The Saturday Matrix: Saturday 21 May 2011

Nick Clegg snubbed over Obama meeting

The White House has turned down a request by Lib-Dem leader Nick Clegg for a one-to-one meeting with Barack Obama on his first state visit to Britain this week. MORE

Jude Law’s case to be tried next year

Jude Law’s claim has been named as one of the lead cases in the News of the World phone-hacking litigation. His is one of several selected cases due to be tried by Mr Justice Vos at the High Court in January next year. MORE

Security forces kill 21 demonstrators

Syrian security forces opened fire on thousands of demonstrators who poured on to the streets yesterday. At least 21 people were killed while taking part in rallies across the country, many in Homs.

Fukushima boss quits after apology

The president of the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant has quit. At a press conference, Masataka Shimizu, of Tokyo Electric Power Co, apologised for “undermining confidence in nuclear power”. MORE

Internet craze claims its second victim

Planking, the craze of having a photo taken lying face down in often bizarre places, has claimed another victim. A 20-year-old man was hurt when he was thrown from a moving car.

Fears of mass whale stranding off island

Experts were on standby last night to prevent what could be the UK’s worst mass stranding, after 100 pilot whales were seen in trouble off the Hebridean island of South Uist. MORE

Man runs 66 ultra-marathons

A businessman was last night due to complete a record attempt to run 66 ultra-marathons in 66 days and raise thousands of pounds for charity. Andy McMenemy ran marathons in each of the 66 official UK cities.

Armageddon starts today at 6pm sharp

A group of US evangelists believe the world will end at 6pm local time today – whatever part of the globe you happen to be in. They have hired buses to carry slogans such as “Blow the trumpet! Warn the people!” MORE

Pastoral intrusion on daily commute

Drivers could be forgiven for having a beef about delays yesterday after a cow strayed on to Britain’s busiest motorway. As police halted traffic, the creature was coaxed back to its field beside the M25.

Teenage drug user ‘informs on himself’

An 18-year-old has been charged with drug possession – after informing on himself. The teenager accidentally pocket-dialled 911 while discussing a drug deal.

Time out for newly found jungle tribe

An Amazonian tribe has been discovered that has no concept of time or dates. The Amondawa people of Brazil do not even have words for “time”, “week”, “month” or “year”.