVI was walking down the aisle to begin the traditional Christmas Eve service when the woman made her move.

The pontiff's security guards rushed forward to help him back to his feet.

The Rev Ciro Benedettini said the Pope quickly got up off the marble floor, aided by the Master of Ceremonies, and was unhurt.

Slow motion television footage showed a plastic chair flying into the air as bodyguards rushed to the scene.

Pope Benedict, 82, calmly resumed his walk to the basilica's main altar and began the Mass to applause from worshippers.

Rev Benedettini said the woman who pushed the Pope appeared to be mentally unstable and had been arrested by Vatican police.

He said she also knocked down Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, 87, who was taken to hospital after suffering a broken leg as a result of the attack.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the woman was the same person who tried to jump a barricade to get close to the Pope at last year's Christmas Mass - but was quickly blocked on the ground by security (scroll down to see video of last year's attempted attack).

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