How Parents Fail!

Website exposes the bum mums and bad dads with questionable parenting skills

At the local firing range, in a sandwich, stuck to a wall with tape... these are not the kinds of places you'd expect to find a baby.

But as the incredible - and disturbing - photos below show, some parents think nothing of popping their loved one in the microwave or giving them a Hitler doll to play with.

Guaranteed to give social workers nightmares, the images are taken from new website ParentFails.com, which aims to chronicle 'all the funny moments when parenting goes horribly, and hilariously, wrong'.

Pay attention, darling: When it comes to self-defence, this mother believes in starting young

Yum! Dad's feeling peckish... time for a midnight snack

X-rayed: Airport security checks are getting out of hand

Give us a hug: Baby snuggles up with the beloved family... python

Baby looks shocked at his dad's choice of reading material

One worryingly common theme sees babies snapped in the place of food: whether nestling in an enormous sandwich or providing the centrepiece to a traditional Indian meal.

And babies are also shown getting up close and personal with the family pets - even when that pet is an enormous snake.

More...

• Shake, spittle and drool: Gurning dogs captured in freeze frame with hilarious results
• The real-life RoboCop: Policeman is hurled through the air by stolen car... but gets up and goes on to Taser criminal

The photos evoke memories of celebrity parenting blunders, like Britney Spears driving with her son on her lap, or Michael Jackson dangling his daughter over a hotel balcony.

But these parents probably see the funny side: photos are submitted by the public, and most were probably sent in by the parents themselves.

Whether the children will find it quite so amusing when they stumble across old photo albums in years to come is another matter.

Impulse buy: Walmart really does sell everything

There's an unbreakable bond between fathers and daughters - but sometimes it goes slightly too far

Micro-babe: This poor tot was starting to feel the heat

Hanging around: This toddler's parents have invented some innovative child-care techniques

Sinister: This child seems devoted to her Hitler doll

Tradition: This Asian baby is keeping in touch with her cultural heritage

No child left behind: One father tries out a daring new method of transport

Get stuck in: At least this tot has company to help her through this hair-raising experience

Thrifty: This mum presumably couldn't find £1 for a trolley

Big spender: This tot is already living the high life in a Ferrari

Squeaky-clean: These kids were looking for the jacuzzi experience

How's the reception? A TV star in the making

New parents can be reluctant to let their baby out of their sight - even for a minute

Best of friends: This fearless toddler is at one with nature

Speeding Train Runs Over Two Jumbos in Northeast India

By Shib Shankar Chatterjee & Sushanta Roy

One adult female wild elephant and her baby cub were run over by the speeding Brahmaputra Mail (Train) between Langsoliate and Nilalung railway station at about 11:00 pm on the night of the 31st of July, 2011.

After the incident, senior railway officials of Lumding of eastern Indian State, Assam's Nagaon district rushed to the spot, while Forest Range Officer, of Borlangfar and local Indian Assam State Police Force (IASPF) department was also contacted, rail track was totally stuck as the Caracas of the two dead covered the railway-track, all the trains of Northeast Indian State, Assam's Upper-Assam sector had to be rescheduled. However, the most interesting fact is that the incident place is just near about 14-kilometres to 15-kilometres from the district headquarter town Diphu of another Assam State's Karbi Anglong district. Both the elephants died instantly.

Indian Assam State Forest Department officials are investigating the female jumbo, which was killed by the speeding Brahmaputra Mail train in Northeast Indian State - Assam's Karbi Anglong district on 31st July, 2011 at night.

According to information Indian Assam State Forest (IASF) Department revealed that the aforesaid railway-line connecting Upper Assam and others 06-numbers of eastern Indian States (Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura) and the International Borders with China and Mayanmar (that is, Burma) region almost through this particular region, which practically cuts through numbers of Reserve Forest, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary, situated within the geographical limit of this green gold rich district of Assam. Among them, Dhansiri Reserve Forest, Borlangfar Reserve Forest of Karbi Anglong district is known for its elephant population and corridor. So far more than 25-numbers of jumbo have meet tragic death in this section of railway-track, but unfortunately, neither the IASF nor the Indian Railway Department have tried to combat the situation of elephant mortality, except maneuvering on bureaucratic rules and regulation.

The dead baby jumbo was lying beside the railway-track, which was hit by the speeding Brahmaputra Mail train in Northeast Indian State - Assam's Karbi Anglong district on 31st July, 2011 at night.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India clearly mentioned that there is a provision or norms that the trains cannot run not more than 20-kilometres per hour at night (whether goods, passenger, mail, express, super fast, special, rajdhani, etcetera) through this region's deep jungles areas, which are detected also as elephant corridor. It is fact that India is home to an estimated 25,000 wild Asiatic jumbos but their numbers are fast depleting due to poaching, loss of habitat and also train accidents, particularly in eastern and northeastern regions.

One of the worst cases of the aforesaid reason could be pointed out here that around 07-numbers of wild elephant were killed and one seriously injured in the night, when a speeding train hit the animals, while the elephants were crossing railway tracks near Binnaguri in Jalpaiguri district of Northeast Indian State, West Bengal, on 22nd September, 2010

Shib Shankar Chatterjee is a former BBC, The Times of India, Hindustan Times and The Statesman Contributor from Northeast India, who specializes in investigations of important issues affecting the people of India and Bangladesh.

My Tryst with Northeast India The Leadership Question

By Margaret Gangte

We, the people in the margin of Indian sub continent, ie, Kashmir, Northeast region of India comprising the seven sister states particularly tribal and tribes of other states like Chattisgarh and  Jharkhand where naxalites and Maoists are operating will always be put in a different box, whether we have development and peace or insurgencies. The reason is because; the social fabric on which Hindu society rests is on the principle of inequality.

This principle infact has affected their own Hindu mainstream social structure through caste system for centuries more than 'us' from the margins in the northeast region.

With this underlying principle on which a social fabric exists, the politics-and economic structure are shaped accordingly. At individual level, there are plenty of hurdles while dealing with mainlanders on every front. If they cheat their own kith and kin, they will cheat you more vehemently.

Regarding North East Region of India, Mizoram is progressing now because they work hard, Arunachal is pampered, Sikkim is working hard too, Assam has resources but the politics is nasty, Meghalaya appears to have no problem but their administration is very static and archaic like colonial days, Nagaland is affected because of the crisis originated from Manipur. Tripura is managing with investment.

The worst effected state in the end is Manipur having three strong ethnic groups, Meities of the valley, Kuki –Chin- Mizo group   and Nagas group of the hills who are not getting on well. It’s a leadership problem.

I substantiate the problem of leadership crisis in NE with my own experience. During the last few years, I faced very critical problems here in Delhi out of deep jealousy of Indian mainlanders...amounting to discrimination and putting me in a defunct condition like Aung Sang Su so that my performance is curtailed and my growth stopped. I looked for one leader to help me out from NE, because expecting help from Manipur leaders will be like expecting pigs to have wings to fly. I could not find one.

The MPs could not even forward one letter or one word which could stop the discrimination and ill treatment. I helped Mizoram years ago in getting the new Mizoram House land allotment (1998-99).

I helped the Turial power project of Mizoram under Japanese funding for years. When I was in trouble, their CM was not responding to me.  The Japanese Sericulture project In Manipur was slated to be scrapped off by Ministry of Textiles in 2000. I defended the project in DEA, Ministry of Finance and worked for its survival to benefit the state for which wide publicity was given in the news. But when   I tried to meet the Manipur CM while in need of help, I received no response.

I helped Meghalaya and Sikkim with their water supply and sanitation project from Australian aid, a project that sustained them for years now.  It was a project buried in Government of India for five years. I revived the proposal, took the Ausaid team to NE in 2000 as the first team from DEA to ever visit the northeast region and helped in the implementation. But I could not find one leader to help me from these two states while I was in need of help.

I have various interactions with Assam leaders on many issues but could not find one leader to help me while in trouble.   I realized finally that NE lacked effective leadership like its motherland.   My published article on ' Dilemma of Finding an Alternative' is against the background of dilemma of leadership in the region.

In deep thinking on all of these issues, I realized there are two ways left for us: develop yourself no matter what or fight for independent sovereign no matter what. I think the first option is more feasible. Unless, we develop ourselves, the recognition, respect and regard from others will never come.

After all, what are we fighting for in life?  Ultimately, we want to be recognized as citizens, as human beings and as worthy people in peace time or in conflict situation. If the forces to move independent state are strong enough, I am certainly one person who would like to support that movement.

However, we do not have that force. So I succumbed to agree to peace and development. Whether it will actually give me peace and development at the end of the day...that is a big question.

(Ms. Margaret Gangte is Director, Ministry of Defence Government of India and can be contacted at Email id: mg-nn@hotmail.com)

Margarita Levieva: The Next Bond Girl?

Russian actress Margarita Levieva might be the next Bond girl opposite Daniel Craig.

The producers are apparently very keen to cast her in the next movie that is on the cards.

The 31-year-old actress starred as Ashton Kutcher's love interest in 2009 film 'Spread'.

She was also seen alongside Matthew McConaughey in 'Lincoln Lawyer'.

She has caught the eye of producers who want her to play the lead female character opposite Daniel Craig.

the next Bond film will be the 23rd film of the James Bond franchise.

Producers believe that she has all the qualities to be the next Bond girl.

The deal has however not been signed yet regarding her role.

Sources say that because of the shooting schedule it will be decided soon.

Born in St Petersburg in 1980, Margarita started strict training as a gymnast from the age of three. She migrated to America to study in New York University.

Larissa is Passé. In Comes The Hot Patty Orue

If you thought the world of football has had enough of Larissa Riquelme, the notorious Paraguayan model, wait a minute. Larissa has become such a rage in Paraguay that many more want to be just like her and some even want to outsmart her. The newest ‘Larissa’ is another hot babe Patty Orue, who somehow managed to steal the limelight at this year’s Copa America. Who is the spicy Patty Orue? Find out right here

Seriously competitive
Even as Larissa Riquelme has been branded the 'Superfan' of Paraguayan football, a hot model Patricia Orue stepped into Larissa's territory at this year's Copa America and is seriously challenging her with growing popularity within days

In the stadium itself?

Even as Larissa made sure she kept her 'strip' promise after last year's World Cup, which was a private photo shoot for a tabloid. But, Patty wanted to be different and so kept everyone's eyelids active with her manoeuvres in the stadium.

Perfect pose

Patty was a photographer's delight at the Copa America. The lenses were constantly chasing her in the stands and Patty didn't look flustered at all.

Fans welcome for a click

Patty was the most happening personality in the stands at various venues in Argentina. She would oblige for picture requests from fans without complaining one bit

A true patriot

Like Larissa, Patty too was obsessed with Paraguayan national football team. She was desperate that her team win the Copa America. Unfortunately, it didn't happen as Paraguay lost in the final to Uruguay.

Bold and beautiful

Patty soon inspired many other Paraguayan fans to do what she was loving doing. By the time, Copa America 2011 came to an end; the Argentinean stands were having three super models. Larissa, Patty and a Peruvian fan, who had just joined in the party

When foes turned friends

It wasn't just Paraguayan fans who were craving for Patty. Fans from across the border in Venezuela too were very keen to get up, close and personal with Patty. And did she mind?

We did it

In all this, it shouldn't be forgotten that Patty is a die-hard supporter of her team. Here she is, celebrating no ends up after Paraguay beat Venezuela in the semi-final

Superfan No.2

Within a couple of days, Paraguayan fan clubs branded Patricia as the 'Superfan No.2' behind Larissa Riquelme

And here’s the No.1

Despite the Patty rage, Larissa largely held her ground during this year's Copa America. Interestingly, there were many online polls, which comfortably put Larissa ahead of Patty.

Not too far behind

The duo will now have to wait until 2015 to get back into the stands. But, no complaints from anyone as the next edition is going to take place in Brazil

So what if you beat us

Paraguay didn't lose a single fixture against the bigger boys Brazil at this year's Copa America. During the group stages, the two teams drew and in the quarterfinals, Paraguay had knocked out Brazilians in a penalty shootout. Yet, there was no love lost between the two countries thanks to hotties like Patty.

Wait till I come back

This picture actually tells you the craze for both Larissa and Patty. The crowds were super thrilled in Argentina when Larissa decided to take to the makeshift dance floor in the stands.
Image source: AP, AFP and Reuters

Manipur Bandh Today in Protest Against Blast

By Sobhapati Samom

Imphal, Aug 3 : Protesting Monday’s Sangakpham Market blast here which claimed five lives, a 12-hour State-wide bandh has been called by All Manipur Students Union(AMSU) from 5 am tomorrow.

AMSU president Thokchom Suresh, announcing this at a press conference here, called upon the State Government to take strong action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi accused the NSCN-IM of involvement in Monday’s blast.

Speaking to reporters here this afternoon,Ibobi said that his government has received concrete and convincing evidence establishing the direct involvement of NSCN-IM in the series of recent violent incidents which have left several civilians dead and many seriously injured in various parts of the State.

A suspect – one Anthony of Sadu Koireng – killed in yesterday’s blast, has turned out to be an active NSCN-IM cadre, he added. A non-local barber and his son were among the deceased.

He further accused the NSCN-IM for their direct involvement in six major violent incidents that occurred in the State in the recent past including the ambush on Naga MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing’s car on April 15 last where eight security personnel were killed and seven others injured.

The blast at Sangakpham had killed Anthony, an active cadre of NSCN-IM, said Commissioner Home in a press release. “This indicates his in-experience in handling explosives.”

An initial investigation indicated that the blast which targetted the members of district councils, occurred just after their vehicles passed the spot, it added.

Police have identified the owner of the two wheeler involved in the blast as one K Daniel, a resident of Dimapur.

The Government of Manipur is seriously considering taking up the matter relating to involvement of NSCN-IM in many anti-people acts with the Central Government demanding revocation of ongoing ceasefire due to the continuous and open acts of terrorism being committeed by the outfit, Ibobi said.

He appealed to the people to maintain peace, tranquility and communal harmony so that no misunderstanding is created.

People from Sangakpham locality staged a sit-in demonstration at the blast site on today. The State Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of deceased persons and Rs 75,000 to the persons with permanent disability, Rs 50,000 to seriously injured persons and Rs 10,000 to persons with minor injuries, in addition to free free treatment to all injured persons.

Increase in Per Capita Income in Northeast India

New Delhi, Aug 3 : The per capita income in five North Eastern states has increased substantially with people in Arunachal, Mizoram and Sikkim having average earnings more than the national figure of Rs 33,731, reports PTI.

The per capita income, which indicates an average earning of a person, in Arunachal Pradesh has increased to Rs 39,679 in the year 2009-10 against Rs 27,271 in 2004-05. The national figure for 2009-10 is Rs 33,731.

The details about the per capita income were today provided by Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Paban Singh Ghatowar in reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

As per the figure, the per capita income in Sikkim increased to Rs 36,075 in 2009-10 from Rs 26,693 in 2004-05 while average earning of people in Mizoram rose to Rs 35,323 from Rs 24,662 in the same period.

However, the per capita income in Assam and Meghalaya was less than the national average.

People in Assam earned an average income of Rs 20,279 in 2009-10 against Rs 16,782 in 2004-05 while the per capita income of people in Meghalaya was recorded at Rs 29,656 against Rs 23,793 in 2004-05. The data for Nagaland and Manipur was not available.

About Central assistance to the region, Ghatowar said a total of Rs 89,722 crore was given to the eight states during the eleventh five year plan.

Broadcasters, Marketers - Explore Northeast States With 'Chrome NE'

New Delhi, Aug 2 : Looking for your channels' reach in northeast region? Try Chrome NE, which will serve as a tool for broadcasters to check their availability and for marketers and media buying agencies to track the reach of a channel across northeastern states.

Chrome Data Analytics & Media, a media advisory consultancy, Tuesday launched Chrome NE, a weekly report. To be released every Monday, Chrome NE is an attempt to tap cable and satellite (C&S) households in all cities with a minimum population of 0.1 million in Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim.

"The northeast region is among the non-touched markets as far as the data analysis of broadcasters is concerned. So far, Guwahati was being metered alone and the data was being assumed to be true for the entire region. But that's not the case," Pankaj Krishna, CEO, Chrome Data Analytics & Media, said at the launch here.

"That is only a small section of the northeast region, which actually forms a big section of the country and it is important to explore that market," he added.

Broadcasters will get information regarding their own availability for the previous week, as well as the competition's distribution statistics through the report.

Channels with a national footprint as well as regional channels like Focus TV, NE Bangla, NE Hi Fi, Prag, DY 365, News Live, NE TV, Prime News, Frontier TV, Rang and Hit7 are expected to benefit through the report.

It is expected to help advertisers and media buying agencies to get a larger understanding of where to invest.

According to Jeffrey Crasto, executive director of Chrome Data Analytics and Media, the report will interest FMCG companies like Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, Johnson & Johnson, Marico, Godrej, P&G and Henkel, as well as mobile manufacturers including Maxx, Micromax, Karbonn and Spice for whom the northeast market holds good potential.