Archaeologists in France have unearthed a nearly complete skeleton of a mammoth.
The bones – thought to belong to a creature that roamed the earth some 200,000 years ago, were discovered by accident during the excavation of an ancient Roman site 30 miles east of Paris.
It may be only the third remains of a long-haired woolly mammoth discovered in France in the last 150 years.
Such discoveries are more common in Siberia. Archaeologists will try to establish the circumstances of the long-tusked specimen’s death. They believe it may have drowned in the River Marne or been hunted by Neanderthals. (AP)
Leg crushed by crucifix
A trial is scheduled for next year in a lawsuit filed against a New York church by a man whose leg had to be amputated after a 600lb crucifix fell on him.
Attorney Kevin Kitson of White Plains said his client, David Jimenez, prayed to the crucifix outside St Patrick’s church in Newburgh after his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. When she recovered, he showed his thanks by volunteering to clean the cross.
In May 2010, the crucifix fell on him, crushing his right leg. It was later amputated. He is now suing the church for $3,000,000 (€2,349,000).
The church says it is not liable for the accident. (PA)
Poppy poser for Queen
The Queen has admitted she does not know why her Remembrance Day wreath takes 93 poppies each year.
Brian Edwards, who makes the royals’ poppy wreaths, put the question to the Queen when she visited The Poppy Factory, the official manufacturer in Richmond, Surrey. She said she did not know, and added: “I’ve never counted.”
The Queen told Mr Edwards she would try to find out and let him know. Wreaths can take any number of poppies but royal wreaths use the same amount each year. The Prince of Wales’s wreath always takes 156, and it is only the Queen’s that is made up of 93. (PA)
Rolf Harris honoured
Rolf Harris had an exciting day yesterday - the entertainment veteran received one of Australia’s highest honours as well as announcing a rare stage performance early next year.
The Australian broadcaster, who was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this year, received his award at the Australian High Commission.
Harris was recognised for his service to the performing and visual arts, to charitable organisations and to international relations through the promotion of Australian culture – and he is not finished yet. London’s Southbank Centre has announced an appearance by Harris for one night only at the Royal Festival Hall on February 8. (PA)