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fcbed7c39cf035759969426e395a7aa7a5fdeb0d | Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has welcomed the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere from three months out with an ankle injury, but warned the 'balance of the team' must always come first. The 23-year-old has not played since needing an operation after hobbling off in the defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on November 22. Wilshere, though, has come through his rehabilitation quicker than expected, and is expected to be involved again at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. Jack Wilshere is back in training and could feature for Arsenal in this Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace . Wilshere posted this image on Instagram with the caption: 'Think it's fair to say I'm happy to be back' The 23-year-old midfielder has not played for the Gunners since injuring his ankle last November . Wilshere's return is a boost for Arsene Wenger, but the Arsenal boss insists he is not guaranteed his place . Wenger has praised the way the player has dedicated himself to a speedy recovery, during which he made some unwanted headlines off the pitch after being photographed holding a shisha pipe at a nightclub. It was not so long ago the dynamic midfielder would have been a certain starter in the Arsenal XI. However, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all in impressive form as Francis Coquelin shields the defence, Wenger accepts there can be no guarantees of selection for anyone. 'Jack is a bit ahead of schedule and has worked hard with no big problems, so it's good to have him back,' said Wenger. 'It is always difficult to come back straightaway. What is good is that [he is] already back (earlier than expected). Wilshere is back earlier than expected, despite questions about his professionalism during the injury break . The impressive performances of the likes of Francis Coquelin (right) have left questions over Wilshere's place . 'That injury was on the left ankle. He had all his problems on the right ankle. 'It is a straightforward injury - once it's healed, there's no problem.' Wenger, though, added: 'No matter who plays, you always worry first about the balance of the team, yes.' The Arsenal manager hopes Wilshere can put the negative headlines behind him. 'I don't know how everybody is but I think every professional footballer has to control his life and dedicate it to the game,' Wenger said. Arsenal can expect a stern test of their top-four credentials at Selhurst Park against a side which is now well organised and hard to break down under new manager Alan Pardew. Alexis Sanchez watches on during Arsenal's training session on Friday morning . Alex Oxlade-Chgamberlain and Danny Welbeck get close (left) while Sanchez leaps (right) Oxladde-Chamberlain sets off for a sprint as his training session intensifies . Chile star Sanchez looks to be having fun as he sprints with arms outstretched . Welbeck nicks the ball from Mesut Ozil's feet during a competitive training match . Wenger said: 'They have found confidence again and they made positive results and that is what it is about when you are a manager. 'We always expect a passionate afternoon there.' Pardew has hailed midfielder Cazorla as Arsenal's stand-out player. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, but Wenger insists the diminutive midfielder remains very much integral to Arsenal's future plans. The England midfielder injured his left ankle against Manchester United, and has been out for three months . Arsene Wenger praised the impact Alan Pardew (above) has had at Crystal Palace since taking over . Pardew has praised Santi Cazorla, the Arsenal midfielder who has been in excellent form recently . 'Until now he has been maybe the most consistent, since he has moved centrally his influence on the team has been bigger as well,' Wenger said. 'He has extended his contract last year. I think he has still two years to go. 'You know our policy at the club, so I don't think there's anything special to worry about there. 'The suggestion (of a transfer bid) is only a suggestion. We have never been approached by anybody about him.' Theirry Henry, who recently began coaching with the Arsenal under-16s, is a potential future manager . Henry is currently splitting his time between coaching badges and a broadcasting career with Sky Sports . Wenger confirmed former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry had been back at the club this week working with the Academy as part of his first steps into a coaching career. 'It is good for our young players to be coached by him, a legend of the club,' said Wenger. Asked if the French World Cup winner could one-day replace him as Arsenal manager, Wenger replied: 'That would not be my problem, it would be a problem of the board to make that decision. 'Yes of course (he could be a future Arsenal manager). I have said that many times, but I have had many, many players who can do this job.' FA Cup holders Arsenal have been drawn away to Manchester United in the quarter-finals, with the tie to be broadcast on Monday March 9, kicking off at 7:45pm. Wenger said: 'It is certainly not the most prestigious timing for people who want to watch on television. 'Maybe it is more suited maybe for a Sunday game, but television has made that choice. We will adapt and have no problem with it. 'We just want to win, and play when we are told to play. What I want is to go to Wembley, no matter who we play.' | Jack Wilshere has not featured since injuring his ankle in November .
Arsene Wenger confirms midfielder could play against Crystal Palace .
But Wenger insists the balance of the team is his priority .
Wenger also insists Gunners have received no bids for Santi Cazorla .
Cazorla's excellent form reportedly attracted attention from Atletico Madrid .
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal team news, probable line ups and more .
CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news . |
fcbf3a25fadb6c09267850dc1be6acbd38497918 | Wembley has been ruled out as a temporary home for Tottenham during the reconstruction of White Hart Lane because of a limit on the number of events that can be held there each year. Spurs have confirmed they will move away from their current ground for one season when work finally begins on their 56,000-capacity stadium in north London. Although preliminary talks have been held with Wembley, the stadium are limited by Brent Council to 37 events each year because of issues including noise, policing and parking. WATCH Scroll down for 'Pochettino on his club's ownership and potential stadium move' Moving: Tottenham have revealed it's 'highly unlikely' they will move into their new stadium in 2017 . Olympic Stadium . Capacity: 60,000. Distance from White Hart Lane: 4.95 miles. Likelihood: It fits the bill, but Spurs’ rivals West Ham, who will move into the stadium in 2016, would oppose the idea. Stadium mk . Capcity: 30,500. Distance from White Hart Lane: 40.05 miles. Likelihood: The capacity isn’t much smaller than the 36,240-seat White Hart Lane, but the distance between the grounds is even greater than that travelled by Coventry fans to see their team play in Northampton last season . . . and that went down very badly. On Wednesday the FA confirmed the stadium has already held 33 events this year — including England internationals, FA Cup semi-finals and the final, play-off finals, the Capital One Cup final and various others sporting events and concerts. Spurs need a stadium that can host a minimum of 19 home games in the Barclays Premier League and would also need it for the FA Cup, Capital One Cup and the possibility of European football. The old Wembley Stadium was used as a temporary solution for Arsenal in the Champions League between 1998 and 2000 because Highbury’s capacity was severely restricted for European nights. Spurs, who are still wrangling with a local business over the final piece of land on the stadium site before work can start at White Hart Lane, have explored the possibility of a temporary home at Wembley. Controversial: Spurs will have to play away from White Hart Lane for one season . It may be hard to swallow for Tottenham and West Ham fans, but their teams won't be the first to find reasonable success with ground sharing. Fulham and QPR: The west London clubs shared Loftus Road for two season between 2002 and 2004 while Craven Cottage was being redeveloped. Crystal Palace/Charlton/Wimbledon: Crystal Palace shared Selhurst Park with Charlton between 1985 and 1991 before playing hosts to Wimbledon until their extinction in 2003 . AC Milan and Inter: Both called the San Siro home since 1947 in a move that his little impact on the success of either club and the two Milan teams have acquired almost 100 major titles between them. The stadium would be an easy sell to fans because it is a neutral venue and is located just 13 miles west of their current home. A stadium share with Arsenal would be the most logical alternative but this has been ruled out because of the animosity that exists between supporters. Stadium mk, which is nearly 50 miles from White Hart Lane, is also under consideration. Spurs officials were impressed with the 32,000-capacity stadium during a visit to MK Dons for their Capital One Cup victory over Manchester United last month. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has secured a compulsory purchase order on the land surrounding White Hart Lane, but the last remaining tenant has been given leave to appeal to the High Court. Archway Sheet Metal Works, which is run by the Josif family, are refusing to leave until they are given adequate compensation for the inconvenience of relocating. Archway describe themselves as the No 1 point of reference for all things stainless steel in the catering and hospitality sector, including the Archway Doner Kebab Grill and the Electric Chip Scuttle. Options: Milton Keynes' Stadium mk has emerged as a likely temporary home for Tottenham . They have been in discussions with Tottenham for seven years, but cannot reach an agreement with the club. A Spurs spokesman said: ‘The club has revised its construction programme in order to take the shortest possible time to construct. ‘This now therefore involves the club moving away from the Lane during construction for a period of one season, to start at the beginning of a season in order to comply with Premier League rules. We are currently undertaking due diligence on alternative stadium options.’ White Hart Lane was originally built in 1898 and Spurs moved into their home a year later, but Levy has always dreamed of building one of the best stadiums in Europe in the area. The current capacity is 36,240, but the Spurs chairman is convinced they need a bigger stadium to generate more income and enable them to compete with the top clubs in Europe. Tottenham previously bid to move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, but lost out to West Ham in 2011. | Tottenham reveal it's 'highly unlikely' club will move into new stadium in time for 2017/18 season .
North London club will play away from White Hart Lane for one season .
High Court challenge has resulted in a revised construction programme .
Spurs could play at the Stadium mk . |
fcbf90b83841d0984a5318199ec88978ed1b5443 | (CNN) -- At least 53 people were killed and eight others injured in a reported grenade attack Thursday at a casino in Monterrey, Mexico, the capital of Nuevo Leon, Red Cross officials said. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. local time (5 p.m. ET) at the Casino Royale when two people aboard a vehicle arrived, and one threw three grenades into the building. There were conflicting unconfirmed reports from local media that the assailants poured gasoline on the building before setting it on fire. Between 20 and 30 people were trapped in the casino because of debris from the explosions, said Cmdr. Angel Flores with the Green Cross. Video from the scene showed a burned-out building as firefighters made rescue attempts to break the wall of the facade of the casino to release the smoke inside the building. Authorities had suspended rescue efforts Thursday night for fear that the building could collapse. Mexican President Felipe Calderon sent the following statement from his official Twitter account (translated from Spanish): "With deep consternation, I express my solidarity with Nuevo Leon and the victims of this abhorrent act of terror and barbarism." He added more: "These reprehensible acts require us all to persevere in the fight against gangs of unscrupulous criminals. All the support to NL (Nuevo Leon)." About five families were outside the casino waiting for information from authorities, local journalist Javier Estrada reported. Gustavo Madrazo was one of those waiting outside the casino. He said his wife, Martha, and her sister, Miriam Gonzalez, were inside. Authorities have not identified any of the victims. So far, no representative for the company that manages the casino had arrived outside. The Mexican Army and state and municipal police forces were also on the scene. Alejandro Poire, Mexico's top national security spokesman, said the federal government has made contact with local officials and that Calderon has spoken to the governor of Nuevo Leon to offer support. Poire said those who carried out the attacks will be held responsible. "They will pay for their crimes. ... We will do absolutely everything ... to restore tranquility." The National Commission on Human Rights in Mexico sent a news release saying it has opened an investigation regarding the response to the events at the casino. "The priority is to help safeguard the human rights enshrined in the Constitution of the United Mexican States and international treaties. The commission again makes clear that the insecurity in the country requires public officials responsible for implementing and enforcing the law, carry out preventive actions to protect society and away from any violence." "The National Commission will monitor the actions taken by the competent authorities to respond adequately to the aggrieved persons." The NHRC says it has also sent personnel to the scene including physicians, psychologists and lawyers to work jointly with authorities. Nuevo Leon, in northeastern Mexico, has seen several grenade attacks so far this year. On August 13, four civilians were wounded when an armed group fired two grenades at a jail in the municipality of Apodaca. In July, gunmen entered a downtown bar in Monterrey and shot 20 people dead. A public safety spokesman told CNN the attack was likely sparked by a dispute between organized crime groups for control of the El Sabino Gordo nightclub, where drugs were allegedly sold. Nuevo Leon and the neighboring states of Coahuila and Tamaulipas have been the scene of a series of clashes between organized crime groups. The Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas are vying for control of trafficking routes into the United States. In November 2010, the federal government launched the Coordinated Operation Northeast, which involves sending more security forces to the area to tackle crime. CNN's Nick Valencia contributed to this report . | NEW: Officials say the death toll in grenade attack is up to 53 .
President Felipe Calderon responds to attack via his Twitter account .
Grenade attack reported at a casino in Monterrey, in northeastern Mexico .
Up to 30 people thought trapped in the casino because of debris . |
fcbfd24fda66bb5c69935c6e76450850ffe3e591 | By . Ted Thornhill . PUBLISHED: . 11:43 EST, 7 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:58 EST, 8 November 2013 . In a land as riddled with fakes as China, it’s perhaps not surprising that a less-than-authentic Thor: The Dark World poster ended up in the foyer of a cinema there. Rather than showing the film’s hero, played by Chris Hemsworth, wrapping his muscly arm around Jane (Natalie Portman), it features Thor embracing his evil brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). The poster, while not genuine, inadvertently gave Marvel’s publicity campaign a huge boost, as it went viral. Brotherly love: The fan-boy poster, left, appeared in the foyer of a Chinese cinema. Pictured right is the real deal . Nat's amazing: Ms Portman poses for the cameras at the Dark World premiere in Hollywood on Monday at the El Capitan Theatre . It was posted to Reddit and quickly amassed hundreds of comments from amused internet users. Some approved of the effort that had gone into the image. Friendofabook said: ‘It's interesting how the fan made poster looks better than the real one.’ Hellmark agreed, commenting: ‘Is it just me or the poster they used look more natural than the actual poster?’ In the sequel to 2011’s smash-hit, Thor battles to save Earth and the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy called Malekith, ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim – and tries to get his intergalactic dating with Jane back on track. But Malekith has a super-weapon called the aether that stands in the way. Antony Hopkins, as Odin, describes it as ‘an ancient force of infinite destruction’ and Jane as something that can ‘tear apart the very fabric of reality’, so Thor certainly has his work cut out. Actors Chris Hemsworth (left) and Jeremy Renner arrive at the premiere of The Dark World . Suited and booted: Actor Tom Hiddleston at the premiere of The Dark World . | The home-made poster shows Chris Hemsworth's character in an embrace with Tom Hiddleston's evil Loki .
The fan-boy artwork has gone viral, giving Marvel's film extra publicity . |
fcbff3b7993c4bafc2bfbd4fab55dddc64822aef | It's an opportunity for word buffs and maths whizzes to show the world their unrivaled skills. But when Hairy Biker Dave Myers was invited to join the Countdown team, the TV personality left the panel of experts lost for words, after submitting a rather rude one from the dictionary corner. When presented with a collection of vowels and consonants, the chef suggested 'todgers' to the amusement of hosts Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley. Scroll down for video . Host Rachel Riley was left giggling when the word was suggested on the Channel 4 afternoon programme . Left to dictionary expert Susie Dent to explain, the colloquial word is often used as slang for penis. As it is listed in the Oxford Dictionary, it would have counted had it been presented by a competitor and won seven points. It is not the first time rude words have been suggested in the Channel 4 afternoon programme which began in 1982. In February an English teacher shocked viewers when submitting the word 'm*nges', an expletive sometimes used to describe female genitalia. In 1991, two contestants offered 'w***ers', and in 2010 another suggested 's**tface'. On another occasion contestants resisted the temptation to spell out swear words when presented with the letters U,D,F,C,K and E. TV chef Dave Myers offered the word up for seven points from his chair in the dictionary corner with expert Susie Dent . Not the first word to have left Rachel Riley blushing, the former Strictly Come Dancing star found herself stifling laughter after drawing the words 'p*ss' and 'a*se' shortly after replacing Carol Vorderman in 2009. During her 26-year stint, Ms Vorderman was left red-faced more than a few times. Words such as fart, porn and poo are among the collection of letters which had the Loose Women star and her co-hosts falling about laughing. Among the crude words which presented themselves during Carol Vorderman's 26-year- stint is 'poo' Another cringe-worthy moment as Carol Vorderman withdraws an unfortunate sequence of letters on the show . | The TV chef joined the dictionary corner on Channel 4 programme .
Suggested the seven-letter word which is listed in Oxford Dictionary .
Hosts Nick Hewer and Rachel Riley left amused by rude submission . |
fcc0a8b4366fab96b09ff924738aebbf5aff9bdd | Erik Lamela’s 20-yard rabona against Asteras Tripolis on Thursday night was an ostentatious display of genius that took the breath away and had manager Mauricio Pochettino proclaiming it the best goal ever scored by one of his players. It was, said Pochettino, a goal that could only have been scored by a player of Lamela’s skill. Long time supporters of the Argentine recognised the technique. There is grainy footage on YouTube of him scoring from a rabona as a young teenager, playing in a junior game for River Plate in his homeland. Erik Lamela's astonishing rabona strike put Tottenham Hotspur in control against Asteras Tripolis . Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino gives Lamela a pat on the back after his goalscoring exploits . Lamela's incredible strike doubled Tottenham's lead against the visitors as they went on to win 5-1 . But what is the wider history of the rabona? It is defined as striking the ball when the kicking leg is wrapped around the back of the standing leg - effectively with one's legs crossed. Particularly popular among players of South American origin, the first rabona was scored in 1948 by striker Ricardo Infante in a game between Argentinian teams Estudiantes de la Plata and Rosario Central. But it was Italian winger Giovanni Roccotelli who made the showboating act his own and later became revered as 'il padre della rabona,’ or ‘the father of the rabona’. An even younger Lamela for River Plate's youth team runs through with just the goalkeeper to beat . The now-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder goes for the 'rabona' strike over the on-rushing goalkeeper . When interviewed in the 1990s Roccotelli said: ‘In every game the fans begged me to do it, they expected it. For me it was a natural thing. 'I began crossing like this when I was very little. At least I did one thing before all the others. 'Now they call this move "rabona" because Ronaldo did it, but Pele himself said in an interview that he remembered an Italian doing it before him: that was me.’ Angel di Maria performs his trademark trick during the World Cup in Brazil for Argentina in June . Marcos Rojo performs the rabona during the World Cup group stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina . Ronaldo and Pele perfected the technique but we could be seeing plenty more rabona in the Premier League this season. Manchester United new boys Marcos Rojo and particularly Angel di Maria are renowned for their sublime rabona kicks. Di Maria performs rabona kicks to pass and score, while Rojo even employed a rabona to clear his own penalty area in a World Cup match for Argentina against Bosnia-Herzegovina this summer. England legend Paul Gascoigne performs the rabona in 1991 as he dons the Three Lions jersey . Luis Suarez ademonstrated against West Brom that his skill matches the best when he performed a rabona . PS. Don’t try this trick if you’ve not already nailed it on the training ground. Yes, we’re looking at you David Dunn. The Birmingham midfielder attempted a rabona pass in a match against Aston Villa. He embarrassingly got the ball caught between his legs and ended up in an messy pile in the middle of the pitch, in a move replayed millions of times on the internet and one which Dunn is surely reminded of at regular intervals. | Erik Lamela scored a rabona goal from 20 yards for Tottenham Hotspur .
His strike came against Asteras Tripolis on Thursday in the Europa League .
Midfielder Lamela also scored a rabona as a teenager for River Plate .
Italian winger Giovanni Roccotelli first player to score a rabona in 1948 .
Pele, Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo also use rabona . |
fcc1609933ae96577a0054eb8fce16092ec268a0 | An exhilarating stunt video has now become a tribute to a renowned international pilot . Daring dirt bike rider Nick De Wit performs an outrageous and perfectly judged backflip over an aircraft in a memorable stunt. Under Over was a stunt which was completed by biker Nick De Wit and pilot Glen Dell from a remote airstrip in the North West bushveld of South Africa. Flying low: Pilot Glen takes off in preparation for the memorable stunt . The memorable stunt after was the culmination of two years of detailed planning when it was filmed in September 2013. Mr De Wit and Mr Dell are seen in the video discussing the various elements of the stunt as they prepare to attempt the dangerous trick. Timing: Mr Dell had to perfectly judge his timing as he prepared to fly under the ramp . Airborne: Bike rider Nick De Wit takes flight after he builds up speed on the bike ramp . The biker speeds up a ramp while the aircraft is being flown at a low height and then he flips backwards with incredible speed and precision to lift himself over the plane. Moments later the South African duo are seen happily congratulating each other and giving each other a high-five after they successfully complete the manoeuvre. Sadly Mr Dell, who won eight South African titles and claimed the Advanced World Aerobatic Champion in 2004, died tragically five weeks later on October 12, 2013. The experienced pilot had an aviation legacy that spanned 30 years with 25,000 hours of flying experience in over 250 types of aircraft when he was fatally injured at a Secunda airshow. Over: Mr De Wit then performs an acrobatic backflip as he glides over the aircraft . Finale: Mr De Wit prepares to complete the stunt as Mr Dell lands the plane . Mr Dell had a renowned ability to perform aerobatics manoeuvres which made him one of the finest South African display pilots. In recent years Mr Dell he had performed more frequently at exclusive events such as the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race and Top Gear Live festival rather than airshows and competitions. The 51 year-old was also very committed to working on speciality projects such as Under Over which will now be a lasting legacy to his remarkable aviation career. | Bike rider Nick De Wit and pilot Glen Dell completed stunt in South Africa .
South African pair had been preparing for stunt for two years .
Duo are seen embracing after they achieve their goal .
Pilot died tragically five weeks later at Secunda airshow . |
fcc181eac103198d98097cca51265b70ae454d1d | (CNN) -- Actress Gina Gershon is demanding a retraction from Vanity Fair after the magazine reported "high-end Hollywood dinner-party gossip" that former President Clinton "has been seen visiting" her in California. Actress Gina Gershon "is extremely offended" by the Vanity Fair article, her lawyers say. The lengthy article by the magazine's national editor, Todd Purdum, mentioned the actress along with several other women rumored to be associated with Clinton, all anonymously sourced. "Todd Purdum's insinuation is a lie, and it is irresponsible journalism," said Gershon's publicist, Mara Buxbaum. "We are demanding a retraction." A letter sent by Gershon's attorneys to Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Graydon Carter, obtained by CNN, demanded a published correction and retraction and threatened possible litigation for defamation. The actress appeared in 1995's "Showgirls" and the more recent "P.S. I Love You." Gershon "is extremely offended by the false and defamatory inference that she engaged in an adulterous relationship with the President," the letter says, adding that the actress has been in the same room with Clinton three times, always in the presence of at least a dozen people. "It is apparent that Vanity Fair was intent upon publishing unsubstantiated rumors, and that it avoided learning the true facts so that the truth would not get in the way," the letter says. "Such conduct is reckless and malicious, giving rise to substantial liability for defamation." In a statement, Vanity Fair denied that the article indicates any "improper relationship" between Clinton and Gershon. "The story merely examines the concerns of some of Clinton's aides about reports of his behavior," the magazine said. "We don't believe that any correction is warranted." Purdum's article, "The Comeback Id," quoted multiple anonymous sources questioning the former president's behavior since leaving the White House. The article suggested that Clinton's personality had changed since his 2004 heart bypass surgery and said there were reports of Clinton "seeing a lot of women on the road." Clinton issued a tirade against Purdum on Monday when asked by Huffington Post writer Mayhill Fowler what he thought of "the hatchet job somebody did on you in Vanity Fair," according to a recording of the exchange posted on the Huffington Post's Web site. "[He's] sleazy," Clinton responded. "He's a really dishonest reporter." Clinton said that he had not read the article but that he was told that "there's five or six just blatant lies in there. But he's a real slimy guy." Calling Purdum a "scumbag," Clinton said "he's one of the guys that propagated all those lies about Whitewater for Kenneth Starr. He's just a dishonest guy -- can't help it." Purdum "didn't use a single name, he didn't cite a single source in all those things he said," the former president said, adding that the article was "part of the national media's attempt to nail Hillary for Obama. "Anytime you read a story that slimes a public figure with anonymous quotes, it ought to make the bells go off in your head," he said. Jay Carson, a spokesman for Hillary Clinton's campaign, said late Monday that "President Clinton was understandably upset about an outrageously unfair article, but the language today was inappropriate, and he wishes he had not used it." Purdum, a former New York Times reporter who covered the Clinton White House and is married to former Clinton press secretary Dee Dee Myers, defended his article on CNN's "The Situation Room" on Monday afternoon, saying he was "very careful to say there is no clear-cut evidence that President Clinton has done anything improper." "I reject the notion that I'm making an insinuation," Purdum said. "But I'm very comfortable quoting the people I quote because I know who they are, and I know that they are very senior people who have known President Clinton for a very long time and work for him at very high levels." | Gina Gershon accuses Vanity Fair reporter of "irresponsible journalism," lying .
Magazine stands by article and refuses to run a correction .
Former president called reporter "a scumbag" but later apologized . |
fcc1c388f4a690ed187733458a822333fa4cf21b | If you've always dreamed of ringing in the New Year leisurely lounging on a sprawling balcony with a glass of champagne in hand and an unbeatable view of the fireworks show, then these luxurious apartments will be right up your alley. New Year's Eve accommodation in Australia's biggest cities is always hard to come by, with people scouring the net to find the perfect vantage point to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the night's festivities. To make things a little easier, accommodation website Stayz has whittled down their top rental picks from each of Australia's top cities over the festive period: . SYDNEY . If you've always dreamed of ringing in the New Year leisurely lounging on a sprawling balcony with a glass of champagne in hand and an unbeatable view of the fireworks show, then these luxurious apartments will be right up your alley . New Year's Eve accommodation in Australia's biggest cities is always hard to come by, with people scouring the net to find the perfect vantage point to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the night's festivities. The apartment sits directly opposite the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, giving the renter a picture perfect view of the world famous Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks . The unrivalled art-deco Kirribilli harbour-front apartment has everything you would need for the perfect Sydney New Year's Eve. The apartment sits directly opposite the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, giving the renter a picture perfect view of the world famous Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks. The unrivalled art-deco Kirribilli harbour-front apartment has everything you would need for the perfect Sydney New Year's Eve . A private balcony looks out at the harbour's edge, giving renter's the chance to escape the massive crowds that gather around the opera house and bridge . The apartment is situated in a prime Sydney location with access to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House . The apartment can be rented over the festive season . A private balcony looks out at the harbour's edge, giving renter's the chance to escape the massive crowds that gather around the opera house and bridge. The apartment has one bedroom, is suitable for two people and comes fully furnished so all you need to do is bring your suitcase. MELBOURNE . Melbourne's magnificent fireworks display can be seen from this stunning apartment . This luxury waterfront sub-penthouse at Freshwater Place is the epitome of modern living . Boasting 2 bedrooms and a sprawling balcony, occupants are treated to one of the best views of Melbourne's CBD . This luxury waterfront sub-penthouse at Freshwater Place is the epitome of modern living. Boasting 2 bedrooms and a sprawling balcony, occupants are treated to one of the best views of Melbourne's CBD. Melbourne's magnificent skyline and the iconic Yarra River can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. This apartment is the perfect location for those wishing to ring in the New Year in style as it sits right next to the famous Crown Casino . Melbourne's exhibition and convention centre, which hosts many events over the festive period is mere minutes away . This apartment is the perfect location for those wishing to ring in the New Year in style as it sits right next to the famous Crown Casino. Melbourne's exhibition and convention centre, which hosts many events over the festive period is mere minutes away. The building features a massive pool, a gym and an entertaining area, although the vast space in the apartment should be enough for any party. Melbourne's magnificent skyline and the iconic Yarra River can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows . BRISBANE . There is nowhere like Brisbane on New Year's Eve as the city puts on a breathtaking fireworks display . Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens and overlooking the Brisbane River, this four-bedroom penthouse is the perfect base for an unbeatable NYE Night . Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens and overlooking the Brisbane River, this four-bedroom penthouse is the perfect base for an unbeatable NYE Night. The cities cafe districts and nightclubs are just around the corner from Oaks 212 Margaret and excellent access to transport makes getting around the city a breeze. Breathtaking views can seen from the top balcony of the apartment including the river, park and city. The cities cafe districts and nightclubs are just around the corner from Oaks 212 Margaret and excellent access to transport makes getting around the city a breeze . The apartment is part of a hotel which offers guest a heated pool, an indoor gym and a room service . Breathtaking views can seen from the top balcony of the apartment including the river, park and city. The apartment is part of a hotel which offers guest a heated pool, an indoor gym and a room service. A car space is also available for those wishing to take a road trip over the holidays. . CANBERRA . If you're looking for accommodation with pure class and style, look no further than this luxurious Canberra penthouse . The apartment offers affordable accommodation with a housekeeping service, a parking space for one car and elegant furnishings and appliances . It is also walking distance to some of Canberra's sights and best restaurants and bars . If you're looking for accommodation with pure class and style, look no further than this luxurious Canberra penthouse. The apartment features wraparound glass windows that overlook Lake Burley Griffin and makes this pad a winner for celebrating the new year. The apartment offers affordable accommodation with a housekeeping service, a parking space for one car and elegant furnishings and appliances. The beautiful, modern apartment is the perfect base from which to see the sights of Canberra . The apartment features wraparound glass windows that overlook Lake Burley Griffin and makes this pad a winner for celebrating the new year . The huge bathroom features two sinks and a sprawling bath . Three-bedroom apartments in the luxurious building start at $220 a night . It is also walking distance to some of Canberra's sights and best restaurants and bars. Three-bedroom apartments start at $220 per night. HOBART . Set atop the city's harbourside establishment, Lenna of Hobart, the luxurious apartment has picturesque views of the historic Battery Point . Situated on Salamanca place, the balcony showcases the best Hobart has to offer with it's wraparound deck and ceiling-to-floor windows . This Hobart find would be a treat for any NYE celebrations. Set atop the city's harbourside establishment, Lenna of Hobart, the luxurious apartment has picturesque views of the historic Battery Point. Situated on Salamanca place, the balcony showcases the best Hobart has to offer with it's wraparound deck and ceiling-to-floor windows. The apartment offers 360 degree views of the harbour and the view from the rooftop apartments are simply stunning. The apartment offers 360 degree views of the harbour and the view from the rooftop apartments are simply stunning . While the apartments have a strict no function or party policy, the pad can still be enjoyed by people looking for a tranquil NYE . While the apartments have a strict no function or party policy, the pad can still be enjoyed by people looking for a tranquil NYE. A 24 hour reception desk, room service, car parking and underfloor heating are used throughout the apartment. There is also a bar open for meals and drinks and Alexander's Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner. A 24 hour reception desk, room service, car parking and underfloor heating are used throughout the apartment. DARWIN . These stunning apartments overlook the Darwin waterfront precinct, which is described as a mini Darling Harbour. This penthouse is located in the newly developed waterfront area of the city . It is close to cafes, restaurants and speciality shops . These stunning apartments overlook the Darwin waterfront precinct, which is described as a mini Darling Harbour. This penthouse is located in the newly developed waterfront area of the city. It is close to cafes, restaurants and speciality shops. The new Waterfron precinct is an up and coming area in Darwin and boasts magnificent views . An impressive sweeping balcony with BBQ gives renters the oppurtunity to kick back at home instead of heading out into the crowd for NYE . The apartment boasts amazing views of the Darwin waterfront, harbour, lagoon and wavepool . The Waterfront precinct is connected via a sky walk to the town, which can be accessed from a glass lift in the Vibe Hotel. The apartment boasts amazing views of the Darwin waterfront, harbour, lagoon and wavepool. An impressive sweeping balcony with BBQ gives renters the oppurtunity to kick back at home instead of heading out into the crowd for NYE. The stunning penthouse apartments are decorated to perfection and offer ample space for families . The back balcony is a tranquil place to sit and watch the ships roll in and is just a few short minutes walk to downtown Darwin. PERTH . Perth's firework display lights up the city . The building boasts two heated swimming pools, sauna, spa and BBQ facilities. It's no secret that the most sought after place to celebrate NYE in Perth is on the Swan River, just minutes walk from the bustling city. This modern, chic and affordable two-bedroom apartment comes with everything you need, including everything you would expect in a five star hotel. The building boasts two heated swimming pools, sauna, spa and BBQ facilities. This modern, chic and affordable two-bedroom apartment comes with everything you need, including everything you would expect in a five star hotel . The stylish bathroom compliments the modern vibe of the apartment . The bright living room is perfect for a group of travellers or a couple looking for a romantic NYE break . The apartment is in a highly desirable location, offering access to Langley Park, South Perth and Kings Park. Free Cat buses run from right outside the door into the city and all the attractions of Perth are right on your doorstep. The apartment is in a highly desirable location, offering access to Langley Park, South Perth and Kings Park . ADELAIDE . Boats line up on the river as they watch Adelaide's impressive firework show . This modern architectural haven is the perfect retreat for NYE . This modern architectural oasis is the perfect retreat to enjoy an unforgettable New Year's Eve. The apartment is within walking distance to the historic Montefirore Hill and North Adelaide. It offers a huge vantage point for all the NYE celebrations including the magnificent fireworks display in Adelaide. The apartment is within walking distance to the historic Montefirore Hill and North Adelaide . this home features a gourmet kitchen, air-conditioning and a huge outdoor entertaining area. It is a five minute drive from Adelaide's bustling CBD and is within walking distance to the free tram, cafes and restaurants. The house was designed by a university architecture lecturer, and is amazingly light and open yet quirky. It has a great sense of space and is enhanced by the use of natural timbers and earthy textures. It offers a huge vantage point for all the NYE celebrations including the magnificent fireworks display in Adelaide . | New Year's Eve Accommodation is notoriously hard to pin down .
These luxury apartments make up a dream list of NYE accommodation .
Stayz.com has put together their top rental properties over the festive period . |
fcc22eef1c8be34e231e6de7298bd4d65650ac74 | A tiger handler at Australia Zoo who was nearly mauled to death in an enclosure was found to have deliberately excited the male cat, an investigation into the incident found. David Styles was savaged by a 120kg male cat named Charlie during a public show in the Big Cat arena at the Queensland zoo in November last year. A Workplace Health and Safety report obtained by the Courier Mail has found Mr Styles deliberately changed his appearance to look more interesting to the tiger so he could put on a better show. Scroll down for video . David Styles was savaged by a 120kg male cat named Charlie during a public show in the Big Cat arena at the Australia Zoo in November last year . As a result he suffered a crushed carotid artery, nicked jugular, paralysis to the left larynx and nerve damage that 'could have resulted in fatality'. 'Mr Styles admitted that he overly excited Charlie on this occasion which encouraged the tiger to play rougher than usual,' the report stated. The tiger handler added a blue blanket to his khaki work attire and placed surgical shoes over his hands to make himself look different when the tigers appeared unenthusiastic to be involved in the show. 'This stimulates the tiger to investigate and interact with a new 'entity' rather than their 'usual' handler,' according to the report. A Workplace Health and Safety report has found Mr Styles deliberately changed his appearance to look more interesting to the tiger so he could put on a better show . The tiger handler added a blue blanket to his khaki work attire and placed surgical shoes over his hands to make himself look different . His changed appearance prompted the cat to rear on his hind legs and place his paws on the handler's shoulders, which caused Mr Styles to fall into the pool . Mr Styles' changed appearance caused the cat to rear on his hind legs and place his paws on the handler's shoulders. While that type of behaviour is normal interaction between a handler and tiger, on the day Mr Styles was attacked he fell into the pool, which subsequently resulted in him being bit on the neck and throat. 'Styles asserts it was the action of falling into the pool which may have been the catalyst for the over-excitement of the tiger and thus the bite occurred,' the report said. Mr Styles, who returned to work a few months after the incident, denied he was trying to get better footage for a BBC documentary when he was attacked. Workplace investigators concluded that no further legal action was necessary. Mr Styles suffered a crushed carotid artery, nicked jugular, paralysis to the left larynx and nerve damage that 'could have resulted in fatality' | David Styles was attacked by a tiger at Australia Zoo in November 2013 .
Handler deliberately changed his appearance to look more interesting to put on a better show for the public, an investigation found .
Tiger bit Mr Styles on the neck and throat causing him almost fatal injuries .
Mr Styles, who took several months off to recover, denied he was trying to get better footage for a BBC documentary . |
fcc3431493112a44058075c368046f7d78e20d36 | Washington (CNN) -- In her grilling on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reiterated a frequent assertion in the Obamacare sales pitch --- consumers have options when shopping for insurance plans on the health care exchanges. "The 15% of our neighbors and friends who are uninsured have affordable new options in a competitive market," Sebelius said in her testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. After apology, Sebelius subpoenaed over Obamacare website . But a CNN analysis found that consumer options vary significantly from state to state, and many Americans are discovering that they have very few options. Fact-checking Obamacare claims . In West Virginia and New Hampshire, for example, residents shopping on the exchanges can only purchase plans from a single company. Contrast that with the state-operated exchange in New York which has 16 participating companies, an average of five per county. Wisconsin, which is on the federal exchange, has 13 participating insurers, although some counties in the state have only one. So what prices are people finding in states where only one insurer lists on the exchange? In states with many insurers on exchanges, plans vary far more dramatically in price. Some are more expensive but many are significantly cheaper. Big difference state-to-state . In Pennsylvania, for example, with 10 insurance companies listed on the exchange, a 27-year-old can buy a silver plan from Highmark for $133.83. Highmark is the same insurance company that operates on the West Virginia exchange. A 27-year-old in West Virginia, meanwhile, can purchase silver plans ranging in price from $193.93 to $250.69 a month. In New Hampshire, that same individual can browse silver plans costing from $236.46 and $238.62 a month. These prices do not include offsets from subsidies. Individuals are also able to view less expensive bronze or catastrophic plans on the exchanges (the latter only being available for buyers under age 30) as well as more expensive gold plans. Platinum plans, which offer the highest level of coverage, are not available in West Virginia or New Hampshire according to the data on Healthcare.gov. Your options under Obamacare . A Department of Health and Human Services report released in late September asserted that an average of eight insurance companies would be participating in states on the federal exchange; try telling that to a resident of New Hampshire or West Virginia with their single choice. In general, urban and suburban counties with higher populations tend to have more insurers, while it's common for rural counties to be limited to one or two options. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 12 million people live in counties with only one insurer, compared to the 117 million in counties with more than five insurers. There is no data to indicate how many of those people will be shopping for insurance in the exchange. Special coverage: Health care in America . Rural areas suffer; not profitable . Rural areas are, on the whole, less desirable to insurance companies because they offer a smaller pool of potential customers. It is also more difficult for insurance companies to make a profit in rural counties because there are fewer health care providers and lack of competition allows regional hospitals to charge more for services. Yet, the number of insurance companies operating on the exchange is often a fraction of the number that actively sells insurance in the private market. In Wyoming, for instance, there are six companies that actively sell insurance but only two advertise plans on the exchange. In North Carolina, nine companies sell plans, but only two of those are on the exchange and only one of those sells statewide. Some companies are choosing not to participate in certain areas because they are waiting to see how the implementation of Obamacare plays out in the first year. It remains to be seen how many will ultimately sign on despite the problems the exchange has faced so far. The technical problems facing the website are, to some extent, drawing attention away from the shortage of insurance options. But some lawmakers are now calling on the administration to address the issue. A group of senators and congressmen from Arkansas wrote to Sebelius on Monday, expressing their frustration at the lack of options in their state and calling on her to release information about her department's correspondence with state officials. "Before the law's implementation, state insurance officials claimed that there would be as many as eight carriers offering coverage in the individual market," wrote Senator John Boozman and Representatives Tom Cotton, Steve Womack, Rick Crawford and Tim Griffin. "However, a consumer logging on to the AR Health Connector website will find, at most, four plans offering coverage, while 60% of the state will have no more than two provider options." "This is a disappointing, if unsurprising, failure of the reforms promised by Obamacare, which will mean decreased competition among plans, leading to higher costs, higher premiums, and less consumer choice." Lawmakers: Arkansas families pay more . Arkansas is one of six states that operate exchanges in partnership with the federal government. The authors of the letter say that families in Arkansas now have to pay 100%-600% higher premiums under Obamacare. New York site lists bakery, mechanic for Obamacare help . A lack of options is certainly having an effect on insurance prices -- how much is still up for debate. Cynthia Cox of the Kaiser Family Foundation looked into the link between options and price, and found that in counties with more than five insurers, the average premium was about $20 a month less than in areas with only one insurer. Cox specifically compared the pricing available for a 40-year-old individual shopping for a silver plan. The Obama administration, for its part, has discounted the significance of this analysis. "Under the Affordable Care Act, nearly all consumers (about 95%) will have a choice of two or more health insurance issuers, often many more," HHS spokeswoman Joanne Peters said in a statement to CNN, "and nearly all consumers (about 95%) live in states with average premiums below earlier estimates." Peters added that, "In the marketplace, new rating and benefit rules along with bans on pre-existing exclusions allow insurers to compete for customers based on price and quality." This information is also reflected in the September HHS report. What else can go wrong with Obamacare? Comparisons difficult to make . Premiums on the federal exchange are lower than those previously projected, but comparing rate changes in any given state is tricky, according to Cox, who co-authored a report for Kaiser in September outlining the changes that individuals in the private market could expect. Because all plans must offer an expanded set of benefits under the Affordable Care Act, they cannot be compared straightforwardly to plans offered in the past. Another reason why insurance options and prices vary so significantly from region to region has to do with how state governments choose to use their rate review authority, which was expanded under the Affordable Care Act. In some states, officials can prevent insurance companies from raising rates if they believe those rates are unjustified, and some states have used this authority to keep prices down on the exchanges. Other states, such as Florida, have acted to formally reject their rate review authority, thereby preventing any state influence in prices. State laws can also play a role in promoting insurance competition. In Arizona, for example, there is a state requirement that prevents insurance companies from cherry-picking which counties they offer PPO plans in, according to Arizona Department of Insurance spokeswoman Erin Klugh — although they can selectively offer HMO plans. Because of this rule, Arizonans across the state have multiple insurers to choose from. CNN's Adam Aigner-Treworgy and Jessica Stanton contributed to this report . | CNN analysis shows Obamacare choices, premiums vary from state to state .
In West Virginia and New Hampshire, consumers only have single choice .
Rural areas have fewer Obamacare options because of sparse population, providers .
Kaiser study shows those with more choices pay lower premiums . |
fcc3ffb1018f6c95e73418bd60906796e4055876 | Philadelphia police have released surveillance video footage showing the group of teenage girls accused of assaulting a Temple University student with a brick. The 19-year-old woman, who has declined to be identified, was walking with her boyfriend just off campus on Friday evening when a group of about 10 teenage girls began taunting them and then followed them for a block. Police say one of the girls then struck the female student in the face with a brick while the other suspects tried to rob the student's boyfriend. The victim was left with dislocated teeth and a fractured jaw. Scroll down for more . Five juveniles have been taken into police custody in Philadelphia in relation to Friday's incident. The 15-year-old who used a brick to beat a 19-year-old student is expected to be charged with aggravated assault . The incident happened on Friday evening when a group of about 10 teenage girls began taunting a Temple student and her boyfriend . 'My boyfriend pushed the girl away from me that hit me in the face and then the girl’s sister came at me with a brick,' the victim told WCAU. 'I tried to get away as fast as I could. My teeth were halfway out of my mouth. I wasn’t thinking about anything besides getting to safety.' Police say the suspects then fled the area by boarding a local bus. Surveillance video was released on Monday and shows the suspects are a gang of teenage girls thought by police to be between the ages of 16 and 17. The victim said she was hit twice with the brick, first in the face and then in the side of the head. ‘Her teeth were out of place,’ her 20-year-old boyfriend said. ‘It was terrible, it was terrifying.’ Savage: The pair says they were attacked with a brick similar to the one being held by the reporter in this NBC Philadelphia report . Where it started: The couple was accosted on this street by the unruly mob, Temple's athletic fields are behind the green fencing . ‘I tried to get away as fast as I could,’ she added. ‘My teeth were halfway out of my mouth. I wasn’t thinking about anything besides getting to safety.’ The girl was rushed to the hospital and underwent hours of emergency surgery to both save and align her teeth. ‘All of her teeth were pushed into the back of her mouth,’ said her father. ‘Her five top, front teeth were bent all the way back from the gum.’ She has since been released from care and is expected to recover, but has a long way to go. ‘I’ve been eating my food through a straw,’ she lamented. Since the attack became public, another . Temple University student has come forward and claimed that she too was . attacked by a group of young girls in the same area at the same time. Horror corner: The gang became violent, grabbing and punching the teen girl before twice smashing her in the head with a large brick . The 20-year-old junior, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told NBC10.com she was text messaging a friend as she walked down the street when she was punched in the face. ‘I typed [the message] and lifted my head to start walking again and as I lifted my head up, there was a girl coming at me, swinging at me, and I was able to lean back. She barely hit my chin, and then she swung again and hit my mouth area and my neck and I was able to shove her away and sprint away,’ she said. The student said a group of seven to 10 girls took part in the unprovoked attack that left her with bruises. The girl said she was able to escape the gang’s clutches and run to her nearby house, just feet from the local police headquarters. Then on Monday evening another Temple student was attacked by a pair of juvenile girls who attempted to steal her purse. Philadelphia Police and Temple Police are continuing to investigate. Video: Watch CCTV footage of the teenage gang . | Philadelphia police have released video showing a gang of teenage girls who carried out a brutal and unprovoked attack on Friday evening .
A Temple University student, 19, and her boyfriend, 20, were followed for a block before the girl was twice smashed in the head with a large brick .
She had to have emergency surgery to save her teeth but vows to return to class this semester .
Another girl has since reported being punched by the gang on the same evening, while another student almost had her bag taken on Monday . |
fcc42b46c377c64e1165d334d8d02f84ac6fb3fb | When Peter Hammond started breeding parrots at his home, he didn’t expect a squawk of protest from his neighbours. His rural property was a noisy pig farm until recently, and there are other farms in the area. But his hobby has split the village – with angry neighbours complaining of sleepless nights and stress. Now Mr Hammond’s critics appear to have won the battle to have the birds removed, after the local council ruled he had to rehome all of them within six months. Two exotic blue and yellow macaws which are similar to the parrots being bred at Peter Hammond's home . The 76-year-old insists he only has around 200 parrots, but neighbours have claimed he in fact keeps up to 500. Some villagers are overjoyed by the ruling, while others simply cannot understand what all the fuss is about. Sarah Griffiths, 47, who lives four doors away and has been leading the campaign against the exotic birds, said the decision was an ‘enormous relief’. ‘The parrots, some of them macaws, emit what can only be described as alarming, primeval squawks at random intervals, sometimes for several hours,’ she said. ‘Every member of my family and most of our neighbours have suffered directly because of Mr Hammond’s hobby. We have gone to work exhausted and I have sent my children to school tired.’ Neighbours said the noise sometimes begins as early as 5am. One claimed to have been so stressed by the racket that they took six months off work. But church pastor Graham Steward and his wife Gwen, who live opposite, said they were not bothered at all by the birds. Mr Hammond's home, from where hundreds of parrots will have to be rehomed following a council order . Left, a public notice shows Mr Hammond's application to change the use of his agricultural buildings in order to house the birds, while right, a barn on the property shows where they are kept . ‘When I wake up early in the morning the noise of the pigeons is more of a nuisance,’ said Mr Steward, who is in his 50s. ‘There were pigs in the outbuildings before the farmer who lived there retired. ‘I am quite happy for the parrots to remain. Sometimes when they are being fed they make a bit of a noise but they are certainly not a problem to us.’ Matters came to a head on Wednesday when Mid Suffolk District Council considered retrospective planning permission that Mr Hammond, a widowed former game farmer, was told to submit following complaints. His application to change the use of his agricultural buildings was turned down. Mr Hammond’s daughter, Angela Berry, attended the meeting and said her father had built a 10ft-high, 4ft-deep straw bale wall in 2013 to dampen the noise. But Chris Knock, Battisford Parish Council chairman, said members felt Mr Hammond had not gone through the proper procedures before acquiring so many parrots. He added: ‘It was not just a few birds. There were far more than someone would normally have as pets.' | Fed up residents say parrot breeder's squawking pets keep them awake .
Neighbours claim the birds' chirping wakes them up as early as 5am .
Peter Hammond requested new planning permission following complaints .
He claims to only have 200 parrots, but neighbours say there are 500 .
His application to change the use of his agricultural buildings was declined . |
fcc42e9a41591d10566c7a08877e3c5a6e60a032 | By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 11:15 EST, 26 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:41 EST, 26 August 2013 . The burglar was strung up to a 20ft wall by security guards for five hours after they caught him stolen goods . A burglar was strung up for five hours on a busy street by security guards after they caught him red-handed climbing out of an apartment block. The 34-year-old man's arms were tied behind his back and a rope was looped under his arms and around his neck before being tied to a 20ft high wall. The security guards who monitor the apartment block in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, are now facing false imprisonment charges. The guards blindfolded the burglar . and put him on display next to the stolen goods and a sign at his feet . explaining what he had done. They had caught him with an iPad, two watches, two mobile phones and a laptop, according to local media. Police were eventually called five hours later on Saturday and the security guards are now being investigated. 'No matter what he did, these men can't stage a public hanging,' said a police spokesman . But the guards say the thief, who was also taken into custody, was in no danger. 'As long as he stayed upright he was perfectly safe,' said one. 'He had a choice of punishment by us or turning him over to the police and he chose us,' they added. Security team lead Li Jian said he and two of his guards saw the man climbing down a drain pipe before they caught him. The man's hands were tied and a rope was looped under his arms as he was made to hang for hours . Their actions were supported by a property manager at the block who said they stopped in from running away and helped stopped residents being criticised after a string of break-ins, reports China's Global Times. One resident told the website that they agreed with what the guards did. He said: 'This should teach him a lesson and serve as a warning for other burglars who are thinking about robbing from here.' However, others said the man was 'entitled to dignity.' The guards piled up stolen cash, an iPad, laptop and two watches that he allegedly stole from residents . | Guards tied the man's hands behind his back and strung him up to the wall .
Burglar had been caught with iPad, watches, laptop and two mobile phones .
Guards face false imprisonment charges as police launch investigation . |
fcc48973122190137d516aa5a4fad2545d13136c | Former Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates and three other people were arrested in connection with an investigation into suspected tax fraud, corruption and money laundering, the country's prosecutor general's office said Saturday. Socrates, who was detained late Friday, was due to appear before a judge for questioning on Saturday regarding an investigation of suspicious banking operations and money transfers, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office. Socrates was prime minister from 2005 to 2011, when he stepped down after his socialist government was unable to push though austerity measures, which were intended to preclude a bailout to ease the country's debt crisis. | Prosecutor: Jose Socrates to be questioned in probe of suspicious banking operations .
Socrates was prime minister from 2005 to 2011 . |
fcc5540633fc2a3c23a35b8099f656c1745e600a | By . Craig Hope . Follow @CraigHope_DM . Jack Rodwell believes he can step straight in to England’s midfield in the wake of Steven Gerrard’s retirement – but is confident he could also do a job at centre-back for his country. Rodwell watched England’s horror show in Brazil with a sense of frustration having found himself out of the Three Lions picture following two seasons on the fringes at Manchester City. He signed for Sunderland this week in a £10million deal – where he has been guaranteed a start in the middle of the park – and the 23-year-old wants a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad for this month’s friendly with Norway. Moving backwards: Sunderland's Jack Rodwell believes he can do a job for England at centre-half . Mover: The former Manchester City man joined the Black Cats for £10million last week . ‘For me, it was difficult to watch (the World Cup) because I wanted to be there so much,’ said the three-times capped former Everton man. ‘Now I want to be back in it - that’s why I signed here.’ And Rodwell is confident of winning that call, regardless of the position. ‘I’d back myself to get back in at centre-midfield and I believe I could at centre-back,’ he added. It is in midfield, however, where he would prefer to influence matches. ‘I’m here (at Sunderland) as a central midfielder,’ he said. ‘I haven’t played centre-back since I was 16 really. But you never know, maybe one day I might step back when I’ve got no legs. ‘I’m wasted if I play there though. I think I’ve got more to offer than playing centre-back – it’s boring as well.’ In the wake of England’s worst-ever showing at a World Cup finals, it was suggested that players could benefit from escaping the Premier League and broadening their horizons overseas. That, however, is not for Rodwell, despite several offers. ‘I need to be seen here playing regularly if I want to get back into the England team, but maybe in the future (I’d go abroad),’ he said. ‘Never say never, but at the moment the Premier League is where it’s happening. That’s where you will be written about.’ Rodwell has followed the path of new team-mate Adam Johnson in fleeing City in search of regular football. And he hopes Hodgson will pay more visits to the Stadium of Light than the sole one he managed last season. ‘I’d like Roy Hodgson to see as many games as he could, obviously, and I think Adam Johnson was a little bit unlucky not to have got into the squad for the World Cup,’ he went on. ‘He had a very good end to the season, so hopefully the manager will get up here as much as possible.’ | Rodwell joined Sunderland from Manchester City for £10million last week .
The 23-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons .
But Rodwell believes he can step up for Roy Hodgson's side . |
fcc58781484891825c18a115041f664a1d379145 | By . Emily Allen . PUBLISHED: . 08:42 EST, 29 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:42 EST, 29 March 2013 . A mother-of-two has won almost £10,000 in damages from cosmetics firm Avon after she was unfairly dismissed after being told 'If you wish to have a family life then this is not the job for you'. Shauna Connelly told an employment tribunal she felt pressured into working 60-hour weeks despite only being contracted for 40 - and said the firm's 'hypocritical' treatment of her flew in the face of its slogan: 'Avon - the company for women.' The tribunal, in Newcastle, found that she was unfairly dismissed . from Avon and that the firm covered up evidence of 'bullying' when . investigating her grievance. She has been awarded almost £10,000 in damages. Tribunal: Shauna Connelly has won almost £10,000 in damages from cosmetics giant Avon after being unfairly dismissed. The tribunal heard her line manager made derogatory comments towards her . The 46-year-old, of West Denton, Newcastle, had worked at Avon for nine years and says that initially she 'absolutely loved' her job. She spent five years working for the company on a freelance basis as a sales representative. But in 2008, Mrs Connelly, who has two boys now aged 18 and 13, became employed by Avon as an area manager on a permanent contract - and that was when the problems began. She said: 'I had been number one for sales in my area, I was good at my job. I really believed in Avon as a company, and I loved the products. 'I was told that I'd be working around 40-hours a week in my new position. However, pretty much as soon as I started I was told I needed to work 60-hour weeks if I wanted to reach my targets.' In August 2011, with the recession in full-swing, she, along with other area managers working for the company, failed to meet some of her targets. She was called to what she was told . would be an informal 'chat' at a hotel but was shocked when she turned . up and discovered it was in fact a meeting held to discuss her . performance. Mrs Connelly . had assumed the meeting would be held in private, but was distressed . when it was conducted in the foyer of a busy hotel in full view of . guests. The tribunal ruling . states: 'The background to the complaint of unfair dismissal was the . conduct of Ms Armstrong in relation to the complainant. 'We considered that the former must have known that the discussion on August 2 would amount to a concern meeting. Colleagues: Mrs Connelly with her former line manager Joan Armstrong (left). She claims staff made derogatory comments about Miss Armstrong and the comments were never revealed to her . 'However, her failure to notify the . claimant in advance of that fact or to arrange a more private venue than . the main reception area of a large hotel accorded with the respondent's . usual practice in these situations.' The . tribunal accepted the meeting itself did not amount to bullying on that . occasion, but Mrs Connelly says it was at this point that she claims she was told . that if she wished to have a 'family life' with her partner and two boys . then the job was not for her. She . said: 'After the meeting I started to feel really ill, I went to see a . doctor who told me if carried on working, I was in danger of having a . stroke. My blood pressure was sky high. 'I felt I had no choice but to go off sick.' She . put in a formal grievance about her treatment that same month and . colleagues of her line manager Joan Armstrong were asked to give feedback about her . (Miss Armstrong's) performance. One member of staff described Miss Armstrong as: 'Inconsistent, Jekyll and Hyde, some managers are frightened of her.' Problems: Mrs Connelly, pictured when she worked for Avon, had worked at Avon for nine years and says that initially she 'absolutely loved' her job until she was handed a permanent contract and struggled to meet targets . The colleague added: 'She has no respect or consideration for work, life balance. She can have an aggressive manner on the phone. She tells managers to work nights and weekends. 'She is unapproachable and untrustworthy and lacks empathy.' There were also number of positive comments including one response from a staff member which said: 'Allows you to make your own mistakes then supports you afterwards, available at any time' and added that she is 'no pushover and doesn't make things personal'. However, the majority of responses were negative. Despite a number of meetings between Avon and Mrs Connelly the nature of some of the feedback about Miss Armostrong was never revealed. She was repeatedly told there was no evidence of bullying, but only some 'development' issues. In February 2012 Mrs Connelly resigned, as she said she felt she was being misled by Avon and had no choice. The tribunal panel ruling stated 'The matter, to adopt a cliché, was to be swept under the carpet. 'The claimant - who, so far as they knew, was not aware of the results of the anonymous questionnaire - was to be told, as before, that there were some 'development' issues which were being pursued with Ms Armstrong but there was no evidence of bullying. 'That was simply not the case.' Mrs Connelly was awarded £9,500.88 in compensation after the ruling in January this year, but said that she has been left in debt after being forced to resign from her £333 a week job with Avon. She represented herself throughout the hearing and said she was 'terrified' but happy with the outcome, after which Avon's barrister shook her hand. After the tribunal, which concluded in January, a spokesperson for Avon said: 'As the company for women, Avon believes in treating our Independent Representatives and employees equitably, with fairness and respect. 'We have a firm commitment to fair play and equal opportunities and as a company our commitment sits at the heart of everything that we do. 'Whilst we cannot comment on individual cases, we are naturally very disappointed at the tribunal's outcome.' | Shauna Connelly said she felt pressured into working 60-hour weeks despite only being contracted for 40 .
A tribunal in Newcastle found the firm covered up evidence of 'bullying' when investigating her grievance . |
fcc5fc15fe39c7d65bdd970605fe112066f9f754 | By . Jessica Satherley . Last updated at 7:19 PM on 1st December 2011 . From a distance, they look like painstaking recreations of classic paintings like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. But a closer look reveals these amazingly intricate artworks are created from thousands and thousands of childlike sketches. Incredibly, Keita Sagaki's works, which can take almost a year to create, are completely improvised and drawn directly onto paper without being drafted first. Keita Sagaki's works, including his version of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (above), can take almost a year to create. They are completely improvised and drawn directly onto paper without being drafted first . A close-up of the Last Supper drawing shows how they are made up of thousands of childlike sketches (including risque images, such as a naked lady as part of Jesus's face) He uses a tapestry of thousands of cartoon characters - woven together to resemble the famous works they mimic. Blending abstract cartoon animals and iconic characters such as Ronald McDonald in his hand-drawn creations, the artist combines his training in the arts with a childhood love of comics and graffiti to create the clever pictures. However, his decision to incorporate fully naked body doodles, particularly in religious works (see close-up of Jesus, right), may not be to everyone's taste. As well as recreating famous paintings, Mr Sagaki has also drawn doodle montages depicting classic sculptures, and some more personal landscape pieces. And the 27-year-old, originally from Ishikawa, northern Japan, does not draft the pictures, which can take months to create. He said: 'I don't draft my work, I just draw it in pen, directly onto paper. 'I usually use a 0.38mm pen, and sometimes ink thinned with water to achieve a grey tone, but that's all.' Despite his direct approach, Mr Sagaki, who lives in Tokyo, said that some of the pictures have taken him months to complete. He said: 'It varies according to the size of the work. The Last Supper took the longest time. I drew it for approximately ten months. 'But a series of drawings I completed this year took around two to three weeks for each piece.' The artist draws on an unusual set of influences to create the stunning drawings, inspired by his university art degree and his love of popular culture. He said: 'It was only when I was around 20 years old that I became interested in art. 'However, I have liked comics since I was a child - I've probably been drawing comic book pictures since I was seven. Keita Sagaki's recreations, such as his take on da Vinci's Mona Lisa, are inspired by his childhood love of comics and graffiti . The artist's comic-book style can be seen in this close-up of Mona Lisa, which includes a Buddha-like phallus among the more innocent illustrations . 'I loved to draw cartoons and graffiti from a young age, and I get inspiration from rock music or sometimes even novels.' As well as the obvious love of comic book-style art, Mr Sagaki, a graduate of Fukushima University, also has some more highbrow influences. He said: 'I am inspired by Hieronymus Bosch, [Japanese artist] Katsushika Hokusai and Vincent van Gogh. 'I'm also inspired by the Mandala, which is a religious painting illustrating esoteric Buddhism and Buddhism sutras. It was a feature of my childhood.' The Mandala, or circle, is a feature of Buddhism and Hinduism and is said to represent the 'unconscious self'. Mr Sagaki has displayed his work in a . number of chic art galleries around Tokyo, although he has yet to be . given a solo exhibition for his incredible talents. 'I have a contract with a contemporary art gallery here in Japan. 'Approximately one-third of my pictures have sold now.' But . success comes at a price for the young artist, as selling a picture . means he has to let go of one of his painstakingly crafted works. He said: 'I am glad when a picture sells, but on the other hand, I feel a little sad when they do. 'It's difficult to choose a favourite. The Last Supper took the most time, so I had a strong attachment to that.' | Keita Sagaki recreates classic paintings by drawing them straight onto paper without drafting them first .
His works can take a year to make . |
fcc68ae7ba81510a8e142ddfabbee65de44cafa4 | By . Graham Smith . Last updated at 12:08 PM on 30th November 2011 . Firing a rifle into the air and a pond, this is the shocking moment police shoot an armed man in a city park. Joshua Twohig, 21, has been charged with aggravated assault on a public servant following the incident in Houston, Texas, on November 21. The father-of-one was last night still in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Scroll down for video . Caught on camera: Joshua Twohig points a rifle at his head after he allegedly walked into a Houston park and began shooting into the air. A passer-by pleading with Twohig to lower his weapon can be seen on the right . Officers claim Twohig walked into . Tranquility Park, near the Occupy Houston protest site, at around 5.15pm . dressed in a black suit, smoking a cigarette and carrying a .40-calibre . rifle. He then discharged the weapon into the air, fired a shot into a pond and waved the gun at passers-by, it is claimed. As he paced up and down a small pedestrian bridge, Twohig even pointed the rifle to his own head. Two nearby police officers on bicycle patrol arrived quickly on the scene and told him to drop his weapon. But, according to eyewitnesses, Twohig refused and shouted back, 'Shoot me! Shoot me!' It was at this point that police . claim the gunman began moving towards them. Officers fired several shots . at him and Twohig fell to the ground. Hit: Twohig falls to the ground after being shot by police when he refused to drop his rifle . The 21-year-old quickly rises to his feet and makes a grab for his weapon, at which point he is shot again . Video of the incident shot by passer-by David . Loeser shows Twohig quickly standing up and moving for his rifle before . he is shot again. A stray bullet splashes into the pond as he slumps to the ground. Mr Loeser: 'I'm glad that the gentleman did not point his gun at all these innocent people here.' Nobody else was injured in the shooting, which police said was unrelated to Occupy Houston. Cameraman: David Loeser was with friends having just visited the nearby Occupy Houston demonstration when he spotted Twohig and filmed the stand-off . A spokesman for the demonstration . said: 'Occupy Houston is not speculating on the motives of the gunman, . but we extend our sympathies to the seemingly troubled young man who . perpetrated this act of violence. 'We are thankful that no one other . than the assailant was injured, and we extend our gratitude to the . officers on scene who reacted quickly and with the appropriate amount of . force as dictated by the situation.' Twohig's possible motives are unknown and are under investigation. However, it has been reported that he recently lost his job, has a one-year-old child and that his wife underwent major surgery. Watch video of the moment police shoot the armed suspect. Warning, graphic content: . | Joshua Twohig, 21, charged with .
aggravated assault on a public servant . |
fcc74d31e44c1bbbeae5cc31718812b14760644f | (CNN) -- The EU police are not about to take your vacuum cleaner away from you. So, stop worrying. But Monday marks the day that super powerful vacuum cleaners that use more than 1600 Watts can no longer be sold in stores in the EU, nor manufactured in EU plants. This should be of no shock to anyone. The rule - intended to improve energy efficiency - was agreed five years ago and manufacturers have reacted accordingly. They may not like it. Dyson for one is looking for a judicial review of the new rule, though it has complied with it. European consumers are used to this. New Wattage rules have already been in effect for light bulbs, televisions, washing machines and refrigerators. But for some reason here in the UK, the vacuum cleaner appears a step too far for the popular press which has noted that the EU is "sucking" consumer rights out of Britain, or just that the "EU Sucks." There are reports of a jump in sales of the more powerful vacuum cleaners over the weekend before the ban took effect. "I believe there is a misconception and that is that if you have a high-voltage vac that also means that it has a lot of power to suck the dust," the EU spokesperson Marlene Holzner told me last week, dismissing endless columns of ink in Britain that we will have to vacuum for longer periods, hence use more electricity, to clean our homes. Vacuum cleaners will also have those little A-G charts on them so we know how much they cost us to run. There are also new rules on performance and noise levels. Outdoor vacs, wet and dry vacs and industrial vacs are exempt from all the new rules. But that did not make much news in Britain. Not that the EU is stopping there. The Wattage for vacuums will be lowered to a maximum of 900 Watts in 2017. The current limit of 1600 Watts is just a temporary pause on the way to even more energy efficiency. Next year the EU will start to talk about putting other appliances on the list; lawn mowers, mobile phones, hair dryers, kettles (watch out for the British headlines on that one -- EU Blows its Stack, EU Boils Over). Brussels stresses there is no formal, or informal list and there is no guarantee new rules to lower the Wattage on smaller appliances will be adopted. But the goal here is greater energy efficiency. The EU hopes to meet about a third of its power reduction targets in the coming years simply by reducing energy used by appliances. It is finding steps to cut unnecessary power and it sees this as a less painful step on the way to that goal. | Vacuum cleaners that use more than 1600 Watts can no longer be sold in stores in the EU .
The European Union rule is intended to improve energy efficiency .
Next year the EU will consider other appliances such as mobile phones and hair dryers . |
fcc76967eadcf4bd15af5b76ce4cf84bd9c75e3b | An off-duty New York narcotics agent went on a week-long drinking rampage — and went on to allegedly shoot two friends during yet another boozy night, a report claims. Victor Zambrano Jr., 49, had just left a bar on Manhattan's Upper West Side about 9 pm Friday when one of his two pals — who was concerned about his level of intoxication — asked to see his gun, the New York Daily News reported. Zambrano, an enforcement agent at the New York State Bureau of Narcotics, handed over the .40-caliber weapon to 31-year-old friend Nichola Davidson — but quickly demanded it back, according to the Daily News. The two allegedly began to struggle and the weapon fired off, striking Davidson on the foot and her 42-year-old boyfriend, Sydney Bernard-Whitehead, on his right calf, according to the Daily News. NYPD officers canvas the scene on Manhattan's Upper West Side where Victor Zambrano Jr. allegedly shot two pals during a boozy evening . An NYPD officer (left) works on the scene where an allegedly intoxicated New York State narcotics agent shot two pals after a boozy evening. A woman identified as 31-year-old Nichola Davidson (right) was transported to the hospital after her foot was struck by a ricocheting bullet . Plainclothes officers quickly surrounded Zambrano and had a minutes-long standoff before one of the cops knocked the gun out of his hand and tackled him, the Daily News reported. The shooting victims were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and released shortly after. A report in the New York Post claims Zambrano had been on a 'week-long bender' before the Friday shooting. 'Last week, he started to drink,' neighbor Felipe Jaramillo told the Post. 'I saw him drunk on Wednesday. He was walking by the church on 82nd Street, and I said "Hi."' 'He’s been drinking every day,' another neighbor told the Post. Zambrano was briefly taken to a local hospital complaining of chest pains on Saturday before being arraigned on charges of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and reckless endangerment, according to CBS New York. Police are still investigating if the shooting was accidental. 'He got drunk and did something stupid,' son Vic Zambrano III, 22, told the Daily News. 'It just escalated. It could easily have been prevented.' 'Same old s---, different day,' the son added, according to the newspaper. | Victor Zambrano Jr., 49, was arrested after his gun fired on a New York City sidewalk and struck two of his drinking pals .
The weapon fired after a friend, concerned about how much alcohol Zambrano had consumed, tried to get the gun away from him .
Zambrano is an enforcement agent at the New York State Bureau of Narcotics .
A report claims he had been on a 'week-long drinking bender' |
fcc7c92c924a9316b4cb00eb46594d8410ce49fb | (CNN) -- Lewis Hamilton won his first Formula One grand prix in almost four months as world champion Sebastian Vettel spun out of the race in Abu Dhabi during the opening lap. McLaren's British driver took full advantage of Vettel's slip up -- the first time the 2010 and 2011 title holder has retired from a race since the Korean Grand Prix last year. Hamilton fended off the challenge of Fernando Alonso's Ferrari while Jenson Button clung onto third in the face of fierce competition initially from Red Bull's Mark Webber and then from Alonso's teammate Felipe Massa. Vettel, who secured the 2011 crown last month, had his lead at the top of the drivers' championship cut to 119 points by Button, who sits on 255. Hamilton stays fifth on 227 points but closed on Alonso in third (245) and Webber (233). Latest F1 standings after Abu Dhabi GP . It marked Hamilton's third victory in what has been a difficult season for the 2008 world champion, who admitted before the race that personal problems had contributed to his below-par campaign. "I feel fantastic," Hamilton said in a post-race press conference. "It was one of my best races. To hold off one of the best drivers in the world is very tough to do. "I'm just happy. This is great. It's early days but this is definitely the start of something. We've got another great race ahead of us in Brazil. I've just got to keep my mind on the game." Starting second on the grid, Hamilton watched Vettel beat him into the first corner but at the second a puncture to the German's back right tire sent him spinning off the track. Vettel trundled round the circuit and made it back to the pit lane but Red Bull's mechanics decreed the damage too severe for him to rejoin the battle. After the race he told reporters: "I don't know what happened. We lost pressure all of a sudden out of the exit of turn one. I don't why. There is nothing that I did differently to any of the other laps. "We need to find out why, maybe I cut the kerb at a funny angle. It is tough, but I used the opportunity to learn a bit on the pit wall." In his absence Hamilton maintained a two-second gap over Alonso for most of the race, while Webber and Button's battle saw them swap third and fourth place regularly. Alonso did hold the lead for four laps after Hamilton's second pit stop but he couldn't build up enough of a cushion to rejoin the race ahead of his former McLaren teammate. The Spaniard said: "It was a fantastic race for me as well. We fight most of the race three-five seconds distance to Lewis. "We were close but we had some traffic in the pit entry behind a HRT and in the last stint they had a little bit more pace so it would have been difficult to win the race even if we had got into the lead. "I'm happy with second." | Lewis Hamilton wins only his third grand prix of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi .
World champion Sebastian Vettel retires on first lap of the race after a puncture .
Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is second with Hamilton's McLaren teammate Jenson Button third .
Vettel's lead in the drivers' championship reduced to 119 points from Button in second . |
fcc7e80db60b656d99a67a6b77a9d303f9f708e4 | The brother of one of Lee Rigby's murderers said today that the decision to give his sibling a whole life prison sentence was Islamophobic. Jeremiah Adebolajo believes Michael Adebolajo should not be forced to die behind bars and claims the judge in his Old Bailey trial caved in to 'pressure' after 'gave the public what they wanted'. Last month Adebolajo, 29, was given a . whole-life term, while Michael Adebowale, 22, was jailed for life with a . minimum of 45 years. Adebolajo was given the longest possible sentence because the judge believed he had no hope of rehabilitation, but his brother said today if released he would 'pose no danger to the public' and 'lead a very productive life were he to be released'. Defence: Michael Adebolajo described himself as a 'soldier of Allah' and attempted to decapitate . Drummer Rigby, but his brother Jeremiah, right, says his whole life sentence was Islamophobic . Brave life lost: Lee Rigby was walking innocently along a Woolwich road towards his barracks when he was run down and butchered . The . British-born extremists mowed down Fusilier Rigby in a car before . hacking him to death in the street in front of horrified onlookers near . Woolwich Barracks in south-east London in May last year. Accomplice: Michael Adebowale was jailed for life with a minimum of 45 years - meaning he could be back on the streets by the age of 67 . They . both claimed that they were ‘soldiers of Allah’ and were motivated by . the plight of Muslims abroad to carry out the killing, and have shown no . remorse. Today Jeremiah Adebolajo, who like his brother is a Muslim convert, told the BBC Radio 5 Live today that his sibling was unfairly treated. He pointed to the sentencing of Pavlo Lapshyn, who was jailed for 40 years for killing a man and planning to bomb three mosques to start a 'race war' in Britain. 'It . seems strange to me that a man can be sentence to (whole) life for the . death of one man and another can be sentenced to 40 years for the death . of one and the attempted murder of many others,' he told Victoria Derbyshire. 'I wonder what the difference is here, aside from the guilty plea, aside from that I see that someone has died in both cases. 'It . seems strange that Justice Sweeney can suggest there is no prospect of . rehabilitation for my brother but there is for the Ukrainian man who . openly stated he wanted to start a race war . 'Yes . (it is Islamophobic). Not only that I think it was trial by the public. There was a lot of public outrage, as could be understood. The death of . a soldier in any country would provoke that, but I would suggest that . Justice Sweeney was giving in to that pressure'. During their sentencing last month violence broke out in the Old Bailey dock and the killers began hurling abuse at the judge . and fighting with prison guards. Anger: The BBC has received criticism for allowing his brother on the air in the first place . Fight: During Adebolajo and Adebowale's sentencing, violence broke out in the Old Bailey dock and the killers began hurling abuse at the judge and fighting with prison guards. Above, a court sketch of the violence . Taken away head first: Mr Justice Sweeney was forced to sentence the men in their absence after they were bundled out of the courtroom following their violent outburst . In extraordinary . scenes, the two Muslim extremists yelled 'Allahu Akbar' and 'You . (Britain) and America will never be safe' during their sentencing at the . court in Central London. Shocking: A blood-drenched Michael Adebolajo (pictured) told witnesses in a video his attack on Drummer Rigby was an act of revenge - 'an eye for an eye' Justice Sweeney was forced to jail them while they banged on the ceilings of their cells below the courtroom. The judge said the pair's behaviour was ‘sickening and pitiless’, and that Adebolajo had no hope of rehabilitation. ‘Your sickening and pitiless conduct was . in stark contrast to the compassion and bravery shown by the various . women at the scene who tended to Lee Rigby's body and challenged what . you had done and said.’ Jeremiah Adebolajo also said his brother should not have been tried for murder. 'Lee Rigby was performing a public service. It would have been more fitting, I think, that my brother, a British citizen, be charged with treason for killing a soldier. It is the first time that a man has killed another man and been sentenced to a whole life tariff,' he said. When asked if he should one day be released he said: 'I believe my brother would lead a very productive life were he to be released. Were he to be rehabilitated I think he would lead a productive life – I think it’s important not to forget that he has young children himself.' Victoria Derbyshire also asked him if he had sympathy for Lee Rigby's family, but would only be drawn on his son Jack. 'I . have a tremendous amount of sympathy towards the son of Lee Rigby who will . grow up without a father, and I think my brother does too'. The BBC defended the interview today. 'All interviews broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live are carefully considered,' a spokesman said. 'We decided this interview, which was robust and challenging throughout and let listeners hear for the first time the reaction of Michael Adebolajo’s family to his sentencing, was in the public interest'. Demand for justice: The bereft family of Lee Rigby wore t-shirts in his honour on the day his killers were sentence (Left to right) Stepfather Ian Rigby, his mother Lyn Rigby and sisters Sara McClure and Chelsea Rigby walked into the Old Bailey together . Moving: The only son of Lee Rigby, Jack, holds the hands of the loved-ones as he attended his father's funeral in July. His mother Rebecca told Justice Sweeney that he will grow up to see images of his father' horrific murder . Adebolajo is already appealing his conviction on technical legal grounds, using public funds to pay his legal fees. His QC told the court that sentencing his client to life without parole . would make him a 'martyr', while Adebowale's legal team said a . whole-life term would be 'inhuman' for a man that age. During their trial, Rigby's bereft . family were forced to watch footage and hear gruesome accounts of . the soldier being run down at 40mph and hacked to death in the street. The jury, who were all offered . counselling, took just 90 minutes to find the killers guilty of the fusilier’s . murder, but not guilty of the attempted murder of police. Before impact: This CCTV footage shows a Vauxhall Tigra about to crash into Lee Rigby as he crosses the road . Adebolajo and Adebowale mowed down Lee Rigby in this car before hacking him to death in the street in front of horrified onlookers. The streak of blood in front of the car shows how they dragged his body into the street . Jeremiah Adebolajo concentrated on the case of Ukrainian white supremacist Pavlo Lapshyn, 25, who murdered a Muslim pensioner and bombed three mosques as he waged a one-man race war in Britain. Just . five days after arriving in the country last year he killed . Mohammed Saleem by stabbing him three times from behind as the . 82-year-old made his way home from evening prayers. The . ‘evil and calculating’ PhD student – who once posed with the British . Ambassador when he was awarded the chance to work in Britain – also . ordered bomb-making materials online as he plotted mass murder in a . series of mosque attacks. Guilty: Ukrainian born Pavlo Lapshyn admitted the . murder of Mohammed Saleem, 82, who he stabbed as he walked home from a . mosque, and also planting a series of bombs outside mosques . Horrifying: Nails recovered from the scene of one of three bombings planned by murderer Pavlo Lapshyn . Crazed: Pavlo Lapshyn catches a bus from Birmingham to Walsall calmly carrying a home made bomb in this green bag - incredible nobody was killed in the three bombings he planned . Lapshyn also admitted causing an explosion on . July 12 near the Kanzal Iman mosque in Tipton, and engaging in conduct . in preparation of terrorist acts between April 24 and July 18 this year. This . included planting bombs near mosques in Walsall and Wolverhampton, . researching locations to plant bombs and buying chemicals on the . internet to make explosives. | Jeremiah Adebolajo says his sibling Michael was victim of Islamophobia .
Brother could be rehabilitated and judge gave public 'what they wanted'
Adebolajo was given a 'whole life' term - Michael Adebowale given 45 years .
Public angry that BBC allowed man 'platform' to defend his family member . |
fcc867175eb166d7aebc9f932506ded69a38550b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:39 EST, 5 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:05 EST, 6 July 2013 . Tragedy: Rebecca Thompson, 11, may have lain dead for 12 hours before she was discovered by her mother . The father of an 11-year-old girl found strangled at her home appeared in court today charged with her murder. Simon Thompson, 52, from Hertfordshire, is accused of killing his daughter Rebecca Thompson at the home they shared two weeks ago. Her body was discovered by her mother Mary, who works selling programmes at Watford Football Club, when she returned to the house, at around midday on Saturday June 22. Thompson, who works from home, had crashed his VW Golf into trees on a roundabout at high speed around 12 hours earlier. Doctors allowed detectives to question the man, who had been under police guard in hospital, for the first time yesterday. Thompson was in a wheelchair when he appeared before Hatfield Magistrates Court today, his left hand was in a cast and his legs were bandaged. He made no plea and the case was sent to St Albans Crown Court, where he is now due to appear on Tuesday. Rebecca Thompson was found dead 12 hours after her father was cut free from . his car following a high speed crash. Rebecca, who had just completed her . SAT exams before preparing to move to secondary school, is believed to . have lain dead in the house in Bushey, Hertfordshire, for several hours. Rebecca's headteacher paid tribute to the 'lovely' and 'hard-working' schoolgirl in the wake of the tragedy. Rebecca's father Simon Thompson was seriously injured when his car crashed at high speed in Elstree. He will appear in court tomorrow . Rebecca, 11, was found murdered in her home in Bushey, Hertfordshire at about lunchtime on Sunday 23 June . In a statement, Rita Cooper, head of . Sacred Heart Primary School, said: 'It is with great sadness that we . heard of the death of Rebecca. 'Rebecca was a lovely girl who was hard-working and did well in her learning. 'She was looking forward to secondary school. 'The whole school is very distressed by this tragedy and our thoughts are with her family and friends.' Floral tributes were left outside the . schoolgirl’s home as scenes of crime officers examined the three-bedroom property. Her father’s grey Volkswagen car was wrecked in the high speed crash. Firefighters had to cut him out of the . car. He was understood to have suffered serious leg injuries. No one . else was in the car when it crashed. Neighbours described the family as . private and said Rebecca was only seen in the company of her parents and never . played outside with the other children in the street. Another neighbour said of Simon and . Rebecca Thompson: 'You used to see him with her. He used to take his . daughter for walks up to the shops. 'It was just him, within the last six-to-eight months.' Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and . Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit launched a major crime inquiry and . appealed for information about where Rebecca’s had been and who she had . been with on the Friday leading up to her death. Detective Inspector John Arthur said: 'This is a very important element to this investigation.' Rita Cooper, headteacher of Sacred Heart Primary School in Bushey, said the schoolgirl was hardworking and lovely . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Simon Thompson, 52, appeared before Hatfield Magistrates today .
Charged with the murder of his daughter, Rebecca, at their home .
Schoolgirl's body discovered by her mother on June 22 .
Her father had crashed his VW Golf into trees around 12 hours earlier . |
fcc89b97525fe1e776947cf022501a4f73f890df | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:30 EST, 3 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:44 EST, 3 March 2013 . The multimillionaire mother who gave up her Chinese daughter for re-adoption and cut her out of her $250million estate had adopted and given up another child from China, it was revealed today. The New York Daily News reported that widowed mother Christine Svenningsen had adopted a boy she called Eric from China shortly after her husband’s death in 1997. But court papers show that after his arrival to suburban Westchester County in New York, Eric was given up for adoption, and was taken in by a family living in New Jersey because the mother-of-six said that another baby was more than she could handle. Family: Christine Svenningsen of Westchester, pictured with her five biological children, adopted a baby girl from China and later gave her up for re-adoption . Terms: On May 6, 1996, the Svenningsens signed an adoption agreement stating that they would not abandon Emily or transfer or have her re-adopted, and that she would be deemed a biological child . The Daily News, citing a deposition . in 2009, reports that Svenningsen first adopted a girl from China, named . Emily. She deposed that she went to China after that to adopt Eric. Svenningsen, 55, already had five biological children with her husband. After being asked what she did with . baby Eric, Svenningsen deposed: ‘He was adopted by a person in New . Jersey,’ though the court papers do not reveal the date of either . Svenningsen’s adoption nor the New Jersey family’s re-adoption. She said: ‘I couldn’t handle seven children,’ according to court papers. The millionaire mother collects . properties in the Long Island Sound and renovates them, though, as the . Daily News notes, most of the houses remain empty throughout the year. One of the Thimble Islands in Long Island Sound owned by Christine Svenningsen . Cut-In-Two -East island, was purchased by Christine Svenningsen for $3.4 million. It is one of the most famous Thimble Islands because P.T. Barnum-era circus star once spent a summer there . In 1996, Svenningsen and her husband . John adopted a baby girl, who they named Emily Fuqui Svenningsen, to add . to their brood of five biological children. Right before the adoption was finalized, they had another biological child and husband John was diagnosed with cancer. According to court documents, on May 6, 1996, the Svenningsens signed an adoption agreement stating they would not abandon Emily or 'transfer or have [her] re-adopted', and that she would be deemed 'a biological child'. The agreement also stated that Emily had the right to inherit the estate of her adopted parents, who had established a pair of trusts for their children, as well as one meant solely for Emily, according to ABC. Adopted: The millionaire had twice adopted from China - first her daughter, Emily, and then her son, Eric, who she later put up for adoption (stock photo) In December 2004, seven years after her husband died from cancer, Mrs Svenningsen put Emily up for adoption and surrendered her to Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, an adoption agency in New York. She said that Emily was a difficult child and was unable to bond with the family. But the adoptive family suggest that Christine . may have wanted to terminate Emily's interest in her husband's estate. On May 18, 2006, Maryann Campbell and her husband Fred Cass formally adopted Emily after first expressing interest when Mrs Svenningsen brought Emily to their boarding school catered for children with special needs. Christine placed Emily at the Devereux Glenholme School . based upon a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder, though the staff at . Devereux did not concur with that diagnosis, according to court documents, which also noted that Emily thrived with her new family. Land: Christine Svenningsen, who was married to a party-goods magnate, sold Belden Island for $3.95million and Jepson Island for nearly $2million . Private: The islands are part of the Thimble Islands off Branford, which have attracted celebrities and the wealthy for generations . MaryAnn Campbell, left, adopted Emily in 2006. Christine Svenningsen married John G. Chiarella Jr, right, in 2010 . The couple had no idea about the money legally owed to their newly adopted daughter from the trust, but eventually learned that John Svenningsen had arranged to provide for Emily’s educational and medical needs. They were sent a letter by Christine’s lawyers stating that Emily’s trusts totaled $842,397. When they later learned the estate was worth more than $250million, the couple sued on behalf of the Chinese girl. Westchester County Surrogate’s Court said that John Svenningsen meant to provide for all of his children, both biological and adopted. Mrs Svenningsen and her five biological children appealed, but last week the court ruled in Emily's favor. 'It cannot be overly emphasized that Christine’s unilateral surrender of Emily for adoption more than eight years after the decedent and Christine adopted her was not foreseeable at the time the will, and the trust documents were drafted and executed by the decedent,' Judge Leonard Austin wrote. 'John Svenningsen expressed an intention to include his adopted child in the absence of any reason to believe that his status as the parent of Emily would be terminated by her subsequent adoption many years after his death.' Christine Svenningsen, who has since remarried and has spent about $33 million buying ten of the so-called Thimble Islands in the Long Island Sound, could not be reached for comment. She married John G Chiarella, Jr, a landscaping entrepreneur who manages her islands, in July 2010. | Christine Svenningsen had five biological children with late husband .
Adopted son, Eric, from China shortly after husband's death but deposed in 2009 that seven children were too many for her to handle .
Also adopted daughter from China, Emily, and 'tried to cut her out of husband's estate' |
fcc8e679dc1811a9fa6f54aee50cc0092f7d0fd7 | (CNN) -- Colorado Springs police have arrested a man whom authorities want to question in relation to the March shooting death of prison chief Tom Clements. James Lohr, described by police as a member of a white supremacist prison gang, is an associate of Evan Ebel, the man suspected of killing Clements, Lt. Jeff Kramer of the El Paso County, Colorado, sheriff's office said. Lohr had three outstanding arrest warrants unrelated to the Clements investigation, and it was not immediately clear whether he is facing new charges. Lohr is scheduled to receive a court advisement via video in El Paso County on Monday afternoon. Arrested after a police chase, Lohr is facing accusations of felony vehicular eluding and three traffic offenses -- reckless driving, speeding and failing to obey a traffic control devise, the sheriff's office said. Authorities also recovered a gun allegedly thrown from Lohr's vehicle during the chase. A business surveillance video caught a man picking up the firearm. It was turned in to law enforcement to be used as evidence, Kramer said. Questions haunt prisons chief slaying case . In addition to Lohr, police were on the lookout for another Ebel associate, Thomas Guolee, 31. Meanwhile, authorities were questioning another two people associated with Ebel, whom a source close to the investigation declined to name. Exclusive: Anger 'won't bring him back:' Wife of slain prisons chief . Police want to question Lohr and Guolee -- whom police described as associates of the white supremacist 211 Crew gang -- in relation to the death of Clements. Ebel, the man suspected of shooting the chief, was also a 211 Crew member. He died in a shootout with Texas deputies. The other two men, brought in for questioning in recent days by El Paso County authorities, are also 211 Crew members, the source said. Both associated with Ebel in the days before Clements' death, the source said, and at least one is a parolee. Authorities have also served a search warrant related to one of them, the source said. The source declined to say what the warrant named. Two men questioned as manhunt continues . Investigators have said they were looking into whether Ebel might have conspired with other inmates to kill Clements. Clements was widely recognized for cracking down on prison gangs, including the 211 Crew. Ebel also is suspected in the killing of part-time pizza deliveryman Nathan Leon. Authorities have speculated Ebel might have killed Leon for his uniform so he could use it as a disguise in the killing of Clements, who was gunned down on March 19 after he opened his front door. Due to a clerical error, Ebel had been released early on parole, which he later violated. He had been sentenced to eight years in prison in 2005 for armed robbery. In 2008, he was sentenced to another four years -- to be served consecutively -- for punching a prison guard. Two days after Clements was killed, Ebel died in northern Texas in a gun battle with authorities that left a sheriff's deputy wounded. CNN's Mayra Cuevas and Cristy Lenz contributed to this report. | NEW: Authorities recover gun allegedly thrown from vehicle .
James Lohr was arrested Friday morning .
Police are investigating whether prisons' chief suspected killer conspired with others .
The suspected killer, Evan Ebel, died in a shootout with Texas authorities . |
fcc9f4471f8481813adef220aa962486555216ae | By . Ted Thornhill . A seven-year-old boy on his way to school in a notoriously violent district of Cape Town has been shot and wounded, police said. A gunman opened fire on the first grader and a 17-year-old boy who was with him in the Elsies River suburb on Wednesday. They were both wounded and a 27-year-old man has been arrested over the shooting, which took place in an area plagued by gang violence. Cape Town is popular with tourists, but also has a darker side . Police recorded more murders in Cape Town - a popular tourist destination - than in Johannesburg and Pretoria combined between April 2011 and March 2012, according to the Mail & Guardian. In some instances, locals have taken matters into their own hands. Deadly: Armed violence in Cape Town is rife . In December last year vigilantes in Cape Town whipped and stoned to death a local ruffian after he was accused of raping a girl of 15 at knifepoint. A mob from the Crossroads township dragged the 32-year-old from a shebeen just yards from the victim's home after the alleged rape. They beat him with heavy whips before using rocks to finally bludgeon him to death. His body lay in the road for five hours before paramedics came to remove it. Communities in some areas are so unstable that the police have had to create patrolled safety corridors for schoolchildren to walk through, according to 9News. Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, meanwhile, has called for the army to be deployed in the most violent Cape Town districts. Last August she wrote to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, underlining the scale of the problem, the Mail & Guardian reported. She wrote: 'Principals at Manenberg schools say that absenteeism has increased dramatically due to ongoing gang violence... teachers at Sonderend primary school have reported that only about 200 of 900 learners attended school last week.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | A gunman opened fire on a boy, 7, and his friend, 17, in the Elsies River area .
Both were wounded and a 27-year-old man has been arrested .
The Elsies River district of Cape Town is plagued by gang violence .
Cape Town has a higher murder rate than Johannesburg and Pretoria . |
fcca05fb9e69b44cbafbb91b2d6853ad4dafeee0 | Catching crooks is too hard, and home security's too soft. But one burglary victim discovered something just right for stopping a thief - his bed. Baffled Kevin Connolly found a would-be criminal dozing mid-raid in his guest room in Houston, Texas, when he got up to drive to the airport at 4am. The thief failed to wake up even when the homeowner switched on the light - only rousing himself when arresting officers dragged him from the bed. Just right! A Goldilocks-like thief was caught fast asleep in the spare bed of a house he was in the middle of stealing from (left). Police arrested a man named as 22-year-old Christopher Provazek (right) Mr Connolly said he woke up yesterday to find a bag missing along with a string of his possessions missing, including his MacBook Pro, iPad, guitar and even his dog's ashes. He told local news stations he went downstairs and felt cold air sweeping through the house, so he knew someone must have opened a window. He grabbed his gun and searched every room before finding, to his surprise, the placid thief curled up on the sheets. Police named the sleeping man as 22-year-old Christopher Provazek, and said dozens of Mr Connolly's possessions were on his porch - along with a half-drunk bottle of liquor. Victim: Homeowner Kevin Connolly made sure to take a few photos while police were on their way . Mr Connolly told click2houston.com he believed the thief may have made multiple trips before passing out in a booze-fuelled haze. Provazek reportedly said he'd been framed, to which the homeowner replied the 22-year-old was still wearing his jacket. Mr Connolly told the news station: 'I said "Hey buddy. Wake up, what are you doing here?" No response. I turned the light on and took a few pictures just for giggles. 'He told me he had been framed for the job and I reminded him that he couldn't have been framed because he was wearing my jacket'. Provazek was arrested and burglary charges are pending, according to multiple reports. Unassuming: The homeowner said he fears the thief made several trips to his house, pictured . | Kevin Connolly found thief fast asleep in his guest room in Houston .
His MacBook Pro, iPad, guitar and even his dog's ashes were all gone .
Police arrested dozy man and named him as Christopher Provazek, 22 .
They say the haul was found on his porch with half-drunk liquor bottle . |
fcca22e9b398bb4233bc8a026111751554170c75 | BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNN) -- A day after police arrested five people in what authorities described as an anti-Semitic demonstration that turned violent, Jews expressed concern Monday over the attack. Supporters of those who attacked a celebration of Israel's founding outside an Argentine court . The attack occurred outside the Israeli embassy as members of Argentina's Jewish community, celebrating the 61st anniversary of the state of Israel's founding, were confronted by a gang of youths. "They came equipped for that," said Daniel Gazit, Israel's ambassador to Argentina, who witnessed the incident in which three Jews and a policeman were injured -- none seriously. "They came with their clubs, with their arms, one had a knife, one had a pistol -- they came ready for this," Gazit said. "It was not a political demonstration ... this was violence for the sake of violence." Witnesses said the attackers were between the ages of 15 and 20. The five who were detained were to make their first court appearance on Tuesday. Some people complained about the lack of security measures in place at the time of the pro-Israel demonstration and denounced the secretary general of AMIA, a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, for having allowed a type of "liberated zone" from which the group attacked. "There were a lot of police in that place," said Anibal Fernandez, the minister of justice. "Some uniformed, others not, and that allowed them to rapidly arrest five of them." Fernandez described the act as anti-Semitic, but denied Argentina was experiencing a surge in such sentiment. He blamed a small group for the incident. But for some people in Argentina's Jewish community, this and other recent acts, like the appearance of swastikas painted in a cemetery, have raised concerns. The Israeli government, through the chancellery, demanded that the incident be investigated and that those responsible be severely punished to avoid a recurrence of such acts. | Attack occurs outside the Israeli embassy; four hurt, none seriously .
Incident happens, as Jews mark 61st anniversary of Israel's founding .
Israel ambassador says attackers had clubs, a knife, a pistol .
Attackers are to appear in court on Tuesday . |
fccaad84ac2172165e2a0f4dfe7bbb91baab5c01 | Scroll down for video . Police have conducted a dramatic bedside interview with the state trooper critically injured in the Poconos sniper shootings, and have cleared him of having an affair with the sole suspect's sister-in-law. Trooper Alex Douglass insisted he does not even know Melissa Frein, the wife of fugitive Eric Frein's older brother, a source close to the investigation told MailOnline exclusively. Police had earlier said the two — who live less than half a mile apart in Olyphant, Pennsylvania — may have known each other and that Eric Frein, who is being sought after 15 days on the run, may have thought they were having an affair. Trooper Alex Douglass (left) insisted he does not even know Melissa Frein, the wife of fugitive Eric Frein's older brother, a source close to the investigation told Mail Online . 'Douglass said he had not even met her,' said the source. 'Of course we don't know what Eric Frein believed.' Cops hunting Eric Frein hope Douglass's denial will put to rest rumors that have swept the Poconos that he was involved with Melissa. Deputy police commander Lt. Col. George Bivens reacted with annoyance at questions about the alleged affair during an hour-long press briefing on Friday. He said Douglass, who was shot below the waist, was 'troubled' by the focus on his private life. Douglass, 31, remains critically injured in serious but stable condition following the September 12 shooting which killed his colleague, father-of-two Corporal Bryon Dickson, 38. If Frein had believed the trooper was involved with his sister-in-law, it could help explain why he drove 25 miles to the Blooming Grove police barracks to carry out his deadly attack rather than pick a target closer to home. Yesterday the FBI, along with state troopers, continued the manhunt for Eric Frein in a wooded area at Buck Hill Falls in Barrett Township Pennsylvania . But police believe he picked Blooming Grove because it is isolated and allowed him to hide in the woods to shoot, whereas other police stations are closer to areas of population. They insist that it is mere coincidence that one of the shot men lives just a stone's throw from his brother. Early in the investigation cops 'aggressively interviewed' Melissa Frein as rumors of the affair circulated. 'We have investigated the rumor of the affair thoroughly after we learned about it, Pennsylvania Sate police spokesman Trooper Tom Kelly told MailOnline earlier this week. 'There is no truth to the affair. 'We used thorough investigative techniques and questioned Melissa Frein extensively. She denied it and we do not believe she is being deceptive.' It is understood that Melissa Frein passed a polygraph test which helped police reach the conclusion she was not involved with Trooper Douglass. Cops hunting Eric Frein (pictured holding a sniper in his room) hope Douglass's denial will put to rest rumors that have swept the Poconos that he was involved with Melissa . Melissa is married to Frein's older brother Michael. Eric Frein was best man at their 2007 wedding at St. Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Melissa Frein has not returned MailOnline calls for comment. Bivens called Frein, a survivalist who is said to harbor a deep grudge against law enforcement an 'assassin' during Friday's briefing. Addressing Frein personally, Bivens said: 'Eric, as I told you last week, you are a coward. 'Your actions have caused tremendous disruption to an innocent community while you try to hide from us. State Police and the FBI are still hunting for survivalist Frein after he allegedly shot dead father-of-two Corporal Bryon Dickson, 38 (right) at his police barracks in Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania . 'We are not intimidated and we will not leave. We have a clear mission with specific objectives — protect the community, find you and bring you to justice.' Cops have now commandeered another abandoned building — known locally just as 'The Mansion' high in the woods off Snow Hill Road. The building, deep in the woods where Frein is believed to be hiding has an airstrip, allowing police helicopters and planes to use it as a base. Bivens said police believe Frein may have a radio and could be monitoring press reports of the massive manhunt that has consumed hundreds of thousands of police manhours and consumed Canadensis and surrounding areas in the picturesque Poconos. Police have said they have had Frein, 31, cornered in a five-square-mile area of dense forest in rugged countryside south of Canadensis. But they have had no sighting of their quarry since late Tuesday afternoon. Police have said they have had Frein, 31, cornered in a five-square-mile area of dense forest in rugged countryside south of Canadensis. State Police and FBI have a heavy presence in the area . Before that they have said he has approached the perimeter of their search area, staying just far enough away that officers could not get a clear shot at him. They say dogs flushed him out at one stage but he was far enough away to flee. Bivens said he believes the search has now become a game for the military simulation fan. To him, It's a game — a war game if you like,' the top cop said. On Saturday the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that cops had discovered a jacket they believe belongs to Frein in the woods, along with protein bar wrappers. The previous day, the same paper said sources had told it cops had discovered bombmaking equipment in Frein's parents' home — a claim that Bivens implicitly accepted — and that Frein had tried to call his parents on September 18 and the 'ping' from his cellphone had helped cops locate him. Bivens also revealed that Frein had bought equipment that would help him build a bunker in the woods. However he said the intensive search had failed to discover that bunker. Heavily-armed officers with combat gear and night vision have spent days looking through the woods . He also said that searches of a computer that Frein used had shown that he had been planning the attack for at least two years. He said the computer showed he had researched how to avoid police manhunts, law enforcement technology and survival skills. Bivens told reporters: 'I suspect he wants a fight with state police but I suspect that involves hiding and running not a face to face confrontation — trying to take a shot from a concealed location as he has in the past.' Police have previously said they found soiled diapers and a rare brand of Serbian cigarettes in the woods. Survivalist material found in Frein's parents home advise the wearing of diapers to allow someone to stay in place for extended periods. Frein is known to be obsessed with Serbia, a country he has visited at least once. He was a member of Istocni Vuk — which translates to Eastern Wolves — a military simulation team which reenacts battles from the Yugoslav civil wars of the 1990s. Despite police assurances that Frein is contained in an area bounded by Snow Hill Road and Bear Town Road south of Canadensis, they continue to search other areas. Around 11 p.m. on Friday night a helicopter with a bright blinking light flew over woods a few hundred yards west of the search area. Suddenly the light was extinguished and the chopper continued to fly in darkness as a convoy of heavily armed police sped to the site . 'They soon came back, obviously having found nothing,' a man who watched the scene unfold told MailOnline. Earlier the same day hundreds of police descended on the abandoned Inn at Buck Hill Falls, four miles north of the main search site and spent more than half a day in an intensive search of the 400-room property and its grounds. Frein is known to be acquainted with the crumbling hulk of a building, which has become a hangout spot for bored local teens since its closure in 1991. | Eric Frein may have targeted trooper Alex Douglass believing he had an affair with the wife of survivalist's older brother .
Source told Mail Online that Douglass said he had 'not even met her'
It was reported today that police found a jacket and protein bar wrappers believed to be left by Frein . |
fccb063fb1034c5d2528c94f4093fb3474e8ec2c | By . Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 13:51 EST, 4 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:52 EST, 4 December 2013 . A mother has described the moment she saw her daughter's finger 'hanging off' after a pushchair closed on it. Emily Booth needed surgery to remove part of her finger and had to have a metal plate inserted after her finger was sliced off in the mechanism. Her mother, Amanda, is now considering taking legal action against Mothercare which sold the buggy. Hurt: Amanda Booth with her baby Emily who got her finger caught in a Mothercare buggy . Amanda, 21, said: 'Emily started screaming - I pulled the pushchair back up into place and realised her finger was hanging off. 'It was awful, there was blood everywhere.' Buggy: Emily Booth needed surgery to remove part of her finger and had to have a metal plate inserted after the Mothercare pushchair closed on her finger . Emily was rushed to a medical centre on Higher Hillgate in Stockport, and then taken in an ambulance to the town’s Stepping Hill Hospital. The 20-month-old was then transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, where Amanda was told Emily would need surgery. The operation took place the following day. Amanda, from Marple, said: 'The staff at Stepping Hill tried putting butterfly stitches in, but it didn’t work, and they told me I would have to take her to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. 'She had to be put under general anaesthetic, which was really scary. The whole thing has been a really distressing experience for both of us.' After making an initial complaint to Mothercare about its Nanu stroller, Amanda has now instructed a solicitor. She added: 'I just want to make people aware of what happened so it doesn’t happen to anyone else.' A spokesman from Mothercare said the company ‘have requested, and would greatly welcome, to see the pushchair and receive further information from the family as to how the accident occurred’. However, Amanda says she is unwilling to send the pushchair back in case she needs it to make a claim. The Mothercare spokesman added: 'The . safety of our customers and their families is our number one priority . and we are taking this matter very seriously. Mothercare: Company say no other accidents of this kind had been reported in two and a half years . 'We were extremely concerned and offered our deep regret to hear of this accident. 'We continue to offer our full ongoing support, care and assistance to the customer and their family. 'We would like to better understand what may have caused this accident and wish to carry out a full and thorough investigation as quickly as possible.' Mothercare said no other accidents of this kind had been reported in the two and a half years the stroller has been on sale, and it has a primary and secondary locking system tested in line with European Safety Standards. | Emily Booth needed surgery after the buggy closed on her finger .
Mother, Amanda, is now considering taking legal action against Mothercare .
The 20-month-old was transferred to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital .
Mothercare says it has requested to see buggy and wants more information . |
fccb2b5ca6db80d001325aa45871d9090a10f0f7 | Parents have vented their fury after another winter wonderland festive fun fair has been cancelled just two days before it was due to open. Despite announcing the event more than a month ago, the Ruislip Winter Wonderland in north London, was cancelled yesterday with organisers citing a disagreement with landowners. Today the site earmarked for the funfair at India Gardens in Northolt appeared barren and undeveloped. Scroll down for video . The empty site at India Garden in Northolt, which was due to be the venue for the Ruislip Winter Wonderland. The event was cancelled yesterday, just two days before it was due to open . People driving up to the site where Ruislip Winter Wonderland was due to be held, were greeted with closed gates today . The announcement has left hundreds of families and children disappointed, despite organisers saying on their Facebook page, which had more than 3,500 likes, that the event was still due to go ahead as late as yesterday morning. Former I’m a Celebrity star and singer David Van Day and wife Sue Moxley were earmarked for the 'star-studded' opening performance. Other celebrities set to have attended the opening included Dancing On Ice star Matt Lapinskas, ex-Coronation Street actor Adam Rickitt, boxer Joe Calzaghe, former Blue star Lee Ryan and Another Level singer Dane Bowers. The message from organisers on their Facebook page read: 'We are sorry to inform that the event has been cancelled. 'After a day of discusions between the event organisers and the land owners unfortunatlly the event has had to be cancelled. 'We are extreamly upset about this decision and did not take the decision light heartedly. 'We are terribly sorry to all the people who where helping us and who where having stalls/rides at the event and to all the famillies who where supporting us and going to be coming along we are extreamly sorry. The organisers posted this message on their Facebook page informing people that the event had been cancelled, which prompted an angry response from some parents . 'Thank you all for your support and we hope to be able to do a different event at sometime in the future. 'Thanks again for your support and once again we are truely sorry but it is out of our control.' (sic) But many parents have been left feeling the entire event was a ‘scam’ because of its late cancellation, and the failure to begin any construction on the north west London field. Claire Collier wrote: 'I think something dodgy has been going in here!' While mother Wendy Walsh added: 'It was blatantly fake. Why else would it be cancelled two days before? The festive funfair was due to have its opening in Wednesday but it was cancelled just two days before it was due to begin . Today, the site in Northolt remained barren and undeveloped despite it due to be featuring fairground rides, a stalls and a Santa's grotto . 'Luckily I didn’t tell my child about this.' And one poster, Cathy Barnes says she is now planning her own event to help disappointed locals. She said: 'Sorry but if their spelling is anything to go by no wonder it wasn’t taken seriously! 'Sad state of affairs to build up people’s hopes. Name and shame the land owners and event organisers! 'Ruislip Christmas Market sounds a better idea with old fairground rides. “If anyone wants help organising it let me know.' The attraction was supposed to run until December 27 at the a site on the Ruislip border with Northolt, and was to feature fairground rides, a Santa’s grotto and food stalls. The cancellation of the event comes after another winter wonderland created by TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was forced to close after just one day due to complaints. The Magical Journey in Warwickshire created by Laurence Llewellyn Bowen closed after just one day following complaints by parents about long queues, rude staff and cheap toys at the attraction . The fair eventually re-opened three days later but parents were left equally unimpressed with the decorations on the site . Parents said the Magical Journey at the Belfry Golf Club in Wishaw, Warwickshire, has ruined the build up to Christmas for their children, as they attacked the 'tacky' attraction which costs up to £22.50 for a ticket. But many complained about rude staff, large queues for their children to visit Father Christmas and said cheap unwrapped presents, some squashed or broken, were being handed out to their children. Others bemoaned of a lack of festive decorations and Christmas music, despite paying more than £20 a ticket for their children. However, the attraction reopened to the public three days later after improvements including more fake snow. But parents were left equally unimpressed at the second grand opening due to over-loaded sockets being visible in the main entrance and a pile of tatty-looking presents being layed clumsily dumped in the corner of a marquee with a red Santa's outfit left on top. | Ruislip Winter Wonderland in Northolt, north London has been cancelled .
Was announced by organisers yesterday just two days before the opening .
Organisers says cancellation is due to a 'disagreement' with the landowner .
Today the site at India Garden appeared barren and undeveloped .
Now furious parents have taken to Facebook to vent their fury about the event being called off . |
fccb8120d156c6629c5cf15741d8caa6e4e751ec | Nothing comes between a sea lion and their fish. A group of tourists enjoying a lovely boat ride in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, got a rather delightful surprise when a sea lion began chasing down the boat, this as they were travelling 25mph in the Pacific Ocean. Things got even crazier however when one of the skippers on the boat opened the back of the vessel, and the sea lion hopped on-board. Scroll down for video . The chase is on: A sea lion began following a boat going 25mph in Cab San Lucas, Mexico . Open the hatch: The skipper opened up the back of the boat after he noticed the lion keeping up with the boat . Welcome aboard: The lion then hopped on-board and joined the delighted tourists . It seems this was not a social call for the sea lion however, as he was instead after one of the large fishes on the boat. And so he got a nice big catch from the skipper, and then headed back into the ocean. Feed me: It was not a social call however, as the sea lion was actually looking for some of the fish he saw on the boat . Getting it in: The lion looks delighted after being tossed a fish . Bidding farewell: Having been fed and no doubt exhausted from following the boat, the lion leaves to go eat . It is not certain if this sea lion is the infamous Pepe, known for chasing boats around and snatching fishes, but no mater who it is, they are very well fed right now. Pepe meanwhile did strike recently, being captured on video as he snuck up on two fisherman proudly showing off their catches and snatched one right out of a man's hands. | A hungry sea lion chased down a boat going 25mph in Cabo San Lucas, surprising everyone when he suddenly hopped on-board .
The sea lion was after some fish, and once he was tossed one immediately went back out into the water .
This sea lion may be Pepe, the infamous animal who is known to chase down boats in search of fish around the area . |
fccbfc5ebe3af8b214a05e8a300669becf7a54b8 | Beijing (CNN) -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday formally charged a prominent Uyghur scholar with "separatism" months after his detention, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Ilham Tohti, an economics professor at Beijing's Minzu University, was detained by police in January and taken to his native Xinjiang, China's restive northwestern region where a spate of recent violent incidents have been blamed by the government on Uyghur separatists seeking to establish an independent state. Just a day earlier, Xinhua cited local police as saying that a gang wielding knives and axes attacked civilians, a police station, government offices and smashed vehicles on Monday in southern Xinjiang, killing and injuring dozens. The government called the incident an "organized and premeditated" terrorist attack and said police officers at the scene shot dead dozens of people in the mob, according to Xinhua. In a statement posted online in January, Xinjiang police said they had gathered firm evidence of Tohti colluding with overseas forces to "spread separatist ideas, incite ethnic hatred and advocate Xinjiang independence." The police statement also said Tohti had taught students about "violent Uyghur resistance" in his class and encouraged them to overthrow the Chinese government. Tohti's lawyer told CNN last month that the scholar emphasized his innocence during a meeting between the two in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. "He reiterated that he has advocated to improve the rule of law, democracy and ethnic harmony in Xinjiang," said Li Fangping, the lawyer, shortly after being allowed to visit his client for the first time in months. Hunger strike in January . Li also complained about the treatment of Tohti in jail, saying he was put in shackles for three weeks upon arrival. "He went on a hunger strike for some 10 days in January after they refused to provide him with Muslim food," Li said. "They also denied him food for about 10 days in March after the Kunming incident," he said, referring to the stabbings at a train station in the southwestern city of Kunming that left 29 people dead. Uyghur separatists were blamed in the attack. The lawyer added that Tohti "looked OK but said he lost 16 kilograms and complained about ailments throughout the body, including in the liver, heart and eyes," Li added. CNN's phone calls Wednesday to the Xinjiang government for comment went unanswered. Vocal critic . Tohti is known for his research on Uyghur-Han relations and has been a vocal critic of the government's ethnic policies in Xinjiang, a resource-rich region long inhabited by the Turkic-speaking, largely Muslim Uyghurs. The arrival of waves of Han, China's predominant ethnic group, over the past decades has fueled ethnic tensions. Some Uyghurs have expressed resentment toward the Han majority in recent years over what they describe as harsh treatment from Chinese security forces and loss of economic opportunities to Han people in Xinjiang. Amnesty International has said that Uyghurs face widespread discrimination in employment, housing and educational opportunities, as well as curtailed religious freedom and political marginalization. Other critics, including exiled Uyghur activists, have attributed the rise of violence in Xinjiang to Beijing's increasingly repressive rule there -- a claim the government vehemently denies. In the region's deadliest single violent incident in recent history, a suicide bombing in May killed 39 people at a street market in Urumqi. Another apparent suicide bombing left three dead in April at an Urumqi train station. The Chinese government has responded by launching a massive anti-terrorism campaign as well as pouring more economic resources into Xinjiang. Executions . Last month, China executed 13 people convicted of terrorism charges related to attacks on public places in Xinjiang in recent months, state media reported. Also in June, a court in Urumqi sentenced three people to death for their roles in a deadly attack in Beijing's Tiananmen Square last October. Defendant names revealed by state media all sounded Uyghur. "Repression plus economic incentives -- that has continued to be the government response," said Maya Wang, a Hong Kong-based researcher for Human Rights Watch. "Economic development and job opportunities are important to the Uyghurs, but these things must be done in a way that respects their culture and freedom of expression. "Unfortunately, the government is more interested in projecting what it wishes to do in Xinjiang rather than looking at what the real problems and ethnic grievances are in the region." | Formal charge against Ilham Tohti comes a day after violence in southern Xinjiang .
Tohti went on a hunger strike during his incarceration in January .
Uyghur-Han relations are a focus of Tohti's research . |
fccc1075a51de9e2092ae391b334c9b8df5793f6 | By . Kerry Mcqueeney . PUBLISHED: . 05:46 EST, 8 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:49 EST, 8 May 2012 . It was given the name of Forever Marilyn but, as these pictures prove, this statue's time in the spotlight was more of a temporary arrangement. For the artist, it may well have brought a pang of sadness to see his 26-ft sculpture dismantled from its spot in the middle of Chicago. However, others in the Windy City will no doubt be glad to see the back of a statue which has been described as one of the worst public art eyesores. Dismantling of an icon: The Forever Marilyn sculpture by Seward Johnson is separated for disassembly in Chicago . Hanging in the balance: A worker prepares the statue's removal by placing a rope around Marilyn's neck (left), while another worker holds it steady (right) Forever Marilyn: Despite the statue's name, it's stint in Chicago has come to an end since it was unveiled last July . The enormous tribute to the movie . icon - titled Forever Marilyn by artist Seward Johnson - was dismantled . yesterday after going on display in the Windy City last July. However, . following an initial bemused curiosity, the statue has since been mocked . and criticised in equal measure. It . has been panned as one of the world's biggest eyesores and was, at one . time, ranked number one on the Virtual Tourist website's top ten list of . worst public art. The . statue, under which passers-by can . freely gaze up the screen siren's skirt, captures the iconic moment in . The Seven Year Itch when the movie star bashfully held her dress down as . a gust of wind billowed the fabric around her. However, . it has come in more useful as a giant umbrella, as scores of spectators . have been using the huge structure as a safe haven to shelter from . Chicago downpours. The stainless steel and aluminum sculpture, which is 26 feet tall and weighs a whopping 34,000lbs, has raised a few eyebrows. Not least because visitors to the . plaza are at once confronted with Monroe's pert bottom in gleaming white . panties and her perfect pins bedecked in white, open-toe kitten heels. 'Crude': People were able to look directly up Marilyn's dress... and some even used it as a shelter to protect themselves from the rain . Panned: The statue (pictured, left, being dismantled and, right, as a . tourist attraction) was described as one of the world's worst public art . eyesores . In pieces: The 26-foot statue, based on a scene from the movie Seven Year Itch, was taken down after being on display since last July . Detractors have found so many things . to criticise about this work that it's hard to know where to start: Its . 26-foot size; its impropriety given that the movie to which it pays . tribute - 1955's The Seven Year Itch - is set in New York; and its . perceived crudeness given that viewers are able to look directly up her . dress. Abraham Ritchie wrote on Art Chicago . Blog after the statue’s unveiling was a 'creepy schlock from a . fifth-rate sculptor that blights a first-rate public art collection.' But the Zeller Realty Group, which . owns the plaza and now its statue, responded by defending the art work: . '[Paul Zeller] likes to bring in things that cause a conversation,' said . a spokesman from the company. 'They might be controversial, but he likes art that makes people think.' | Sculpture described as one of the worst public art eyesores is taken down in Chicago . |
fccd47a6782039eaf1fd223dc6db18226ab068a7 | By . Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 15:31 EST, 13 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:50 EST, 13 December 2013 . The mother of killer Dale Cregan had her house bugged by police who listened to her for up to 24 hours a day while her son was on the run. Manchester Crown Court heard while officers were hunting for Cregan, who was wanted for the murders of father and son David and Mark Short, they were eavesdropping on Anita Cregan. Kathryn Smith, 25, of Droylsden, a . senior police officer's daughter, is alleged to have leaked the information using her job as a call handler at GMP’s Trafford . communications room. Accused: Kathryn Smith, 25, of Droylsden, a senior police officer's daughter, is alleged to have leaked the information using her job as a call handler at GMP¿s Trafford communications room . Between August 23 and September 19 last . year, officers recorded hours of conversations between Anita Cregan and . her family and friends at her Droylsden home. The round-the-clock surveillance captured Mrs Cregan insisting that she did not know where her son was in the hours after armed police raided her house after a tip-off from a local man who reported a 'suspicious' car to police. The recording taken in the Cregan home taped Anita saying that ‘25 officers’ with ‘big Alsatians’ had hammered down the door in the early hours of August 29 as a helicopter hovered above. A car, that had been reported minutes earlier by a local man, contained food wrappers and camping gear and belonged to Cregan’s sister, Kelly Cregan, who police arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but later released without charge. Anita Cregan describes herself as ‘f****** fuming’ at the course of events, and sets out to identify the ‘grass’, saying ‘I can’t sit on it...I’m really not the type of person who can sit on that.’ In conversations with friends and neighbours, she dismisses the raid as a ‘wild goose chase’, saying: 'They think I know where (Dale Cregan) is, but this is the longest time in my life that I’ve not spoke to him. I have never not spoken to him for this time, even when he goes on holiday he rings me.' Following her release from the cells, Kelly Cregan can be heard describing her brother as ‘the most wanted man in Britain’. Kathryn Smith leaves Manchester Crown Court where she is charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office as the police call-handler fed secret information to her boyfriend during the massive manhunt for his friend Dale Cregan . Anita Cregan, 56, is on trial accused of procuring information from a police worker which enabled her to identify and confront the man whose call prompted the raid. The recordings made while her home was bugged include her vowing to identify the ‘grass’ who she believes has betrayed her for a ‘fifty grand’ reward. Manhunt: Police bugged Anita Cregan's house while they were searching for her killer son Dale Cregan . It even captures her receiving the text that allegedly confirmed the identity of who it was that tipped off the police – and her anger and disbelief as she is taped saying ‘I can’t believe it...(it is) one of my friends’. The Manchester Evening News reports the man identified as the 'grass' is then questioned for six hours, until 6am on September 1, by Anita Cregan. Sobbing at times, the man, who was later warned by police his life could be at risk, insists that he feared the car belonged to someone seeking reprials against the Cregans. Mrs Cregan tells him: 'I know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody. I have got inside information right? I have got a bit of inside.' Information is said to have been provided to her by Sean Booth, a 31-year-old neighbour who she describes as ‘like a brother’ to Dale Cregan on the secret police tapes. Booth and Mrs Cregan, both of Droylsden, both deny aiding and abetting misconduct in public office. Booth’s girlfriend, Kathryn Smith, 25, of Droylsden, a senior police officer's daughter, is alleged to have leaked the information using her job as a call handler at GMP’s Trafford communications room. She denies misconduct in public office in the same Manchester Crown Court trial. Speaking of the bugging operation, Dc Michael Young told court: 'The listening post was manned from 7am in the morning until the early hours of the following day, through the entire duration. Sometimes it was up to 24 hours.' The trial continues. David Short, 46, and his son Mark Short, 23, who were killed by Dale Cregan . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Police listened to Anita Cregan for up to 24 hours a day .
Officers recorded hours of conversations between August 23 and September 19 .
Anita Cregan on trial accused of procuring information from police worker . |
fccd74663d00540499d4e5798fd63b9bb4b7f389 | (CNN) -- Indonesia's president on Wednesday announced a two-year moratorium on new concessions to convert virgin forests and peat lands into plantations, part of an internationally backed strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. The announcement by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono came on the eve of an international conference in Oslo, Norway, on climate change and deforestation. Indonesia is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases because of rampant clearing and burning of its forests and peat lands for logging and conversion into palm oil plantations. The country has long been a target of harsh criticisms from environmental groups who have accused the government of failing to enforce its own laws. Yudhoyono said Indonesia would "conduct a moratorium for two years where we stop the conversion of peat land and of forest." He was joined by Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who said Norway would provide $1 billion to Indonesia to help with the effort to reduce deforestation. "Indonesia is a key country in terms of reducing deforestation. Therefore this agreement and Indonesia's commitment is a great step forward in achieving large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions," Stoltenberg said. Yudhoyono said the halt on new concessions would start in 2010 as part of a broader strategy to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26 percent by 2020. Deforestation accounts for almost a fifth of total greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The Indonesia-Norway partnership to cut emissions is part of a broader international strategy called Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, or REDD, that would make stored carbon dioxide in tropical forests a commodity that can be bought and sold on the global market. | Indonesia announces two-year moratorium on converting forests and peat lands into plantations .
Norway pledges $1 billion to support Indonesian deforestation effort .
Announcement comes on eve of climate change and deforestation conference in Oslo, Norway .
Indonesia is one of the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases due to deforestation . |
fccdb3de462488ee82e42928c132d588b4eaf29d | Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama unveiled a new $5 billion veterans jobs plan Friday that the administration says will put thousands of men and women who once wore their country's uniform back to work. The new Veterans Jobs Corps initiative, first mentioned in the president's State of the Union address last week, involves partnerships with the Veterans Administration and the Interior Department, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies. Under the blueprint, the administration will award $166 million in grant money to communities that show a preference for hiring post-9/11 veterans for new law enforcement positions. In addition, $320 million in grant money will be awarded to various fire departments who pledge to hire and train new veterans. Money for those grants has already been appropriated by Congress. The president, however, will now seek an additional $4 billion in his upcoming budget to expand both programs. Congress last fall rejected a similar proposal that was part of the president's broader jobs initiative. The president rolled out the new plan during a speech at an Arlington, Virginia, firehouse. "This has been a top priority of mine," he declared. "These are Americans that every business should be competing to attract. These are the Americans that we want to keep serving here at home as we rebuild this country. So we're going to do everything we can to make sure that when our troops come home they come home to new jobs and new opportunities and new ways to serve their country." The president's upcoming budget will also include a $1 billion proposal to create as many as 20,000 new jobs for veterans relating to conservation efforts on America's federal and state public lands. That initiative, to be overseen by the Department of Interior, would put veterans to work in visitor and tourism-related jobs as well as positions that will assist in general upkeep and maintenance roles throughout the country's public parks and nature preserves. It is unclear what type of reception the overall proposal will receive on Capitol Hill, particularly among Republicans who have been complaining about rising deficits. "These are commonsense initiatives to serve our 9/11 veterans who are coming home," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar told reporters on a conference call. "We hope Congress does its job (in approving the funding)." Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said Thursday the president will also propose expanding training programs for entrepreneurial veterans seeking to start their own businesses. This program would include online training seminars conducted by the Small Business Administration lasting as long as eight weeks and could serve as many as 10,000 veterans annually, according to administration estimates. "Our country owes them a debt of gratitude and we must ensure that veterans who come home from Afghanistan and Iraq get the opportunities they deserve," Shinseki said. The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans is 11.1%, nearly 3 percentage points higher than the country's overall unemployment rate. Among the president's few jobs proposals to clear Congress last year were new tax credits for businesses that hire recent veterans. CNN's Alan Silverleib contributed to this report . | NEW: Obama calls jobs for veterans "a top priority"
The initiative would involve the Veterans Administration and Interior Department .
Grant money would be awarded to towns and fire departments that train and hire veterans .
The proposal's $5 billion price tag makes it a potentially tough sell in Congress . |
fccdf915125eb8abe95dbe441825b84b890fb2bd | By . Helen Collis . PUBLISHED: . 04:24 EST, 19 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:00 EST, 19 September 2013 . A hungry baboon shows it's a cheeky monkey by stealing vegetables from a woman carrying her shopping. The chacma baboon bides its time and waits to pounce on the oblivious shopper who is the victim of a daylight robbery. It patiently waits for people to leave the farmers' market where fresh vegetables are on sale. The moment a hungry and fearless chacma baboon pounces on an oblivious shopper in Cape Town, South Africa, highlights just how bold these primates are becoming living side by side with people in the city . After spotting its target, it ambushes the woman, tugging on her large sticks of rhubarb. The adult male monkey managed to get a firm grip on the plant to snatch it from her box of fresh vegetables. But the greedy baboon wasn't finished and still had an appetite as it grabs a ripe avocado from the woman. Cyril Ruoso from Lailly in Burgundy, . France, travelled to Cape Town, South Africa, to take photographs of the . famous baboons in the area. The . 43-year-old said: 'I travelled to the city to cover the story of the . baboons as their presence is a big issue in that part of Cape Town. Making his move: The baboon had been waiting patiently by the side of the road until he finally spotted an easy target . Score: The baboon tugged hard at the shopper's rhubarb until he pulled it out from the helpless shopper's box of fruit and vegetables . 'In the past, Chacma Baboons were trapped here in large numbers, for use in medial research facilities. 'Thanks to the work of local animal rights activists, this practice has been discontinued. 'As a result, the baboon population has increased and without any natural predators, the animals have become comfortable around humans.' The baboons, who sleep in vacated homes and on roofs of buildings, raid the farmers market and houses for food. Mr Ruoso added: 'They even stake out the local farmers markets, mugging shoppers as they return to their cars. 'Baboons know the market days and what time they start and finish, so they are around at the right moment ready for ambushes. Fussy eater: After successfully robbing the shopper of her rhubarb, and what looks like a bag of mushrooms, the giant primate appears to have a sniff and turn its nose up at its haul . So the shopper bravely returns to retrieve her stolen fruit, presenting another opportunity for the baboon. This time it grabs a ripe avocado - apparently a far more appealing reward for its efforts . 'The monkey keeps a distance, observing until a good opportunity arises to strike at the right time - it is like a guerrilla strategy. 'Baboons are very strong and can be aggressive, and when they want something it's a good idea to let them have it.' While some people find the coexistence of baboons and people entertaining, for others it is turning into a nightmare, . The species has been protected since 1999 and there are now 500 baboons living in 16 groups, increasingly cut off from their native habitats by the sprawling city. Some estates are now plagued with the primates, which scale blocks of flats pillaging anything they can get their hands on from homes with open windows. Those who choose to fight back are limited to sticks, pepper sprays and paintball guns. They have the momentary effect of driving the baboons away, but hunger and sheer nerve always bring them back. Baboons are now a common sighting in the sprawling city, seen trawling through waste bins, loitering at rubbish dumps, stealing from shops and markets and prowling around picnic sites. | The baboon sat and waited patiently for an easy target leaving a farmers' market in Cape Town, South Africa .
He then made his move, and boldly strode up to a shopper and robbed her in broad daylight of her rhubarb .
Unimpressed with his haul, he then went back a second time, this time stealing an avocado .
The protected species is a growing problem for Cape Town citizens, some even raid their homes .
There are now 500 baboons living in the city and their food gathering tactics are getting more daring . |
fcce526a392c6ce38a12538668b232d9c211ecf6 | (CNN) -- Mohamed Morsy considers himself still to be Egypt's leader, despite his ouster more than four months ago in a military coup, he said in a statement read by an attorney Wednesday. "I am still the legitimate president of the Egyptian republic," Morsy said, according to the statement read by a lawyer who was part of a team of Muslim Brotherhood attorneys who visited with him in prison. Morsy, 62, called his ouster "a high treason." Opinion: Egypt and the death of liberalism . In the statement, which was read by Mohamed Al-Domati, Morsy said that he was kidnapped on July 2 by the Republican Guard and taken three days later to a naval base, where he and his aides have been held for the past four months. After a court hearing on November 4, he was then taken to the heavily guarded Borg Al-Arab Prison in Alexandria. The nation's first democratically elected president added that he had yet to meet with any representatives of the armed forces or of the Egyptian media. Morsy said no one has visited him except for EU Foreign Affairs Representative Catherine Ashton, a delegation of the World Elders Organization and four investigators, "whose questions I refused to answer because their interrogation is a violation of the constitution." Opinion: How to rescue the Arab Spring . In an apparent reference to mobile phone video of him speaking to unidentified persons that was leaked to the Egyptian media, he said, "Everything that was attributed to me is baseless." Morsy faces charges of incitement to murder, which are connected to protests against his rule last December and could result in the death penalty. Egypt's state-run news agency Ahram Online said Tuesday that the five-member delegation included his son, Osama, and that they urged Morsy to name a defense lawyer. But in the first trial session last week, Morsy refused to recognize the court. Under Egyptian law, criminal courts appoint a lawyer if a defendant refuses to engage one. Defendants are not allowed to represent themselves. The hearing, which was the first public sighting of the ousted president since his overthrow, was adjourned to January 8. Lawyers plan to challenge the court's jurisdiction on the grounds that the country's president shall not be tried without the consent of parliament, El-Damaty said, according to Ahram Online. CNN's Saad Abedine, Schams Elwazer and Hamdi Alkhshali contributed to this report . | "I am still the legitimate president," statement says .
Morsy calls his ouster "a high treason"
He had been held incommunicado for months . |
fccee86e687cdc5b4ce5f6a5bd49c630a975c85c | (MNN.com) -- I don't know if I've watched too many scary movies lately, but I've been pondering natural burial alternatives for dearly departed pets. I know eco-sensitive burial methods are increasingly popular with humans, but I wasn't sure about pets, so I checked it out. Ecologically sensitive burial methods have risen in popularity as of late, thanks much in part to the shaky economic climate. For budget-conscious families and green-minded mourners alike, cremation has emerged as an especially attractive alternative to old-fashioned burials that cost an arm and leg and are extremely resource intensive -- those resources being toxic embalming chemicals like formaldehyde, and concrete, steel and timber. Then, of course, there's the land itself and the copious amount of water and landscaping chemicals needed to keep the carefully manicured plot where your great Aunt Enid is interred looking its best. Although cremation, in the end, is greener than traditional $4,000 metal casket-in-the-ground burials, it isn't without environmental minuses, specifically in terms of energy use and emissions. When it comes to sending a pet off into the great beyond, the options -- and their eco-drawbacks -- are similar: burial in a pet cemetery -- or zoological necropolis, if you will -- or more commonly, cremation. There's also the bury-in-the-yard option, although you may want to check in with any local ordinances that may prohibit this if you plan on interring anything larger than a hamster, canary or goldfish. MNN: Former Marine wins fight to adopt retired bomb-sniffing dog . If you go this route, you should also probably not plan on moving anytime in the near future. And then there's freeze-dried taxidermy for those who really can't stand the thought of parting with their furry companion. There is a natural pet burial movement, although it's a relatively small one. Founded in 2010 by Eric Greene, the Green Pet-Burial Society is a nonprofit organization that offers "support for a gentle return" and seems to be the go-to resource for those curious about pet burials where eco-friendly/biodegradable containers, shrouds and unadorned pine boxes placed in natural settings are favored over plastic boxes and immaculately landscaped pet cemeteries. The Green Pet-Burial Society works in cooperation with the Green Burial Council in certifying eco-friendly pet cemeteries and maintains a list of participating providers including green cemeteries like Dust to Dust in Swansea, South Carolina., and the Glendale Memorial Nature Preserve in Glendale, Florida., that allow pet remains to be buried in family plots. Some pet cemeteries, such as Pennsylvania's Keystone Pet Cemetery, offer "Bio Cremation," a process that uses alkaline hydrolysis instead of fire and boasts a dramatically reduced carbon footprint: It cuts natural gas usage by 90%, electricity usage by 66%, and CO2 emissions by 90%. So there you have it -- the small but growing green pet burial movement. Not to be a Donald Downer, but if you have the chance, I'd also check out this story about pet estate planning (yes, estate planning ... there's quite a few wealthy animal heirs out there) and grieving. In the meantime, enjoy frolicking with your pets while you can. © Copyright 2011 Mother Nature Network . | Ecologically sensitive burial methods have risen in popularity .
For a bury-in-the-yard option, you may want to check in with your local ordinances .
'Bio Cremation' uses alkaline hydrolysis instead of fire and leaves a lighter carbon footprint . |
fccf0d40350c6366f56569acc6e9ac40a383556d | Footballer Wayne Rooney’s done it, so has actor James Nesbitt. They’ve both had hair transplants – and they have been so open about their procedures that it is now seen as a relatively easy fix for men with receding or thinning hair. It’s a topic that seems to be firmly in the ‘men’s health’ camp – but it is also an option for women and can change their lives in just the same way. According to cosmetic surgery group Transform, women make up a third of hair transplant patients, and there was a 41 per cent rise in inquiries between 2012 and 2013. Scroll down for video . Confidence restored: Mother-of-two Ellie Kidd, 32, was thinning before she had her hair transplant procedure . One of the growing number who have turned to hair transplant technology is Ellie Kidd, 38, who says the treatment has marked a new beginning for her. Ellie, a clerical assistant from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, had a hair transplant in March 2013. The divorcee who has two children, Lewis, 14, and Macey, 11, says: ‘I’ve always had fine hair but it got worse after I’d had Macey and in photographs I’d notice the top of my scalp. 'I’d avoid being in pictures but occasionally something from a party would pop up on Facebook and I’d cringe. Also opted for treatment: Actor James Nesbitt and model Calum Best have both had hair transplants in recent years . I’d comb my hair to try and disguise it but windy days were another big problem. Basically, I had zero confidence.’ Can curly hair turn straight? Jonathan Torch, founder of Toronto’s Curly Hair Institute, says: ‘Yes it can – and go back again. It’s often been observed. But we don’t know why this happens. Curly hair is the result of a flatter hair follicle. Those with straight hair have a rounder follicle. Some say the hormonal changes that often happen during puberty or the menopause affect the muscles at the base of every hair follicle and are responsible for changing its shape, but this has never been proven.’ When she was 32, Ellie’s GP diagnosed her with a deficiency of Vitamin B – essential for healthy hair – and Ellie was given injections of it every 12 weeks. But they were too late to prevent further loss. After her GP told her that the most the NHS could do was provide a wig, she sought help privately. With help from her parents, she paid for £5,700 transplant surgery herself at a Ziering Hair Restoration Clinic. And she says: ‘It’s one of the best decisions I ever made.’ Ellie hopes that her story will encourage other women who have had transplants to tell theirs, to highlight that it is a suitable treatment. Transplant surgeon Bessam Farjo says: ‘Women and hair loss is still a taboo subject - and we still need to do a lot more to let ladies know surgery can help them in the same way it does men.’ Footballer Wayne Rooney has also had more than one hair transplant procedure . A hair transplant is done under local anaesthetic and involves moving hair roots – usually from the back of the scalp – to the area where there is hair loss. The roots then ‘bed in’ to this new area and within three to four months they start growing normally. There may be some truth in the old wives’ tale that eating a cube of jelly every day helps hair grow. Gelatin is usually derived from animal products, and contains keratin, a protein that makes up 90 per cent of your hair, giving it strength and elasticity. Studies have shown that consuming high doses of gelatin, keratin and Vitamin A can boost hair density in people with hair loss. Many hair supplements contain these. Also found in gelatin is the protein collagen, which gives the skin its firmness. YES PLEASE . Napura T1 Purify Pre Hair Health Treatment . An anti-ageing product bringing the high-tech laboratory wizardry once reserved for face creams to the scalp. It removes impurities and restores skin elasticity. 12 ampoules, £60, beautyprinsider.com . Until 20 years ago transplants were done with what is called a ‘plug’ or ‘punch’ technique, in which surgeons would take tiny circles of skin containing about 20 hairs from the donor site and reimplanting it in the area of thinning hair. ‘It didn’t look natural,’ says Dr Farjo. Ten years ago a system called Follicular Unit Extraction was introduced in which smaller, individual follicular units just 1mm in diameter are taken from the donor site and immediately implanted into the site of the thinning hair. Some surgeons, including Dr Farjo, now use a robot to help with this process, speeding it up. Dr Farjo estimates that an average female pattern hair loss patient would require six hours’ work for a transplant, costing £6,000. You do need to have enough hair to be able to transplant and if your hair is thin in the original site it will also be thin in the transplanted area. And in about five per cent of cases, the hair graft will not take hold. Ellie’s transplant took place in Bromsgrove, at a hair restoration clinic called Ziering. ‘I was excited rather than nervous,’ she says. Afterwards she was given painkillers and five days later she returned to work. At about two weeks, the surrounding hair at the top of her head fell out. This is a reasonably common side effect with the hair going into ‘shock’ after the rigours of the operation. ‘I lost around a third of my existing hair. It sounds dramatic but I’d been warned it could happen and wore hats,’ says Ellie. ‘It started to grow back after a couple of weeks.’ Four months later she had her shoulder-length bob cut into a flattering short style. ‘The transplanted hair was spiky at first but now blends in with the rest,’ she says. ‘You’d never know to look at it that I’d had surgery.’ | Ellie Kidd, from Worcestershire, avoided photos after noticing thinning hair .
Went to GP and tried Vitamin B injections but was too late to stop hair loss .
Mother-of-two, 32, decided to have £5,700 transplant surgery in 2013 .
She wants to encourage other women to opt for treatment and said: ‘It’s one of the best decisions I ever made’ |
fccfa6fde83da94ba397f64747e0059ff808c99a | (CNN) -- Discovery astronauts Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew are scheduled for a six-hour spacewalk outside the international space station Monday. The team prepared by holding a 14-hour "campout" in the station's Quest airlock. "The airlock's atmospheric pressure will be lowered to help purge nitrogen from Bowen and Drew's bloodstreams, protecting them from 'the bends' when they leave the airlock for the vacuum of space," a statement on NASA's website said. They will install a power extension cable, move a failed ammonia pump and perform other operations outside the shuttle during the spacewalk. Discovery started its 39th and final flight with a launch late Thursday afternoon from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Originally scheduled for November, the shuttle's launch had been delayed to make repairs to the external tank's support beams. Astronauts spent Sunday moving items brought up on Discovery over to the space station. On Tuesday, day six of the mission, astronauts will work to attach a permanent module -- known as Leonardo -- to the station. The module will be home for experiments in fluid physics, materials science, biology, biotechnology and other subjects. The Discovery crew is headed by Steve Lindsey. Bowen, a late addition, became the first astronaut to fly consecutive missions after he was assigned to take the place of Tim Kopra when Kopra was injured last month in a bicycle accident, according to NASA. Prior to Thursday's launch, Discovery had spent 352 days in orbit, circling the Earth 5,628 times. It has also carried 246 crew members, more than any space vehicle in history. "In a way, it's ... sad to see the last flight," astronaut Steven Swanson said Thursday. "It's such a wonderful vehicle." The last scheduled launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour is set for April 19. It will be commanded by Mark Kelly, the husband of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who is recovering from being shot last month in Tucson, Arizona. The last shuttle mission will be Atlantis, tentatively scheduled to launch during the summer. Discovery was the first space shuttle to dock with a space station of any kind when it met up on June 4, 1998, with Russia's now defunct Mir space station. The craft also was the first to hook up with the international space station, doing so on May 29, 1999, according to NASA. Saturday's event marked the 13th such docking for the Discovery. | Astronauts are preparing for a spacewalk with a 14-hour "campout"
A night in the space station's airlock will ready astronauts for the vacuum of space .
Discovery was the first space shuttle to dock with the space station in 1999 . |
fcd00e18135aa57900a0230ffeb1a00a499b5302 | London (CNN) -- New York and London remain the world's wealthiest spots -- but Asia and Latin America are catching up, a new report by Knight Frank shows. The bright lights of New York and London will lure the world's wealthy until at least 2023, the report shows, but Asia and Latin America will spawn the highest number of ultra-rich individuals over the next decade. According to The Wealth Report 2013, released March 6, the world's wealthy will grow by 50%. READ MORE: Asia's most innovative cities . The total number of super-rich -- defined as those with $30 million or more in assets -- grew by almost 5% in 2012 and another 95,000 individuals are set to break that barrier in the next 10 years, it said. Jakarta and Bali recorded the highest growth of luxury property across an index of 80 destinations. The principality of Monaco remains the most expensive location for prime real estate. A home on the French Riviera resort can cost up to $5,920 per square foot. Key Chinese cities such as Guangzhou and Shanghai have also seen a marked increase in property prices with Hong Kong real estate rising by 8.7% following an influx of wealth from mainland China. READ MORE: World rich list shows emerging Asian power . Liam Bailey, global head of residential research at Knight Frank noted "in the next decade we will see the biggest increase in ultra-wealthy individuals in cities such as Sao Paulo, Beijing, and Mumbai." He added: "Wealth creation has not been dented by the global economy slowing, nor has this affected the demand for prime property as the search for safe haven investments has continued." For much of the world's wealthy elite, classic cars are the most popular collectible asset with prices surging 395% over 10 years, beating other alternative investments such as fine wine and art. "Investments of passion" are also expected to attract the super-wealthy from emerging markets, particularly in China, as investors seek safer assets in an unsteady global economy, according to the Knight Frank's Luxury Investment index. | For the world's wealthy elite, classic cars are the most popular collectible asset with a 395% rise over 10 years .
The total number of super-rich -- defined as those with $30 million or more in assets -- grew by almost 5% in 2012 .
The Wealth Report by Knight Frank shows Jakarta and Bali recorded the highest growth of luxury property . |
fcd0392e2efe7749a07f0907bc58f8edfb2ee667 | By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 06:12 EST, 2 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:36 EST, 2 November 2012 . This is the horrific picture of a young boy in hospital after a giant firework only used in professional displays blew up in his face. The unnamed child, 10, and Dale Scott, 11, were playing with the 'Onion Bomb' in Salford, Greater Manchester when another youngster lit it and ran off. They both suffered serious burns to their faces and hands and ran home in terror to get help. The mother of the 10-year-old, who has not been named, released a picture of her son as a warning to others. An onion bomb firework like the one that blew up in the face of 11-year-old Dale Scott in Salford . Explosion: The unnamed 10-year-old (pictured) suffered 'horrific' facial injuries when an industrial firework blew up in his face . Dale's mother Vicky Stephenson, 43, from Prestwich has called for fireworks to be banned after rushing her son to hospital. 'Fireworks should be banned. They need to stop coming into the country because they are just so dangerous,' he said. 'Dale was outside a shop doing ‘penny for a guy’ with his mates when I went to the shops. Next thing I knew he was ringing me screaming saying a firework exploded and he’d burnt his face. 'He was hysterical with the pain and they put him on morphine when we got to the hospital. He’s lost his hair, eyebrows and eyelashes and got burns on his hands, his skin is peeling off.' Dangerous: An Onion Bomb (pictured) is not available for general sale and causes a huge explosion . Dangerous: Onion Bombs are used in large professional firework displays and are not sold to the public . A relative of the 10-year-old victim, who has not yet been named, said: 'He shouldn’t have been playing with them but young lads shouldn’t be able to get hold of the fireworks in the first place. We need to find out who’s been selling them and put a stop to it. 'He came running back home screaming and with these horrific burns to his face. Thankfully the doctors think he’s going to be okay but it’s been really traumatic for him.' Fire crews were called to Cumbrae Gardens at around midday yesterday. An investigation is now under way to find out how the children ended up with the ‘Onion Bomb’. Station manager Dave Hughes said: “We were told they were holding an industrial firework, another child lit it and it blew up in their face. 'An incident like this really brings home how dangerous fireworks are and it’s heartbreaking for all those involved. We need parents to know where their children are and make sure they are not playing with fireworks. There are many organised events taking place in Greater Manchester this weekend, please enjoy fireworks safely by going to one of them.' | The 10 and 11-year-old were caught in the explosion after another child lit it and ran off in Salford, Greater Manchester .
The mother of the 10-year-old, who has not been named, released a picture of her son in hospital as a warning to others . |
fcd0869e6c1bd8634953ed6bf7c8e7e52ebed097 | A gruesome image found on a mobile phone showing an embalmer laughing as he holds aloft a severed head was today at the centre of a police investigation. The sickening picture, which features a man named as David Amor smirking at the camera, was on a phone found in a ditch in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, by two young children over the weekend. It is one of three images on the phone that show the decapitated body, believed to have been hit by a train. The disturbing shot is understood to have been taken as 26-year-old Mr Amor worked in a mortuary to preserve the body of the dead man until his funeral could take place. Disturbing: David Amor smiles as he holds aloft the dead man's head in an image stored on a mobile phone that was later found by two children, aged 10 and 12 . Police yesterday launched an investigation into the shocking images. Chief Inspector Olly Wright, of Aylesbury Vale police, said: 'The incident is being treated seriously and while we carry out our initial investigation we feel it would be inappropriate to speculate as to the circumstances in which this photo was taken.' Officers were in the process of seizing the mobile phone so that they could examine the pictures further. A spokesman added: 'We are looking into this to establish whether any offence has taken place.' The phone was found by a brother and sister, aged 12 and 10, who gave it to their . father. He, in an attempt to identify the owner, removed the SIM card . and put it in his own computer. He said: 'It's like when you find a wallet, you look inside to see if there's anything to say who it belongs to. 'However, after finding that, I don't want to get in touch with this guy. It's a total lack of respect for the dead. 'That was probably someone's father, someone's son and someone's brother, it's unbelievable to think they could do that to someone.' The father-of-two, who asked not to be named, described how his children screamed and ran out of the room when the images appeared on his computer. Also on the phone were lists of Mr Amor's appointments and an electronic business card for his embalming business. Idyllic: The Vale of Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire, close to where the phone containing pictures of the decapitated head was found . He advertises his services at £50 pounds for . 'straight cases', and £60 pounds for 'PM' cases. Embalming is the . process by which bodies are preserved so they can be displayed at . the funeral. 'At first I wasn't sure if it was . real, until I started clicking through the rest of them,' said the father. 'It's really upset my daughter, she doesn't want to talk about it or go near the phone, she's really traumatised.' Mr Amor states on a social networking site that his place of work is Amor Embalming. He is understood to live with a cross-dresser, David Hill, in Aylesbury. When questioned at his home, Mr Hill refused to comment about the pictures. Wearing what looked like a blond wig and accompanied by another person who also looked like a man dressed as a . woman, he shouted: 'We don't want to make a comment. No comment. Go away or we are calling the police.' Neighbours last night described Mr Amor's actions with the severed head as 'vile.' 'Its disgusting,' said one man. 'They live here now and I hope it will be ''lived here'' soon.' A spokesman for the British Institute of Embalmers, who have no record of Mr Amor, described his behaviour as a 'shocking' and said the relatives of the dead man would be 'appalled'. Members of the BIE abide by a strict code of ethics that included treating every body with respect, they added. 'If it was one of our members, they'd be on a disciplinary, and thrown out of the institute'' said the spokesman. 'There's no legal requirement to register as an embalmer, and once somebody has done some sort of training they can work as an embalmer.' | Brother and sister aged 10 and 12 found phone with the pictures in a ditch .
David Amor named as embalmer holding aloft head of man believed to have been hit by a train . |
fcd088c9e2847602a3c9fe11c71f05d4f670a532 | With a Premier League weekend fast approaching, it is time for many fans to check out their new signings. These 10 players have yet to play in England, and will be keen to impress. But what can you expect from them? 1) Toby Alderweireld . CLUB: Southampton. AGE: 25. COST: On loan from Atletico Madrid. Central defender or right back. One of the most promising signings of the window, having also attracted Newcastle and Arsenal. Alderweireld is a versatile and technically gifted defender who has represented Belgium at every level from Under 15 up. He has 37 full caps and played at this summer’s World Cup. He has a point to prove after being deemed surplus to requirements after one season at Atletico, where he had a limited role in their La Liga success. He is a graduate of the Ajax academy and played in the fixture against PSV Eindhoven in November 2010 when Luis Suarez first bit an opponent. Toby Alderweireld was signed by Southampton on a season loan and will be keen to impress this season . The Belgian defender excelled in the World Cup and is a regular for his national team at the back . 2) Benjamin Stambouli . CLUB: Tottenham. AGE: 24. COST: £4.7m from Montpellier. Defensive midfielder. Stambouli was behind Morgan Schneiderlin on Tottenham’s wishlist but he fits the bill for Mauricio Pochettino. He is a hard worker with an astute tactical brain who is tailor-made for the manager’s high-intensity game. Swansea were interested but Montpellier manager Rolland Courbis told them they weren’t good enough. ‘I don’t think Swansea are the Montpellier of England. When Swansea’s interest came to my ears, I almost laughed. I did a nervous giggle,’ he said. Stambouli’s father, Henri, managed Marseille in the Nineties, while his grandfather Gerard Banide was in charge of Monaco. Benjamin Stambouli was somewhat of a surprise buy for Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino . Stambouli's father said he almost giggled when he heard of Swansea's interest in the former Montpellier man . 3) Radamel Falcao . CLUB: Manchester United. AGE: 28. COST: £6m loan fee from Monaco. Striker. A huge talent who must answer some huge questions. Is he committed to United, having tweeted shortly before his move that he was off to Real Madrid? Is he the same player after major surgery on torn cruciate ligaments in his left knee last season? Can he thrive amid the pressure of a genuinely elite club? United can only hope that the Colombian answers the questions with more of the incredible numbers that have shaped his career: 200 goals in 305 club games, with a further 20 in 51 for his country. On form, he’s a wonderful striker. Radamel Falcao poses with the Manchester United shirt and assistant manager Ryan Giggs . The pressure is on the Colombian striker to succeed after his loan move from Monaco . 4) Abel Hernandez . CLUB: Hull. AGE: 24. COST: £9.5m from Palermo. Striker. It’s a big signing for Hull, who hope the Uruguay striker’s pace will work well in conjunction with targetman Nikica Jelavic. Apart from the large fee, this signing is a gamble. Hernandez moved to Italy as an 18-year-old but didn’t score more than seven league goals in any of his five seasons in Serie A, culminating in Palermo’s relegation in 2013. He proved to be hugely important as they won Serie B last season, scoring 14 goals, and was also part of the Uruguay squad at the World Cup. Abel Hernandez's signature by Hull is somewhat of a gamble but he impressed for Palermo last season . The young striker is also in and around the Uruguay national set up . 5) Daley Blind . CLUB: Manchester United. AGE: 24. COST: £14m from Ajax. Left back, defensive midfielder. He is familiar to Louis van Gaal, having been part of the Holland World Cup squad. Blind is said to covet a midfield role at Old Trafford and has been compared to Philipp Lahm. The son of former Ajax and Holland defender Danny, Daley won the title with Ajax four seasons in a row and is the 2014 Dutch Footballer of the Year. It will be fascinating to see how he copes away from Ajax, where he signed aged 10, and their manager Frank de Boer, who nurtured him. Utility man Daley Blind was signed by Manchester United from Ajax for a fee of £14m . The Dutch international is the sun of former legend Danny Blind and could make his debut this weekend . 6) Marcos Rojo . CLUB: Manchester United. AGE: 24. COST: £16m from Sporting Lisbon. Centre back, left back, left wing. Skilful and fiery, Rojo excelled at the World Cup for Argentina, for whom he has 28 caps. He is a player who needs to be controlled, as demonstrated by his record at Sporting Lisbon — in two seasons he was booked 17 times and sent off on five occasions. He is covered in tattoos and married to lingerie model Eugenia. He seems to have an aversion to using his right foot so watch out for his ‘Rabona’ kick. Marcos Rojo has more tattoos than he does Premier League appearances for Manchester United . The former Sporting Lisbon defender was brought in after an impressive World Cup with Argentina . 7) Sadio Mane . CLUB: Southampton. AGE: 22. COST: £10m from Red Bull Salzburg. Left wing, forward. His big-money move might have largely stayed under the radar but Mane has been monitored by leading clubs for some time. Southampton need his goals and Mane has an impressive record, scoring 45 in 87 games for Salzburg. The Senegal striker is quick and likes to run at defenders. Sadio Mane is a gamble from Ronald Koeman but his scoring record suggests it could pay off at Southampton . 8) Eduardo Vargas . CLUB: QPR. AGE: 24. COST: On loan from Napoli. Forward, winger. It’s been a strange few years for Vargas. In 2011, his agent Diego Cativa said: ‘We’re talking to clubs like AC Milan, Inter, Liverpool, Arsenal and others.’ Barcelona and Chelsea were also reported to be interested. But it all went cold after he joined Napoli for £11.5m in 2012 and more than two years on he has not scored a league goal for the club in 19 games. He has been loaned out to Gremio (nine goals in 37 games) and Valencia (five in 25). Now it’s QPR’s turn. Eduardo Vargas is somewhat of a journey man and QPR are the latest side to bring him in on loan from Napoli . Vargas is a regular striking partner for Alexis Sanchez with Chile and played at the World Cup . 9) Ricky Alvarez . CLUB: Sunderland. AGE: 26. COST: On loan from Inter Milan. Attacking midfielder. Gus Poyet’s side struggled to create chances last season and have gone some way to fixing that with Alvarez. They have an option to sign him permanently next summer. He is a fine player: good enough to play more than 100 games for Inter and to represent Argentina at the World Cup, albeit as a substitute limited to 30 minutes’ playing time. He scored four goals in Serie A last season and got eight assists, which makes his arrival on loan something of a coup. Ricky Alvarez had a sign season with Inter Milan last season and could be seen as a coup by Sunderland . 10) Esteban Cambiasso . CLUB: Leicester City. AGE: 34. COST: Free. Central midfielder. Cambiasso has done quite well for himself with five Serie A titles, four Italian Cups, four Italian Super Cups, one La Liga, one UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and the Champions League. Even Jose Mourinho raved about him. He was released by Inter Milan in the summer after 10 excellent years and will spend the season attempting to marshal Leicester’s midfield as they bid to stay up. Nicknamed for years ‘El Cuchu’ — ‘The Old Man’ — he will bring masses of top-level experience to a squad who desperately need it. Esteban Cambiasso is entering the twilight of his career but Leicester have taken a punt on the midfielder . The 34-year-old was an unused substitute in the club's 1-1 draw against Arsenal in their last fixture . | Toby Alderweireld signed for Southampton on loan from Atletico Madrid .
Abel Hernandez a risk for Hull but could shine after move from Palermo .
Manchester United count on Radamel Falcao, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind .
Eduardo Vargas signed on loan by QPR after several temporary moves .
Ricky Alvarez and Esteban Cambiasso sign for Sunderland and Leicester . |
fcd0a74bc10b61c00dd4d1b9f577af102b6d5dbc | SAS troops with sniper rifles and heavy machine guns have killed hundreds of Islamic State extremists in a series of deadly quad-bike ambushes inside Iraq, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Defence sources indicated last night that soldiers from the elite fighting unit have eliminated ‘up to eight terrorists per day’ in the daring raids, carried out during the past four weeks. Until now, it had been acknowledged only that the SAS was operating in a reconnaissance role in Iraq and was not involved in combat. But The Mail on Sunday has learned that small groups of soldiers are being dropped into IS territory in RAF Chinook helicopters – to take on the enemy. Scroll down for video . DRONES PATROL IRAQ TO SEEK OUT TARGETS: Drone operators study footage of the terrorists’ positions which are then relayed to SAS commanders at their secret base so they can plan missions . Targets are identified by drones operated either from an SAS base or by the soldiers themselves on the ground, who use smaller devices. The troops are also equipped with quad bikes – four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles that can have machine guns bolted on to a frame. They then seek out IS units and attack the terrorists using the element of surprise and under the cover of darkness. The missions have taken place on a near daily basis in the past four weeks and the SAS soldiers have expended so much ammunition that regimental quartermasters have been forced to order a full replenishment of stocks of machine-gun rounds and sniper bullets. An SAS source said: ‘Our tactics are putting the fear of God into IS as they don’t know where we’re going to strike next and there’s frankly nothing they can do to stop us. SAS SNIPER UNITS SCRAMBLED IN CHINOOKS: The heavily equipped troops are flown deep into IS territory aboard RAF transport helicopters, their quad bikes stowed on board, before touching down 50 miles from their target . ‘We’re degrading their morale. They can run and hide if they see planes in the sky but they can’t see or hear us. Using so many snipers takes the fear factor to another level too; the terrorists don’t know what’s happening. They just see their colleagues lying dead in the sand.’ The SAS’s guerrilla-style raids are targeting IS’s main supply routes across western Iraq and vehicle checkpoints set up by the terrorists to conduct kidnappings and extort money from local drivers. The operations start with SAS commanders studying hours of footage of potential target sites recorded by drones – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – and listening to enemy communication intercepts in a bid to identify IS leaders. Once the regiment’s senior officers have identified a target, the soldiers gather to receive their operational orders. They then leave their secret base and climb aboard a fleet of helicopters – with the quad bikes already safely secured in the cargo hold. As the SAS soldiers strap themselves into their seats, the pilots tap in the co-ordinates for the area of desert where the Chinook will land. As the helicopters’ engines are so loud, the Chinooks take the SAS soldiers to a laying-up point as far as 50 miles from the target. The troops disembark aboard the quad bikes and prepare their general- purpose machine guns (GPMGs) and Barrett sniper rifles. IS PICKED OFF IN GUERILLA-STYLE RAIDS: Using precision sniper rifles, machine guns and surprise tactics, the SAS take out their IS targets before disappearing back into the desert . The SAS’s raids are intended to degrade Islamic State’s fighting capability ahead of a spring offensive by 20,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops next year, with the UK providing additional training for these soldiers. In the next fortnight, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is expected to receive a report from British military planners setting out what needs to be done. The plans could see up to 300 UK trainers leading a programme of intensive training for the Kurds and Iraqis, with an emphasis on infantry drills and techniques to defuse enemy explosive devices. When the spring offensive starts, British trainers may remain with the Iraqi and Kurdish units but are not expected to get directly involved in the fighting. Earlier this month, Mr Fallon held meetings with political leaders in the region, assuring them that the UK was committed to defeating IS and improving the training of their soldiers. The Defence Secretary also visited Kuwait, where it is expected that US and British commanders will set up a spring offensive planning centre. The mission to defeat the 200,000-strong IS forces will be led by a senior US officer, Lieutenant General James Terry. It is likely that his second in command will be a senior British officer, Lieutenant General Tom Beckett. Next month Lieut Gen Beckett will take over as Defence Senior Adviser for the Middle East (DSAME), a post vacated by Lieutenant General Simon Mayall, who is retiring after four years in the role. Defence sources indicated last night that soldiers from the elite fighting unit have eliminated ‘up to eight terrorists per day’ in the daring raids, carried out during the past four weeks . But Middle East experts are questioning whether the UK’s strategy to defeat IS stands any chance of success. Professor Gareth Stansfield from Exeter University told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Not only is the Islamic State stronger than previous organisations, it has also learned lessons from them. ‘For example, IS has few fixed operational centres and its chain of command remains mobile. British policy options at this stage are burdened with problems and complications and also bring with them a range of unintended consequences that could draw Western powers into further engagements in the region. ‘With regard to the spring offensive, the Kurds would not be able to push further south into Iraq without upsetting the Sunni tribesmen in these areas and the Iraqi army is regarded as a Shia militia. So we are a long way off a practical solution to the problem of IS.’ The Mail on Sunday has learned that since IS began its campaign in Syria and Iraq, more than 35 British jihadists have lost their lives. It is believed the most recent UK citizens to die fighting for the extremists – known as Abu Abdullah al-Habashi, 21, and Abu Dharda, 20 – were from London. They are understood to have been killed in US air strikes on the Syrian border town of Kobane. Al-Habashi grew up in North London in a British-Eritrean family and converted to Islam when he was 16. In August, al-Habashi told the BBC he had gone to Syria nine months earlier and had been fighting both there and in Iraq. Al-Habashi is thought to have appeared in at least two IS videos posted online. Dharda comes from a British-Somali background and grew up in West London. He travelled to Syria in December 2013, entering via Turkey. It is believed that Dharda was questioned by counter-terrorism police at a British airport as he left but was allowed on his journey because they were satisfied with the explanation he gave for the purpose of his trip. Intelligence sources have indicated that more than 500 Britons are currently fighting for IS, with the vast majority active in Syria. Yesterday, the widow of murdered British aid worker Alan Henning told a memorial service he was killed ‘for being what we should be, selfless and caring’. A video showing the beheading of the 47-year-old taxi driver was released by IS last month. A private memorial service at Eccles parish church in Greater Manchester was held yesterday, with audio relayed outside. His widow Barbara and daughter Lucy walked in with Bethany and Michael Haines, the daughter and brother of David Haines from Scone, Scotland, also murdered by IS. Mrs Henning told the memorial: ‘We must never forget the reason why he went to Syria and the reason he was taken from us – for being what we all should be, selfless and caring.’ Meanwhile, IS militants have killed at least 25 members of a Sunni Muslim tribe in a village on the eastern edge of Ramadi in Iraq, in apparent revenge for tribal opposition to the radical Islamists. Local officials said the bodies of the men from the Albu Fahd tribe were discovered by the Iraqi army when it launched a counter-offensive on Saturday against IS near Ramadi, capital of Anbar province. 'Red Cap tragedy' General set to lead offensive . NEW MAN: Lieut General Tom Beckett . A former Parachute Regiment officer who was in charge of six Red Caps brutally killed by a mob of extremists in Iraq is in line to become the second in command of coalition operations against IS. Lieutenant General Tom Beckett has been appointed Defence Senior Adviser for the Middle East (DSAME) and will take up his position as the UK steps up its efforts to train Iraqi and Kurdish forces to defeat Islamic State. Softly spoken Lieut Gen Beckett first deployed to Iraq in 2003, when the tragedy of the Red Caps marked the beginning of an insurgency against the British presence in the country’s southern provinces. At the time, the Red Caps, or Royal Military Policemen, were attached to the Parachute Regiment’s 1st Battalion led by Beckett. Eleven years on, families of the Red Caps still blame senior officers for their deaths. Lieut Gen Beckett is taking over as DSAME following the retirement of Lieutenant General Simon Mayall – an officer who was considered the British Army’s leading expert on Arab affairs. Lieut Gen Mayall served as DSAME for four years but his retirement comes only three months after the Prime Minister also appointed him to serve as his special envoy to Kurdistan – a key role during the IS crisis. Last night, Middle East expert Professor Gareth Stansfield described Lieut Gen Mayall’s retirement as a ‘blow’ because of his understanding of regional politics and jihad philosophy. | Targets are identified by drones operated by SAS soldiers .
Who are then dropped into IS territory by helicopter to stage attacks .
The surprise ambushes are said to be 'putting the fear of God into IS'
The raids are attacking IS's main supply routes across western Iraq . |
fcd1182697dd171968c206bf242a51e0948ee62d | By . Sara Malm . UPDATED: . 09:06 EST, 12 October 2012 . Mugshot: Manchester golfer Rachel Connor escapes jail over her DUI after her guilty plea . British golfer Rachel Connor has escaped jail in the U.S. after she agreed to a plea bargain for a DUI-charge, a Florida court representative said today. The 21-year-old was arrested in March when she was pulled over by police and breathalysed at almost double the legal limit. Ms Connor was returning from a golf event and was busted for drink-driving with married former NFL star Eddie George in the passenger seat. The Manchester-born pro, who competed on the secondary LPGA Futures Tour in 2011, was pulled over near Sarasota, 60 miles south of Tampa. Her passenger, 38-year-old American footballer George, was not arrested, but was forced to release a statement denying allegations of cheating, saying Miss Connor was just a friend who had offered him a lift home, TMZ reports. Before her arrest the pair had been taking part in the Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic at The Concession in east Manatee County. During the evening, Connor tweeted a picture of her posing with George at an event, captioned: 'The lovely Eddie George.' A police report said officers began following the car after they spotted it travelling at 40mph in a 20mph area. The deputy officer wrote that the car then began to weave in the lane and he pulled the vehicle over. The Herald Tribune said the deputy 'smelled a very strong odor of alcoholic beverage' when he approached the vehicle. Miss Connor reportedly failed walking and counting tests and her blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit. She told police she had only consumed two vodka and cranberries during the evening but wished she had not gotten behind the wheel of her car. Before the bust: Rachel Connor posted this picture of her and NFL star Eddie George on her Twitter account hours before she was arrested for driving intoxicated . Rachel Connor has agreed to plea . guilty to driving under the influence, and will instead be sentenced to . 12 months’ probation and 50 hours of community service as a result of . the bargain with Sarasota County’s State Attorney’s office . It is expected that the court will also suspend her driver’s licence for 6 months and have her car impounded for 10 days. Speaking to TMZ, she said: ‘I made a mistake, one that I will regret for a long time to come and I don't wish to hide from it.’ ‘I am extremely sorry for letting [my young fans] down and I promise to lead by better example now and in the future.’ | Rachel Connor, 21, was almost twice the legal limit at her arrested in March .
She admitted to having had two vodka and cranberry at a golf event before getting behind the wheel .
With her in the car was former American football star Eddie George . |
fcd14fc38edcab0e269a1bda42ad0aa0d73f8fa7 | Celtic face yet another UEFA disciplinary hearing after travelling supporters lit flares during Thursday night’s Europa League exit to Inter Milan. Fined £7,300 by UEFA for fireworks in their last away game in Zagreb, the Parkhead club appealed to supporters to behave after an eighth UEFA fine in as many years. Public appeals by coach Ronny Deila for self policing were ignored, however, when pyrotechnics were clearly evident in the top tier of the San Siro during the 49th minute of the 1-0 defeat. A flare is lit in the Celtic end during the Europa League clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro . Celtic players look dejected after conceding a late goal at the San Siro on Thursday night . ‘That’s very disappointing,’ said Deila afterwards. ‘We have to get rid of this, it’s nothing to do with football. The fans were unbelievable today but, again, they have to behave in the right way.’ In contrast with the authorities in Scotland, UEFA operate a strict liability policy, which punishes clubs for the actions of their supporters. Celtic reacted to their latest fine this week by releasing a statement urging supporters to stop damaging the club’s reputation in Europe. Celtic were fined £7,300 for fireworks at their last European away game in Zagreb in December . | Celtic face another UEFA hearing after their fans lit flares in Milan .
The club were fined £7,300 by UEFA for fireworks in Zagreb in December .
Celtic lost 1-0 (4-3 on aggregate) to Inter Milan in the Europa League last 32 . |
fcd311b0cc420f7d804734e42616a8da96457076 | (CNN) -- South Korea's Red Cross has offered $8.4 million in flood aid to North Korea, the Yonhap news agency said Tuesday. The aid includes medical kits, food and emergency supplies, South Korea Unification Ministry spokesman Chun Hae-sung told reporters. The Red Cross is Seoul's main channel for humanitarian aid to North Korea. The communist nation has not replied to the offer, Chun was quoted as saying. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies blamed a flash flood for displacing more than 23,000 people in a North Korean province bordering China. "The whole city of Sinuiju with its 350,000 residents is without piped drinking water at the moment because the main pumping station was inundated," said Henk Schipper, Red Cross water and sanitation delegate in North Korea. In August, nearly 260,000 people in northeastern China and North Korea fled their homes as heavy rains caused the Yalu River to overflow its banks, state news outlets in those countries reported Sunday. Tensions between North Korea and its southern neighbor have escalated since a May report from Seoul blamed North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship in March. The report, whose findings have been endorsed by the United States, alleged that a North Korean sub sank the ship, the Cheonan, with a torpedo, killing 46 sailors. North Korea denies it was responsible for the sinking. | The Red Cross is South Korea's channel for aid to North Korea .
The communist nation has not replied to the offer .
In August, heavy rains caused rivers to swell over . |
fcd334bf069e1391b83afaf1b5a2de7f0ab8eec2 | (CNN) -- Tiger Woods' former coach Butch Harmon has revealed his fears for the former world No. 1's future, after injury forced the American out of the opening round of the Players Championship at Sawgrass on Thursday. Harmon believes a huge question mark now looms over Woods' career after the 14-time major winner forfeited his round after playing just nine holes in a six-over-par total of 42, which included a triple-bogey at the par-four fourth. "I think his whole future is up in the air," Harmon told reporters. "Does it mean he needs more surgery? If he does who knows what is going to happen." Speaking to reporters after pulling out, Woods added: "I felt good this morning and fine during warm-up and then as I played, it got progressively worse. The knee acted up then the Achilles followed after that, then the calf started cramping up." The 35-year-old's career has been marred by four knee operations and the Players Championship was his first tournament since injuring his knee and Achilles heel during a difficult stroke on the 14th in the third round of The Masters in April. Woods was then forced to withdraw from the Wells Fargo Championship earlier in May and his latest injury has compounded worries for his career, which has not seen a victory in 18 months and a major title win in three years. Woods' withdrawal mirrors his showing at last year's Players Championship, where a neck injury brought an end to his bid on the seventh hole in the final round. He now has just over a month to get fit enough for the U.S. Open, but medical experts are doubtful that he will be able to recuperate in time for the required practice rounds ahead of the championship tournament at Bethesda on June 16-19. Meanwhile, England's Chris Wood mastered tricky conditions to open up a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Iberdrola Open in Majorca on Friday. The 23-year-old carded a five-under-par 65 to move to eight-under-par after 36 holes -- ahead of compatriot Matthew Nixon and Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, who both hit level 70s. Wood is eyeing his maiden European Tour victory after losing a playoff to British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen at the Africa Open in East London in January. Overnight leader Gregory Bourdy of France, who set a course record 63 on Thursday, slumped to a seven-over-par 77 to leave him on level par 140. | Coach Butch Harmon reveals fears for injured Tiger Woods, who pulls out at Sawgrass .
Woods forfeited Players Championship after a leg injury in the opening round .
Woods, who has had four knee operations, has not achieved a victory in 18 months .
Doctors are doubtful Woods will be fit enough to prepare for the U.S. Open in June . |
fcd38f54c6c0793cca846128cd611b2e27b96404 | (CNN) -- Qatar's government says it's investigating complaints that sprinklers and alarms weren't working during a fire at an upscale Doha shopping mall that killed 19 people, most of them children in a nursery. The fatalities at the Villaggio shopping mall included seven girls, six boys, four teachers, and two other adults, the Persian Gulf monarchy's interior ministry said Monday. Rescuers were unable to reach the nursery from the inside and had to break into it from the rooftop, Health Minister Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani told the state news agency QNA. The government has set up a committee to investigate "the causes and circumstances" of the blaze, QNA announced Monday night. The agency quoted Brig. Gen. Othman al-Duhaimi, the operations chief for Qatar's civil defense agency, as saying alarms went off in some shops, and that some of the pipes that carried water for the sprinklers may have been leaking -- and that those issues would be addressed in the investigation. Christine Wigton, an American living in Doha, told CNN she heard "a buzzer, not very loud" as she walked into the mall, but heard no loud alarms as smoke built up inside. Elementary school-age children were eating at some of the restaurants and no one was trying to escape, she said. "When I got a little bit closer, I realized the smoke was just increasing and people were still shopping. And the smoke kept getting heavier and heavier," Wigton said. She said she left when the smoke became "too much." "There were no sprinklers, and there was nothing that would tell somebody that something was wrong," she said. Built in 2006, the mall advertises itself as "the newest and the largest entertainment center in Doha." The Venice-themed complex features gondola rides down an indoor canal, an artificial sky, a 13-screen movie theater, a theme park, skating rink and a bowling alley. Qatar's interior minister, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, said the civil defense office reviews safety standards for commercial buildings before they grant a license. "The investigation will clarify all the circumstances of the incident and find out the shortcomings and question those who are responsible in order to tackle the matter in the future," he said in remarks carried by QNA. Along with the children and teachers, two would-be rescuers died in the blaze, Interior Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani said in a statement posted on the ministry's Facebook page. Another 17 people were injured, including four children, but most of them were firefighters, he said. Several of the dead were from Qatar's expatriate community. Four were Spanish nationals, a spokeswoman for Spain's Foreign Ministry said Monday. A three-year-old French child died in the blaze, France's foreign affairs ministry said. And New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said it was "likely" that three of the dead were triplets, estimated at between two and three years of age, from "a New Zealand family." Key said a consular official based in the Saudi capital Riyadh would soon go to Qatar "to support the family," while the children's grandparents were also heading there as well. "Obviously, there are some very serious questions that will need to be answered," said Key, who did not identify the children or their parents. "But at the moment, we're really just trying to wrap around all the support we can for a family that will be grieving." Al Thani said everyone was believed to have been accounted for late Monday. CNN's Al Goodman and Marilia Brocchetto contributed to this report. | NEW: A French child is among the dead .
New Zealand says triplets may have been among the dead .
Thirteen of the dead were children, the Interior Ministry says .
Spain says four of its nationals were among the dead . |
fcd43be2b492d2912c48e80dd1d6d73467410dc5 | New York (CNN) -- Tonalist won the 146th Belmont Stakes Saturday, denying the heavily favored California Chrome his chance to become the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years. Instead of a historic win by their favorite, the huge crowd at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, witnessed a dramatic finish in which Tonalist, ridden by Joel Rosario, overtook Commissioner in his last strides to win by a head. But the fact that none of the top three finishers had raced in both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, the two prerequisites to the Triple Crown, didn't sit well with California Chrome co-owner Steve Coburn. Coburn angrily told NBC Sports that the horse owners that had skipped either race before running the Belmont took "the coward's way out." Neither Tonalist nor Commissioner ran in the Derby or Preakness. Medal Count, the third-place finisher, didn't run in the Preakness. California Chrome appeared sluggish and finished in a dead heat for fourth with Wicked Strong in his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. In the 135 years the grueling series of races for 3-year-old thoroughbreds have all been contested, only 11 horses have won all three. A visibly upset Coburn said his horse "didn't have it in him." "I'll never see, and I'm 61 years old, another Triple Crown winner in my lifetime because of the way they do this," he said. "It's not fair to these horses that have been in the game since Day One. If you don't make enough points to get into the Kentucky Derby, you [shouldn't] run in the other two races. ... It's all or nothing because this is not fair to these horses that have been running their guts out for these people and for the people who believe in them. This is a coward's way out, in my opinion." Tonalist owner Robert Evans declined to comment on Coburn's remarks. Tonalist covered the mile and a half in 2:28.52 and returned $20.40 to win on a $2 bet. California Chrome's jockey Victor Espinoza described his horse moments after the race as "a little tired." "Turning for home I was just waiting to have the same kick like he always had before, and today he was a little bit flat down the lane," Espinoza said. "I think it was tough for him. He ran back-to-back races in different tracks -- and all those fresh horses." Rosario called his victory bittersweet. "I'm a little bit upset about California Chrome," he told NBC Sports. "If I was going to get beat, I wanted to just get beat by him." Belmont Park has been especially unkind to Triple Crown contenders in recent years. Big Brown, a prohibitive favorite in 2008, failed to finish the Belmont, and in 2012 I'll Have Another failed to start, scratched due to an injury. The daunting Triple Crown challenge squeezes three races into a five-week period, in an era when thoroughbreds normally run no more than once a month. Adding to the rigor is the course itself: Belmont is a quarter-mile longer than Churchill Downs, home of the Derby, and five-sixteenths longer than Pimlico Race Course, where the Preakness is run. California Chrome started in the second post position -- the same gate that Secretariat shot out from in 1973 on track to Triple Crown glory and racing immortality. Tonalist was among the horses considered to be California Chrome's biggest threats, along with Ride on Curlin and Commanding Curve. The Belmont Stakes prize is about $800,000 to the winner, but in the view of some in the thoroughbred racing community, there was much, much more riding on the outcome. The beleaguered racing industry, battered for decades by gambling competition and changing entertainment tastes, stood to benefit from a Triple Crown. "If California Chrome wins," Christopher Kay, CEO of the New York Racing Association, said prior to the race, "I think it will bring a whole new generation of fans to this great sport." It wasn't to be. The people who know the horse: California Chrome's biggest fans . California Chrome's jockey ready for another shot at Triple Crown . Matt Majendie and CNN's Richard Roth and Laura Dolan contributed to this report. | NEW: Tonalist passes Commissioner at finish; California Chrome finishes tied for 4th .
NEW: California Chrome co-owner angry that top finishers didn't run in Derby or Preakness .
NEW: "It's not fair to these horses that have been in the game since Day One," says Steve Coburn . |
fcd4a2a3babcb43c8ef9de205b751029e274d267 | How do you stop your biscuit breaking and mixing with your tea when you dunk it in your drink? Thanks to a new product that's a conundrum that might never trouble tea drinkers again. A cylindrical mesh pouch has gone on sale that dips into your cup and catches any stray biscuit, letting you enjoy your drink in peace even after subjecting it to a gruelling dunking session. Scroll down for video . A Watford-based entrepreneur has designed a teabag that catches crumbs. The £2 ($3.25) Cookie Catcher (shown) is a meshed pouch that is lowered into a beverage. When a biscuit is dunked inside it the bag catches any breakages. Using a string the drinker can then get the bag and the crumbs out of the tea . The device was designed by dad of two Andrew Tinsley from Watford, Hertfordshire. solved the age-old problem with a canny mesh pouch which is immersed inside a mug of tea. The drinker dips their biscuits in the mug like normal but the pouch collects any unwanted bits that might float off during the dunking process. And even if the biscuit becomes too soggy and breaks off altogether the gadget will guarantee drinkers are not left with a heap of biscuity sludge at the bottom of their cup. Dunkers know that insufficient biscuit submersion results in an unsatisfying experience; waiting too long causes the biscuit to break apart, leaving an unpleasant sludge in the bottom of the mug. But research, conducted by Dr Stuart Farrimond, suggests there is a science behind the dunk, with the humble Rich Tea biscuit named most robust biscuit for dunking. In addition vertical submersion is best, and the fat content of the biscuit and the temperature of the liquid are crucial in the success of your dunking ventures. The length of time a biscuit can be dunked is roughly proportional to the amount of fat and sugar in a biscuit. The sweeter and more buttery a biscuit, the faster it will break apart when dunking. Once the drinker has finished dunking they can lift the washable pouch out using an attached string and continue drinking the tea as normal. Mr Tinsley apparently dreamed up the design after watching family members dunking their biscuits for too long. He now hopes his product, called the Cookie Catcher, will become a staple in homes around Britain. The products are made of so nylon they can be washed out and re-used. Despite only launching the product two weeks ago Mr Tinsley has already sold more than 600 Cookie Catchers, which cost £2 ($3.25). 'The idea came to me when after a big lunch my family were all sat around drinking tea and tucking into a selection box of biscuits,' said Mr Tinsley. 'My brother had drunk a bit much at lunch and kept over-dunking his biscuits in his tea. Every time he left them in the tea too long and they would break off. The device was designed by dad of two Andrew Tinsley from Watford, Hertfordshire. solved the age-old problem with a canny mesh pouch which is immersed inside a mug of tea. The drinker dips their biscuits in the mug like normal but the pouch (left) collects any unwanted bits (right) that might float off during the process . Once the drinker has finished dunking they can lift the washable pouch out (left) using an attached string and continue drinking the tea as normal. Mr Tinsley apparently dreamed up the design after watching family members dunking their biscuits (right) for too long . Even if the biscuit becomes too soggy and breaks off altogether the gadget will guarantee drinkers are not left with a heap of biscuity sludge at the bottom of their cup. 'We all said that someone should invent a device that catches the crumbs and stops your tea being full of bits. 'It got me thinking. I've always been entrepreneurial so I took the idea away and came up with this little mesh sack that sits inside your tea cup and catches all the bits. 'When you're done dunking you whip it out of the mug using the attached string and you can enjoy the rest of your tea with no bits in. He adds that it can also be washed out and used over and over again as it is made from nylon. 'Anyone who has ever dunked a biscuit in tea will understand what this product is all about,' he continued. 'It's a British solution to a very British problem. 'We have only just launched and we've already sold about 600 Cookie Catchers, so they're obviously striking a chord with the tea drinkers of Britain.' Despite only launching the product two weeks ago Mr Tinsley has already sold more than 600 Cookie Catchers, which cost £2 ($3.25) This scenario shown, of a biscuit ruining a cup of tea, might never be a problem again . | Watford-based entrepreneur has designed a teabag that catches crumbs .
The £2 Cookie Catcher is a meshed pouch that is lowered into a beverage .
When a biscuit is dunked inside it the bag catches any breakages .
Using a string the drinker can then get the bag and the crumbs out of the tea without ruining their beverage .
The product is made from nylon so it can be washed and used repeatedly . |
fcd4a507e54ecc84f822d5b9f086c2da1bb734ab | Middle-class cheat: Caroline Foxley, 59, claimed over £20,000 in benefits despite having £200,000 in a Swiss bank and says she can not touch the money because the Mafia would come after her . A middle-class benefits cheat who claimed over £20,000 in benefits despite having £200,000 in a Swiss bank has said she can not touch the money because the Mafia would come after her. Caroline Foxley, 59, was convicted last month of claiming job seekers allowance, housing benefits and income support while her two children went to private schools. But despite having £200,000 deposited in Switzerland, Foxley claimed today that her dead ex-boyfriend had been mixed up with Italian criminals who controlled this money and she did not see it as her own. The mother of two’s assertion that the Mafia would try to kill her if she tried to get the money back came as she was due to be sentenced today. However, a judge was asked to adjourn the case and told Foxley had failed to help probation workers compile a pre-sentence report because of her ‘chaotic’ lifestyle. David Leathley, defending, described Foxley as ‘infuriating’ and told the court: 'She is an enigma, but more of an enigma is Dr Kurt Meyer, the late doctor who got himself arrested in Italy. 'She believes Dr Kurt Mayer was, inter alia, in trouble with the Mafia and/or the Mob and they have control of the money and she was too frightened to present that scenario at her trial. 'She tells me that if she tries to recover the money she is dead. She is adamant that she cannot touch the money because it is not hers. 'She tells me that the only money she can readily access here and now is £40 loaned to her by a friend. 'Had the proper authorities been able to see what the position was with that account in Zurich they might have come to the conclusion it was not her money at all to spend as she wished.' Mr Leathley said Foxley relied upon the goodwill and charity of friends to survive as she was effectively homeless. Scroll down for video . 'This infuriating woman is foxing everyone’s plan to better manage the case, manage the allegations, now convictions, not because she is brazenly cheeky, but because she is in a state of chaos,' he added. 'I have to say that in my humble opinion Caroline Foxley has a personality disorder. 'If I was ever able to publish my diaries this chapter would be entitled "The strange case of Caroline Foxley".' Schooling: Foxley's now adult children, Freddie and Miranda, attended schools including Cheltenham Ladies’ College (pictured), Malvern College and Bloxham School in Oxfordshire . 'Infuriating': Foxley's own defence lawyer told Gloucester Crown Court (pictured) that she was 'infuriating, and was 'foxing everyone’s plan to better manage the case' Foxley was convicted following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court of four charges of dishonestly failing to report a change in her circumstances affecting her entitlement to benefits and dishonestly making false representations to obtain benefits between March 2007 and March 2009. The three-day trial outlined how Foxley had received £306,000 from the sale of her Cotswold home in 2007, and put around two-thirds of it in an offshore account. She then dipped into the pot to pay school fees for her now adult children, Freddie and Miranda, who attended institutions including Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Malvern College and Bloxham School in Oxfordshire. Convicted: A jury took less than an hour to convict Foxley, who claimed the money from Cotswold District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions . She went on to claim income support and Jobseeker's Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions, as well as council tax and housing benefits from Cotswold District Council. Such allowances are available only to people with less than £16,000 in capital assets but she did not declare the house proceeds and said she only had £100 in a Lloyds TSB account. Foxley claimed although her name was on the property and the bank accounts she didn’t declare it to the authorities because she did not regard the proceeds as her own and felt it was in trust for her her children's father Dr Meyer, and the two offspring. She said the Dr Meyer, who died last year, stopped supporting her and the children in 2007 and left her riddled with debt - including unpaid school fees. Foxley, who was described during the trial as someone who was 'using the benefits system as their own pocket money to help finance an already wealthy lifestyle', said she never touched the money from the house sale as she did not know where it came from and only spent it on his instructions. A jury took less than an hour to convict the benefits cheat, who claimed the money from Cotswold District Council and the Department of Work and Pensions. Today the court heard that Foxley had lined up a £30,000 housekeeping job but that had fallen through because of her trial. 'At the senior age of 59 she is having to graft out a living,' Mr Leathley said. 'She is not living on champagne and caviar, she is a cleaner.' Alexander West, prosecuting, opposed the application to adjourn the sentencing hearing. He said: 'At trial this defendant was found to be dishonest. Explanations put forward today of Mafia involvement or the like should be viewed with that in mind. 'The myriad of excuses and delays of these trial proceedings have brought about significant costs, not only to the prosecution but the public purse.' Assistant Judge Advocate General Alistair McGrigor said the sentencing would be assisted by a probation report and he was reluctantly adjourning the case. 'Your counsel has put forward why I should not sentence you today and I have to say that I am persuaded but very reluctantly,' he said. 'If I felt you were pulling the wool over my eyes you would most certainly be going to prison today.' Foxley, of Shuthonger, Tewkesbury, will be sentenced on a date to be fixed. She was released on conditional bail. | Mother Caroline Foxley, 58, convicted of falsely claiming welfare benefits .
She claimed income support, Jobseekers, council tax and housing benefits .
Received state handouts despite having £308,000 in a Swiss bank account .
Her children Freddie and Miranda were also sent to top private schools .
Foxley says she did not touch Swiss money because the Mafia controlled it .
Claimed her dead ex-boyfriend Kurt Meyer was mixed up with criminals .
Defence barrister calls her 'infuriating' and says she has 'chaotic' lifestyle .
Sentencing was adjourned because she did not co-operate with probation . |
fcd4cd619a5c17cb055817c9ed93a1433597910d | A driver from Minnesota has been hailed a hero after using 'superhuman strength' to rip open the door of car that was on fire, saving the man inside. Bob Renning had been driving along the interstate in New Brighton on Sunday when he saw a SUV behind him burst into flames. When the 52-year-old rushed over to the vehicle, which was filling with smoke, he saw its driver Michael Johannes trapped inside. Dramatic: The door frame that Bob Renning bent to let the driver escape can be seen, circled, on the burnt out vehicle . Hero: When Bob Renning saw a car behind him on fire, he quickly rushed to the aid of the driver trapped inside . The fire had knocked out the SUV's electrics system, causing the windows and doors to lock. Renning said when he tried the door and looked inside the vehicle he could see Johannes frantically pounding on the window. Despite not being fit, Renning somehow managed to prise the door open by gripping the top of the frame and bracing his foot against it. The door bent in half and the window shattered, leaving enough space for Johannes to crawl to safety. State trooper Zachary Hill said Renning, who is in the Air National Guard, had used 'superhuman strength' in the rescue. 'I don't think I could take a crowbar and fold the door like he did,' Hill said. Blaze: The wreckage of Michael Johannes's SUV after it caught fire while he was driving along an interstate on Sunday evening . 'Superhuman': Emergency responders who attended the fire were shocked that Renning had been able to open the door . Live saver: Bob Renning, left, helped save Michael Johannes, right, who was trapped inside his SUV . Renning was also shocked by his own strength, and told the Star Tribune: 'I'm still not exactly sure how I did it.' He added: 'I’m just a slightly overweight Air Force First Sergeant, for crying out loud.' Johannes has also praised his rescuer, saying that just moments before he had been certain he was facing death. 'Thirty seconds later and I would have been done,' Johannes, who was treated for a cut to his head and smoke inhalation, said. | Bob Renning prised open door after spotting a SUV burst into flames .
Driver Michael Johannes thought he was going to die in smoke-filled vehicle after doors and windows jammed . |
fcd51cd7dbaf938e217e39deefb881064a82a7f2 | By . Victoria Woollaston . PUBLISHED: . 11:44 EST, 25 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:51 EST, 25 September 2013 . Air pollution is said to account for 2.1 million premature deaths worldwide, according to new research, and mortality rates can vary widely between certain countries. To highlight the risk, Nasa's Earth Observatory has used these numbers to create an air pollution map that shows, at a glance, how levels of a type of pollution called fine particulate matter differ across the globe. It compares data compiled on 1 January 1850 to levels recorded on 1 January 2000 and shows the average number of deaths per 1,000 square kilometres, per year. This map uses air pollution data gathered by the University of North Carolina. Dark brown areas have more premature deaths than light brown areas. The areas shown in blue represent countries where air quality has improved in relation to data previously held about pollution from the 1850s . Fine particulate matter is made up of particles, such as dust and soot, that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Because of this size, the particles are scientifically referred to as particulate matter 2.5, or PM2.5. They cause health problems because they are small enough to enter a person's lungs through the respiratory system. PM2.5 is released from car exhausts, for example, as well as other industrial, domestic and natural sources. The data was collected by researcher Jason West, an assistant professor of environmental sciences at the . University of North Carolina. In a study published in the journal Environmental . Research letters, West estimated that around 2.1 million deaths a year are linked to levels of fine particulate matter (FMP). Fine particulate matter is made up of particles, such as dust and soot, that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Because of this size, the particles are scientifically referred to as particulate matter 2.5, or PM2.5. They cause health problems because they are small enough to enter a person's lungs. PM2.5 is released from car exhausts, for example, as well as other industrial, domestic and natural sources. According to a blog post from Nasa's Earth Observatory: 'Dark brown areas have more premature deaths than light brown areas. Fine particulate matter is made up of particles, such as dust and soot, that are 2.5 micrometres or smalller; scientifically referred to as PM2.5. They're small enough to enter a person's lungs. PM2.5 is released from car exhausts, pictured, as well as other industrial, domestic and natural sources . 'Blue areas have experienced an improvement in air quality relative to 1850 and a decline in premature deaths.' 'Fine particulate matter takes an especially large toll in eastern China, northern India, and Europe - all areas where urbanisation has added considerable quantities of PM2.5 to the atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution.' It continued that areas, such as the southeastern states of the U.S., saw levels of PM2.5 drop to levels seen before the development of industry. 'The decrease in PM2.5 is likely related to a decline in local biomass burning that has occurred over the last 160 years,' explained the post. Nasa's Earth Observatory claims that toxic pollution can linger in the air for 'days or even weeks' and increases the number of people admitted to hospitals with breathing or heart problems. | Nasa used global pollution data compiled by North Carolina University .
Dark brown areas show where more people die prematurely from air pollution than light brown areas .
Blue areas are regions where pollution levels have improved since 1850 - such as the southern states of the U.S.
The most polluted area is shown over Asia, in particular China, but Eastern Europe also has high levels of damaging soot, dust and car fumes . |
fcd6216876d5bc33efd96728ff3e1d6e1515f181 | The annals of war are full of stories of lovelorn soldiers on the front line, dreaming wistfully of a girl back home. Evangeline Poteat was one such dream girl ... but rather than consuming the thoughts of a single soldier, she was desired by three. Now, a collection of 18 love letters sent to the 22-year-old factory worker from the trio of admirers during the Second World War are to go under the hammer. They reveal three men in love, each fighting on two fronts: on one for their country, and on another for her heart. Never met: Evangeline Poteat (right) ultimately chose Teal Davis (left), an air-crew chief stationed in Burma - even though they had never met . Under the hammer: A collection of 18 love letters sent to the 22-year-old factory worker from the trio of admirers during the Second World War are to go under the hammer . Love battle: They reveal three men in love, each fighting on two fronts - on one for their country, and on the other for her heart . Two of the men she knew, having dated them before the outbreak of war in her hometown of Bakersville, North Carolina. The third she had never met. What followed was a war of passion between the three men - though it is unclear if each knew of the others' intentions - fought on paper with pen and ink. 'I know that you think that I am crazy for asking you so many times,' one writes from Camp Cooke, an Army training center in California. 'Did you think the ring idea is OK with you, or is it? I love you.' Another, also based in California, remembers his high school days with Evangeline, gushing: 'We used to really have a swell time until Uncle Sam nabbed me.' But it was the third she ultimately chose, thanks to his 11 intimate letters that reveal a man in love - despite never having laid eyes on the object of his affections. His name was Teal Davis, an air-crew chief stationed in Burma. Competition: Two of the men she knew, having dated them before the outbreak of war in her hometown of Bakersville, North Carolina. The third she had never met (This is one of Teal's letters from Burma) Paper battlefield: What followed was a war of passion between the three men - though it is unclear if each knew of the others' intentions - fought on paper with pen and ink . His first dispatch begins with 'Hello, Van.' But as their communications become more intimate, that turns to 'Dearest' and he signs off with 'Always'. Enigmatically, the collection contains none of Evangeline's responses to any of the men, so the reader is left to imagine what she must have felt. But what is clear is each man's intentions: they all yearned for the war to end so they could return to marry their sweetheart. Seventy years on, the letters, revealed by The State newspaper, are being sold by Sally MacNamara Ivey, a collector of historical memorabilia from Portland, Oregon. She bought them from a Portland dealer for $35. How they ended up in Portland - so far from Evangeline's home - is a mystery. War hero: Teal was awarded the Soldier's Medal for bravery and heroism beyond the call of duty when he and three others rescued a crew member after an oxygen tank exploded, catching a plane on fire . Ivey auctioned the letters on eBay, under the heading 'Handwritten World War II love letters.' She said in the listing: 'I really wanted to see a photo of her after reading these letters, too, because she was quite the beauty according to the three soldiers who wrote to her.' She remembers being struck by 'how deeply in love' Evangeline and Teal were, despite having never met. She was introduced to Teal through his sister, a college friend of Evangeline at Appalachian State Teachers College where she was studying to be a teacher in 1943. Married: Teal, 25, and Evangeline, 23, married on April 21, 1946, in a candlelight wedding at Bakersville Baptist Church. She wore a white-lace gown with an amethyst-and-pearl necklace that belonged to her grandmother . But she didn't actually write to him until 1944, after she had postponed her education to join the war effort, making anti-aircraft shells for the Navy in a munitions factory in Charlotte. He wrote back on May 15, just three weeks before the Allied troops would storm Normandy in the D-Day invasion. Rather than discuss the dangers he faces in Burma, Teal instead writes about his love for the North Carolina mountains. 'A fellow never realizes how beautiful his own home country is until he gets halfway around the world from it. 'I was just thinking of the noises you can hear in those mountains early in the mornings and comparing them with here. Over here just walking to work (in knee-deep mud, of course) you hear wild chickens, parrots screeching, monkeys screaming and carrying on, and then comes the roar of airplane engines --- such a combination. ... 'I'll be looking forward to the day when I can meet you in person, but for now a letter will do. Be good, have fun this summer and write soon. 'Sincerely, Teal.' In his letters - some as long as seven pages - he writes about the monotony of breakfast - how they ate 'french toast, powdered eggs, french toast, powdered eggs'. He tells how he spent evenings watching movies, including The Wizard of Oz or wondering when he'd next hear back from her. Then, on December 2, 1944, seven months since their first correspondence, Teal sends two photographs of himself, and asks Evangeline the burning question. 'Home or church wedding?' he writes. 'Those big weddings are pretty and all, but a simple little home marriage seems more earnest and sincere. ... 'What I'm trying to say is that I only want to get married once and that's for keeps.' He continues: 'I'll never be content until I've met you and tried to make some daydreams come true. 'You know, I've quit trying to reason out why I should fall for someone I've never met - it just happened.' He often quotes song lyrics to describe how he feels when he opens her mail: 'I feel like a feather in the breeze' and 'It rains pennies from heaven.' He also impresses her with his sense of humour and penchant for word play. In one letter he describes his comrades' reactions to a movie, The Rainbow Road. Lifetime of happiness: They lived out their days enjoying the quiet life. Teal worked in the post office for more than 20 years, then for more than 25 years at the family's building supplies business . Emotional: Reading their father's letters was an emotional experience for the couple's two children, Larry Davis, 67, and Jane Simmons, 63, who had no idea they existed. They said reading his words as a young man in love with their mother, brought him back to life for a moment . 'You know the kind (of movie it is) - lots of girls in sarongs, but not so much sarong on the girls. The way the guys were ohing and ahing there wasn't anything sarong (so wrong) with the picture.' Teal was awarded the Soldier's Medal for bravery and heroism beyond the call of duty when he and three others rescued a crew member after an oxygen tank exploded, catching a plane on fire. By March 1945, it appears he received from her the news he had longed for. 'You asked if I minded you saying that you love me,' he writes. 'Hon, I'm just happy that you can say that.' Teal, 25, and Evangeline, 23, married on April 21, 1946, in a candlelight wedding at Bakersville Baptist Church. She wore a white-lace gown with an amethyst-and-pearl necklace that belonged to her grandmother. They had two children, Larry, born in 1947, and Jane, in 1951. They lived out their days enjoying the quiet life. Teal worked in the post office for more than 20 years, then for more than 25 years at the family's building supplies business. Evangeline brought up their children before returning to college to get her teaching certificate, then She was a teacher from 1963 until the mid-1980s. Teal died in 2001 of emphysema. 'Evangeline rarely left his side - only to get chemotherapy for her throat cancer, and for an occasional rest when her family demanded it, wrote The Slate. Evangeline suffered a stroke in February 2004. She died a year later. Their children, Larry Davis, 67, and Jane Simmons, 63, told The Slate of their surprise that the letters that brought their parents together during World War II still exist and had emerged on eBay. And they have no idea how they ended up in Portland. Nevertheless, reading their father's words as a young man in love with their mother, brought him back to life for a moment. 'I can hear him,' Larry said. 'But a lot of it is the way I never heard him.' | Evangeline Poteat was a factory worker during WWII from Bakersville .
She corresponded with three men - all of whom wanted to marry her .
Two she knew, having dated them before the outbreak of war .
One writes: 'I know that you think that I am crazy ... [but] I love you'
But she chose the one she didn't know, an Air Force crew chief in Burma .
He was Teal Davis and his letters track the evolution of their courtship .
He describes receiving her letters as like 'pennies falling from Heaven'
The 18 letters are being sold on auction site eBay by a collector in Oregon . |
fcd650a21ca9f7491354fcf8120ca6592c70f23d | Eastern Europeans who created a 'shanty town' beneath a church left a scene of destruction littered with discarded mattresses, electrical equipment and piles of rubbish after they were forced out by a High Court ruling. Four van loads of rubbish and broken furniture had to be removed from the site, next to Hounslow police station, after the rough sleepers were ordered to leave. Around 15 Eastern European migrants are believed to have made the area beneath Holy Trinity Church in Hounslow High Street their home, turning it into a type of 'shanty town.' They were ordered to leave after the private landowner went to the High Court to get an injunction, forcing them to move on. Eastern European migrants left a 'trail of devastation' after they were forced out of the shanty town they had created beneath a church . Once they left the area officials were confronted with piles of rubbish, glass bottles and discarded clothes across the floor. Towels and sheets were found hanging, separating areas that appeared to have been converted into bedrooms and were littered with clothes and shoes. In other areas pieces of cardboard littered the floor along with plastic bottles and pieces of wood. Dozens of items of furniture were also left behind, with living quarters seemingly set up around large fans and double beds. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told the Evening Standard: 'The commune presented health and fire risks, and locals were intimidated by the presence of the occupants, who were often intoxicated. Towels and sheets were strung beneath the church in Hounslow, where the 15 migrants appeared to have created their own commune . The rough sleepers were forced to leave the site by a High Court ruling, and left dozens of items of discarded furniture behind . Old and broken furniture, bottles and cans litter the floor beneath Holy Trinity Church in Hounslow following the migrants' eviction . Police and Hounslow Council had to use four vans to remove discarded rubbish and furniture from next to Hounslow Police Station . The group of 15 migrants had set up a commune or shanty town beneath the church in Hounslow, on land which is privately owned . 'Some occupants accounted for much of the anti-social behaviour and low-level crime in the Hounslow area. 'Police liaised with the council and High Court enforcement officers to carry out the eviction.' Officers said it had taken a while for the group to be removed because the owner of the land was private and had to obtain an order through the High Court to have the migrants removed. However once this was granted they moved in quickly to remove the group. Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council said the council was pleased that had been able to improve the quality of lives of residents by dealing with the situation 'humanely.' He said: 'The amount of rubbish council officers cleared away takes your breath away. It's a cost to the council taxpayers which could have been spent more usefully.' he scene will remind some London dwellers of subway in the exclusive Park Lane area of London. A gang of homeless Romanians have set up home in the subway and have been accused of turning the area into a slum. The group was previously moved on by police but returned to the area months later. | A group of 15 Eastern European rough sleepers set up a 'shanty town' beneath a church in Hounslow, London .
After a long legal process the migrants were ordered to leave the area under a ruling obtained in the High Court .
They left behind a 'trail of devastation', with piles of rubbish, ripped mattresses and pieces of discarded furniture .
Police said it had taken a long time to order men living in the commune to move because land is privately owned .
Four vans were needed to clear rubbish and discarded items left beneath Holy Trinity Church in Hounslow today .
Leader of Hounslow Council Steve Curran said the amount of rubbish cleared from site 'takes your breath away' |
fcd7d127e9219b90417a08fe0437696b5bc3bb04 | Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Seven insurgents were killed when a group of more than a dozen men launched an early morning attack on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, officials said. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Clarence Counts said that five service members were wounded in the attack and a building suffered minor damage. He said the attack included rockets, small arms and grenades. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told CNN that 20 armed men wearing suicide vests stormed the base around 4 a.m. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday ET), with four of them detonating explosives at the entrances to allow the other men to move in. Mujahid said that a "major firefight" took place inside the base. But Army Specialist Christina Dion, a spokeswoman who both lives an works on the base, told CNN that personnel were ordered to enter bunkers when the base came under attack and were allowed to return to their huts and tents about 90 minutes later. "We're always prepared to deal with attacks on our base," Counts said. "The response this morning was immediate." The fighting eventually tapered off about 7:30 a.m. local time, said NATO spokesman Lt. Col Todd Breasseale. Another Bagram spokeswoman, Maj. Virginia McCabe, could not say if flights into and out of the air base had been stopped and said that authorities are investigating how the incident started. "Established security procedures are in place," she said, adding that personnel with "mission-essential" responsibilities were continuing to work. Bagram is a heavily fortified base, its perimeter guarded by high fences and thick, concrete walls. Dion said she didn't believe anyone could have made their way into the main portion of the base. Taliban fighters have lobbed rockets into the base in previous attacks. CNN's Adam Levine and Paula Hancocks contributed to this report. | Five service members hurt, building damaged in attack using rockets, small arms, grenades .
Personnel ordered to bunkers for 90 minutes after airbase attacked, Army spokeswoman says .
Taliban spokesman says 20 armed men in suicide vests stormed base in "major firefight" |
fcd7dc78a581fe1ad3591ac99f31cd1d9f74b038 | By . Rebecca Camber . Shameless: Gary Dobson was convicted in 2012 of murdering Stephen Lawrence . Stephen Lawrence's shameless killer has bragged from behind bars that a public inquiry into the case will clear his name. Gary Dobson, 38, is attempting to use an official review into undercover policing ordered by the Home Secretary following revelations that police spied on the family of Stephen Lawrence, to claim that he has been 'fitted up' by corrupt detectives. In a series of bizarre rambling messages left on Facebook, the murderer currently serving life for the stabbing of the black teenager, mused that the development could be 'life changing' for him. The development comes as the detective suspected of acting corruptly during the initial botched murder inquiry emerged from his holiday hideaway yesterday for the first time since a damning report by barrister Mark Ellison, QC, suggested that he helped shield Stephen's killers. Ellison's review contained shocking allegations of police corruption, cover-up and evidence that an undercover police officer spied on the grieving parents of the 18-year-old aspiring architect, who was knifed to death by a group of up to six white youths in an racist attack in Eltham, South-East London, on April 22, 1993. The report did not challenge any of the forensic evidence which led to the conviction of Stephen's killers. Although it raised the prospect that undercover police operations may have led to wrongful convictions in other cases. But less than 24 hours after its publication, Gary Dobson instructed his sister Hayley to post this message: 'A message from Gary. 'Hello everyone, Finally the met police look like they are being held responsible for the monumental wrong doing they have orchestrated in this case over the last 21 years. Stabbed to death: Stephen Lawrence was killed by a gang of white youths at a south-east London bus stop in 1993 . 'The "evidence" I am sitting in prison for was corrupted and I now hope someone will be held accountable for this. 'The failings in this investigation fall in all directions, not all in my favour, whenever the surface of this case is scratched more revelations are revealed that bring the whole establishment into question. 'No wonder they fitted us up to take the edge, or focus, off of this travesty they have done to many family's (sic). Just how deep does it go?? 'In the mean time I am incarcerated for a terrible crime I played no part in, and my children grow up without their Dad. 'I look forward to this inquiry with life changing interest, and thank all you people for your relentless support, defeat is only bitter if swallowed! 'All my love Gary x' Jailed: David Norris was also convicted of murdering Stephen . Yesterday it emerged that Dobson, who was convicted in 2012 of Stephen's murder, along with David Norris, 37, has been posting regular messages on Facebook despite strict rules banning prisoners from going online. He manages to get his misspelt missives out through his sister Hayley who posts them on the Justice For Gary Dobson page, which has 858 members. In another rant the same day, he wrote: 'A lot of people out there ie. the police, media, government and any other secret service involved in this case need to be brought to book, heads need to roll. 'Stop the cover up.' Dobson's shameless bid to use the public inquiry to his own end is a bitter blow to Stephen's mother, Doreen who took great comfort in the fact that Dobson had finally admitted his guilt when he dropped an appeal against his conviction exactly a year ago. Then Baroness Lawrence said: 'It took me and my family almost 20 years to get justice for my son Stephen when Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of the murder in January 2012. 'In those years I had put my grieving on hold and had to struggle against police racism. It would have been a great comfort to me and my family if Gary Dobson or his accomplices had admitted what they had done. 'Now that Gary Dobson has dropped his appeal I can only assume it is because he has finally admitted he murdered Stephen.' Intervention: In 1997 the Daily Mail used its front page to name Dobson, Norris and three others of killing Stephen . But far from accepting guilt, Dobson's family and friends are now attempting to use the Ellison review to mobilise a demonstration to get the killer out of jail. His mother Pauline wrote: 'Corruption Works Both Ways.....Free Gary Dobson.' The Ellison review published earlier this month looked at whether the hunt for Stephen's killers was damaged by corruption. The QC said there was a high level of suspicion that Detective Sergeant John Davidson, who worked on the original murder inquiry, was corrupt and had links to Norris' gangster father Clifford. The former detective, who has run a restaurant in the Spanish holiday island of Minorca for 15 years since taking early retirement from the Metropolitan Police, has been in hiding since the review. But yesterday he emerged from his home sporting a deep tan as he indulged in some shopping.The National Crime Agency has announced a probe into whether Mr Davidson was in the pay of drug smuggler Clifford Norris. He could be questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office or perverting the cause of justice - both of which carry heavy jail terms. But the Glasgow-born 68-year-old, who was nicknamed OJ for 'Obnoxious Jock' during his time on the Met, has denied any wrongdoing, telling fellow expats: 'They'll never lay a finger on me. I've done nothing wrong. 'They've got nothing to do me for.' April 1993 - Stephen Lawrence is stabbed to death in Eltham, south-east London. Days later a letter naming the suspects is left in a telephone box. Police begin investigating.May-June 1993 - Neil and Jamie Acourt, David Norris, Gary Dobson and Luke Knight, are arrested. Neil Acourt and Knight are charged with murder, which they deny.July 1993 – The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) drops the charges, citing unreliable evidence.September 1994 – Stephen’s parents, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, launch their own prosecution against Dobson, Knight and Neil Acourt.April 1996 – The private prosecution fails after Neil Acourt, Knight and Dobson are acquitted of murder charges at the Old Bailey.February 1997 – An inquest into Stephen's death returns a verdict of unlawful killing, describing the attack as ‘unprovoked’ and ‘racist’. The next day, the Daily Mail accuses the five men of murdering Lawrence on its front page, adding ‘If we are wrong, let them sue us’.March 1997 – A police probe is launched into the handling of the case, which later highlights ‘significant weaknesses, omissions and lost opportunities’. Four months later Home Secretary Jack Straw announces a judicial inquiry into the case.February 1999 – The judicial inquiry reports back, and accuses the Metropolitan Police of institutional racism.September 2002 - Norris jailed and Neil Acourt are jailed for a racist attack the previous year.May 2004 – The CPS say they will not prosecute anybody for Stephen's murder.April 2005 – The Government scraps the principle of ‘double jeopardy’. This enables people to be tried more than once for the same crime.July 2006 – Police review their evidence after a BBC documentary into the murder. A year later they say they are examining new forensic evidence.July 2010 – Gary Dobson is jailed for five years for supplying class B drugs.May 2011 – The Court of Appeal rules that new forensic evidence means Dobson and Norris can be prosecuted again.November 2011 – Dobson and Norris are tried at the Old Bailey, where jurors her that Stephen’s DNA was found on their clothes. After a six-week trial the pair receive life sentences for murder.June 2013 – Allegations emerged that the police spied on the Lawrence family in 1993 in order to smear them and discredit criticism of the police. David Cameron calls for an investigation.March 2014 – A review into the original murder investigation, conducted by Mark Ellison QC, finds reason to believe an officer working with the family was corrupt. On the same day, Theresa May launches an inquiry into undercover policing, prompting Gary Dobson’s boastful Facebook posts. | Gary Dobson, 38, was jailed in 2012 for the murdering Stephen in 1993 .
Home Secretary has ordered a review into police spying around the case .
Now in rambling Facebook posts Dobson has claimed review will clear him .
He claims that he has been 'fitted up' by corrupt officers and wrongly jailed . |
fcd80bcdf7c3ba95c4f47294d9e0a9e924207c55 | Steve Bruce claims players diving threatens the honesty of the Premier League that makes it admired across the world. The Hull manager said he was not convinced by calls to introduce a panel to review diving incidents, as has been suggested by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, but said action does need to be taken. Chelsea have been at the centre of renewed controversy over diving this week and, during their match against Hull on December 13, Diego Costa and Willian were both booked for supposedly taking a tumble, while Bruce compared a Gary Cahill dive to 'something out of Swan Lake'. Steve Bruce said the state of diving in the Premier League is threatening the name of England's top flight . Eden Hazard is felled by Laurent Koscielny against Arsenal - a penalty was given and scored by the Belgian . Bruce likened Gary Cahill's dive against Hull to 'something out of Swan Lake' - no penalty was awarded . Bruce said: 'It's very difficult for referees when you have people like [Eden] Hazard and Willian, who are genuinely quick and take you on with a low centre of gravity - the slightest tap can take them over. 'But when you see a blatant dive, I think you have to take action. The reason why the Barclays Premier League is the league that it is, is for its honesty, its integrity and ferocity. 'You must remember that people enjoy the honesty of the Premier League all over the world. We can't make it like every other league - it's a different culture. 'I'm not so sure about a panel, but we have to start taking action against it.' Cesc Fabregas could not contain his emotions after being booked for diving against Southampton . A reverse angle shows that Matt Targett's right leg makes contact and appears to trip the Chelsea midfielder . | Hull City boss Steve Bruce says diving is threatening the Premier League .
Bruce says simulation is taking away the honest appeal of English football .
Chelsea have been subject to a renewed diving controversy this week .
The Hull boss compared a Gary Cahill dive with famous ballet Swan Lake . |
fcd89562a623bf2aa81d8395f31beefeb98bb93f | Washington (CNN) -- Within 24 hours of Osama bin Laden's death in a U.S. assault on his compound in Pakistan, administration and government officials -- both cloaked in anonymity and on the record -- provided misleading if not erroneous information about what happened in the al Qaeda leader's final moments. Bin Laden was shielded during the shooting by women, including his wife, they said. He was an active participant in an ongoing firefight, they insisted, implying bin Laden was armed and therefore gave U.S. Navy SEALs little choice but to shoot him down. Hours later, a senior administration official began to revise that narrative to some White House reporters. Further revisions came Tuesday when White House Press Secretary Jay Carney gave a step-by-step description of the raid provided by the Defense Department that made clear bin Laden was unarmed and had no human shields. Live blog: Bin Laden operation . Was it the fog of war, a bid to head off questions about killing bin Laden or perhaps a final propaganda salvo against the face of terrorism to Americans? Asked about the initial erroneous details, Carney shrugged it off as part of the difficulty in disseminating information quickly on a chaotic situation taking place halfway around the world. "What is true is that we provided a great deal of information with great haste," Carney said, noting that some of the details came in "piece by piece" with frequent updates and elaboration. "We have worked very hard to declassify information in record speed to provide as much insight into this operation as we can, as quickly as we can, mindful obviously of the equities that are at stake here in terms of never revealing sources and methods, never compromising our intelligence procedures," Carney said. However, his response failed to address why top officials including Brennan, a seasoned intelligence professional not known for misstatements, would go public with erroneous information that seemed intended to further disparage bin Laden. What bin Laden photos could show . Brennan was the first senior administration official after Obama's nationally televised statement Sunday night to speak on the record to reporters about what happened in Pakistan, appearing at Monday's White House news briefing with Carney. He said then that bin Laden "was engaged in a firefight with those that entered the area of the house he was in," adding that he didn't know whether or not bin Laden "got off any rounds." Brennan also said that during the assault "there was a female who was in fact in the line of fire that reportedly was used as a shield to shield bin Laden from the incoming fire." He then urged the journalists to consider the bigger picture, seeming to mock bin Laden by saying he was "living in this million dollar-plus compound, living in an area that is far removed from the front, hiding behind women who were put in front of him as a shield." Time magazine: CIA chief on why Pakistan wasn't told . It wasn't just Brennan saying it. A senior defense official gave a similar description to reporters at a Pentagon background briefing, saying bin Laden and other male combatants at the compound "certainly did use women as shields." By Tuesday, that narrative had changed. Brennan, in an interview on Fox, backed off on the assertions that bin Laden was armed and had been shielded by women. "Those details are still coming out," he said when asked about whether bin Laden shot at the U.S. assailants. "There was a firefight in the compound. And I would wait to make a determination about whether or not he was armed and whether he fired." On the human shield question, he said at least two women in the compound, including a wife of bin Laden, "certainly resisted and they put themselves against the assaulters." Courier identified who led U.S. to bin Laden . "Whether or not they were trying to shield or whether they were trying to attack is still unclear," Brennan said. Carney later gave reporters a step-by-step description of the assault that also changed the initial details. "On the first floor of bin Laden's building, two al Qaeda couriers were killed along with a woman who was killed in crossfire," Carney said. "Bin Laden and his family were found on the second and third floor of the building." Carney noted "there was concern that bin Laden would oppose the capture operation ... and indeed he did resist." "In the room with bin Laden, a woman, rather bin Laden's wife, rushed the U.S. assaulter and was shot in the leg but not killed," Carney said. "Bin Laden was then shot and killed. He was not armed." Carney provided no further details on how bin Laden resisted. A U.S. official speaking on condition of not being identified told CNN on Tuesday that bin Laden was shot when he made a threatening move. When asked if bin Laden tried to grab a weapon or physically attack a commando, the official would only say: "He didn't hold up his hands and surrender." Bin Laden unarmed when killed, White House says . Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta, in an interview Tuesday with PBS, said the U.S. forces had clear authority to kill bin Laden. "Obviously, under the rules of engagement, if he had in fact thrown up his hands, surrendered and didn't appear to be representing any kind of threat, then they were to capture him," Panetta said, adding he was unaware of any verbal communication between bin Laden and the American forces but that "we're still getting the feedback from the SEALs themselves as to just exactly what took place during that mission." To administration officials, the U.S. forces acted properly. "It's very difficult for us, from here, to Monday morning quarterback a very difficult decision," Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough told CNN when asked Tuesday about bin Laden being killed while unarmed. "Frankly, I don't know," McDonough continued. "I've seen differing accounts as we gather more information. I don't know for certain whether bin Laden was armed or not. But I do know that our tremendous ... assault team that made that raid that day made exactly the right decision in each case, as far as I'm concerned." Carney acknowledged the difficulty in getting all the facts right in such a situation, telling reporters that "to use your phrase -- fog of war, fog of combat -- that there was a lot of information coming in. It is still unclear." The impact of the initial reports was clear. In opening a House subcommittee hearing Tuesday on Pakistan, Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pennsylvania, mentioned the successful mission against bin Laden. "That he reportedly died using a woman as a human shield is an image that cements the true nature of his character, and such cowardice will be a part of his legacy," Meehan said. CNN's Pam Benson contributed to this story. | Top officials got some things wrong in first comments on the bin Laden mission .
The White House releases a revised account Tuesday .
Is it the fog of war, or deliberate? |
fcd8957769eddfb10715273a30d1ca2e9f1c472a | (CNN) -- Maybe it is the year of the fox, but as Better Homes & Gardens executive editor Oma Ford said, that's not stopping all the other forest critters -- and their habitat -- from showing up in Christmas decor. "The fox is having this huge moment. In the past it's been the squirrel and the owls and deer always have their place in fall and into winter," she said. "It's part of this much larger theme, a full-on woodland sensibility." From big box stores to craft stores, department stores to chic boutiques, all manner of Christmas ornaments and decor items are surrounded by bits of nature-inspired elements, she said. "I don't think woodland is going away," she said. What is "woodland?" It's a decor trend that brings the woods indoors. Think about what kinds of things you would find in a forest, Ford said. Everything from pine cones, acorns, tree bark, mushrooms and moss to all styles of furry and feathered creatures. In fact, home decor blogger Emily A. Clark routinely ventures to her North Carolina back yard for a touch of woodland to augment her Christmas tree and the rest of her house during the holidays. "If you expand on nature, you really can't go wrong," she said. Clark finds the texture of just-clipped holly, bare sticks and conifer branches to be the perfect starting point when decorating for Christmas. That doesn't mean that every corner of her house looks like some kind of enchanted forest. "I don't think you have to stick with one theme for your entire house. I think each room can feel a little different when you're decorating for Chrismas," she said, but what ties them together is a wintery inspiration. There is plenty of room for cherished family ornaments, playful, childlike decor and sophisticated decor that adults appreciate, she said. "While it may seem as if the theme has been in the marketplace for a while now," said Stephen Cardino, vice president and fashion director for the Home Store at Macy's, "(woodland decor) has evolved." What he's noticed in the Christmas ornaments and decor items offered at Macy's is a saturation and refinement of colors, a new and healthy dose of sparkle and an increase in the kinds of materials used to make them. And when it comes to decorating the tree, Cardino points out that there is no one rule of thumb. "Some decorate by theme, some by color and some prefer an eclectic theme with each ornament having special meaning," he said. And when he buys ornaments for the department store, he keeps in mind that very few people go out and buy all their Christmas tree ornaments at once. "Customers are looking for holiday decorations that support their existing room decor," he said. "The nature-based items we offer are elevated and refined." Many homes may already have some of these woodland decor elements displayed, Ford said. Faux taxidermy, antlers, moss and pine cones have become everyday decor. "(The woodland theme) is huge in nursery decor as well as Christmas decor, I mean, it's enormous," she said. When those elements are blended with holiday decor, instead of covered up, "it feels like an extension of what you're already doing," she said. Designer Rina Norwood works with colors she already has in her home, like blues and greens, when she decorates for Christmas. Southern cypress and pine provide the perfect texture to balance out the smooth, shiny ornaments and twinkling lights of either modern or traditional decor she said, and their rich green tones make an appearance in her holiday decor. The formality of peacocks, however, is her secret to really bringing color to her Christmas decorations. "I think the peacock brings colors than we typically see with (other) critters," she said. Woodland decor can range from whimsical to high style, Ford said, and had truly taken hold in the decor world during the last decade. One of Ford's favorite examples of the woodland style comes from a recent find: Birch bark made into a paper chain for a Christmas tree garland. "It just takes the literal natural element and brings it to a very traditional Christmas decorating idea," she said. Clark ascribes to some classic woodland decor tricks that Ford described: bare twigs tucked into Christmas trees and very au curant pine cones, birch bark and shed deer antlers. With a decorator for a mom, Clark's five children have learned to expect different looking Christmas decor each year. "This year I went for a less-is-more approach," she said. The simplicity of a plain, natural pine swag across her mantel, a color scheme of green, white and gold and even some paper snowflakes set the mood Clark hoped for. But what if there are some woodland elements that kind of creep you out? Clark remembers the mounted deer head that played a central part in her grandmother's holiday decor. "That is a vivid memory for me" she said. "They put a Rudolph nose on it and tinsel on the antlers. It always really disturbed me." Norwood knows what she means. "If you happen to have a moose above the mantle, which I have seen," she said, "some people go beyond leaving them as they are." Some wives, she said, might compromise with their husbands over a taxidermied woodland decor element. Perhaps, she said, the solution could be, "OK, let's keep the moose head, but let's paint it white to bring in that modern element." "It's just how you approach it," she said. "We can definitely work around something as long as it's done with tasteful grace." All that hunting trophy really needs for Christmas, Norwood said, is a natural garland around its neck. Do you use the woodland trend in your holiday decor? Share your approach in the comments, below! | Woodland critters and botanical elements are a constant in holiday decor .
Many retailers offer woodland decor, but you can get it from your back yard .
Woodland decor blends easily with other styles of Christmas decorations . |
fcd8ebc6083162d53c81edd05679864ee33c555c | These jaw-dropping images are a first-person view of a firefighter tasked with battling America's wildfires. For five years, Gregg Boydston has been at the frontline of the work done by the United States Forest Service. It is a job that involves being on call day and night, seven days a week, during the tinderbox summer fire season months in Western America. As one of the 'hotshot crew', Gregg Boydston has found stolen moments during his duties to capture some of the hellish sights he sees . A helicopter drops retardant on the Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park earlier this year in this stunning photograph taken by Gregg . Gregg's job involves being on call day and night, seven days a week, during the tinderbox summer fire season months in Western US . As one of the 'hotshot crew' - who are highly trained wildfire firefighters - Gregg has found stolen moments during his duties to capture some of the hellish sights he sees. Working 16-hour days, the grueling role involves containing the fires using strategies to clear away natural fuel for the flames, such as branches, and digging fire lines, which are deep trenches intended to halt the flames. Gregg used to work on the municipal side of the fire service but was inspired to apply for the hotshot crew after watching a documentary about their work. Once on the job, he utilized his love of photography to keep friends and loved ones up to date with his work. Working 16-hour days, firefighters contain the fires using strategies to clear away natural fuel for the fires, such as branches . Gregg said he used to work on the municipal side of the fire service but was inspired to apply for the hotshot crew after watching a documentary about their work . Gregg said his job on the frontline is significantly different than the municipal side of things, 'whether it is due to the amount of time you are away from home or the fact you may be sleeping in the dirt for 21 days straight' Gregg tells VSCO: 'While planning on working in the municipal side of fire, I watched a documentary called 'Fire Wars' that quickly changed my mind, and I started pursuing a position on a hotshot crew with the United States Forest Service. 'To start, I went and camped out in my tent in Oakridge, Oregon, for the summer, while working on a contract crew to gain some experience and start building a resume. 'The following year, I was offered a position on a hotshot crew in Northern California. The following year, and this past year, I landed a spot on a crew down in the Eastern Sierras. Once on the job, Gregg utilized his love of photography to keep friends and loved ones up to date with his work . Gregg said that while he was planning on working 'in the municipal side of fire, I watched a documentary called 'Fire Wars' that quickly changed my mind, and I started pursuing a position on a hotshot crew with the United States Forest Service' A hotshot crew await helicopter pick-up. One of the crew's jobs is to dig fire lines, which are deep trenches intended to halt the flames . Gregg said that many people 'are unaware of what goes on out there on a wildfire, and that's what I want to show people' 'While I am taking photos of what the job is like, I am hoping to show people what the wild side of firefighting is like. 'It is significantly different than the municipal side of things, whether it is due to the amount of time you are away from home or the fact you may be sleeping in the dirt for 21 days straight. 'Many people are unaware of what goes on out there on a wildfire, and that's what I want to show people.' For five years, Gregg has been at the frontline of the work done by the United States Forest Service in western America . Firefighters from Gregg's 'hotshot' crew are seen here cleaning up after a wildfire at Mt. Whitney in California earlier this year . Gregg is one of the 'hotshot crew' - highly trained wildfire firefighters. They are seen here carrying their equipment across the terrain . Gregg and the rest of his 'hotshot' crew spend long periods away from home often sleeping outdoors foe weeks at a time . By taking pictures Gregg can keep his family and friends up to date with what he does on the frontline fighting America's wildfires . A helicopter being used to fight the wildfires hovers over the Salmon River Complex fire in this image taken by Gregg . Gregg uses his photography to show people a side of the United States Forest Service they might not be aware of . In this image taken by Gregg while working in his 'hotshot' crew, an airplane is seen dropping fire retardant over the flames . | For five years Gregg Boydston has been at the frontline of the work done by the United States Forest Service .
Utilizing his photography skills, Gregg catches stolen moments while working to stop the spread of the blazes .
The firefighters work 16-hour days to contain the fires by clearing away natural fuel for flames and digging fire lines . |
fcd90197f6996850762e55982d393bc137202e53 | Wireless company T-Mobile billed customers for bogus charges for years, making hundreds of millions, the Federal Trade Commission alleged Tuesday. In a federal complaint filed in Seattle, the FTC claimed T-Mobile billed consumers for subscriptions to premium text services such as $9.99 horoscopes and celebrity gossip that were never authorized by account holders. In trouble: T-Mobile knowingly made hundreds of millions off its customers in bogus third-party charges and billed them for premium services that customers never authorized . The practice is often referred to as . 'cramming': businesses stuff a customer's bill with bogus charges . associated with a third party. 'T-Mobile’s practices have caused consumers millions of dollars of injury,' the FTC said in in the complaint. In this case, the FTC says T-Mobile . should have realized that many of these premium text services were scams . because of the high rate of customer complaints. The FTC also claimed T-Mobile collected 35 to 40 percent of the charges - even after customers said they were being scammed. 'It's wrong for a company like T-Mobile to profit from scams against its customers when there were clear warning signs the charges it was imposing were fraudulent,' FTC Chair Edith Ramirez said in an agency release. 'The FTC's goal is to ensure that T-Mobile repays all its customers for these crammed charges.' Protection: The FTC said one way for consumers to try to prevent fraudulent charges is to ask their providers to block all third-party businesses from providing services on their phones . In addition to billing customers for third-party services, T-Mobile allegedly lists them 'in the middle or towards the end of the bill, . which in some cases may exceed 50 pages in length,' the agency alleged. The FTC said one way for consumers to try to prevent fraudulent charges is to ask their providers to block all third-party businesses from providing services on their phones. T-Mobile's CEO John Legere responded to the FTC's complaint in a statement Tuesday, calling it 'unfounded and without merit' and a 'sensationalized legal action.' 'T-Mobile stopped billing for these Premium SMS services last year and launched a proactive program to provide full refunds for any customer that feels that they were charged for something they did not want,' Legere said. 'T-Mobile is fighting harder than any of the carriers to change the way the wireless industry operates and we are disappointed that the FTC has chosen to file this action against the most pro-consumer company in the industry rather than the real bad actors.' Legere also said '[third-party providers] should be held accountable, and the FTC’s lawsuit seeking to hold T-Mobile responsible for their acts is not only factually and legally unfounded, but also misdirected.' Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile USA, Inc., is a publicly traded company. According to its website, Deutsche Telekom AG maintains a 67 percent ownership in the company's common stock. | The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claimed T-Mobile billed consumers for subscriptions to premium text services that were never authorized .
Because of this, the company made 'hundreds of millions'
The practice is often referred to as .
'cramming,' when businesses stuff a bill with bogus charges .
associated with a third party .
T-Mobile collected 35 to 40 percent of .
the charges, even after being alerted by other customers that the .
subscriptions were scams . |
fcd9106ac2875ff9caf8281465448a5d7994cf5b | When a camera trap set up on the banks of Australia’s Kimberley’s Margaret River went missing earlier this year, local rangers assumed it had fallen into the water. Yet three weeks later the camera was found almost 65 miles upriver and the footage revealed it had actually been stolen by a sea eagle. The wings of the eagle are shown flapping during the one-minute clip before the bird lands and pecks at the screen. A sea eagle, in particular the White-Tailed variety, is also known as an 'erne' or 'ern'. The birds vary in size from around 6lb to almost 20lbs. Their diets consist mainly of fish and small mammals. The last British sea eagle was shot in 1916 and the species disappeared from the wild for over 50 years but they are now thriving. Species are found across north America, Australia and Europe. The Gooniyandi Indigenous Rangers, including Roneil Skeen, set up the trap to capture footage of saltwater crocodiles in Northwest Australia. On a routine check of the traps, Mr Skeen noticed the camera had gone missing and assumed it had been washed away. A passer-by called the rangers three weeks later to say they had found the camera around 65 miles upriver from where the trap was set. Once Mr Skeen examined the footage he discovered that a juvenile sea eagle had picked up the camera, flown for around 20 seconds before landing and pecking the screen. The first shots show the wings of the bird flapping as it flies along the river, it is then placed on the rocks on the river bed before capturing the full face of the winged thief. ‘Unexpectedly our camera went missing,’ Skeen told ABC Kimberley, ‘we thought that it had fallen into the water but a juvenile sea eagle came and took-off with it.’ It is not the first time birds have been caught interacting with cameras in the wild. In August a colony of Gentoo penguins tried to pick up a GoPro camera that had been set up on the Falkland Islands. Once rangers examined the footage from the missing camera they discovered that a juvenile sea eagle had picked up the camera, flown for around 20 seconds, pictured, before landing and pecking the screen . At the end of the minute-long footage, the bird is showing placing the camera on the rocks on the river bed before inquisitively examining the screen with his beak, pictured . Gooniyandi Indigenous Rangers set up the camera trap on the banks of Australia's Kimberley's Margaret River, pictured, in Northwest Australia to capture footage of saltwater crocodiles . One shot record the inside of the penguins beak as it reached for the camera. Other conservationists recently strapped cameras to the back of gannets off the coast of Wales to learn more about what they get up to 300 miles at sea. The gannet cam discovered that the sea birds circle at 30 metres high before diving for fish at speeds of up to 60mph. Watching the footage revealed male gannets tended to feed more at trawlers than females, too. Dr Votier said this difference may have conservation implications when a ban on discarding is implemented under reforms to the EU Common Fisheries Policy. A sea eagle, pictured, also known as an erne or ern. The birds vary in size from around 6lb to almost 20lbs. Their diets consist mainly of fish and small mammals. The last British sea eagle was shot in 1916 and the species disappeared from the wild for over 50 years but they are now thriving . | Cameras on Kimberley’s Margaret River used to film saltwater crocodiles .
When one went missing, local rangers assumed it had fallen into the water .
The camera was found three weeks later intact 65 miles upriver .
Footage revealed it was stolen by a sea eagle and had recorded its flight .
Bird is shown stealing the camera before landing and pecking the screen . |
fcd97938bc01634cca1c297c25714c56189fbbb0 | By . Katie Silver . and Nina Golgowski . Updated: . 09:22 GMT, 5 December 2011 . The United States is ranked behind 23 countries in its scale of corruption, according to an international report released this week. New Zealand comes in at number one as the least corrupt country, just before Denmark and Finland sharing the number two spot. The report released by German watchdog organization Transparency International, ranked the 182 countries and territories according to their levels of perceived public sector corruption. Ranked: The United States is ranked behind 23 countries with New Zealand ranked as the least corrupt, according to the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index . Surrounding the United States' place at 24, Chile placed 22 and Uruguay at 25, being its only two closely competing South American countries. The bottom ranked nations, ahead of Somalia . and North Korea who tied at number 182, were Myanmar, . Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Sudan, Iraq, Haiti and Venezuela. Among the top ten nations In . terms of lowest surveyed corruption, the majority are European nations with the three exceptions of Singapore at number five, Australia at number eight, and Canada at number 10. Australia tied its ranking with Switzerland. Worst: Somalia and North Korea were tied as the 'most corrupt' nations on Earth . Over all, the top 20 countries were European though Bulgaria was the lowest-performing European Union country, ranking at number 86. The top performers of the Americas include Canada which ranked 10th, Barbados 16th, Bahamas 21st and then Chile at 22nd. To compile the index, Transparency International used reports based 'on different assessments and business opinion surveys carried out by independent and reputable institutions.' Tied: A woman stands with her child at the world's largest refugee camp in Somali which tied at 182nd as the world's most corrupt country . The organization said perceptions alone are important to measure because corruption is so hidden, making its measurement difficult. 'Over time perceptions have proved to be a reliable estimate of corruption,' Transparency International said in it's report. The report asked questions relating to: . Regionally, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Turkey is ranked highest at 61 while Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are lowest at 177. In the Middle East and North Africa, Qatar ranks best at number 22 while Iraq is the lowest at number 175. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Botswana ranked highest at number 32. India fell from 87th in 2010 to 95th, ranking behind China (75th) but in front of Pakistan (134th) in South-Asian nations. | New Zealand is ranked least corrupt in survey .
Chile and Uruguay take the 22nd and 25th place .
Large proportion of European nations in the top 20 .
the bribery of public officials, .
kickbacks in public procurement, .
embezzlement of public funds, .
the strength and effectiveness of public-sector and anti-corruption efforts . |
fcd983c6fdcb4ebbe54cb23c05a88a53c6585858 | Ross Buggins, 30, who suffered from encephalitis, with his partner Emma Baston, 27 . Looking back on last autumn, Ross Buggins can scarcely believe what happened. Four weeks after developing insomnia, he was suffering from panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. He was then sectioned and sent to a mental health ward for two months. But he wasn't mentally ill. Ross, 30, had a form of encephalitis - brain inflammation - caused when his own immune system started attacking a protein in the brain, affecting its function. It's thought that a simple virus might have kicked his immune system into overdrive. Yet his condition was only correctly diagnosed last November, three months after he'd been sectioned - despite him showing classic signs of encephalitis, such as memory loss. Worryingly, many experts believe encephalitis, as well as other common neurological disorders such as dementia and even migraines, are often misdiagnosed as mental health problems because their symptoms include depression and anxiety. 'Dozens of neurological conditions can be missed as purely mental health illnesses,' says Duncan Banks, a lecturer in biomedical science at the Open University and director of the British Neuroscience Association. 'These include mini strokes [transient ischaemic attacks], which can change behaviour, for example by making people more impulsive or emotional, depending on the affected part of the brain.' Last week a study published in the journal Neurology reported that depression, anxiety and irritability can be early signs of Alzheimer's before the more typical memory loss and confusion appear. Meanwhile, Parkinson's can result in depression, anxiety and psychosis. And many patients suffering headaches are diagnosed with anxiety, panic attacks, depression or fatigue, yet it's actually migraine that's likely to be causing these symptoms, says Dr Nick Silver, of the NHS Walton Centre for Neuroscience and Neurosurgery in Liverpool. 'Migraine can cause a huge variety of symptoms, including low mood, poor sleep and fatigue. Those patients can be given antidepressants, which may not be the appropriate treatment,' says Dr Silver. If patients have no mental health symptoms when they are 'crystal-clear and headache-free', it may suggest migraine is to blame - whereas depression would cause these symptoms consistently. Around 40 per cent of migraine sufferers find eliminating all painkillers and caffeine and eating and drinking regularly will banish all or most of those associated symptoms. After trying to hang himself Ross was sectioned and taken to a mental health hospital in Nottingham . Meanwhile, antidepressants can actually reduce the quality of sleep, and may worsen migraine. Certain types of epilepsy can lead to confusion and odd behaviour because seizures can damage different parts of the brain, while brain tumours and parasitic diseases such as Lyme disease - a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks - can also cause mental health symptoms, such as low mood and erratic behaviour. And problems with the parathyroid glands (which control calcium levels) can cause irrational behaviour, because excessively high calcium levels affect the function of the brain and central nervous system. 'GPs aren't always aware of different symptoms associated with these conditions, and the easy option is to give patients antidepressants. So they aren't getting the right treatments,' says Dr Banks. This means patients may not be referred to a neurologist, who could make the correct diagnosis, and are instead under the care of a mental health team. Ross's problems started last April, when he caught a virus that caused mouth ulcers, sickness, diarrhoea and led to poor sleep. A month later he developed insomnia, rashes on his arms, legs and waist, and his hands and feet started to blister. He saw a GP in June. 'I thought my body was just struggling to fight off an infection,' says Ross, an IT consultant who lives with his partner, Emma, 27, in Norwich. His GP took blood, stool and urine samples but the results came back clear. The GP handed him a leaflet on anxiety management. Ross, who'd otherwise been a fit and healthy young man, then started having panicked thoughts. 'I'd convince myself I'd die from a heart attack after a run, or a plane would fall out of the sky on to me. I'd never been a worrier before, but I was fixated on irrational fears.' Ross was finally diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis . After having a panic attack and experiencing suicidal thoughts, he was prescribed antidepressants and a sedative, diazepam - his GP also recommended a private therapist as there was a long waiting list on the NHS. Initially, the therapist helped, but shortly after this Ross had a massive panic attack. 'My head felt as if it was burning and my muscles locked up. I couldn't breathe properly but was screaming,' he says. His parents, who he was visiting at the time, called an ambulance. He had blood tests, a chest X-ray and CT scan in hospital before doctors declared the problem was 'truly psychological' and discharged him. 'I thought I was having a mental breakdown, which felt awful as it was so unlike me,' says Ross. He then started having memory problems, forgetting who his relatives were, for example. After another panic attack, he was taken back to hospital. This time mental health services were called and he was given stronger antidepressants. But they had no effect - and weeks later Ross tried to hang himself. 'I felt life was not worth living. I'm so lucky the belt snapped.' He was then sectioned and taken to a mental health hospital in Nottingham, roughly 120 miles from his home, because there were no closer beds available. 'I can't remember much after this point,' says Ross. 'Apparently, I tried escaping, and told people I didn't need to be there.' A week later he was transferred to the mental health ward at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich, where he stayed for seven weeks. 'In my notes, which months later I asked for, doctors kept noting my lack of memory, but never considered a neurological explanation.' He was referred to a sleep clinic at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for his poor sleep, but then he started falling asleep all the time - even while eating. The sleep expert recognised something else was wrong with him, and urged his doctors at Hellesdon to revisit his case. A week later his sodium levels plummeted - because the brain regulates sodium, anything affecting the brain can alter levels - and he went into a coma-like state. The number of prescriptions written for antidepressants in the UK every year . He was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he was seen by a neurologist for the first time. Three-and-a-half weeks later in November, after a series of tests, Ross was finally diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This is a rare form of the disease, caused by antibodies produced by the immune system targeting the NMDA protein in the brain. Symptoms include seizures, confusion and problems with cognitive function. Dr Sarosh Irani, a consultant neurologist and senior research fellow at Oxford University Hospitals, says: 'Typical forms of psychosis and depression occur over months, while in these auto-immune forms of encephalitis the symptoms can appear over days or weeks.' Ross was given steroids and intravenous immune globulin (infusions of antibodies from donors). Two days later he became fully conscious for the first time since August. 'I couldn't believe it was November. Doctors said inflammation in my brain had affected parts of it controlling memory and emotions, causing my symptoms. It was incredible how normal I felt.' Five days later he was discharged. The big issue is the split between psychiatry and other areas of medicine, says Paul Goldsmith, a consultant neurologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. 'It would help if psychiatrists and neurologists had closer working practices, but largely that doesn't happen.' Increasingly, patients are being seen not by psychiatrists, but by mental health nurses, psychologists and cognitive behavioural therapists, who may not always be able to recognise these disorders, adds Dr Silver. Ross has a one in ten chance of relapse, but now knows the signs so he can get treatment quickly. 'It's scary that there are probably other people in the mental health system who are not really psychotic and have a physical cause for their symptoms that they aren't being treated for,' he says. 'I'm amazed Emma stood by me through all this - she's my rock.' February 22 is World Encephalitis Day . For more information on the condition, visit encephalitis.info . | Ross Buggins, 30, from Norwich, was sent to mental health ward .
Had form of encephalitis - brain inflammation - but had been misdiagnosed .
Condition was only discovered three months after he was sectioned .
Encephalitis symptoms include depression and anxiety . |
fcd9a1146910c922f025b7095fc019d7b4d98b2c | (CNN) -- The Lonely Island isn't quite so lonely these days. Even though its members -- Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer -- are often apart because they live on different coasts, they're still united in the studio as well as a series of Wack Wednesday videos -- seriously, how many artists drop a video for just about every song on the album anymore? They also have a bevy of guest stars to keep them company on the tracks, in the clips, and in televised performances (check out Alanis Morissette covering Solange's part on "Semicolon" -- which is, as they say, ironic). The band's latest release, "The Wack Album," out this week, features not only Robyn ("Go Kindergarten," with Paul Rudd and Diddy weighing in on the video) and Pharrell ("Hugs"), but also Hugh Jackman and Kristen Wiig ("You Got the Look") and Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong ("I Run NYC"). And that's not counting the guest stars who turned out for the video of "Spring Break Anthem," in which Zack Galifanakis, James Franco, and Ed Norton gamely step up and make a gay marriage statement with their Lonely Island lovers. And yet, the guys still lament not being able to fit more friends in. But as Samberg said, laughing, "There's only so many spots on one fake rap album!" And there was one icon he really wanted. "Sheila E. would be the s**t," he enthused. "I saw her at the Forum, and she was awesome. She's on the wish list." The group's previous albums, "Incredibad" and "Turtleneck & Chain," were enriched by access to "Saturday Night Live" guest stars. These days, scheduling is a bit trickier. "When we made albums in the past," Samberg said, "it wasn't always because someone was on the show when we asked them, but in their minds, they were like, 'There's a chance this is for the show.' People came to 'SNL,' and we plugged them into songs." "They just walked into our office," Schaffer said, "and it was easier to get everything done. Now we may get a yes just as fast, but there's logistics to consider: 'OK, but where are you?'" So for the new album, some participants were recorded in New York (such as Solange and Kendrick Lamar, who guests on "YOLO" with Adam Levine), some in Los Angeles (Pharrell and Too Short, who guests on "The Compliments"), and some on Skype. Jackman, who was in the middle of doing press for a film, accommodated the guys during his promotional junket. "We rented a room adjacent to the hotel room he was doing it in, and we had an engineer there, and I was on Skype," Samberg said. "He just walked in, and I watched him record for a good 45 minutes to an hour. He did a bunch of great takes, and then he asked if there was anything else I needed -- and there was not. It was great. It was Jean Valjean meets Cameo." How comfortable the guests get with being raunchy or silly also plays a part in the recording, Schaffer said. "We're very conscious of the different personalities, if someone doesn't want to curse as much, or if someone doesn't want to play with their image too much," he said. "Hugh Jackman was very comfortable, but sometimes people will be like, 'Yeah, I'm not that comfortable.' It helps to be given parameters." Sometimes a guest's point of view may shift a bit. Michael Bolton, for instance, at first asked the group to give him something "even crazier" than what they originally came up with for "Jack Sparrow." Then he passed on that version, deciding it had become "too filthy." But later, he added his own F-words to a separate digital short. "We were like, 'Dude! Totally!'" Taccone said. "And now there's a Michael Bolton character that only exists in the world of our videos," Samberg said. To make it easier on some guests, Samberg will sing a temp vocal track, doing both the highs and the lows, "so they can hear an almost finished version," Samberg said. "Then, somebody like Solange, she did her own countermelodies," Taccone added. "They come in with harmonies, and the talent," Samberg said. With rappers, however, the Lonely Island guys are less likely to write a verse until they know who will be doing the part, and even then, they invite them to rewrite it. "For rappers," Schaffer said, "we'll leave open which bars of music they're going to do, and give them bullet points of joke ideas that they can put into their own words. We want the rapper to feel like himself, and not like he's doing someone else's lyric." "It has to be in their voice," Samberg said. "The style is so specific." Soon the guys will start to juggle their nonmusical projects with the idea of a Lonely Island tour. Taccone, who co-wrote and directed the film "MacGruber," will be locking himself in a room with Will Forte and writing partner John Solomon to get to work on a script for "MacGruber 2." And Samberg will soon be decamping to Los Angeles to start shooting his new television comedy, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." "Other than 'Girls' and '30 Rock,'" he noted, "I defy you to name a show set in New York that doesn't shoot in LA! I wish we could have shot it in Brooklyn -- I still love New York. But the irony of television production knoweth no bounds." Speaking of "Girls," will Taccone -- who played Marnie's lover Booth Jonathan -- be back for another round, since the HBO comedy is shooting its third season this summer in Brooklyn? "Dude, if you talk to Lena (Dunham), tell her I'm totally down!" Taccone pleaded. "Maybe they can squeeze me in. But I don't know what more you can see of me on that show -- except for the front part, and nobody wants to see that." | 'SNL' star Andy Samberg and two friends started The Lonely Island .
They have attracted several stars to appear on their tunes .
Some of the celebs had to Skype their performance . |
fcd9bae4f8dcb7d3bd16a9a7de1cbc7243e32e6f | It's that time of year when we all want to strip off, throw our inhibitions to the wind and indulge in a bit of swimming pool action - and Australia is definitely the place to jump into the deep end. Public pools are all well and good at the end of a sweaty coastal walk but they're often crowded, full of screaming kids, hair and the odd floaty Band Aid. So imagine how amazing it would be to have your own luxury lagoon, to enjoy a refreshing drink and not worry that the water may turn blue if the kid pees in it? Luckily we're renowned for sun, sea, sand and swimming pools and here are five of the best on the market at the moment: . Scroll down for video . Not for the faint-hearted, whoever buys this crib may need to invest in suitable dinner-party swimming attire . 1. 23 Power Avenue, Toorak, VIC . Never mind Power Avenue, this 1930s Arnaud Wright Regency is a power-house-turn stately home with its paved and tiled 15 metre lap pool set among the powerful pungent aroma of native flowers. With wooden floorboards and a sweeping staircase it's extremely grand - more Downton than down and out - and looks more like a traditional British country pile than city dwelling. Set on 1,600m2 the tennis court runs the length of the property and also features two pergolas with heating, electric blinds, an outdoor spa and street lamps. Boasting six bedrooms, or five and a study, a gym, open fireplaces and a huge walk-through cellar it's also decked out with classic furniture pieces, including chandeliers and zebra-print Ottomans. In one of Melbourne's most desirable areas this house has an infinity edge swimming pool and hot springs spa . The pool and hot springs spa are heated, well suited to Melbourne's four seasons in one day weather . Did anyone say Pimms? Sun-seekers can lounge on the deckchairs and glance over the pool to watch tennis . 2. 24 Skyline Drive, Maribyrnong, VIC . It we're going with 'to infinity and beyond', this award-winning cracker designed by owner architect Ferras Raffoul of FGR Architects is beyond. Way beyond. The 15 metre lap-pool is situated on the rooftop just a stone's throw away from the palatial Toorak property above, with stunning panoramic city skyline views. The pool is an aesthetic delight, with acrylic walls on three sides can be seen from the top floor kitchen and living /dining areas and runs along the third level of the 415sqm house. This one will set you back at least a cool $2.5 million. Primary materials, concrete and glass distinguish this award-winnong futuristic luxury Maribyrnong abode . As the rat race continues, this is the perfect spot to take some time out and get a bit of perspective . The terrace and roof top 13m lap pool allows for stunning panoramic city skyline views at all hours . 3. Alkira, 3726 Cape Tribulation Road, Daintree . Alkira, which in Aboriginal means ‘bright and sunny, a happy place in the sun’ is situated in 73 lush acres of Daintree Rainforest and hopefully there are no crazy crocs lurking here. This contemporary crib's man-made assymetrical blue swimming pool is the focus of the property, set centrally and with a series of pod-like rooms surrounding it. The kind of log cabin-meets-futuristic-meets alien space-station house - which has a secluded private beach - is a full-on sensory delight suspended within an engineered lake. Its funky design is the brain-child of architect Charles Wright who was named The Australian Institute of Architects 2014 House of the Year for Queensland. And it's the only place in the world where two World Heritage listings converge, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The man-made assymetrical blue swimming pool is the focus of the property, with nearly all rooms facing it . The futuristic property blends sustainable living architecture and cutting edge designs withnature . The vast living space gives a sense of freedom in this area where two World Heritage listings converge . 4. 21 Eastbourne Road, Darling Point, NSW . Darling by name, darling by nature, this stunning pool set in a complex - or dedicated resort area - is flanked by palm trees and surrounded by both sexes' changing rooms, a steam room and a theatre. The pool also has a separate kitchen for those wild balmy nights and an outdoor lounge, with the three level, six bedrooms and eight bathroom house overlooking it. Set on 560 metres, the north-east facing property sprawled over four levels has water views - of the ocean and pool - an elevator, two separate kitchens with sculleries and is spread across four levels. Every day is a holiday in this darling property, with the azure swimming pool overlooking the ocean . With six bedrooms and eight bathrooms this property also has separate kitchens and staff quarters . With both male and female changing rooms, spa and steam room one can pretend to be eternally on holiday . Maybe not the ideal family home, the white interiors give the 560m-set property a clean, minimalist feeling . Pool with a view - set over a sprawling 936sqm, the balcony and pool overlook Sydney's stunning Double Bay . 5. 57 The Corso, Sunshine Coast, QLD . Set on the Isle of Capri, almost every room in this bountiful, Balinese-style home near Surfers Paradise looks out onto the breathtaking curved pool which is surrounded by palm trees. The outdoor area is mirrored by internal water features within the six bedroom, six bathroom luxury home and central towering glass and timber atrium. With Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, a cold room and full-size size billiards table set in the Grand room this property, set on on a 2197m2 block, is the ultimate male dream. With man-caves galore, a humongous watertight and airtight secure wine cellar, garages for seven cars, a private beach, pontoon, jetty and a gym it's a home and holiday destination in one. As far as cool cribs go, this is the ultimate party house or bachelor pad boasting every mod con imagineable . Located on Adams Basin, the private lanai entertaining areas with fossil stone floors overlook the pool and spa . Set on 2197m2 of land this six-bedroom ed desirable dwelling even has a wine cellar, lift, sauna and heated spa . Perfect for the experienced sailor, it encompasses a 47.7m river frontage, private beach, jetty and pontoon . | As summer arrives owning a pool is a pipe dream for many Australians .
Australia currently has more than 1.2 million household swimming pools, which is the world’s highest per capita rate of pool ownership .
According to Swimart, 90 per cent of pool owners believe their pool boosts their house value by an average of $30,000 . |
fcda1df5fa4e7effa6d9ec6ecb6839ecdb1f4879 | Grant Shapps said migrants' desire to work hard to provide for their families should encourage them to vote Conservative in May . Immigrants to Britain are natural Conservatives who are finding the party more and more attractive, Grant Shapps has claimed. The Tory party chairman said the Conservative message of working hard and getting on appeals to voters who have come to settle in Britain and often ‘work every hour’ to provide for their family. Mr Shapps was responding to Manchester University research, reported in yesterday’s Daily Mail, showing two London seats – Brent North and East Ham – which will be contested at the general election contain a majority of voters born overseas. Many other constituencies contain large minorities. A record four million migrants born abroad will be entitled to vote in May, half a million more than at the last election. Cabinet Office minister Mr Shapps said he did not believe the trend posed a threat to his party’s chances in the election. Mr Shapps, whose father’s Jewish family emigrated from Poland in the late 19th century, said: ‘I see the Conservative party becoming more and more attractive to people from all different backgrounds, particularly because so many of the immigrant communities are people who work hard and get on in life... so I think they are naturally Conservative.’ The Manchester University research has led to speculation that the biggest losers could be the Tories, who have been accused of pursuing anti-immigrant rhetoric in response to the Ukip threat. Mr Shapps conceded that the election would be ‘incredibly close’, but insisted that David Cameron would not go into a coalition with Ukip if he fails to win a majority in May. Mr Shapps was responding to figures showing two London seats – Brent North and East Ham – which will be contested at the general election contain a majority of voters born overseas . | Two seats at general election have majority of foreign-born voters .
Mr Shapps said immigrants should consider voting Conservative .
Migrant's desire to 'work hard' for families makes them natural Tories . |
fcda3d1a9cced13ab768df016de207780283a474 | Lukas Podolski came off the substitutes' bench to make his Serie A debut at the Juventus Stadium but it was new team-mate Mauro Icardi who made the difference in helping Inter Milan claim a point against Juventus. Tevez showed his former manager Roberto Mancini what he was missing by scoring an early opener against Inter however his effort was cancelled out by compatriot Icardi. Juventus forward Tevez said in the run up to his side's home match against Inter that he was not focused on going up against a side managed by Mancini. Mauro Icardi celebrates with his Inter Milan team-mates - including Lukas Podolski - after scoring his side's equaliser . Juventus' Carlos Tevez (left) and Podolski (second left) shake ends at the end of the Serie A clash in Turin . Tevez (second left) in action as Juventus claim a point at home in the league match against Inter Milan on Tuesday . Juventus goalscorer Carlos Tevez hugs team-mate Arturo Vidal after scoring past Samir Handanovic in the fifth minute . Tevez is mobbed by his Juventus team-mates after scoring his side's opening goal against Serie A rivals Inter Milan . Podolski came off the substitutes' bench in the 54th minute just one day after officially completing his move to Inter Milan . JUVENTUS: Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Evra; Pogba, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal (Pereyra 78); Tevez, Llorente (Morata 63) Subs not used: Marrone, Pepe, Giovinco, Storari, Rubinho, Ogbonna, Padoin, Coman, Mattiello, Caceres . Goal: Tevez 5 . Booked: Bonucci, Morata . INTER MILAN: Handanovic; Juan, Campagnaro, Ranocchia, D'Ambrosio; Kovacic, Guarin, Kuzmanovic (Podolski 54), Medel, Hernanes (Osvaldo 85), Icardi (M'Vila 89) Subs not used: Obi, Carrizo, Andreolli, Bonazzoli, Dodo, Donkor, Vidic, Puscas, Krhin . Goal: Icardi 64 . Sent off: Kovacic 84 . Booked: D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan, Medel, Icardi . However he must have been delighted to score against a side coached by a manager he did not exactly see eye-to-eye with during his stint in the blue half of Manchester. Tevez scored his 16th goal of the season in the fifth minute after a fantastic piece of skill by team-mate Arturo Vidal. The Chile international tricked his way past fellow countryman Gary Medel before crossing to Tevez, who had the easy task of tapping into an empty net from close range. Another former Premier League star in Paul Pogba came close to doubling Juventus' lead when he skipped past two Inter defenders before being denied at the final hurdle by Samir Handanovic. Mancini could face more misery during the course of the next few days as Inter Milan defender Juan is likely to be punished for what appeared to be a deliberate elbow on Giorgio Chiellini. Podolski, who completed a season-long loan move to Inter from Arsenal on Monday, replaced Zdravko Kuzmanovic in the 54th minute. It was Podolski's new team-mate Icardi who got his side back on level terms with a fine piece of solo work before smashing the ball low past Gianluigi Buffon. Icardi had a golden chance to snatch the three points for his side after latching on to a cross by Podolski, however his shot went wide of Buffon's post. Dani Osvaldo nearly clashed with Icardi when the Argentine decided to shoot at goal from a tight angle, however Fredy Guarin stepped in to split his team-mates apart. Inter Milan were reduced to 10 men with four minutes to go when Mateo Kovacic was shown a straight red card for a lunging challenge on Stephan Lichtsteiner but Mancini's side held on to claim a point. Next up for league leaders Juventus is fourth-placed Napoli on Sunday, while Inter will welcome Genoa to the San Siro. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba takes on Inter Milan's Hugo Campagnaro at the Juventus Stadium . Arsenal loanee Podolski acknowledges Inter supporters at the end of the Serie A clash in Turin . Podolski watches the action from the bench before coming on in the 54th minute . | Carlos Tevez opened the scoring in the fifth minute as Juventus looked to stretch lead at top of table .
Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi grabbed his side an equaliser at the Juventus Stadium in the 64th minute .
Lukas Podolski made his Serie A debut just one day after officially completing his move to Inter . |
fcdaabf9d04d1789b56fcbc7569df64ce1080803 | By . John Drayton . Tiger Woods believes he should be at this year's Ryder Cup - but accepts he may have to do more to convince United States captain Tom Watson. Former world number one Woods is on the comeback trail after a three-month lay-off following a back operation. Woods' appearance at the Open at Hoylake this week was just his second since undergoing surgery in March. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Tiger Woods on injury, his form and desire to make Ryder Cup . Frustrating: Woods was expected to perform better at the Open despite recently returning from an injury lay-off . Disappointing: Woods would have hoped to have performed a lot better at the Open . Dejected: Woods strolls off the 18th green looking disappointed at the end of his final round . After playing all four rounds at Royal Liverpool, Woods appears to have proved his fitness but his form is a different matter. The 14-time major winner had mixed fortunes on the Merseyside links, finishing six over after a three-under-par first-round 69. Having fallen well down the standings for automatic Gleneagles selection during his absence, he may be relying on being named as one of Watson's wildcard picks for the September match. Asked if he should be selected, Woods said: 'I would say yes, but that's my position, my take on it. "He's the captain, obviously it's his decision. He's going to field the best 12 players that he thinks will win the cup back, and I hope I'm on that team.' Woods has been a wildcard pick before, in 2010 when Corey Pavin added him to his side for the competition at Celtic Manor. The 38-year-old said: 'I got picked by Corey back in whenever it was when we played in Wales. 'I was coming off an injury as well there with my Achilles, and I sat out for most of the summer. Thinking: Woods eyes up a putt during the final round of the Open championship . Improvement: Woods holds up the ball after putting out on the 13th green . 'I felt like I was able to contribute to the team and that's all you want as a pick, you want someone who can contribute to the team, whether it's in support or it's in play. 'I did it then and hopefully I can actually earn my way on to this team.' Woods is confident he can do that in the most convincing fashion with outstanding performances in the coming weeks at the Bridgestone Invitational - which he won last year - and the US PGA Championship at Valhalla. He added: 'Well, I'd like to win the next two tournaments I'm in. That should take care of that.' Woods' final round at Hoylake included a double-bogey six at the seventh hole and four other bogeys. Assessing his week on the Wirral, he commented: 'I got four rounds in, unfortunately I didn't play very well today. 'It was a little different on the first day, obviously, but I just made too many mistakes. I had two triples (bogeys), two doubles. Just way too many mistakes. 'But the fact I was able to play a few weeks ahead of time, and I'm only getting stronger and faster, is great.' Woods, a triple Open champion, finished five strokes behind 64-year-old five-time winner Watson, who closed with an impressive 68. Preparation: Woods gets ready for the 15th tee during the final round of the Open with his caddie Joe Lacava . Straight faced: Woods walks off after finishing his final round during day four of the Open Championship . Watson has said he will pick Woods for Gleneagles if form and fitness warrants it, but will make no guarantees if he fails to make the play-offs for the FedExCup. Watson had hoped to speak to Woods at some stage during their week at the Open but that has not occurred. 'I just said hello. We're going to talk on the phone,' said Watson. 'But it's a little bit early with Tiger to even talk to as far as where he is. Where it needs to be is higher up on the list. 'It looks like he's playing without pain but, again, he's not in the mix. 'He needed to get in the mix to get some points to get some money and get in the FedExCup. That's what I was hoping he was doing this week.' Phil Mickelson is another high-profile American player currently outside automatic selection. 'If Phil and Tiger don't make it in the mix there, I've got some real thinking to do. 'Everybody is thinking that I'm going to pick them automatically but I can assure you that I'm not going to pick them automatically.' | The 38-year-old ended six over par after a frustrating championship for him at Hoylake .
He finished three over par on the final day to recover some pride after lethargic showing .
However he still feels he should be at this year's Ryder Cup .
It was his first performance at a major since back surgery earlier this year . |
fcdae8516adc0f0396cbba73e94f2f53d79f4d8a | They may be two of the world's most famous sisters but Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are rarely pictured together. However, the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, put on a united front today as they joined the rest of the Royal family at Ascot. Princess Beatrice, 25, wore an elegant teal dress by British . designer Suzannah and a hat by top milliner Sarah Cant and 25-year-old Princess . Eugenie looked fresh and pretty in a neat beige trench coat and a hat . by one of her favourite milliners, Nerida Fraiman. Sister sister: Princess's Beatrice and Eugenie arrived together on the opening day of Royal Ascot looking chic, as always . The Royal siblings were last seen together last month, when they joined Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas for a night out at exclusive member's club, Annabel's. Other than that, they usually attend Royal engagements separately, perhaps to break up their duties between them. Fashion forward: Princess Beatrice, 25, wore an elegant dress by British designer Suzannah and a hat by top milliner Sarah Cant and 25-year-old Princess Eugenie looked fresh and pretty in a neat beige trench coat and a hat by one of her favourite milliners, Nerida Fraiman . Here they come! The pair usually attend Royal engagements separately, perhaps to break up their duties, but today they joined forces for a day at the races . She's got a winner! Princess Beatrice celebrates after a race in the royal box during Day 1 of Royal Ascot . Tense times: Princess Eugenie watches a race from the royal box in a stylish cream coat . Three cheers for Bea! The Princess clearly got lucky as she celebrated in the box behind Prince Philip . Style sister: Princess Bea looked resplendent in a teal lace dress with chunky gold jewellery as she joined cousin Prince Harry, right . A right Royal outing: The sisters were joined by a smart looking Prince Harry in the Royal enclosure . The duo both spend a lot of time with their respective boyfriends but they appear to share a lot of friends, including their cousin's ex Cressida, as well as socialites such as Holly Branson and Cara and Poppy Delevingne. The two young Princesses were joined by practically the whole royal family today. From the . Queen's love of racing to Prince Harry's penchant for polo, there's no . shortage of royal fans of all things equestrian - and Royal Ascot saw . nearly all of them turn out for the opening day of racing action. Friendship group: The sisters have a lot of mutual friends but are more often spotted hanging out with their respective boyfriends . Trendy: Princess Eugenie has been showcasing a more sophisticated dress sense in recent months . Fresh . from a fuss-free appearance at the Order of the Garter service . yesterday, the Queen beamed and waved at the cheering crowds as she was . driven down the racecourse. Joining . the Queen, who was chic in a blue suit by Angela Kelly, was the Duke of . Edinburgh, who missed last year's event due to illness, the Duchess of . Cornwall, who was radiant in a silk ice blue suit, and the Prince of . Wales who looked dapper in morning dress. Also arriving with the royal party was . Prince Harry, who looked more than ready for a good time, and new mother . Zara Tindall who sported an enormous floral hat and was spotted giving . her handsome cousin a big kiss on the cheek. Completing the group was the Princess . Royal, who looked lovely in brown, Prince Andrew and a glamorous Sophie . Wessex who, like the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall, chose ice blue. Family moment: The royal party, including Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Zara Philips, arrived earlier today . Royal knees up: Prince Harry (C), his close friend Jake Warren (L) and Princess Beatrice (R) attend the opening day of Royal Ascot in the southwest of London . Air kisses all round: Princess Eugenie and Zara Phillips greet each other as they join the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Anne . | Beatrice, 25, and Eugenie, 24, looked stylish at Royal Ascot .
Joined the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Harry, Zara Tindall and Sophie Wessex .
Last seen together on night out with Cressida Bonas . |
fcdaf4feb261aa1ff157e366b865b4761978e7af | By . Lydia Warren . PUBLISHED: . 09:56 EST, 25 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:02 EST, 25 September 2013 . Jail cell footage has been released showing a couple who allegedly kidnapped their toddler sons and fled to Cuba on a sailboat discussing the plot - and desperately urging each other to stay quiet. Joshua and Sharyn Hakken, from Tampa, Florida, are seen embracing, kissing and apparently talking about what they will say about the kidnapping on the video released by prosecutors. Among other documents released this week, prosecutors have also shared a bizarre love letter Sharyn Hakken sent to a 26-year-old woman whom she met in prison, in which she tells the former inmate she is '100% committed to you and our relationship'. The Hakkens were charged with kidnapping, interference with child custody and neglect in April after they allegedly kidnapped two-year-old Chase and four-year-old Cole from the boys' grandparents, who had been granted custody of them just a week earlier. Caught on camera: Joshua Hakken embraces his wife Sharyn in jail shortly after they are arrested for kidnapping their two toddler sons and fleeing to Cuba. The video shows them discussing the plot . Keeping quiet: Joshua Hakken urges his wife not to speak to her cellmates about the kidnapping as he comforts her in the cell. The footage could be used as evidence in their kidnapping trial . After the couple were tracked down in Cuba and returned to the U.S., they were held in a Hillsborough County jail, where surveillance cameras filmed their conversations on April 10. 'Be careful what you say to your cellmates,' Joshua Hakken, 45, says to his wife. 'No one can know about this.' 'I know, I know, I know,' responds Sharyn Hakken, 34, later adding, 'I said too much on the plane', as her husband comforts her, ABC News reported. The couple, who have both pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping charges, also apparently discussed their release from jail. Arrest: Sharyn Hakken, left, and her husband Joshua, right, allegedly kidnapped their sons, aged two and four, a week after Sharyn's mother had been granted custody of the boys . Affair: Lacrecia White, pictured, said that she met Sharyn Hakken in prison and they continue to write to each other. Prosecutors have released the letters, in which Hakken tells White she loves her . Devotion: The letters called White her 'soul mate' and tell her she is 100% committed to their relationship . As part of the documents prosecutors released this week in the Hakken case, they shared a letter written from Sharyn Hakken to a woman. The woman, Lacrecia White, told ABC Action News that they had met in prison in July before she was released. Here are some excerpts from the letter from Hakken: . 'I hope I dream about you tonight. I need to see you and feel you. I love you. Ugh I so badly wish we could hold each other right now. I wanna play with your hair! 'I am so super excited about our future together... 'I want to talk to you and hear your . voice sooo bad... So how are you my beautiful girl? I miss you so much. 'I love you so much. I hope you really do know that by now... I am 100% fully committed to you and our relationship! 'Let's get married! (I'm totally serious unless you think I'm crazy then haha jk [just kidding])' 'I've been nervous that yours and my relationship could hurt my case in some way and that my lawyer would find out and tell me to stop talking to you. I don't think I'd be able to!' 'When everything goes down I'll come . find you,' Joshua Hakken said, with his wife adding: 'If I get out . before you, I promise I'll wait for you.' Prosecutors plan to present the footage as evidence at a trial later this year. They also released photographs taken inside the Hakken's sailboat that show two child car seats, a gun and ammunition. Other documents included love letters Sharyn Hakken sent to a 26-year-old woman. The woman, Lacrecia White, gave an interview to ABC Action News and explained that they had hit it off while playing cards together in jail in July. One . letter from Hakken reads: 'I want to talk to you and hear your voice . sooo bad. So how are you my beautiful girl? I miss you so much. I'm glad . I stayed up so late writing to you last night. 'I love you so much. I hope you really do know that by now... I am 100% fully committed to you and our relationship!' White, who has since been released on probation and is training to become an electrician, said that Hakken spends her days doing yoga and missing her children. 'I know that her overall goal is to get her kids back. She says that when she gets out of jail, she wants to start in with a case plan, if that's even possible,” said White. 'We'll definitely keep writing each other. I need her support and she needs a friend right now.' Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames. Found: The couple's boat, 'Salty', is pictured moored at the Marina Hemingway complex in Havana on April 9, six days after the couple allegedly set sail from Florida with their sons on board . Prosecutors said the Hakkens had . become paranoid about living in the U.S., claiming the government was . trying to hack their computers and poison them. They had asked 11 . countries for asylum, documents show. They . lost custody of the boys last year after police officers in Louisiana . found them and the children in a hotel room surrounded by weapons and . drugs. On April 3, Joshua Hakken allegedly . forced his way into his mother-in-law's home, tied her up and put the . boys in his car, before setting sail for Cuba. Officials . in Cuba learned that the parents were wanted in connection with a . kidnapping and contacted U.S. authorities, who flew them back. When . the boys were returned, their maternal grandparents Patricia and Bob . Hauser revealed that the youngsters, who were not harmed, did not know . they were allegedly kidnapped. New home: The boys wave to the press alongside their grandparents and law enforcement officials outside their new home after they were safely returned to the United States in April . 'They . have been told that everyone heard about their sailboat trip to Cuba - . "another country", as they call it,' Mrs Hauser said at a press . conference. 'And their airport ride back to America, and that everyone . wants to take their picture... We are treating it as if they went on a . vacation.' Mr Hauser said that they had never imagined they would be bringing up Cole and Chase - but that the 'smart, chatty' boys were a joy each day. 'It was initially a change of life-style for us, but having these boys here is just amazing,' he said. 'I come home from work at the end of a . bad day and the two will come running up hugging and kissing me . [saying] "Papa's home! Papa's home!" It's just wonderful. We wouldn't . trade it for anything.' See below for video . | Joshua and Sharyn Hakken 'kidnapped their sons from her mother's house' in April after she was granted custody of the boys, Cole, 4, and Chase, 2 .
They were tracked down in Cuba and safely returned to their grandparents .
New footage shows the Hakkens discussing keeping the plot quiet as they comfort each other in a jail cell after their arrest .
Prosecutors also released love letters written from Sharyn Hakken to woman, 26, she met in jail saying she is committed to their relationship . |
fcdb4795444fff89bb6519e8a53cd11d6c7728f3 | (CNN Student News) -- April 14, 2011 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . • Washington, D.C. • Gulf Coast . Transcript . THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: In honor of National Library Week, I'm here with CNN's library team.... CNN LIBRARIANS: Shhh. Welcome to CNN Student News. CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: Today's show goes out to all of our CNN librarians and to all of you librarians and media specialists out there. Happy National Library Week. Now, let's get to the headlines. First Up: Deficit Plan . AZUZ: First up, President Obama announces the details of his plan to lower the country's deficit. It includes a mixture of spending cuts and tax increases. The White House says the president's plan will cut the deficit by $4 trillion over the next 12 years. Republicans have outlined their own plan. It would cut about the same amount from the deficit, but in very different ways. Republican leaders have criticized the president's plan, especially the idea of increasing government revenue by raising taxes on wealthy Americans. House Speaker John Boehner says the government doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. During his speech yesterday, President Obama said he doesn't expect everyone to agree, but he does hope they can find a way to work together. U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: I don't expect the details in any final agreement to look exactly like the approach I laid out today. This is a democracy; it's not how things work. I'm eager to hear other ideas from all ends of the political spectrum. And though I'm sure the criticism of what I've said here today will be fierce in some quarters, and my critique of the House Republican approach has been strong, Americans deserve and will demand that we all make an effort to bridge our differences and find common ground. Is This Legit? TOMEKA JONES, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Is this legit? The Latin word "fauna" refers to a region's plant life. Nope. Not true! "Flora" refers to a region's natural plant life while "fauna" refers to animal life. Gulf Wildlife Report . AZUZ: There's a new report out looking at the status of the fauna from the U.S. Gulf Coast region. One year after the devastating BP oil spill, the National Wildlife Federation classifies the coast's wetlands as "poor." Some of the problems were around before the spill: erosion, storms. But the spill -- the worst in U.S. history -- made the situation worse. According to the report, around 3,000 miles of coast were contaminated by oil. And even the clean-up efforts can cause damage. As for the animals that call the area home, sea turtles and bluefin tuna were some of the species that were hit pretty hard. They were both given a condition of "poor." It's not all bad news, though. Brown pelicans and dolphins in the Gulf both have a "good" status. And the report says shrimp are recovering fairly well, too. Gas Prices & Politics . AZUZ: Drive past a gas station and you might just wince. Gas prices are high, and they keep going up! The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.81 yesterday. That is an increase of 24 percent from the start of this year. Lisa Sylvester is going to explain what's behind the rising prices and their impact on the political world. (BEGIN VIDEO) LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Coast to coast, from Atlanta to New York to Los Angeles, consumers are getting socked by high gas prices. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: $4.19 a gallon, that's ridiculous. It's absolutely absurd. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I have to drive, and they don't pay mileage. So, it's really, really sticking me. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, they're getting all the bailouts and the breaks, and we're getting squeezed. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's L.A., so it's even worse. SYLVESTER: Why are oil prices shooting upward now? The fighting in Libya is one contributing factor. Fears of unrest spreading to other countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, also has markets on edge. And, economists say, factoring in speculation and an increase in demand from countries like China. Higher gas prices hit consumers where it hurts most: discretionary spending. PETER MORICI, ECONOMICS PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND: Consumers really feel a pinch. They are limited in their discretion because they have to pay their mortgage, they have to pay their utilities. So, to pay higher gas prices, they go out to dinner less, they go to movies less, they buy fewer clothes. The amount of money that most consumers have to work with is very limited. SYLVESTER: Gas prices are expected to continue to rise through the spring. The spike in prices is not just a pocketbook issue, it's also a political one. KEN VOGEL, POLITICO: There is not a lot of evidence that anything that political leaders are doing in the short term has as much impact on gas prices as market trends or long-term energy policy. But that doesn't stop politicians of both parties from pointing the finger at each other. SYLVESTER: The issue is already playing out like a campaign ad. Republicans are blaming President Obama. Democrats pushing back, pointing to Republicans' cozy ties with the oil and gas industry. (END VIDEO) Teens and Music . AZUZ: You've probably heard this before: Music is one of those things that can define a generation. But new research suggests that the music you're listening to might also define your state of mind. This study looked at teens who listen to a lot of music. By a lot, we mean four to five hours a day. And the research says those teens may be at a higher risk for depression. Scientists also looked into other forms of media. Teens who read more have a lower risk of depression. And TV doesn't seem to have much of an effect. The study's author recognized that some teens might use music for comfort. So, it raises the question: Do people listen to more music when they're sad? Or can listening to a lot of music lead you to be sad? Blog Promo . AZUZ: You know this is something we're talking about on our blog at CNNStudentNews.com. When we get a story like this one, that's really about you, we want to know what you think. When you're feeling down, do you find that listening to music is more helpful or harmful? Put some thought into it, let us know your opinions. This Day in History . AZUZ: It's April 14th, and on this day in history: In 1828, after more than two decades of work, Noah Webster published the first edition of his American Dictionary. In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre. Lincoln died the following morning. And in 1986, the U.S. launched air strikes against Libya. This was in response to Libya supporting terrorism against American troops and citizens. Before We Go . AZUZ: Another event happened on this day in history back in 1910: President William Howard Taft threw out the first ball at the Washington Senators' home opener. With that flick of the wrist, he started the tradition of presidents tossing out the first pitch. Some of them threw from the stands, some from the mound. As we look back at this century-old tradition before we go today, see how many of these presidential pitchers you can recognize. (BEGIN VIDEO) [MUSIC; CLIPS OF PRESIDENTIAL FIRST PITCHES] . (END VIDEO) Goodbye . AZUZ: I pitched the idea of getting in a few throws here in the studio, but my producer balked at the idea. So instead, we'll toss it to your teachers and strike up another edition of CNN Student News tomorrow. Hope y'all have a great day. | Consider the details of and reaction to President Obama's deficit plan .
Learn about the status of wildlife recovery in the U.S. Gulf Coast region .
Find out some of the factors driving an increase in American gas prices .
Use the Daily Discussion to help students understand today's featured news stories . |
fcdb484a4ec100f86b01126373c65fe8639a469d | By . Marielle Simon for Daily Mail Australia . The Victorian Government is facing scrutiny for appointing Dr Sonia Sharp as a senior state education official, who has been linked to a shocking child abuse scandal in northern England for a 16-year period . The Victorian Government is facing scrutiny for appointing a senior state education official who has been linked to a shocking child abuse scandal in northern England for a 16-year period. Between 1997 and 2013, children as young as 11 were sexually exploited by gangs of men – most of them of Pakistani origin. At least 1,400 girls were left to be abused by Asian men because the authorities were too scared to admit there was a race issue. Police and council officials in Rotherham suppressed evidence of the crimes because they feared being labelled racist. Now, questions are being raised as to why the Victorian Government would recruit the former director of children's services in Rotherham between 2005 and 2006, Dr Sonia Sharp, as their deputy secretary of Victoria's Education Department. 'I think it absolutely raises questions about the recruitment policies, it raises questions about ongoing arrangements at the highest levels in the education department under the Liberal Government,' said Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews. 'This is not some junior bureaucrat, this is a senior, perhaps almost the most senior person... that is charged with the welfare and protection, the nourishment, the advancement, the education of our kids, there's answers that need to be provided to this and the Premier and the Minister are the ones to provide them.' However, Dr Sharp's peers stand by their decision and hail her as an 'outstanding leader' who has helped strengthen Victoria's system. 'I think that's a matter for ministers, but my point here is that I'm informed that the recruitment process has operated in the normal way, the recruitment process was a straight-forward, normal recruitment process,' Victorian Health Minister David Davis said. A report has discovered that 1,400 children were sexually exploited in Rotherham over a 16-year period. Adil Hussain (left) and Razwan Razaq (right) were jailed in 2010 for grooming young girls in the town . Umar Razaq was another of the five-strong sex gang jailed and placed on the sex offenders' register . Zafran Ramzan, 21, (left) was jailed for nine years and Mohsin Khan (right) for four in the same case . The devastating report by Professor Alexis Jay revealed that: . John . Cameron of the NSPCC said there had been a collective blindness over . the abuse which allowed devastating child sexual exploitation to go . unchallenged. The . charity said; ‘This report is truly damning. Many of these children . were already extremely vulnerable, and the manner in which they were let . down by agencies entrusted to protect them is appalling. ‘It . is hard to imagine the damage caused to victims who were preyed upon . with almost impunity over many years, because of a reluctance to . comprehend or address what was widely happening.’ It . called for authorities to ensure that such failings should never be . repeated and that ‘cultural sensitivities should never stand in the way . of protecting children’. Adam Pemberton of Victim Support said: ‘The extent of the sexual exploitation of young girls is horrific. ‘Almost . as shocking as the details of that abuse is the abject failure on the . part of social services to protect these children. Vulnerable girls were . often not believed by the authorities because of their troubled . backgrounds. The report comes after two others done between 2002 and 2006 which 'could not have been clearer' The report comes after two others done between 2002 and 2006 which 'could not have been clearer' Although partially taking responsibility for the damage that was caused to the victims in Rotherham, Dr Sharp insists she did what she could at the time. 'As soon as I commenced in April 2005 as Rotherham's first director of children's services, I was briefed by politicians, senior managers and frontline staff about the issue of sexual exploitation of young people,' Dr Sharp said in a statement. 'We knew that there were many children in the community at risk and feared this was the tip of an iceberg. 'There was a lot to do: shifting attitudes, raising the quality of services for these vulnerable children, improving early identification and strategies for prevention and, importantly, getting agencies to work together to achieve convictions. 'You can't be the director of children's services and not take responsibility for what happens to children,' she said. 'I regret every case of exploitation of vulnerable girls that was not prevented, but feel strongly that our collective efforts led to gradual but essential improvements in the situation for many young people.' Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews, questions why the Victorian Government would recruit the former director of children's services in Rotherham . Her leadership during that time was commended by Richard Bolt, the department secretary of The Victorian Education Department. 'I have no doubt that Sonia tackled the issue of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham with maximum commitment, professionalism and focus,' Mr Bolt said in a statement. 'In the report there are numerous references to important changes made under Sonia's management that led to sustained and systemic improvement. 'There is considerable evidence not included in the report which reinforces my view.' And Mr Bolt is not the only one from The Department to praise Dr Sharp's work with the Victorian Education Department. A spokesperson for the National Centre Against Bullying said, 'Sonia Sharp is a representative of the Victorian Education Department on the National Centre Against Bullying. 'Sonia is known internationally for her work on tackling bullying in schools and was invited to share this knowledge with the National Centre Against Bullying.' Victorian Health Minister David Davis, (right) and The Victorian Department stand by their decision and hail her as an 'outstanding leader' who has helped strengthen Victoria's system . But despite the approval given by Dr Sonia's peers, Jane . Collins, Ukip’s Yorkshire and Humber MEP, said, ‘I categorically call . for the resignation of everyone directly and indirectly involved in this . case. 'The Labour Council stand accused of deliberately ignoring child . sex abuse victims for 16 years. The apologies we have heard are totally . insincere and go nowhere near repairing the damage done. ‘I . also call for a criminal investigation by a force not directly linked . with this scandal in to all those implicated in this scandal. There is . no place for these people in public life.’ And . at least six victims have now launched a class action against Rotherham . council and could be in line for millions of pounds in compensation. Professor Alexis Jay, author of the report, blasted the 'blatant' failing of Rotherham Council . More than a third of the sexual abuse cases were known to agencies but not followed up . | The Victorian Government faces scrutiny for recruiting Dr Sonia Sharp, who has been linked to the child abuse scandal in Northern England .
Over a 16 year period, 1,400 girls were left to be abused by Asian men because the authorities were scared being labelled racist .
Deputy secretary of Victoria's Education Department Dr Sonia Sharp, was director of children's services in Rotherham at the time .
The Victorian Government defends Dr Sharp, insisting she has assisted in the improvement of the Victorian Government .
Staff .
were given ‘clear directions’ from managers to downplay the ‘ethnic .
dimension’ of the abuse despite almost all the perpetrators being of .
Pakistani heritage; .
Three .
separate reports warning of the scale of the abuse were ‘suppressed or .
ignored’ by the council because it was ‘in denial’ about the crimes; .
Serious .
discussions about sexual abuse were impossible because of the ‘macho’
and ‘sexist’ culture at the Labour-controlled council; .
Police treated victims and their families as if they were to blame for the abuse, and took no action against the paedophiles; .
The .
victims were left so traumatised that one tried to throw herself in .
front of moving cars and another said she ‘might as well be dead . |
fcdbd994c06090ae33a5af47dbb53886fbf3b5ee | By . Lucy Crossley . A benefits cheat who pocketed £20,000 in state hand-outs by claiming he was so disabled he couldn’t walk more than 10 metres was caught by undercover investigators - lifting heavy wheelbarrows and walking his pet dog. Alan Sheard, 59, told the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) he was entitled to the highest category of disability benefits on the grounds that he was so ill he couldn’t even leave the house. But he was caught on camera by DWP investigators easily lifting a wheelbarrow into his car boot, pushing wheelie bins along his drive and taking his dog for a walk. Scroll down for video . Cheat: Alan Sheard, 59, claimed he was so disabled he couldn't walk more than 10 metres but was spotted easily lifting a wheelbarrow into his car boot . Probe: Sheard was caught on camera by DWP investigators . Claims: Sheard told the Department of Work and Pensions he was entitled to the highest category of disability benefits on the grounds that he was so ill he couldn't even leave the house . Despite saying he couldn’t move without the aid of walking sticks Sheard can be seen in one clip moving a 6ft 7in metal fence to allow his pet dog through to another field while enjoying a leisurely stroll in the park. Sheard appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Government of a change in circumstances. Magistrates heard he was overpaid a total of £19,985.10 in Disability Living Allowance between May 2009 and June 2012. Chris Coughlan, prosecuting, said a surveillance operation had been launched following three anonymous tip-offs that Sheard, from Wolverhampton, was doing ‘occasional work’ and playing golf three times a week. Plea: Sheard appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Monday where he admitted failing to notify the Government of a change of circumstances that affected his entitlement to benefits . Investigation: A surveillance operation had been launched following three anonymous tip-offs that Sheard, from Wolverhampton, was doing 'occasional work' and playing golf three times a week . He added: 'He was filmed walking his dog over long distances, lifting a wheelbarrow, lifting a 6ft by 7ft metal mesh fence panel and manoeuvring wheelie bins. 'Mr Sheard allegedly could not walk in excess of 10 metres and did not go outside.' Richard Burch, defending, admitted Sheard should have told authorities his condition had improved. He said: 'He was still disabled and probably would have been entitled to some form of disability allowance, although not at the rate at which he was being paid. 'The defendant still suffers from severe ill health. He suffers from chronic pancreatitis, which means he has difficulty eating. 'He has to take a lot of medications. He is diabetic. He also has a bad back. Active: Despite saying he couldn't move without the aid of walking sticks Sheard can be seen in one clip moving a 6ft 7in metal fence to allow his pet dog through to another field while enjoying a leisurely stroll in the park . Changed man: The court heard Sheard - who appeared in court on crutches - had not received Disability Living Allowance since the matter came to light in 2012 . 'He is a person who does have considerable medical problems. It is not suggested that there is a matter of dishonesty.' Mr Burch said that Sheard's form had been completed in 2007 by one of the defendant’s daughters. 'She put basically that the defendant couldn’t really walk without sticks,' he said. 'Occasionally he went to a golf course and he has been seen with a wheelbarrow and walking short distances. 'He did take a dog to a little wooded area near to his house. 'He should have informed the authorities that his walking wasn’t quite as immobile as it was on the form.' The court heard Sheard - who appeared in court on crutches - had not received Disability Living Allowance since the matter came to light in 2012. The case was adjourned for reports and he was told to appear before the same court for sentencing next week. | Alan Sheard, 59, was caught on camera by DWP officers .
He had said he could not walk without sticks to claim benefits .
Surveillance operation was launched following three anonymous tip-offs .
Informants said Sheard was doing ‘occasional work’ and playing golf .
Sheard admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances .
Court told he has not received Disability Living Allowance since 2012 . |
fcdc05f4f9d860c715ae806283151ea40e74cc90 | By . David Kent . Smiles better: Thomas Muller posted this picture on his Facebook and Twitter accounts on Monday . Thomas Muller has recovered from a horror head injury and is ready to face the United States in Germany's final World Cup group clash. The Bayern Munich striker ended Germany's 2-2 draw with Ghana on the turf following a nasty clash of heads with defender John Boye. Muller, who scored a hat-trick in Germany's opening game match against Portugal, was left with blood pouring from the wound just above his right eye. But the striker has urged his fans 'not to worry' and says the Germans, among the favourites to win the tournament in Brazil, have targeted a place at the summit of Group G. A draw in Saturday's match against the United States will be enough for Joachim Low's side to ensure top spot. 'Thanks for the many well wishes, Muller said accompanied with a picture of his face, on his Facebook count. 'All good with me, even if I look a little like a boxer. 'Do not worry, I'm well again. My cut was expertly sewn from Doc after playing with five stitches, so I already have a clear view, even if the eye is still a little green and blue. 'On Thursday we enjoy a tough match against the USA. But what is clear: We want to be first in the group! And with your support we will make it!' Bloody mess: Muller is left on the turf with blood pouring from his head after clashing with Ghana's John Boye . VIDEO Sweden 3 v 5 Germany - Qualifying . | Muller posted the picture of his face on his Facebook and Twitter accounts .
The Bayern Munich striker sustained the head injury in the draw with Ghana .
Muller scored a hat-trick in Germany's opening 4-0 victory against Portugal .
And the 24-year-old is confident Germany will finish top of Group G . |
fcdc436501a46baa238f001d99e59312ce15ffe9 | (Real Simple) -- Learn how to be plugged in without being impolite. (This is one user manual worth reading.) If you run into someone while you're listening to your iPod, remove both earbuds to talk to her, experts say. 1. You're walking down the street and listening to your iPod when you run into someone you know. Do you need to remove both earbuds to talk to her? Jodi R. R. Smith: If you're having more than a two-minute conversation, then, yes, both buds need to come out -- whether you turn off the device or not. And that goes for your Bluetooth earpiece, too. Jodi R. R. Smith is the president of Manner-smith Consulting, in Boston, Massachusetts, and the author of "From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Woman." Joni Blecher: Yes. People want to know that the person they're talking to is really paying attention to them. Joni Blecher is editorial director of LetsTalk.com. Her blog, Somethin' to Talk About, covers the latest technology. Sue Fox: Remember -- etiquette is all about making the other person more comfortable. How comfortable could your friend be trying to talk to you when you've got something in your ears? Sue Fox is the founder and president of EtiquetteSurvival.com, an etiquette consulting firm. 2. Is it rude to check your PDA at a friend's house? Blecher: A little bit. But if you arrive at a friend's home and explain that you need to check a few e-mails before you visit so you can give her your full attention, she will probably understand. Smith: It depends on how you're using it. If you're checking on something relevant to your visit, then no. If you find yourself perusing other e-mails, you will send the message that you're bored. Will Schwalbe: Think of your PDA as a crossword puzzle. Anywhere it's acceptable to work on a crossword puzzle, it's OK to check your PDA. Will Schwalbe is a coauthor of "Send: Why People Email So Badly and How to Do It Better." Real Simple: Tips for dealing with obnoxious co-workers . 3. How quickly must I respond to an e-mail? Are the standards different for work e-mails versus personal e-mails? Schwalbe: It's all about consistency. If you're going to deviate from what you usually do, use your out-of-office assistant or automatic-response setting to let people know why they might not be hearing from you as quickly as they're used to. You don't want them to think they've insulted you somehow or that you are ignoring them. Judith Kallos: Not responding quickly -- within hours and certainly by the end of the day -- to any e-mail might make the other side feel as though she's being overlooked. It's particularly important to respond promptly to business e-mails because that is professional and courteous. Judith Kallos oversees NetManners.com, a Web site dedicated to the topics of e-mail and Internet etiquette. Anna Post: The sooner you can reply properly, the better. Never leave someone hanging. Anna Post is the resident technology-etiquette expert at the Emily Post Institute, in Burlington, Vermont. 4. If someone calls you, can you e-mail the person back or send a text message if you're not in the mood to talk? What if you text or e-mail someone and the person calls you back? Pier M. Forni: Unless the person has requested something specific or you sense a tinge of urgency, there's nothing uncivil about replying with a "Can we talk later?" text message. Pier M. Forni is the author of "The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude" and a professor of Italian literature at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland. Schwalbe: Think about what is the best way to respond. If someone called you to get directions somewhere, for instance, reply via e-mail so you can send along a map. Blecher: If you text someone because you don't want to talk and the person calls back, don't answer. If you do answer, the other person will sense your foul mood immediately and might get offended. Just text back that you can't talk now but will call later. Your friend will thank you. Real Simple: 18 common phrases to avoid in conversation . 5. Is using BCC (blind carbon copy) on an e-mail considered sneaky? Schwalbe: Yes, and it's dangerous too, because your BCC can be exposed if the blind recipient hits Reply All or forwards the e-mail to someone else. To protect yourself from this, forward the message separately with an explanation. Kallos: Using it to make someone look bad or e-tattle on someone is not appropriate. BCC is best used to protect your contacts' e-mail addresses from being exposed to strangers. Smith: BCC can be sneaky but also useful. If you feel that an e-mail discussion you had could turn into a larger issue, you could BCC your boss to make her aware of the situation. Just don't inundate her with copies of every e-mail you send. Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE! Copyright © 2009 Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Remove iPod earbuds when you're talking to someone, experts say .
Author: Anywhere it's OK to work on a crossword puzzle, you can check your PDA .
The sooner you can reply to an e-mail properly, the better, an etiquette expert says . |
fcdc86a8b55a6846be8da089f28de4c062eae2a3 | For most school children, being a millionaire is something they dream of - but for Ollie Forsyth, it could be a not-too-distant reality. The 17-year-old entrepreneur, who is studying at The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy backed by Dragons' Den's Peter Jones, is adamant he's going to hit the landmark by the time he's 20. And if his career history to date is anything to go by, he could be right. Scroll down for video . Ollie, pictured outside his home in front of his Herbie Beetle, started making money aged six when he made his parents tea and coffee and charged them 20p a cup - now his net worth is around £280,239 . Ollie said he was determined to prove his haters wrong after suffering 'constant' bullying . Ollie started his first business aged 13, an e-tailer called Ollie’s Shop, and turned over £13,000 profit in the first year. Since then, the shop turns over £30,000 annually and is doubling yearly. Ollie, from Pury End, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, told FEMAIL: 'My entrepreneurial career started aged six when I made my parents tea and coffee and charged them 20p a cup. 'I didn’t need to pay for any of the resources, just the labour. 'I had a car-wash business, sold my parents' vegetable patch yearly, and had a tuck shop at school making £7,000 a year.' Like a lot of entrepreneurs - including Steve Jobs, Nelson Rockefeller and Richard Branson - Ollie is dyslexic and admits he 'really struggled at school'. His father Angus, an insurance broker, and his mother Melanie, who runs an interior design business, sent him to the specialist Bruern Abbey School in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Ollie said: 'I went to special needs school, which helped me with my dyslexia and was fantastic. 'I then moved to Milton Abbey school in Dorset where I had the three worst years of my life, constant bullying and cyber bullying.' Ollie didn't talk to anyone about the issues, but finally plucked up the courage to talk to the school's American counsellor who told him: ‘You've just got to go for it and you will be a billionaire one day, my friend.’ 'This is what drove me to success,' Ollie said. 'I was bullied that much, I wanted to end my life, but, I said to myself: "I am going to be a millionaire one day and those bullies will be working for me".' Undeterred by struggles with school work, the youngster turned to business and was determined to succeed, counting Virgin boss, Sir Richard Branson, as his idol. Ollie Forsyth, 17, is studying at The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy backed by Dragons' Den's Peter Jones . Ollie, pictured, left, as a youngster with a passion for cars and, right, sitting in his own vehicle, never keeps money in the bank and invests in classic cars . 'I wanted to create a luxury inexpensive gift shop,' he explains. 'Within the first year, I turned over £13,000 profit aged 13, since then, we are turning over £30,000 yearly and doubling yearly. 'Since starting The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, I have recently started my own enterprise magazine, The Budding Entrepreneur. 'I wanted a website that gives future budding entrepreneurs the resources, tools and business templates to make their business innovative but, most importantly, viable. 'We launched on November 1 and since starting we have 4,000 readers and counting.' If that wasn't enough, OIlie has a book coming out in America in 2016 and has 'lots of other exciting projects on the go'. He added: 'My passion is encouraging entrepreneurs to start their own business. Sir Richard Branson is the main entrepreneur who got me here, he has inspired me so much and he’s very dyslexic too and he started his magazine aged 16 too.' The budding businessman is even getting set to channel Lord Alan Sugar by launching his own enterprise competition, which will support and mentor other young entrepreneurs like him . He also owns more than 500 diecast model cars potentially worth £10,000, which he bought for £800 . Despite his riches, Ollie never keeps money in the bank. He has classic cars including a rare original Austin Ulster and The Herbie Beetle. He also has more than 500 diecast model cars potentially worth £10,000, which he bought for £800. The budding businessman is even getting set to channel Lord Alan Sugar by launching his own enterprise competition. 'Students aged between 13-20 have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to me and the entrepreneur with the best idea will receive £1,000 investment from myself with a 50/50 partnership, as well as mentoring from myself and well-known entrepreneurs,' he explains. He added: 'I aim to be a millionaire before I'm 20 so I can support future budding entrepreneurs. My net worth is currently £280,239 ($423,000). 'I am determined to prove those bullies wrong and I guess I have done.' | Ollie Forsyth is studying at The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy .
Started online gift shop aged 13 and turned over £13,000 profit in first year .
Now turns over £30,000 annually and is penning a book .
Was severely bullied but wants to prove haters wrong .
Inspired by Sir Richard Branson and is launching apprentice style scheme . |
fcdcb9a5065f822b996648b7eca2fbf2fc6634a1 | By . Jenny Awford for MailOnline . They are locked in a ferocious battle to attract the attention of a perfectly-groomed male suitor. But he does not appear to be interested in the commotion he has caused - looking unaffected by the noisy display between the two love rival kestrels. The determined female American Kestrels flapped their wings and attacked each other with their talons as they fought over a wooden perch and a potential mate in Colorado. A female kestrel forces a love rival off the top perch in Colorado as a nonchalant male looks on . One of the determined American Kestrels delivers a powerful blow to her rival, knocking her off the perch . The battle was watched by a perfectly groomed male with distinctive grey stripes on his wings . Project manager and part-time wildlife photographer, Kurt Bowman, captured the extraordinary scene while visiting his mother who lived nearby. The 46-year-old from Denver, Colorado, said: 'I had stopped by a farmer's canal where I normally photograph ducks and kingfisher. 'I was hoping at first to find the kingfisher who frequents the area but I noticed someone had cut down a few trees and the bird was gone. 'I was disappointed that someone would ruin her habitat and I was getting ready to make my way to my mother's, when I noticed two American Kestrels out of the corner of my eye. For a few minutes, the determined female American Kestrels circled the wooden perch in Colorado . Part-time wildlife photographer, Kurt Bowman, said: 'It appeared as if the two females were fighting over the male while he would just watch' The photographer continued to watch the trio until one was finally successful and rewarded for her efforts . 'I stopped and starting watching and found out it was actually three - one male and two females. 'It appeared as if the two females were fighting over the male while he would just watch.' The pair continued trying to run each other off the perch, determined not to let the other get closer to the male. The photographer continued to watch the trio until one was finally successful and rewarded for her efforts. Mr Bowman said: 'I found out later when reading up on their behaviour, that this is something they do when courting a mate.' The American kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a small falcon and the only kestrel found in the Americas. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, but are most common in lowland areas and open country with sparse trees which provide roosts when it is foraging. At just 19cm to 21cm long, they also the smallest falcons in North America. The American kestrel hunts by hovering in the air with rapid wing beats or perching and scanning the ground for prey. Its diet typically consists of grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and small birds. American kestrels only mate with one individual, forming a strong and permanent bond. The females can demonstrate aggressive behaviour when competing for a mate . | Project manager Kurt Bowman spotted the birds fighting in Colorado .
Two female kestrels attacked each other with their talons to win top perch .
A perfectly-groomed male watched, looking unaffected by the commotion .
American kestrels mate for life and form a strong bond . |
fcdcbd898e21fc635e226f565d213a0881794f0b | SPRING HILL, Tennessee (CNN) -- The town that Saturn put on the map is worried about its future and its residents hope the auto plant and jobs won't go the way of its most famous product. The move to shut down Saturn has left some in Spring Hill, Tennessee, disappointed and perplexed. General Motors announced this week that it would close its Saturn line after its sale to Penske Automotive Group fell through. At the end of "Saturn Parkway" in Spring Hill, Tennessee, sits the huge plant where -- as the ads touted -- "a different kind of car company" produced a "different kind of car." The first Saturn, a red S-Series, rolled off the line in 1990 and it's still on display at the factory. The factory, along with the town, have played a major role in the company's image and advertisements, even hosting tours and "reunions" for Saturn car owners. At City Hall, the walls are decorated with old photos of the small town Spring Hill was before Saturn came to town and what it's grown into. "I think people are very proud an American-made car was made here," area resident Barbara Williams said. Mayor Mike Dinwiddie credits most of the town's growth to the Saturn plant. "GM, back in the mid 80's, is the reason this town began to grow in the first place," he said. Eventually, GM decided to move production elsewhere. The last Saturn made in Tennessee rolled off the line in 2007. After retooling, GM started building the Chevrolet Traverse in Spring Hill, but that production is now on its way out too. In November, it will be moved to a plant in Michigan, leaving Spring Hill's plant idle. The move to shut down Saturn has left some in town disappointed and perplexed. "It's been a great car," remarked Keith Slep who runs an auto repair shop a few miles from the factory. Slep said he hoped Penske would have been able to keep the brand viable. "He has a track record that won't quit of being a great business man and a good leader. I don't know what happened," Slep said. Williams said she was also stunned about the end of Saturn. "I'm like everyone else, 'How can this happen?' GM has been a forerunner in the automobile industry, and it's just a really sad indictment on what is happening," she said. "We are kind of curious as to why the decisions have been made that have been made," Dinwiddie said. "I do know that what GM is trying to do now as a company -- as far as how they are trying to operate and what they are saying the improvements they need to make -- almost mirror what Saturn was 20 years ago." Resident Joyce Avello puts the blame squarely on the federal government. "It's an abomination what the government is doing to the automotive industry ... Get it out of the government's hands. They don't know how to do cars. They can hardly do the government." As for the future of Spring Hill, Dinwiddie is optimistic. "I have to believe the plant is going to come back. It all depends on the overall economy," he said. "I hope that Americans start buying American products and start supporting the American auto manufacturing industry and if that happens, we'll get a product in this plant." Dinwiddie said he has been working with General Motors on a daily basis, and has invited President Obama and the auto recovery czar to come and tour the plant. "I don't think they understand what this plant is capable of doing and once they see that, I think that they will be well aware of the situation, and I think they could probably give us some help," he said. At 94, G.W. Bowman has lived in Spring Hill most of his life and remembers stories of his grandfather collecting the mail in the area during the Civil War. With Saturn gone and the local plant preparing to idle, Bowman said, "Of course, it's going to hurt, but it's not going to kill Spring Hill." | Saturn's demise leaves Spring Hill, Tennessee, residents dismayed .
Town was where the first Saturn rolled off assembly line in 1990 .
GM announced plans to shut down Saturn brand after Penske fails to reach deal . |
fcdcd69c93aa6a00df7c02112dfb80bfd6a08377 | By . John Hall . PUBLISHED: . 12:12 EST, 18 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:47 EST, 18 March 2014 . A serving police officer has been killed by a train at a level crossing two days after he was arrested over an alleged sex attack. Ged Swash, 41, was declared dead at the scene after being struck by a train near Cowpen Bewley station in Billingham, County Durham. Two days earlier Mr Swash, a father, had been arrested over an alleged sex attack on a woman, and was still on bail pending further investigation at the time of his death. Claims: Two days before his death, police officer Ged Swash was arrested over an alleged sex attack on a woman. He was on bail pending further investigation at the time of his death . Village: Ged Swash was declared dead at the scene after being struck by a train near Cowpen Bewley station in Billingham, County Durham . Mr Swash, who lived in Billingham, had been arrested on the morning of Sunday, March 9 following an allegation of a sexual offence against a woman while he was off duty. He was bailed while his colleagues carried out further investigations. As he was already absent from work due to injury at the time of arrest, Mr Swash was not suspended by the force while the investigation took place. He had been off work from the Hartlepool headquarters of Cleveland Police due to injuries sustained after making an off duty arrest. A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: . 'We can confirm the man who died following an incident on a railway line . on Tuesday 11 March was 41-year-old Ged Swash, who was a serving police . officer.' 'We can also . confirm that this officer had been arrested on the morning of Sunday, . March 9, following an allegation of a sexual offence on an adult female . while off duty.' Scene: As he was already absent from work due to injury at the time of arrest, Mr Swash was not suspended by the force while the investigation took place . 'He was subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.' 'Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are working with the family to support them in dealing with this tragic situation. Our thoughts are with the family, his friends and colleagues at this sad time,' the spokeswoman added. Mr Swash worked in Cleveland Police’s vulnerable people protection unit and was a governor at Barley Fields Primary School in Ingleby Barwick. Graeme Leck, head teacher of Barley Fields Primary, told the Northern Echo: 'Ged was a much valued parent governor and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.' He was declared dead at the scene after being struck by the train and a full investigation into his death was opened yesterday. The line was closed for around 90 minutes after the incident, which involved the 8.30pm Newcastle to Middlesbrough service. | Ged Swash struck by train near Cowpen Bewley station in County Durham .
Serving police officer declared dead at the scene following the incident .
Two days before death, Mr Swash was arrested over alleged sex offence .
He was on bail pending further investigation when he was struck by train . |
fcdce2dba7ab23d47b668cf725b42c877c7abe73 | Dr. Ben Carson, a pediatric surgeon-turned-politician, emerged as a major conservative darling on Saturday in Iowa by harping on the Obama administration's immigraton and health care policy – and saying a new approach to energy could put Russian Presdient Vladimir Putin 'back in his little box.' The long-shot potential White House hopeful drew the biggest ovations by far at the morning session of the Iowa Freedom Summit, as GOP presidential hopefuls jockeyed for position. 'We need to use our natural resources' to generate a new economic recovery, Carson said. 'We're the number one producer of oil now, on 3 per cent of the land! The federal governmnt has no business owning all this land. This is craziness!' The thousand-plus crowd roared. 'And all the natural gas we have! Now we have the ability to liquefy natural gas,' Carson reminded them, 'which means we can export it.' 'THIS IS CRAZINESS!': Ben Carson said Saturday that federal public lands should be in private hadns so they can be tapped for oil and gas . IN A BOX: Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic running room is getting smaller as oil prices drop, and Carson says America should tighten the screws even more . John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, said Russia is in an ever-tighter spot as oil prices fall – whether from Saudi price manipulation or American drilling and fracking . Then the soft-spoken man with a dramatic following and a fundraising-savvy 'draft' movement pushing him to run took aim at Russia. 'We need to use those energy resources not only to enhance our economic situation, but also to pay down our debt – and to put Putin back in his little box, y'know?' Plummeting oil prices on the global market, driven by a Saudi Arabian strategy designed to cripple Iran, have also created a near-existential crisis in Moscow. In June 2014 the price of a barrel of Brent crude hovered near $115. On Friday it was $49. While Russia has its conglomerate natural gas production to fall back on, its economy has faltered more as the bottom of the oil market slips lower. And U.S. economic sanctions leveled after military incursions into neighboring Ukraine have added to Putin's headaches. Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, who spoke after lunch, told Daily Mail Online in an interview on the summit's sidelines that 'The Russians live hand to mouth with their oil revenues, as do the Iranians, and who knows what could happen if prices plummet again and again?' 'I think the Saudis' main target in allowing the price to fall was Iran, but they got a lot of collateral damage out of it as well – in Russia, in Venezuela, in Algeria.' Bolton also cited 'our fracking here' as a factor. 'While the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Kuwaitis and others can sustain for some considerable period of time oil at this level, it has an immediate palpable effect on Iran and russia and others.' 'And I think the Saudis understood that.' Carson believes the United States should grasp the idea too, and use it as a foreign affairs sledgehammer. He got bigger applause with a proposal to shrink the federal government 'by attrition.' 'Thousands of government employees retire every year. Don't replace them,' he said. 'You do that for about four or five years, and all of a sudden you've got the government down to a manageable size ... They won't have time to stick their big noses in everybody's business. 'The government tries to insert itself into everything,' he emphasized. 'They want to tell you how to take care of your children, what you should feed them, how you should discipline them.' 'You know what? I would be happy to accept the advice of the government if they were doing everything perfectly.' Carson spoke at the Iowa Freedom Summit on January 24 in Des Moines, Iowa as a host of potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates jousted on core conservative principles . RUSSIA NEXT? Sliding oil prices have sent Venezuela on a downward spiral and sent President Nicolas Maduro on a trip to China to make an urgent appeal for cash; government-controlled supermarkets are limiting what citizens can purchase as the bottom falls out of the nations economy . And the rafters shook when he gave a quiet but firm sermon on immigration policy – squarely targeting President Barack Obama's plan to mainstream 5 million or more illegal immigrants with residency IDs and work permits. 'We already have laws that demonstrate how a person becomes an American citizen,' Carson said. 'We don't need to relitigate that.' 'If we do relitigate that, it has to be by the proper branch of government – Congress – not by the president, not by the Supreme Court.' Whichever Republican wins the White House – his assumption – 'should make it their goal to seal that border within a year,' he intoned. 'Do we have the ability to seal the border? Sure we do. We just don't have the will to seal the border.' He insisted, though, that Republicans should 'integrate compassion' into their immigration policy and give illegal immigrants a pathway to work in the U.S. – under certain strict circumstances. 'I don't think they should have to hide in the shadows,' he said, pointing to Canada's guest worker program as a model. 'We shouldn't offer jobs unless Americans won't take them. And in order to get a guest worker permit, you have to apply for it from outside of America.' 'You shouldn't get an advantage for breaking the law,' he said. DRILL, BABY, DRILL: Saudi Arabia dropped oil prices by more than half in order to cripple regional rival Iran – but Russia, Venezuela and Algeria have become collateral damage . Carson leaped into the national consciousness in 2013 by saying during a National Prayer Breakfast speech that the Affordable Care Act – Obamacare – was the worst thing to happen to the United States 'since slavery.' Carson, an African-American, said so with a more famous black man, President Obama, sitting two seats away. 'We do not need the government controlling our healthcare,' he reiterated on Saturday. 'Even if it worked, I would oppose it. [But] it doesn't.' 'I don't believe in taking the most important thing a person has, which is their health, their healthcare, and putting it in the hands of the government,' Carson said, 'because if they control your healthcare, it's not long before they control your whole life.' 'And that changes the entire relationship.' | America should drill for more oil and gas, and sell public lands to do it, said the African-American presidential long-shot with a cult-like following .
'The federal governmnt has no business owning all this land,' Carson said' 'This is craziness!'
The lower oil prices go, the more Russia, Iran and Venezuela falter .
Former UN Anmassador John Bolton said 'the Russians live hand to mouth with their oil revenues'
Carson and Bolton are part of a Saturday GOP cattle-call in Iowa, organized by hometown conservative Republican Rep. Steve King . |
fcdd16e7f2c248ec45b4d0c40f63318d12f201ad | Famous face: William Middleton who now has an embarrassing nickname - Bucket Heid . He hit the headlines after an embarrassing photo emerged of him with his head trapped inside a public litter bin. And now William Middleton has a suitably mortifying nickname to match - Bucket Heid. The 53-year-old had to be cut free by firefighters on Sunday as a bemused crowd in Aberdeen city centre looked on. Unfortunately for Mr Middleton, someone caught his ordeal on camera and posted the image online. Within 24 hours it had been seen by 4,000 people. Yesterday Mr Middleton said his . bonnet had dropped in the bin as he disposed of some litter – and he got . trapped while trying to fish it out. ‘I couldn’t get my head out. It was . shocking,’ he added. I was looking for my hat. I was stuck for about 20 . minutes. It was stinking. I’m now known as Bucket Heid.’ A passer-by dialled 999 and Grampian Fire & Rescue Service arrived about 5.45pm. Firefighters managed to cut free the . homeless man within 15 minutes, using a high-powered saw, but his . predicament had already attracted attention. Trapped: The 53-year-old had to be cut free by firefighters on Sunday as a bemused crowd in Aberdeen city centre looked on . Rubbish memories: Mr Middleton looks at the bin where he was trapped for 20 minutes . One woman, who did not want to be . named, said: ‘I walked around the corner and saw his walking stick on . the ground and his bum sticking out, and said “that’s Willie”. ‘Me and my pals tried to pull him out . but his ears were stuck. He is a well-known public figure around here . and now he’s even more famous.’ A Scottish Ambulance Service . spokesman said Mr Middleton was not injured but was taken to Aberdeen . Royal Infirmary as a precaution. He added: ‘He was released but needed to be checked over.' Stuck: Unfortunately for Mr Middleton, someone caught his ordeal on camera and posted the image online . Rescue: After Mr Middleton was freed, he was sat on a bench and given oxygen . Emergency help: Onlookers called 999 and Grampian Fire and Rescue workers used an electric saw to cut the top off the bin and free him just after 6pm . Treatment: Mr Middleton was taken to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary by ambulance where he was treated for facial injuries before being released later on Sunday . Selma, a worker in the Castle Bar which overlooks the square, said: 'He couldn’t move at all - his head was really stuck in the bin tight and he was shouting for help. 'The fire brigade came pretty quick and . took the top off the bin, but it took at least 15 minutes and the guy . was in a bit of a panic by the sound of it.' A local who was in the Castle Bar . which overlooks the square, said: 'He was really screaming and shouting . for help - but to be honest, most people just stood around laughing and . taking pictures.' But some who viewed the footage . online were more sympathetic. One blogger wrote: ‘I think anyone who . laughs at his situation should be ashamed of themselves.’ | William Middleton was caught with his head trapped in the 5ft-high public bin in the Castlegate public square in Aberdeen on Sunday .
Cut free by fire brigade using electric saw and treated for facial injuries . |
fcddbb6495055a8dd6ab2d2e12bb682736e02d7e | Islamic Shebab extremists ambushed a bus in Kenya before executing 28 non-Muslims at point-blank range in a revenge attack for police raids on mosques in the troubled city of Mombasa. The heavily-armed gunmen ambushed the bus early this morning as it headed for Nairobi from Mandera, a town that lies on the border with Somalia. The extremists reportedly separated the Muslims from the 28 victims by forcing them to read versus from the Koran. Those that failed were shot in the head at point-blank range. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT . The bodies of 28 non-Muslims who were executed today by Islamic Shebab lie on the ground in Mandera, before being taken to a nearby hospital . Among the victims were several children, who were shot in the head at point-blank range alongside the other victims . Rescue workers walk near the Nairobi-bound bus that was ambushed outside Mandera town . Security officers gather around the bodies of those who were killed at the scene of the attack . After the ambush, a Shebab spokesman said the 'perishing of the crusaders' was in retribution for last week's raids 'against Muslim brethren' in Mombasa, which heightened tensions in the city. The death toll - which included 19 men and nine women - was confirmed by Kenya's Red Cross, which said it was attempting to retrieve the victims' bodies from the scene. Regional police chief Noah Mwavinda also told AFP. 'I can confirm... that 28 innocent travellers were brutally executed by the Shebab.' Some 60 passengers were on board the bus when it was seized by the gunmen. Gunmen waved down the bus before spraying it with bullets when it did not stop. They then shot a rocket-propelled grenade at the vehicle, before commandeering the bus off the road . They ordered the passengers to get off the vehicle before separating the travellers into Muslims and non-Muslims. The killings took place after extremists hijacked a bus in Mandera, north Kenya, before separating the Muslims from the non-Muslims . They forced the passengers to read verses from the Koran and killed them if they failed . The gunmen hijacked the bus (pictured), which was on its way to Nairobi, before killing the 28 victims . Gunmen waved down the bus before spraying it with bullets when it did not stop - 28 passengers were then executed . The militants then ordered the non-Muslims to reboard the bus. But when the bus got stuck in the mud, the group of ten militants trooped the prisoners outside before carrying out the executions. They then fled to Somalia. One passenger told the BBC that the victims were shot in the head at point-blank range after being forced to read verses from the Koran. Three people who were due to be killed were reportedly spared after managing to successfully recite some of the verses. Ahmed Mahatsaid: 'When we got down, passengers were separated according to Somali and non-Somalis. 'The non-Somalis were ordered to read some verses of the holy Koran, and those who failed to read were ordered to lie down. One by one they were shot in the head at point blank range.' Relatives of those who were killed cry as the bodies of their loved ones arrive at Chiromo mortuary in Nairobi, Kenya . Ziporah Mora (right) holds her child in her arms at Wilson Airport in Nairobi as she waits for news of the return of the victims' bodies . She joined a group of other relatives of the passengers who were on the hijacked vehicle earlier today . Hearses arrived at the airport in preparation to transport the victims' bodies before their funerals . Some of the dead were public servants who were heading to Nairobi for the Christmas holiday. Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo told reporters that 19 men and nine women were killed. He said: 'Preliminary reports indicate that the attackers, who were heavily armed, later fled towards the border into Somalia.' Ahmed Maalim, an official at the Mandera East sub-county security force, said three were spared after reciting Koran verses. After news of the incident broke out, the Red Cross said the response team was with security personnel at the scene in an attempt to retrieve bodies from scene. Kenya Air Force personnel load the bodies of passengers who were killed during the ambush on a Nairobi-bound bus outside Mandera town, near Kenya's border with Somalia and Ethiopia . The bodies of passengers who were killed arrive at the Chiromo Mortuary in the Kenyan capital Nairobi . A Kenyan military aircraft carrying some of the bodies of those killed in the Mandera bus attack, arrives at Wilson Airport in Nairobi . A police track carrying the bodies of passengers who were killed during an ambush on a Nairobi-bound bus outside Mandera town, leaves the Wilson airport . It later said a helicopter had arrived at the scene to take the bodies to Mandera County Hospital. But a shortage of personnel and lack of equipment led to a slow response by police when the information was received. Two officers told how the attackers had better weaponry than the police who waited for military reinforcements before responding. The executions came after one person was shot dead and more than 350 people were arrested as Kenyan security forces raided mosques in Mombasa. The raids raised tensions in a city that has already been hit by a string of bombings and shootings. During the raids, the officers seized weapons and found black Islamist flags like those flown by the Shebab in the raids. Then, on Monday, four people were stabbed to death in apparent revenge attacks, which saw gangs took to the streets before beating and knifing their victims. Talking about today's killings, Ali Mohamud Rage told AFP: 'The Mujahedeen successfully carried out an operation near Mandera early this morning, which resulted in the perishing of 28 crusaders, as a revenge for the crimes committed by the Kenyan crusaders against our Muslim brethren in Mombasa.' Kenya has suffered a series of attacks since invading Somalia in 2011 to attack the Shebab, later joining an African Union force battling the Islamists. The rebels said they had carried out the 'perishing' in retaliation to 'crimes committed by Kenyan crusaders against Muslim brethren' (file picture) Police officers stand at the scene where a bus and a police vehicle were attacked by gunmen on July 18 near the town of Witu, on Kenya's restive southeastern coast . The Shebab carried out the September 2013 attack on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall, killing at least 67 people. They said it was a warning to Kenya to pull its troops out of southern Somalia. During the Westgate attack, some of the victims were killed after the gunmen weeded out non-Muslims for execution by demanding they recite the Shahada, the Muslim profession of faith. The Shebab has lost a series of key towns and ports to the AU force and Somalian government army. The advances are said to stem the militants' multi-million dollar business trading charcoal to Gulf countries. But in a recent report, UN investigators warned that the air and drone strikes on the militia have done little to damage it in the long term and that the insurgents continue to pose a serious regional threat. | WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT .
Gunmen ambushed bus as it headed to Nairobi from border town Mandera .
They ordered Muslims to get off bus, before trying to drive off with victims .
But when bus got stuck, militants killed prisoners and fled to Somalia .
They forced victims to read from Koran before shooting them in the head .
Shebab said 'perishing' was in retribution for last week's raids in Mombasa .
Four people were stabbed to death on Monday in another revenge attack . |
fcddbf490958e197f88790bca1e44595f9a7f368 | (CNN) -- Liverpool's official supporters club is hoping the intervention of former chairman David Moores will hasten the departure of unpopular owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks. In a 3,155-word letter to the Times newspaper, Moores said he "hugely regrets" selling the English Premier League team to the American pair in 2007 and called on them to sell up as soon as possible. Under Hicks and Gillett, Liverpool's debts have spiraled to $507 million and the club's finances are further imperiled by the failure to qualify for next season's European Champions League. Hicks told Sky Sports News on Wednesday that they hope to sell the club by the end of the year. James McKenna, spokesperson for the "Spriit of Shankly" supporters club, said he hope Moores' letter will encourage the banks who have loaned money to the Americans to put pressure on their clients to sell. "If the previous owner admits it's a mistake, and the fans all see it as a mistake then surely those who allow them to stay in control, like the Royal Bank of Scotland will realize that," McKenna told CNN. "I think if anything it gives a bit more impetus to fans to ramp up the pressure on Hicks and Gillett. It is about time they walked away." In his letter, Moores explained the checks that were run on the Americans before they were allowed to seize control, but admitted that more could have been done to investigate where their money was coming from. "I call upon them now to stand back, accept their limitations as joint owners, acknowledge their role in the club's current demise, and stand aside, with dignity, to allow someone else to take up the challenge," Moores concluded. "Don't punish the club's supporters any more - God knows they've taken enough." McKenna described the Americans' reign as "disastrous" and said there was a real danger of the club falling to financial ruin, unless new backers are found soon. Portsmouth became the first Premier League club to enter administration last season. "Once we fall out of the top four and we are not meeting the same revenues, how are we going to meet these interest repayments of £110,000 a day?" he said. "It simply isn't sustainable at the present time and it will become very quickly a real risk of administration if the situation worsens." With Liverpool out of Europe's top competition and little money available for new recruits, the British media has speculated that manager Rafael Benitez will be forced to sell key players such as Spanish top scorer Fernando Torres and England midfielder Steven Gerrard. "There's a real fear that players may be forced out because there's no investment," said McKenna. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano - world-class players like that need to be playing in a world-class team, challenging and winning honors year in year out." Speaking to Sky, Hicks said the club was in "healthy" financial state and did not need to sell Gerrard or Torres. | Liverpool fans welcome former chairman David Moores' plea for owners to sell .
Club's debts have reached $507 million under Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett .
Fans fear financial ruin and departure of key players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres . |
fcddf132c7c0186f9c964d944a8fb24d2375330f | By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:35 EST, 29 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:37 EST, 30 October 2013 . Found dead: David Welch, 54, was reported missing on September 2 by his family in Manhattan, Kansas . The body of a missing father has been found after he was trapped in the wreckage of his car for weeks - and spent his final days writing emotional handwritten notes to his family. David Welch, 54, vanished without a trace from his home in Kansas on September 2 and police only found his body on October 18 more than 800 miles away in a remote part of Utah. It has now emerged that he likely fell asleep at the wheel, veered off the road and was trapped in his overturned vehicle. Police say that he survived in the wreckage for days and possibly weeks. They have said that he was injured and that prevented him from getting out of the vehicle, but they have not disclosed the nature of his injuries. The car was not visible when driving on the interstate, but a hitchhiker who was walking along the remote road was the one to spot the crash site on October 18. Utah Highway Patrol troopers found Welch trapped inside his mangled minivan at the bottom of a 50-foot ravine - with handwritten notes to his wife and four adult sons. What's in those letters, though, is not being made public. The Welch family declined comment and the Utah Highway Patrol isn't sharing what they call very personal. Horrific: The car was found on October 18 when a hitchhiker was walking along the remote stretch of highway and spotted the car that was not visible from the road . The discovery brought a tragic end to a . difficult several weeks for Welch's family that began on September 2 . when they reported him missing from his home in Manhattan, Kansas. The . family said Welch, a retired salesman, left in a 2000 Pontiac Montana . without telling anyone where he was going - according to Riley County Police . spokesman Matt Droge. Over . the next several days, police did several . searches of the area that came up empty. Welch was put in . the national missing persons database. As the days went on, the family struggled with not knowing what happened. They posted missing signs around the city and started a Facebook page to bring attention to the search, Droge said. On the Facebook page Find Dave Welch they asked people to drive two extra blocks each day in hopes of finding him somewhere in Manhattan. Family: Investigators are still at a loss for why Welch left his seemingly happy family life, seen at left with his wife Kelly and at right with one of his grandchildren . Heartbreaking: Police found handwritten notes addressed to his wife and children in the car when they found Mr Welch's body in the vehicle on October 18 . On October 17, the day before he was found, there was a post written directly to Welch, perhaps in hopes he might read them. 'Dear . Dave, it has been seven weeks since you left. Your wife, children and . grandchildren miss you more than the sky is high. Your classmates and . friends are concerned for your health and want to help. As we sit at . home tonight with tears welling up; our hearts aching, we wonder where . you are. We only pray that you see this message and ask God to bring you . home soon. We love you!' Investigators believe Welch fell asleep at the wheel of his minivan as he approached a curve on Interstate 70 in eastern Utah around September 3, Riches said. His minivan sped off the road and went airborne, smashing into the side of the ravine. It came to rest upside down, resting on the passenger side, he said. Evidence suggests Welch was injured and unable to get out of the van, Riches said. The medical examiner has not yet determined his cause of death. Even if we would have been able to get out, the nearest city, Green River, was about 50 miles west. Thousands of cars sped by on the nearby interstate without a clue - Welch's van couldn't be seen from the highway, Riches said. He may never have been found if not for the hitchhiker walking on the side of the road. 'It is very desolate,' Patrol trooper Gary Riches said. Fatal vehicle: Welch was found in his family's car, a 2000 Pontiac Montana . Long way from home: Welch was reported missing on September 2 and investigators believe he crashed sometime the next day nearly 836 miles away . They believe he survived for days, maybe weeks, keeping a journal and writing notes to family in Kansas. In his obituary, the family said Welch was a salesman at Pepsi Co. and later Frito-Lay until he retired in 2009. He liked landscaping his yard, being outdoors and scuba diving in the ocean. He had been married to his wife, Kelly Welch, an assistant professor at Kansas State University, for 31 years. He was looking forward to the upcoming birth of his second grandchild, the obituary said. It remains a mystery why he left his home state in the first place, said authorities in Utah and Kansas. 'I wish it would have turned out better for the family,' said Droge. 'It was an unpleasant turn of events for them.' | David Welch, 54, was reported missing by his relatives in Manhattan, Kansas, on September 2 .
Police now believe he crashed outside of Green River, Utah, the next day .
He was trapped inside the overturned vehicle but could not get out because of undisclosed injuries .
Police think he was still alive for some time because they found handwritten notes to his wife and children in the car .
Reason for him to take off and drive 836 miles without telling anyone beforehand has not been determined . |
fcde47fea0d0dda48de8021cd6abd4a160558622 | By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 19:38 EST, 30 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 3 December 2012 . A British family are facing deportation from New Zealand because the father has a brain tumour, it has emerged. Paul and Sarah Crystal have lived in New Zealand for seven years with their three children, setting up and running two successful businesses. But their application for residence was rejected because Mr Crystal's tumour means he can no longer work. Controversial: A British family are facing deportation from New Zealand because the father has a brain tumour, it has emerged. Sarah and Paul Crystal with their children Vincent, Claire and Max at their home in Onewhero, Auckland . According to the New Zealand Herald, Bruce Burrows, from Immigration New Zealand, said the . family's application for residence was rejected because Mr Crystal was . 'likely to impose significant cost or demands on New Zealand's health . services'. Because the family - who have been left financially ruined because of Mr Crystal's illness - do not have a permanent residence they also been refused welfare assistance. They also can't afford air tickets back to Britain and, even if they could, they would face a six-month period without benefits because they have been away from the country for more than two years. Mr Crystal, 49, drove petrol tankers in the UK for 20 years before he took up an opportunity to drive for Caltex in New Zealand. They arrived in the country on a work visa in February 2006. They then proceed to set up two successful businesses after following the required five year period and were about to apply for permanent residence when Mr Crystal was diagnosed with his illness. Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Mr Crystal , who lives in Onewhero, in the northern Waikato, said: 'I was actually driving to a new contract when I had a seizure. 'I just had to pull over. I was gone for 20 minutes.' Following treatment in hospital, doctors removed a lump the size of a golf ball from his brain which has left him with a constant dizzy sensation. If he attempts to work, he has to lie down for about an hour. Horrific: This image shows a picture of Onewhero where the couple live. The family's application for residence was rejected because Mr Crystal's tumour means he can no longer work . He was given just one year to live following his first operation but now, two years later, he has been told he has just a 20 per cent chance of surviving the next three years. Whilst her husband was battling severe illness, Mrs Crystal attempted to keep both businesses going. But after becoming exhausted through working so hard, she became ill with pneumonia last year. The couple then got behind with their bills and payments and their financial problems spiraled out of control. They had to sell a number of possessions, including a van. There was some relief for the family yesterday when the New Zealand government said it had reviewed the family's case and decided it was right to grant the family an emergency benefit while their appeal was being considered. The family's appeal is currently being considered by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal . | Paul and Sarah Crystal have lived in New .
Zealand for seven years with their three children, setting up and .
running two successful businesses .
But their application for residence was rejected because Mr Crystal's tumour means he can no longer work . |
fcde85c807f6fc7c9b4f24072699314a8c64a56e | Accused: Sanford Rubenstein allegedly raped a 42-year-old official at the National Action Network after coming home from Rev Al Sharpton's birthday party . Attorneys representing the woman who accused prominent civil rights attorney Sanford Rubenstein of raping her after Reverend Al Sharpton's birthday party said Monday they have 'devastating' information about the alleged crime. Sources familiar with the case have claimed that the 42-year-old woman, who works for Sharpton’s National Action Network, went home with the 70-year-old attorney willingly last week, and even had sex with him a second time the following morning. But attorney Keith White who represents the alleged victim has challenged these assertions, insisting that a crime had been committed. ‘There’s a lot of new information that will be devastating to Mr. Rubenstein,’ White told New York Daily News. ‘We want to give the district attorney a chance to take this information and do the right thing.‘ . White's partner, Kenneth Montgomery, accused Rubenstein and his legal team headed by Benjamin Brafman of trying to 'demonize' his client. Describing the 42-year-old as a mother and a pillar of the community, Montgomery said her 'world has been turned upside down.' Investigators suspect Rubenstein may have used an object to penetrate the 42-year-old woman during the alleged attack in his $7million Manhattan penthouse, making her bleed, sources told the New York Daily News. The anonymous accusation, which emerged Sunday, is at odds with the source close to Rubenstein, who said the alleged attack that night was in fact consensual, and that more sex followed in the morning. The claims came as investigators spent hours searching Rubenstein's apartment on Manhattan's Upper East Side for evidence. On Monday afternoon, police removed a dozen evidence bags, among them one marked 'biological evidence.' They also carried a mattress out of Rubenstein's apartment. Evidence: An NYPD officer carries out a bag of material from Rubenstein's Upper East Side penthouse apartment . Close: The Rev Al Sharpton, center with Rubenstein to the left, has said there is no place for the alleged behavior - but avoided jumping to the conclusion that he is guilty . As part of the investigation, police reportedly set up a call between the alleged victim and Rubenstein, during which the woman asked the 70-year-old attorney, 'What happened last night?' The lawyer replied that they had sex but did not incriminate himself, a police source told the paper. He has not been charged with anything, though law enforcement sources suggested to the paper that are considering a third-degree rape charge, which means the victim was incapable of consent. Rubenstein is a well-known society figure in New York and has fought high-profile cases linked to the National Action Network, often over the actions of the NYPD. Sharpton also found himself drawn into commenting on the accusations today, telling a crowd: 'I don't care how close we are - if he's wrong, he's wrong.' Although he avoided choosing one side over the other, Sharpton said there is 'no place' for the alleged behavior, the New York Post reported. He said: 'We do not justify disrespecting women. Doesn’t mean you’re guilty, but it does mean if you are, ain’t no place for that in our community.' Rubenstein and his alleged victim were both at Sharpton's lavish 60th birthday party at the Four Seasons restaurant before they went home together, along with a third person, who later left. Other guests at the bash included New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York governor Andrew Cuomo, singer Aretha Franklin and director Spike Lee. A police source described the case as 'a classic he said, she said'. Law enforcement sources also described how Rubenstein was allegedly called by the victim, with police listening in, in an attempt to trick him into describing the encounter. Defense: Benjamin Brafman has been taken on as Rubenstein's attorney. Above he denies all allegations to waiting reporters . But, the source said, the call passed without incident and Rubenstein simply said that they two of them had sex. Rubenstein hit back at the claims Monday through a lawyer of his own - top New York attorney Benjamin Brafman. Brafman spoke to waiting reporters outside Rubenstein's apartment today denying any wrongdoing. He said: 'We do not believe he committed any crime whatsoever and are confident that when the investigation is completed no criminal charges will be filed'. The media-savvy Rubenstein currently represents the family of Eric Garner, who died after a police chokehold during an arrest in July. The case sparked protests and calls for change within the police department. He also represented the family of Sean Bell, killed in 2008 in a hail of police bullets. The city eventually settled with Bell's family for $7.5million. High-profile case: Rev. Herbert Daughtry, far left, Rev. Al Sharpton, second from left, and attorney Sanford Rubenstein, far right, escort Esaw Garner, second from right, the wife of fatal police chokehold victim Eric Garner, after a press conference August 21, 2014 . Rubenstein is a member of the National Action Network and has often stood arm-in-arm with Sharpton at protests. On Monday, Sharpton met with Garner's family and said he would discuss the Garner investigation at a rally on Saturday. Sharpton issued a statement on Sunday saying he was aware of the allegations. 'National Action Network and Rev. Al Sharpton has not been notified or advised by any official investigating authorities,' the statement read. 'The allegations as reported occurred at a private residence after a NAN event and had nothing to do with NAN nor Rev. Al Sharpton, therefore we have no comment at this time.' | Sanford Rubenstein, 70, accused of raping 42-year-old last week .
Went home with her after Sharpton's 60th birthday party in Manhattan .
But a source claimed sex was consensual - and happened again next day .
Investigators searched Rubenstein's Upper East Side penthouse Monday, removing dozens of evidence bags and a mattress . |
fcde900b078d382e8561c55f2b4bb7d0410751c5 | A Palestinian lured an Israeli soldier . to a village in the West Bank and killed him with the intention of . trading the body for his jailed brother, Israel's intelligence agency claims. The Palestinian man was arrested and confessed to the killing, the Shin Bet intelligence agency have said. The soldier was reported missing yesterday and Israeli forces began looking for him. Loss: Israeli soldiers carry the body of a fellow soldier killed in the north of the occupied West Bank, near the town of Qalqilyam after Palestinian Nidal Ammar reportedly confessed to the killing and led them to the body . The search led the troops to Nidal Amar, a 42-year-old Palestinian from Beit Amin a village near the city of Qalqiliya in the northern West Bank. Amar told the Shin Bet that he had killed the soldier, who he knew because they had worked together at a restaurant in the coastal city of Bat Yam in central Israel, the agency said. According to Shin Bet, the Palestinian recounted how he had picked up the soldier in a taxi on Friday after convincing him to accept a ride. They claim that after talking the soldier into joining him, Amar took the Israeli to an open field, killed him and hid his body in a well. Israeli forces raided Amar's home early on Saturday based on intelligence information, and interrogated him and his brother. They claim Amar confessed to intending to trade the soldier's body for another brother, who has been in an Israeli jail since 2003 for his role in several terror attacks. Amar then led Israeli forces to where the body was hidden this afternoon and was arrested. It is sadly not the first case of Palestinians abducting Israeli soldiers, sometimes killing them afterward and the military has a long standing campaign warning soldiers not to accept rides from strangers. Conflict zone: Pictured on patrol Israeli troops on duty in the West Bank city of Hebron where deaths on both sides are a regular occurrence . It's still unknown how Amar convinced the soldier to join him on the ride Friday. The killing could deal a new blow to . U.S.-led Mideast peace efforts, which resumed in July after a nearly . five-year break in Israel-Palestinian talks. The . deaths of several Palestinians in Israeli arrest raids in the West Bank . intended to detain militants involved in attacks have further soured . the atmosphere between the two sides. In 2001 a Palestinian woman lured an Israeli teenage boy over the Internet to the West Bank where he was murdered by waiting Palestinian militants. The woman, Amna Muna, was released along with over a thousand other Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli soldier held captive in Gaza by Hamas-allied militants in 2011. The West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967. | Nidal Ammar, 42, has reportedly been arrested and confessed to the murder .
He led authorities to where the man's body has been stashed in a well .
It is believed he wanted to use the body to negotiate the release of his brother who has been in an Israeli jail since 2003 . |
fcdebe57af108ba103d7f654c5c189857100ee75 | A 27-year-old Minnesota State University student and war veteran shot and killed himself in the campus library Monday afternoon. Mankato police responded to the Memorial Library at around 4.10pm after getting a report about a suicidal man. After searching the premises of the library, they found Timothy Lee Anderson on the second floor. He was armed with a gun. Violent end: Timothy Lee Anderson, 27 (pictured left and right) has been identified as the person who shot and killed himself on MSU's Mankato campus Monday . Tragedy in broad daylight: Police responded to MSU's Memorial Library Monday afternoon after getting a report about a suicidal man on the second floor . After searching the library, responding officers found Timothy Lee Anderson on the second floor . Police say at that point, the 27-year-old junior philosophy major turned the firearm on himself and committed suicide. A portion of the campus was evacuated and a text message went out at 5.15pm via MSU's emergency alert system informing the community of the deadly incident. No one else was injured, and police say there was no danger to the public, reported Manktao Times. Off limits: The library reopened early Monday evening, but the second floor remained blocked off . MSU Student Titi Kawonise, who was working on the second floor of the library Monday afternoon, described to the local paper the moment Anderson was tackled by police, followed by the sound of a gunshot. 'It is so weird to have that happen here in a place that I work,' she said. 'I am kind of freaked out.' The library reopened early Monday evening, but the second floor remained blocked off. MSU officials have made grief counselors available to faculty and students in the aftermath of the tragic incident. Anderson's friends and family took to Facebook to express their heartache and shock after news of his suicide spread. 'Please pray for my family as we go through the loss of my precious nephew,' aunt Kimbery Anderson wrote. 'God grant us serenity and strength as we all struggle to understand and hold one another up through this.' Veteran: Anderson (pictured in uniform), 27, served as a gunner in Camp Taji, Iraq, in 2007 . Troubled life: The 27-year-old philosophy major was arrested twice just a month apart on charges of marijuana sale and violation of a protection order . According to his Facebook page, Anderson was a US Army veteran who served at least one tour of duty in Iraq as a gunner in 2007. He retired from military service in 2010 and briefly worked for Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa. Online records indicate that Anderson had a criminal record. In late December 2013, he was arrested for allegedly selling marijuana. Less than a month later, the college student was again picked up by police, this time for violating an order of protection in a domestic abuse case. | Timothy Lee Anderson, a junior philosophy major at MSU, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound .
Police in Mankato, Minnesota, were called to MSU's Memorial Library Monday afternoon after getting a report about a suicidal man .
Anderson served as a gunner in Iraq in 2007 . |
fcdfc529573a50b3457e36b9dfcc82d35f6ae95d | (CNN) -- At the Eslam Ghalah crossing on the Afghan-Iranian border, millions of dollars have been spent by the international community to try to ensure that all goods and human traffic entering and leaving Afghanistan can be controlled and accounted for. But we found a very different reality. We had traveled from the city of Herat in out to Afghanistan's western border to film a story on the smuggling of weaponry to the Taliban from Iran - we wanted to get a sense of how much was being done to block the smuggling trails along the Iranian border -- an area of remote mountain trails and passes. The local security commissioner had insisted we take a police escort. Once we had finished filming at the official crossing I asked the commander of the detail if he knew where the main smuggling trail across the border was as I'd heard it was just outside of Eslam Ghalagh. He agreed to take us and we climbed back into our cars. Less then five minutes later we turned off the main road onto a dusty track. Another five minutes and the police car leading the way came to a halt - we were less than 10 kilometers from the official crossing and we'd arrived. It was the best known smuggling trail, but just one of many hundreds of trails that snake through the mountains here. Afghanistan's border with Iran is around 1,000 kilometers long. There is no doubt that it's one of the most difficult in the world to police. But all the Afghans we spoke to were adamant that while the Iranians are deadly serious about blocking the drug trade into Iran from Afghanistan, they are much less rigorous about the traffic in weapons in the other direction. And the sources we spoke with - Afghan, Taliban and Western - believe that is a matter of policy. But it's far from clear at what level in the Iranian government -- if any -- the arms shipments are organized or approved. For their part, the Iranians strenuously deny involvement in the smuggling. The Embassy in London told me: "These allegations are fabricated to pervert attentions from the problems and damage created by foreign forces in [Afghanistan."] . Getting people to talk about the smuggling on camera was almost impossible. It's no overstatement to say that many Afghans in Herat are scared of their powerful neighbor to the West. Nearly everyone who gave us information did so on condition of anonymity. Several of the officials we interviewed happily gave us access to their records and reports but as soon as the camera was switched on the stock response was that they were not authorized to comment. On our last day in Herat we finally were given access to the evidence store where the weaponry seized along the border was kept. The source helping us had to resort to locking us in his office after smuggling an Iranian mine out of the store room so we could film it. It was same kind as those used by the Taliban in roadside bomb attacks. Later that day, a very senior contact in the Afghan security services gave us access to the Afghan police's evidence file. Although the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan has made numerous statements about Iranian weaponry and training being provided to the Taliban the Afghan government has remained largely silent. In Herat the provincial authorities have spent the last two years filming every weapon haul they've intercepted coming over the Iranian border, photographing serial numbers written in Persian and establishing which models are produced in Iranian state armament factories. If the Afghan government decides to take up the issue with Tehran, they'll find all the evidence they need here in Herat. | Large network of trails used to smuggle weapons found at Iran-Afghan border .
Millions spent by international community on securing border .
Border is roughly 1,000 km long, making it difficult to police . |
fce00f0e7ccbf4cae1f1122cdb32d7dd1f5f9f99 | A victim of a series of sickening rapes which caused national outrage in Australia says she is fearful about the imminent release of yet another member of the gang which terrorised girls just before the Sydney Olympics. The State Parole Board of NSW has announced it will release 'H', an unidentifed member of the notorious Skaf rape gang whose degrading and racist sex crimes still shock the nation almost 14 years on. The victim was a 16-year-old when she was raped by the gang leader, Bilal Skaf, in front of 12 men in a public park and had a gun held to her head by a second man who also raped her, before kicking her in the stomach. Bilal Skaf (left) was the leader of the rape gang which terrorised Sydney teenage girls on a four week rampage by 14 young men, including Skaf's younger brother, Mohammed (right) Brotherly hate: Mohamed Sanoussi (left) and his brother Mahmoud (right) attacked young Australian women who were asked during the rapes whether they likes 'the taste of Leb c***' The release of 'H' will mean two-thirds of the the original gang, which comprised young men of Lebanese background and included two sets of brothers, has now been freed from prison. The victim's mother told MailOnline the release frightened her daughter, and the fact half the gang were 'out and roaming around' was a major concern. 'H' was one of 14 mostly Muslim Lebanese Australians who went on a four-week rampage orchestrated by gang leader Bilal Skaf, raping Australian women and teenage girls in Sydney in the lead up to the 2000 Olympics. The gang members, aged between 13 and 18 years, lured the girls from shopping centres and train stations and took them to parks and public toilet blocks. One of the victims was raped 25 times by a total of 14 men at Bankstown, in Sydney's west, in an ordeal that lasted six hours, during which the attackers subjected her to racist taunts. They called her an 'Aussie Pig', told her she would be raped 'Leb-style' and asked if 'Leb c*** tastes better than Aussie c***'. Afterwards, the rapists cleaned her down with a fire hose. Sickening degradation: nine men out of a gang of 14 young Australian s of Lebanese background were convicted for attacks in which the rapists called their victims 'Aussie pigs' Bilal Skaf left) pictured with his fiance before the rapes and after his arrest and incarceration (right) in a maximum security Australian prison . Two 16-year-old girls were raped repeatedly over five hours and told 'you deserve it because you're Australian'. When police caught the gang, the available evidence allowed only nine members go to trial. During court hearings, the men's family members abused legal and court officials. Family members spat at the media and others, and one female relative called the Crown Prosecutor, Margaret Cunneen, SC, a 'sharmoota', which means 'whore' in Arabic. A victim of the gangs rapes says she is fearful now two thirds of the gang has been freed from prison , following the release of Mohamed Sanoussi (above) and that of 'H' who is due for parole in two weeks . In sentencing, Judge Michael Finnane described the rapes as events 'you hear about or read about only in the context of wartime atrocities'. When gang leader, Bilal Skaf, aged 18 at the time of his rapes, received a maximum 55 year sentence, there was outcry among the Lebanese Australian community. Skaf appealed and his sentence was reduced. Appeals have also reduced the compulsory jail time of the other gang members. 'H', who was 16 years old when he participated in the rapes and who is said to have the mental age of a child, is now 30 and will walk from Sydney's Parklea Correctional Centre as early as February 18. He is the second gang member to be set free from prison in six months, and his release will mean six members of the nine men convicted have been freed, although one, Mahmoud Sanoussi, is being held in custody on charges of allegedly bashing a cleaner in southwestern Sydney. Mahmoud Sanoussi is now allegedly a member of Sydney's most notorious Middle Eastern gang, the Brothers For Life. His association with the gang meant his brother and fellow Skaf gang member, Mohamed Sanoussi, could not be released to the Sanoussi family home when paroled last year. Mohamed Sanoussi's release sparked widespread public criticism of the Australian justice system. Sanoussi, who had successfully appealed his original sentence, which was whittled down from a 21 year maximum to 12 years served, was involved in the rapes and assaults in a park on two women who were forced to give oral sex to eight males. Victims of Crime Assistance League campaigner Howard Brown said the existing parole system might prove insufficient to properly supervise Sanoussi on his release. 'As recent cases show there has been an erosion of public confidence in the justice system,' he said. 'When a [sex offender] will be released, we have to keep really close tabs on him.' As MailOnline can now reveal, Mohamed Sanoussi and now 'H', join other Skaf gang rapists who have been quietly released into the community. Tayyab Sheikh was released to parole in June 2007, three years before the expiration of his full sentence. Gang rape leader Bilal Skaf in the living room of his family home in Sydney's western surbubs posing with a firearm next to aphotograph of his parents and siblings . Gang rapist Bilal Skaf in Australia's most secure prison, Supermax, in the visits room with his mother, Bari (right) who was banned by prison authorities after she smuggled letters from her son out of the jail . Mahmoud Chami was released to parole in April 2013 and another unnamed rapist, 'T', has also been freed. The victim's mother who spoke with MailOnine said her daughter had made a big effort to get on with her life, which was jeopardised by the new of 'yet another' release of a rape gang member. 'She has her bad days and she's not the girl she was. She has a lot of concerns about her safety and that of [her family]. 'She can be very paranoid. We hope these men will be strongly monitored in the community.' The victim's mother said it was her 'gut feeling' the two gang leaders will win early release from prison. Bilal Skaf, now aged 32, is not eligible for parole until February 11, 2033, and his younger brother Mohammed may apply for parole on July 1, 2019. It was Mohammed Skaf, who the victim thought was a friend, who took her to the public park where his brother raped her. The victim's mother said every news report about the Skafs and the other rapists brought back her horrifying ideal. 'Her life is like swimming with shoes on,' the mother said. The parole board will release 'H' later this month on 27 conditions, which include he must not communicate with anyone under the age of 16 years by text messaging or the internet, and must undergo drug and alcohol testing. | Victim of notorious Australian rapes in fear as two-thirds of gang freed .
Young woman 'paranoid' as prisons release mentally slow rapist .
The sickening Sydney Olympics rapes caused national outrage .
Young Muslim men raped girls 'Leb style' on four week rampage .
They called girls 'Aussie pigs' and made them 'taste Leb c***'
The sentencing judge compared the crimes to 'wartime atrocities'
During the trial the rapists' female relatives spat at court officials . |
fce1632811635b9d7b92b790c291d87e3700fb61 | Vogue Italia has worked with Asian models before but never on the cover . Sun, 23, has also featured on the cover of i-D magazine . French Vogue was the first to put a Chinese model on its cover, using Du Juan in a 2011 edition . She has starred in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Valentino and Diesel, as well as featuring on the covers of Chinese Vogue and Elle. But now Chinese supermodel Fei Fei Sun can add pioneer to her lengthy CV. The model has become the first Asian to feature on the cover of Vogue Italia - a groundbreaking development for the fashion glossy. In the UK, Sun has been photographed for the cover of i-D magazine and has featured in fashion editorial in British Vogue. Groundbreaking: The January cover of Vogue Italia features Chinese supermodel, Fei Fei Sun . Glamour: Chinese supermodel Fei Fei Sun poses for the shoot in Vogue Italia . The model also made her international catwalk debut in Britain when she walked for Mulberry and up-and-coming designer Nathan Jenden in September 2009. Since then Fei Fei Sun has walked for a veritable who's who of big names, with appearances on the Vivienne Westwood, Miu Miu, Dries van Noten and 3.1 Phillip Lim catwalks among many others. The model has also landed starring roles in some of the biggest beauty campaigns on the planet, including becoming the face of DKNY's Be Delicious fragrance and Calvin Klein's One. Although Sun and her compatriot, fellow Chinese supermodel Du Juan, have previously featured in Italian Vogue editorial, this is the first time that an Asian model has made the cover of the Italian glossy. French Vogue was the first European magazine to include an Asian model on its cover, when Du Juan appeared on an issue in 2011. Tribute: Shot by Steven Meisel, the shoot is an homage to the legendary Sixties model China Machado . Asia major: Fei Fei Sun has also taken pride of place on the cover of i-D magazine as well as starring roles in DKNY and Calvin Klein campaigns . Catwalk queen: Fei Fei Sun's runway credits include Derek Lam (left) and Anna Sui (right) It's famous for its conservative culture but Arab models are quickly catching up with their Chinese counterparts in terms of demand from big names. Although Fei Fei Sun and Du Juan are currently making waves, expect to hear much more of Morocco's Hind Sahli and Tunisia's Hanaa ben Abdesslem in future. Asked by the BBC to describe the reaction to her burgeoning career back home, Sahli said: . 'Mostly, I have had positive reactions. Most people think it's good to have a Moroccan model. I have had just a few bad reactions from people, but I don't mind - I'm happy what I'm doing.' British and U.S. Vogue have yet to follow suit by featuring an Asian model as a cover girl - but both titles are known for their use of celebrity cover models rather than catwalk stalwarts. Both, however, have featured Asian models in their fashion editorial. Indeed, Anna Wintour's U.S. Vogue caused controversy with an all-Asian shoot two years ago. The Stephen Meisel shoot, which was styled by flame-haired fashion director, Grace Coddington, and appeared in the December 2010 issue, was accused of being 'tokenist', while others questioned the premise that Asian models are 'redefining traditional concepts of beauty'. 'Traditional concepts of beauty where, exactly?' asked Huffington Post blogger, Disgrasian. 'Because there are plenty of places in the world where, traditionally speaking, Asian women have long been considered beautiful. Like in, um, Asia, for example?' French Vogue is no stranger to race-related controversy either, with the French glossy causing an uproar in October 2009 when it published an editorial shoot that included images of white models with blacked up faces. The shoot, which featured Dutch model Lara Stone, passed unnoticed in France but caused a storm in the USA, with critics describing it as 'culturally insensitive' and 'a step back in time'. | Vogue Italia has worked with Asian models before but never on the cover .
Sun, 23, has also featured on the cover of i-D magazine .
French Vogue was the first to put a Chinese model on its cover, using Du Juan in a 2011 edition .
Neither UK nor U.S. Vogue has ever had a Chinese cover girl . |
fce1f5013a19f73827ce31d7ab6a11dc8b4681c2 | Accused: Robin O'Neill, 62, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and is being held without bail in the deaths of 60-year-old Steve Lott and 28-year-old Jamis Lott . A woman accused of fatally shooting her fiance and his son on the day he ended their engagement pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder. Robin O'Neill, 62, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and is being held without bail in the deaths of 60-year-old Steve Lott and 28-year-old Jamis Lott. O'Neill called a co-worker and said she had shot Lott and his son, according to a police affidavit. The co-worker called police. Police said O'Neill appeared to be drunk when they arrived at the Townshend residence. And as she was being driven away by police, she recited prayers, requested red wine and cigarettes, and told herself, 'you can go to prison for the rest of your life, 'cause you killed the (expletive).' In an interview, O'Neill said she and Lott had been engaged since July, but the relationship started getting 'weird' in September, with Lott spending time with a female friend, the affidavit said. O'Neill told police she and Lott had gotten into several arguments in recent weeks in which he had become physical with her. 'O'Neill told us she had multiple bruises on her body from Lott,' Detective Scott Dunlap wrote. 'During her interview, I observed bruising on both of O'Neill's arms.' She told another officer that Lott had been 'beating the holy c**p out of me,' police said. On Tuesday, as they were riding to work together, he told her the engagement was off, the affidavit said. That night, she told police she drank a lot of wine, and Lott's son showed up to do laundry, the affidavit said. The two men talked in the kitchen, and Lott said she doesn't remember what happened next. She said she either picked up a gun or had the gun in her hand and saw the two men on the floor in a pool of blood, the affidavit said. According to the Brattleboro Reformer, an acquaintance told police Lott had mentioned an argument he had with O'Neill as they lay in bed Nov. 15. 'O'Neill told Lott, 'I'll fix you,'' court papers say, recounting the alleged incident. 'O'Neill then leaned over to her bedside stand, and Lott reached across and slapped the drawer out of her hands. Lott knew O'Neill had a gun, and he thought she was getting her gun. Lott got up quickly, got dressed and got out of there.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Robin O'Neill, 62, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder .
She is accused of shooting Steve Lott, 60, and 28-year-old Jamis Lott .
She told police he had just broken off their engagement on the same day .
She also told police that they had argued recently and he got physical . |
fce2126015d94f49e2a3abf08fb5d1fe4cfb9d80 | Breel Embolo will be the centre of attention at Anfield on Tuesday night should Basle decide to throw him in against Liverpool. The 17-year-old Cameroon-born forward has taken time off school to be with the Swiss side for their Champions League decider and more than 20 scouts are expected to be in attendance to see how he and his team-mates fare. Manchester United, City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid have already been alerted to the teenager's potential while Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg have watched him since he was 13. VIDEO Scroll down for Breel Embolo scores a stunning hat-trick for Basle vs Winterhur . Breel Embolo trains on the pitch at Anfield ahead of Basle's crucial Champions League clash . The Cameroon-born forward has taken time off school to play for the Swiss side in the Champions League . Born on Valentine’s Day 1997, Embolo has quickly materialised as the object of affection for many a Basle fan. 'I love everything about him,' says coach Paulo Sousa. An exciting prospect who can play in attack or midfield, he is blessed with pace, power and skill. Sousa has already trusted him to lead the attack against Real Madrid and he caused consternation for Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. He started against Liverpool in Basle's 1-0 victory in Switzerland and became the sixth youngest scorer in Champions League history when he registered in the 4-0 win over Ludogorets last month. Although he was born in Cameroon, Embolo moved to Switzerland when he was six. He has been on Basle’s books for four years since joining from neighbouring Old Boys. Embolo started in the home game against Liverpool, which Basle won 1-0, and is in line to play again . The 17-year-old has been involved in all five of Basle's Champions League group games so far . He made his senior debut in March as a substitute in the Europa League match with Red Bull Salzburg and scored his first senior goal in his next game, a 5-0 defeat of Aarau. This season he has six goals in 16 games all scored with a range of skills exhibiting ingenuity, deftness and opportunism. Basle know they have an asset on their hands. How long they keep him will be determined by who wants to pay the asking price. Those who ask have been told it will take £7m to £10m to prise away the livewire teenager who is now a Swiss U21 star. It is not just Europe's super powers who are watching though. Everton have been told of his prowess by Samuel Eto'o, while Tottenham, Newcastle, Southampton will all be represented at Anfield. Embolo celebrates scoring against Ludogorets, one of his six goals in 16 appearances this season . Basle's young star goes down under a Ludogorets challenge during his side's 4-0 win in Switzerland . In their favour, if they can pay the money, is the greater opportunity to make their first team. That will be instrumental should Embolo choose England. A lesson is in progress with Mohamed Salah at Chelsea. Basle's star player last year made the leap to the Premier League but is now looking to go on loan frustrated by the time he has played at Stamford Bridge. For Embolo that could prove stifling for a talent that promises much. Head here to Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. Mohamed Salah, a star for Basle last season, has been peripheral since his move to Chelsea . | Breel Embolo is a 17-year-old forward making waves for Basle .
The young striker impressed against Real Madrid earlier in the competition .
Over 20 scouts will be at Anfield on Tuesday night to watch Embolo .
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all keen on young star .
Everton and Tottenham among smaller Premier League clubs interested . |
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