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fc13f35aadfccb22c43757df16a4e02a872eceb2 | A crime author and former LAPD homicide detective claims to have new evidence that proves his own father was behind one of Hollywood's most infamous murder cases, the Black Dahlia murder of 1947. Steve Hodel details evidence in his new book, Black Dahlia Avenger II, that he says implicates his father, a prominent LA surgeon of the time, in the gruesome unsolved slaying. According to the author, his father Dr George Hodel was a suspect in the case when he skipped town, never to return. Aspiring actress: Elizabeth Short in a head-shot taken shortly before she was brutally murdered . Horrific murder: Short's body was found mutilated, severed at the waist and with ligature marks on her neck, wrists and ankles, near a busy LA intersection . Steve Hodel claimed earlier this year that his father killed . Elizabeth Short at the family's Hollywood home, the distinctive Sowden . House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Lloyd Wright, which is . largely unchanged since the murder. He established that he and his siblings had been away with their mother at the time of the murder. Last . November Hodel, together with retired police Sergeant Paul Dostie of . Mammoth Lakes and Buster, a Labrador retriever trained to detect the . unique smell of human composition, visited the property. Once let loose, Buster quickly established four locations in the basement where he could pick up a faint trace of human remains. Colorful past: This haunting photograph is a mugshot of murder victim Elizabeth Short taken when she was arrested for underage drinking in 1943 . On January 15, 1947, 22-year-old . aspiring actress Elizabeth Short's severely mutilated body was . discovered in a vacant lot near the intersection of 39th Street and . Norton Avenue in Leimert Park, South Los Angeles. Sensationalized: Crime author Steve Hodel, claims to have proof his father was the murderer in the Black Dahlia case that has fascinated the public for decades . Her . body had been cut clean in half at the waist and completely drained of . blood. Her internal organs had been removed. Her face had been slashed . from the corners of her mouth to her ears and she had ligature marks on . her wrists, neck and ankles. Short . also had multiple cuts on her thigh and breasts, where entire portions . of flesh had been removed. The body had been washed and cleaned and . ‘posed’ with her hands over her head, her elbows bent at right angles, . and her legs spread. A woman out walking with her daughter discovered the body, which she initially took for a discarded shop mannequin.The . horrific murder generated huge media interest, and it's been said that . the media, which coined the colorful name Black Dahlia, was partly . responsible for the inability of police to solve the case. Reporters . trampled over evidence and withheld tips in order to score a 'scoop'. To add to the case’s sensational . intrigue, both LAPD officials and newspaper editors received taunting . notes and personal possessions of Short's, believed to be from Short's . killer. Interest in the case hasn't waned over the decades. Numerous film and television productions have been based on the case, and the 2006 film directed by Brian De Palma and starring Josh Hartnett and Scarlett Johanssen renewed the public's fascination with the mystery of the Black Dahlia. Signature: Hodel says his father idolized painter Man Ray and left a distinctive Man Ray-esque marking on the body of Elizabeth Short . Skipped town: LA surgeon Dr George Hodel reportedly skipped town before he could be arrested in connection with the murder of Elizabeth Smart . Sins of the father: Steve Hodel with a copy of his 2003 book 'Black Dahlia Avenger' (left) and speaking about his latest book (right) In Steve Hodel's new book, he claims . his six-year investigation into the case has unearthed brand new . findings that implicate his father in the sadistic killing, including . discounting several urban myths surrounding the case, physical evidence . the murder took place at Sowden House and connecting the murderer to the . vacant lot where the body was dumped, and evidence only a surgeon could . have bisected the victim's body. Lost daughter: Elizabeth Short pictured with her mother, Phoebe May Short . 'This is new information that I've discovered, and the LAPD is unaware of this evidence,' Steve Hodel told KLTV. Among . the many claims in the book, Hodel says his father idolized his friend, . the painter Man Ray. A distinctive cross-hatching appeared in many of . Man Ray which Hodel says also appeared on the corpse of Elizabeth Short. 'Her body was his canvas and his scalpel was his paintbrush,' said Hodel. The . book also contains full transcripts from bugging devices the police . planted in Dr Hodel's home and office, in which he makes multiple highly . incriminating statements. 'Supposin' I did kill the Black Dahlia. They couldn't prove it now. They can't talk to my secretary anymore because she's dead... They . thought there was something fishy. Anyway, now they may have figured it . out. Killed her. Maybe I did kill my secretary...' George Hodel is recorded saying in 1950. Steve Hodel first made the claim that his father was the Black Dahlia murderer in his 2003 book Black Dahlia Avenger. Dr Hodel, who was also investigated in connection with his secretary's death-by-overdose and faced . sexual abuse claims from his 15-year-old daughter, was only one of 25 . viable suspects the LAPD was investigating. More than 60 people have confessed to the crime at various times. Film fodder: A fictionalized version of the Black Dahlia starring Scarlett Johanssen and Aaron Eckhart, with Mia Kirschner as Elizabeth Short . Hodel remains, along with Walter Bayley, Norman Chandler, Leslie Dillon, Joseph A Dumais, Mark . Hansen, George Hill Hodel, George Knowlton, Robert M 'Red' Manley, . Patrick S O'Reilly, and Jack Anderson Wilson (aka Arnold Smith) a suspect in the case. Before authorities could bring any charges against the surgeon, Dr Hodel abruptly abandoned his family and relocated to Asia. He died in 1991. The LAPD has yet to respond to Hodel's claims to have solved the murder, but Commander Andy Smith told KLTV, 'We periodically receive pieces of information that come in on old cases. This is an active case. We take everything seriously until it can be fully investigated.' | Crime author Steve Hodel claims his father was the Black Dahlia murderer .
The infamous slaying and mutilation of Elizabeth Short aka The Black Dahlia in 1947 has never been solved .
Hodel says he has new evidence that links his father to the crime .
Dr George Hodel was a suspect in the case when he skipped town . |
fc14b6ef7479d5e6b347986c7b7ce7eb01f9e8e9 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 07:44 EST, 28 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:32 EST, 28 February 2013 . It is surely the stuff of every little boy's dreams - a fully working 400ft outdoor model railway, right in the back garden. Now, in news that will excite rail enthusiasts everywhere, this six bedroom property in Plymouth, Devon, has been put up for sale for just over £800,000. After much deliberation, train firm executive Charles Howeson has decided to put his 'perfect' family home called Smallack Barn, on the market. All aboard: Train firm executive Charles Howeson is selling his 'perfect' Plymouth family home - complete with 400ft model railway - in the open market . Chuffed: The impressive set is sure to bring out the little boy in all rail enthusiasts . Choo choo: In news that will excited rail enthusiasts everywhere, this six bedroom property in Plymouth, Devon, has been put up for sale for £800,000 . Carefully created: The self-made millionaire and business leader - chairman of the First Great Western Trains advisory board - is a keen rail enthusiast and loving built the railway . He said it was time for him and his wife Emma to sell up as he battles a serious illness. The home of the self-made millionaire and business leader - chairman of the First Great Western Trains advisory board - includes a drawing family and dining room along with a separate flat and a landscaped garden featuring a lake an outdoor hot tub and the model train set. The house is laid out over six levels. The site used to be a cluster of outhouses and barns which the Howesons converted into a large-scale family home 13 years ago. Mr Howeson says they are moving on with a heavy heart. He said: 'It is tremendously sad to have to say goodbye as we actually built this home ourselves,' he said. Childhood dream: The site used to be a cluster of outhouses and barns which the Howesons converted into a large-scale family home 13 years ago, and soon installed the track . Idyllic: Mr Howeson said it was time for him and his wife Emma to sell up as he battles a serious illness . 'It was just a series of barns before. You can only really have one perfect house in your life and this was it. 'It has given the whole family huge enjoyment for well over a decade.' The former Royal Navy officer explained that he has been seriously ill, although he says he is 'winning' his battle. Mr Howeson said his illness made him realise that now is the time for him and his wife to adopt a simpler life. It has been put on the market with an asking price of £880,000. Mr Howeson admitted that they are 'rattling about' in the huge home now their children have moved away. He and his wife have already purchased a smaller property on a former hospital site in the Stonehouse area of Plymouth for them to relocate to once the sale is complete. He said: 'We're downscaling to a house one-fifth of the size so it is quite a challenge selecting what we want to take with us. I certainly won't be able to take my model ship collection with me. 'It will be a different sort of life. We love living in Plymouth but we have always felt like we live in the country here - we look out onto a valley from our terrace but at the same time we're just a short way from the city centre.' Bespoke: The home includes a drawing family and dining room along with a separate flat and a landscaped garden featuring a lake, and an outdoor hot tub . Spacious: Mr Howeson admitted that they are 'rattling about' in the huge home now their children have moved away . In 1991, after 25 years in the Navy, Mr Howeson began to get involved with various business and community ventures, including healthcare, banking, water and the railway. He is currently the chairman of the First Great Western Trains advisory board and of the Plymouth Area Business Council, as well as the president of the charity he founded, The Plymouth Drake Foundation. But he admits that his illness has forced him to slow down. 'I have reduced my work a little,' said the father of three. 'Although I do not think you should just give everything up when you are ill. That's the wrong attitude to take.' The Howeson children have now all flown the nest with the youngest Tavoya, 20, studying in Oxford while Pippa, 30, and Robin, 29, are both making a living in London. 'They are saddened that we're moving but they are realistic and fully understand the reason we're selling,' said Mr Howeson. 'We know that we have been incredibly lucky to live here but now we require a simpler way of life.' | Train firm executive Charles Howeson is selling his 'perfect' family home .
It features a 400ft working model railway, perfect for rail enthusiasts .
Also includes separate flat, landscaped garden, lake and an outdoor hot tub . |
fc150a3087b018e6240b95e803078b01421a39da | By . Inderdeep Bains . PUBLISHED: . 16:53 EST, 25 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:40 EST, 26 April 2013 . They are less than a month old but the Turner quads are already getting used to beating the odds. First their parents Julian and Sharon went through four rounds of IVF – and all their savings – to conceive them. Then they survived being born by emergency caesarean more than 11 weeks prematurely, with each weighing just over 2lb, after their mother developed complications in the pregnancy. Hello little brother: James Turner, left, was the first of the quads born, followed by his identical twin Joshua. Both weighed 2lb 4oz . When nurses revealed they were expecting quadruplets, sales director Mr Turner, 43, and his wife were overjoyed and stunned . And to cap it all, James, Joshua, Lauren and Emily are two sets of identical twins – a one in 70million occurrence. Mr and Mrs Turner married in 2007 and when their attempts to conceive naturally were unsuccessful, they decided to try IVF treatment. The first three rounds failed but finally last year, after spending a total of £40,000, 36-year-old Mrs Turner fell pregnant at the fourth attempt. Until the 12-week scan, the couple, from Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, believed they were having only one baby. When nurses revealed they were expecting quadruplets, sales director Mr Turner, 43, and his wife were overjoyed – and stunned. ‘I just couldn’t believe it. It was like it was a dream,’ said Mrs Turner, a foreign exchange team leader at Heathrow. ‘I was over the moon, so happy, but at the same time it didn’t feel like it was happening to me.’ Julian and Sharon Turner welcomed Emily, the twin sister of Lauren, who weighed 2lb 4oz . Lauren was the heaviest of the quads, weighing 2lb 6oz after she and her siblings were born prematurely . Son: James was the first of the four babies to be born, weighing just 2lb 4oz . Next! Joshua, 2lb 4oz, then followed his slightly older, and identical brother James into the world . But specialists at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford put a dampener on their happiness by pointing out some stark realities about the difficulty of carrying quads. Mrs Turner said: ‘They gave us three options: get rid of all of them, get rid of two of them or keep them. There was no way we could get rid of them. We were happy to let nature take its course.’ Then during a routine check-up last month, doctors found that Mrs Turner, who had not been due to give birth until June 13, had pre-eclampsia – a dangerous high blood pressure complication – and a low blood platelet count. On March 30 doctors performed an emergency caesarean. ‘There were no guarantees but they said they hoped they would all survive and be okay,’ said Mrs Turner, who was 29 weeks into her pregnancy. James was first, weighing 2lb 4oz followed by his identical twin Joshua, 2lb 4oz, Lauren, 2lb 6oz and Emily, 2lb 4oz. Proud dad: Smiling father Julian and mum Sharon hold the two sets of identical twins in the hospital room where they are caring for their children . Hard work: Look after the pairs of identical twins is, as you can imagine, taking the family some time already . Mr Turner, who watched the births, said: ‘It was slightly like an out of body experience, being there and watching it was unreal. ‘I was largely excited but very concerned about whether everything was going to be okay. It was great that they were out and crying but there was a little way to go.’ Mrs Turner said: ‘What was hard for me was that I couldn’t see the babies until the day after. I heard each one crying as they came out and then they got whisked away and checked over and taken to the special care baby unit.’ Relief: The survival of Sharon's four babies defied the odds by living after being born nearly three months early . Doing well: After being cared for by staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Joshua and his sibling are growing stronger all the time . Complications: Boys James and Joshua had breathing difficulties but soon recovered and the twins were all home within weeks . On the second night after they were born, both the boys developed difficulties breathing but quickly recovered. Mr Turner said: ‘After about day five or day six we began to feel a bit more optimistic.’ The couple expect to be able to take their quads home from the special baby unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading within weeks. Mr Turner, one of triplets himself, said: ‘We are ecstatic, words can’t describe the feeling. It’s all good news. They are doing well and getting bigger and stronger which is the main thing. Eventually we will get them home.’ They are confident of coping with the demands of mass late-night feeds and nappy changes. ‘My mum and dad have sold their house and moved in with us to help us out,’ said Mrs Turner. The couple plan to buy a much bigger car and say shopping has been bewildering. ‘I suppose it starts to hit home when you go into Mothercare,’ Mr Turner said. ‘When you tell the staff you’re having four, they just look at you blankly.’ | Born 11 weeks prematurely weighing just over 2lb .
Mother became pregnant after fourth round of IVF at a cost of £40,000 . |
fc15b3f05ea57abfdb42b8c3352bfbe43ccff467 | Venice, Italy (CNN) -- George Clooney, long considered Hollywood's most eligible bachelor, married British human rights attorney Amal Alamuddin Saturday in a private ceremony in Venice, Italy, his publicist, Stan Rosenfield, told CNN. Clooney arrived by motorboat at a star-studded bash at the Aman Canal Grande Venice resort, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli. "George, auguri!" Venetians could be heard offering their best wishes as Clooney waved. "Auguri!" Celebrities, paparazzi and the world's media have been congregating in Venice for the widely anticipated nuptials. The actor and his then-fiancée were photographed Friday cruising the sun-dappled canals of Venice ahead of their big day. Clooney, 53, and Alamuddin, 36, looked happy and impeccably glamorous as they were carried around the city in a motorboat appropriately named "Amore," or "Love," passing bemused tourists in gondolas as they went. The bride-to-be was dressed in a stylish black-and-white dress, while Clooney wore a sharply tailored gray suit and white shirt with dark sunglasses. The first celebrity guests to arrive were also caught on camera in the city famed for romance, notably actor Matt Damon, American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and supermodel Cindy Crawford. "I guess this is, as Dean Martin put it, 'That's Amore,' the land of love," said a tourist visiting Venice from Canada, referring to the late crooner's signature song. "Yes, my heart is broken but I'm excited," his partner said with a smile. "He has made the right choice," an Italian woman said. "Because Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world." It's not been confirmed exactly how the wedding weekend will play out. But a notice from the city authorities said that because of George Clooney's marriage the city hall area will be closed on Monday from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. local or later if necessary -- presumably for a civil ceremony. Paparazzi throng canal side . Clooney revealed earlier this month at a celebrity charity event in Tuscany, Italy, that he and Alamuddin would be tying the knot in Venice. According to People magazine, Clooney was receiving a humanitarian award at the black-tie gala, and said during his acceptance speech, "I met my lovely bride-to-be here in Italy, whom I will be marrying, in a couple of weeks, in Venice, of all places." Plenty of paparazzi, cameramen and photographers were on the docks facing the Aman Canal Grande. Others were going up and down the Grand Canal on taxi boats. Power couple . The nuptials of Clooney and Alamuddin come hot on the heels of the long-awaited marriage of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie last month. The Hollywood power couple went for a low-key ceremony at their estate in France, in which each of their six children had a part to play. Clooney and Alamuddin seem set to make more of a public splash with their event, although since they became engaged in the spring, they've been largely protective of their relationship. When a Daily Mail report claimed that Clooney and his Lebanese future mother-in-law Baria were at odds, Clooney blasted the publication with a first-person piece in USA Today, and then refused to accept the Daily Mail's subsequent apology. CNN's Erin McLaughlin reported from Venice, Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported in London, Ray Sanchez wrote and reported in New York, Rachel Wells reported from Los Angeles. Journalist Livia Borghese contributed to this report. | NEW: George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are married in Venice .
Italians cheer Clooney as he arrives by motorboat for star-studded bash .
They were photographed Friday on a motor launch cruising Venice's canals .
Actor Clooney and Alamuddin, a human rights lawyer, got engaged in the spring . |
fc1618e56595bb38ea948d475f7cf2a27ce0d56a | (CNN) -- Tom Perkins, a well-known venture capitalist, got himself in hot water when he compared the "progressive war on the 1%" with Nazis' treatment of Jews in World War II. Although Perkins apologized for his comments, he stood by his main point that anger at the rich is a wrong and dangerous attitude. It's easy to dismiss Perkins' sentiment as nothing more than the ill-advised ravings of a cantankerous, thin-skinned old man. But it also illustrates just how bizarre things have gotten for some wealthy people, who find themselves in a new socially constructed category and on the wrong side of a resurgent but elusive political ideal, facing off against mesmerizing populist adversaries. How can the "1%" make the best of the situation they're in and reduce the likelihood of more embarrassing Perkins-like incidents? Here's my advice. First, remember that the 1% is an almost meaningless moniker for a multifarious bunch of people who differ greatly in political leaning, wealth, occupation and ethics. Yes, you are luckier, better educated and perhaps a little bit smarter than the rest, but that hardly makes you a monolithic class. And while there are certainly scoundrels, sociopaths, wealth addicts and Ayn Rand-devotees in your midst, these bad apples are far from the norm despite the attention they garner. You're really just like everybody else, only richer. However, as "welfare moms," "urban youth" and "unionized teachers" have long since discovered, resistance is futile once a pejorative new category bursts onto the scene. And you'll only make things worse by trying to introduce something better (Perkins tried "successful 1%," which is even more objectionable because it implies the "unsuccessful 99%"). So you're stuck with the 1% label. But rather than wax nostalgic for the honorific categories of yesteryear - "global elite," "electronic herd" and "mass affluent" -- try to remember that "sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you" while waiting calmly for the rhetorical storm to pass. And please don't succumb to self-pity for suffering the indignity of guilt by association; name-calling is nothing like stop-and-frisk, job discrimination or profiling. Toughen up! Second, for all the easy talk about reducing inequality, its corollary -- equality -- is the most complex and controversial social ideal. Is it equality of opportunity or income? At a moment in time or across generations? Why is it important over and above the goal of helping those at the bottom? But what makes equality difficult to define philosophically makes it expedient politically, because its vagueness and complexity allow it to be offered as a panacea for almost any problem. Just accept that while it's possible to be pro-gun or pro-choice, it's impossible to be pro-inequality. And when cornered at a cocktail party, please don't ask opponents to tell you what equality really means or to offer a coherent explanation of its causes and effects. Equality is the zeitgeist for a period when many people feel under pressure and shafted by a system that they think you represent. If you sympathize, show it. If you don't, keep your mouth shut. Third, you need a grass-roots strategy for dealing with Elizabeth Warren, Bill de Blasio and the other emerging populist rock stars. It simply won't do to continue relying on the octogenarian trinity -- Warren Buffett, George Soros and John Bogle -- to be your friendly faces. Nor can the job be outsourced to Third Way staffers or lefty celebrities. To meet the populist media challenge will take some courage by a younger generation of 1% Democrats with charisma and a willingness to seek common ground with the populists even though by doing so they'll be viewed by many friends and colleagues as traitors to their class. Rather than put your head in the sand or stay safely in the limousine, get out there and make your case in the street, on TV, in bars and on the Internet. But be realistic, for in the current environment the best you can do may be to get yourselves thought of as humble, competent people on a level with dentists. Finally, be invigorated by this moment in the spotlight! You have status to engage politically simply by virtue of your membership in a category - the 1% - that did not even exist until 2011. But political winds are fickle and may soon blow you off the stage. As Oscar Wilde said, "the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John MacIntosh. | Prominent venture capitalist compares war on the 1% with Nazi treatment of Jews .
John MacIntosh: How can the 1% avoid embarrassing Perkins-like incidents?
He says while you can be pro-gun or pro-choice, it's impossible to be pro-inequality .
MacIntosh: If you sympathize with 99%, show it; if you don't, better to keep quiet . |
fc1693e5e77fd1d141c6a4e29b33bedc688f0526 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 08:12 EST, 14 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:20 EST, 14 August 2013 . Many hopefuls find themselves under pressure when it comes to conjuring up an original way of proposing. But one romantic boyfriend pulled out all the stops when he asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage - by writing out his proposal in 15ft letters on a beach in Guensey. Jeremy Curtis, 39, scouted remote coastal spots across the UK before coming up with the ideal location. Jeremy Curtis asked for his girlfriend's hand in marriage by writing out his proposal in 15ft letters on a beach in Guernsey . He enlisted a team of local volunteers to help carve the massive message in the dunes - complete with giant love hearts. Jeremy . then took girlfriend Jennifer Ayris, 31, for a romantic stroll on a . clifftop in Guernsey where she spotted the message 'Jen, will you marry . me?' below. She immediately went down to the shore and carved her answer: 'yes'. Relieved Jeremy, an IT consultant from Sheffield, had spent weeks planning the proposal. Jeremy Curtis scouted remote coastal spots across the UK before finding the ideal location in Guernsey. He then enlisted a team of volunteers to help carve this 15ft message in the dunes - complete with giant hearts . Jeremy Curtis on the beach where he got engaged to Jennifer Ayris after writing a huge message in the sand that she spotted after they stopped by on a cruise . Girlfriend Jennifer Ayris, 31, spotted it from a clifftop overlooking Petit Port beach on the Channel Island of Guernsey and immediately ran down and wrote 'yes' next to it . Jeremy Curtis leads his girlfriend blindfold down to Petit Port beach where he had written a wedding proposal in huge letters in the sand with the help of local volunteers . Jeremy waited until she spotted the message and then got down on one knee - she immediately said yes . He eventually picked Petit Port beach on the Channel Island of Guernsey, then he rounded up helpers using Twitter and a local newspaper. His cries for help were answered by eleven people who came forward to clear the beach of seaweed. The final touches - love hearts, swirls and the date - were finished just as Jeremy and Jennifer's holiday cruise ship docked in Guernsey. Jeremy said: 'I put plenty of suncream on when I visited Guernsey to plan the proposal as I didn't want to return to the UK with a tan and give the game away. Jeremy picked Petit Port beach on the Channel Island of Guernsey as the ideal romantic spot for his big proposal . The team who helped Jeremy Curtis write a huge proposal in the sand for his girlfriend were volunteers found through Twitter and an advert in the local newspaper . The final touches - love hearts, swirls, and the date - were finished just as Jeremy and Jennifer's holiday cruise ship docked in Guernsey . 'When it came to the big day we got off the boat and I walked Jen along the cliff path until we could see a little bit of the beach, then asked her to put on a blindfold. 'After walking her a little farther I got down on one knee and told her she could take it off. 'The moment she saw the message she burst into tears and said yes.' Jeremy's friends had even laid on a romantic picnic for the couple at the top of the cliff. The couple then climbed down to the beach where Jennifer, a solicitor, added the word 'yes' to the message. They went in search of the volunteers to thank them in person but the group had disappeared to give them privacy . Jennifer said: 'I don't think it has even sunk in yet. It could not have been any better.' Jeremy and Jennifer, who have been together for three years, plan to get married next year . The couple want to shake each and every one of the volunteers' hands to say thank you for their kind efforts . Jeremy added: 'The people who helped me were not artists, they were just regular people. 'I hadn't seen the message in advance and I had no idea how well it would turn out - but it was better than I could have possibly imagined. 'The fact that it was all done by volunteers who didn't know me is totally overwhelming. 'It's just a shame I didn't get to thank them all in person or shake their hands.' The couple were on a cruise with Jeremy's parents, brother, sister-in-law and two young nephews to celebrate his mum's 65th birthday. Jeremy and Jennifer, who have been together for three years, plan to get married next year. | Jeremy Curtis popped question to Jennifer Ayris with proposal in the sand .
Chose romantic Petit Port cove in Guernsey .
Enlisted help of strangers through Twitter and local newspaper .
The couple have been together for three years and will marry next year . |
fc17cb822623c4c17e78c198a4e07d086e75f469 | New York (CNN) -- Leslie Buck, designer of New York City's iconic blue-and-white coffee cup, died Monday at home in Glen Cove, New York. He was 87 years old. Before there was a Starbucks on every corner, New Yorkers would stop into one of the city's many Greek-owned diners for their morning caffeine. They would most likely exit clutching Buck's famous "Anthora Cup" filled with steaming coffee. The cup has made appearances in New York City TV shows and movies, from "Law and Order", to Al Pacino's 1989 film "Sea of Love." One of Buck's daughters, Beverly Eisenoff, remembers sitting in the movie theater when she saw the cup stretched across the screen, "That's my dad's cup!" she yelled. Angie Gorman, Director of Communications at Solo Cup Co., told CNN that Solo now owns Sherri Cup Co., where Buck first designed the cup in the early 1960s. The cup can still be custom ordered, but demand for the cup tapered off in the new century and Solo decided to officially discontinue the product from its catalog in 2006. Born Laszlo Büch in present-day Ukraine in 1922, Buck arrived in America a refugee of Nazi Germany after World War II. He lost his parents to the Nazis, but he survived Auschwitz and Buchenwald. His daughter describes him as a self-made man, "He came here with nothing, no parents, no job, no savings. He had nothing." But that didn't stop him. "Because of what he suffered in the concentration camps he was somebody who really believed in respecting humanity, really was about loving your neighbor and respecting your neighbor," his daughter said. It was this respect that led him to spend hours in the library, researching Greek history and design. He wanted to honor the heritage of the Greek diner owners who bought his products and gave him his livelihood. His design features three steaming golden cups of coffee, and the essential phrase 'We are happy to serve you" bordered by two Greek Amphora vases. Buck's children say his Eastern European accent transformed "Amphora" to "Anthora," and that's how it's known today. When Buck retired in 1992, the company printed 10,000 cups for him and his family with a slight change. The cups said, "It was our pleasure to serve you," as a farewell to the man who left his mark on the city that never sleeps. When talking with CNN about the outpouring of attention and affection for her father following his death, Eisenoff described her father as incredibly humble, and impossible to buy presents for. "New York became his home when he left his home," she says. "This is the best present to give my father. What he did his whole life matters to the city that became his home." Leslie Buck is survived by his wife, Ella, Eisenoff and another daughter, Linda Rush, his son Robert, his brother Eugene and four grandchildren. | Leslie Buck, designer of New York's iconic blue- and-white coffee cup, has died .
Cup has appeared in film, TV, including "Law and Order"and "Sea of Love"
He designed cup to honor Greek diner owners who bought his products .
Cup shows phrase 'We are happy to serve you", 2 cups, 2 Greek Amphora vases . |
fc180f1a42159853fb2368e767d2465afae0cc08 | By . Sami Mokbel . Follow @@SamiMokbel81_DM . Tottenham have turned their attentions to tying Jan Vertonghen to a new contract after safeguarding Hugo Lloris' future. The defender still has two years to run on his current deal, but preliminary talks over an extension for the Belgium international have started. Spurs want to avoid the prospect of Vertonghen going into the final year of his deal and have stepped up their attempts to sign him to fresh terms. Priority: Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen to renew Vertonghen's contract at White Hart Lane . International: Vertonghen was part of the Belgium team that reached the World Cup quarter-finals . Fans' favourite: The Belgian defender scored the winner in their World Cup game against South Korea . Spurs will offer Vertonghen a new five-year contract, which will include a pay increase from his current £45,000-per-week deal. Vertonghen has become an integral member of the White Hart Lane side's squad since his arrival from Ajax in 2012. Signing Vertonghen and Lloris to new long-term deals are among chairman Daniel Levy's summer priorities. And with Lloris now signed for another five years, Tottenham are hopeful of persuading Vertonghen to follow suit. Friend or foe: Vertonghen tries to steal the ball from his Belgium team-mate Kevin Mirallas . Rivals: The versatile defender tussles with Olivier Giroud during a north London derby last year . | Vertonghen has two years to run on his current deal at Tottenham .
The versatile defender joined the club from Dutch side Ajax in 2012 .
He played in all of Belgium's games at this summer's World Cup in Brazil .
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen to ward off interest from elsewhere by handing Vertonghen a new deal . |
fc18205b5b6b706e3815f637a8641ab9766fe5d6 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 04:33 EST, 21 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:15 EST, 21 June 2013 . According to a report, chemists and pharmaceutical companies are rigging the price of so-called 'specials' drugs to overcharge the NHS . Drug companies and pharmacies have been accused of striking up underhand deals to overcharge the NHS millions of pounds. Pharmaceutical companies may have inflated the price of more than 20,000 drugs that are not covered by NHS price regulations. Following an undercover investigation by its reporters, the Daily Telegraph claims that the prices of the so-called 'specials' drugs - those prescribed when a patient has needs that cannot be met by normal licensed medicine - have been rigged with chemists offered backhanders to sell them. The newspaper secretly recorded representatives from several drugs manufacturers offering reporters posing as pharmacists deals on 'specials' that would see both their firms and chemists pocket additional NHS cash. The investigation found that some of the firms offered to provide invoices for some of its drugs at double the cost price. Chemists would then pass that invoice onto the NHS which would pay the inflated bill. Other companies are alleged to have offered to supply generic drugs free of charge in return for the right to supply the chain with special drugs. Another firm offered to pay an annual fee to chemists who sold their drugs. The Telegraph said that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has ordered an investigation following its report. Scandal? The report alleges that companies are marking up the price of more than 20,000 drugs . He told the Telegraph the allegations were 'deeply concerning'. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that an investigation will be launched . 'We have always been clear that NHS money should always be spent wisely for the benefit of patients. 'Any specific information received indicating or alleging fraud will be investigated by NHS Protect.' Jim Gee, a former chief executive of the NHS counter-fraud service, said: 'Behaviour of this type diverts funds from where they are intended and undermines the provision of quality patient care. 'The victims are the British people and the Government need to ensure that the NHS is better protected in future.' The drugs companies said they were looking into the claims allegedly made by their representatives, while it was reported that one firm had suspended a member of staff. A spokeswoman for Pharmarama International Limited, based in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, said it would not comment while an internal investigation was being conducted. Quantum Pharmaceutical said it was investigating the allegations and had suspended a member of staff. The spokesman added: 'We have clear and strict internal policies regarding the trading agreements that we operate with our customers, which are entirely legitimate, lawful and ethical. 'We remain fully commitment to providing a quality, value for money service to our customers and will be giving our full co-operation to the Department of Health and other regulators in the event of any subsequent industry-wide response relating to the report’s findings.' Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for drugs firm Temag told the Telegraph: 'It would be totally unrepresentative to make any suggestion that we are involved in any sort of practice to unfairly charge the NHS.' | Companies are allegedly inflating the price of more than 20,000 drugs .
Daily Telegraph alleges that the price of so-called 'specials' has been rigged .
Undercover reporters tried to negotiate deals at a trade event in London .
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt says an investigation has been launched . |
fc187731b75ab26f7edb27f37d2cdf276a4af785 | By . Lucy Waterlow . They have been dressed by some of the world's most famous designers but British models Jacquetta Wheeler, Jasmine Guinness and Jodie Kidd, say when it comes to style, mother knows best. The trio pose with their parents in a new shoot for Jaeger which celebrates their inherited fashion sense. Photographed by Josh Olins, the glamorous mothers and their famous daughters pose in the new Autumn/Winter collection from the British brand as it marks its 130th birthday. Scroll down for video . Stylish duo: Jodie Kidd and her mother Wendy pose in clothes from Jaeger's new Autumn collection . In a video of the shoot which you can view here, the pairs are asked to describe one another in three words - which provides some amusing and touching answers. Jodie's mother, Wendy, herself a former model, sums up her daughter as 'challenging, wonderful and lovable', prompting some offence from racing car driver Jodie on the 'challenging' aspect. Jodie, 35, wears a chic sleeveless knit . and sleek pencil skirt in pure new wool, while Wendy looks effortlessly . cool in a double-face coat, wide leg pants and a merino knit. Role model: Jacquetta Wheeler describes her mother, Tessa Codrington, as 'determined and bossy' Meanwhile, Jacquetta, 32, makes a rare appearance with her mother, . Tessa Codrington, herself a renowned photographer. Tessa wears a long-line coat while Jacquetta is perfectly at ease in soft suede and wool panelled skirt. Jacquetta is famed for her beauty around the world and is in demand with designers from Burberry to Versace. The characteristic her mother thinks her daughter possesses the most is 'common sense'. In return, the model says her mother is 'determined and bossy'. The line-up is completed by Jasmine, 37, who poses with her Irish-born mother Liz Casey, both in . beautiful black tailoring and a selection of the new season's coats, . Made in the UK. Have a laugh together: Jasmine Guinness says her mother Liz Casey is funny and supportive . The pair burst into laughter when Jasmine describes her mother as 'funny, loving and supportive'. Jaeger say the mother and daughter campaign captures the very essence of the brand, that has at its heart the ethos 'we don't sell clothes, we dress women'. Colin Henry, Jaeger CEO said: 'We are proud to unveil the three inspirational mother and daughter pairs featured in our Autumn/Winter campaign. Each duo shares an inherited sense of refined style and a love of timeless, quality pieces; truly personifying the spirit of Jaeger through the decades.' For Autumn 2014, Jaeger have created a refined yet relaxed wardrobe of modern pieces designed for women who are juggling busy lives. The focus is on timeless style so, for example, their classic camel coat is re-worked in a variety of ways - from a . generously cut teddy coat to a throw-over-anything double face jacket . and a wear-forever day coat. | British models team up with their mothers for new photo shoot for Jaeger .
Campaign celebrates timeless style as brand celebrates 130th year .
Jodie Kidd, Jacquetta Wheeler and Jasmine Guinness showcase Autumn collection with help of their mothers .
Mothers and daughters are asked to describe one another in three words . |
fc18c2ba6b3e65480bca236a900ea6e6a97759fc | By . Alun Rees and Nick Craven . PUBLISHED: . 20:30 EST, 27 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:58 EST, 30 October 2012 . Sportsman: Jake Coplestone in action during a rugby match . A rugby player has accused police officers of trying to hack the phone he had used to record them taking a break - locking it for a staggering 42 years. Management trainee Jake Coplestone, 20, used his mobile phone to record footage of five officers outside a bar and coffee shop. But he was then approached by two of the officers who accused him of being drunk and disorderly and put him in handcuffs. The Newbury RFC player was arrested and spent the night in a police cell before being released - without his iPhone. But when the handset was returned five days later it had a screen message stating: 'iPhone is disabled, try again in 22,461,058 minutes' - more than four decades. He claims this was due to the handset being tampered with repeatedly in a crude effort to crack the password. But Mr Coplestone, who played rugby for a south-west England under-16 squad, was able to retrieve the 51-second video and show it to The Mail on Sunday. Police have referred the incident to their professional standards department but say the officers involved refute Mr Coplestone’s claims. But Jake, of Marlborough, Wiltshire, said: 'The only logical explanation for my phone being disabled for 42 years is that someone had been trying to access my files to delete the video footage of officers in the club. 'I was not drunk and disorderly and I believe the only reason for my arrest was my taking footage of the officers standing at the bar. 'I’m discussing what to do, including court action and a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, with my solicitor.' Recalling the incident, Mr Coplestone and one of his friends said he was approached by the officers who had seen him filming. The friends say the officers discussed whether to arrest 6ft 5in Mr Coplestone under Section 60 of the Public Order Act, then decided on ‘drunk and disorderly’ after he protested. At this point, Mr Coplestone says he was seized by one of the officers and led off to a car park behind the Azuza venue just off Marlborough High Street where police patrol vehicles were parked. Mr Coplestone says he was handcuffed and bundled into a vehicle and taken to the custody suite at Swindon. There, he claims he repeatedly asked to be breathalysed to prove that he was not drunk but that was refused. Wiltshire Police policy is to offer breathalyser tests only to drink-driving suspects.Instead, he says, he was put in a cell overnight and released the next day. Mr Coplestone says his mobile phone was returned five days later – after the intervention of his solicitor and on condition he paid an £80 fixed penalty – but it was blocked. With help from a software programme ironically named Jail Break, he was able to unlock the phone and retrieve the film. Azuza: Jake Coplestone filmed officers apparently having a break in the Wiltshire bar and cafe while on duty . Chief Superintendent Paul Mills, Head of Local Policing, said in a statement: ‘No formal complaint has been made and the Force have not seen the alleged footage. 'However, due to the serious allegations being made by Jacob Coplestone, this will now be subject to an investigation by the Force Professional Standards Department who are responsible for the oversight of all conduct matters attaining to police officers and staff.’ Ch Supt Mills said records showed Mr Coplestone chose to pay the fixed penalty rather than have the matter heard in court. Mr Coplestone’s allegations, if upheld, will add to the Wiltshire force’s tarnished reputation. The IPCC is already investigating failures in the case of murdered Becky Godden. Taxi driver Christopher Halliwell couldn’t be tried for the crime, even though he confessed, as detectives had denied him his rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Last year Deputy Chief Constable David Ainsworth, 49, hanged himself after 13 female staff made 26 separate complaints against him of inappropriate sexual advances. | Jake Coplestone was arrested after filming officers on his phone apparently having a coffee break in Wiltshire's Azuza bar .
The 20-year-old claims that following the filming he was approached by officers and accused of being drunk and disorderly .
When his phone was returned it was locked for more than 40 years .
Mr Coplestone says officers disabled it while trying to delete the footage .
Wiltshire Police dispute his account . |
fc18e9af65c3684f1de29b76c08be5bc57e1b902 | The Dalai Lama issued a powerful call for personal responsibility yesterday, telling Britons hard work is the answer to economic difficulties. The exiled Tibetan leader also revealed he was shocked at last summer’s riots because he thought the English were ‘mature, sensible and law-abiding’. In his first visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, he pointed out that the recession was made by man – not God – and urged Britons to make ‘every effort’ to tackle the difficulties. United: Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (centre) with Bishop of London Richard Chartres (right) and St Paul's Cathedral Canon Pastor Reverend Michael Colclough as he leaves St. Paul's . He was speaking before receiving the prestigious Templeton Prize for his engagement with science and ability to cross religious boundaries. Criticising those who complain about problems rather than trying to solve them, he said: ‘Please don’t feel hopeless. ‘Work hard. Don’t just pray. We created the problem – not God.’ Referring to the riots, the Dalai Lama hit out at youngsters who had been brought up to expect an easy life. Views: The Dalai Lama (right) with St Paul's Canon Pastor Reverend Michael Colclough (left) expressed his surprise at last summer's riots and took a closer look at the cathedral's roof . Speech: The Dalai Lama addressed the audience at St Paul's Cathedral and also spoke to the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams (right) during the ceremony today in London . He said: ‘Life isn’t easy. There’s no guarantee. If you take for granted that life will be easy, then something will happen and you’ll feel frustration and anger.’ The Dalai Lama expressed disbelief that such large-scale criminality could happen in this country. The scenes of rampaging youths were something he was more used to seeing in third world countries, he said. ‘I always had the view Englishmen were mature people, sensible people, and law-abiding people,’ he added. ‘If such things happen in developing countries, that’s understandable. But in England that happened – I really thought “oh”. ‘I immediately sent a letter to the Prime Minister expressing my sadness and condolences. And I expressed that when the time comes they should make a more serious investigation into what caused this.’ Honour: The smiling Dalai Lama is awarded the £1.1million Templeton Prize for making an exceptional contribution to spiritual life during his first visit to St Paul's Cathedral . Ceremony: The exiled 76-year-old Dalai Lama (right) yawns a little as he listens to music before receiving the Templeton Prize at St Paul's Cathedral . Support: The Dalai Lama greeting his audience during the ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral . The Dalai Lama, 76, hit out at today’s consumer culture, saying children were ‘brainwashed’ into wanting more than they needed. ‘We put too much emphasis on money,’ he added. The £1.1million Templeton Prize is the biggest annual award to an individual. The Dalai Lama is donating £900,000 of the money towards Save the Children’s work with malnourished children in India. The rest will go towards good causes close to his heart, including science education for student monks in India. The prize was awarded during a ceremony at the cathedral attended by more than 1,000. The Buddhist leader also had a private meeting with David Cameron and Nick Clegg yesterday. The Dalai Lama will return to the UK between June 15 and 23 for a series of live question and answer sessions. Targeting Britain's youth, he will appear at several venues in Scotland, London and Manchester for the 'Stand Up And Be The Change' events. Disorder: Rioters throwing missiles at police lines in August last year in London during the shocking disturbances that spread across England . | The exiled Tibetan leader spoke out before receiving the Templeton Prize for his contributions towards peace and science .
He also warned against feeling 'helpless' and 'hopeless' in the face of the country's economic problems .
Returns to Britain in June for 'Stand Up And Be The Change' events . |
fc19574deb56a8fa62fb50909bd2b8c0abb184f9 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon said Monday that Chinese ships harassed a U.S. surveillance ship Sunday in the South China Sea in the latest of several instances of "increasingly aggressive conduct" in the past week. The Navy says this photo shows two Chinese trawlers forcing the Impeccable to make an emergency "all stop." During the incident, five Chinese vessels "shadowed and aggressively maneuvered in dangerously close proximity to USNS Impeccable, in an apparent coordinated effort to harass the U.S. ocean surveillance ship while it was conducting routine operations in international waters," the Pentagon said in a written statement. The crew members aboard the vessels, two of which were within 50 feet, waved Chinese flags and told the U.S. ship to leave the area, the statement said. "Because the vessels' intentions were not known, Impeccable sprayed its fire hoses at one of the vessels in order to protect itself," the statement said. "The Chinese crewmembers disrobed to their underwear and continued closing to within 25 feet." After the Impeccable alerted the Chinese ships "in a friendly manner" that it was seeking a safe path to depart the area, two of the Chinese ships stopped "directly ahead of USNS Impeccable, forcing Impeccable to conduct an emergency 'all stop' in order to avoid collision," the statement said. "They dropped pieces of wood in the water directly in front of Impeccable's path." A Pentagon spokesman called the incident "one of the most aggressive actions we've seen in some time. We will certainly let Chinese officials know of our displeasure at this reckless and dangerous maneuver." He said the Chinese crew members used poles to try to snag the Impeccable's acoustic equipment in the water. Watch CNN's Chris Lawrence report on the incident » . The U.S. Embassy in Beijing lodged a protest over the weekend with the Chinese government, a State Department spokesman said Monday. The Impeccable's crew is composed primarily of civilians and the ship itself is not armed, the spokesman said. No one at the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing answered CNN's telephone calls seeking comment, and there were no stories about the incident in Chinese media. The 281.5-foot Impeccable is one of six surveillance ships that perform military survey operations, according to the Navy. It is an oceanographic ship that gathers underwater acoustic data, using sonar. It has a maximum speed of 13 knots -- or about 15 mph -- but it travels 3 knots, or 3.5 mph, when towing its array of monitoring equipment. It carries a crew of 20 mariners, five technicians and as many as 20 Navy personnel. The Chinese ships involved were a Navy intelligence collection ship, a Bureau of Maritime Fisheries Patrol Vessel, a State Oceanographic Administration patrol vessel and two small Chinese-flagged trawlers, the statement said. The Pentagon cited three previous instances of what it described as harassment, the first of which occurred Wednesday, when a Chinese Bureau of Fisheries Patrol vessel used a spotlight to illuminate the the ocean surveillance ship USNS Victorious. In that incident, which occurred about 125 miles from China's coast in the Yellow Sea, the Chinese ship "crossed Victorious' bow at a range of about 1,400 yards" in darkness without notice or warning. The following day, a Chinese Y-12 maritime surveillance aircraft conducted 12 fly-bys of Victorious at an altitude of about 400 feet and a range of 500 yards. The next day, a Chinese frigate approached Impeccable "and proceeded to cross its bow at a range of approximately 100 yards," which was followed less than two hours later by a Chinese Y-12 aircraft conducting 11 fly-bys of Impeccable at an altitude of 600 feet and a range of 100 to 300 feet, the statement said. "The frigate then crossed Impeccable's bow yet again, this time at a range of approximately 400-500 yards without rendering courtesy or notice of her intentions." And on Saturday, a Chinese intelligence collection ship challenged Impeccable over bridge-to-bridge radio, "calling her operations illegal and directing Impeccable to leave the area or 'suffer the consequences,' " the statement said. In 2007, the Pentagon filed a formal protest with Beijing over its refusal to allow a U.S. aircraft carrier to make a Thanksgiving port call in Hong Kong so its crew could spend the American holiday with relatives and over its refusal to grant refuge to two U.S. minesweeping ships that were caught in a storm. And in 2001, an EP-3 surveillance plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet and made an emergency landing on China's Hainan Island, where the Chinese held the plane's 24 American crew members for 11 days before releasing them. CNN's Yuli Yang contributed to this report from Beijing, China. | State Department says U.S. Embassy in Beijing has lodged protest .
U.S. surveillance ship was in international waters, Pentagon says .
Pentagon says vessels came "dangerously close," so U.S. ship sprayed fire hoses .
Statement: Chinese crew stripped to underwear, tried to snag acoustic equipment . |
fc19cf092fe9dc2c1ea837396014028ea904077d | A TV presenter in Serbia almost lost her job as a sports reporter because she was so attractive she was distracting the footballers she was reporting on. The organisers of the television show dedicated to the Serbian capital Belgrade's team Red Star had been looking for a presenter for the show and decided to employ 25-year-old Katarina Sreckovic. But they were less than impressed when her attempts to ask intelligent questions about the game fell on deaf ears with the footballers, who were apparently unable to concentrate on answering properly. Katarina Sreckovic pictured on the sideline at Red Star's home ground Stadion Crvena Zvezda . Sports reporter Katarina Sreckovic pictured in action for the Serbian club's TV show . Katarina Sreckovic admitted her attractiveness had been an issue but players have now grown used to her. Pictured right is a photo she uploaded to social media with a caption that loosely translates to: 'Come on Star!' She said: 'I admit it was a problem at the start but I think they've got used to me now. It was tough though because for a while it seemed as if they might not be able to work with me at all. 'I was also asked to go away a couple of times because I was a distraction on the pitch, and players complained that they couldn't concentrate.' But she said she had fought her corner, and insisted that the players would eventually get used to her, and they did. She said: 'I am really happy, because I am also a huge fan of Red Star and this is my dream job.' In the past she used to date a junior player, but nowadays she has an non-footballer boyfriend who nevertheless is also a huge fan of the same club. As well as being a passionate fan of football she is a graduate in Chinese and literature. Red Star used to be European Champions at the beginning of the 1990s. The club is now in a severe financial crisis, but is still one of the two most important clubs in the country and has the biggest fan base of supporters. Katarina Sreckovic has an non-footballer boyfriend who is also a huge fan of Belgrade Red Star. Here she is pictured in an official club t-shirt . Katarina Sreckovic kicks a football during a segment on the Red Star Belgrade TV show . The TV sports reporter pulls funny faces for the camera in a series of selfies uploaded to social media . Although her attractiveness was an issue at first, she insisted she wanted to continue working in the role and says her current position is her 'dream job' | Serbian TV reporter almost lost her job because she was so attractive .
Katarina Sreckovic, 25, works as a presenter for Red Star Belgrade TV show .
Bosses unimpressed when the team's players became distracted by her .
Initially it was a problem but players have now grown used to her presence .
Sreckovic is passionate Red Star fan and graduate in Chinese and literature . |
fc1a5201bc720e450f0f71af7adc678975afd78a | Senegal led a list of six countries into the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Saturday as they eliminated record winners Egypt with a 1-0 win in Cairo to qualify for January’s tournament. Senegal ensured they would finish in the top two in Group G on a busy day of qualifiers which also saw Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, South Africa and 2012 winners Zambia book their tickets with six more berths to be decided on the last day of qualifiers on Wednesday. A 2-0 win in Congo for defending champions Nigeria helped them revive their chances but Ghana lost in a surprise setback in Uganda and must win in midweek to be sure they qualify. Senegal's players celebrate after qualifying for the 2015 African Cup of Nations . The Lions of Teranga acknowledge the crowd after beating Egypt in Cairo . Mame Biram Diouf returned to Senegal’s line-up after injury last month to score the eighth-minute goal that sealed qualification and knocked out seven-times champions Egypt. South Africa were the first side on Saturday to add themselves to the list of finalists which already had Algeria and the Cape Verde Islands through last month. Tunisia advanced on Friday and Equatorial Guinea were included in the field as new hosts after Morocco’s pull out because of Ebola fears. Goals from Thulani Serero and Tokelo Rantie ensured a 2-1 win in Durban for South Africa over Sudan and top place in Group A. Nigeria will finish second if they beat South Africa when they host them on Wednesday after goals from Ikechukwu Uche and Aaron Samuel secured Saturday’s victory in Pointe Noire over the Congolese. Vincent Aboubakar scored the only goal of the game for Cameroon 20 minutes from time at home against the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure top place in their group. Cameroon will also compete at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after sealing qualification against DR Congo . Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf's scored the goal that saw Egypt eliminated from the competition . Only one goal was needed to settle the top two places in Group C as Gabon’s goalless draw in Angola confirmed their qualification, along with that of Burkina Faso who had won 1-0 earlier in Lesotho with Jonathan Pitroipa scoring after three minutes. Zambia made sure of their progress with a 1-0 away win over Mozambique in Maputo as Given Singuluma scored midway through the second half. Ghana remained top of Group E despite losing 1-0 in Uganda while a hat-trick from Seydouba Soumah saw Guinea win 4-1 in Togo for whom captain Emmanuel Adebayor got a consolation goal from the penalty spot. Qualification places from the group will be decided in the last round of matches. The top two in each group qualify plus the best placed third team. The finals are in Equatorial Guinea from January 17-February 8. | Senegal eliminated record winners Egypt with 1-0 win in Cairo .
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, South Africa and Zambia also qualified .
The Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Equatorial Guinea . |
fc1a91708637a3707958f389996290764c34f00b | That nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage is encouraging progress for those of us who believe that everyone deserves to have basic civil rights. But, even if every state in the country could pass a similar legislation, it would not be enough. What we need is for our federal government to step up and make this basic right a law of the land. Beyond the social discrimination, the refusal of our federal government to legally recognize same-sex marriages imposes steep financial penalties on same-sex couples. That two of the most costly penalties are triggered upon the death of one partner just adds to the ache of the senseless discrimination. I have been with my partner, Kathy Travis, for 12 years. If I am lucky I will spend the rest of my life living and sharing my joys and happiness with her. We have worked very hard as a team to save for our future together and consider everything we have as equally owned by the other. If the federal government recognized same-sex marriage, then when one of us dies our assets would seamlessly transfer free of tax to the survivor. That's a basic right that every heterosexual married couple has. But because there is no federal recognition of same-sex marriage, if I die first, or vice versa, before either of us can inherit what is now jointly our assets, there would be a federal estate tax bill that one of us would currently have to pay. Again, to be clear: If we were a heterosexual married couple, there would be no estate tax regardless of the size of the estate or who died first. This spring, the Supreme Court will weigh in on the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Court needs to do the right thing and end discrimination against gay couples. We all have 83-year-old Edith Windsor to thank for in pushing the issue of same-sex marriage equality on to the national front. Edie and her partner Thea were together for 40 years. How many marriages do you know that have lasted that long? But when Thea died in 2009, Edie was hit with a $363,000 federal estate tax bill because as a same-sex couple they were not eligible for the unlimited marital deduction. Are we really a nation that says it is fair and just to demand Edie pay a $363,000 penalty because she is gay? There's another penalty that's even worse. Regardless of the size of their estates, every gay couple is discriminated against when it comes to Social Security benefits. Married heterosexual couples can maximize their Social Security retirement benefits by taking advantage of the highest-earner's benefit. When both spouses are alive, the lower earner can opt to collect a monthly benefit check that is equal to 50% of his or her spouse's benefit. For many married couples, that 50% spousal benefit is often much higher than what the lower-wage-earning spouse could collect based on his or her own earnings record. Most important, when the high earner dies, the surviving spouse is allowed to collect 100% of the deceased's higher benefit. Because same-sex marriages aren't recognized on the federal level, gay and lesbian couples are not eligible for Social Security spousal benefits. The lower earner cannot claim any benefits based on the higher earner's benefit. A heterosexual couple married for just a few months is able to collect a federal benefit that same-sex couples who have been together for decades can't. Are we really a nation that says that is fair? Beyond those two glaring death penalties, health insurance is another area of severe federal financial discrimination against gay couples. I am so glad to see more employers extending health insurance benefits to same-sex partners. But because same-sex couples are not considered legally married under the eyes of the federal government, the dollar value of the health coverage is considered taxable income. A 2007 study estimated that this gay health insurance penalty costs same-sex couples an aggregate $178 million ($1,069 per household), while employers paid an additional $57 million in payroll tax on that taxable income. No heterosexual married couple or their employers pay that penalty. Again, are we really a nation that says that is fair? The social and civil discrimination that persists as long as our federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage is inexcusable. Add in the financial discrimination gay and lesbian couples face and the current policy becomes all the more indefensible. | Suze Orman: It is progress that a handful of states have legalized same-sex marriage .
Orman: The federal government should make this basic civil right a law of the land .
She says gay couples are penalized when it comes to taxes and Social Security benefits .
Orman: When will our government end financial, social and civil discrimination? |
fc1ba792ed1b6fffcfa5e4b0f90b9e45208e4895 | (CNN Student News) -- August 15, 2014 . You know that current events are at the core of our coverage on CNN Student News, and today's show has them. But we're also including stories that involve mathematics and engineering, as we report on the Fields Medal and the 100th anniversary of a canal that bridged two oceans. We'll also show you how one Minnesota couple literally took the plunge to exchange vows. On this page you will find today's show Transcript and a place for you to request to be on the CNN Student News Roll Call. TRANSCRIPT . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. WEEKLY NEWSQUIZ . Check this space for a printable version of the Weekly Newsquiz (PDF). The following questions relate to events that were covered this week on CNN Student News. 1. In which Middle Eastern country is Mount Sinjar located? 2. What manmade waterway, joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was opened 100 years ago? 3. What award was recently presented to Maryam Mirzakhani for her research in mathematics? 4. In what U.S. state has the town of Ferguson seen unrest since a shooting on August 9? 5. Tim Howard has been nicknamed "secretary of defense" for his performance at what international soccer tournament? 6. The spread of what deadly virus has prompted the World Health Organization to ethically approve the use of experimental drug treatment? 7. What American actor voiced the character of Ramon in Happy Feet? 8. The NASA telescope "NuStar" has been searching for evidence of what mysterious, celestial phenomenon? 9. What organization oversees and makes the rules for most college sports in the U.S.? 10. What neighboring country recently attempted to send a convoy of 280 trucks to Ukraine? CNN Student News is created by a team of journalists who consider the Common Core State Standards, national standards in different subject areas, and state standards when producing the show. ROLL CALL . For a chance to be mentioned on the next CNN Student News, comment on the bottom of this page with your school name, mascot, city and state. We will be selecting schools from the comments of the previous show. You must be a teacher or a student age 13 or older to request a mention on the CNN Student News Roll Call! Thank you for using CNN Student News! | This page includes the show Transcript .
Use the Transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary .
At the bottom of the page, comment for a chance to be mentioned on CNN Student News .
The Weekly Newsquiz tests students' knowledge of events in the news . |
fc1bafef7e8aab0cba545d8535ed255df4533479 | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 10:10 EST, 24 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:23 EST, 24 December 2013 . A man has died after he jumped into a fast-flowing river in a bid to rescue his dog. The 46-year-old was rushed to hospital this morning with serious injuries after jumping into the water in Newton Abbot, Devon. The dog escaped without injury after being rescued from the water by members of the public. The man is the sixth victim of the extreme weather which has swept Britain over the past two days, after two others drowned and three people died in crashes. Accident: A man has died after trying to rescue his dog from a river in Newton Abbot, Devon while his family were shopping in a nearby branch of Asda . The man had apparently been visiting Asda with his family and their three pet dogs when one of the animals went in to the River Lemon near the store. Witnesses called 999 after seeing him in difficulty in the river. He was found by police some distance downstream of the site where he entered the water, and flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The man was fighting for life for several hours, but lost his battle this afternoon. No other family members were hurt in the incident, while all three dogs were unharmed. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'The man has been pronounced dead at hospital. His next-of-kin are aware.' Tragedy: The south-west of England has been one of the worst-affected parts of Britain during this week's storms and flooding . South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said the man had suffered 'serious' injuries in the incident. The south-west of England has been particularly badly affected by the storms and flooding which started yesterday and continued into this morning. Many rivers are believed to have swollen by the heavy rainfall, leading police to urge members of the public to stay away from fast-flowing bodies of water. In the wake of the storms, a man died in Cumbria yesterday when he fell into the River Rothay at Ambleside while a woman was pulled out of the water dead at Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Wales. In addition, three people died in separate crashes linked to the dangerous conditions on the roads. | Man was shopping with his family at Asda in Newton Abbot, Devon .
Jumped into river to retrieve his dog but quickly started struggling .
46-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died hours later .
The dog was rescued by members of the public and is unharmed . |
fc1be6fb52b2705bb25c32f11da866cc9edc751a | By . David Kent . Patrick Reed will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Quicken Loans National at Congressional on Sunday after carding a third-round 71. Despite struggling with his short game the American, who was one of four leaders at the halfway stage, birdied the fourth and fifth but undid his hard work by recording bogeys on the seventh and eighth. He dropped a shot on the 14th but reclaimed it with a birdie on the 16th to finish on six under. Swing: Patrick Reed sits in the lead going into the final round of the Quicken Loans National . Swing: Reed carded a third-round 71 at the Quicken Loans National at Congressional . Top: Reed was one of four leaders at halfway and remains at the helm of the board on Sunday . Ups and downs: The American birdied the fourth and fifth but had bogeys on the seventh and eighth . Reed has missed the cut in five of his last seven tournaments and is looking for his third PGA victory of the season after triumphs at the WGC-Cadillac Championship and the Humana Challenge. He faces stiff competition from Noh Seung-yul, who got home in 66 shots - the lowest-scoring round of the day. The South Korean was joined on four under by Freddie Jacobson of Sweden and Australia's Marc Leishman, who posted 71 and 73 third-round scores respectively. American trio Richard Lee, Shawn Stefani and Ben Martin are a further shot behind, and are joined by England's Justin Rose, who is the highest placed Briton. Defending champion Bill Haas is tied for 11th after a par round of 71. He is joined by fellow Americans Ricky Barnes, Brendan Steel and Brendon Todd on two under. Australia's Oliver Goss, who along with Reed, Barnes and Leishman led at the halfway stage, had a day to forget in carding a five-over 76, a round which included five bogeys and one double bogey. Defending: Last year's champion Bill Haas is tied for 11th after a par round of 71 . | Patrick Reed sits two shots clear ahead of the final round of the Quicken Loans National at Congressional on Sunday .
Reed carded a third-round score of 71 . |
fc1c740085a111235a6ce6962b5fb774842efe61 | By . Eleanor Harding . PUBLISHED: . 19:53 EST, 5 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:27 EST, 6 January 2014 . Veteran actor George Cole has become ‘deeply depressed’ over a dispute with a neighbour at his idyllic rural retreat, his wife claimed yesterday. The 88-year-old, who starred as loveable rogue Arthur Daley in Minder, is said to be sick with worry at a saw mill being built next to his home of 70 years. He is already fighting illness and his wife Penny, 75, fears the row has made him worse. Battle: George Cole and his wife Penny have started legal action against local businessman James Morris . The couple and other villagers in Stoke Row, Oxfordshire, have launched legal action to try to stop local businessman James Morris, 44. He has started to build a metal barn 20ft high and 90ft long for his saw mill business which the district council has ruled does not need planning permission. Mrs Cole blamed the dispute for an agonising skin condition and heart palpitations which she is suffering. She added that her doctor has prescribed valium to combat the stress. Proposal: Mr Morris has started to build a metal barn 20ft high for his saw mill business. Above, his and Mr Cole's homes in Stoke Row, Oxfordshire . ‘This is the last thing we need. It has made us both unwell,’ she said. ‘George has fallen and knocked himself and he is on hefty medication for other health problems. This is shaking what he values. ‘He has always been very quiet and needs peace and quiet. Otherwise he wouldn’t have lived here for 70 years. ‘This is our safe place and suddenly it isn’t any more. We can’t get away from it. Our master bedroom and sitting area face towards it. ‘At our age, we do not socialise except with our children and grandchildren. We never go away – we are always here.’ Protesters said beautiful trees will be hacked down, the mill will be an eyesore and noisy machinery will ruin the rural peace. Mr Morris runs a saw mill business two miles away in Nettlebed and lives yards from the Coles. He said he needs the machinery in the barn at his home to chop up trees. But Mrs Cole said: ‘The building looks like an escapee from an industrial estate. The problem is the planning department didn’t realise it would be quite so obtrusive and out of place. ‘It doesn’t nestle in the side of the hill and he has built on the plateau it stands on, so it is visible from every angle from the open lane.’ The couple have taken on law firm Withers to challenge South Oxfordshire council’s decision that the building does not need planning permission. The firm said the ruling was ‘deeply flawed and unlawful’. Concern: Mr Cole, who starred as loveable rogue Arthur Daley in Minder (above), is said to be sick with worry . Not well: The veteran actor, pictured with Penny, 75, is already fighting illness and taking a range of medication . A spokesman added: ‘The council made . a gross error in failing to protect our clients’ residential amenity . in allowing the saw mill to begin with. ‘In so doing, it failed to have any regard to the noise implications of the proposal.’ The Coles and other neighbours are backed by planning consultant Nick Groves, who has lodged an objection with the authority. But . a council spokesman said: ‘A forestry building has been allowed on the . site on the basis that it falls within permitted development rights. ‘The council was satisfied that the proposed siting, design and external appearance of the building was acceptable.’ Mrs Cole added: ‘We are having a bit of a struggle but we are putting our faith in the council and they said they would investigate.’ Her husband of 49 years has appeared in countless films and TV series in a career spanning more than six decades. One of the best known was Minder, in which he starred with Dennis Waterman from 1979 to 1994. Mr Cole also acted alongside Sir Laurence Olivier in the film The Demi Paradise in 1943. Mr Morris was not available for comment. | Veteran actor George Cole is battling neighbour's plans to build saw mill .
Has become 'deeply depressed' over dispute, his wife Penny, 75, claims .
The 88-year-old is already fighting illness and is on range of medication .
Neighbour James Morris has started to build 20ft high and 90ft long mill . |
fc1ca439babbd097a0bbccca8da554a6d2cac2b8 | Washington (CNN) -- While the presidential election has topped the news much of the year, it has been pushed aside by Sandy as the storm crashed into the East Coast. Both President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, their running mates, and backers have pretty much curtailed campaigning, some fundraising and advertising as they wait to see the severity of damage from the storm. Sandy overshadows candidates on Facebook . Here are five things to watch for in the storm and its aftermath: . 1. Playing the commander-in-chief card . President Barack Obama canceled his appearance at a campaign event in Florida on Monday to return to Washington to monitor the federal government's preparation and emergency response for the hurricane. Soon after his arrival back at the White House, the president spoke to reporters in the briefing room. Asked how the storm would impact next week's election, Obama said, "I am not worried, at this point about the impact on the election. I'm worried about the impact on families and I'm worried about the impact on our first responders. I'm worried about the impact on our economy and on transportation. The election will take care of itself next week." Looking presidential: The optics of leadership during a disaster . Before leaving for the abbreviated campaign visit to Florida a day earlier, Obama stopped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for an update on preparations for the coming storm and told reporters that, "it's so important for us to respond big and respond fast as local information starts coming in." Call it the power of incumbency. "The beauty of being a president and a candidate is that when a monster storm stalks up the East Coast, you can run over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and be seen as a president on the job, which also works if you are re-applying," said CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley, host of CNN's "State of the Union." Crowley: Sandy introduces big unknown into campaign . But there can also be a downside for the president: If the federal government's response to storm damage is deemed slow and inefficient (remember Hurricane Katrina?), Obama may pay a political price just days before the election. Zelizer: How Sandy will test Obama, Romney . President George W. Bush's approval rating never recovered from Katrina, and that was a contributing factor in his party's defeat at the polls 15 months later in the 2006 mid-term elections. 2. Romney low profile, but for how long? About three hours after the president canceled his appearance at a campaign rally in Florida and hopped on Air Force One to Washington, the Romney campaign announced that the Republican nominee would cancel his event Monday night in Wisconsin. The campaign also announced that Romney's running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, would cancel events Monday in Melbourne and Lakeland, Florida, and both candidates' events for Tuesday were also being scrapped. "Out of sensitivity for the millions of Americans in the path of Hurricane Sandy, we are canceling tonight's events with Governor Romney in Wisconsin and Congressman Ryan in Melbourne and Lakeland, Florida," Romney Communications Director Gail Gitcho said in a statement to reporters just before noon ET on Monday. And on the campaign trail Sunday and Monday before he suspended campaigning, Romney continuously mentioned those in harm's way of Sandy. "On the eastern coast of our nation, a lot of people are enduring some very difficult times, and our hearts and our prayers go to them as we think about how tough it's going to be there," Romney said at a rally in Avon Lake, Ohio. "So I'd like to ask you who are here today to think about making a contribution to the Red Cross or to another relief agency, to be of help if you possibly can in any way you can imagine to help those who're in harm's way." The optics are easy to understand. Campaigning does not look good while millions of East Coast residents are getting pounded by what may end up being a very devastating storm. "Just the forecast of a potential disaster can make politics look small," Crowley added. Both campaigns stopped sending fundraising emails to supporters in the states affected by the storm, and the Romney campaign announced that in North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia, it was collecting supplies at its campaign offices to help local storm relief efforts. In Virginia, the campaign was loading storm-relief supplies onto the Romney bus to be delivered. Romney campaign aids Sandy relief effort . While he can't compete with a sitting president leading the federal government's storm response, Romney did reschedule a campaign rally in Dayton, Ohio Tuesday and is transforming it into a disaster relief event. 3. Knocking the final campaign ad assault off the air . It's as simple as this: If the storm knocks out your power, you can't watch TV. Both campaigns are planning to spend tens of millions of dollars on a final assault of campaign commercials. But Sandy could knock those plans off the air in such battleground states as Virginia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and the lean Obama-state of Pennsylvania, which are all in the storm's path. And while it won't get a direct hit, battleground Ohio will also feel the wrath of Sandy. Do the math: The CNN Electoral Map . "In areas without power and thus without either TV advertising or TV news, the race is likely to be frozen in place," said Elizabeth Wilner, vice president at Kantar Media/Campaign Media Analysis Group, which tracks political ad spending on broadcast and national cable TV. But she said it was rare for an entire media market to be without power, so advertising would continue in those markets with both campaigns hoping for a restoration of service as soon as possible. Wilner adds that the campaigns may be forced to go heavier on the ground, or do more radio or print ads, in order to reach areas that remain without power well into the week. By the numbers: Swing states . 4. Will the storm stifle early voting? The answer is yes, but not in states that are in play. Maryland and the District of Columbia suspended early voting Monday because of Sandy. But the president is expected to easily carry both. The storm did impact some early voting in some of the eastern portions of the swing state of North Carolina, and could put a damper on some early voting in northern and eastern Ohio. And in the battleground state of Virginia, which allows limited absentee voting in advance of Election Day, some counties Monday canceled such in-person absentee voting. If the storm does put a dent in early voting, the Obama campaign would feel the bigger impact, as it seems to rely more on pre-election day voting than the Romney campaign. By the numbers: Early voting . "Obviously we want unfettered access to the polls because we believe that the more people come out, the better we're going to do, and so to the extent that it makes it harder, you know, that's a source of concern," Obama campaign senior adviser David Axelrod said on "State of the Union." 5. Pulling the plug on polling . With just a week to go until Election Day, expect a flood of final polling. Or maybe not. The storm is washing out some polling organizations' plans. Both Gallup and Investors Business Daily/TIPP announced Monday that they were temporarily suspending their daily national tracking polls. And in some of the states directly impacted by the storm, polling may become much more difficult, as Sandy knocks out phone lines and some cell service. Colorado poll: Romney 48% -- Obama 47% . CNN Poll: Romney 50% -- Obama 49% in Florida . Poll: Locked up race in North Carolina . Poll: Obama up three points in Minnesota . Poll: Obama advantage in Virginia . Where the race stands: CNN Poll of Polls . | Campaign events were largely suspended Monday as Sandy approached the East Coast .
Obama: "I'm worried about the impact on families and I'm worried about the impact on our first responders"
Romney: " A lot of people are enduring some very difficult times, and our hearts and our prayers go to them"
The storm could also affect TV ads, early voting, and polling in some of the battleground states . |
fc1d4e667ef87fe1dde8925556b57bd609eb3906 | By . Sharon Churcher . The US Government’s bid to put Abu Hamza behind bars for his alleged links to Al Qaeda has been thrown into doubt after the British terrorist who is the star prosecution witness refused to fly to America to give evidence against the preacher. Hate cleric Hamza is due to stand trial later this month in a federal court in New York, accused of sending extremists to Afghanistan to fight for Al Qaeda, as well as trying to set up a terrorist training camp in the US state of Oregon. One of the key prosecution witnesses is the convicted British terrorist Saajid Badat, 35, a former lieutenant of Hamza who was sent by him to fight in Afghanistan for Al Qaeda. I won't go: Convicted British terrorist Saajid Badat, left, 35, is one of the key prosecution witnesses in the U.S. trial of cleric Abu Hamza, right, who is accused of sending extremists to fight for Al Qaeda in Afghanistan . Badat, a former grammar school boy from Gloucester, pulled out of a plot to blow up a transatlantic airliner with a shoe bomb in 2001. Although he was jailed for the attempted attack, Badat was released early in return for agreeing to give evidence in trials in Britain and the US. Badat had agreed to give evidence at Hamza’s trial from a secret location in the UK by CCTV. But on Friday, the judge who will preside over Hamza’s trial, Katherine Forrest, asked Badat to fly to the US to give evidence. He refused because he fears he will be arrested over the shoe bomb plot once he arrives in America. If found guilty, 56-year-old Hamza – who uses a metal hook in place of his amputated hands – will spend the rest of his life in a maximum-security US jail. | Terrorist Saajid Badat is a key witness in the prosecution of Abu Hamza .
He had agreed to testify via video link from a secret location in the UK .
But a judge on Friday asked him to fly to the U.S. to appear in court . |
fc1d8a367b825bb9453d4103a81d154acd262d2c | Liverpool are keen to add Barcelona and Spain forward Pedro to their ranks this summer, as Brendan Rodgers continues to plan for the dual challenge of Premier League and Champions League football next season according to the Daily Mirror. The Reds have already been heavily linked with Southampton's Adam Lallana, although no deal is likely for the England international until after the World Cup. But with Rodgers determined to add as many as five players to his squad he has already turned his attention to strengthening other positions. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Pedro Rodriquez scores with stunning bicycle kick in Spain training . In demand: Barcelona and Spain attacker Pedro has emerged as a target for Liverpool . Overhaul: The 26-year-old could be moved on from Camp Nou by new manager Luis Enrique . Pedro, 26, will help Spain defend their position as world champions in Brazil this summer, but faces an uncertain future at club level following the appointment of Luis Enrique as Barcelona manager. Enrique revealed at his official unveiling as Barca boss he will make wholesale changes at the club this summer after a disastrous campaign which ended trophyless. He said: 'The players must know that you cannot let a year pass at Barca. If they are not at the level required then there will be changes. 'We will reinforce the team in the best way possible, to be as competitive as possible. There is a market there - teams ask a lot of money for players. You must manage it all. We will reinforce, maybe in all lines of the team, to have the best players for the club and for me. 'I do not want to talk too much about individuals. Good and important players will stay. We will look at everyone and then see what we do. We do not have to make decisions now. We have time.' Versatile: Pedro offers options as he can play comfortably in any position across the attack . Targets: Rodgers is already hard at work assessing potential Liverpool players for next season . Pedro, who has spent his whole career at Barcelona winning four league titles and two Champions Leagues, would fit perfectly into Liverpool's style of play. Versatile enough to play across all three attacking positions he also fits the bill of the calibre of player that Rodgers has designs on. Following the 4-0 friendly victory over Shamrock Rovers on May 14, the Reds boss said: 'Our criteria that we look for is players with strong technique and football intelligence. 'You'll get some players who are specialists and who need to play in particular positions, but if we can get players in who are multi-functional, and can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work, it sets us up and gives me more options as a coach.' Liverpool will be keen to tie up a deal for the player before the World Cup in order to avoid his value soaring should he perform well. Pedro has scored 14 goals in 37 games for La Roja, and was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championship in 2012. Pedigree: Pedro won Euro 2012 with Spain, the 2010 World Cup and will travel to Brazil this summer . Step up: Southampton captain Adam Lallana is another player Liverpool want to sign this summer . | Liverpool want to strengthen attacking options .
Spain international is viewed as ideal candidate to add versatility .
New Barcelona manager could be prepared to clear the decks this summer .
Pedro Rodriguez faces an uncertain future at club .
Brendan Rodgers wants players with strong technique and intelligence .
Premier League runners-up have also been heavily linked with Adam Lallana . |
fc1e032dffdcc665e93b5e3dc54eb20e1d91a44c | (CNN) -- "I don't think the euro should exist," said Saxo Bank co-CEO Lars Seier Christensen to CNN's Richard Quest, in terms that could hardly be less fractious to supporters of the 17-nation single currency bloc. "It's quite clear that what lacks here is fiscal union but it's also very clear that the populations of Europe are not supportive of that goal." The eurozone will also pull itself apart as competitiveness will continue "to develop in different directions," said the head of the online Danish investment bank. He added that the people of the eurozone -- in particular, Germany as the monetary zone's prime pillar -- will not make sacrifices for "the weaker part of the eurozone" -- Greece and other southern European countries. Christensen's controversial comments stand in stark contrast to what eurozone supporters have said -- advocating for austerity to keep the union together. Germany, Europe's largest economy, fears that a Greek exit from the eurozone could lead to a domino effect in which other massively-indebted countries -- Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy -- may pull out from the common currency, leading to the breakup of the eurozone. In December 2012, German Chancellor Angela Merkel won more support for bailout funds for Greece. In July, Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank promised to do "whatever it takes to preserve the euro" which set off rallies for Greek, Spanish and Italian bonds. Still, Saxo Bank's Christensen believes the euro will disappear at some point in the future -- and despite hitting 13-month highs -- because he believes overall support does not exist. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing that support is not there," said Christensen, "because the ability to adjust your currency is an important equilibrium between different economies and different developments. When that's gone you're left with a completely different set of problems." The bank CEO declined to give a timeline but said it "depends how long the Germans hold out... how long the German population is willing to buy into supporting" fiscal union. "I can tell you the problem is going to get greater rather than smaller... I fear that the markets will take the thing apart eventually." | Saxo co-CEO: 'Euro should never have existed'
Germany fears Greek exit from eurozone would spark monetary union breakup .
Euro has risen 10% against U.S. dollar since July 2012 .
Saxo's Christensen: 'Euro demise depends on Germany' |
fc1ec00b41cf60bd3698253b4359db0eeb9a9a97 | By . Graham Smith . PUBLISHED: . 05:11 EST, 13 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:07 EST, 13 July 2012 . A petrol tanker crashed, caught fire and exploded in Nigeria yesterday, killing more than 100 people who had rushed to the scene to scoop up fuel that had spilled. At least 50 others were injured in the incident in the southern Niger Delta region. Witnesses said some charred corpses were still lying in the area hours after the explosion, including bodies the size of children. Scroll down for video . Aftermath: A petrol tanker crashed, caught fire and exploded in the southern Niger Delta region of Nigeria yesterday, killing more than 100 people who had rushed to the scene to scoop up fuel that had spilled . Shock: Rescue workers begin the grim task of clearing away dozens of bodies . Most of the bodies are so badly burned that identification may prove impossible without dental records . Alagoa Morris, coordinator at advocacy group Oil Watch Nigeria, said: 'What did these small ones know about coming to scoop fuel?' He said some women wailed at the scene of the explosion, desperately looking for their relatives. The location of some of the bodies suggested that the victims were trying to run away when fire consumed them. Mr Morris said: 'How can people who have enough to eat scoop oil that belongs to someone else? It is poverty.' The . tanker was trying to avoid a head-on collision with buses when it . swerved into a ditch yesterday morning, said Rivers State police . spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam. It then overturned, leaving its fuel to spill and people immediately swarmed to the scene to collect some of it. Yushau . Shuaib, a spokesman for the West African country's emergency management . agency, said the 95 people were killed in the explosion that ensued. It was not immediately clear what had caused the fire that left the truck burned to ashes. Tragedy: The victims had been scooping up spilled petrol after the tanker crashed when it caught on fire . Scene of destruction: Crowds of onlookers stare in disbelief at the carnage in front of them . People stand near burnt roofing sheets after the tanker overturned and exploded. At least 50 others were injured in the incident . Despite decades as an oil producing . region, the majority of those living in the Niger Delta remain . desperately poor and mostly without access to proper medical care, . education or work. Anger . over the situation on several occasions has driven young people to . attack foreign oil firms based there and steal fuel from pipelines. The . crude that flows from the Niger Delta is the lifeblood of Nigeria's . economy. The OPEC member now pumps out about 2.4million barrels of oil a . day, making it Africa's biggest producer. Production . dropped drastically during the militant attacks that targeted pipelines . and saw foreign workers kidnapped. A 2009 government-sponsored amnesty . program saw many fighters lay down their arms and the violence largely . stop. The truck accident . took place near the town of Okogbe, about 40miles from Port Harcourt . city, Nigeria's oil capital in the delta - a region of swamps, mangroves . and creek. A pipeline and a filling station were near the accident site, but neither was affected. Disaster: The location of some of the bodies suggested that the victims were trying to run away when fire consumed them . Rescue workers place the charred bodies of the victims of a fire into a bulldozer scoop for mass burial . Scorched earth: Some women wailed at the scene of the explosion, desperately looking for their relatives . The accident occurred on a major East-West highway that is in the process of being expanded . President Goodluck Jonathan said in a statement he is 'deeply saddened by the loss of many lives' caused by the explosion and 'particularly distraught by the fact that once again, so many Nigerian lives have been lost in an avoidable fuel fire disaster'. A photographer who was at the scene said that the accident occurred on a major East-West highway that was being expanded. Construction workers, however, hadn't yet reached the level where the accident occurred which remained a single lane, often forcing vehicles racing head-on to seek avoiding each other. Mr Alagoa said the accident 'would not have happened' if the road had two lanes there. At least two contracts have been signed over the last six years to expand the highway that runs through Niger Delta states, according to a government website. However, corruption often hinders or slows down road construction and maintenance projects. Accidents are also common on Nigeria's poorly maintained roads. Drivers often travel at high speed and overtake slower vehicles, leading to head-on collisions with high death rates. 'This tells a tragic story about the state of national infrastructure and the poverty of the people,' said Nnimmo Bassey, executive director of Environmental Rights Action. VIDEO: Doctors say they don't have facilities to treat victims... as they wait for urgent care... | At least 50 others injured in incident in the southern Niger Delta region .
Witnesses said some charred corpses were still lying in the area hours after yesterday's explosion, including bodies the size of children . |
fc1f0f1580a86ebcdb78e67140a61d3d37e02c34 | By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 07:47 EST, 10 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:00 EST, 10 August 2013 . A man has died after he fell down the stairs on a double-decker bus in Greater Manchester, police have said. The 46-year-old man, who has not been named, was climbing the stairs of the bus with a crutch in his right hand when he fell backwards on to the floor in front of his horrified partner. Shocked passengers called 999 and the man was rushed to hospital but later died. Tragedy: A man, 46, died after falling down the stairs of a double-decker bus on Longshut Lane, Stockport, pictured, last night . The man and his partner boarded the 383 Stagecoach bus on Longshut Lane, Stockport, around 5.30pm last night. The man had a carrier bag in his left hand and a crutch in his right hand. The man was trying to walk up the bus stairs with a carrier bag in one hand and a crutch in the other when he fell (stock image) The man’s partner went upstairs to the upper deck of the bus and the man followed, but when he had got halfway up the steps, he fell backwards onto the floor of the bus. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the scene last night and took the man to hospital in Steppinghill, Stockport. The man had suffered a head injury but died late last night. Inspector Matthew Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: 'We are appealing for any witnesses who were travelling last night at around 5.30pm on the 383 bus, which goes from Stockport town centre to the Marple Bridge area, to please get in touch with us. 'Our sympathies are with the man’s family at this very difficult time and we are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding this man’s fall and how he came to suffer his head injury.' Police are appealing for anyone who saw it happen on the 383 Stagecoach bus, which runs from Stockport town centre to Marple Bridge, to contact them. | Man boarded the bus with his partner in Stockport .
He had a carrier bag in one hand and a crutch in the other as he attempted to climb the bus stairs .
The 46-year-old then fell backwards on to the floor .
He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries . |
fc1f325a716ed175d03f6774e5695ae502b0f017 | New Jersey man Baer Hanusz-Rajkowski was stunned to receive a bill for nearly $9,000 when his local hospital fixed up a cut finger he hurt during some home DIY. Bayonne resident, Rajkowski, split his middle finger with the claw end of a hammer last August and was hit with the enormous charge by Bayonne Medical Center ER, despite only receiving a tetanus jab, swab and bandage. For that level of care, an incredulous Rajkowski was sent a bill for $8,200 for the visit to the ER and on top of that he was charged $180 for a tetanus shot, $242 for sterile supplies and $8 for antibacterial wipes - plus hundreds more for the nurse who treated him. Scroll Down Video . Incredulous: Baer Hanusz-Rajowski said the bill he got from Bayonne Medical Center was unbelievable . 'I got a Band-Aid and a tetanus shot. How could it be $9,000. This is crazy,' said Hanusz-Rajkowski to NBC New York. 'If I severed a limb, I’d carry it to the next emergency room in the next city before I go back to this place.' However, Dr. Mark Spektor, who is the President and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center said that the high bill was the fault of Rajkowski's insurance company, United Healthcare. The beginning of the problem was six years ago, when Carepoint Health purchased Bayonne Medical Center and made it a for-profit hospital. Expensive: This is the full extent of Rajowski's treatment on his left hand after cutting his middle finger during a DIY accident . Profit: Bayonne Medical Center charged the huge bill to Rajowski and his insurance company . Then Carepoint did not renew the in-network pricing contracts it had with United Healthcare. This mean that Rajkowski's bills was enormous because United does not offer reimbursement rates. 'These sticker price charges only apply to ... a minority of patients whose insurance companies have refused to negotiate fair contracted prices with us,' said Spektor to NBC. However, Mary McElrath-Jones, who works for United Healthcare said that Carepoint is simply trying to make money. 'United Healthcare is deeply concerned about hospitals establishing an out-of-network strategy to hike the rate they charge for emergency room services, often surprising patients,' said Jones to NBC. Vacation: Baer Hanuscz-Rajowski studied in England before he moved to the USA - here he is in Venice, Italy, (left) and at home (right) Tough: Dr. Mark Spektor, President and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center, blamed the high ER bill on Hanusz-Rajkowski's insurance company . 'Our members are very frustrated at receiving these egregious hospital bills so we are working to curtail outrageous billing and to help provide affordable healthcare options for our members.' Spektor told NBC he would reveal the profit margin on Rajkowski's $8,200 hospital visit. However, Linda Schwimmer, who is the vice president of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute said that Bayonne charged almost ten times the going rate. 'I can tell you the right price is somewhere between the neighborhood of $400 and $1,000,' said Schwimmer to NBC. 'And I know that because I’ve called around and asked, but why doesn’t everybody know that?' United Healthcare has settled its portion of the bill, about $6,640. Bayonne waived Rajowski's portion of the bill following his complaints. | New Jersey man Baer Hanusz-Rajowski was stunned to receive the huge bill after treatment last year .
After outrage from Rakowski Bayonne Medical Center wrote off his portion of the bill .
Rajowski was not given a X-ray during his treament . |
fc1f450eb68f003db633bf5a6797cb8b39bbed94 | Gareth Bale sustained a bloodied nose on Tuesday night after being caught in the face during Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Ludogorets in the Champions League. The Welshman had to be substituted after taking a hit on the nose as defender Georgi Terziev put in a forceful challenge during the Group B clash. Falling to the ground, Bale looked down at his hands as blood dripped down from his face and on to the Bernabeu pitch. Gareth Bale was left bloodied after being caught on the nose during Real Madrid's vcitory over Ludogorets . Bale took the full force of Georgi Terziev's arm as the Ludogorets defender challenged the Welshman . The Real Madrid forward fell the floor and immediately held his face following the challenge . Bale appears slightly dazed as blood drips from his nose and on to the Bernabeu turf . Bale holds his hands out and looks to the ground as blood drips from his nose . Blood pours out of Bale's nose as players from both sides tended to the injured Madrid star . Bale holds a towel to his nose in a bid to stop the flow of blood as a physio tends the Real Madrid player . Bale was withdrawn with seven minutes remaining as Real Madrid claimed a 4-0 victory on Tuesday night . The 25-year-old looked dazed holding a towel to his face in a bid to stop the flow of blood as Real Madrid physios tended to the injury. The former Tottenham forward was eventually withdrawn in the 83rd minute of the match. Spanish giants Real made it six wins from six in this season's Champions League, topping the group - above Basle, Liverpool and Ludogorets. The victory also saw the current La Liga leaders secure their 19th straight win courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale, Alvaro Arbeloa and Alvaro Medran. Carlo Ancelotti's men travel to league strugglers Almeria on Friday night before taking on Valencia after the winter break on January 4. Head here to Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. VIDEO Real form surprising Ancelotti . Bale celebrates his goal in traditional style by forming a heart with his hands after doubling his side's lead . Real Madrid's first team stars applaud their fans after qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League . | Gareth Bale was forced off during Real Madrid's win over Ludogorets .
The Welshman was sustained a bloodied nose after being caught by defender Georgi Terziev .
Spanish giants progressed having won all six of their Group B matches . |
fc1f4f1aad7875ae0e57b215bc82e60ec5f63bad | Warning: Alex Chisholm, head of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), said today that customers 'cannot be bothered' to move banks because it is too difficult to work out if they will be better off . Millions of customers are paying £400 or more a year in unnecessary overdraft fees because Britain's biggest banks make it too hard to compare charges. Alex Chisholm, head of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), said today that customers 'cannot be bothered' to move banks because it is too difficult to work out if they will be better off. It came as the CMA this morning launched a major investigation to challenge the stranglehold of Britain's big four banks on the finances of families and small businesses. The CMA is concerned that customers are being misled by the finance giants, which promote their services as ‘free banking’. Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and HSBC are accused of controlling 77 per cent of the nation’s 65million personal accounts but offering poor service and rip-off deals. The Competition & Markets Authority says not enough customers are shifting to lenders with high levels of service, reducing choice in the market. There are also calls for a 'nuclear option', which would be to break the big four banks up to allow more competition. Alex Chisholm told the BBC this morning that their complex overdraft charges have left some customers with fees of £400 a year because they can’t find better deals. ‘The market is not working well for public. Many customers are dissatisfied by the banks and they find it difficult to compare the charges', he said. ‘The actual costs that people pay in overdraft charges can be quite considerable. There are 25million people with overdrafts and of those around two million a year are paying £400 a year or more in overdraft charge so that can be a considerable amount to pay. ‘It has got easier to switch accounts, within seven days, but that is just a three or four per cent a year. It must be that people find it difficult to compare and certainly if you want to compare what you would pay if you are overdrawn it is difficult to say. I think people are left scratching their heads and they think I cannot work this out and I cannot be bothered’. The CMA's new investigation will look into why customers are reluctant to switch banks and the difficulties they have in comparing different accounts. Lloyds, RBS, Barclays and HSBC have been accused of offering bad service and poor value deals to customers . The CMA is also interested in why the market shares of the big four have not changed over time. Mr Chisholm added: 'Effective competition in retail banking is critically important for individual bank customers, small and medium-sized businesses, and the wider economy. 'After carefully considering the consultation responses, most of which supported a market investigation, we remain of the view that there should be a full market investigation into the sector.' Commenting the announcement, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: 'This is undoubtedly the right decision as businesses want more competition and greater choice in the banking sector. 'For many years Britain's dysfunctional banking sector has struggled to meet the needs of small to medium size enterprises (SMEs), impeding the growth prospects of some of our most promising young companies. 'The independent Business Banking Insight confirmed that a large number of firms across the country are unhappy with the level of service they receive from their bank. 'This investigation represents a unique opportunity which must be seized, in order to deliver real change in the banking sector.' Concerns have previously been raised that customers have been pressured by bank sales staff into taking accounts that carry a monthly fee of up to £20 in return for perks of little value (file picture) He added: 'We call on the government to commit to implementing the findings of the CMA's investigation to restore trust, transparency and relationships between lenders and businesses.' The probe will look at ways to make the banks spell out their charges in a simple format that would allow customers to make comparisons between them. Another option likely to be considered is replacing ‘free banking’ with up-front monthly fees for accounts. This generates about £8billion in revenues from current account customers every year. In the past, bank bosses have said any attempt to disrupt their policies could lead to the blanket introduction of monthly fees on current accounts. Many banks in the US, Canada, parts of Europe and Australia charge monthly fees for their services. Banks in France charge a management fee of €10 (£7.80) for every three months – €40 a year. On top of that, there is typically an annual fee of around €40 for a debit card, or €45 for a credit card that can be used overseas. French banks also charge €1 a month for five text messages giving balance details. A bank might charge €60 to allow a customer to have a long-term authorised overdraft, although the interest rates are capped at relatively low levels. In the US, the Bank of America has a standard fee of $12 (£7.50) a month – $144 a year – for those who do not have a minimum balance of $1,500. There is also a fee of $2.50 for cash withdrawals from machines not owned by the bank. On top of that, overdraft charges can be extremely high, with a fee of up to $35 for every payment that is bounced. Charges of £5 to £20 a month could be applied to accounts to cover a fixed number of cash withdrawals, cheques and bill payments through standing orders. Anyone going beyond this would pay extra fees. The Financial Conduct Authority received 319,505 complaints about current accounts in the first six months of this year, 11 per cent more than in the same period last year. Investigators fear competition has diminished since the financial crash of 2007-8 because brands like the Halifax have been swallowed up by Lloyds, while others have disappeared completely. Efforts to encourage new small lenders to enter the market have had limited success, with only a few – including Metro Bank, Tesco Bank and TSB – making any real impact. There is also damning evidence that the banks continue to fail small businesses by failing to offer loans. If you're fed up with your bank there are plenty of reasons why now is a good time to switch to another provider. Mail Online's award-winning money section This is Money has a regularly updated guide to the best offers carefully chosen by its expert writers at Five of the best Current Accounts. We round up some of the best deals on offer below: . Free money and incentives . Top deals include Halifax's Reward Account promising new customers £100 to switch and £5 per month if they stay in credit. First Direct pays £100 to new customers who switch to its First Account. On top of that, the bank is so confident in its customer service that it will give you a further £100 if you chose to close the account within the first 12 months. The Co-op, too, has introduced a £100 cash incentive for new customers. It will also donate £25 to charity on your behalf. If you switch your main current account to one of the Post Office’s Standard, Packaged or Control current accounts the bank will give you a £100 gift card. M&S Bank offers a £125 gift card to new customers signing up to its Current Account. The bank account offers an automatic £500 overdraft with the first £100 interest-free. Interest-paying current accounts . Lloyds Bank is tempting desperate savers with its Club Lloyds current account - offering up to 4 per cent for balances between £4,000 and £5,000. But you will have to pay in at least £1,500. TSB has also recently launched the interest-paying Plus Account, which pays 5 per cent on balances up to £2,000 and only requires a minimum monthly deposit of £500. Santander's 123 current account pays interest on in-credit balances - 1 per cent on balances between £1,000 and £2,000, 2 per cent between £2,000 and £3,000 and 3 per cent on balances between £3,000 and £20,000. Nationwide FlexDirect offers to pay 5 per cent interest on balances up to £2,500 for the first year, while its FlexAccount delivers free travel insurance. It also operates a Refer a Friend scheme, whereby both parties will receive £50 if an existing customers successfully recommends friends or family to the bank. Tesco Bank's Current Account gives customers 3 per cent interest on balances of up to £3,000. Spending on the account's debit card also clocks up Tesco Clubcard points. It pays one Clubcard point for every £4 spent in Tesco stores plus £8 you spend out of Tesco, . By Amy Andrew . It was hoped that a system to help people switch bank within seven working days would boost competition, improve service and reduce fees. However, relatively few people have done so. The CMA said today that it is concerned about continuing barriers of entry and expansion in the sector, which limit the ability of smaller and newer providers to develop their businesses. The investigation will be conducted by a market reference group, drawn from the CMA's panel of independent members. The group will be appointed shortly and will publish a timetable for the investigation. Investigations of this kind can take up to 18 months. Martin Lewis, founder of the MoneySavingExpert website, was among the consumer campaigners suggesting the inquiry could lead to the introduction of monthly fees. This would be more transparent, he said, but ‘incredibly unpopular’. Richard Lloyd, of the campaign group Which?, said: ‘It is now crunch time for the biggest banks that dominate a market blighted by a lack of trust and poor customer service. ‘We want the CMA to expose the cost to consumers of a lack of competition in the current account market and to pave the way for reform.’ MP Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said consumers and small businesses had been getting a ‘poor deal for decades because of a lack of effective competition and genuine choice in banking’. The banks rejected the need for an inquiry. Anthony Browne, chief executive of the British Bankers’ Association, said: ‘There are already substantial changes currently under way across the banking industry to strengthen competition.' | Competition and Markets Authority to probe big banks control over sector .
Millions 'can't be bothered' to move banks because of confusing charges .
Lloyds, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and HSBC under investigation .
Fears that competition in the industry has fallen since financial crisis .
Concerns raised that customers pressured into paying for accounts .
Business leaders say 'dysfunctional banking sector impeding growth' |
fc1f600b2e8454bbbad4ba3e0abfcd80404f2aa9 | It's been more than four years since the McStay family went missing, and nearly eight months have passed since their remains were found in the Mojave Desert. Who would want to kill Joseph; his wife, Summer; and their two young kids, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3? How did their bodies end up in two shallow graves some 100 miles north of their home? Investigators still have not named any suspects or persons of interest, but those involved aren't giving up. A new detective recently joined the investigation, bringing new energy and new ideas to the table. As the investigation continues, here are five questions that could provide clues about the case: . 1. Who used Joseph McStay's phone shortly after he disappeared? On February 4, 2010, Chase Merritt received a phone call from Joseph McStay. It was 8:28 p.m. Chase, Joseph's close friend, picked up the phone, looked at it, and set it back down. "I had a bunch of other things I was doing, and I was just tired," he told CNN. Joseph ran a custom water feature business, and he often bought custom indoor waterfalls from Chase. The two talked frequently. Chase had already talked to Joseph multiple times that day, and they had also met in person for a couple of hours. "I had no idea that something like this was going to happen," said Chase. Was that just a regular call from his friend, or could it have been a call for help? "There are hundreds of scenarios. I have gone over all of them in my head," he added. "Of course I regret not picking up the phone." What happened to the McStays? 2. Who used Summer McStay's credit card the day she disappeared? According to phone records, Summer McStay made a call from her home phone at 2:11 p.m. February 4 regarding purchasing herbal medicine. Financial records show her credit card was used 25 minutes later at a store in Vista, California, about 20 minutes from her home. It's not clear whether Summer was the one who made that purchase. "That is certainly a piece of evidence that we would review if there's any video or any documentation to support who was at that store and used that credit card," said John McMahon, sheriff of San Bernardino County. "Every piece of evidence in this case is critical," he said. 2013: Who were the McStays? 3. Did Joseph McStay's business have anything to do with his families' disappearance? In the months before his disappearance, business at Joseph's company was good. So good, in fact, that Joseph was working on a deal that could have been worth $9 million, his father, Patrick McStay, said. By summer of 2011, Dan Kavanaugh, who worked for Joseph managing his company's website, had sold the business to an outside company. Patrick was enraged. "He owned nothing of --- any part of, any share of, anything," he said. Dan, however, said he and Joseph split everything 50-50. "We shared ownership from the beginning of starting the company," he said. Although Patrick had his suspicions about Kavanaugh, Dan has maintained his alibi and innocence. "I was in Hawaii for over a month before he disappeared," he said. And the evidence CNN has uncovered seems to indicate Kavanaugh was in Hawaii around the initial days of the McStays' disappearance. 4. Why was someone using the McStays' computer to research traveling to Mexico? One week before the McStays went missing, someone used their home computer to search for information on how to get children into Mexico. Four days after they disappeared, detectives say the family's white Isuzu Trooper was parked and subsequently towed from a parking lot just steps from the Mexican border. Investigators also found surveillance video showing a family of four matching the McStays' description crossing on foot into Mexico on February 8. "I just thought, 'Well, maybe they took off,' " said Joseph's mother, Susan Blake. But his father wasn't buying it. "I said right up front, the first time I saw it (the surveillance footage), it wasn't them," said Patrick, adding that Summer was afraid of Mexico. "Would Summer take her two children in there? Heck, no," he said. Still, investigators want to know whether the computer search and their disappearance were related. 5. Was crucial evidence in the McStay family home destroyed? Eleven days after the McStays went missing, Joseph's brother Michael called the Sheriff's Department. He said he waited so long because he didn't want to overreact and thought the family might just be on vacation. Brother to killers: 'You guys are cowards' The Sheriff's Department immediately alerted homicide, but it took investigators four days to obtain the warrants needed to complete a full search of the home. During those three days, the McStay home was unsealed. The McStays' friends and family had some access in and out of the house. Joseph's mother straightened up the kitchen, which she says smelled terrible because of the trash. Michael McStay said the house was not deemed a crime scene because there was no sign of forced entry. With investigators' permission, he said, he grabbed his brother's computer and SD card. Given all of the foot traffic in the house, freelance investigative journalist Steph Watts said critical evidence could have been lost. "Certain items that might have been really key to the big mystery of why they left that house are gone," he said. | The bodies of the McStay family were found in the desert last year .
The family was last seen alive in February 2010 .
Detectives have not named any suspects . |
fc1fc288ad3f6cd8c5e5731c894d5e996ea66db5 | By SAM TAYLOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL . According to the fairy tale, the test of a true princess was whether she could detect a pea hidden beneath a pile of 20 mattresses and eiderdowns. Today, peas are out and thread counts are in. The higher the better. But what does it really mean? Technically, the term ‘thread count’ refers to the number of threads woven together in one square inch of fabric. Manufacturers count them both horizontally and vertically across this little square. The idea is, the more threads they cram in, the more luxurious the sheet. Yet, this is not always an exact indicator of quality. Some manufacturers ‘cheat’ by counting the strands that make up an individual thread as additional threads, meaning a thread count of 600 might really be just 300, low-quality double-ply threads. Scroll down for video . Sam Taylor (pictured) puts all the different bed linens to the test to see whether a higher thread count really does make a difference . Other factors include finish and tightness of weave. For example, sateen is cotton yarn woven like satin for a lustrous sheen, while percale is a closely woven thread-count of more than 200. Sam Taylor tests what the High Street has to offer... LIKE FLOATING ON SILK . John Lewis: Genuisa cotton double fitted sheet, 100 per cent cotton, 1,000 thread sateen, £110 . I grew up with a mother reared on rationing and devoted to keeping things for ‘best’: crockery, cutlery, glasses, tablecloths and bed linen, the ‘best’ cupboard was packed with things that were put away and never used. This sheet would certainly have been consigned to her Aladdin’s cave. The packaging describes Geniusa as offering fibres that are longer and finer than anything else. Without an industrial strength magnifying glass, it is impossible to tell, but certainly the sateen cotton feels thick and sumptuous — and you can’t see the mattress cover through it. The elasticated corners are generous, which means no stretching and the pillowcases are like resting on silk. 5/5 . SLEEK AND NO IRONING! M&S: Supima cotton double fitted sheet, 100 per cent cotton, . 600 thread sateen, £70 . If you have children in the house, oversleeping is something that happens to other people. But this sheet could shake things up a bit. Sam Taylor (pictured) rated the M&S: Supima cotton double fitted sheet at 4/5, praising it for it's impressive non-iron finish . The packaging claims it will deliver the perfect night’s sleep — and it certainly does. Getting out of bed was very difficult and I dreamt of going back to it even more than I usually do. Once on, the sheet looks impressive and having a non-iron finish just adds to its appeal. It also has the added benefit of a 10 in overhang on the edges — which means no nasty gaps on the side, even on a deep-filled mattress. 4/5 . A LITTLE BIT ITCHY AND SCRATCHY . Primark Home: Basic flat double sheet, 50 per cent cotton, 50 per cent polyester . No thread count, £8 . When polyester was first invented in the Forties, it was heralded as a miracle fibre. There was little it couldn’t do — except convince us that it was a luxury item. It was always a bit scratchy and it still is. Primark’s 50/50 cotton and polyester mix is almost transparently thin. No matter which way I lay, it made me itch and overheat, an unwanted extra for the menopausal woman. That said, the manufacturers made no claims for its slumber properties or its deluxe appeal. It is a sheet. Or more accurately, a dust sheet. But at little more than the price of a couple of cappuccinos, it seems churlish to complain. 2/5 . FIT FOR A QUEEN . Dorma: Fitted double sheet, 100 per cent cotton sateen, . 350 thread count, £23.99 . Sheet makers to the Queen and the Prince of Wales, Dorma simply don’t make sheets that are below 200 thread. Since 1921, they have been producing top-drawer bed linen and pride themselves on giving you that extra edge over the neighbours on the washing line. Sam says the Dorma: Fitted double sheet is fit for a Queen and allows coverage for even the deepest mattress . The 350 thread, double sheet is one of their biggest sellers. It’s not difficult to see why. Part of their indulgent range of luxury bedding, it is fit for a Queen who has never knowingly wasted money. It is 14in deep which allows for coverage of even the deepest mattress, perhaps even two mattresses, and the pillowcases are as crisp after five nights as they are after one. 4/5 . SHINY AND VERY SLIPPERY . The White Company: Brompton flat double sheet, 100 per cent cotton, . 300 thread sateen, £68 . Coloured bits around the borders of sheets and pillowcases have always made me anxious and the silver streaks that define the Brompton collection fall into that category. Like most of the sheets I was testing, it has a sateen finish, but set against the almost neon finish white dye used on this range, it gives it a reflective quality that makes the bed look like something off Star Trek. In fact, so shiny is it that it works like a mirrored ceiling in reverse. The experience of sleeping was so slippery that at some point in the night I subconsciously started holding on to the edge of the bed. 3/5 . COSTS MORE THAN A FLIGHT TO PARIS . House of Fraser: Luxury Hotel Collection single fitted sheet, 100 per cent cotton, 500 thread sateen, £140 . All daughters believe they are princesses and mine is no exception, so the chance to upgrade her single bed linen to something that costs more than a flight to Paris was very appealing. Sam says although the £140 sheets from House of Fraser: Luxury Hotel Collection are luxurious they're not quite worth the money . I approached this test with the question of wondering quite who would spend this amount of money on a single sheet. In fact, who would spent this amount on any sheet? True, it does deliver a relaxed and warm night’s slumber as the cotton is very dense, which makes it feel toasty. It’s luxurious, but I think I’d rather wait for the sale. 3/5 . PERFECT FOR PICKY MOTHER-IN-LAWS . John Lewis: Cotton and Percale, 100 per cent Egyptian cotton, 400 thread count, £40 . The guest room often gets overlooked on the bed linen department. When VIP guests go to stay in the White House, the sheets are ironed six times before being put on the bed. This doesn’t happen in our home, which is probably why we don’t have many VIP visitors. The matt finish of the John Lewis: Cotton and Percale gives a classy look and feel, making it seem more expensive than it is . However, this sheet could change all that. The percale weave gives it a matt finish, which immediately makes it look and feel very classy — more like an expensive linen than a mid-market cotton. The ivory colouring is very flattering against the skin; past 50 everything helps. And it gives the illusion you have thought about the picky relatives, even if you can’t wait for them to leave. 4/5 . STUDENT-PROOF . Tesco: Double fitted sheet, 100 per cent Egyptian cotton, 200 thread count, £12 . The majority of us will spend a third of our lives asleep — if you discount some students who notch up another three years in a virtual coma. They leave home with a bag full of freshly laundered towels and sheets and return a couple of months later with a putrid, foul-smelling laundry bag no detergent can bring to heel. So why waste money on them? This sheet is comfortable, the cotton isn’t too thin and it promises longer lasting durability. It also requires minimal ironing and suggests that it can be washed at lower temperatures unless it is dirty. Which of course, it will be. 3/5 . BEST-KEPT BOUDOIR SECRET . Primark Home: Luxury double fitted sheet, 100 per cent cotton, 200 thread count, £9.50 . I have to confess that I had never been to Primark before taking this test. What have I been doing with my life? No wonder I have no money. Where they failed miserably on their mixed cotton and polyester sheet, Primark Home have won the crown with this luxury (for them) offering. It’s a plain, white, soft, matt finish, generously cut, fitted sheet that could hold its own in the smartest houses. Yes, it’s a mere 200 thread, but who’s counting? It’s £9.50 and it feels like ten times that price. Even my husband, Mark, noticed the difference and this is a man who prides himself on once failing to spot that I had a leg in plaster. 5/5 . | Sam Taylor puts thread count to the test in today's challenge .
Literally referring to the number of threads woven together in one square inch of fabric, 'thread count' has become a popular buzz word .
But does it really make any difference to your nights sleep? |
fc201f271ae8d8c2680477f9924366835d3fcf42 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Marine Corps knew of the threat posed by roadside bombs before the start of the Iraq war, yet did nothing to buy protective vehicles for troops, according to a report to be released by the Pentagon. Marines' armored Humvees are parked at a miltary camp in Fallujah, Iraq, in May 2007. Additionally, Marine leaders in 2005 decided to buy up-armored, or reinforced, Humvees instead of Mine Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles to shield troops in Iraq from mines and other explosives -- a decision that could have cost lives, according to the report obtained Tuesday by CNN. The report by the Department of Defense inspector general was requested by the Marine Corps in early 2008 after a civilian employee with the service complained that bureaucratic delays undermined the program to develop the armored vehicles. Inspectors found that the decision not to buy MRAP vehicles in 2005 stopped the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, the agency in charge of finding the best protective vehicle from troops in Iraq, from "developing a course of action ... to attempt to obtain funding for [MRAPs]," according to the report. The report found that the Department of Defense knew before the war started in 2003 of the threats of mines and roadside bombs in Iraq but did nothing to acquire "MRAP-type" vehicles ahead of the invasion. "As a result, the department entered into operations in Iraq without having taken available steps to acquire technology to mitigate the known mine and IED risk to soldiers and Marines," the report said. In response to the report, Marine Corps spokesman Maj. David Nevers pointed out the inspector general found no "evidence of criminal negligence" in the Corps' actions. The decision to buy the up-armored Humvee model, he said, was made "consciously by the Marine Corps leadership because of its proven capability to protect and its tactical utility; the survivability and mobility demanded by the Marines in theater; and its availability, based on an active, responsive production line." "The Marine Corps fully cooperated with [inspector general] during this audit," Nevers said. "We are reviewing the report to ensure that our processes best support the war fighter in theater." A civilian whistle-blower working with the Marine Corps on the MRAP program wrote a scathing report about delays in the procurement process in early 2008. "If the mass procurement and fielding of MRAPs had begun in 2005 in response to the known and acknowledged threats at that time, as the USMC is doing today, hundreds of deaths and injuries could have been prevented," Franz Gayl wrote in his January report. He said bureaucratic delays plagued the program at the height of the insurgency, when U.S. troops were regularly being attacked and killed by roadside bombs. Gayl's report prompted the Marine Corps to request the inspector general's audit in 2008. The Gayl report drew attention just months after MRAPs had been pushed into Iraq by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in an effort to protect troops from roadside bombs -- the leading killer of troops at the time. | Report: Buying reinforced Humvees, not MRAPs, possibly cost lives .
Defense Department knew of roadside bomb risk ahead of Iraq war, report says .
Report: Department didn't immediately take available steps to get MRAPs .
MRAPs are designed to shield troops from mines and other explosives . |
fc203fc573b172e84bd204335bc38c12ef79adef | Tehran, Iran (CNN) -- An Iranian non-profit company says it will honor U.S. President Barack Obama's request that Iran return a drone that crashed there last year. But instead of the actual drone, the company says it will send miniature toy versions. A lot of them. "We plan to send a full squadron of 12 to the White House for President Obama as a present," said Reza Kioumarsi, a spokesman for the Aaye Art Group, a Tehran-based non-profit, non-governmental company that makes novelty items. The company is trying to determine what Obama's favorite color is before sending the drones, which are 1/80th the size of the real drone, Kioumarsi said. In December, Obama said the United States has asked Iran to return the highly classified RQ-170 Sentinel drone. "We've asked for it back. We'll see how the Iranians respond," Obama said at the time. This is probably not the response Obama was seeking. Iran has said the country's armed forces had downed the drone near Kashmar, some 225 kilometers (140 miles) from the border with Afghanistan on December. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a speech in December that seemed to suggest that Iran wouldn't return it. "The North Americans at best have decided to give us this spy plane," Ahmadinejad said. The RQ-170 Sentinel is one of the United States' most sophisticated drones and flies at up to 50,000 feet. It is designed to evade sophisticated air defenses. One former intelligence official said it's "impossible to see" and discounted Iranian claims that it had been brought down by some form of electronic counter-measures. "It simply fell into their laps," he said -- after satellite communication was lost. | An Iranian company wants to send replicas of a downed drone to Obama .
Iran says the plane crashed in Iranian territory on December 4 .
Obama asked for the drone back in December . |
fc205003c97b27cafc813bcccbc89b5b574f2d1f | By . Toni Jones . PUBLISHED: . 13:00 EST, 15 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:42 EST, 15 April 2013 . Flamboyant English designer John Galliano lost his job at fashion house Dior two years ago after he was filmed delivering an anti-Semitic outburst. And although he has started to pick up the pieces professionally, landing a gig working with prestigious label Oscar de la Renta and currying favour once more with Anna Wintour and fashion's elite it seems that not everybody is ready to forgive and forget. According to a report on Fashionista.com the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) have banned Moran Mazor, the Israeli entrant in . next month’s Eurovision Song Contest, from wearing a dress by the . designer on air. Disgraced designer John Galliano was filmed praising Adolf Hitler during a drunken rant and accused of making anti-Semitic remarks during a dispute at a trendy Parisian cafe . It has been reported that John Galliano was . among several designers invited to create an outfit for the performance before a rep from the IBA sent her agent a memo . prohibiting them from working with the designer. The memo claimed that Galliano’s . actions 'preclude' him 'from dressing the Israeli Eurovision . representative, at a time when racism and anti-Semitism is rampant in . Europe, even if he had apologized.' Having publicly forgiven Galliiano his . previous transgression the Anti-Defamation League’s national director . Abraham H. Foxman doesn’t agree with the IBA’s decision. He said in a statement to Haaretz that . he is 'outraged and embarrassed that an entity representing Israel . would reject Mr. Galliano,' adding: 'This is not the lesson that you . give your children. Rejecting someone who gave a sincere apology is not . Jewish tradition. We are a people that forgive and this is not the way . to overcome bigotry.' In 2012 Englebert Humperdinck (left)scored a total of just 12 in the competition. This year's entrant Bonnie Tyler (right) is hoping to place better when she represents the United Kingdom . In a further twist to the story Galliano's publicist Liz Rosenberg has denied that the designer was ever contacted to create a performance outfit for Israel's Eurovision entrant Moran Mazor. Rosenberg told The Telegraph: 'Mr. Galliano was never asked nor was there any communication regarding being asked to design for Israel's contestant for Eurovision contest. Galliano has been hard at work on his sobriety and his efforts to seek forgiveness from those he offended.' | Reports centre on a leaked memo from the Israel Broadcasting Authority .
Israeli contestant Manor Mazor's stylist in talks with several designers .
Galliano's rep denies he was ever involved, says he is working on 'sobriety' |
fc20e0bb8056d680d9ff4b68f563dbc743d9c176 | By . John Drayton . While many of Scott Sinclair's team-mates have been enjoying the sun by playing in the heat of Brazil for the World Cup, the Manchester City winger has taken a more relaxing route to soak in rays. Having spent the season on loan and featuring very little at West Brom, a trip to Copacabana was never going to be high on the 25-year-old's priorities this summer. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Scott Sinclair's girlfriend Helen Flanagan in a sexy FHM shoot . Hand-in-hand: Flanagan and Sinclair looked to be having fun in the sun as they took to the beach in Mexico . Cheeky: The pair put on an amorous display as they went for the hands-on approach . Instead, Sinclair has enjoyed time north of all the Brazil 2014 action as he enjoyed a beach holiday with girlfriend Helen Flanagan in Mexico. Sinclair has struggled to make an impact since joining the Premier League champions in 2012, failing to break into the team since moving from Swansea. But ahead of a campaign where the winger will hope to get a once promising career back on track, Sinclair looked to have little concern for his City future as he relaxed with Helen Flanagan. The pair looked loved-up as they walked hand-in-hand across the sand. Bikini babe: The 23-year-old beauty showcased her impressive physique in a turquoise two-piece as she strolled along the sand . All smiles: Sinclair is looking to get his career back on track . Cosy: Scott and Helen were all smiles as they cuddled up to one another in the sea . Sneaky smooch: Sinclair got up close and personal to Helen Flanagan in Mexico . However, the holiday wasn’t all fun and games for Helen as she took to Instagram to reveal she had lost her Taylor Morris sunglasses in the sea. She wrote: ‘Discovered Cutler and Gross today as I lost my @taylormorrisldn pair in the waves in Mexico :( @taylormorrisldn is still my fave tho (sic)’ Helen looked to be in fantastic shape as she strutted her stuff on the beach with Scott, but she could soon be waving goodbye to her bikini body for nine months as she recently revealed the couple are ready to start trying for a baby. Hands on: Scott and Helen couldn't keep their hands off each other as they played around in the sea . Come here: Helen and Scott looked to be having a fantastic time frolicking in the ocean . Shades: However, the holiday wasn't all fun and games for Helen as she took to Instagram to reveal she was wearing a pair of Cutler and Gross sunglasses after losing her Taylor Morris pair in the sea . The actress recently told Closer magazine: 'I've been on some really strong acne medication but I've just come off it because I'm ready to start trying for a baby with Scott. 'I've always wanted to be a young mum and I now feel ready. It's something I've wanted for ages and Scott's going to be a great dad. 'I just hope it doesn't take me too long. And I'm not bothered about getting married beforehand.' Getting shirty: Helen also took to her Instagram account to post a racy picture of herself wearing an unbuttoned shirt while lying on a beach . Waving goodbye to her bikini body? Helen recently revealed the couple are ready to start trying for a baby . Keen for motherhood: The actress told Closer magazine: 'I've been on some really strong acne medication but I've just come off it because I'm ready to start trying for a baby with Scott' | Manchester City winger enjoyed Mexico holiday with Helen Flanagan .
Former Swansea star struggled to make impact at Etihad Stadium since joining in 2012 . |
fc210a0c3cebc4c2fb79f8f1c7916f7ba470d80f | (CNN) -- Singer-actress Mandy Moore and rocker Ryan Adams were married this week in Savannah, Georgia, Moore's publicist told CNN on Wednesday. Mandy Moore first found recording success in 1999 with her single "Candy" and is now a well-known actress. The wedding took place Tuesday, said Jillian Fowkes, who gave no further details about the nuptials. Rumors first surfaced almost a year ago that Moore, 24, and Adams, 34, were dating, as paparazzi photos surfaced of the couple out together in Los Angeles, California. Moore's first success as a recording artist came in 1999 with her debut album, "So Real," which went platinum with the help of her top-10 single "Candy." Adams is known for producing rock music with a country influence. He is best known for his song "New York, New York", which appeared on his 2001 release "Gold." Adams is also an author and has produced music for Jesse Malin and Willie Nelson. He recently announced that he was leaving his band, The Cardinals, because of inner ear troubles affecting his balance and hearing. Adams has fronted The Cardinals since 2004. | Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams married quietly in Savannah, Georgia .
Couple was first spotted together by paparazzi almost a year ago .
He recently announced he is leaving The Cardinals . |
fc2110ded4a55f7e4230692b84ebaf62d05593b4 | Maine authorities gave their most dire judgment yet Thursday as to what they believe happened to missing toddler Ayla Reynolds, with a police spokesman saying "there's nothing we have found that leads us to believe she's alive." "Based on everything we know -- the thousands of hours of investigation, the 1,127 leads that have come in, the searches, the dives and the evidence gathered -- we think it's highly unlikely that Ayla Reynolds will be found alive," said state police spokesman Stephen McCausland. "Nothing points us in that direction. Ayla was 20 months old when her father, Justin DiPietro told police he had put her to bed around 8 p.m. on December 16 in a first-floor bedroom of her grandmother's Waterville, Maine, home. The toddler's father, her aunt and the father's girlfriend were in the home at that time. DiPietro called police the next morning, just before 9 a.m., to report Ayla missing. Authorities believe, as they have said previously, that there was "foul play" involved in the girl's disappearance and they opened a criminal probe, McCausland told reporters Thursday. But her body has not been found and no one has been named a suspect in the case. "She did not leave that home by herself, and she was not abducted," the state police spokesman said. On Thursday, as he has done previously, McCausland suggested the adults in the house with Ayla the night before she was reported missing -- including her father -- have not been totally forthcoming. The police spokesman said there has not been "a lot of communication with the three adults who were inside the home that night." At the same time, he said "it's way premature to start speculating on charging anyone." "They were the adults and they were there, and they may have answers," said McCausland. "Justin was the father, (and) we believe he knows more than he has told us." Authorities called Ayla's parents shortly before Thursday's press conference to tell them they'd be stating they presume their daughter is dead. The toddler's mother, Trista Reynolds, was "thankful for the call," said McCausland, as was DiPietro. As for the father, "His reaction was no reaction," the spokesman said. Local attorney John Nale announced at Thursday's press conference that the $30,000 reward offered for information leading to Ayla or the arrest of the person or persons responsible for her disappearance would expire at the end of June. The hope is that someone will come forward in the next 30 days. Even if they do not, authorities vow that the lapse in the reward offer has no bearing on the investigation. To that point, McCausland promised there will be more searches and that -- even though police are now stating they believe Ayla is dead -- "this is still a missing person's case." "We are committed to this investigation, no matter how long it takes," said Waterville Police Chief Joe Massey, noting two members of his department will remain assigned to the case. | Ayla Reynolds was 20 months old when her father reported her missing .
166 days later, her body hasn't been found and no one's been named a suspect .
A police spokesman says "nothing" leads authorities to "believe she's alive"
He says he believes that Ayla's father "knows more than he has told us" |
fc21ad00baf81da3f0c317e56864b47a88014dcb | Comedian Adam Hills has raised over $90,000 for Robin William's favourite children's hospital after his public spat with a controversial American church group. Instead of giving money to Westboro Baptist Church to fly them 'first class' to Iraq to picket extreme Islamists - like he had joked - he donated the cash to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. And he has urged his fans to do the same. 'Not only will it help a child, it will really piss of a bigot,' he said. The Australian funny man declared his feud with Westboro Baptist Church over in a segment of his The Last Leg comedy show on Channel 4 in the UK this weekend. Hills has been in an ongoing Twitter battle with the church after they claimed 'Robin Williams was in hell' for staring as a gay character in various films and supporting US troops. Scroll down for video . 'God hates signs': Adam Hills has poked fun at Westboro Baptist Church again but said their war of words is over . Comedian Adam Hills said he is still receiving abuse from people despite donating money to a good cause . The threat, made by a church leader in a video message, angered Hills who fired a shot at the church on his television show and offered to fly members 'first class' to Iraq to picket extreme Islamists instead. 'We did seriously look into this and took onboard the advice of both the US and UK governments, neither of which were too happy about us sending professional s**t stirrers into a war zone,' Hills said his show on Saturday night. Westboro Baptist Church seemed enthusiastic about the idea of going to the Middle East. They tweeted Hills saying: 'Cough up the tickets funny man, we got our bags packed. Iraq needs some preaching.' 'These guys are so desperate for attention they make Lady Gaga look like Salman Rushdie.' Hills joked. The Australian comedian said he wants to spread 'love not hate' The Westboro Baptist Church said Hills should provide their plane tickets to Iraq or be quiet . Instead of giving the church the publicity they wanted Hills said he is going to 'fight hate with love'. His Crowd Rise fundraising page, set up by charity Planting Peace, says: 'Our neighbors at the Westboro Baptist Church have announced their intention to protest the funeral of Robin Williams. 'In keeping with our philosophy of addressing acts of hate and intolerance with compassion and love, we are inviting the public to show their respect and support of a man who spent his life making others smile, who was always there for others in their time of need, and who supported the greater good through works of service and charity. 'Please join Planting Peace in counteracting the WBC’s message of hate through a fundraising event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause Mr. Williams passionately and publicly supported.' In response to Hills rant, the Westboro Church claimed it had picketed in Iraq before . In his rant last week Hills offered to 'personally pay for every member of the Westboro Baptist Church to fly to Iraq right now.' 'If you really believe in standing up to those threatening the Christian way of life, Westboro Baptist Church, how about putting your money where your mouth is, taking a direct flight to Iraq and picketing the people threatening to behead Christians if they don’t convert?' Robin Williams was the subject of an anti-gay video posted by the Westboro Church . Hills said there was one or two things he believed would happen to church members in Iraq, if they chose to fly. 'Either you’ll die while defending your beliefs and you’ll be carried away to heaven by a gold chariot to sit at the right hand of God for all eternity.' 'OR if I’m right, and I’m willing to bet a dozen first class flights that I am, God will be standing at the pearly gates alongside a 5ft 8 hairy American comedian dressed as a middle aged Scottish nanny saying, ‘Heeeellllooooo’. The offer was willingly accepted by the church who then tweeted 'show us the plane tickets!'. It has now left the door wide open for a highly anticipated response from Hills which he is set to deliver on the next episode of his show. Hills said he will 'reply' to the Westboro Church, which has already claimed to have picketed in Iraq in the past. The Group told Adam Hills to show them plane tickets or 'hush' on the topic of picketing Robin Williams funeral . The Tweet Adam Hills posted in which he tells followers he plans to reply to followers of the Westboro Church offer of acceptance . Robin Williams as Armand Goldman in The Birdcage - a film about a gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion . The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is an American unaffiliated Baptist church known for its extreme ideologies, especially those against gay people. The Kansas-based group said Williams spent his life 'mocking God and promoting sin' and 'pushing flagrant debauchery, and hedonism.' The 63-year-old played an openly gay character in the film The Birdcage, one of many gay characters he portrayed. The Westboro Baptist Church member’s failed to show up to Williams’ memorial service, which was held in San Francisco on Tuesday, but they did respond to Hills on Twitter, saying, 'Iraq here we come.' | Adam Hills has raised over $90,000 for Robin Williams' favourite children's hospital in America .
He decided to turn 'hate into love' after he attacked the Westboro Baptist Church for threatening to picket Williams' funeral .
The group accused Williams of sinning because he played several gay characters on film .
Hills ended his spat with the group in the latest episode of his comedy show The Last Leg . |
fc2239d0753d6231db2ab9ad143b4a9a5bf8af9e | The former husband of Imran Khan’s new wife is demanding a public apology after she claimed he was violent toward her during their ten-year marriage. Dr Ijaz Rehman has given Reham Khan a week to withdraw allegations of abuse, which she made in an interview soon after marrying the Pakistani politician and cricketing icon. ‘I have asked Reham to apologise for the slur to my good name and character,’ said Dr Rehman, an NHS psychiatrist who lives in Lincolnshire. Scroll down for video . The former husband of Imran Khan’s new wife Reham is demanding a public apology after she claimed he was violent toward her during their ten-year marriage . ‘She knows that what she said is not true and while I do not want to get involved in mudslinging, I will defend myself vigorously if she does not set the record straight.’ Mrs Khan, a former BBC presenter, also claimed Dr Rehman left her penniless after their divorce, leaving her to bring up their three children alone. But Dr Rehman strenuously denied all the allegations, telling The Mail on Sunday that they were attempts by Mrs Khan to win sympathy from a Pakistani public hostile towards her new marriage. As a divorcee, she is mistrusted by religious conservatives in Pakistan, and last week she was condemned over footage of her frying sausages. Muslims are forbidden from eating pork. Dr Ijaz Rehman, NHS psychiatrist in Lincolnshire, wants an for the slur to his character . ‘What Reham said about domestic violence was in order for her to be seen in good light and come out as an innocent victim to cover her deeds, at my expense,’ Dr Rehman said. ‘I ask her to act honourably and honestly and issue an apology and retract her statement within a week. I have never lifted my hands on anyone and I have never been involved in any kind of domestic violence in any shape or form. ‘As for her claim that I left her penniless, I have always looked after her and my children.’ The doctor met and married Reham in Pakistan, but they lived in Lincolnshire until they split in 2005. Reham eventually moved to East London and went on to work as a weather presenter for regional programme South Today. She returned to her homeland in 2012 and began dating Mr Khan, 62, who was previously married to heiress Jemima Goldsmith. However, their marriage has been condemned by conservatives, who say she is an unsuitable partner for a Right-wing politician who makes much of his Islamic faith. In an interview on Pakistani TV last week, 42-year-old Reham was asked about being a victim of domestic abuse. She said: ‘Domestic violence is a big issue and no attention is paid to it in Pakistan. [It] happens in many shapes and forms. ‘I have never spoken about my personal experience of domestic violence because I was in [the] media and I felt it would be unfair to expose the other party.’ She said she had been reluctant to tie the knot again because of her experiences in her former marriage. Last week the Khans visited a school in Peshawar where 132 pupils were massacred by the Taliban – but they were met by crowds of grieving relatives chanting for them to leave. | Dr Ijaz Rehman has given Reham Khan a week to withdraw allegations .
Dr Rehman wants an apology for the slur to his 'good name and character'
Mrs Khan also claimed Dr Rehman left her penniless after their divorce .
But Dr Rehman says the comments are attempts by Mrs Khan to win sympathy from a Pakistani public hostile towards her new marriage . |
fc224cba570bf68df355be33bfa014c1f0f50725 | I wouldn't have missed a drug test like Rio . How I headbutted Schmeichel and gave him a black eye . I don't regret the tackle on Haaland . He didn't even own the bloody thing - Keane on the Rock of Gibraltar dispute . I knew Ronaldo would rule the world . Roy Keane has made the shocking revelation that he had an 'evil thought' because he felt 'glad' Clive Clarke's heart attack happened on the same night as Sunderland were knocked out the League Cup by Luton Town. Clarke was on loan from Sunderland at Leicester City when he suffered a cardiac arrest in the changing rooms during a match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in August 2007, causing the tie to be abandoned at half-time. The left back fell ill on the same evening Premier League side Sunderland - managed at the time by Keane - were humbled 3-0 at League One Luton. Clive Clarke suffered a heart attack while on loan at Leicester City against Nottingham Forest in 2007 . Clarke was on loan at Leicester from Sunderland - managed by Roy Keane - when he had his heart attack . Keane was managing Sunderland at the time and they were humbled 3-0 at Luton Town on the same night . The former Manchester United midfielder says the incident helped 'deflect' attention from their result . Position: Left-back . Born: Dublin, Republic of Ireland . Clubs: Stoke City (1999-2005), West Ham United (2005-06), Sunderland (2006-08), Coventry City (2006), Leicester City (2007) Career Appearances: 285 . Career Goals: 10 . Ireland caps: 2 . And Keane reveals in his autobiography, The Second Half, that he was relieved the incident happened that evening because it distracted from Sunderland's display. He writes: 'I had the evil thought: "I'm glad he had it tonight" because it would deflect our woeful performance.' Keane also concedes that, having once joked that he was surprised ‘they’d found a heart’, he ‘sometimes forgot’ he ‘wasn’t the only person with parents and children’. Clarke enjoyed a nine-year football career before being forced to retire due to medical advice in February 2008 following his heart attack. He started his career at Stoke City in 1999, making 223 league appearances, before spending a season with West Ham United between 2005 and 2006. A move to Sunderland in 2006 was followed by loans to Coventry City and then Leicester. The left back became a football agent after retiring from the game due to medical advice in February 2008 at the age of just 27. 'I wonder about the current United dressing room. When a manager like Sir Alex Ferguson is replaced the new man needs a helping hand. Does that mean every player should like him? No. 'But I look at the current players and they should be doing a lot better. Not liking a manager can never be an excuse for not going out and doing your best. 'Looking at what happened to David Moyes, I can only conclude that he didn’t have a strong dressing room. He had a weak dressing room.' 'Once we were at Juventus – they were playing Chelsea. We were standing at the corner flag and Adrian (Chiles) was next to me. He goes: "This is great isn’t it?". I went: "I used to play in these games Adrian". I wasn’t being cocky. 'It’s about justification, what you stand for. When I was at United I was getting paid good money but I could go: "Yeah, but I'm giving it back to you". I didn’t feel that way with this TV work. It’s an easy gig. I don’t like easy gigs. When I heard: "I liked your commentary last night". I knew I was only talking bulls*** like the rest of them. Hopefully my bulls*** was a bit better. I wanted to do something that excited me. TV work didn’t excite me. 'I liked Adrian and Lee Dixon, though. What I really enjoyed was the company. I liked meeting people, old players like Liverpool’s Jan Molby. Some United fans saw us together and one of them said: “Why the f*** are you talking to him?”. I felt like saying: “I will speak to who I f***ing want to!"' The match between Nottingham Forest and Leicester City was abandoned following Clarke's heart attack . Keane writes about Clive Clarke's heart attack in his new autobiographyThe Second Half . VIDEO Keane releases second controversial autobiography . Roy Keane: The Second Half, published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, £20. www.orionbooks.co.uk . | Roy Keane admits to being 'glad' of the timing with which Clive Clarke suffered a heart attack as it distracted from a terrible Sunderland display .
Keane says in his autobiography, The Second Half, he had an 'evil thought'
Premier League Sunderland, managed by Keane, were humbled 3-0 at Luton Town on night Clarke suffered heart attack while on loan at Leicester City .
Nottingham Forest vs Leicester in League Cup abandoned at half-time due to Clarke's illness and Keane says it 'deflected' from Sunderland's display . |
fc2372a7aff37c9578579519f60224c372d71d7c | Should FIFA ban Luis Suarez after latest bite storm? Should FIFA ban Luis Suarez after latest bite storm? Now share your opinion . Luis Suarez sensationally appeared to BITE Giorgio Cheillini during Uruguay's decisive 1-0 victory over Italy in their final Group D game at the World Cup. The striker was given rough treatment by the Italians throughout the game, with defenders Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli scything him down at every opportunity - and even the mild mannered Andrea Pirlo appearing to aim an elbow in his direction. However, there is no excuse for Suarez's reaction in the 80th minute when he was seemed to sink his teeth into Chiellini's left shoulder during a Uruguay attack - forcing an hysterical reaction from the Italian hardman who pulled down his shirt sleeve and chased the referee to show him the teeth marks. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch all THREE Luis Suarez biting incidents . The tooth hurts: Giorgio Chiellini pullls down his shirt to expose teeth marks . Bite night! Luis Suarez holds his teeth after the biting incident during the World Cup against Giorgio Chiellini . Not fooling anyone: Suarez holds his teeth after sinking them into the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini . Crying foul: Chiellini reacts after being bitten by Suarez in the 80th minute of the World Cup match . Teething problems: Giorgio Chiellini gets to his feet to complain to the refree . Hysterical: Giorgio Chiellini chases the referee but the official did not see the incident . Suar point: Uruguay's Gaston Ramirez tries to block Giorgio Chiellini from approaching the referee . Cover up! Suarez holds his face to suggest that he had only collided with the Italian defender . Suarez reacted by holding his mouth to suggest he had accidentally collided with the defender and managed to escape a caution as the incident went unseen by the match official. Uruguay went on to win the game, courtesy of a late goal from Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin, and qualify for the next stage of the tournament - although Suarez's World Cup future could be in the balance, especially after Chiellini confirmed that he had been bitten. FIFA said that they were awaiting the official match report and 'gathering all necessary information before making a decision'. Step 1: Suarez approaches Chiellini from behind during a Uruguay attack . Stage 2: The Liverpool striker moves his head close to Chiellini's shoulder as he prepares to attack . Stage 3: Suarez appears to clamp his jaws down and bite Chiellini's shoulder . Incredibly, this is the THIRD time that Suarez has been involved in a biting incident with an opponent. The Liverpool striker received a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013. After that incident he tweeted: 'I'm sad for what happened this afternoon, I apologize Ivanovic and all football world for my inexcusable behaviour. I'm so sorry about it!!' Those words now seem even more hollow, especially as it was the second time he had failed to learn from his mistakes after previously receiving a seven-game ban for biting PSV's Ottman Bakkal while playing for Ajax in November 2010. Previous: Luis Suarez received a seven game ban for biting PSV's Ottman Bakkal while playing for Ajax, 2010 . Ouch! Ottman Bakkal shows the bite marks to a PSV teammate after the incident . Controversy: Luis Suarez is captured biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013 . Bite night! Defender explains what happened to the referee before Luis Suarez received a 10-game ban . Neither is Suarez any stranger to controversy at the World Cup. It is four years since he was sent off for handling Dominic Adiyah’s goal-bound shot in extra-time against Ghana - ultimately denying the tournament its first ever African semi-finalists. Suarez was only banned for one game and commented afterwards in reference to Diego Maradona's goal against England in 1986, 'Mine is the real 'Hand Of God'. I made the save of the tournament.' Whether he escapes with such lenient treatment this time remains to be seen. | Luis Suarez appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's decisive 1-0 victory over Italy in their final Group D game at the World Cup .
Liverpool striker has previously been charged with biting TWO opponents .
Suarez received 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013 .
The former Ajax striker was also handed a seven-game ban for biting PSV Eindhoven's Ottman Bakkal in November 2010 .
Suarez caused controversy at the 2010 World Cup for handballing a goal bound shot by Ghana's Dominic Adiyah . |
fc23d87ed9585a498061c93d7e45071edc0b17f8 | (CNN) -- Jon Voight had screwed up. In the early '60s, when he was a struggling actor, he'd had a big, emotional scene in the TV drama "Naked City." By his own account, he fell short. He wanted to apologize to the casting director who'd helped him get the role, Marion Dougherty. He drafted letters. He imagined talking to her. He was embarrassed by the performance. "I was so bad, I got almost physically sick watching it," he recalls in a new documentary, "Casting By." Several years later, he desperately wanted the lead role in a new John Schlesinger film, "Midnight Cowboy." But the casting director for "Midnight Cowboy" was Marion Dougherty. Voight flew to New York to meet with her. He showed up at her door and abjectly apologized. But Dougherty, always openhearted, was having none of it. "Jon, that's the past," he remembered her saying. "How would you like to meet John Schlesinger?" Voight was nominated for an Oscar for the film, which was named 1969's best picture, and he was on his way. That's just one of many stories about the gracious and shrewd Dougherty, a casting pioneer, shared in "Casting By." The documentary about casting directors, which celebrates the contributions of this most neglected of Hollywood occupations, is scheduled to air on HBO Monday night. Dougherty, whose five-decade career started in TV's early days, gets particular attention. She is credited with revolutionizing the movie business by hiring many of the talents she saw in the New York acting world -- people such as Voight, Al Pacino, Glenn Close, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Diane Lane, John Travolta and Robert Redford. Her rise fortuitously coincided with the decline of the studio system, which swept away the contract players who were slotted into movies like so many items from a Chinese menu. She was also a mentor to a number of future casting directors, including Juliet Taylor (who has done more than three dozen films with Woody Allen, as well as "Schindler's List," "Working Girl" and "Network") and Ellen Lewis ("Forrest Gump," "The Birdcage" and several Martin Scorsese pictures). "(Doing the movie) opened a window for me into this world of casting that I'd never really been conscious of before," says "Casting By" director Tom Donahue in a phone interview. "I didn't really understand the contributions of the casting director and how important they are creatively." 'Everybody thinks they know how to cast' He isn't the only one. Though casting can make or break a movie, the job is often overlooked -- certainly by moviegoers, who may not be aware of the long process it takes to find the right actors for the right roles, and even by the movie business itself. Indeed, the casting director's film credit is "casting by" because the Directors Guild of America long prevented anyone else from being called a "director" on a movie. (The rule has been relaxed for cinematographers, often called "directors of photography," and art directors.) "It's not something that most people understand," says Marcia Ross, a veteran casting director whose credits include "Oblivion," "The Princess Diaries" and "Clueless." (One of her former assistants, Kate Lacey, was a producer on "Casting By.") "There's a tendency in casting, because people know who actors are, that almost everybody thinks they know how to cast." Casting, she says, means going through countless reels, submissions and auditions in search of filling movie roles; getting to know actors' representatives and schedules; establishing a rapport with the director; and, these days more than ever, being able to negotiate a Hollywood system in which many people have a stake in a movie's financial, as well as artistic, success. "There's a lot of micromanagement and a lot of committee involvement," says Ross. "It's harder than ever to get actors cast." It's a conundrum: Producers may want an established name, while casting directors may see an unknown with real potential -- an unknown who won't get a chance until he becomes, well, an established name. And yet, she says, the job has real rewards -- particularly when those unknowns break through. It was a thrill Dougherty knew over and over, with her string of New York-trained performers. (Her secret? "Gut reaction," she says in the film.) Ross, too, has given some actors their breakout roles, including Paul Rudd ("Clueless") and Chris Pine ("The Princess Diaries 2"). When "Diaries 2" came along, Pine -- now known as "Star Trek's" Capt. James T. Kirk -- was ready to go back to New York after hacking around Hollywood for the occasional TV guest spot, says Ross. "I was very taken with him, and I brought him in for (director) Garry Marshall and he was terrific," she recalls. "But the thing with Chris was he'd never done a movie and nobody knew him. I think people were a little nervous. But I really believed in him, and I made a really good case for him, and he got the part." 'Inside, Benjamin Braddock is short and Jewish' Casting is often inspired, a wonderful bit of serendipity. "There's something magic in finding the right person for a part," says Ross. There are any number of examples. Redford was supposed to play Butch Cassidy in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," but thought he was more appropriate for Sundance -- and Dougherty backed him up. "Casting By's" Donahue says Clint Eastwood was actually considered for the lead in 1978's "Superman," but Lynn Stalmaster -- another casting pioneer -- believed the role would be better served with an unknown, and went to bat for Christopher Reeve. And, in a classic bit of casting, Dustin Hoffman got the role of Benjamin Braddock in "The Graduate." In Charles Webb's novel, Braddock is an athletic, upper-class WASP -- someone who looks like Redford, who was actually considered for the role -- but Stalmaster and director Mike Nichols were looking for someone who could project the character's insecurity. In a "Casting By" clip, Hoffman remembers his uncertainty. "I said to Nichols, I did not think I was right for the role. (Braddock is) kind of Anglo-Saxon, tall, slender, good-looking," Hoffman recalled. "And he said, 'You're Jewish.' I said, 'That's right -- short and Jewish.' He said, 'Well, inside, Benjamin Braddock is short and Jewish.' " Despite their key role in shaping movies, casting directors still don't get all the credit they deserve. That was literal in the beginning: Stalmaster was the first casting director to get "single-card credit" (in which the person is the only credit listed on the screen), for 1968's "The Thomas Crown Affair." Even today, there's still some resistance. Despite attempts to get the position recognized for Oscar consideration, the motion picture academy has yet to do so. (Moreover, when colleagues pushed Dougherty for honorary Oscar recognition, that attempt, too, failed.) Nevertheless, the actors have remembered. One of the pleasures of "Casting By" is watching performers who have long since gone on to fame and fortune become their younger selves -- telling stories about being hard-up for rent, scrapping for food, wondering about their next job, and then being blessed by a casting director's wand. Ross, who's been in casting for more than 30 years, says the idea of making and breaking careers doesn't enter her mind, however. She simply believes in what she does. "I love talent," she says. "The business has changed so much, but at the very core of it, my love of talent and helping them get the opportunity to work has not changed." Dougherty, who died in 2011, felt the same way -- and the feeling was reciprocal: "Casting By" ends with a chorus of tributes from colleagues. She may not have been well-known, but Voight pays her a great compliment -- one due to so many casting directors. "She could see what people couldn't see," he says. | "Casting By" celebrates casting directors, especially pioneer Marion Dougherty .
Dougherty reshaped business by casting New York actors .
Casting director's role often overlooked, but it's key in shaping film . |
fc23fa19c45fdff321aa94af376c9a480eaab5c2 | A Grade II listed property that was nearly bought by a shipping heiress - until fears over cultists next door put her off - has been sold with an asking price of £45million. The mansion, in Balfour Place, Mayfair, boasts a staggering 19 bedrooms, seven reception rooms, six kitchens, 17 bathrooms and a roof terrace. It was converted into six apartments a little over 20 years ago and the owner recently put it on the market for £45 million. Palatial: The mansion, in Balfour Place, Mayfair, boasts a staggering 19 bedrooms, seven reception rooms, six kitchens, 17 bathrooms and a roof terrace. The property incorporates the corner building, as well as a smaller side building, seen towards the bottom left of this picture . Opulent: A computer generated image of how the reception could look. The property was converted into six apartments a little over 20 years ago and the owner recently put it on the market for £45 million . Magnificent: An artist's rendition of how a walk-in closet could look at the palatial home. It originally featured large entertaining rooms and eight family bedrooms while the fourth and fifth floors were for staff . In August 1978 it nearly passed into the hands of the then 27-year-old heiress Christina Onassis, the only daughter of billionaire Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who flew into London on her private jet for a one-day tour of houses in Mayfair and Belgravia . One of the homes she viewed was Number 7, however she backed out of buying it because a neighbouring property was being rented by the DeGrimston family - who gossips claimed were cult worshippers. Their house was dubbed 'Satan's Cave' and it is thought this lead to the socialite getting cold feet on the purchase. Scared off: Shipping heir Christina Onassis nearly bought the property, but was reportedly put off by 'devil-worshippers' next door . The Arts & Craft property, built in 1891, has been snapped up by a wealthy millionaire and could now be turned into one of London's newest super-homes. Spread over 13,000sq/ft, the property is around 15 times the size of the average newbuild in the UK. The property was marketed by Wetherell and Savills estate agents, with the deal confirmed by Peter Wetherell. Due to a confidentiality agreement, Mr Wetherell would not confirm the final price paid or who had bought it. However, if it is anywhere near the £45 million asking price, it will be among the biggest sales of 2014. If the deal went through before the recent stamp duty change, the buyer would pay £3.15 million in tax on a £45 million pad. However, if it was signed off after the deadline they will have to pay a staggering £5.3 million in stamp duty. The most expensive publicly listed deal of 2014 was £50 million for a flat in Knightsbridge. Mr Wetherell said: 'No.7 Balfour Place is one of the most magnificent Arts & Craft mansions in London. 'Built as a trophy property within the historic Grosvenor Estate it benefits from a prestigious Mayfair address, elegant architecture and rooms with princely proportions. 'As apartments it could be used as an investment to generate rental income, reinstated into a single residence, it could create one of London's finest mega-mansions, an outstanding home of world class quality and refined provenance.' The property was designed by Eustace Balfour and has a five storey brick facade. It originally featured large entertaining rooms and eight family bedrooms while the fourth and fifth floors were for staff. Over the years it has had a number owners including several industrialists, a Dowager Countess and a City of London metal-trader magnate. Soaring: Property prices are on the rise in Mayfair with homes changing hands for £4,000 and £5,000 sq/ft . In August 1978 the then 27-year-old shipping heiress Christina Onassis viewed the property, but was reportedly put off because a neighbouring property was being rented by the DeGrimston family - who gossips claimed were cult worshippers . Over the years it has had a number owners including several industrialists, a Dowager Countess and a City of London metal-trader magnate . Due to a confidentiality agreement, the final price paid could not be confirmed, nor they buyer named . Number 7 was converted into six apartments in 1991 and the deal could prove to be a shrewd purchase. Property prices are on the rise in Mayfair with homes changing hands for £4,000 and £5,000 sq/ft. This could give 7 Balfour Place a potential value of between £52 and £65 million. Some industry experts estimate values could hit £10,000 sq/ft in a decade - making it a £130 million home. | The Mayfair mansion boasts 19 bedrooms, seven reception rooms, six kitchens, 17 bathrooms and a roof terrace .
Spread over 13,000sq/ft, the property is around 15 times the size of the average newbuild in the UK .
In 1978 shipping heiress Christina Onassis viewed the property, but was reportedly put off because a neighbouring property was being rented by the DeGrimston family - who gossips claimed were cult worshippers . |
fc242fa665377abd5655ddd70442f20d2db29971 | (CNN) -- "Where your treasure is, there is your heart also." So goes one biblical quote that could be applied to the United States' intervention in Syria. In a letter to the U.N. secretary-general presented by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, the United States justified airstrikes in Syria as an effort to protect Iraqi citizens from attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and other extremist groups. He did not, however, mention Syrian citizens. It is this omission that goes to the heart of the United States' misplaced priorities. The numbers underscore the administration's focus on degrading and (one day) defeating ISIS, rather than on providing urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the victims of the organization's barbarism. Take, for example, the State Department's recent announcement that it will provide an additional almost $500 million in humanitarian aid to help those affected by the war in Syria. According to the State Department, this brings the total amount of U.S. humanitarian aid to $2.9 billion since March 2011 — or about $700 million per year, $60 million a month or $14 million per week. But while this is a substantial amount, it will very quickly be surpassed by the costs of U.S. military operations. Indeed, only last month, Congress approved roughly $500 million to train moderate Syrian rebels, the same amount set aside for additional humanitarian assistance. And this doesn't even take account of airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq, which, according to a Pentagon spokesperson, have cost around $52 million a week. Expanding the air war to Syria will substantially increase those expenditures, to as much as $100 million per week, according to some analysts. This would mean the cost of airstrikes would exceed our investment in humanitarian assistance in just five weeks. This is not meant as an argument against military action. But it does suggest that we are forgetting the reason we are undertaking it. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimates there are more than 3 million Syrian refugees and projects that number will rise to 4.1 million by the end of 2014. The U.S. State Department suggests the situation is even more dire. More than half of Syria's population has been driven from their homes and nearly 6.5 million have been displaced within Syria. Nearly 11 million are in need of aid within Syria. If our justification for military intervention is to protect innocent Iraqis (and presumably also Syrians), then U.S. humanitarian assistance should be at least equal to the costs of our military response. The UNHCR's regional response plan for 2014 catalogs the range of basic human needs of these millions of displaced persons: protection, including protection from sexual violence, shelter, food, health care, water, sanitation and hygiene. Over the long term, the displaced will have to recover their livelihoods. Children will need to resume their basic education to prevent a "lost generation" of Syrian children. If the United States is going eventually to "put boots on the ground," providing these basic needs in both the near and long term should be the primary mission of the courageous Americans who deploy to the region. The suffering ISIS -- and the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- are inflicting on Iraqi and Syrian citizens might persist for years. If we do not get our priorities right now -- and properly make the case for rebalancing military and humanitarian expenditure in Syria -- then there is every reason to believe the much-needed cash for humanitarian assistance will dry up once the United States declares victory over ISIS and turns its attention elsewhere. That would compound an already horrific human tragedy. The United States has been militarily engaged in Iraq almost continually since the first Gulf War in 1991, a span that might surprise many Americans. If there is a lesson to be learned from this experience, therefore, it should be that blunt U.S. military power cannot stabilize the region, never mind secure peace. Humanitarian assistance on a much larger scale, in contrast, could help ease the suffering of millions who are caught in the vortex of this sectarian conflict. That is where our hearts should be -- and our treasure also. | U.S. airstrikes against ISIS costing around $52 million a week, Mark Ensalaco notes .
United Nations estimates there are more than 3 million Syrian refugees .
U.S. must place greater emphasis on humanitarian aid in Syria, Ensalaco says . |
fc246836ca3739a8a3e4ec38c936f0fd53934b61 | By . Anthony Hay for MailOnline . Follow @@Anthony_Hay . Former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini believes Petr Cech may decide to leave Stamford Bridge in January if he fails to win back his first-team spot. Cech has had to make do with a spot on the substitutes' bench during Chelsea's first two games of the season as Jose Mourinho has instead opted to start with Thibaut Courtois in goal. And Cudicini, who lost his place to Cech during his time in west London, has tipped his former rival to become disillusioned with life at Chelsea if he continues to be overlooked by Mourinho. VIDEO Scroll down for Jose Mourinho: Cech is not happy but he is a professional . Competitors: Petr Cech (left) has lost his first-team spot to Belgium ace Thibaut Courtois (right) Friendly rivalry: Jose Mourinho hopes Cech will act as a mentor to 22-year-old goalkeeper Courtois . Cudicini, speaking to the London Evening Standard, said on Chelsea's current goalkeeper situation: 'I decided to stay but that doesn’t mean Petr will do the same. Every situation is different. I was the No 1 for three years when Petr arrived but I didn’t have the same pedigree Petr has now. 'He can go anywhere. Any team in the world will take him but it was different for me. A goalkeeper of his calibre will try to win the No 1 jersey back but if Courtois does his job well and keeps it, then I don’t think that Petr will stay. 'It might be in January, it might be the end of the year but I don’t see him staying. That’s my idea but I might be wrong.' Valuable advice: Carlo Cudicini, pictured with Cech in 2005, believes the Czech Republic international is too good to sit on Chelsea's bench . | Carlo Cudicini lost his place to Petr Cech during his time at Stamford Bridge .
Thibaut Courtois has started Chelsea's first two league games of the season .
Jose Mourinho has opted to start with Courtois due to his youthfulness . |
fc24a282f0c031e0446b408ad11fc634d38a7d72 | Bridesmaid: Laura Rees, 23, died in a car crash on her way to visit a friend who was getting married . A bridesmaid was killed in a car crash as she went to visit the bride-to-be on the day she went to be fitted for her dress, in inquest has heard. Nursery worker Laura Rees died in the head-on collision in South Wales just hours after she had picked up her dress and got her nails done ahead of her friend's big day. The 23-year-old, who was buried in her bridesmaid dress, was due to spend the night at the bride's house to discuss plans for the wedding. A statement from Miss Rees's mother Angela was read out last Friday at the inquest into her death at Llanelli Town Hall in Carmarthenshire. She told police her daughter had enjoyed a 'leisurely "me" day' before her death in October last year. Mrs Rees added: 'She was so excited about the wedding and had just had a fitting for the dress - that dress was the dress she was buried in.' The inquest heard that the bridesmaid was driving on the A40 near Whitland when she was involved in the two-car crash. 'We will never know what happened that night on that stretch of road,' Miss Rees's mother said as she described her daughter's commitment to her nursery work. 'Laura loved working,' Mrs Rees said in her statement. 'She would often not have a drink just in case she was needed to drive. 'She loved working with children - she had applied to go back university in 2013 to study midwifery. 'I never saw her take risks or exceed the speed limit.' Accident: The crash occurred on the A40 between Whitland and St Clears in South Wales, pictured . Miss Rees was vigilant in forcing passengers in her car to wear a seat belt, the inquest heard. Carmarthenshire coroner Mark Layton ruled that the death of the nursery worker, who lived in St Clears, was an accident. He concluded: 'Laura Mary Anne Rees was a talented young woman and on a return journey, she lost control of the car.' | Laura Rees was buried in her bridesmaid dress after dying in crash on A40 .
Nursery worker was 'so excited about the wedding', her mother says . |
fc24c757e00079910a33b903bf4f6237a99f5bb2 | By . Derek Lawrenson . In a World of Golf special, Sportsmail's golf correspondent DEREK LAWRENSON picks out what he is looking forward to most when the best players on the planet descend on Hoylake this week for the 2014 Open Championship. 1) THE RETURN OF TIGER. OK, it’s certainly not the Tiger Woods of 2006 vintage and he might only be around for two days. But we’ve seen enough in practice to suggest he might just surprise one or two people. It will certainly add to the event watching him try. He's back: Legendary three-time Open champion Tiger Woods has returned from injury . Star attraction: Crowds gather to watch Woods tee off at the 5th on a practice round . VIDEO Don't give up on Tiger - Watson . 2) ATMOSPHERE. At Muirfield last year the golf was good, the weather even better but the event was as flat as a pancake. With an extra 80,000 spectators expected through the gates and boosting the overall attendance to around 200,000, things should be a lot different this week. 3) GOOD FRIDAY FOR RORY. Yes, it’s all very fascinating watching Rory McIlroy shoot 63 or 64 in first rounds of tournaments and then allow an imposter to take his place the following day. But this is the Open. So can the real Rory please show up for all four days here and not just three? 4) A STOUT DEFENCE FROM PHIL. Mickelson has been watching a video of his fabled final round last year which is just as well given his results sheet over the past 12 months. Let’s hope the good memories rub off on the popular American. There’s not a lot to beat watching Phil when he thrills. Making a point: Experienced American Mickelson won his first Open at Muirfield last year . VIDEO 'New feeling' for defending champion Mickelson . Consistency issues: Rory McIlroy needs to turn up on all four days at Hoylake if he is to win . 5) THE FACTORY MAN. Good to see that the Royal & Ancient have given Hoylake factory worker John Singleton a nice draw alongside American Peter Uihlein and Scot Marc Warren. No unearthly starting time either. The local man tees off in the first round at 10.32am. 6) VIDEO SCOREBOARDS. It’s only right they’ve kept the iconic yellow scoreboard at the 18th but it’s also good they’ve been replaced elsewhere with all-singing, all-dancing scoreboards telling people an awful lot more than simply a player’s hole-by-hole scores. 7) WATCHING TV WHILE WALKING AROUND THE COURSE. How brilliant to be able to follow your favourite player while still catching up with all the action on the BBC. That’s the smartphone promise anyway if you download the Open app, thanks to the internet ‘mesh’ installed. Fingers crossed it works. Local lad: John Singleton has been handed a favourable draw by the R&A . 8) A HOME CHALLENGE. All corners of the UK have men who are fully capable of contending. True, the Open doesn’t depend on one or two of them making a genuine tilt at winning the Claret Jug, but it tends to be a better championship when they do. 9) SPENDING AN HOUR BESIDE THE PAR-THREE 13TH. With the sun out, there’s no better place to watch than clambering up the bank on the right side and viewing the action on this gorgeous short hole beside the Dee estuary, with Hilbre Island shimmering in the distance. 10) THE PACKED GRANDSTAND AT THE 18TH. The massive grandstands have been a feature of every Open but this year organisers have excelled themselves with the first wraparound stand in history around the final hole. Should be spine-tingling come Sunday. | Open Championship begins at Hoylake on Thursday .
Three-time champion Tiger Woods plays despite recent injury problems .
Phil Mickelson defends the title he won at Muirfield last year .
Rory McIlroy must show consistency if he is to win his first Open . |
fc24e1a45e464b6d9ea62ed3de094e6dc79991b3 | With her floppy hat, designer boots and chic coat, Harper Beckham captured the hearts of parents everywhere on her way to New York Fashion Week recently. Yet some eagle-eyed mums and dads also spotted a business opportunity: with Victoria and David lookalikes forging lucrative careers mimicking the couple, surely the market was ripe for Harpers as well? Indeed, Susan Scott’s Lookalikes agency has 32 Harpers on its books, with a rush of approaches from new hopefuls. We picked our top ten Harpers — and here they are, as cute as buttons, looking just like the famous little fashionista. Spot the difference: The real Harper Beckham, left, and lookalike Emilia Robbins, from Wrexham, right . Mum can't tell them apart . Emilia Robins, three-and-a-half, lives in Wrexham, North Wales, with mum Gemma, 28, dad Simon, 35, who run a camper van building firm, and brother Mason, six. Gemma says: . When I show pictures of Harper to Emilia, she says ‘That’s me, Mummy. Who’s that strange man or woman holding me?’ That’s how uncanny the resemblance is, even she can’t tell her and Harper apart. And if someone were to put pictures of them side by side I think I would struggle to say who was who. Emilia attracts a lot of stares, which she likes because she’s a confident, friendly girl. I’ve heard the Beckham children are very polite and I’m proud to say Emilia has lovely manners, too. Emilia really is a little cracker. I’m not a pushy mother, so I will only put her up for things she wants to do, as long as I don’t have to pretend to be Victoria — I don’t think anyone would fall for that. Seeing double: Susan Scott’s Lookalikes agency has 32 Harpers on its books, including Annabel Wanner-Halder, left, and Phoebe Lowe, right . Modelling will pay for university . Annabel Wanner-Halder, three-and-a-half, lives in Beaconsfield, Bucks, with mum Jo, 40, dad Simon, 43, both IT consultants, and sister Amelia, two. Jo says: . My mum was the first to notice how much Annabel looks like Harper. Last year, we were on a flight to Madrid when the air stewardess touched me on the arm and said ‘Your daughter looks just like Harper Beckham.’ So a year ago, Mum sent her photograph to a lookalike agency and they signed her up. Any money Annabel earns will go into a savings account for university. I’m mystified how Annabel came by her looks: I’m more Geri Halliwell and Simon looks more like Griff Rhys Jones. It’s bizarre we should have produced almost identical daughters. Strangers stop us in the street . Phoebe Lowe, three, lives with mum Naomi, a nursery nurse, and brother Joshua, eight, in Worcester. Naomi says: . Ever since Phoebe was tiny, strangers have approached me in shops and parks to comment on her resemblance to Harper. I’d always act surprised. It was touching seeing Harper with her big brother because Joshua loves his little sister, too. It’s not just the long light-brown hair that makes Harper and Phoebe so alike, it’s their dark eyes, lips and the shape of their faces. So on a whim, I decided to send a picture to the agency a few days ago. I wish our daughters weren’t the only thing Victoria and I have in common: I’ve got a huge crush on David! Decoy: Bobbi Hutchins, left, lives near close to Harper's grandparents, and Sienna Gibbs-Cook, right . We live next to Harper’s granny . Bobbi Hutchins, three, lives near Hertford with stay-at-home mum Karlie, 30, and dad Paul, 31, a computer maintenance worker. She has a brother Paul, two, and sister Cameron, 11. Karlie says: . People used to say I looked like Posh Spice because I have long straight brown hair and a turned-up nose — so it’s no surprise Bobbi is a dead ringer for Harper. It’s a great honour — she’s gorgeous. I joked to my husband that Bobbi was being trained to be a decoy for Harper, because her grandparents — Victoria’s parents — live nearby. I’ve been to their house as a child, when they sold some furniture. They let us see their trophy room full of Victoria’s platinum CDs and David’s football trophies. I’d love to say her brother dotes on her the way the Beckham boys adore Harper, but they mostly squabble. She's made thousands of pounds . Sienna Gibbs-Cook, four, lives in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, with Sophie Cook, 33, a stay-at-home mum, dad Lee Gibbs, 37, a printer, and sister Tahlia, ten. Sophie says: . When Sienna was two, I was shopping in Waitrose when I was asked by another customer if I was Harper Beckham’s nanny. She has appeared at several corporate events — usually with a David and Victoria lookalike — and in newspapers and magazines. We put all her earnings into a savings account which she can access when she is 18. There are several thousand pounds in it already. Of course, Sienna has no idea who Harper is, but she loves the little boots and coats she wears on photoshoots. She loves travelling on the train, too, so every time we go to an event it’s like a little holiday for her. We’re all very excited whenever she is in the paper — and, if I’m honest, she’s a bit spoilt. Like father, like daughter: Left, Amelia Bricknell's father looks like David Beckham, and right, Colby Brander-Stark dresses in sophisticated clothes like Harper . Daddy looks like Becks, too! Amelia Bricknell, three, lives in Grays, Essex, with stay-at-home mum Sarah Johnson, 31, and dad James Bricknell, 36, a printer. Sarah says: . My friend rang me last week and said: ‘I’ve realised why I always feel like I know Harper Beckham — she looks just like your Amelia!’ Amelia has always looked like Harper. When she was pictured in that black dress sitting on her dad’s knee, then at the airport being carried by big brother Brooklyn, the resemblance was uncanny. Some friends say James looks a bit like David! David and Victoria are good role models. A fashionista at the age of two . Colby Brander-Stark, two-and-a-half, lives in Radlett, Hertfordshire, with mum Hilary, 32, a Metropolitan Police controller, dad Michael, 32, a police officer, and brother Leo, five. Hilary says: . Colby is 12 months younger than Harper, so when I see photographs of her in the newspaper, I think ‘That’s what my daughter will look like next year.’ They even have the same Bugaboo buggy; black with a pink hood. Like Victoria, I like dressing my daughter in sophisticated clothes — shirts and leggings in black and grey, rather than Mickey Mouse tops. Friends are always texting and emailing me pictures of Harper and writing ‘Colby!’ in the subject line. I didn’t have any reservations about signing Colby up to a lookalikes agency because it’s not like saying ‘My daughter’s so pretty she should be a model’. Everyone wants their daughter to be a model, but not everybody’s child looks like a celebrity, it just so happens mine does. Ambitious: Sienna Maunsell, left, already likes to wear high heels while Violet Stringer, right, wants to be Rapunzel when she grows up . Already in high heels . Sienna Maunsell, three, lives with stay-at-home mum Jennifer, 28, dad Michael, 28, a printer, brother Keane, nine, and sister Emelia, one, in Manchester. Jennifer says: . I didn’t know who Harper Beckham was when a friend of my mum’s said she looked like Sienna. I’ve no idea who she gets her looks from as sadly neither my husband nor I look anything like the Beckhams. Michael likes to play football, but that’s the only similarity. Sienna is a little fahionista in the making. She likes wearing my high heels and even paints her nails. Pink is her favourite colour. It does get a bit messy. Like Harper, she is a bit of a Daddy’s girl and has Michael wrapped round her little finger. She’d rather be Rapunzel! Violet Stringer, three, lives in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, with mum Macey, 37, a handcrafter and dad Nick, 45, who runs outdoor markets. She has six siblings; Freddie, two, Savannah, 11, Harrison, 12, Alexander, 16, Rebecca, 14, and Jordan, 18. Macey says: . I sometimes see pictures in magazines of David and Harper and wonder what he’s doing holding my little girl. Like Harper, Violet has long hair — she wants to be Rapunzel when she grows up, and she loves dressing up. You’ll usually find her in a dress and wellies. I think it’s flattering she looks like Harper. Violet also loves her dummy, but I only let her have it in the car. Sian Stafford, three, enjoys her dummy just as much as Harper, but her mother plans on getting rid of it soon . Dummy double . Sian Stafford, three, lives in Romford, Essex, with full-time mum Marie, 29, dad Dean, 29, a roofer, sister Louise, nine, and brother Zack, 18 months. Marie says: . Physical resemblance is not the only thing Sian has in common with Harper — she also still has a dummy. I’ll get rid of it before she’s four because I’m worried about it damaging her teeth. I don’t suppose the Beckhams are concerned because they can afford the very best orthodontic treatment. I think David and Victoria are good role models because, despite their careers, they still manage to spend a lot of time with their children. And I joke to friends that having a daughter who looks like theirs is the next best thing to having the Beckhams’ fame and fortune. | Harper's floppy hat, designer boots and chic coat captured the hearts of parents everywhere on her way to New York Fashion Week .
Yet some eagle-eyed mums and dads also spotted a business opportunity .
Susan Scott’s Lookalikes agency has 32 Harpers on its books, with a rush of approaches from new hopefuls . |
fc251f07c9f99247c402d4254662f5ff072af807 | For a manager with a reputation for caution, it seemed a very odd decision to leave out Ashley Cole and plump for a teenager with one cap. Even as Roy Hodgson tried to explain his reasons he did not seem convinced, and yet nobody will have paid more attention to these two left backs set on radically different trajectories. Luke Shaw, at 18, is rising at a breathtaking rate, a seemingly unstoppable force scouted by every top club in Europe. Cole is fading. Finished: Ashley Cole, who has 107 England caps, has retired from international football . Changing of the guard: Luke Shaw will go to the World Cup ahead of long-time left back Cole . In public, Jose Mourinho has been ultra-supportive of a man who has served him loyally. The Chelsea manager has tried his best to credit Cesar Azpilicueta rather than find fault with Cole, but the Cole of old is not replaced at left back by a right back. No more than the Cole of old is replaced at international level by Leighton Baines. No more than the Cole of old spends half an hour struggling to contain Cardiff’s Mats Daehli. Cole’s form has slipped from its very high standards. It is a trend that started last year and continued into this, amplified by the damaged confidence which comes from losing your aura of invincibility. Mourinho and Hodgson have agreed on this. That does not mean he is a spent force. Cole remains a fine player and an attractive free transfer, but Chelsea’s defenders have all been impressive within Mourinho’s strong unit. If he had played left back at Everton this season, the physical limitations of a 33-year-old with delicate ankles would have been more severely tested. Mourinho wants his full backs to defend, not bomb on, and protects them with midfield enforcers in Ramires and Nemanja Matic. Hodgson will want more from his left back, but tactical deliberations are beside the point. Cole has lost his World Cup place because he was not good enough to keep his Chelsea place. By the time he returned in late April, the England manager’s mind was made up. Give youth a chance: Roy Hodgson announced his England squad for the World Cup on Monday . Where next? Ashley Cole is resigned to leaving Chelsea this summer as his contract ends . During Cole’s absence, Hodgson studied Shaw and became convinced he was ready for international football. His emergence also fits into a broader philosophy which can serve England well. Hodgson wants to do well at the World Cup but expectations are low and he can start to extend his vision, because failing to reach Euro 2016 in France looks almost impossible given England’s group. Here is a rare luxury. Hodgson can start by enveloping the best of the young players into the framework and giving them time to train together and play together. At the same time, Shaw and Baines are exciting players. They are quite capable of rewarding the England manager for discarding his cloak of caution. Finished: Cole retired from international football having been left out of England's World Cup squad . Uncertain future: John Terry earned a new contract, but Cole and Frank Lampard are yet to receive an offer . | Ashley Cole was left out of the 23-man England World Cup squad .
Luke Shaw will go to the World Cup ahead of the Chelsea defender .
Cole, who has 107 caps, will retire from international football .
Shaw, 18, is one of eight players in the squad aged under 24 . |
fc2589b23ddf7b8198dfdd9c73630b7febef4eda | For 12 months after police officers from the Democratic Republic of Congo 'summarily executed' at least nine people, including a child, Britain continued to fund them. But just two weeks after the police brutality scandal the first public reports on it were already available. That was on November 15. During the police offensive, named 'Operation Punch', a further 32 men and boys disappeared in the capital, Kinshasa. Two 16-year-olds are amongst 29 of this group who are still unaccounted for. For 12 months after police officers from the Democratic Republic of Congo 'summarily executed' at least nine people, including a child, Britain continued to fund them . And on November 27 the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo issued a joint statement further highlighting the issue, sighting 'reports of disappearance and assassination of young men and children in some communes of Kinshasa'. According to The Telegraph, at that time, the UN agencies said that about 20 people, including 12 children, had been killed. They urged 'immediate steps' to 'put an end to such acts'. Despite these declarations of concern, the Department for International Development (Dfid) continued to fund Congo's police for almost another year. And it wasn't until this month that they finally suspended their payments to its 'Security Sector Accountability and Police Reform Programme'. It did so following a UN report in October which confirmed nine deaths and numerous other violations during Operation Punch. Between 2008 and 2014 Difid had promised £67million to improve the 'capability and accountability' of the Congolese National Police. By the time it pulled the pin on the programme Difid had already spent £55million. Justifying the continued payments a Difid spokesperson told the newspaper: 'We were aware of reports of human rights violations and raised them regularly at the highest level of the Congolese Government while the UN conducted their investigations. We wanted to make sure that any action followed the outcome of the UN investigation.' The Department for International Development only stopped their payments to the police this month after the UN released their final report in October which confirmed they were responsible for nine deaths . The spokesperson added that they made a 'swift decision' to end the payments following the UN's final report. That report found that nine people were executed during Operation Punch and 32 'forcibly disappeared'. The operation was meant to be targeting organised crime. The report went on to say they believe the number of victims could be 'much higher'. And said the operation involved masked and hooded policemen travelling in unmarked vehicles after dark, before waiting outside the homes of their victims. On November 19, a shopkeeper, 30, was shot dead outside his home by hooded men in police uniforms. On November 23, a 18-year-old was picked up while trying to earn money cleaning cars. After being driven around for a number of hours the teenager was shot three times in the back. The youngest victim was a 17-year-old who was shot in the back outside his home on November 27. Of the 32 who disappeared, there were able to buy their freedom from police custody. One of which is a 16-year-old who was tied up and taken from his home to a nearby police station. Dfid's budget rose by 32 per cent between 2012 and 2013 – the biggest annual jump by a Whitehall department in peacetime history. Critics say the pressure to spend its budget makes it harder for the organisation to cut payments. | In November last year police in the Congo killed nine people .
They launched an operation that was meant to target organised crime .
The Department of International Developed had promised them £67million .
The first public reports about the killings were available within two weeks .
But the department kept paying the police force until this month .
They waited for a final report from the UN - by then they had spent £55m . |
fc25b8f64cc383c87936b111c5fb8a5be23d3c82 | David Luiz became the first player to score against Barcelona this season as Paris Saint-Germain beat Luis Enrique’s side 3-2 in Paris. The French Champions have not been beaten at home in the Champions League since 2004 and their record continued in a five-goal thriller. PSG took the lead on 11 minutes and it was Luiz – a player linked with a move to Barcelona before he finally left Chelsea for Paris in the summer – who got the goal. Dani Alves was penalized for handball and Lucas Moura’s free-kick dropped to Luiz who swept it past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. David Luiz wheels away in celebration after scoring Paris Saint-Germain's opening goal in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona . Looking every bit a rock star, Luiz executes the perfect celebratory power slide after scoring the opener in Paris Saint-Germain's win over Barcelona . PSG: Sirigu, Van der Wiel, Marquinhos, Luiz, Maxwell, Verratti (Cabaye 71'), Thiago Motta, Matuidi, Lucas Moura (Bahebeck 91'), Cavani, Pastore (Chantome 86') Subs not used: Douchez, Bahebeck, Aurier, Digne . Goals: Luiz, Verratti, Matuidi . Booked: Van der Wiel, Verratti, Matuidi . Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Dani Alves (Sandro Ramírez 83'), Mascherano, Mathieu, Jordi Alba, Rakitic (Xavi 69'), Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Neymar, Pedro (El Haddadi 62') Subs not used: Bravo, Pique, Sergi Roberto, Adriano. Goals: Messi, Neymar . Booked: Dani Alves . Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy) Barcelona had made enquiries to sign Luiz in the past and made a more concerted effort to sign Marquinhos. They were facing both players and it was Luiz who had put paid to perfect defensive record. Within a minute, however, the visitors were level. The luminous yellow shirts charged forward and Messi and Andres Iniesta played a wall pass inside the area with the Argentine finishing past Salvatore Sirigu for his 68th Champions League goal. Now only Real Madrid’s Raul has scored more and Messi had moved within three of the record. It was also Barcelona’s 500th goal in the European Cup. Messi created Barca’s next real chance with a lofted pass that Neymar stretched to reach ahead of Sirigu - he got there first but failed to keep this shot down. From so nearly taking the lead, Barcelona were soon behind again. Jordi Alba lost possession, PSG won a corner and from Thiago Motta’s kick Marco Verratti scored at the far post. It a owed plenty to fine delivery, but even more to Ter Stegen wandering off his line and failing to claim the ball as it sailed over his head it, leaving the goal at Verratti’s mercy. The old demons of not being able to defend set-pieces had undone Barcelona, with them conceding from a free-kick and a corner. The game remained ridiculously open in what was left of the first half – something that suited Luiz. The Brazilian exists somewhere between total football and total chaos. He had one run down the right wing, one run down the left wing, and there was some kamikaze defending, but he had scored one of the goals that sent his team down the tunnel leading 2-1 at half time. David Luiz takes a brilliant first touch in the box before turning and driving home his left-footed finish to give Paris Saint Germain the lead over Barcelona . Former Chelsea defender Luiz's goal comes after 10 minutes in PSG's Champions League Group F fixture at the Parc des Princes in Paris . Luiz wheels away in celebration after scoring the emphatic goal that gave the hosts a 1-0 lead . Luiz, who has been underfire recently due to poor form following his big money move to Paris, races to the corner after his goal to celebrate with the PSG fans . Raising his arms to the heavens, Luiz completes the post-goal celebrations with his PSG team-mates . PSG's Maxwell (right) takes to the air after he is fouled by Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic . Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy smiles as he takes his seat in the star-studded stands . Imperious Barca No 10 Lionel Messi turns PSG's Italian midfielder Thiago Motta (centre) inside out with another of his probing runs . Within two minutes of Luiz's goal Messi is taking on celebrations of his own after a beautiful piece of interplay with Andres Iniesta . Messi (right) forms a superstar huddle with Iniesta (front) and Neymar (second right) after their 12th-minute equaliser . The open spaces brought more goals at the start of the second half. PSG were doubling up on Alba with Lucas Moura and Gregory van der Wiel down the Barca left and the home side’s full back crossed from the right for Blaise Matuidi to score the third. Barcelona repeated their first half trick of responding inside a minute with Alves’ cross was converted by Neymar to make it 3-2. Barcelona were still looking exposed at the back and both Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore had the chance to extend PSG’s lead. A watching Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t know whether to smile or scowl as he watched the team attack so well without him. PSG take the lead back through re back in the lead Marco Verratti (right) as the Italian gets on the end of a corner to the far post . Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is all at sea as the corner loops over and around his defenders and finds Verratti's head . Italian striker Verratti celebrates as the score moves to 2-1 at the Parc des Princes . Not just a star striker, Edinson Cavani (right) puts in the hard yards to get between Iniesta and the ball in the penalty area . Barcelona's Neymar comes in for some rough treatment from PSG's Van der Wiel on the sideline . Barca coach Luis Enrique brought on Xavi for his 143rd Champions League appearance, sending him past Raul’s competiton record, as Ivan Rakitic, who had also been at fault for PSG’s second goal, beaten in the air by Verratti, made way. Barcelona’s best chance to salvage a point came with 15 minutes left when the ball dropped to Iniesta in space on the edge of the area. It was the same range he scored his most famous Champions League goal at Stamford Bridge in 2009. He even had the same colour shirt on but the shot was high and wide and the clock was now ticking down on Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season. There were still two more big chances with Alba shooting from inside the area only for Marquinhos to throw himself in front of the goalbound effort and Barcelona substitute Munir El Haddadi to hit the post from distance. Marquinhos celebrated his block as if it were a goal, and PSG had their victory. PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi celebrates after getting on the end of a cross to make it 3-1 in the hosts' favour . Matuidi resists the challenge from Dani Alves to make strong contact and his finish rockets between Ter Steegan's legs in the Barca goal . Neymar ensures Barca keep touch with his slick finish bringing the gap back to one at 3-2 . 99 problems but a pitch ain't one! US rapper Jay-Z (right) with his other half, pop star Beyonce (left) took in the match in Paris . Jay-Z (centre) and Beyonce (top left) were seated alongside former PSG star David Beckham (top right) Back in familiar surrounds, England and Manchester United legend Beckham enjoys the Champions League action . Beckham (left) chats with former Dutch player Patrick Kluivert as they take their seats on this Tuesday night in Paris . A superstar in his own right, PSG's injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also in the seats reserved for the elite in the Parisian stadium . PSG's Marquinhos was a match-winner in defence - here he celebrates making a tackle to deny a certain Barcelona goal on the line in the dying moments . Goalscorers Matuidi (no14) and Luiz celebrate after the full-time whistle at the Parc des Princes . Barcelona's players are dejected as the trudge off at the end of their Group F match in Paris . VIDEO Blanc salutes team performance . | PSG defeated Barcelona in their Group F Champions League match at the Parc des Princes in Paris .
David Luiz opened the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain with a terrific first touch and turn on 11 minutes .
Luiz, a target for Barca in the summer, was responsible for the first goal conceded by Barca this season .
Lionel Messi levelled two minutes later for Barcelona finishing after a one-two with Andres Iniesta .
The Argentine's finish was his 68th goal in the Champions League, leaving him behind only Raul .
Italian striker Marco Verratti's head gave the hosts back the lead after he got on the end of a corner at the far post .
The lead was extended to 3-1 by Blaise Matuidi, who got on the end of a low cross from Van der Wiel .
Neymar kept Barca in touch with his pinpoint finish bouncing in off the far post . |
fc26208a96285c8bfd73e3f1fc77d1920bdc939d | (CNN) -- Two years ago, Egyptians toppled a longtime dictator and reveled in the hope of a new future. But frustration over the new leadership and controversial court verdicts have ignited clashes regularly. Here's what's behind the most recent unrest, which flared up on the two-year anniversary of the revolution. What sparked this latest rash of violence? Two seemingly unrelated developments. Friday was the two-year anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Protesters who have been angry with the slow pace of change and with some of the steps President Mohamed Morsy has taken clashed with his supporters and police in the cities such as Suez and Ismailia. At least seven people were killed in those clashes, including several by gunfire. It was not immediately clear who was responsible. Then on Saturday, a judge issued death sentences for 21 people from Port Said for their roles in a football game riot last year. The court rulings sparked deadly clashes between security forces and relatives of the convicted. Over the course of two days, at least 38 people -- including civilians and soldiers -- were killed in Port Said. ` Dubbed the "massacre at Port Said" by Egyptian media, the riot broke out on February 1, 2012, after Port Said-based Al-Masry defeated Cairo's Al-Ahly, 3-1. The riot left 74 people dead and 1,000 injured. Fans from both sides bashed each other with rocks and chairs. It was unclear whether intense sports rivalries or political strife sparked the melee. What's the back story of tensions between Port Said and Cairo? Port Said residents say they have grievances that date back six decades. Over the past 60 years, residents of Port Said have felt betrayed by Egyptian security forces during a series of wars with Israel. Thousands of residents were displaced several times because of the Suez War, the Six-Day War of 1967, the War of Attrition with Israel, and the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Residents of Port Said, in northeastern Egypt, believed security forces did not adequately defend their city. In addition, some say Cairo has not invested enough in Port Said's infrastructure, and that their city doesn't reap enough tax benefits from trade with international ships that pass though Port Said via the critical Suez Canal. Some also say Port Said is still getting the cold shoulder from Cairo after a 1999 assassination attempt of then-President Hosni Mubarak, who was visiting the city. Why are some Egyptians angry with Morsy? Morsy, Egypt's first democratically elected president, came to power last June following Mubarak's ouster a year earlier. But accusations of power hoarding soon followed. Morsy issued a sweeping presidential decree in November, which prevented any court from overturning his decisions until a new, post-Mubarak constitution was passed. The ruling essentially gave him unchecked power, protecting from judicial review any decisions he has made since assuming office. Protesters decried the "birth of a new pharaoh" and "Morsy the dictator." But Morsy defended his move, saying it was only temporary until a new constitution is put in place. He said it was intended to safeguard the revolution, in part by preventing courts from interfering with the work of Egypt's Constituent Assembly, the body charged with drafting a new constitution. The judges, many of whom were holdover loyalists from the government of Mubarak, are widely viewed as hostile to the Islamists who now dominate the assembly that has been charged with framing a new constitution. The constitution eventually passed with a nearly two-thirds majority. What happens now? During a speech Sunday night, Morsy declared a limited state of emergency for violent hot spots and announced a 30-day nighttime curfew for the provinces of Port Said, Ismailia and Suez. Morsy said some protesters' violent behavior "does not have anything to do with the Egyptian revolution. ... In fact, it is against the revolution." But he acknowledged the legitimate dissent in Egypt, saying "dialogue is the only way to bring about stability and security." To this end, he invited representatives from 11 political parties to a meeting Monday. The meeting "is meant to address problems in Egypt, as opposed to express anger," Morsy's spokesman told state-run TV. But for a country that has seen rounds of change, dissent, celebration and violence, it's unclear what the next chapter will be. CNN's Reza Sayah and Tim Hume contributed to this report. | Protests on the two-year anniversary of the revolution left seven people dead Friday .
Chaos erupted after 21 people were sentenced to death after a football riot in Port Said .
Critics have accused Morsy of becoming a new dictator .
Morsy announces a temporary curfew in three places and a meeting among different parties . |
fc268a299ed9be3af7b416ee09fca8f8167c7f86 | By . Dan Bloom . Dramatic footage has emerged of the moment a Chinese ship sparked a diplomatic stand-off by crashing into a much smaller Vietnamese fishing boat. The vessels were in disputed waters in the South China Sea - where China has erected a giant oil rig - when they collided last week, ramping up tensions between the two nations. Now Vietnam has released footage of the incident which it says proves the sinking was a deliberate act - but China still disagrees over what it shows. Scroll down for video . Dramatic: Vietnam has released this footage which it says shows the moment a Chinese ship sank a much smaller Vietnamese fishing vessel in a disputed part of the South China Sea. China denies being the aggressor . Evidence: The video was played to a press conference and further stokes tensions between the two countries . State television broadcast the dramatic video today and it was played to journalists in a press conference. Shot from a nearby Vietnamese craft, it . appears to show the Chinese ship steaming towards two smaller . Vietnamese vessels - leaving one of the fishing boats capsized in its . wake. At the moment of impact, one man on the boat from where the footage was filmed yells in Vietnamese: 'Oh! The boat's sinking.' 'Look, it rammed and sank it!' another shouts. Vietnamese . fishing boats nearby rescued the 10 fishermen from the sunken . vessel on May 26 - and Hanoi officials said the Chinese ship made no effort to help. A . new report on Vietnamese state network VTV said: 'The latest images . recorded by Vietnamese fishermen at the time when fishing ship DNa-90152 . was sunk by a Chinese ship serve as irrefutable evidence of the . inhumane actions of China against Vietnamese fishermen.' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei, meanwhile, said it was the Vietnamese ships that were being aggressive. Approach: The video appears to show the Chinese vessel (left) chasing the red Vietnamese boats (right) Catching up: The larger boat moves closer to the smaller red boats until it is just a few feet away . Controversy: The moment just before the impact, which left one of the fishing boats capsized in its wake . 'In these seas. China's ships were in a defensive mode,' he said. 'Who was it who took the initiative for the clash? Who was it who created tension on the scene? This is very clear.' Accounts of the incident from each country have been wildly disparate. Last . week, Hanoi officials said around 40 Chinese fishing boats had . surrounded the Vietnamese craft before one of them rammed it and it . sank. But China's official . Xinhua news agency, citing a government source, had said the vessel . capsized after 'harassing and colliding with' a Chinese fishing boat. Scores . of ships are still squaring up despite several collisions after the . platform was towed to the area last month, sparking anti-Chinese riots . in Vietnam in which at least four workers were killed. Remains: The fishermen who escaped from the boat were rescued by nearby vessels, according to Vietnam . Back to harbour: The Vietnamese boat, DNA 90152, was towed to the central coastal city of Danang . Damaged relations: The boat after it returned to port. The airing of the footage has stoked further tensions . Admiral Ngo Ngoc Thu, vice commander . of the Vietnam Coastguard, said today China had 'up to 140 ships' around the rig including 'six military vessels and many military . planes'. He claimed China has already damaged 24 Vietnamese ships. The rig, Haiyang Shiyou 981, is drilling between the Paracel islands occupied by China and the Vietnamese coast. Each country claims the waters as its own. Vietnam . said today the rig had moved position, but was still in its . 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and on its continental shelf. China . insists it is operating within its waters. The superpower claims about . 90 percent of the South China Sea, displaying its reach on official maps . with a so-called nine-dash line that stretches deep into the maritime . heart of south east Asia. Drilling for oil: This picture taken on May 14, 2014, from a Vietnamese coastguard ship, shows a Chinese coastguard vessel (left) sailing near the gigantic rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea . The . Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims to . parts of the area, which many believe is rich in natural resources. Today . the Philippines accused China of pursuing an 'expansion agenda', saying . it had evidence that Chinese ships were circling two disputed reefs. 'We . are again bothered that there seems to be developments in other areas . within the disputed seas,' said President Benigno Aquino. 'It . looks like there are movements of ships,' he added. 'The pictures that I . saw were just ships that can be used for reclamation.' | China has erected a gigantic oil rig supposedly in Vietnam's waters .
Tensions came to a head last week when a small fishing boat capsized .
Now footage appears to show Chinese ship steaming towards the vessel .
China insists it is not its fault - claiming Vietnam had 'created tension' |
fc26f9d0acd2a31e9f38f57c1ea54f80c8df8456 | By . Anna Sanders . PUBLISHED: . 17:07 EST, 10 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:23 EST, 10 June 2013 . A Utah man who spoke about his 'temper' on Facebook was found dead Sunday night with his 2-year-old son in an apparent murder-suicide. Bryson Drew, 21, was found with a single gunshot wound to the head in the basement of a Spanish Fork, Utah, home by his sister at 8:40 p.m. Sunday, according to KSL. Along with a suicide note, police found Drew's son Chanse in a bedroom with blunt force trauma injuries. The note did not give a reason for the deaths, which police believe resulted from a murder-suicide. Under investigation: Police are looking into the apparent murder-suicide of Bryson Drew, 21, and his son Chanse, 2, who were both found dead in Utah . Tragic: Police said 2-year-old Chanse was found dead with blunt force trauma injuries in the same home his father, Bryson Drew ,21, was found with a single gunshot wound to the head and a suicide note . 'It briefly just stated how the deceased wanted some property passed on to relatives,' Spanish Fork Police Lt. Matthew Johnson told KSL. 'There are a lot of questions left unanswered. We may never know why he may have done this," Johnson also said according to The Salt Lake City Tribune. Drew's father told KSL they believe it was an accident, adding the family has letters from Drew showing 'extreme remorse in what happened'. 'We may never know exactly what happened in those final moments in the house down there,' Delbert Drew said. 'Something went terribly wrong in a matter of moments.' They were found in Drew's grandparents' home, police said. Chanse had been staying with his father for a long time, but his mother and Drew had an 'informal joint custody'. Home: The bodies of Bryson Drew, 21, and his son Chanse, 2, were found by Drew's sister in their grandparent's home in Spanish Fork, Utah, where they had been staying . Too soon: Chanse Drew, 2, was found dead in his grandparents home in Utah with blunt force trauma injuries . Mystery: Police are still investigating how and why Bryson Drew, 21, and his son Chanse, 2, died in Utah. Drew was found with a gunshot wound and a suicide note . Though police reported Drew had no history of drug abuse, mental illness or alcohol abuse, Drew spoke about his 'temper' in a Facebook wall post thanking friends and family on May 11. 'Just . wanna take the time to thank the people that keep my head up, give me . good advice, and keep me threw the day,' Drew wrote. 'Ashley MissTwiztid . Drew my sis helps me keep calm any time my temper gets up.' Drew mentioned his son Chanse in the post: 'My son chanse who makes my day being his goofy self just like his dad'. He also thanked his mother and father and thanked friends for understanding the 'horrible situation' he was going through. 'Not being rude but i love my son chanse more than anything in this world. but i still love you all,' the post finished. Love: Bryson Drew, 21, posted frequently about his 2-year-old son Chanse on Facebook, sharing an image left that says 'I love my son with all my heart' Happy: Police are still investigating the death of 2-year-old Chanse Drew in Utah . Police said Drew's family was 'shocked' by the deaths. 'Several . of the neighbors were outside last night while we were conducting our . investigation and they are just really sad for the family at this time,' Johnson told KSL. 'Their thoughts are with the family. It's just . something that you hope you never have to have to deal with.' Following reports of the apparent murder-suicide, Drew's father stressed on Facebook that these were still 'accusations'. 'There is a story on ksl this morning that has left our family devastated beyond words,' Delbert Drew wrote. 'The accusations made are not founded on anything but speculation. If you choose to read this story please take the time to read the father/grandfathers comments, and others, before passing judgement as we do not feel the media portrayed the story with all the facts.' Drew wrote about a future with his son and father on Facebook last month. 'My awesome dad. when chanse gets old can me we please please please find a 69 or 70's dodge charger to restore i would love to have something me and you and chanse bult with are own hands....' Drew wrote in a post tagging his father. 'PS: love chanse and bryson that are up at 4 in the morning because chanse had a nightmare love ya dad/papa' Grandpa: Delbert Drew wrote on his Facebook the family is 'devastated' after reports of his son Bryson Drew and his grandson Chanse dying in an apparent murder-suicide . Forever young: Chanse Drew was only 2-years-old when he died . Delbert Drew responded to the post saying he loves Chanse 'just the way he is'. 'I would love for him to stay that cute adorable little man too,' Drew's father wrote in the comment. 'But he will grow up to help you be a better person and Dad !!!' Drew and his son were taken to the State of Utah Medical Examiner's Office where autopsies will be performed to determine the official cause of death. The police investigation is ongoing. | Police found Bryson Drew, 21, in his grandparent's Spanish Fork home with a single gunshot wound to the head and a suicide note .
Drew's son Chanse was found with blunt force trauma injuries .
'my sis helps me keep calm any time my temper gets up' Drew wrote last month on Facebook .
Drew's family is 'devastated beyond words', writes child's grandfather . |
fc2721683c0a7550e1f56cd0ce20d58ae4f41ee1 | A California chef abruptly quit his job Saturday after he says his cold-hearted bosses ordered an employee to drown a baby possum in bleach. Dany Pena was head chef at South beach Pizza Company in Santa Cruz until he arrived to work to find two workers hovering over the young marsupial, which they'd trapped in a trash can. 'I immediately freaked out,' the 35-year-old told KGO-TV. 'It was a baby, and the sweetest looking guy on the planet.' Heartless: Dany Pena (center) abruptly quit his job as head chef at South Beach Pizza Company in Santa Cruz on Saturday after he says owners ordered two workers to kill a baby possum by pouring bleach on it . According to Pena, the employees had been ordered to kill the critter by pouring caustic cleaner over it. Pena says he tried washing off the possum and rushed it to an animal rescue center, where it soon died. He quit his job before he drove away. 'The lack of remorse they had about this act of cruelty led me to quit. None of God's creatures should be treated in this manner,' Pena said. Joining Pena in his outrage are county animal control officials. Rebecca Dmytryk of Wildlife Emergency Service told CBS San Francisco her agency is now investigating the animal cruelty claim. 'None of God's creatures should be treated in this manner': Pena says he tried cleaning the possum and rushed it to an animal rescue center but it soon died (file photo) | Dany Pena quit his job at South Beach Pizza Company in Santa Cruz, California over 'lack of remorse they had about this act of cruelty'
Pena says he arrived to work Saturday and found two employees had poured bleach on the young marsupial, which was trapped in a trash can .
Pena rushed the critter to an animal rescue center, where it died - Santa Cruz County is now investigating the eatery for possible animal cruelty . |
fc2743ec27257232dc44763007646e28607e7e8f | Dust from a comet has been discovered on the Earth's surface for the first time, locked inside the ancient ice sheet that covers Antarctica. The discovery is expected to reveal new clues about how our solar system formed as scientists study the tiny comet particles more closely. Researchers found the comet dust after drilling almost 58 feet (17 metres) into the Antarctic snow at a place called Tottuki Point, around 10 miles north of the Japanese Syowa Research Station. Scroll down for video . Electron microscope images of meteorite particles found in the Antarctic ice around Tottuki Point, which were found to contain the same minerals, metal compounds and structures that have been found in comet dust . After melting the ice they discovered thousands of particles measuring from the size of a grain of talcum powder to the width of a human hair. They were initially thought to be the remains of meteorites that have broken up in the Earth's atmosphere in the past. However, when scientists examined 40 of the particles more closely, they found they were identical to the kind of material that has been gathered from comets, known as chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles. The discovery is considered to be particularly surprising because the highly porous fragments are extremely fragile and were not thought to be able to survive Earth's weather. To find them on one of the harshest environments in the planet is perhaps even more surprising, but it was probably the extreme cold that helped to preserve them, trapping them in the ice. Professor Takaaki Noguchi, lead author of the study and a meteorite researcher at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, said: 'In this paper we report the discovery of more than 40 chondritic porous micrometeorites in the surface snow and blue ice of Antarctica, which are indistinguishable from chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles. 'It is therefore considered that chondritic porous micrometeorites are chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles that have fallen to Earth and have survived the terrestrial environment.' Comets are some of the oldest objects in the solar system and are thought to be made from the material left over from when our solar system first formed. Composed of a combination of ice and rock, some scientists believe they may have been responsible for first bringing water and organic molecules to Earth that led to the formation of life. Fragile comet particles were not thought to be able to survive the environment here on Earth but the cold temperatures in Antarctica locked them inside ancient ice, helping to protect them from the environment . Comets leave behind a distinctive tail of dust and gas, which is produced as they heat up and become unstable . Comet ISON passed close to the Sun in November 2013 and Russian scientists have been searching in Antarctica for dust particles that may be carried to Earth by the solar wind - the latest findings will raise hopes . By studying them, researchers hope to gain an insight into how our solar system evolved and perhaps even unlock how life first began on our planet. Until now scientists have only been able to obtain comet dust by flying missions high in the Earth's atmosphere, where tiny particles left behind from the tails of passing comets can be collected. However, this can be painstaking work, with several hours of flying yielding just one particle of dust. Already the Japanense scientists, whose work is published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, have found dozens of particles from comets and with thousands of others in their sample still to be identified, the haul could be huge. The dust in Antarctica is also cleaner as it can be filtered from the melted ice, while dust collected in the atmosphere becomes coated in oils used to trap the particles, making them difficult to study. Recently Nasa flew a mission to the comet Wild 2 (seen in the gif to the right) where its Stardust spacecraft collected samples of dust and returned them to Earth. The Japanese scientists found features in their comet dust samples from Antarctica that are almost identical to those seen in the dust collected by Stardust and those collected in the atmosphere. They have yet to determine the age of the ice where the particles were found, which may help to reveal when they fell to earth. The particles they found were spherical and measured between 10 micrometres to just over 60 micrometres. These were composed of a glass like material with metal and sulphides embedded in them. They also featured whisker like crystals of the mineral enstatite. Professor Noguchi said: 'They also contained low-iron–manganese-enriched and low-iron–chromium-enriched ferromagnesian silicates, kosmochlor-rich high-calcium pyroxene, roedderite and carbonaceous nanoglobules. 'These components have previously been discovered in primitive solar system materials such as the cometary particles recovered from the 81P/Wild 2 comet. 'The most outstanding feature is the presence of kosmochlor-rich high-Ca pyroxene and roedderite, which suggest that they have building blocks in common cometary dust particles.' The results have excited planetary scientists around the world as it offers a rich source of comet material for study and checking against the results from dust collected in the atmosphere. The comet dust was found among thousands of meteorite particles in ice 58 feet deep at Tottuki Point, where several glaciers meet 10 miles north of the Japanese Syowa Research Station in Antarctica . The scientists found 'whiskers' of the mineral enstatite (shown above) similar to those found in comet dust . Speaking to the journal Science, Dr Larry Nittler, from the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington DC, said: 'It’s very exciting for those of us who study these kinds of extraterrestrial materials, because it opens up a whole new way to get access to them. 'They’ve found a new source for something that’s very interesting and very rare.” Earlier this year Russian scientists announced they hoped to collect fresh dust particles in Antarctica from the comet ISON that may fall there after it lit up the sky in November 2013 when it had a close encounter with the Sun. Although they have still to announce any results, the latest findings will raise hopes that they will be able to survive the fall to Earth. The Japanese work builds on work by French scientists who reported finding unusual comet-like fragments in the snow in Antarctica. Dr Cécile Engrand, a meteorite researcher from Paris-Sud University in Orsay who led that work, said: 'The study of these cometary particles will help shed more light on the material that served for planetary formation. 'They are the best witnesses that we have of that period of time.' Take a tour of the Syowa Station in Antarctica as a researcher goes for a jog . | Japanese scientists discovered comet particles at Tottuki Point, Antarctica .
They found more than 40 spherical fragments which contained glass-like material, iron, magnesium, potassium, sulphur, calcium and nickel .
Dust is similar to comet fragments collected by Nasa's Stardust mission .
Comet particles were not thought to be able to survive on Earth's surface . |
fc27bd1c514e91c837a8d478c7f28a5767fc66eb | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 26 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:41 EST, 26 April 2013 . Cellulite is the bane of so many women's lives. That orange-peel effect, those unsightly dimples and that bumpy blubber that blights the thighs of everyone from the super slim to the ultra curvy. Even the most slender of celebrities have found it impossible to defeat the scourge of orange peel thighs - just ask Kim Kardashian and Sienna Miller, who have both admitted they have cellulite. From detox diets to miracle cellulite melting knickers or caffeine-infused tights, there is no shortage of gimmicks out there to help banish the bumps. The latest? A cream made from coffee beans that promises to banish cellulite by breaking down fat and draining away toxins. Beat cellulite: The Cinq Mondes Slimming Coffee Cream promises flawless skin like Brazilian beauty Alessandra Ambrosio . While caffeine is better known for . boosting flagging energy levels, a new beauty product maintains that it . can help boost blood flow and banish cellulite. The . Cinq Mondes Slimming Coffee Cream is infused with caffeine to help . drain toxins that cause fatty tissue deposits as well as breaking down . fat cells in the skin. Beat the dimples: The £43 cream promises to drain toxins and increase blood flow to help beat the orange-peel . The fat burning action of the caffeine combined with the green coffee, grapefruit acids and kola nut claims to effectively fight cellulite. Experts recommend that you slather on the £43 cream after exercise as this increases the blood flow making the cream more effective. Nataliya Robinson, of Nataliya Robinson Skin Clinic, said: 'Yes, coffee can help to break down cellulite. 'Natural materials such as caffeine have firm scientific basis for use in cellulite treatments (topically only), as it can actually stimulate lipolytic activity (fat breakdown). 'Coffee contains xanthines (found in most human body tissues) which increases lipolytic activity. 'The key to using coffee products on cellulite areas is to use it during the time when you are not eating, such as early morning or hour before bedtime, when insulin levels are not active. 'When you consume coffee, this stimulates insulin production and shuts down fat utilisation and lipolytic activity.' They're just like us: Kim Kardashian and Sienna Miller have both admitted to having cellulite . Birch oil - This best-selling anti-cellulite oil, containing organic silver birch, is receiving glowing reports from those who have tried it . Hide it with a tan - Soap & Glory One Night Tanned is the go-to for former personal trainer Marcia Kilgore, founder of Soap & Glory and the FitFlop . FitFlops - If you don't have time to go to the gym, try the FitFlop, Britain's hottest fitness shoe . Herbs - Gotu Kola has been recommended by Shabir Dayar, pharmacist with Victoria Health. She said: 'Use herbs that have been recognised for encouraging lymph drainage, such as Gotu Kola by Nature's Way. In addition to its circulatory properties, it has the ability to encourage collagen synthesis and repair.' | £43 Slimming Coffee Cream promises to banish cellulite .
Aims to drain toxins and break down fat . |
fc27e44559ac9333cfa7fcea3445250b35840ddd | A man suspected of abducting and killing a single mother who led a double life as a paid escort served time in prison for two kidnapping cases involving his former wife. Prosecutor Dan Rubenstein on Monday recounted Lester Jones' criminal history in court in Grand Junction, Colorado, arguing that the 63-year-old was a flight risk. Without objection from Jones' public defender, a judge agreed to hold the defendant on $2 million bond in the death of Paige Birgfeld seven years ago. Jones appeared for the court hearing via video feed from the Mesa County jail. He said nothing other than acknowledging that he had watched a video advising him of his legal rights. Lester Jones (pictured left), who was arrested Friday, was one of the last people to call Paige Birgfeld (right) before her eight-year-old daughter reported her missing in June 2007 . Birgfeld was twice divorced and living with her three children in Grand Junction when she was killed (pictured with two of her kids) Lester Jones, who was arrested Friday, was one of the last people to call Birgfeld before her eight-year-old daughter reported her missing in June 2007. Authorities allege he killed Birgfeld, dumped her body and torched her car. In 1999, Jones received a five-year prison term for two kidnapping cases involving Lisa Jones that year. Lester Jones first was arrested after authorities say he ran a car carrying his ex-wife and another man off the road, rammed their vehicle and fired two shots at the man. He pulled Lisa Jones out of the car, forced her into his vehicle and threatened to kill her several times as they drove, Rubenstein said. About a month later, Lester Jones was arrested again for second-degree kidnapping to commit sexual assault and other charges after taking his ex-wife to Grand Mesa — one of the world's largest flat-topped mountains — and threatening her, the prosecutor said. Jones was convicted of first-degree assault in the heat of passion, attempted second-degree kidnapping with a deadly weapon and violating conditions of his bond. Authorities alleged Jones killed Paige Birgfeld, dumped her body and torched her car seven years ago . In the Birgfeld case, Jones emerged as the main suspect after police dogs detected Jones' scent in the missing woman's charred Ford Focus. An arrest affidavit says Jones was unable to explain a gas can near his desk at the RV dealership where he worked. He denied any involvement when police interviewed him early in their investigation. Detectives also questioned — and ruled out — at least eight other men, including Birgfeld's former husband and several other clients. Birgfeld's skeletal remains were found in a dry creek bed in 2012. Birgfeld was twice divorced and living with her three children in Grand Junction — about 200 miles west of Denver. Friends knew her as a devoted mother who sold kitchen wares and did other jobs. Her apparent double life attracted widespread attention to the mystery of her disappearance, including a '48 Hours' segment in 2008. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Lester Jones, who was arrested Friday, was one of the last to call Paige Birgfeld before her 8-year-old daughter reported her missing in June 2007 .
Authorities allege he killed Birgfeld, dumped her body and torched her car .
In 1999, Jones received a five-year prison term for two kidnapping cases involving his ex-wife Lisa Jones . |
fc282f8ea68ce08c631a49c9e6fcf68b01586232 | Outraged patients who have been left permanently injured as a result of medical negligence have spoken out against the system that they claim failed them. The World Health Organisation estimates nearly 50,000 Australians are left maimed or injured each year as a result of medical negligence, with Queensland Health spending $55 million in 2013 alone on settlements from these cases. A Current Affair spoke to two victims whose lives have been altered dramatically through the actions of hospital staff and who now need constant care to perform even the simplest daily acts. Scroll down for video . Cathy Smith (right) was left with permanent brain damage, and suffers from a range of issues which have affected her vision, balance, and memory . Mrs Smith was left with permanent brain damage, and suffers from a range of issues which have affected her vision, balance, and memory . Cathy Smith visited her local hospital for elective surgery ahead of a proposed hysterectomy, and was deprived of oxygen for ten minutes on the operating table when the breathing tube that was intended for her trachea was inserted into her esophagus. Mrs Smith was left with permanent brain damage, and suffers from a range of issues which have affected her vision, balance, and memory. 'She was a mess,' said Mrs Smith's husband Ken, who now has to assist her with many of her basic tasks. Unable to drive or even shower herself, Mrs Smith was left devastated. 'I think I look pretty normal but that’s the effect of a brain injury- there's no bandages,' she told A Current Affair. 'It's one thing to make a mistake, and another thing to do nothing to fix it. That's what made me really angry,' said Mr Smith. Wayne Rutch was also left permanently injured as a result of the negligence of medical staff . Mr Ruth went into hospital in February 2013 for routine bowel surgery and woke up in intensive care, unable to use his arms . Mr Rutch's arms had been left dangling off the table edge for the ten hours it took for his surgery to be completed, which stretched and broke the nerves in the back of his neck and shoulders . Wayne Rutch was also left permanently injured as a result of the negligence of medical staff, when he went into hospital in February 2013 for routine bowel surgery and woke up in intensive care, unable to use his arms. 'It's really scary, you just don't know what's happening,' Mr Rutch said. 'All these different things start going through your mind,' he said. Mr Rutch's arms had been left dangling off the table edge for the ten hours it took for his surgery to be completed, which stretched and broke the nerves in the back of his neck and shoulders. Carrying a 2L bottle of milk is now a task which he cannot complete, along with removing the tag tie on a loaf of bread. 'I've always got to have someone with me to do the simplest tasks. It still hurts to talk about all this,' he said. Ken Smith said that he and his wife were very reluctant to begin legal proceedings, but their hands were forced when they received no follow up care after his wife's injury . The Rutches are suing the Queensland Health system, a step which Melissa O'Neill from Shine Lawyers said is as a result of policies and procedures which were just not followed . His wife Rhonda has now taken on two jobs to support their family, and with large medical bills flooding in that they are unable to pay for the pair have undertaking legal proceedings against the system which they claim failed them. The Rutches are suing the Queensland Health system, a step which Melissa O'Neill from Shine Lawyers said is as a result of policies and procedures which were just not followed. Medical negligence lawyer Bill Maddern from Slater and Gordon said that 97% of medical negligence cases were resolved and never come to the attention of the public, despite there being over 4250 cases in 2013. Ken Smith said that he and his wife were very reluctant to begin legal proceedings, but their hands were forced when they received no follow up care after his wife's injury. 'Compensation can't ever give back health, but it does make a difference to people's lives,' Margaret Brain of Morris Blackburn lawyers said . Medical negligence lawyer Bill Maddern from Slater and Gordon said that 97% of medical negligence cases were resolved and never come to the attention of the public . 'We got into the legal side of things kicking and screaming,' Mr Smith said. 'We didn't want to go there but when we went to see the first neurologist, he said that there was going to need to be ongoing treatment.' Margaret Brain of Morris Blackburn lawyers said that Mrs Smith was never given appropriate follow-up care, and that her first appointment for rehab was five weeks after the incident occured. 'In cases like this you need to prove that there's been a breach of duty of care by the hospital or medical staff to meet an appropriate standard, and this is what has happened here,' said Ms Brain. 'Compensation can't ever give back health, but it does make a difference to people's lives,' she said. | The World Health Organisation estimates nearly 50,000 Australians are left maimed or injured each year as a result of medical negligence .
Queensland Health spending $55 million in 2013 alone on settlements from these cases .
Cathy Smith suffered permanent brain damage as a result of oxygen deprivation during surgery which has affected her vision and memory .
Nerves in Wayne Rutch's back and shoulders were broken as a result of medical negligence, leaving him unable to lift even milk bottles .
Lawyers say nearly all of these cases are settled, which means that the Australian public aren't aware negligence is occurring so frequently . |
fc2885e61a0cbef3c373006cb5da7ecd17c3c8ee | (EW.com) -- Next week's episode of Parks and Recreation is going to have a VIP: the VP. Joe Biden — yes, the very guy who was re-elected Vice President of the United States — will guest-star in the Nov. 15 installment of Parks and Recreation, EW has learned. His cameo occurs at the beginning of the episode, in which former Congressional campaign manager Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) takes fiancée/City Councilwoman Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), to the White House to meet America's No. 2, who has long been her No. 1 crush. (As Leslie once noted, her ideal man has "the brains of George Clooney and the body of Joe Biden.") Parks scored camera time with Biden in July when the show traveled to Washington, D.C. to film its season 5 premiere, which featured appearances by Senators Barbara Boxer, Olympia Snowe, and John McCain. How big of a casting coup was Biden for NBC's small-town government comedy? "Given that Eleanor Roosevelt and Bella Abzug are no longer with us, this is probably no. 1," quips executive producer Michael Schur. "[Leslie] has a lot of female heroes that cross party lines. She has a lot of social figures that she considers heroes, but the funniest hero is Joe Biden. There's an episode last season where she says, 'Joe Biden is on my celebrity sex list — well, he is my celebrity sex list'... It was amazing to have her meet Olympia Snowe and Barbara Boxer because that meant something to her politically. But this transcends that. She's meeting the man that she's in love with on some deep level. It was a bigger deal to us in some ways that she meet Joe Biden than it was that she meet Barack Obama." (Obama, by the way, has revealed that he watches Parks with his family, by the way. "It's a very amazing and weird thing to find out that the President watches your show," marvels Schur.) Once the producers committed to shooting an episode in D.C., the process of landing Biden was "so much less difficult than we ever possibly imagined," says Schur, noting: "His staff really loves the show, and he apparently had watched the show with his family and his family liked it... The hardest part was keeping it secret for so long because there's all these FEC rules and equal-time rules. We couldn't air it before the election because it was the equivalent of a campaign contribution to advertise for one candidate." The Biden-Knope summit, a surprise "engagement present" from Ben, lasts less than a minute and was written in a manner that would work regardless of the election's outcome. "We did not in any way want the moment to be a political issue — we treated it in the writing and the execution like our main character was meeting her hero," says Schur. (He notes that the writers did pen an addendum to the scene in the event of an Obama-Biden loss or a "weird Florida disaster tie.") The meeting takes place in the Vice President's Ceremonial Office in the White House-adjacent Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Biden flanked by his real-life staff. "They have a conversation where she does what you would imagine Leslie Knope would do when meeting Joe Biden, which is she loses control of herself a little bit," hints Schur. "She gets really giggly and goofy around him." When the Parks crew set up in his office to shoot the scene, Biden happened to be tied up in a meeting with... President Barack Obama. Then "Obama got on Marine One and flew away, and Biden walked across the executive building and we shot the scene," says Schur. "It was really cool: You go this way and get on a helicopter that will take you to some incredibly important thing, and you come this way and shoot a scene with Amy Poehler." The Veep handled his scene like a pro, even ad-libbing a response to a crazy Leslie retort that wound up in the final cut of the episode. "He was very nice and charming," reports Schur. "He was clearly a big fan of Amy. It was the day the Emmy nominations came out and when he walked through the door he congratulated her on her Emmy nomination... He said some very nice things about the show and talked about how the pro-public service message was meaningful." While Schur & co. were thrilled to venture onto hallowed Washington ground, they aren't plotting the next great political cameo right now: "Since the beginning of the show, Joe Biden has been the No. 1 guy, so in terms of her achievements or personal milestones we'll have to go in a different direction," he says. "She'll have to get her thrills elsewhere." See original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Joe Biden will guest-star in the Nov. 15 installment of "Parks and Recreation"
The show scored camera time with him in July when they traveled to Washington, D.C.
The vice president is reportedly a fan of the show . |
fc28ee89831825db9a90b3c4bf1691fa8bfde1ee | By . Rachel Quigley . PUBLISHED: . 16:49 EST, 11 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:27 EST, 11 January 2013 . A court will appoint a lawyer to protect the interests of the four-month-old orphaned daughter of the late Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher as her grandparents argue over custody. Belcher fatally shot the child's mother, Kasandra Perkins, on December 1 in their Kansas City home, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and killed himself in front of coaches and the team's general manager. Belcher's mother, Cheryl Shepherd, had been living with the couple for about two weeks and was in the home when her son killed Perkins. Tragic: Belcher is seen here with his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, 22, and their baby daughter Zoey. Belcher and Perkins argued about the baby's paternity before he shot her . Shepherd received temporary custody . of Belcher's daughter, Zoey, soon after the shootings and filed a . petition in mid-December asking to be appointed as Zoey's guardian and . conservator of her estate, which is worth about $3 million. Shepherd, of West Babylon, New York, also filed a second petition seeking to be named administrator of her son's estate. On Friday morning, she sat silently . between her two attorneys in a Jackson County courtroom as probate . commissioner Daniel Wheeler addressed the petitions. Wheeler changed the status of the . custody petition to 'contested' because Zoey's maternal grandparents and . other family members in Texas have filed a petition in that state to be . Zoey's legal guardians. He also ordered the appointment of a . guardian ad litem – an attorney who represents the interests of minor . children – and set a December 25 hearing on Shepherd's petition to take . over her son's estate. The Ford Worth Star-Telegram reported Friday that Zoey is staying with relatives in Austin, Texas. Troubled: The murder-suicide has sparked debate in the NFL about gun ownership and the personal struggles of players . In addition to the well-being of the child, millions of dollars are at stake in the custody battle. Zoey's estate or guardian will . receive more than $1 million under terms of the NFL's collective . bargaining agreement, including $108,000 annually over the next four . years, $48,000 in the fifth year and $52,000 each year until she turns . 18. She can keep receiving that amount until she is 23 if she attends . college. A trust funded by the Hunt family, . which owns the Chiefs, along with team coaches, players, employees and . contributions from the public, will help care for the child. Also, Belcher's beneficiary will . receive $600,000 in life insurance, plus $200,000 for each credited . season – Belcher was in his fourth season at the time of his death – and . $100,000 in a retirement account. Shepherd's attorney, Gretchen Gold, . declined to answer questions after the hearing and said her client . didn't have any comments, either. Zoey's maternal grandparents, Rebecca . Anne Gonzalez and Darryl Perkins, and other Texas relatives have filed a . lawsuit seeking temporary custody of the girl, that her residence be in . Tarrant County, Texas, and that a guardian ad litem be appointed. A Fort Worth judge has scheduled a . January 22 hearing in that lawsuit. The judge will conduct a conference . Jan. 17 with his Jackson County, Missouri, counterpart and attorneys for . Zoey's maternal and paternal grandparents to discuss whether Texas or . Missouri has jurisdiction in the case. The other woman: Brittni Glass spent the night with Belcher before he murdered his girlfriend but has since denied the two had a sexual relationship . It is believed that the murder suicide took place after a row about whether or not Belcher was the Zoey's father. His suicide was witnessed by coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. A source told the New York Post: . '[Cheryl] believed that there was an issue over whether [Belcher] was . the father. She said he believed he wasn’t necessarily the father of . the child.' A Kansas City law-enforcement source confirmed: 'She told police there was a question about the paternity.' The . source added: 'The implication was that paternity was what the two of . them were fighting about — that the baby might not have been his.' The couple had been receiving counseling for relationship and financial problems, police said. A spokeswoman said she would not comment on the doubts raised over baby Zoey's paternity. It also emerged last month that the NFL player . had a secret girlfriend - Brittni Glass - who he allegedly told he would shoot Perkins 'if . she didn't leave him alone'. Belcher is also believed to have had . drinks and dinner with her before he arrived home, shot his . girlfriend after a blazing row, and then ended his own life. Details of the Belcher case are contained in police reports submitted to the Jackson County prosecutor, who has ruled the event a murder-suicide. They include dozens of interviews with witnesses. Glass has denied the two were in a relationship. Glass, also 22, told police that Belcher complained about Perkins threatening to take all his money and the baby if they broke up. He said Perkins 'knew exactly how to press his buttons and make him angry,' according to a summary of the woman's interview with police. Belcher had been with the woman and some of her friends at a downtown Kansas City entertainment district the night before the shooting, the woman said. He spent part of the night in her apartment and part of it sleeping in his car before going home early in the morning, the report said. He and Perkins were arguing before he shot her, his mother, Cheryl Shepherd, told police. Shepherd had moved in with the couple two weeks earlier to help care for the baby. Shepherd heard Belcher say 'You won't talk to me that way' and then she heard a thump and gunshots. Shepherd rushed into the bedroom and found Perkins lying on the bathroom floor, she told police. Before fleeing the house, Belcher knelt next to Perkins, apologized and repeatedly kissed her, his daughter and his mother, Shepherd said. Belcher drove off in his Bentley to . the practice facility at Arrowhead several miles away, where he pulled . into the parking lot and saw Pioli, the report said. Pioli quoted Belcher as saying, 'I . did it, I killed her.' Belcher held a handgun to his own head. 'I got to . go, can't be here, and take care of my daughter,' Pioli recalled . Belcher saying. He had asked to speak with Crennel . and linebacker coach Gary Gibbs, the report said. Crennel told police he . pleaded with Belcher to put down the gun. One witness said she heard . Crennel say, 'you're taking the easy way out'. Belcher lowered the gun, but only to load a round into the chamber, Crennel told police. Seeing a police officer in the distance and hearing sirens, Belcher knelt behind a mini-van, blessed himself and fired the gun into his temple, the report said. Paying respects: Hundreds of mourners memorialized Jovan Belcher at his funeral - despite his murdering the mother of his child before committing suicide . Memorial: Jovan Belcher was eulogized as a 'humble, kind young man' by his mother as his family and friends grappled with the horror of what he did . | Court will appoint a lawyer to protext the interests of Zoey Belcher .
Belcher and Kassandra Perkins argued over the paternity of the child on the day they died, with Kasandra telling the NFL player that he was not the father .
Child is worth $3million . |
fc2925cf73c26ed8a87c6b7a1e2e09b49bc8048c | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 19:24 EST, 16 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:09 EST, 17 June 2013 . A man walked into a Catholic church and shot his father-in-law in the back of the head while his wife watched during Mass on Sunday as parishioners were lining up for communion, according to police. Investigators say 35-year-old Charles Richard Jennings Jr, from Ogden, was captured on Sunday afternoon in nearby Box Elder County after fleeing in a stolen pickup truck. Witnesses say they heard one gunshot during the 11:30am Mass at Saint James the Just Catholic Church, and that parishioners immediately hit the floor, with people diving under pews for cover. Suspect: Charles Richard Jennings has been named as the gunman. Jennings reportedly escaped the scene in a stolen a white 1996 GMC truck . The victim was taken to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, where he was listed in critical but stable condition. His name wasn't immediately released. Police say the victim was deliberately targeted by the gunman and it wasn't a random act of violence. Jennings reportedly escaped the scene in a stolen a white 1996 GMC truck. The owner of the truck, who did not want to be named, told police that Jennings jumped over the fence into his yard 'in a state of distress' and was hardly able to talk because he was breathing so heavily. The man was with his 19-month-old daughter while his wife was sleeping indoors. He said to him: 'I need you to help me,' and asked for the keys to his pickup truck. When he refused, Jennings then allegedly took out his gun and said he did not want to hurt anyone. The man handed over his keys and cellphone and Jennings fled. Police were able to track Jennings down after his family called police to tell them he had been in contact with them and wanted to turn himself in. The reason for the shooting is not clear. Saint James the Just Catholic Church in Ogden, Utah: The shooting began just as Sunday mass was getting underway . Rev Erik Richtsteig told Deseret News that people in the congregation were really shaken up by what happened and described the ordeal as 'something no one should have to go through'. The reverend said when the gunman left the church, some parishioners chased after him. 'Nowhere is immune from evil and it's what people do when they're confronted with it that really shows their character,' he said. 'I'm really proud of my people here at the church.' Neighbor Tammy Roe told KUTV she was shocked that Jennings would do such a thing. 'He doesn't seem like that type of . person, I was shocked. I never pictured him as someone who would kill . someone. He was happy-go-lucky.' She has lived next to the Jennings for more than a decade and has no idea why he would want to shoot his father-in-law. Jennings has previous convictions for burglary and drugs charges. | Shooting happened during communion at church in Ogden, Utah . |
fc293ed83a15593d9d3d8d4465790ecc0bbe7cfa | London, England (CNN) -- It may run contrary to the conventional image of a sport obsessed with the latest technological improvement but, from Stockholm to Shanghai, players are turning back the clock to take part in the latest craze -- hickory golf. The game, which involves using 19th century wooden-shafted clubs, has proved a hit as national championships in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Sweden and Finland have blossomed. Companies too have been attracted to the format as a way of motivating staff. "Golfers love a challenge," says Gavin Bottrell, who runs hickory golf days in Britain. "There's a saying about modern golf clubs that you can buy any shot out of the shop. Playing with hickory makes people think more about their swing and be clever about their shots." Hickory clubs were used widely until the 1930s, when manufacturers turned to more modern materials for construction. However, despite their lesser performance, the attraction of dressing up in old-fashioned golfing garb and hacking around 18 holes with mashies, niblicks and cleeks -- the evocative names given to the clubs used by Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen and Henry Cotton -- has endured. The format has a huge following in the U.S. where devotees gather at historic courses to play an "authentic" round of golf. Hampton Munsey, who organizes the U.S. Hickory Open in Morganton, North Carolina, says the size of the field has almost doubled since the event was first held in 2008. This year's tournament already has entrants from Sweden and Germany, with players' ages ranging from 20 to 70. "The camaraderie is almost as important as the game itself," says Munsey, a member of the Society of Hickory Golfers. "People feel a certain level of pride at being able to play with the old clubs and do well with them." Bottrell, a university researcher, has been buying and selling hickory clubs since 1995. He now has 60 full sets, which he rents out to companies as a package for $934. Recently, he has noticed an increase in interest from abroad, with amateur golfers from Germany, South Korea and Australia all wanting their own slice of hickory history. But Bottrell's profit margins are nothing compared to one Scottish collector. In April last year, Edinburgh antiques dealer John Dixon sold 7,000 clubs to a Chinese entrepreneur for $193,500. The load has since been shipped to China in bundles of 20. "I think he is tapping into a growing market over there. New golf courses are opening in China all the time," says Dixon. "If they are building so many courses they need the merchandise and the memorabilia to go with it." At Bottrell's hickory golf days, participants try to enter the spirit of the era by dressing up in knickerbockers, neckties, flat caps and braces. "They usually raid local charity shops and come up with some kind of outfit," he said. "They sometimes look like they've stepped out of a pantomime. There's quite a lot of confusion as to what golfers were wearing in the early 1900s." | Hickory golf is enjoying a revival in all corners of the world .
Companies in the UK are paying up to $934 to hire hickory clubs for corporate team-building days .
The U.S. Hickory Open draws entrants from Europe and Asia with ages ranging from 20 to 70 .
Last year, a Chinese businessman paid $193,500 for 7,000 hickory clubs . |
fc2a0aef30c304c656ec06dbe1e476c31d51dc29 | Britain and America nearly provoked the Soviet Union into launching a full-scale nuclear attack against the West at the height of the Cold War, according to newly released classified documents. They reveal that the world secretly came to the brink of a nuclear holocaust in 1983, in what some anti-nuclear campaigners say was a far more serious incident than the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. The British Cabinet papers show a Nato war games exercise in November 1983 was so realistic the Soviets mistakenly believed a Western nuclear attack was imminent. Narrowly avoided: Britain and America nearly . provoked the Soviet Union into launching a full-scale nuclear attack . against the West at the height of the Cold War, according to newly . released classified documents . In response, the Soviets deployed submarines carrying nuclear missiles under the Arctic ice and more than a dozen aircraft with nuclear weapons. The secret documents were obtained after a Freedom of Information request by anti-nuclear campaign group the Nuclear Information Service. Director Peter Burt said: ‘We were one button-push from an irreversible nuclear war. This, in my view, was far more serious than the Cuban missile crisis.’ KGB man Oleg Gordievsky revealed how Soviet politicians had panicked over a massive Nato exercise which they believed was preparation for an invasion when he briefed British spies after defected to the West . The Nato military exercise, Operation Able Archer, involved 40,000 troops moving across Western Europe. The Soviet response only became clear to British spies when they were briefed by KGB double agent Oleg Gordievsky in London. | Soviets panicked over massive Nato war games in November 1983 .
The military exercise was so realistic they launched nuclear bombers .
West only discovered the brush with disaster after briefing by defector . |
fc2a62d7afa44737e71ca91ed2516999dc96b419 | BINGHAMTON, New York (CNN) -- People who knew the suspected gunman in Friday's shooting at an immigration services center were not surprised by his actions, the police chief in Binghamton, New York, said Saturday. Police tape cordons off the crime scene in Binghamton, New York, on Saturday. "From the people close to him, the actions that he took were not a surprise to them," Chief Joseph Zikuski told reporters at a noon news conference. The police chief said that "some of this behavior on his part wasn't a total shock," but did not elaborate what, if any, previous behavior he meant. A federal law enforcement source identified the suspected gunman as Jiverly Wong. Zikuski said Wong, who was from Vietnam, was 41 and had changed his last name to Voong. "Apparently people were making fun of him. He felt he was being degraded because of his inability to speak English, and he was upset about that," Zikuski said. Watch police question whether teasing led to shooting rampage » . Wong also was upset about recently losing a job, Zikuski said. He had been taking English language classes at the American Civic Association, the site of Friday's shooting rampage, until dropping out the first week in March, the police chief said. Watch investigators struggle to make sense of shooting » . Thirteen people were slain in the association, which helps refugees and immigrants, before Wong apparently turned the gun on himself, authorities said. Four others were wounded and are in local hospitals. They are all expected to survive, Zikuski said. Angela Leach, a representative of the American Civic Association, read a statement through tears at the news conference. View photos from the scene in Binghamton » . "Whatever drove this individual to do what he did I cannot possibly fathom," she said. "But we will come out of our grief and sadness more resolute in our mission and more dedicated than ever to help people realize the dream of American citizenship." Zikuski said Wong was wearing body armor, possibly indicating that he had prepared for a confrontation with police. Zikuski said the suspect was heavily armed and that the victims had "multiple gunshot" wounds from Friday's massacre. Watch the latest news from Binghamton » . "He must have been a coward, he decided to end his own life," when he heard police sirens, Zikuski said. By late Saturday, police had begun the grim work of notifying the family members of the victims. Omri Yigal said one of Voong's victims was his wife, Dolores, who was taking English classes at the center to better herself. Yigal said he had no anger for the shooter. "My thoughts are on my wife. I don't have time for that now," he said. Yigal said he felt "grief for my wife and that's it." "She's come so far," he said haltingly, his arms crossed and his eyes to the ground. "So much." President Obama, speaking in Strasbourg, France, after a NATO summit, said his administration is in communication with law enforcement officials in Binghamton. "I am heartbroken for the families who survived this tragedy and it just underscores the degree to which in each of our countries we have to guard against the kind of senseless violence that the tragedy represents," Obama said. Authorities received a 911 phone call at 10:31 a.m. Friday from a receptionist hiding under a desk alerting them to the shooting. The receptionist, who had pretended to be dead before crawling under a desk, said she was shot in the stomach, Zikuski said. Watch Zikuski give a timeline of the shooting » . "[She's a] very brave lady," the police chief said. Police arrived on the scene minutes after the phone call; by that time, the shooting had stopped. The woman is among the four wounded, he said; she is in serious condition. Before entering the building's front door, Wong had apparently used his father's car to barricade the building's door, Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan said. Wong then entered the building front door armed with two handguns, and without saying a word, began shooting, police said. Ryan said two semi-automatic handguns -- a .45-caliber and a 9-millimeter -- found at the center were licensed to Wong. Authorities executed a search warrant at Wong's home in Johnson City, just outside Binghamton, where he lived with his family, Ryan said. "They took a computer hard drive -- they took an empty long gun case, and some other bags," he said. State police received a tip in 1999 from a confidential informant who told them Wong was planning a bank robbery, Zikuski said. The information indicated Wong had a crack or cocaine habit and owned handguns, Zikuski said, and he did not provide additional information. Binghamton, a city of about 50,000 people, is close to the Pennsylvania state line and about 140 miles northwest of New York City. CNN's Allan Chernoff and Susan Candiotti contributed to this report. | NEW: Suspected gunman's action "not a surprise" to those who knew him, police say .
Mayor: Suspect spoke poor English, "felt people were looking down on him"
President Obama: "I am heartbroken for the families"
Fourteen people, including gunman, died Friday in N.Y. immigration center shootings . |
fc2acf6531480a690d4939a04e1615bc9ff14468 | Frank Lampard’s career at Manchester City took a turn for the bizarre at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as a young pitch invader managed to grab a ‘selfie’ with the midfielder in the centre circle. Only minutes of the 7-0 Capital One Cup rout of Sheffield Wednesday remained when the fan evaded security to sprint on to the field to hug two-goal Lampard and persuade him to pose for a photograph. Frank Lampard poses for a selfie with a fan during Manchester City's cup clash with Sheffield Wedmesday . Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard hugs it out with a young pitch invader . The supporter was subsequently led away in handcuffs but City will certainly ask questions of their security ahead of their next home game against Roma in the Champions League next Tuesday. City progressed thanks to two goals from Lampard and another double from Edin Dzeko, with all the goals coming in the second half. Jesus Navas and Yaya Toure added to the tally, while Jose Angel Pozo scored on his debut for Manuel Pellegrini's side. The supporter shows the selfie to Frank Lampard . Two policemen lead the young fan away after he breached security regulations . Frank Lampard scored twice as Manchester City cruised into the fourth round of the League Cup . VIDEO Lampard City deal extended . Real Madrid fan Ronald Gjoka spent the night in jail after running on to the pitch to embrace Cristiano Ronaldo during the International Champions Cup clash with Chelsea last year. Two AC Milan supporters also entered the field of play in July to greet Mario Balotelli before being rushed off by security staff. Mario Balotelli was happy to pose with two AC Milan fans during a pre-season friendly in July . | Young supporter invades the pitch before hugging City midfielder .
Lampard agrees to pose for selfie with the cheeky fan .
The daring pitch invader was then led away by two policeman .
Lampard scored twice as City thrashed Wednesday at the Etihad . |
fc2ade72243f8a9b6f6accada87fe9c3eca34ec1 | Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- South Korea's foreign minister said Tuesday he wants five Somali pirates captured alive during the rescue of a hijacked ship last week to be put on trial in South Korea. "It's a given that we deal with pirates who have caused damage to our people and attack our military, and along those lines we are seriously weighing the possibility of bringing the pirates to our country," Kim Sung-Hwan said. The vessel, Samho Jewelry, was hijacked in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman earlier this month. South Koreans rescued 21 sailors, killed eight pirates and captured five others, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The captain of the 11,500-ton ship was shot in the stomach during the rescue, but no other crew member was hurt. Kim said the captain has undergone a first round of surgery and is recovering. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has praised the bold rescue and said the U.S. military assisted in the operation. Kim defended the military's action to save South Koreans. "I cannot agree to criticisms against our carrying out a military mission in order to rescue our people from those who have threatened their lives and safety," he said. Ten minutes before the South Korean navy opened fire, the navy made an announcment on a loud speaker to the crew of the Samho Jewelry: . "Very shortly, the navy will attempt to rescue you," the navy declared. "Evacuate to a safe place and do not come outside." The order was made in Korean -- not likely understood by the Somali pirates -- and is thought to have helped save South Korean lives. | Kim Sung-hwan says possibility being considered of bringing pirates to South Korea .
South Koreans rescued 21 sailors, killed eight pirates and captured five pirates last week .
The Samho Jewelry vessel was hijacked in the Indian Ocean .
A ship captain shot in the stomach is recovering, Kim says . |
fc2ae3be3edf17825b0ada8da00066ccbe1e6ecc | (CNN) -- The W Austin hotel is closing indefinitely after glass fell from the balcony panels of the Austin, Texas, building for a second day in a row and the third time in recent weeks, the hotel's parent company announced Tuesday. The hotel will be closed "until further notice" as the glass panels are replaced, the hotel's parent company said in a statement Tuesday. Guests of the hotel are being relocated to other hotels. "We are replacing every piece of balcony glass on the building," Stratus Properties CEO Beau Armstrong said in the statement. The incident occurred the same day a lawsuit was filed against the hotel on behalf of two people who were injured June 10 when glass from a broken panel rained down on them in the hotel pool, CNN affiliate KXAN-TV reported. According to the lawsuit, the hotel had been warned of the problem before the incident but failed to respond, KXAN reported. Just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, three panels fell from the south side of the building, a day after panels fell on cars parked below on 3rd Street, KXAN reported. The W Hotel in midtown Atlanta was the site of a fatal accident on May 28, when two women crashed through a 10-floor window and one fell to her death. According to a preliminary investigation, the friends were "play fighting" when they smashed into the window and fell. In the days following that incident, an Atlanta police spokesman said in a statement officers were not looking at the glass in the windows as a factor and had "no reason to believe this was anything other than a tragic accident." In a statement Tuesday, W Austin stressed that the Austin and Atlanta incidents were "completely unrelated." "They involve two dissimilar types of buildings that were built at different times," the statement said. "The incident at the W Austin involved balcony glass on empty condos above the hotel and the incident at the W Atlanta Midtown involved a guestroom window." | Falling-glass incident is the third in recent weeks involving the Austin, Texas, hotel .
Hotel says it will close while it replaces all balcony glass; guests are being relocated .
The hotel is being sued over a June 10 incident in which two people were injured . |
fc2afd7e0614ced93061e2661c2f2317bad3311f | Washington (CNN) -- House Republicans have hired a prominent conservative attorney to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act in a pending lawsuit, legal sources say, and will make an effort to divert money from the Justice Department to fund its high-profile fight. House Speaker John Boehner disclosed the legal and political strategy in a letter Monday to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The Obama administration, which normally would defend federal laws in judicial disputes, announced last month it believed the Defense of Marriage Act, often referred to as DOMA, to be unconstitutional. The law defines marriage for federal purposes as unions only between a man and woman. Boehner said that with the Justice Department not participating, he had "no choice" but to act unilaterally. "The burden of defending DOMA, and the resulting costs associated with any litigation that would have otherwise been born (sic) by DOJ (The Department of Justice), has fallen to the House," Boehner said. "Obviously, DOJ's decision results in DOJ no longer needing the funds it would have otherwise expended defending the constitutionality of DOMA. It is my intent that those funds be diverted to the House for reimbursement of any costs incurred by and associated with the House, and not DOJ, defending DOMA." Such a move would require Senate approval, an unlikely prospect since Democrats control that chamber. Boehner will probably end up finding money for the legal fight from other discretionary and non-discretionary spending sources, according to legal experts. There was no indication just how much the legal fight could eventually cost. In response to Boehner's letter, Pelosi, D-California, asked the speaker how much the legal defense of DOMA would cost taxpayers. "I am requesting that you disclose the cost of hiring outside counsel for the 12 cases where DOMA is being challenged," Pelosi's letter said. She also asked for details on the reported hiring of Paul D. Clement, a former solicitor general, specifically when a contract was signed and why a copy was not provided to Democrats on the Committee on House Administration. Legal sources say the House Republican leadership hired Clement, a Washington appellate attorney, to defend the law. He filed a brief Monday in a pending case from New York, where a lesbian received an estate tax bill of more than $360,000 after her longtime partner and legal wife had died. Clement is a former solicitor general under President George W. Bush, serving from 2005 to 2008. It was his job to defend federal laws and executive actions in court, similar to what he will be doing now as a private lawyer on retainer. He was mentioned at one time as a possible Supreme Court nominee. Separately, he also is representing more than two dozens states in their lawsuit against the administration over the sweeping health care reform law passed by Congress last year. That case is pending in a federal appeals court in Atlanta. In the Defense of Marriage Act dispute, groups on both sides of the issue noted the highly charged political aspects. "Not only are House Republican leaders defending the indefensible, they've brought in a high-priced attorney to deny federal recognition to loving, married couples," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "Speaker Boehner appears ready to go to great lengths, and the great expense of a high-power law firm, to try to score some cheap political points on the backs of same-sex couples." But conservative groups applauded the move. "At last we have a legal eagle on this case who actually wants to win in court," said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage. "Thanks to Speaker Boehner's actions, President Obama's attempt to sabotage the legal defense of DOMA is not going to work." President Barack Obama on February 23 ordered the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the law. "The president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny," said Attorney General Eric Holder. The key provision in the law "fails to meet that standard and is therefore unconstitutional." Obama had previously expressed his personal opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act but had never stated an opinion relating to its constitutionality. Holder's chief spokesman said the department had no comment on Boehner's moves. Two pending lawsuits from New York and Connecticut challenge the law. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes both states, is the only federal circuit to have never decided the basic legal question of whether a law discriminates against gay men and lesbians. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed in 1996 by the GOP-controlled Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. It bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages and says states cannot be forced to recognize such marriages allowed in other states. The New York legal fight was prompted by Edith "Edie" Windsor, who lived with her female partner, Thea Spyer, for more than four decades. They married out-of-state in 2007, but neither the federal government nor their home state of New York recognized the legal union. Spyer died and left her estate to Windsor, who was then forced to pay taxes on the money because she was not considered a legal spouse. In July, a federal judge in Massachusetts, in a separate case, became the first to rule part of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. District Judge Joseph Tauro said that "irrational prejudice plainly never constitutes a legitimate government interest." The administration's decision comes on the heels of other major developments in the struggle over gay and lesbian rights. In December, Obama signed legislation that will repeal the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy and bring an end to the ban on openly gay men and women serving in the armed forces. Courts in California are considering a legal challenge to Proposition 8, an initiative narrowly approved by that state's voters in 2008. It defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Either one of those cases could reach the Supreme Court in coming months, perhaps in time to become a major issue during the 2012 election year. Same-sex marriage is legal in five states -- Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont -- and in the District of Columbia. Civil unions virtually equivalent to marriage are permitted in New Jersey, while several other states offer more limited civil unions or partnerships. The New York case is Windsor v. U.S. (1:10-cv-08435). | NEW: Pelosi asks what the legal fight will cost taxpayers .
Attorney Paul Clement was solicitor general in the second Bush administration .
Boehner says he had no choice but to act after the Obama administration backed off .
House Republicans also want to divert Justice Department funds for the effort . |
fc2b0a55b9b7c2c5c453cf100b2d05ed274ad9e5 | (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama decisively defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton in North Carolina Tuesday, but Clinton's narrow victory in Indiana will likely send the race for the Democratic presidential nomination on to the next round of primaries. Sen. Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, greet supporters in Raleigh, North Carolina. As polls closed in Indiana, Clinton had a double-digit lead over Obama, but by the end of the evening, Clinton's lead had shrunk, dragging the race out until early Wednesday. A clear winner did not emerge until 1:15 a.m. Wednesday -- seven hours after the polls closed -- because results were slow to come in from Lake County, a Chicago suburb in northwestern Indiana with several precincts that went strongly for Obama. By Wednesday morning, all absentee ballots had been counted in Lake County and the final results showed Obama had taken the county by 12 percentage points. There were 115 delegates at stake in North Carolina and 72 in Indiana. Because Democratic delegates are awarded proportionally, Obama added four delegates to his lead, according to CNN estimates. Obama earlier claimed a decisive victory in North Carolina. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Obama held a 14-point lead over Clinton. Watch analysis of NC, IN primaries » . "Some were saying that North Carolina would be a game-changer in this election. But today, what North Carolina decided is that the only game that needs changing is the one in Washington," Obama told supporters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Watch Obama thank his supporters » . Obama took an overwhelming 91 percent of the black vote in North Carolina, according to exit polls, while Clinton claimed only 6 percent. Clinton took 59 percent of the white vote compared to 36 percent for Obama, according to the polls. Clinton told her supporters in Indianapolis, "it's full-speed on to the White House." Watch Clinton greet her supporters » . Clinton made a strong pitch to blue-collar workers in Indiana. She pulled a majority of the votes in rural and suburban Indiana during Tuesday's primary. In CNN exit polling, Clinton took 53 percent of the vote in suburban areas, compared with 47 percent for Obama of Illinois. She took 68 percent of the rural vote compared with Obama's 32 percent. In all, 1,738 voters were polled. Clinton had pitched herself as the candidate best-suited to turn around a flailing economy and consciously courted working-class voters in the state -- even driving a pickup truck up to a gas pump once to help promote her proposed temporary rollback of federal tax on gasoline. "I believe that Americans need a champion in their corners," she said at a rally in Indianapolis. "For too long we've had a president who has stood up and spoken out for the wealthy and the well-connected, but I don't think that's what Americans need. "Standing up for working people is about the American dream and about the Democratic Party; standing up for the middle class is who we are and what we can be if we stick together." Eighty-nine percent of Indiana voters said they have been affected by what they called a recession. Clinton had a slight edge when voters were asked who is most likely to improve the economy -- taking 49 percent to Obama's 47 percent. The candidates now turn their attention to the upcoming contests in West Virginia, Kentucky and Oregon. According to early exit polls, half of Clinton's supporters in Indiana would not vote for Obama in a general election matchup with Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Watch what the exit polls show » . A third of Clinton voters said they would pick McCain over Obama, while 17 percent said they would not vote at all. Forty-eight percent of Clinton supporters said they would back Obama in November. Obama got even less support from Clinton backers in North Carolina, where 45 percent of Clinton supporters said they would vote for him over McCain. Thirty-eight percent of Clinton supporters said they would vote for McCain while 12 percent said they would not vote. Obama voters appear to be more willing to support Clinton in November. In Indiana, 59 percent of Obama backers said they'd vote for Clinton, and 70 percent of Obama backers in North Carolina said vote for her against McCain. Obama on Tuesday said he didn't agree with those who said his party would not be able to unite. "Tonight, many of the pundits have suggested that this party is inalterably divided -- that Sen. Clinton's supporters will not support me, and that my supporters will not support her," he said. "I'm here tonight to tell you that I don't believe it. Yes, there have been bruised feelings on both sides. Yes, each side desperately wants their candidate to win. But ultimately, this race is not about Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama or John McCain. "This election is about you -- the American people -- and whether we will have a president and a party that can lead us toward a brighter future." Obama currently leads in pledged delegates and in states won, and he is ahead in the popular vote, if Florida and Michigan are not factored into the equation. Those states are being penalized for moving their primaries up in violation of party rules. With neither candidate expected to win the 2,025 delegates needed to clinch the Democratic nomination by June 3, the end of the primary season, the final decision will most likely fall to the 796 superdelegates: Democratic governors, members of Congress and party officials. Watch how superdelegates could come into play » . Both candidates have spent the past two weeks shuttling between Indiana and North Carolina, each arguing to crucial working-class voters that their rival is out of touch when it comes to the pocketbook issues that are dominating the campaign. CNN's Susan Candiotti, Dan Lothian and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. | NEW: Final votes counted in Indiana's Lake County; Obama dominates .
Clinton wins squeaker in Indiana; Obama cruises in North Carolina .
Obama says he does not believe his party is "inalterably divided"
187 delegates were at stake in Tuesday's primaries . |
fc2b44712cd02a47573d43624cc034263573703c | Nicklas Bendtner has joined Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg to end a nine-year association with English football. The striker, who has scored 24 goals in 58 internationals for Denmark, has signed a three-year deal with an option for a further year at Wolfsburg, who finished fifth in last season's Bundesliga to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League. A free agent since his contract with Arsenal expired this summer, Bendtner also played for Birmingham City and Sunderland as well as spending a season on loan at Serie A side Juventus during their title-winning campaign in 2012-13. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Nicklas Bendtner train on his own during the summer . On the move: Nicklas Bendtner has signed a two-year deal with German side Wolfsburg . Finally settled: Bendtner has been linked to several clubs across Europe over the summer . The 26-year-old scored 24 goals in 106 appearances for Arsenal during a nine-year stint in England. Bendtner attracted interest from Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, and has been training on his own and with friends in a bid to keep fit ahead of the new campaign. Bendtner will wear the No 3 shirt at Wolfsburg, and admitted the reason for the low number, saying: ‘My mother chose the number for me.' Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking said: 'We want to play a good role in all three competitions this season, and to do this we need players who already know what this kind of challenge is all about. Shop window: Bendtner trained alone during the summer to keep up his fitness . 'Nicklas embodies precisely the kind of striker we were looking for. He fits the profile and is going to strengthen our squad.' Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs has every faith that Bendtner, who scored 32 goals in 136 Premier League appearances, will make the German club even stronger this term. 'He's in his prime and, although his career has not always gone smoothly, he's still been able to gain plenty of international experience,' he said. 'With his ability, he's going to raise the quality of our attack.' Hecking had said on Thursday before signing Bendtner that they couldn't sign the top calibre of players. ‘We dared to touch the top shelf of players. It’s empty now though, so we need to look a bit further down.’ Flop: Bendtner failed to set the heather alight at Arsenal and was released on a free transfer this summer . VIDEO Arsenal heading in the right direction - Winterburn . | Nicklas Bendtner has finally found a new club after being released by Arsenal .
Danish striker will wear No 3 shirt at Wolfsburg because his mother chose it .
Bendtner scored 24 goals in 106 appearances for Arsenal . |
fc2bafbc3adace8903f886996033bd46addf0740 | By . Ted Thornhill . PUBLISHED: . 05:09 EST, 26 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:03 EST, 26 December 2013 . A nine-year-old girl who witnessed her mother being viciously assaulted wrote a letter to Santa asking for the assailant to be put ‘on the naughty list’. The girl’s mother, Christine Beckwith, appears to have been attacked simply for parking her car badly while she took her daughter and five-month old twins to see a holiday light display. The assault took place when Ms Beckwith returned to her car on Sunday night in Lake Mary, Florida with her children. Scroll down for video . Attack: Christine Beckwith was assaulted over her crooked parking and was left with a black eye . Another car pulled up alongside her and the driver began shouting at her about the way she’d parked. The mother explained that she would move the car once she’d secured her kids in the back seat, but the woman who was yelling, described as Hispanic, jumped out and launched an astonishing assault, with the help of her friends. Ms Beckwith told Click Orlando: ‘The one [woman] had grabbed me and pushed me down to the trunk of her car and held me while the other girl punched me in the face and scratched my face and pulled my hair out.’ The whole incident was witnessed by Ms Beckwith’s daughter, who screamed uncontrollably throughout. According to Ms Beckwith, she yelled: ‘don't touch my mommy. Leave her alone, stop it, stop it you need to stop touching her’. Her little girl then decided that punishment should be meted out by Father Christmas and penned a letter to him asking that justice be served. Request: Christine Beckwith's little girl asked Santa to serve justice . She wrote: ‘Dear Santa, Today my mom, Christine, got physically hurt by a woman. I want you to put her on the naughty list! She had long black curly hair, no tattoos, black shirt, jeans, and cruddy attitude!!!’ Ms Beckwith, who was left with a black eye, added that she feared if her attacker could strike again, since she had no scruples about assaulting someone with three children. The suspects drove away from the scene in two cars, with the friends of the attacker covering her license plate with a rag. One of the cars was a Honda Civic with a Christmas wreath on the front, thought to belong to the attacker. According to Click Orlando, the attacker is described as having long, dark, curly hair, being in her early 20s, about 5 feet 4 and weighing 140 pounds. The mother-of-three was beaten because her attacker was apparently enraged by her 'bad parking' | Christine Beckwith was attacked in Lake Mary, Florida on Sunday night .
The motive for the assault was simply that she'd parked badly .
Her nine-year-old daughter penned a letter to Santa asking for justice . |
fc2c7701dd3530b3db4cb19fff44fa6c47385998 | Gordon Ramsay faces a £10.8million bill for rent over the next 17 years after losing a High Court battle over one of his London restaurants. The celebrity chef will have to find a further £1.6million in legal fees and outstanding rental payments for the gastropub at the centre of the row. Ramsay’s personal ‘kitchen nightmare’ stems from a bitter dispute with his estranged father-in-law Christopher Hutcheson, who was chief executive of his businesses until he was forced out in 2010. Scroll down for video . Hearing: Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has lost his High Court battle over being held personally liable for the rent on a London pub he bought. He's pictured with wife Tana after giving evidence . Ramsay, 48, accused Hutcheson of using a ‘ghost writer’ machine to put his signature – without his consent – on a 25-year contract for the York and Albany pub near Regent’s Park in north London. Such machines are often used by authors, celebrities and even royalty to sign books, papers and photographs automatically. But Chancery Division judge Mr Justice Morgan yesterday poured scorn on Ramsay’s claim that he had been duped over the agreement to guarantee the pub’s £640,000 annual rent. The superchef accused his father-in-law, Mr Hutcheson (pictured), of forging his signature . In a scathing judgment, Mr Justice Morgan dismissed as ‘entirely implausible’ Ramsay’s assertion that he did not know the full extent of the use of the signature machine. He added: ‘Accordingly, I find that Mr Ramsay knew, long before the entry into the agreement for lease and the lease of the [York & Albany] premises, that the machine was routinely used to place his signature on legal documents. ‘I do not accept his evidence to the contrary. 'I find that when Mr Hutcheson committed Mr Ramsay to the guarantee in the lease of the premises, Mr Hutcheson was acting within the wide general authority conferred on him by Mr Ramsay at all times until Mr Hutcheson’s dismissal in October 2010. ‘Mr Ramsay may now regret the transaction in relation to the premises. 'He may particularly regret his involvement as a guarantor. 'He may consider that Mr Hutcheson did a bad deal. ‘However, on any finding, he is not able to say that Mr Hutcheson exceeded his authority in any respect. ' Mr Ramsay – acting through his agent Mr Hutcheson – is bound by the guarantee in the lease of the premises.’ At the time of the deal in 2007 Mr Hutcheson was very much at the helm of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. He left in 2010 after an acrimonious split with the chef who accused him of plundering £1million from his firm. Last year actor and film director Gary Love – who owns the York and Albany premises – had described the chef’s High Court challenge as an ‘absurd’ attempt to wriggle out of his rental commitments. Ramsay’s businesses won a bidding war to secure the 160-year-old building in the exclusive Regent’s Park area. The chef – who has starred in a number of TV food programmes including Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares – has since turned the historic pub into an upmarket restaurant, bar and hotel. When giving evidence at the court last November Ramsay’s wife Tana claimed both her father and brother Adam had been ‘systematically defrauding’ her celebrity husband. She also told how she remembered the ‘shock on Gordon’s face’ when the couple’s solicitor told them that the lease for the York & Albany included a personal guarantee from him for 25 years. The chef can still ask the Court of Appeal to hear his case – a path which sources close to Ramsay say he may be considering. His legal bill is estimated at around £750,000 while Mr Love is now expected to claim around £600,000 in outstanding rent. In addition, the judge ordered him to make an interim payment to Mr Love of £250,000 within 28 days. The chef’s personal fortune is understood to be around £80million. Last night Ramsay’s spokesman said: ‘We are obviously disappointed but do not regret bringing this issue to court. We are now reviewing the options available to us.’ Dispute: Mr Ramsay claimed that a ghost writer machine was used to forge his signature on the lease for the York & Albany pub (pictured), near Regent's Park . | Gordon Ramsay disputed being liable for rent on London pub he bought .
He claimed his signature was forged on the lease for the York & Albany .
Ramsay argued a machine signed his name without his knowledge .
The chef said that his father-in-law Christopher Hutcheson was responsible .
Judge ruled Ramsay must have known how the machine was being used .
It's thought that Mr Ramsay faces a legal bill of around £1.6million .
A spokesman for the TV chef said he is 'now reviewing his options' |
fc2d404542e3e18e5df46d291dd6260aa6a80003 | As the 2014 World Cup continues, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture in Brazil from team news and key battles to betting odds and Opta stats... Here is all the information you need for the first game in Group B between Spain and Holland. Click here to follow the Spain vs Holland World Cup 2014 action live . Venue: Arena Forte Nova, SalvadorKick-off: 8pm (4pm, Brazil time)TV coverage: BBC1, from 7.30pmOdds: Spain 8/11, Draw 23/10, Holland 9/2Referee: Nicola Rizzoli, ItalyVIDEO Scroll down to watch former Arsenal stars Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie preparing for the match . The future's bright: Holland fans look to turn Brazil orange . Managers: . Vicente Del Bosque (Spain)Louis van Gaal (Holland)Team news: Spain and Holland played out one of the most disappointing World Cup finals in history four years ago. They get a chance to make amends right away in Brazil. In one of the quirks of the draw for Brazil, Spain opens the defense of its title against the country it beat in the championship decider in Johannesburg four years ago. But while Vicente Del Bosque's team has stuck to its attacking philosophy, Holland coach Louis van Gaal is packing his defense and hoping one of his three star forwards, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben or Wesley Sneijder, can snatch a goal on the counterattack in their Group B opener at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. Key clash: Wesley Sneijder vs Sergio Busquets . Four years ago Sneijder’s performances placed him in FIFA’s All-Star team but he was stopped by Busquets. The Dutch still rely on the Galatasaray playmaker to dictate their tempo but in Busquets he faces an opponent that few get joy out of. Key men: Holland's Wesley Sneijder and Spain's Sergio Busquets could play key roles for their sides . One to watch: Daryl Janmaat (Holland) Louis van Gaal’s 5-3-2 experiment should get an outing here and the ‘Dutch Dani Alves’ from Feyenoord will be key to providing width in attack to feed Robin van Persie, as well as defensive cover. Head-to-head record: . Played 9 Spain Wins 4 Draws 1 Losses 4 . Dutch of class: Daryl Janmaat is one of the main men for Louis van Gaal's side . Making the move: Cesc Fabregas has made the switch from Barcelona to Chelsea . | Spain's clash with Holland is a repeat of the World Cup final in 2010 .
Vicente Del Bosque are the current holders of the World Cup .
Chile and Australia are the two other sides in Group B .
This is the first time the two World Cup finalists have met in the tournament directly after contesting the final since 1990, when West Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the final (after meeting each other in 1986).
La Roja lost their opening game of the 2010 World Cup to Switzerland, but went on to become the first team to ever win the tournament having lost their first game.
Vicente Del Bosque has only lost one of his 25 World Cup games as Spain head-coach, including qualifiers (W22 D2). That was against Switzerland (0-1) in 2010.
David Villa - Spain’s top scorer at World Cup Finals (eight goals) - has been directly involved in seven of Spain’s last nine goals in the tournament (six goals, one assist).
Spain have won their last six World Cup games, their best ever run in the tournament. Their last four games have ended in 1-0 wins.
Spain have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four World Cup games, the longest current run. Indeed only Italy (five games in 1990) and Switzerland (five in 2006 & 2010) have ever had a longer run in the competition.
Holland have made it past the group stages in their last seven previous World Cup participations.
Robin van Persie was the top scorer in the 2014 European World Cup qualifiers (11 goals).
Spain and Holland have a perfectly even head-to-head record with four wins apiece and one draw, though Spain won the only previous World Cup clash 1-0 in the 2010 final.
The defending champions have only won their first game in three of the last 10 World Cups (D4 L3), with Italy drawing 1-1 with Paraguay last time out.
Robin van Persie and Holland gear up for Spain clash .
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fc2dc48e73466aaf876d84415b9247a7840c6254 | Madrid (CNN) -- He's fast on the football field but apparently even faster behind the wheel. Real Madrid star striker Karim Benzema was clocked driving 216 kilometers per hour (about 134 mph) -- more than double the speed limit -- before dawn on February 3 on a Madrid highway, and he could lose his license for at least a year, a Traffic Directorate spokeswoman told CNN. Civil Guard vehicles clocked and photographed the alleged speeding offense of Benzema in a 100 kph (62 mph) zone on the M40 ring road in western Madrid, said the spokeswoman, who by custom is not identified. Benzema was driving an Audi. The company is an official sponsor of Real Madrid, and all players on the first team have an Audi at their disposal, a Real Madrid spokesman said. The Civil Guard radar trap consisted of two sets of vehicles, one on the highway with a radar camera, which Benzema passed quickly, and a second down the road. Authorities did not immediately pursue Benzema, because of darkness and safety concerns for other drivers. But they did get the license plate number and later tracked the vehicle to him, the traffic spokeswoman said. The incident occurred hours after Real Madrid suffered an unexpected loss to Granada in a league match, on the evening of February 2. Real Madrid would not comment on the incident other than to say that club policy lets the player directly handle a traffic violation. Spanish media reported that Benzema, 25, a French international, made an initial appearance before an investigating magistrate Thursday. The sanctions could include losing his driver's license for one to four years. In addition, he could receive up to six months in jail, a fine, or several weeks or months of community service, the traffic spokeswoman said. Benzema did not play in Real Madrid's victory over archrivals FC Barcelona last Tuesday in the semifinals of Spain's Copa de Rey, or King's Cup, but the club spokesman said that was a decision of coach Jose Mourinho and was unrelated to the alleged traffic violation. Some Spanish media reported that a second vehicle was speeding alongside Benzema's that night, but the traffic spokeswoman said Civil Guards are aware of only the vehicle that Benzema was driving. | Police say Karim Benzema was clocked at 216 kph in a 100-kph zone on a Madrid highway .
Authorities did not immediately pursue Benzema because of safety concerns, police say .
They say they tracked him down using the vehicle's license plate .
He could lose his license for at least a year, be jailed or fined, or face community service . |
fc2e1be411b767970941d5d0665f9fb2f9ec279b | Sam Strange, 23, raped a four-year-old boy on Christmas Eve and has been jailed for nine years . A 23-year-old man who raped a four-year-old boy on Christmas Eve when he was drunk has been jailed for nine years after his victim gave evidence holding his teddy bear. Sam Strange, from Folkestone in Kent, had denied three sexual offences but a jury took four hours and 21 minutes to convict him. Sentencing, Judge Heather Norton told him: 'This was an extremely serious offence perpetrated on a vulnerable and defenceless young child.' Strange was also placed on the Sex Offender's Register and made subject to a Sex Offences Prevention Order for life. Canterbury Crown Court heard how Strange had visited the boy's mother on Christmas Eve. Two weeks later, when questioned by his mother, the boy told what Strange had done to him. The 23-year-old was arrested on January 27 and later charged. The boy, who is now five, gave evidence at the case while clutching his teddy bear becoming one of the youngest to give evidence at a crown court. Wearing a blue hoodie, he sat in a special room next to an intermediary – a language specialist – and a member of the witness support team. Judge Heather Norton and two barristers went to meet the child just minutes before he gave his evidence via a special CCTV link to the courtroom. Judge Heather Norton and counsel removed their wigs while the boy gave evidence, because he had a 'particular hatred of wigs', the judge said. In an earlier video made by police and shown to the court, the child said he had been sexually assaulted by Strange. Prosecutor Eloise Marshall said the attacks were revealed when the child pointed to a doll to show where he had been assaulted by Strange. After the video with the allegations was played to the jury, the child was asked questions by the barrister representing Strange, Stephen Earnshaw. Sam Strange, from Folkestone in Kent, had denied three sexual offences but a jury took four hours and 21 minutes to convict him by a majority of 10:2 at Canterbury Crown Court (pictured) The judge told the jury: 'Mr Earnshaw won't be asking many questions and among the things he won't be asking is putting to the child that he is lying or anything like that which he might ask an adult witness.' He then answered questions from Mr Earnshaw who asked him five things and received mainly one word answers. Once he had finished the boy was thanked by the judge and told he could go home. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Matthew Jones said: 'This was a very serious offence on a vulnerable young person. 'Strange refused to admit what he had done, which meant putting the boy through the ordeal of giving evidence in court, which I commend him for. 'I hope now, he can put this behind him and continue to live a life like any other child would.' | Sam Strange, 23, from Folkestone, raped four-year-old on Christmas Eve .
Has been jailed for nine years after his victim gave evidence holding teddy .
Victim is one of the youngest people called to provide evidence at a trial .
Judge Norton told jury that it would be 'wrong' to challenge a child witness . |
fc2e5c660be203345a47ac1140e6f383ef081a91 | By . Travelmail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:47 EST, 24 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:38 EST, 24 March 2014 . Five people have been killed after a plane carrying a group of skydivers crashed and burst into flames as family members of those aboard watched in horror. Witnesses said the Cessna 206 disintegrated in a fireball after coming down shortly after taking off from the Caboolture airfield, north of Brisbane, Australia, about 11.30am on Saturday. Police said there were five people on board and no survivors. A couple from New Zealand who leave behind six children are believed to have been on board. Wreckage: Sky New reports on the plane crash in which five people died near Brisbane . Plane crash: Five people, including a New Zealand couple who had six children, were killed after the aircraft plunged to the ground . Rahuia (Rahi) Hohua died alongside fiance Joseph King and three others when the plane crashed. Hohua, . from Hamilton, and King - from Auckland - lived in Logan, Queensland, . and had six children between them. Hohua was a mother of two and King a . father of four. Police have . yet to release the names of the dead, but the three others on the plane . were understood to be skydiving instructors Glenn Norman and Juraj . Glesk and the pilot. A police spokesman said it was believed some of the families of those killed were at the airfield to watch the skydive. Last message: Joseph King, who was killed in the crash, posted on Facebook the morning of the skydive . It's understood two skydiving companies operate from Caboolture airfield, which has been shut down by police. Two . investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau were . travelling to Caboolture from Brisbane and three more were due to arrive . from Canberra later on Saturday. A bureau spokesman said they would examine the wreckage, interview witnesses and study the weather to find out what went wrong. Airport safety officer Bryan Carpenter said he saw the crash, adding that the plane, which was loaded with high-octane fuel, was destroyed by flames within a minute of impact. He said the plane veered to the left after take-off before plunging to the ground and catching fire. RIP: Tributes paid on Facebook to Joseph King and his financee Rahuia Hohua who were killed in the plane crash . It took firefighters 10 minutes to douse the inferno, with another witness saying the fire was out of control when he arrived on the scene. 'It was hard getting close. You can't put that type of fire out with hand-held extinguishers,' Mark Thompson from the Caboolture Warplane Museum said. Both Carpenter and Thompson said it was the worst crash they'd seen at the airport. 'They've had a couple of incidents here but nothing like this,' according to Thompson, who ran about 200 metres to the scene after hearing a loud thud and seeing a plume of smoke. Carpenter, who has worked at Caboolture for 14 years, said the crash could have been caused by any number of things. 'One of the things one would expect would be an engine failure, but the engine was delivering power on touch down," he said. 'So it's something mechanical I would say ... or the pilot could have blacked out – any number of scenarios; it's a bit like MH370 at the moment, we just don't know.' Meanwhile, . air crash investigators failed to find out three years ago why a plane . associated with the company involved in Saturday's accident conducted a . forced landing on a gravel road, leaving two skydivers severely injured. | Safety officer says plane was destroyed by flames within minute of impact .
New Zealand couple with six children believed to be on board flight .
Plane veered to the left after take-off before plunging to the ground . |
fc2eb738c87fdf534eb7568c1b8ea83137fd1fdd | By . John Preston . THE LONG RIDE HOME by Rupert Isaacson (Penguin £7.99) Horse sense: Autistic Rowan was stimulated in the saddle . Desperate people often do desperate things and in 2004 Rupert Isaacson did something very desperate indeed. In an attempt to ‘cure’ his six year-old son Rowan of autism, he took him to a shaman called Ghoste in Mongolia. As Isaacson described in his earlier book, The Horse Boy, the shaman spent three days drawing a strange mucus-like liquid out of Rowan’s head with his fingers — his parents also had to be whipped and to have their private parts anointed with ‘sacred vodka’. Afterwards, Ghoste promised that Rowan would gradually become less and less autistic until he reached the age of nine — when his autism would disappear completely. But there was one condition attached to all this. Over the next three years, Isaacson and his wife, Karin, had to take Rowan on other ‘healing journeys’ to shamen or faith healers. The healers could be anywhere in the world, Ghoste told them, but if they didn’t go to see them then his original magic wouldn’t work. The Long Ride Home is Isaacson’s account of what happened next. Ghoste’s ministrations — whatever they consisted of — seemed to have a dramatic effect on Rowan. He soon stopped having violent tantrums, he was no longer incontinent and he could even hold conversations — something he had never done before. Fearful that he might start backsliding unless they took him to another healer, they went to see the Bushmen of the Kalahari. Isaacson had previously helped the Bushmen in a land dispute with the Namibian government and one of their healers — a man with the seemingly unpronounceable name of Kunta — tells him that Rowan’s autism is the result of a curse laid on him by disgruntled government employees: ‘They threw a bone at you which missed and hit your son instead.’ Part of the Bushmen’s healing process consists of throwing the bone back from where it came. Over the next two years, Isaacson takes Rowan to Australia to see an Aborigine called Howard and to New Mexico to see a Native American healer called Blue Horse. Everyone they visit behaves as if curing autism is a complete doddle — ‘I’ve worked with some young men with autism before,’ Howard tells them. ‘Shouldn’t be too much trouble.’ Just like Ghoste in Mongolia, Howard starts drawing ‘slightly bloody mucus’ out of Rowan’s head with his fingers. ‘There,’ he says after a while. ‘That should do it.’ And all of them do seem to do a remarkable amount of good. Rowan starts to swim, to do maths and to play practical jokes. Yet it gradually become clear that there’s also a large element of self-deception here. Now aged 12, Rowan may be much improved, but he’s not cured, nothing like it. It’s also impossible to work out how much of this improvement is due to the various shamen and how much to the unstinting care and attention that Isaacson and his wife lavish on Rowan. Indeed, they devote their lives so wholeheartedly to him — teaching him on horseback and even bouncing on a trampoline because it makes him more responsive — that it finally drives them apart. You get the feeling too that Isaacson is such a sucker for New Age theories that it’s sent him a bit doolally. While he starts off the book by seeking a cure, he soon starts moving the goalposts and ends up by saying that ‘autism is not a problem to be fixed. Autism is a collection of gifts, a skill set, a wonderful way of being.’ Is it really? Or is this just another sign of desperation, of someone frantically searching for the good in any situation, however bleak? But Isaacson then goes several stages further by suggesting that autistic people might be the forerunners of new, more evolved, less egotistical human beings: ‘Do we as autistic parents have a front-row seat at the accelerated evolution of our species?’ he wonders. The answer to that, I would suggest, is a resounding no. Yet despite spiralling off into battiness, there is enough here to suggest that something — be it the power of mind, ritual or maybe magic itself — can help bring an autistic child from near total darkness out into the world. | Author Rupert Isaacson sent his autistic son to a shaman who had both parents whipped and their genitals anointed with 'sacred vodka'
In order to cure his autism Isaacson's son had to visit faith healers around the world .
As the boy's autism improves his father begins to see his son's condition in a new light . |
fc2f6a8a85e308a0cffe92e5d81ee785e9660723 | By . Gerri Peev . PUBLISHED: . 17:38 EST, 9 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:00 EST, 10 May 2013 . Civil servants are getting paid an extra £1,000 a year simply for being able to type, it emerged last night. The award is one of a string of perks worth £7.5million available annually at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and related quangos. Others include officials at the Local Government Ombudsman who are paid up to an additional £684 for working from home. Civil servants can receive more than £1,000 for 'proficient typing' under a raft of extra Whitehall allowances . Perks such as a 'disturbance grant' of £2,325 for staff working away from home on special projects were revealed in a Parliamentary answer to Conservative MP Priti Patel. Mrs Patel said: 'In this day and age, civil servants should not be getting bonuses in addition to their pay just for doing their job. 'Now is a good time ahead of the comprehensive spending review to say that we have got to be spending our money more wisely.' Staff at the DCLG who become fire marshals are paid an extra £144, while those who learn first aid get an additional £200. An extra £3,160 is paid to staff if they agree to be on-call and field calls after 'normal' working hours – an expected and unrewarded part of most private sector jobs. One quango, the Homes and Communities Agency, hands a bonus of 10 per cent of annual salary to staff who undertake additional duties 'for a significant time in addition to their normal duties'. A first aider can receive an extra £200 (file picture) IT staff also get an extra 10 per cent for being called out during 'unsocial hours'. At the Housing Ombudsman all staff get £427 extra a year as a personal development allowance. Meanwhile, the Planning Inspectorate has spent more than £1million since 2011 on allowances and subsidies, including up to £4,000 per staff member to 'retain' officials. An array of bonuses are paid for inspectors – including £3,056 for officials who undertake 'specialist right of way work', normally carried out by bureaucrats at a higher grade. Technicians at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, opposite the Houses of Parliament, receive up to £6,500 a year if they have to liaise with clients. Car allowances worth a total £61,398 were handed out to staff at the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. Simply not bringing a car to work will reap employees an extra £600. Some staff at the DCLG with IT qualifications get £3,000 while those hired as accountants are paid an additional £3,000. Discretionary allowances of up to £4,000 are also awarded to 'experts' such as economists, scientists, statisticians, social researchers, geographers and engineers. The soon to be scrapped Audit Commission shelled out £1.7million in perks and allowances in the last financial year. A three-year allowance for 'excess fares' was also offered to staff asked to relocate. And more than £20,000 was paid out to officials for what most workers would regard as normal commuting costs. Most of the perks are paid to long-serving staff still employed under older, generous contracts. In Whitehall departments London-based staff are even allowed to work one hour less a day because it can take them longer to get home. On top of generous holiday and sick pay terms, staff are also given an extra two-and-a-half 'privilege' days off every year. A spokesman said the DCLG has halved staffing costs since the Coalition came to power. He said: 'Only a very small number of people receive these allowances, most of which do not have origins in the Department for Communities and Local Government. The department had to honour existing terms and conditions for staff that transferred over from arms-length bodies that were closed down as part of the Government's restructuring. They are not available to anyone else. 'Some also address specific recruitment and retention issues around business critical posts that require professional skills. 'The department is in the process of reviewing its pay policies, including allowances and subsidies, as part of wider civil service reform and ensuring good value for public money.' As part of a Whitehall clampdown on pay and perks Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude has asked managers to identify employment conditions 'that are beyond what a modern employer would provide'. | Award is one of a string of perks available annually at the DCLG .
Others include officials at the Local Government Ombudsman . |
fc308f962c5f6e5392be2897842f7ef31c9d7849 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A Waterbury, Connecticut school teacher has been arrested on charges she spent the last two months having sex with a male student at her home. Crosby High School physical education teacher Meghan Eagan, 25, was charged with four counts of second degree sexual assault and has since posted $1,000 bond. Police say that between December and January, Eagan had sex with the student four times. Meghan Eagan, 25, has been charged with having sex with her high school gym student four times in December and January . Booking photos show a smirking Eagan appearing unfazed by the accusations, which do not specify the student's age but are based on Eagan's position of authority over the victim. Police declined to release the student's age. Eagan is due to return to court February 25. She has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation at her school, reports the Hartford Courant. IN her home: Police say Eagan had sex with the student, whose age was not disclosed, four times over two months at her own apartment (right) | Meghan Eagan is out on bond for having sex with one of her students at Waterbury's Crosby High School . |
fc30b5186422911b8a7965a47283ce7fd1408909 | A large column of Russian tanks, heavy weapons and combat troops entered eastern Ukraine earlier this week, NATO's top commander claimed today, prompting fears of an re-escalation in the seven month old conflict. U.S. General Philip Breedlove said his officials witnessed the force cross over the 'completely wide-open' border between the countries at some point in the last two days. The Russian Defense Ministry quickly rejected Breedlove's statement as groundless and continues to deny that its troops have entered eastern Ukraine to help pro-Russian separatists fighting against forces loyal to the Kiev-based government. The news comes the U.N. Security Council held an emergency session on Ukraine amid worries about a renewal of the full-scale conflict in the rebel-held east. Scroll down for video . Force: An armored personnel carrier belonging to pro-Russian separatists travels on a main road through rebel-territory near the east Ukrainian village of Torez this morning . Speaking in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, General Breedlove said: 'We have seen columns of Russian equipment, primarily Russian tanks, Russian artillery, Russian air defense systems and Russian combat troops entering into Ukraine.' He wouldn't say how many fresh troops and weapons have moved into Ukraine and wouldn't specify how the alliance obtained the information, but added that the force was spotted in the last two days. The Russian Defense Ministry quickly rejected Breedlove's statement as groundless. The West and Ukraine have continuously accused Moscow of fueling a pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine with troops and weapons - the claims Russia has rejected. Claims: U.S. General Philip Breedlove (pictured left in Sofia with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov today) said his officials witnessed the force cross the 'completely wide-open' border in the last two days . A column of tanks drive from a rebel-territory to Donetsk near the town of Shakhtarsk in eastern Ukraine . The news comes as UN officials with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe called an emergency session on Ukraine amid concerns of a re-escalation of fighting. The main city in the eastern Ukraine, Donetsk, has seen its heaviest shelling in recent weeks despite a cease-fire signed two months ago between Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists. The cease-fire called on September 5 has been violated almost daily. The Security Council has met well over a dozen times on Ukraine since the crisis began early this year, but little action can be taken as permanent member Russia has veto power. Military: Pro-Russian gunmen patrol the centre of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine earlier this morning . This morning heavy artillery fire rocked Donetsk - the rebel-held industrial city that represents a de facto capital for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. It was unclear whether the fire came from the government forces besieging the city, or from rebel resistance troops. There were also reports of heavy clashes in the outskirts of the rebel-held city of Luhansk, where separatists fired on a government posititon near the village of Schastya. More than 4,000 people have died since government forces moved in April to put down an armed insurrection by the rebels in the two regions, which border Russia. Kiev says it is redeploying forces in eastern Ukraine to prepare for a possible new rebel offensive. | General Philip Breedlove said NATO officials saw force crossing border .
Claimed Russian tanks, artillery and air defense systems entered Ukraine .
Russian Defense Ministry quickly rejected his statement as 'groundless'
News comes amid concerns of re-escalation of fighting in east Ukraine .
UN Security Council held emergency session on situation this afternoon . |
fc30eb31b79281407167d44ec50b6863879f3cf8 | (CNN) -- The jury weighing the fate of a white Florida man accused of killing a black teen during an argument over loud music concluded its second day of deliberations Thursday after asking a judge for details about a letter written in the months after the shooting. The jury was scheduled to resume deliberations Friday at 9 a.m. ET. The question was the latest posed by the jury considering the evidence in the case against Michael Dunn, who says he acted in self-defense when he opened fire on four teenagers in an SUV in Jacksonville in November 2012. Prosecutors contend it was an act of murder. Dunn has been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. He also has been charged with three counts of attempted murder. If Dunn is found guilty, he faces up to life in prison. The questions came during the second day of deliberations in a case that has drawn parallels to the trial of George Zimmerman in the killing of teenager Trayvon Martin, which also had racial overtones and claims of self-defense. Jury questions . Among the requests from the jury was to see surveillance video from the gas station where Dunn shot Davis. The video contains 20 minutes of footage from multiple angles, though a shorter version showing only one angle was slated to be shown in court. The jurors posed another question later in the day: "Can we get that dummy with the sticks?" -- a reference to a flexible mannequin and three dowels used to demonstrate the angles of the bullets as they entered Davis' body. Judge Russell Healey said he'd grant the request if both the prosecution and defense agreed, but after examining the dummy, defense attorney Cory Strolla said he felt the dowels in the body had been repositioned and objected to the jury seeing it again. Then the jury asked the judge when the letter was written. The answer: June 2013. In closing arguments Wednesday, prosecutors said inconsistencies between Dunn's words and actions undermined his assertion he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot the teen. His attorney countered the state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt his client was guilty. He pleaded with jurors to find Dunn not guilty. In testimony Tuesday, Dunn said he fired in self-defense after the teen threatened him with a gun. "My intent was to stop the attack, not necessarily end a life," he said. "It just worked out that way." Defendant says he was 'crazy with grief' 'There was no gun' But Assistant State Attorney Erin Wolfson said Wednesday that Dunn's claims don't add up. She noted that Dunn fired 10 shots at the SUV, three of them while the car was fleeing. He never took cover -- but instead opened his car door -- even though he would later tell detectives he had seen a weapon, she said. "There was no gun," Wolfson told jurors. In addition, she said, he did not tell his fiancee, Rhonda Rouer, that he had seen a weapon until more than a month later. Dunn also left the scene of the shooting, went back to a hotel where they were staying and walked his dog, she said. And he returned the next day to his house -- more than two hours away -- all without calling 911, Wolfson said. "This defendant didn't tell anyone because he thought he had gotten away with murder," she said, adding that Dunn had no idea a witness had taken down his tag number. Opinion: Did Florida shooter make his case on the stand? 'Rap crap' Dunn has testified he described the music to his fiancee as "rap crap." In the parking lot, as the music blared, "his blood started to boil; he didn't like the music that was coming out of the car next to him; he got angrier and angrier," Wolfson said. Dunn rolled down his window and asked the youths to turn it down, which they did, but then turned it back up, Wolfson said. "He got angry at the fact that a 17-year-old kid decided not to listen to him," she said, adding that Dunn then pulled a 9 mm gun out of his glove box and shot "systematically and methodically" at the SUV. "Nobody denied that Jordan was talking back. But this defendant took it upon himself to silence Jordan Davis forever." Dunn testified Tuesday that he saw Davis reach down and pick something up, and that he saw about "4 inches of a barrel" from a 12- or 20-gauge shotgun above the window. Opinion: Florida shooter saw black, thought 'threat' 'You're not going to kill me' He muttered aloud to himself, " 'You're not going to kill me, you son of a bitch,' " as he opened the glove compartment, grabbed his pistol, dropped the holster at his feet, chambered a round and began firing, he said. Nine of the 10 rounds hit the car, and three of them struck Davis, one of them cutting through his liver, his lung and his aorta. Wolfson rejected Dunn's assertion he had been trying to de-escalate the situation and he feared for his life. Strolla, the defense attorney, noted that no witnesses had accused Dunn of using any hate words and testified that his client had just come from a wedding, where his ex-wife said he had appeared to be in a good mood. Strolla noted that the SUV departed the gas station after the shooting and was gone for three minutes before it returned, enough time for the youths to have dumped a gun. Detectives did not search the area for days after the shooting, he said. Strolla cited testimony from another passenger in the car with Davis who acknowledged he may not have heard all the conversation between the two men. 'You have reasonable doubt' Witnesses testified that child locks on the SUV were engaged, and that Davis -- who was seated in the rear -- could not have gotten out of the back seat to threaten Dunn. But Strolla said the teen could simply have opened the door by putting his hand out the window, which was open. "You have lack of evidence, conflicts of evidence and reasonable doubt," he told the jurors. On rebuttal, Assistant State Attorney John Guy appealed to the jurors' "common sense." "That defendant didn't shoot into a car full of kids to save his life," he said. "He shot into it to preserve his pride. Period. That's why we're here." Though Davis may have had a big mouth, he had no weapon, Guy said. Though he acknowledged minor inconsistencies in witness accounts, he said that was to be expected. "It's not like television," he said. "In real life, there are inconsistencies." The court has decided not to release the identifications of the jurors, fearing they could be the subject of threats, but a document obtained by CNN affiliate WTLV-TV in Jacksonville showed the makeup of the jury. It has four white females, two black females, four white males, an Asian female and a Hispanic male, plus four alternates. CNN's Tom Watkins and John Couwels contributed to this report. | NEW: Jury suspends deliberations for the day .
Jury has eight whites, two blacks, an Asian and Hispanic, CNN affiliate says .
Jury asks to see surveillance footage and mannequin .
If found guilty of first-degree murder, Michael Dunn faces up to life in prison . |
fc312497088a0419fa77cf4beccc567634cce12c | (CNN) -- Last year was the safest in aviation history for passengers flying on Western-built jets, an international aviation trade group said Wednesday. The 2010 global accident rate was 0.61 per million flights, a rate equating to one accident for every 1.6 million flights, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). That is just below the previous historic low rate of 0.65 rate in 2006, and a "significant improvement" over the rate of 0.71 recorded in 2009. There were 17 plane accidents -- or hull losses, in the lingo of the business -- involving Western-built jet aircraft in 2010, compared to 19 the previous year. A hull loss is an accident in which a plane is destroyed or damaged beyond repair. There were 786 fatalities in passenger aircraft compared to 685 in 2009, IATA said. As in the past, there were significant regional differences in the accident rates, with North America having relatively low rates and Africa having the worst rate. While Africa's hull loss rate was 7.41 -- four Western-built planes crashed in Africa -- it was lower than the 2009 rate of 9.94. IATA Director General Giovanni Bisignani said African systems must improve. "Flying must be equally safe in all parts of the world," Bisignani said. "An accident rate in Africa that is over 12 times the global average is not acceptable." He said African carriers should make use of an IATA audit system to improve safety. Runway excursions -- instances when a plane leaves the runway during take-offs or landings -- accounted for 21 percent of the worldwide accidents, IATA said, saying the number has dropped because of attention to the problem. Some of the accidents occur when planes land on wet runways; others when the aircraft approaches too fast, too high or touches down beyond the desired spot on the runway. IATA said it is working with the industry and regulators to address the issue. IATA said 2010 had the following results: . 2.4 billion people flew safely on 36.8 million flights. 94 accidents for all types of aircraft -- Eastern and Western built -- compared to 90 in 2009. 23 fatal accidents for all passenger aircraft types, compared to 18 in 2009. IATA represents some 230 airlines comprising 93 percent of scheduled international air traffic. | 2010 saw 17 accidents on such airplanes .
Africa has the worst rate .
Industry group leader calls for improvement . |
fc31284e5b4a492455e9a1dfc9744a7153a21d4f | Lily Allen is the latest famous face to be admitted to hospital but still manage to summon the strength to tweet a selfie from her sick bed. Exhausted from a heavy week of trans-Atlantic partying last night the make-up free star posted a photo of her in a hospital bed with a drip in her arm on Twitter writing: '#SHEEzUS in #SHOSPITAL . I'm fine though guys, just need some fluids cause i can't keep anything down. #dramz.' The 29-year-old is following in a long line of celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Sam Faiers and Lauren Goodger that feel duty bound to keep their followers updated, even when lying in a hospital bed. Scroll down for video . Lily Allen is the latest famous face to be admitted to hospital but still manage to summon the strength to tweet a sick bed selfie after being admitted for treatment last night . 28th April: Performed, London . 30th April: Firehouse Club, London . 1st May: Fendi party at Sotheby's, London . 1st May: Chanel VIP Tea Party, London . 5th May: Up & Down, New York . 5th May: Met Gala, New York . 6th May: Miley Cyrus concert, London . 7th May: The Chiltern Firehouse, London . 7th May: Appears on ITV's Loose Women . 7th May: Films Alan Carr: Chatty Man . 8th May: Hospitalised, London . It has been a busy fortnight for the mother-of-two who released her new album this week following a music break. She was taken to hospital last night just hours after she was snapped in a dazzling outfit . which was covered in black, red and white stars for an evening out at . nightspot The Chiltern Firehouse in the capital. Earlier in the day she had been interviewed on Alan Carr: Chatty Man as well attending ITV's Loose Women with her two young children in tow. On Tuesday she attended Miley Cyrus' concert at the 02 in London. Just . 24 hours prior to the concert the singer had been in New . York attending the Met Gala in a Chanel dress with a host of A-list stars. She even hit . the afterparty and took . several selfies with fellow stars including Kim Kardashian and Kanye . West. Despite . not leaving the Met Gala party until late, Lily managed to make it . back to London in time to catch twerking star Miley that . evening. Wednesday May 7: The 29-year-old singer looks to have dressed to impress for an evening out at nightspot The Chiltern Firehouse in the capital as she stood out in a dazzling outfit which was covered in black, red and white stars . Wednesday May 7: Lily Allen appears on Alan Carr: Chatty Man . Wednesday May 7: The singer appears on chat show 'Loose Women' before she changes her clothes and heads out on the town . In . the run up to the weekend the mother-of-two was spotted enjoying . herself at the Chanel VIP Tea Party, in London, last Thursday. And Lily made a swift costume change from Chanel to Fendi for the latter designer's party at Sothebys across the city. Despite . being the life and soul of the parties on Thursday, Lily had also been . out on Wednesday evening at a Prada party - held at the suddenly . star-studded capital venue the Firehouse Club. Tuesday May 5: Lily Allen tweets a photo of herself on the way to watch Miley Cyrus . Tuesday May 6: Lily Allen arrives back in Britain at Heathrow airport despite a night of partying in New York at the Met Gala . Monday May 5: The star looked incredible as she walked the red carpet at the Met Gala in New York wearing Chanel on Monday night . The star even hits the Met Gala after party after a change of clothing despite a transatlantic flight home the next day . And, beginning her run of partying, the star put on a much-discussed performance at the Shepherds Bush Empire on April 28. But it seemed last night she fell ill and took to Twitter to reveal she couldn't stop being sick and had a temperature. She wrote: 'I can't stop projectile vomiting,also temperature #poisoned (sic)'. Evidently thirsty, she also shared a snap of several bottles of water on a side table, mysteriously captioning the image: '#SHEEHYDRATING #poisoned.' Her fans tweeted 'get well soon' to Lily, with one well-wisher writing: 'Needless to say that I wish you well, but the fact that you took this selfie makes me chuckle. You're great! x @lilyallen.' Another wrote: 'Hope you start to feel much better really soon honey ... nothing worse than being stuck in hospital. Need a rest after this!!' Tuesday 1 May: Lily attended both the Chanel and Fendi parties in London - changing mid-way through the night . Sunday March 30: The singer was spotted making her way to the Prada party at the Firehouse Club . Lily Allen is the latest in a long line of celebrities who have posted snaps from their hospital bed. In January this year, Cara Delevingne tweeted a photo in which she was hooked up to an intravenous drip as she rested her arms on a spotty cushion. Not giving too much away at first, the in-demand model wrote the simple caption: 'IV Drippin', which led to some of her fans to express their concern over her well-being. On a drip: In January this year, model Cara Delevingne (right) tweeted a photo (left) in which she was hooked up to an intravenous drip as she rested her arms on a spotty cushion - prompting concern from her fans . Looking glum: Meanwhile, in March, singer Rita Ora shared an Instagram snap of herself hooked up to a drip, with the caption reading: 'Getting ready #musicvideotime #oooohhhhhhhyeaaaaaahhhhh' One follower, carasmyworld wrote: 'What happened?? Babe are you okay?' And kittysqueal33 commented: 'OMG! CARA!!!! WHAT HAPPENED?? LY BABE! STAY STRONG what happened?? Babe are you okay?' [sic]. Luckily, Cara took to Twitter soon afterwards to reassure everyone, writing: 'Don't worry! It's just a vitamin drip to help with a cold. Thanks for the messages.' Meanwhile, in March, singer Rita Ora shared an Instagram snap of herself . hooked up to a drip, with the caption reading: ‘Getting ready . #musicvideotime #oooohhhhhhhyeaaaaaahhhhh’. Ill: And last month, Miley Cyrus shared a photo of herself sporting a duck-face oxygen mask on Instagram . In . the snap, Rita can be seen pouting glumly while sporting a black and . white Opening Ceremony top, black leggings, a DKNY hat and a Moschino . cow print backpack. She . may have been indulging in the celebrity trend of vitamin drips, which . are believed to boost energy levels and give a youthful glow. And last month, Miley Cyrus shared a photo of herself sporting a duck-face oxygen mask on Instagram, writing, 'This hospitals full of a bunch of QUACKS (get it??? Quacks) #punnyeveninthehospy #stayinglightlovingandpositive #imissbangerztour #tryingtonotbebitter.' Hospitalised: Another celebrity to have posted a . photo from hospital is Rihanna (right), who tweeted a photo (left) of . her arm hooked up to an IV drip after the New York Metropolitan Museum . of Art’s Met Ball in 2012 . The 21-year-old singer was reportedly hospitalised with breathing difficulties after suffering an allergic reaction to an antibiotic she took after contracting the flu. She was forced to postpone the rest of her Bangerz Tour because of her condition - but will resume the U.S. tour in August. Another celebrity to have posted a photo from their hospital bed is Rihanna, who tweeted a photo of her arm hooked up to an IV drip just hours after the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Ball in 2012. | The singer shared a snap on her Twitter of her with a drip in her arm .
She wrote: 'Just need some fluids cause i can't keep anything down'
Follows a week partying, which included the Met Gala in New York, a Miley Cyrus concert in London and a Prada party .
The mother-of-two launched her album on Monday . |
fc313384c9030e2b2dc81c3499f9ca9e73dbad12 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 07:36 EST, 24 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:55 EST, 24 October 2013 . It's an ancient game that has never quite worked out where its origins lay. But while it is generally considered to have been born in Scotland, a new Chinese mural could spark the battle of ownership over the sport. A 500-year-old scroll showing three Chinese ladies and their caddies playing chuiwan - an activity very similar to golf - will be displayed at the V&A on Saturday. Court Ladies in the Inner Palace, Du Jin, believed to be from the 2nd half 15th century, from the Shanghai Museum. The 500-year-old scroll showing three Chinese ladies and their caddies playing chuiwan - an activity very similar to golf . While it is generally considered to have been born in Scotland, the Chinese mural could spark the battle of ownership over the sport . The museum's curators say the scroll predates any paintings of European golfers, The Times reported. It could be proof that their game of hitting a ball with a stick bears more resemblance to golf than the Scottish, who claim that golf derived from their game of hockey. Scotland has long declared itself to be the home of golf. It claims that the games goes as far back as the 15th century when, the game of ‘gowf’, as it was known in those days, was banned by Parliament under King James II, who branded it as a distraction from military training. The ban was lifted when the Treaty of Glasgow came into effect in 1502. However, the earliest form of golf can be traced back to the Roman game of paganica, where players used a bent stick to hit a stuffed leather ball . From the tenth century, the Chinese game chuíwán ¿ played with several clubs and a ball were played in China during the Song Dynasty, according to the International Golf Federation . From the tenth century, the Chinese game chuíwán — played with several clubs and a ball were played in China during the Song Dynasty, according to the International Golf Federation. A book written during the Song dynasty described how competitors would dig holes in the ground and then drive the ball into them using different coloured sticks. Literally, chui means 'hit' and wan means 'ball'. It could have reached Western shores after Chinese traders began travelling to Europe in the Middle Ages, explaining why golf became popular from the 15th century. The painting, which comes from the Shanghai Museum, is part of the V&A's Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700 - 1900 exhibition, and will be shown in Britain for the first time. | Ancient scroll shows women playing chuinwan, which is similar to golf .
Could prove that game originated in China and not Scotland . |
fc314721ba050e3a36cec698082e18df782e91ef | (CNN) -- The county that brought us the Tour de France has notched up another cycling landmark -- the world's first self-service city rental bike for kids. City authorities in Paris have decided that their widely imitated Velib rental bike program is so popular it should be extended to children as young as two. On Wednesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo launched P'tit Velib, which offers four sizes of cycle in five leafy off-road locations across the city. "Because good habits begin early, the mayor of Paris wishes to familiarize children with using more environmentally friendly modes of transport, and from a young age," the P'tit Velib website says. Nadhera Beletreche, a spokeswoman for the mayor's office, told CNN the plan was the first of its kind anywhere. Chunky gray bikes . Velib was launched in July 2007 and now claims to have more than 20,000 of its chunky gray bikes available from 1,800 docking stations around Paris. The service, which offers half an hour of free riding followed by incremental charges, was reportedly used to make 130 million trips in its first five years. Although Velib followed numerous earlier bike-sharing and rental plans, it grew to become one of the world's most successful. The model of using corporate sponsorship and computerized docking stations has been imitated by other cities such as London. The new children's bikes -- designed with the same gray stylings as their adult counterparts -- are available to rent in the Bois de Boulogne near the Porte La Muette and the Rond-Point du Jardin d'Acclimitation, the Ourcq Canal, the Bois de Vincennes and the banks of the Seine, between the Pont des Invalides and the Pont De l'Alma. Rental rates start at €4 ($5.40). Further locations are expected to open later in the year. | P'tit Velib program claims to be the first self-service bike rental scheme aimed at kids .
Four sizes of cycle aimed at kids as young as two are available for hire .
Paris hosts one of the world's most successful adult bike hire plans, with more than 20,000 cycles available . |
fc32696b944523808314df0146069469b2bf93d5 | By . James White . Last updated at 1:30 PM on 31st October 2011 . Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch are nowhere in sight. But there's Elmo. And new creatures too, like Baily, a kindly donkey who loves to sing, and Haseen O Jameel, a vain crocodile who lives at the bottom of a well. Sesame Street is coming to Pakistan but not as generations of Americans know it. The TV show has a new cast of local characters led by a vivacious six-year-old girl named Rani who loves cricket and traditional Pakistani music. Come and play! New characters in Pakistan's version of Sesame Street are prepared for filming in Lahore. The programme is hoped to fight the radicalisation of children . Final touch: Taking Sesame Street to Pakistan comes at a critical time when the U.S. is trying to counter the tide of Islamic fundamentalism in the country . Her sidekick, Munna, is a five-year-old boy obsessed with numbers and banging away on Pakistani bongo drums, or tabla. The U.S. is bankrolling the initiative with $20 million, hoping it will improve education in a country where one-third of primary school-age children are not in class. Washington also hopes the program will increase tolerance at a time when the influence of radical views is growing. 'One of the key goals of the show in Pakistan is to increase tolerance toward groups like women and ethnic minorities,' said Larry Dolan, who was the head education officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Pakistan until very recently. The show, which started filming last week and will air at the end of November, was jointly developed by Sesame Workshop, the creator of the American series, and Rafi Peer Theater Workshop, a group in the Pakistani city of Lahore that has been staging puppet shows for more than three decades. Old favourite: Elmo, left, will also star in the new version of the show but Bert and Ernie, right, have not made the cut . The American version of Sesame Street first aired in 1969, and the U.S. government has worked with the company since then to produce shows in about 20 foreign countries, including Muslim nations like Bangladesh and Indonesia. Perhaps nowhere else are the stakes as high as in Pakistan. The U.S. is worried that growing radicalisation could one day destabilise the nuclear-armed country. Washington has committed to spend $7.5 billion in civilian aid in Pakistan over five years, despite accusations that the country is aiding insurgents in neighbouring Afghanistan. Rani, the new program's star, sports . pigtails and a blue and white school uniform. Her innate curiosity is . exemplified by the magnifying glass she often carries and her endless . stream of questions. She is captain of the school cricket team and plays the harmonium, an instrument used to perform Qawwali music. The . creators chose Rani as the lead character to emphasise the importance . of sending girls to school, something that doesn't often happen in . Pakistan's conservative, male-dominated society, said Faizaan Peerzada, . the chief operating officer of Rafi Peer and one of several family . members who run the organisation. 'It makes the girl stand equally with the boy, which is very clear,' said Peerzada. Rani . and Munna are joined by Baily the donkey, Haseen O Jameel the . crocodile, and Baaji, a spirited woman who serves as a mother figure for . the others. Elmo, the . lovable, red, child monster, is the only traditional Sesame Street . character on the show, which is called Sim Sim Hamara, or Our Sim Sim. The . action centres around a mock-up of a Pakistani town, complete with . houses, a school and Baaji's dhaba, a small shop and restaurant found in . many places in the country. The town also includes a large Banyan tree, . known as the wisdom tree in South Asia, in the shade of which the . children often play. Given . the intense ethnic and regional divisions within Pakistan, the creators . tried to build a set that was recognizable to Pakistani children but . did not stand out as being from one part of the country. For similar reasons, the skin colors of the puppets range from very light brown to orange. A . total of 78 episodes will be aired in Pakistan's national language, . Urdu, over the next three years, as well as 13 in each of the four main . regional languages, Baluchi, Pashtu, Punjabi and Sindhi. The shows will appear on Pakistan . state television, and the producers hope they will reach 3 million . children, one million of whom are out of school. They also plan radio programs and 600 live puppet performances they hope will reach millions more kids and parents. Each episode will be based around a . word and a number, like the U.S. version, and will tackle general themes . like friendship, respect and valuing diversity. This . last theme is particularly important in Pakistan, where Islamist . extremists often target minority religious sects and others who disagree . with their views. 'There . are many situations where we coexist peacefully, and that's what we . want to focus on,' said Imraan Peerzada, the show's head writer. The . program will feature holidays celebrated by Muslims, Christians and . Hindus in an attempt to get children to respect the traditions of . different religious groups in Pakistan, said Peerzada. American . officials stressed they were not involved in creating content for the . show. The U.S. is extremely unpopular in Pakistan, and suspicions run . high about American manipulation in the country. The . creators realize that there is some risk of militant backlash. Events . held by Rafi Peer have been attacked several times in the past, . including a world arts festival in 2008 that was hit by three small bomb . blasts that wounded at least half a dozen people. 'We can't just stop because of this fear,' said Faizaan Peerzada. Troubled: Pakistan is plagued by Islamic fundamentalists and political rivalries which frequently lead to acts of terrorism . | U.S. taxpayers' cash used to cover $20m cost of production . |
fc32c0e204edcf7ed359a9c0309e713e81d4c33d | This is the moment a 13-year-old boy suspected of stabbing a teacher and a schoolgirl was arrested while clutching a box of Lego. The youngster, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was arrested after an attack at The Chase Technology College in Malvern, Worcestershire, at 8.45am on Monday. Iosac Nelson, 16, captured the moment the boy was arrested on his camera phone after spotting him on the train as he came home from school. The boy has now appeared in court charged with 13 offences, including being in possession of five knives, and broke down as he appeared in the dock today. Scroll down for video . Arrested: Iosac Nelson, 16, took these pictures of a 13-year-old boy holding a box of Lego as he is arrested on suspicion of stabbing a teacher and a schoolgirl on Monday . Following the attack on Monday Police launched a major manhunt, . involving a helicopter, sniffer dogs and officers armed with stun guns, before finding the boy on a train from Hereford . to Malvern. Iosac was travelling back from Hereford Sixth Form College to Malvern Link when he captured the moment the 13-year-old was led away by police officers at Ledbury Railway Station. He said: 'I got on the train and he was just stood there. I wouldn’t have noticed him if my friend hadn’t messaged me. 'He had a box of Lego in a bag like he had just bought it. I didn’t know what to do. There were officers searching up and down the train and they got him. 'They said his name and he replied and they took him away. There was no massive scene or crowds, it was all very calm.' The boy appeared before a youth court in Worcester Magistrates' Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to a man . He is facing further count of causing actual bodily harm to a girl, and another of threatening a person with a knife. Iosac was traveling from Hereford Sixth Form College to Malvern Link when he took the photographs . Iosac said the boy was 'just standing there' as he got on to the train, adding that there were no crowds or screaming people, even as police arrived to arrest him . He is also . charged with possession of five knives, including four kitchen knives . with blades between two and seven inches long, and a pocket knife with a . three inch blade. The youngster, wearing a grey sweater, broke down in the dock on several occasions throughout today's hearing. The . case was adjourned to be heard at the city's crown court on September . 18, with the boy remanded to a local authority-run residential . children's unit. Pupils at the school have told how a boy . burst into their classroom on Monday wearing his own clothes and a scarf . covering his face, with Rambo-style camouflage paint smeared under his . eyes. According to witnesses, a teacher known only as Mr Westwood fought the attacker off with a cardboard folder, before the boy ran into the school hall where he slashed a 13-year-old girl. The two victims both received minor injuries but were reported to be back at school on Tuesday. The headteacher at The Chase Technology College has said the school will be carrying out a debrief to review the process they carried out after the stabbing. Crime scene: A male teacher, known only as Mr Westwood, was hurt during the attack along with a 13-year-old girl, though both are now back at school . Attack: The boy has appeared in Redditch Magistrates Court charged with 13 offences inlcuding GBH and ABH and will appear before a youth court today . Richard Jacobs said: 'It was a very distressing day for everyone at the school. 'Our thoughts and prayers have been with everyone who was directly involved in the incident and we are relieved that they are able to join us as we return to normal school life. 'Staff were very professional throughout the day and supported students well. Students showed their usual high level of maturity and remained calm at all times.' Superintendent Mark Travis, of West Mercia Police, added: 'I think the school did an excellent job in the way it reacted in a very professional way considering what was a confused and stressful situation. 'They did the best they could to give information but it clearly takes time. I think parents and pupils conducted themselves with real control.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Male teacher and girl, 13, stabbed during attack at school on Monday .
Police found suspect eight hours later on a train from Hereford to Malvern .
Iosac Nelson, 16, took pictures of suspect as he stood among passengers .
Images show boy, 13, holding a box of Lego as he is arrested by police .
He has now been charged with 13 offences, including GBH and ABH .
Also charged with possession of five knives up to seven inches long .
Broke down during hearing at Worcester Magistrates' Court today . |
fc33162fe0bd4f90e677ce768ef24a51291aa1b0 | Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- Pro-Russian separatists struck two helicopters as well as a jet with portable air defense systems Wednesday in the Luhansk region of Ukraine. A source within the Ukrainian military confirmed the statement by the "South-East Army," which claims the group downed an Ukrainian Su-25 military jet and a Mi-24 helicopter. Another Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter was struck, also in the Luhansk region, but it is unclear as to whether that aircraft crashed. On Sunday, a Ukrainian fighter jet was shot down in the Luhansk region, Leonid Matyuhin, the spokesman for Ukraine's counterterrorist operation, told CNN. The pilot managed to eject and is safe, Ukrainian state media reported. The ongoing fighting -- sparked last year with by political crisis over whether Ukraine would seek closer ties with Europe or Russia -- has left more than 2,000 people dead and just under 5,000 wounded in eastern Ukraine since mid-April, according to estimates from U.N. officials. The United States and the European Union have applied steadily increasing sanctions against Russian officials, banks and other interests since March, when Russia annexed the Black Sea Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Who are Ukraine's pro-Russia rebels? Russia's move came a month after Ukraine's parliament ousted pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych left office after violent protests against his government in the capital, Kiev. Those protests were motivated in part by his decision to back out of a trade deal with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. Global Public Square: Make Russia an offer it can't refuse . Ukraine's secret weapon: Funding from the country's millionaires . CNN's Lindsay Isaac reported from Kiev. CNN's Jason Hanna wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Victoria Butenko and Joshua Berlinger contributed to this report. | NEW: Pro-Russian separatists hit two helicopters, Ukranian military confirms .
NEW: A Ukranian military jet also was struck on Wednesday .
Another Ukrainian fighter jet was shot down on Sunday .
Ukraine continues a battle with pro-Russian rebels in the country's east . |
fc3350474d348553e8d00a080b9c34d12fcd8be2 | President Barack Obama joked today during a New York speech that he doesn't seem to have the traffic problems the city's residents are always complaining about. 'It's actually pretty smooth for me during the week,' Obama said, after playfully arguing that everyone in New York 'hypes' the traffic. 'I don't know what the problem is,' he told attendees of the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting. 'I haven't noticed.' Scroll down for video . Traffic? What Traffic?: President Barack Obama feigned ignorance of the traffic jams his visits to New York cause while speaking at the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York this afternoon . Obama said he told former president Bill Clinton backstage that his daughter Chelsea, left, whose due to give birth any day now, could use his motorcade if she went into labor while he was on stage. Chelsea is pictured here during Obama's speech with her mother, former Obama administration official Hillary Clinton, right . A very pregnant Chelsea Clinton showed off her baby bump at the 10th Clinton Global Initiative today. Soon-to-be grandfather Bill Clinton indicated in an interview that aired on Sunday that Chelsea will likely have her baby by October 1 . Obama started off the bit by saying he told CGI namesake and former U.S. president Bill Clinton backstage that if his daughter Chelsea went into labor while he was speaking 'she has my motorcade and will be able to navigate traffic.' The president was seemingly unaware of how intensely New York drivers despise his visits and the traffic jams they cause around the city. Every time the president travels to New York police have to close streets along his motorcade's route, sometimes for long stretches of time, turning the city's busiest roadways into parking lots. The already busy streets were even more jam-packed this week as the United Nations convened for a climate change summit and a General Assembly meeting. Per usual, New Yorkers took out their outrage over the gridlock caused by Obama's motorcade on twitter. 'GO HOME OBAMA NO ONE WANTS THIS TRAFFIC,' twitter user Rebecca Plaine said. 'Thank you Obama for causing all this bulls*** traffic in NYC,' a user named Ramirez tweeted. 'Pres and Lady Obama we love you guys but please leave NY ASAP! This traffic is unbearable!' user Rachel Johnson begged. First Lady Michelle Obama accompanied the president to New York this afternoon, and the first couple will remain there through Thursday. After learning that Obama had mocked their travel problems, residents of New York and the surrounding area were even more irate. 'I know multiple folks who missed flights today because of him. File Under: No laughing matter,' twitter user @lisaedlisa said. Furious New York drivers directed their road rage at Obama on Tuesday afternoon . The president and first lady will be in New York through Thursday attending various United Nations meetings . President Obama was introduced at today's CGI meeting by the organization's founder, former president Bill Clinton. Obama said he noticed audience members 'trickling out' just before he took the stage after a panel that actor Matt Damon was participating in concluded . Obama was preceded at today's CGI conference by actor and Water.org co-founder Matt Damon, who spoke about the clean water initiatives. 'Always wonderful to follow Matt Damon,' the president jested moments after his traffic wisecrack. 'I saw people trickling out after he was done. 'These are the hardcore policy people who decided to stay for me,' he teased. President Obama is in the Big Apple this week for a series of events, including today's U.N. meeting, where he prodded the global community to cut carbon emissions, and the Clinton Foundation gathering. There he promoted the administration's new Stand with Civil Society program and advocated for the strengthening of civil society abroad. This evening the president will attend a Democratic Party fundraiser. Obama will again give remarks to the U.N. on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening. | The president joked today during a New York speech that he doesn't seem to have the traffic problems the city's residents complain about .
'I don't know what the problem is,' he told attendees of the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting. 'I haven't noticed'
Obama said he told Bill Clinton that if Chelsea went into labor while he was on stage 'she has my motorcade and will be able to navigate traffic' |
fc33686d2cbc9c47662ec4c03a1c74e675ae0b0f | A police dog named Copper has been credited for saving the life of a missing 6-year-old Utah boy who accidentally fell into an open manhole and became trapped underground. Kollin Bailey presented a large bone and a stocking full of doggie treats to his new four-legged friend on Saturday, a day after his ordeal in cold darkness about 10 feet below ground. 'He saved my life,' the boy told KUTV-TV, echoing his parents' belief. Scroll down for video... Kollin went missing from his Herriman home Friday evening. He was supposed to be playing at the neighbor's house, but instead, he ended up at the bottom of a nine-foot manhole . Copper the bloodhound, a West Valley City Police Department K9. Copper has successfully tracked down 81 suspects and missing persons . Kollin Bailey's neighbors decorated his door with well wishes after he broke his arm falling in a manhol . After he was reported missing Friday afternoon, the 6-year-old bloodhound tracked his scent to the manhole in Kollin's hometown of Herriman, about 25 miles south of Salt Lake City. Police said the boy spent three to four hours there until he was located Friday night. An officer then descended the hole to lift him out. 'I was really scared ... I thought I was going to miss Christmas,' Kollin said. Kollin, who suffered a broken arm and mild concussion, said he was flying a kite when he tripped and fell into the manhole. K9 teams from the West Valley City Police Department were called to assist, including Sgt. Shane Matheson and bloodhound Copper . Sgt. Shane Matheson of West Valley City PD and his bloodhound, Copper. Kollin fell into an open manhole Friday night was found thanks to a police K9 . Kollin spent two hours alone in the hole and could have been there much longer. 'I thought I was going to miss Christmas', the 6-year-old boy said . 'I was looking back at my kite and I fell, then I blacked out. And when I opened my eyes, I was in there,' he told the Dessert News. When he didn't come home his mother got worried. Shara Bailey, Kollin's mother, 'I just kept falling over last night. I just couldn't stand because I was so scared.' Kollin was yelling for help, but he was in such a seculded spot that nobody could hear him. Kollin Bailey, 'My mom and dad couldn't hear me.' Fortunately, bloodhounds don't rely on sound. They go for smell. Kollin had been playing in a grassy area near his home when he fell into an uncovered manhole . As the 100-pound bloodhound came trotting around the corner with Matheson, Kollin and his family embraced the dog and the sergeant with hugs and words of thanks . It’s hard to hear anybody in the area where Kollin fell. Fortunately, bloodhounds don’t rely on sound; they go for smell and Kollin was found within minutes after the search began . It was a special meeting for six year-old Kollin Bailey, as he came face to face with Copper the bloodhound . The dog's handler, West Valley City police Sgt. Shane Matheson, said it only took Copper about 20 minutes to lead him to the manhole once they joined the search. They began their search from where Kollin's bicycle was found. 'Kollin was pretty relieved he had been found,' Matheson told The Salt Lake Tribune. 'He said he thought he had been down there seven hours.' Fortunately, Kollin was okay. His family took him to the hospital. He has a broken arm and scratches. It is unknown why the manhole was uncovered, but Herriman officials believe someone had tampered with the cover. Maintenance crews had not been to the area for quite some time. Shawn Bailey, 'My son's life goes out to them. Because he wouldn't be with us today if we didn't have those K-9 units and great police officers.' It was all in a day's work for Copper, who has tracked down 81 suspects and missing people, Matheson added. 'To him it is just a game of hide and seek,' he said. 'It's kind of a nice change of pace from finding bad guys to actually helping a family out.' 'I was telling everybody at the hospital last night, 'That dog is going to get the biggest bone he's ever gotten for Christmas,' said Kollin's father . By Saturday morning, Kollin and his family had gone through an emotional 24 hours. 'I was flying my kite, and I think I saw a rock and I think I tripped over it and fell into the hole', Kollin said . Kollin’s mother, Shara Bailey, said they began looking for him. She said she was afraid for her child. 'I had thought the worst, you know? You always wonder how do people go to sleep at night without their babies home? And I was terrified I was going to have to,' she said . Today the family is just thankful, for the efforts and kindness of their neighborhood, that their child was found and only suffered a broken arm. They said they are especially grateful for Copper and Sgt Matheson . Kollin’s time in the hole probably lasted three to four hours. A police officer jumped down the hole and lifted the boy up to other officers . When Kollin first hugged his mom after being rescued from the hole, she said he was most concerned about missing Christmas . | Kollin Bailey, 6, was flying his kite when he fell down an open manhole cover .
Despite screaming nobody could hear him in the area where he was laying .
Police K-9 found Kollin within minutes and he was found with a broken arm . |
fc3389b5f64d3c6365918fe7e5b7fab3c8a3b660 | Port au Prince, (CNN) -- The guard wearing a Haitian Football Federation T-shirt paces nervously in front of the heavy, blue steel door, his pump-action shotgun held tightly in his right hand. He presses his finger against the trigger when anyone bangs loudly on the metal to enter the Stad Sylvio Cator in downtown Port au Prince, pulling the door slowly open and gingerly peering his head out to see who it is. Usually they are met with a firm volley of abuse in Creole, but this time it is the guests he has been expecting. The Haitian national football team bus has arrived for training the day before one of the most important matches in the team's history: a 2014 World Cup qualifier against the minnows of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is also the country's first home football match since as many as 300,000 people were killed when a massive 7.0 earthquake reduced much of the city to rubble. "It's 46 degrees on the pitch, we just measured it," lamented the team's Brazilian coach Edson Tavares. It is three in the afternoon, the same time the match is due to be played 24-hours later. "It's crazy. FIFA [football's world governing body] agreed to move the match to this time. CONCACAF [the governing body for the Caribbean] said no. What do they know? They work out of New York and know nothing about the heat in the Caribbean." But the change in time was a necessity as much for the Haitians as anyone else. Electricity is scarce in the city, too scarce for the expensive but impotent flood lights that had been installed. Soccer salvation: How Haiti is healing after its earthquake . Haitian football, like virtually every aspect of Haitian society, was almost terminally injured when the earthquake hit in January 2010. The Haitian Football Federation's headquarters were leveled, killing more than 30 of its staff. Its president, Yves Jean Bart, was one of only two survivors. The stadium itself had become, like any other scrap of spare space in Port au Prince, a makeshift camp. Hundreds of families lived here until being moved out in July when a new pitch was laid. A torn blue ribbon of despair still surrounds it. Workers busily paint the steps inside blue, yellow and red -- the colors of the Haitian flag -- to erase the memory of its temporary incarnation. The smell is of paint, excrement from the nearby open sewers and burning trash. The HFF president, knowing that the game has such a place in Haiti's heart, went on to rebuild the federation and hired Tavares to achieve the dream of emulating Haiti's golden generation who qualified for the 1974 World Cup. "My first impression was to take my flight back to Brazil," Tavares explains a few hours before traveling to the stadium. "The country was completely devastated. Today is a paradise compared. If you compare with last year ... you could be walking the street and find the [severed] legs of people, the arms of people." Tavares began by paying for his own flight to Europe, where he hired a car and visited the professional players of Haitian descent who play on the continent. "I rented a car to travel to five countries to persuade the players to play for his original country. Only one refused. We contacted 20 players. And they are here. Most of them don't speak Creole. One only speaks Italian. One only German." The squad for the U.S. Virgin Islands' game was full of talented new professionals gleaned from the diaspora, like Jean-Eudes Maurice who is on Paris Saint-Germain's books and goalkeeper Steward Ceus, a New Yorker born and raised who plays for the Colorado Rapids. "I was in college when I heard a buzz about Haiti being interested in seeing me," explains Ceus, whose grandmother used to be a baker for the former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Soccer storm in the Caribbean: How diplomacy faltered over football . "Coming here left me speechless. The fans come after training, before training, crowding around the bus. My passion for soccer has always been there and I always wished that the people around me shared that passion. For the first time I found the passion I've been looking for." Yet sometimes passion isn't enough and Tavares hopes that the professionalism of his new team will rub off on the local players, who he believes are some of the most talented in the world. "I have never seen a country with so many talents as here," he says. "If you put these guys in Manchester United and Barcelona, they would be great player[s]. The problem is to be a great player you need good food and a good environment. Here is nothing." On the morning of the match the country's president Michel Martelly, a former singer known as "Sweet Micky", arrives to meet the players. He shakes each by the hand, presents them with a flag and sings the national anthem together. "I believe there's a new movement. There's a new will to show a new face of Haiti," he says. "Haiti is ready to show that new face. In the past we talk about our problems and issues. But today is a chance to prove that today Haiti can be a great nation and can be victorious. I couldn't express in words what Haiti would be like if ... when, not if, we qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil." As kick off approaches 10,000 Haitians, maybe more, try and fail to crush through the single open door into the stadium at the same time. A police blockade had been thrown around the stadium. Creole rap music is played at ear-splitting level. The crowd push forward in the hope of getting in, the police use shields and clubs to beat them back. It's chaos, but such is the passion for football in Haiti, that a match against a tiny team like the U.S. Virgin Islands brings the country to a standstill. "I am very happy, we will have our victory. This will be a victory for all of Haiti," explains Johnny, a 28-year-old engineer and translator waiting in line behind the crowd, which had by now threatened to get out of control. But then the rain comes, just in time to dampen the anger as the fans run to take cover. "Life is very hard here," Johnny adds. "With God everything is possible. But this is the reason why football can change something. I hope Haiti scores ten goals." Haiti tear the U.S. Virgin Islands apart. Six goals are scored, the post is hit three times, sending the crowd delirious. Ceus is a virtual spectator until the final whistle. "I did touch the ball once," he says with a wink as he comes off the pitch. "But not with my hands." There is a long way to go. Tougher tests lie ahead. On Tuesday they play Curacao. Next, perhaps Jamaica or Mexico or the dream ticket: USA. But, for now, Les Grenadiers brought something to Haiti that has been in short supply for so long: hope. "I feel so happy to see what happened in the country and to see all the Haitians come to the game. It was incredible," says James Marcelin, the Portland Timbers player who scored in the rout. "We only have one thing left, and that's football. You can play and all the world is watching you. The flag can fly everywhere because of football. It's the one thing that people live for now." | Haiti prepare for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against minnows U.S. Virgin Islands .
Country's first home match since 300, 000 people were killed in a 7.0 earthquake .
The earthquake leveled the Haitian Football Federation's headquarters killing more than 30 of its staff . |
fc33bb005825b7863db6d75de935034a6006273d | (CNN) -- French shoemaker Christian Louboutin is seeing red -- and will likely be seeing a lot more of it -- after a judge in Manhattan denied an injunction that would have kept fellow designer Yves Saint Laurent from selling shoes with red soles. The lawsuit, filed in June, takes issue with four specific shoes from YSL's Cruise 2011 Collection: the Tribute, Tribtoo, Palais and Woodstock models, claiming the shoes violate Louboutin's trademarked "lacquered red sole." "Everyone sees the flash of red and associates the red with Louboutin," attorney Harley Lewin said Thursday about his client. In fact, Louboutin's red soles have graced many a red carpets, adorning the feet of celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Heidi Klum and Sarah Jessica Parker. In 2009, Jennifer Lopez wrote a song about them, "But it's the last time, I'm movin' on, I'm throwing on my Louboutins." In his decision Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero acknowleded that in choosing a red sole for his shoes, Louboutin had "departed from longstanding conventions and norms of his industry," to create a product, "so eccentric and striking that it is easily perceived and remembered." However, Marrero went on to say that, "Louboutin's claim to the 'the color red' is, without some limitation, overly broad and inconsistent with the scene of trademark registration." "This was a trademark that never should've been issued," David Bernstein, attorney for the defendant, Yves Saint Laurent said. He adds, "YSL has been using red since the 1970s, other designers have used red on the soles of their shoes. They aren't doing so to confuse people, but because it's a design aesthetic." Lewin thinks the judge went too far. "This is no longer about the case," he said. Judge Marrero's decision drew parallels between painters and fashion designers, calling them both members of a creative industry where no one should be barred from using color to achieve their aesthetic. Doing so could, "interfere with creativity and stifle competition." Bernstein agrees. "No designer should be able to monopolize a color." There have been cases when companies have copyrighted color. Owens Corning, for example, has the trademark for pink fiberglass. Marrero said industrial products are different because the application of color is simply to distinguish one manufacturer from another. Lewin says his client "separated his shoes from everyone else's by using a red sole." Lewin said he's never had such an outpouring from his fellow attorneys, law professors and members of the fashion industry, telling him, "This [verdict] is an abomination. Tell your client to appeal." On August 17, both sides will meet for a case management conference, and Lewin says he will announce his plans to do just that. "This is not over," Lewin said, "Not by a long shot." | Judge won't stop Yves Saint Laurent from selling shoes with red soles .
Designer Christian Louboutin had asked him to do so .
Attorney says color red is associated with Louboutin .
But judge said the claim is "overly broad" |
fc33c87f048b96bd248b5da91da98e1c3b0239bb | (CNN)Former supermodel Janice Dickinson accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault, telling "Entertainment Tonight" in an interview aired on Tuesday that the comedian raped her. Dickinson is the latest of a handful of women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault -- allegations the comedian has repeatedly said are untrue. He has never been prosecuted. In the interview, Dickinson claims Cosby assaulted her in 1982 after the two had dinner in Lake Tahoe. She alleges he gave her a pill and a glass of red wine shortly before she passed out. "The last thing I remember was Bill Cosby in a patchwork robe, dropping his robe and getting on top of me. And I remember a lot of pain," she said. Cosby attorney Martin Singer called Dickinson's story "a lie" and said it contradicts her own autobiography and a 2002 interview she did with the New York Observer. "That interview a dozen years ago said, 'she didn't want to go to bed with him and he blew her off,' " Singer's statement said Wednesday. "The only story she gave 12 years ago to the media and in her autobiography was that she refused to sleep with Mr. Cosby and he blew her off. Documentary proof and Ms. Dickinson's own words show that her new story about something she now claims happened back in 1982 is a fabricated lie." Dickinson did not return a call from CNN seeking comment. Rape allegations haunt Cosby in the digital age . Since 2005, a handful of women have made the claims. This year, the accusations resurfaced, and earlier this month, a seemingly harmless post on Cosby's Twitter account turned them into a social media storm. In its wake, one of his accusers, Barbara Bowman, turned to the public once more with an article in The Washington Post and interviews with CNN. Bowman claims she was drugged, then raped, though she said she never saw drugs. "I woke up out of a very confused state not in my clothes," she said. Bowman said she knew her body had been touched without her permission. This occurred several times in the course of their contact, she said. On Saturday, NPR broadcast an awkward interview with Cosby in which he didn't utter a word when repeatedly asked about the claims about him. NPR host Scott Simon filled the airtime by saying Cosby was just "shaking his head no." CNN's Jethro Mullen and Eliott C. McLaughlin contributed to this report. | Bill Cosby's attorney calls ex-supermodel's claim of being raped "a fabricated lie"
Janice Dickinson tells "Entertainment Tonight" that Cosby drugged, raped her in 1982 .
Cosby has repeatedly said sexual assault allegations against him are untrue .
Dickinson alleges the assault occurred after Cosby gave her a pill and a glass of wine . |
fc33f0148f17b74a8f5cdeed771a5c2a52ee63f7 | (CNN) -- European leaders are meeting to attempt to resolve the debt crisis in Greece and prevent it infecting other countries -- an outcome that could potentially tear apart the 17-member eurozone and lead to another global economic slump. So what can they hope to achieve, what's behind the crisis and how serious is it? Who is meeting and why? Eurozone leaders are gathering in Brussels, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They are meeting to discuss ways to bring Greece's spiraling debt problem under control, chiefly through a multi-billion dollar bailout package. They are also addressing concerns that Greece's woes could infect other eurozone countries. Why is Greece in trouble? Years of unrestrained spending, cheap lending and a failure to implement financial reforms left Greece badly exposed when the global economic downturn struck. This revealed partly-fiddled statistics that showed debt levels and deficits exceeded eurozone limits. As the dust settled, it emerged that Greece is teetering on the brink of default as it faces debts of about $500 billion. It has become reliant on international funds to make repayments. How bad is it? Bad enough to warrant an initial $145 billion bail out last year. Now, with the crisis showing no sign of abating, another multi-billion dollar bail out is in on the table. The initial package assumed Greece would eventually be able to borrow again from the open market, but high lending rates mean this has been impossible and a second rescue is needed. This, however, will only be forthcoming if European leaders can agree on terms. Why is the rest of Europe worried? Greece's woes reflect badly on the credibility of the euro. A default from Greece is also bound to rekindle fears of possible defaults by other bailed-out euro nations, like Portugal and Ireland, and re-ignite the debate on whether the eurozone can survive. See a map of Europe's debt levels . This could knock the whole bloc into the red, affecting the global economy. And if European countries continue to resort to rescue packages involving bodies such as the International Monetary Fund, this would further damage the euro's reputation and could lead to a substantial fall against other key currencies, especially the U.S. dollar. Why is the second bailout package a problem? The eurozone's leading economy Germany has been at loggerheads with the rest of Europe over how Greece should repay its spiraling debt. Germany has been pushing for a "soft restructuring" of Greece's loans -- a move that would make private investors share the burden -- but the European Central Bank has warned any compulsory restructuring could lead to a broader crisis. Talks between finance ministers have until now failed to reach consensus, resulting in the latest summit between eurozone leaders. Can a deal be reached? Early indications are favorable. Sarkozy and Merkel -- arguably the two most influential participants -- have reportedly thrashed out a possible solution ahead of the summit. Details aren't clear but the Financial Times says they have already run the plan past European Union President Herman van Rompuy and Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank. That said, many European leaders involved in the talks will be wary of agreeing to anything that commits them to using public cash to fund the bailouts. Some are also likely to argue that any deal reached now can only be palliative, failing to stop the crisis spreading at a later date. What are the likely solutions? There are several possibilities. The most basic fix would see a reduction in interest payments made by Greece on earlier rescue loans and a fresh bailout of about $150 billion to plug impending holes in the Greek economy. Another option is a rollover of debt -- which would buy time, but not solve the problem. There is also talk of a controversial $42 billion tax on banks. This would raise bailout money without putting a strain on the public purse, but would involve a major legal shake up across the eurozone. Also up for discussion is a $628 billion expansion of eurozone crisis funds to deal with further problems. What if no deal is reached? The doomday scenario sees a dramatic slide in confidence as investors retreat from European financial markets. This pushes up the cost of borrowing across the region, triggering new fears about the threat of debt crises in Spain and Italy. This begins to drag on countries with debt exposure to Spain and Italy. Eventually, the whole eurozone could be pushed the brink, generating financial shockwaves across the world that will herald a new global economic slump. What is Greece doing to help itself? To be fair, Greece isn't standing idly by. It has already imposed hugely unpopular austerity measures against an explosive backdrop of public discontent. It is also taking drastic steps to ease its debt burden by selling off numerous assets. It is looking at an extensive privatization program that could see it unload prized assets including stakes in banks, railways, utility firms, ports and the postal service. There is also a plan to offload Hellenikon, Athens' former international airport. Other measures include floating Olympic and tourism property assets on the stock exchange and issuing gaming licenses. The target is to raise about $71 billion by 2015. | European leaders are meeting in Brussels to try to solve Greece's economic crisis .
France's Sarkozy and Germany's Merkel have reportedly thrashed out a plan ahead of summit .
Any deal will have to address threat of Europe-wide contagion leading to global financial slump . |
fc343d25cc0e95cba0b4f093ac444fbff6cb8eed | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama recently shared sensitive intelligence with Russia and China about Iran's newly unveiled nuclear facility to get the two countries' leaders on board with new sanctions against Tehran, senior U.S. officials revealed Friday. President Obama speaks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, left, at the Group of 20 plenary session Friday. And the strategy to build a coalition with Russia and China "has already begun to bear fruit," one senior U.S. official said. The officials declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Like the United States, Russia and China are both veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council. Both countries have long opposed additional sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program, although Russian leaders recently have said they might be willing to compromise. Watch Obama discuss the recent news » . Iran admitted to the existence of a second uranium enrichment plant in a letter sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday, the IAEA said Friday. The announcement prompted Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy -- all in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the Group of 20 economic summit -- to hold a news conference in which they threatened a stiff response if Iran fails to conform to international obligations regarding nuclear development. "Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follow," Obama said. He called on the Iranian government to "take concrete steps" to demonstrate it will comply with its international guidelines to ensure its nuclear program is for civilian use and not a covert weapons program. | Senior U.S. official: Strategy is to build a coalition with Russia and China .
Iran admits to existence of second uranium enrichment plant, U.N. agency says .
Officials: President Obama recently shared sensitive intelligence with Russia, China .
Administration's goal is to impose new sanctions on Iran, officials say . |
fc345bed9fba72b25b1594a78df879538bd033ae | A federal judge ruled Monday that Chicago's ban on virtually all sales and transfers of firearms is unconstitutional. "The stark reality facing the City each year is thousands of shooting victims and hundreds of murders committed with a gun. But on the other side of this case is another feature of government: certain fundamental rights are protected by the Constitution, put outside government's reach, including the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense under the Second Amendment," wrote U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang. "Chicago's ordinance goes too far in outright banning legal buyers and legal dealers from engaging in lawful acquisitions and lawful sales of firearms," he continued. Chang explicitly did not rule out other types of regulation, short of a complete ban, in order to "minimize the access of criminals to firearms and to track the ownership of firearms. "But the flat ban on legitimate sales and transfers does not fit closely with those goals," Chang wrote. 'It's got to stop,' grandmother says after 3-year-old injured in Chicago shooting . The judge stayed his ruling to give the city time to file an appeal. The FBI's latest annual crime report showed Chicago had 500 homicides in 2012, up from 431 in 2011 and more than any other American city. Still, Chicago does not have the highest homicide rate in the United States. That unwanted distinction belongs to Flint, Michigan, with one homicide for every 1,613 residents, according to the FBI data. Detroit is close behind, with one killing for every 1,832 residents. Smart gun technology could set New Jersey law into motion . | The ordinance goes "too far," writes Judge Edmond Chang .
He does not rule out other types of regulation, short of a complete ban .
The judge stays his ruling to give the city time to file an appeal . |
fc34e475114ded8acaf314c25aaee6314f6ef6c9 | (CNN) -- Thousands of North Carolina voters hit the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots on a referendum that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage, even though state law already does not permit such unions. Amendment 1 would alter the North Carolina Constitution to say that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state." Supporters argue that the amendment is needed to stop those trying to redefine marriage and to ward off possible future actions of "activist judges." It would also strengthen the state's position against same-sex civil unions, often considered a precursor to the marriage issue. Opponents say the measure is redundant and could result in jeopardizing domestic violence protections for women and affect couples' health benefits. Follow all the political news at CNN.com's Election Center . Several municipalities in North Carolina provide benefits to same-sex couples, state officials say. Duke University law professor Kathryn Bradley says those rights could be potentially lost if the referendum passes on Tuesday. Concerns over the measure also home in on the potential for unintended consequences, she said, affecting issues such as child custody and the prosecution of domestic violence among unmarried couples because of the narrow definition of the new statute. "Before domestic violence laws, we relied on criminal assault laws, which don't always protect against things like stalking," added Bradley, who says the measure could also affect heterosexual couples. But Sen. Dan Soucek, one of the primary sponsors of the proposed amendment, said he doesn't "believe those are legitimate concerns." "We looked at these issues extensively and tried to make sure that all of those concerns are addressed," he said. A simple majority is needed for the measure to be approved. It was passed in the state House and Senate last year. Both are Republican-controlled, the first time that's happened in North Carolina in the past 140 years, according to house officials. "This bill's been 12 years in the making," noted Maxine Eichner, a law professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "But it's now made possible because Republicans control the legislature." Should Amendment 1 gain approval, it would largely prevent the state's judiciary from overturning the bill by enshrining its language into the state constitution. Some 500,000 people had already cast ballots on the measure through early voting or absentee ballots. Polls are set to close at 7:30 p.m. ET. "It could destroy our family unit," said Kelli Evans alongside and her partner of 17 years, Karen Wade. "If they could see that it's a family they're affecting, maybe they could sit down and think about the issue before they vote on Election Day." Others say the issue, if left unchecked, could one day undermine traditional notions of marriage. Evangelist Billy Graham endorsed the ballot initiative, a rare move for a preacher who has typically avoided political fights. Graham took out full-page ads in 14 North Carolina newspapers touting his support for the measure, saying "the Bible is clear -- God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman." Graham's website encouraged churches to download a poster that bears his image and the message "Vote for Marriage May 8th." On the other side, former President Bill Clinton opposed the amendment in a recording sent by phone to hundreds of thousands of North Carolina homes. "So the real effect of the law is not to keep the traditional definition of marriage, you've already done that," Clinton says in the recording. "The real effect of the law will be to hurt families and drive away jobs." The only recent public opinion polling on the issue, derived from a group that does work for Democratic candidates and causes, indicates that a majority of North Carolina voters support the amendment. Nationally, according to a new Gallup survey, 50% of Americans believe same-sex couples should be allowed to wed, a markedly different position than in past years, suggesting a growing acceptance of same-sex marriages. Some 48% say they do not support same-sex weddings. Sen. Soucek described marriage on Tuesday as a "time-tested building block of society that revolves around procreation." But three days earlier, Vice President Joe Biden said he was "absolutely comfortable" with the idea of same-sex marriage. "I just think that the good news is that as more and more Americans come to understand what this is all about, it is a simple proposition: Who do you love? Who do you love? And will you be loyal to the person who love?" Biden said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Biden did not mention the North Carolina initiative and added that it's the president, not he, who sets the administration's policy. President Barack Obama has taken the official position that his views on the issue are "evolving." Thirty states have voted in favor of constitutional amendments that seek to defend traditional definitions of marriage as a hetereosexual union. "Of states without constitutional amendments on marriage, 45% (9 of 20) eventually recognize same-sex marriage, either by direct judicial decree, by legislative action, or by a ruling requiring that same-sex marriages from other states be treated as valid," a nonprofit political group called the National Organization for Marriage said in a statement. "Among the 30 states with marriage amendments, none have been repealed." Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and the District of Columbia issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In February, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage beginning in June. Opponents there have pledged to block the bill and have also called for a referendum. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law a bill that permits same-sex couples to wed in that state as of January 1, 2013. CNN's David Ariosto, Political Editor Paul Steinhauser and Belief Blog Co-Editor Eric Marrapodi contributed to this report. | Polls in North Carolina close at 7:30 p.m. ET .
Both chambers of N.C. legislature are GOP-controlled for first time in past 140 years .
Indiana and West Virginia also hold primaries on Tuesday . |
fc35d882be0fa9e57e51b1f9e7d00b7f86343e50 | By . Ryan Gorman . An Oregon woman leading police on a high speed chase ended it by jumping off a bridge. Rebecca Humphries, 26, of Troutdale, ran numerous red lights and stop signs and drove erratically Wednesday while leading police on a frenetic chase in a stolen car before she jumped off a bridge – she sustained serious injuries but will survive the plunge. A MailOnline review of court records showed she had reason to run, her criminal record contains dozens of counts including drug possession and theft charges. A collection of mushots: The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office made this series of mug shots showing Rebecca Humphries over the years . Dashcam video released by the Troutdale Police Department shows Ms Humphries taking multiple squad cars on a joyride through the suburban Portland town. The career criminal even crashes into some bushes before slamming on the gas and high-tailing it away before police can catch her. The ensuing chase reached speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, police said. ‘I was trying to return the car to the guy that was in retaliation for me ditching it,’ Ms Humphries told KATU from her hospital bed. ‘I started to get pulled over and got scared and 'fight or flight' kicked in and I jumped.’ The chase: The bridge can be seen just ahead, police had no idea what was about to happen . The approach: Ms Humphries jumped out of the moving car and ran to the bridge's railing . The climb: She didn't even look back towards the cop car before scaling the guard rail . The chase then takes an unexpected turn when she comes to a bridge and slows down enough to jump out of the vehicle while it is still moving. Ms Humphries climbs over the bridge’s railing and jumps into the ice cold Sandy River more than 30 feet below, according to the Oregon Herald, without even the slightest hesitation. ‘I looked down, but I didn't hesitate,’ Ms Humphries recalled. ‘I just jumped… It didn't look as far when I looked down, as it did when I looked up.’ Rescue workers eventually pulled her from the water and took her to a local hospital where she is receiving treatment for broken vertebrae, KATU reported. She is expected to make a full recovery. Just before the dismount: She was on the railing for only a split second before disappearing over the side and into the water below . On a better day: The Stark Street Bridge is only 35 feet above the water . ‘Really, jumping from that bridge, in itself the distance to the water is dangerous - for somebody to jump that distance,’ a police spokesperson told KATU. ‘And into freezing water also, I have no idea what was going through her head.’ Ms Humphries was cited for numerous traffic violations, police said. No further information was provided, and MailOnline was unable to reach a police spokesperson. She may have ran because she has a lengthy criminal record spanning at least 26 charges including multiple theft and criminal trespass convictions, as well as four felony heroin possession convictions – two filed only four days apart in 2012. The troubled woman also has also been convicted of a litany of traffic offenses. | Rebecca Humphries fled from police in a stolen car .
She jumped from the bridge and into the ice cold water 35 feet below and sustained multiple injuries .
Her criminal record contains more than two dozen convictions . |
fc3637030a497a306532cf87895f523d67f37ac8 | (CNN) -- Cheick Diabate scored twice as Mali defeated 10-man Ghana 2-0 to finish third in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday. The Bordeaux striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute stabbing home a rebound after Ghana keeper Adam Larsen failed to hold onto Bakaye Traore's low shot. Ghana offered little in reply during the remainder of the first period with only a Jordan Ayew shot forcing a save from Oumar Sissoko. The Black Stars did manage to get the ball in the back of the net when Sulley Muntari fired home but he was ruled offside. Best of Africa? Ivory Coast and Zambia clash in final . Their chances of getting back on level terms were dealt a blow in the 64th minute when Issac Vorsah was given his second yellow card of the game for kicking out at Samba Diakite. Mali made sure of third place 10 minutes from time when Cheick Diabate scored his second to ensure The Eagles' best result in the competition since 1972 when they were beaten finalists. Zambia take on Ivory Coast in Sunday's final. | Mali finish in third place after defeating Ghana 2-0 .
Bordeaux striker Cheick Diabate scores twice to record Mali's best finish for 40 years . |
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