Helicopter tragedy will haunt me forever, Leicester’s Schmeichel says
0Shares0000Leicester City’s Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel witnessed the helicopter crash that killed the club’s revered Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha © AFP / Paul ELLISLONDON, United Kingdom, Nov 5 – Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel says the helicopter crash that killed the club’s revered Thai owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha will haunt him forever after he witnessed the tragedy.The 32-year-old Danish international — speaking after Leicester had beaten Cardiff on Saturday in their first match since the crash, which also killed four others — waved the helicopter off following the 1-1 draw with West Ham on October 27. Moments later it came down, with Schmeichel reported to have been stopped by police as he ran towards the burning wreckage.“I was on the pitch and I waved him off,” said Schmeichel, before he flew with teammates and coaching staff to Bangkok to attend Vichai’s funeral.“I saw it all happen. It is something that will stay with me, unfortunately. It’s not a nice memory but I’ve had all the support that I need.“The club has been great and everybody has received the support that they needed.”Schmeichel joined Leicester in 2011, a year after Vichai bought the club, and was a pivotal figure in their fairytale Premier League title win in 2016.He admitted to shaking as he warmed up in Cardiff before the game on Saturday.The goalkeeper, who had the Thai national flag on his gloves, then joined his teammates and backroom staff around the centre circle to pay tribute to Vichai and the other victims.“It was tough,” said Schmeichel, who had grief counselling during the week. “But we wanted to do it for the chairman and his family.Leicester players and backroom staff have flown to Thailand to attend the funeral of late owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha © AFP / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA“We wanted to be together about this, because we’ve all lost what feels like a family member.“Wes (Morgan the captain) said a bit, I said a bit. People had a lot to say because he meant so much to so many people. Everyone wanted to chip in.“He brought everybody here and none of this — the memories, this family he’s built, the culture he’s instilled — would be here without him.”Schmeichel, who faces another emotion-packed game this Saturday when Leicester play their first home match since the tragedy against Burnley, said Vichai transcended the traditional image of a Premier League club owner.“When he took over this club it was in a pretty precarious situation, and to build what he has is quite amazing,” he said.“It’s one thing building a team and a club that can perform on the pitch but we’re more proud of the family that he’s created and the feeling he’s instilled in everybody being welcome.“It doesn’t matter who you are or what kind of position you have at the club. Whether it be player, staff, stadium staff, security — whatever it may be — everyone is equal and part of the family.”0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
0Shares0000This combination of pictures shows Ballon d’Or contenders (clockwise from top left) Luka Modric, Antoine Griezmann, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, Raphael Varane and Kylian Mbappe © AFP / Gabriel BOUYS, Paul ELLIS, Anne-Christine POUJOULAT, Joe KLAMAR, Javier SORIANO, Marco BERTORELLOPARIS, France, Dec 3 – The winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Croatia’s Luka Modric and a host of French World Cup winners all hoping to finally end the 10-year duopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the award for the last decade, claiming it five times each, but the expectation is that a new name will be read out as this year’s winner at just after 10pm (2100 GMT) at the Grand Palais, just off the Champs-Elysees. While Ronaldo won another Champions League with Real Madrid in a typically prolific year, and Messi continues to mesmerise for Barcelona, both are now in their 30s and neither really stamped their authority on the World Cup in Russia.That could be crucial. As FIFA president Gianni Infantino said recently: “You could give the Ballon d’Or to half the France team for what they did at the World Cup.”Six members of the France side that triumphed in Russia are among the 30 nominees for the award, which is organised by France Football magazine and voted for by 180 journalists from around the world.Among them are Paris Saint-Germain’s dazzling teenage forward Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann and Madrid’s Champions League-winning defender Raphael Varane. Hugo Lloris, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are also in the running.The last Frenchman to win the Ballon d’Or was Zinedine Zidane in 1998, on the back of France’s World Cup victory on home soil that year.– New women’s award –But perhaps the lack of one standout French candidate has cleared the path for Modric, who heroically helped drag his country to the World Cup final before being beaten by France in Moscow.The 33-year-old was also brilliant in the Real side that retained their Champions League crown for the second year running, and the Spanish club would love to see him succeed 2016 and 2017 winner Ronaldo, who has since left the Bernabeu for Juventus.Club influences aside, Modric would be a worthy winner, even if he lacks the incredible statistics of Ronaldo and Messi.Recent evidence also goes in favour of the little playmaker, who won the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup before claiming UEFA’s prize for player of the season and FIFA’s best player award in September, beating Mohamed Salah and Ronaldo to the latter.“Modric is an exceptional player. He has shown that throughout his career, not just at Real but also at his former clubs and with his country,” said Real coach Santiago Solari of a player who grew up during Croatia’s independence war.“He must have grown up in a very hard context and I wonder if that helped him to have the character he has.”With Modric emerging as the most likely winner, France coach Didier Deschamps was even asked this weekend if his country’s World Cup triumph could be somehow devalued by the lack of a Ballon d’Or to go alongside it.“I don’t want to get into that debate. I don’t vote. I just hope it is a Frenchman. Whoever wins it will deserve too,” he said.In any case, the gala — which will be presented by a former France player in David Ginola — will include a prize for the best player aged under 21, the Kopa Trophy.Mbappe, who turns 20 later this month, seems a certain winner of that award, voted for by 33 living former Ballon d’Or winners.There is also now a women’s Ballon d’Or prize, voted for by 45 journalists. The 15 nominees include seven players from Lyon, the Champions League winners, and Brazil great Marta, who won the recent FIFA prize.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
RAPHOE NOTESSYMPATHYThe Management Committee, Staff and Volunteers of Raphoe Family Resource Centre would like to extend deepest sympathy to our esteemed Chairperson, Amanda O’ Loughlin, her children Eoin, Nicole, Tommy, Ellie Mae on the recent sad passing of husband and father, Tom. May he rest in peace. MONDAY MORNING DROP-INThe Monday morning drop-in continues in the Family Resource Centre from 10.30am-12.30pm each Monday so why not call in when you are passing for a cup of tea and a chat or bring a newspaper or book and relax in a warm friendly environment. The Family Resource Centre has a book library and you can swop a book anytime you are in. We look forward to seeing you.NEW AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMES:Mondays: – Computer class from 3.00-4.00 p.m. for 3rd & 4th Classes Computers for 5th & 6th Classes, from 4.00-5.00 p.m. Coming soon Young Women’s group for 12 – 15 year olds from 5.30- 7.00p.mTuesdays: – Transition programme (with Springboard) for 6th class in Raphoe Central National School from 2.00 – 2.45 p.m.Homework Club for 3rd & 4th Class from 3.00 – 4.00p.m.Homework Club for 5th & 6th Class from 4.00 – 5.00 p.m.Wednesdays: – Transition programme (with Springboard) for 6th class in St. Eunan’s National School from 1.30 – 2.30 p.m. Recreational for Junior & Senior infants from 2.00 – 3.00.Homework Club for 1st & 2nd Classes from 3.00 – 4.00 p.m.Homework Support for 1st – 6th Class primary students from 5.30 – 6.30 p.m.Youth Cafe for 1st -5th and Transition year students from 7.30 – 9.00 p.m. Thursdays: – Recreational for Junior & Senior infants from 2.00 – 3.00.Homework Club for 1st & 2nd Classes from 3.00 – 4.00 p.m.Coming soon Young Men’s group for 12 – 15 year olds from 5.30- 7.00p.mFriday’s:- Movie Night for 4 -8 year olds from 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. on Friday 22nd February.Movie Night for 9-12 year olds from 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. on Friday 1st March.Parents/guardians are very welcome to come along to help supervise.THE EXCHANGE PROJECTThe Family Resource Centre has been invited by the Playhouse in Derry to participate in an exciting cross-border and cross-community youth project for young people aged between 12 and 16 years of age.Up to 150 young people from 5 youth projects in Donegal and 5 in Derry will be involved in developing a Urban Arts Project in each of their areas as well as each project ‘twinning’ with a project on a cross-border basis. The young people themselves will decide on their own Urban Arts Project, whether that might be animation, D-Jaying, mural painting, production of a DVD or a drama sketch.A field trip to each of the community projects will take place at the end to celebrate the achievements.The Exchange Project commences in March when youth leaders will undertake 30 hours of community arts training, followed by 8 weeks of contact time in each project with a professional community arts practitioner during April and May. In July the cross-border partnership work will take place while in August a 4 day Urban Arts Project will be developed with all 150 young people participating in the one location with the celebratory field trip taking place in September.If you are in the 12-16 years age bracket and would like to take part please contact Diane on 074 9145796. As places are limited it is advisable to book your place early.International Women’s DayInternational Women’s Day held annually on 8th March is an International Day of Celebration where thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Raphoe Family Resource Centre will be hosting a Coffee morning on Friday 8th March where there will be a display celebrating the lives of Women. More details to follow watch this space.COUNSELLING SERVICESRaphoe Family Resource Centre is now in a position to offer a free and confidential weekly counselling service to the general public. This person-centred service will be for those experiencing Bereavement/Loss, Separation, Abuse, Mental Health Difficulties and issues around sexuality. It will operate on an appointment basis only. Contact 086 3601718 after 7.00 p.m.HEALTHY WALKSIf you are in and around Raphoe and would like to keep fit, join us on our Healthy walk every Thursday morning at 9.30 a.m. The group meets in Raphoe Family Resource Centre. Everyone Welcome.LITTLE SMILES WITH BIG DREAMSLittle Smiles with Big Dreams is a parent and toddler group that meet every Wednesday morning at 10.30am –12 noon in the Family Resource Centre. Anyone who is in care of a child where it be an aunt / uncle/ childminder or grandparent is welcome. The kiddies can get involved in Messy play, free play, story time and music time where the adult can enjoy a cuppa tea and meet other adults. Parent and Toddler are a great way to enhance your little one confidence and meet others their age. A light lunch is provided and a small cost of 50 cent per family.ZUMBA CLUB STYLEZumba Club Style classes continues every Monday Night in Raphoe Family Resource Centre at 7.00 p.m. Class cost €5.00 per night. For more information contact 0447519620071FOX N CREW HIP HOP/STREET DANCE CLASSDance Classes in Raphoe Family Resource Centre every Wednesday, 5 – 8 yr olds from 5.00 – 6.00 p.m. and 9 – 15 yr. olds from 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. +Fee €6.00 for further information contact: -0858409804/0876142326WOMEN’S GROUPWomen’s group next meeting is due to take place 4th March at 8.00 p.m.WEEKLY EMPLOYMENT LISTRaphoe Family Resource Centre receives an updated weekly employment list and if you are interested in receiving this list please contact 074 9145796 or call into the Centre for more details.BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS:Do you know that Raphoe Family Resource Centre is available for children’s birthday parties and special occasions? To find out more please contact the Centre on 074 9145796.RAPHOE BADMINTON CLUBRaphoe Badminton Club’s Annual Badminton Tournament commences on Thursday 21st February in the Recreation Hall with usual events run. Finals will be played on Friday 8th March. For further details contact Joe Magee 074 9145451 after 7.00 p.m., or Sammy Magee on 0749145444 or check out the Raphoe Badminton Club page on Facebook.ST. MARYS GAELIC 4 MOTHERS & OTHERSTraining every Wednesday Night at 8:15p.m.If you are 18 years and over and would like to get fit, learn a new skill,have fun and meet new friends then this is the team for you!RAPHOE BOXING CLUBOn Sunday next Raphoe’s female middle-weight Caroline Connolly will box in the finals of the National Senior Championships in Dublin when she is faces 3 times National Senior Champion, Sinead Kavanagh of Drimnagh Dublin in 75kgs division.On Sunday evening last Raphoe boxers Keith Mc Kinney, Patrick Friel and Denis Lafferty were in action at a major tournament in St Mary’s Hall Convoy and Club coach Gary Mc Cullagh said he was over the moon with the performances of his three up and coming boxing stars.On Sunday evening next Raphoe boxers, Liam Crawford, Charlie Mc Donagh and Denis Lafferty will be in action in Dunfanaghy when the local club play host to a highly rated Co. Roscommon select in the Osman Centre Dunfanaghy and this tournament gets under way at 3p.m. sharp. Raphoe boxing coach Gary Mc Cullagh is at an advanced stage with the match-making for the clubs major boxing show on Friday 15th March in the Cathedral Hall. More details of this tournament will appear in the press in the coming weeks.LAUNCH OF DONEGAL BORDER VILLAGES WEBSITEOn Thursday 14th February Raphoe Family Resource Centre hosted the launch of Donegal Co. Council’s Border Villages Social Integration Project’s Donegal Border Villages Website www.donegalbordervillages.com The website, which was launched by the Mayor of Donegal, Councillor Frank Mc Brearty will afford local community groups, organizations and individuals to access information on what is taking place in their local areas, and to upload information about events and activities on to the website. Staff from the Family Resource Centre have been trained to upload information so please feel free to contact the Centre on 074 9145796 or email raphoefrc@eircom.net.Please note that all notes should be placed in the box provided in Raphoe Post Office by a Thursday before 4.00 p.m. or alternatively can be dropped into Raphoe Family Resource Centre or e-mailed to raphoefrc@eircom.net every Thursday to meet the print deadline.DD LOCAL: RAPHOE COMMUNITY NEWS was last modified: February 16th, 2013 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:DD LOCAL: RAPHOE COMMUNITY NEWS
There was an ‘eggcellent’ turnout for the Easter Letterkenny Parkrun this morning.The event was won by Marcus Mc Clintock in a time of 19.24, but in the true spirit of Parkrun every participant is a winner! The 5k course at St. Conal’s Hospital Grounds includes Letterkenny Town Park.This 5k is unique in that it is free of charge and is held every Saturday at 9.30 AM.It is open to walkers ,joggers, fun runners, and elite runners who visit from time to time attempting to set a new course record.The emphasis is on having fun and enjoying yourself – why not join in next week? More information can be found on their website or Facebook page.Thanks to all participants, but a special thanks to all the volunteers who ensure the event is run in a smooth and safe fashion. Picture Special: ‘Eggcellent’ turnout for this morning’s Letterkenny park run was last modified: April 16th, 2017 by Elaine McCalligShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
A CO DONEGAL man with 465 previous criminal convictions has been remanded in custody – accused of destroying an electronic tag he was supposed to wear while out on bailEamon Edward John Lynch (39) from Glentrain in Letterkenny is charged with stealing and destroying electronic security tags in October 31, 2010.Derry Magistrates Court heard he had been ordered to wear them while on bail for other criminal charges. A police officer told the court a bench warrant for his arrest had also been executed.There was no bail application and Lynch was remanded in custody to appear before the same court again next month.CO DONEGAL MAN HAS 465 CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, COURT HEARS was last modified: October 23rd, 2012 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:CO DONEGAL MAN HAS 465 CRIMINAL CONVICTIONSCOURT HEARS
An Garda Síochána has defended its closure of 100 stations across the country including five here in Donegal.In reaction to national newspaper reports today on another €10M cut from the policing budget, Gardai in Dublin issued its Policing Plan 2013 swhich ets out the details of the Garda station closures approved by the Minister for Justice and Equality.The statement said: “A total of one hundred Garda stations will close in 2013. The closure of these Garda stations will be on a phased basis with the stations included in the first phase closing on the 31st January 2013. “The Garda District and Station Consolidation programme is one of the current strategic organisation development programmes being undertaken by An Garda Síochána, and seeks to build on the efficiencies that have been achieved to date.“The Garda District and Station Consolidation Programme provides for effectiveness and efficiencies through a programme of restructuring and reconfiguration of our service delivery methods, concomitant with changes to work practices within the new rostering arrangements already introduced.“The revised structures will continue to support our community policing philosophy through the clustering of services at policing hubs. The centralisation of services will facilitate the introduction of an enhanced grid patrolling system that will be operational and intelligence led.“This patrol system will ensure that a high visibility and community oriented policing service continues to be delivered throughout the country and will yield the following benefits: # Increased Garda visibility and patrol hours# Increased mobility and flexibility within an area resulting in an improved policing service to the public.# Enhanced co-ordination of Garda activity resulting in a greater visibility and presence in the communities.# More effective use of limited resources across a wider area.# Continued Garda presence in communities. Details of the 95 Garda stations set to close on the 31st January 2013 and the Sub-Districts that will deliver the policing service to the area currently policed from these stations can be found on www.garda.ieGARDAI DEFEND STATION CLOSURE PLAN was last modified: January 19th, 2013 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
The Dubai Irish St.Patrick’s day Ball was held at the Atlantis resort on the Palm Jumeriah and was a great success with all involved enjoying a fantastic night’s entertainment, there also was a large Donegal connection in attendance at the glitzy event. Over 600 people attended the event, with the vast majority of the crowd being of Irish descent. Most of the Irish at the Ball have arrived in Dubai over the past five years although some have been here for up to 40 years. (Pictured above is Paddy McKeever with wife Sarah. Paddy is originally from Inishowen.)Dubai Irish Society is the oldest expat society in the UAE and has been running for 39 years, since 1974. (Pictured above is Helen Boland form Ballyshannon) The night was generously sponsored by Bonnington Group (originating in Fanad), Emirates Airlines, Dubai Duty Free, Diageo and Pernod Ricard. LARGE DONEGAL GATHERING AT DUBAI IRISH SOCIETY ST. PATRICK’S DAY BALL was last modified: March 26th, 2013 by gregShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:Donegal ConnectionDubai Irish SocietyGlitz and GlamourSt.Patrick’s day Ball
Gardai have raided the premises of Ferry Refuse under the Waste Management Act.The raid, which was carried out by a number of agencies, took place yesterday afternoon.A spokesman for the Garda Press Office confirmed to Donegal Daily that officers from various agencies visited the premises at Rossbracken, off the dual carriageway at Letterkenny. The spokesman said that as the investigation was still ongoing, no other details could be disclosed at this time.A judge said recently that the owner of Ferry Refuse, Jim Ferry, should be jailed for contempt of court orders.Once detained and brought to prison, the only way Ferry could be freed is by showing the court that he is complying with an order it made last April, the High Court was told.The Irish Times report that the order directed Ferry, described as a serial dumper, to clean up an 11-acre illegal dump he was operating in at Rossbracken near Letterkenny. The site is in a special area of conservation and is on the Wild Atlantic Way near Lough Swilly.It was found last year to contain between 28,000 and 36,000 tons of illegally dumped household waste that had been buried and several thousand tons more hidden in sheds and strewn around the site. The waste was leaching toxic leachate into a stream flowing into the lough.In what is believed to be the first case of its kind, Donegal County Council pursued Ferry to the extent of asking for his imprisonment because of his record of persistent illegal dumping, for which he has District Court convictions, and for failing to comply with the April High Court order.“While I hear civil cases, I have never had occasion to send an individual to prison,” Mr Justice Max Barrett said as he considered the case. “I am afraid that I am faced with the circumstance where there is a constant, deliberate and willful refusal to comply with the court order.”He said he had thought about jailing Ferry for a specific length of time but, because of the evidence, he resolved to issue a committal order “whereby Mr Ferry will be lodged in prison until he purged his contempt”. Ferry, who runs two waste companies in Donegal – Ferry’s Refuse Collection Limited and Ferry’s Refuse Recycling Limited – was present for the case and was accompanied by two male supporters.Representing himself, he denied refusing to comply with the order, claiming he could not comply because he could not find a legal way of removing and disposing of the Rossbracken waste.Gardai raid Manorcunningham premises under Waste Management Act was last modified: August 30th, 2017 by Staff WriterShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:donegaldumpingFerry RefuseGardaiinvestigation
SAN JOSE — Sharks forward Barclay Goodrow spent the first four seasons of his professional career fighting for an NHL job. Now he knows where he’s going to be for at least the next two years.The Sharks announced Thursday afternoon that they’ve signed Goodrow to a two-year contract extension that goes through the 2020-2021 season. Goodrow, 25, was slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights at the end of this season.A source confirmed Goodrow’s deal carries an average …
(Visited 639 times, 1 visits today)FacebookTwitterPinterestSave分享0 Evolutionary stories work best in a vacuum. Fossils have a way of forcing Darwinians to face unexpected realities.Once upon a time, five million Darwin Years ago, Australia evolved from a forested land to a grassland. The ancestors of kangaroos, unable to see over the grass, evolved to stand upright. Finding it difficult to get around through the grass, they evolved to hop over it. And that, children, is how the kangaroo learned to hop.That old story just got jumped on. A fossil “kangaroo cousin” four times older in Darwin Years than the hero of How the Kangaroo Learned to Hop, was already hopping long before the grass arrived, back when Australia was a forest. That’s just part of the problem Darwinians have to deal with now that fossils have been re-analyzed by Swedish scientists. Bob Yirka sets the stage on Phys.org: by repeating the tale in slightly more sophisticated terms. (Note: evolutionists often call themselves “scientists” and call their stories “research.”)Scientists have been puzzling over the history of kangaroo hopping for many years—because of the lack of kangaroo fossils older than 2 million years, though, it has been difficult to pinpoint when they evolved from walking or climbing creatures to animals that stand upright and get around by hopping. Prior research has suggested that the development of hopping was the result of a changing climate—Australia was once a lot wetter than it is today, with forests covering land that is now overrun with grasses. Standing upright in grasslands is advantageous, as can be seen in prairie dog behavior in parts of the U.S.; hopping is a way to move very quickly in such an environment, as observed with rabbits, most of which are also native to grasslands.Kangaroo (public domain)Already problems are apparent in this tale. Rabbits don’t stand upright, and prairie dogs don’t hop. If natural selection were a law of nature, wouldn’t every mammal in grassland have become like a kangaroo? Similarly, not all hoofed herbivores in Africa grow long necks; look at zebras and wildebeest. It would seem easier for giraffes to learn to eat the grass than grow long necks to reach the leaves of the trees. But now, Yirka tells about the kicker in the latest fossil discovery:In this new effort, the researchers have found evidence that suggests hopping might have started long before grasslands took over large parts of Australia, casting doubt on current theories about the evolutionary timeline of kangaroo hopping.Balbarids were a diverse group of extinct mammals that evolutionists call “distant cousins” and “ancestors” of kangaroos. If that were the case, though, why were they superior to modern kangaroos in many ways? Sam Wong at New Scientist describes a world more blessed with variety than ours. His opening artwork makes Australia look impoverished by comparison:An ancient group of kangaroo relatives called balbarids had multiple ways of getting around, including hopping, bounding and climbing. The finding may mean we have to rethink how modern day kangaroos came to hop.Wong should have said “will mean evolutionists have to rethink,” not “may mean we have to rethink,” because only Darwinians came up with the story in the first place. Now, they have been falsified.Kangaroo evolution has been difficult to piece together because there are very few fossils older than one or two million years. The prevailing view of kangaroo evolution is that they began hopping when the climate in Australia became drier and wiped out many forests, but new fossil evidence suggests that their relatives were hopping much earlier.It’s a bit audacious to call one’s tale the “prevailing view.” And if climate change caused kangaroo evolution, wasn’t that a good thing? Maybe it will help humans learn to hop and get around faster.Benjamin Kear at Uppsala University and his team has upset the “prevailing view” by taking a closer look at fossils that had been used for divination to weave images of walking balbarids. Kear’s reanalysis “suggest that some balbarids galloped, some hopped, and some climbed in trees.”That’s true of modern kangaroos too, if you look beyond the most famous among them. There are rat kangaroos that scurry in the undergrowth and burrow, and tree kangaroos that live in the forests of New Guinea. Short-faced giant kangaroos, which went extinct 30,000 years ago, walked on two legs like us.So what evolved? Ancestral “kangaroo cousins” were already hopping 20,000 Darwin Years ago. Animals on this lineage apparently competed in the pentathlon, not just the 440m hop. If grasslands forced kangaroos to stand upright and hop, why did the rat kangaroos miss out? They scurry in the undergrowth and burrow. That seems a lesser challenge for evolution than rearranging the whole body for hopping.That means we have to rethink how and when kangaroos came to hop. “Hopping didn’t evolve with the climate; hopping was already there and took advantage of environmental change when it occurred,” says Kear.In most sciences, falsification entails retraction. The old story was wrong. Darwinians should be throwing it into the trash can. But expert storytellers that they are, this news actually made them excited. Now they have a wonderful new plot line for the revised edition of How the Kangaroo Learned to Hop. Sam Wong writes:This versatility has been key to kangaroos’ success, enabling them to exploit a huge range of terrestrial environments, says Kear. The origin of hopping goes all the way back to virtually the beginning of kangaroo evolution, he says.Did they exploit by intelligent design? No; according to Darwin’s view, nature did it to them through selection of small chance variations. In all the celebration going on now among the Darwinians about this new plot line, perceptive onlookers may notice something odd. They never did answer the question. How did a four-footed walking mammal evolve into a well-balanced hopping machine? This is no small feat for the feet.Eastern gray kangaroos hop along on their powerful hind legs and do so at great speed. An eastern gray kangaroos can reach speeds of over 35 miles an hour and travel for long distances at 15 miles an hour. Their bounding gate allows them to cover 25 feet in a single leap and to jump 6 feet high. (National Geographic)The physiological requirements for such abilities are not trivial. Everything – from the feet, the legs, the muscles, the nerves, the balance organs, the digestive system, the brain and even the reproductive system – must be adequate for that kind of motion. For now, we (actually they) have to rethink kangaroo evolution. Scientists (that is, evolutionists) will need to continue their research (that is, storytelling) to come up with a new prevailing view (that is, dogma).Darwin has rigged his storytelling empire so that it cannot lose. If an animal is unique, it evolved. If an animal is versatile, it evolved. If an order of animals is both unique and versatile, it evolved. If it evolved because of the environment, it evolved. If it evolved in spite of the environment, it evolved. Fossils are versatile divination tools to Darwinians, allowing them to come to opposite analyses that still prove evolution. Evolutionists actually enjoy challenges, because they allow them to watch their hero Charlie perform in another Olympic high hurdle event. The higher the hurdles, the better. He’s Duperman, leaping over tall falsifications in a single bound. And no matter how many hurdles he knocks over on the way, he always gets the medal. Why? Because he is the only competitor allowed in the event. The lapdog media will report his triumph as “the prevailing view” that Charlie is the greatest scientist in the history of the world.