PC Konk the clown strip-searched by airport security guards - because they thought he was a terrorist

Daily Mail, UK, 22 December, 2008--The stunned 60-year-old was frisked by guards and ordered to remove his comedy costume down to his shorts and T-shirt after setting off an alarm at Birmingham International Airport.

He was even ordered to hand over his plastic handcuffs as they were deemed a 'risk' before eventually being allowed to board his flight.

Mr Vaughan, a children's entertainer for 25 years, had been booked by Variety Club Midlands to perform for disadvantaged youngsters on a one-hour circular flight known as the Search for Santa.

'I couldn't believe it when they told me to get undressed so they could search me,' he said at his home in Shard End, Birmingham.

'I showed them my police clown identity card, which had my picture next to my credentials as a member of the Criminal Insane Department, but I don't think that really helped.

'My plastic scissors and camera got through fine, as did my funny glasses and bubble machine, but then they discovered my toy handcuffs.

'I told them I had bought them from the Early Learning Centre especially for the trip but they still said they were a risk. I suppose they have to be really safety-conscious nowadays, but I've never had this problem before when I've been to international clown conventions abroad.'

Security guards spent ten minutes examining PC Konk's outfit and eventually released him when they discovered his costume featured a metal band which held up his pantaloons - the reason he set off the alarm.

After entertaining the 100 children with his funny songs and jokes on the flight, he was reunited with his handcuffs when the plane landed.

David Dunckly, spokesman for Variety Club Midlands, said: 'It's ridiculous that they needed to strip-search PC Konk right down to his shorts.

'He told us that he normally uses pink fluffy handcuffs, but they have a little bit of metal in, so he thought plastic ones would be safer.

'PC Konk has always been great with the kids and we were all rather shocked when we found out he had been strip-searched in a private room. Thankfully, he was let through in the end - but it's security gone mad.'

Birmingham International Airport's website states that a team of 300 security guards is employed for the benefit of public safety.

Passengers are advised that any sharp or pointed items should not be carried on to planes, or they could be confiscated and destroyed.

But there is no mention of children's toys or plastic handcuffs.

An airport spokesman said: 'PC Konk certainly did a great job of keeping everyone at the airport entertained. However, he was required to give in his handcuffs in line with national security regulations.

'He then passed speedily through before getting on with the important job of putting smiles on the faces of the Variety Club children, who all enjoyed a day to remember.'

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Ouch! Quch! Painful Bow Hunting Experience! Auckland, New Zealand, GDI, Monavie, David, Lim, davidlim

Warning: This page contain explicit, open wound picture. Parental guidance is required!

Please be careful who you bring on your hunting trip! It is just like who you choose as your partner for business! See pictures below yourself! You can click on the picture by larger view. Picture supplied by TheKiwi.

Dead Man Won US$71 Million! Auckland, New Zealand, GDI, Monavie

On the day that Donald Peters died, he unknowingly provided financial security for his wife of 59 years and their family.

Peters bought two Connecticut Lottery tickets at a local store on November 1 as part of a 20-year tradition he shared with his wife Charlotte.

Later that day, the 79-year-old retired hat factory worker suffered a fatal heart attack while working in his yard in Danbury.

On Friday, his widow cashed in one of the tickets: a US$10 million [A$17 million] winner which, in her grief over her husband's death, she had put aside and almost discarded before recently checking the numbers.

"I'm numb," Charlotte Peters, 78, said at Connecticut Lottery office.

She does not yet know what she will do with the money.

"I've always wanted a Corvette, but I don't think I'll buy one. I'll stick to a small car. I might go to Mohegan Sun," she said, referring to the casino in Connecticut.

"I'm going to go home and sit and think."

The Peters children think their father would have appreciated the irony.

"He'd be very mad, he just passed away and she won a lot of money," said Brian Peters, one of the couple's three children.

"He'd say, 'Figures!'"

The Peters had three children and two grandchildren.

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The tiny Chihuahua who thinks he's a Buddhist monk. Auckland, New Zealand GDI

He is admired for his impeccable zen and ability to radiate a sense of inner peace.

And while other Buddhists may have to wait years to reach enlightenment, this devotee seems to have attained Nirvana in just two.

Unfortunately, appearances can be deceptive, especially when the "monk" in question is a Chihuahua named Conan.

The tiny dog actually launches into "prayer" when he wants treats - and is richly rewarded by impressed visitors.

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Praying Buddhist Dog

Zen-like: Practice makes perfect for Conan whose prayers are answered (usually very quickly) with treats

Conan, a two-year-old male with black hair and soulful eyes, begins his routine by standing beside a priest before the altar and staring intently at a statue of a Buddhist deity.

When the priest begins to chant and raises his clasped hands, the little dog also lifts his paws and joins them at the tip of his nose

He is now the top attraction at his Japanese temple.

"He started to pose in prayer like us whenever he wanted treats," said priest Joei Yoshikuni.

"Clasping hands is a basic action of Buddhist prayer to show appreciation. He may be showing his thanks for treats and walks."

"It's so funny that he does it," said Kazuko Oshiro, 71, who has been going to Jigenin temple on the southern island of Okinawa for more than 25 years.

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Buddhist praying dog

It's a dog's life: Conan's prayer pose is perfect

"He gets angry when somebody else sits on his favourite spot. He must be thinking that it's his special place."

Conan may not be as devout as first appearances indicate but he does seem to have brought his temple home good luck.

Visitor numbers have swelled by 30 per cent since his arrival and he a particular attraction for younger people.

"I'm glad that people feel more comfortable visiting the temple because of Conan," Yoshikuni added.