My nephew (18) went out 2 weeks ago to a friends party. Got lost on the way there, saw a lad who he knew so asked him directions. What happened next was a surprise. Lad kicked the door, as the window was down he caught my nephews jaw – this lad then punched my nephew several times. He drove home, my sister was horrified – as he told her what had happened. She phoned the police and they said wait a couple of days for any brusing to come out – would look more impressive when they came to take photos. Nephew spent a few hours in hospital – broken jaw, broken cheek bone, broken nose and trapped nerve around the mouth so he cant feel his teeth. This 17 year old lad that attacked my nephew has previous so stabbing someone at the age of 14! What is happening? Nephew now awaiting corrective surgery.

So sad to hear that news. Words are not free flowing at this point. Thoughts and condolences to all his family, friends and collegues.

Words fail me at this moment in time. Bex what you have said is very true and very well written.

I work for the NHS, things aren’t good in my area – hospital £43 million in the red….but as for treating members of our armed forces..well give them the best care they deserve, wherever they are.

That house seems a great idea and glad the nimby’s didn’t get their own way – they make me sick. Shame nothing bad will probably ever happen to them.

Its well known that people recover better with love and support from their family and friends but that isnt always possible if they are in a specialist hospital miles away from home, but somewhere like that house would really be a godsend.

Sorry for the rant but this makes my blood boil.

Some nice shots posted there Mr Angry.

Was going to post some of mine but as I only have a cheap camera dont think I will bother. Some people on here are just overly critical – some of us dont have expensive cameras – I just think the pics are atmospheric.

I agree Auster Fan, its a lovely pic. Makes me more determined to try and achieve my dream of having a flight in one, in memory of my granddad who flew them during the war. His flying jacket was so heavy – his Irvine jacket is great for the winter weather. 🙂

Originating from Brazil, Muscovies are the only domestic ducks that is not derived from mallard stock. Wild muscovies coloration is black and white, but domestication has produced many different colors. These colors are; blue, blue and white, chocolate, chocolate and white, white, black, black and white, lavender, and calical. The males can grow to be quite large, weighing 10-15 lbs. Most of the females are 5-7 pounds but can reach up to 9 and sometimes 10 lbs. Their feet are equipt with strong sharp claws for grabbing tree branches and roosting. Muscovys are unique because of their bright red crest around their eyes and above the beak. They do not swim much because their oil glands are under developed compared to most ducks. Muscovy hens can set three times a year, and the egg clutches can vary from 8 to 21 eggs. The egg are incubated for 35 days.

Definition taken from http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/poultry/ducks/muscovy/

Maybe they were useless but if its being preserved it can be used as a teaching aid – as to why it was so useless:D Youngsters have to learn from somewhere.