In this photo released by the Thai Royal Household, Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej delivers his annual birthday speech as part of his 83rd birthday celebration at the Amarindhara throne hall inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010.
In this photo released by the Thai Royal Household, Thai Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, right, reads a birthday statement to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, left, as members of the royal families, center, participate in Bhumibol's 83rd birthday celebration at the Amarindhara throne hall inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010.
Thailand's Queen Sikirit (C), Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (L) and Princess Chulabhorn follow the King Bhumibol Adulyadej (not pictured) as he returns to the Siriraj Hospital after a ceremony at the Grand Palace in Bangkok December 5, 2010. King Bhumibol celebrates his 83rd birthday on Sunday.
Well-wishers hold Thai flags as they wait for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej to arrive for a ceremony outside the Grand Palace in Bangkok December 5, 2010. King Bhumibol celebrate his 83rd birthday on December 5.
Soldiers from the Thai Royal Guard march in formation during Trooping of the Colors ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, near the royal palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The colorful event is part of birthday celebrations for 83-year old King Bhumibol Adulyadej and has taken place every year since 1953. All three branches of the Thai military are involved in the event which resembles those held in Great Britain and Germany.
Soldiers from the Thai Royal Guard march in formation during Trooping of the Colors ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, near the royal palace in Bangkok, Thailand. The colorful event is part of birthday celebrations for 83-year old King Bhumibol Adulyadej and has taken place every year since 1953. All three branches of the thai military are involved in the event which resembles those held in Great Britain and Germany.
Nurses and well wishers wait for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej to return to Siriraj Hospital after a ceremony at the Grand Palace in Bangkok December 5, 2010. King Bhumibol celebrates his 83rd birthday on Sunday.
Banovac chose to wear her underwear because of a nasty experience two weeks ago at airport security. She is typically hand-searched at airports because she uses a metal wheelchair
A wheelchair-bound blonde, who stripped down to her underwear for airport security was still searched for more than an hour, forcing her to miss her flight.
Knowing that her wheelchair would set off the metal detector, Tammy Banovac arrived at Oklahoma airport clad in nothing but black underwear and a trenchcoat in a bid to beat an over-the-top ‘pat-down’.
But the stunning 52-year-old – who accessorised her outfit with just a pearl necklace and a white dog - was still subjected to a lengthy and intimate search causing her to miss her flight to Phoenix, Arizona.
The whole event was captured on video by a fellow passenger and follows several other recent videos showing passengers enduring humiliating treatment at the hands of American airport security officials.
Anger has been growing in the US over ‘intimate’ searches involving officers runnig their hands over passengers’ groin areas.
Ms Banovac She told a local paper that an uncomfortable airport search two weeks ago left her feeling violated and she had hoped to avoid a repeat situation.
'If it happened anywhere else, it would have been sexual assault,' she told The Oklahoman of the previous search.
Banovac, 52, brought clothes with her to put on after she and her pet pooch cleared security
An airport spokeswoman told a CBS affiliate that she had to be subjected to the pat-down because she refused to go through the metal detector at all.
Unfortunately for Banovac, security officers then detected traces of nitrates, which can be used to make explosives, on her wheelchair. She believes the traces may have been caused by some medication or a recent hunting trip.
She then endured more than an hour of hand searches and questioning from officers, causing her to miss her flight.
She went home and repeated the security process and pat-down on Wednesday, again in just her underwear.
As no explosives were detected, she was able to make the plane to Phoenix.
Creepy crawly: This giant Egyptian grasshopper was found alive in a bag of supermarket salad
A Sussex woman's lunch almost became a Bushtucker Trial this week when she discovered a live giant grasshopper in a salad bag.
The likes of Alison Hammond and Kayla Collins got close to some creepy critters during Sunday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get me Out Of Here! but an unnamed Brighton woman had a bigger shock after picking up a healthy lunch from a branch of Tesco in Lewes.
The unnamed shopper was about to sit down for lunch on the East Sussex coast when she found the three-inch insect alive and well among her bag of leaves.
Surprise lunch: The Lewes branch of Tesco where a shopper is believed to have bought a salad bag that contained a live grasshopper
The insect had survived a trip from Egypt in the salad bag before it gave the woman a surprise at the dining table.
Showing admirable calm under pressure - especially as her appetite had been undoubtedly spoiled - the woman passed on the creature to the RSPCA, who received the animal on condition of anonymity for the shopper.
The grasshopper - which the National History Museum has verified as Egyptian - has since been re-homed it at nearby Drusillas Zoo, where it was received by spider and insect expert Angela Hale earlier this month.
Harmless: Insect expert Angela Hale said the grasshopper is flourishing in its new home
'To discover a grasshopper in this way is incredibly unusual,' she admitted. 'Although it may give someone a bit of a shock, these insects are completely harmless.
'The grasshopper is in excellent health and settling into her new home, where we hope she will be very happy.'
Appetising: Alison Hammond and Kayla Collins taking on a disgusting Bushtucker Trial on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Ms Hale was able to identify that the grasshopper had made it to the south coast having travelled all the way from Egypt thanks to its distinctive vertically striped eyes, which are particular to this breed of insect.
The 6.5cm insect is believed to be a fully developed female, with a length more common to the fairer sex of the species, and fully developed wing span and colouration.
Ms Hale also received confirmation from the National History Museum that the bug was an Egyptian giant grasshopper, after the London institution viewed pictures of the insect.
A Tesco spokesman said that incidents such as these were 'extremely rare' and offered his apologies to the customer in question.
'All of our products go through quite a lot of processes before it reaches the customer,' he added.
'Incidents like this are extremely rare although an unpleasant surprise is something that can happen on very, very rare occasions.'
Who needs a coat? Partygoers hit the town in snowy Newcastle at the weekend
Temperatures have plunged across the UK, with roads blocked, school closures and heavy snow blanketing huge swathes of the country.
Not that you'd know it from these bracing pictures of female revellers in Newcastle city centre this weekend.
A passenger jet had overshot a runway at the city's airport on Thursday but on Saturday night the girls pictured showed they didn't mind some fog on the Tyne, or snow in the Bigg Market.
The north-east city's racecourse was closed on Saturday after at least six inches of snow fell and Chelsea FC were unable to fly home from their away draw with Newcastle United on Sunday due to the poor weather conditions.
But the cold winds and icy streets were no obstacle for city centre partygoers on Saturday night, as ladies hit the town in the skimpiest of outfits.
Newcastle's women were voted the sexiest in the UK in a 2009 survey and it seemed that the possibility of a coat ruining their revealing outfits was more frightening than freezing to death or having a painful skid on the slippery pavements.
Let's gan doon the Toon: Girls trudge through the snow and ice in Newcastle
No, I'm not cold, honestly: Geordie lasses try to keep warm on a chilly evening According to new research, Northern women wear skirts that are on average 17cm shorter than those worn in the south.
Even in the cold weather, short skirts remain the trend in Newcastle, with sales of mini skirts rising by 28 per cent at one Newcastle store in the last month.
Renowned as one of the friendliest parts of the UK, the Tyne and Wear region is also famed for its bracing weather and locals' apparent imperviousness to cold.
Controversial comedian Jimmy Carr once joked that 'owns a coat' could be used as a put-down in Newcastle and as girls hit the town in cowboy hats, sailor outfits and barely-there dresses, the city's reputation for wearing skimpy clothing whatever the weather looks hard to argue with.
So ingrained is the concept of Geordies' hardiness that researchers last year investigated whether Newcastle natives had naturally thicker skin than their southern counterparts.
Linda Conlon, chief executive of the Centre for Life, said: ‘We decided to investigate the reputation Geordies have for not wearing a coat in even the worst weather.
‘Is there a possible genetic reason for our bravery or is it simply because we like to show off our finery on a night out?’
Cowgirl in the cold: A reveller struggles with the slippery Newcastle streets
Whether the Geordie lasses can continue to defy the cold for the next few weeks remains to be seen, with forecasters warning of another fortnight of sub-zero temperatures.
Michael Dukes, of MeteoGroup, predicted readings of minus 20C in some parts of Scotland this week.
‘You are seeing some ridiculously low temperatures – like the middle of Scandinavia,’ he said.
‘This is certainly an extraordinary cold snap.’
Scotland and the north-east have been the worst affected by the wintry weather so far and police have advised people to stay inside for all but essential travel.
[starttext] A woman and a child watch Christmas lights in Bucharest on November 25, 2010 in a commercial center. Organizers claim a new Guinness World record was set as 449,658 light bulbs were used.
People passing Germany's biggest christmas tree in the city center of Dortmund, western Germany, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010. The 45 meter high giant is made of 1700 norway spruces and illuminated by 48.000 lamps. Christmas markets have been a German tradition for about 600 years and are found in nearly every city in Germany during the Advent season.
BATH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Christmas shoppers browse the offerings at the Bath Christmas Market on November 25, 2010 in Bath, England. Originating in Germany, Christmas markets have become increasingly popular in British cities too, as a way of boosting festive retail sales and visitor numbers.
A couple looks at Christmas lights decorations in a commercial center in Bucharest November 25, 2010. The decorations set a Guinness world record for indoor Christmas lights decoration with 449,658 light bulbs.
Visitors walk through the christmas market down the ferris wheel on November 22 2010 in Metz, eastern France.
Visitors walk through the christmas market down the railway station on the on November 22 2010 in Metz, eastern France.
A giant Christmas tree stands in the middle of Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris ahead of the holiday season in the French capital November 26, 2010.
A giant Christmas tree stands in the middle of Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris, ahead of the holiday season in the French capital, November 26, 2010.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A giant Christmas pyramid spins at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors watch an ornate merry-go-round at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A worker turns over sausages grilling at a stand at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Visitors stroll through the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: A giant Christmas pyramid spins at the illuminated Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
Christmas lights illuminate a central street, on the day Christmas lights were turned on, marking the start of the Christmas season, in Madrid November 26, 2010.
DRESDEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Hand-made nutcrackers from the Ore Mountains stand for sale at the Dresdner Striezelmarkt Christmas market on November 26, 2010 in Dresden, Germany. The Striezelmarkt claims to be Germany's oldest Christmas market and dates back to 1434. Christmas markets have a long tradition in Germany and usually sell gluhwein, Christmas decorations and ornaments, sweets and sausages.
A man places illuminated house models at Germany's oldest Christkindlesmarkt (Christ Child Market) in Nuremberg November 26, 2010. The first official record of this pre-Christmas market dates back to 1628. A list of notices for stall holders from 1737 shows that almost all of Nuremberg's craftsmen were represented. Every year, Germany's traditional markets, such as the centuries-old Christkindlesmarkt in medieval Nuremberg, draw millions of visitors, both local and foreign. They open before the first Sunday of Advent and continue until December 24 at 12 noon.
Shoppers ride an escalator past a Christmas tree late Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at the Chandler Mall in Chandler, Ariz.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
US First lady Michelle Obama (L) with daughters Malia (C) and Sasha (R) check out the White House Christmas tree after it was delivered by horse drawn carriage on November 26, 2010 at the White House in Washington, DC.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
This picture taken on November 26, 2010 shows Christmas lights in the center of Strasbourg, eastern France, on the eve of the opening of the traditional christmas market where more than two millions visitors are expected.
GPO 3D Christmas Light Show. Dublin City Festival of Lights
Preston Melbourne Christmas Lights 1
Preston Melbourne Christmas Lights 4
Great Christmas Light Display In Fairfield
Little Drummer Boy 2010 Light-O-Rama 128 Channel Christmas Light Display, Wichita Kansas
Galt Gardens Christmas Light Display 2010
Christmas Light Night 2010 - Lantern Procession
Brussels Christmas Light-up 27th November 2010
Kimball Nebraska 2010 Christmas Musical Light Show 5
[starttext] NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Shoppers are let into Toys'R'Us 2 hours before the start of Black Friday on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010 in New York City. The stores will remain open for 24 hours nationwide.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: A shopper carries a stack of Toy Story 3 toys at Toys'R'Us on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010, in New York City. The stores, which opened nationwide at 10PM, will remain open for 24 hours for Black Friday.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Shoppers with bags of toys leave Toys'R'Us on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010, in New York City. The stores, which opened nationwide at 10PM, will remain open for 24 hours for Black Friday.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Shoppers check out in Macy's department store in Midtown Manhattan November 26, 2010 in New York City. Christmas shopping season is officially under way as Thanksgiving ends, and early signs point to a solid turnout for holiday shopping season.
People shop at the Century City shopping mall in Los Angeles, California, for the day after Thanksgiving 'Black Friday' sales on November 26, 2010. Black Friday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year and kicks off the holiday shopping season for retailers.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Shoppers look over purses and other items in Macy's department store in Midtown Manhattan November 26, 2010 in New York City. Christmas shopping season is officially under way as Thanksgiving ends, and early signs point to a solid turnout for holiday shopping season.
People shop at the Century City shopping mall in Los Angeles, California, for the day after Thanksgiving 'Black Friday' sales on November 26, 2010. Black Friday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year and kicks off the holiday shopping season for retailers.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: A child sits in a stroller among shopping bags outside of a Midtown Manhattan department store November 26, 2010 in New York City. Christmas shopping season is officially under way as Thanksgiving ends, and early signs point to a solid turnout for holiday shopping season.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Children wait with shopping bags inside Macy's department store on 'Black Friday' shopping day November 26, 2010 in New York City. Christmas shopping season is officially under way as Thanksgiving ends, and early signs point to a solid turnout for holiday shopping season.
NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 26: Shoppers move about in Macy's department store in Midtown Manhattan November 26, 2010 in New York City. Christmas shopping season is officially under way as Thanksgiving ends, and early signs point to a solid turnout for holiday shopping season.
People shop at the Century City shopping mall in Los Angeles, California, for the day after Thanksgiving 'Black Friday' sales on November 26, 2010. Black Friday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year and kicks off the holiday shopping season for retailers.
