Amur leopard captured on camera in China

Staff in the Hunchun Amur Tiger National Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, China  have captured pictures of the Amur leopard.  The pictures are said to be the first-known pictures to be taken by camera trap photography, the Wildlife Conservation Society says.


Along with this news it was also said that a recent survey has revealed that an estimated 8-11 Amur leopards have been counted in the northern province which is an encouraging sign the the leopards are returning to China.


Staff from the Hunchun Reserve set up 16 cameras, a dozen of which were donated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and located them in the same area where a winter survey had recorded sightings of the animals.


The Wildlife Conservation Society has worked for more than ten years in support of the Russian-Chinese transboundary conservation. The Society also says that pictures of Amur tigers were also taken.


Amur leopards mainly live over the border from China in Russia, where 29 leopards were recorded in last winter's survey.  The Amur leopard is one of the most endangered large cat species on the planet with only 30-35 left.


You can find out more about the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society here.

The Apprentice Week Six Review

Six weeks marks the half way mark for The Apprentice.  Usually you can spot whose going to win by now but this series I am finding it hard to guess who the winner will be.

This week, Lord Sugar paid a visit to the candidates' home to let them know what their task would be: selling gourmet food in Edinburgh, which was described as "the culinary capital of Scotland".  The teams had to set up mobile food units and, as ever, the team that made the most money would walk away the winners.

The team leaders were selected by Alan Sugar and Jenna was chosen as leader for Sterling while Adam led Phoenix.  Sterling went with the "Scotch Pot" and Phoenix went with "Utterly Delicious" meatballs then set themselves the unenviable task of selling meatballs to football fans for £5.99 a time.

From the start you could see which where it was going to go so it was no surprise when Phoenix were declared the losers.  Katie went home this time which was no surprise either.  It was her third time in the boardroom and it was her idea to try and sell to the football fans.

The women have not fared to well this series but I was impressed by Jenna as the team leader who understood the importance of selling good quality food at a fair price.

Singer Joss Stone back Cruelty Free International

UK born singer-songwriter Joss Stone is the latest celebrity to back Cruelty Free International, a new worldwide organisation set up by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), which aims to see a ban on the testing of products on animals.

Joss Stone joins the former Office star Ricky Gervais.  Gervais is well-known for his love of animals and was recently announced the Ambassador for Cruelty Free Cosmetics.

As part of its mission, Cruelty Free International will work alongside governments, companies and other organisations and sets out to put the issue of animal testing on government agendas worldwide for the first time in a global initiative.

Commenting in a news release from Cruelty Free International Joss Stone said:

“I’m proud to support Cruelty Free International. At last someone has stepped up to the plate to take on the task of ending cosmetics tests on animals around the world.”


"Thousands of animals continue to die each year for lipstick, toothpaste, fragrance and other products, so it’s crucial that we campaign for a global ban. Cruelty Free International has taken on this challenge and I am pleased to support them, and I urge you all to do the same."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artwork to go an auction

Anyone growing up in the nineties will remember the Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles; the cartoons were regularly soon on the TV in the UK. Now, the first ever artwork featuring the famous turtles is to go up for sale at an auction run by Heritage Auctions.

The black and white artwork was created in 1983 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laid and will go on auction as part of Heritage's Vintage Comics and Comic Act Auction on May 10-11. Co-creator Kevin Eastman has consigned the item which is expected to reach more than $50,000.

Commenting in a press release Eastman said:
“Peter and I were sharing a studio – our living room – in Dover, NH. One work night, in an effort to make Peter laugh, I drew a sketch of this character I called a ‘Ninja Turtle’ and threw it onto Peter's desk. He did laugh – and did a version of his own, to which I needed to take it one step further and did a pencil sketch of four different Turtles, each holding a different weapon. I gave it to Peter, who wanted to ink it in. When he did, he added ‘Teenage Mutant’ to the ‘Ninja Turtle’ part of the logo and we both fell off our chairs!”

The next day, they wrote a story about the characters. Later they would find a printer, and with a loan from an uncle they printed the first 3,000 copies; the comics would get their premiere at the Portsmouth comic convention in the US, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Barry Sandoval, Director of Operations for the Comics Department at Heritage, said:

“From that day forward, through the next 30 years and through this very day, the TMNTs have been a worldwide phenomenon, entertaining hundreds of millions of children and generating close to a billion dollars in revenues."

“There have been numerous movies, cartoons, live action shows, toys, you name it. There’s a CGI-animated show being made right now and there’s a major motion picture planned for next year. I can’t think of the last time the first artistic rendition of a major franchise has been offered for public sale. All TMNT fans have seen this piece reprinted in books and articles over the years, and I’m sure they assumed Kevin would never part with it.”

News Round Up

This is the first round up of the news covered on this blog in the past week.

Temperatures in the US reached record breaking temperatures in March, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Climatic Data Center.

The record-breaking.  Each state recorded at least  one record-breaking temperature in March and more than 15,000 warm weather records were broken.

A ceasefire was implemented in Syria on 12 April as part of the Kofi Annan peace plan.  However, reports of gunfire, shelling continue and deaths continue.

Many torandoes have swept through the United States in 2012 causing death and destruction.  Now, a new 24/7 helpline has been launched to help does left traumatised from the psychological distress of a man-made or natural disaster.

Banking chain Barclays has made its Pingit mobile payment service available to all UK customers.  All users need is a current account, a mobile phone and be aged 16 years or over.

High doses of vitamin C could reduce high blood pressure, according to a new study.  However, patients are advise not to take high doses of the vitamin to try and reduce blood pressure.

Agents in the US  seized almost $900,000 worth of counterfeit goods in El Paso, Texas last week.  Find out more here.

Tax Credit claimants urged to renew as soon as possible

HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) are urging claimants to renew their Tax credits as soon as possible after they receive they renewal packs.  Claims have to be sent in by 31 July or claimants risk losing out on their payments.  HMRC says that in 2011, only 80 per cent of those entitled to their Tax credits claimed them.

Claimants are also told to double check their claims forms to ensure that all details are accurate and to notify HMRC of any changes in their circumstances, such as child care costs, a change in working hours, or a change in pay, which haven't already been notified; claimants are also advised to have documents such as payslips, end of year P60 forms and childcare details with them when filling out their forms.

Steve Lamey, Director of Benefits and Credits for the HMRC, said:

"People should aim to renew their tax credits as soon as they receive their pack, and they need to make sure their details are correct. The sooner they renew, the sooner we can make sure they are getting the right money."

"Our message is - renew early, renew accurately and renew on time. If claimants don't renew their claims before 31 July, payments may stop."

"2013 will see the introduction of Universal Credit, which will by 2017 see the migration of all our Tax Credit customers to that benefit. It is therefore even more important that customers ensure that the data that we hold about their claim is accurate prior to their migration to Universal Credit."

For help with filling out Tax credit forms visit: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/Keepingyourtaxcreditsuptodate/Renewingtaxcreditsclaim/index.htm

or call 0345 300 3900.

$900,000 worth of counterfeit goods seized in El Paso

The fight against counterfeit goods is an ongoing battle worldwide and as part of that battle agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's have seized almost $900,000 worth of counterfeit goods being sold at a flea market in El Paso, Texas.

Operations were held last weekend and the seizure of goods was part of the  HSI's Commercial Fraud Group, the Southwest Border Financial Operations, and Currency United Strike Force (FOCUS), work to hold the people who sell counterfeit goods accountable.

Special agents from HSI had a huge task on their hands to count the total of the seized goods which included nearly 9,000 DVDs, more than 10,000 CDs,nearly 2,000 handbags, NFL merchandise items and other sporting goods.  There were 21,308 separate items in total with an MSRP of $899,074.63.

Agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission were also involved in the operation along with the El Paso's Sheriff's Department; representatives of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) assisted in the operation.

Dennis A. Ulrich, special agent in charge for HSI El Paso, said:

"Counterfeiting is a significant problem that affects our economy, impacts American jobs, and puts the public's health and safety at risk."

"Consumers who buy pirated products may also be funding criminal organizations with their purchases."

This latest operation is just one of many carried out in the United States and the trade in counterfeit goods continues to rise worldwide.

High doses of vitamin C could reduce blood pressure

Taking Vitamin C in large doses could moderately reduce high blood pressure, according to researchers from John Hopkins University.  However, the scientists do not advise that people take large doses of the vitamin to try and reduce blood pressure.

Edgar “Pete” R. Miller III, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor in the division of general internal medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, led the study which was recently published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

In a press release, Dr. Miller said:

“Our research suggests a modest blood pressure lowering effect with vitamin C supplementation, but before we can recommend supplements as a treatment for high blood pressure, we really need more research to understand the implications of taking them."

Dr. Miller and his colleagues analysed data from 29 different studies and then compared vitamin C intake to a placebo.  They found that patients taking 500 mgs of vitamin C reduced blood pressure by  3.84 millimetres of mercury.  In patients who had been diagnosed with hypertension, a drop of almost 5 millimetres of mercury was recorded; patients who take blood pressure medication experience a drop in blood pressure of twice that.

Dr. Miller said:

“Although our review found only a moderate impact on blood pressure, if the entire U.S. population lowered blood pressure by 3 millilitres of mercury, there would be a lot fewer strokes."

However, the research team warns that vitamin C itself is not associated with a reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes which are associated with untreated high blood pressure,

Miller continues:

“People love to take vitamins regardless of the evidence or lack of it."

“We’re trying to raise the bar and provide evidence-based guidance about whether supplements help or actually do harm.”

Barclays make Pingit available to everyone

Barclays has announced that its Pingit service is now available to all of its customers.  The service allows customers to send payments via mobile phone and means users do not have to share their bank account details to complete a transaction.  All you need to be able to use the service is a mobile phone and a UK current account; users have to be aged sixteen years or over.

Pingit was first made available in February and was downloaded 400,000 within the first eight weeks of its launch.  Barclays says that the service is popular with eBay sellers and small businesses, allowing them to use Pingit as opposed to other payment methods such as cheques, credit cards or money transfers.

As well as making the service available to non-Barclays' customers, the  banking chain plans to make more improvements to Pingit in the coming months.

People can download the Pingit app from Apple App Store, BlackBerry App World and Android Market.  Customers without access to a smart phone can register online to use the service.

Commenting in a press release Antony Jenkins, Chief Executive, Retail and Business Banking, Barclays, said:

"Barclays Pingit is proving to be more popular than even we were expecting and from today the customers of all UK banks and building societies can also benefit. The ability to make simple payments to whoever they want, wherever they are, instantly and securely, is making many people's lives much easier."

"Barclays Pingit is potentially a revolution in banking but this is just the beginning. We are listening to customer feedback and monitoring the demand for additional functionality so there's a lot more to come over the next few months."

Disaster Distress line available to help those affected by Midwest Tornadoes

The Disaster Distress Helpline is offering counselling to anyone affected by the recent Midwest tornadoes.  The tornadoes swept through many areas of the Midwest United States including Oklahoma and led to a State of Emergency being declared in 12 counties of Oklahoma.

It is open seven days a week and people can call at anytime during the day or night to find somebody to talk to.  The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and allows people to connect with a qualified counsellor.  The counsellors can also offer referrals and offer other support services if needed.

SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde said:

“When disaster strikes, people react with increased anxiety, worry and anger. With community and family support, most of us bounce back. Some may need extra assistance to cope with unfolding events and uncertainties."

 “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can now call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 and begin the process of recovery.”

The Disaster Distress Helpline is the United States first permanent dedicated helpline set up to help those who suffer from  psychological distress following a natural or man-made disaster.  More information on their work can be found at:

http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/ 

Fragile peace holds in Syria

More than a year into the bloody uprising in Syria, a fragile peace is now in place after Thursday's deadline.  The deadline was part of Kofi Annan's six-point plan which stated that there should be a cessation of violence on Thursday.

However, Assad's regime remains in breach of the six-point plan and armoured vehicles still remain in the populated areas of Syria.  The humanitarian issues have still to be addressed with many left homeless and without medical care due to the on-going war.

Thursday was seen as a positive step in the right direction but whether this can continue into a political dialogue or whether the situation in Syria will become a fight to the end remains to be seen.  However for now there is a relative peace which many did not think was possible, and the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan should be given credit for negotiating the plan.

World leaders continue to put pressure on the regime to implement the rest of this six-point plan and sanctions against Syria continue.  UN monitors are due on the ground soon and they will see for themselves if the cessation of violence is being adhered to.

Commenting in a press release on Thursday, Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

Today's lessening of violence in Syria is a first fragile step towards peace that needs to be strengthened and sustained. I urge the Assad regime to implement fully its undertakings to the Joint Arab League and UN Special Envoy on Syria, including withdrawing troops and weaponry from residential areas. The Syrian government has a record of failing to keep its promises. It has the opportunity to change that now: it should seize it. We need to see visible, verifiable and indisputable signs of change. The opposition must also ensure that they adhere to the ceasefire and work to strengthen and broaden it."

“The international community will support this process. We urgently need to see monitors in Syria to assess implementation. It is crucial that their remit allows them freedom of movement and access. We are working closely on this at the United Nations."

“We continue to support the work of Kofi Annan and will keep up the pressure on the Syrian government to implement in full the six point plan including the move towards a political transition which will bring the Syrian people the greater freedoms they deserve.”

Record breaking temperatures recorded in US in March

Temperatures in the United States reached record breaking levels in March, according to statistics released by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Climatic Data Center.

The record-breaking and near record-breaking temperatures were recorded last month and each state of the US had at least one record-breaking temperature in March.  preliminary figures just released show that more than 15,000 warm weather records were broken in the past month.  The figures issued beat the previous record from 1910.

Average temperatures  were 51.1°F, which is 8.6 degrees above the normal average for the time of year. While some might have enjoyed the warmer weather, the report also says that the higher temperatures "also created an environment favorable for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes".  There were 233 preliminary tornado reports in March, according to NOAA; usually there is an average of 80 in March.

Chicago, Washington D.C. and Boston were among the cities experiencing a record-breaking start to the year with the first quarter also recording record temperatures.  Not so lucky was Alaska which had its ninth coolest start to the year with temperatures 5.2 °F below average.

Firms in UK could help assist clear up in Japan

A Framework on Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreed between the UK and France on Tuesday has paved the way for UK companies to become part of multi-billion decommissioning opportunities in Japan, a press release from the Department of Energy and Climate Change says.

The UK offered its assistance to Japan following the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station following 2011's earthquake.  The affirmation between the UK and Japan to work together to share expertise and experience could mean that experts, officials, operators and representatives from the nuclear industry in the UK could pay visits to Japan and vice versa.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said:

“The cooperation agreement signed today demonstrates the strength of UK civil nuclear research and industry expertise. It will enable British researchers and companies to cooperate more closely with their Japanese counterparts, provide services and share technology.”

David Cameron announced the Framework during his first official visit to Japan.  As part of the Framework, the UK and Japan will work together on nuclear safety.  It was also announced that the two countries would share knowledge on the decontamination and decommissioning of the Fukushima nuclear site.  An annual dialogue will also be held between senior UK and Japan officials from the civil nuclear energy industry.

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy, said:

The UK has a wealth of expertise and experience in the area of nuclear decommissioning and waste management. I am in no doubt that cooperation with Japan in these areas will bring mutual benefits."

“This agreement will open up opportunities for UK firms to work with Japanese industry and to continue to share the UK's world-class expertise, just as we did in the aftermath of Fukushima.”

This week's visit to Japan and South East Asia is part of a broader effort to boost and promote UK trade and investment.

Violence in Syria condemned

With the deadline for Assad to withdraw his troops from Syria looming ever nearer, the UN Secretary-General has condemned the escalating violence which occurred in the seemingly never ending battle for a free Syria.

The violence spiked again at the weekend and reports state that more than 100 people were left dead.  There had been concerns that with the impending deadline -  which has been set for 10 April - that the violence would increase.

A UN team is already in Syria ahead of the deadline as preparations are being made to monitor the cessation of the violence should it happen but with Asssad make more demands ahead of the deadline, this is starting to look less likely.

The plan drawn up by the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan hoped to end the war, allow humanitarian agencies to access Syria, release detainees. and allow the start of a political dialogue.

A statement issued by the UN said:

"The Secretary-General demands that the Government of Syria immediately and unconditionally cease all military actions against the Syrian people. He reiterates that it is the responsibility of the Syrian authorities to now deliver on what they have promised, and to implement, fully and unconditionally, all the commitments under the six-point plan of Joint Special Envoy Annan,"

So far the uprising has left 8,000 dead - some put the figure at 10,000 - and thousands of Syrians have been displaced, many leaving their now war-torn homes for Turkey in a bid to find refuge while the humanitarian needs of the people of Syria deepen with 1 million left in desperate need of help.

Womb cancer deaths up a fifth in ten years

Figures released by Cancer Research UK this week show a steep increase in the number of women dying of womb or uterine cancer.  The charity says that the figures have increased by 20 per cent over the last decade with 1,900 deaths a year.  At the Millennium, the figure was 1,500.

However there was some more positive news with Cancer Research UK saying that despite the increase, the survival rate had increased with 77 percent of women with womb cancer living for five years or more.

It was in the mid-nineties that the figures started to sharply increase, rising by 43%.

Symptoms of womb cancer can include abnormal discharge and post-menopausal bleeding.  Other symptoms can include stomach pain, swelling and weight loss.  However, these can also be symptoms other illnesses and it is advised that women get advice from a doctor if they have any of these symptoms.

The obesity epidemic could be playing a part in the increase as being overweight can increase a woman's chances of developing the disease.

Sara Hiom, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said:

“Despite survival rates continuing to improve, these worrying figures show more women are still dying from womb cancer. This appears to be related to a rise in the incidence of womb cancer, so it’s essential women receive support to help them reduce their risk."

“Maintaining a healthy bodyweight can halve a woman’s risk of womb cancer and is one of the best ways to protect against the disease. Women should also be aware of the symptoms of womb cancer which include abnormal vaginal bleeding – especially for post-menopausal women - abdominal pain and pain during sex."

“Although these symptoms don’t usually mean cancer, as they could be signs of more common conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, it’s still vital to get them checked by a doctor. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful.”

Afghanistan attacks condemned by ISAF Commander

A deadly attack in Afghanistan on Thursday has been condemned by the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The attack occurred in the Faryab province and left three ISAF members dead; four members of the Afghan security forces and six civilians were also killed.  Many civilians, coalition members and Afghan security personnel were injured in attack.

An IED  was used in the attack, a form of bomb that is all too commonly used in attacks in the country and responsible for many of the casualties caused to the coalition.

 Marine Corps John R. Allen said:

'Despicable' is the only word to describe the cold, heartless way in which the enemies of peace carried out this attack -- detonating an IED in the middle of a large crowd of civilians."

"My deepest condolences are with all the families of those killed yesterday, and the entire ISAF community prays for the complete recovery of those injured."

"Our partnership with the [Afghan forces] is resolute, intractable, and will not be deterred by these evil and cowardly attacks of desperation," Allen continued. "We are committed to the long-term partnership with our brave Afghan brothers to help them assume responsibility for the security of the Afghan population."

The ISAF announced yesterday that materials used to make mortar bombs and IEDs were uncovered in the Sayyidabad district of  the Wardak province and on 3 April the coalition seized and destroyed weapons and components from the Tulak district of Ghor province; insurgents were detained.as part of the operation.

Fire used by humans 1 million years ago, researchers say

An International team carrying out research at the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa, and located near the Kalahari, say that they have discovered the earliest use of fire by humans and say that its dates back to 1 million years ago, 300,000 years earlier than first thought.

The research was a joint collaboration between the University of Toronto and the Hebrew University; tiny traces of wood ash, tools and animal bones were discovered in the Wonderwerk cave and details of the research was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Anthropologist Michael Chazan from the University of Toronto said:

"The analysis pushes the timing for the human use of fire back by 300,000 years, suggesting that human ancestors as early as Homo erectus may have begun using fire as part of their way of life.”

During previous excavations of the Wonderwerk Cave, vast evidence of human occupation has been discovered.  A more recent study has been analysing the material discovered in the earlier excavation and new field work on the Wonderwerk Cave has been carried out.

Michael Chazan said:

“The control of fire would have been a major turning point in human evolution."

“The impact of cooking food is well documented, but the impact of control over fire would have touched all elements of human society."

"Socializing around a camp fire might actually be an essential aspect of what makes us human.”