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fb8640a7fd0eaba16e42726047fb284549577518 | Washington (CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration took steps Friday to fire 36 screeners and bosses at Hawaii's Honolulu International Airport after an investigation substantiated allegations that bags were allowed on planes without proper screening. The firing is believed the biggest in the agency's history, and officials said it underscores that they will not tolerate employees who compromise security. In March, Honolulu's KITV 4 News reported that TSA officers assigned to a morning shift regularly allowed checked bags to be loaded onto flights on nine daily departures without being screened for explosives. Sources told the TV station that the lapses occurred for as long as four months and involved thousands of checked bags. CNN confirmed the investigation. TSA officers are required to screen 100 percent of all checked bags before they are stored in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. TSA officials said they did not know exactly how many bags were allowed onto flights without being inspected but said the lapse took place during the last four months of 2010. A TSA official said that in addition to rank-and-file screeners and some supervisors, the airport's federal security director and assistant federal security director for screening have received letters proposing their removal. A number of TSA employees also are being recommended for suspensions, the agency said. "TSA holds its work force to the highest ethical standards, and we will not tolerate employees who in any way compromise the security of the traveling public," Administrator John Pistole said in a statement. "We have taken appropriate action through our newly established Office of Professional Responsibility and are committed to ensuring our high security standards are upheld in Hawaii and throughout the country." The TSA said that after it became aware of the problem, it took steps to ensure that every bag is properly screened at the airport. The TSA routinely tests security operations to ensure that protocols are being followed. The TSA said it used closed-circuit TV, random inspections, covert tests, and peer and management oversight to check on the integrity of the system. | NEW: Firings believed to be largest in agency history .
TSA says it wants to fire 36 employees in Hawaii .
Agency said bags not properly screened . |
fb867dff99ef2f9170196d2fdf19e1fbf23d9760 | By . Naseer Ganai . PUBLISHED: . 18:21 EST, 12 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:56 EST, 12 August 2013 . Fresh violence in Kishtwar left 10 people injured, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), as J&K home minister Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo resigned from the cabinet on Monday over accusations of inciting violence in the town. Trouble started on Monday when police tried to stop protesters from marching to the Hidyal area in Kishtwar defying the curfew in the town. The curfew has been in place in Kishtwar and eight other districts of Jammu since Friday when communal violence erupted in Kishtwar town killing three people and injuring over 30. Clash: J&K security personnel chase away protestors at a march during the local curfew. Ten people were injured in the clashes . Locals were protesting against the arrest of a youth for his alleged involvement in Friday's clash. ASP Kulbir Singh and a Selection Grade Constable were among six people injured in the clashes on Monday. Police said four policemen were injured on Sunday night in Kishtwar when unknown miscreants attacked their vehicle and set it on fire. All-party meet . To contain the communal tension, chief minister Omar Abdullah chaired an all-party meeting in Jammu. He told the leaders present in the meeting that the state government has ordered a time-bound judicial inquiry into the violence by a retired judge of the high court. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, the MLA from Kishtwar whom the BJP is accusing of instigating violence in the town, said since the chief minister has ordered a probe into the incident, he has resigned so that the investigation is free and fair. Resignation: Jammu and Kashmir home minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo pictured after tendering his resignation over allegations that he had fueled the Kishtwar violence . "From Jammu to New Delhi, the BJP did everything to malign my image. My presence in Kishtwar saved hundreds of lives and people from both communities - Muslims and Hindus - have faith on me. "But the BJP wants to create political capital out of Kishtwar riots. I would deny them that chance. My secular credentials cannot be doubted. I get votes from both the communities," Kichloo told Mail Today. Resignation . Kichloo was in Kishtwar, which is his hometown and home constituency, when the riots broke out in the district after Eid prayers. He said his uncle had died and it was the reason he was in the constituency. "My family and I have a track record of 60 years in politics. My father late Bashir Ahmad Kichloo and I have always stood for probity and transparency in public life and secularism has been the bedrock of our political ideology," 45-year-old Kichloo said. Reminding the BJP of 2002 riots in . Gujarat, Kichloo said: "I take strong exception to what Mr Arun Jaitley . has said. Did Modi resign after Gujarat? What happened to Amit Shah who . is now the star campaigner of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh? "Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones on others." Omar Abdullah, too, hit out at the BJP after the latter created uproar over Kishtwar riots in Parliament. Reminding . the saffron party of 2002 Gujarat riots, he tweeted: "Would (Arun) Jaitley be so kind as to inform Parliament whether the Gujarat home . minister or MoS Home resigned or even offered to in 2002!" Omar also . identified the three persons killed in the violence. "Three . unfortunate deaths - 1 Hindu, 2 Muslim and we've a judicial inquiry . with my minister resigning. Would the BJP care to recount 2002 . response?" Angry Omar . Soon after the violence broke out in Kishtwar, the Jammu and Kashmir government had called out the Army for a flag march in the town. "Oh that's right they can't because their star PM hopeful waited days to call out the army and has yet to apologise. Hypocrites," Omar's third tweet read. The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party accused the chief minister of playing "communal politics" by disclosing that two Muslims and one Hindu were killed in the clashes. Party president Mehbooba Mufti said the chief minister had no business to divide victims on religious lines. "He made it communal," Mehbooba said. A government spokesman said Omar has announced immediate relief of up to Rs 2 lakh each in favour of affected house owners and shopkeepers whose properties have been damaged or looted in the clashes. Unhappy with the state government's response in handling the violence in Kishtwar, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sent a law and order maintenance advisory to Omar. In the advisory, the home ministry has told the state government that the violence may spread to other parts and asked it to ensure that no such incident is repeated anywhere else. Assuring all help, the Centre said adequate forces would be deployed in all sensitive places to maintain law and order. Police on Monday arrested Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik. Malik had planned to go for peaceful march against Kishtwar violence. Free hand: Defence minister A K Antony has given a clear message to Army commanders that they are free to respond to ceasefire violations as they see fit . By Gautam Datt . Fireworks are expected to intensify on the Line of Control (LoC) as the army has been given a free hand by the government to respond appropriately to ceasefire violations in the wake of the killing of five Indian soldiers by Pakistan army regulars in Poonch sector last week. The message has gone loud and clear to formation commanders by Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh and he has also advised them to remain aggressive while guarding the sanctity of the LoC. Sources said local formations have been asked to retaliate with force any violation of ceasefire through heavy fire. Apart from the LoC, even the international border has witnessed flare ups in recent days with firing also reported from the Jammu sector. Pakistan has claimed one of its civilians has been killed in the firing in Sialkot. Sources said there was no ambiguity that Pakistan army regulars were behind the Poonch killing and it was sternly conveyed to the Pakistan Army when director generals of military operations of two sides spoke to each other a day after the incident. The Indian Army will now respond at a tactical level either through heavy retaliatory firing or by making cross border raids. By Qaswar Abbas and agencies . The Nawaz Sharif government has no immediate plan to grant the most favoured nation (MFN) status to India, Pakistan finance minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday. "There is no immediate consideration to grant India MFN status," Dar told Hamid Mir on Geo News program 'Capital Talk'. Denial: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government has denied that the country's Army were involved in recent breaches of the LoC . At the same time, he stressed on normalising ties with New Delhi on a number of issues. It must be noted that India had granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996. For the past few days, the two neighbours have traded charges regarding LoC ceasefire violations. Tension along the LoC was sparked following the killing of five Indian jawans in Poonch sector on August 6. While New Delhi has accused Pakistani troops of killing its soldiers, Islamabad has denied involvement of its forces. Earlier, there were reports stating that Pakistan has deployed additional troops in Kasur and Okara districts. The Pakistan's Defence Ministry, however, denied the reports. "Reports suggesting deployment of Pakistani troops across the LoC or adjacent districts are not true. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif himself is in-charge of Ministry of Defence that allows deployment of troops anywhere in country. He did not issue any such directive," a senior official of the Ministry told Mail Today. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gopal Baglay to convey its concern over BSF firing from across the LoC. "The Foreign Office summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner this afternoon to raise this concern which has resulted in the loss of an innocent civilian life in Rawalakot," a MoFA spokesperson said. | J&K home minister Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo steps down over accusations of inciting violence .
Ten people injured as police clash with protestors in Kishtwar .
Chief minister Omar Abdullah orders probe into communal violence .
CM hits out at BJP 'hypocrites' on Twitter, citing Gujarat riots . |
fb86f74024e23421e90112f56cc99c6e7d620b1a | More than 12,000 patients are going to A&E at least ten times a year, figures show. They include more than 150 who turn up every week and a handful who arrive five times a week. Such patients are referred to by medical staff as ‘frequent flyers’ and they include the homeless, alcoholics, drug abusers and those with mental health problems. Repeat visits: Emergency staff are being put under increasing pressure by patients bypassing their local doctor surgeries and heading straight to A&E . Others who go once or twice a month . tend to be the elderly with illnesses which aren’t properly managed and . migrants who don’t know how to make an appointment with a GP. Senior . doctors warn that already-strained A&E units cannot cope with the . added pressure from these patients and say they need to be cared for . elsewhere by GPs and community health services. Separate . NHS figures show the number of seriously-ill patients arriving in . casualty reached a three year high at the end of last month. A . total of 75,751 patients – mainly elderly – had to be admitted to a . ward from A&E in the week ending December 22, the highest since the . last week of 2011. The . deputy head of the NHS, Barbara Hakin, admitted the figures were a . ‘significant concern’. There are fears elderly patients are not being . properly looked after by carers, community nurses and GPs.Dame Barbara . also warned that the next few weeks would be the ‘toughest of the year’ for A&E with more vulnerable patients succumbing to pneumonia and . other infections in the colder temperatures. Dame . Barbara, who is deputy chief executive for NHS England, also warned . that the number of emergency admissions – patients needing to be . admitted on to a ward from A&E – had risen by nearly a third in a . decade. Katherine Murphy, of the Patients' Association, and Dr Cliff Mann, of the College of Emergency Medicine, said people making repeated visits to A&E put pressure on already overstretched emergency staff . An investigation by . the BBC using the Freedom of Information Act show that 157 patients went . to casualty at least 50 times last year.One visited Luton and Dunstable . A&E 234 times, another turned up at Lewisham in south London, 225 . times and one went to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield on 223 . occasions. Dr Clifford Mann, . president of the College of Emergency Medicine, which represents . A&E doctors, said: ‘Some individuals attended 250 times a year which . is almost five times a week, whereas others are using it ten times a . year which is more like once a month. ‘There’s clearly a difference between those groups but most of them are to some extent on the margins of society. ‘There . are a lot of problems associated with drugs and alcohol, some with . homelessness, a lot with mental health problems, isolation and . loneliness for some individuals.’ He . said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘It’s also fair to say that some . people are unfamiliar with the system of healthcare in this country and . in particular the way in which they access general practice. For these . people, at least when they first arrive, attending A&E department . seems like the most straightforward way to access healthcare.’ n . Residents of three cities were urged to avoid going to A&E unless . they faced a real emergency after three major hospitals went on ‘black . alert’. Peterborough City . Hospital, Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and Milton Keynes Hospital . in Buckinghamshire have all seen an unexpectedly high influx of . patients. Black alert is the highest crisis level for a hospital, . meaning there is severe pressure on staff and the number of beds . available. More than half of the beds at Peterborough City Hospital have been taken up by patients over 80 with winter chest infections. The figures below show how many attendances each A&E unit had over 12 months from people who visited at least 10 times in the year. Manchester Royal Infirmary 6895Royal Liverpool University Hospital 6133Northern General Hospital (Sheffield) 3548Hereford County Hospital 3499University Hospital Lewisham 3376 (source: BBC) | Nearly 12,000 people visited casualty department more than 10 times a year .
Meanwhile 150 people went to A&E more than 50 times a year, figures show .
Doctors say repeated visits to units are increasing pressure on staff .
As a result, some wait more than four hours to be seen by a doctor .
One person visited A&E department in Bedfordshire 234 times in one year . |
fb877389fdea69ab9a9d48d176d21ad35300a9dd | When Samir Nasri’s goal flew into the net on Sunday, the elderly couple sitting in the aisle seats in front of the media section rose quietly to their feet and hugged. Whoever you support, whichever league your club are in, no matter how much or little you have spent to be there, it still feels the same when you win. Football has changed in many ways, both in the way it is played and the way it is watched. Few football clubs embody that more than Manchester City. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Pellegrini: I have changed desire to score and keep scoring . Blues sky high: Manchester City captain Kompany soars to celebrate scoring his side's second goal . All smiles: Manchester City playwers celebrate the club's Premier League title victory on Sunday . Champagne moment: Goalkeeper Joe Hart celebrates in the Man City dressing room with his team-mates . Special day: Fans storm the pitch following Man City's 2-0 victory over West Ham clinched the title . Special day: Man City fans showed their is much more to the club than just big bucks and foreign stars . The new Barclays Premier League champions are a very different club than the one flooded by money from the Middle East less than six years ago. Some things remain the same, though, and winning feels the same now as it did before celebrations were expressed on Twitter and Facebook and before clubs had a ‘Season Finale Sponsor’, as City did here on Sunday. It was Dubai Expo 2020 if you are interested. FA chairman Greg Dyke suggested in print that the number of foreign players at City depressed him, as if the make-up of Manuel Pellegrini’s team somehow devalued the achievement. The old couple in the aisle seats yesterday are unlikely to agree. In all likelihood, they had season tickets at the old Maine Road, too. They will love their club now just as much as they did back then. Maybe even a little more. They, like many, have waited more than 40 years for their turn at the top to roll round again. A little over a decade ago they watched Andy Morrison and Kevin Horlock. These days it is Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure wearing those shirts. They have always embraced players from overseas at City, though. Georgi Kinkladze was here on Sunday, as was Shaun Goater. They are very much part of this club’s heritage. These days they just have better players with whom to share a dressing room and those players have arrived at great cost. Thumbs up: Javi Garcia (centre) poses with Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri and some well-earned precious metal . Cheer: Manuel Pellegrini was all smiles as he was carried around the pitch by his players following the title win . Club legend: Georgi Kinkladze was back at Man City on Sunday and took to the pitch to acknowledge fans . Get in! Two City supporters celebrate on the pitch after the 2-0 win over West Ham . There will be those in the football community enjoying City’s current tussle with UEFA over Financial Fair Play. It’s easy to label the champions as a heavy-spending club driven forwards at unnatural speed by foreign money. To tag City so clumsily, though, is to miss the point. Football clubs remain, more than anything, about the people who go to watch them and those who rushed on to the playing surface at full-time are no different, on the whole, to those who follow Barnet or Bristol Rovers or Birmingham City. Most of them will spend an inordinate amount of time watching, discussing and worrying about their team. Their team will dominate their conversations at home, at work, in the pub and on Greek Island beaches this summer. City care about their relatively small English numbers. They care about it in the boardroom and the dressing room. No club cares more about the make-up of its squad than it does about results, though. That is especially the case when the team plays football like this City one can. Pellegrini’s team have not been at their best for a while now. They have been functional rather than devastating. There is something to be said for that - just ask Liverpool - and it has been enough to get them through. They remain supremely gifted. Supremely gifted: Man City have been functional rather than devastating on their way to winning the title . On Sunday, towards the end of this one-sided game, West Ham’s Andy Carroll - a candidate for a place in England’s World Cup squad - attempted to control a ball at the far post. He failed dreadfully and the ball bounced behind the goal. Minutes later, City’s Brazilian substitute Fernandinho received a sharp pass with his back to goal. He controlled it instantly on the half volley, turned and - in the same movement - moved the ball onwards to a team-mate. It would be wrong to suggest an English player couldn’t have done that. It would also be wrong, however, to suggest players like Fernandinho, Toure and Kompany have not contributed to the raising of standards in the Premier League. At City we can expect only that the standard will get higher over the years. The club will have some players to replace before long. Toure, for example, cannot go on at this rampaging level for ever. City’s current issue with UEFA over FFP - they have been fined £50m for breaching the regulations - will not affect their spending plans significantly over the summers to come. Forward thinking: City will soon have some players to replace as the likes of Yaya Toure can't go on forever . They are unlikely to go backwards again - as they did last season under Roberto Mancini - with Pellegrini in charge and it will be interesting now to see if their rivals can spend astutely enough to close the gap. This was a rather gentle party yesterday. Certainly it was by the standards of 2012’s heart-stopping finale. Back then it felt like a dam was breaking. Winning still feels like winning, though, and at the end yesterday a man carried his young son away from the ground. If Dyke is depressed about the make-up of his team, that guy wasn’t. Looking at his son, he said: ‘He doesn’t know how lucky he is. He thinks this happens every year.’ | Manchester City claim Premier League title with win over West Ham .
Club embodies how football has changed in the way it is played and watched .
FA Chairman Greg Dyke had said number of foreign players in City squad depressed him . |
fb87ceadc2c634a8fef8238895bb4a2b1b9eccdb | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:49 EST, 13 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:49 EST, 13 November 2013 . Convicted: Charles Masters, 34 (pictured) will spend 25 years behind bars for killing his brother Jordan Masters, 28, with a sword . A 34-year-old man who slayed his younger brother with a samurai sword before lying next to his dead body for four days hoping he would live again has been convicted. Charles Masters will spend 25 years behind bars for the brutal murder of Jordan Masters in their Donelson, Tennessee, apartment on August 12, 2012. The judge acknowledged Masters' 20-year-struggle with mental illness and his remorse but handed down the maximum sentence due to the crime's gruesomeness. During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, Charles testified that he and Jordan, 28, trusted one another more than anyone else. The 'best friends' shared an apartment at the Cedars at Elm Hill complex on Elm Hill Pike, passing the time by playing the Final Fantasy video game together and collecting swords. But despite their alleged close bond, Charles pulled out one of the swords and slashed Jordan at least 16 times and partially severed his head after an altercation, according to WKRN-TV. Charles lay next to his brother's decomposing body on the living room floor for about four days hoping he would come back to life before calling police. 'I wanted my brother back,' Charles said in court. 'I couldn’t accept the fact it was actual reality I was witnessing.' This old family photo shows Charles Masters standing and Jordan Masters (on couch facing camera) playing chess with another family member. The Masters' sister India Whitney posted the image to Facebook . Charles claimed in court he couldn't explain what happened on the night of the murder, describing the few seconds in which he attacked the 'worst . mistake of my life', The Tennessean reported. Charles' attorney, public defender Mike Engle, argued his client's history of severe mental illness should lessen the sentence. However assistant District Attorney Katrin . Miller pushed for the maximum sentence because of how Charles handled . his brother’s body. Charles, who was unemployed, slashed Jordan's body at least 16 times and allowed it to decompose. Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr., reportedly said he'd never seen more gruesome images after looking at photos entered into evidence. Family members said they were forced to hold a funeral with an empty casket because Jordan's body was so violated. House of horrors: Charles Masters killed his younger brother in the apartment they shared at the Cedars at Elm Hill complex on Elm Hill Pike in Donelson, Tennessee (pictured) During the hearing, Charles' brother-in-law Jerry Whitney said Charles should have been Jordan’s 'keeper'. 'He was the oldest and bigger brother, and most time bigger brothers, they look out for their younger ones,' he said, according to The Tennessean. 'Watch over them. They’re supposed to protect them and keep their brother safe from harm and hurt. I feel Charlie had a choice to be his brother’s keeper, but he chose not to be.' Jordan had worked at a local . hotel and paid for the apartment where the brothers lived. The mens' sister, India Whitney, did not ask for leniency for her surviving brother. 'I have not had my closure,' she said. 'I don’t ever want to see him again.' Charles also did not ask for leniency, testifying that the ordeal had left him suicidal and that he should suffer the most severe . possible penalty. Charles' sister India Whitney (right) and brother-in-law Jerry Whitney (left) testified that they were horrified by the murder . Authorities posted this sign on Charles Master's front door after discovering Jordan's dead body last year . Gruesome: Authorities posted this sign on Jordan Masters' front door after finding his hacked body . | Charles Masters, 34, killed his brother Jordan Masters, 28, with a sword last year .
He stayed with the body in their Tennessee apartment for four days before calling cops .
Masters was sentenced to 25 years jail, despite his 20-year history of mental illness .
Judge said crime's gruesomeness outweighed mitigating circumstances . |
fb8838c2058f5b653fd56d47997c2ce15ab6495c | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 12:51 EST, 18 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:11 EST, 18 December 2013 . Anyone who has ever had that sinking feeling when the eyes of the person they are talking to start to glaze, take heart - an app has been developed to make you less boring. Us+ is an app for Google's Hangout video chat service that analyses what you are saying and makes suggestions based on how you are behaving. For example, if you are constantly using words that it considers too negative it will display 'try to be more positive' on the screen. Scroll down for video . Shut it: An app analyses your speech in video chats and makes suggestions based on what you say . Evasive: Us+ even tailors the things the user says to reflect the other person's statements . If you're babbling on about yourself without taking any interest in your mute conversational partner, Us+ will bluntly state: 'Stop talking about yourself so much.' It was developed by U.S. artists Lauren McCarthy and Kyle McDonald, who aim to make people more personable, but are also making a statement about modern communication. A video outlining how the app works shows 'Clare' moaning to her mother about a woman in her yoga class she percieves as selfish. After a short time she is told to be less self-absorbed, so she changes tack and asks her mother how she is. Word in edgeways: If one person blathers on for more than a minute their microphone is disconnected . Her mother answers the question vaguely . and slightly evasively, hinting at a problem in her life but revealing . little, so Us+ accuses: 'What are you hiding? Clare is speaking much . more honestly.' Another interesting - and potentially very useful - feature is demonstrated in another dialogue example: The automute. Us+ uses Linguistic Inquiry and Word . Count, a text analysis software programme that calculates the degree to . which people use different categories of words when they communicate. It . determines whether the speaker is using positive or negative emotions, . self-references, causal words, and other language patterns. It also uses Linguistic Style . Matching, which analyses the tendency of participants in a conversation . to use a common vocabulary and similar sentence structures. If you speak for longer than a minute . the app automatically switches off your microphone so the other person . can have their say. A . panel on the right of the screen displays information about how . positive, self-absorbed, feminine and aggressive the talker is being. Ms . McCarthy, who says the project is also an art installation, does admit . to fears about the way technology like this can be applied. She told The Huffington Post: . 'With a big company like Google building products, there's a lot of . room for them to determine what's the optimal social behavior they're . trying to achieve. 'And then they have the audience and tools to really make that happen,' she notes. She . personally demonstrated this possibility by hacking the app while on a . videom chat with her boyfriend secretlt controlling the feedback he . received to messages like: 'You should sound more positive' and 'You . should make Lauren smile more'. Moan moan moan: A businessman giving bad news is told to put a different spin on a tricky presentation . If one of the users is not standing up for themselves, the app encourages them to show their assertive side . | Us+ uses speech analysis technology to suggest improvements to chat .
If you're moaning too much it will tell you to be more positive .
The app even shuts off your microphone if you are talking for too long . |
fb88d1e15ff6092ef07d2c9c496e899fa527814e | Ronny Deila insisted on Wednesday that Aleksandar Tonev did not make the racist comments attributed to him by Aberdeen’s Shay Logan - and said the Celtic winger was not ‘wasting any energy’ over the matter. But the Parkhead manager’s unequivocal backing for his player seems certain to anger the Dons as the SFA are still carrying out their investigation into the controversy. Defender Logan alleged that Bulgarian Tonev called him a ‘black c***’ during Celtic’s 2-1 Premiership win at Parkhead last Saturday. Referee Bobby Madden included the claims in his match report and Logan, Pittodrie boss Derek McInnes and Tonev himself are being interviewed by the governing body. Ronny Deila has defended Aleksandar Tonev amid allegations the Celtic player racially abused Shay Logan during the win over Aberdeen on Saturday . Tonev is accused of calling Aberdeen's Logan a 'black c***' during the Premiership match at Parkhead . It’s understood that Sky’s cameras failed to pick up any evidence of abuse and Tonev, on a one-year loan from Aston Villa, vehemently denies the claims. As the player flew to Salzburg in Austria with Celtic for Thursday night's Europa League clash, his version of events were emphatically backed by Deila. ‘That has been no trouble for him,’ said the Norwegian. ‘We made a statement and I trust my players. I know he didn’t do it. ‘He is an honest player and I believe in what he is saying. He has not wasted any energy on that at all. He seems very comfortable. We are in a good mood with the whole squad and it is nothing we have used energy on.’ Logan has declined making a complaint to police, but Parkhead striker Leigh Griffiths is currently the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal after he was filmed joining in allegedly racist chants before a Hearts-Hibs clash earlier this year. Tonev carries the ball forward for Celtic as Logan (right) gives chase during Saturday's match . Celtic train on the eve of their Europa League clash with Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena . Celtic were paired with Red Bull Salzburg, Dinamo Zagreb and Astra Giurglu in their Europa League group . Asked if he had felt compelled to remind players of their responsibilities under the club’s code of conduct, Deila added: ‘We haven’t talked about it because it hasn’t been an issue. Everybody knows we don’t want to be associated with those words. I trust my players and he hasn’t said it. 'Aleksandar needs games. He hasn’t played for a long, long time and that’s the problem with a lot of the players we have. They have been in and out for a while. But he is mentally good.’ Deila is missing Charlie Mulgrew, Adam Matthews and Mikael Lustig for tonight’s clash with under-pressure Salzburg, but is able to call on Ghanaian loan signing Wakaso Mubarak for the first time. ‘He was training this week and looks good,’ said the Celtic boss. ‘He is a quick player, a hard working player so we’re looking forward to seeing him in the match. Tonev on the ball during Wednesday evening's training session in Austria . Ronny Delia (right) and his assistant John Collins keep a close eye on the training session . ‘Could he make an impact for us? Sure, he could do that. Again, he hasn’t played many matches in a while but we have a lot of games coming up so we need everyone in the squad.’ Deila believes points away from home will be the key to success in Group D. Salzburg have lost three games on the trot, but assistant coach Zsolt Low travelled to Glasgow to watch Celtic in action on Saturday. And coach Adi Hutter said: ‘We have carefully analysed the video of Celtic’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen. ‘They have an experienced squad of international calibre. They are very strong. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon makes a save during Celtic's practice session ahead of Thursday's match . Captain Scott Brown sets the pace during the session at the Red Bull Arena . ‘Kris Commons and Scott Brown are their key players in midfield. However, I also admire Virgil van Dijk and Jason Denayer. ‘Getting an early goal will be vital. That could solve a lot of problems. ‘It is important that we attack Celtic from the very first minute. ‘We have to press offensively against Celtic. They are very sturdy and strong in the tackle. But I’m not sure if they are accustomed to teams pressing them in the Scottish League.’ | Ronny Deila insisted Aleksandar Tonev did not make racist comments to Aberdeen's Shay Logan during last weekend's Premiership game .
The SFA are currently conducting an investigation into the incident .
Defender Logan claimed Tonev called him a 'black c***'
Celtic are in Austria to play Red Bull Salzburg in UEFA Europa League . |
fb8910ea7ce61307816e7f91acd546703210dfcb | It may have been one of the greatest fashion trends of the 80s but Bill Shorten has proved that the controversial mullet hairstyle does not belong in Parliament. The Opposition leader was pictured in a rather unfortunate stance today on his way into Parliament, making him look like he was sporting an unsightly mullet. A journalist who was standing behind Shorten just happened to align exactly with the politician, leading Twitter users to believe the Labor Leader had grown out his locks. Scroll down for video . It may have been one of the greatest fashion trends of the 80s but Bill Shorten has proved that the controversial mullet hairstyle does not belong in Parliament . The faux pas caused the word mullet to trend on Twitter in Australia and lead to many jokes at the leader's expense. A Twitter user referred to the Labor politician as 'Billy Ray Shorten' due to his distinguished hairstyle. Another commenter suggested that the leader of the Opposition may be merely trying to relate to the average Australian. The Opposition leader was pictured in a rather unfortunate stance today on his way into Parliament, making him look like he was sporting an unsightly mullet . 'Rocky Balboner' cracked a joke about Shorten's hairstyle on her Twitter page, claiming he was 'all business at the front and party at the back' 'Rocky Balboner' cracked a joke about Shorten's hairstyle on her Twitter page, claiming he was 'all business at the front and party at the back'. She continued saying: 'I used to think MacGuyver was the only person who could rock a mullet, but thank you Bill Shorten for proving me wrong.' 'Bill Shorten's new mullet is epic' another Twitter user said. 'I used to think MacGuyver was the only person who could rock a mullet, but thank you Bill Shorten for proving me wrong,' a Twitter user said . | Bill Shorten has set Twitter on fire .
The Opposition leader arrived for Parliament this morning appearing to sport an unusual hairstyle .
A journalist standing behind the politician made it look like Shorten has adopted a mullet hairstyle .
Twitter users were quick to compare his hair to an 80s mullet .
The word mullet was trending on Twitter in Australia . |
fb891473f5bbd825f2566540f78abe5adb5d1770 | Once the largest building in America, this abandoned asylum is now no more than a labyrinth of crumbling brick walls and dusty beds. Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital was open for more than 120 years and housed more than 7,000 patients at a time including the folk singer Woody Guthrie. But it closed for good in 2003, and despite a fierce campaign authorities in New Jersey will demolish the remains of its chapel, classrooms, dental clinic and power station within months. Left to rot: Once reputedly the largest building in America, Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey had more than 7,000 patients during its peak in the 1950s . The doctor won't see you now: A therapy room lies abandoned with straps still trailing across the bed. The remains of the complex will be demolished within months . Reclaimed by nature: Weeds have begun to spring up again in the condemned 19th Century buildings. The photos were taken by urban explorer Julia Wertz, 31 . Magnificent: The grand building opened its doors in 1876 and soon expanded. Its patients included the folk singer and Huntingdon's Disease sufferer Woody Guthrie . With 678,000 square feet of space, the former 'lunatic asylum' opened to relieve pressure on a nearby facility. The main building was widely said to be the largest building by footprint in the U.S. until 1943, when it was surpassed by the Pentagon - which has 6.5million square feet altogether. The Pentagon itself has long since been surpassed and America's largest building by footprint is now the Tesla Motors plant in Fremont, California. The factory opened in 2010 has the second-largest footprint in the world (5.5million sq ft), beaten only by an auction centre for flowers in the Netherlands (5.6million). Built from 1871 and opened in 1876, the hospital originally accommodated just 600 patients but soon expanded. By 1880 the patient . population was 800 and in 1903 the numbers reached 1,500. The population of the hospital reached its peak in 1953, when millions of shell-shocked soldiers returned from the Second World War suffering from what is now widely known as post-traumatic stress disorder. By then it held 7,674 patients and was a self-sufficient campus, with facilities including a . laundry, chapel, dental clinic, infirmary, classrooms, therapy buildings, . dormitories and even a power station. American folk singer Woody Guthrie, who wrote hundreds of songs and made famous recordings of Red River Valley and This Land is . Your Land, was committed in 1956 with Huntington's Disease. The genetic disorder had blighted the life of his mother and made it difficult for him to walk, causing wild fluctuations in mood. Even as Guthrie was in his final years before he died in 1967, folk revivalists were basing a new scene on Guthrie's genius in New York's Greenwich Village. One of his visitors in Greystone Park was the undisputed king of the Village scene: a 19-year-old Bob Dylan. A 19-year-old Bob Dylan visited folk singer Woody Guthrie (left) when he was a patient at Greystone Park, where many of the chairs and tables lie abandoned (right) Faith: The purpose-built chapel would have provided solace to those suffering from terrible illnesses in an age which understood little about them. But now it lies empty, with the upside-down cross of St Peter (often - and maybe in this case - appropriated as a symbol of satanism) graffitied on the wall near where the altar stood . Magnificent: The vaulted ceiling of the chapel, which will soon be demolished in a project expected to cost $50million. The site was so large it had its own power station . Big questions: The way Western countries treat the mentally ill has been a major debate, particular since Ken Kessey's 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest . Many western psychiatric hospitals were controversial for their use of treatments such as electric shock therapy, which was introduced at Greystone Park in the early 1900s. Ken Kessey's 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest would be made into a seminal film starring Jack Nicholson, which swept all four major Academy Awards and turned America's treatment of the mentally ill into an international debate. As years went by Greystone Park's grand buildings fell victim to decay and overcrowding. Finally, in 1988, its directors could take no more. All . patients were moved to a modern complex next to the original site, but the central block was still used by . administration staff for another 15 years until they, too, left in 2003 and the doors closed for good. Last year the state of New Jersey announced plans to tear down the asylum in a $50million project to expand the new complex, prompting outcry among those who wanted to preserve it. The last buildings on the campus are expected to be demolished within months after authorities received six offers, but ruled all would require some sort of state subsidy. In December the Preserve Greystone group accused New Jersey's administration of failing to engage with developers who wanted to re-use and restore the historic building. Mould and asbestos: Now unfit for human habitation, this was once the parlour on the self-contained campus where the 7,000 patients could go for a haircut . Learning: The school room inside the campus, which over the years taught many people with complex issues which psychiatrists had yet to fully understand . Silver lining: New Jersey's authorities rejected six alternative offers for the site, claiming all of them would have required public money, and chose to demolish it instead . Urban explorer Julia Wertz, 31, said: 'Holes in the roof have let in rain and snow, which has allowed plants to take root in the floors. Snow and ice appear in winter' 'The private sector has expressed interest in re-purposing it, and other historic structures on the site as well, thus preserving them for future generations and sparing taxpayers the terrible costs of their destruction,' they said in a statement. 'The administration failed to follow through, changed course, and did their best to create the perception that it was financially “infeasible” for the private sector to make a go of it.' Volunteer John Huebner added: 'Failure to redeem a local icon exacts a cost on public morale. People rightly value their history – good, bad or indifferent, and the near universal response to the prospect of the Kirkbride’s demise is “what a shame”, “what a waste”, “too bad they couldn’t find a way to do something with it.”' Urban explorer Julia Wertz, 31, made a tour of the eerie interior and took the haunting photos in this collection. She said: 'The interior of Greystone has fallen into various states of decay. The wards furthest from the centre are the most destroyed since they were abandoned first. The top floors have seen the worst of it. 'Holes in the roof have let in rain and snow, which has allowed plants to take root in the floors. Piles of snow and ice appear in the winter. 'At the centre of the building the administration block is remarkably well preserved. In fact, the power was still on until just a few months ago. 'The whole building is covered in hazardous asbestos and mould.' Grand: Twin staircases inside the huge complex, which expanded throughout the first half of the 20th Century as soldiers returned from the Second World War . Room with a view: Leaves creep in through the window of one of the wards. Preservationists were furious at the New Jersey administration for 'ignoring' other offers . | Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, New Jersey, was largest building in U.S. until Pentagon surpassed it in 1943 .
Hospital for mentally ill opened in 1876 and patients included folk singer Woody Guthrie but it shut down in 2003 .
At its peak in 1953 it held 7,674 patients and had a chapel, classrooms, a dental clinic and its own infirmary .
It will be knocked down within months despite a campaign after state authorities rejected six alternative offers . |
fb893ff462b872ae9bef82ffcd61eea0feb4bceb | Fernando Alonso has accused the Italian media of attempting to destabilise Ferrari following the latest rumours linking him with a move away from the team. Earlier this week it was reported Alonso and Sebastian Vettel would swap teams for next season, despite the former having another two years remaining on his contract, whilst the latter has an additional year with Red Bull. Alonso is clearly becoming exasperated at the need to constantly fend off questions on the subject of whether he will leave Ferrari, more so than the team's lack of results as he is now without a win for 27 races, a statistic that often fuels the rumours regarding a potential departure. Fernando Alonso is committed to staying at Ferrari . The two-time world champion wonders around the paddock at the Singapore Grand Prix . Asked to clarify the situation ahead of Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso said: 'I've been commenting about my future for 13 months now - since last August - so I have nothing new to say. 'Sometimes it's sad when it comes from Italy, or they create these rumours for some strange purpose which is not helping Ferrari, which is why we're all here. 'Ferrari is a much bigger brand than any individual person, or even Formula One in general. 'I respect Ferrari a lot and I try to create a good atmosphere in the team with the guys - from going out to dinner to playing basketball, playing poker, whatever - to ensure we are united. 'It's what we need, and it's what people expect from us driving for Ferrari and working for Ferrari. 'So when all these things come from Italy, it's not really clear what the purpose is. When we know then one day I will tell you.' Alonso's frustration is matched by Vettel, especially this season now he is on the back foot after four years of title glory. Alonso retires from the Italian Grand Prix at Monza earlier this month . Sebastian Vettel has reiterated his desire to stay at Red Bull . The German world champion flies around the track at Monza . Giving short shrift to the interviewer when quizzed on his future, Vettel said: 'I'm not thinking any differently to when I was asked the question a couple of weeks ago. 'I have a contract, and nothing has changed. The relationship I have with Red Bull is very special as they've been supporting me since I was 12 years old. 'Back then it was impossible to predict what would happen, that one day they would have their own team, or two Formula One teams. 'It was impossible to know I would be driving for one of them at some stage, or both of them. 'So it's impossible to predict the future. I've been with Red Bull a long time, I have a strong link to them, so in that regard nothing has changed, and doesn't look like it will change.' | Alonso accuses Italian media of attempting to destabilise Ferrari .
Reports suggested the Spaniard and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel will swap teams next season .
The Spaniard is fifth in the standings ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend .
Alonso's frustration matched by Vettel, who refused to be drawn on questions over his future .
The German star is sixth after four consecutive titles . |
fb8a6ca5c25fec4149ad01dd2bf6f72114e138d7 | The Voyager 1 spacecraft is still riding a massive 'tsunami wave' that first began in February, Nasa has revealed. It is the longest-lasting shock wave that researchers have seen in interstellar space. Experts say the find is making them rethink how the 'end of space' works. The Voyager 1 spacecraft has been riding the same 'tsunami wave' since February, baffling researchers . It is 37 years since the twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched and the pair continue to explore where nothing from Earth has flown before. Their primary mission was the exploration of Jupiter and Saturn. After making a string of discoveries there -- such as active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io and intricacies of Saturn's rings -- the mission was extended. Voyager 2 went on to explore Uranus and Neptune, and is still the only spacecraft to have visited those outer planets. The current mission for both spacecraft, the Voyager Interstellar Mission, is to explore the outermost edge of the Sun's domain and beyond. The 'tsunami wave' is still propagating outward, according to the new results. It is the longest-lasting shock wave that researchers have seen in interstellar space. 'Most people would have thought the interstellar medium would have been smooth and quiet. But these shock waves seem to be more common than we thought,' said Don Gurnett, professor of physics at the University of Iowa. He presented the new data at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco. A 'tsunami wave' occurs when the sun emits a coronal mass ejection, throwing out a magnetic cloud of plasma from its surface. This generates a wave of pressure. When the wave runs into the interstellar plasma - the charged particles found in the space between the stars - a shock wave results that perturbs the plasma and causes in to 'sing'. 'The tsunami causes the ionized gas that is out there to resonate -- 'sing' or vibrate like a bell,' said Ed Stone, project scientist for the Voyager mission based at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. This is the third shock wave that Voyager 1 has experienced. The first event was in October to November of 2012, and the second wave in April to May of 2013 revealed an even higher plasma density. Voyager 1 detected the most recent event in February, and it is still going on as of November data. The spacecraft has moved outward 250 million miles (400 million kilometers) during the third event. 'This remarkable event raises questions that will stimulate new studies of the nature of shocks in the interstellar medium,' said Leonard Burlaga, astrophysicist emeritus at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who analyzed the magnetic field data that were key to these results. A 'tsunami wave' occurs when the sun emits a coronal mass ejection, throwing out a magnetic cloud of plasma from its surface. This generates a wave of pressure. When the wave runs into the interstellar plasma - the charged particles found in the space between the stars - a shock wave results that perturbs the plasma. It is unclear to researchers what the unusual longevity of this particular wave may mean. They are also uncertain as to how fast the wave is moving or how broad a region it covers. The second tsunami wave helped researchers determine in 2013 that Voyager 1 had left the heliosphere, the bubble created by the solar wind encompassing the sun and the planets in our solar system. Denser plasma 'rings' at a higher frequency, and the medium that Voyager flew through, was 40 times denser than what had been previously measured. This was key to the conclusion that Voyager had entered a frontier where no spacecraft had gone before: interstellar space. 'The density of the plasma is higher the farther Voyager goes,' Stone said. 'Is that because the interstellar medium is denser as Voyager moves away from the heliosphere, or is it from the shock wave itself? We don't know yet.' The heliosphere, in which the Sun and planets reside, is a large bubble inflated from the inside by the high-speed solar wind blowing out from the Sun. Pressure from the solar wind, along with pressure from the surrounding interstellar medium, determines the size and shape of the heliosphere. The heliosphere, in which the Sun and planets reside, is a large bubble inflated from the inside by the high-speed solar wind blowing out from the Sun. Pressure from the solar wind, along with pressure from the surrounding interstellar medium, determines the size and shape of the heliosphere. The supersonic flow of solar wind abruptly slows at the termination shock, the innermost boundary of the solar system. The edge of the solar system is the heliopause. The bow shock pushes ahead through the interstellar medium as the heliosphere plows through the galaxy. The supersonic flow of solar wind abruptly slows at the termination shock, the innermost boundary of the solar system. The edge of the solar system is the heliopause. The bow shock pushes ahead through the interstellar medium as the heliosphere plows through the galaxy. Gurnett, principal investigator of the plasma wave instrument on Voyager, expects that such shock waves propagate far out into space, perhaps even to twice the distance between the sun and where the spacecraft is right now. Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, were launched 16 days apart in 1977. Both spacecraft flew by Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 also flew by Uranus and Neptune. Voyager 2, launched before Voyager 1, is the longest continuously operated spacecraft and is expected to enter interstellar space in a few years. JPL, a division of Caltech, built the twin Voyager spacecraft and operates them for the Heliophysics Division within NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. | Spacecraft still riding massive 'tsunami wave' that first began in February .
Tsunami causes ionized gas to resonate or vibrate like a bell .
One wave, previously reported, helped researchers determine that Voyager 1 had entered interstellar space . |
fb8afda31a25da40890e77acd1e979e9f70e7e59 | Australian model Rhys Uhlich has lashed out at Facebook administrators after the site removed a photo he posted of his family in the bath. Uhlich, whose career was launched in 2007 by Make Me a Supermodel, shared an intimate family shot showing him with his partner Claire Virgona and their two daughters Indah and Mahli, with the caption 'nothing like a family scrub'. Facebook moderators removed the photo because the shot was deemed inappropriate by Facebook's 'community standards regarding nudity', which Uhlich and many of his followers see as double standards. Scroll down for video . Australian model Rhys Uhlich has lashed out at Facebook administrators after the site removed a photo he posted of his family in the bath . Uhlich, the host of Coxy's Big Break, posted a screenshot of the removed content with the caption, 'Are you serious Facebook? Im guessing someone was offended by this.. To me this is happiness, but obviously Facebook prefers chicks getting their cans out.' Many of his followers were outraged by the move, and pointed to the constant stream of arguably inappropriate content that bombards them every day on the site with no intervention. 'Maybe Facebook should worry about the r rated videos that is constantly in my newsfeed. This pic is gorgeous, how ridiculous!', said one user. Uhlich, whose career was launched in 2007 by Make Me a Supermodel, shared an intimate family shot showing him with his partner Calire Virgona and their two daughters Indah and Mahli, with the caption 'nothing like a family scrub' Many of his followers were outraged by the move, and pointed to the constant stream of arguably inappropriate content that bombards them every day on the site with no intervention . Several of Uhlich followers pointed to the recent 'Break the Internet' photoshoot featuring Kim Kardashian which appeared uncensored on the site . 'I thought it was a great family photo, nothing at all wrong with it!', another commented. Several of Uhlich followers pointed to the recent 'Break the Internet' photo shoot featuring Kim Kardashian which appeared uncensored on the site. 'They've removed baby photos of me. Yet Kim Kardashian's photos are all over my newsfeed. It's so ridiculous,' said one user. Another was more satirical, and said the photo was removed because 'you didn't balance a champagne glass on your bum.' Facebook's nudity policy states that the site has a 'strict policy against the sharing of pornographic content and any explicitly sexual content where a minor is involved,' 'We also impose limitations on the display of nudity. We aspire to respect people’s right to share content of personal importance, whether those are photos of a sculpture like Michelangelo's David or family photos of a child breastfeeding.' Some on the site raised this point, calling the photo 'beautiful', 'gorgeous,' 'lovely,' and labelling it a 'great family photo.' Facebook's nudity policy states that the site has a 'strict policy against the sharing of pornographic content and any explicitly sexual content where a minor is involved' Uhlich, the host of Coxy's Big Break, posted a screenshot of the removed content with the caption, 'Are you serious Facebook? Im guessing someone was offended by this.. To me this is happiness, but obviously Facebook prefers chicks getting their cans out' One specifically said, 'This is natural beauty as is breast feeding. Don't give up!' One user pointed out that she had been advised not to post pictures of the children she nannied as paedophiles targeted social media sites looking for nudity, and said that before it had been pointed out the thought had not even occurred to her. 'It's sad that that's the world we live in. Maybe Facebook are attempting to protect your gorgeous girls in this instance?' she asked. Before 2014, photographs of mothers breastfeeding were banned from the site under their nudity policy, which was reversed after a feminist writer from Women, Action, and the Media launched a campaign against what she saw as 'gender-based hate speech'. After receiving 60,000 tweets and 5,000 emails in support of the movement, Facebook answered the call to refine it's approach to the broader issue and included breastfeeding as allowable content, while still deeming other exposure of women's nipple inappropriate. In a response from the site last year, Facebook said that they continually 'work hard to make our platform a safe and respectful place for sharing and connection. This requires us to make difficult decisions and balance concerns about free expression and community respect.' | Australian model Rhys Uhlich posted a photo to Facebook showing his partner and two daughters with him in the bath with the caption 'nothing like a family scrub'
Facebook administrators removed the photo, saying that the picture had breached the site's community standards on nudity .
Uhlich posted a screenshot of the incident and re-posted it to express his outrage that women could 'get their cans out'
Many of Uhlich's followers took to the social media site, calling the move 'ridiculous' and labelling it as a double standard . |
fb8b74c488c9e2aae732bf67288a7dc50a16d605 | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 10:50 EST, 19 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:51 EST, 19 September 2012 . Toy store giant Toys R Us has predicted which 50 toys parents will be fighting to get their hands on this Christmas. The playtime retailer’s ‘Hot Toy’ list includes two tablet computers especially designed for children, One Direction dolls and returning retro favourite Furby. To help stressed parents Toys R Us are launching a reservation service to calm parents in the run up to the holiday season and ensure they do not miss out on Christmas morning's stocking must-haves. Plastic fantastic: These One Direction fashion dolls will be on many childrens' Christmas lists this year according to Toys R Us . The retailer will let customers reserve the top-15 plus an additional 35 items they predict to be on childrens’ Christmas wish lists this year. Older woman: Caroline Flack, 32, had a fling with Harry Styles, 18 . The reservation system will run through the end of October. Toys must be reserved in stores and customers have to make a 20 per cent down payment. The top-15 are a mix of technology and educational fun. The late 90s hit Furby is back with updated LED eyes and, of course, connected to a smartphone app with which you can feed and play with the fluffy animatronic animal. British boyband One Direction have . taken the charts by storm, helped by the antics of heart-throb Harry Styles and his well-publicised love-life. And as with all pop idols it did not take too long . before they got their very own plastic doubles. All . five members are available, curls and quiffs and all, as fashion dolls . and heart-breaker Harry even comes in two different versions. Heart-throbs: Plastic versions of One Direction's Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson . Top toys: 1990's hit Furby and Doctor McStuffins were named two of the most coveted toys for this Christmas . Creative: The Gelarti toy allows children to make their own removable stickers . The LeapPad tablet which was a success last year has been updated faster processors, better memory capability, and improved battery life. There's no indication yet of a runaway success like 2009's Zhu Zhu Pets stuffed hamsters and last year's Leapfrog LeapPad tablet. But Toys R Us executives are betting that if there is, it is on their list. ‘We have an incredibly skilled team of merchants here that track new products and identify toys,’ said Lisa Harnisch, the company's general merchandising manager.‘ . The holiday season is crucial for toy sellers accounting for up to 40 per cent of the annual sales for retailers. Last year, U.S. retail sales of toys fell two per cent to $21.18 billion, according to research firm NPD Group. Tablet: Tabeo has 50 preloaded apps, including Prime Minister David Cameron's favourite, Angry Birds, and a seven inch screen . Activity: The Y Volution Fliker F1 Flow Series Scooter, left, is self-propelled by the rider's movement and the 42-inch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle's playset should keep any child entertained - at least until boxing day . Lego Ninjago Epic Dragon battle includes seven minifigures and the four-headed Ultra Dragon with extendable wings, a flame sphere shooter and a flexible body and tail . 1. Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check Up dollDoctor doll based on Disney Jr. show character. 2. Furby Update on hit 1998 furry interactive toy robot. 3. Gelarti Designer StudioSticker set that lets kids paint and customize reusable stickers. 4. Hot Wheels R/C Terrain Twister Radio-controlled car that takes on all terrains. 5. Jake and the Never Land Pirates Jake's Musical Pirate Ship Bucky Ship from Disney Jr. animated series. 6. Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Stars Harmony B. SharpVersion of popular button-eyed dolls that talks and sings. 7. LeapPad2 ExplorerLatest iteration of LeapFrog's kids tablet with faster processor and more memory. 8. Micro Chargers TimeTrackMiniature car racing track set. 9. Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Secret Sewer Lair Playset42-inch playset that recreates TMNT's lair. 10. Ninjago Epic Dragon BattleNinja-themed Lego board game. 11. One Direction collector dollsDolls of each of the five members of One Direction. 12. Skylanders Giants Starter Pack A sequel to Skylanders Spyro's adventure that combines real-life action figures with a video game. 13. TabeoToys R Us' own tablet offering with enhanced safety features and 50 preloaded apps. 14. Wii UNintendo's new two-screen gaming console. 15. Y Volution Fliker F1 Flow Series ScooterA three-wheeled scooter that is self-propelled by the rider's movement. 16. PLAYSKOOL Rocktivity Sit, Crawl 'n Stand Band . one-baby band helps encourage the development of fine motor skills, . gross motor skills, cognitive learning and sensory development. 17. Fisher-Price® Cruise & Groove Ballapalooza . Baby coordination and motoring skills development toy. 18. Bounce Bounce Tigger . Battery powered dancing Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger plush doll. 19. Magforce Command Center . Truck toy set. 20. Minnie Mouse Bow-tique Kitchen . Pink, purple and plastic – a fully equipped play kitchen for the homely child. 21. Peppa Pig Peek 'n Surprise Playhouse . Dollhouse which opens and closes with the popular characters from Peppa Pig. 22. Pillow Pets Dream Lites Pillow plush toys. 23. The Original Big Wheel™ Racer Children's favourite tricycle. 24. LEGO® Friends Summer Riding Camp . Complete with trailer, classroom and horses. 25. Lite Brix Lumi-PortAllows the child to build its own airport, lit up by LED lights. 26. Monster High Meowlody and Purrsephone 2-PackThe latest addition to the Monster High family. 27. Nickelodeon Winx Club Believix Collection . The dolls come with a pair of sparkly Believix wings to transform girl to fairy. 28. Scan2Go® Starter Track Set Two line race track for toy cars. 29. Switch & Go Dinos Brok the Brachiosaurus . 2-in-one car and dinosaur toy. 30. Air Hogs R/C Battle Tracker . 31. Beyblade Metal - Fury Destroyer Dome Set . 32. Illumivor R/C Shark . 33. NERF Lazer Tag® Blaster . 34. NERF N-Strike Retaliator . 35. LEGO® Technic Jet Plane . 36. Skylanders Giants™ Legendary Giants 3-Pack . 37. VTech Alphabet Activity Cube™ . 38. Apptivity™ Angry Birds . 39. Fisher-Price®Disney Baby Minnie's Twinkling Tea Party Play Gym . 40. Disney Princess & Me Diamond Edition Cinderella Doll . 41. Flyline Air Racer & Air Combat . 42. Gears of War Centaur Construction Set . 43. Hairmonies . 44. iTikes™ Map Explorer . 45. Lalaloopsy Sisters . 46. Minnie Mouse Bow-tique: Minnie's Fashion On-the-Go . 47. Scatter Brainz Deluxe Pack . 48. Novi Stars™ Scented Dolls . 49. Playmobil® Western Fort . 50. Words with Friends . | The top 50 predicted best sellers for this Christmas according to Toys R Us .
List includes tablet computers for kids, One Direction dolls and Lego . |
fb8ba7919256c0fc29de65702e6fa740fe5bfdda | By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 15:50 EST, 27 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:02 EST, 27 January 2014 . The boss of Npower who this week said high energy bills in Britain were due to 'draughty housing' has been accused of wasting energy at his home. Heat images from two properties belonging to Paul Massara, the energy firm's chief executive, show evidence of poor insulation, experts say. Mr Massara owns two homes - one a 16th century country property in Upper Wolvercote, Oxfordshire and another terrace home in Clapham, south London. Paul Massara's home in Oxfordshire. The thermal image shows heat escaping from the 16th century country property, say energy experts . Thermal images taken of both properties show they are 'far less energy-efficient than the average family home,' Andy Smale from independent consultancy Expert Energy told the Sun on Sunday. He added the images also indicate the houses could suffer from 'nasty drafts'. This week, Mr Massara caused outrage by blaming Britons for sky-high energy prices. He said households would save money if people turned off televisions and other electronic devices - and said his teenage daughters were guilty of wasting energy. Last week the energy boss advised Britons to turn off lights and electrical appliances in order to save on energy bills . He also blamed the government for higher charges - saying eco-schemes were to blame for increasing costs. He said green taxes would push bills up to £1,500 annually by 2020 - a figure the industry regulation Ofgem disputed. Npower raised its prices by 10.4 per cent late last year - a move predicted to affect around 3.1million customers. The company have since insisted it will reduce costs as a result of government taxes. Speaking with BBC Radio 4's Today show, Mr Massara said: 'The reality is that we have some of the cheapest prices in Europe but our bills are some of the highest because our houses are old and not insulated. 'It’s interesting. I have two teenage daughters. 'They have been brought up in a generation that has looked at energy efficiency, that has looked at climate change. 'They would never dream of walking out of a bathroom leaving the taps running. 'And yet my teenage daughters will walk out of a room and leave the lights on and their iPod playing and the TV on quite happily. 'So I do think we need to change our approach and the way we think about energy waste.' ‘The actual unit price of energy in the UK is one of the lowest in Europe – but bills are high because British houses waste so much energy. ‘If we can increase the efficiency of the UK’s old and draughty housing, we can ensure that annual energy bills are some of the lowest too.’ | Two homes owned by boss Paul Massara are 'poorly insulated' say experts .
Add both London terrace and 16th century country property are 'drafty'
Comes days after Mr Massara told Britons draughty homes were responsible for high energy bills and not hike in prices . |
fb8bbc7afef3606b0a24631f8bfa9d9c1a9acdc0 | A bright-eyed young girl sits on the set of a TV studio, conducting one of her first ever interviews after being selected from a crop of nationwide hopefuls to win a prestigious modelling contract. Undeniably beautiful and destined for greatness, the 13-year-old's selection as a magazine cover girl has already drawn criticism from media groups as being little more than paedophilia. Facing some difficult questions for someone her age - she has just turned 14 after her competition win - she is asked by reporter Tracy Grimshaw if there is anything she would not consider doing in her future career as a model. Scroll down for video . No way: With a crinkled up nose and a curled lip, a 13-year-old Miranda Kerr looks virtually disgusted by the thought of having her picture taken in lingerie . 'You like the idea of travelling?' The question, posed by TV reporter Tracy Grimshaw, left, is met with an enthusiastic 'Yep' by the gangly teenaged Miranda . Starting out: When asked why she wants to be a model - if the answer isn't literally written on her face - Miranda replies, 'I just think it'd be really fun. I love being with people and I love fashion' The young girl's feelings are quite clear on the subject, saying: 'I won't be doing any lingerie shots or anything like that.' The year was 1997 and the teenage girl is Miranda Kerr, who would go on to be one of the world's most recognised lingerie models. The clip was featured in Australian channel ABC's Family Confidential programme on Tuesday night, which offered a unique insight into the model's family life. Ten years later: Miranda of course went on to be one of Victoria's Secrets most celebrated models, seen here on the catwalk in New York in 2007 . At least there's no lingerie: Miranda bares almost all in a shoot for W magazine . It did not deliver the anticipated answer to why Miranda's close-knit family now feels that it has been shut out of the model's day-to-day life. They claim they have not seen Miranda or her son Flynn for more than a year - not since the break-up of her marriage to Hollywood star Orlando Bloom. But even her earliest of interviews provided a hint that Miranda wanted to leave her country upbringing behind for the bright lights of the world's biggest cities. Grimshaw asks Miranda why she wants to be a model at all, and her answer is simple: 'I just think it's be really fun. I love being with people and I love fashion.' In Gunnedah: Therese and John Kerr spoke warmly of how the family were all together in the norht-eastern NSW town, and how they yearned for that family closeness again . When Grimshaw asks 'And you like the idea of travelling', the answer is an immediate and resounding 'Yep!'. In Tuesday night's documentary, it was clear that the rest of the Kerr family did not share their famous family member's desire to see the world. The show started with Miranda's mother and father - Therese and John - reminiscing about the simple life in Gunnedah, a town in New South Wales (300 miles from Sydney). Throughout the interview they, as well as Miranda's grandmother Ann, are at pains to show that they are still country folk who extol the virtues of a simple life. Grandmother and brother: Ann says she fears that her great-grandson is missing out on important family time, while Matthew says both Miranda and their mother Therese are both women who like to be in control . John especially made his feelings clear, saying he wished Miranda had never gone into modelling and that she had married a 'nobody' instead of someone famous. He almost proudly told the story that he didn't know who Orlando Bloom was when told his daughter had started up a relationship, adding: 'I'd heard the name... I'm not one for movies.' He added: 'After what I know now I would rather she did just marry a nobody because you really can't get that family time by yourself.' And on the topic of his grandson Flynn, his hopes were once again homespun ones. Happy families: An undated photograph handed out by the ABC ahead of the Family Confidential programme shows the Kerrs - Matthew, Miranda, Therese and John - after one of Miranda's many early successes . Grown up: Matthew, Miranda, Therese and John are older in this photo, and Miranda has clearly grown into the beautiful looks that would take her around the world - and away from her family . He said: 'What I'd like to do as a grandfather would be to teach Flynn how to milk a cow, ride a horse, those country things.' Similarly, Miranda's grandmother Ann lamented the fact that she hadn't seen Flynn, now three, as often as she would have liked. She said: 'I miss the baby and I think he's missing out on family, that closeness that we have always had. It's very nice where they are but nothing like Australia, nothing, and I think hopefully Flynn might end up here. We just keep our fingers crossed.' A source tells MailOnline, however, that Miranda does stay close to her family. 'Miranda is totally committed to her family and in regular contact, she recently flew out her cousins to so they could spend Christmas together,' said the friend. 'Miranda directly employs her dad, brother, aunt and uncle. Her career was never going to keep her in Australia, to flourish she had to venture overseas, like many aspiring Australian models do. 'Miranda's connection to Australia is incredibly important to her and the documentary is not representative of her life. 'She does a remarkable job balancing an incredibly successful career with being a loving and dedicated mother.' With son Flynn: Miranda Kerr is seen with Therese and Ann at Sydney airport in May 2012 . Reflecting? Miranda posted this old shot of herself and her mother and grandmother on her Instagram page in December. The model has made no public remarks about her deteriorating relationship with either . The documentary touched on a possible explanation behind a family rift that has rent her once-close-knit family. In 2012, Miranda took over control of the Kora Organics skincare line, created by her but managed by mother Therese. Miranda made clear to all - including her family and those involved in her modelling career - that now that she was 30, she would be taking greater control of her life. Separated: The Kerr family say they haven't seen Miranda or her son Flynn for over a year . John spoke of his wife's determination and ambition, saying that 'she can get very blinkered' when going for something she wanted. Miranda's younger brother Matthew added that mother and daughter were the same in that they both 'like to be in control... they're leaders'. Since parting ways with Kora Organics, Therese has created her own called Divine by Therese Kerr, and says that while she realises her daughter's fame has helped get the 'message out', it has perhaps come at a cost to her family. Breaking the news: John, pictured here with his daughter and Orlando in August 2012, says it was the actor who confirmed to him the news of the couple's separation last year, over the telephone . 'You have to be in the media to be able . to get your message out, but then our little Flynny doesn't know what . it's like to walk outside without paparazzi,' she said. Therese, who said she used to speak to her daughter every single day, was teary as she explained how she had to eventually 'let go' of Miranda. She said: 'What I have had to do is let go, and allow her to be assertive and lead her own life and I guess for any mum that's a little bit challenging sometimes to do that.' Missing his grandson: John says he hopes that Flynn grows up and wants to be with his 'nan and pop' Therese said she now sent texts to . Miranda to remind her that she was always there for her, but as she was . filmed doing so during the documentary, they were not always immediately . reciprocated. She said: 'We have been best friends for most of our life. We used to talk just about every day. 'I send her messages, just little texts to say "I love you honey, let your little light shine, my arms are wrapped around you".' Sexy selfie: Miranda posted this racy selfie on Thursday during what appeared to be a modelling shot . Before Miranda moved to New York at the . age of 25, her parents say they told the then budding supermodel 'the . day you think you're better than anyone else is the day you don't model . under our guidance'. Therese said these days her daughter's life was completely different, but it was important to stand 'true'. She said: 'Miranda's life is so different now [and] she's surrounded by yes people all the time. It's so important for me to be real, to be true, to be who she needs me to be.' | She would go on to become a famous Victoria's Secret Angel .
Earliest interview hints at her desire to escape country upbringing .
Family tells tale of loved ones left behind in ABC interview .
Father wants daughter to live a normal life and hopes to teach grandson Flynn 'how to milk a cow and ride a horse'
'I would rather she had married a nobody,' says father . |
fb8be462f8eea4456c9911c3f0d6e49cef95ad18 | Louis van Gaal has yet to show concrete interest in signing Norwegian teenage sensation Martin Odegaard, according to Stromsgodset's chief executive. Odegaard is being tracked by the likes of Real Madrid, Ajax, Liverpool and Manchester United, but the Red Devils have not yet tabled an offer for the 15-year-old. The Stromsgodset attacking midfielder is destined for big things and is sure to move to one of Europe's big clubs in the not-too-distant future. Norway wonderkid Martin Odegaard is believed to have the option of signing a five-year deal with Real Madrid . Teenager Martin Odegaard takes a corner during Norway's defeat to Estonia last month . Age: 15 (D.O.B. 17/12/98) Born: Drammen, Norway . Position: Attacking midfielder . Club: Stromsgodset (2014-) Appearances: 24 . Goals: 5 . International appearances: 3 . International goals: 0 . But Stromsgodset's sporting director Jostein Flo told TV2: 'We have not received a bid from Manchester United for Odegaard, so once again this is just speculation. 'It might have come through the mailbox, but it has certainly not reached me.' The youngster has already been shown around Ajax's training facilities and stadium, with Real also believed to have already made an offer for him. Odeagaard only began playing first-team football for the Stromsgodset this year but already has five goals in 24 appearances. He also has three caps for the Norwegian national side after making his debut against the United Arab Emirates in August - all this before his 16th birthday on December 17. Odegaard (left), in action for Stromsgodset, is likely to be one of the game's best young players . Manchester United are yet to table a firm offer for Odegaard, according to Stromsgodset's sporting director . | Martin Odegaard is attracting interest from some of Europe's top sides .
Stromsgodset sporting director claims United have not made an offer .
Odegaard, 15, has already made three appearances for Norway .
Real Madrid and Ajax among clubs chasing attacking midfielder . |
fb8c21d01d67964e92a67b7cf030b20b5b80c731 | England belted out the national anthem with pride on Wednesday as they look to inject further passion into playing for their country. Wayne Rooney captained the side for the first time during the friendly against Norway. And despite apathy in the stands at Wembley – the lowest attendance for years – England’s starting XI still showed they’ve pride in the shirt. VIDEO Scroll down for Wayne Rooney: It will be a proud moment to walk out as captain . Passion: Wayne Rooney leads the way by singing along to the national anthem at Wembley . Follow the leader: The likes of Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge also sang along to the national anthem . Happy and glorious: England manager Roy Hodgson also stuck to God Save the Queen's hymn sheet . Messrs Jack Wilshere, Phil Jones and Gary Cahill blinked up on camera as roaring God Save the Queen - following their skipper’s lead. Manager Roy Hodgson said beforehand that he is likely to go with the same team against Switzerland on Monday night as they kick off the Euro 2016 campaign. Rooney and Hodgson have a lot of work to do in order to lay the World Cup ghosts to rest but are hopeful the ‘new look’ England can make an impact on the international stage. | Manchester United's Wayne Rooney captained England for the first time since being handed the armband .
Rooney lined up alongside Daniel Sturridge in England's attack .
John Stones was handed the chance to impress manager Roy Hodgson . |
fb8ce3d2b4ba458dfda3b8b32bbec92ba70f00d2 | By . Amanda Platell . Last updated at 12:40 PM on 9th July 2011 . He's ONE of our greatest stars, a Golden Globe and Bafta winner whose movies have made millions worldwide. When he appeared as the adorably self-deprecating lead in Four Weddings And A Funeral 17 years ago, Britain fell in love with him. With subsequent hits such as Notting Hill and Bridget Jones under his belt, you would have thought Hugh Grant might be enjoying the laurels of success and have found contentment now he's 50. Clearly he hasn't. This week, as he toured TV stations fulminating self-righteously over the phone-hacking scandal, he came across as someone who is utterly embittered and jaundiced with life. Seen here on Question Time, Hugh Grant has toured TV stations fulminating self-righteously over the phone-hacking scandal . Of course, we are all appalled by the News of the World's illegal activities, particularly the sickening evidence that the newspaper tampered with Milly Dowler's mobile after she had disappeared. But the relish with which Grant is dancing on the grave of a newspaper with a 168-year history, which despite its smut can be proud of many fine and important investigations into corruption, doesn't do him justice. The death of any paper diminishes our democracy, but then have you noticed that the most vociferous critics of the British Press are invariably those whose rackety private lives have been exposed by it? Step forward that buffoon John Prescott, whose long and lurid affair with his secretary Tracey Temple abused the high office he held. And, inevitably, the former chief of the world's motor-racing federation, Max Mosley, who's best known for indulging in spanking and sex sessions with prostitutes dressed in German uniforms. How gleefully they now denounce the newspaper that exposed them. Meanwhile, Tony Blair's lying former communications chief, Alastair Campbell, who sexed up the case for the disastrous war in Iraq, has been just as vociferous. But what's really puzzling is the hatred Mr Grant feels for the popular Press, which arguably gave him the publicity over the years and created the fanbase that enabled him to earn such vast sums. Is it possible that his antipathy goes back to the revelations of that night in 1995 when LA police found him receiving oral sex from hooker Divine Brown? I hope not. Mr Grant should be above that. Jennifer Aniston: Risque flights of fantasy . In her latest turkey, Horrible Bosses, Jennifer Aniston plays a sex-mad dentist. 'I . loved the script. I thought it was an extremely unique idea that . everybody universally would be able to relate to, having a boss that's a . little bit difficult.' I . don't know which offices she's ever worked in, but I've never had a boss . try to seduce me semi-naked, bra-less with stockings and suspenders. MPs and . members of the England women's World Cup football team have put pressure . on the BBC to change its prime-time schedules today to show their . quarter-final clash with France. So . let me say, as a member of their sex, that despite their dedication and . skill, women footballers have about as much spectator appeal as a . transsexual angling competition. I'd change my mind if anyone I knew could name a single player in the side. Perhaps the greatest hypocrite of all . is Labour leader Ed Miliband. While calling for the PM to apologise for . appointing Andy Coulson — who was arrested yesterday — his own director . of communications, Tom Baldwin, has been accused of being involved in . 'a number of infringements of the law'. These allegations by former Tory Treasurer Michael Ashcroft involve accessing private bank accounts while he was on The Times. Miliband . said he asked Baldwin, who, incidentally, is said to have snorted . cocaine, if there was anything in his past that should prevent him . taking the job. He gave him his word there was not. That's just what . Cameron asked Coulson. How . sickening that the world's first IVF lottery to 'win a baby' is to be . launched in Britain. Anyone can win — man, woman, single, gay — and get . £25,000 worth of free IVF treatment. When . every piece of research confirms that children from single-parent homes . are disadvantaged in all kinds of way, trivialising parenthood in this . way is morally indefensible. Emma: Sad goodbyes . As the curtain falls on the final Harry Potter movie, the delectable Emma Watson seems to be constantly in floods of tears. The actress says she is in the middle of a 'grieving process' at being separated from her film character, Hermione. Or is she just grieving for the Harry Potter cash cow that has amassed her a £24 million fortune? And while we're on fortunes, with all her billions you'd have thought J.K. Rowling could have turned up on the red carpet for her finale hurrah in a dress that didn't look as though she'd been dragged backwards though a clump of peonies in full flower. With only days to go before she has her baby girl by Caesarean section, Victoria Beckham says she's not one of those celebrities who wants to be photographed like Demi Moore on a Vanity Fair cover with her naked bump. Instead, her naked bump is 'secretly' snapped by hubby David and the photographs are posted online. At this rate we'll be treated to a video of the birth on YouTube. It was reported that Fergie whispered to a male friend during a charity ball: 'I know what all the headlines will be tomorrow. Who is the Duchess's mystery date?' A word of advice, Fergie: no one thinks of you as a 'duchess' any more — just a pathetic, publicity-seeking, disgraced former royal. Equally, no one could care less about who has the misfortune of squiring a dumpy, middle-aged woman who possesses not one iota of self-knowledge. A company investigating people's attitudes towards domestic appliances reports the dishwasher is the least trusted. Rubbish! It's not the dishwasher that's the problem — rather our partners who don't know how to stack them properly. | Number 10 has secret plans to dispatch the treacherous Labour-leaning Speaker Bercow to Afghanistan as part of a parliamentary exchange. Bercow in a burkah — I'd pay good money to witness that, especially since burkah-clad Afghan women are not expected to be seen or heard.
Home Secretary Theresa May plans a change to the law to stop criminals using their 'right to a family life' under the Human Rights Act to prevent them being deported. One Bolivian used the fact he owns a British cat as part of his successful case that he should be allowed to stay here. Let's hope this latest promise of reform isn't as empty as the PM's vow to scrap the reviled Human Rights Act and replace it with a British Bill of Rights.
Effete and ineffectual multi-millionaire Zac Goldsmith attacks the News International empire run by Rupert Murdoch and his son James as being too powerful. That's pretty rich coming from a former non-dom who inherited £200 million to £300 million from his billionaire father — who incidentally also hated the Press — and has never achieved anything in life off his own back. |
fb8cf255be29c385b27368a16489c0f4df4a3b1d | If QPR count as giants, then surely the entry barrier is too low. That is not to skimp on the praise due to Sheffield United or indeed the manager with the famous bloodline and delightful habit of embarrassing bigger clubs. But the shock of this result needs to be considered against one truth — Queens Park Rangers are capable of staggering incompetence and yesterday was an example of a struggling club close to their worst. It was their misfortune to run into a side that has now won 14 of 17 cup fixtures under Nigel Clough. A side that in the past year has beaten five Barclays Premier League clubs, contested the semi-finals of the FA Cup and will play Tottenham Hotspur this month in the last four of the Capital One Cup. Marc McNulty fires league One side Sheffield United ahead at Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup . Sheffield United players run to celebrate the opener from McNulty after 36 minutes in West London . Jamal Campbell-Ryce capitalised on a QPR defensive error to score from close range in the second-half . Campbell-Ryce celebrates after doubling Sheffield United's lead at Loftus Road on Sunday afternoon . QPR (4-4-2): McCarthy 4.5; Onuoha 5, Ferdinand 5.5, Caulker 5.5 (Isla 61, 6) Traore 6; Hoilett 5 (Zamora 46, 5.5), Mutch 6, Henry 6 (Vargas 61, 6), Fer 5.5; Phillips 6, Austin 6. Subs not used: Hill, Murphy, Furlong, Grego-Cox . Booked: Onuoha . SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-1-4-1): Howard 6; Flynn 6.5, Kennedy 6, McEveley 6.5, Harris 6.5; Doyle 6.5 (Higdon 90); Campbell-Ryce 7.5, Reed 7, Scougall 6, Baxter 6.5 (Wallace 90); McNulty 7 (Murphy 82) Subs not used: Alcock, McGahey, Turner, Dimaio . Scorers: McNulty 36, Campbell-Ryce 49, 90 . Booked: McNulty, Reed . Referee: Mark Clattenburg 6.5 . MOTM: Jamal Campbell-Ryce . Not bad for a team from League One who in the past month have had less publicised engagements with Walsall, Fleetwood and Port Vale and taken only two points. One can only wonder how the QPR of this tie would do in such fixtures. It was all neatly summed up when, at 1-0 down to a Marc McNulty goal, Rangers goalkeeper Alex McCarthy came to collect a corner but flapped and missed. Jamal Campbell-Ryce watched the farce unfold and stuck out a leg to make it 2-0. The forward then had the good fortune to be close by when Leroy Fer’s dreadful late header to McCarthy landed in his path and 2-0 became 3-0. Harry Redknapp, the QPR manager, was furious, even if the cynical view is probably correct —this early exit will probably help in the bigger picture of Premier League survival. But that is a mission that will require a happy squad and results like this, against a club 34 league places beneath them, ought to sting. Redknapp said: ‘I thought they were sharper than us all over the pitch. They played well and you have to give them credit — they are a good cup side. They obviously raise their game in the cup. Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp greets Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough on Sunday . Blades forward Ryan Flynn attempts to take possession off QPR left back Armand Traore at Loftus Road . Dutch international Leroy Fer strikes towards goal against League One side Sheffield United in the FA Cup . ‘But we looked sluggish. The last goal summed us up. It was horrendous. There were no positives, not really. I couldn’t take any in fact.’ The tone was no more positive on the subject of transfers. QPR have yet to record even a point on the road in the Premier League and are in desperate need of reinforcements. Redknapp is focusing on the loan market and made the concerning admission yesterday that he does not have a clue who will come in. QPR keeper Alex McCarthy makes a clearance during the FA Cup third round clash with Sheffield United . Jordan Mutch of QPR battles with Stefan Scougall of Sheffield United at Loftus Road on Sunday afternoon . Queens Park Rangers top scorer Charlie Austin falls under the challenge of Sheffield United's Michael Doyle . QPR defender Rio Ferdinand and Sheffield United's Stefan Scougall battle for the ball at Loftus Road . He said: ‘We are only looking for a loan or two. That is where we are at. Who do you find on loan at this time of year? ‘It’s very difficult. We are not close to doing any deals at all. I haven’t got a clue where we will find any at the moment.’ Redknapp made seven changes to the side that drew with Swansea City on New Year’s Day, but it was Fer — one of the four survivors – who had the best chance to set this game on a different path. Receiving the ball with his back to goal after seven minutes, he hit a hard shot on the turn that forced a good save from Blades goalkeeper Mark Howard. That was pretty much as good as it got. McNulty slides on the pitch in celebration having opened the scoring for the away side at Loftus Road . Sheffield United team mates surround McNulty after he scored to cap off a fine Sheffield United move . Hoops midfielder Matt Phillips picks out a pass to try and start another QPR attack on Sunday at Loftus Road . QPR striker Bobby Zamora rises to head at goal but couldn't find the back of the net with this attempt . United settled and started to create chances, although QPR’s propensity for self-destruction provided generous help. The breakthrough came on 36 minutes. Louis Reed played a through-ball, defender Rio Ferdinand was unsure whether to step out or attack the ball and in the event did neither, meaning McNulty had a path to goal. McCarthy got a touch on the ball but not enough for it to matter. The QPR goalkeeper was far more culpable for United’s second goal, four minutes after the break. Reed hit a corner to the near post, McCarthy came, missed and watched as the ball clattered off Jordon Mutch and towards his own goal-line. Campbell-Ryce poked it over. McNulty chests down the ball under the watch of QPR defender Steven Caulker in the FA Cup . In form QPR forward Charlie Austin keeps his eye on the ball during against Sheffield United in the FA Cup . Dutchman Leroy Fer heads towards goal during the FA Cup third round clash at Loftus Road . Campbell-Ryce adds his second to complete the scoring at Loftus Road as Sheffield United won with ease . When Fer made a hash of a header back to his keeper in stoppage time, it was Campbell-Ryce who pounced again. Sheffield United coach Chris Morgan, speaking in place of Clough, said: ‘I don’t think people will take us lightly, because of the results we’ve had. In the last calendar year we’ve beaten five Premier League clubs. ‘We had the great run in the FA Cup last season and we were confident of getting a result but we had to work hard. ‘It’s great that we have good runs in the cup — great for the club, great for the revenue and for the fans — but we know that first and foremost our target is promotion. ‘It sends a message to us that we can come and compete with top teams.’ A label that served as the only consolation for QPR all day. The QPR players stand at the centre circle in shock after falling to a 3-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United . The Sheffield United bench jump up in celebration during the 3-0 victory at QPR in the FA Cup on Sunday . Jamal Campbell-Ryce is all smiles after his double helped Sheffield United beat QPR 3-0 on Sunday . | Marc McNulty put the League One side ahead after 36 minutes .
Jamal Campbell-Ryce scores a second-half brace to ensure the win .
Sheffield United are already in the Capital One Cup semi-finals .
QPR have now won just two of their last 23 FA Cup matches . |
fb8d3de549d191795c67017909d53b8d04a870eb | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 03:53 EST, 13 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:12 EST, 13 April 2012 . Meet Tyrone Welcome - the goalkeeper out to prove that having one arm is no barrier to being a safe pair of hands between the sticks. Tyrone admits that opposition forwards regularly underestimate him. But they are often left frustrated by his shot-stopping prowess - and has saved three of his last five penalties. One-armed wonder: Tyrone Welcome regularly surprises his opposition with his shot-stopping prowess despite his disability . At full stretch: Tyrone has saved three penalties out of his last five for his team, Aston Stars FC . Tyrone, 38, said: 'Once the other team have seen me make a few stops they soon realise I’m hard to beat. 'Because I’ve had to focus so hard on my game, my mind is always one step ahead - I think my anticipation is twice what it would have been otherwise. 'It’s a bit of reverse psychology. I know they’ll naturally try and stick it down my right hand side, so I edge even closer to the left to encourage them to hit it that way. 'Once they’ve fallen for it I throw my weight the other way and save it. It works like a dream.' Reverse psychology: Tyrone play mind games with the opposition to ensure he can anticipate which way they will shoot . Penalty hero: Tyrone celebrates with his teammates, who play in the Birmingham Southern League . When it comes to catching the ball, Tyrone says he normally opts to punch it safety. 'With practice you get very good at anticipating the flight of the ball and getting some real distance on it,' he added. 'I take real pride in a clean sheet and every time I play I aim to keep one. I have a mixed record, but over the years I’ve got my fair share.' Inspirational Tyrone, who plays for Aston Stars FC in the Birmingham Southern League, lost his right arm aged 12 after being electrocuted when copper wire he was carrying touched an overhead power cable. Glove up: When it comes to catching, Tyrone, who lost his right arm after being electrocuted, opts to punch the ball away . He initially packed in sport altogether but now he’s barely off the pitch - not only holding down the No1 shirt for his Sunday side, but also for Great Britain’s official amputee national side. He said: 'I’ve wanted to test myself in proper match situations for a while now so when Aston Stars came calling it was the perfect opportunity for me. 'I initially got the call-up to the national team nine years ago from a GB amputee player. I wasn’t going to go as I regard myself as able-bodied, but I went and I loved every minute. 'To pull on the jersey and belt out the national anthem in front of thousands of people is beyond a dream - I get a tear in my eye when I’m out there.' The FA currently offers no financial support meaning the only way Tyrone and his national teammates can compete in tournaments is through self-funding. Last year, the GB Amputee Team were left as the only self-funded team at the World Cup in Argentina. Even countries like Sierra Leone were fully sponsored. They have set up their own charity, England Amputee Football Association, and are looking for sponsors. If you can help, visit www.theeafa.co.uk. Read the full interview with Tyrone in this week’s Zoo magazine. | Tyrone Welcome, 38, has saved three penalties from his last five .
Fought back after losing right arm in electrocution accident at 12 . |
fb8dfe2d9faf6048e83cc4439c749241a08810c8 | One of the greatest puzzles of our age is why, when we can split the atom, blast people into space and send information around the world in the blink of an eye, do we find it almost impossible to open a packet of nuts? Two-thirds of Britons have injured themselves in ‘wrap rage’ incidents, according to a survey this year by trade journal The Grocer. And half-a-million people a year need medical treatment for injuries from attempting to get into tin cans, consumer group Which? has found. So if you’re fed-up of losing wrestling matches with packaging, try these easy yet ingenious tips to come out on top… . A TIN OPENER FOR PLASTIC . PROBLEM: Moulded plastic ‘clam-shell’ packaging completely sealed around each edge — like that found around many children’s toys, disposable razors and small electrical products — is the leading cause of frustration, according to Which?. Struggling with a corkscrew? A tap on the end of a bottle with a shoe should do the trick . As Sir Terry Wogan raged on TV’s Room 101 last year: ‘Has anyone tried to break into a toothbrush lately?’ Getting into this sort of packaging is particularly hellish because the plastic is both hard and an awkward shape. You can’t pull or tear it apart so have to cut into it with scissors — normally at awkward angles to avoid damaging the item you’ve bought. Then you have to avoid cutting yourself on the sharp edges you have created. SOLUTION: Grab an ordinary manual tin opener, clamp it on to an outside edge and open as if it were a can. But bear in mind the can opener won’t go around sharp corners, so in this scenario you’ll have to slice the packet open in straight lines along each side. UNJAM THOSE JARS . PROBLEM: The traditional way of opening a stubborn jar is to bash the edge of the lid on a kitchen worktop — but that can lead to some expensive repairs. Or, if the seal on the lid breaks suddenly while the jar is being held at an angle, brine or beetroot juice all over your floor. SOLUTION: There are all sorts of fancy gadgets on the market to solve this niggling problem. But save your pennies and try an elastic band instead. Use a shoe to bang open a bottle if it's stuck . Wrap it around the lid, several times if necessary, then twist. The thicker bands work best as they give maximum grip — but if you only have thin ones, you can use two or three for the same effect. It works because it stops your hand slipping around the edge of the jar and gives you the extra grip and traction you need to twist the lid off easily. BANG OPEN A BOTTLE . PROBLEM: We’ve all done it — mislaid the corkscrew when we need to open a bottle of wine, or simply forgotten to take one on a fancy picnic. SOLUTION: Stop fretting and grab a shoe. Remove the metallic wrapping that covers the cork and place the bottle into your footwear so that its bottom sits on the insole, at the heel, and the side is snug against the back (don’t use a shoe with any kind of heel or one without some cushioning). Place the bottom of the shoe against a brick wall or tree to create a 90-degree angle then, while carefully holding the bottle in place, start banging gently. After a few knocks, the cork should have risen up enough for you to twist it out with your hands. This is because the banging motion repeatedly forces the wine against the cork at high pressure, forcing the cork to slowly work its way out of the bottle. THE COIN SLICER . PROBLEM: You’re desperate for a snack but, try as you might, the plastic packet full of crisps, nuts or sweets just won’t open, no matter how much you try to pull the sealed top edges apart. SOLUTION: If you don’t have scissors to hand, grab two coins, place them on the opposite sides at the top of the bag (close together) and push them against each other. The coins will work as makeshift scissors and neatly slice the top open. CHEERS TO THE MAIL . Use your trusty Daily Mail to lever off the caps from tricky to open bottles . PROBLEM: You don’t have a bottle opener to hand but the thought of expensive dentist bills puts you off using your teeth. SOLUTION: Pick up your trusty Daily Mail. Take about four folded sheets and fold in half from top to bottom, repeat — and repeat again. Finally fold it from left to right just once, and place one of the corners underneath the bottle cap. Lever the cap off the bottle and enjoy your well-earned refreshment. This works because the repeated folding creates a highly dense makeshift tool that can handle the pressure of shifting a bottle cap without buckling. GRIND YOUR WAY INTO TINS . If you can't open a tin just turn it upside down and rub it against a concrete surface . PROBLEM: It’s easily done — you go camping with enough tinned food to feed a small army, only to discover you’ve left the tin opener at home. SOLUTION: Never fear — here’s an amazing trick that will allow you to get at your food without the need for any tool whatsoever. Just turn the tin upside down and start rubbing it against a concrete surface (any will do). The motion will wear away the ‘lip’ of the tin that seals it shut. After a few seconds, turn it back the right way around and give the sides a squeeze. If you’ve used enough elbow grease, the lid should pop open. CONQUER YOUR KEYRING . A staple remove will get a keyring off too . PROBLEM: Getting keys on or off a keyring should be quick and simple but the length of time it takes most of us to achieve this basic feat — and the number of nails we break while trying to do so — makes us wonder if keyrings were actually designed to confound criminal masterminds. SOLUTION: Save your manicure and employ a staple remover instead. Pinch the teeth of the remover into the middle of the keyring, and the two pieces of metal will part like magic, leaving the perfect amount of space for you to slide a new key in. If you don’t have a staple remover, try inserting a butter knife — which has a thicker blade than a usual table knife — between the rings instead, twisting it gently so they open. | To get into tough plastic packaging use a tin opener .
Use a shoe to bang open a bottle if it's stuck .
Your trusty Daily Mail can lever off the caps from tricky to open bottles .
If you can't open a tin turn it upside down and rub it against concrete .
A staple remove will get a keyring off too . |
fb8e4329e6283a60c7cd25fb7b0ae8c4ffa0adbf | By . Lydia Warren . PUBLISHED: . 15:47 EST, 30 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:49 EST, 30 January 2013 . These x-rays show a bullet lodged in a robbery victim's neck after she was shot in the face - and miraculously survived. Mother-of-two Evelin Matamoros, 36, was leaving a Chinese restaurant in Miami, Florida on January 24 when she was approached by 20-year-old Kamiah Lanier. Lanier allegedly demanded she give him her purse but even though she did, he shot her. The bullet bounced off her cheek bone, travelled through her mouth, fractured her lower jaw bone, and then lodged itself in her neck, where it can be seen in the x-rays. Survivor: An X-ray shows a bullet lodged in Evelin Matamoros' neck after she was shot in the face . 'She had a gunshot wound on the left . side of her face,' Dr. Gabriel Ruiz, clinical instructor of surgery at . Ryder Trauma Center at the Jackson Memorial Hospital, told Local News 10. 'There were many organs that could . have been damaged with that trajectory. It's a very serious injury . because of the location and the type of trauma she received.' But Matamoros miraculously pulled through and in an astonishing show of bravery, helped detectives identify Lanier from a line up. On Wednesday she will undergo reconstructive surgery in which Dr. Michael Peleg, an oral and . maxillofacial surgeon, will replace the area of her shattered jaw . with a custom-fitted titanium plate. Lodged: She was shot when a robber demanded she give him her bag - before shooting her anyway . Wound: A view under her jaw shows the bullet lodged in her neck after it shattered her jaw bone . 'We think she'll be able to chew, (and) be able to open her mouth without any restriction,' he said. 'I'm very . optimistic and I believe we can provide a very good result.' Doctors say Matamoros will probably need . three or four surgeries, and that her recovery could take as long as a year. Matamoros was shot after Lanier approached her as she left the Cafe Ruyi restaurant last week in what police called a 'senseless crime'. 'He shoots her deliberately and in broad . daylight after she gives him her purse,' Officer Kenia Reyes with . the Miami Police Department said. Fighter: Matamoros will need three or four reconstructive surgeries but should make a full recovery . Battle: The mother of two will have a titanium plate fitted to replace the area of her shattered jaw . An off-duty police officer saw Lanier . run into a parking lot after the shooting before watching a grey Dodge . Charger speed away, investigators said. The . officer reported the car's tag number and a Miami-Dade officer later . saw the vehicle and stopped it, finding Lanier's sister in the car. The . woman told officials she had driven her brother to the scene that day . and gave officers a photograph of Lanier. Matamoro was then able to . identify him as the shooter. Police arrested Lanier at his Florida City home, where they also found Matomoro's purse. Arrest: Kamiah Lanier, 20, allegedly shot Matamoros, stole her bag and fled the scene in a car . Caught: An off-duty police officer saw the car and noted down the plates, and Lanier was later arrested . He has been charged with one count of . armed robbery with a firearm, one count of attempted murder, one count . of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of use of . firearm during the commission of a felony. From hospital, Matamoros wrote a note on her Facebook page to thank everyone for their prayers. 'With . all my heart thank you for all the support that are giving me in this . difficult situation that I'm going through,' she said. 'I'm very . surprised and at the same time I feel very fortunate. 'Many . thanks to... authorities for arresting the individual with great . success. Thanks to the staff of the Jackson hospital and the excellent . care they are giving me.' Scene: He attacked the young mother as she walked from this Chinese restaurant in Miami . Relief: Matamoros is expected to make a full recovery, but doctors predict it could take as long as a year . | Kamiah Lanier 'demanded Evelin Matamoros hand over her purse - but after she did, he shot her anyway'
The mother of two will need to undergo reconstructive surgery but is expected to make a full recovery . |
fb8e438d7cc34c410aafa64715229b9f2bbc8039 | Two mothers, who had grown frustrated with stereotypical clothing collections designed for little girls, have launched their own fashion line which features the cars, dinosaurs and pirates that were once exclusive to boys' clothing. Rebecca Melsky and Eva St. Clair, both from Washington D.C., took to Kickstarter on February 3 to raise $35,000 for production of their gender-bending Princess Awesome collection. Since then, their crowdfunding campaign has already made more than $90,000, making it the highest-funded children's clothing project in Kickstarter history. Scroll down for video . Pretty in blue: Princess Awesome is a line of dresses for little girls that are adorned with the kinds of patterns that were once exclusive to boys' clothing . Science project: Two little girls hug while modeling the Pi symbol dresses from the collection . 'Girls shouldn't have to decide between dresses and dinosaurs or ruffles and robots,' they explained on their fundraising page. 'We're a different kind of girly.' The Princess Awesome line includes colorful dresses featuring airplanes, pirates, spaceships, trains and classic art, as well as math and science symbols. Ms Melsky, a third-grade teacher with two children, told Yahoo that when her daughter was two years old, she insisted on wearing frilly dresses, but she would also wear boys' pajamas featuring spaceships and trucks to bed. Original design: The child on the left models a red A-line dress featuring a train pattern, and the girl on the right wears a play dress with a dinosaur print . Worth the money: Moms Rebecca Melsky (left) and Eva St. Clair (right) took to Kickstarter this month to raise $35,000 for production of their line. Their crowdfunding campaign has already made more than $90,000 . Lifelong interests: The child on the left models a play dress featuring a graphic print, while the toddler on the right dons a train pattern . 'She loved them,' Ms Melsky recalled. 'And I thought, "I wish she had a dress with spaceships" or, really, any of the patterns we could get on her "boy" jammies.' She teamed up with her friend Ms St. Clair, who is a mom of four, and they debuted their innovative designs in April 2013. They started by selling their unique dresses at the Christmas bazaar held by Ms St. Clair's church and later made their collection available online. Their original play dresses featuring dinosaurs and Pi symbols sold out within a few weeks of production. Group effort: A group of girls model Princess Awesome's popular Pi dresses . Multiple interests: The little girl on the left wears a bright blue A-line dress adorned with airplanes and helicopters, while the girl on the right dons a patterned dress featuring the periodic table . Baby genius: This child poses in front of her chart featuring the scientific abbreviations of elements commonly found in household products . 'The demand is there, but the supply is not,' Ms Melsky said in their fundraising video. Ms Melsky and Ms St. Clair's website is currently closed as they prepare to begin factory production and add new styles to their growing collection. Many online commenters took to Princess Awesome's Kickstarter page to praise the project and thank the moms for their designs. Variety of tastes: The baby on the left dons a Pi dress, while the little girl on the right wears a pirate pattern . Not just for boys: This little girl wears the Princess Awesome Pi dress while meeting Buzz Lightyear . Big business: The money earned from Ms Melsky and Ms St. Clair's Kickstarter page will go towards factory production of their designs . 'As a scientist and a mom, I couldn't be more excited about this movement,' one woman wrote. 'I hope your success and the budding popularity of your dresses is a signal to mainstream clothing/toy makers that parents want more for their daughters than what they currently offer.' She added: 'If I could have given more money, I would have! Thank you for being a voice for us!' Another mom added: 'I don't know who is more excited about your company, me or my daughter.' Ms Melsky explained that she and Ms St. Clair believe that a lot of girls like things that are 'traditionally girly' as well as things that aren't. 'As a parent, I want to honor my daughter’s love of feminine fashion choices and also foster her interest in math or science or construction all in one outfit,' she told Yahoo Parents. Extinction of stereotypes: This bright pattern from the collection features dinosaurs and volcanoes . Swashbuckling dress: This pirate-themed print is adorned with ships and cannons . Scientific method: This pattern from the collection features drawings of atoms . | Princess Awesome designs feature the cars, spaceships and pirates that were once exclusive to boys' clothing .
Moms Rebecca Melsky and Eva St. Clair have raised more than $90,000 on Kickstarter to produce their collection . |
fb8e67128509c7c7360af581bfb8456aaab19ab0 | The derelict military bunker at the centre of a German officer's botched plot to blow up Hitler will be opened to the public as a museum. The Wolf’s Lair, located in the Masurian woods in northeastern Poland, has been open to the public since the end of World War II, but mainly for much criticised paintball games or as an indoor shooting range. It was one of Hitler’s key military headquarters during the war. But is most famous as the place Colonel Claus von . Stauffenberg tried to kill the dictator by placing a briefcase bomb . underneath the table during a staff meeting on July 20, . 1944. New image: Tourists wander around the remains of the Wolf's Lair in Poland, which will now open as a museum to educate visitors about its history . The plan was to kill Hitler and replace him with a government which would negotiate a truce with the Allies, ending the war. Having left the conference for a pre-arranged phone call, Colonel von Stauffenberg, whose fate was thrown back into the spotlight due to 2008 movie Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise, left the hut shortly before the bomb detonated. However, a staff officer had moved the briefcase shortly after von Stauffenberg’s departure which saw Hitler protected from the blast and the dictator survived with minor injuries. Von Stauffenberg was captured and . executed alongside three conspirators and all their relatives were sent . to concentration camps. A total of 200 were executed as a result of the assassination attempt. Overgrown: Part of one of the derelict bunkers on the 600 acre complex which once had its own train station . Title: Wolf's Lair, Wolfsschanze in German, was named after Hitler's self-appointed nickname: Herr Wolff . Four months after the bomb, Wolf's Lair was destroyed by the Nazi forces as the Soviet Red army advanced in 1945. Soon after it became a tourist attraction. Nearly 70 years later, due to lax . legislation, tours of the overgrown bunkers have been less informative . than the Polish Government see fit and tourists can even pose for . photographs in Nazi uniforms. ‘At this moment, one does not feel the tragic dimension of this place,’ historian Tomasz Chinciski told The New York Times. Wolfsschanze meeting: Adolf Hitler and Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini, far left, in the Wolf's Lair listening to General Alfred Jodl, Chief of Staff of German Army . After the bomb: The aftermath of the assassination attempt at Wolf's Lair. Hermann Goering, pictured in a light uniform, inspects the wrecked room . Inside the lair: Hitler inside the Wolf's Lair shortly after surviving Colonel von Stauffenberg's attempt on his life . He is involved in the development of Wolf's Lair and underlines the importance of not forgetting its past. He said: 'We need to work on new ways of telling history to make young generations want to learn it and understand it.' The . current lease of the premises is held by Wolf’s Nest, who have had the . contract since the collapse of Poland’s communist regime. Hiding place: One of the 80 buildings at the complex, which was built to protect Hitler from the Soviet Army during Operation Barbarossa in 1941 . Critics have called their tours of Wolf’s Lair a 'grotesque Disneyland’ operation and have called for them to stop. In a bid to profit from ‘Nazi . tourism’, Wolf’s Nest, a private company, built a restaurant, a hotel . and even an indoor shooting range located in the offices of General Alfred . Jodl, a Nazi Army Commander sentenced to death at Nuremberg. But due to the remote location, Wolf’s . Nest have not had much success in luring tourists to the bunker and the . 600-acre complex is in despair with overgrown buildings and pathways. In an effort to re-build the bunker, Wolf’s Nest have agreed to work with historians, according to The Independent. Two visitors at the Wolf's Lair scan a map of the area with explanations of the purposes for each building . Tour guide: The site plan reveals there were two casinos, a cinema, a sauna and two tea rooms . Poland’s . Ministry of Culture and National heritage gave strict instructions to . the company that no new lease would be granted unless the company meet . educational requirements. The . hideout - whose name references Hitler's nickname, 'Herr Wolff' - . consisted of 80 buildings at its peak including its own power plant and a . railway station. The complex, built in 1940, was heavily camouflaged and surrounded by a minefield, which took ten years to clear after the war. Immortalized: The attempt to assassinate Hitler was brought to life in the Tome Cruise movie 'Valkyrie' Never forget: A commemorative plaque in German and Polish reads ' In memory of the resistance against National Socialism' | Critics have previously called for an end to 'grotesque Disneyland' tours .
New lease demands tourism company meet 'educational requirements' |
fb8e868a5cff9d1e7247c1327e4c22ed18098150 | NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- An Indian paramilitary trooper shot dead six colleagues and fled his military camp with an AK-47 rifle in the remote northeastern state of Manipur, a spokesman for his unit said Thursday. Indian Assam Rifles paramilitary soldiers on duty in the eastern state of Manipur. "He shot dead one junior commissioned officer in a fit of rage after having an altercation with him and then turned the gun on five other troopers (who arrived at the scene)," said Shamsher Jung, the spokesman for the Assam Rifles. Authorities launched a manhunt for the trooper. The Assam Rifles are stationed in Manipur, on the India-Myanmar border, to combat some 30 active insurgent groups that are believed to be operating there. The rebels want a separate homeland and have accused the Indian government of exploiting the region's natural resources, while doing little in return to help the indigenous people who live there. In the last decade, thousands have died in separatist violence. -- CNN's Harmeet Shah Singh contributed to this report. | Trooper shot one junior commissioned officer in a fit of rage, spokesman said .
He then turned his gun on five other troopers who arrived on the scene .
Trooper part of Assam Rifles, stationed in Manipur on India-Myanmar border . |
fb8eb75a23e2ec38fea1efaab9fd77dad459af07 | You would have to look closely for one of its obscure entrances in the French capital of Paris. But should you stumble upon one, it reveals an underground world of the dark, dank, narrow tunnels with a fascinating history. Below the City of Light's 12million residents lie the remains of 6million others - known as France's Empire of the Dead, a world which is brought to life in a new documentary on CNN. The Paris catacombs are a 200-mile network of old caves, tunnels and quarries - and much of it is filled with the skulls and bones of the dead. Going underground: An explorer roams through the skull and bone-lined walkways of the Paris catacombs . Death on display: The macabre mosaics lining the walls of the underground network are the remains of 6million former Parisians . Much of the catacombs are . out of bounds to the public, making it illegal to explore unsupervised. But nevertheless, it is a powerful draw for a hardcore group of explorers with a thirst for adventure. A tourist-friendly, legal entrance can be found off Place Denfert-Rochereau . in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, near the Montparnasse district. Here, visitors from all over the . world can descend into the city's dark and dank bowels for a . whistle-stop tour of a small section of the catacombs. One visitor told CNN: . 'I think people are fascinated with death. They don't know what it's . about and you see all these bones stacked up, and the people that have . come before us, and it's fascinating. We're trying to find our past and . it's crazy and gruesome and fun all at the same time.' Eerie: These subterranean quarries had been used to store the remains of generations of Parisians in a bid to tackle overcrowding in cemeteries . Tunnel patrol: Much of the catacombs are off-limits to the public and those caught illegally exploring can be fine up to 60 euros . The well-worn trail might be enough to satisfy the tourists, but other Parisians like to go further - and . deeper - to explore the network. The name given to the group of explorers who go into the cave network illegally and unsupervised is Cataphiles. The top secret groups go deep underground, using hidden entrances all over the city. And they sometimes stay for days at a time, equipped with head lamps and home-made maps. Street names are etched into the walls to help explorers navigate their way around the underground version of the city and some groups have even been known to throw parties in the tunnels or drink wine. For catacomb devotees, the silence experienced deep in tunnels cannot be replicated anywhere else. Still life: Cataphiles seeking out peace and quiet say there is a unique kind of silence to be found in the tunnels . The network has become a draw for Parisians who want to explore the unchartered territory, who are known as Cataphiles . Urban explorer Loic Antoine-Gambeaud told CNN: 'I think it's in the collective . imagination. Everybody knows that there is something below Paris; that . something goes on that's mysterious. But I don't think many people have . even an idea of what the underground is like.' Those caught exploring unauthorised . sections of the network could end up out of pocket. Police tasked with . patrolling the tunnels have the power to hand out fines of 60 euros to . anyone caught illegally roaming the network. A by-product of the early development . of Paris, the catacombs were subterranean quarries which were . established as limestone was extracted deep underground to build the . city above. However, a number of streets . collapsed as the quarries weakened parts of the city's foundations. Repairs and reinforcements were made and the network went through . several transformations throughout history. However it wasn't until the 18th . century that the catacombs became known as the Empire of the Dead when . they became the solution to overcrowding in the city's cemeteries. Empire of the dead: While much of the 200-mile network is out of bounds, a small section is open to tourists . Hidden network of adventure: The tunnels and quarries are still monitored for safety . The number of dead bodies buried in . Paris's cemeteries and beneath its churches was so great that they began . breaking through the walls of people's cellars and causing serious . health concerns. So the human remains were transferred . to the underground quarries in the early 1780s. There are now more than . 6million people underground. The space was the perfect solution to ease overcrowding in cemeteries but it presented disadvantages elsewhere. It is the reason there are few tall buildings in Paris; large foundations cannot be built because the catacombs are directly under the city's streets. The tunnels also played their part in the Second World War. Parisian members of the French Resistance used the winding tunnels . And German soldiers also set up an underground bunker in the catacombs, just below the 6th arrondissement. World’s Untold Stories: Empire of the Dead’ airs on CNN International, Saturday 11 August at 1400 and 2130 BST . | More than 6million of Paris's dead are buried under the City of Lights .
Much of it is out of bounds, but for some Parisians, the lure of the catacombs is one they cannot resist . |
fb8ed79727c16c4fec080307fb63bdc0f9cd9d2e | (CNN) -- Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko have confirmed that one of them will fight Poland's Tomasz Adamek for their world heavyweight titles in September. Confirmation of whether it will be Vitali, who holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) belt, or Wladimir, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion, who will face Adamek is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. The 34-year-old Adamek, a former light-heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion, has an impressive record -- winniing 43 of his 44 fights with his only defeat coming to American Chad Dawson in 2007. Since moving up to heavweight, Adamek has won all his five heavyweight bouts, including an impressive points win over former world title challenger Chris Arreola. However, before any fight takes place, with one of the new stadiums being built for the Euro 2012 football tournament in Poland the likely venue, a series of other bouts must happen first. Vitali Klitschko will face Cuban Odlanier Solis in Cologne, Germany on March 19, while younger brother Wladimir takes on Briton Dereck Chisora in Mannheim, Germany on April 30. Adamek himself is also scheduled to have a fight in April. Should both Klitchko brothers lose, the deal with Adamek would be dead. If one loses, Adamek would face the other brother. If both Klitschko brothers win, the choice of Adamek's opponent would be decided by the Klitschko side. Speaking on the official Klitschko website, Adamek said: "It doesn't make a difference to me which Klitschko I fight. "Right now they are both the biggest stars in the boxing world right now and I want to fight the biggest stars. I'm grateful for the opportunity," he added. The news will be a bitter blow to Briton David Haye, who holds the other major belt, the World Boxing Association (WBA) title. Haye had been negotiating with the Klitschko brothers over a possible unification fight, but has publicly stated that if that does not happen by October, he will retire form the sport. | Vitali or Wladimir Klitschko will fight Tomasz Adamek in Poland in September .
The Ukrainian brothers hold three of the four major heavyeight title belts .
A series of fights must take place before the showdown against Adamek .
The news is a blow to David Haye, who wants to unify the heavyweight titles . |
fb8f2a3cf8951552218c458a746cb6266a8c7b27 | Chicago (CNN) -- Even in the best of times, running a charity isn't easy. Try doing it during a recession. "Individual giving has declined. Foundations, which give us funding, have lost money and can't give what they have in the past," said Jim LoBianco, executive director of StreetWise Inc., a Chicago nonprofit that assists men and women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. "We're struggling." LoBianco's job got easier, however, once he met Judson Kinnucan. Kinnucan, 37, has made it his mission to collect donated goods in Chicago, sort through them and get them to charities in need. For LoBianco, help came in the form of free toiletries for the shelters that StreetWise works with. Now, every month, Kinnucan delivers about 200 pounds of donated shampoo, conditioner and lotion and about 1,000 rolls of toilet paper. During the three years they've worked together, LoBianco estimates, Kinnucan has brought them more than $20,000 worth of products -- for free. "Judson builds these relationships with donors, gets these products and then brings them to us," LoBianco said. "Having someone that is willing to do all the legwork is essentially saving an agency like us a full-time employee. I can't stress how invaluable he is." More than 200 charities across Chicago have benefited from Kinnucan's unique brand of assistance. Since 2009, he has collected 145,000 pounds of goods -- estimated to be worth more than $1 million -- through his nonprofit, Bin Donated. The idea is simple. He places 55-gallon bins across the city, in residential areas and businesses such as dental offices and hotels, where people can deposit reusable goods. Then, every weekend, he gathers the donated contents, sorts them with the help of volunteers and distributes the goods to local nonprofits that need them. "When people come up to a bin, I have signage that says exactly what's needed. ... I make sure everything is very focused," Kinnucan said. "I do my research and find out what they need and collect that, or find places that need what I have." Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2013 CNN Heroes . Russell Eiermann, director of housekeeping at Chicago's Drake Hotel, was always bothered by the half-empty toiletries the housekeepers had to throw away at the end of each guest's stay. He'd tried to find groups to come and pick up the items, but for various reasons, it had never worked out. Then he found Kinnucan. Now, Eiermann's staff collects the used amenities on their carts and puts them in Bin Donated barrels at the end of the day. When the bins are full, Kinnucan picks them up. "For (him) to actually take this and give it to somebody that needs this is a relief," Eiermann said. "It's nice knowing that my staff is supporting that and there's people getting to benefit from it instead of just tossing it away." Most charities don't mind receiving partially used goods. "It's not about aesthetics for our clients," LoBianco said. "Things may not look as pretty as they do if you go into a retail store and buy it over the counter. The fact is that those items, whether it's soap or shampoo or half a roll of toilet paper, (are) critical to the men and women that StreetWise serves." Kinnucan came up with the idea of Bin Donated when a friend was having a "clean out the closet" event. The friend asked Kinnucan whether he knew anyone who would pick up all the donations. He didn't, but he had an epiphany. He had recently left his job as a recruiter, where he had matched people with the right job. Maybe he could do something similar for charities. "I would be the middleman. Find the goods, pick them up and drop them off," he said. "I would be able to save time and money for these charities, and in turn, they could focus on what they do." Hygiene products, like those provided to StreetWise, make up the majority of Kinnucan's donations. But over the years, he has collected and distributed thousands of pounds of food as well as school supplies, toys and books. He is also known locally as the man who will accept any and all donations. When a sales company had 8,000 pencil sharpeners to contribute, Kinnucan brought them to charities that work with school-age children. One company donated 150 alarm clocks; Kinnucan gave them to a nonprofit that provides housing to people with mental illness. And when a local hotel was replacing 75 ice buckets and 55 coffee makers, Kinnucan parceled them out to various nonprofits in the area. "The idea behind a donation drive has been around for eons," Kinnucan said. "The difference is, I'm collecting for everybody." There's another benefit to Kinnucan's work: By delivering goods to those who need them, he's also keeping the items out of landfills. "For a lot of companies or individuals, it's easier to just throw it away -- out of sight, out of mind," he said. "So really, the concept behind Bin Donated is to reduce, reuse, recycle and get another opportunity to have someone to use that item, whatever it might be. "It's a win-win situation. We help the charities and the environment at the same time." After working full-time on the project for nearly two years, Kinnucan is now working as a recruiter again and keeping the organization going on weekends. Having sunk his entire savings and 401(k) into the nonprofit, he would love to take his idea national one day. "Listen, if I won the Lotto, I would do this bigger," he said. "But (right now) I can't, so I'm going to keep on helping the people of Chicago. "I get dirty and sweaty, and it's back-breaking work, but it's fun, and it makes me happy. I set out to make a difference, and that's what I'm doing." Want to get involved? Check out the Bin Donated website and see how to help. | Judson Kinnucan collects donated goods and gets them to charities in need .
Whether it's hygiene products, food or school supplies, he wants nothing to go to waste .
Many charities in Chicago lean on his efforts as they struggle for funding .
Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2013 CNN Heroes . |
fb8f302da4f25bb8c218962c8d14875e8f3ef018 | (CNN) -- "Abusive" Taliban officials, like the one who ordered the stoning of a young man and woman in northern Afghanistan, shouldn't have positions of authority after a peace deal, a Human Rights Watch official said Thursday. In considering negotiations between the Taliban and coalition and Afghan government officials to end the conflict there, authorities have been amenable to the idea of reconciliation with low-level Taliban, but not all of them -- especially those who've committed violent acts. The question remains of how much sacrifice should be made for the sake of peace. "The Afghan government has said there will be negotiations with the Taliban. The U.S. government supports that ultimately because we all know that that's the only way to end the war," Tom Malinowski, the Washington advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, said on CNN's "American Morning." "When all is said and done, the question is, think about the stoning case up in Kunduz. Can we live with the deal in which the man who ordered the stoning becomes the mayor of that town? "The question is not whether there will be negotiations, but what the terms of the final deal will be. Will we be able to live with allowing these most abusive Taliban commanders to get positions of authority in the country, and I think that's what needs to be ruled out -- not just because it's wrong but because I think a deal like that won't last, it won't be sustainable. We won't get peace from a deal like that." The Taliban stoned to death a man and a woman in northern Afghanistan for allegedly having an affair, officials said Monday, an execution President Hamid Karzai called "unforgivable." The stoning took place Sunday in Dasht-e-Archi district, in the Taliban-dominated village of Mullah Qali in Kunduz province. The pair was accused of having an illicit sexual relationship, a spokesman for the Kunduz governor said. The woman was about 20 years old and the man was about 27, said Mohammed Ayoub, district governor of Amam Sahib, which is also in Kunduz province. The woman was engaged, and the man was married to another woman. The two had been held by the Taliban for about a week, Ayoub said. Malinowski there's been "a lot more brazen behavior by the Taliban in the parts of the country that they pretty much control, such as executions of people regarded, for example, as collaborators or against women who try to go to school. "This is the first time they've actually publicly executed somebody in front of a crowd of people," Malinowski said. "It tells me there are a lot of parts of Afghanistan where the government is just absent. There's no government there. There's no U.S. military there. There's no formal justice system there, and so the Taliban can fill the vacuum -- and when they do, this is what they do." | Reconciliation shouldn't include abusive Taliban, HRW official says .
Two were stoned to death in Taliban town .
The stoning case raises questions about which Taliban can be dealt with . |
fb8f48ae84c94617c5a12b7d3eb51e69195fd2fc | (CNN) -- What role, if any, did legally purchased and consumed marijuana play in a husband's alleged murder of his wife this week in Denver? That's what police are investigating in the shooting death of Kristine Kirk, who called 911 Monday and, according to a police affidavit, said her husband, Richard Kirk, was hallucinating after he had "taken some marijuana." "This is under investigation," Denver police spokeswoman Raquel Lopez said about the possibility of marijuana use. Kristine Kirk, 44, told a 911 operator that her husband also may have been on some prescription medication for back pain, according to a police affidavit. The affidavit, written by a police detective, recounts details of the 13-minute 911 call that ended with what the detective described as "the sound of a gunshot." According to the affidavit: . Kristine Kirk told the 911 operator that her husband was speaking ominously about "the end of the world" and said he wanted her to shoot him. She said she feared for herself and her three children, who were in the house. "At one point during the call (she) sounds panicked and tells the 911 operator that Richard was taking the firearm out of the safe," the affidavit says. Seconds later the 911 operator heard screams and there was a gunshot sound. The call went silent. Police arrived at the home to find Kristine Kirk dead, a gunshot wound to her head. As an officer put Richard Kirk in the backseat of a patrol car, he admitted "without questioning" that he killed his wife, a police document says. On Friday, Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey charged Richard Kirk with first-degree murder in his wife's death. It could not be determined Friday whether Kirk had retained an attorney on his own. The Denver public defender's office didn't immediately return a call. Investigators took a blood sample to determine whether Kirk was under the influence of any substances at the time of the shooting. But even if those blood tests reveal traces of tetrahydrocannabinol -- or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana -- some are saying it's unfair and irresponsible to blame the killing on his alleged use of marijuana. "I think there are a lot of facts that we don't know about this story" said Rachel K. Gillette, executive director of Colorado NORML -- the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "Bottom line: any drug, whether it's caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs -- they all come with certain levels of health risks. That's one of the reasons we're right to be regulating (marijuana)" During a search of the Kirk's home, police found a receipt in the basement for purchases made on the day of the killing at a marijuana dispensary called Nutritional Elements, according to a warrant. Kirk spent $32.70 on two items: Karma Kandy Orange Ginger -- a type of candy-form marijuana -- and Pre 98 Kush Pre-Roll -- a pre-rolled joint. Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana, allowing pot stores to open for business on January 1. A Nutritional Elements employee hung up immediately when a CNN reporter identified himself Friday. "As tragic as this is" said Gillette, "we can't look at this one isolated incident and say that (legalizing marijuana) was the wrong path to go down. The best way to keep marijuana safe is for regulatory oversight and testing." Richard Kirk is being held without bond in the Denver Detention Center. CNN's Carma Hassan contributed to this report. | NEW: Authorities charge Richard Kirk with first-degree murder in his wife's death.
Denver police say he shot and killed his wife while she was on call to 911 .
Kristine Kirk told 911 operator husband was hallucinating after he had "taken some marijuana"
Colorado is first state in the nation to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana . |
fb8ff1542f7088b031b2246e978a316c91f17d40 | James Rodriguez has revealed his heartbreak after Colombia's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Brazil. Rodriguez scored a penalty - his sixth goal of the tournament - in the 2-1 defeat on Friday and was in tears at the full time whistle. He said: 'Men can also cry but I can return to my country happy. A great team has been born. I'm crying because we gave everything we had inside of us,' he told reporters after the game. VIDEO Scroll down to watch James Rodriguez prank his Colombia team-mate in hotel room . Sportsmanship: David Luiz urges the crowd to recognize the efforts of James Rodriguez at full time . Words of wisdom: David Luiz (right) was seen talking to James Rodriguez at full time . 'We have not progressed to the semi-finals. The referee did not always whistle in the right direction and did not penalise many of Brazil's misdemeanors but we go out with our heads held high.' Brazil's David Luiz consoled Rodriguez at the end of the match.'He congratulated me for my World Cup,' the Monaco star said. 'He told me I was a good player. The truth is that having so many superstars hugging me did make me happy. We have to raise our heads now and thank Colombia for their support. 'We are sad because we wanted to keep going and set new records. We gave everything to reach the semi-final but we have to be proud because we played a great side.' Six of the best; James Rodriguez scores his sixth goal of the World Cup from the penalty spot . Not giving up hope: James Rodriguez races back to restart the game after scoring a penalty for Colombia . Luiz said: 'It’s not only the ones with the trophies who are the great champions.James has been brilliant, making great plays, scoring great goals, and he can leave here with his head held high, because he’s already a World Champion for everything he’s done at this World Cup.' Thiago Silva had opened the . scoring in the first half before Luiz's bullet free kick doubled . Brazil's advantage after the break. James Rodriguez pulled a goal back from the spot with 10 minutes remaining but Jose Pekerman's side could not find an equaliser. | Colombia lost 2-1 to Brazil in World Cup quarter final on Friday .
Rodriguez scored late penalty for his sixth goal of the tournament .
Star was in tears at full time but was consoled by David Luiz . |
fb9166bb918720b19980bd5e3d7cebedcba5104e | In the wake of a Bachelor Australia frenzy, one personal trainer from Melbourne has decided to set up his own real-life version of the dating competition. Disillusioned with conventional dating methods, Luke D’Astoli, 34, created a Facebook page called Get Lucky With Luke, which he plans to use to meet and greet eight female candidates. At the culmination, he plans to choose a spouse. Scroll down for video . The page has already garnered 500 likes and a torrent of media coverage . Luke D’Astoli, 34, created a Facebook page called Get Lucky With Luke, which he plans to use to find a spouse . The page, which was created last Sunday, has already garnered 500 likes and a torrent of media coverage. Mr D’Astoli was fed up meeting women in the usual places and wanted to try something new. ‘I knew I needed to meet some people. Most of the time I was meeting partners through work which is obviously not ideal, and I don’t really do the whole nightlife thing anymore.' ‘I also get a bad impression from dating sites and Tinder. It’s so time consuming, and I don’t think rejecting people to that degree is really very healthy.' When asked if his page was not going to involve a likewise process of rejection, he replied ‘not at all. This is going to have some proper interaction, rather than just mindlessly swiping away.’ ‘Plus, this way I get to be the centre of the operation, rather than just being one in the thousands online.’ Mr D’Astoli runs his own personal training business in Melbourne. He says that finding romance through work is 'not ideal' Mr D’Astoli says he has already found some possible romantic matches, and he plans to set some dates in the next week . Mr D’Astoli says his friends have been very supportive, with scores of them sharing the page and tagging potential partners. And he’s already found prospective matches. ‘I've already had some promising contacts who I plan to meet with. I'll be setting a time and seeing who is available on the day, then using the advice of some close friends to narrow down the process after the date.’ When asked if he was concerned the criticism Blake from the Bachelor received for embarking on a comparable venture, he said ‘there are parallels, but ultimately I think those bachelor guys act pretty ingenuine. If you’re straightforward and act with authenticity, I think you can’t go wrong.’ Mr D’Astoli plans to start posting a date schedule in the next week. | Luke D’Astoli has created a Facebook page called Get Lucky With Luke .
He plans to find eight women to meet and greet, then select one partner .
He said he grew disillusioned with conventional dating methods .
D’Astoli says he has already found some possible matches . |
fb91786cca186f724cdd76b2ded5afd9a62f0299 | (CNN) -- World number one Roger Federer has crashed out in the second round of the clay-court Rome Masters event, losing in three sets to unseeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis. The top seed looked set to cruise through after taking the opening set, but Gulbis fought back in the next two sets and, despite wasting six previous match points, the world number 40 eventually went through 2-6 6-1 7-5 in a match littered with unforced errors. Federer, who will defend his French Open title at Roland Garros next month, looked woefully out of form and made under 50 per cent of his first serves as he slumped to defeat in just over two hours. The win continued Gulbis' impressive 2010, which has seen him claim his first ever ATP Tour title at Delray Beach in February. "It's incredible, I was shocked after the match, it's a great feeling: indescribable," Gulbis told reporters. It was Federer's first opening round loss at the Foro Italico since losing to Andrea Gaudenzi in 2002 -- and the first time since the 2000 Monte Carlo Masters that the Swiss maestro had lost his first clay-court match of the season. "I hope I can bounce back, it's usually what I do after a loss like this," said Federer. "When you lose, you understand how difficult it is to dominate this Tour. "This knockout format is brutal -- one week you are great and the next week you are terrible," Federer told reporters. There were no such problems for second seed and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic, who took under an hour to demolish Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-1 6-1. And fourth seed Andy Murray also cruised through, easing to a 6-2 6-4 victory over home favorite Andrea Seppi. However, 16th seed Juan Monaco was beaten 7-6 6-4 by Romanian Victor Hanescu, while ninth seed Mikhail Youzhny lost 6-4 4-6 6-3 to former world number one Lleyton Hewitt. | Top seed Roger Federer crashes out in second round of the Rome Masters .
The world number one is beaten 2-6 6-1 7-5 by Latvian Ernests Gulbis .
Second seed Novak Djokovic cruises through after beating Jeremy Chardy 6-1 6-1 . |
fb918115c7f8f43fb61cdf837ddc2c0ea898621f | (CNN) -- President Barack Obama must do well in the debate Monday or he risks losing the national security advantage that Democrats have struggled so hard to regain. Obama was able to ward off Mitt Romney's attacks about Libya in the second debate, when Romney tripped up on one word, "terror," which contradicted the public record. But tonight, the Republican will have 90 minutes to take on the president's national security program in more systematic fashion. With last week's capture of a terrorist who was planning to bomb the New York Federal Reserve and a brutal bombing of civilians in Syria, national security issues are heating up. Democrats stand a lot to lose. For several decades, the public trusted Republicans on the issue of national security. Since Vietnam, Republicans hammered away at Democrats as being weak on defense and unwilling to do what was necessary to protect the nation. In 2004, President George W. Bush eviscerated his opponent, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, with this argument. Though Kerry began the Democratic Convention by highlighting his credentials as a Vietnam veteran, the Republicans developed an entire campaign around the question of whether Democrats could be trusted to prosecute the war on terrorism. For all of Obama's struggles with the economy, Democrats have made huge strides in the past six years. The reversal of partisan fortunes began toward the end of George W. Bush's presidency, when the White House was struggling to avoid total chaos in Iraq, a war that was highly unpopular. Democrats took control of Congress in the 2006 elections, partially in response to Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq and his handling of it. In the 2008 presidential election, Obama made Bush's war a centerpiece of his campaign. He promised to bring the war to an end and to reverse those components of the war on terrorism that had violated civil liberties. The strategy was successful. As president, Obama continued to neutralize many of his critics. He left intact most of Bush's counterterrorism program, in some cases intensifying operations such as drone airstrikes against al Qaeda, and he made it difficult for conservatives to say that he was not doing enough. After Osama bin Laden was killed by special operations forces, even Republicans had to praise the courageous operation. Obama accelerated the war in Afghanistan and brought the controversial war in Iraq to a close. While many on the left have been frustrated that Obama retained so much of the status quo, politically the president positioned himself as the person who was tougher on defense. During the Democratic Convention, he railed against Romney for having failed to salute the troops in his acceptance speech and for a series of embarrassing gaffes that took place when Romney traveled overseas this summer. In September, Pew found that 53% of those surveyed trusted Obama to make wise decisions on foreign policy, compared with 38% for Romney. But in recent weeks, the advantage seems to be eroding. The outbreak of violence in the Middle East and the White House's contradictory statements about a deadly al Qaeda attack at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, have opened up space for Republicans to go after the administration on this front. Vice President Joe Biden's statements during his debate against Paul Ryan that neither he nor the president knew about security threats, along with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton taking responsibility, certainly did not help. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, told Fox News, "I think it's very laudable that she should throw herself under the bus. But first of all, responsibility for American security doesn't lie with the secretary of state. It lies with the president of the United States. It's either willful deception or a degree of incompetence and failure to understand fundamental facts on the ground. ... Either one of those is obviously totally unacceptable." Obama has tried to push back against all of this criticism, including his statement in the second debate that he himself has ultimate responsibility, but the Republicans' singular attacks have continued nonetheless. Administration officials must be careful if they think there is no risk. Aside from 2008, there are many years in which parties lost their advantage on national security. In 1952, Democrats still thought of themselves as the party that had won World War II and set up America's Cold War strategy against the Soviet Union. Republicans hit back when Adlai Stevenson faced off against Dwight Eisenhower, a World War II military hero. Republicans attacked Democrats for being weak on fighting communism, for a military stalemate in Korea and for having allowed China to fall to communism in 1949. Eisenhower won the presidency, and Republicans took control of Congress. Just a few years later, Republicans saw their advantage slip away. Though Eisenhower was an immensely popular president and one who, as Evan Thomas shows in his masterful new book "Ike's Bluff," demonstrated immense skills at diplomacy, John F. Kennedy ran as more of a hawk than Eisenhower's vice president, Richard Nixon, did in 1960. He built on arguments that Democrats had made in the 1950s, that Republicans were so focused on balancing the budget they were not spending enough on defense to win the presidency. "Our security," he said, "has declined more rapidly than over any comparable period in our history -- in terms of defensive strength and retaliatory power, in terms of our alliances, in terms of our scientific effort and reputation." Republicans struggled again in 1992 when President George H.W. Bush watched as his advantage, which had apparently been cemented with the successful Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991 that resulted in the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, slip away. While Bush did not devote enough attention to the economy, it was also Saddam Hussein's continued military attacks on his opponents in U.N. cease-fire zones that seemed to demonstrate Bush's victory had been incomplete. "It's like any other bully," presidential candidate Bill Clinton said then, "you send 'em mixed messages, they'll take advantage of you every time." The politics of national security is tricky, and uncontrollable events can easily push politics in a different direction. Obama will have to answer some of the tough questions that have emerged, and this time Romney is going to be prepared to handle them more effectively and to show that his overall agenda still offers the U.S. the best path forward. Monday's debate can have a big impact, not just on the outcome in November, but on how the public thinks about whom they should trust when it comes to national security. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Julian Zelizer. | Monday's presidential debate may be crucial, says Julian Zelizer .
Democrats' national security advantage hangs in the balance, he says .
Only in recent weeks has their advantage seemed to be eroding, Zelizer says .
Zelizer: National security is often the deciding factor in presidential elections . |
fb918a2c1a111ac8f718765f39e1bd01bfd1472c | Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Swansea City's home clash with Newcastle... Swansea City vs Newcastle United (Liberty Stadium) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . Swansea 5/6 . Draw 5/2 . Newcastle 10/3 . Angel Rangel of Swansea City receives the red card from referee Chris Foy against Sunderland . Referee: Lee Mason . Managers: Garry Monk (Swansea), Alan Pardew (Newcastle) Head-to-head league record: Swansea wins 12, draws 4, Newcastle wins 18 . Team news . Swansea . Jazz Richards could make his first Barclays Premier League start for nearly three years with Swansea having problems at right-back for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday. Angel Rangel serves a one-match suspension after his red card at Sunderland last weekend and Dutch understudy Dwight Tiendalli is nursing a groin injury which has sidelined him since the end of August, so Richards stands by for his first top-flight start since Swansea's 1-1 draw with Tottenham in December 2011. Wilfried Bony should return to lead the line with Bafetimbi Gomis dropping out from the goalless draw at Sunderland, but Jordi Amat (ankle) and Leon Britton (knee) are still absent. Provisional squad: Fabianski, Richards, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Ki, Shelvey, Routledge, Dyer, Sigurdsson, Bony, Tremmel, Tiendalli, Bartley, Carroll, Emnes, Montero, Gomis, Fulton. Newcastle . Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will assess striker Papiss Cisse's match fitness ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Swansea. The Senegal international has been used as a substitute in each of the club's last two league games following his return from a fractured kneecap, but with goals at a premium, his manager would dearly love to have him at his disposal from the start. Pardew otherwise has no fresh injury problems and while Ryan Taylor (cruciate ligament) played in a behind-closed-doors friendly in midweek, he, fellow defender Davide Santon (knee) and midfielders Siem de Jong (thigh) and Rolando Aarons (hamstring) remain on the comeback trail. Provisional squad: Krul, Elliot, Janmaat, Dummett, Haidara, Coloccini, Williamson, S. Taylor, Tiote, Anita, Sissoko, Colback, Cabella, Gouffran, Obertan, Ameobi, Riviere, Cisse, Perez, Armstrong. Newcastle fans have grown angry with Alan Pardew after a torrid start to the season . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) | Jazz Richards could make his first start for Swansea in three years .
Gary Monk will be without the suspended Angel Rangel after his red card .
Wilfried Bony will return to lead the line for Swansea .
Newcastle will asses striker Papiss Cisse in the hope he can start the game .
Siem de Jong, Rolando Aarons and Davide Santon remain sidelined .
Swansea have won the last four games against Newcastle .
Swansea City have won the last four Barclays Premier League games against Newcastle United.
In each of the last three Premier League meetings, Swansea haven’t had a single player booked, while Newcastle have had only two players shown a yellow card.
Rémy Cabella has created the most goalscoring chances without having assisted a Premier League goal this season (17).
Swansea City have had the fewest touches in the opposition box (62) in the Premier League this season.
Newcastle have used as many French players in the Premier League this season as French Ligue 1 sides Paris Saint Germain and Toulouse have so far in 2014-15 (6).
Alan Pardew has a better win percentage as Newcastle manager in the Premier League (36%) than any other last five Magpies’ managers in the competition.
Of the 17 ever-present Premier League sides in 2014, Newcastle have won the fewest points (19), scored the fewest goals (19) and conceded the most (47).
Despite leaving in January, the only player to have scored more Premier League goals for Newcastle than Yohan Cabaye (7) since the start of last season is the now-departed Loic Remy (14).
Swansea have 11 players that have appeared in every Premier League game so far this season; more than any other side.
Alan Pardew has gone seven games without a win in the Premier League (L4 D3), his worst run of results in the competition at Newcastle United. |
fb91a313c56d43a78a84d64229e58eafb6cc7957 | Napoli have stepped up their interest in signing Swansea striker Michu. The Italians are keen on a deal for the 28-year-old but want to check on his fitness following surgery on his ankle. They would like to take him on loan with view to a permanent deal if medical checks prove he has the all-clear. Out: Swansea City midfielder Michu has not travelled on their pre-season tour to the United States . On his way? Michu is rated at £15million by Swansea but Napoli would be open to an initial loan . Spanish radio reported a deal had already been agreed on Saturday but negotiations are ongoing. Swansea would not want a loan and if they agree to his departure would want a reasonable fee for a player valued at £15million last year. Napoli have also been offered QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt who was on loan at AC Milan last season. However, Milan have so far been unwilling to pay £4.5m for the Moroccan. Meanwhile, Swansea are keen to re-sign Gylfi Sigurdsson from Tottenham but the London club want £10m. Tottenham do have interest though in left-back Ben Davies and Liverpool target Michel Vorm as they seek back-up for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Return? Swansea are keen to bring Gylfi Sigurdsson from Tottenham back but the London club want £10m . | Napoli will take Swansea City midfielder Michu on loan with a view to making switch permanent if medical proves successful .
Swansea aren't keen on loan idea and rate Michu at £15million . |
fb921e0b7ce2fbca21883357d78a4e3caacbce19 | (CNN) -- Virender Sehwag plundered the second-fastest Test double hundred as India piled on an incredible 443-1 off just 79 overs on the second day of the deciding third match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai. The opener reached 284 off only 239 balls at stumps on Thursday -- the third-highest individual score in one day's play -- for his sixth double ton, a record for India, and is poised to become the first player to complete three triple-centuries. India, seeking a victory which would take the No. 1 Test ranking above South Africa and seal a 2-0 series victory over second-placed Sri Lanka, have already achieved a first-innings lead of 50 runs. The tourists had resumed on 366-8 with Angelo Mathews unbeaten on 86, but the all-rounder fell one run short of his maiden Test century when he was run out by the narrowest of margins following a throw by Sachin Tendulkar. When wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni lodged the bails, replays showed that Mathews' bat was over the line -- but not grounded -- thus he departed as ninth man out for 99 off 131 balls. Young left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha then claimed his third wicket to go with the four that his senior partner Harbhajan Singh claimed on Monday as Sri Lanka were all out for 393, 27 minutes into the day's play. That brought Sehwag and inexperienced opener Murali Vijay to the crease, and they launched a blistering attack on the Sri Lankan bowlers putting on 221 in just 39 overs. Vijay, playing only his second Test, was finally trapped leg before wicket by spinner Rangana Herath, having made 87 off 121 deliveries, with 10 fours and a six. The explosive Sehwag, who made 131 in India's innings victory in Kanpur, then found another solid partner in Rahul Dravid, who calmly fed him the strike in his patient 62 off 121 balls. Sehwag passed three figures from 101 deliveries and then raced to his second century off just 67 -- the only man to pass that milestone quicker is New Zealand's Nathan Astle, who took 153 balls against England in 2002. "I missed out on a double-century in the last Test in Kanpur and I wanted to make amends," Sehwag told reporters. "I batted the best way I thought was possible. "I was cautious at the start because I did not want to give the opposition any chances as I had done in the two previous matches. I thought I would bide my time, see off the new ball and then take my chances." Sehwag hit 40 boundaries and seven sixes, and was particularly hard on Sri Lanka's veteran world record-holder Muttiah Muralitharan, who has struggled all series. The 37-year-old, who has taken 788 Test wickets, conceded 119 runs off his 20 overs. "Muralitharan is a big challenge and when playing a quality bowler like him you have to attack early, otherwise he will dominate," Sehwag said. "I thought rather than let him dominate, I would attack him from the start and keep him on the back foot." Meanwhile, Pakistan stumbled to 161-6 on a shortened first day of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Daryl Tuffey celebrated his comeback after a five-year absence with two wickets as he replaced injured strike bowler Shane Bond, while captain Daniel Vettori took 3-42 with his left-arm spin as bad light ended play early. Imran Farhat and Salman Butt put on 60 for the first wicket but then fell in quick succession along with captain Mohammad Yousuf as Vettori snared two wickets in three balls. Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has had elbow surgery in a bid to save his career. The 33-year-old needed an operation to correct a damaged ligament after twice breaking down this year amid fears he would have to retire, and is not expected to be fit again before March. The player, who missed the Ashes defeat to England, has taken 310 Test wickets in 76 matches and 324 one-day scalps in 186 appearances. | Virender Sehwag plunders 284 not out as India pile on 443-1 off just 79 overs .
The opener is aiming to become the first player to complete three triple-hundreds .
India, seeking to claim the No. 1 Test ranking, bowled Sri Lanka out for 393 in Mumbai .
Pakistan stumble to 161-6 on opening day of the second Test against New Zealand . |
fb934d3109c50c38088cf764f0914b91155694b1 | By . Harriet Arkell . A violent Jamaican woman who abducted a vulnerable man before torturing him for 17 hours will not be deported from Britain because a judge said social workers had failed her. The woman, known as Ms K, was sent to jail for five years for blackmail, false imprisonment and ABH after the 2009 attack - related to a drugs dispute - which left the mentally ill man fearing for his life after he was tied up. Upon her release from prison, Home Secretary Theresa May wanted to send the woman back to Jamaica, but lost after it was decided that failures by London social workers had turned the woman into a violent criminal. Scroll down for video . Home Secretary: Theresa May wanted to deport the violent Jamaican immigrant but lost her appeal . The woman was born in Jamaica and stayed there after her mother moved to Britain in 1992, suffering beatings at the hands of her Jamaican grandmother and being raped at the age of eight. In 1994, she was sent to London to join her mother and stepfather but was raped again by her stepfather's brother and a friend of the family. Ms K was then put into care and given a good foster family, but a mistake in paperwork meant that she was removed from there and transferred to a children's home. There she suffered yet more beatings and was sexually abused. After social workers let her mother remove her from care, Enfield social services were told she was being beaten by her mother in 2006. Despite them hearing that the young woman was suicidal as a result, they did nothing, it was reported today. The family moved to the London borough of Haringey, where social workers failed to protect both Baby P and Victoria Climbie, but again social services failed to help, despite an A&E doctor warning Ms K was 'slipping through the net', the Sun reported. The woman was arrested in October 2009 after the torture of the vulnerable man. Social workers at Haringey Council, pictured, were blamed for letting the woman 'slip through the net' After her sentence finished, a tribunal overruled the Home Secretary's wish to send her back to Jamaica, saying: 'The state's failure to look after her has greatly contributed to her involvement in crime and her mental illness.' An appeal by Mrs May failed when Judge Ken Craig backed the tribunal's decision, citing a list of failures by North London councils Enfield and Haringey and saying that sending the woman back to Jamaica would be 'unconscionable'. Spokesmen for Haringey and Enfield Councils declined to comment today. | Violent immigrant abducted and tortured vulnerable man in 17-hour ordeal .
Woman, who came to Britain from Jamaica in 1994, was imprisoned in 2009 .
After her release, Theresa May tried to have the woman sent back to Jamaica .
But a tribunal overruled her, citing 'the state's failure to look after her'
Woman had been put in care after suffering catalogue of rapes and beatings .
Social workers from Enfield and Haringey councils failed to protect her . |
fb93983ecf10aaf4bf81c55922af0557c52c29f4 | Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Jennifer Thomas was looking at life with renewed energy: She had just survived a serious operation, and she was at a crossroads in her career. After 20 years as a producer in the stressful business of TV news, the challenge wasn't there for her anymore. For eight weeks, as she recovered from the removal of a large noncancerous tumor from her uterus, Thomas thought about her next steps. "I told myself I was going to work to do the things that I enjoy, things that are related to the news," she said. Thomas had recently conducted news production workshops for kids, so she already knew that she "loved people and talking to people about the news. That made me start thinking that if I could do it all the time and get paid for it, I'd really enjoy it." Within a year, Thomas had left her job at CNN's HLN network to start a Georgia-based media consulting business with clients such as singer/actress Jennifer Holliday, former Bell Biv DeVoe singer Ron DeVoe, actor Boris Kodjoe, actress Nicole Ari Parker and former supermodel Beverly Johnson. During her journey, Thomas learned that working for yourself often requires scary first steps, generous friends and mentors, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She's the first to say that her story is not typical in any way, as she seemed to meet good luck at every turn. After her surgery, Thomas, who also had worked at CNN and NBC, began saving money and planning her business. As if on cue, HLN offered her a buyout to leave the company as part of a downsizing. "It was my light bulb 'a-ha' moment," Thomas said. "I was excited because in the back of my mind, it was what I had been praying for." An opportunity to write a blog for a popular local women's magazine got her some local attention. A journalist friend e-mailed Thomas, saying that he had connected with Johnson and suggesting that they meet. "She called out of the blue," Thomas said. " 'Hi, Jennifer! It's Beverly -- the model!' I was shocked." Johnson needed no introduction. Thomas was very familiar with the first African-American model to win a cover on American Vogue magazine. In that year, 1974, Thomas said Johnson's beauty and status spoke volumes to her as a role model. "When she called, I was like, 'shut up!' We were all like, 'no way!' I didn't think anything would come from it, but eventually, she said she would love to be my client." Thomas made short work of helping Johnson successfully pitch her women's health campaign to CNN, NBC and ABC. "It was huge for me," Thomas said. "It showed me that the skills I may have taken for granted were very valuable to others. Here I was doing what just came natural to me -- working with the media -- and I'm helping an iconic figure. It gave me such a feeling of gratification, and it gave me so much more confidence." But snagging Johnson as her first client wasn't easy. She had to start with smaller steps -- and the first step was a doozy: dealing with the fear. "For me, it was fear of failure," she said. "Anyone who has worked with me knows I am driven to succeed, and failure is not an option." "But I'm a woman of faith," said Thomas, a preacher's daughter with strong ties to her church. "Friends told me that 'faith will give you the wings to fly when you jump off that cliff.' " One way new consultants can boost their confidence is by compiling a list of experience and skills they've gained during the past five years -- including successful projects, implementations and innovations. Experts recommend referring to that list whenever confidence dips. Thomas said she chose an area of consulting that was based on what she enjoys. "Ask yourself, 'What would I do if I had to work for free?' " she says. Another tip: Find a mentor. "Identify someone who's successful and ask for practical advice," she says. "I found my mentor at my church." Set aside time and money for a vacation, and guard it like gold, Thomas advises. Also, she says, determine how much income you need to stay afloat each month, and focus on that target like a laser. To be safe, experts advise aspiring consultants to start small, as a side business, while continuing to work elsewhere full time. But during a recession, keeping a full-time job and easing into consulting work isn't always possible. Unemployment has prompted many experienced professionals to launch consultant operations simply to survive. "With the way the market has gone recently, there's no shortage of people who are now saying that they're consultants -- and many of them are not qualified to be consultants," said Les Rubenovitch, president of Toronto-based Winning Edge Consultants Inc. "Working for a company as an employee is very different from working for a company as a consultant. The credibility factor is critical if someone is going to engage you." Those looking to quickly build credibility or credentials to accompany work experience may consider offering to do speaking engagements at a local college or university. Thomas showed her initiative by teaching herself to organize and lead an online seminar -- a Webinar -- aimed at showing doctors how to better communicate on TV. Financial planning is key to the success of a new consultant operation, according to experts. Thomas set aside savings to live on during the initial phase of her business. It took well into her first year for her business income to fully support her, Thomas says. That's better than most new consultant businesses, experts say. It's not unusual for new consultant businesses to take three years to make a profit. Thomas says she's still not making as much money as she did in TV news, but she expects to reach that mark this year. She works about the same number of hours now as she did as a journalist -- about 40 per week, if not more. "The big difference is, the hours aren't straight through -- they vary." That's not to say that Thomas hasn't made mistakes. "Don't assume that things will come right away," she advises. "Realize that the opportunities that come to you may not be in the form of money -- but they're still valuable." Also worth keeping in mind: Don't overwork yourself. "I'm still learning this," Thomas said. "I jumped in with both feet in the fire. Don't burn yourself out." If she were launching her business all over again, she says, she would build more "me" time into her schedule. "I may take a day at the beginning of the week where I don't take clients and do paperwork -- or I just get a massage." What's the best thing about being your own boss? Thomas laughs sheepishly. "I can sleep in if I want to -- and schedule an appointment for lunch instead of early morning." | Journalist leaves TV to launch consulting business .
Clients include Beverly Johnson, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Ron DeVoe, Jennifer Holliday .
Her tips: Love your work, save money, find mentors, set goals, take breaks .
Expert: Unemployment has increased number of less-than-qualified consultants . |
fb93c8febb2ce90a5af999e0e62697e9e819fe04 | PARIS, France (CNN) -- Drawings on the back of a Leonardo da Vinci painting may have been sketched by the Italian Renaissance artist, but only more tests by museum experts will tell. Experts from the Louvre are carrying out tests on the painting. The Department of Paintings at the Louvre Museum in Paris and restoration and research experts from the Museums of France discovered the images this year on the back of the painting "The Virgin and Child with St. Anne," the Louvre said in a news release Thursday. The style of the sketches resembles that of da Vinci, but the experts said closer examinations must be done to confirm they are his. After the art experts began studying the circa 1500 painting, an oil on wood, a conservator from the Paintings Department discovered two barely visible drawings on the back of it -- a horse's head and a partial skull. Closer scrutiny also revealed another sketch showing the infant Jesus with a lamb. The drawings, almost impossible to see with the human eye, were photographed with an infrared reflectographic camera, to reveal the underdrawings. The technique intensifies the degree of absorption of certain pigments, such as those that are carbon-based, which was the preferred material used for preparatory drawings during da Vinci's era. According to the experts, drawings on the back of paintings is "extremely rare," and none have been found so far that can be attributed to da Vinci. | Three sketches found under Leonardo da Vinci painting .
Tests continuing to determine if the drawings were by da Vinci .
Drawings are a horse's head, a partial skull and infant Jesus with lamb . |
fb9468911d437797afd6181b0a970ee6df39f8b4 | By . David Mccormack . and Associated Press Reporter . Chris Christie’s recent weight loss was on display for all to see when he played in a celebrity softball game at Yankee Stadium on Monday. The New Jersey Gov. remains a relatively roly poly figure, but has undoubtedly lost a substantial amount of weight since secretly undergoing Lap-Band surgery in February of last year. The governor's Team Boomer, headed by WFAN radio co-hosts ‘Boomer’ Esiason and Craig Carton, eked out a 7-6 win against players from the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and New York Yankees alumni at the fourth annual Bombers Boomer Broadway Softball Classic. Scroll down for video . In the running: Chris Christie's recent weight loss was on display for all to see when he played in a celebrity softball game at Yankee Stadium on Monday . Christie, who was a star catcher in high school and continues to be a baseball fan, appeared enthusiastic throughout the game, particularly when playing third base in the mostly empty ballpark. After several fumbles early on, Christie wound up making a crucial catch to end the 7th inning, helping his team to victory. ‘We had the game on the line. Ground ball to third, man on first and second. He bobbled it a little bit but made the play and got the out,’ said Carton, a longtime friend of the governor, who assured reporters Christie had ‘held his own.’ As he warmed up before the game, Christie, who was inducted last year into the Little League Hall of Excellence, said he was happy to have a break from Trenton and that he hoped he wouldn't get injured on the field. Political big hitter: Experts estimate the presumed 2016 presidential candidate has lost more than 85 pounds since undergoing weight loss surgery last year . Afterward, he seemed pleased with his performance. ‘We won, so it went just fine,’ said Christie, who wore No. 55 because he is the state's 55th governor. Esiason gave Christie an A-plus for efforts, but he joked the governor's execution ‘probably should be a little bit better. But at the end of the day, he's here for the right reason, and that's all I care about,’ he said. He also heaped praise on the governor for participating in the game, which he estimated had raised between $30,000 and $40,000 for cystic fibrosis research. ‘Not many politicians would go out there on third base and put himself in the line of fire like that,’ Esiason said. The New Jersey Gov. remains a relatively roly poly figure, but wound up making a crucial catch to end the 7th inning, helping his team to victory . Christie, 51, acknowledged that he has lost weight at a town hall event late last month. He told a constituent he was 'much smaller now than he used to be', but didn't give a clear indication of how much weight he had lost. Fitness experts quizzed by . Politico speculated that the presumed 2016 Republican presidential candidate could have lost as much as 85 pounds and that his weight had dropped to roughly 236 pounds. Christie had the Lap-Band surgery in February 2013, and managed to keep it out of the press for nearly two months. He said he had the surgery to restrict his food intake because he wanted to get healthy for his family's sake. The governor's Team Boomer, headed by WFAN radio co-hosts ¿Boomer¿ Esiason and Craig Carton, eked out a 7-6 win against players from the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team and New York Yankees alumni at the fourth annual Bombers Boomer Broadway Softball Classic . 'It has nothing to do the performance of my job,' he told People magazine afterward. He denied that his potential presidential plans had something to do with the decision. 'My decisions about anything to do with my career are based upon what I think is best for me and best for my family,' he said when his surgery finally became public. 'Whatever size I happen to be when I have to make a decision about what to do next in my career, I doubt that'll play any role or effect in what I decide to do.' Regardless of the motivation for his surgery, Christie's frame has noticeably shrunk throughout the last year and a half - something a constituent pointed out last month at one of the Governor's town halls. This photo of Christie, left, with President Barack Obama, right, was taken on September 4, 2011 at Newark Liberty Airport after the president's visit to Paterson and the surrounding areas to look at the aftermath of Hurricane Irene . 'By the way, you do look fantastic,' a female constituent told him. 'God bless you,' Christie told her. The Republican Governor noted that he's lost so much weight, his wife thinks he should buy new suits. 'But I’m on a budget. I gotta be careful, you know?' Christie told the woman. | Chris Christie's recent weight loss was .
on display for all to see when he played in a celebrity softball game at .
Yankee Stadium on Monday .
The New Jersey Gov. remains a relatively roly poly figure, but wound up making a crucial catch to end the 7th inning, helping his team to victory .
A star catcher at high school, Christie continues to be a baseball fan .
Experts estimate the presumed 2016 presidential candidate has lost more than 85 pounds since undergoing weight loss surgery last year . |
fb94fed4af0cbef47181e4c4b3eaf191ed4ca212 | By . Alex Horlock . PUBLISHED: . 03:01 EST, 31 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:15 EST, 31 July 2012 . Tube trains to the Olympic Park were suspended this morning. Spectators travelling to Stratford on the Central line at around 7am were told all services were terminating at Liverpool Street due to an incident at Leyton. A defective westbound train was awaiting the arrival of the London Fire Brigade, a train driver said. Fire alert: A driver smelled smoke on a train at Leyton resulting in the part closure of the central line . At least four fire engines and the British Transport Police arrived at Leyton station, and the Central line service between Liverpool Street and Woodford/Newbury Park did not reopen until 10am, with severe delays remaining on the line. A number of passengers at Leyton were forced to wait in the dismal weather for buses to get to their destinations. The fire alert meant there was no service for a large part of the Central line, and on the branch of the line that remained open there was severe delays. A Transport for London (TfL) spokesman said this morning: 'The suspension is due to a train being taken out of service at Leyton after the driver reported smelling smoke. 'This has been investigated and all passengers left the train and station without reported problems.' Station announcers at Bank told passengers there were reports of a fire on board the train. Not in the rain! Passengers were forced to wait in the bad weather for replacement buses to their destinations . TfL advised Olympic spectators to use other Tube and main line services to reach Stratford, including the Underground's Jubilee line, the London Overground and the Docklands Light Railway. To add to the Olympic travel problems, rail services in and out of Liverpool Street main line station were disrupted due to an overhead wire problem between Elsenham and Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex. This was affecting travellers on services run by the Greater Anglia and CrossCountry train companies. The problems around Liverpool Street come on another busy day for public transport as the first weekday evening football match takes place at Wembley Stadium. This is only one of a number of Olympic events taking place in the capital, with Transport for London (TfL) advising that London is expected to be exceptionally busy throughout the day. Final destination: Many people were struggling to get to the Olympic Park in Stratford to watch the Games . TfL said people were heeding advice to avoid London if possible.It added that while Tube journeys were up 4 per cent yesterday, road journeys in London were down by 20 per cent. London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: 'Public transport in general, and the Jubilee line in particular, will be exceptionally busy today as spectators make their way to events at key Olympic venues across the capital. Struggle: Passengers travelling to the Netherlands' 3-2 hockey victory over Japan earlier this morning will have been pushed to make the event on time . 'We are very grateful to customers for following our advice to avoid London Bridge station and for major businesses who are enabling their staff to work flexibly during the Games. 'Our advice to all users of the transport network continues to be to plan ahead, avoid hotspot areas, and leave plenty of time for your journey.' One passenger, who was forced to wait for a bus in the pouring rain to get to work, described the situation as 'absolute chaos'. She said: 'The train was packed to capacity as there were lots people on the way to the Olympics, including people in the Games uniform. Coping: Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt claims the transport network in London is 'coping incredibly well' with the Olympics . 'It stopped initially for about 10 minutes and then we were told it was suspended at Leyton due to a fire alert. 'So many families with young children who were not from England were panicking about how to get to Stratford and couldn’t work out the best route. 'People were queuing in the pouring rain and the local cab rank was full of ticket-holders desperately trying to get to the Olympic park. Not a good impression for London!’ The Central line was not the only section of the Tube network to suffer problems. Heathrow Terminals 1,2 & 3 station was closed for around 20 minutes due to yet another fire alert. Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt claimed that the transport network has 'coped incredibly well', despite the Central line grinding to a halt earlier for three hours. He said: 'The Central line is up and running. 'It's a totally normal feature of London's transport network which, let's face it, this is the first Tube network in the world - something we are very proud of - but (it is) also something that gives us challenges. 'But the question is how do people cope? Did people get to the Olympic Park on time? Did people get to their events on time? 'Systems were put in place... and the systems worked. Overall things are very much on track at this stage of the Games.' He said the 'real success' of the Games was that fears of the capital's transport grinding to a halt had not been realised, adding that it 'coped incredibly well'. The RMT union claimed that a likely cause of the closure is Leyton train's brakes seizing up . He added: 'The reason it has coped is because Londoners have listened to the messages, we've got lots of people who are working from home. 'Actual overall traffic numbers on the transport network are four per cent up compared to a normal summer, but it's working extremely well.' Meanwhile the RMT transport union called for an immediate investigation into 'the real impact of cuts to fleet maintenance schedules' following the Central line incident. The union claimed that the likely cause of today's part-closure are the Leyton train's brakes seizing up. This afternoon there were minor problems on the Tube, as a signal failure led to minor delays on the Docklands Light Railway - another link to the Olympic Park. A more significant worrying for Olympic organisers is this afternoon's closure of the Southeastern Javelin - the high-speed Games rail service - between Ebbsfleet and Stratford International stations. The service was suspended for around two hours, and spectators - depending on where they were travelling from - were forced to use the Greater Anglia trains, get either underground services to West Ham or overground services from Liverpool Street this afternoon in order to get to the events on time. There was severe delays between Stratford and St Pancras, but normal service has since resumed. | Central line part suspended because of defective westbound train .
Fire crews and Transport Police called to scene to help remove it .
Reports of fire on board meant no trains between Liverpool Street and Woodford/Newbury Park .
Thousands of morning commuters and passengers to Olympic Park advised to take alternative routes on other lines .
Many forced to wait in pouring rain for buses . |
fb950e7fff90a10b635b12b7c49afd04edde5f89 | (CNN) -- The president of the Maldives, one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations, resigned Tuesday after a revolt by police officers, his spokesman said, leaving the normally idyllic chain of islands in chaos. Mohamed Nasheed was the first democratically elected president of the Indian Ocean nation in three decades. "This morning, about 500 opposition supporters along with some Islamic hardliners protested outside the army headquarters, shouting slogans, and some police officers mutinied and joined them," Nasheed's spokeman said. "And so, the president was in a situation where he could either tell the army to forcibly crack down on the protesters or he could step down. He chose the latter. "This is a situation where the first democratically elected president in the Maldives is taken down by a former dictator and his supporters," the spokesman said. Nasheed said in a nationally televised address that he was stepping down because he didn't feel he was able to maintain security and peace in the country, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Strategically located in the Indian Ocean but extremely poor, the country is threatened by rising sea levels. Nasheed once held a Cabinet meeting underwater, with ministers wearing scuba gear, to highlight the problem. Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan was sworn in as president shortly after Nasheed resigned. But journalist Sumon Chakrabarti, who is at work on a book about the Maldives, suggested Hassan is a puppet who would not last. "He comes from a very small political party. He's respected as an academic" but has little support of his own, Chakrabarti said. "I doubt how long they will allow this man to remain in power." Chakrabarti said he felt the coup was "the end of democracy in the Maldives. It throws the whole notion of democracy out of the window." And that is a cause for international concern, he said. "Here was the country's first democratically elected president and he was forced to resign by a cocktail of religious extremists, the brother of the former president... forces like businessmen who are also members of Parliament, and then the police force, which was always loyal to the former dictator," he said. The police officers appeared to have sided with the Progressive Party, which is loyal to former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled Maldives for 30 years before Nasheed defeated him. Nasheed had faced strong criticism in recent months from opposition groups calling for Islam to play a greater role in the running of the country, spurred in part by the supporters of Gayoom. The country is more than 98% Muslim, according to a 2011 Pew Forum report on the global Muslim population. The coup signals a rise in extremism, Chakrabarti said. "It's going from being one of the most moderate Muslim nations on Earth towards extremism," he said. The different political parties in the country, an archipelago of almost 1,200 coral islands south-southwest of India, planned to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss the next step, said Bunya Maumoon, a spokeswoman for the Progressive Party. In 2008, Nasheed became the country's first democratically elected president in 30 years. The nation was rocked by violent protests last year that Nasheed accused Gayoom's supporters of orchestrating. But demonstrators said at the time they were protesting economic conditions, created by reforms imposed by Nasheed. The government also clashed with opposition groups in December over the issues of massage parlors and the sale of pork and alcohol in resorts. Tuesday's events unfolded after about 200 policemen gathered in Republic Square in the capital, Male, according to Ahmed Rasheed, an executive producer at the state TV station. A peaceful standoff with members of the Maldives defense forces in the square turned violent early Tuesday morning, he said, describing the situation in Male as "chaos." The policemen took over the state TV station later Tuesday morning. They changed its name from the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation back to its old name, Television Maldives. Gayoom is still considered a hero by many in Maldives who credit him for transforming a fishing culture into a tourist nation. During his long rule, Nasheed was among his fiercest critics, alleging that Gayoom ruled with an iron fist, crushing dissent, amassing wealth and stacking his administration with friends and relatives. Nasheed was arrested as a journalist several times and held as a political prisoner. Until his defeat by Nasheed, Gayoom won six previous elections as the only candidate on the ballot. He had sought a seventh five-year term, saying that he would need a few more years to see through the reforms he has put in place. Maldives is also grappling with a very likely possibility that it will go under water if the current pace of climate change keeps raising sea levels. Most of it lies just 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) above sea . The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change has forecast a rise in sea levels of at least 7.1 inches (18 cm) by the end of the century. Male is already protected by sea walls. But creating a similar barrier around the rest of the country will be cost-prohibitive. Soon after his election, Nasheed raised the possibility of finding a new homeland for the country's approximately 400,000 residents. He is the subject of an upcoming documentary, "The Island President," that tells the story of his efforts to raise awareness of climate change. CNN's Sarita Harilela, Sumnima Das and Judy Kwon contributed to this report. | NEW: The Maldives is going from moderate Islam towards extremism, an analyst says .
NEW: The vice president is sworn in as president, a TV broadcast shows .
The country's political parties will meet later Tuesday to consider next steps .
Spokesman: Nasheed chose to step down rather than have the army to crack down . |
fb952d6500491126033c6483aac19386020973e8 | Finale Emilia, Italy (CNN) -- Northern Italy was shaken by an aftershock Monday morning, a day after a magnitude-6.0 quake killed at least seven people and left thousands of survivors huddling in tents or cars overnight. Monday morning's aftershock caused buildings to sway in the town of Finale Emilia, in Italy's industrial heartland. The tremor had a magnitude of 3.2 and hit near the site of the original quake, according to the Italian Seismic Service. The head of Italy's Civil Protection Department, Franco Gabrielli, said 11,000 people had been displaced by the first quake around 4 a.m. (10 p.m. Saturday ET) on Sunday morning. The government put 3,000 people up in tents or hotels, but could not shelter everyone who was displaced. Although a moderate rain fell on the area Monday, the local weather forecast called for partly cloudy skies and dry conditions to prevail by Tuesday. In Finale Emilia, about 35 kilometers (21 miles) north of Bologna, 75 people were sleeping in cars in a public park. One of them was Filomenna Gatti, who planned to cram into a Fiat Punto with her husband and three children under 6. "I close my eyes and I see stones falling and I feel the ground shaking when it's still," Gatti said as she walked her dog. "I don't want to be in any building." Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was expected to return from the NATO summit in Chicago on Monday. Monti said Sunday he was leaving the conference early, vowing, "All that is necessary will be done as soon as possible" to help the survivors. The quake was centered about 4 kilometers outside Camposanto, northwest of Bologna, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. In addition to the seven reported fatalities, 50 people were injured in the quake, Gabrielli said. iReport: Watch the earthquake aftermath unfold . The stricken region is part of Italy's industrial heartland, and the dead included two people killed in a ceramics factory in Sant'Agostino di Ferrara, about 30 kilometers from the epicenter, civil protection agency spokeswoman Elisabetta Maffani said. Workers were still digging through rubble in hopes of finding survivors in Sant'Agostino, where the quake knocked down a church bell and a magnitude-4.8 aftershock brought down part of its city hall Sunday evening. "We have just lost our history. Four generations of my family lived here, and now it's gone," 72-year-old Luciano Frendo said as he walked through Finale Emila. "Our history has collapsed." The civil protection agency said it expects to get more reports of injuries as rescue workers make their way to remote villages in the mountainous area. Heavy rain was expected to continue into Tuesday after hampering rescue efforts and efforts to spot survivors from the air. Other deaths included one person killed when a work shed collapsed in nearby Ponte Rodoni di Bondeno, Maffani said. In addition, a woman in Bologna died of a heart attack during an evacuation, a Moroccan national died when the factory he was working in collapsed and a sixth victim was found dead under rubble in Sant'Agostino, she said. The body of a seventh victim was located under a collapsed house, according to Alessio Bellodi of the civil protection branch in Bologna. The same area was struck by a 5.3-magnitude quake in January. And a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the central Italian city of L'Aquila, more than 400 km to the south, in 2009, killing more than 300 and causing widespread destruction. CNN's Joseph Netto and journalist Livia Borghese contributed to this report. | An aftershock with a magnitude of 3.2 causes buildings to shake .
Up to 11,000 people are displaced, with survivors huddling in tents and cars .
Italian PM Mario Monti cuts short his NATO summit trip after earthquake .
It's Italy's third big quake since 2009 . |
fb956d1a4aaa91655cfe3e3a4085c5f9f6e09677 | (CNN) -- It's hard to imagine a young child, strapped into a car seat under a baking sun, slowly succumbing to a hellish death. It's even harder to imagine that it could have been anything other than a terrible accident. But that's what police in Cobb County, Georgia, say happened last week when 33-year-old Justin Ross Harris left his 22-month-old son, Cooper Mills Harris, strapped into a car seat while he went to work. He's been charged with felony murder and second-degree child cruelty. Here are the key elements about this disturbing case: . What happened? On the morning of June 18, Cooper and his father stopped for breakfast at a Chick-fil-A restaurant near his office in suburban Atlanta. Afterward, Harris put his son into the rear-facing car seat for the half-mile drive to the office. Instead of taking Cooper inside to the day care at his office, police say Harris left the boy strapped into his car seat and went inside to work. According to police, he came out and opened the driver side door and put something inside at lunchtime. He left the office at 4:16 p.m., stopping a few miles later in a shopping center parking lot, where he called for help, screaming, "What have I done?" How did Cooper die? Although final autopsy reports aren't yet in, it appears he died the same way at least 619 other children have died since 1998, according to a study by a San Francisco State University researcher: his body got too hot and there wasn't anyone there to cool him down. It's a condition called hyperthermia. "Essentially what happens is that the body temperature gets so high that it begins to kill the cells," forensic pathologist and former medical examiner Vincent DiMaio told HLN. "It's like you're cooking something." While hyperthermia can strike anyone with enough exposure to heat, babies and small children strapped into rear-facing car seats are at particular risk, if a parent or caregiver forgets they are there. On an 80-degree day, a car can heat to an unsafe temperature in just two minutes, according to the National Weather Service, and the temperature can rise to 123 degrees in just one hour. On the day Cooper died, the temperature peaked at 88 degrees. So why is the father charged with murder? Police at first seemed sympathetic to what seemed like a tragic accident, but later said there was more to the case. "The chain of events that occurred in this case does not point toward simple negligence and evidence will be presented to support this allegation," Cobb County police Chief John R. Houser said in a statement. A subsequent affidavit released by the Magistrate Court of Cobb County may indeed support the allegation. The document states that when investigators interviewed Justin Harris, "he stated that he recently researched, through the Internet, child deaths inside vehicles and what temperature it needs to be for that to occur. Justin stated that he was fearful this could happen." What are his family and friends saying? Leanna Harris spoke in defense of her husband during Cooper's funeral Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Justin Harris' hometown. Justin Harris spoke as well, by phone from jail, thanking attendees "for everything you've done for my boy." The family has not answered questions from the media. Neither has anyone close to the family. Of the numerous family and friends of Harris contacted by CNN, none would speak. Most said they had been advised not to. Cooper's obituary says the boy was "loved and cherished and protected by both parents and all family members for his short 22 months of life." And on a now-closed change.org petition calling on authorities to drop the charges, several posts from people who said they know Harris spoke well of him. "He has been nothing but a caring father and supporting husband," wrote one poster, identified as Michael Gordon of Northport, Alabama. What's next? Justin Harris is being held without bond at the Cobb County jail after pleading not guilty last week. He's scheduled for a preliminary appearance on July 3. Because he's charged with murder, a grand jury will also have to review his case if the magistrate in an upcoming hearing finds probable cause for the charge to stand. Police: Georgia mom also searched Internet on child deaths . CNN's Nick Valencia and Mary Lynn Ryan contributed to this report. | Cooper Harris died on June 18; his death was consistent with hyperthermia or overheating .
Police have charged his father, Justin Ross Harris, with murder .
Court documents state Harris researched child deaths in cars .
Harris spoke to the crowd at Cooper's funeral, via speakerphone . |
fb95753c22e0f5c1d01884ef10a6178a77ad2f7d | (CNN) -- The 4-year-old daughter of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson died Tuesday, a day after she was injured in a treadmill accident at her home, police in Phoenix, Arizona, said. Former world boxing champion Mike Tyson traveled from Las Vegas to Phoenix to be at his daughter's bedside. Exodus Tyson was pronounced dead at 11:45 a.m. local time Tuesday, said Sgt. Andy Hill, a Phoenix police spokesman. "The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time," the family said in a statement. The girl's 7-year-old brother found her on a treadmill in the Phoenix home Monday. She had been strangled by a cord connected to the machine, said Sgt. Andy Hill of the Phoenix Police Department. "We believe the child was on the treadmill but it was not running at the time. She might have been playing like it was," Hill said. Her brother called his mother to the room. She removed Exodus from the machine and called 911. The girl's mother performed CPR on her, but she was unconscious and in need of life support by the time authorities arrived, Hill said. Former world heavyweight champion Tyson on Monday traveled from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Phoenix where his daughter was on life support in critical condition, police said. "After a thorough investigation, it appears that this is nothing except a horrible tragedy," Hill told CNN's Larry King. Watch an exclusive report from "Larry King Live" » . About 1,000 children under 14 die of unintentional strangulation each year, 88 percent of whom are under 4 years old, said Larry Stone, founder of Safety Matters, a company that specializes in childproofing homes. Stone said injuries involving treadmills were fairly common, but said he had never heard of strangulation involving a treadmill. "All injuries are preventable. There are ways to babyproof your home," Stone said. "I think that largely it is a matter of taking care of the more straightforward things ... making sure there are no cords from the windows hanging and certainly keeping the child in view." Watch neighbors react to news » . The 42-year-old Brooklyn-born Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history when he lifted the World Boxing Council title aged 20. Tyson also won the WBA and IBF versions of the crown during a career that was littered with controversy including disqualification for biting Evander Holyfield's ear during a 1997 title rematch. He retired from the sport in 2005, but was back in the news this month with the U.S. release of the film "Tyson," a documentary that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year. | Tyson family thanks public for support, prayers, asks for privacy .
Exodus Tyson strangled by treadmill cord while playing on machine, police say .
"It appears that this is nothing except a horrible tragedy," Sgt. Andy Hill says .
She is daughter of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson . |
fb969021e4b70df5962d0b928072a4315d11d8f2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . and Associated Press Reporter . A female Indian rhino calf born recently in New York was produced by artificial insemination using sperm from a now-dead Cincinnati Zoo rhino. Zoo officials call the calf, dubbed Monica, born June 5 at the Buffalo Zoo a victory for endangered species. The father was named Jimmy and died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2004. His sperm was frozen, stored and later taken to Buffalo. Loving mother: Tashi with her calf Monica, whose father is a male called Jimmy who died 10 years ago . Long-awaited: Tashi rests with her new calf who was born after a 16-month gestation period . First descendant: Monica is the first offspring of Jimmy, who died at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2004 . The calf's 17-year-old mother is named Tashi. She previously conceived and successfully gave birth through natural breeding in 2004 and 2008. But her mate died, and Buffalo's new male Indian rhino hasn't reached sexual maturity. Zoo staff prioritized getting Tashi pregnant, because long intervals between pregnancies in rhinos can result in long-term infertility. Monica is the first offspring of the long-dead Jimmy, who never fathered any offspring during his lifetime. Rhino keeper Joe Hauser and vet Dr Kurt Volle worked closely with the Cinnicinatti Zoo's Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) to plan the successful artificial insemination and to monitor Tashi during her 16-month gestation. Big baby: Monica weighed 144lb when she was born . Miracle baby: Jimmy¿s sperm was stored at -320°F in CREW¿s CryoBioBank¿ (pictured) in Cincinnati, before it was taken to Buffalo . Dedicated: Monica the rhino calf with head rhino keeper at Buffalo Zoo Joe Hauser and CREW Reproductive Physiologist Dr. Monica Stoops, her namesake . She was named after one of the veterinarians whose hard work helped bring her to life. 'Without Dr. Monica Stoops’ dedication to the species, and to the development of AI science, there is no doubt this calf would not be here today,' said Hauser. 'She has spent countless hours spear-heading research and technology for Indian rhino conservation and the Buffalo Zoo is excited to acknowledge that dedication and announce that the name of the calf is Monica.' Buffalo officials say the calf weighed 144 pounds at birth. They say there are only 59 Indian rhinos in captivity in North America and about 2,500 in the wild. 'We are excited to share the news of Tashi’s calf with the world as it demonstrates how collaboration and teamwork among the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) organizations are making fundamental contributions to rhino conservation,” said Dr Monica Stoops, Reproductive Physiologist at the Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW. 'It is deeply heartening to know that the Cincinnati Zoo's beloved male Indian rhino Jimmy will live on through this calf and we are proud that CREW's CryoBioBank continues to contribute to this endangered species' survival.' | The calf, named Monica, is the first born from sperm of a male who died 10 years ago .
Her mother, Tashi, was artificially inseminated and the calf was born after a 16-month gestation .
The Buffalo Zoo's new baby was 144lb when she was born .
There are only 59 Indian rhinos in .
captivity in North America and about 2,500 in the wild . |
fb96a94e0e8f0361f956e2b29610bf1a19770201 | Ben Affleck's appearance on Bill Maher's "Real Time" on Friday turned into a somewhat heated discussion when Maher and author Sam Harris voiced their opinions on Islam. "Gone Girl" star Affleck took umbrage at the pair's contention that Islam is, in Harris' words, a "mother lode of bad ideas" and that liberals are squeamish about criticizing Islam for stances on women and LGBT issues because people "have been sold this meme of Islamophobia, where every criticism gets confused with bigotry toward Muslims as people." Affleck said Harris -- a neuroscientist known for works criticizing religion -- and Maher were guilty of using a broad brush themselves. "It's gross. It's racist," Affleck said. "It's like saying 'shifty Jew.' " Affleck added, "How about more than a billion people who are not fanatical, who don't punish women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches. ... It's stereotyping." Maher disagreed, questioning Affleck on his stance: "You're saying that the idea that someone should be killed if they leave the Islamic religion is just a few bad apples?" "That's horrible," Affleck replied. "(But) the people who would actually believe in an act that you murder someone if you leave Islam is not the majority of Muslims at all." After some crosstalk, Harris chimed in with his view that "we're misled to think that the fundamentalists (in Islam) are the fringe," as Maher added that moderate Muslims are afraid to speak out. Affleck responded that a better idea would be to criticize the Muslims who hold such views, not the whole religion. "What is your solution? To condemn Islam?" Affleck asked. The actor, who also directed the Oscar-winning film "Argo," set in Iran and shot partially in Turkey, has received some positive response from viewers who appreciated his perspective. "Did anyone enjoy watching an impassioned @BenAffleck on Bill Maher as much as I did?" tweeted actress Jada Pinkett-Smith. "Real Time with Bill Maher" airs on HBO, which -- like CNN -- is a division of Time Warner. | Ben Affleck says Bill Maher's criticism of Islam is "gross," "racist"
Maher and guest Sam Harris made point that liberals are afraid to criticize Islam .
Affleck: Maher and Harris are conflating fundamentalists with majority . |
fb96cab5686a491f2537bb4f4f0ffd1c22fe6df9 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . Russia has announced plans to build a super-heavy carrier rocket that could propel its cosmonauts to Mars. The rocket will rival Nasa's Space Launch System (SLS) which is expected to come in two variants capable of lifting 70 and 130 tonnes into orbit. Construction of the first stage of Russia's super-rocket - capable of lifting 80 tonnes - is already underway, according to Roscosmos chief Oleg Ostapenko. Scroll down for video... The final frontier: A Russian Soyuz rocket takes off for the International Space Station last month. The Kremlin has announced plans to o build a super-heavy carrier rocket that will propel its cosmonauts to Mars . The second stage is to build a carrier rocket capable of lifting from 100 to 120 tonnes of payload into low-earth orbit. Meanwhile, Nasa has said the first test flight of the smaller SLS design is scheduled for 2017. Last year, Russia said that it will develop new huge rockets for manned flights to the moon and Mars, by 2030 – the same year that Nasa is aiming for the red planet. RIA Novosti reports that a working group has looked at proposals for a heavy-lift rocket, including the revival of the Energia launcher. How it compares: The SLS is larger than the Saturn rockets than launched man to the Moon. It will also be more powerful than any rocket in operation today. Russia's super-rocket design has yet to be unveiled. However construction of the first stage of Russia's super-rocket - capable of lifting 80 tonnes - is already underway . Super-sized plans: Oleg Ostapenko, right, head of the Russian Federal Space Agency, or Roscosmos, said the second stage is to build a carrier rocket capable of lifting from 100 to 120 tonnes of payload into low-earth orbit. In this image he is shaking hands with U.S. astronaut Steven Swanson, left . The Kremlin's space-age boasts . come less than three years after the U.S. was forced to start hitching . flights on Russian rockets. Nasa ended its space shuttle programme in 2011 and has faced years of funding cuts. Just . two weeks ago a Soyuz rocket carried two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. astronaut to the International Space Station (above), despite the crisis . in Crimea. But there could be hope of a new space race - as Nasa announced earlier this month of hopes to land humans on Mars within 20 years. Energia is the highest payload rocket ever built in Russia but the project was scrapped 20 years ago during the country’s economic crisis. It isn't just the red planet that Russia is planning to conquer. Earlier this month, deputy premier Dmitry Rogozin said: 'We are coming to the moon forever.' In an article in the government's own newspaper headlined 'Russian Space', he spoke of targeting Mars and other 'space objects' as future priorities. 'Flights to Mars and asteroids in our view do not contradict exploration of the moon, but in many senses imply this process.' He wrote of 'colonisation of the moon and near-moon space'. In the next 50 years, manned flights are unlikely beyond 'the space between Venus and Mars' But 'it is quite possible to speak about exploration of Mars, flights to asteroids and flights to Mars'. Currently, Russia has plans to launch three lunar spacecraft - two to the surface and one to orbit - by the end of the decade. The first mission, the long-delayed Luna-25, is slated for launch in 2016, to research the moon's south pole. Moon mission: Vladimir Putin (left) looks at exhibits as he visits the Cosmonautics Memorial Museum in Russia. Currently, Russia has plans to launch three lunar spacecraft - two to the surface and one to orbit - by the end of the decade . The next two missions will include an orbiter to monitor the moon in 2018, and a year later a polar lander with a drill will search for water ice. By 2040, Russia plans to create a lunar base for long-term missions to the Earth's natural satellite. Rogozin said that the moon is the only realistic source to obtain water, minerals and other resources for future space missions. A lunar laboratory complex will also be used for testing new space technologies. | Roscosmos chief said construction of first stage of rocket is underway .
Second stage is to build a rocket capable of lifting 120 tonnes into space .
It will rival Nasa's Space Launch System scheduled to launch in 2017 .
Earlier this month, Russia said that by 2040, it plans to create a lunar base for long-term missions to the moon . |
fb96caf5246a69afeed725e1a1a5a8a463813861 | By . Kate Lyons . PUBLISHED: . 22:34 EST, 23 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 04:15 EST, 24 February 2014 . The man who supervised the execution of five inmates in US prisons has revealed the massive emotional toll that his role took on him. In an interview with BBC’s HARDtalk programme, Dr Allen Ault revealed what turned him from the corrections commissioner for the U.S. state of Georgia to a passionate anti-death penalty campaigner. ‘I still have nightmares,’ Dr Ault said in the interview. Allen Ault, the former commissioner of corrections for the state of Georgia talked about his experience overseeing executions at the prison . 'I have spent a lifetime... regretting every moment and every killing': In a heartfelt interview with HARDtalk, Allen Ault opened up about the five executions he oversaw . ‘Although it is state-sanctioned, it is by every definition premeditated murder… It’s the most premeditated form of murder you can possibly imagine and it stays in your psyche forever.’ Dr Ault is a trained psychologist who began working in the prison system in order to help and rehabilitate people, but a promotion to the position of corrections commissioner meant the responsibility for overseeing the state’s executions fell to him. During his time at the prison in the early 1990s, Dr Ault supervised the five executions. The first two executed were Christopher Burger and Thomas Steven, who were accused of a brutal rape and murder in 1977. At the time of the murder Burger was 17 with a borderline mental impairment. He spent 17 years on death row during which time he got an education, received counselling and changed dramatically. ‘He was a different human being,’ said Dr Ault, who added that Burger felt enormous remorse for his crime and his last words were 'Please forgive me'. Those under Dr Ault’s supervision were killed on the electric chair, a method of execution that was outlawed in the state of Georgia in 2001 after the Supreme Court ruled it was a cruel and unusual punishment. The state now uses lethal injection. Dr Ault described watching Burger’s death. ‘We could see the jolt of electricity running through this individual’s body. Snapped his head back and then there was just total silence. And I knew I had killed another human being.’ Executions at the Georgia prison were carried out by electric chair, a method that was ruled to be 'cruel and unusual punishment' by the Georgia Supreme Court in 2001 . He said that the executions were ‘a small part of the job,’ which also involved supervising 15,000 employees and managing the prison, but it was the part of the job that has continued to haunt him. ‘I have spent a lifetime since then regretting every moment and every killing,’ he said in the interview. ‘I was the vehicle for the execution and I have no defence for that.’ Dr Ault resigned from his position in 1995, but by then ‘It was too late'. Since resigning, he has received counselling to process his role in the executions. Haunted: William Henry Hance was one of the five men executed while Dr Ault was commissioner at the prison . He is now the dean of the College of Justice & Safety at Eastern Kentucky University and a strident anti-death penalty campaigner. Together with two other former prison director and two former wardens, Dr Ault fights to stop executions. They appear before legislative groups and campaign on individual cases. ‘I have many of compatriots who were directors who have gone through this… I don’t know any of them that haven’t shed a lot of tears over it,’ he told HARDtalk. Another execution that has stayed with Dr Auld was that of William Henry Hance, a black man convicted of murdering three women. After the trial, one black member of the jury described the atmosphere among the majority white jury as one of racial intimidation, with one white juror saying that the execution would leave ‘one less n****r to breed.’ Despite this, and the fact that Hance’s IQ was so low that some experts believed he was not competent to enter a plea, Hance was executed under Dr Ault’s supervision. Dr Ault says there is definitely a racial dimension to executions. ‘Black people who kill whites are about three times more likely to receive the death penalty than the other way round.’ Georgia is one of 32 states in which the death penalty is legal. Last year there were 39 executions in the U.S. and there have been eight so far in 2014. | Dr Allen Ault was corrections commissioner for Georgia until 1995 .
Told the BBC the executions he supervised were 'state-sanctioned murder'
'It stays in your psyche forever,' he said of the five deaths he oversaw .
32 US states still have the death penalty, 39 executions in the US last year . |
fb96eb26441d52f62717da06128ef922a18f89b9 | (CNN) -- Check out these five cool places to grab a cocktail. A coat and gloves are a must at these ice bars. 1. Minus5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas . Cool off from the casinos with a drink you can bet on. Everything inside this watering hole is made of ice. The staff changes the sculptures every few months to keep things fresh. Sometimes the pieces reflect what's happening in Las Vegas, such as an ice bull for the Professional Bull Riders event. Guests are provided with insulated jackets to stay warm and can unwind on ice couches covered with deer skin. What to drink: Sip on a wide range of vodka cocktails served in custom-designed glasses made from frozen New Zealand artesian water. Address: Minus5 Ice Bar is at Mandalay Place in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South. 2. Icebar London by Icehotel in England . You might feel like royalty at this chilly bar on Heddon Street in the former wine vaults for the British monarchy. The carved ice inside is harvested from the Torne River in northern Sweden. This establishment is touted as the UK's only permanent bar made of ice and is kept at 23 degrees Fahrenheit. Drink glasses are entirely made of ice, so your order is "in the rocks, not on the rocks." What to drink: Enjoy rum, vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila and champagne cocktails. Address: Icebar London by Icehotel is at 31-33 Heddon St. in London's West End. 3. Icebar Orlando in Florida . After a day at Orlando's major theme parks or other tourist attractions, cool down with an icy beverage here. Inside this 27-degree Fahrenheit establishment, you'll discover 50 tons of exquisite ice sculptures enhanced with lights and music. Cozy up at the bar and order a drink from one of the many bartenders bundled up in coats and gloves. One of the top ice sculptors at Icebar Orlando is Aaron Costic, who has several world championship ice-carving titles. What to drink: Sip on Pinnacle Vodka. The bar carries 22 flavors, including whipped cream, which is the main feature inside the lounge. Address: Icebar Orlando is between SeaWorld and Universal Studios in the I-Drive tourist corridor at 8967 International Drive, Orlando. 4. XtraCold Amsterdam in the Netherlands . You'll do more than drink in this ice bar. Visitors get to watch a 3-D movie made especially for XtraCold. The show takes you on a journey through clouds, under water and around ice mountains. As the name of the bar suggests, everything inside XtraCold is made from ice, including the walls, bar, chairs and glasses. In total, they use 40 tons of ice to build this cool place. LED lights with a rainbow of colors brighten up the space, and music keeps you moving so you can stay warm. What to drink: Chug a cool glass of Extra Cold beer from Heineken. Address: XtraCold Amsterdam is in the heart of the city at: Amstel 194-196, Amsterdam 1017, the Netherlands. 5. Absolut Icebar Stockholm in Sweden . This year's theme takes visitors on an expedition into the icy depths of the ocean. The owners say you're invited to step aboard and "submerge into an abyss of cool." Everything inside this bar is made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River. Keep warm with a cape and gloves this establishment provides for your comfort. The lounge is in the heart of Stockholm and walking distance to major sites. What to drink: Enjoy an Absolut vodka cocktail. Address: Entrance to Absolut Icebar Stockholm is inside the lobby of the Nordic Sea Hotel, Vasaplan 4, Stockholm, Sweden. | Take a tour of five ice bars from around the world .
One of the ice sculptors in Orlando has won world championship ice-carving titles .
Visitors at an ice bar in the Netherlands are treated to a 30-minute, 3-D movie . |
fb97788a8c1465656b7316e65b1a1e4f0b37673a | By . Guy Adams . PUBLISHED: . 23:31 EST, 17 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 23:32 EST, 17 September 2013 . During the early Eighties, the legendary jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie was introduced to the son of a wealthy London lawyer called Walter Houser, who co-owned Ronnie Scott’s club in Soho. ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ he asked Houser’s child. The boy, who was not yet a teenager, did not have to pause long to dream up his answer. ‘A bank robber,’ he replied. That child’s name was Sam Houser. Fast-forward 30 years and — while he hasn’t quite realised that lofty ambition — the once-shy youth has perhaps managed to achieve what he regards as the next best thing. Driving force: Grand Theft Auto's creators Sam (left) and Dan Houser have each built personal fortunes estimated at £50million from the ultra-violent series . Sam, with his younger brother and business partner Dan, are responsible for turning a generation of sore-thumbed couch potatoes into bank robbers — at least on screen — thanks to the phenomenally successful video game franchise, Grand Theft Auto. The duo, who live in New York, have each built personal fortunes estimated at £50 million from the ultra-violent series, in which players assume the identity of ruthless underworld criminals. Despite (or perhaps because of) its controversial depiction of sex, violence, rape, car-jacking, drug dealing, torture and murder, GTA — as it is known to aficionados — has shifted more than 135 million units since its 1997 debut. That has translated into billions in profits for their company, Rockstar Games, which was founded in the late 1990s and now boasts several hundred (mostly male) employees, in offices around the world. Violent: A man prowls the streets with a gun in Grand Theft Auto V, which was released on Tuesday at midnight . The brothers dress like rap artists, in chunky jewellery and baggy sportswear, and are obsessed with the modish image of the firm which they claim to have modelled on American hip-hop record label Def Jam. Sam, a dishevelled-looking, bearded 41-year-old, is the ‘ideas man’ behind GTA and other games. The Wall Street Journal once dubbed him ‘a secretive, demanding workaholic [with] a temperament and a budget befitting a Hollywood mogul’. Dan, who is balding and two years younger, writes the ‘scripts’ for Rockstar. He lives in an 11-bedroom mansion in Brooklyn famed as the home where Truman Capote wrote his 1958 novella Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Together, the brothers preside over a highly colourful working environment. Employees are encouraged to wear . T-shirts and bomber jackets embossed with Rockstar’s logo, and attend . raucous company parties which have been jollified (on at least one . occasion) by strippers wearing Catholic school uniforms. Chase: The controversial video game involves attacking innocent people for fun . In the book Jacked, a history of Rockstar, author David Kushner details the firm’s louche after-hours culture in eye-popping detail, telling, for example, how employees are encouraged to take part in ‘cheese ball eating’ contests. The night-time events, in which the Houser brothers put up £2,000 in prize money, require entrants to eat fist-sized balls of deep-fried cheese while wearing Lance Armstrong-themed yellow headbands carrying the logo ‘eat strong’ (a play on the cyclist’s former charity Livestrong). Buckets are provided for them to vomit into, along with bottles of tequila to help clear palates. The ‘company record’ is believed to be held by a programmer who scoffed 24 cheese balls at one sitting. These lively — if somewhat juvenile — soirees are said to contribute to the atmosphere of extreme creativity at Rockstar, which prides itself on its ability, as executives like to say, to ‘think outside the box’. Among the many ‘eureka’ moments which led to GTA’s success was an innovation (introduced for the third instalment of the game, released in 2001) allowing players to increase their character’s ‘health’ by having sex with a prostitute. Grand Theft Auto V: The latest game went on sale on Tuesday at midnight . Popular: Fans queue at Game's flagship store in Westfield Stratford City in London for a copy of Grand Theft Auto V . They could then advance in the game by beating or murdering the prostitute and stealing her money. In the parallel universe of video game culture, that apparently counts as an epoch-defining innovation. In addition to their reputation for inventiveness, the Housers are also famed for their gruelling work ethic and commitment to perfectionism. Tales of the demands they place on staff, most of whom work 70-hour weeks, abound. A few years ago, for example, Gillian Telling, a former assistant to Dan Houser, alleged to the Wall Street Journal that he once called her a ‘whore’ and a ‘c***’ when she brought him the wrong kind of bagel for breakfast. In another controversial incident, the actor Burt Reynolds — one of many Hollywood stars who have done voiceover work for Rockstar — threatened to punch Dan after being asked to re-record a line for what he was told would be a forthcoming ‘hit game’. ‘There’s going to be two hits here,’ Reynolds said. ‘Me hitting you, and you hitting the floor.’ One company staffer claimed that Sam Houser was famous for throwing — and breaking — office telephones, and that he was ‘prone to screaming, insisting on marathon work hours and rarely dispensing praise’. Worldwide popularity: Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto V worldwide on Tuesday. This billboard is on the side of the Figueroa Hotel in Los Angeles . One industry analyst has publicly compared the brothers to ‘the kids on the island in Lord Of The Flies’. In 2007, two Rockstar employees committed suicide — though it’s not thought their deaths were related to the company in any way. Shortly afterwards, the Housers attempted to improve the atmosphere in the workplace by hiring a spiritual healer to perform an exorcism on their office. ‘Wearing a long, flowing garment, with an assistant in tow, the woman strode through the office swinging crystals from a string as she moved from desk to desk,’ the Wall Street Journal later revealed. Surprisingly, given their track records, the Houser brothers hail from the most blue-chip of backgrounds. Their mother was Geraldine Moffat, the upper-crust British actress who played Glenda in the 1971 film Get Carter, a role that required her to cavort naked in bed with Michael Caine. The brothers were educated at top public school St Paul’s, in West London, where fees are £30,000 a year. They would be collected at the school gates in their father’s Rolls-Royce. Sam was a classmate of the Chancellor George Osborne. Brutal: A torture victim has his teeth pulled out by pliers in a scene from the newly released Grand Theft Auto V . Peers say he wore Doc Marten boots with his school uniform, was obsessed with gangster movies and hip-hop and that his A-level results were underwhelming. Dan, who was more academic, went on to read geography at Oxford. After leaving school, Sam was hired by record label BMG, where he worked on the launch of the Spice Girls with pop Svengali Simon Fuller and directed the video for Take That’s 1992 debut, Take That And Party. His big break came three years later when he was working in the firm’s interactive division. A Scottish company called DMA pitched a potential game called Race And Chase in which players could be cops or robbers. He tinkered with the format, forcing gamers to play gangsters, rather than policemen, and re-named it Grand Theft Auto. The game launched in 1997. Shortly afterwards, BMG sold off its gaming division and Houser co-founded Rockstar, bringing his brother on board and taking control of one of the most lucrative franchises in gaming history. Disturbing: The same victim receives a series of electric shocks in the game, which has drawn criticism for its violence . In the early days, GTA’s success was built on its notoriety. Sam hired publicist Max Clifford to drum up controversy over the game and boasted of how gamers could ‘run bagfuls of [the drug] speed to a Member of Parliament’s hooker’. Yet after a series of high-profile scandals in the U.S., where the Columbine High School shootings and several other mass murders were blamed on violent video games, the brothers found themselves under heavy fire. Their nadir came in 2005, when they were denounced by Senator Hillary Clinton and called before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission when a secret, hardcore pornographic scene was discovered in the 2004 game GTA: San Andreas. The Commission’s lawsuit, along with a string of other cases brought by regulators and gamers, cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. Since then, the brothers have attempted to withdraw from the public eye, giving just a handful of interviews in which they appear to be attempting to re-style themselves as right-thinking businessmen. ‘I’m the most conservative guy you’ll ever meet,’ Sam — who is married with two children — told one reporter. ‘I have a panic attack if I even get a parking ticket.’ In the immoral world of GTA, on which the duo’s empire is built, that sort of attitude would surely mean instant Game Over. | Sam and Dan Houser founded Rockstar Games and wrote Grand Theft Auto .
Each have built personal fortunes estimated at £50million thanks to the game . |
fb9787ce051ff76acff8c0921ef835761020305e | DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN)The 2016 Republican presidential race in Iowa got its unofficial start Saturday with a marathon of speeches, giving close to a dozen potential candidates a chance to introduce (or re-introduce) themselves to a core group of caucus-goers roughly one year before the contest. Immigration and Islamic extremism took front and center as the White House hopefuls sought to test-drive their stump speeches. On style, it was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz who saw strong receptions from the audience, though support for a wide number of candidates was expressed in the hallways after the event. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also sought to establish a deeper bond with Iowa. The Hawkeye State receives outsized attention in presidential years thanks to its first-in-the-nation status during the primary season. Marathon time . For the 10-hour day of back-to-back speeches, "the candidates" -- as they were called -- joined other high-profile Republicans at Hoyt Sherman Place, an old, intricate theater built in 1877 that also became the first public art museum in Des Moines. Billed as the Iowa Freedom Summit, the event was co-hosted by Citizens United and Rep. Steve King, a revered lawmaker who represents the northwestern part of the state and has considerable clout among the more social conservative and Christian right faction of the party. It was no secret that it was considered a cattle call for the presidential race. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, for example, said that the reason he ended his Fox News show was for a bigger goal he has in mind. "It wasn't just so I can go deer hunting every weekend, I can assure you that," he said. Others were more blatant. "I am a potential presidential candidate, yes I am," former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina told CNN. Even Palin angled to get in on some of the action, teasing ahead of her appearance Saturday that she was now seriously considering a run. And real estate titan Donald Trump told reporters Saturday that he'll make his decision before June. "I'm the one person who can make this country great again, that's all I know," he told reporters Saturday. "Nobody else can." Palin, in her remarks, was less forward. Ticking through a somewhat dizzying and hard-to-follow speech, Palin suggested that the country is ready for a woman leader -- just not Hillary Clinton. "Hey Iowa, can anyone stop Hillary?" she said, prompting the audience to cheer. "To borrow a phrase, yes we can!" The class of 2016 . The speakers, who were typically allotted 20 minutes, used a bulk of their speeches to share their own personal upbringings. Ben Carson and Christie talked about their strict but sharp mothers, while Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz talked about having pastors as fathers. Other more well-known names in Iowa — like former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum who won the state's caucuses in 2012 and Huckabee, who won in 2008 — tried to remind Iowans why they picked them in the first place, dipping into their personalities but also focusing on the issues. Given King's firebrand credentials as an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration, it was no surprise that problems at the border became a focal point in much of the speeches Saturday. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, argued "there wouldn't be people coming in here if there wasn't a magnet pulling them in," suggesting there should be criminal punishment for employers who hire undocumented workers. The main target in the immigration battle, however, was President Barack Obama's executive action to delay deportation for up to five million undocumented immigrants. Or as Palin put it, in her folksy swagger, Obama's decision makes him seem "like an overgrown little boy who's just acting kinda spoiled." Speakers railed against the President's pledge to use his "pen and his phone" to work around Congress, with immigration as just one example of what many called the president's "overreach." That was punctuated when DREAM Act Coalition protesters interrupted Rick Perry's speech, leading to one arrest and theater full of Iowans trying to drown out the demonstrators' chants. The potential candidates also warned about what they see as a dire path for the country, in particular when it comes to foreign policy, a theme that, along with immigration, also seems poised to become a flash point in the 2016 presidential race, unlike in 2012. Santorum argued that the growth of ISIS is a consequence of the "isolationism" and "weakness" from the Obama's administration. Cruz, like several speakers, said the President will fail in the war on terror if he refuses to use the words "radical Islamic terrorism." Huckabee blasted Obama for devoting more time to climate change in the State of the Union address than talking about terrorism. "A beheading is a far greater threat to Americans than a sunburn," Huckabee said. The issues . There was plenty of the usual Iowa charm on stage, speeches with pig analogies and corn references. And there was more than one reference to how people in Iowa are somehow taller than average. Shown on a big screen above the stage was an image of a red barn sitting on a green hill surrounded by white fences. Steve King's name — in all caps — was plastered across banners on the stage, as well as the podium. The contenders also dished out a bevy of red meat, blasting Obamacare, Common Core, the media, Hillary Clinton and the $18 trillion debt. Cruz won huge applause for proposing to place 110,000 IRS employees on the southern border, joking that they'll do a better job at deterring illegal immigration than anything else. Giving a shout out to the state's newly elected U.S. senator, Joni Ernst, was also a popular item on the agenda for the potential candidates. Nearly all of them referred to her as their "friend," and almost equal amount of affection and time was dedicated to the state's other beloved senator, Chuck Grassley. Walker, who, like Cruz, paced the stage back and forth as he spoke, delivered an impressive speech that honed in on his record as governor. He talked about implementing voter ID laws, and he painted himself as the valiant warrior who took on the public employees and won during the collective bargaining rights debate of 2011. He also didn't forget to mention that he's been elected three times in the past four years. Shortly after his speech, two men, both from Council Bluffs, talked outside about how they were wowed by Walker's remarks. "If he could do on a nationwide scale what he did in Wisconsin, this country would be," one man, Michael Patomson, started to say, before his friend, Bill Hartzell, interjected: "Transformed. The country would be transformed." The reception . Many attendees had a hard time picking just one favorite in the line of potential contenders. Several mentioned Fiorina as a surprise hit. "There was just a pantheon of people to listen to," said Eric Rosenthal of Cedar Rapids. "Rick Perry was better than last time I heard him — that's good. He needs it," said Ernie Rudolph of Dallas County, Iowa. Christie also saw a warm reception and contested the idea that a Republican governor of a blue state who has a "Jersey guy" reputation will not connect with voters in Iowa. "That somehow I'm too loud, I'm too blunt and I'm too direct," Christie said, dismissing the criticism as "conventional wisdom" from Washington pundits. "They're wrong." Still, he was noticeably different from his usual style. His demeanor was toned down and he read from his prepared remarks on the podium, a stark contrast to his preferred off-the-cuff method. Some of the chatter in the hallways and to reporters also featured two potential contenders who weren't there: Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney. Trump put it simply: "Mitt had his chance. He should have won and he choked." As for Bush: "We've had enough of the Bushes." Sens. Rand Paul and Marco Rubio, as well as Gov. Bobby Jindal, also skipped the event, but given that it's year ahead before Iowans start to caucus, it's unlikely that missing one event will hurt them. Saturday's event was more of a curtain raiser, giving the first glimpse of what will likely be a competitive Republican primary. Walker, as he closed his speech, offered a pledge that will likely be mirrored by several of the speakers on stage over the next year: "I'm going to come back many more times." CNN's Adam Levy contributed to this report. | Republicans gathered in Iowa to offer a first glimpse of the 2016 presidential campaign narratives .
Immigration and terrorism were two of the most common issues discussed .
Scott Walker and Ted Cruz received strong receptions from the audience . |
fb98ea0015ee0fdba56da54ca182a176bc4485d6 | By . Sam Webb . A trainee lawyer from Siberia has won the title of the longest legs in Russia with her incredible gazelle-like 106cm pins. Anastasia Strashevskaya, 18, from Novosibirsk, has been voted 'Miss Longest Legs' in a Russian national beauty contest. Miss Strashevskaya won a £1,600 prize after beating 52 other contestants to win the title in the competition which also included categories Miss Bikini, Miss Sport, Miss Smile, and Miss Blonde. Prize winner: Siberian Anastasia Strashevskaya, 18, has won the title of the longest legs in Russia . Another Siberian, Benazir Zhamalova, 20, also a student in Novosibirsk, won the title Miss Brunette. Miss Strashevskaya, a student from the Novosibirsk Institute of Law, has vows not to be distracted by modelling offers or sudden fame after her win in an online poll run by Miss Russia. She said: 'I have wanted to be a lawyer since school and deliberately came to this institute. 'I will not leave it under any circumstances and in the future I want to engage in civil law. 'Part of the money, I plan to spend on a gift for my parents and more I want to donate to children with cancer. Glacial beauty: Her 42 inch legs won her a £1,600 prize after she beat 52 other contestants to win the title . 'I have wanted to be a lawyer since . school and deliberately came to this institute; I will not leave it . under any circumstances and in the future I want to engage in civil . law.' Between law lectures, . Miss Strashevskaya told The Siberian Times: 'This victory gave me a . great joy, because I was dreaming about this. In fact, for me, it's like . a dream. 'Right now I do not feel like a winner, nothing has changed, my life goes on. 'My family is very proud of me! I just believed in my fairy tale and in my dream - and it happened. 'It was my decision to take part in this competition, but my friends supported me very much.' | Trainee lawyer Anastasia Strashevskaya took title in beauty competition .
The 18-year-old has 106cm legs and was voted top in online poll .
But she has vowed not to let fame distract her from legal career dream . |
fb99346418af3109483012ac3575922131fb5187 | (CNN) -- The online coupon market has been exploding in the last year or so. Just look at some of the startups offering this service: Groupon, LivingSocial, Scoutmob, OpenTable, zozi, SCVNGR LevelUp, viagogo, Google Offers and many others. Now, welcome a new member of the digital-coupon club: Facebook Deals. The massive social network, which has 600 million members, announced on Tuesday a pilot project that will let local businesses offer discounts through Facebook. But with so many group-discount sites already out there, is Facebook's version offering anything unique? Here's a breakdown of how the service works and how it differs, at least a little bit, from some of its competition. What are group discount sites? First, the basics. Group discounts are essentially digital coupons, sometimes with strings attached. At Groupon, a certain number of people must purchase a deal before it's "unlocked," for example. Some, such as Scoutmob, are mobile deals based on a person's location, and offer deals on nearby restaurants, spas or other services. Others, such as LivingSocial, are more generic. They're basically coupons sent by e-mail. What is Facebook Deals? Facebook Deals aims to make the idea of digital coupons more social. With so many millions of users, it's hard to argue that Facebook isn't in a good position to do this. Users must purchase a coupon online before using it in real life. When they decide to buy, an item is automatically posted on their Facebook news feed, alerting all of their Facebook friends about the deal. Where is Facebook Deals available? For now, Facebook Deals is only being offered in five cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; San Diego, California, and San Francisco, California. Facebook is testing the feature in these places first, and says it may expand to others at a later date. Some of Facebook's competitors in online coupons are available more widely. Groupon works in dozens of U.S. and Canadian cities. Google Offers, however, which is another pilot project, is so far only available in Portland, Oregon. What's the incentive to use Facebook Deals? Many of these online coupon sites use video game mechanics to try to entice people into purchasing stuff. LevelUp, a Boston and Philadelphia pilot from the social network SCVNGR, works somewhat like an airline frequent-flier program. The more a user participates, the more he or she "levels up," giving him or her access to premium deals. Groupon is similar in that it requires a bunch of people to buy a coupon before it's activated. That encourages friends to spread the word about the deal, if they want to be able to use it. Facebook Deals doesn't do any of that -- at least not yet. So why would anyone use Facebook Deals? Because they're offering coupons. And because they're on the world's biggest social network. Facebook says the goal of the deals isn't necessarily even that they're deals -- it's that people will be able to plan events on Facebook. "While many Deals on Facebook offer discounts, it's more important to us that you find interesting experiences around you to do with friends," Facebook's Emily White writes on Facebook's blog. In other words, expect deals on group-centric activities, such as concerts or horseback riding. Are Facebook's discounts as good as Groupon's? Doesn't look like it. Groupon claims to offer discounts of 50% to 90%. Most of Facebook's coupons for Atlanta range from 13% to 75% off, with more of them seeming to fall on the lower end of that scale. Again, Facebook says the social aspect of these coupons is almost more important than the discount itself. "If your primary reason for doing something is getting together with friends, I don't know if a discount is necessary," White told the Wall Street Journal. "We are not looking for the deep discount customer." The integration with Facebook is what the site sees as key: "A lot of deal sites get that deals are social," White told The New York Times' Bits Blog. "But I wouldn't say they are really well integrated with Facebook." Where can you see Facebook Deals? In your news feed. On the Facebook Deals page. On the Facebook "Pages" sites of various businesses. Or in your e-mail inbox, if you sign up for that. Other sites, like LivingSocial and Groupon, also send out daily e-mails about the discounts they offer. How do you pay for Facebook Deals? With a credit card, with PayPal or with Facebook Credits, Facebook's own currency that, for the first time, will be used to buy real-world goods. Users buy deals in advance and then print out a coupon that's used to redeem the deal. Some other deal sites and apps let users buy discounts on-the-go. Scoutmob, for example, which is available in 13 U.S. cities, offers mobile coupons once a person is in the store or restaurant where they intend to use a deal. Users just pull up the coupon on their smartphones, show the waiter or store clerk that they've "unlocked" the deal (for free) and then get that discount applied to their bill -- without having to make any payment beforehand. Paying up front -- the Facebook and Groupon model -- annoys some users. Why is there so much competition in this space? Because there's apparently lots of money to be made. Ever since Google, in December, reportedly offered to buy Groupon for $6 billion, social coupons have been expanding like mad. As is often the case in tech, once start-ups in a new sector get hot, the big companies -- Google and Facebook in this case -- join the party late, hoping either to put out better products or capitalize on their huge user bases. | Facebook on Tuesday announces a Groupon competitor called Deals .
The social network jumps into a space that is already crowded .
Facebook Deals doesn't appear to offer the deepest discounts .
The site aims to make online coupons more social than other sites . |
fb9939255c07ab8bc139a337d2c66bb96449b8f2 | Angelina Jolie has said that Labour’s proposed mansion tax could deter her from moving to England. The actress, who is rumoured to have been house-hunting in London, said: ‘I’m quite responsible about money. [Mansion tax] could put me off.’ Miss Jolie made the comments last night during a trip to the UK for the premiere of her latest film, Unbroken. Scroll down for video . Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Sydney last week. The Oscar-winning actress has said that Labour’s proposed mansion tax could deter her from moving to England . The family (pictured here leaving a performance of the musical Wicked) have stayed in London many times over the years for separate film projects . The family in London in 2011. Miss Jolie and her husband, actor Brad Pitt, were said to have been looking at properties in central London and had recently viewed a £25million Marylebone penthouse . She made sure she was the centre of attention on the red carpet in a rather unusual white silk two-piece by British designer Ralph & Russo. From the front, it looked like a fitted dress beneath a curious bolero cape. But the back was an even more striking affair, featuring a daring split and an array of buttons and bows. Hours earlier, the 39-year-old had been interviewed by Jon Snow on Channel 4 News. Asked about a possible move to the UK, she said: ‘It was just a rumour that started and I think the rumour came before I had even thought about it.’ But she added: ‘They’ve [the media] figured out that I’m quite fond of England. 'I have lived here before and in the future it would be very nice to have a foothold here for work. Some kind of an office I think would be nice.’ When asked about Mr Miliband’s plans for a punitive tax on people with homes worth more than £2million, she admitted: ‘That could put me off.’ Miss Jolie was presented with an honorary damehood (DCMG) in October for services to UK foreign policy and the campaign to end war zone sexual violence . Miss Jolie and her husband, actor Brad Pitt, were said to have been looking at properties in central London and had recently viewed a £25million Marylebone penthouse. If they do buy in the upmarket area, they will be moments away from celebrity hotspot the Chiltern Firehouse - where Jennifer Aniston, Princess Beatrice and Kylie Minogue have dined this month. Jolie has looked at homes priced at up to £20million, a local source told The Sunday Times. It was revealed that a number of lavish apartments have gone on sale in the area, part of a new property development called The Chilterns. One four-bedroom penthouse - which boasts David Bailey artwork and an in-house chef - is on the market at £25million. Perks include an on-site gym and a 24-hour hotel-style concierge which will take care of everything from travel arrangements and theatre tickets to dry cleaning and shopping. And a neighbouring plot, designed by top architects Squire & Partners, is on the market for £12.6million. It is not yet clear whether Jolie and Pitt are planning to move with their six children to London permanently. High-end: The penthouses, such as the one above, have been designed by top architect firm Squire & Partners and interior designer Rabih Hage. Perks include an on-site gym and a 24-hour hotel-style concierge . Luxury: Earlier this week it was revealed that a number of lavish apartments have gone on sale in the upmarket area of Marylebone, part of a new property development called The Chilterns, pictured above . Their main home is Chateau Miraval, their sprawling estate nestled in an ancient village in the south of France. The property is surrounded by a moat, and boasts a spa, two gyms, and an indoor swimming pool. The couple chose the stunning chateau as the venue for their private wedding ceremony - attended by just 22 guests - this summer. The Jolie-Pitts recently spent several months living in England as Pitt, 50, filmed his latest film Fury in Oxfordshire. and have been said to enjoy long stays in Richmond at a friend's home, while Brad filmed zombie blockbuster World War Z. It is not the first time the couple have hinted that Britain's tax policies might put them off a move to these shores. In 2013, when asked if the couple would consider a move to Britain permanently, Mr Pitt replied: ‘Yeah, we do [love it],’ he said. ‘It’s good fun here, it’s good fun. Still…work on the tax issues.’ There has been criticism from experts that the so-called mansion tax will be extremely difficult to implement if homeowners have to self-declare their property’s value. Celebrities Griff Rhys Jones and Myleene Klass have already publicly attacked the plan. Star turn: Miss Jolie in striking outfit at the London premiere of Unbroken last night . Sprawling: The couple's main home is Chateau Miraval, their sprawling estate nestled in an ancient village in the south of France, pictured above. It was the venue for their private wedding ceremony this summer . Miss Klass took it up with Mr Miliband personally when she met him during a TV appearance. And yesterday Bill Oddie added his name to the chorus of protesters, announcing that he will not vote Labour next year. The wildlife presenter wrote on Twitter: ‘I hereby confess that I am one of the mansion owning North London set that are apparently staunch Labour. Not this time. I shall vote GREEN.’ The plan has been attacked even within the Labour party as a ‘tax on London’, where 90 per cent of the homes that would be affected are. The couple have six children and their main home is Chateau Miraval in the south of France where they married in August. Unbroken, which is released on Boxing Day, tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who was captured and sent to a Japanese prisoner of war camp after his plane went down in the Pacific during the Second World War. Miss Jolie was joined on the red carpet in London by veterans of past conflicts, and had pinned a poppy brooch to her dress as a mark of respect. Ed Miliband was left humiliated last week after he was unceremoniously taken to task by Myleene Klass over Labour’s proposed mansion tax. The former Hear'Say singer tore strips out of his pledge to impose a tax on homes worth more than £2million. Mr Miliband tried to laugh the row off, writing on Twitter that the NHS needs a mansion tax 'Pure and Simple' - a reference to Hear'Say's biggest hit song. Scroll down for video . Ed Miliband was left humiliated last night after he was unceremoniously taken to task by Myleene Klass over Labour’s proposed mansion tax . In a reference to the Hear'Say song, Mr Miliband said the NHS needs a mansion tax 'Pure and Simple' TV viewers provided a running commentary on Twitter, describing how the singer was ‘doing a Paxman’ and ‘wiping the floor’ with the man who hopes to be the next prime minister. Appearing on ITV’s The Agenda, Miss Klass told him: ‘For me, it’s so disturbing – the name in its own right: “mansion tax”. 'Immediately you conjure up an image of these Barbie-esque houses, but in London, which is where 80 per cent of the people who will be paying this tax actually live, have you seen what that amount of money can get you? It’s like a garage. ‘When you do look at the people who will be suffering this tax, it’s true a lot of them are grannies who have had these houses in their families for a long, long time. 'The people who are the super-super rich buying their houses for £140million, this is not necessarily going to affect them because they’ve got their tax rebates and amazing accountants. It’s going to be the little grannies who have lived in those houses for years and years.’ Mr Miliband responded: ‘I totally understand that people don’t like paying more in tax. The values of my government are going to be different to the values of this government.’ TV viewers provided a running commentary on Twitter, describing how the singer was ‘doing a Paxman’ and ‘wiping the floor’ with the man who hopes to be the next prime minister . Appearing on ITV’s The Agenda, Miss Klass told him: ‘You may as well just tax me on this glass of water. You can’t just point at things and tax them.' But former British ambassador to the US, Sir Christopher Meyer joined in the debate and angrily told Mr Miliband: ‘You’re going to screw me royally.’ Host Tom Bradby tried to calm things down, saying: ‘Ed’s getting a bit isolated here.’ But Miss Klass, 36, interrupted: ‘Ed’s getting isolated because no one thinks it is going to work.’ Getting more frustrated, she added: ‘You may as well just tax me on this glass of water. You can’t just point at things and tax them. ‘You need to have a better strategy and say why is the NHS in this mess in the first place?’ The confrontation immediately started trending on Twitter. See more from Channel 4 News here. | Angelina Jolie has been rumoured to be house-hunting in London area .
But says Labour's mansion tax plan could deter her from move to England .
Actress made comment during trip to UK for premiere of her film Unbroken . |
fb99d44ab76e9429092d1613f62fe605f0c4ff1b | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 09:41 EST, 12 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:19 EST, 13 September 2013 . Voters still blame Labour for the need to cut public spending, three and a half years after the party was dumped from power, new research reveals. In a blow for Ed Miliband’s strategy of attacking the coalition’s austerity programme, more than one in three people say the cuts are his party’s fault as it continues to be haunted by the infamous note left in the Treasury admitting 'there is no money'. A state of the nation study released with barely a year and half before the next election also shows 31 per cent of people think the Tories will handle the economy best. The study by pollsters YouGov examines public opinion since the general election in 2010 and looks ahead to the big issues for the 2015 polling day. It shows that the economy remains the major political battleground, with 67 per cent naming it as the most important issue facing the country. However, only a minority of voters persuaded by Mr Miliband’s attacks on the current government, . YouGov says the party battle over the economy is a contest between two narratives: ‘the tough decisions have been taken and now the economy is on the mend’ versus ‘living standards have fallen since 2010 and, for most people, show no signs of reviving’. David Cameron, George Osborne and Nick Clegg have struck a more upbeat tone in recent days about the recovery gaining momentum. Chancellor Mr Osborne said the economy was 'turning a corner' while Mr Clegg 'a dawn appears to be breaking'. Bank of England governor Mark Carney told MPs today: 'Our job is to make sure that that's not another false dawn, and ensure that this economy reaches, as soon as possible, a speed of escape velocity, so that it can sustain higher interest rates.' Just over half of people (53 per cent) claim immigration is the most important issue, followed by 30 per cent for welfare, 29 per cent who said health and 17 per cent said housing. Since the election in 2010, the proportion of people who blame Labour for spending cuts has fallen from 48 per cent to 36 per cent. But it is still well above the 25 per cent who blame the coalition, which has only risen slightly since the 17 per cent when the government was first formed. When Labour lost power in 2010, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne wrote a note to his successor, David Laws, admitting: 'I'm afraid there is no money.' Labour have struggled to live the blunt admission down, even three and a half years later. Since the start of this year, the Tories have gradually built their lead over Labour on the economy. The Conservatives are considered ‘best to handle the economy’ by 31 per cent of people, compared with 25 per cent who said Labour and just four per cent who named the Lib Dems. However, with the economic recovery still in its early stages, one in five (21 per cent) said they ‘don’t know’ who is best placed to be put in charge of the nation’s finances. Despite the poor economic reputation, Labour remains ahead in the polls for who people would vote for at the election on 38 per cent, with Tories on 32 per cent. YouGov said: ‘Labour’s 6 per cent lead is enough to make Ed Miliband Prime Minister – but may not be enough for him to lead a majority Government. ‘When we take all factors into account, including the incumbency “bonus” likely to be enjoyed by Conservative MPs newly elected in 2010, Labour and the Conservatives both need around a 7 per cent lead in order to secure an overall majority in 2015.’ | 36% of voters say the spending cuts are the fault of the Labour party .
Only 1 in 4 blame the coalition, with the Tories ahead on the economy .
State of the nation study shows immigration and welfare also top concerns . |
fb9a106f1d7e6dff84d37f50d7cc61144064f35f | By . Lydia Warren . A former football player who fell into a coma after he was brutally beaten two months ago has been pictured holding the baby girl his wife delivered while he was in critical condition. The image shows Isaac Kolstad, who played for Minnesota State, Mankato, taking a nap with little Malia in his arms in hospital on Thursday. 'It continues to amaze us the connection he . has made with her through this ordeal,' his wife Molly wrote alongside the picture on CaringBridge. 'He truly, truly knows he is a . daddy.' Baby Malia was born on June 5 in the same hospital where her father was in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury after he was attacked near a bar in Mankato on May 11. Naptime: Isaac Kolstad, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bar fight in May, is pictured with his daughter Malia, who was born while he was in critical condition. He remains in hospital for rehab . Rutgers University quarterback Philip . Robert Nelson, who once played at the University of Minnesota, has been . charged with one count of first-degree assault and one count of . third-degree assault. Trevor . Shelley, 21, who authorities believe punched Kolstad, was arrested just . days after the attack and charged with felony assault counts. Kolstad, described by a friend as 'a quiet, young . man' who was not a big drinker, was with a group of football players in . the South Street Saloon just before closing time on the night of the fight. According to a criminal complaint cited by NJ.com, 20-year-old Nelson was angry that night because a bouncer at the bar had hit on his girlfriend. Together: Kolstad, a former MSU Mankato football player, smiles with his wife Molly and daughter Haidyn . Family: Molly, right, gave birth to baby Malia in June in the same hospital where her husband was being treated . As he left the bar with his girlfriend, he saw Kolstad . outside. The bouncer and Kolstad are different . people. Nelson . and Kolstad got into a verbal dispute before Kolstad threw a punch . that hit Nelson in the back, causing him to fall to the ground, . according to a police officer, the . complaint says. Graduate student Steph Stassen, 25, told the Star Tribune that the attacker came 'out of nowhere'. 'He [Kolstad] was knocked out on his feet,' she told the paper. 'He fell straight back and smoked his head on the pavement.' He was found at an intersection around 2am by police and taken to hospital in an ambulance. Kolstad suffered bleeding of the brain, . skull fracture, brain swelling, brain shifting, and deterioration of . lungs from lack of oxygen, according to the criminal complaint. He is now being treated at an inpatient rehabilitation program in the Twin Cities. There, he has bonded well with his new daughter, his wife Molly wrote. Arrests: Trevor Shelley, left, and Philip Nelson have been arrested in connection with the incident . Sportsman: Kolstad, 24, pictured on the football field last year. He is now re-learning how to walk . 'When I get to the hospital, he gives me a . smile then reaches to hold Malia,' she said. 'When Malia cries he is the first to . reach out and want to hold her and comfort her.' Molly, a registered nurse who also has a three-year-old daughter with Kolstad, added that he is going from strength to strength in rehab, where he is undergoing occupational, recreational, physical and speech therapy. She said that he is now up and walking with the help of two therapists who support his upper body, and he can now walk 1,500 feet a day. 'Isaac's interactions with us keep getting better as well,' she said. 'His laugh has always been one of my most favorite sounds and I am just so excited to be getting that back.' She added: 'He continues to make great accomplishments at rehab for his brain injuries but still has an incredibly long road ahead.' | Former linebacker Isaac Kolstad, 24, suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury in a bar fight in Mankato, Minnesota on May 11 .
His wife Molly gave birth to their second daughter, Malia, last month in the same hospital where he remained in critical condition .
Molly said that he is bonding well with the new baby and continues to go from strength to strength 'but still has an incredibly long road ahead'
He is now walking 1,500 feet a day and laughing again, she said .
Rutgers quarterback Philip Nelson, 20, and Trevor Shelley, 21, have been charged in the incident . |
fb9a218be2eced8742ff04c95eda66eac3fa6a11 | By . Jason Groves . Jean-Claude Juncker laid out his vision for an increasingly federal Europe yesterday – but was heckled by Ukip members during his first speech as President of the European Commission. The former Luxembourg prime minister – whose appointment was bitterly opposed by David Cameron – was yesterday confirmed as president by a comfortable majority in a secret ballot in the European Parliament after receiving the backing of the main parties. Mr Juncker, 59, then wasted no time in demonstrating why Mr Cameron had invested so much political capital in trying to block him. Scroll down for video . Clash: Nigel Farage (left) stood up and said that the new President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker (with headphones) has no mandate . Struggling to be heard: Mr Juncker was heckled on several occasions by MEPs as he spoke on immigration and the euro, forcing Parliament President Martin Schultz to step in to call for order . In a 50-minute address, he hailed former EU president Jacques Delors – the architect of the euro – as his political ‘hero’. Setting out the priorities for his five-year term in office, Mr Juncker set himself on a collision course with Mr Cameron over a string of key issues, including immigration, human rights, employment and trade. Mr Juncker pledged to create a new commissioner with specific responsibility for the controversial Charter of Fundamental Rights. The individual will be ordered to sign the EU up to the European Convention of Human Rights – a move that would make it impossible for the UK to escape the jurisdiction of the Strasbourg court without leaving the EU. He also pledged to ‘defend’ the principle of free movement of workers within the EU, and said Brussels should do more to ‘promote labour mobility’. He said this should be matched by moves to introduce some form of European minimum wage. Mr Juncker suggested he would also like to see the development of an EU Army. And he pledged to water down Mr Cameron’s dream of a £10billion free trade deal with the United States, saying he would ‘not sacrifice Europe’s safety, health, social and data protection standards or our cultural diversity on the altar of free trade’. The new Commission president paid lip service to Britain’s demand for a looser relationship with the EU. In comments directed at the UK, he said: ‘My firm conviction is that we must move forward as a Union but not necessarily all at the same speed. ‘For some, their final destination may already have been reached. I always was and very much remain ready to listen to and help find solutions for the concerns of each and every member state.’ All smiles: UKIP leader Nigel Farage enjoys a joke with Juncker before going on to accuse the new commission president of 'being a key player in a process' that has treated democracy with contempt . Critical: Mr Farage praised Mr Juncker for being a 'political operator', but said he didn't 'believe a word' that the new president was opposed to a united states of Europe . But he was heckled by Ukip MEPs in the European parliament, with Nigel Farage saying he had no mandate. The Ukip leader told Mr Juncker: ‘What is clear is you are going to carry on with the process of the centralisation of powers. ‘We are being asked to vote for the ultimate Brussels insider, somebody who has always operated with dark, backroom deals and stitch-ups.’ Some Tories also voiced concern at Mr Juncker’s appointment. Eurosceptic MEP Daniel Hannan said: ‘The EU has been shaken by the crisis of monetary union. ‘The recent elections have seen unprecedented advances by Eurosceptic parties. ‘But the answer in Brussels is still, as it always is, “more Europe”.’ The EU assembly approved Mr Juncker by a vote of 422 to 250, with 47 abstentions and ten spoiled ballots. | Jean-Claude Juncker faced jeers as he spoke on immigration and the euro .
Farage accuses him of 'operating with dark, backroom deals and stitch-ups'
Greek communist MEP ordered out of chamber for heckling in heated debate .
Juncker Voted in by 422-250 to replace Jose Manuel Barroso in November . |
fb9acb6e5bdc2679fdc575470ca2b381fa1f8f43 | (CNN) -- Swiss police said Monday there have been no sightings of 6-year-old twin girls since they were abducted by their father more than a week ago. The search for Alessia and Livia Schepp has since stretched to three countries -- Switzerland, France, and Italy -- after the father was found dead in Bari, Italy, on Thursday, police said. Matthias Schepp, 43, committed suicide Thursday night on a railway in Cerignola, Italy, about 60 miles west of Bari, a spokesman for the Swiss police said. When police found the body, there was no sign of the girls. Police discovered Schepp had bought ferry tickets for himself and his two daughters and validated them at the French port of Marseilles, intending to go to the Corsican port of Propriano, but police said it's unclear if they ever boarded the boat. Authorities have dubbed their search Operation Gemelle, which means "twins" in Italian. Interpol issued an international Yellow Notice missing persons alert for the girls Saturday. Such notices are distributed to police in Interpol's 188 member countries to help find missing people, especially children. The girls were last seen January 30 when their father abducted them from their home in St. Sulpice, near Lausanne in western Switzerland, police said. He took the girls following personal problems at home, according to the state police in Vaud, which covers the area of St. Sulpice. Swiss police have since carried out three searches at the St. Sulpice home and investigated 60 other homes in the neighborhood, Vaud police said. They have also searched the father's four boats at the ports of Morges and Vidy as well as other ports in the region. Police have contacted all service stations between St. Sulpice and the Swiss city of Geneva, monitored all customs posts in the Geneva region and hired a helicopter to search the lake near St. Sulpice. Both girls are about 3 feet, 9 inches tall and have blond hair, Interpol said. When they were taken, Livia was wearing a green T-shift, jeans, a violet ski jacket and Adidas sneakers. Alessia was wearing a T-shirt with red and white stripes, jeans, a brown jacket and black shoes. The headmaster of the girls' school in St. Sulpice visited each class Monday to inform the students and teachers of the situation, the Vaud police said. Psychological support is being offered at the school. CNN's Saskya Vandoorne in Paris, France, contributed to this report. | 6-year-old Alessia and Livia Schepp have been missing since January 30 .
Their father abducted them from their home in Switzerland .
The father, Matthias Schepp, committed suicide in Cerignola, Italy .
The search for the girls has spread to Switzerland, France, and Italy . |
fb9b4ba39dc2950d80e3a1a7b2066a2bf65bae2c | By . Pa Reporter . Blackpool have finally signed a goalkeeper, four days before they start the new Sky Bet Championship campaign, by bringing in Joe Lewis from Cardiff on a season-long loan. The club have been without a keeper for the whole of pre-season after number one Matt Gilks left for Barclays Premier League side Burnley. Lewis told the club's official website, www.blackpoolfc.co.uk: 'I was sat at Cardiff for the last two seasons behind David Marshall, who has done outstanding. Incoming! Cardiff City goalkeeper Joe Lewis has signed for Blackpool on loan for the rest of the season . 'I've had to make do with a couple of cup games and the odd league game here and there, and it was pretty frustrating really. I knew that I had to get out and play some regular football. 'It's great to come to a club like Blackpool and hopefully make the number one position my own.' The 26-year-old has a wealth of experience, with over 200 appearances since coming through the academy at Norwich. He has since played for Stockport, Morecambe and Peterborough, before transferring to the Bluebirds in 2012 for £400,000. That's a little better: Manager Jose Riga was facing the prospect of starting the campaign without a stopper . Lewis joined on an initial loan with a view to a permanent deal. The terms of the deal this season mean he cannot play against parent club Cardiff. The Tangerines have made a flurry of signings in recent weeks after just eight professionals turned up to pre-season training, with more than 20 players leaving the club. Jose Riga's men begin their Championship campaign at the weekend against Nottingham Forest. | The Seasiders now have 16 players before the Championship season .
Matt Gilks left for Premier League Burnley earlier this summer .
Blackpool fans have protested against the Oyston family recently . |
fb9c541d7a8da107bd359894890d9900d3e6c828 | By . Arthur Martin . PUBLISHED: . 17:23 EST, 24 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:51 EST, 24 September 2013 . Too much: Michael Mansfield QC, pictured, was told to calm down his questioning of a witness at the Mark Duggan inquest . A top barrister was told to calm down after he was accused of being ‘too combative and aggressive’ during his questioning of a witness yesterday. In a highly unusual move, the 11 jury members passed a note to the judge expressing their alarm over the conduct of Michael Mansfield, QC, at the inquest into Mark Duggan. Judge Keith Cutler interrupted Mr Mansfield during his aggressive questioning of a senior police officer and told him to calm down. The judge said: ‘I’m concerned that you are getting much too combative and much too aggressive. That is the note I’ve got from the jury. ‘I think that it would be better if we had a very calm, considered investigation.’ Mr Mansfield, a leading Left-wing barrister who has represented a string of high-profile clients, spent several hours yesterday questioning Acting Superintendent Michael Foote about his role in Duggan’s shooting, which sparked the 2011 summer riots. In scenes reminiscent of a TV courtroom drama, Mr Mansfield often shouted his questions at the officer when he failed to get the response he was looking for. During the hostile interrogation, Hugo Keith, the QC representing the Metropolitan Police, repeatedly rose to his feet to object to the style of questioning. Judge Cutler also interrupted Mr Mansfield on several occasions before finally warning him to calm down. The aggressive line of questioning directed towards Mr Foote - an officer with 29 years of experience - was continued by human rights barrister Leslie Thomas, who also represents Duggan’s family. During his questioning Mr Thomas told the court that police have to take heed of Article 2 of the Human Rights legislation which states that everyone has a right to life. Unprecedented: Judge Keith Cutler, pictured, was passed a note by the jury regarding the QC's questioning . He told Mr Foote: ‘Even criminals have rights. You know that each subject has a right to life.’ Judge Cutler then admonished Mr Thomas for ‘giving a speech on the law’ instead of asking relevant questions. The aggressive cross examination by both Mr Mansfield and Mr Thomas focused on the three days leading up to the fatal shooting of Duggan in Tottenham, north London, on August 4, 2011. The father-of-four, who had taken the party drug Ecstasy, was shot twice by a police marksman as he ran out of a Toyota minicab. Inquest: The cross examination focused on the three days leading up to the fatal shooting of Duggan, pictured, in August 2011 . Officers who confronted Duggan claim he was holding a gun when he was shot. A pistol was later recovered up to 20 feet away from Duggan’s body. Duggan, a member of the notorious Tottenham ManDem gang, is alleged to have picked up a handgun from Kevin Hutchinson-Foster in Leyton, east London, 15 minutes before he was shot. Mr Foote, who was in charge of the Met’s gang unit in north-west London, was repeatedly asked why his team did not seize the gun off Hutchinson-Foster before he passed it to Duggan. The officer told the Royal Courts of Justice that the reason officers did not intervene earlier was because they did not know where the gun was being stored. He added: ‘If we knew [Hutchinson-Foster] had it in his possession then we would have [taken action], but we didn’t have that type of specific intelligence.’ Mr Foote said the reason it was so important to get guns off the streets was to . prevent ‘innocent members of the public from being caught up in gang feuds’. He highlighted the shooting of Thusha Kamaleswaran, who was five years old when she was left paralysed by a bullet fired a gangster as she danced in a grocery store aisle in front of her parents in Stockwell, south London. He added: ‘They are the sort of incidents that we are trying to prevent.’ At one point Mr Mansfield claimed the Duggan operation was badly planned and inadequately supervised. Mr Foote said: ‘In my view the operation was properly planned. This is something we do on a regular basis. In these type of operations, subjects that are under observation lead chaotic lifestyles. ‘Sometimes they don’t do what you expect them to do. We are reacting to spontaneous events.’ Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Jury passed a note to Judge Keith Cutler about Michael Mansfield QC .
Said lawyer was 'much too combative and much too aggressive'
Judge asked him to calm down and said a 'considered' investigation at inquest would be more appropriate .
QC was questioning Acting Superintendent Michael Foote about his role in Duggan’s shooting in Tottenham, north London, on August 4, 2011 .
Cross examination focused on the three days leading up to the shooting . |
fb9c80cf81d806929d9e02dffb3aba4afea584be | (CNN) -- When an elected official whose heart seems to be in the right place offers a courageous perspective on an important subject, I'm inclined to try to find some good in it. But in the case of Michael Bloomberg's off-the-cuff statement that police officers across the country should threaten to go on strike until citizens pressure lawmakers to pass more gun control laws, the search was arduous. After a shooting rampage at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, that killed 12 people and wounded 58 others, Bloomberg said this on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight": "I don't understand why the police officers across this country don't stand up collectively and say we're going to go on strike. We're not going to protect you unless you, the public, through your legislature, do what's required to keep us safe." Oh brother. Apparently, Bloomberg forgot a couple of things. Like the fact that, in New York, a law specifically prohibits police officers from putting public safety at risk by going on strike. Or that pulling police officers off the streets would likely lead to more gun violence, not less. Or that while a private citizen can say something like that, the mayor of America's largest city needs to choose his words more responsibly. The comments were out of line, but they were not out of character for the New York mayor. Bloomberg is a co-founder of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a national organization of 600 mayors who support stronger gun laws, and a frequent critic of the National Rifle Association. Still, the day after his remarks, Bloomberg tried to head off a public relations headache by clarifying his statement. He insisted he "didn't literally mean" that police ought to go on strike and, in any case, he knew that it was against the law. That's all well and good. Yet there is one aspect of his statement from which Bloomberg should not back away. He needs to stand behind the link he made between the safety of police officers and the ready availability of firearms. When you're a police officer answering a domestic violence call, the last thing you want to find out is that someone in the house has a stockpile of weapons. And when you're in a shootout, you shouldn't have to worry about being outgunned by the bad guys. Welcome to the new front on the gun control debate. We should hear more from elected officials and the media about how dangerous police officers' jobs have become thanks to loophole-ridden gun laws, a pop culture that glorifies gun violence and a powerful gun lobby that terrifies gutless politicians in both parties. We should also hear more from police officers themselves, whose associations usually talk more about protecting pensions than keeping their members safe from gun violence. I don't believe that firearms are singularly responsible for mass shootings such as the one in Aurora. Still, I'd like to think that if someone purchases a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle; a 12-gauge pump shotgun and a semiautomatic pistol; 3,000 rounds of ammunition for the handgun and another 3,000 rounds for the semiautomatic rifle, law enforcement authorities might be aware of it before reading about it in the newspaper after a slaughter. But if we're going to blame guns, we could just as easily blame dark movies and violent video games. Years of exposure to that sort of thing undoubtedly desensitize young people -- and particularly young men -- to killing and violence by blurring the line between what is real and what isn't. It's probably significant that the shooter chose as his venue the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises," the latest installment in the Batman series. Police say suspect James Holmes, who had been a Ph.D. student at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, had a Batman mask and poster in his apartment. He also colored his hair and, in conversations with police, referred to himself as "The Joker." Don't buy that about movies? Now you know how gun enthusiasts feel. One of the frustrating things about this debate is that there is no consistency. People who object to generalizations and snap judgments about guns will accept them when they're about pop culture, and vice versa. But this much we should be able to agree on. Police officers shouldn't go on strike. But they shouldn't have to. They swear an oath to keep the public safe. The least we can do is return the favor. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette Jr. | Mayor Michael Bloomberg said police officers should go on strike for better gun control .
Ruben Navarrette Jr.: Mayor was wrong about strike, but right about dangers police face .
Police face gun lobby, cowardly politicians, pop culture that glorifies violence, he says .
Elected officials and police unions should act to keep police safe, Navarrette says . |
fb9eb547b6b4a114eb03496e0aaf5c209b2a4bc6 | It's a question many people inside Iran -- and those who watch the country closely around the world -- were asking Wednesday: Who is killing nuclear scientists in Iran? An explosion on Wednesday killed Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, a top official at the Natanz uranium enrichment plant, Iranian officials said. He is the third man identified as a nuclear scientist to be killed in Iran in a mysterious explosion in the past two years. A fourth survived an assassination attempt. In each case, someone placed a bomb under the scientist's car. Iranian officials, on state-run media, blame Israel and the United States. "I want to categorically deny any United States involvement in any kind of act of violence inside Iran," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday. "We believe there has to be an understanding between Iran, its neighbors and the international community that finds a way forward for it to end its provocative behavior, end its search for nuclear weapons and rejoin the international community and be a productive member of it," she said. While Israel generally refuses to comment on accusations and speculation , Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said on his Facebook page Wednesday, "I have no idea who targeted the Iranian scientist but I certainly don't shed a tear." Mickey Segal, a former director of the Iranian department in the Israel Defense Forces' Intelligence Branch, told Israel Army Radio that Wednesday's attack was part of broader pressure being brought to bear on President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's regime. "Many bad things have been happening to Iran in the recent period. Iran is in a situation where pressure on it is mounting, and the latest assassination joins the pressure that the Iranian regime is facing," Segal said. With no one claiming responsibility, the killings remain shrouded in mystery. Iran experts contacted by CNN could only speculate. "The most likely contender among people who are following this is that the Israelis are doing it, possibly in cooperation with the Iranian mujahedin," said Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian-American Council and author of the book "A Single Roll of the Dice: Obama's Diplomacy with Iran." "There's almost no downside for Israel," he said. The killings "take out nuclear assets and embarrass Iran" by showing that the regime can't prevent such attacks, Parsi said. And "if Iran retaliates with a violent act, then Israel can point to it as a reason to take military action against the regime." Michael Rubin, resident scholar with the American Enterprise Institute, agrees that Israeli involvement is the most "plausible" scenario. And Mark Hibbs, senior associate with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, also said the way the attacks took place "would be consistent" with the possibility of Israel acting with cooperation inside Iran. Parsi told CNN he does not believe the killings are the work of the United States, and said they do not match the kind of activity U.S. intelligence would carry out in a country with which there is no declared state of war. Rubin agreed, and gave a different reason. "Frankly, I don't think the United States has the human intelligence knowledge," he said. The United States and Israel have been the most vocal opponents of Iran's nuclear program, although numerous countries have expressed serious concern as well. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian energy purposes. If Israel is cooperating with the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) to carry out attacks on Iranian nuclear officials, it faces a significant risk, Parsi argues. The United States lists the MEK as a terrorist group. "Israel is a victim of terrorism and pressing other states to take measures against terrorism," Parsi noted. If it turns out to be collaborating with a group on the U.S. list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations, Israel's efforts to get other countries to crack down on terrorist groups could be damaged. MEK, an Iranian opposition group, has support from some members of Congress who say it should be removed from the terrorist list. Several analysts said they are certain that, whoever is organizing the killings, Iranians are involved. If Iranian leaders had a "clue" who is behind the killings, "they'd have stopped this by now," said Daniel Serwer, Middle East Scholar with Johns Hopkins University. "The incredible thing is that it continues. That suggests it is Iranians doing the deeds, no matter who is the sponsor. Foreigners are under pretty tight scrutiny in Iran these days." But Hibbs, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said he believes Israeli agents could be inside Iran. Whoever's behind the attacks knows who the nuclear officials are, and the specifics of their travel plans. That could be foreign governments with intelligence assets in Iran, Hibbs said. But it's also "conceivable this could be carried out by Iranians who oppose the government even without the support of outside governments," Hibbs said. The nuclear program "is a centerpiece for Iran, a very, very important aspect for this regime," he said. Groups inside Iran dedicated to overthrowing the regime would have reason to target the program, he said. "This is a program which is right at the heart of the legitimacy of this government." Rubin, of the American Enterprise Institute, said there is another "plausible" explanation: that "Arab intelligence services" are involved. "The assumption that many Americans have that the Mossad," Israel's foreign intelligence unit, "is the most skilled intelligence service" in the Middle East is "a couple of decades out of date," he said. Some intelligence services in the Arab world "could have recruited Shiites" in the region, potentially in Iraq, to take action against the nuclear program, he said. There is also some speculation that the Iranian regime itself could have been involved in at least one of the killings. The first, in January 2010, left university professor and nuclear scientist Massoud Ali Mohammadi dead in a car bomb. That attack came shortly after major riots against the regime, and many people thought the regime was behind that killing, Parsi said. Mohammadi "did not seem to be a particularly valuable nuclear target," he said. Some reports suggested Mohammadi was an outspoken supporter of the "green movement," and had helped organize protests, Parsi said. But the man killed in November 2010, Majid Shahriari, and the one who survived an assassination attempt at the time, Fereydoon Abbasi Davani, were a different story. It "would make no sense for the Iranians to assassinate them," Parsi said. "They were critical nuclear assets." No matter who is behind them, the attacks do not seem to be reversing Iran's efforts, said Parsi. "Arguably, the incentive for the Iranians to go forward with what they have has grown, because now they're under such critical threat," he said. But there are suggestions that the overall pressure being applied against Iran, including international sanctions, for its failure to cooperate on nuclear issues is making some scientists wary of adding their efforts. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency earlier this week quoted Davani, now the head of Iran's nuclear program, describing as "deserters" in a "scientific war" the "scientists who, for the sake of preserving their international connections, refuse to cooperate in (our) nuclear projects." The killings of Iranian scientists have come up on the campaign trail in the United States among contenders for the Republican presidential nomination. Newt Gingrich, at a debate in November, expressed support for the idea of "taking out their scientists." Rick Santorum, at an event in October, referred to the scientists turning up dead as "a wonderful thing." Roshan's killing comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the West. U.S. officials say the international sanctions on Iran have taken a toll. Iran earlier this week sentenced a U.S. ex-Marine to death on charges of espionage, despite statements by him, his family, and the U.S. government that he is not a spy. | U.S. Secretary of State Clinton categorically denies any involvement in Iran .
An Israeli military spokesman says he doesn't "shed a tear" over the reported death .
Analyst: Israeli involvement with support from some in Iran is the most likely scenario .
Other possibilities: Iranian opposition, or involvement of Arab intelligence, analysts say . |
fb9f3d6969e4ff1e80488b036880387b5775ccbc | Greensboro, North Carolina (CNN) -- The trial of former presidential candidate John Edwards took a dramatic turn Wednesday when his daughter abruptly left the courtroom during testimony about a fight between her mother and father over his affair with a campaign videographer. Cate Edwards left during the testimony of Christina Reynolds, former research director for Edwards' 2008 campaign. Reynolds was recounting an October 2007 confrontation between Elizabeth and John Edwards at the Raleigh, North Carolina, airport after the National Enquirer reported the candidate was having an affair with Rielle Hunter. Elizabeth Edwards, a breast cancer patient, tore at her clothing, exposing her chest, the witness said. "You don't see me anymore," Reynolds quoted the wife as saying. As Reynolds described the incident in the airport hangar, John Edwards covered his face with his hands. He then looked back at his daughter and said, "I don't know what's coming ... do you want to leave?" Cate Edwards said something back, stood and left the courtroom. Some in the courtroom reported seeing her wiping tears in her eyes as she left. She returned to her seat behind her father after a court recess. Elizabeth Edwards died of breast cancer in December 2010. Prosecutors say donations to pay his mistress's expenses were illegal and a chief reason John Edwards is on trial in federal court on six felony counts. Also charged with conspiracy and making false statements, Edwards could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Edwards is accused of using false and misleading campaign disclosure reports to conceal from the Federal Election Commission more than $900,000 in donations -- $725,000 from Rachel "Bunny" Mellon and $200,000 from the late Texas lawyer Fred Baron. Also Wednesday, a former Edwards staffer testified about his travels with Edwards in 2006, before the latter announced his candidacy. Josh Brumberger said he told Edwards that Hunter seemed a "little nutty" and her video work was "shoddy and unprofessional." Edwards insisted Hunter should receive health insurance, even though she was a consultant, Brumberger said. The former aide also said he told Edwards that the staff was noticing he was treating Hunter differently than he did others, such as carrying her bags. It all came to a head at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in October 2006. A red-faced and cursing Edwards, who was bound for China, pulled him to the side, Brumberger testified. Edwards said that "if I thought he was (blanking) her, why didn't I come to him like a man and ask," said Brumberger. "He said he didn't trust me anymore. He was basically firing me." On cross-examination, Brumberger said all of those incidents occurred before the presidential campaign. Edwards eventually admitted to having carried on an affair with Hunter and fathering her child. CNN's Ted Metzger contributed to this report. | Daughter of former presidential candidate leaves during testimony .
It concerned fight between her father and late mother .
John Edwards faces federal corruption charges .
Former staffer testifies about Edwards' mistress . |
fb9f3fd6e90472c77dd41855ebf147064bc6daa8 | LONDON, England (CNN) -- The worst snowstorm to hit Britain in 18 years forced the cancellation of more than 650 flights at London's Heathrow airport Monday and shut down the city's bus network, partially paralyzing the British capital. A group of men push a giant snowball across Kensington Gardens, west London Monday. Heathrow, one of the busiest transport hubs in the world, closed both its runways for more than two hours Monday morning and operated with just one for the rest of the morning, according to BAA, the company which runs it. London City airport is also closed, while the British capital's other two airports, Stansted and Gatwick, were operating with severe delays, BAA said. British Airways canceled all flights out of Heathrow until 5 p.m. except for Edinburgh and Lisbon routes. Send your iReport videos, stories . One of the city's largest cab companies was in such high demand it stopped taking cash and credit card bookings, serving only customers with accounts, it said. Dial-a-Cab, which has a fleet of over 2,500 vehicles, served mainly blue-chip companies trying to get employees into work, said Keith Cain a Control Room manager for the company. Customers waited up to an hour and a half for a cab early in the morning, he said. See gallery of UK under snow » . Jochen Jaeger, 36, found himself stranded at Heathrow, unable to fly home to Zurich or to get back into the apartment he rented in London. "I will stay here at the airport," he told CNN. "There is no other option. I may have to spend the night here." American businessman Ken Plunkett, 60, from St. Paul, Minnesota, was trying to fly out from Heathrow Airport but found himself caught in the weather chaos. "I know England does not have the infrastructure to remove snow like we do in Minnesota," he said. Watch passenger stranded by snow » . Jenny Leslie, a shop worker at Heathrow's Terminal 2, said it was so quiet at the airport "you can hear a pin drop." Southampton Airport, southwest of London, was also closed for several hours Monday morning, but re-opened by 1200 GMT. But many people in the city were delighted by the unusual weather. "Londoners of all ages are childishly happy to be making snowmen and having snowball fights. Bankers of all ages are throwing snowballs in the middle of the residential streets," Monica Majumdar told CNN in an iReport. She lived in New York before moving to London four years ago, and was surprised by how little snow it took to bring the British capital to a standstill. "I have seen snow like this. But somehow, it's more beautiful here. It's partly due to the fact that even Londoners are amazed by the snow -- so there is a general air of surrealism," she said via e-mail. " I do feel like I'm in a Christmas snowglobe, with all the iconic London monuments blanketed by the powdered snow." London's famous red buses were pulled off the roads on Sunday night as the snow got deeper. It was the first time "in living memory" that all city bus service had been suspended, including when London was being bombed during World War II, a spokesman for the city's transit agency, Transport for London, said. "Bus services were suspended throughout London last night on the grounds of passenger safety due to the unsafe road conditions resulting in a large number of traffic incidents across London," the agency said in a statement Monday morning. Watch London grind to a halt » . About six million people ride London buses each day, said the spokesman, who asked not to be named. Some bus service had been restored by lunchtime on Monday. London Mayor Boris Johnson suspended the £8 ($11.30) daily congestion charge drivers normally pay to enter central London, the city transport authority said. Some bus service had been restored by lunchtime on Monday. The city's subway system was also experiencing severe delays, leaving normally bustling central London something of a ghost town. On a regular weekday, London's transit system handles more than three million passenger journeys. The Federation of Small Businesses estimated that at least one in five workers nationwide -- about 6.4 million employees -- failed to make it into work Monday morning. But the figure was estimated to be far higher -- around two in five -- in London and southeast England, which is home to around a fifth of all British businesses. Monday's disruptions are likely to cost businesses £1.2 billion ($1.7 billion), FSB spokesman Stephen Alambritis told CNN. Britain's national weather service, the Met Office, issued severe weather warnings for all of England and much of Scotland and Wales for both Monday and Tuesday. It reported 20cm of snow in Balham, south London, and 15cm at Canary Wharf in east London. The last time such widespread snowfall affected Britain was in February 1991, the Met Office said. Watch iReport on snowy Stonehenge. The snow meant a break from school for the region's children as classes gave way to snowball fights. In the southern English seaside resort of Brighton there was a carnival atmosphere as dozens of people who were unable to get to work threw snowballs and built snowmen on the beach. Mother-of-three Fiona Robbins, 45, added: "Everyone is very excited to be able to show their children proper snow for the first time." Tuesday's forecast is expected to bring some relief, with the snow expected to stop and temperatures to rise above freezing. Two climbers were found dead Monday morning on Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, after being reported missing Sunday night, North Wales Police said. It was not clear if their deaths were related to the storm. CNN Business Assignment Editor Alysen Miller, Laura Perez Maestro, Simon Hooper and Olivia Feld in London contributed to this report. | UK business spokesman: Disruptions would likely cost $1.7 billion .
Meteorologists said snow is worst in southeastern England in 18 years .
Major international airports including Heathrow, Gatwick badly affected .
UK weather service issues severe weather warnings for Monday, Tuesday . |
fb9f5dae1ff7970d29661c2398169a3eac65bea0 | (CNN) -- Facebook announced an update to Graph Search on Monday that will enable users to search for conversation topics within status updates, comments and posts. Some users with Graph Search can now browse Facebook for topics of interest — for example, "posts about Breaking Bad" or simply "Breaking Bad." The update also allows users to search for posts or comments from a certain time period or location (for example, "posts by my friends from last month") or posts that they already composed or commented on. The update makes Facebook much more conducive to real-time conversations, an area where it has been making major strides to compete with the likes of Twitter. The two social networks have been competing for eyeballs during primetime television events like the Emmys, the NFL's Monday Night Football, and Sunday's Breaking Bad finale. When users' eyes aren't glued to the TV screen, Facebook and Twitter want them to be having conversations or voicing their opinions on their respective networks. Opening up Graph Search to enable post and comment searches will help Facebook to do so. When a user logs into his profile during a primetime event, he can quickly scan all conversations about the game or his favorite show — even if he isn't near the top of the News Feed. If a user want to talk about an event hours (or even days) later, he can search for all relevant conversations on Facebook, something users can't easily do using Twitter. Facebook has been working to add partnerships around live media in an attempt to fuel this social conversation. Earlier this month, the social network announced a content deal with FOX Sports to promote Facebook data and conversations alongside live NFL and college football broadcasts. Facebook has also added features like searchable hashtags and verified accounts in an attempt to make finding topics of interest easier on the platform. Facebook reported on its Q2 earnings call that 88 to 100 million people are actively using the social network during primetime television hours — a number that Facebook advertisers will pay close attention to. Twitter is making similar efforts ahead of the company's IPO; the company is expected to file its public IPO papers as soon as this week. Just last week, Twitter announced ad partnerships with both CBS and the NFL, which will bring real-time video into your Twitter stream. Facebook's search update is not yet available to all Graph Search users, according to a company spokesperson. It will be tested starting on Monday with a small group of users and will roll out more expansively after that. Users will only be able to search for content that has been shared with them, in addition to public posts. In other words, your conversations should not appear in a search run by someone outside of your network unless your comments and posts are public. What do you think about Facebook's new Graph Search update to find conversations? Tell us in the comments below. This article originally appeared on Mashable. © 2013 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | Graph Search is Facebook's way of finding content across the network .
System has added status updates and comments .
User can now scan for trending conversations, a la Twitter . |
fba014412d38d1eefcd060e3e64772a9dfe800ae | A players’ meeting called after the fourth successive Ashes defeat emerged on Wednesday as the pivotal event leading to Kevin Pietersen becoming an England outcast. The summit in Melbourne — without team management present — was the idea of Matt Prior, the England vice-captain who had been dropped after the Ashes were lost in Perth. Prior, who regards the England team ethic as all-important, still wanted an opportunity for the players to discuss without fear of recrimination how they could improve dressing-room morale and the team environment. VIDEO: Scroll down to see Piers Morgan trying to get out of the way a Brett Lee over . Critic: Pietersen told Andy Flower the issues that the England players had with his management . Hitting out: Matt Prior has blasted accusations from Kevin Pietersen's friend Piers Morgan . Tough time: Prior struggled in Australia and was dropped after the third Test . The consensus within the squad was . that England team director Andy Flower had been too much of a . ‘headmaster figure’ during the tour and needed to relax his iron grip to . get the best out of the team. It . was after the meeting following the Boxing Day Test defeat that . Pietersen, rather than captain Alastair Cook, took it on himself to tell . Flower where the players felt he was going wrong. The . ECB have refused to clarify the details of the fallout because of legal . complications, including confidentially clauses in the Pietersen . settlement. But this version . of events from inside the dressing room tallies with that of the . Pietersen camp, who maintain that their man was the only player prepared . to tell Flower some home truths. It . also brings some context to the explosive tweets on Wednesday by . broadcaster Piers Morgan, KP’s flag-waver-in-chief, who claimed Prior . told his team-mates at the summit that Flower was ‘behaving like a . headmaster’ and that they were playing in a ‘schoolboy environment’. According to Morgan, Prior added: ‘F*** Flower, this is our team.’ Happier times: Pietersen (left) and Prior celebrate Ashes victory Down Under in 2010 . Morgan . further tweeted, after challenging Prior to take legal action if the . accusations were incorrect: ‘You stabbed Pietersen in the back, yet you . agreed with him re Flower’s dictator style. Makes you a flaming . hypocrite. ‘For the record, @MattPrior13 (Prior) led the England team meeting after Melbourne Test. And slaughtered Flower.’ Prior . responded: ‘I don’t do this PR, spinning media rubbish, but I refuse to . be attacked by a bloke that knows very little about what goes on in the . England set-up apart from rumour, gossip and hearsay from certain . individuals. ‘I’m not the . kind of person to divulge what is said in team meetings, but all I will . say is that Flower, Cook and the rest of my team-mates know exactly what . I said and the way it was meant.’ Re-integrated: Team-mate Matt Prior posted this picture of Pietersen on Twitter in late 2012 with the caption: '"Re-integration complete. Well played".' Ironically, . Prior had acted as peacemaker when Pietersen was left out of the . England team in 2012 following a number of issues over his contract. But . the wicketkeeper continued his attack on Morgan by saying: ‘There is no . story here, just an attempt to knock someone who has only ever had the . team’s best interests at heart and tried my best on and off the field to . help the England cricket team. ‘I can hold my head up high in that knowledge!’ Taking a battering: Piers Morgan (right) faces Brett Lee in the nets at the MCG . | Kevin Pietersen told Andy Flower where the team felt he was going wrong .
Matt Prior had the idea of a meeting without management in Melbourne .
KP was the only man prepared to tell Flower what issues the players had .
Tweets by Piers Morgan suggested Prior had 'stabbed KP in the back'
Prior had previously acted as peacemaker for Pietersen in 2012 . |
fba0bf9e8f60fb410aa235814d173f2e18ac83f2 | A man has revealed his horrifying childhood as a five-year-old sex slave in Florida, where he says a member of his family made thousands forcing him to indulge the pedophile desires of pillars of the local community. Jerome Elam said that he was taken advantage of by a relative, who kept him in servitude for seven years and made him participate in child pornography and take drugs. He said that clients of his trafficker would beat, choke and rape him - and punish him severely whenever he tried to escape his life of abuse. Elam told local station WTLV how he was dragged in and out of school in Jacksonville to fulfill the whims of his relatives' clients, whom he claims were often doctors and lawyers with a 'darker side'. Sex slave: Jerome Elam, pictured above as a boy in the 1970s, said he was trafficked, choked and raped by members and clients of a pedophile ring operating in Florida . He said: 'I would be pulled out of school at times and what they would do is they would set up a list of clients and this would take place in hotels, in campers, in store rooms, whatever location they chose we would be forced to go to.' 'There was no depth of depravity these people had, so it was a very lucrative business... They looked like the people you would see in church on Sunday. 'These were doctors and lawyers and people who were well respected but the darker side of them were never exposed until they got into the after hours trafficking part of it.' In a first-person account for the Communities Digital News website, Elam told how he was subjected to beatings and rape by each member of a pedophile ring before he was turned over to the clients. He wrote: 'My indoctrination to the “group,” as they often referred to themselves in private, consisted of being raped and beaten by each member... Today: Elam said he is sharing his horrific story so that other victims will see there is hope for their future . 'Children were choked unconscious to satisfy the twisted sexual appetites of a select few of the members, and many clients of the trafficking ring also shared this sick practice. He also said that his 'handlers' would take revenge on him if he tried to escape or alert anybody to his plight. Elam wrote that he was beaten and had three of his ribs broken after he tried to tell a doctor what was happening to him. According to child abuse experts, pimps can make as much as $200,000 per year from a single child, and often have as many as six under their control at any given time. Elam said that he escaped and was able to build a new life for himself after a suicide attempt left him in hospital and gave him the opportunity to escape. He said he is sharing his story to encourage other victims of sex trafficking to realize that they can reclaim their lives. | Jerome Elam said he was forced into sexual slavery as a young boy .
Says he was beaten and abused, and forced to appear in pornography .
Described to news station how doctors and lawyers paid to abuse him .
Said he is sharing his story to give hope to other abused children . |
fba0da1ba76d4eebce4dc954919ac74019ed1f55 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Four months before the Tiananmen crackdown in 1989, a woman fired a gun in China's National Art Gallery -- all in the name of art. Xiao Lu fired two shots at her installation on the opening day of the "China/Avant-Garde Art Exhibition" in Beijing. Chinese authorities quickly responded. The show was temporarily closed. The artist and her boyfriend were apprehended but later released. Among the stunned onlookers was Beijing-based gallerist and Pekin Fine Arts founder Meg Maggio. "The army and the armed police came in and we had to leave, but we didn't really understand what was going on," she recalls. Twenty-four years on, the authorities' reservations over performance art has not recovered. Wang Chunchen, a leading curator at China's Central Academy of Fine Arts, says there is an unwritten rule against performance art in state-owned exhibitions. "Performance art has become very sensitive," says Wang. "(But) we need to have a general tolerance to this kind of expression. We need to build an open cultural policy." Wang is tasked with building that policy as the curator of the China Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale. "This year, the Ministry of Culture wants to show a good Chinese image. They are in charge of the Chinese Pavilion. They liked my proposal." The theme of Wang's proposal is "transfiguration," emphasizing a change in Chinese contemporary art in both practice and definition. His curated selection includes works of painting, video, mixed media and an installation by a non-artist -- a house, once torn down in Beijing, pieced back together and made anew for the Biennale. Wang says the Chinese Ministry of Culture gave him enough space to curate the China Pavilion, but with conditions: "They gave me enough freedom, but they did give me some suggestions. For example, 'if this painting is too religious, let's not put it in.'" To be an officially recognized contemporary artist in China, you must stay on script and veer away from the politically taboo. Sensitive topics like the Tiananmen crackdown and the Falun Gong cannot be touched as subject matter. Erotic subjects must not be depicted explicitly. "And you cannot paint any leader directly (as) a deformed figure," adds Wang. "Besides that, anything you can try. You can experiment." Given such strict guidelines in a land known for censorship and government control, is there room for authenticity in Chinese contemporary art? For Chinese activist/artist Ai Weiwei, the answer is surely no. In a recent op-ed for British newspaper the Guardian, Ai says outright that "China's art world does not exist." "In a society that restricts individual freedoms and violates human rights, anything that calls itself creative or independent is a pretence," he writes. Despite a travel ban imposed on him by Beijing, Ai Weiwei's work will be at the Venice Biennale -- but representing Germany. But to gallerists like Meg Maggio or Christie's International Chairman of Asian Arts Jonathan Stone there is indeed a vibrant contemporary art scene in China -- not just despite the restrictions -- but because of them. "It's the sand in the oyster which creates the pearl," says Stone. "And I think that's something which is rather exciting." Maggio adds: "There's a certain level of struggle in contemporary art generally that makes things more exciting. A lot of Chinese artists would say if you're an average middle class Western artist, life is too comfortable and things come easy to them: 'That's not real contemporary art.'" The Venice Biennale opens on June 1. Visitors to the China Pavilion can decide for themselves if Wang's "transfigurative" show can manage to be both on script and on the cutting edge. | Chinese authorities are wary of performance art, partly due to an incident in 1989 .
An artist fired two shots at her installation; she and her boyfriend were briefly detained .
Wang Chunchen is curating the Chinese Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale .
Taboo subjects must be avoided he says, like Tiananmen and overly explicit scenes . |
fba1144c8346bf4cbe4b1471af38d4ef5d46b7b8 | A Texas teenager has been fired from her job at a pizza parlor before she even started after she sent out a tweet complaining about the gig and her new boss saw it. In a hilarious Twitter exchange, a twitter user who goes by 'Cella' wrote: 'Ew I start this f*** a** job tomorrow.' The next morning, Robert Waple - the owner of Jet's Pizza in Mansfield, Texas - tweeted at her: 'And....no you don't start that FA job today! I just fired you! Good luck with your no money, no job life!' He was moved to tweet for only the second time since he started the account in 2009. Twitter user Cella sent out this tweet on Friday night before she was due to start a new job . Justice: Robert Waple - the owner of Jet's Pizza, who hired Cella - fired back and sacked her after seeing the dismissive, vulgar tweet . The exchange became an instant hit online. Mr Waple's tweet has been retweeted 3,800 times and favorited more than 4,200. Mr Waple said that one of Cella's future co-workers told him about the tweet and he had to log on to check it out himself. After firing Cella, several former employees chimed in to comfort her to say that working at Jet's Pizza wasn't all that great, anyway. One said it was the worst job he ever had. One Twitter user told Mr Waple: 'Just thought you should know I was stoned out of my mind every time I went into work, and your pizza sucks.' He replied: 'Being high would only partly explain how you could deliver a pizza to the wrong house...multiple times. You have no hockey skills.' Cella (left) was hired by Robert Waple (right), the owner of Jet's Pizza. After firing Cella, he defended his pizza shop against Twitter users who said the restaurant was a bad place to work . Cella didn't seem too broken up about getting fired - but was relishing her new-found internet fame after the Twitter exchange went worldwide . Riding off into the sunset: Mr Waple, who hadn't tweeted since setting up his account in 2009, seemed satisfied with his online work . Jet's Pizza in Mansfield, Texas, was where Cella was supposed to start her job on Saturday . Another Twitter user rose to Cella's defense, saying that the firing was unjustified: '@Cellla_ you were exercising your freedom of speech and never mentioned the company name so you got fired for no reason, contact HR asap.' Cella, who today tweeted about having to go to a court date, seemed to take it all in stride. She tweeted: 'That moment when someone snitched on you trying to get you in trouble but instead accidentally gets you famous.' As for Mr Waple - who joined Twitter in 2009 and hadn't tweeted before the Cella incident - he gracefully excited Twitter. 'Made my point today. I'll check in again in 6 years,' he wrote. | Teen named 'Cella' tweeted disdain about starting a job at a pizza parlor in Texas .
Her boss, Robert Waple, was tipped off and took to Twitter to fire her .
Mr Waple was moved to tweet for only the second time since 2009 after seeing Cella's comment . |
fba158913b4b8daa639f6c68ca0451196c166d71 | By . Anna Hodgekiss . PUBLISHED: . 06:42 EST, 25 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:26 EST, 25 February 2013 . A brother and sister have been diagnosed with the same life-threatening condition that affects only three in a million people in the UK. Four-year-old Emma Whittaker was diagnosed first with Fanconi Anaemia, a blood disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure and cancer. Her mother Rachelle Emberton hoped her son James, three, would prove a suitable bone marrow donor to help save her life. But two months later she received the devastating news that he also had the same rare condition. Rachelle Emberton with her daughter Emma and son James. Both have been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that can lead to bone marrow failure and cancer . Ms Emberton had hoped that James would be a suitable bone marrow match for Emma, But two months later he too was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition . Luckily a donor match has been found should James need a transplant. But Rachelle and her partner Malcolm Whittaker are still searching for a match for Emma, who will need a transplant in the next few years. Ms Emberon, a businesswoman from Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, said: 'It was devastating when we found out James had FA too. 'The doctor was very honest with us and told us the average life expectancy was 30. 'I've explained to Emma that she has special blood and James just picks up anything his big sister says. 'They are typical children - little angels on their own, but when they are together they become little devils. 'Emma is four going on 14 and like any other young child loves her princesses and going to school. She is my little princess. 'All I want is to see my children grow up. Emma and James Whittaker: Emma was diagnosed first after their mother realised she bruised easily . Emma and James as babies: Their parents had no idea they had the rare condition at birth . Hopeful: 'All I want is to see my children grow up,' says Ms Emberton . 'We've searched the international database and cannot find a match for Emma. We desperately need more people to come forward.' Emma, who was born with one kidney, was diagnosed with FA in November 2012 when her mother noticed she was bruising easily. Ms Emberton said: 'If I wasn't a pushy mother then we would never have found out she had FA. We might never have known until she got really poorly. 'The condition is so rare I've had to explain it to doctors and give them the standards of care documents.' Emma's blood white and blood cells and platelets count has stabilised but doctors have advised she will need a bone marrow transplant in the next few years. James, who was also born with one kidney, was diagnosed with the same condition last month. There . are fewer than 150 sufferers of FA in the UK - with an incident rate of . just three in one million - and research and detailed information about . the condition is patchy. Ms Emberton and Mr Whittaker, 53, who are both FA carriers, are now urging people to join the Anthony Nolan bone marrow register. While a bone marrow donor has been found for James, the family are still searching for a match for Emma, who will need a transplant in the next few years . James (above), who was born with one kidney, was diagnosed two months after his sister . The charity is dedicated to saving the lives of people with blood cancer who need a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant. There are currently over 450,000 . people on the register, but the charity can still only find a match for . around half the people who come to them in need of a lifesaving . transplant. Ms Emberton said: 'Registering is really simple - people do not realise. All you have to do it spit in a pot and send it off and you are on the register. 'My mother is Iranian and the doctors think that there may be a match in the Iranian community so she is going into community centres to try and get the word out.' Jeannie Dalgleish, from support charity Fanconi Hope who has a daughter with the condition, said it is unusual for more than one child in a family to have FA. She said: 'Genetic counselling is available for parents who have had a child with FA, but the condition is normally not diagnosed until children are eight. 'Looking after one child with the condition is hard, so it is a very difficult position to be in to have two children with it.' To register on the bone marrow register go to www.anthonynolan.org/register . | Emma Whittaker, 4, and her brother James, 3, have Fanconi Anaemia .
The rare blood disorder can lead to .
bone marrow failure and cancer .
Emma was diagnosed first and it was hoped James' bone marrow could help .
But family's hopes dashed two months later when he was also diagnosed .
They are now desperately searching for bone marrow donor to save Emma . |
fba1b083cb9efb21a6de34a886cd45e33f516691 | By . Mail On Sunday Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:44 EST, 8 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:19 EST, 8 June 2013 . As a nation of wildlife lovers we are used to seeing animals perform in front of the camera. But for this curious red squirrel, experiencing life behind the lens seems to be a more attractive proposition. The female took it upon herself to examine the camera when an unsuspecting wildlife photographer turned his back for a moment in woodlands near Hexham, Northumberland. Say cheese: The squirrel took it upon herself to examine the camera when an unsuspecting photographer turned his back in woodlands near Hexham, Northumberland . The inquisitive rodent first scrambled on to a tree trunk before plucking up the courage to move in for a closer look. Sightings of red squirrels are a rarity in the British countryside. While the animals are native to the UK, their future is under threat as the grey squirrel, introduced from North America, becomes ever more dominant. There are now estimated to be just 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain. In contrast, there are more than 2.5 million greys. Recently, Prince Charles, the patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, has led efforts to reintroduce the species into Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. Under threat: There are now estimated to be just 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain compared to more than 2.5¿million greys . | Female squirrel examined camera in woods near Hexham, Northumberland .
Sightings of red squirrels rare in British countryside .
Animals under threat as grey squirrels become more dominant .
Just 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, compared to 2.5m greys . |
fba1d77cf724dc98e98afc0cd4c8289f6d071579 | (CNN) -- The late-fall chill outside a Best Buy store in Elkridge, Maryland, wasn't all that was keeping George Nelums awake late Thursday. "I've been a PS dude since the first PS," said Nelums, the first in line to pick up a PlayStation 4 when the clock struck midnight. "I'm not planning on sleeping tonight. I've got a 6-hour energy drink. I'm all set." He and about 100 others were there for the next step in the evolution of home entertainment. The new PlayStation hit stores a week before Microsoft's Xbox One does the same, touching off a new round in the fight for the hearts of console gamers. Compare: PlayStation 4 vs. Xbox One . It was a scene that played out at thousands of stores across North America. In New York, Sony rented out the entire Standard High Line Hotel in Manhattan, where roughly 500 people showed up to watch a light show of video-game scenes as they waited for the midnight launch. Matt and Tammy Nyers, of Laurel, Maryland, picked up their two new pre-ordered consoles at the Elkridge store -- one to keep and one they plan on selling on eBay. Matt said he's more of a sports gamer and really wants to see what next year's "Madden" will be like when it is designed specifically for the new console. "It is the latest and greatest and I want to see what they can do," he said. "I'm really wanting to see what games will be coming out next because they will be built just for the PS4. This is built more like a gaming rig (than the PS3)." The first new home console for Sony in more than seven years, the PlayStation 4 incorporates many new features over its predecessor, the PlayStation 3. Greater focus on social interaction during gameplay, a redesigned controller with a touchpad interface, and expansion of streaming entertainment choices are just a few of the new elements for PS4. Andrew House, president and group CEO of Sony Entertainment, said building this next-generation console took nearly seven years and that Sony had specific goals in mind to reach today's launch date. "Having a shared experience on the same sofa in front of the same screen is something that I, as a parent, want to have with my family," House told CNN during the PS4 launch event in New York City this week. "A device that is designed from the ground up to be able to serve up all those different kinds of experiences, but with a great user interface that's designed to work specifically in the living room, I think is still very, very important." With more than a million pre-orders reported by Sony in August, it would seem the public was ready to get their hands on the latest next-generation console (Nintendo's Wii U was released last year). Analysts expect the demand for the system to outstrip supply through Christmas. "People were coming in early this week just to get games that were released and extra controllers," Brooks Holman, home sales manager at the Maryland Best Buy said. "They were making extra trips to the store just to make sure they had everything they wanted for when they got their new PS4." Devin Gergen, Minnesota native, is one of many military personnel stationed in the area who spent hours outside the store. He hadn't pre-ordered, but remained hopeful . "I just like the experience of standing in line, meeting new people, sharing gamer tags," Gergen said. "You get to chat around with all kinds of people. It is fun." The lines were predominately guys in their 20s and 30s, and some in line were hoping to score the perfect gift. Delaney Lockhart, a 21-year-old college student attending Towson University, waited with her mother in the chilled night air. But Lockhart said she wasn't getting the PS4 for herself. "I'm getting the game for my brother for Christmas," she said, laughing. "I'm a good sister. He owes me." The excitement, though, didn't mean everything has gone perfectly for Sony's rollout. Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony's Worldwide Studios, tweeted that the company is investigating reports of broken consoles, but said the problem isn't widespread. "Be assured we are investigating reported PS4 issues," he wrote on Twitter. "The number is very small compared to shipped, we believe they are isolated incidents." Over the next few months, PlayStation 4 consoles will go on sale in other countries around the world, with the final launch date set for February in Japan. | Fans lined up late Thursday to be the first to get a PlayStation 4 .
The new console launched at midnight to high demand .
Rival Xbox One will hit the market soon, with November 22 release date .
Some say they're excited to play old favorites with new-console capabilities . |
fba1ec387d1c5c486a9f0661ceb1604a6ae927e0 | Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has refused to throw his support behind Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the sacking of chief whip Philip Ruddock on Friday. Appearing on QandA on the ABC on Monday evening Turnbull dubbed the move to get rid of the 'father of the house' a 'captains call' when asked by an audience member about the dumping of the iconic Liberal Party member. In response to the same questioner journalist and Today Show host Lisa Wilkinson ripped into the prime minister, slamming him for his 'laundry list' of personal goals distracting him from leading the country. Scroll down for video . Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull took a swipe at Prime Minister Tony Abbott while appearing on QandA on Monday evening . Lisa Wilkinson also took aim at Abbott over his broken promises and 'laundry list of own goals' Speaking about the turfing of Ruddock, the communications minister would not 'run a commentary on the prime minister's decisions', but admitted the chief whip's loss was felt deeply in the party. 'Philip Ruddock is the father of the house, which means he's been in parliament for over 40 years, he's the longest serving member of the house of representatives,' Turnbull said. 'He is well-loved, he is well-respected, he is esteemed by all of the Liberal party right across the country . 'Tony Abbott, as Philip said, it entitled to appoint and replace the chief whip as and when he wishes that's his call,' he added. But despite refusing to openly condemn the move by the prime minister, Turnbull seemed to smile as he called the move a 'captain's call'. Turnbull said Abbott's decision to dump 'father of the house' Philip Ruddock was a 'captain's call' but refused to give his personal opinion on the matter . He said he would leave it up to public opinion to determine whether it was the right or wrong decision . 'He's the boss, he's the captain he can make a captains call,' he said, which was met with a smirk from fellow panelist Lisa Wilkinson and laughter from the audience. 'Whether the decisions are right or wrong, time and public opinion no doubt and other events will determine. 'All I'm prepared to say about Philip Ruddock is what a fine man he is and I was very sad to see his services terminated in that role. Full stop,' Turnbull declared. Just moments before the communications minister's response, Lisa Wilkinson slammed Mr Abbot for his 'broken promises' and 'laundry list' of self-motivated goals. 'I think that problem that Tony Abbott has now is that there are so many own goals, I mean there's almost a laundry list now,' Wilkinson began. Wilkinson admitted that though Abbott was good in opposition, but also pointed out his shortcomings and hypocrisies as leader of the nation . 'It's just been one thing after the other and then we've had silly mistakes, silly decisions like the knighting of Prince Phillip' she said . She gave credit to the prime minister for his 'very effective' operation as opposition leader, but the Today Show host also pointed out his shortcomings and hypocrisies as leader of the nation. 'One of the strongest messages he would come back with during our interviews was that Julia Gillard broke a promise we will not break promises,' Wilkinson said. '(But now) we've got broken promises: we've got no cuts to the pension, no cuts to the ABC or SBS, no cuts to education, the submarine contracts look like they've been broken', she continued, pointing out where the Liberal Party had failed in her opinion. 'It's just been one thing after the other and then we've had silly mistakes, silly decisions like the knighting of Prince Phillip. 'In terms of these own goals the prime minister even... he said that the question was not whether or not the Australian people thought that Prince Phillip getting that award was appropriate it's whether the award was appropriate,' she continued. Throughout the Today Show host's response, Turnbull did not jump to the defence of the prime minister which left many speculating on social media . Turnbull, here with Abbott last week, admitted during the program he was not consulted on the shafting of Ruddock, and he did not know who was spoken to about it before it happened . Calling the knighthoods awards that Abbott 'bought back from the dark ages' and also took aim at the way he was out of touch with the members of his own party. 'Tony Abbott only has to look in the mirror to see why he's having so many problems, and on the issue of Philip Ruddock I would have thought its's the prime minister's job to be in touch with his back bench,' she said. 'He couldn't have been reading a newspaper and he certainly couldn't have been talking to anyone in the backbench because we all knew ... everyone watching knew that he had real issues with the backbench . 'And 40 per cent of people who sit behind him don't want him there as leader,' Wilkinson concluded her scolding. Throughout the Today Show host's response, Turnbull did not jump to the defence of the prime minister which left many speculating on social media about his motives. A number of commenters pointed out his body language during the exchange, while others drew attention to his slight smirk as Wilkinson laid into Abbott. | Malcolm Turnbull took aim at the PM on QandA on Monday night .
Said decision to sack Philip Rudd was a 'captain's call'
Lisa Wilkinson also slammed Tony Abbott over 'laundry list of own goals'
Listed a number of his 'broken promises' and his hypocrisy .
Wilkinson also denounced his decision to knight Prince Phillip . |
fba1f872327256fcd0eb17e0d9e4acb165d2f883 | (CNN) -- A 10-month-old Indiana boy born with a fatal genetic disorder died Sunday at a North Carolina hospital where he had gone in hope of receiving a potentially life-saving organ transplant, his parents said in a Facebook post. Seth Petreikis, after having open heart surgery when he was about 2 1/2 weeks old, was diagnosed with complete DiGeorge syndrome, a rare disease that left him with no immune system. However, it was not Seth's heart or the complete DiGeorge syndrome that ultimately caused his death, his mother said in the same Facebook post. Baby Seth died from complications resulting from a problem with his airway. Seth went to Duke University Hospital to receive a thymus transplant. The procedure was pioneered by Duke's Dr. M. Louise Markert, the only doctor at the only hospital in the United States that performs the surgery. Seth's condition resulted from the absence of a thymus gland, which produces T cells, a type of white blood cell that helps protect the body from infection, Markert told HLN in a television interview in December. Without T cells, Seth had no way to fight infections, Markert explained. Sixty infants with complete DiGeorge syndrome have received transplants and 43, or 72%, survived, according to Duke University Hospital. But Seth's family hit a roadblock when coverage for the transplant was denied by MDwise, an Indiana Medicaid administrator that was their insurer, because the surgery was considered experimental. The cost of the surgery was an estimated $500,000, which Seth's parents told CNN they could not afford. Seth's plight became the focus of many media reports. MDwise eventually reversed its decision and agreed to cover the transplant. "Based on Seth's unique and compelling story, we believe making a compassionate allowance in this case is appropriate," said Caroline Carney Doebbeling, MDwise chief medical officer, in a press release issued after the reversal of its decision. But last week, doctors determined Seth had a severe tracheomalacia, meaning his airway was so floppy it could not sustain itself. Seth would have needed to be on ventilation for years, and he would not have been eligible for the thymus transplant during that time because of the ventilation. It would have been impossible for Seth to stay free of infections and viruses for those years, Seth's mother, Becky Petreikis, explained on the Facebook page. "Pray for Seth Petreikis." "He was such a little fighter. It was an honor to be his mom for 10 months," she wrote. Seth's funeral will be Saturday morning in Crown Point, Indiana. | Baby Seth went to a North Carolina hospital in hope of an organ transplant .
He became the focus of media reports when a Medicaid provider denied coverage .
Coverage was granted, but another complication prevented the surgery .
"He was such a little fighter," his mother says . |
fba355c15748b13bec986f3167ef0e6305c85da0 | Authorities say a naked woman was riding in the tractor-trailer that struck a school bus in north Florida, injuring 10 people. Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Dylan Bryan says it is unclear why the woman was not clothed when the truck hit the bus Monday afternoon. The bus was carrying elementary students to their homes. Authorities say none of the students received life-threatening injuries, but the driver of the tractor-trailer and the woman were in critical condition. Frantic scene: Children were screaming and crying after a tractor trailer with a naked woman inside hit a school bus and injured seven elementary school aged children . None of the injuries are believed to be fatal. Bradford County school officials said there were 15 students on the bus when it was hit traveling south on U.S. 301 at 2:30 p.m. Bryan said the semi had a sleeper compartment. He did not know if the nude woman was in the cab or in the sleeper area when the accident occurred. Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith said the woman appeared to have been ejected from the vehicle. 'I just remember grabbing something and throwing it over her,' he told Jacksonville.com. '... There were kids and parents.' Jacksonville.com reports that children were screaming and crying and one girl worried about her friend still inside of the school bus. Prior to the crash, motorists called the Florida Highway Patrol to report that the log truck, which wasn't carrying a load, was driving dangerously. Young children: Students on the bus went to Starke Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida and seven of them were hospitalized after the bizarre crash . Neither police nor witnesses learned why the woman was naked. The two drivers of the truck and the woman were hospitalized. Seven of the 15 students on the bus were taken to the hospital but none suffered fatal injuries. Witnesses told Jacksonville.com that the driver didn't appear to hit his brakes. School bus driver Jennifer Swanson saw the log truck coming towards them so she hit the gas which softened the impact of the crash and prevented any injuries. The log truck pushed the school bus almost the length of a football field. Swanson was commended by highway patrol and the school district for calming the children until help arrived. The school bus did provide seat belts for all passengers but it’s unknown whether or not they were wearing seat belts or not. Mental health counselors will be available at the school for anyone at the school affected by the incident. The Mail Online contacted Florida Highway Patrol but no one was available for comment. | A naked woman was riding in the tractor-trailer that struck a school bus in north Florida, injuring 10 people, seven of whom were children .
Bradford County school officials said there were 15 students on the bus when it was hit traveling south on U.S. 301 at 2:30 p.m .
It's unknown as to why the female passenger in the tractor trailer was naked .
The hero of the day was bus driver Jessica Swanson who hit the gas to soften the impact of the crash and . |
fba3ab04de370a0b4d9d21404b5a90ba222438da | A 1962 Nobel prize for the discovery of the structure of DNA has sold at auction for $4.7 million, a world auction record for any Nobel prize. Christie's says the gold medal won by James Watson was purchased yesterday by a buyer who wished to remain anonymous. The New York City auction house says it's the first Nobel medal to be offered at auction by a living recipient. Watson made the 1953 discovery with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins. The 1962 Nobel prize won by James Watson for the discovery of the structure of DNA has sold at auction for $4.7 million, a world auction record for any Nobel prize . Watson's 1962 Nobel Prize medal for his role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. Watson made the 1953 discovery with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins; Crick's medal sold in 2004 for $2.2million . Crick's Nobel prize sold last year at Heritage Auctions for $2.2 million. He died in 2004. Watson had a very public fall from grace in 2007, at the age of 79, after he began making racist and sexiest remarks in the media. The comments led to him being shunned from the scientific community as well as the general public. He told one Sunday paper he was 'inherently gloomy' about the prospect of Africa because 'all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours – whereas all the testing says not really.' Watson went on to say the divide in intelligence had also been witnessed by people who had black employees. Later defending the comments, he said he was not 'a racist in a conventional way'. Watson meeting former Prime Minister Tony Blair at a reception in Downing Street in April 2003 . A short time later Watson was fired from his position as chancellor at Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory. He was also said to have been relieved of his position on a number of boards, and to have not given any public lectures since. But his downfall can't only be contributed to his comments on Africa. He has talked-down Rosalind Franklin's contribution to the work on DNA and even said women aren't 'as effective' at science as men. Part of the proceeds from the sale will go to the University of Chicago, Clare College Cambridge, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Long Island Land Trust and other charities. | James Watson made the discovery with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins .
Crick's award sold at auction last year for $2.2million .
Watson fell from grace in 2007 after making racist and sexist remarks . |
fba439cac1a3398dd23677472cee0f3cdc302ca0 | By . Rob Waugh . PUBLISHED: . 06:07 EST, 24 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:24 EST, 24 July 2012 . A new kind of bond between atoms found only in the crushingly intense magnetic fields of white dwarf stars could unlock new secrets of quantum physics. The find - a 'third kind' of bond between atoms, unknown on Earth - could also unlock the secrets of ultra-powerful new computers. The find rewrites the rules of the . universe - adding a third kind of bond after the 'ionic' and 'covalent' bonds learned by schoolchildren. A burned out white dwarf captured by Hubble: White dwarf stars have magnetic fields 10,000 times stronger than the strongest fields on Earth - and the strange chemical bonds occur within the fields . A quantum computer would use quibits . which, based on theories of quantum physics, would be able to exist in . more than one state at once - a zero, one and all values in between. A quantum computer would therefore be . able to perform calculations in parallel, arriving at the result much, . much faster than regular computers. However, . working out how to store and manipulate quibits has been a major . stumbling block in efforts to develop a quantum computer. The . problem is that in order for a quibit to exist, it must be isolated . from its surroundings to stop it being destroyed in a process called . decoherence. But in order to use a quibit to make calculations, it must be able to interact with other information. White dwarf stars have magnetic fields . 10,000 times stronger than the strongest fields on Earth - and the . strange chemical bonds occur within the fields. White dwarfs are the final stage of life of stars like our Sun - once the thermonuclear furnace inside a star 'burns out'. Karl Lange and colleagues at the . Univrsity of Oslo were studying white dwarf stars when they found that . hydrogen atoms were not behaving like they should. Now scientists have pushed the limit of how long information can be stored in solid state, outside a vacuum. The bonds could not ever be recreated on Earth - the magnetism would destroy the apparatus used to recreate it. One of the lead reesarchers told Nature News: ‘The experimental apparatus would cease to be an apparatus in these extreme conditions!’ But the increased understanding of how atoms interact could lead to new discoveries in quantum physics - and even to new generations of quantum computer. Red giant and white dwarf: White dwarfs are the final stage of life of stars like our Sun - once the thermonuclear furnace inside a star 'burns out' | Third kind of bond after ionic and covalent .
Found only in white dwarf stars - with magnetic fields 10,000 times stronger than any on Earth .
Find rewrites rules of universe .
Could lead to new discoveries in quantum physics .
Techniques used to analyse bonds could lead to new computers . |
fba440caaa4af725552ee41b5055e4d96c37d5a9 | NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- A dilapidated building collapsed in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people who had defied orders to vacate the structure, a police spokesman told CNN. Rescue workers clear away debris after a building collapsed Wednesday in Mumbai, India. Another 26 people were injured and hospitalized, the spokesman said. Mumbai city officials had told residents living in the old building to leave it because of structural concerns. The chief minister of Maharashtra state, Vilasrao Deshmukh, visited the building hours after the collapse to pay his respects to the victims. Last July, another building collapse in Mumbai -- formerly Bombay -- killed 26 people. | Officials had warned people to leave building due to structural concerns .
At least 26 people injured as dilapidated building collapses .
Chief minister of Maharashtra state pays his respects to victims . |
fba49a518d6aaf24c260314c9290e824166a43d1 | By . Kerry Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 09:02 EST, 17 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:30 EST, 17 April 2013 . A three-year-old British boy is believed to have died in Shanghai after being hit by a falling screen in a Turkish restaurant. The little boy, who also held a Turkish passport, was killed at around 9pm last night at the Kervan restaurant in the Bund area of the city. He was said to have been dining at the restaurant with his parents and family friends. Accident: A three-year-old British boy is reported to have died in Shanghai (pictured) after being hit by a screen in a Turkish restaurant . The death of a British national in Shanghai was confirmed by the UK consulate in the city, a report in the Telegraph said. The little boy, who has not been named, was 'struck by a screen that fell', according to a report in Chinese newspaper the Shanghai Daily. Witnesses told the newspaper the toddler might have accidentally touched the screen - often used to divide dining areas in restaurants in China - before it fell on him. The circumstances surrounding the boy's death are not believed to be being treated as suspicious. The report said the little boy had been 'rushed away for treatment', but a doctor from Shanghai's Huangpu District Central Hospital said he 'did not have a heartbeat' when he was brought in last night. An employee at the restaurant today confirmed the incident, and said the boy's mother was nearby when it happened, but did not elaborate further. | Toddler was 'struck by screen that fell' while eating with his parents .
Death of a British national confirmed by UK consulate in Shanghai .
The accident occurred at Turkish restaurant Kervan in the Bund area .
The boy is also reported to have held a Turkish passport . |
fba56b3ee63a1ee429f0cab11c09826f6f758c9e | Ever since Gothic novelist Bram Stoker’s charmingly aristocratic character Count Dracula first appalled and mesmerised late Victorian England, the vampire that sinks its fangs into the neck of its victims and can only be slain with a stake driven through its heart has been a mainstay of European fiction. The new incarnation of good-looking young vampires with American accents in television series such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer or in books such as the Twilight series, only serves to show how difficult it has been to kill off these bloodthirsty ghouls of the undead. But while we may think that vampires live only in the pages of books and on the cinema screen, an extraordinary new archaeological discovery shows that they were all too terrifyingly real to people in times gone by. 'Vampire': Bulgarian archaeologists have unearthed centuries-old skeletons pinned down through their chests with iron rods . Undead grave: An archaeologist cleaning a skeleton during excavations in the Black Sea town of Sozopol, Bulgaria . Archaeologists in Bulgaria claimed this week to have discovered two ‘vampire’ corpses in excavations near a monastery in the Black Sea town of Sozopol. Both of them are more than 800 years old and have been pierced through the chest with heavy iron rods. Bulgaria’s national museum chief Bozidhar Dimitrov said as many as 100 such ‘vampire corpses’ have been found in the country in recent years. ‘They illustrate a practice which was common in some Bulgarian villages up until the first decade of the 20th century,’ he explained. Even today, the vampire remains a very real threat in the minds of villagers in some of the most remote communities of Eastern Europe, where garlic and crucifixes are readily wielded, and where bodies are exhumed so that a stake can be driven through their heart. The notion of blood-sucking vampires preying on the flesh of the living goes back thousands of years and was common in many ancient cultures, where tales of these reviled creatures of the dead abounded. Archaeologists recently found 3,000 Czech graves, for example, where bodies had been weighed down with rocks to prevent the dead emerging from their tombs. The advent of Christianity only fuelled the vampire legends, for they were considered the antithesis of Christ — spirits that rose from the dead bodies of evil people. Such vampires would stalk the streets in search of others to join their unholy pastime of sucking the lifeblood from humans and animals to survive. In medieval times, when the Church was all-powerful and the threat of eternal damnation encouraged superstition among a peasantry already blighted by the Black Death, the fear of vampires was omnipresent. In some cases, the dead were buried with a brick wedged in their mouths to stop them rising up to eat those who had perished from the plague. Records show that in the 12th Century on the Scottish Borders, a woman claimed she was being terrorised by a dead priest who had been buried at Melrose Abbey only days earlier. When the monks uncovered the tomb, they claimed to have found the corpse bleeding fresh blood. The corpse of the priest, well known for having neglected his religious duties, was burned. But vampiric folklore largely flourished in Eastern European countries and Greece, where they did not have a tradition of believing in witches. And just as with witches in England, Germany and America, the vampire became a scapegoat for a community’s ills. The ‘civilised’ world came to learn of vampires in the 18th century as Western empires expanded and their peoples travelled to remote parts of Central and Eastern Europe. With the spread of Austria’s empire, for example, the West became aware of the story of the remote village of Kisilova (believed to be modern-day Kisiljevo in Hungary) after it had been annexed by the Austrians. Screen version: Christopher Lee stars in 1958 Hammer Horror as the Count . In 1725, the village’s cobbled streets were stricken with panic over tales of the undead spreading disease and strangling innocent people. Locals blamed the spate of unexplained deaths on one Peter Plogojowitz, a peasant who had been dead and buried for ten weeks. They demanded that his coffin be opened up to make sure he was properly despatched. When the Austrian Imperial Provisor finally agreed to have the coffin prised open, the legend goes that he saw the cadaver had blood dripping from its mouth, talon-like fingernails, long fangs and signs of healthy skin. He noted that the body had failed to decompose, and so the locals resorted to the tradition of slamming a stake through its heart and then incinerating the corpse. Their horror, in fact, stemmed from ignorance about decomposition. Nails and teeth do not actually grow after death; instead, the skin and flesh shrink back, giving the impression of claw-like nails and abnormally long incisors. Meanwhile, corpses can be bloated from gases caused by decomposition, giving the body the appearance that the dead has been enjoying a good meal or drink while in or out of its casket. For a time, skin can also appear flushed after death, and blood can pool around facial cavities. If this was not enough to scare the wits out of simple, God-fearing folk, it was also noted that there were unmentionable ‘other wild signs’ — a reference to how male genitalia can inflate during decomposition. In some areas, vampires were known as ‘shroud-eaters’, because the cloth covering the corpse’s face had apparently been eaten away, revealing those ferocious teeth. In fact, it was the bacteria in the mouth that had dissolved the linen. Bloodthirsty: Lee in his classic portrayal of Dracula . With these gruesome accounts, the vampire got its fangs into the imagination of the British people. About eight years after the peasant Peter Plogojowitz became the most hated corpse in Eastern Europe, the London Journal ran an article about ‘vampyres’ at Madreyga, again in Hungary, in what was probably the first English usage of the word. In 1819, the year that Queen Victoria was born, Lord Byron’s doctor, John Polidori, published his short story, The Vampyre, featuring an aristocrat who had a penchant for quaffing the blood of young women. Bram Stoker then refined the story with Dracula, published in 1897. The Transylvanian aristocrat’s thirst for the blood of swooning and pallid young women was rivalled only by his yearning for fine tailoring. When the play was performed in a London theatre the 1920s, a nurse was on hand to tend to traumatised members of audience. But vampirism is not yet consigned to the history book. One account from the 20th century saw a man in Greece awake from a coma at his own funeral. As he sat up, the congregation was convinced he was a vampire (or vrykolake) and he was stoned to death. In the 1960s, an anthropologist recorded how older residents of one Greek island could still recall the killing of the last known vampire. And just eight years ago, it was clear in Romania that belief in vampires had not disappeared. In the remote village of Marotinul de Sus, the body of Petre Toma, a former teacher, was removed from its grave, had its heart removed and impaled on the end of a pitchfork. The six men who’d dug up the 76-year-old’s body replaced it in the coffin and sprinkled it with garlic. The heart was then burnt to ashes to ensure that Mr Toma could not rise from the dead to drink their blood. After his arrest, the leader of those men insisted they were acting in the village’s best interests because Toma had appeared to many villagers in their dreams as a vampire. The gang also insisted that when Toma’s heart was removed, the corpse let out a deep sigh. Even though the authorities jailed them for illegal exhumation, many villagers praised them for their actions. For them, the vampire was no myth. | Archeologists uncover 800-year-old 'vampire' skeletons buried at the stake .
Iron rods used to impale the corpses found in Bulgaria . |
fba5a56e6cc82ecf13fe5a57f17fd40cf5e67d26 | (CNN) -- Quick quiz: . Name every big-league baseball team. No fair looking it up online, or checking a newspaper sports page. Just name them all. Take your time. We'll wait. (Pause) Are you back? If you could do it, congratulations -- you may belong in the Hall of Fame. I've followed baseball since I was a kid, and I couldn't come up with all the teams when I tried just now. I don't feel so bad about it, because I asked two baseball fanatics -- guys who really know the game -- if they could rattle off all the teams, and they had their doubts. "I probably couldn't do it," said Rob Fleder, formerly executive editor of both Sports Illustrated and The National Sports Daily, and editor of "Damn Yankees," an anthology of original essays about the New York Yankees by celebrated writers, to be published next month. "I'm supposed to know this, but I'd probably miss one or two." Fleder said that if you were to go up to people on the street and ask them to name all the Major League teams, "I'd guess that only 5% or 10% could do it -- most likely closer to 5%." Author David Krell, who is at work on "Blue Magic: The Brooklyn Dodgers, Ebbets Field, and the Battle for Baseball's Soul," agreed with Fleder: "Less than 10% of people would be able to do it. Maybe a lot less. I know that I'd end up leaving some teams out." The reason for this little exercise is that Major League Baseball has just announced that its playoffs will be expanded by two teams, so that 10 teams will now go into post-season play. There are currently 30 big-league teams: 16 in the National League and 14 in the American League. It's that 30-team number that makes verbally zipping through a list of them so daunting. You just blank out. (When, after Krell and Fleder had predicted that they'd be unable to name all the teams I asked them to attempt it, Krell maxed out at 29 teams and Fleder hit 26 before, 18 minutes into trying, he said he'd toss in the towel. I made it to 29, but I allowed myself longer than 18 minutes. Maybe you did better. If so, Krell, Fleder and I salute you.) From the first years of the 20th century straight through to the early 1960s, baseball had perfect symmetry: eight teams in the National League, eight teams in the American. Any kid and most adults could quickly list them. It was easy to determine if the town where you lived was big-league: If there was one of those 16 teams in town, then it was. If not, then it wasn't. There was only one playoff series: the World Series. Under baseball's new system, the equivalent of the entire old National League and 25% of the old American League would make it to the playoffs. All of this is very good for the baseball business and the television sports business. But just as when any professional sports league expands there are worries about a dilution of the talent pool, so, too, when the playoffs keep expanding, there is a danger of the dilution of memories. When you try to spread big moments out too thin, they don't seem quite as big anymore. And, as Krell pointed out, for all the benefits and basic fairness that came with free agency, "when players switch teams so much, it's tough for the fans to get a chance to root for a solid group of players for six or eight straight years." The memories keep heading out of town. How visceral and enduring is the meaning of all this? I still treasure as one of the most dizzyingly wondrous days of my life a single summer afternoon in 1983 when I got to spend time talking with Joe DiMaggio, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Willie Mays, Roger Maris, Ernie Banks, Bobby Thomson and Stan Musial. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the All-Star Game; a special old-timers' game had been arranged. I was working for ABC's "Nightline" in those Ted Koppel years, and I was assigned to do the story. It was like a parade of Topps baseball cards come to life -- the good cards, the prized ones, the cards you hoped against hope would be included in the wax-paper pack you bought at the drugstore, along with that brittle, pink, always slightly stale slab of gum. (My favorite moment of the afternoon? Easy -- Snider telling me he had gone to a car wash, and, surprised at how inexpensive it was, asking the attendant if the price wasn't usually higher: "And the fellow said, 'Yes, sir, but we give a discount to senior citizens.' " Second favorite moment? The organist at Chicago's old Comiskey Park playing "When I'm 64" as I was talking on the field with Reese, and Reese saying: "Do they have one called 'When I'm 65'?" He was about to have a birthday.) Baseball clearly did the right thing fiscally by growing past the original eight-team leagues and establishing outposts in far-flung parts of the country. Per-team home attendance is much higher now than it was in, say, the early 1950s. And adding two more teams to the playoffs will make the cash registers ring. Yet there was something kind of swell about the years when, of course, you could rapidly name every team -- when you knew them as well as you knew the names of the streets in your own neighborhood. But, as Fleder told me, the act of remembering has itself become largely unnecessary: "We don't have to remember things, so we don't. The answer to any question is: 'Give me five seconds on the Internet.' " So if you couldn't name those 30 teams, it may not matter. Sincere good luck to baseball with its expanded playoffs. And Reggie Jackson probably doesn't have to worry that some post-season hero will someday supplant him as Mr. October. At this rate, the new guy will be Mr. November. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene. | Major League Baseball is expanding the number of playoff teams to 10 .
Bob Greene recalls when baseball had just 16 teams, and fans could easily name them .
In an era of 30 teams, even baseball experts stumble at the challenge, he says .
Greene: Expanding playoffs may be good for revenue but risks diluting memories . |
fba5e86ba4ed2593a4ea80434377318e212ce2d8 | It had to be him. As the clock ticked towards its 92nd minute and with no discernible reason to suggest that Arsenal would come away with anything more than a point against a staunch Crystal Palace, up popped Aaron Ramsey. Right place, right time. Slammed past Julian Speroni and there would be no first day slip-ups that have become the norm for Arsene Wenger. Arsenal won on the opening day for the first time since 2009 and had their fulcrum to thank. There is an argument that the last-gasp winner could have fallen to anyone, but it was no mistake that Ramsey took up a clever station, alone at the back post, to plunder home. It’s the seventh game in under a year that goals from the Welshman have won the Gunners a game. From central midfield, that’s some record. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Cazorla get his ears flicked by Wilshere, Ramsey and Flamini . At it again: Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey scored the winner in added time against Crystal Palace on Saturday . Right place, right time: The Welsh midfielder has made a habit of popping up when the Gunners need him most . Team player: Ramsey's team-mates pile on top of him after the 2-1 win in Arsenal's Premier League opener . Aug 16: vs Crystal Palace (2-1) May 17: vs Hull City (3-2) Nov 6: vs Dortmund (1-0) Sept 28: vs Swansea (2-1) Sept 18: vs Marseille (2-1) Sept 14: vs Sunderland (two goals in 3-1 win) Aug 27: vs Fenerbahce (two goals in 2-0 win) That is now five in his last six appearances, and there doesn’t appear to be any stopping the 23-year-old. Make no mistake, this was not vintage Ramsey. He - much like the rest of Arsenal’s midfield - was guilty of giving the ball away needlessly against Palace and actually struggled to impose himself on the game, saying as much afterwards. But what sets him apart, even when he’s not at the races, is that prowess in front of goal. Sixteen last year - even after four months out injured - along with two already this. There is even a tinge of Frank Lampard about the way in which he comes alive on the edge coupled with that drive to go and join in with the lone front man. The common conception is that if Ramsey stays fit, Arsenal may just upset those at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge come May. And it’s difficult to argue. Here is a man who can drag this side through games, take control of the tightest of battles and is the club’s heartbeat. His stock continues to rise after each 90 minutes. In the current financial climate, the figures Arsenal could demand are astronomical. How much is he now worth? £40million, Alan Shearer mused on Saturday night? Potentially more. Trophy at last: Ramsey sealed Arsenal's FA Cup win against Hull City in a sparkling breakthrough season . No stopping him: He also popped up with the winner against Dortmund in the Champions League last year . Hunt for silverware: Ramsey lead the Gunners to the FA Cup, can he do the same with the Premier League . There is no chance he’ll be leaving the Emirates any time soon, though. This has been the first summer for a long time whereby Wenger hasn’t lost top players - the ailing Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna aren’t in the same league as others who previously departed - and there isn’t that pressure to cash in any longer. Ramsey has proven he is the player to build a new team around, and that’s what the manager has begun to do. Signing Mesut Ozil last year and Alexis Sanchez this shows the type of intent that has been severely lacking over the last decade. But what’s more, from Ramsey’s point of view at least, he now has colleagues of a similar classy ilk. While the Chilean was another to disappoint on home debut, it’s plain to see that his movement off the ball is something the chief playmaker will relish. And Arsenal will need Ramsey’s invention mixed with runners in between the lines if they are to win enough games to launch a title charge, Palace - actually buoyed by the bizarre circumstances to have engulfed the club’s Premier League preparations over the last few days - demonstrated that they are a tricky customer to break down; the hosts offered very little, but still found a way of picking up three points. Happy to have him: Arsene Wenger's side were in a spot of bother before Ramsey came to the party . Shut out: Alexis Sanchez struggled to make an impact for Arsenal on his Premier League debut . Star: Meanwhile, Ramsey is one of Europe's premier midfielders who can galvanise the Gunners . There had been hallmarks of the dithering performance against Aston Villa on this weekend last year, when they were beaten to a chorus of boos. Not this time. Ramsey and co found a way, just, and it’s something they will have to keep up. Last season’s draws against Swansea, West Brom and Everton must be converted, defeat at Stoke reversed. Wenger is close to assembling a squad ready to win this division again, and in Ramsey has one of Europe’s premier midfielders to galvanise a group in need of a leader. | Ramsey scored the winner for Arsenal in added time against Crystal Palace .
The midfielder now has five goals in his last six games .
Welshman has a habit of popping up in the right place at the right time .
The Gunners won their Premier League opener 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium .
Brede Hangeland opened the scoring before Laurent Koscielny equalised .
Alexis Sanchez struggled on debut, but Ramsey came to the fore .
He can lead Arsene Wenger's side to the Premier League title . |
fba6199d4e7e188b876f3b6e99c30c12faebc05e | (CNN) -- Many of Europe's leading tech entrepreneurs are meeting at the annual LeWeb conference in Paris this week to celebrate the future - an "Internet of things" governed by intelligent devices. But, rather than Paris, the most consequential European meeting about the future of the Internet this week may have taken place in Brussels on Monday. In contrast with the radically transparent networking culture that characterizes LeWeb, the Brussels event was a meeting between two powerful bureaucrats that took place, like all meetings between powerful bureaucrats, behind closed doors. Jon Leibowitz, the Chairman of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) met with Joaquin Almunia, the vice-president of the European Commission to discuss Google - the dominant company on today's Internet. Specifically, they were meeting to discuss potential FTC and EU anti-trust lawsuits against the tech giant, in an attempt to resolve the Google problem. It's a very simple problem. The future may, indeed, have arrived on the Internet. But rather than being run by intelligent devices, it's unfortunately being run more and more by a single company -- Google, which controls over 90% of the search market in several European countries. And the problem, as both the FTC and the commission recognize, is that this dominance may, in part, be illegal. Google has been accused in both Europe and the United States of using its dominant position in search to unfairly promote its own products and services -- from travel and shopping comparison engines to advertising and mapping. These accusations have been well documented and extend from successful American internet companies such as Yelp, Expedia and Nextag to European start-ups like eJustice.fr and Foundem. At a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, Almunia confirmed that the commission was working "intensively" on its probe of Google. Meanwhile, Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt, in a characteristically pugnacious message to Almunia and Leibowitz, told the Wall Street Journal that "it's time for them to sort of move to one resolution or another. It's not like they don't have a million documents and so forth." Schmidt is right. Given the speed of technological change, it's time for both the commission and the FTC to decide whether or not to bring their anti-trust lawsuits against Google. The longer both Almunia and Leibowitz wait, the more powerful Google becomes, and the more indecisive and laggardly the regulators appear. Time is, indeed, of the essence. As the future arrives on all our devices and "the Internet of things" becomes a reality, it is essential that this Google problem, which is undermining entrepreneurial innovation, is resolved. An Internet of things must be a place of all of our things, not just Google's things. And as Google products such as its self-driving cars and data goggles pioneer this brave new world of intelligent devices, it is essential that the FTC and the commission guarantee that the ubiquitous Google search engine doesn't degenerate into a platform for this increasingly powerful company to hawk its own intelligent products and services. Google's Eric Schmidt spoke at Le Web last year. "This particular conference is one of the best venues for new entrepreneurs in Europe," he said, rightly, of Europe's largest Internet event. But for future entrepreneurs really to be able to innovate, we need fair search which doesn't prioritize the products and services of Google itself. We are thus relying on Leibowitz and Almunia. Let's hope they can make a decision on whether to move ahead with their anti-trust cases by the end of the year. Let's hope they can solve the Google problem. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Andrew Keen. | U.S. and EU regulators met in Brussels this week to discuss "the Google problem"
They were considering whether its dominance of the search market may be illegal .
Keen says they need to decide soon whether to pursue anti-trust lawsuits .
He says it is important to ensure entrepreneurial innovation is allowed to flourish . |
fba703e6b9a5438f6a75e4e65b4c0719b05369f5 | It's happened to most of us. We suddenly wake up and find ourselves disoriented, wondering where we are, and possibly mistaking a light in the distance for something completely different. Usually it's no big deal -- you shake it off, wake up and move on. If you happen to be pilot on a trans-Atlantic flight, the consequences can be much more serious -- like mistaking the planet Venus for another plane and sending the plane you're piloting into a dive that slammed passengers into the ceiling and back to the floor. A report released Monday by Canada's Transportation Safety Board describes what happened on January 14, 2011. The first officer on Air Canada flight 878 from Toronto to Zurich, Switzerland, was tired and needed a nap. The "controlled rest" is legal and an accepted procedure in order to improve on-the-job performance and alertness. With the captain's permission, the first officer drifted off for a few Zs. While the nap is supposed to last no more than 40 minutes, the first officer slept for 75 minutes and woke up feeling unwell, the report states. By that time, the captain had turned on the seat belt sign for some expected turbulence. There was also a U.S. Air Force C-17 nearing the Air Canada 767. The first officer saw a bright object ahead of the plane -- the planet Venus -- and mistook it for the approaching C-17. The captain corrected him and said the C-17 was straight ahead and 1,000 feet below. At that point, the captain of the Air Canada jet and the C-17 pilots flashed their planes' landing lights at each other to acknowledge their position. But the first officer, still believing that the object in the sky above him was the cargo plane, initiated a dive to avoid the perceived imminent collision -- sending the jetliner toward the Air Force plane. The captain saw what was happening and immediately pulled back on the control column in a frantic attempt to increase altitude. As quickly as that, the C-17 passed underneath the Air Canada jumbo jet with 103 people on board. Within seconds, the plane had gone from its assigned altitude of 35,000 feet down to 34,600 feet and back up to 35,400 feet before finally recovering back to its 35,000 feet cruising altitude. It sent passengers who were not wearing their seat belts flying. "I was sleeping and I was literally and violently thrown out of my seat and was slammed into the ceiling," passenger Louisa Pickering told the CBC. "I hit the top of the ceiling and fell back to the ground." Many of the passengers thought the plane had hit something. "It didn't feel like turbulence," she said. "It was very sudden -- it felt like it was one violent bump." The sudden drop was a shock for unsuspecting passengers. "Some people were working on their laptops and had their seatbelts on," passenger Ashlyn O'Mara said in a CBC interview. "Their laptops went flying, completely gone, glasses went missing." "People were screaming," she added. Fourteen passengers and two flight attendants were injured. "I do remember them asking for a doctor -- if there was a doctor," Pickering said. "There was a pregnant woman on the flight and she had some injuries." The flight continued to Zurich, where the injured passengers and crew were treated. The report says the incident points out a couple of inherent risks. First, "North American-based pilots flying eastbound at night towards Europe are at increased risk of fatigue-related performance" issues. It also gives credence to the warning you often hear -- but might ignore -- that passengers should wear their safety belts at all times when seated. | The report says the first officer became disoriented after a nap .
He mistook Venus for an oncoming cargo plane .
The Air Canada jet went into a violent dive .
14 passengers and 2 flight attendants were injured . |
fba725f94d3cc4ed81c4adf408dd62e471d5807f | Europe will stage its own "Olympics" in 2015, the region's 49 member committees voted on Saturday. The Azerbaijan capital of Baku will host the first European Games, with around 15 sports to be on the program for the event -- which will be held "in spring or early summer" according to the European Olympic Committees website. The decision may put it in conflict with other sporting bodies. The International Athletics Federation will stage its world championships in Beijing in August 2015, while the swimming world championships will be held in Russia in July that year. The European Games will come a year ahead of the next Summer Olympics, to be held in Brazil. "The NOCs of Europe voted the proposal by secret ballot with an overwhelming majority," the EOC website reported after day two of the body's 41st general assembly in Rome. "There are plenty of technical details to decide, but the Assembly has above all shown its will to go ahead and make this sports event, which is in no way intended to be a copy of the Olympic Games, a tool with which to enhance the attractiveness of sport. "The NOCs have received assurance that the event will not cost them a penny, but bring them financial gains." The idea of a European Games was first mooted three years ago but has been "in the 'Olympic air' for a long time," the EOC said. Baku bidded to host the 2020 Summer Olympics but failed to make the IOC's shortlist as Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo were selected. The vote for the host city will take place next September. "The Baku delegation illustrated their project, presenting a modern and dynamic city that is practically ready to host this new sports event," the EOC said. | Azerbaijan's capital Baku to host the first European Games in 2015 .
European Olympic Committees' 49 members vote to launch the event .
The EOC says it has "plenty of technical details to decide"
The Games will be in same year as athletics and swimming worlds . |
fba7ce36d2de679e284392ef3b037fbbfee2d4db | By . David Williams . PUBLISHED: . 17:36 EST, 2 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:23 EST, 4 August 2012 . With a kiss from his proud wife Sarra, Sir Chris Hoy savours the moment when he joined the Olympic immortals. The 36-year-old cyclist equalled Sir Steve Redgrave’s record British tally of five gold medals as he powered to victory in the men’s team sprint. It was one of three golds for Team GB yesterday. But the spectacular win was mired in controversy last night after one of Hoy's teammates claimed he had deliberately fallen from his bike in an earlier round. Today, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Britain's gold medal would stand. Asked if they would look at the result, IOC communications director Mark Adams said: 'At present there are no plans to do so. Our view is that people were not deprived of a contest. 'I have spoken to the Union Cycliste Internaionale (UCI) and they are obviously aware of the situation. At at this stage they don't see any reason to question the result and neither do we.' Scroll down for video . Team GB sprint team Jason Kenny, Philip Hindes and Sir Chris Hoy pose with their gold medals . Down but not out: Philip Hindes sits on the ground as he waits for assistance after his fall . Hoy looks shocked and Jason Kenny looks away as Hindes makes the confession about his crash . The British team was allowed to restart the qualifier after German-born Philip Hindes crashed seconds into the race. The trio went on to post a world record time and later won the final against France. Hindes, 19, suggested the crash was part of a deliberate ploy because the British team had made a poor start. He said after winning gold: 'We were saying if we have a bad start, we need to crash to get a restart. I just crashed, I did it on purpose to get a restart, just to have the fastest ride. I did it. So it was all planned, really.' Last night British Cycling categorically denied the fall was any part of a plan and said Hindes's comments were 'lost in translation' from a man who began learning English only after moving to Manchester from his native Germany two years ago. Tainted gold: Sir Chris Hoy celebrates his win by kissing his wife Sarra. But the victory was mired in controversy last night . Hoy and his wife Sarra pose with the gold medal . Hindes crashed in the heat, but the race was allowed to be restarted - and trio stormed to a new world record . Early wobble: Philip Hiindes lost control of his bike soon after the start of qualyifing . The International Cycling Union confirmed that the incident had been reviewed at the time and the result was not in question – so all three British cyclists will keep their gold medals. Losing finalists France said the action was not against the rules so they will not dispute the result. But they said it left a 'bitter' taste and they called for a change in the way such incidents are handled. Hindes subsequently denied it was deliberate when asked about his earlier comments. 'No,' he said, 'I just went out the gate and just lost control, just fell down. 'My back wheel slipped and totally lost control and then I couldn’t handle the bike any more and just crashed.' There was also gold for Britain in the double trap clay shooting with farmer’s son Peter Wilson. And Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie won the canoe slalom pairs. By . David Williams and KaTHERINE FAULKNER . It was an evening of high drama, ecstasy and total heartbreak. Amid extraordinary noise and . excitement from 6,000 packed in the Velodrome, champion cyclist Sir . Chris Hoy joined Sir Steve Redgrave on five gold medals – the most by . any British Olympian – as he led home the three-man team sprint in a . world record time. But his victory came just 37 minutes . after the shattering disqualification of British golden girl Victoria . Pendleton and her partner Jess Varnish in the women’s sprint. There were gasps of disbelief from a . crowd including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and . David Cameron, as it was announced that the gold medal favourites had . been ‘relegated’ after Pendleton appeared to move too early at the end . of the first lap of the two-lap race. Emotional Chris Hoy wipes away tears as the team take to the podium . Hoy is now Britain's greatest ever gold medal winner with five, alongside rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave . Record breaker: An exhausted Hoy celebrates with coach Shane Sutton at the side of the Velodrome track after his triumph in the Men's Team Sprint Track final . The devastated 31-year-old had . seen her dream of three gold medals in London – her final championship . before retiring – vanish in the blink of an eye. Devastated: A shattered Victoria Pendleton has her dream dashed by disqualification . She tearfully buried her head in her hands, shaking her head in disbelief. Britain’s cycling boss David . Brailsford hurled a water bottle at a wall in frustration, while a . clearly shocked Pendleton was comforted by Hoy. She then went backstage where she was . seen ‘sobbing’ with friends and family. Her partner, Jess Varnish – who . is not competing in any other event – left the building without giving . interviews. Pendleton and Varnish had made a . blistering start to their campaign, setting a new world record in their . qualifying round only to see China better it in the next heat. They were . set for a gold medal race-off against China, but then officials said . they had been relegated. Pendleton said: ‘I’m desperately . disappointed for Jess because she has done an incredible job in getting . this far. 'Her team sprint today was the best of her life so far. I’ve no . doubt she will be back in Rio and absolutely smashing it. I’m sorry for . disappointing all the people that have come to support us and perhaps . not offering the ride that we would have done. I’m really sorry.’ The cyclist, who has two events left – . the individual sprint and keirin – admitted: ‘We’re both partly to . blame. We were a bit overwhelmed by the moment.’ Flagging: Five-time gold medal winner Hoy, draped in the Union Jack, becomes emotional as his Olympic win sinks in . Proud to be British: Hoy soaks up the adulation of the fervent home support inside the Velodrome after his historic win . Last night the German sprint pair who took gold called for a change in ‘weird’ rules governing technical disqualifications. ‘It is not the way we wanted to win,’ one said. The contrast could not have been . greater to the celebrations that greeted Hoy’s victory with Jason Kenny . and Philip Hindes as they defeated France in a thrilling final win that . took Britain’s gold medal tally to five – three in one day. In formation: Great Britain's men ride towards their new world record as the Velodrome crowd look on . Philip Hindes (front), Jason Kenny (C) and Sir Chris Hoy (back) led from the start and never gave France the chance to catch them . Packed out: Great Britain's riders were roared to victory by a vociferous Velodrome crowd this evening . Questions were raised last night over Britain’s spectacular cycling win after one of the team appeared to claim he had deliberately fallen off in one of the heats. The British team were allowed to restart the qualifier after Philip Hindes crashed seconds into the race. He later helped propel Sir Chris Hoy and Jason Kenny to two world records and Olympic gold. The 19-year-old, born in Germany, seemed to suggests the crash was part of a deliberate ploy, saying: ‘We were saying: “If we have a bad start, we need to crash to get a restart”. I just crashed, I did it on purpose to get a restart, just to have the fastest ride. I did it. So it was all planned, really.’ Last night British Cycling said Hindes’s comments were ‘lost in translation’ from a man who began learning English only after moving to Manchester two years ago. The International Cycling Association confirmed the incident had been reviewed at the time and the result was not in question. Neither silver medallists France nor Germany, who won the bronze, said they would be protesting. There is no rule to govern such an incident and no appeal is possible. Hindes later denied the crash was deliberate. ‘No,’ he said, ‘I just went out the gate and just lost control, just fell down.’ Hoy was in tears as Princess Anne . presented him with a fifth gold of his career, a second for Kenny and a . first for Hindes, 19, who competed for Germany, the country of his . birth, as a junior and joined Team GB earlier this year, qualifying . because his father is British. ‘It’s quite overwhelming,’ Hoy said. ‘We knew it was possible but it’s easier said than done for everyone to . come good on the same day. ‘I feel immense pride to be able to do . this in London, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can’t . overstate what it means. This is the most memorable medal of my career.’ He said the crowd and noise had made a ‘huge’ difference. With the doors closed and the heating . turned up, the conditions were said to be ideal for fast riding in the . Velodrome, which had been built under the direction of Hoy. And he did not disappoint, afterwards . milking the applause as David Bowie’s Heroes played and the crowd . acclaimed their own Team GB heroes. 'Now and again rubbish things happen . and this is one of those days. The only positives I can take is that I . know I am in really good form because that was the fastest second lap I . have done. I just need to get my head down and concentrate on the races . to come. 'I'm desperately disappointed for Jess Varnish because she has done an incredible job in getting this far. 'Her . team sprint today was the best of her life so far. I've no doubt she . will be back in Rio and absolutely smashing it. I'm sorry for . disappointing all the people that have come to support us and perhaps . not offering the ride that we would have done. I'm really sorry.' | Hoy, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes win Team GB's fifth gold .
Scot, 36, now has five golds in three Games .
But the spectacular win was mired in controversy last night .
German-born Philip Hindes claimed he fell from his bike in an earlier round .
British Cycling denied the fall was part of a plan and said Hindes's comments were 'lost in translation'
But IOC say there is 'no reason to question the result' |
fba7d6e7d25cbb1e6a0e25b21b129b1b3d6961f5 | More than 1,400 intelligence staff at government listening post GCHQ joined together to form a giant poppy to mark this year's remembrance appeal. Wearing red rain ponchos, the staff arranged themselves into the shape of the flower in the courtyard of the building in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, known as the 'doughnut'. The formation created a poppy which measured 125 feet wide and 92 feet long with it taking volunteers over an hour to get into position. More than 1,400 donned red ponchos and made their way to the courtyard of the GCHQ building to form the giant poppy . The stunt was to launch this year's annual Poppy Appeal in aid of the Royal British Legion in the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War . It took staff at the government listening post over an hour to get into position to form the poppy . Royal Navy staff wearing their black uniforms formed the centre of the flower while other military personnel dressed in green combat gear formed the poppy's stalk. The stunt helped to launch Gloucestershire's local poppy appeal in aid of the Royal British Legion, in the centenary year of the beginning of the First World War. A GCHQ spokesman said: 'Thanks to military planning and some loud hailers, it took just over an hour to get everyone into position. The red rain ponchos worn by the staff made up the colour of the petals. They were later donated to charity and a local scouts group . Royal Navy staff dressed in black formed the centre of the poppy as the GCHQ staff in red surrounded them . Military personnel wearing green combat gear formed the poppy's 28-metre long stalk. The poppy measured 125 feet in diameter . 'GCHQ has a long history of supporting the military, stretching back to 1914. 'Whenever and wherever British forces have deployed, GCHQ has been ready to assist, providing intelligence to help to keep UK troops safe. 'This enduring connection meant that there was no shortage of volunteers to help the Gloucestershire Legion with their efforts in the centenary year of World War One.' The red rain ponchos used are to be donated to local scout groups and Bloodbikes, a charity which provides an out-of-hours emergency medical courier service to the local area. A GCHQ spokesman said that there were no shortage of volunteers who wanted to take part in the poppy launch . One participant, who made up part of a poppy petal, said: 'I was really proud to take part and show my support for the Royal British Legion by coming together with my colleagues, united in purpose, to honour those who have served and continue to serve this country.' And Chris, a GCHQ civilian employee, said: 'I've worked with the military in Afghanistan and seen first-hand how GCHQ intelligence can help keep UK troops safe whilst on operation. 'I'm proud to see so many from GCHQ come together today to show their support for the Royal British Legion and the military family.' GCHQ has a long history of supporting the military, dating back to 1914, when the First World War began . The Royal British Legion said it was 'moving' to see so many people come together to support the work of the poppy appeal . Nicole Mayall, from Gloucestershire's poppy appeal, said it was 'moving to see so many people standing together to support the work' of the Legion. Yesterday the annual Poppy Appeal by the Royal British Legion was launched with a dawn-till-dusk vigil at the Cenotaph in central London. Soul singer Joss Stone was among the first to take part in 'The Watch' and was joined by members of the public and the British Armed Forces throughout the day until sunset. It was inspired by images of the repatriation of the Unknown Soldier in 1920, when guards kept a vigil at the coffin as a mark of respect. A giant poppy, which has been placed in front of the Angel of the North monument in Gateshead today to mark the start of the poppy appeal . The poppy was carried up to the monument by soldiers Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hargreaves and Regimental Sergeant Major John Stephenson . The two soldiers were joined by local schoolgirl Abbie Moore from Cramlington in Northumberland for this morning's launch . Meanwhile in Gateshead today, a giant poppy was positioned in front of the Angel of the North by two soldiers to mark the start of the poppy appeal. Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hargreaves and Regimental Sergeant Major John Stephenson of 2 Signal Regiment carried the poppy to the monument to position it on the edge of the hill. They were joined by local schoolgirl Abbie Moore from Cramlington in Northumberland to launch this year's appeal. | More than 1,400 staff at GCHQ in Cheltenham gathered together to form a giant poppy in the building's courtyard .
Staff wore red rain ponchos took an hour to create the poppy which measured 125 feet wide and 92 feet long .
Royal Navy staff in black formed the centre of the flower and military personnel in green made up the stalk .
The stunt was used to launch this year's annual Poppy Appeal in aid of the Royal British Legion . |
fba91d3a897c38273f3887315a2ec05d2cc680b1 | Friends have paid tribute to John Robins, after he tragically died in a surfing accident off the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday. Mr Robins, a builder and active surf lifesaving club member from Avoca in NSW's Central Coast, was at Surfer's Point in Prevelly near the Margaret River when either the nose or fin of his board is said to have damaged the main artery in one of his legs causing massive blood loss. The 51-year-old has been described as a 'top bloke' who died 'doing something he loved', Perth Now reports. Friends have paid tribute to John Robins, after he tragically died in a surfing accident off the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday . Brett Beswick, a fellow Avoca Beach Surf Club member said Mr Robins death is a tragedy. 'He volunteered a lot of time for Surf Life Saving. He was a really keen surfer, loved big waves, which is probably why he was at Margaret. 'We used to surf together a lot, pushed each other on to more gnarly waves,' Mr Beswick said. Last year the father-of-two celebrated his 50th in Hawaii, where he fulfilled his dream by surfing 15-foot waves at Pipeline. 'If he was going to go out anyway he went out doing something he loved. I’m glad it wasn’t a shark attack. 'When I first heard about it I thought it was a shark but to hear he bled out while help was waiting to arrive is tragic.' The father-of-two has been described as a 'top bloke' who died 'doing something he loved' At the time of the incident, Mr Beswick said he just about to call Mr Robins when he heard the news. 'When it’s one of your own it’s a kick in the guts. A lot of people are just walking around in shock, they couldn’t believe it.' Now, the community of Avoca are mourning the loss of their beloved builder who was 'always one of the guys you could count on'. In 2012, Mr Robins assisted in the rescue of a woman who was swept off rocks at Avoca Beach. Following Wednesday's tragic accident, Surfers Point was completely empty, a part from a surfer who placed a wreath in the ocean to honour Mr Robins. Mr Robins was on holidays in WA with his father, wife, and children. The passionate surfer was dragged ashore by fellow surfers The Daily Telegraph reported, and others on the beach performed CPR on the man for nearly half an hour. John Robins, a 51-year-old man, has died at popular break Surfer's Point in Prevelly near the Margaret River in WA . One witness said Mr Robins elderly father was watching on from the carpark when the grisly scene unfolded. 'You just wouldn't believe it because the swell was 2m, the winds were only light, and Surfers Point is always powerful but it wasn't as powerful as it gets,' Surfer Darrly Naidu, 27, told The Daily Telegraph, speaking of the horrible circumstances in which the man died. He also told of how two men brought the 51-year-old to shore after they saw him wipe-out, and found him with blood pooling around him in the water. John Robins - from NSW but holidaying in WA - was transported to hospital but died shortly after . Another witness who spoke to the website said the man was losing a lot of blood from what could have been his femoral artery - which is the main supply of blood to the lower half of the body. St Johns Ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene just after 11am, after reports the man had been injured. Mr Robins was rushed to Margaret River Hospital by emergency services according to theABC, but died a short time later. West Australian Police media told Daily Mail Australia a report is being prepared for the coroner. | John Robins died at Surfer's Point in Prevelly near the Margaret River in WA .
The 51-year-old is said to have been hit by his own or another's surfboard .
He was rushed to hospital by paramedics but died a short time later .
The surfer was from Avoca in NSW's Central Coast was holidaying in WA .
Friends remembered the builder and lifesaver as a 'top bloke' |
fba92e96cbf33cf5a8e01e707ddd43c139d4202a | By . Claire Ellicott . and Ben Spencer . PUBLISHED: . 18:48 EST, 13 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:52 EST, 14 January 2013 . Chopped: Mary Berry's shark recipe will be removed from her new cook book . She is the queen of baking who can usually do no wrong in the eyes of her fans. But when Mary Berry published a controversial recipe using shark fillets, her loyal followers were horrified. Dozens took to the internet demanding to know why she was encouraging people to eat a species whose numbers are dwindling in the wild because they are being slaughtered illegally for their meat. Now, in the face of mounting pressure, the much-loved TV cook is to remove the offending recipe – Shark With Tropical Salsa – from her Complete Cookbook. Graham Buckingham, of shark and marine conservation charity Bite-Back, said: ‘No modern cookbook should include recipes for shark and other threatened species. ‘The last thing the marine environment needs is more people asking fishmongers for shark and swordfish because Mary Berry thinks it’s OK.’ Those who expressed their anger on the internet included ‘Scorch’, who wrote: ‘Please, please, please do not buy this book. Mary Berry apparently has no regard whatsoever for our oceans, and actually has included a recipe for Shark With Tropical Salsa. ‘Either the lovely Ms. Berry has been too busy to notice all the press surrounding the increasingly dwindling shark population, or she doesn’t care. Either way, please do not encourage this sort of awful consumerism by adding to her profit margin.’ NC wrote: ‘Unbelievably, this cookbook contains recipes that call for the use of shark and swordfish. It is quite frankly disgusting that in this day and age, when shark populations and the marine environment as a whole are subjected to increasing threats, a cookbook is promoting this. Despicable.’ The Complete Cookbook is published internationally by Dorling Kindersley. It was first published in 1995 and the most recent edition, published last year, includes the shark recipe. It will be removed from future editions. In a statement issued through her publishers Mary Berry, who does not specify what kind of shark to use in her recipe, said: ‘As this book is not just sold in the UK, my publishers at DK and I try to include the occasional recipe for fish that is more widely available abroad. Controversial: Mary Berry's shark recipe will be removed from her Complete Cookbook (pictured) ‘My intention for any of my recipes is always to use responsibly sourced ingredients, but in retrospect we realise this wasn’t clear in the recipe. We understand that some species of shark are endangered and we have taken on board concerns. 'I have therefore spoken with my publishers and we have both agreed that this recipe will be removed from future printings of the book.’ Of the more than 400 species of shark, at least 60 are classified as endangered and many have protected status. Bite-Back has led a campaign backed by Gordon Ramsay, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Bear Grylls to condemn chefs who cook with shark. It says a boom in demand for shark fin soup has increased the number of sharks being killed by sea fishermen. More than 90 per cent of the population has been lost in some species over the past 20 to 30 years, according to experts. | Offending recipe - Shark with Tropical Salsa, is to be removed from her Complete Cookbook .
Critics say no modern cookbook should include recipes for shark and other threatened species . |
fba9fcfdfe2f79362e904574d5de5668258ab28f | Francesco Schettino, captain of the wrecked Costa Concordia cruise ship, took the stand for the first time Tuesday, combative and contradicting the testimony of not just his first captain but also what he has said in the past about the deadly shipwreck. Schettino -- who is charged with manslaughter, causing a maritime disaster and abandoning ship with passengers still on board -- denies wrongdoing. He faces up to 23 years in prison if convicted. He remained defiant even while painting a picture of confusion on board the ship as the disaster unfolded, pointing the finger at others for the chaotic evacuation of the ship's passengers. Five of the captain's co-workers have already entered guilty pleas in the case, including officers who were on the ship. These pleas may work against Schettino as he answers questions with regard to the co-workers' testimony before the court in Grosseto. When shown the deposition given by his first captain, Ciro Ambrosio, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a lighter sentence, Schettino was argumentative and gesticulated wildly. What Ambrosio told the court in his testimony is similar to the version of events Schettino has given in past TV interviews, but the captain contradicted that version in his testimony Tuesday. Schettino's attorneys argued that what the captain has previously said on Italian TV cannot be used as evidence in court. The disputed testimony deals with such details as radar readings, who was on the bridge at the time of the accident and where those people were positioned. Speaking to CNN during a court break, Schettino said he was confident about how his trial was progressing. "It is exhausting, but I think it is going well," Schettino said of Tuesday's hearing. "It is important because this is the only chance I have to tell my version of events." Asked if he thought the court was sympathetic to him, he said, "This is the first time I have had a chance to officially address the court personally so this should be the first time they should be judging me. I am confident." His testimony is expected to continue Wednesday and probably one day next week. The cruise liner capsized after it struck rocks off Italy's Giglio Island in the Tyrrhenian Sea on January 12, 2012. No one died on impact, but 32 lives were lost during the subsequent chaotic evacuation of some 4,200 people on board the ship. Chaos on the bridge . Schettino was sworn in under a giant sign reading, "The law is equal for everyone," in a makeshift courtroom in Grosetto's red velvet Teatro Moderno. As assistant prosecutor Alessandro Leopizzi questioned Schettino, the captain described a scene of utter chaos on the bridge both before and after the accident. At one point he explained how it was common to invite passengers and guests on the bridge, and said they often tipped him. "I said there couldn't be more than 12 people at a time," he said. "And they would bring 20, 30, 70 euro a tour." He acknowledged frequently conducting flyby activities -- deviating from the planned route to go closer to certain places -- with his cruise ship. "It was favorable from a commercial aspect," he said. When the prosecutor asked if he had ever done a flyby past Giglio before, he said he couldn't remember but might have passed close by. 'Not trying to blame anyone' Schettino also explained why he chose Giglio on this occasion, telling the court that he thought retired Costa Capt. Mario Palombo was on the island. When the prosecutor asked Schettino why he called Palombo and then why he asked Palombo how deep the coastal waters were, he said he was just making conversation. Schettino recounted how he gave the orders to the helmsman, Jacob Rusli Bin of Indonesia, to go off course after using his binoculars to look ahead. When asked if his helmsman caused the accident, he said: "I'm not trying to blame anyone. I'm just trying to explain the circumstances." The captain has suggested Rusli Bin did not speak English or Italian well enough to understand his orders -- although audiotape played in court Tuesday appeared to contradict that. Pushed as to why he used his binoculars instead of relying on the radar, Schettino said, "It was my habit to take my binoculars and look first. Not that I didn't trust the radar, but it was how I did it." He was confident that the ship had enough room for the maneuver, he said. In an audiotape played over the radar from the bridge extracted from the ship's data recorder, Schettino told his helmsman to turn, "otherwise we go on the rocks." Asked why he made that comment, he said he was being ironic. "A few minutes later, I was told the danger we were in." Alarm bells . Schettino appeared visibly shaken, putting his head in his hands, shortly after radar and audio recordings of the moment of impact were played in court. Bells and alarms rang, and then the recording went offline. The prosecutor asked Schettino about his last words captured on tape. "But where did we touch?" the captain asked, to which someone said, "Oh my dear God." Schettino also will be cross-examined by a number of civil parties at the court. They include the attorney for a Moldovan dancer who dined with the captain and was with him on the command bridge at the time of the shipwreck. 'Ready to defend his honor' Before the hearing began, Schettino's attorney, Domenico Pepe, told CNN his client was ready to tell the truth. "We have waited a long time to set the record straight," he said. "He is ready to defend his honor." Schettino has repeatedly presented a defiant face over the shipwreck. He has pointed the finger at the Costa cruise company for not providing maps with the rocks he hit appropriately marked. Schettino has also blamed the ship, saying generators did not work so the elevators did not function, which hindered some people's escape. | Francesco Schettino paints scene of chaos on the bridge at the time of the wreck .
Schettino: "This is the only chance I have to tell my version of events"
Ship's captain, on the stand for the first time, denies charges of multiple manslaughter .
Thirty-two people died after the Costa Concordia hit rocks and capsized off Italy's coast . |
fbab3905456b78632e6fd108b58257a95b1c92da | Force India co-owner Vijay Mallya is expecting Bernie Ecclestone to honour his word and address the critical issue of finances with Formula One's commercial rulers on Tuesday. On Saturday in the paddock at Interlagos, two-and-a-half-hours of talks over the sport's cost crisis reached a stalemate. It resulted in Ecclestone declaring the discussions as 'a complete and utter waste of time'. Bernie Ecclestone (second left) speaks to team principals during the final practice of the Brazilian Grand Prix . Force India co-owner Vijay Mallya would like Ecclestone to address the critical issue of finance in F1 . Force India, as one of the smaller F1 constructors, may struggle to stay afloat if something is not changed . Mallya, however, claims the 84-year-old made clear he would at least speak with Donald Mackenzie, the co-founder and co-chairman of CVC Capital Partners, F1's commercial rights holders. Yet Ecclestone suggested ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday any discussions with Mackenzie would be on an unrelated topic. That came as a surprise to Mallya when informed of Ecclestone's remarks as he said: 'I know only what he told me in the presence of four others. 'He said he's going to meet Donald on Tuesday. Fine. If I don't hear (from him) by the end of the week I'll send him a gentle reminder. 'Only then will we know where we stand or don't stand, but the problems are real. The problems should not be wished away. 'He made statements in Austin (ahead of the United States Grand Prix) where he acknowledged there is a problem. He also said he didn't know how to fix it. 'In Sao Paulo he said he would discuss potential solutions with Donald. That's the last meeting we had. We just wait to hear back.' Following on from Marussia going out of business and with Caterham poised to follow suit, the remaining smaller teams in Force India, Sauber and Lotus are demanding cost cuts or a more equitable share of the sport's revenues to ensure they can survive. Marussia went out of business earlier this month, with the loss of more than 200 jobs . Nico Rosberg and Mercedes were celebrating after the Brazilian GP, but smaller teams are struggling . A report on Sunday suggested auditors had questioned Force India's recently published accounts that showed a net loss of £38.5million up to the end of December last year. Auditors Grant Thornton remarked there was 'significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern'. Mallya, however, has made it clear his Silverstone-based marque will be on the grid in 2015 and beyond. 'Every business has current assets and current liabilities. That's the way businesses run globally, big or small,' said Mallya. 'Do we have accounts payable? Sure we do. Is it anywhere near 45 million (euros)? Absolutely not, it's not even half of that. 'The finances of Force India have been speculated upon for a long time. 'When our partners, the Sahara group, got into a spot of trouble, there was even more speculation, but here we are and racing strong. 'All this speculation I think needs to stop. It's not doing anybody any good, neither is it doing the sport any good nor the teams any good. 'The bottom line is we're okay. We are here and we are racing.' Asked specifically whether the team will be racing next season and in the years after, Mallya added: 'Of course. Absolutely.' | There were talks at Interlagos on Saturday regarding F1's cost crisis .
They reached a stalemate, and Vijay Mallya would like further talks .
Marussia have gone out of business, and Caterham are set to follow suit .
Mallya says he will give Bernie Ecclestone 'a gentle reminder' if he does not hear from the F1 boss by the end of the week . |
fbabad5ed440fcbc2373c8b293879732aae13efd | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:09 EST, 25 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:25 EST, 25 June 2013 . The 3-year-old boy found dead after his parents mistakenly left him in a hot car in Florida over the weekend died of hypothermia, an autopsy has revealed. Kyrese Anderson was pronounced dead on Saturday afternoon after being mistakenly left inside a hot SUV for up to four hours as his parents attended the funeral. 'It's very, very tragic and everything . the detectives have uncovered so far point to it being a very tragic . accident,' Dave Bristow of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Tragedy: This is the Florida home where Kyrese Anderson, 3, died after his parents accidentally left him in a hot car for four hours while they went to the funeral of another family member . The confusion started when the baby's . parents, Robert Anderson, 29, and Amanda Jo Anderson, 30, took two cars . to drop their children off with a babysitter about 1 p.m. The two older children - ages 4 and 5 - were in one of the vehicles, while Kyrese was in the other. The . Andersons dropped the two older kids off with the babysitter but forgot . about Kyrese. They then took one car to the funeral and left the other - . the one containing the boy - in front of the babysitter's house, as the . hot, mid-day sun beat down upon it. 'They . get back from the funeral several hours later - and they ask where the . 3-year-old was, and the babysitter said, "I thought he was with you?'" Bristow told NBC2. Heat related vehicle deaths amongst children are relatively rare and tend to happen in places with warmer climates like the southwest and Florida . The couple rushed to the car and . found the baby unresponsive inside at about 4 p.m. and called 911. Kyrese was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is . investigating the case. So far, no charges have been filed against the . parents or babysitter. After the autopsy was completed, experts said the official cause of death was hyperthermia. Heat . related vehicle deaths amongst children are relatively rare and tend . to happen, as one would imagine, more frequently in places with warmer . climates, like the southwest and Florida. According . to the website KidsandCars.org, 33 children were killed in the U.S. when they were left in hot cars in 2011. That's down from 49 in 2010. The table shows non-traffic fatalities amongst children and shows that there were 613 heat-related deaths between 1991 and 2011 . The group suggests parents take precautions to keep them from forgetting about children sitting in rear car seats. For example, leaving a purse or cell phone in the backseat is a good way to ensure that you will look in the back of the vehicle before getting out of it. The group also suggests putting a large stuffed animal in the seat when the baby is not in the vehicle. When the baby is in the vehicle, the group suggests you put the stuffed animal in the front seat as a reminder that a baby is in the back. Additionally, the group suggests parents get in the habit of always opening a rear door when they reach a destination - the group calls this ' look before you lock.' | Kyrese Anderson was left in the car for four hours on Saturday afternoon .
His parents were attending a family funeral at the time .
Authorities are describing the baby's death as a tragic accident .
33 children died in the U.S. last year after being left in hot cars . |
fbabf2d158f09a999f67a2b7eca6025e3fbafce9 | An entire high school class in Germany is being investigated after the teenage pupils allegedly started greeting each other with 'Heil Hitler' and communicating in Nazi slogans. Parents and authorities are horrified after it emerged that some of the 29 student have been swapping Nazi sayings and slogans throughout the school day on instant messaging-app WhatsApp. Photos of students aged 14 and 15 at a school near Leipzig in east Germany show them giving Nazi salutes and wearing Hitler moustaches. Horrific: A photograph of one of the male students in class 9A at the Landsberg School near Leipzig, east Germany, shows him raising his right arm in a Nazi salute . Students in class 9A at the Landsberg Gymnasiums near Leipzig regularly made anti-Jewish slurs on the messaging app, while praising Hitler as a 'great man,' local media reported. Photos appeared in Germany's biggest newspaper BILD on Tuesday showing individuals giving the Hitler salute. One boy who was wearing a stuck-on Hitler moustache had his face blacked out. One of the messages from a student made a Holocaust joke that read: 'Why did Hitler kill himself? The Jews sent him the gas bill.' Parents of students in the class are outraged at the reports, saying it is unlikely an entire class of teenagers would be involved and that the media is tarnishing all 29 students with the same brush. Eli Gampel, 54, who has a son in the class, said: 'These discussions about the Nazi class from Landsberg are a load of rubbish. I thought it was a bad dream when I opened newspapers and read the article.' Fear: Parents are in shock after media reports that all 29 students in the class, boys and girls ages 14 and 15, appear to have been engaging in the behaviour on WhatsApp . Disgusting: Screen grabs from the WhatsApp conversations see students use 'Sieg Heil' phrase, right . Photos of 14 and 15-year-old students show them giving Nazi salutes and wearing Hitler moustaches . Gampel, the former head of the local Halle Jewish Community, said his son had experienced harassment at the school. 'My son told me that someone had stuck a far-right NPD [National Democratic Party] sticker on his jacket. It was well known, it seems, that he was Jewish.' 'I have made a formal complaint with police for an investigation, but on the other hand it would definitely be the wrong thing to simply accuse the entire class and tar them with the same brush.' He said: 'Even after I read about it, I found it difficult to get him to talk about what went on. It was only through a lengthy discussion that he admitted what was in the newspaper article was essentially true.' A spokesman the state educational affairs minister in Saxony-Anhalt said: 'I am shocked. If this is true there can only be one way forward here: zero tolerance!' The WhatsApp exchanges have been handed over to police and prosecutors. In shock: The school, Landsberg Gymnasiums near Leipzig, where the teenagers all study . The school headmaster Lutz Feudel said the entire school had been shocked, and that the secret Nazi sympathisers were confined to one class. Getting to the bottom of how it happened would be difficult because the autumn break had already started, he said. He said the parents of two of the children involved had been invited to a discussion together with their children, but that a third who they wanted to speak to was on holiday in Spain. He said he did not want instantly accuse the children, saying: 'Breaking taboos is part of young adulthood. I don't believe that they wanted to actively promote neo-Nazi ideology.' Any public display of Nazi symbols, salutes or phrases is a strictly forbidden act in modern-day Germany, and a first offence can carry a penalty of up to six months in jail. All the class students, like all children in Germany, have visited a Nazi concentration camp and regularly learn about the excesses of the Third Reich in classes. Police said two teenagers are under investigation while a more extensive probe gets underway next week when the school reopens after the half-term break. Media reports said a psychologist has been arranged to meet with the children, teachers and their parents next week to try to get to the bottom of the fascination with Nazism. Neo-Nazi groups significantly stepped up their recruitment of children in recent years. The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern near Berlin has started carrying out background checks on would-be kindergarten employees after it was discovered several had been infiltrated by far-right females. | Year 9 class thought to have been communicating in 'Nazi slogans'
German authorities investigating 29 teenagers on WhatsApp conversations .
Teens 'swapped Nazi sayings and slogans' throughout the school day .
Pictures show teens doing Heil Hitler salutes and wearing Hitler moustaches . |
fbad7db337cc7f06c25009355bb855a2731ad89d | Vandals stole a bulldozer and drove it more than a mile to demolish a part of a concentration camp before setting fire to the machine to cover their tracks. Some 500 yards of the perimeter fence of the Langenstein-Zwieberge concentration camp were demolished, as well as the gate to the underground complex it links to. The ten miles of tunnels were built with slave labour at the cost of thousands of lives in an effort to hide German industry from Bomber Command. Burned out: The bulldozer was used to destroy part of Langenstein-Zwieberge concentration camp . Damage: Hundreds of yards of the site's perimeter fence were destroyed in the attack . Defilement: This is the damaged gate to the underground complex built with slave labour at the camp . Local police were keen to play down the possibility it was a racist incident saying that various signs had been left untouched and had been no racist symbols daubed anywhere. The Langenstein-Zwieberge site in central Germany was a sub-camp of the Buchenwald concentration camp and housed 7,000 inmates from 23 countries at its peak between April 1944 and April 1945. It has since been turned into a memorial to the 2,000 people killed there while building a huge network of underground tunnels designed to hide German industry from Allied bombers. The thieves had broken into a construction site a mile from the former concentration camp, stolen a bulldozer and driven it all the way to Langenstein-Zwieberge before using it to attack the site. Slave labour: The Langenstein-Zwieberge site in central Germany was a sub-camp of the Buchenwald concentration camp and housed 7,000 inmates at its peak between April 1944 and April 1945 . Lest we forget: It has since been turned into a memorial to the 2,000 people killed there while building a huge network of underground tunnels designed to hide German industry from Allied bombers. Sacrilege: The thieves had broken into a construction site a mile from the former concentration camp, stolen a bulldozer and driven it all the way to Langenstein-Zwieberge before using it to attack the site . The site was preserved as a memorial in 1949 and opened as a museum in 1976. Last month thieves broke into the former Dachau concentration camp near the southern Germany city of Munich and stole the iron gate from the main entrance. Bearing the infamous Nazi exhortation 'Arbeit macht Frei' (Work will set you free), the gate is still missing despite a 3,000 EUR (£2,368) reward posted for information leading to its recovery. | Large part of the Langenstein-Zwieberge camp's perimeter fence destroyed .
It is the entrance to ten miles of tunnels built with slave labour in 1944-45 .
Police say no racist symbols were daubed and signs were left untouched . |
fbad7eb424addcb2d5a5f52fa87a9b7a95bfb400 | By . James Chapman . A 5p charge for plastic bags expected to cut their use by at least three-quarters will be introduced next year, the Queen told Parliament today. The levy - applying to supermarkets and larger stores - is to be implemented by the Government following a six-year campaign by the Daily Mail. Prime Minister David Cameron had previously warned stores that unless they significantly cut the numbers of bags being handed out, they would be forced to start charging customers – but the numbers given away have risen. Scroll down for video . Her Majesty smiles at Earl Marshall as she leaves Parliament after delivering the Queen's Speech. In her address she revealed the Government's plans to introduce a 5p charge on plastic bags . David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband walking through the Members' Lobby in Parliament before the Queen's Speech today. The Prime Minister told supermarkets that they had to cut down on their use of plastic bags - or be forced to charge customers for them . Eight billion used in England each year: Environmental campaigners say the carriers, each used for just 20 minutes on average, take up to 1,000 years to degrade (file picture) More than eight billion disposable bags are used in England each year, or a staggering 130 per person. Environmental campaigners say the carriers, each used for just 20 minutes on average, take up to 1,000 years to degrade. As well as causing serious harm to marine animals and birds, they blight Britain’s coastline, with 70 bags littering every mile. Today’s Queen’s Speech, setting out the coalition’s programme for its final eleven months in power before the general election, confirmed plans to legislate for a 5p charge to be implemented by next October. The Queen told MPs and peers: 'My government will continue to implement major reforms to the electricity market and reduce the use of plastic carrier bags to help protect the environment.' Throwaway society: The Mail launched its Banish the Bags campaign in 2008 (above) in an effort to reduce the waste, cost and environmental damage associated with the billions of plastic bags given away each year . The new plastic bag charge is expected . to raise millions of pounds a year for charities and good causes likely . to be nominated by stores. Small and medium sized businesses, with 500 . employees or fewer, will be excluded to protect independent retailers. 'We are not trying to tax people. We are trying to change people’s behaviour, encourage much more environmentally-friendly behaviour' Ed Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary . Ministers expect the measure, which will require secondary legislation, to reduce bag use by between 75 and 80 per cent. A similar charge applying to single-use carrier bags has already been introduced in Wales and Northern Ireland, and dramatically reduced their use. Retailers in Scotland will start charging for bags in October 2014. Liberal Democrat sources claim the scheme faced opposition from the Treasury, which was concerned about being seen to impose extra costs on shoppers. Eco-friendly: Prime Minister David Cameron had previously warned stores that unless they significantly cut the numbers of plastic bags being handed out, they would be forced to start charging customers . But the success of charges in Wales . and Northern Ireland – and the public support they appear to command – . means the move has now attracted cross-party backing. The . Mail launched its Banish the Bags campaign in 2008 in an effort to . reduce the waste, cost and environmental damage associated with the . billions of plastic bags given away each year, a symbol of our throwaway . society. It swiftly . received cross party political support and was backed by a string of . major retailers, ranging from Marks & Spencer to Debenhams, B&Q . and WH Smith. Evidence from . the Republic of Ireland which introduced a bag levy in 2002 had led to a . 90 per cent reduction after its introduction in 2002. 'Changing people's behaviour': Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the move would be a 'huge environmental step forward' Wales implemented a 5p charge which . was imposed on all retailers, regardless of size, in 2011. The number of . bags used there fell dramatically too – from 130 per person each year . to just 22. Northern Ireland . has also introduced a 5p levy, and Scotland will do the same next year. In 2011, Mr Cameron gave big stores an ultimatum, telling them to . drastically reduce the number of plastic bags, or be forced to by law. Green . campaigners will welcome today’s announcement that England is to . introduce a charge after numbers of bags handed out continued to rise. But they have complained about the exemption of biodegradable and paper bags, some which can also cause environmental harm. They . also insist that small and medium sized stores should not be excluded, . as the Government plans. The Association of Convenience Stores, which . represents smaller retailers, has suggested its members would be happy . to apply the charge too. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the move would be a ‘huge environmental step forward’. ‘We are very clear that none of this . money will come to government - we are not trying to tax people. We are . trying to change people’s behaviour, encourage much more . environmentally-friendly behaviour,’ he said. Ministers have previously suggested money raised by the new levy should go mainly to environmental charities. Groups such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Keep Britain Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage have long backed the idea of a charge, saying plastic bags are littering England’s streets, countryside and beaches. They say carriers are extremely harmful to many species of wildlife which become entangled in them or mistake them for food. In a joint statement last night, Mr Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said that the speech - to be delivered by the Queen in the ceremonial highlight of the Parliamentary year - would be ‘unashamedly pro-work, pro-business and pro-aspiration’. The ‘revolution’ in pensions which forms the centrepiece of the Government’s final legislative programme will amount to ‘the biggest transformation in our pensions system since its inception’, and will ‘give people both freedom and security in retirement’, they said. ‘By no longer forcing people to buy an annuity, we are giving them total control over the money they have put aside over their lifetime and greater financial security in their old age.’ Government sources said a packed programme of 16 or 17 bills would demonstrate that the coalition has not run out of steam in the closing stages of the Parliament as they try to counter allegations that the final year of the Coalition will be little more than a ‘zombie’ Parliament. Labour leader Ed Miliband said the programme did not address the challenges faced by Britain. ‘We would have a Queen’s Speech with legislation which would make work pay, reform our banks, freeze energy bills and build homes in in Britain,’ he said. | Charge is expected to cut use of plastic bags by at least three-quarters .
Levy will apply to supermarkets after Mail's 'Banish The Bags' campaign .
More than eight billion disposable bags are used in England each year .
Environmental campaigners say carriers take up to 1,000 years to degrade .
The bags also blight Britain’s coastline, with 70 of them littering every mile . |
fbadbd9a504f38d43a1f4de29b0b31f5ae818653 | By . Liz Hull and Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 11:08 EST, 2 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:21 EST, 3 May 2013 . After a long winter and a spring that has barely sprung, many Britons will jet off to Europe today in search of a better bank holiday. But according to forecasters they would be better off staying at home as Britain will bask in some of the warmest weather of the year so far – making it hotter and drier than parts of the Mediterranean this weekend. The south is predicted to see temperatures of around 22C (72F) and could even exceed expectations and reach 23C (73F), making it the hottest day of the year so far. Pretty picture: Two-year-old cousins Sophia Thorpe and Mia Dike play among tulips at Markeaton Park in Derby . Beautiful scenes: People enjoy the glorious spring sunshine today on the picturesque River Cam in Cambridge . Fun in the sun: Chloe Hammond, four, enjoys herself as she plays in the bluebells near Clanfield in Hampshire . Peaceful: People enjoying the warm weather in St James's Park, central London, as Britain looks forward to a hot weekend . Looking out: People enjoy the warm weather in St James's Park, central London, which was packed today . Parts of northern England, Scotland, . and Northern Ireland, however, may be hit by showers and the mercury . will struggle to get above the mid-teens. Tom Tobler, MeteoGroup forecaster, . said: ‘The southern half of the country will get the best of the . weather, especially as we get into Sunday and Monday, when it will be . mostly fine and incredibly warm – on a par with parts of Majorca and . other destinations in Europe. ‘Further north, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, there will be quite a lot of cloud and some showers.’ Forecasters said the bank holiday will . see the nicest weather of 2013 so far. The weekend will get gradually . warmer, with much of the country reaching above 20C (68F) on Monday, . compared to 16C (61F) on Majorca and 18C (64F) in the south of France, . according to the Met Office. Yesterday, supermarkets reported a . surge in sales of outdoor grills and a nasal spray claiming to treat hay . fever twice as fast as other drugs was launched as pollen levels . hit a springtime peak. Dymista, combining a corticosteroid . and an antihistamine, will be available from GPs from today. The Met . Office rated the pollen count ‘high’ for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Bank holiday forecast: Tomorrow in central and southern England is expected to be fine with 20C weather . Flip-cops: Police wearing pink flip-flops on the paths of Winchester, Hampshire, supporting local street pastors . Day out: Sophia, 17 months, and her mother enjoy the sunny weather at a park in Wokingham, Berkshire . Glorious day: Tulips in bloom in front of Buckingham Palace, central London, as Britons enjoy the warm weather . Bring out the deckchairs: Large numbers of people enjoy the sunshine in Green Park, central London . But with 7million people expected to . take to the roads for the three-day getaway, there are warnings of . travel chaos. Police made the most of the weather today as they hit the streets wearing bright pink flip-flops. Hampshire . Constabulary Sergeant Richard Holland and PCSO Rebecca Williams teamed . the bizarre footwear with their usual uniforms as temperatures soared to . 19C in Winchester, Hampshire. Officers were showing support for . Winchester Street Pastors, known informally as the ‘flip-flop and . lollipop brigade’, who offer help to drunken revellers on nights out. 'There is high pressure to the south of England and this is giving the south generally dry and fine weather over the weekend' Tom Tobler, MeteoGroup forecaster . They give the flat footwear to girls . struggling to get home in high heels - and lollipops are said to reduce . the noise made by crowds leaving clubs, as they are too busy consuming . them to shout. The warm . forecast - at least for the South - is good news for those planning to . make trips. Drivers will be able to take advantage in the latest round . of supermarket petrol and diesel reductions. Meanwhile, . a survey of 2,000 parents by insurance company Elephant.co.uk found . that children who become ill travelling in cars are likely to feel sick . just 22 minutes into a journey. The poll found that two in five families with children who get car sick avoid long journeys altogether. In another survey, Autoglass revealed . that figures gathered from 14 police forces in England and Scotland . showed 968 recorded incidents of motorists being attacked by missiles . last year. Shoes off: Hundreds of people were seen enjoying the warm weather in Green Park, central London . Spring scene: A woman photographs her child sitting in the daffodils in St James's Park, central London . Out and about: Horses trot through Hyde Park today in central London as their riders enjoy the warm weather . Amazing sunrise: The day began beautifully near St Mary's Lighthouse at Whitley Bay, North Tyneside . The figures, from a Freedom of Information Act request, also showed that arrests were made in 75 per cent of the incidents, which included bricks thrown from bridges. The 2012 statistics compared with a survey for 2011 which revealed 395 missile incidents following information from 10 forces. Last year’s figures included 212 incidents recorded by Leicestershire Police, 190 by Nottinghamshire Police and 119 by Thames Valley Police. Avon and Somerset Constabulary recorded just six incidents. Autoglass managing director Matthew Mycock said: ‘It is alarming to discover that the number of motorists attacked with bridge and roadside missiles is on the increase.’ Channel Tunnel high-speed train company Eurostar said it was set for its busiest weekend of the year, with more than 100,000 passengers expected to travel over the bank holiday weekend. The firm starts a new weekly direct service to Lyon and Provence in southern France on Saturday. Not this year: Those who introduced the ban in 2012 affected the usage habits of 20million people . Water users are unlikely to face hosepipe bans this year, authorities said today. A year ago, rate payers in some pockets of the UK were in the puzzling situation of having to endure water restrictions at a time of widespread heavy rainfall which contributed to 2012 being the second wettest year on record. Those who introduced the ban last year affected the usage habits of 20million people. But what may have seen like months of almost relentless rainfall have helped replenish stocks at reservoirs across the country, minimising the prospect of restrictions or droughts being declared this summer. Victoria Williams, drought advisor at the Environment Agency, said: ‘Our latest water situation report details a positive outlook for water resources in the coming months. ‘(Last year) was the second wettest year on record, and despite a relatively dry start to 2013, river levels are normal or above normal at the majority of our monitoring sites. ‘The results show a positive picture even if rainfall is below average and point to the risk of drought this summer being no greater than average. ‘However it is still as important as ever to use water wisely. If the weather does turn hot and dry there could be localised impacts on rivers and the environment.’ Seven water companies - Thames, Southern Water, South East Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East - introduced hosepipe bans in the spring of 2012. It came after the unusually dry winters left some groundwater supplies and rivers as low as in the drought year of 1976. But the restrictions introduced early in April were followed by record rainfall across the UK for that month and June, with more rain between them in May. Most of the bans were lifted by early summer, while floods featured throughout November and December across some parts of the country. | South to see best of weekend weather - but there will be rain in Scotland .
Police enjoyed Hampshire sun today and walked around in pink flip-flops .
Britons soak up sun after long winter that saw second-coldest March ever .
Water users are unlikely to face hosepipe bans this year, authorities say . |
fbade4feca3e5e53e244e8630cc72aff7f1f1f82 | A former party-boy who became an Islamic State fighter has been reported dead. Melbourne man Mahmoud Abdullatif, known by friends for his love of women and fast cars, was believed killed in a clash in the past 48 hours. A woman purporting to be his wife on Twitter marked his death with an apparent celebratory message. 'Till we reunite in Jannatul Firdaws (heaven) my dearest husband,' the account said. 'You won the race! Heart of a green bird insha'Allah habibi<3!' Scroll down for video . Playboy jihadi: Mahmoud Abdullatif was known for his love of women and fast cars before he became a militant jihadi . It has been reported that Victorian woman Zehra Duman, pictured, had married Abdullatif . Just a month ago, Abdullatif announced his marriage to the woman, reportedly Victorian woman Zehra Duman, on Twitter. At the time, he also said he hoped for a 'beautiful death. 'I got married today... insha Allah I receive a beautiful death as well. #jihadlife,' he wrote on December 19. Abdullatif was pictured just weeks ago accompanying Sydney militant Mohamed Elomar and a friend. Pictured: Mahmoud Abdullatif was reported killed in the Middle East . The image was captioned on social media: 'Aussie reunion in the land of khalifah (caliphate).' Abdullatif's purported killing is the latest in a spate of Australian deaths in the Middle East. Mohammad Ali Baryalei, a mid-level Islamic State commander, was reported dead in October. Authorities believed Baryalei responsible for the recruitment of as many as half of the Australians fighting for the Islamic State. | Wife reports Mahmoud Abdullatif, of Melbourne, has been killed .
'You won the race!' she congratulated him on social media .
Abdullatif was known for his love of women and fast cars .
He was believed killed in a clash around 48 hours ago . |
fbae0d83f5daa7343206203cceb8a073f13c6abe | By . Charlotte Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 18:47 EST, 23 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:01 EST, 23 February 2013 . The official merchandise shop for Kensington Palace has been accused of acting in ‘bad taste’ for selling a scarf featuring images of Princess Diana. The silk scarf is being sold for £85 by independent charity The Historic Royal Palaces. But Rosa Monckton, who was a close friend of Diana, said: ‘I think that this is in very bad taste. 'Bad taste': This scarf sold by the official merchandise shop for Kensington Palace has caused controversy as Diana's friends claim that it is a commercial ploy . ‘The Diana Memorial Fund spent . millions of pounds in lawyers’ fees in trying to protect her image, . specifically against an American company producing a Diana doll.’ Ms Monkton, 59, who chose Diana to . be godmother to her daughter Domenica, added: ‘If the Diana Memorial . Fund still existed, would it now be suing the Royal Palaces? 'This is clearly a cynical, commercial exercise.’ The scarf was designed by renowned fashion illustrator Julie Verhoeven, who has previously worked with top fashion houses. The scarf, designed by Julie Verhoeven, features illustrations from unofficial photos of Diana . Image protection: The Diana Memorial Fund spent millions of pounds in lawyers' fees in trying to protect the image of Diana (pictured with sons William and Harry in 1985) Tribute: Flowers and picture tributes for Diana on the gate of Kensington Palace on September 1 2007, the ten year anniversary of her death . Nearly all the drawings on the pattern are from unofficial photographs of Diana. A spokesman for Princes William and Harry declined to comment about the scarf, but it is understood that Royal aides are not pleased by the decision to sell it. Meanwhile, Harry’s new flame Cressida Bonas, 24, was one of 200 people who clicked ‘attending’ on a Facebook group page set up to arrange a leaving party for the Prince’s ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy. Chelsy is moving to Istanbul next week. Independent charity, The Historic Royal Palaces, is selling the scarf for £85 in Kensington Palace's gift shop . | The Historic Royal Palaces charity is selling the scarf at Kensington Palace .
It features illustrations of Diana from unofficial photographs .
It has been labelled a 'cynical commercial exercise' |
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