2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Girl, 14, tells court she stabbed two teachers and pupil on school playground because she ‘woke up in bad mood’
A SCHOOLGIRL today told a court she stabbed two teachers and a pupil on the playground because she “woke up in a bad mood”.
The teen, who was aged 13 at the time, is accused of launching into a frenzied attack at Ysgo Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Wales.
The teen is spotted talking to the teachers outside right before launching the attackWNSFiona Elias was one of the teachers stabbed in the horror[/caption]
WNSColleague Liz Hopkin had come over to help when she was knifed[/caption]
PAThe girl smuggled a fishing multi-tool into school[/caption]
Jurors heard she first knifed assistant headteacher Fiona Elias after telling her: “I’m going to f***ing kill you”.
The girl also stabbed Fiona’s colleague Liz Hopkin, 53, as she rushed over to help and a 14-year-old student, it is said.
Giving evidence at Swansea Crown Court today, the girl was asked why she brought a bladed “fishing multi-tool” to school.
She said: “I get very upset or grumpy when I’m on my period. I woke up in a bad mood that morning.”
The teen, now aged 14, told jurors she had armed herself with a knife in school since Year 3 as she felt “scared and worried”.
Six months before the attack, she was caught with a vegetable knife in lessons and suspended for a week.
But on April 24 – the day of the attack, she smuggled the blade into school in the waistband of her trousers, the court heard.
In footage shown to jurors, the girl could be seen stabbing Fiona before lashing out at brave Liz.
She also attacked a pupil in the upper torso and leg and left Liz with knife wounds to her neck, back, legs and arms.
The court heard the horror only came to an end when two male members of staff, Stephen Hagget and Darrell Campbell, rushed over.
After she was arrested, the girl told police: “I’m pretty sure this is going to be on the news so more eyes will be looking at me. That’s one way to be a celebrity.”
Giving evidence, she claimed she now feels “terrible” and “guilty” over the attack.
She added: “I regret the way I behave, I feel sorry, I’d do anything to go back.”
The girl also told the court she didn’t attempt to murder anyone and didn’t want them to die.
She told jurors: “I remember thinking to myself: “What am I doing? Stop. I can’t look back, it’s dark, I remember being very hot.”
Police searched the girl’s home and discovered a school planner with the words “death before dishonour” written on it.
The court was told she also wrote about how a girl would “burn” and had scrawled “cut their mouths and eyes” on a drawing of a woman.
She also labelled another drawing “Mrs Frogface Elias”, it was said.
The girl, who can’t be named, denies three charges of attempted murder but admits three counts of wounding with intent and one of possessing a bladed article article on school premises.
The trial continues.
Moments before the horror, the girl could be seen stabbing the floor with a knifePAThe school was placed in a ‘code red’ lockdown[/caption]
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Inside the best Christmas theme park takeovers across the UK – from Legoland to Alton Towers
CHRISTMAS is getting closer and some of the UK’s biggest attractions are dusting off their baubles and hanging up the festive lights in preparation.
If you fancy treating the kids to some extra fun in the run up to Christmas, theme parks across the country will soon start running festive entertainment alongside their most popular rides.
LegolandTwinkling lights and a giant Duplo Christmas tree are set to transform Legoland Windsor later this yea[/caption]
Legoland
Twinkling lights and a giant Duplo Christmas tree are set to transform Legoland Windsor later this year.
From November 23, 2024, guests will enjoy Father Christmas’s Magical Sleigh as it travels from Heartlake City to Pirate Shores.
After making its debut in 2022, Ollie’s Christmas Chaos show is back for another year and it promises the same level of mischief.
A selection of 25 rides will also be open to the public, and there will also be an opportunity to visit the big man himself.
Christmas tickets cost £34pp as well as an additional £25 per child to see Father Christmas inside Santa’s Grotto.
What's it like to visit Legoland at Christmas?
WHEN it comes to the Christmas build-up, there’s only one place to be.
Legoland Windsor promises to get budding builders of all ages into the festive spirit after transforming the brilliant brick paradise into a winter wonderland.
And it didn’t take long for my lad and his mate to be bowled over by the Christmas delights on offer. On entering the park we were met by a towering 33ft Duplo tree, cleverly adorned with intricately built baubles and a huge star.
While the boys stood in wonder, I used the Legoland app to plan our day – a useful tool to avoid any pesky queues. As we headed to the Driving School – a family fave – sleigh bells were suddenly heard ringing in the distance.
This was very soon followed by squeals of delight ringing in my ears as the boys whooped and waved at Santa whizzing past on his sleigh – made of Lego, obvs.
But now it was time for the main event. A meeting with a gruffly-voiced fellow with a bit of a belly and scraggly beard. No, not Daddy, but the main man himself – Father Christmas.
If you really want to spoil the kids then a visit to see Santa in his log cabin costs a little extra but is worth every penny when you see the smiles that result.
The boys, led by Mr C’s little helpers, were buzzing as they weaved through a maze of snowy Lego trees right up to Mr Claus’s ho-ho-home. After a nervous wait, his door opened and the kids were led in, their jaws dragging on the floor behind them.
Merlin EntertainmentsMagical Days Out at Alton Towers have returned for another year[/caption]
Alton Towers
On selected dates from November 29 until January 5, 2025, Alton Towers will also be on the receiving end of some festive magic.
The theme park’s Magical Days Out have returned for another year, and they’re set to feature a new live show called Santa’s Toy Workshop.
Park-goers will watch as a team of hard-working elves prepares for Christmas Day, with Santa even making an appearance.
Also new for 2024 is the Reindeer Games, where visitors to Alton Towers must help find a missing reindeer.
Tickets to the Magical Days Out start from £18 per person and include entry to CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay.
Santa Sleepovers are also back for another year, with the festive staycation including a visit to Santa’s grotto, Christmas activities and entertainment, a festive meal and an overnight stay.
The stay also includes complimentary breakfast, entry to the Caribbean-themed waterpark and crazy golf.
Two new pantomime shows have been added for 2024, including a Jack and the Beanstalk Panto and a festive courtyard show featuring Santa.
The Christmas-themed staycations are available from £90pp this November and December.
During the Santa’s Sleepover days, not all of the standard theme park rides are available, but there are plenty of other activities to keep the little ones busy.
For instance, make sure to schedule time for the included visit to Santa’s Grotto, where the kids will be able to speak to the big man himself.
Youtube / Drayton ManorA new Festive Light Train will feature at Drayton Manor[/caption]
Drayton Manor Park
On selected dates from November 23 until December 31, Drayton Manor will also play host to a range of festive attractions.
Christmas at Drayton Manor will feature decorations, Santa’s grotto and access to 25 family-friendly rides and attractions in Thomas Land too.
In Thomas Land, a Festive Light Train, which is new for 2024, will take passengers on a journey where they’ll enjoy a magical Christmas tale with Sir Topham Hatt.
The journey will end at Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory, which is also new for 2024.
Park-goers will learn the secrets behind the art of hot chocolate making as they warm their little hands on a cup of sweet cocoa topped with marshmallows – other treats are also set to await.
Santa’s Grotto experience will return for another year where children will be provided with entertainment as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas who will give them a gift.
An accessible Christmas Grotto that’s been specially designed for kids who need more time or a calmer setting will also feature in this year’s line-up.
Park entry starts from £19pp, with tickets that include festive additions like a visit to Santa’s Grotto, starting from £32pp.
Merlin EntertainmentsThe Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures has returned for another year[/caption]
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
The Winter‘s Tail is back for another year and, from November 23 to December 31, guests can visit Father Christmas and be given access to a top-secret toy workshop.
A new Christmas village has been installed for 2024 complete with a cosy grotto where guests can meet Father Christmas.
Park-goers can also explore the Enchanted Hollow where Santa’s Elves have set up their Toy Workshops in the underground town.
Guests can also visit selected theme park rides, and a zoo with its very own reindeer.
Tickets for the Winter’s Tail event start from £32pp.
Paultons ParkLive shows will take place at Paultons Park – the home of Peppa Pig World[/caption]
Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World
On selected dates from December 6 until December 23, Paultons Park will also be getting into the festive spirit.
The park will be filled with magical illuminations, and a selection of rides and attractions will be open for the festive period too.
Guests will get the opportunity to meet their favourite Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.
Theatre shows have also returned for another year, with Santa’s Christmas Wish Show set to feature singing, dancing, special effects and Christmas characters.
Christmas tickets cost £38.75 each for those over 1m tall.
THOUSANDS of Christmas lights sparkle as we walk up to the Alton Towers Hotel.
I’ve arrived for a Santa’s Sleepover with my two and four-year-old children and it already feels like we are in a winter wonderland.
Our moon voyage-themed room is spacious with a double bed and bunk beds tucked in their own cove.
It’s the perfect set-up for families and my four-year-old boy is especially excited to see an Xbox.
We head to the bar where a Christmas helper draws all the kids into fun and games so that Mummy can get into the festive spirit with a tipple.
The atrium is decorated with gorgeous garlands and a huge tree.
Then it’s time for dinner at the Secret Garden – a roast dinner buffet with all the trimmings, plus kids’ specials.
The food gets the thumbs-up from my two fussy eaters.
We hotfoot it to the Robin Hood panto.
Filled with laughs, singing and dancing, the show really impressed me.
In the morning, we head to Mistletoe Lane where we’re booked in to meet Father Christmas.
The little ones are excited to head to the grotto and knock at the big red door, answered by one of Santa’s elves.
There’s two chances for photos before we meet the big man himself.
Miraculously, my kids have made it on to the nice list and are overjoyed to get an Alton Towers teddy to take home.
We’ve made it to lunchtime and most of the rides are working – we clamber aboard Postman Pat Parcel Post and the In The Night Garden boat rides.
Queue times are short and we manage to pack in most of the attractions.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Cast of hugely popular noughties film reuniting for threequel TWO DECADES later
THE cast of a smash-hit noughties film are coming back together for a threequel – two decades on.
This franchise already has two beloved films under its belt and is set to add another.
AlamyA smash-hit noughties franchise is getting a ‘threequel’[/caption]
AlamyAnne Hathaway has confirmed a third Princess Diaries film[/caption]
GettySince her time playing Mia Thermopolis, Anne went on to win an Academy Award for her role in Les Miserables[/caption]
Taking to Instagram, Anne Hathaway revealed there will be a third Princess Diaries movie.
In a short video, the Academy Award winner counted to three alongside clips of her younger self and co-star Dame Julie Andrews, in character, both saying “Shut up!”
Anne captioned her post: “Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney@somewherepictures. The fairytale continues.”
Meanwhile, Crazy Rich Asians co-writer Adele Lim has signed up to direct the movie.
In both the original film and its 2004 sequel, Anne played Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia, a fictional kingdom.
Mia is a shy American teenager who learns that she is heir to a Genovia’s throne.
Fellow Academy Award winner Dame Julie Andrews, 89, took on the role of Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s grandmother and Queen regent.
Other cast members across both movies included Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Héctor Elizondo, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten and Chris Pine.
One excited fan penned: “I’m seated. Quite frankly I’ve never been more sat!!!”
Another commented: “I’m happy! My favorite series of movies that I don’t wish to stop!”
While a third penned: “As a fan of the books and movies when I was a teenager, I so love love love you as Princess Mia.
“I can’t imagine anyone portraying her other than you.
“My teenage self is so happy, I can’t wait for Princess Diaries 3!!!!
“And also hoping Robert Schwartzman comes back!!!!”
While a fourth remarked: “I’ve literally been checking every year to see if there will be a third one! I can’t wait!!!”
A fifth wrote: “Please tell me the great Julie Andrews is returning as the Queen mother too!!!”
Yet another chimed in: “Anne I just rewatched both of these… somehow I knew…”
The Princess Diaries is available to watch on Disney+.
AlamyFans were thrilled to hear about the upcoming third film[/caption]
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Ultra-rare Lotus Esprit dubbed ‘most sought after EVER’ with unmistakable 80s interior goes on sale for eye-watering sum
THE ‘most sought after ever’ Lotus Esprit is on sale with a staggering price tag.
With a distinctive 80s interior and just 53k miles on the clock, the motor is one of just 13 left in the country.
mediadrumimagesThe Lotus Esprit model is one of the rarest in the world[/caption]
mediadrumimagesIt has the signature Essex Esprit insignia[/caption]
The car features pop-up headlights, metallic blue paint emboldened with red and silver ‘go faster’ stripes and the Essex Esprit insignia.
It is on the market for £135,000 – but there’s good reason for the eye-watering cost.
The Essex Commemorative edition of the Lotus Esprit was publicly launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980 in honour of the Turbo Esprit in collaboration with Essex Petroleum who were the main Formula One sponsor at the time.
The car was unveiled at a party hosted by Essex in London’s Royal Albert Hall in February 1980.
Essex founder David Thieme, who made many millions trading oil, allegedly spent most of the budget for the 1980 season on lavish car launches and events, according to PistonHeads.
He was later arrested, four races into the following season on apparent fraud charges, with the Essex corporation dissolving soon after.
According to Lotus Cars this meant the planned 100 commemorative cars were never achieved.
Only 34 production Essex commemorative cars were recorded, 23 for the domestic UK market and 11 for the export market.
According to records there are only 13 Essex cars left in the UK and this car has 53K miles.
The listing is held by PistonHeads with the owner commenting on the listing.
“I have owned this car for nine years in which time it has undergone a full restoration with a full engine rebuild, gearbox cleaned and checked by PNM Engineering and a full mechanical overhaul,” reads the listing.
“Everything on the car has been refurbished or replaced.
“The restoration took around seven years to complete.
“It comes with a large file full of receipts which amount to over £26,000.
“The original tool kit and jack are supplied with the car as is an original Lotus soft car cover.
“Also included is a certificate of provenance and after sales letter from Lotus Cars.
“The body of the car was fully stripped and painted to a very high standard and the car was fully retrimmed also to a very high standard.
“Thousands of man hours have gone into this restoration and the outcome is stunning.
“This Essex Esprit has got to be one of the best examples in the UK.”
mediadrumimagesThe car has a roof panel and has had around £26,000 worth of work done on it[/caption]
mediadrumimagesFront of car. CHELMSFORD, UK: AN EXTREMELY rare opportunity to own the most sought after Lotus Esprit model, with only 53K miles on the clock, has been revealed- you just need ¿135K. Pictures show the unmistakably 80¿s designed car with features including pop-up headlights, metallic blue paint emboldened with red and silver ¿go faster¿ stripes […][/caption]
mediadrumimagesThe entire interior is red[/caption]
BBCA number of classic British sitcoms have been removed from streaming platforms in recent years[/caption]
BBCShows like Little Britain have bee criticised for their use of blackface and controversial portrayal of other characters[/caption]
HandoutDavid Walliams and Matt Lucas’ subsequent series Come Fly With Me has also been axed[/caption]
These shows have either been removed in full or certain episodes have been cut due to their use of controversial storylines and characters as well as outdated themes.
Streamers like Netflix, NOW TV, Britbox and the BBC iPlayer have taken a stand against such shows for their use of racial slurs, sexist language and blackface as “times have changed.”
Acknowledging that their shows have caused offence, comedy stars have offered public apologies with Matt Lucas acknowledging that some of his Little Britain sketches were “wrong” and Bo’ Selecta star Leigh Francis saying he “didn’t realise how offensive” his work was at the time.
Keep reading for the full list of sitcoms you can no longer watch and details of why they were removed from streaming platforms.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006)
Little Britain, starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas was a TV favourite across the nation when it first aired but it has now been removed from Netflix, NOW TV, Britbox and BBC iPlayer because of its controversial portrayal of black and Asian characters as well as gay characters and those with disabilities.
Speaking about removing the sitcom, A BBC spokesperson said: “There’s a lot of historical programming available on BBC iPlayer, which we regularly review.
“Times have changed since Little Britain first aired, so it is not currently available on BBC iPlayer.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “Little Britain has been made available to fans on BBC iPlayer following edits made to the series by Matt and David that better reflect the changes in the cultural landscape over the last twenty years since the show was first made.”
Come Fly With Me (2010 – 2011)
Come Fly With Me is David and Matt’s follow-up series to Little Britain, but this sketch show is set in an airport.
Like its predecessor, it has also been removed from streaming series like BBC iPlayer, Britbox and Netflix for featuring blackface.
Creators and stars David and Matt have apologised for any offence caused by their programs, with Matt tweeting in 2020: “David and I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again, we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry.”
The comedy was pulled from the streamer due to Fielding’s performance, which saw him don dreadlocks and blackface paint to portray the ghost of a famous jazz musician in a number of episodes.
However, the sitcom has remained available on BBC iPlayer. BBC director general Tony Hall said the corporation was “constantly assessing whether things feel appropriate” but that no changes needed to be made in response to The Mighty Boosh.
The League of Gentlemen (1999 – 2022)
Like The Mighty Boosh, The League of Gentlemen, which follows the lives of four bizarre characters in Royston Vasey, a fictional town in northern England, has also been pulled from Netflix due to the use of blackface.
However, the series remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer with co-creator Reece Shearsmith denying that his character Papa Lazarou was supposed to be black.
“It was not me doing a black man,” he said.
“It was always this clown-like make-up, and we just came up with what we thought was the scariest idea to have in a sort of Child Catcher-like way.
Best 80s sitcoms
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
“And I don’t think we ever had any complaints then.”
Bo Selecta (2002 -2004)
Leigh Francis’ comedy sketch show has been removed from Channel 4’s streaming platform.
The show received nominations for a BAFTA and British Comedy Awards during its run, but creator Leigh Francis has since been criticised for his portrayal of Michael Jackson, Craig David and Trisha Goddard using latex face masks.
The comedian has since apologised, saying in an Instagram video: “I portrayed many black people. Back then I didn’t think anything about it, people didn’t say anything, I’m not going to blame other people. I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then.”
Fawlty Towers (1975 – 1979)
Fawlty Towers had one of its episodes, The Germans (1975), temporarily removed from UKTV over “racial slurs” and “outdated language”.
The episode, which shows the character Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley) repeatedly using the N-word in reference to members of the West Indies cricket team, was taken off the platform while the streamer carried out an investigation.
AlamyFawlty Towers was criticised for its use of racial slurs[/caption]
BBCOne scene from a 1975 episode was cut but the series is still available to stream[/caption]
It includes hotel owner Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, goose-stepping around while shouting “don’t mention the war” in front of a group of visiting Germans, after suffering a blow to the head. The scene had been edited out of repeats shown on the BBC in 2013.
However, the episode has returned to UKTV. In a statement the streamer said that its return would come with “extra guidance and warnings… to highlight potentially offensive content and language.”
Peep Show (2003 – 2015)
A series two episode of Peep Show in which Jez (Robert Webb) wears blackface has been re-edited for Netflix.
However, the unedited version remains on Channel 4’s streaming service.
The moment appears in the season two episode Dance Class, during a bedroom scene featuring Jez and his girlfriend Nancy, played by Robert Webb and Rachel Blanchard, respectively.
In a statement, Channel 4 said: “We do not believe that erasing our creative history is a quick fix for the issues affecting our society today.”
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (2002 – 2024)
Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was essential weekend viewing for over a decade – but early episodes of the popular ITV sketch show did feature some controversial moments.
During undercover sketches in 2003 and 2004, Ant and Dec dressed as Jamaican women and Japanese girls using makeup and exaggerated accents.
The episodes have since been removed from ITV’s catch-up service and the presenters apologised, saying: “We realise that this was wrong and want to say that we are sincerely sorry to everyone that we offended.
“We purposely stopped doing this several years ago and certainly would not make these sketches today.”
BBCNoel wore dreadlocks and blackface for scenes in The Mighty Boosh[/caption]
HandoutLike Little Britain and Come Fly With Me a number of British sitcoms have been removed from streaming services[/caption]
Andres Iniesta got emotional as he announced his retirement from footballInstagram @andresiniesta8He teared up when he was asked what football means to himInstagram @andresiniesta8Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Iniesta in the retirement videoInstagram @andresiniesta8Luis Enrique also hailed the legendary midfielderInstagram @andresiniesta8
The Spaniard, who spent six years in Japan and one in the UAE after leaving Barcelona, brought to a close a 22-year career with a social media post on Monday afternoon.
It included tributes from some of his former managers including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.
But it was right at the start of the video when Iniesta got choked up.
He was asked: “Andreas, what does football mean to you?”
Instantly, Iniesta became emotional as he wiped away a tear, before he only managed to say: “For me football has been…”
It then cut to a montage of his old coaches praising him.
Guardiola even revealed during his early days at Barcelona that Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.
Iniesta made his Barcelona debut in 2002 and went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.
Louis van Gaal was another of Iniesta’s former managers to appear in the videoInstagram @andresiniesta8
His trophy haul includes nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of one of the greatest midfield trios football has ever seen.
Iniesta played 131 times for Spain and scored 14 goals, winning the World Cup and two European Championships.
He left Barcelona in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.
He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.
UAE side Emirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on ‘RHOSLC’ star Whitney Rose’s daughter, Bobbie, 14, rushed to ICU: ‘We need prayers’
The “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star’s husband, Justin Rose, shared a video of Bobbie sitting on a stretcher while getting wheeled into an ambulance.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Menendez brothers insist lavish spending covered up ‘horrible pain’ & label murder motive ‘absurd’ in prison interview
THE Menendez brothers have revealed the true reason they went on a spending spree after murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989 in brand new interviews.
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez in a California courtroom in August 1990APThe actors portraying the Menendez brothers in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story[/caption]
The new film features previously unheard audio interviews with the brothers, who are both serving life sentences in California’s Donovan Correctional Facility for the murders, as they speak about the case “in their own words,” according to Netflix.
The interviews revealed new insight into the infamous killings, which prosecutors said during the trials, were motivated by greed because the brothers spent about $700,000 of their family’s fortune in the months after the crime.
However, Lyle and Erik, who were respectively 21 and 18 at the time of the murders, have always pushed back on the financial motive and claimed that the murders were in self-defense following years of abuse by both parents.
“The idea that I was having a good time is absurd,” Erik, now 53, said in a recorded phone call from prison in the new documentary.
“Everything was to cover up this horrible pain of not wanting to be alive.”
In the days after Lyle and Erik killed their parents with shotguns, the brothers spent about $15,000 on three Rolex watches, a jewelry salesperson testified at their trial.
The duo each bought new cars, and Lyle shelled out $50,000 for a personal tennis coach.
Lyle, now 56, said in the doc that the lavish spending covered up the mental anguish that he and his brother suffered.
“I was not enjoying myself as a playboy, that I was actually sobbing a lot at night, sleeping poorly, very distraught at times, and kind of adrift throughout this, all those months,” Lyle said.
The new Netflix documentary, made by director Alejandro Hartmann, is the first time Lyle’s spoken publicly since the pair’s televised interview with Barbara Walters in June 1996 following their second trial.
Erik, who has spoken out more often through his wife Tammi Saccoman, also talked in the film about the despair he felt after the murders – and revealed he still felt lingering pressure from Jose even after his death.
“One of the things that kept me from killing myself is that I was, I felt like I would be a complete failure to my dad at that point,” Erik said.
Erik’s confession about his mental health comes after he previously slammed Murphy’s dramatized take on their case.
Timeline of the Menendez brothers case
Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving life sentences in prison after being found guilty of shooting their parents to death over 30 years ago.
August 20, 1989 – José and Kitty Menendez are shot to death
March 8, 1990 – Lyle is arrested for the murders
March 11, 1990 – Erik turns himself in
July 20, 1993 – Highly publicized trial begins and ends weeks later in a mistrial
October 11, 1995 – Second trial begins
March 20, 1996 – Menendez brothers are convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder
July 2, 1996 – Menendez brothers are sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and sent to separate prisons
February 2018 – Lyle is transferred to the San Diego prison where Erik is held
April 4, 2018 – Erik and Lyle are reunited
May 2023 – Attorney representing the Menendez brothers files a habeas petition
September 19, 2024 – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story comes out on Netflix
October 3, 2024: Los Angeles authorities reviewing new evidence in connection with the brothers’ convictions
October 7, 2024 – The Menendez Brothers documentary film comes out on Netflix
Saccoman shared Erik’s statement about the new series on X on September 19.
“I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show,” Erik said.
“I can only believe they were done so on purpose. It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.”
Murphy pushed back against the criticism and said the drama series was the “best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years,” according to Variety.
The director also told The Hollywood Reporter, “The Menendez brothers should be sending me flowers.
“They haven’t had so much attention in 30 years. And it’s gotten the attention of not only this country, but all over the world.”
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Drivers to save on tolls as ‘dynamic pricing’ is suspended due to damaged interstate but it means longer drives
A MUCH-NEEDED discount on highway tolls has been introduced to help drivers still feeling the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
Drivers can celebrate lower prices on stretches of highway in North Carolina, but it could mean longer commutes during rush hour.
GettyDrivers can enjoy lower toll prices on stretches of highway in North Carolina[/caption]
Demand-based pricing, known as dynamic pricing, has been paused for toll lanes running from Charlotte to MooresvilleGetty
On Friday, transportation service group I-77 Mobility Partners announced that dynamic pricing for toll lanes running from Charlotte to Mooresville will no longer be enforced.
Dynamic pricing in a demand-based model that charges higher prices during busier times of the day to cut down on traffic.
Typically, some drivers will find alternate routes during the cost surge, clearing some of the lanes.
However, Helene has left some alternate highways, including Interstates 40 and 25, with significant damage.
In the announcement, the company said it paused the surged costs to “help mitigate the financial impacts on drivers – especially those assisting with critical relief efforts.”
Western North Carolina was one of the worst areas hit by the Category 4 hurricane that tore through southeastern states like Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Survivors have been left homeless, searching for loved ones and trying to survive without power or cell service.
The toll relief is a small step toward rebuilding Appalachia but important for those trying to pick up the pieces.
Commuters who use I-77 can expect prices similar to what they saw before the storm.
The paused toll and redirected drivers could bring on a heavier traffic flow in the future.
However, officials say there hasn’t been a significant increase in busy roads since Helene blew through.
“Since the arrival of Hurricane Helene, the 26.4-mile I-77 Express corridor between Charlotte and Mooresville has not seen a heavy increase in traffic volume,” said Mobility Partners’ director of corporate affairs Rob Boisvert.
“The average increase between Saturday, September 28, and Thursday, October 3 was only 2%.”
Though dynamic pricing has been suspended, drivers should still expect to see prices shift throughout the day.
“Rates will change throughout the day based on predetermined rates that will be lower than pre-storm dynamic pricing,” the release states.
“However, by removing the traffic management provided by dynamic pricing, more drivers may choose to use the express lanes, which could result in slower than usual speeds.”
What is dynamic pricing?
Dynamic pricing is the practice of changing the price for a product or service to reflect changing market conditions.
This usually consists of increasing prices at a time of greater demand.
Some people refer to it as “surge pricing.”
You may have paid for surge pricing while using a rideshare app. Fares often increase during busy times when more people are looking for rides.
“We said these menu boards would give us more flexibility to change the display of featured items,” an official statement on Wendy’s website reads.
“This was misconstrued in some media reports as an intent to raise prices when demand is highest at our restaurants.”
“We have no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most. Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members,” they further denied any future of surge pricing.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have promised to contribute federal funding to restoration efforts in North Carolina.
Harris and Donald Trump have both stepped away from their presidential campaigns to visit victims and share their plans to support rebuilding southern Appalachia.
“We’re here for the long haul,” Harris said during a trip to Asheville on Saturday.
North Carolina’s toll pause came days before Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also announced that highway fees would be suspended in west Florida, central Florida, and Alligator Alley.
Drivers who are looking to save on toll fees can use navigation apps like Waze to avoid the lanes.
E-ZPass also makes it easier and cheaper to pay for tolls in 20 states.
Plus, it’s important to sign up for mobile alerts from their state transportation departments that warn drivers of important toll updates or traffic news.
2 weeks agoUSA UpdateComments Off on Fisherman describes horror moment they cut open shark to find body of US tourist, 68, who had been eaten on diving hols
A FISHERMAN has described the horrific moment he cut open a shark only to find the body of a missing tourist.
Asia Pacific Press via ViralPresA fisherman found human remains in a shark’s stomach[/caption]
Colleen Monfore was swept away by strong currents during a diving tripAsia Pacific Press via ViralPressAsia Pacific Press via ViralPressRescuers spent eight days searching for the woman[/caption]
The body was discovered inside the shark’s stomach by a horrified fisherman in neighbouring East Timor.
The fisherman said: “The shark was caught but it was not in normal health. I thought it had swallowed plastic or a fishing net.
“It was cut open to find the problem and inside there were the remains of a woman.”
The 68-year-old American was with her friends around the Pulau Reong island when the incident happened on September 26.
The guide was unable to pull her back to the boat.
Rescue teams searched for eight days before finally giving up on October 3 due to the dangerous conditions at sea.
Officials in the Liquisa District said the female corpse was still wearing a black wet suit.
Officials in East Timor are contacting the coast guard in Indonesia.
They also appealed for details of anyone with missing friends or relatives due to the popularity of diving in the nearby islands, that are Indonesian territory.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for the Management of the Alor Islands Marine Park and surrounding ocean, said: “We have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Dili, and the KBRI has confirmed the truth of this information.
“The body of the woman was found in a shark in Timor Leste. It was not in Indonesian territory.
“We are now investigating the case further to confirm if they are the remains of anyone reported missing in Indonesia.
“From the diving suit worn by the victim, it is suspected that they were a diver.
“The results of the investigation will be published soon after more complete information is available.
“The anecdotal reports from Timor Leste are that the victim in the shark was foreign female.”
Ipda Giovani BM Toffy, the chief of police in Southwest Maluku where the tourist had first gone missing, said the tour guide with the diving group had initially reported her missing.
He said: “The initial search effort was carried out by the victim’s friends because they were on the same trip to the Banda Islands.
“We coordinated with the Nabar Village Government to mobilise residents to help search the coast facing Reong Island and conduct searches around the waters of Reong Island using lon
Asia Pacific Press via ViralPressRescue efforts for the woman have been underway since last week[/caption]
