Science's cup bubbles over
Different-shaped glasses really do affect the experience of drinking champagne, a study has shown. Bubbly poured into a long narrow flute provides more of a 'nose-tingle' than when served in a wide and shallow coupe.
The reason is that much higher levels of carbon dioxide collect at the top of a flute, and carbon dioxide irritates sensory nerves in the nose. The effect of bubbles was an essential part of the champagne drinkers' experience, scientists from the University of Reims in France wrote in the online journal 'Public Library of Science ONE'.
Long-distance call saves men
A BRITISH adventurer whose tent was destroyed in a storm in Iceland called his father in the UK for help, the coastguard said.
Alex Hibbert was involved in an expedition to the Vatnajokull ice cap with a friend when the pair got into difficulties. The 25-year-old used a satellite phone to contact his father in Portsmouth, Hampshire, who alerted Solent Coastguard. The case was passed on to Falmouth Coastguard, which contacted the Icelandic authorities and a successful rescue mission was launched.
Hamster's spin on wheel of fortune
AN abandoned hamster dumped in freezing conditions with a note saying "I cannot afford to look after her any more" has been named 'Snowball' by vets.
The Blue Cross is looking for a new home for the unwanted pet as the charity warns of growing evidence of owners abandoning animals as economic pressures mount. The one-year-old albino, a female, was found by a commuter by bins in the Pimlico area of central London.
The Blue Cross said there was a 28pc rise in animals being dumped or abandoned last year -- an increase it puts down to financial pressures on pet owners.
Windy City axes winning design
CHICAGO has axed the winning design for its 2012-13 vehicle registration sticker -- because some people think it depicts street gang signs. The sticker, which goes on the inside of a car windscreen, was designed by a 15-year-old boy who attends a school for troubled youth.
It includes the city's skyline inside a heart, with hands pointing toward a police hat, firefighter helmet and paramedic symbol. The boy said it was meant to honour city firefighters, paramedics and police. A city official said the design had to be scrapped because of the suffering caused by gang violence.
'Big Yin' to play a dwarf warrior
BILLY Connolly will play a dwarf after signing up to Peter Jackson's movie version of 'The Hobbit'. The Scottish comic and actor will play Dain Ironfoot, a great dwarf warrior, in the two-part film prequel to JRR Tolkien's 'The Lord Of The Rings'. Jackson won huge acclaim for the original Rings trilogy.
He confirmed the casting in an interview with the 'Hollywood Reporter'. Martin Freeman is starring in the lead role of hobbit Bilbo Baggins, while his 'Sherlock' co-star Benedict Cumberbatch plays Smaug the dragon.
Two saxophonists for 'The Boss'
BRUCE Springsteen has announced that two saxophonists, including Clarence Clemons's nephew, will join his upcoming world tour with the E Street Band. The announcement was made yesterday on Springsteen's website. Springsteen says longtime collaborator Eddie Manion will "share the saxophone role" with Jake Clemons.
Returning singers Cindy Mizelle and Curtis King, trombonist Clark Gayton and trumpeter Curt Ramm also will be on the tour, along with newcomer Barry Danielian on trumpet. The tour starts on March 18 in Atlanta.
Irish Independent
