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Thursday, 16 August 2012

The Daily: 16 August

By Sophie Thrower
The town of Totnes goes into battle with Costa

In the idyllic town of Totnes, Devon, local residents are rebelling against the installation of a Costa Coffee branch being opened in the area. Campaigning with a simple sign that reads 'Adios Costa!' the community are attempting to undermine the potential arrival of the branch by hanging banners of protest, boycotting the cafe and even contemplating hosting an official day of mourning. Totnes is renowned for being particularly proud of its local heritage, championing renewable energy schemes and independently run shops, in a bid to encourage sustainable living systems. Residents of Totnes fear that if Costa succeeds, their town will lose its traditional identity, as the presence of well-known brands will prevent tourists from exploring the original services that the town has to offer.

Allotment police installed to verify productivity

Sixty-year-old gardener, Michael Rock, faces being evicted from his allotment plot after growing fruit trees instead of vegetables. His plot bears 11 plants, comprising of pear, plum, apple, cherry and apricot trees, which are in conflict with new rules established by the local council. These state that three quarters of the land must bear 'productive crops' such as vegetables. Rock says he had previously grown more typical vegetable crops, but the harvest was so large that he wasted a lot of the produce, so he began cultivating fruit instead. Despite taking Hastings borough council to court, and losing his case on the grounds that his crops occupied an insufficient area of land, Rock seeks to continue his fight against the council's allotment policing.

Prince Philip returns to hospital Prince Philip

Yesterday afternoon, Prince Philip was driven to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary suffering from a bladder infection. During a stay at Balmoral Castle with other members of the Royal family, the duke was admitted for a reoccurrence of the infection, which he initially suffered during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Despite recently stating that he was going to lessen his commitments, the 91-year-old has been seen completing royal duties at Cowes regatta over the past few days, where he was reported to be in good spirits. He was likewise seen frequently throughout the Olympic celebrations, where he also appeared to be in good health. Prince Philip is currently Britain's longest-serving royal consort, and the Queen has recently praised him for his constant strength, guidance and support.

Gorilla brothers are reunited after three years apart

Gorilla brothers Kesho and Alf have been reunited at Longleat Safari Park after being separated for almost three years. Born at Dublin zoo, Kesho was later separated from Alf after being selected to partake in a breeding programme, which saw the brothers being housed in different zoos. Upon being reunited, the brothers were involved in a series of endearing greetings, engaging in a big hug, handshakes, and some play fighting. During his time away, Kesho transformed into a dominant Silverback gorilla, weighing in at 35 stone, but nine-year-old Alf was still able to recognise his older brother, as gorillas identify each other by the shape of their noses. Gorilla keepers have noted the incredible bond between the two brothers, who are acting as though they have never been apart.

Male moths can find their mate from an entire football pitch away

Research conducted by a team from Montana State University has shown that male moths are able to spot a female from the other end of a football pitch, which typically spans 100 metres. Even more impressive is that the male moth is still able to identify her if she alters her smell, thanks to a gene mutation in his antenna. The discovery has contributed to scientists' understanding of insect genetics, specifically the details of the pheromones emitted by moths, and how their mates respond.



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