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fe10161e5062f3559d057476167ab5f57a408a7f | By . Sam Creighton . Everyone hopes to one day own their dream home but, short of winning the lottery, it an aspiration out of most peoples' grasp. However, one young woman has found an ingenious of overcoming these financial obstacles - by building her perfect home in a garage. Keen designer Stephanie Bertenshaw shelled out just £15,000 designing and renovating the five garages on her parents' land and the new home has now valued at £150,000. Miss Bertenshaw and her partner Luke Stanley, both 24, live in the transformed three bed house at The Old Coach House in Marsden, West Yorkshire - land that is also home to Stephanie's parents Chris and Suzanne, her grandparents and her uncle. Scroll down for video . Stephanie Bertenshaw, 24, has built her dream house by converting five garages on land owned by her parents . Miss Bertenshaw, who lives in the house with her two dogs, Lola and Ben, pictured, settled on a Spanish style for the outside . The site before the converseion. Miss Bertenshaw spent £15,000 on the project but the home has now been valued at ten times that amount . Miss Bertenshaw, left, has always had a flair for design, she said she lost her deposit on several rented properties because she would decorate them. It is this drive to create herself the perfect home that made the project so appealing. Friends and family all pitched in with the labouring, right, to help keeps costs down . She said: 'I originally started my online business from home, which is where I still work now. 'I was living at home to save money while working as a teaching assistant and running the business. I used to stare at the garages and think "they could be so much better". 'I've always rented properties in the past and I could never help doing renovations on them. In fact I never got my deposits back because I always ended up painting rooms. 'My parents owned the garages and said that I could do what I wanted with them. It took two years for the row of garages to be transformed from cluttered workshops into a picturesque three-bedroom home . The garages are on land which is also home to Miss Bertenshaw's parents and grandparents, she says this is perfect as she is quite a homely person . Miss Bertenshaw, who was living at home before launching the conversion project, said she used to stare at the garages thinking 'they could be so much better' Miss Bertenshaw used the image editing software Photoshop to try different designs for the outside of the house, the Spanish theme is nothing like her original intentions . Miss Bertenshaw runs her own business from home, specialising in selling art, prints and homeware . The house was featured on the television programme Kirstie's Best of Both Worlds with Kirstie Allsopp, after Miss Bertenshaw submitted a photo on Facebook . 'I'm quite a stay at home person and I like homely things and it just seemed silly to waste money on rent when I could convert the garages. 'I've tried to be hands on as much as possible. I was always collecting pictures of design ideas that I liked, and even though I look back and think I could have done some things differently I absolutely love the result.' Miss Bertenshaw's eye for design can be seen throughout the open plan house. A light and airy living room with hard wood floors is now where a dirty workbench once stood. A lot of effort went in to making the house as light and airy as possible, it's almost unrecognisable from the dark workshops that were there before . The three-bedroom home has been valued at £150,000, it is on the grounds of The Old Coach House in Marsden, Yorkshire . Before converting the garages, Miss Bertenshaw was living at home and working as a teaching assistant in order to save money . Since completing the house, Stephanie has added an extension to create a workshop for her craft business . And one cluttered garage filled with dust is now a beautiful country style kitchen. The exterior of the house was not what Stephanie originally had in mind, but after playing with designs she settled on the Spanish style. She said: 'I was 22 when we started the work. I started using Photoshop to design and play around with ideas about what the house would look like. 'I would see some things that I thought would look great and then really they were actually a bit rubbish. 'I roughed out the designs of what I wanted it to look like and helped with a lot of the labouring work. Everyone mucked in to help, especially my parents. Miss Bertenshaw said: 'I'm quite a stay at home person and I like homely things and it just seemed silly to waste money on rent when I could convert the garages' Because her parents owned the garages to begin with, Miss Bertwnshaw lives in the house rent and mortgage free . The country style kitchen, which takes the place of one of the entire garages, is a highlight for Miss Bertenshaw . Looking back, Miss Bertenshaw says she would do some things different but that she still 'loves the result' 'It took two years, lots of hard graft and a keen eye for bargains to furnish it but now I have a perfect, mortgage-free home for me, my fabulous boyfriend and my two dogs Lola and Ben.' Stephanie's new home has also put her in the TV spotlight when she appeared on a show presented by Kirstie Allsopp. She added: 'To top it all off, I decided to send off a little picture of my home to a "take part" post I saw from Kirstie's Facebook Page. 'They said they were looking for unique homes that are "The Best of Both Worlds" and little did I ever think I would be accepted.' Since completing the house, Stephanie has added an extension to create a workshop for her craft business. Stephanie works from the workshop running her business, Felt Mountain Studios, specialising in handmade gifts, stationery, art, prints and homeware. | Stephanie Bertenshaw, 24, spent £15,000 converting five garages at her parents' Yorkshire home .
The home, where she lives with her boyfriend and two dogs, has now been valued at £150,000 .
The conversion project took two years and friends and family chipped in with the heavy lifting to keep down costs .
It was featured in Kirstie Allsopp's new TV show Kirstie's Best of Both Worlds . |
fe1072cc45dd4b7088b7b45477ab2dd74a998539 | Read Martin Samuel's match report from the pulsating Capital One Cup semi-final first leg draw at Anfield . Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho appeared to take a dig at Liverpool for letting Steven Gerrard leave when his contract expires. The Reds stalwart will join MLS outfit LA Galaxy in the summer, bringing the curtain down on 17 years at Anfield. Gerrard hit the post as Liverpool came from behind to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Tuesday night's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers chat in the Anfield corridor . Mourinho applauds Steven Gerrard after he was substituted during Tuesday night's game . Mourinho shook hands with Gerrard as he left the pitch, then took a swipe at Liverpool for letting him leave . Liverpool fans displayed a banner in tribute to their Kop hero during the game . Blues boss Mourinho was pictured speaking to Liverpool counterpart Brendan Rodgers in the corridor after the game. And the Special One believes the ex-England star should stay in the Premier League and hinted his rivals should have done more to keep him. When asked if he would make a cheeky bid to sign him, Mourinho told 5 Live: 'Or perhaps to take him on loan? 'I'm not happy he leaves, I would love the Premier League to keep hold of the best players and I think he has more than those qualities to play in the Premier League.' Emre Can (right) had been caught out of position before tripping the onrushing Eden Hazard in the box . Hazard comfortably stroked home a penalty to give Chelsea the lead against Liverpool . Hazard wheels away after sending Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet the wrong way from the penalty spot . The tongue-in-cheek remark comes after long-serving former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard ended up with Manchester City this season, after an apparent deal with New York City FC seemed to mean his Premier League career was over. Gerrard's costly slip led to a goal as Liverpool lost 2-0 in the same fixture last April as Manchester City went on to beat them to the title. Mourinho, who tried to sign Gerrard in 2005, urged the Chelsea faithful not to boo the midfielder in the build up to Tuesday's clash. Eden Hazard had put the visitors in the driving seat when he converted from the spot after being bundled over by Emre Can. Daniel Sturridge watched on with Jordon Ibe as he closes on a return to the first-team fold after injury . Gerrard - who was mocked for slipping in this decisive Premier League fixture last year - drove the Reds on . Liverpool fans want to give Gerrard the perfect send off by winning some silverware . Raheem Sterling bought himself a yard of space and shot across Thibaut Courtois to send Anfield wild . Sterling celebrates after scoring a superb equaliser for the hosts in the 59th minute . Almost the entire Liverpool starting XI rushed to congratulate their 20-year-old attacker . However, Raheem Sterling's superb solo strike rescued a draw for Liverpool to leave the tie finely poised. Mourinho added: 'I think it was a really big game, we played to the top of our potential and Liverpool the same. 'A proper semi-final and a fair result. Liverpool did not deserve to lose, they performed really well. We were in control but with more quality in our passing we could find space and score more goals. 'I am not saying we are the favourites. The semi-final is now one leg.' Gerrard winces with anguish after hitting a post when he ought to have scored after Sterling's stunning strike . Mourinho and Rodgers shake hands at the final whistle . | Jose Mourinho wants Steven Gerrard to stay in the Premier League .
The Liverpool midfielder will join LA Galaxy when his contract expires .
Liverpool held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Capital One Cup semi-final first leg . |
fe10840b5df7aba96207f1ecb759a2cd37bcd543 | Luis Suarez is back with Uruguay and flashing those gnashers. However, there's no chance of him biting anybody - he is just happy to be with his international team-mates as he prepares for his first proper match since sinking his teeth into Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. The former Liverpool hero posted a beaming selfie on the team bus with fellow Uruguay stars Christian Stuani, Martin Silva and Diego Godin as they get ready to face Saudi Arabia on Friday. Luis Suarez poses for a selfie with (clockwise) Christian Stuani, Martin Silva and Diego Godin . Suarez had played a starring role in his country's 2-1 victory over England in the previous game before flying home in disgrace after his implosion against Italy. Suarez is currently serving the final month of a ban for the incident, but he is permitted to play in friendlies. The centre forward is still banned from Uruguay’s next eight competitive matches. This means he will miss next year’s Copa America and some World Cup qualifiers. The suspension also covers competitive matches for Barcelona until later this month. Suarez is currently serving a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup . Despite his ban, Barcelona signed up the former Liverpool striker for a club record fee of £75million . Suarez, pictured during a training session, is poised to make his debut against Real Madrid later this month . VIDEO Suarez scores brace for Barca B . Uruguay have just two days rest after the Saudi Arabia clash before taking on Oman on Monday. The striker will be available to start against Barca's deadly El Clasico rivals Real Madrid on October 25 and is currently battling to get match fit to start his first La Liga match. Suarez left Liverpool last season to join Barcelona for a club record fee of £75million. | Former Liverpool forward set to start against Saudi Arabia .
Suarez still serving ban but is allowed to play in friendly games .
Striker set to make Barcelona debut against Real Madrid later this month . |
fe10a4e675a52906b2253fe5c5668a0ea6ae4bf1 | The couple in Buckinghamshire were investigated after a social worker spotted them holding the hands of their foster children 'too tightly' while crossing the road (picture posed by models) Social workers took two children away from their foster parents after claiming they were holding the children's hands too tightly while crossing the road. The children were immediately removed from the couple's care and handed over to new foster parents. There are currently 68,110 children in care according the most recent figures with 50,900 in stable foster homes. However, according to The Sun, 233 children were removed from their foster parents - including one couple for holding the children's hands while crossing the road crossing the road. The children were removed from the couple in Buckinghamshire while social workers investigated 'marks' on the children's wrists. Sue Imbriano, Children's director of Bucks County Councils said: 'Social workers are having to make extremely difficult decisions on a daily basis, but they are always made in the context of wanting to ensure the best outcomes for young people.' According to the Department of Education, one in every 166 children in the UK is in care. Despite 233 children being removed from foster care last year, according to Foster Talk, a company which provides support for foster parents, the majority of allegations are false. 68,110 children in care . 50,900 children in foster care . 37,510 are boys . 30,600 are girls . 4,310 are under one year old . 12,360 between one and four . 13,260 between five and nine . 24,450 between ten and 15 . 13,730 16 and over . According to their website: 'The most common reason arises out of the child’s belief that if they tell someone that they are being mistreated, they will be able to return home to their parents. 'Another cause might be low self-esteem. If a young person has had a number of foster placements, an allegation might be made in order for them to discover whether those responsible for them truly care. 'Other children might crave attention and will view even negative focus as better than nothing. 'Sadly, sometimes an allegation is made because the young person in care has been abused in the past and has kept it a secret. 'Accusing a Foster Carer of abuse is a way of bringing this out into the open. And sometimes children who have previously been in emotionally harmful environments misinterpret things which in the past have been precursors to abuse i.e. the offer of a cuddle or a kiss goodnight. 'Of course, in some rare cases the allegations against Foster Carers are found to be true. It is in these instances that the sometimes stressful and emotional investigation process is shown to be worthwhile.' Foster parents are advised to avoid physical contact with children to prevent any misunderstanding (picture posed by models) | 68,100 children currently in local authority care according to recent figures .
50,900 of these children have been placed in stable foster homes .
233 children removed from foster homes due to safety concerns .
Foster parents warned against 'hugging' children or physical contact . |
fe11a33eed9d6c8083335707734a5011018029ac | By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 06:12 EST, 23 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:43 EST, 23 March 2013 . Legal action: Cudicini, 39, is suing Jennifer Bernard for £300,000 after he was injured in a motorbike crash in November 2009 . Millionaire former Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is suing a single mother for £300,000 after he was involved in a motorbike accident. The Italian broke his wrist and pelvis when his BMW superbike collided with Jennifer Bernard's Ford Fiesta in Walthamstow, East London, in November 2009. The 39-year-old recovered and has since signed for David Beckham's former club LA Galaxy, but has filed a lawsuit against Miss Bernard alleging his injuries were caused by her 'negligence'. He says the crash left him £8.8million out of pocket and is suing Miss Bernard, who earns £800-a-month working at ASDA, and her insurers for £300,000 in damages. Police cleared the 28-year-old mother-of-three of any criminal wrongdoing after an investigation. His claim is made up of expenses, loss of earnings and future loss of wages. According to The Sun, it includes an £8,235 chauffeur bill . for the time he was out injured and his family’s £1,865 travel costs . when they looked after him in Italy. He says his mother was his carer for a . month at a cost of £800. And his medical bills include a chiropractor . at a Harley Street clinic costing £1,550. Cudicini, who first came to the Premier . League to play for Chelsea, also claims the crash ended his hopes of . becoming Tottenham's first choice goalkeeper. Smash: Cudicini was left with a broken wrist and pelvis after the accident in the Walthamstow area of London . Damage: Miss Bernard, 28, was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing following the accident . At the time he was competing for the first team place with Heurelho Gomes. Although he returned to action a year later, the Spurs went on to sign Brad Friedel as cover and Cudicini slipped down the pecking order. Cudicini, who was believed to be earning around £40,000-a-week at Spurs, claims this may not have happened if had been fit and adversely affected his negotiations for a new contract. Miss Bernard, an Arsenal supporter from Enfield, North London, told The Sun she was shocked to receive court papers from Cudicini's lawyers. She said: 'I could see he was making a claim but I couldn't understand why.' Her £500 Ford Fiesta was written off in the crash which left her five-year-old daughter Sophia showered in glass. MailOnline has been unable to reach Carlo Cudicini for comment. Claims: Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini says the motorbike crash cost him a Number 1 spot at Tottenham . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Ex-Spurs goalkeeper, 39, suffered broken wrist and pelvis in smash in 2009 .
Suing Jennifer Bernard, 28, alleging injuries were caused by her 'negligence'
Claims crash cost him a Number 1 spot at Tottenham Hotspur .
Left England last year for LA Galaxy - David Beckham's former club . |
fe122b460df74ccb1ed0f3affb401feadc838cd0 | By . Dan Bloom . A pub chef quit his job because he has an all-consuming fear of baked beans. Father-of-one Rob Griffiths said he could no longer face making fry-ups with the 'orange devils', which forced him hide whenever they were on the hob. The 31-year-old said at one point he could not even walk down the tinned goods aisle in Tesco because he was so scared. Horror: Rob Griffiths, 31, feels faint if he encounters 'orange devil' baked beans and has to flee the room . Mr Griffiths, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, is thought to be one of the few people in the world with a chronic fear of baked beans, or leguminophobia. 'If you put a baked bean near me I’m likely to be sick,' he said. 'I get shaky, I have to just escape, I have to just run. 'The smell of them just really, really weirds me out. At one point I couldn’t go down the aisle in Tesco because of the beans. 'I couldn’t go into cafes or anything like that because people would be having fry ups. Just the thought of it would horrify me. Struggle: At one point the father-of-one said he could not enter the tinned goods aisle at Tesco . 'I used to be a pub chef and breakfast was hard. I had to get my waiting staff to prepare the beans while I hid in the back.' After quitting his pub job Mr Griffiths started working as a window cleaner. He said his 11-year-old daughter Genie-May and girlfriend Emma Beckett are understanding of his fear - but not everyone is so kind. 'Obviously a lot of people . would wind me up about it,' he said. 'People have heard about it and actually . started chasing me around the house with them. It is very distressing.' Nowadays Mr Griffiths says his fear is less severe than it used to be and he is interested in discovering what caused it. 'I think the fear has . developed from my brothers,' he said. 'They used to throw food at me and I think . they used to throw beans and then I developed this fear.' Professor Sir Cary Cooper, a leading behavioural psychologist at Lancaster University Management School, said: 'It does sound strange and unusual, but people can develop phobias towards pretty much anything. 'He needs to unpack why he has this phobia in the first place and if it does go back to childhood then why did having beans thrown at him bother him so much. 'This does sound like a classic phobia and it is quite serious actually. There are ways of getting help to get over it, whether it is through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, desensitivity training or something else. Help is out there if he wants it.' Terrifying: A simple dish of beans on toast comprises more or less everything Mr Griffiths, 31, fears most . | Rob Griffiths, 31, from Milton Keynes, flees the room whenever he sees them .
Now his friends mock him by chasing him around with steaming plates .
But he insists his baked bean phobia is a serious psychological disorder .
'At one point I couldn't go down the aisle in Tesco because of the beans' |
fe123053b7823a95c0d96ea4abea74766451404f | Galway, Ireland (CNN) -- One fateful day in October, life changed forever for Praveen Halappanavar. The engineer from India, who had settled in Ireland four years earlier with his wife, Savita, found himself suddenly a widower. Savita, a 31-year-old dentist, had died of blood poisoning after being denied an abortion for a miscarrying fetus under Ireland's strict laws, her husband says. Read more: Protesters in Ireland rally for abortion rights . A month later, Halappanavar is without his beloved partner and the child they both longed for -- and now fears the truth behind her tragic death may be lost, too. "We've seen some tampering (with) the medical records -- basically some key information in the medical reports is missing," he told CNN. The missing notes concern the couple's requests to hospital staff for a termination, Halappanavar said. The Galway/Roscommon University Hospitals Group has declined to comment on his claim. Meanwhile, heath authorities have already launched one inquiry into Savita's death, and a second into the care of critically ill patients was announced by the Board of the Health Information and Quality Authority on Friday. Read more: Woman's death prompts abortion debate in Ireland . But whatever conclusions are reached, they won't diminish her husband's grief. Prospects for the couple, who married after meeting in India, had looked so bright. Together they had dreams of a beautiful future in Galway -- of children, forming a family. "She was looking forward ... in a way she found she was in the right place," said her husband. "She was well-organized too. She knew what she wanted in life. That's why she had decided to settle here in the long term." When Savita, an attractive woman who loved to dance, became pregnant they were overjoyed. But then their ordeal began. Seventeen weeks into her pregnancy Savita began suffering severe back pain, and sought medical help. Read more: Who calls the shots on abortion laws? Doctors at the Galway University Hospital told her she was miscarrying and that her baby would likely die. Savita's husband says his wife, who was in extreme pain, asked for a termination, but was told that Ireland is a Catholic country and that the procedure could not be carried out while the fetus was alive. "We requested a termination," he said. "We wanted to go back, to go home and think about the next pregnancy because it was a planned pregnancy. We were so happy, we wanted to have babies." Three days after the request for a termination was made, the fetus died and was removed. Four days later, Savita was dead from a blood infection. Read more: Pregnant teen dies after abortion ban delays her chemo treatment for leukemia . The circumstances of her death have prompted outrage in Ireland. Protests in support of Savita, held not just in Ireland but across the world, have urged the country's politicians to update its abortion laws and prevent similar tragedies. In Ireland, abortion is legal if the mother's life is at risk, which differs from her health being at risk, said Kitty Holland, a reporter with the Irish Times. With abortion a hot-button issue in Ireland, there has been political fallout from the controversy, too. Prime Minister Enda Kenny is under pressure to get Halappanavar to assist with a Health Service Executive inquiry into his wife's death, which was the first investigation set up. But Halappanavar says government steps so far have done little to inspire confidence, not just because officials took weeks to announce the inquiry, but also because when they did, three of the seven medical professionals on the investigation team were from the same hospital where his wife died. Although they have now been replaced on the team, other issues remain, Halappanavar said. "We made a request for termination and there is no note of the request at all, and of the medical notes. The response from the doctor is not in the medical records either." Asked what he thinks has happened to the information, Halappanavar has no answer. "We don't know what has happened to it," Halappanavar said. "It is strange that all other information is in there -- when we requested things like tea and toast, and when things like we requested an extra blanket, all that is in the medical notes." Halappanavar says he will settle for nothing less than a full public inquiry -- one in which the wider health service, not just his wife's death, is investigated by independent experts. "Every single person in the family asked me how could this happen in a place like Ireland in the 21st century, because it was just so simple," he said. "When they knew the baby was not going to survive, why not think about the bigger life which was the mother, my wife Savita? And they didn't." All he wants, he said, is the truth. | Praveen Halappanavar believes notes are missing from his wife's medical records .
She died of blood poisoning after being denied an abortion while miscarrying, he says .
Ireland, a majority Catholic country, has strict laws on abortion .
Health authorities are reviewing the circumstances of Savita Halappanavar's death . |
fe1263c6af3e5c80c22cbe6475be420856311448 | The Taliban have claimed responsibility for an insider attack by an Afghan soldier that killed three American contractors at a Kabul airport on Thursday. A spokesman for the insurgent group said that the attacker's name was Ehsanullah and that he was from Laghman Province in the east of the country. The Taliban said the soldier 'opened fire on invaders,' according to the Washington Post. Stepped up security: Afghan army vehicles patrol the perimeter of the airport in Kabul where three American contractors were shot dead by an Afghan army soldier . The names of the contractors, who were working to train the Afghan air force, were not released. The Taliban said the soldier, whom they called an 'infiltrator,' was 'martyred by return fire,' the Post reports. A fourth American was injured in the attack and the US-led coalition confirmed that an Afghan, believed to be the attacker, was killed. The attack occurred at an Afghan military base at the North Kabul International Airport complex. 'Insider attacks' by Afghan security forces have been on the rise in recent years and have led to the deaths of 142 people. Western troops and civilians training Afghan security forces have faced lethal assaults from Afghans in uniform who turn their guns on their counterparts. They have had a major impact on trust between US and NATO and Afghan forces since 2008 and leading up to the winding down of combat operations in the country. Fortified: The military base where the Americans were shot his heavily guarded and difficult to enter, except for authorized personnel . In August Major Gen. Harold J. Greene was the highest ranking official to be killed in four decades in a war zone as the result of an 'insider attack.' The airport in the Afghan capital Kabul is heavily guarded, with one section devoted to commercial aircraft and another area set aside for a NATO contingent. Thursday's attack came after a surge in violence by the Taliban insurgency over the past year. At least nine people were killed earlier Thursday in the country's east when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive at a funeral for victims of a roadside bomb attack. Most NATO combat troops pulled out of Afghanistan last year but a small contingent of about 12,000 remains in the country, including roughly 10,600 American forces. The American soldiers, along with other NATO troops and private contractors, are helping the Afghans improve their logistics and build up a fledgling air force. | A fourth American was also wounded in the deadly incident on Thursday .
Victims were all employed as contractors by the US Defense Department .
Reports suggest the gunman was an Afghan soldier in military uniform .
Rate of 'insider attacks' by Afghan security forces has risen since 2008 .
Shooting comes after a surge in violence by the Taliban in the past year . |
fe1351327df6322e8a4d18dddc65ddb58ef952e2 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 07:27 EST, 28 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:05 EST, 29 March 2013 . These dramatic pictures show the extent of the devastation caused after a suspected gas leak caused an explosion that left an elderly man fighting for his life and his wife in hospital. Terrified neighbours reported hearing an 'almighty bang' and said that the elderly couple were trapped beneath rubble after the incident at around 5.45am this morning. The couple, named locally as Robin Cunningham, 77, and his wife Marrianne, 74, were left trapped in their home after the blast in the kitchen area of the house, in Callander, near Stirling, Perthshire. It is believed the explosion was triggered as Mr Cunningham made his wife a cup of tea. Scroll down for video . Devastated: Aerial shots show the devastation caused by a gas explosion at a house in Callander in Scotland earlier today . It is believed the explosion in the town near Stirling was triggered as Mr Cunningham made his wife a cup of tea . Devastating: A gas leak is suspected to be the cause of the huge explosion, which wiped out this property near Stirling . The couple shouted for help after they were trapped under rubble following the devastating explosion . Carnage: Two pensioners were taken to hospital following the blast which totally demolished a house . Twenty local firemen arrived on the . scene within six minutes of the incident at around 5.45am this morning. They took just 10 minutes to rescue the couple. A 74-year-old woman with minor injuries was taken to Forth Valley Royal Infirmary and a 77-year-old man was taken by air ambulance to the Southern General in Glasgow. His condition was described as 'serious but stable', but a hospital spokeswoman has since said he is 'stable' - suggesting a slight improvement in his condition. He is expected to remain in hospital over the coming days. Neighbour Alistair Allan, who lives across the road, told STV News: 'We were all woken up at 6.30am by this almighty bang. 'I looked out the window and the house across the road was on fire. I ran across and the elderly gentleman was under rubble, I think in the kitchen, and his wife was in another part of the house. 'I could hear her calling out for help. She was saying 'I can't take it any more'. The house was flattened after the explosion, which is thought to have been triggered as Mr Cunningham made his wife a cup of tea . Twenty local firemen arrived on the scene to rescue the trapped couple, whose home has now been flattened . 'The firefighters were there very quickly. They got the woman out through a window and I think the man was out after about 15 or 20 minutes. 'My daughter came in last night about 8.30pm and said there was a strong smell of gas in the street but we didn't think anything of it at the time.' He was one of the first people on the scene, answering calls for help from inside the collapsed house. Mr . Allan said: 'I totally couldn't believe it, to be honest. It's a gas . explosion, I take it, so there is no wonder there is the devastation . that there is here. '(They) were shouting for help - "Get me out" and "I can't take this any . longer, get me out, get me out" - but there was no doubt we had to leave . it to the fire services to get them out.' Bob Palmer, 80, who lives at the entrance of the street, said: 'When I saw the wreckage it is a wonder anyone got out alive. 'My wife an I both jumped out our skin when we heard the bang. The property was obliterated following the early morning incident. The pair were taken to different hospitals by the emergency services . One neighbour claimed his daughter had smelt gas last night, and believed this had caused the explosion . Nine houses nearby have been evacuated and Stirling Council has set up a rest centre in the town . 'It was a real cracker of a bang. The emergency services were here very quickly but we just couldn't believe it. 'There was no fire and you couldn't see any smoke, but the house had just been flattened. 'They always seemed like a really nice couple, just kept themselves to themselves'. Valerie Adie, who lives nearby, said: 'The explosion was very, very loud, it shook the entire house. 'At first I thought it could have been some kind of earthquake. I just hope the couple are ok'. Claire Luti, said: 'I live at the other end of town so I didn't hear the explosion, but I heard the helicopter that was sent to take them (the man) to hospital. 'They are an elderly couple in their 70s who are quite well known in the town.' Nine houses in Murdiston Avenue and nearby Aveland Road have been evacuated and Stirling Council has set up a rest centre in the town. Chief Inspector Russell Penman, of Central Scotland Police, said: 'We suspect it was a gas leak that has caused this damage, the house has been demolished by the explosion. 'The elderly male was trapped under some of the rubble and the female was in the bedroom. 'The fire service did an excellent job of getting the man out. 'We got the gas turned off and evacuated the near by houses before closing off the street. It took about 30 minutes to get all the residents clear. 'Scotland Gas Networks are in attendance and working with us.' | Couple cried 'get me out' as they were trapped beneath rubble .
Emergency services called to the incident in Callander, Stirling, at 6am .
Gas leak believed to be cause of devastating explosion .
Explosion triggered as husband made his wife a cup of tea . |
fe13702f3ae54e4752dc5c10cb59a62c7c6a5d26 | PUBLISHED: . 19:37 EST, 15 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:31 EST, 16 October 2012 . Amateur astronomers have discovered a new planet that not only orbits two suns but is simultaneously being orbited by two other suns. The incredible four sun solar system, the first of its kind ever discovered, was found as part of the Planet Hunters project led by a team from Yale University. Amateur enthusiasts work alongside professional scientists to analyse data collected by NASA's Kepler space telescope and find evidence of new worlds . The planet, called PH1, a gas giant slightly bigger than Neptune, has being likened to Tatooine, the fictional two-sun planet and childhood home of Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars films. Deep space discovery: An artist's illustration of PH1, orbiting its two 'parent' suns with its other two suns far off in the distance . The Planet Hunters project is a citizen science project run by Yale University and the Zooniverse web site. Participants help sieve through data taken by the NASA Kepler space mission. These data consist of brightness measurements, or "light curves," taken every thirty minutes for more than 150,000 stars. Users search for possible transit events, which appear as a brief dip in brightness that occurs when a planet passes in front of the star, with the goal of discovering a planet - hence the name 'Planet Hunters'. For more information click here. But while Tattoine is a circumbinary planet, the likes of which have been known to scientists for some time, PH1 takes things even further with an extra two suns orbiting the entire set-up. It means if someone were able to stand on PH1, they would be able to see a double sunset as well as two extremely bright stars far off in the night sky. The quadruple star system, roughly 3,200 light-years from Earth, has been named KIC 4862625. 'It's fascinating to try and imagine what it would be like to visit a planet with four Suns in its sky, but this new world is confusing astronomers - it's not at all clear how it formed in such a busy environment,’ said Dr Chris Lintott, of Oxford University, one of the Planethunters.org team. Debra Fischer, a professor of astronomy at Yale, and one of the founders of the Planet Hunters project said: 'This unique system might have been entirely missed if not for the sharp eyes of the public.' PH1 was discovered by Planet Hunter volunteers, Kian Jek of San . Francisco, Calif., and Robert Gagliano of Cottonwood, Ariz., who were . using the transit method. This involves noticing faint dips in light as the planet passed in front of, or transited, its parent stars. Mr Gagliano said he was 'absolutely ecstatic' about the finding . adding: 'It's a great honor to be a Planet Hunter, citizen scientist, . and work hand in hand with professional astronomers, making a real . contribution to science.' The newly discovered PH1 planet is depicted in this artist's rendition transiting the larger of the two eclipsing stars it orbits. In the distance are a second pair of stars bound to the planetary system. Mr Jek said in a statement: 'It still continues to astonish me how we . can detect, let alone glean so much information, about another planet . thousands of light-years away just by studying the light from its parent . star.' After being discovered through planet hunters, PH1's existence has been confirmed by a team of professional astronomers, who present their findings at the annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society in Reno, Nev. PH1 is roughly 6.2 times the size of Earth. It spends 138 days completing a single orbit around its two suns, one of which is 1.5 times the size and the other 0.41 the size of Earth's sun. Those two suns circle one another every 20 days. The two other suns orbit PH1's twin suns at a distance of roughly 93,000,000,000 miles - 1,000 times that between the Earth and the sun. Science fiction: PH1 is being likened to Tatooine, the fictional two-sun planet and childhood home of Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars films . PH1's temperature is estimated to range from a minimum of about 484 degrees Fahrenheit (251 degrees Celsius) to a maximum of 644 degrees (340 degrees C), far too hot to bear life. So far scientists have identified six circumbinary planets but none of these have further suns orbiting them. In a draft research article the Yale rearchers noted: 'Although PH1 is a gas giant planet, even if there is a possibility of rocky moons orbiting the body, their surfaces would be too hot for liquid water to exist.' One of the team Meg Schwamb explains: 'Circumbinary planets are the extremes of planet formation. 'The discovery of these systems is forcing us to go back to the drawing board to understand how such planets can assemble and evolve in these dynamically challenging environments.' The Kepler telescope was launched in March 2009 and has already evidence of more than 2,300 possible alien worlds. | Four sun solar system KIC 4862625 is the first of its kind ever found .
Discovered by amateur astronomers as part of Yale University project .
Planet PH1 has been likened to Tatooine from the Star Wars films . |
fe140a127c0e70263e4d7360432f509aa7c09195 | By . Associated Press . New York State Troopers are being given tall, unmarked SUVs to peer down at drivers' hands - to catch people texting while driving. New York has given state police 32 of the SUVs, part of one of the nation's most aggressive attacks on texting while driving that also includes steeper penalties and dozens of highway 'Texting Zones', where motorists can pull over to use their devices. New York is among 41 states that ban text messaging for all drivers and is among only 12 that prohibit using hand-held cellphones. New York State Trooper Clayton Howell checks a driver's license after making a traffic stop for distracted driving in Greenburgh, NY . Should using hand-held cellphones while driving be banned in ALL states? The state this year stiffened penalties for motorists caught using hand-held devices to talk or text, increasing penalty points on the driving record from three to five, along with tickets that carry fines of up to $200. With the tough new penalties came tougher enforcement. In a two-month crackdown this summer, troopers handed out 5,553 tickets for texting while driving, compared to 924 in the same period last year. In New York's recent push, 91 existing rest areas and turnoffs on the state Thruway and other highways have been rebranded 'Texting Zones,' some advertised with blue signs declaring 'It can wait. Text stop 5 miles.' 'To our knowledge, New York is the first,' Jonathan Adkins, deputy executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, said of the texting turnoffs. 'It's an intriguing approach and one that we think will pay dividends and be duplicated in other states.' The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that at any moment during daylight hours, 660,000 drivers in the United States are texting, using cellphones or otherwise manipulating electronic devices. It says more than 3,300 people were killed and 421,000 injured in crashes caused by distracted driving last year. New York State Trooper Clayton Howell checks a screen that displays driving records inside his patrol vehicle in Hawthorne, NY . Major Michael Kopy, commander of the state police troop patrolling the corridor between New York City and Albany, quoted a Virginia Tech study that found texting while driving increased the chance of a collision by 23 times and took eyes off the road for five seconds — more than the length of a football field at highway speed. Kopy worries that as teens get their driver's licenses, texting on the road will become more prevalent. 'More people are coming of driving age who have had these hand-held devices for many years, and now as they start to drive, they're putting the two together, texting and driving, when they shouldn't.' Howell's SUV, called a CITE vehicle for Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement, is designed to catch just such drivers. Mousy gray in color, it swoops in undetected when Howell suspects a violation. 'You can see how oblivious they are to this vehicle,' Howell said as a woman holding a phone paid him no mind. 'I'm right next to them, and they have no idea.' The driver, a doctor, said she'd been running late and was on the phone to her office. It didn't qualify as an emergency under the rules, but she got off with a warning. 'Look at that,' Trooper Clayton Howell says, pulling alongside a black BMW while patrolling the highways north of New York City. 'This guy's looking down. I can see his thumb on the phone. I think we got him.' After a quick wail of the siren and a flash of the tucked-away flashers, an accountant from the suburbs is pulled over and politely given a ticket. The accountant who was ticketed, Chris Pecchia, of Montrose, told Howell he hadn't been texting but rather was looking at a map displayed on his phone. He was cited anyway, for driving while using a portable electronic device. 'His story's believable, but even a GPS has to be hands-free,' Howell said. Pecchia said afterward: 'I can't look at a map? What's the difference between looking at a paper map and looking at a map on the phone?' Still, he said, he understood why the trooper pulled him over. He said he would never text while driving and has forbidden his 17-year-old daughter from doing so. Howell pulled over a registered nurse because she had earbuds in both ears. Only one earbud is permitted while driving. She got off with a warning after explaining she was listening to her GPS's turn-by-turn directions. 'I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt,' Howell said. 'It's my philosophy to educate, and when you pull somebody over and give them a warning, that's a pretty good education.' | Texting while driving increases the chance of a collision by 23 times .
NY has given state police 32 of the tall SUVs to crack down on texting .
41 states in the US ban text messaging for drivers .
Only 12 states prohibit using hand-held cellphones . |
fe142a8a58ecf99e4f6bdc699e5481eae694def5 | (CNN) -- Ed Nelson, best known for playing a doctor in the 1960s nighttime soap opera "Peyton Place," has died at 85, his family said. Nelson, a New Orleans native, died Saturday at his Greensboro, North Carolina, home from congestive heart failure, daughter-in-law Asta Hansen said. . Nelson's acting resume stretches back to 1952 when his job was to play a man waiting in an airport ticket line in a film called "The Steel Trap." His last role was in "Runaway Jury," a 2003 film starring Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack and Gene Hackman. The five decades between those jobs were filled with hundreds of television and movie roles, including several of Roger Corman's low-budget B movies in the 1950s -- such as "Swamp Women" and "Attack of the Crab Monsters." The 1960s brought cowboy roles in hit TV series including "Rawhide," "Gunsmoke" and "Have Gun -- Will Travel." Nelson is created with 436 episodes of "Peyton Place," which starred Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Parkins, starting in 1964. He was Michael Rossi, the town physician. He also appeared in the TV reunion movies for the show. He continued acting mostly on TV, through the 1990s, including playing several characters on "Murder, She Wrote" from 1985 to 1995. Nelson was Gov. Neilson in the 1986 franchise film comedy "Police Academy 3: Back in Training." 'Another World' villain Charles Keating dies at 72 . People we've lost in 2014 . CNN's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report. | Ed Nelson is credited with 436 episodes of "Peyton Place" starting in 1964 .
He was in Roger Corman's B movies "Swamp Women" and "Attack of the Crab Monsters"
Nelson was Gov. Neilson in the 1986 comedy "Police Academy 3: Back in Training"
His last role was in "Runaway Jury," a 2003 film starring Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack . |
fe145bb5103d75b60bd9933d319125de549a64b9 | By . James Tozer . PUBLISHED: . 07:38 EST, 19 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:35 EST, 19 February 2013 . A man who blew up his house when his . girlfriend left him, killing his neighbours’ two-year-old boy, was . jailed for ten years yesterday. Unemployed joiner Andrew Partington, . 28, sawed through gas pipes then sent his girlfriend a text message . warning ‘gas pipe cut, already filled up, boom’. The following morning, Partington lit a . cigarette, igniting the gas and causing a huge explosion. Toddler Jamie . Heaton, who had been watching his favourite television programme, Peppa . Pig, was killed next door. Scroll down for video . Jamie Heaton, two, who died in an explosion in Oldham when his house went up in a massive gas blast . Andrew Partington (right) was jailed for 10 years over the death of toddler Jamie Heaton (left) His distraught mother Michelle escaped injury only because she was outside hanging up washing. A passing policeman crawled through the rubble to reach Jamie, but he had already been crushed to death. Partington was pulled from the . wreckage of his house in Shaw, near Oldham, with 40 per cent burns and a . broken back. He admitted manslaughter. Jailing him at Manchester Crown Court, . Mr Justice Hamblen said his reckless actions had in effect produced ‘a . bomb that you created and detonated’, killing Jamie and wrecking the . lives of his parents. Afterwards Mrs Heaton and her car . salesman husband Kenny, 37, said: ‘No sentence imposed would ever bring . Jamie back nor would it ever give us satisfaction.’ The court heard Andrew Partington (left) and Tanya Williams had a stormy relationship . Aerial picture of the scene of the gas explosion which flattened three houses in the Shaw area of Oldham, Greater Manchester . Emergency workers at the scene of the gas blast in the Shaw area of Oldham, Greater Manchester . Jamie, who had been diagnosed with . autism, should have been at nursery on the day of the blast last June . but was poorly. Mrs Heaton, 32, stayed home from her job at Boots to . look after him. Hard-drinking Partington and his . girlfriend, Tanya Williams, had moved in four months before the blast. He regularly beat her and shortly before the explosion had been given a . conditional discharge for common assault. Miss Williams, 28, has five . children, the two youngest by Partington, who has a daughter from a . previous relationship. On June 25, the court heard, . Partington had been drinking heavily and rowed with Miss Williams, . calling her ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’. She left, taking the children. Partington . bombarded her with angry messages from his BlackBerry phone. One read: ‘Told you next time you . leave me, house goes up with me. You left your kids with no Dad, no . home, goodbye, boom, gas pipe cut, already filled up, boom.’ He also . called her a ‘bitch’ and said he loved his two sons by her. Partington, who had cut the gas pipes in two places, then apparently fell into a drunken stupor. The cut gas pipe in the house of Andrew Partington that caused the blast . Andrew Partington was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter and destruction of property . Tragic: Michelle Heaton, the mother of Jamie Heaton, two, with a picture of her son . Jamie had been watching television in the lounge with his mother doing housework and his father out at work . The following morning, the defence claimed, he changed his mind, turned off the gas and opened windows. National Grid was alerted to the leak . after a neighbour reporting a smell of gas at 10.42am. Engineers were . minutes from the scene when at about 11.15am Partington lit a cigarette, . causing the catastrophic explosion that police said left the street . ‘like a war zone’. It was ‘sheer luck’ that no one else was killed or . seriously injured. The external wall of Partington’s . end-of-terrace home was torn from its foundations, slamming into the . Heatons’ house, from which it was separated by an alley, and causing the . roof to cave in. Mrs Heaton told how her first thought was that her son . would be terrified by the deafening blast. ‘I knew Jamie would be frightened, but I couldn’t get back in the back door,’ she said. The Heatons – who also have a son, . Jack, nine, and daughter Jodie, five – said of Jamie: ‘He was a . beautiful, healthy and loving little boy who was full of life. Above all . he was great fun. Kenny and Michelle Heaton arrive at Manchester Crown Court for the trial of gas fitter Andrew Partington. The couple's son Jamie died in a gas explosion at their home in Oldham last year . ‘The fact that [the explosion] was deliberate and totally avoidable has made the grieving ever harder to manage.’ They have set up a charity, Jamie’s Something Special, in his memory to raise funds for children’s play equipment. Several other families lost homes and . possessions in the blast, which damaged seven houses beyond repair and . left an estimated bill of £1.2million. A fund to support victims of the blast has so far paid out £207,000 to 91 households. Partington admitted eight charges of destroying houses and received concurrent seven-year sentences for each. Mr Justice Hamblen accepted that he had not deliberately ignited the gas. | Andrew Partington drunkenly cut two gas pipes in his house .
The explosion obliterated his home and two other neighbouring houses .
Body of toddler Jamie Heaton found in the wreckage in Oldham .
He had been watching television while his mother was doing housework .
Partington survived and was rescued by the emergency services .
The 28-year-old pleaded guilty in November to manslaughter . |
fe15f07ec000c4ca1833387832f3e9ee34782484 | (CNN) -- The Cuban government, long the object of a U.S. economic blockade, is prepared to meet with the Obama administration, Cuba's leader said. Raúl Castro says Cuba is willing "to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners.'' "We've told the North American government, in private and in public, that we are prepared, wherever they want, to discuss everything -- human rights, freedom of the press, political prisoners -- everything, everything, everything that they want to discuss," Cuban President Raúl Castro said Thursday at a summit of leftist Latin American leaders in Venezuela. The response came days after President Obama lifted all restrictions on the ability of American citizens to visit relatives in Cuba as well as to send them remittances. Travel restrictions for Americans of non-Cuban descent will remain in place. This week's move represents a significant shift in a U.S. policy that had remained largely unchanged for nearly half a century. The U.S. government instituted the embargo three years after Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. In Mexico City for meetings with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Obama offered a carrot and a stick to Havana. "What we're looking for is some signal that there are going to be changes in how Cuba operates that assures that political prisoners are released, that people can speak their minds freely, that they can travel, that they can write and attend church and do the things that people throughout the hemisphere can do and take for granted," he said. "And if there is some sense of movement on those fronts in Cuba, then I think we can see a further thawing of relations and further changes." Obama's gesture precedes a trip this week to Trinidad and Tobago for a key meeting of hemispheric powers -- the Summit of the Americas. Watch how Obama likely will hear about Cuba at the summit » . | Cuba's president responds after President Obama eases some travel restrictions .
Island nation has long been the object of a U.S. economic blockade .
Obama says U.S. is looking for signal of "changes in how Cuba operates"
Cuba-U.S. relations likely will be an issue at the Summit of the Americas . |
fe1691705f3ca069922695a7594140592c81605f | (CNET) -- Meeting the Obama Administration's goal of putting 1 million plug-in electric vehicles on the road by 2015 will only happen with a coordinated set of policies and technology advances, according to an electric vehicle association. Chevrolet hopes the Volt will be the first mass-produced plug-in electric car on American roads by late 2010. The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) on Tuesday is expected to release a set of policy recommendations for ushering in what auto industry executives call a major technological shift away from gas-only cars to electrics. EDTA members include auto manufacturers, battery companies, a number of electric utilities, and other industry associations. The group is lobbying for policies to boost domestic manufacturing industry, fund technology research, and launch wide-scale testing of electric vehicles. It said tax incentives, which currently give consumers up to a $7,500 rebate depending on battery size, should be extended to a higher number of cars and private fleet purchases. On the technology side, batteries remain the biggest hurdle. The EDTA said the Department of Energy should fund to develop and test energy storage and fuel cells systems. "Energy storage capability is the key to the success of the vehicles and also is the enabling technology for using renewable power as a transportation fuel," according to the EDTA's policy recommendation report. In an indication how of important battery technology is, General Motors decided to manufacture the battery pack for the Chevy Volt and other electric-gas cars itself, rather than purchase the packs from a supplier. The battery cells will be supplied by LG Chem. In addition to technology progress, battery and auto company executives say that establishing a supply chain of electric vehicle components will require collaboration among different companies. Fourteen U.S. companies have established an alliance to lobby the U.S. government for $1 billion in federal aid to build up U.S. battery manufacturing, according to a Wall Street Journal report published last December. Car manufacturers will need to provide warranties on batteries which have not yet had years of testing among consumers, the EDTA said. Some automakers have considered leasing batteries, which will allow consumers to upgrade to newer batteries. The EDTA also argues that new business models are required to prompt consumers to purchase electric vehicles, even though they promise a jump in fuel efficiency. The group recommends setting up an infrastructure for charging stations, coordinating with utilities and companies that test fleets of plug-in electric vehicles, including government agencies. "By helping public and private entities to build coherent alternative vehicle and infrastructure solutions, the federal government can help the industry to move beyond the 'chicken vs. egg' question," according to the report. © 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. CNET, CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. Used by permission. | Electric vehicle association: U.S. must coordinate policy, technological advances .
The EDTA on Tuesday is expected to release a set of policy recommendations .
President Obama hopes to put 1 million plug-in electric vehicles on the road by 2015 .
EDTA members include carmakers, battery companies and electric utilities . |
fe16e85b50f61e0a8fe09ffb3e0b0c76f00b6727 | A huge Wild West-style brawl involving more than 20 people broke out at a pub after a family feud spilled over into violence. A dozen police officers had to be called to break up the fight at the Railway Inn in Newton Abbot, Devon, which was described by the landlord as 'the worst I have ever seen'. During the melee one woman in her 20s had to be rushed to hospital after being knocked unconscious, while another aged 42 was arrested. A huge fight involving more than 20 people broke out at this pub in Newton Abbott, Devon, after a family fuel turned violent according to a pub spokesman . Officers and paramedics were called to the pub, which is described online as having a 'Wild West saloon feel', at around 10.45pm last Friday. A 42-year-old, from Newton Abbot, was arrested on suspicion of assault after another woman in her 20s fell to the floor and was knocked out. The victim, also from Newton Abbot, was taken to hospital to be treated while the suspect was released from police custody without being charged. A pub spokesman said: This was a family feud. Such behaviour at pub premises won’t be tolerated. 'It’s the worst I’ve seen in the years I’ve been here. We condemn what happened.' Around a dozen officers had to be called to the scene last Friday in order to break up the brawl, with one 42-year-old woman arrested, and another in her 20s taken to hospital (file image) Inspector Dave Hammond, based at Newton Abbot, said: 'The town is generally a very safe place to go out for the evening. 'Our officers work very hard to make sure people can go out, enjoy themselves, and feel safe. 'It was an unusual incident for us to deal with as we would not normally expect to attend these premises.' | Fight started in pub described online as having 'Wild West saloon feel'
Spokesman for Railway Inn said it was 'the worst I have ever seen'
One woman arrested and one taken to hospital after 12 police attended . |
fe182c89d0de35b6c96c38cf836d3aad04d24066 | By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 12:32 EST, 17 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:44 EST, 17 December 2013 . Defendant: Steven Orloff, pictured, a former official at a Boston school district is accused of posing as a 14-year-old boy online to lure teenage girls into webcam strip shows and abusing his foster daughter . A former official at a Boston school district is accused of posing as a 14-year-old boy online to lure teenage girls into webcam strip shows. Steven Orloff, 48, who worked as director of student services for Stoneham Schools, is also in the center of a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually abused and secretly filmed an already traumatized girl in his bathroom while he was her foster father. He is due in federal court in Boston today to answer criminal charges of producing child pornography, after the Department of Children's and Families stalled on the case for eight months and the alleged pedophile was released on bail. Orloff first came to the attention of police in July 2012, when the mother of a 15-year-old girl in Cumberland, Maine, found her daughter had sent pictures of her genitals to a boy named 'Jason Jaffe' of Sudbury. According to the Boston Herald, Cumberland County officials alerted Framingham police and detectives determined Orloff was Jaffe before searching his Framingham home in December 2012. They seized laptops and hard drives that were filled with pornographic images of eight girls. Among those girls was the traumatized teen in his custody, who was filmed using a camera inside a fake plant that was pointed at the shower, police said. 'The defendant's face is visible on several of these videos, as the camera was recording while he was setting it up,' prosecutors wrote in court documents. Orloff's attorney suggested the camera was used to monitor the girl's hygiene habits. Orloff was arrested over a year ago - on December 12, 2012, - and resigned from his position at the school district in January. Later that month, the Department of Children and Families notified the foster child's biological mother of the 'recent' sexual abuse allegations against Orloff. Home: Orloff allegedly abused and secretly filmed the unnamed teen while she was living with him in his Framingham home, pictured . In April, attorney Christopher Hug . filed a lawsuit in Suffolk County Court on behalf of the teen, alleging . DCF failed to properly vet Orloff, failed to do mandatory checks on his . home and kept the already fragile girl in a 'dangerous and unstable' foster home. The failures, he claimed, resulted in the girl suffering abuse at the hands of Orloff from April 2010 to December 2011. 'They . failed her,' the teen's mother, who regained custody of the girl this . year, told the Herald. 'They took a kid that was already victimized once . and victimized her again and again and again. She can't take care of . herself. Life is very difficult for her.' The Herald reported that in February and March, a grand jury returned two separate indictments charging Orloff with a combined three counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of secretly photographing and videotaping a person in the nude, and one count of posing a child in a state of sexual conduct. On March 15, he was released on $50,000 and $20,000 bail for the two state cases, but then progess on the case seemed to grind to a halt. School: Until January this year, Orloff was director of student services for Stoneham Schools, including the high school, pictured . Frustrated by the lack of action, on December 2, Hug made another filing, this time suing for $75,000 and noting DCF had failed to respond to the previous suit. Two weeks later, on December 13, Orloff was charged with preying on girls across several states between March and August 2012, using the name 'Jason Jaffe' and tricking them into stripping on webcams. The abused teen is now a senior in high school and suffers post-traumatic stress disorder as well as other physical conditions, the latest lawsuit states. 'They have no business doing this if they can't do this properly,' the mother told the Herald. 'Someone really needs to look at this, the way they're treating these kids.' The girl now lives in a on-bedroom apartment with her mother, older sister and her mother's roommate. DCF officials refused to comment on the specifics of the case but defended its screening process. 'Our top goal is to ensure that all of the children being supported by DCF, whether it is at home or in foster care, are safe and well cared for,' a spokeswoman said. | Boston man, Steven Orloff, 48, is in the center of a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually abused and secretly filmed his foster daughter, resulting in child pornography .
He is also charged with posing as a 14-year-old boy called Jason Jaffe to lure girls to strip for him online and send him photos of their genitals .
He was director of student services for Stoneham Schools until January this year .
The victim's lawyer is suing the state's DCF for $75,000 claiming they failed to properly vet Orloff before placing the previously abused girl in his care . |
fe1835f2a8d6c3660946fd1064854051aa18401a | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 05:05 EST, 18 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:44 EST, 18 October 2013 . A British diver has set a new world record for the longest warm water scuba dive by spending more than two days underwater. Sean McGahern, 38, managed to eat, drink and sleep during his 49 hours and 56 minutes at the bottom of the Mediterranean in Malta. He remained submerged despite enduring strong winds, currents, surge and one metre waves to complete his impressive feat. Sean, originally from Brighton, East Sussex, kept himself busy by cleaning up the debris that had accumulated on the bottom of the seabed at St George's Bay. Record breaker: British diver Sean McGahern, 38, has broken the world record for the longest warm water scuba dive, staying below the surface of the sea off Malta for 50 hours . Support: Sean gets a kiss from his fiance Mikaela Papagiorcopulo during his record breaking dive . He spent hours removing rubble including bottles and deck chairs, which were brought up to the surface by the dive team from World Record Diving Malta team and the St. John's Rescue Corp, who assisted him in his record breaking attempt. His fiancee and fellow diver Mikaela Papagiorcopulo kept him company and offered kisses of encouragement to help him complete his dive. Exhausted from a long day's diving, Sean, who has over 2,000 dives under his belt, got some much needed rest on a make-shift sun lounger chained down on the sea bed. He joked and smiled as he emerged from the waters exhausted but ecstatic at his feat and spent the day celebrating. Sean, 38 had to endure strong winds, currents, surge and one metre waves to complete his impressive feat . Back on dry land: Sean is pulled from the water after 49 hours and 56 minutes - he kept himself busy by cleaning up the debris that accumulated on the seabed . Helping hand: Sean was accompanied and assisted during his record attempt by the wider World Record Diving Malta team and the St. John's Rescue Corp . Sea souvenir: Sean, originally from Brighton celebrates his achievement after his epic dive . Sean managed to beat the previous record set by Will Goodman in 2010 which stood at 48 hours, 8 minutes and seven seconds by over an hour. The dive was completed in aid of charity Inspire, who provide therapy, education and leisure services to people with disabilities in Malta and Gozo. Impressively, Sean also holds the longest open water saltwater scuba dive in cold water, which stands at 12 hours, 34 minutes. He has held that record since March 2012. His latest dive was more successful than an attempt to break his own saltwater record back in March. Sean was taken to hospital after just a couple of hours underwater when he went into hypothermic shock after his suit started letting in water. | Sean McGahern spent 49 hours and 56 minutes at the bottom of the Mediterranean off the coast of Malta .
The 38-year-old kept himself busy by cleaning the seabed and managed to drink, eat and sleep while submerged .
He broke the previous world record which was set by Will Goodman in 2010 by more than an hour .
Sean also holds the longest open saltwater scuba dive world record of 12 hours and 34 minutes . |
fe19aaa8cec3cf8295e27a5d196553708a7a0ab7 | A cancer doctor treating five-year-old Ashya King admitted the only treatment available on the NHS would leave him with life-long disabilities, his parents revealed yesterday. Brett and Naghmeh King were told conventional radiotherapy would leave their son with ‘special needs’ which could be avoided if he received pioneering treatment abroad. Despite that admission, NHS doctors insisted they would go ahead with normal radiotherapy and threatened to have the horrified couple’s parental rights removed if they questioned the decision, the family said. Scroll down for video . Anguish: Brett (left) and Naghmeh King (centre) say a cancer doctor treating their five-year-old son Ashya (right) admitted to them that the only treatment available on the NHS would leave him with life-long disabilities . Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Mr and Mrs King said they were forced to take their desperately ill son on the run across Europe to protect him from the devastating side effects of the NHS treatment. The family’s plight shocked the world when the couple were arrested for child cruelty and thrown in jail while Ashya was kept under armed guard, alone in a Spanish hospital. His brothers and sisters were banned from seeing him, and his parents said he was left ‘crying like a wounded animal through the night’ in his single bed ward. Now reunited, the family has secured his treatment in a private clinic and say the proton beam therapy – and their love – has already produced improvements in his health. Agony: Mr and Mrs King said they were forced to take their desperately ill son on the run across Europe to protect him from the devastating side effects of the NHS treatment . Father: Mr King, 51, (pictured with his son) said he asked about proton beam therapy as an alternative several times, but was told it offered no benefits over normal radiotherapy . In a moving and shocking interview serialised this week in the Mail, they tell how: . · Ashya’s initial operation to remove his brain tumour left him ‘like a vegetable with his eyes open’ · His parents had to hold his eyelids shut to allow him to sleep . · His suffering was so shocking his mother questioned if it was right to keep him alive . · Doctors said conventional radiotherapy would cause hearing and growth problems and leave him with special needs . · Medics said the NHS would not fund proton beam therapy despite it offering a better quality of life . · The couple was told the NHS only considered ‘survival’ in cancer funding decisions, not the potentially devastating side effects . Mr and Mrs King faced every parent’s nightmare when Ashya was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour after suffering a series of mystery symptoms. He was admitted to Southampton General Hospital for brain surgery and initially the couple were confident doctors were doing everything possible to save their son. Mrs King, 45, was arrested as she tried to get into an ambulance to accompany her five-year-old son to hospital . But the family’s own research into his condition led them to question the doctors’ insistence that he needed high doses of radiotherapy which would risk massive damage to healthy brain tissue. Mr King, 51, said he asked about proton beam therapy as an alternative several times, but was told it offered no benefits over normal radiotherapy. One doctor was said to have told him: ‘If you continue with these questions your rights to make decisions about Ashya will be taken away from you. ‘We will apply to the family court to have your parental rights removed and then we will give him any treatment we want.’ Mr King, a property developer from Southsea, Hampshire, said he then asked a radiologist at the hospital and was told cancer treatment decisions were taken on the basis of ‘survival rates’, not the patient’s quality of life afterwards. The radiologist told him: ‘If you’re asking me about quality of life, proton is superior. ‘With radiotherapy, your son will get secondary tumours, have hearing problems, growth problems and special needs for the rest of his life. ‘Children pay a heavy price for survival under normal radiotherapy.’ Faced with such a grim forecast for their child’s future, Mr and Mrs King said they felt they had no option but to take Ashya to Prague for treatment. When doctors discovered the boy was gone they contacted police, who issued a European arrest warrant for the couple. Two days later the parents were arrested in Spain as they prepared to sell their holiday home to fund Ashya’s treatment. Mrs King, 45, was arrested as she tried to get into an ambulance to accompany her five-year-old son to hospital and heard police questioning their instructions. Improvements: Now reunited, the family has secured his treatment in a private clinic and say the proton beam therapy – and their love – has already produced improvements in his health . One officer was overheard saying: ‘What sort of world do we live in where you take a sick child away from his mother?’ Mr and Mrs King were arrested and thrown into cells in one of Spain’s most notorious prisons for three nights, while Ashya was kept alone and isolated hundreds of miles away. The outcry over the family’s plight led to criticism that police and prosecutors had been too heavy-handed in issuing the European arrest warrant, which was eventually withdrawn. Public anger also prompted a nationwide fundraising effort as people rallied to help the family. Mr King described the emotional moment he was reunited with Ashya, saying: ‘I was hugging him. I could feel the pain inside him. Desperation: Mr King with his son in a video the family made explaining why they had taken Ashya from hospital . Treatment: Mr and Mrs King, seen leaving a police station in Malaga for an extradition court hearing, were arrested and thrown into cells in one of Spain’s most notorious prisons for three nights . ‘I said, “Ashya I’m here now. I’m never going to leave you. I’m so sorry for what happened but we’re here. We’re going to be together forever. You don’t have to cry any more.’ Ashya has now begun treatment and the NHS has agreed to pay for his proton beam therapy in the Czech Republic, meaning public donations can be used to help other children. Doctors in Prague say his type of brain tumour has a 70 to 80 per cent survival rate and hope he will make a full recovery. While delighted by his progress, his parents said their enforced separation had ‘scarred’ the five-year-old, who now howls in protest if either of them steps away from his bedside. Reunited: Asyha is accompanied by his parents as he arrives at the Motol Hospital in Prague . Treatment: Ashya has now begun treatment and the NHS has agreed to pay for his proton beam therapy in the Czech Republic, meaning public donations can be used to help other children . Southampton General Hospital has denied that its doctors ever threatened to seek a court order to remove the Kings’ rights to make decisions about Ashya’s care. It has defended its decision to recommend standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy and said its treatment plan for Ashya complied with NHS best practice guidelines for cancer care. Despite repeated efforts, nobody at Southampton General Hospital was available for comment last night. | Parents told conventional radiotheraphy would leave son with 'special needs'
NHS doctors 'threatened to have couple's parental rights removed'
Brett and Naghmeh King say they were forced to take Ashya, 5, on the run .
Family has now secured Ashya's treatment in a private clinic .
They say proton beam therapy has already improved Ashya's health . |
fe19b0215d18c0ecd45f7b1730026b5aaf6b050a | Max Gradel levelled late on as Ivory Coast snatched a 1-1 draw with Mali in Group D of the African Nations Cup. Bakary Sako gave Mali a seventh minute lead and although Mali more than held their own for large parts of the contest, Ivory Coast levelled late on through substitute Gradel. It was both side's second 1-1 draw of the campaign and they will be hopeful victory in their final match will see them through to the knockout stages. Max Gradel of Ivory Coast celebrates scoring a late leveller for his side against Mali . Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Gradel celebrate with their team-mates after grabbing a point . Mali's Bakary Sako (centre) celebrates after scoring against Ivory Coast after seven minutes . Ivory Coast: Gbohou, Aurier, K. Touré, Bailly, Kanon (Kalou 83'), Y.Touré, Tioté, Diomandé (Gradel 39'), Tiéné, Doumbia, Bony (Gadji-Celi Carmel Junior 84') Booked: Tiote . Goals: Gradel 86' Subs not used: Barry, Diarrassouba, Assale, Doukoure, Akpa-Akpro, Traore, Gonzaroua Die, Mande . Mali: Diakité (Berthe 72'), D. Diakité, Wagué, S. Coulibaly, Tamboura, Sylla, N'Diaye, Keita, S. Yatabaré, Sako (Doumbia 78'), M. Yatabaré (Maiga 90') Subs not used: Diawara, Coulibaly, Traore, Diarra, Coulibaly, Diaby, Konate, Traore, Sameke . Booked: Sylla, Yatabare, Keita . Goals: Sako 6 . Mali boss Henryk Kasperczak kept faith with the same XI who drew their opener 1-1 with Cameroon, while Ivory Coast's Herve Renard made three changes, with Siaka Tiene replacing the suspended Gervinho, Ismael Diomande replacing Serey Die and Seydou Doumbia preferred to Salomon Kalou. Doumbia's strike rescued a draw for the Elephants in their last game against hosts Equatorial Guinea and in the game at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo they were also left chasing the game after just seven minutes. Siaka Tiene was out of position and Sambou Yatabare sped into a crossing position before crossing to the back post where Sako hammered home on the half volley. Soumbeyla Diakite was tested for the first time after 21 minutes when Yaya Toure played in Serge Aurier, who instead of playing in Doumbia elected to shoot, with his weak effort easily stopped. Ivory Coast were starting to make their mark on the game and after 33 minutes Kolo Toure's header from a corner was tipped onto the bar by the Mali stopper. Mali'sSako celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the opener in Group D . Malian supporters show their support during the match in Malabo on Saturday . Renard made a change six minutes before the break with Gradel replacing Diomande. Gradel made an impact shortly after the restart as he played in Manchester City striker Bony, whose powerful header fell just wide of the post. Mali worked hard to limit chances for Ivory Coast and it wasn't until 11 minutes from time that the next chance fell, but it wasn't to the Elephants. Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure (left) vies with Mali's midfielder Yacouba Sylla during the second half . Sako (left) vies with Ivory Coast's Tiemoko Ismael Diomande during the African Nation's Cup clash . Sambou Yatabare crossed in from the right before and although Sylvain Gbohouo got to the ball first he could not hold and was thankful for Wilfried Kanon who beat Mustapha Yatabare to the ball to clear. And Kanon's timely interception was rewarded three minutes from time as Ivory Coast levelled. Yaya Toure did well to find Aurier and the defender pulled it back to Gradel who hammered home and rescued another late point for Renard's side. | Max Gradel scores 87th-minute equaliser for Ivory Coast against Mali .
Bakary Sako had opened the scoring after just seven minutes .
Second straight 1-1 draw for both of these sides in Group D . |
fe19bdcb8b4dc130699d9b428546d55ba98c7f2f | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 11:06 EST, 17 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:09 EST, 17 January 2013 . The owner of a run-of-the-mill Toyota wasn’t satisfied with the style and protection the car came with off the belt, and spent £100,000 to add a champagne bar, a widescreen TV and grenade proof armour. The Toyota Sequoia SUV, which retails at £30,000, has been converted to withstand driving over a landmine as well as the lavish additions on the inside. Its exterior remains as anonymous as before, but open the door and the changes are far more noticeable. Scroll down for video . Crib car: Although the Toyota looks the same on the outside, its inside has been significantly spruced up . Expensive wheels: The SUV already costs £30,000 but it wasn't enough for its owner who spent another £100,000 to convert it into a luxurious - and bomb proof - supercar . The result is a fortress on wheels which . includes a widescreen TV, wood trim, leather thrones, champagne . compartments and mounted tablet computers on the side. The outside has been armoured to withstand 7.62x51mm rifle rounds, hand grenades and landmines. Kim Pemberton, director of sales at . Lexani Motor Cars said: ‘It is the only Toyota . Sequoia we have done although the owner has another one coming next week . as well as a Sprinter for us to do. ‘The most popular models are Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburbans, and GMC Yukon Denali. ‘Our client base comes from affluent . professionals and heads-of-state who appreciate luxury but also want . something unique that very few will have.' Pass the popcorn: The car relies on a driver as the divider between the back and front has been turned into a widescreen television and champagne bar . Safe journey: As well as the tablets on the walls, the outside is strong enough to withstand landmines, hand grenades and rifle rounds . They see me rollin: The owner has not spared the change for the driver either with a comfortable wide leather seat and wood panels . ‘The cost for a Lexani Motors interior on an SUV generally runs around $150,000 give or take depending on options. ‘The interiors are handmade by our . craftsmen in house and we are a small boutique company so we don't mass . produce our products like many. ‘When we are through with our . executive vehicles they not only offer the luxurious appointments the . client has chosen in designing their environment but also will function . as a mobile office.’ | A £30,000 Toyota was given a £100,000 makeover .
Outside armour can withstand rifle rounds, hand grenades and landmines .
Lavish interior includes a champagne bar, widescreen TV and iPads . |
fe1a6b360944d7e2f3e6b3c47bfbbf59e7a3d5f9 | (CNN) -- The website for London law firm Doughty Street Chambers crashed Tuesday after reports emerged that human rights attorney Amal Alamuddin, who married George Clooney in late September, had changed her name to Amal Clooney, as seen on her professional profile page. Everyone had to see for themselves -- and, predictably, throw up their collective arms in response. Could it be? Could it be that this strong, career-driven woman so not-in-need of a man that she'd waited 36 years to get married really have done something as oppressive as take on her husband's name? In Elle, Natalie Matthews admitted "a twinge of disappointment. ... Women keeping their maiden names is not just a rare phenomenon but a decreasing one," as if she expected Amal to help fight the trend. "Dear Mrs. Clooney," an open letter by Tracy Spicer on the website The Hoopla began, "why why, WHY, in 2014, would you take your husband's name? You're an appendage, an accoutrement, a chattel: Mrs. Clooney. And I thought progressives were supposed to be -- well -- progressive...?" Wrote another, "Just think of how absurd it would be if Clooney called himself George Alamuddin." Oh, boy. My question: Who says that a woman's entire identity is rooted in the name she was given at birth or born into? These days, an increasing number of women are making a name for themselves professionally, as Alamuddin has done and will surely continue to do. Opinion: Why more women spurn marriage . The key phrase here being "for themselves." Whether that name is the one they were born with, the one they took after marriage or any combination thereof matters little. It's just a name. And a woman needn't keep her name in order to prove, to anyone, that she is her own person. In fact, she needn't be required to prove it at all. If anything, it seems to be buying entirely into the patriarchy to dismiss Amal as being anti-feminist, or even anti-progressive, over a choice that she has, by all available evidence, made for herself. And we must assume it's one she's made, or agreed to make, or else aren't we're the ones being sexist? After all, the former Ms. Alamuddin does not seem to be a woman who has come this far in life, or career, by making decisions lightly. Abandoning the name that made her successful -- and, in her own right, famous, if not as famous as her new husband -- does not negate those successes. The truth is that many women choose not to change their names after marriage; some for professional reasons, others for personal reasons. Some are just lazy. Do you know what a pain in the you-know-what it is to legally change your name? And yet far more women do change their names than don't: As much as 86% of women, according to a 2011 survey conducted by TheKnot.com, take on their husband's surname after marriage. And, of course, Amal might even relish being something of "an appendage," as Catherine Meyer, writing in Time, described Mrs. Clooney, a new celebrity whose wedding photos run in People magazine and whose choice of dress is covered by Vogue. She is accomplished, that is certain; but now she is also George Clooney's wife, and that is something irresistible to our celebrity-obsessed culture and perhaps irresistible to Amal, too. (He is George Clooney, after all.) Perhaps she is courting attention by changing her name. Maybe it's a good career move: Should we fault her for using what she can to get ahead? Or should we, in fact, celebrate her for being ambitious? That some may look to women like Amal to retain their name post-marriage is, of course, reflective of an unfair burden placed on women who reach certain levels of success, or notoriety, to please everyone and be the spokeswomen for an entire gender ever-aiming to assert itself as equal to men. By that logic, it's not Amal's name change that should be viewed as anti-feminist but her willingness to get married at all. Who needs men, right? The bottom line is that Amal Alamuddin Clooney has proved herself to be her own woman, and a strong, independent, accomplished one at that, no matter how the name reads on her business card -- or, for that matter, her own paycheck. How much more do we want from her as a model of female empowerment? | Amal Alamuddin changed her last name to Clooney after she married George .
Peggy Drexler notes Amal was slammed for abandoning her own name for a man's .
Drexler: It's just a name. It was her decision. She doesn't have to prove anything .
Drexler: Successful women can be models of empowerment whatever name they have . |
fe1ab59368dcda12a374a36f924040782f915bd1 | Seth Penalver and Herman Lindsey are no longer on Florida's death row, but they are fighting for those who still are. Penalver and Lindsey, two of Florida's death row exonerees, held a press conference on Wednesday asking Florida Gov. Rick Scott to veto a death penalty bill recently passed by the state legislature. If the bill is signed into law, 13 people could be executed in Florida this year. The bill, referred to as the "Timely Justice Act," limits the appeals process and speeds up state executions. "If the bill would have been in effect at the time of me being sentenced, I wouldn't be here talking to you today," said Penalver, who five months ago was acquitted on charges related to a triple murder. New evidence was uncovered years after he exhausted his original appeals, winning Penalver his freedom after 18 years behind bars. "There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. You're going to put innocent men to death," warned Lindsey, who was exonerated after three years on death row. One of the bill's sponsors, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, said the "Timely Justice Act" will not kill innocent people. "We have more sophisticated juries today, a higher demand for forensic evidence," said Gaetz, "so I don't believe that keeping people around who have confessed to the crime, who weren't claiming their innocence, really serves the state that well." The "Timely Justice Act" would mandate the governor sign death warrants in capital cases within 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court has completed its review. This is after the federal courts rule and the governor completes clemency proceedings, Gaetz said. The bill states that executions are to take place within 180 days of a death warrant being signed. If the bill becomes law, the appeals process in death penalty cases will be shortened and limited. "Too often we have appeals that drag on regarding paperwork and production of records and effectiveness of one's lawyer, and those types of appeals are brought by people who have confessed," Gaetz said. Gaetz said the bill will "enhance the deterrent factor of the death penalty," it will be a "tremendous help to victim's families" and it will cut down stays on death row to "below 10 years." This bill has nothing to do with justice but more to do with politics, said Howard Simon, executive director of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union. "The premise of the bill is wrong. We don't have people sitting on death row for years," Simon said. "The average number of years is a year less than the national average." The national average for inmates on death row is 14 years. Florida leads the nation in people sentenced to death and then exonerated, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Penalver, the state's most recent exoneree, is number 24. Penalver is asking for a meeting with Scott so he can show him his case files. Penalver said after showing him the evidence, he would ask the governor, "Would you kill me after reviewing this evidence? Would you sign this bill into law?" Scott's office wouldn't say if he would be willing to meet with Penalver but it issued this statement, "We want to hear from Floridians about the merits of this legislation, which our General Counsel's office is currently reviewing." The bill will be presented to Scott in June and he will have 15 days to decide whether to make the "Timely Justice Act" law in Florida. | "Timely Justice Act" limits the appeals process and speeds up state executions .
Freed death row inmates want governor to veto the bill .
They say the bill would have led them to be executed before they had proved innocence . |
fe1b7f88361ecfb4062526f6f7380ecaed52c646 | By . Chris Pleasance . A drugs gang who made more than £2.3million in a massive country-wide heroin racket have been ordered to pay back just £24. Mark Gale, Ivan Wood, Craig Corrigan, John Pogue, Ryan Morgan and Steven Blundell were all found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs in April last year. But at a proceeds of crime act hearing, a judge at Exeter Crown Court was told the men had 'spent all the money' with the exception of Morgan, who had just £20 in his bank account. A gang of heroin smugglers who made £2.3million have been fined just £24 after a judge was told they had 'spent all their money'. Steven Blundell, 35 (left), was not at the proceeds of crime hearing as he is currently on the run in Spain, while Craig Corrigan (right) was fined a nominal £1 . Drug courier Pogue (pictured) was also fined £1, as were fellow criminals Mark Gale and Ivan Wood. Another gang member, Ryan Morgan, was fined £20 after the court heard that was all he had left in his bank account . As a result, the court reclaimed just £24 after taking Morgan's money, and fining Wood, Corrigan, Gale and Pogue a nominal £1 each. That is despite the fact that the . Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation proceedings could have cost . the taxpayer £20,000 per defendant, if not more. Fellow criminal Blundell, 35, was not at the hearing as he went went on the run before being sentenced and is now thought to be in Spain. Before his arrest, Blundell lived the high life with luxury cars and designer clothes as he oversaw an operation that channelled heroin from Merseyside to the South West. A damning audit report earlier this year revealed just 26p for every £100 generated by criminals is recovered through POCA legislation. The men were all arrested last year after detectives in Operation Raby established that the heroin was being transported from Liverpool to addresses in Devon before being distributed across the South West. During Blundell's trial at Exeter Crown Court, jurors were told how he lived the high-life with a fleet of expensive cars including a Porsche, and Audi, and a collection of BMWs and 4x4s . Police said Steven Blundell had a fleet of luxury cars including a Porsche Boxster, Audis, BMWs and Volkswagen 4x4s. He also spent £11,000 in cash on foreign travel in a three-month period, but had no obvious income or employment. He involved his cousins Paul Blundell, 24, and Morgan, 29, as well as drug courier Pogue, 24, all of Halewood, Liverpool, in the operation. The gang got sentences ranging from two to nine years. DC Jason Braund from Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'Unfortunately these defendants had no available assets and therefore were ordered to pay nominal amounts of £1 each, with the exception of Morgan who had access to £20. 'It does, however, come with a warning that these individuals can be re-visited in the future should they come into wealth or any assets are later identified, as we can take it from them.' An investigation into the finances of Blundell is likely to be launched when he is traced and extradited back to Britain. He is set to be sentenced in his absence next month. | Six gangsters jailed for conspiracy to supply class A drugs in April last year .
Gang made £2.3million in country-wide heroin dealing operation .
Steven Blundell, 35, owned a fleet of cars including Porsche and Audi .
But today they were fined £24 after court heard they had spent the cash .
Ryan Morgan, 29, had last £20 in his bank account confiscated by judge .
Mark Gale, Ivan Wood, Craig Corrigan and John Pogue fined £1 each .
Blundell was not at the hearing as he is believed to be on the run in Spain . |
fe1bf11b860e88742eef2a76fc9e96ceaaaa9c54 | The two climbers scaling the 3,000-ft, sheer granite face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park completed their final push toward the summit on Wednesday,successfully reaching the top in the afternoon. Tommy Caldwell, 36, and Kevin Jorgeson, 30, made 'great . progress' as they became the first to climb El Capitan's . so-called Dawn Wall without bolts or climbing tools, spokeswoman . Jess Clayton said. Caldwell and Jorgeson, who began their climb on December 27, are expected to celebrate privately with their families at the . summit before speaking to reporters in a Yosemite meadow on Thursday. A tweet on Jorgeson's account on Wednesday read: 'It's not over till it's over. #DawnWall' Scroll down for video . Nearly there! Kevin Jorgeson of California, wearing green, celebrates after reaching the summit of El Capitan on Wednesday afternoon . The world was watching as the pair's grueling half-mile journey up the peak's Dawn Wall route neared the end ahead of an emotional reunion with their families at the summit. The climbers celebrated on Wednesday as cheers went up from the ground when they appeared to complete a difficult stretch . In this Monday photo, Kevin Jorgeson climbs what has been called the hardest rock climb in the world: a free climb of El Capitan, the largest monolith of granite in the world . Kevin Jorgeson of California, wearing green, and 36-year-old Tommy Caldwell, wearing blue, near the summit of El Capitan. The men have been 'free-climbing' to the 3,000-foot summit for 17 days, meaning they don't use climbing aids other than ropes only to prevent deadly falls . El Capitan: The courageous pair were closing in on the top of the 3,000-foot peak and if all goes as planned, should complete their climb this afternoon . The two climbers balance on a razor-thin ledge during the climb of the momentous El Capitan which has tested their endurance to the very limits . The Dawn Wall of El Capitan is divided into 32 climbing . pitches, which are varying lengths of rock that the climbers are . trying to master with only their hands and feet. The wall has . been scaled before, first by legendary climber Warren Harding in . 1970, but never before without climbing tools. Caldwell and Jorgeson had reached the final 11 pitches on . Tuesday after working their way past some of the toughest . stretches on the rock. Jorgeson struggled for several days last week on difficult . pitch 15, at one point being forced to rest for two days while . the skin on his fingers healed after being ripped off by . razor-sharp ledges. The two climbers are using safety ropes in case of falls, . and using ropes and other tools to move back and forth from . their campsite perched high on the rock. Because the warmth of the day can cause their hands and feet . to perspire, the two often start climbing at dusk. Caldwell and Jorgeson's attempt on El Capitan has been . closely watched in the climbing world and has drawn worldwide . news headlines and attention on social media as they made . progress toward the summit. According to Brandwatch, a social listening and analytics . firm, social media mentions of the climb have skyrocketed since . the climb began, drawing more than 17,000 mentions as of . Wednesday. Caldwell, center, stands with a photographer at a base camp before continuing to climb the half-mile section of exposed granite in California's Yosemite National Park . Tommy Caldwell balances on the edge of his tent, pitched on the sheer rock face, as the two climbers made their ascent which has taken more than two weeks . Jorgeson tweeted this message on Wednesday morning. The two climbers have been updating social media during the two weeks that they have made their historic ascent . Several dozen people, including relatives of the climbers, and about two dozen photographers, were gathered in the meadow looking up at the face, which is called the Dawn Wall. 'I feel like the most proud person in the world right now,' said Caldwell's 39-year-old sister Sandy Van Nieuwenhuyzen. Ms Van Nieuwenhuyzen, of Rochester, Minnesota, said she can't wait to hug her younger brother. 'I'm just going to hug. Just hug. No words necessary,' she said. 'It's such a big moment that a congratulatory hug is going to be very soothing to my big sister soul.' They started on December 27 and have been free-climbing, a technique that shuns climbing aids other than harnesses and ropes to prevent deadly falls. The world has been watching the pair's grueling half-mile journey up the peak's Dawn Wall route. But Clayton says the men won't give media interviews at the top. They plan to discuss the grueling climb on Thursday. Kevin Jorgeson, pictured wtih his girlfriend Jacqui, who is anxiously waiting for him at the top . Becca Caldwell (right), who is married to Tommy Caldwell, is also on the ground with their toddler son . Throughout the climb, both men have needed to take rest days to wait for their skin to heal. They used tape and even superglue to help with the process. At one point, Caldwell set an alarm to wake him every four hours to apply a special lotion to his throbbing hands. They also took physical punishment when their grip would slip, pitching them into long, swinging falls that left them bouncing off the rock face. The tumbles, which they called 'taking a whipper,' ended in startling jolts from their safety ropes. Eric Jorgeson, Kevin Jorgeson's father, told KGO-TV that his son has always been a climber and watching him fulfill a long-time dream makes him proud. 'He climbed everything he could think of. It made us nervous early on as parents, but we got used to it,' the father said. 'It was more other parents saying, ''Hey, your son is at the top of a backstop.''' The two started climbing El Capitan (there are more than 100 routes to the top) when Kevin Jorgeson turned 15, and it has been a birthday tradition ever since. Becca Caldwell, who is married to Tommy Caldwell, is also on the ground with their toddler son and has been blogging about her excitement as she prepares to reunite with her husband. The climbers are pictured on Monday as they inched towards the summit. The first climber reached its summit in 1958, and there are roughly 100 routes up to the top . People watch as two climbers vying to become the first in the world to use only their hands and feet to scale a sheer slab of granite in Yosemite National Park, California . | Tommy Caldwell, 36, and Kevin Jorgeson, 30, reached the summit of El Capitan on Wednesday afternoon .
On Jorgeson's Twitter account on Wednesday, a message read: 'It's not over till it's over. #DawnWall'
Theyare now the first to climb El Capitan's so-called Dawn Wall without bolts or climbing tools .
Caldwell and Jorgeson, who began their climb on December 27, are expected to celebrate privately with their families at the summit .
Jorgeson was forced to rest for two days while the skin on his fingers healed after being ripped off by razor-sharp ledge . |
fe1c5a0ff4f6999573dbbdd94dd0306c2ba0ea6a | (CNN) -- Scientifically, can happiness be an advantage? Some people think if you are happy, you are blind to reality. But when we research it, happiness actually raises every single business and educational outcome for the brain. How did we miss this? Why do we have these societal misconceptions about happiness? Because we assumed you were average. When we study people, scientists are often interested in what the average is. If we study what is merely average, we will remain merely average. Many people think happiness is genetic. That's only half the story, because the average person does not fight their genes. When we stop studying the average and begin researching positive outliers -- people who are above average for a positive dimension like optimism or intelligence -- a wildly different picture emerges. Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success. Watch Shawn Achor's TED video to hear about this research . Scientifically, happiness is a choice. It is a choice about where your single processor brain will devote its finite resources as you process the world. If you scan for the negative first, your brain literally has no resources left over to see the things you are grateful for or the meaning embedded in your work. But if you scan the world for the positive, you start to reap an amazing advantage. See also: When losing your job is a positive . Now that there is research validity to these claims, the working world is starting to take notice. In January, I wrote the cover story for the Harvard Business Review magazine on "Happiness Leads to Profits." Based on my article called "Positive Intelligence" and my research in The Happiness Advantage, I outlined our researched conclusion: the single greatest advantage in the modern economy is a happy and engaged workforce. A decade of research in the business world proves that happiness raises nearly every business and educational outcome: raising sales by 37%, productivity by 31%, and accuracy on tasks by 19%, as well as a myriad of health and quality-of-life improvements. Given the unprecedented level of unhappiness at companies and the direct link between happiness and business outcomes, the question is NOT whether happiness should matter to companies. Given this research, it clearly should. The first question is: What can I do in my own life to reap the advantage of happiness? See also: Ambition could make you rich, but not happy . Training your brain to be positive at work is just like training your muscles at the gym. Sounds simple, right? Well, think about how easy it is to make yourself go to the gym. The key with any new resolution is to make it a habit. New research on neuroplasticity -- the ability of the brain to change even as an adult -- reveals that moderate actions can rewire the brain as you create "life habits." In The Happiness Advantage, I challenge readers to do one brief positive exercise every day for 21 days. Only through behavioral change can information become transformation. • Write down three new things you are grateful for each day; . • Write for two minutes a day describing one positive experience you had over the past 24 hours; . • Exercise for 10 minutes a day; . • Meditate for two minutes, focusing on your breath going in and out; . • Write one quick email first thing in the morning thanking or praising someone in your social support network (family member, friend, old teacher). But does it work? In the midst of the worst tax season in history I did a three-hour intervention at auditing and tax accounting firm KPMG, describing how to reap the happiness advantage by creating one of these positive habits. Four months later, there was a 24% improvement in job and life satisfaction. Not only is change possible, this is one of the first long-term ROI (return on investment) studies proving that happiness leads to long-term quantifiable positive change. In a study I performed on 1,600 Harvard students in 2007, I found that there was a 0.7 correlation between perceived social support and happiness. This is higher than the connection between smoking and cancer. So if in the modern world we give up our social networks to work away from friends and follow celebrities on Twitter, we are trading off with our happiness and health. Following up, I switched around the questions and asked how much social support employees provided (instead of received). The results were off the charts. Those high on provision of social support are 10 times more engaged at work and have a 40% higher likelihood of promotion over the next four years. In other words, giving at the office gets you more than receiving. The greatest cultural myth in modern society is that we cannot change. My research proves that you can not only become more positive, but if you prioritize happiness in the present, you can reap an extraordinary advantage. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Shawn Achor. | The greatest advantage in the economy is a happy workforce, argues Shawn Achor .
Achor says if you scan the world for the positive, you start to reap an advantage .
He explains how to train your brain to be positive at work . |
fe1cef1ea0e1b5b34f087f745f8c21a4292e5645 | By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 06:19 EST, 6 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:38 EST, 6 February 2013 . Hit Channel 4 show Big Fat Gypsy Weddings is to return for a one-off episode next Monday and features two new traveller brides: Ina and Danielle, both 16. Both are marrying their first loves and are pulling out all the stops to make their supersized glittery weddings go with a bang. Sweet sixteen: Teenage bride, Ina Casey, arrives at her wedding in classic Traveller style . Colourful: Ina and her bridesmaids pose outside her home before hopping into a limo for the journey to church . Glitter ball: 16 year old Ina shows off her enormous 'glitter fabric' dress . Big blue: Ina's bridesmaids show off their aqua dresses - complete with bodices made from 'glitter fabric' Ina, who is marrying her first (and only) boyfriend has set her heart on an outfit made from a 'glitter fabric' material more commonly used in wallpaper. Despite her youth, Ina is convinced she has met 'the one', saying: 'Some people have to kiss 100 frogs to get their prince, I only had to kiss one.' But as the wedding draws nearer the reality of leaving her family to start a new life begins to kick in and on the big day itself, the emotions come flooding out. Ina's cousin and Maid of Honour is 18-year-old Estella. As she points out 'you spend half your life playing with Barbie dolls and the other half trying to look like one', but unlike Ina, Estella is in no hurry to settle down just yet. The new episode also catches up with Danielle, 15, and her 21-year-old fiancé Brendan. The couple appeared in the last series, with Danielle's hen night - to which she wore an eye-catching tutu studded with fairy lights - featuring in one episode. Wedded bliss? Danielle arrives to marry Brendan but their happiness is under threat thanks to his trial . The happy couple: Danielle and her new husband, Brendan, at their ultra glittery wedding . What a wedding! A huge number of guests turned up to celebrate Danielle and Brendan's nuptials . Nearly done! A nervous looking Brendan gets some reassurance from his new wife, Danielle . This time, it's Brendan's turn to celebrate, although unlike his bride-to-be, his party involves a spot of hunting, followed by songs and drinks around the campfire as Brendan is too afraid to go to the pub in case he gets into a fight. Unlike the nervous Ina, Danielle is . desperate to start her new life with her man and the wedding is . scheduled to take place just a day after her 16th birthday. 'People think that I'm 15 and I don't . know what love is', says Danielle. 'But he's perfect for me and . hopefully I'm perfect for him.' Nevertheless a cloud hangs over the . happy couple. Brendan is due to appear in court charged with receiving . stolen goods and a . guilty verdict could mean a lengthy prison sentence. Danielle is determined to keep her fiance on the straight and narrow, while Brendan is equally desperate to avoid spending time at Her Majesty's pleasure. See the full episode on Monday at 9pm. For more information, see channel4.com . Tight spot: Danielle poses with her purple-clad bridesmaids...but finds getting close is a problem thanks to their supersized skirts . Butterflies: Danielle chose a butterfly theme for her big day, with everything from her tiara to the bridesmaids' dresses embellished with the pretty insects . | My Big Fat Gypsy Valentine is due to be screened on Monday .
The one-off episode follows two young brides - Ina and Danielle, both 16 .
Ina wants a dress made from 'glitter fabric' while Danielle sports a tutu festooned with fairy lights at her hen do .
Groom too scared to hold stag in a pub in case he gets into a fight . |
fe1d592bfc2f7870838329d55dd2e507e0aca6a0 | Washington (CNN) -- Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, delivered the official Republican Party response to President Obama's State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. Here is a transcript of Ryan's speech. Ryan: Good evening. I'm Congressman Paul Ryan from Janesville, Wisconsin, and chairman here at the House Budget Committee. President Obama just addressed a congressional chamber filled with many new faces. One face we did not see tonight was that of our friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. We all miss Gabby and her cheerful spirit, and we are praying for her return to the House chamber. Earlier this month, President Obama spoke movingly at a memorial event for the six people who died on that violent morning in Tucson. Still, there are no words that can lift the sorrow that now engulfs the families and the friends of the fallen. What we can do is assure them that the nation is praying for them, that, in the words of the psalmist, the lord heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds, and that over time grace will replace grief. As Gabby continues to make encouraging progress, we must keep her and the others in our thoughts as we attend to the work now before us. Tonight, the president focused a lot of attention on our economy in general, and on our deficit and debt in particular. He was right to do so, and some of his words were reassuring. As chairman of the House Budget Committee, I assure you that we want to work with the president to restrain federal spending. In one of our first acts in the new majority, House Republicans voted to cut Congress' own budget. And just today, the House voted to restore the spending discipline that Washington sorely needs. The reason is simple. A few years ago, reducing spending was important. Today, it's imperative. Here's why. We face a crushing burden of debt. The debt will soon eclipse our entire economy and grow to catastrophic levels in the years ahead. On this current path, when my three children -- who are now 6, 7, and 8 years old -- are raising their own children, the federal government will double in size, and so will the taxes they pay. No economy can sustain such high levels of debt and taxation. The next generation will inherit a stagnant economy and a diminished country. Frankly, it's one of my greatest concerns as a parent, and I know many of you feel the same way. Our debt is the product of acts by many presidents and many Congresses over many years. No one person or party is responsible for it. There's no doubt the president came into office facing a severe fiscal and economic situation. Unfortunately, instead of restoring the fundamentals of economic growth, he engaged in a stimulus spending spree that not only failed to deliver on his promise to create jobs, but also plunged us even deeper into debt. The facts are clear: Since taking office, President Obama has signed into law spending increases of nearly 25% for domestic government agencies, an 84% increase when you include the failed stimulus. All of this new government spending was sold as "investment." Yet after two years, the unemployment rate remains above 9%, and government has added over $3 trillion to our debt. Then the president and his party made matters even worse, by creating a new open-ended health care entitlement. What we already know about the president's health care law is this: Costs are going up, premiums are rising, and millions of people will lose the coverage they currently have. Job creation is being stifled by all of its taxes, penalties, mandates and fees. Businesses and unions from around the country are asking the Obama administration for waivers from the mandates. Washington should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The president mentioned the need for regulatory reform to ease the burden on American businesses. We agree. And we think his health care law would be a great place to start. Last week, House Republicans voted for a full repeal of this law, as we pledged to do, and we will work to replace it with fiscally responsible, patient-centered reforms that actually reduce costs and expand coverage. Health care spending is driving the explosive growth of our debt. And the president's law is accelerating our country toward bankruptcy. Our debt is out of control. What was a fiscal challenge is now a fiscal crisis. We cannot deny it. Instead we must, as Americans, confront it responsibly. And that is exactly what Republicans pledge to do. Americans are skeptical of both political parties, and that skepticism is justified, especially when it comes to spending. So hold all of us accountable. In this very room, the House will produce, debate and advance a budget. Last year, in an unprecedented failure, Congress chose not to pass or even propose a budget. The spending spree continued unchecked. We owe you a better choice and a different vision. Our forthcoming budget is our obligation to you, to show you how we would do things differently, how we will cut spending to get the debt down, help create jobs and prosperity, and reform government programs. If we act soon, and if we act responsibly, people in and near retirement will be protected. These budget debates are not just about the programs of government; they're also about the purpose of government. So I'd like to share with you the principles that guide us. They are anchored in the wisdom of the founders, in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence, and in the words of the American Constitution. They have to do with the importance of limited government and with the blessing of self-government. We believe government's role is both vital and limited, to defend the nation from attack and provide for the common defense, to secure our borders, to protect innocent life, to uphold our laws and constitutional rights, to ensure domestic tranquility and equal opportunity, and to provide a safety net -- to help provide a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves. We believe that the government has an important role to create the conditions that promote entrepreneurship, upward mobility and individual responsibility. We believe, as our founders did, that the pursuit of happiness depends on individual liberty, and individual liberty requires limited government. Limited government also means effective government. When government takes on too many tasks, it usually doesn't do any of them very well. It's no coincidence that trust in government is at an all-time low now that the size of government is at an all-time high. The president and the Democratic leadership have shown, by their actions, that they believe government needs to increase its size and its reach, its price tag and its power. Whether sold as stimulus or repackaged as investment, their actions show they want a federal government that controls too much, taxes too much and spends too much in order to do too much. And during the last two years, that is exactly what we have gotten -- along with record deficits and debt -- to the point where the president is now urging Congress to increase the debt limit. We believe the days of business as usual must come to an end. We hold to a couple of simple convictions: Endless borrowing is not a strategy. Spending cuts have to come first. Our nation is approaching a tipping point. We are at a moment where, if government's growth is left unchecked and unchallenged, America's best century will be considered our past century. This is a future in which we will transform our social safety net into a hammock, which lulls able-bodied people into lives of complacency and dependency. Depending on bureaucracy to foster innovation, competitiveness and wise consumer choices has never worked, and it won't work now. We need to chart a new course. Speaking candidly, as one citizen to another, we still have time, but not much time. If we continue down our current path, we know what our future will be. Just take a look at what's happening to Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom and other nations in Europe. They didn't act soon enough, and now their governments have been forced to impose painful austerity measures, large benefit cuts to seniors and huge tax increases on everybody. Their day of reckoning has arrived. Ours is around the corner. That is why we have to act now. Some people will back away from this challenge. But I see this challenge as an opportunity to rebuild what Lincoln called the central ideas of the republic. We believe a renewed commitment to limited government will unshackle our economy and create millions of new jobs and opportunities for all people, of every background, to succeed and prosper. Under this approach, the spirit of initiative -- not political clout -- determines who succeeds. Millions of families have fallen on hard times not because of our ideals of free enterprise, but because our leaders failed to live up to those ideals, because of poor decisions made in Washington and Wall Street that caused a financial crisis, squandered our savings, broke our trust and crippled our economy. Today, a similar kind of irresponsibility threatens not only our livelihoods, but our way of life. We need to reclaim our American system of limited government, low taxes, reasonable regulations and sound money, which has blessed us with unprecedented prosperity. And it has done more to help the poor than any other economic system ever designed. That's the real secret to job creation, not borrowing and spending more money in Washington. Limited government and free enterprise have helped make America the greatest nation on Earth. These are not easy times, but America is an exceptional nation. In all the chapters of human history, there has never been anything quite like America. The American story has been cherished, advanced and defended over the centuries. And it now falls to this generation to pass onto our children a nation that is stronger, more vibrant, more decent and better than the one we inherited. Thank you, and good night. | Rep. Paul Ryan delivers official GOP response to Obama's speech .
Ryan: We want to work with the president to restrain federal spending .
Ryan says U.S. must act now to keep economic problems from mushrooming . |
fe1dd8d13687aec13b8df1dcf2e50f88680492b8 | Colonia Juarez, Mexico (CNN) -- In the rolling hills of northern Mexico, about 180 miles south of the U.S. border, lies a community that stands out for its religious roots. The houses in this community surrounded by peach and apple orchards look more like homes you would find in the American Southwest than in Mexico. On top of a hill stands a gleaming white Mormon temple, a rarity in this largely Catholic country. Miles Anthony Romney is a resident in this community called Colonia Juarez and a practicing Mormon. The 50-year-old owner of orchards and a fruit packing plant says his family descends from Mormons who settled in this area more than 125 years ago. "They established the apple orchards, the peach orchards, farms, ranches, and that's basically what we do today," Romney said. "We come from a hardworking family. We come from honest people." Romney tied with Obama in latest poll . Miles A. Romney's great-grandfather led the first group of Mormons to the state of Chihuahua, the same Mormons to whom the family of U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney traces its heritage. In fact, Mitt Romney's father, George -- who also ran for president in the United States -- was born in this area himself in a town called Colonia Dublan. And Miles Anthony Romney is Mitt Romney's second cousin. Miles Romney is so proud of Mitt Romney's political career that he managed to get a Romney bumper sticker sent to Mexico which he proudly displays on his pickup truck. He also has a Romney campaign sign on his window. And he says he can't understand why Mitt Romney's religion is an issue for some people. "I think it's a misunderstanding on their part. I know people try to use that against Mitt, but they just can't find anything on him to dig up about him," Romney says. The first Romneys arrived in this part of Mexico around 1885. They came from Utah, said Kelly Wayne Romney, where as Mormons, they felt they had to deal with religious persecution and the controversy over polygamy. There are still about 40 members of the Romney family here in Colonia Juarez who trace their roots back to those first settlers. Kelly Romney is also a resident of Colonia Juarez. The 69-year-old is Mitt Romney's second cousin as well. He says that, among the first settlers, "it was actually a very small percentage of the church that practiced polygamy." The community hasn't practiced polygamy since the church banned it in the late 1800s. His peach and apple orchards, together with those owned by other members of the Romney family, are a crucial source of employment in this part of Mexico. A fruit packing cooperative owned by several of the Romneys is also an important economic engine in the community. The Romney family and other Mormon settlers built a bilingual school in 1904 that is attended by the children of all the members of the Mormon community. Kelly Romney says Mitt Romney himself has never been here, but the fruit grower says he saw him once in the States. "I was on a plane one time from Salt Lake City to New York and he was on it. My wife kept trying to get me to go meet him, but I guess I was a little timid and thought, 'Well when we get off in New York I'll meet him,' but we got off and he went on to Boston," Kelly Romney said. As much as he admires his second cousin, Kelly Romney says he disagrees with his position on immigration. "There should be guest worker programs for these [Mexican] people that are practically starving to death to be able to go over there and do work that the American people would not do," Romney said. More than anything, this branch of the Romney family defines itself by the teachings of its church, and feels allegiance to both Mexico and the United States. Kelly Romney says he knows the national sports of both countries equally well. But when asked what country he would root for in a soccer match between the United States and Mexico, he replies "Mexico!" with a quick smile. "We have a loyalty to this country. We were born here," Romney says. | Republican Mitt Romney has cousins in Mexico .
They came from Utah to settle in Mexico in the late 1800s .
They are loyal both to their cousin and to Mexico . |
fe1e0eddc060ac4f95a0b0df5a66b32e0237bfdf | You may think hair extensions were created for the feisty, fake-tan bearing women of today – but they were in fact being flaunted by Egyptian women more than 3,000 years ago. The pieces were elaborate creations, with one recently uncovered in an Egyptian coffin made up of 70 elaborate extensions fastened together. The owner of the hair piece had her body wrapped in a mat, but her name, age and occupation remain a mystery to archaeologists. Scrll down for video . The owner of the hair piece had her body wrapped in a mat, but her name, age and occupation remain a mystery to archaeologists . The skull was one of hundreds found in the ancient city of Amarna, many of which had their final hairstyles incredibly well-preserved using fat. One skull had extensions made of grey and dark black hair suggesting a number of different people donated their hair to create the piece. However, the latest intricate design of hair extension has left researchers on the Amarna Project baffled. 'Whether or not the woman had her hair styled like this for her burial only is one of our main research questions,' Jolanda Bos, an archaeologist working on the Amarna Project, told Owen Jarus at Live Science . 'Whether or not the woman had her hair styled like this for her burial only is one of our main research questions,' Jolanda Bos (pictured), an archaeologist working on the Amarna Project, told Live Science . This skull was one of hundreds found in the ancient city of Amarna, many of which had their final hairstyles incredibly well-preserved using fat . Ancient Egyptians used hair gel to style their locks in everyday life, researchers have found. A study several years ago of male and female mummies has found fashion-conscious Egyptians made use of a fat-based product to keep their hair in place. They used the styling gel on both long and short hair, tried to curl their hair with tongs and even plaited it in hair extensions to lengthen their tresses. It is thought they used these methods in both life and death, with corpses being styled to make sure they looked good in the afterlife. The incredible discovery was made by archaeological scientists who studied hair samples of 18 male and female mummies, aged from four to 58 years old. Using light and electron microscopes, they found that nine of the mummies had coated their hair in the fatty substance, which is thought to be a beauty product. Bizarrely, even in the artificially-preserved bodies the hair did not contain resins or embalming materials, suggesting the hair was styled separately to the mummification process. 'The hair was most likely styled after death, before a person was buried. 'It is also likely, however, that these hairstyles were used in everyday life as well and that the people in Amarna used hair extensions in their daily life.' Out of 100 skulls analysed, 28 still had hair. The type of hair ranged from curly black to light brown and curly, suggesting some ethnic diversity in the region. Skulls with in tact hair often had curls around their ears, and many also had braids. One skull had extensions made of grey and dark black hair suggesting a number of different people donated their hair to create the piece . 'All braids found in the coiffures were simple and of three strands, mostly 0.4 inches wide, with strands of approximately 0.2 inches (5mm) when tightly braided,' Ms Bos writes in the journal article. People at Amarna also liked to keep their hair short. 'Braids were often not more than 7.9 inches (20cm) long, leaving the hair at shoulder length approximately,' Ms Bos added. And it appears ancient Egyptian women used a similar technique to hide their greys. Some of the skulls shows evidence of a dye, possibly henna, used on hair. Out of 100 skulls analysed, 28 still had hair. The type of hair ranged from curly black to light brown and curly, suggesting some ethnic diversity in the region. Pictured is the Egyptian lady with 70 hair extensions . The skulls were found in Amarna, which was constructed as a new capital of Egypt by the pharaoh Akhenaten . You may think hair extensions were created for modern women, such as Gemma Collins from The Only Way is Essex (pictured), but they were in fact being flaunted by Egyptian women more than 3,000 years ago . | The skull was one of hundreds found in the ancient city of Amarna .
Many had their final hairstyles incredibly well-preserved using fat .
One skull had elaborate extensions made of grey and black hair .
This suggests different people donated their hair for the final piece .
Some skulls had curls around the ear and many also had braids . |
fe1e2809a6d3d5be5289ac8033e537742b97f427 | Philippe Senderos will have a medical at Aston Villa on Thursday before flying off to the World Cup to join up with Switzerland. The defender spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga side Valencia after leaving Fulham. The 29-year-old spent four years at Craven Cottage and previously played for Arsenal, AC Milan and Everton. Fresh start: Philippe Senderos is set to have a medical at Aston Villa before flying to the World Cup . Exile: The Swiss defender is one of many players to depart Fulham this summer following their relegation . Senderos is set to sign for Villa on a free transfer before linking up with the Swiss squad on Friday. Ottmar Hitzfeld's side will face Ecuador, France and Honduras in Brazil. Senderos will add experience to Paul Lambert's side after they struggled to avoid relegation for a second consecutive season, eventually finishing 15th and five points clear of the drop zone. The defender is likely to link up with Roy Keane who is expected to be named as Lambert's assistant manager at Villa Park after cancelling his plans to work as a pundit for ITV at the World Cup. New arrivals: Roy Keane could also be set to join Aston Villa as an assistant to manager Paul Lambert . | Philippe Senderos was released by Fulham at the end of the season .
The defender will have a medical at Aston Villa before completing a transfer .
Senderos will represent Switzerland at the World Cup this summer .
He has also played for Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League . |
fe1f2915f8aa7fc6352ae59627f79fbd3047cc08 | A healthy adult should be consuming something in the region of 2,000 calories a day, according to the Department of Health. But a new photo series by the New York Times has revealed just what 2,000 calories looks like at some of the UK's favourite fast food chains - and it's often a lot smaller than you might think. At Burger King you can fill half of you daily quota just by ordering a double whopper with cheese, while adding a side of onion rings and a vanilla milkshake takes you to 2,030 calories. Scroll down for video . Burger King: A Double Whopper with cheese gets you halfway there at 1,070 calories. Onion rings (410 calories) and a vanilla milkshake (550 calories) bring the total to 2,030 . Starbucks: To consume 2,000 calories, one would need to order a Java Chip Frappucino (460 calories), latte (190 calories), orange mango smoothie (270 calories), cheese toastie (580 calories), popcorn (125 calories) and a sausage croissant (410 calories) McDonald's: You'd need to order a Crispy Chicken sandwich with bacon (750 calories), fries (340 calories), Coke (200 calories) and a McFlurry with Oreos (690 calories) to hit that 2,000 mark . At McDonald's a modest-sized lunch of a Crispy Chicken sandwich with bacon (750 calories), fries (340 calories), Coke (200 calories) and a McFlurry with Oreos (690 calories) will see you over the 2,000-a-day limit. The same applies to Pizza Hut, where a Meat Lover’s Stuffed Crust pizza is 880 calories. Add a soft drink at 440 calories, baked chicken wings with dip (340 calories), and two cookies (360 calories) and you've met your daily quota. Chipotle may not have been on UK shores for long, but it is also deceptively easy to hit your daily quota here, largely thanks to the carnitas burrito which has 945 calories all by itself. Add in some nacho chips and guacamole (770 calories) and a Coke (276 calories) and you're there. Another new addition to the UK food scene, Shake Shack, has a similar problem, with the signature Double ShackBurger providing 770 calories. Adding in fries (470 calories) and a Black and White milkshake (760 calories) is enough to top the limit. Subway: A ham and turkey sub (375 calories), chips (230 calories), chicken noodle soup with croutons (155 calories), cookie (220 calories), Buffalo-chicken salad (360 calories), Coke (200 calories), egg-and-cheese flatbread (370 calories) and juice (100 calories) equates to 2,000 calories . Pizza Hut: A Meat Lover’s Stuffed Crust pizza is 880 calories. Add a soft drink at 440 calories, baked chicken wings with cheese dip (340 calories), and two cookies (360 calories) and you've met your daily quota . At Chipotle you could hit 2,000 calories by ordering a carnitas burrito (945 calories, left), nacho chips and guacamole (770 calories) and a Coke (276 calories). At Shake Shack, the same could be achieved with a Double ShackBurger (770 calories), fries (470 calories) and a Black and White milkshake (760 calories) It is slightly trickier to over-do it at Starbucks, but combining a Java Chip Frappucino (460 calories), latte (190 calories), orange mango smoothie (270 calories), cheese toastie (580 calories), popcorn (125 calories) and a sausage croissant (410 calories) will get you there. As many sandwiches and salads at Subway clock in at under 400 calories, it is the additional items you need to watch out for. Here, 2,000 calories consists of a ham and turkey sub (375 calories), crisps (230 calories), chicken noodle soup with croutons (155 calories), a cookie (220 calories), Buffalo-chicken salad (360 calories), Coke (200 calories), an egg-and-cheese flatbread (370 calories) and juice (100 calories). Some of the dishes listed above are only available in the U.S., but most have their UK equivalents. And here's what 2,000 calories looks like in America... While over-indulging at UK food chains may give you your daily calories in one meal, in America it is easily possible to hit 2,000 calories by eating just one dish. At the Cheesecake Factory, for instance, the Louisiana Chicken Pasta clocks in at 2,370 calories - no drinks or sides required. At Sonic, all one needs is a Peanut Butter Caramel Pie Shake to consume 2,090 calories in one swift sitting, while a slice of Zuccotto cake at Maggiano's Little Italy is 1,790 calories all by itself (a cappuccino on the side would be an additional 220 calories). Cheesecake Factory: The Louisiana Chicken Pasta clocks in at 2,370 calories without sides or a drink . Sonic: The chain's Peanut Butter Caramel Pie Shake contains a whopping 2,090 calories . IHOP: A Classic Skillet, with sausage contains 1,880 calories (the pancakes are included and served alongside the main dish). A glass of orange juice contains 110 calories . P.F. Chang's: A 2,000 calorie feast might include orange beef (565 calories), pad thai (580 calories), spinach (120 calories), dumplings (195 calories), caramel cake (430 calories) and wine (125 calories) And while IHOP's Classic Skillet with sausage might appear to feed two (or even three), it is actually intended as a 1,880-calorie dish for one. A glass of orange juice at 110 calories brings it closer to a 2,000 total. One would really need to order a lot at Subway to hit 2,000 caloriesTwo-thousand calories also equates to a hearty feast at P.F. Chang's, including orange beef (565 calories), pad thai (580 calories), spinach (120 calories), dumplings (195 calories), caramel cake (430 calories) and wine (125 calories). At Olive Garden, it doesn't take much effort to consume 2,000 calories. In fact, just a standard meal of a salad (150 calories), breadstick (140 calories), Tour of Italy sampler (1,500 calories) and a quartino of wine (230 calories) will do it. At Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, you could achieve the same result simply by ordering the Cowboy Ribeye steak (1,690 calories) and a martini (230 calories). Olive Garden: A salad (150 calories), breadstick (140 calories), Tour of Italy sampler (1,500 calories) and a quartino of wine (230 calories) contains a total of 2,020 calories . Maggiano's Little Italy: Don't order a main, don't even order a starter. This slice of Zuccotto cake is 1,790 calories all by itself. A cappuccino on the side would be an additional 220 calories . Ruth's Chris Steakhouse: Meet your daily calorie intake simply by ordering the Cowboy Ribeye steak (1,690 calories) and a martini (230 calories) | Government guidelines say adults should around 2,000 calories a day .
Double Whopper with cheese from Burger King has 1,070 calories alone .
Modest-sized lunch at McDonald's or Pizza Hut will often top daily limit .
While in the U.S. it is possible to eat 2,000 calories in just one dish . |
fe1f2d4469c9c07b52ddfd380e3ca508f99cd60a | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 05:50 EST, 2 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:47 EST, 2 October 2013 . A Good Samaritan haunted by the face of a dying man who had been savagely beaten committed suicide less than 12 hours after trying to save him . Sean Lyons, 24, was so traumatised about witnessing the killing, he hanged himself after telling friends and family: 'I can’t get that man's face out of my head.' His body was later discovered under a footbridge by a dog walker moments after he was spotted by another passerby leaning against the rails with 'glazed eyes.' Good Samaritan Sean Lyons, (left) who was found hanged just 12 hours after helping Glen Delaney, (right) who died of severe facial injuries . He had called police just 30 minutes before his death to tell what he witnessed and to say he would attend a police station to give a full statement. The tragedy began at 7pm on May 30 when the labourer - described by friends as a 'star who lived life to the full' - was being driven through Levenshulme, Manchester, following a training session at a local boxing gym. Michael Dolan told an inquest how he called an ambulance as Mr Lyons tried to revive the victim . He saw 40-year-old Glen Delaney being beaten up in the street and told his friend Michael Dolan to stop the car and call an ambulance, before he tried to revive the victim as the killers fled. Despite the efforts of the two men Mr Delaney died that night in hospital from severe facial injuries. Mr Dolan, 24, told the hearing in Sale: 'We saw a man in the street and he was being badly beaten. 'His face was a mess and we rang an ambulance. It came and we were told later the man had died. 'At the scene Sean had been sick at the side of the van. But it was more him looking after me that night. 'We went back to my girlfriend’s and he seemed OK at this point. 'We stayed up late but I had work in the morning. He seemed fine when I'd left him and we had made plans for the next day. 'Sean had seen a group of men across the road so was going to speak to the police. 'Next thing we were aware of is when we got a phone call from Sean's mum saying he hadn't come home. 'There was no indication he had something on his mind.' Sean’s mother, Bridget Lyons, from . Reddish, near Stockport, said: 'At about 7pm on Thursday, May 30 he rang . his dad on his mobile. 'On his way back from boxing with Michael he said he had seen someone collapsed in the street and people were running away. 'He was very subdued on the phone. He wasn’t talking much only about the guy who died after being beaten up. 'He put Michael on the phone and he was very talkative. Bridget Marie Lyons (left) mother of Sean, stands outside Trafford Coroners court following the inquest into his death . 'They were telling us what they saw. They tried to resuscitate him. 'We could tell he was affected by what he had seen, he was very sensitive. He had never seen anything like what he described that night. 'They had gone out after coming across that incident. Sean had gone back to Michael’s girlfriend’s and I told him to come home. 'He seemed fine. He was concerned for Michael after what they had seen and in my opinion Sean felt he was needed. 'I would have expected him to be home by 1.20am. I said he needed to come home and he said he would be home soon. 'He said "I can't get that man’s face out of my head". 'He had texted his dad next day about . going into police station. We then fell asleep and realised he hadn’t . came home when we woke up.' A forensic examiner studies the scene in Manchester where Glen Delaney was found with fatal injuries . The hearing was told how after leaving the home of Michael’s girlfriend, Sean came across a group of four young women camping in a field in Stockport. Ailish Hession told the inquest: 'He told us about the man earlier and he didn’t want to go home to sleep because he couldn’t get his face out of his head. 'He went to speak to someone on the phone at about 5.20. 'You wouldn’t know anything was wrong with him. He seemed happy. He said he wasn’t tired and he was going to go. 'He said he was going to go to a friend’s house and was going to come back if we were still awake.' In the minutes before his death Sean took some pictures of himself smiling at 6.15am on his mobile whilst stood on the footbridge. He also had sent his father, Andy, a text saying: 'Sorry I haven’t come home. Was with Michael and didn’t want to wake you up.' Despite the efforts of the two men Mr Delaney died that night in hospital from severe facial injuries . Police said Sean also made a six minute 999 call at 5.40am to an operator to report he had witnessed the murder . Inspector Laura Escott said: 'I listened to his call and had a transcript prepared. 'There was nothing in the call that would give cause for concern. His first words to the call taker were "Hiya love". 'He said he was prepared to be a witness and would come into the police station later that day. He gave his name, date of birth and address. 'I made a conscious decision not to speak to the call handler who took the call. 'I didn't believe she was at fault. I listened to the call myself. 'I thought I might distress her by telling her a person who spoke to her had taken their own life a short time later.' Recording a suicide verdict Coroner Joanne Kearsley said: 'It’s difficult to know what to say where there is clearly so little indication that something so tragic was going to occur. 'He told police about what was such a distressing incident. He had met a group of people and there’s nothing unusual about that. 'But he leaves there at 5.30am and texts a number of family and friends and there’s nothing to give any indication. 'To all Sean’s family can I just offer my condolences. He was a young man with so much to live for.' A man is awaiting trial over Delaney's murder. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Sean Lyons, 24, was traumatised about witnessing a man dying .
Labourer saw 40-year-old Glen Delaney being beaten up in the street .
Tried to revive him while friend called an ambulance - but victim died .
He called police 30 minutes before his death to tell what he witnessed .
His body was later discovered under a footbridge by a dog walker .
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details . |
fe1f6204ef98df3910d1717819cc223cc78193dc | He was the hardman ruler of the Soviet Union's most loyal vassal state who faced off against Nato and commanded an army of a million men... but he couldn't stand to be around his wife. East German leader Erich Honecker was so fed up in his marriage with wife Margot that he even arranged for her to go on separate foreign trips when he was away so she wouldn't be able to travel with him. He referred to her behind her back with the name the streets gave to her, 'the purple dragon', from the sometimes bizarre shades of colouring she used on her hair. Public face: Erich Honecker and wife Margo, seen in their adopted home in Santiago, Chile, displayed an image of being happily married. But new files paint a very different picture . Intelligence reports collated by the BND spy service of West Germany have just been published and show that Honecker, who ruled the so-called German Democratic Republic for 28 years, had a 'difficult' marriage with his partner Margot that he eased by indulging in affairs. And so did she. While he and his politburo preached the benefits of marriage to building a 'strong socialist state', Honecker played away when he got the chance. Once when he was invited to Japan in 1981 he made sure his Communist brethren in then Yugoslavia invited her - she was the country's education minister - to Belgrade at the same time. Loveless: Files reveal Erich and Margot Honecker's marriage was only held together for party and state purposes . This time it wasn't to chase the ladies but so 'I can find some peace and quiet', a file quoted Honecker as saying. According to the files, the marriage to . Margot was apparently 'already over by this time in all but name and was . only being held together for party and state purposes.' While Erich was reportedly having an . affair with one of his co-workers, Margot was linked to one of the . country’s top economists Guenter Mittag, according to Spiegel magazine, . which accessed the BND files. East German guards look on as the Berlin Wall is destroyed in 1989 . BND snoops painted Honecker as something of a sexual predator who particularly liked younger females and observed that the the politburo 'pressured Erich into marrying Margot in 1953 so that his frequent affairs with young girls would have an end'. The couple only married after the birth of their daughter Sonja in 1952, which itself occurred during his first marriage to Edith Baumann. Honecker was also quoted as saying to an aide that his wife 'exasperated' him - and he wondered if 'western leaders have this problem?' BND transcripts also showed how he abused his position in other ways. In December 1981, as the Cold War still . dragged on, he took thousands of border guards and troops from front . line Iron Curtain duty to search for a suitable hunting dog across the . country. Secrets: Honecker, pictured taking a walk in his neighbourhood of La Reina in Santiago, in 1993, died of liver cancer long before details emerged . Addicted to hunting, Honecker felt he was let down when foreign dignitaries joined him on his killing expeditions in the woods around Berlin because he didn't have a 'suitable hound'. 'The whole republic is being scoured for a dog,' said a BND report. Finally a suitable pooch was found near the city of Magdeburg - 'three and-a-half years old, short haired and good tempered,' said the report. Despite the marital upsets of the Honeckers they fled to Chile together after East Germany imploded in 1989. Honecker would have faced trial if he stayed in a reunited Germany because of the shoot-to-kill orders he gave to the guards on the Berlin Wall. Honecker died of liver cancer in 1994 in Chile. The 84-year-old Margot still lives in Santiago, Chile with daughter Sonja. | Erich and Margot Honecker fled to Chile after Berlin Wall came down .
He died in 1994 while she still lives in Santiago, aged 84 .
Both had affairs but stayed together 'for the sake of the party' |
fe1fe337493bed71770a2972dba596254997eae7 | (CNN) -- The Avenue Gordon Bennett in France's capital is everything you would expect of a leafy lane in a quintessentially Parisian suburb. The Serres D'Auteuil botanical gardens -- home to a myriad of rare and exotic plants -- sit alongside the center of a Gallic passion that is Roland Garros -- the site of the annual French Open. But beneath the genteel surroundings a simmering war is brewing, one that pitches fauna lovers against forehand followers and has battle lines drawn between the ornate, glass greenhouses of the gardens and the clay of the courts that welcome stars like Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki to the second grand slam of the year. Welcome to the fight to expand Roland Garros. In one corner -- the French Tennis Federation (FFT) -- which maintain the tournament has become a victim of its own success and has outgrown its current site following player complaints of cramped conditions. The FFT, as a solution, propose expanding into the botanical gardens next door, replacing greenhouses with a new arena fit to house some of the world's best tennis matches. In the other corner, campaigners and local residents who accuse the tennis body of "environmental vandalism" and who bitterly opposed to the move. Ahead of this year's tournament next month, it looks like the row is destined to be thrashed out in the French courts. The opposition to the move hardened when the FFT voted in February to keep the French Open at Roland Garros in the 16th arrondissement (district) of Paris rather than move to an alternative site. They rejected bids from three other venues in the inner and outer suburbs of the French capital, Gonesse, Versailles and Marne-la-Vallee (near Disneyland Paris) to the dismay of the anti-expansion campaigners. The Serres d'Auteuil is one of only three botanical gardens in Paris and contain a series of unique greenhouses and campaigners say the very rare plant life will be lost forever. "What the FFT is proposing is the equivalent of Wimbledon deciding to expand the All-England Club and take over Kew Gardens in the process," Agnes Popelin, who heads the campaign, told CNN. Christiane Morin Muller worked as an English speaking guide in Paris's Botanical Gardens for 18 years until she retired and said she was "very distressed and very upset" by the latest developments. "We don't have many botanical gardens in France and just three in Paris and Auteuil is the main one," she added. Under the plans, Roland Garros will grow from its current 8.5 hectare site to 13.5 hectares, with a new planned show court in the corner of the gardens. Muller said that the encroachment will destroy the character of the gardens and the expansion would not stop there. "With over 40,000 people going through this botanical garden every day for a fortnight it will be destroyed and little by little more ground will be given over to tennis," she added. The 'no' campaigners, who also include local residents worried about the introduction of night matches and floodlights, have gathered an online petition of over 40,000 signatures and have vowed to fight on. But Gilbert Ysern, the chief executive of the FFT and the man responsible for overseeing the project, told CNN that the protesters fears were groundless. "I fully respect those who disagree with us but my concern is that most of the opposition is based on a lack of information, false information or false rumors," he told CNN. "I would not have supported any project in this gorgeous place that would have destroyed ancient greenhouses," he added. His assurances over the future of the plant life cuts no ice with Popelin, or that of the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, who campaigned to keep the French Open at Roland Garros. "The mayor is promising their relocation in an other 'wonderful place', located at the floral park in the Bois de Vincennes," she said. "But there are no existing greenhouses there and none can be built because this is classified as a protected site. There are only pavilions. But the mayor and his staff cannot tell the difference between a pavilion and a greenhouse. "There is no temperature control, shade or ventilation." What is not in doubt is that the status quo was not an option with players such as Federer speaking out. "The players and the fans feel that even if it's quite a nice experience it's quite tough to live in every day. We need more room," he said last year. Ysern spoke with Federer and other leading players when drawing up his plans and found support from five-time French Open champion and World No 1 Rafael Nadal, who wants the tournament to stay at Roland Garros. "I believe we are going to meet the expectations of the players and the fans, all of those who have a strong attachment to this place," he said. But others were not so sure about the viability of the extension, with France's former World No.1 Amelie Mauresmo voicing her doubts. "I think that in Paris today we don't have the possibility to have the necessary space to develop Roland Garros," Mauresmo told Reuters. "We are the smallest of the four grand slams and I think it is important to have the chance to grow, and for the public to have more room." Mauresmo declined to be interviewed by CNN on the topic which has divided opinion in France with many such as Franck Ramella, the chief tennis correspondent of L'Equipe, having conflicting views. "It looks very strange to put a tennis court on these gardens, it doesn't suit the place. "But the tournament is for only two weeks and if you want to make room there is no other solution," he added. Popelin is adamant that power politics has played a big part in the decision. "The mayor of Paris has already lost the Olympics to London (for 2012) and couldn't be seen as playing a part in Roland Garros losing the French Open. "I am a big tennis fan and I love watching the French Open but I am passionate in my opposition of these plans." Lawmakers in the French capital must decide if they want to make changes to the local urban plan to allow the planned expansion but only the Green Party has expressed outright opposition. Popelin and her followers are not hopeful of the outcome but she says they are prepared to take legal action to protect the botanical gardens and is also speaking with representatives of the three failed bids. "I have told them not to sell their land for other projects because in perhaps two years I am convinced the French federation will change their mind on this matter," she added. But again, Ysern has a completely different view and believes that once the political and likely legal process is exhausted that work will start in late 2012 and be finished at an estimated cost nearly $340 million by 2016. "We are breaking no law here," he insists. "We are not ashamed of what we are going to do which will be in the best interests of sport and France." But even with the controversial expansion it will remain the smallest site of the for four slams, with Wimbledon just over half as big again. "I don't care about being the biggest, we have a gorgeous location in a gorgeous city and as long as we have that why should we go anywhere else?," said Ysern. "The best way to protect integrity of the tournament is to concentrate on the unique aspects of our tournament and make it even more unique." | French tennis federation want to expand French Open venue Roland Garros .
Plans have met with fierce opposition from environmental campaigners .
Expansion will take over part of an botanical gardens and adjoining sports centers .
Move to one of three alternative sites rejected by federation in vote last month . |
fe201138d82274befc1c91718a734ba66892b585 | By . Lizzie Parry . Beardilizer aims to give folically-challenged men a boost, promising to boost facial hair growth through its mix of nutrients and vitamins . Never mind balding treatments - now there's a 'fertiliser' which promises to boost beard growth. The supplement, called Beardilizer, is aimed at follically-challenged men desperate to grow facial hair but struggling to achieve anything more than stubble. The product claims to promote the growth of facial hair by stimulating follicles, resulting in a thicker, more luscious beard to match those sported by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, David Beckham, Ben Affleck and Superman actor Henry Cavill. It was launched after it became fashionable to have a beard - and it has been such a hit that around 1,000 bottles are apparently flying off the shelves every day. Beardilizer is made from a blend of vitamins and minerals that its makers claim nourish facial hair follicles. Users are recommended a dosage of three capsules a day for between one month and six months. A one-month course of the supplement, which is made entirely from natural products, costs £28.90 and can be bought in the UK online. The product was the idea of Laurent Cohen, whose Florida-based company has been making health and beauty products for 12 years. Mr Cohen, 42, said: 'We have been in the health and beauty business since 2002 and we are always looking for new, innovative products. 'In the past few years having a beard has become very cool and we noticed there wasn't anything on the market to help those who struggle to grow one. 'In 2011 we started working on a formula for a supplement to stimulate beard growth. Actor and director Ben Affleck is among the Hollywood stars who have made beards fashionable again . Using the Beardilzer supplement could help men cultivate impressive facial hair similar to that sported by Brad Pitt (left) and Superman actor Henry Cavill (right) Beardilizer contains a range of vitamins and nutrients that are known to promote hair growth. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which surrounds the hair strands, protecting hair from breaking. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin of the B complex which promotes hair and scalp health. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) helps the body produce keratin - a protein in the hair. Vitamin A is needed by the body to create sebum, an oily substance created by our sebaceous glands to provide a natural conditioner for a healthy scalp. 'Facial hair follicles are different to hair follicles on your head and if you nourish them with good nutrients you can get brilliant results. 'You can't fight genetics, and Beardilizer is not like a magic wand you can wave and grow a beard overnight. 'But after four weeks of taking it you will definitely start to see results, and after two or three months you will be very happy indeed. 'Beardilizer is made from totally natural ingredients. 'We stand by its quality and there have been some great results. The feedback has been tremendous. 'Sadly it doesn't work the same on head hair, otherwise I'd be a millionaire by now!' Footballing superstar David Beckham (left) and Hollywood actor George Clooney (right) are often seen showing off their facial hair . | Dietary supplement Beardilizer claims to promote a 'stronger, fuller beard'
Natural nutrients and vitamins work to stimulate and nourish hair follicles . |
fe20a526fb09697784371cd90dfb3349e9b35842 | (CNN) -- Spain's Dani Pedrosa is on pole position for Sunday's San Marino MotoGP after posting the fastest lap in qualifying at Misano on Saturday. The Honda rider snatched first place on the grid by 0.018 of a second in the dying seconds of qualifying, ahead of compatriot Jorge Lorenzo on the Yamaha and Britain's Cal Cal Crutchlow who finished third. Pedrosa's 41st career pole puts him in prime position to close the gap on Lorenzo in the overall standings. The 26-year-old, who is seeking to win a first MotoGP title, currently trails Lorenzo by 13 points with only six races (including San Marino) left this season. Germany's Stefan Bradl will start Sunday's race in fourth, while Spain's Alvaro Bautista on the Honda finished qualifying in fifth. Valentino Rossi equalled his season's best performance in qualifying, finishing sixth. The Misano circuit was officially renamed the "Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli" earlier in the year as a mark of respect to the rider who was killed at the Malaysian Grand Prix in October 2011. The Italian lived a short distance away from the circuit in Cattolica. On Thursday, riders from all three classes assembled on the grid to complete a lap of the circuit on bicycles to pay tribute to the Honda rider who was just 24 years old when tragedy struck. | Spanish rider pips his compatriot Jorge Lorenzo to pole by less that two hundredths of a second .
Britain's Cal Crutchlow will start Sunday's race from third on the grid .
Pedrosa looking to close Lorenzo's 13-point lead at top of championship standings . |
fe2111988df1c3939a5ae4b9968d1b3e28f35633 | Most new fathers feel so clueless when it comes to newborn babies that they are anxious when first handed their own child after birth. Moreover, as many as one in five British fathers admit never having held a baby before their own was placed in their arms - and 30 per cent say they have no idea at all how to hold an infant. This has led to 90 per cent of men confessing they were desperate for more practical parenting information to have been available when their children were born, according to research by Persil. Former England rugby player Ben Cohen, left, has teamed up with Persil on the Cuddle Mastery Guide to teach new fathers how to handle their newborn babies . One in five British fathers admit never having held a baby before their own was placed in their arms . In contrast to new mothers, dads admit feeling inexperienced, suffering a confidence crises when their baby arrives. Compared to women, it takes 19 per cent of new fathers an . average of one week to feel comfortable holding their little one, while . 62 per cent of new mothers feel it is a natural instinct from day one. And 60 per cent of new dads admit their lack of knowledge left them feeling anxious as they were handed their youngster. The study, carried out by Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure, has led to the brand teaming up with England rugby player and father of twin girls Ben Cohen, 34, to create the Cuddle Mastery Guide. It takes 19 per cent of new fathers an average of one week to feel comfortable holding their little one, while 62 per cent of new mothers feel it is a natural instinct from day one . Endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, the guide provides tips and examples for new parents. Cohen emphasised the need for new mums and dads to conquer their anxieties about holding newborns. He said: 'I want to encourage new parents to overcome their nervousness. As a father of two twin daughters, I know it can be intimidating when you first meet your little one. 'But spending that quality time with them learning how to cuddle and reading up beforehand really helps to increase your confidence.' The study found 40 per cent of dads are not left alone with their baby in the first week after their birth. However, many fathers are more likely to cover the night feed, which is when they begin to bond with their baby. Ben Cohen cradling one of his twin daughters, Isabelle, when she was five months old, as part of the Problem Shared campaign supporting first-time fathers in 2008 . Meanwhile, more than half of all new parents (57 per cent) admit feeling uncomfortable letting friends and family hold their newborn. Jean Robinson, a children's dermatology nurse and trustee for the British Skin Foundation, has stressed the importance of forming close bonds early-on. She said: 'The quality of parent-baby relationships influences your baby's physical and mental development, so it's very important to get it right from the beginning. 'Babies who are given lots of cuddles and love and affection may find stress or anxiety easier to deal with as they grow up.' Ben Cohen said: 'I want to encourage new parents to overcome their nervousness. As a father of two twin daughters, I know it can be intimidating when you first meet your little one' | Over 30% of fathers say they don't know how to hold a baby .
And 90% wish there was more practical advice available to new parents .
Most fathers begin to bond with babies when doing night feeds .
Former England rugby player Ben Cohen fronting Cuddle Mastery Guide . |
fe2121929f4ec6f02bd604227f9f51388e2c0e40 | (CNN) -- Like a magician in a blue shirt and white socks, James Riddle Hoffa stood outside the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Michigan on July 30, 1975, made a phone call, and vanished. Some people would later say he seemed nervous as he headed to a supposed meeting there with suspected mob bosses. Some would say they saw a mysterious car leaving the lot. But the one question no one has yet answered for investigators is the essential one: Where did he go? Now, once again, as they have so many times before, FBI agents and other officers are digging. Once again, the lead has come from someone with ties to organized crime. And once again, the target is a nondescript field where Hoffa might...just might...be buried. All that changes is the details. Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years . This time the story being told involves Hoffa being beaten with a shovel, and buried alive beneath the concrete slab of a now long-gone barn. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Burchard says, "It is my fondest hope that we can give that closure not only to the Hoffa family but also to the community to stop tearing that scab off with every new lead and bring some conclusion." Hoffa's life came to its mysterious conclusion after decades of truly remarkable accomplishments. Born in Indiana, he became interested in organized labor as a teenager when he encountered unfair working conditions. As he grew into adulthood, he became more assertive about organizing unions, and gradually he became the leader of the Teamsters, transforming that union into a political juggernaut capable of making or breaking candidates. It was his passion. On a grainy old piece of film from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1960 you can still see him in his office near the Capitol in Washington. He bristles when the reporter asks if he has any hobbies, like golfing. "Seven days a week," Hoffa says, "I have more fun here working than anybody can have on a golf course or any sport you can name." Hoffa's bare-knuckled, win-at-all-costs approach to the union business, however, took him down some dark roads. He struck deals with organized crime leaders. He broke laws. And eventually he was sent to prison. In what looked like a sketchy -- if unproven -- deal for political support, President Richard Nixon pardoned him, and the Teamsters lined up behind Nixon's successful reelection campaign. But even Nixon's help came with a price: Hoffa was told he had to stay out of the union business. Still, Hoffa fought to regain his power anyway, and soon a lot of people in a lot of places arguably had reasons to want him gone. Then he was. And ever since, people have looked for him. More than a dozen times investigators have followed what are invariably described as "credible" leads to a suspected Hoffa burial site. Michigan has produced the most locations, and Hoffafiles often refer to them by their distinguishing features, making conversation sound like a list of a Richard Stark novels: The Horse Farm Grave. The Dead Man's Dumpster. New Jersey, with its long history of Wise Guys (cue the "Sopranos" theme) has also excited attention in the hunt for Hoffa. One of the most popular theories is that he was encased in the cement of Giants Stadium. And on and on the theories go. He was sunk in the swamps of Florida. He was carted off to California. He was crushed in a car and shipped overseas with a load of scrap metal. Sometimes the possibilities seem as endless as the searches. All of this is not cheap. Based on the sticker price of just one search as analyzed by the Detroit News, it is not unreasonable to estimate that police agencies have spent well over $3 million trying to find this man. Or more to the point: his body. He was legally declared dead in 1982, and even if he had been miraculously living incognito in Toledo all these years, he would be 100 years old. Strangely, there seems little debate about what most likely happened. True crime aficionados and authorities alike have long believed that Hoffa's dreams of a comeback did not sit so well with mobsters who'd settled into a new routine while Hoffa was away. And, they theorize, because he would not go into a quiet retirement, the "muscle" showed up and retired him another way. The details are the problem. Precisely who did it? Precisely how? Police know you can't make much of a criminal case based on, "We're pretty sure he's dead, and we're pretty sure it was these guys." Hoffa's family has responded to the latest tip and search as they always do, by suggesting they hope it works. But 38 years after the man who was the ruling face of big labor disappeared in the clear light of day, no one has yet been able to throw aside the curtain, untangle the riddle, and declare "We have found him." For now, James Riddle Hoffa, is still hiding. | Since Jimmy Hoffa disappeared on July 30, 1975, the mystery has lingered .
Where did he go? What -- and who -- was behind the vanishing act .
The latest search is on a nondescript field in Michigan .
It is just the most recent in a string of searches that stretches across nearly 4 decades . |
fe2181f2a0d241957ed37441dce07c677eb6688f | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:56 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:18 EST, 14 January 2014 . A West Texas man convicted of killing two people as a teenager in 1993 was released on bond Tuesday while he awaits a new trial ordered by the state. After spending nearly 20 years in prison for the killings of two teenagers in a drive-by shooting, Daniel Villegas stood in the morning sun outside the El Paso County Jail. 'I never thought this day would come and now it's here. It feels like a dream, like I'm going to wake up,' the 37-year-old told a crowd of reporters and sympathizers. Scroll down for video... Ready for new life: Daniel Villegas was 16 years old when he confessed to the 1993 drive-by shooting murders of two teens in El Paso. In 1995, he was sentenced to life in prison. Now, he's free . Overcome with emotion: Flanked by his legal team, Villegas had a bond hearing, at which he's was set free, since his case was vacated last month . Free at last: Bond for 37-year-old Daniel Villegas was set at $50,000 during a court hearing Tuesday. Here he is congratulated by his lawyer, Joseph Spencer . Villegas was flanked by his mother, Yolanda Villegas, and local businessman John Mimbela, who has supported his case. Villegas was released Tuesday after posting $1,000 of a $50,000 bond. 'This is too much for me. I get to hold him again. I've waited too long,' Yolanda Villegas said while tears rolled down her cheeks. Daniel Villegas first trial for the deaths of teenagers Armando Lazo and Robert England ended in a hung jury. He was found guilty in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison. But at hearings in 2011, Villegas' attorney, John Gates, said he hadn't had enough time to prepare for the second trial. The defense for the first trial had called 18 witnesses; Gates presented just one. The Texas Court of Appeals in December granted Villegas a new trial due to ineffective counsel. Villegas has claimed he confessed to the crime after an El Paso Police Department detective told him he would be raped in prison and face the death penalty. A private investigator hired by his supporters, a team from Northwestern University Law School's Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth and a pair of men exonerated after serving time for murder have backed up his claims of innocence. Twenty years lost: Villegas' conviction was based almost entirely on his one-page, dictated confession, which did not match the facts of the case in numerous ways . Happy days: Cheers erupted from the public gallery as Daniel received the news that he was to be set free . Bad reputation: Villegas was a 16-year-old high school dropout with ties to a gang when he signed a confession admitting to the murders . Most importantly, Jesse Hernandez, who survived the 1993 shooting, said that Villegas is not the killer. ‘I believe with all my heart he is innocent,’ Hernandez told FoxNews.com. ‘I always thought I knew who else might have done it from the beginning. I had never heard of Daniel before.’ 'Why did it take so long to get a new . trial? Money, I didn't have the money,' his mother said. She thanked . Mimbela for footing the legal bills and 'for putting up with me, I can . be annoying.' The Villegas . lost their house because of the debt they took during the first trial, . she added. 'I earn minimum wage. I didn't have the $20,000 to begin (the . process of getting a new trial), and even if I did, that was just to . start,' Villegas' mother said. The Texas Court of Appeals in December granted Villegas a new trial due to ineffective counsel. State District Judge Sam Medrano Jr. set a hearing for next week so the attorneys can tell them what they plan to do next. Villegas' attorney, Joe Spencer said he believes the prosecution 'has no evidence to go on with this case.' The . judge set bond at half of what Spencer had originally suggested. Prosecutors requested bond be set in the hundreds of thousands of . dollars. The district attorney's office declined to comment after the hearing. Villegas left jail in a 1960s red convertible provided by Mimbela. 'We're going to go to church real quick, to pray,' Villegas said. Then, 'it's steak, steak and lobster for my baby,' his mom said. Grave allegations: Villegas has claimed that a detective obtained his confession by force after hitting and threatening him . For Villegas, the chain of events that landed him behind bars goes back to 1993 when four men, including Hernandez, Juan Carlos Medina and murder victims Armando ‘Mando’ Lazo, 18, and Robert England, 17, were walking along Electric Avenue in El Paso, Texas. A car with three people inside pulled up, and one passenger demanded ‘Que Barrio?’ – a slang term which means ‘what gang are you with?’ In response, two of the men ran away, and two others were shot dead in a vacant lot. England suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and died on scene. Lazo was shot once in the abdomen and once in the thigh. His body was found outside a nearby home where he had desperately tried to seek help. Soon after, police investigating the murders focused on Villegas as a suspect. The 16-year-old boy was a high school dropout and a known gang member who had a reputation for telling tall tales in an effort to boost his street cred. Crime scene: Villegas was arrested in 1993 after two men were gunned down in El Paso in what appears to be a gang-related shooting . The teen was arrested in connection with the deadly shootings, and just hours later police got a confession penned in a third-grade level of writing. In the document, Villegas noted that a detective offered him a Coke, and he apologized to the families of the victims. According to Villegas’ team, then-detective Al Marquez used physical violence and threatened the frightened teen into signing the confession, which proved crucial during the trial since investigators had no evidence linking the 16-year-old to the scene of the crime. 'I'm not a saint, but even thought I'm not, you know, I'm not a killer either,' Villegas said in an interview with News Channel 9 in November 2011. The story of a forced confession rang true for Hernandez, who was also questioned following the murders. ‘They tried to do that to me, but I kind of put things together,’ he told Fox News. ‘They pushed him. They had other leads but they just dropped the ball and wanted the easy way out.’ Team effort: Villegas' supporters claim that he had inadequate legal representation during his trial and is innocent . Villegas’ first trial ended in hung jury, but in a second trial that took place in 1995, the panel came back with a guilty verdict, and he was sentenced to life in prison. Freddie Bonilla, the private detective who was hired by Villegas’ distant relative, has revealed that court-appointed attorney John Gates failed in his duties as a counselor, spending only 40 hours preparing for his client’s murder trial. Gates even signed an affidavit admitting that he had not done his best to argue Villegas' case. Family support: Villegas' parents have been fighting to get a retrial for their son where he would have a chance to prove his innocence . Joshua Tepfer, project director at the Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, told FoxNews.com evidence shows the murders were committed by brothers Rudy and Javier Flores, who allegedly told a witness Villegas was in jail for a crime they did. Javier Flores has since died and his surviving sibling is currently serving jail time on drug-related charges. | Daniel Villegas, 35, was convicted in 1995 of gunning down two men in a drive-by shooting .
Villegas recanted his confession, saying that it was obtained by coercion .
There was no physical evidence linking Villegas to the crime .
The murders have since been attributed to two brothers, one of whom has since died . |
fe2184922d79b8b6d85c8ffaba59d7a4fca4c59f | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 23:27 EST, 18 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 23:28 EST, 18 October 2013 . Former Vice-President Dick Cheney has revealed he once feared that terrorists could use the electrical device that had been implanted near his heart to kill him. and had his doctor disable its wireless function. Mr Cheney, who has a history of heart trouble and suffered the first of five heart attacks at age 37, ordered his doctor to disable the wireless function. He was reminded of his concerns while watching the popular TV series Homeland, where a senator was killed by a terrorist who tampered with his pacemaker. Defense: Dick Cheney, pictured in April, had the wireless function of his heart device turned off . 'I was aware of the danger, if you will, . that existed, but I found it credible,' Mr Cheney told 60 Minutes, in a . segment to be aired on Sunday. Medical record: Dick Cheney and his doctor, Jonathan Reiner, have written a book together . 'I know from the experience we had . and the necessity for adjusting my own device that it was an accurate . portrayal of what was possible,' he added. The former Vice-President, who had a heart transplant last year when he was 71, said doctors replaced an implanted defibrillator near his heart in 2007. Mr Cheney said that cardiologist Jonathan Reiner turned off the wireless function of the device, which controls irregular heartbeats with electric jolts, in case a terrorist tried to send his heart a fatal shock. While the Homeland scene may at first have appeared far-fetched, Australian researcher Darren Pauli claimed it was possible to deliver deadly shocks to pacemakers from 30ft away, . Mr Cheney and his doctor are currently promoting a book they co-authored, entitled Heart: An American Medical Odyssey. In the 60 Minutes interview, Dr Reiner said he was worried for Mr Cheney's health during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Medical . tests seen that morning showed Mr Cheney had elevated levels of . potassium in his blood, a condition called hyperkalemia, which could . lead to abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest. Treat: Cheney's fears of a terror attack on his device were played out in this episode of Homeland . Going strong: Vice-President Cheney had a heart transplant last year . Dr Reiner said as he watched news coverage of the tragic events on television he thought, 'Oh, great, the vice-president is going to die tonight from hyperkalemia.' Mr Cheney underwent numerous heart-related procedures over the years, including angioplasties, catheterizations and a quadruple bypass operation. However, he said the health problems never affected his job performance during his eight years as vice-president in George W. Bush's administration. Asked if he worried about his physical health impacting his judgment and cognition, Mr Cheney replied: 'No.' Health fears: Cheney with Condoleezza Rice on 9/11. Dr Reiner feared he could have a heart attack that day . He said he was aware of potential side effects from limited blood flow to the brain and effects on cognition and judgment but didn't worry about it. 'You know, I was as good as I could be, given the fact I was 60-some years old at that point and a heart patient,' Mr Cheney said. He dismissed stress as having had an impact on his heart disease, adding: 'I always did what I needed to do in order to deal with the health crisis in the moment.' | Vice-President had wireless function on heart device switched off to protect him .
Cheney's doctor says he feared for Cheney's health on 9/11 after medical tests showed he was at risk of another heart attack . |
fe21c0083ad85e97ea9d112c2e7e0abd7fb472db | (CNN) -- Just over 9 percent of the world's urban population lives in a megacity today. By 2025, the number of megacities with a population greater than 10 million will grow from 21 to 29 and account for 10.3 percent of the world's urban population, according to the United Nations. Here we highlight some of the world's megacities, such as the most populous: Tokyo in Japan, which, with 35.2 million inhabitants, has a larger population than Algeria, Canada or Uganda; and the rapidly expanding Shanghai, China's economic powerhouse, which is the world's biggest metropolitan area, covering 2,914 square kilometers. Megacities can bring not just wealth and employment but also cultural benefits, says the United Nations. And some megacities are more efficient than their less populous counterparts. While New York houses 2.7 percent of the U.S. population, New Yorkers only account for one percent of the country's CO2 emissions. However, the high density of people can generate problems, including health issues such as the rapid transmission of 'flu viruses and psychological problems caused by poverty and stress. But whatever we think of them, megacities are not only here to stay: They're growing. New Delhi, for example, is projected to have 29.49 million inhabitants by 2025, according to Demographia -- up from 20.99 million in 2010. | By 2025 10.3 percent of the world's urban population will live in megacities says the UN .
The most populous megacity is Tokyo in Japan, with 35.2 million inhabitants .
Megacities in countries like India and Brazil will grow fastest over the next 15 years . |
fe2291982771d4579587247ba200e90c72c6c538 | She may have been dead for more than half a century, but Hollywood's most sought-after blonde is still very much in demand. Max Factor has announced that Marilyn Monroe will be the new face of the make-up brand - despite her death in 1962. As the brand's 'global glamour ambassador', she will take the starring role in this year's advertising campaigns. Scroll down for video . Max Factor has announced that silver-screen starlet Marilyn Monroe (left and right) will be the new face of the make-up brand - despite having died in 1962 . The adverts will emphasise the role that make-up played in Monroe's transformation, during which she cemented her reputation as one of the west's most enduring sex symbols . The adverts will emphasise the role that make-up played in Monroe's transformation, from mousy Norma Jeane Mortenson to the red-lipped, platinum-haired bombshell which cemented her reputation as one of the west's most enduring sex symbols. The glamorous actress, who died at the age of 36, was a Max Factor client in the 40s, when the American brand catered for silver-screen starlets from its beauty parlour in Hollywood Boulevard. Earlier this year, Gwyneth Paltrow was transformed into a modern interpretation of Marilyn Monroe in celebration of the 1940s and to continue the brand's Hollywood legacy. Other faces of the brand have included Madonna and supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Pat McGrath, from Max Factor, told The Daily Telegraph: 'Marilyn made the sultry red lip, creamy skin and dramatically lined eyes the most famous beauty look of the Forties, and it's a look that continues to dominate the beauty and fashion industry. 'It is the ultimate look that defines glamour - nothing else compares.' The actress (pictured left in Seven Year Itch and right in River Of No Return) will be the brand's 'global glamour ambassador' Last year, Monroe was ranked as sixth in the Forbes magazine's annual list of the highest-earning dead celebrities. She makes an estimated £11m a year. The rights to Monroe's image belong to the Authentic Brands Group, a licensing company which helped develop Monroe-branded spas and nail salons, as well as a clothing line for teenage girls at U.S department store Macy's. Her real name Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn was 36 when she died of a barbiturate overdose in 1962. She was married to the baseball star Joe DiMaggio and the playwright Arthur Miller, and it has long been claimed she had affairs with President John F Kennedy and his brother Robert. However, her last years were marked by illness and personal trauma. It has never been proved conclusively whether her death was a suicide or an accident. | Silver-screen actress will be 'global glamour ambassador' for the brand .
Campaign will emphasise role make-up played in starlet's transformation .
Blonde actress, real name Norma Jeane Mortenson, died in 1962, aged 36 . |
fe23a0d67f6b28b03aed6c2909044ac9f73cd779 | (CNN) -- Three United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in a camp for displaced people in Sudan's Darfur region, the global body said Tuesday. Two of the dead were soldiers; the third was a police adviser for the joint U.N. and African Union mission in the troubled region. Another six peacekeepers were injured in the incident. They came under attack at 10:15 Monday night in the Zam Zam camp in North Darfur while the security unit was on patrol. One of the assailants was also killed, a statement from the joint mission said. It was unclear why the attack occurred. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon "strongly condemns" the attack, the U.N. said in a statement. The attack was carried out by unidentified armed men while the peacekeepers were on a "confidence-building patrol," the statement said. Ban "appeals to the Sudanese authorities to investigate the incident and to bring to justice the perpetrators as soon as possible," according to the statement. The peacekeeping mission in Darfur is the world's largest at 20,000 authorized troops. Since it began in 2008, 33 peacekeepers have been killed. "I condemn in the strongest terms this attack on our peacekeepers who have worked selflessly to bring security to the internally displaced persons of Zam Zam camp where so many Darfuris have sought refuge," said Ibrahim Gambari, head of the mission. "An attack on international peacekeepers is a war crime and we will ensure that justice will be served." Darfur is among the most dangerous areas of operation for U.N. personnel. The region remains a tinderbox. At least 300,000 people have been killed and 2.7 million others driven from their homes as a result of fighting between Sudanese rebel groups and the Khartoum government and its allied armed militia. CNN's James Partington contributed to the story. | The three peacekeepers were killed in an ambush .
The attack took place in a camp for internally displaced people in North Darfur .
The Darfur region remains a tinderbox . |
fe23bf858e86001f8d8256300a7862041ee8da3c | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 04:51 EST, 8 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:34 EST, 9 August 2013 . A dog owner whose bull mastiff was one of five dogs to maul his former mother-in-law to death has launched a bid to save his pet from being destroyed. Dylan Mason, 44, is going to court to try to save his dog Ranger from the lethal injection - one of a group which savaged Gloria Knowles, 71, in October. The five animals pounced on the grandmother after she went into the garden to take down washing for her daughter, Beverley Mason. Five animals pounced on Gloria Knowles, 71, (left) after she went into the garden to take down washing for her daughter, Beverley Mason (right) The widow was badly injured when the dogs – two 'giant' Bordeaux French mastiffs, two American bulldogs and a small mongrel – suddenly turned on her. She was found dead at the scene in Morden, South London, and is believed to have bled to death as a result of her injuries. Three of the animals - belonging to Mrs Knowles's daughter Beverley - have been since been put to sleep. A French mastiff called Yogi and bulldogs Missy and Lemmie were humanely destroyed by lethal injections. Now she insists her ex-husband and a third dog owner, who officers have identified only as Ms Azzoni, should follow suit and destroy their dogs. She told the Mirror that she loved her dogs, but nothing was worth more than her mother's life. She said: 'I can’t believe he is arguing that the dog should be kept alive when it killed my mum. It’s just evil.' She added that now they had tasted her mother's blood and now must be put down. Mother-of-four Mrs Mason, 43, who has a son Kurtis, 12, with her former partner, told the paper: 'The court case is just dragging everything out when it is clear the dogs all touched my mum, there is evidence of that. The widow was badly injured when the dogs ¿ two 'giant' Bordeaux French mastiffs, two American bulldogs and a small mongrel ¿ seemed to suddenly turn on her . She was found dead at the scene in Morden, South London, and is believed to have bled to death as a result of her injuries . 'My mum was everything. She was my rock. Losing her has been devastating for us all.' The Met has said that the remaining two dogs are dangerous and must be killed. A spokesman said: 'The hearing for the destruction of two dogs will be held at Wimbledon magistrates between 9 and 11 October. 'There is court hearing upcoming in October, and that is when the Met will give its evidence.' At the trial Mr Mason and the owner of the other dog will argue that they dispute the evidence that their animals were involved in the attack. Mrs Knowles lived next door to her daughter, with her granddaughter, who has a baby of her own. The family has run Harrington's pie and mash shop in nearby Tooting, for several generations. Mrs Mason said she has owned dogs her entire life and had no idea why her dogs - which she insists were normally well behaved - would have turned on her mother. She said the family had had them since they were puppies and they were well trained. She said they would often sit with them on the sofa. She said she has decided to keep her mother's dogs, Bo, Amber and Tia, for her, but that she finds it difficult to trust them . An inquest is expected to take place on September 25 in Westminster, Central London. The dogs have been reportedly homes in Met-approved kennels since the incident - which has a cost £15 per dog per day. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Dylan Mason is trying to save dog Ranger which savaged Gloria Knowles, 71 .
Five animals pounced on her as she .
went into garden to take down washing .
Three animals have already been destroyed - but two remain in kennels . |
fe24a100081b22fea13a54cc0bf70423251b170e | By . Pete Jenson . Follow @@petejenson . Last August Gareth Bale was in Cardiff on international duty, dodging Spanish journalists on his way to meet up with his Wales team-mates, and still uncertain of his £86million transfer to Real Madrid. One year on, he will be back in Cardiff to play in the European Super Cup for Real against Sevilla and he will do so with 22 goals, the Spanish Cup and the Champions League. It’s hard to recall a record signing who has had a greater impact in his first year. Bale is only the third player in Real Madrid’s history to score in the final of both the European Cup and the Spanish Cup in the same season. Only Ferenc Puskas and Raul have done it before. Legend: Gareth Bale was instrumental in landing Real Madrid their much-wanted tenth European Cup . La Decima: The Bernabeu was full of supporters as the club paraded their newly won trophy through Madrid . Sept 1, 2013: Signs for Real Madrid for a world record £86million. Sept 14: Scores on debut in 2-2 draw against Villarreal. Oct 30: Scores two in 7-3 victory against Sevilla. Dubbed Cañonito — little cannon — by local media. Nov 30: A perfect hat-trick — header and goal with each foot — in 4-0 win over Real Valladolid. April 16, 2014: Brilliant solo effort in victory over Barcelona in Copa del Rey final is his 20th of the season. May 24: His goal sets up Real’s 10th European Cup triumph. No wonder Spanish sports daily Marca claimed: ‘He has turned out to be a bargain; he is already a Real Madrid legend’ and Diario AS added: ‘Bale’s was the winner; it was game over after that.’ Bale has already outdone all previous Brits abroad. Laurie Cunningham played in the 1981 European Cup final that Real Madrid lost to Liverpool and Steve McManaman was a goalscoring, man-of-the-match, winner in 2000 when Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0. David Beckham managed just one Champions League quarter-final appearance in his four years at Real Madrid. Paul Lambert and Owen Hargreaves both won European Cups with foreign clubs and Kevin Keegan won European Footballer of the Year at Hamburg but never the European Cup with them. Bale has often also outshone the man he came to aid and abet last summer, Cristiano Ronaldo. He has delivered more than the Portuguese in the finals, although he was at pains to point out both halves of the dynamic duo have taken Real Madrid to glory this season. Big moment: This header earned Bale infamy in Real Madrid's long history . Inside the Estadio da Luz with his medal around his neck, before the players were whisked back to Lisbon airport for their 6am date at Madrid’s Cibeles fountain, he said: ‘We work well together and we enjoy playing alongside each other. Whoever scores we are all happy as long as we are winning.’ The 24-year-old’s favourite post-match phrase is ‘It’s a dream come true’ and when he was a teenage fan of the Spanish side he will have imagined such heroics as only a wide-eyed wannabe can. ‘The reason I joined Real Madrid was to play in these amazing matches. It’s hard to describe how I felt when the ball went in. It was an incredible feeling seeing all the fans behind that goal and all the players run towards me to celebrate.’ Upstaged: Bale outshone the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo . Even Zinedine Zidane had joined in as the player he pushed the club to sign last summer delivered one of the most famous goals in their history. ‘When we got the equaliser it seemed that we had the momentum going into extra time. We looked fresher than them. They had a few players who had cramp and we showed what physical condition we were in,’ said Bale. Stories about Bale needing an operation this summer to cure a hernia were rubbished by his agent and there looked very little wrong as he leapt to head home after Thibaut Courtois had only managed to deflect a shot from Angel di Maria. Best ever: Bale has now proven himself as Britain's best ever footballing export . There had been tension earlier in the season, with the Argentine unhappy at being usurped by the new signing from Tottenham, especially as he was playing well. But problem solver Carlo Ancelotti made room for both and Bale’s team-mates have been completely won over by the shy boy from Cardiff, who will be going home this August having established himself as Britain’s best ever footballing export. | A year after his £86m transfer, it's hard to recall a signing who has had a greater impact in his debut season .
Bale is only the third player to score in the final of both the European Cup and the Spanish Cup in the same season - the others are Puskas and Raul .
Welshman has already done all previous Brits to play abroad .
The boy from Cardiff outshone Cristiano Ronaldo on the biggest stage . |
fe2534854799540d38f45eb632245134866e3c20 | By . Tim Shipman . PUBLISHED: . 20:05 EST, 15 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:05 EST, 15 April 2013 . Opposed: Ed Miliband and Labour voted against the benefits cap . Working families would have to earn more than £41,000 a year to get the same as many living on state benefits if the Labour Party was in charge of the welfare system, the Tories claimed last night. The Government’s benefit cap – introduced yesterday – limits the amount of money a household can claim in welfare payments to £26,000 a year, the before-tax income of the average working family. Ed Miliband’s party opposes the cap and voted against it in the Commons, even though opinion polls show that it is hugely popular with the public. Official figures, contained in an impact assessment of the policy, show that on average those who will see their benefits capped will lose £4,836 a year: about £93 a week. A working family would need a pre-tax salary of £32,000 to match the £26,000 a year in state handouts allowed under the cap. But if nothing had changed and Labour got its way, the benefits claimants hit by the cap would have been given nearly £31,000 and a working family would need £41,000 before tax to match them. Tory MPs seized on the figures as evidence that Labour’s opposition to welfare reform discriminates against those who work. The cap was introduced yesterday in four London boroughs – Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley – and will be rolled out nationwide from September. It does not affect those on disability benefits or anyone working more than 16 hours a week and claiming working tax credits. The cap limits will be set at £500 a week for couples, with or without children, and lone parent households and at £350 a week for households of a single adult with no children. Clear message: Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said days of 'outrageous claims giving people incomes far above those of hard-working families are over' Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘We have a very clear message: we will provide support to those who need it, but the days of outrageous claims giving people incomes far above those of hard-working families are over.’ Tory chairman Grant Shapps said: ‘Conservatives are firmly on the side of people who want to work hard and get on in life. ‘Unbelievably, Labour oppose capping benefits. They’ve got no idea – they want some out-of-work households to be able to claim an average £4,800 a year more in benefits than the average working family takes home in wages.’ Ministers also repeated their claim that the introduction of the benefit was already persuading people to return to work. The Department of Work and Pensions published figures last week showing that the number of families affected by the cap has been cut from 56,000 to 40,000. Menace: Peter Owens was caught driving five different high-powered cars without insurance . Of these, 8,000 have got a job and another 8,000 have disappeared from welfare rolls. Critics have claimed the figures are not proof of behavioural change in those affected. But DWP minister Mark Hoban said: ‘I don’t know how much time [they’ve] spent in JobCentres in recent months, I suspect not very much. I’ve been talking to people who have been implementing these changes, and the very clear message is that this has provided a spur to people, to get them thinking about getting into work, whereas perhaps in the past they haven’t.’ Mr Miliband responded to the criticism by saying: ‘We’re in favour of a benefit cap but it’s got to be adjusted regionally.’ Labour work and pensions spokesman Liam Byrne said: ‘Ministers have got this so badly wrong that even members of the Cabinet think it will cost more than it saves. ‘The truth is the benefits bill is soaring £21billion higher than expected because this government is failing to create jobs and the welfare revolution we were promised is descending into chaos.’ But business leaders backed the Government. Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: ‘The benefits cap establishes a sensible principle, that welfare should not pay more than working. ‘It is morally wrong as well as economically damaging to have a benefits system that prices employers out of the market. This is a welcome move.’ | Ed Miliband and Labour voted against limiting benefits to £26,000 a year .
Iain Duncan Smith said days of 'outrageous benefits claims are over' |
fe25407760812e7d701efa9beb45bc8c75037daa | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 03:25 EST, 21 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:19 EST, 21 October 2013 . Robert Jones said that he was grabbed by the arm and that the assault lasted less than half an hour (stock image) A charity worker claims he was sexually abused by a female soap star when he was just 16. Robert Jones, now 48, claims the actress targeted him in her home when he was a vulnerable teenager and pulled him into her bedroom. The father-of-three, who waived his right to anonymity, says that he has come forward only now because he wants the woman to 'answer for what she did'. He told the Daily Mirror that he was grabbed by the arm and that the assault lasted less than half an hour when he was 16 in 1981. Mr Jones told the newspaper: 'I remember going to a small place within myself. 'I kept thinking "Just get through it, it'll be over soon". 'This is something that I've never really got over and has hung over me most of my life.' A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were considering the allegations. They said: 'A man contacted police on 16 October to report an incident which allegedly took place in 1981. This report is being considered.' The allegation comes after a study showed a rise in reports of sexual offences; which was put partly down to greater numbers coming forward to report historical sexual offences to the police following the Savile inquiry. The Office of National Stastics said: ‘There is evidence to suggest that these increases are partly a result of the Operation Yewtree investigation, initiated in October 2012 and connected to the Jimmy Savile inquiry. A study showed a rise in reports of historical sexual offences to the police following the Savile inquiry . ‘Whilst some of these increases will be a direct consequence of the crimes reported as part of Operation Yewtree there is also evidence to suggest that there has been a wider “Yewtree effect”, whereby there is increased willingness on the part of the victims to come forward and report historical sexual offences that are not directly connected to Yewtree. ‘Additionally the publicity surrounding Operation Yewtree may have encouraged more victims to come forward and report more recent abuse cases.’ The scandal shows no sign of dying down, as BBC chiefs Lord Hall and Lord Patten will be grilled by MPs this week over an alleged ‘cover-up’ in the £3million inquiry into the Corporation’s failure to expose the Jimmy Savile scandal. The Mail on Sunday understands the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee will call up Lord Hall, the BBC’s director-general since April, and Lord Patten, BBC Trust chairman, on Tuesday. They will be asked about their refusal to investigate why key evidence about ex-BBC director-general Mark Thompson was excluded from the Pollard Review – the report into Newsnight’s axed expose of the disgraced DJ. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Robert Jones claims he was sexually assaulted by actress in 1981 .
Alleges she grabbed his arm and pulled him into bedroom .
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were considering the allegations . |
fe2587b899e8848413a322958d92e0019d9e14f2 | Bulgarians and Romanians will flock to Britain in far greater numbers than forecast as our economy races ahead of the rest of Europe, a secret report predicts. After immigration controls are lifted this week, Britons could find their jobs are squeezed in some areas – while community tensions could rise as the new wave of migrants fight for work with other Eastern Europeans who have been settled in Britain for a decade, it suggests. The Home Office-funded review – obtained by The Mail on Sunday – also suggests that the UK could lose out financially if low-paid Bulgarians and Romanians drive out Poles on higher wages, who pay more tax. From Wednesday, Bulgarians and Romanians, known as A2 migrants, will have the same rights as other EU citizens to live and work throughout Europe, but Britain is likely to be seen as more attractive than other countries struggling to make an economic comeback. The authoritative report by University of Reading academics was commissioned ahead of the change by a group of 74 councils in the South East of England, working with the UK Border Agency, police and health services, but has not been officially publicised. Obtained under a Freedom of Information request, the 40-page report reveals that migration overall was likely to be beneficial to the UK but warns that: . Already overcrowded schools will struggle to find places for the children of the new arrivals. Overstretched hospitals risk coming under fresh strain, and the housing crisis could get worse. The cost to taxpayers of state handouts, such as Child Benefit, could go up. Town halls may fail to collect enough council tax from new immigrants to pay for the extra services because they often crowd into one home and have ‘makeshift accommodation arrangements’. The Government has refused to say how many Romanians and Bulgarians it expects to come. The new report also gives no figures but suggests the recent growth in jobs in Britain, and lengthening dole queues elsewhere in Europe, will encourage more to come here than might be anticipated on previous trends. The study drawn up for the South East Strategic Partnership for Migration says that immigration restrictions ‘are ending when employment across the EU is changing,’ which could have an impact on migration patterns. Bulgarians and Romanians could compete for the jobs of previous immigrants such as Poles . Significantly, it adds: ‘Against this . background it is feasible the UK might receive a larger share of A2 . migrants than in the recent past.’ It . says a crucial issue is whether Bulgarians and Romanians think . Britain’s economic revival is here to stay – if so, it will have ‘a . greater impact on migration patterns’. Our financial turnaround may well be long term. Last week, one forecast predicted the UK economy will outstrip France by 2018 and Germany 12 years later. The authors of the £5,000 Reading university report, Christian Nygaard and Ellie Francis-Brophy, say there is little evidence Eastern European migrants take jobs from British workers overall, though this will ‘vary across localities’. But since 2004, when Poland and seven other East European countries – the so-called A8 – won full rights within the EU, ‘the employment rate of UK-born 16 to 64-year-old residents in the South East has fallen somewhat whereas that of not UK-born other white residents has increased somewhat.’ Worryingly, the report also raises the prospect of tensions between Bulgarians and Romanians on one side and the first wave of Eastern European immigrants on the other. It speculates that lower skilled Romanians and Bulgarians could undercut existing Polish migrants – with damaging consequences for community relations, and potentially the economy, especially if newly unemployed Poles sign on. Igor Kaminski, who has a Polish building firm in London, said: ‘There’s a lot of fear the cheaper end of the market will collapse under pressure from Bulgarians and Romanian workers who, for a short time, will accept any prices.’ THE VIEW FROM HERE: 'I CAME FROM ROMANIA TO WORK, BUT UNSKILLED MIGRANTS ARE A WORRY' By Simon Walters . Talented student Marius Petrea, who came to Britain last year to pursue his dream of becoming an airline pilot, shares worries that some of his fellow countrymen about to arrive here may not improve his country’s image. Mr Petrea, 27, says he believes many Romanians will take advantage of the relaxation in immigration rules, including some with few skills or qualifications. Mr Petrea, who has a Masters degree in English, was allowed to settle here before the rule change under exemptions for highly skilled immigrants. He is the model of a bright, hard-working young person who left his native country to seek a better life abroad. ‘I am very proud of my country and came here because I am ambitious,’ said Mr Petrea, who works as a minicab driver, regularly working seven days a week. ‘Quite a lot of Romanians will come here because there are jobs in Britain. I am a little worried that some may live up to Romania’s image as having a low-skilled workforce. ‘That would be wrong because most young people in Romania are educated, hard-working, have strong characters and could have a positive effect in Britain. Many want to come here to earn enough money to educate their own children.’ No one could call Mr Petrea low-skilled. His fluent English reflects the Masters degree he obtained in Romania. He paid for private tuition in maths and physics to improve his chances of achieving his dream of becoming a pilot and is determined to raise the six figure sum he needs to train to get his wings. ‘I will not give up until I have done it,’ he says. THE VIEW FROM THERE: ON THEIR WAY: 34 CRAM INTO A NINE-SEATER BUS . By Martin Delgado . Bulgarians and Romanians are planning to share car journeys or cram vehicles to come to Britain. The rush to migrate was illustrated just before Christmas when a minibus designed for nine people was stopped in the Bavarian city of Passau. It contained 34 Romanians who had left Bucharest en route for an unspecified western country. The vehicle was impounded. Forums on Romanian websites are carrying inquiries from people wanting to share cars or find out the price of petrol for a trip across Europe. It is feared that when they get to the UK, they could elbow British graduates out of the job market. Bulgaria and Romania have a large number of highly qualified IT specialists, entrepreneurs, aspiring lawyers and accountants and many of them speak good English and other languages. Barbara Page-Roberts, a British businesswoman who has lived and worked in Bulgaria since 1985, said: ‘I’ve met young Bulgarians who speak four or five languages. It gives them a flexibility and adaptability that most British job seekers lack.’ Gabriela Milanove, 24, wants a job in digital marketing or web development, but is in no hurry to rush to the UK. With a degree from a Bulgarian University and another from Cardiff Metropolitan University, she said she would like to return to the UK, but not until the furore over so-called ‘benefits tourism’ has died down. She said: ‘Britain doesn’t really want us at the moment. People there think we will be taking their jobs. But I would go if I had a firm offer or a contract.’ Another would-be migrant, Dobrin Dobrev, 36, who speaks English, Russian and some German and French, plans to set up a telecoms consultancy in Britain. He said: ‘I wouldn’t say I am better than a British person but I have travelled to many countries and I am very familiar with Eastern Europe, which has an expanding telecoms market.’ Residents of Maidstone in Kent, identified as having one of the highest concentrations of Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants in the South East, said they feared already oversubscribed schools and hospitals will fail to cope with more demand. Sharon McNeil, 53, said: ‘There’s no room at the schools or extra places. The services are stretched. At my doctor’s surgery you can’t get an appointment for at least two weeks.’ The Reading University report says the impact of migration on public services will be limited ‘in the short run’ because most new arrivals will be young people looking for work, though ‘existing pressure points are likely to be stretched further’. But there will be an impact on schools as one in three Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants are expected to have school-age children – and one in four will have babies – within four years of arriving. Migration Watch’s Sir Andrew Green said: ‘The clear conclusion of this report is that we can expect further migration from Romania and Bulgaria next year. However, they duck the key question of numbers.’ South East Strategic Partnership for Migration manager Roy Millard said the report was designed to assist councils with their planning rather than making firm predictions. He said there were no suggestions that there might be violence but ‘there can be resentments within communities when there is competition for resources’. Meanwhile, councils outside of the South-East have expressed concerns in internal documents, obtained by The Mail on Sunday. Leeds council said increased pressures on housing could lead to growing homelessness, and that both Bulgaria and Romania had high levels of diseases such as tuberculosis, mumps, measles and rubella. Manchester City Council highlighted concerns over its Roma community, saying there were high rates of truancy and teenage pregnancy. Residents also complained that Roma households ‘appeared to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without appearing to work’. Despite the fears, virtually no councils have drawn up plans to deal with the expected influx of Romanians and Bulgarians. One exception was Kent, which estimated that the new arrivals could cost it £3 million in extra services, including 390 extra primary school places, though that would be outweighed by the benefit to the economy. David Cameron has announced controversial plans for curbs on benefits and a review of EU freedom of movement laws to end ‘vast migrations’ from poorer European countries. | Bulgarians and Romanians will have the same rights as other EU citizens to live and work throughout Europe, but Britain is likely to be seen as more attractive than other countries struggling to make an economic comeback .
The Home Office-funded review – obtained by The Mail on Sunday – also suggests that the UK could lose out financially if low-paid Bulgarians and Romanians drive out Poles on higher wages, who pay more tax .
Worryingly, the report also raises the prospect of tensions between Bulgarians and Romanians on one side and the first wave of Eastern European immigrants on the other .
Scroll down to read the full report .
In some regions, employment for British-born citizens has declined while jobs for ‘not UK-born other white residents’ [mainly Eastern Europeans] have increased – suggesting this gap could get worse.
Already overcrowded schools will struggle to find places for the children of the new arrivals.
Overstretched hospitals risk coming under fresh strain, and the housing crisis could get worse.
The cost to taxpayers of state handouts, such as Child Benefit, could go up.
Town halls may fail to collect enough council tax from new immigrants to pay for the extra services because they often crowd into one home and have ‘makeshift accommodation arrangements’.
Bulgarians and Romanians could compete for the jobs of previous immigrants such as Poles, ‘negatively effecting social cohesion’. |
fe258f5fccc01fd4649e231fedafab447e9b7580 | (CNN) -- Blood found on the scene of a Michigan kidnapping belonged to the victim, police said Thursday. Jessica Heeringa, 25, was abducted late last month from an Exxon station in Norton Shores, where she was working alone, sometime around 11 p.m., police have said. Investigators found "suspicious substances" at the station and turned them in to the state's crime lab, which identified some of it as blood. A DNA analysis matched it to Heeringa, the Norton Shores Police Department said. The amount of blood found was small, police said. Authorities notified the family of the findings. Suspect's face . Police have put a face with the description of a man suspected of kidnapping the gas station cashier. He is a white male, about 6 feet tall, between 30 and 40 years old, with wavy hair parted in the middle. On Tuesday evening, police released a sketch of the suspect. Police also are looking for a silver minivan -- possibly a Chrysler Town and Country -- that was seen at the gas station. "We have one witness who placed that vehicle there and saw the driver. That's what we based that description on so far," Norton Shores Police Chief Daniel Shaw told CNN affiliate WOOD-TV. Video from a nearby business showed the suspected minivan in the area around the time Heeringa went missing. The video is blurry, the van is only seen for a few seconds, and neither a driver nor license plate can be seen. "I wish I had the technology like you see on TV where you could blow it up and I could see the driver inside. But that doesn't exist for me," Shaw told WOOD. But it is something. "It does give us some hope that we've got some accurate information out there to work with," he told the station. How she disappeared . Heeringa was scheduled to close the Exxon station where she was working alone at 11:30 p.m. on April 26. But at 11:15, police got a 911 call that the station was unmanned. "It's very suspicious why there's nobody here," the 911 caller says in a tape. The way the station was left, police say, led them to believe somebody abducted Heeringa. "Her purse and other belongings were undisturbed. In addition, the store's cash drawer was found out, and no money was missing," police said in a statement. Heeringa is described as 5 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 110 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes and wearing wire-rimmed glasses. Heeringa's mother, Shelly Heeringa, has said that she suspects someone familiar with the gas station and possibly known to Jessica took her daughter. "I think whoever did this had been in the gas station before and maybe Jessie knew him," Shelly Heeringa said. "He probably lured her out by saying he needed help," she said. "Jessie would have helped anybody. And that was probably her downfall." Lack of surveillance images . The station did not have security cameras, something that police said has hindered the investigation and that Shelly Heeringa said always troubled her. "When I knew she was working there, when I knew (the store) had no security cameras, when she was going to be by herself, I expressed my concern about it all the time to her how worried I was," the mother said. But those concerns apparently didn't trouble Jessica. "She just thought she could handle everything," Shelly Heeringa said. The mother also thanked the community of 22,500 on the shores of Lake Michigan for its support in the search for her daughter. "So many people have been trying to help us find Jessie. It's just been wonderful," she said. People with information that may help find Jessica Heeringa are asked to call Norton Shores police at 231-733-2691. | Police say blood found at a North Shores service station belongs to Jessica Heeringa .
She was taken from the station late last month, police say .
Suspect is a white male, 30 to 40 years old, 6 feet tall with wavy hair parted in the middle .
Police also are looking for a silver minivan . |
fe25c71fac5cdf249a73c9ffe9c356967f00dae2 | (CNN) -- If the figures for childhood obesity in the United States were not shocking enough -- prompting First Lady Michelle Obama to set up a nationwide program to tackle the epidemic -- the statistics among the Native American community are yet more sobering. Nearly 50% of indigenous children are classed as obese, and on current projections they could be the first generation not to outlive their parents. Urgent action is clearly needed and Obama has started her "Let's Move" initiative -- but help is also at hand from a former golfer who was once talked of in the same breath as his "dear friend" Tiger Woods and remains a hero in his Native American community. Notah Begay III is bringing the same competitive fervor which made him one of the sport's hottest young prospects to a charitable foundation which focuses on tackling these health problems. "One in two Native American children expect to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime, so it is vital that effective strategies are available for all our communities," Begay told CNN. Begay, a roommate of Woods at Stanford University, won four PGA Tour events before the age of 28 and achieved the "holy grail" of golf -- a round of 59 in a professional event. But a debilitating back injury put paid to his hopes of building on that early promise and he now devotes his time to his NB3 foundation as well as working as a golf analyst for an American network. 'Generational trauma' A Navajo on his father's side, while his mother is from the Pueblo Nation, Begay is fiercely loyal to his upbringing and cultural identity. He is not afraid to speak out on equality issues -- he has gone on public record to criticize the NFL franchise Washington Redskins for its "offensive" name. Begay was alarmed by the team's custom of having non-Native Americans dressed up in traditional clothing and regalia performing at games. It all touches a raw nerve for the 41-year-old, who believes that what happened in the past -- and our society's attitude to it -- is having a direct impact on today's generation of Native Americans, with shocking consequences. "Historically speaking, communities that have endured genocide suffer from generational trauma which leads to social issues, poor education, poor health outcomes, high crime and lots of addiction," he said. "These are problems in the Native American community and we are at the very beginning of the fight." His foundation was established in 2005 with the initial goal of introducing Native American youngsters from the greater Albuquerque area to golf, in a program headed by his father, Notah Begay Jr. Other sports such as soccer were also introduced. But as the program expanded, the emphasis became those endemic health problems which blight his community. "Something which started as simply golf and then soccer for kids is now an evidence based health and wellness program," he said. Funding the fight . Begay's skills acquired as an economics major at Stanford have been put to good use with the foundation. "I have tried to assign business principles to every aspect of our work," he revealed. "We keep score and, if we are not hitting our targets, we change. I don't see why non-profits should not be accountable for ever dollar invested. "To use a golf adage, we shoot for a 59 with some programs which carry a very high risk, but mix those with others where we know we are guaranteed a return on our investment. It's a good mix." Begay has used his contacts in golf, Woods included, to promote a yearly charity tournament, the NB3 Challenge, which has raised over $4 million for the foundation. Woods had to skip this year's tournament at the Turning Stone Resort in New York State with a back injury, but spectators were treated to his replacement Gary Woodland, Begay, Rickie Fowler and Bo Van Pelt beating an internationals team which included former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and former world No. 1 Lee Westwood. For the flamboyant and crowd-pleasing Fowler, the event and the cause has added significance as he is one-quarter Navajo. "His grandmother has become friends with my father because they are both of Navajo descent," Begay said. "I became aware of what Rickie was doing from his high school days and he has brought a lot of flair to the game. "He is a very good-looking young man, with the colorful clothes, his unique swing, and he has created a lot of interest." Learning lessons . For all his promise, Fowler still has some way to match Begay's achievements, which as well as his PGA Tour wins and the storied 59 in a Challenge Tour event, also included a place on the 2000 U.S. Presidents Cup team. But like his friend Woods, Begay has also made the headlines for the wrong reasons. In January 2000, he was arrested for driving under the influence in Albuquerque, his second offense of its type and sentenced to a year in jail, but with all but seven days suspended. Begay makes no attempt to duck his responsibilities -- raising the issue before being asked a direct question by CNN. "I was aware there were certain expectations as a role model, and when you get arrested for drunk driving, I felt like I let down a lot of people," he said. "But I learned from those mistakes and a lot of times failure is what drives you to success down the road. "I made a mistake, I served my time in jail and didn't try to sidestep it." It is a measure of his determination that Begay went on to achieve two PGA Tour wins later that year and make that Presidents Cup appearance, pairing with Woods as the U.S. won against the International team. But sadly, it was to prove the peak of his career, which began as a three-time All American at Stanford with Woods, but petered out due to problems emanating from a herniated disc in his back. A number of comebacks and attempts to regain his full Tour card were ultimately frustrated and, having turned his talents to broadcasting, Begay gained a full-time position with NBC and the Golf Channel earlier this year. "I play fine and take part in a couple of smaller events throughout the year, but playing 25 tournaments at the highest level each year is not possible," he said. Loyalty to his community and to his friends is a constant theme in Begay's life -- he stood by Woods when the 14-time major champion was in self-imposed exile, with sponsors deserting him and supporters hard to find. Begay was there for Woods -- embracing him warmly -- when he made his February 2010 televised confession of extra marital affairs, and behind the microphone he has celebrated his return to the top of the world rankings three years later. Woods has returned that favor with his support for NB3, drawing the crowds in the 2012 tournament, which helped to place added focus on the foundation's crucial work. It is now working with the Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides for more than two million Native Americans, and the collaboration was developed in support of the initiative started by Michelle Obama. Her "Let's Move in Indian Country" program seeks to improve the health of Native youth through exercise. "This unprecedented partnership between the Obama administration, the IHS, and the NB3F demonstrates the critical importance of leveraging partnerships and resources to tackle the health crisis facing Native American children," Begay told his foundation's website. So exciting times ahead for his program, but he is aware of the immense challenges it faces. "A lot of the tribal leaders are starting to support or work and acknowledge the dangers are young people are in," Begay said. "It's all about taking personal responsibility for your own life and to make something of yourself." Cracking the code . Begay has lived up to those ideals with a strong work ethic in his family -- drilled into him by his father -- and backed up by no little flair through the generations. His grandfather, who died before he was born, was one of a select band of "Code Talkers" recruited by the U.S military during World War Two to use the Navajo language as a basis for a secret communications code, which was never cracked by the Japanese or the Germans. Thanks to his own hard work and talent, Begay was set firmly on the course to stardom from his college days. But if he does harbor any regrets about not being able to follow through on his early promise to win majors like Woods, Begay does not show it as he talks with passion about his foundation's goals and hopes for the future. "I love this work, just as I loved trying to hit a ball onto the fairway," he said. | Notah Begay is a golfer with a Native American background .
Has four PGA Tour wins and was a Presidents Cup teammate of Tiger Woods .
Promotes foundation for health and wellbeing in Native American community .
Fight against type 2 diabetes and obesity is his priority . |
fe263e2cc16460fca24ece906bfb92e8766d87e0 | By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 06:38 EST, 30 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:56 EST, 30 May 2012 . Reunited: Martin Robson Riley with his grandfather's World War One Medal that vanished 30 years ago . A World War One medal that vanished 30 years ago has been reunited with the soldier's grandson after he spotted it on eBay. Martin Robson Riley, 45, said he was left 'flabbergasted' when he came across the Victory Medal awarded to his grandfather in 1919. The medal, and one other belonging to Private Henry Riley, had disappeared from the family home in Bournbrook, Birmingham, but the Victory medal eventually found its way to a dealer in Cornwall who put it up for auction. Mr Riley, from Llandre, Ceredigion, . Wales, says it was 'sheer chance' that he found the medal on the online . auction site with a starting price of just 99p. Mr . Riley, who works at the National Library of Wales, said: 'I couldn’t . believe my eyes when I saw my grandfather’s name and regimental number . come up as part of the description for the medal. 'I . hadn’t been actively looking for it, but I’d occasionally type my . grandfather’s name and the word 'medal' into search engines to see what . happened and out of sheer chance when I looked last week, there it was. 'I . emailed the seller to explain who my grandfather was and he sent me . the medal for free, saying I had more of a claim to it than anyone. I can’t thank him enough for his kindness.' Private . Riley served with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry on the Western . Front from 1916, serving in the battle of Arras in 1917 before being . gassed by the Germans. He returned to the army and served with the British forces who occupied the Rhine after the war ended in 1918. Honoured: Private Henry Riley, pictured on his wedding day in 1922, was awarded the World war One medal in 1919 . The . medal’s dedication 'The Great War for Civilisation 1914 to 1919' is . because under British common law the war 'officially' ended in 1919. But the war took its toll and Private Riley died in 1927 at the age of just 28 so Mr Riley never got to meet the man whose medal he now owns. He said: 'My grandmother remarried and when her second husband died in 1981 we went to clear the house and the medals were missing. Lost: Private Henry Riley's World War One medal, pictured front and back, had been missing for 30 years before his grandson Martin Riley spotted it on eBay . 'We don’t know if they were stolen, sold or given away, but after 30 years I’m absolute over the moon to be able to hold it.' Around six million Victory Medals were issued to Allied servicemen, with the recipient’s service number, rank, name and unit engraved on the rim. Private Riley’s other missing medal, the British War Medal, was not amongst those being sold by the dealer. Mr Riley, who moved to Ceredigion with his wife Gill 15 years ago, said: 'I’m optimistic that it’s still out there somewhere. I just hope it doesn’t take me another 30 years to find it!' | Private Henry Riley awarded Victory Medal for role in The Great War for Civilisation 1914 to 1919 aged 21 .
Medal disappeared from relatives' home in Birmingham but turned up in Cornwall 30 years later .
eBay seller sent medal to grandson Martin Riley for free after hearing his story . |
fe2652a98176cae99742a89699c5e0238e3ede55 | So much for old-fashioned air conditioning: What if you could harness the universe to cool your house? Some Stanford University engineers may have figured out how to do just that. According to a paper in the scientific journal Nature, a team led by Stanford electrical engineer Shanhui Fan has come up with a material that can radiate heat away from buildings and send it directly into space. The wafer-thin material -- just 1.8 microns thick, about 50 times thinner than a piece of paper -- is made up of layers of silicon dioxide and hafnium oxide on top of a layer of silver. It both acts as a mirror, reflecting sunlight back into space, and channels invisible, heat-bearing infrared rays away from the source and into the universe. "Think about it like having a window into space," Fan told the Stanford Report. The Stanford team calls it "photonic radiative cooling," and if the material is applied to surfaces such as rooftops, it could help lower the need for air conditioning. In tests, the material was capable of cooling a surface by 5 degrees Celsius (about 9 degrees Fahrenheit). "This team has shown how to passively cool structures by simply radiating heat into the cold darkness of space," Nobel Prize-winning physicist Burton Richter, a Stanford professor emeritus, told the Stanford Report. The scientists note that air conditioning currently accounts for about 15% of energy usage in buildings. Moreover, in rural and undeveloped areas, the material could provide a cooling technology that doesn't require electricity, observes Aaswath Raman, who was part of the research team. "Across the developing world, photonic radiative cooling makes off-grid cooling a possibility in rural regions, in addition to meeting skyrocketing demand for air conditioning in urban areas," he told the Stanford Report. There are still obstacles, of course. The team believes production of the material can be ramped up into rooftop-appropriate sizes, but right now it exists only as a relatively small prototype. Moreover, the researchers are uncertain how to conduct heat from a building's interior to the material so it can be sent into space. But the scientists are optimistic. After all, the universe is vast and very, very cold: about 3 degrees above absolute zero, to be precise. Radiating our heat directly into space could help solve a number of problems on Earth, Fan told the Stanford Report. "Every object that produces heat has to dump that heat into a heat sink," he said. "What we've done is to create a way that should allow us to use the coldness of the universe as a heat sink during the day." | Stanford scientists create material that radiates heat into space .
Material is ultrathin and acts as both mirror and infrared radiator .
If applied to building rooftops, could help lower temperature significantly . |
fe26f516fcbc57fb053fe063243c1590f016a4bb | By . David Martosko, U.s. Political Editor . National Security Adviser Susan Rice defended the Obama White House's Taliban prisoner exchange on Sunday morning, telling CNN and ABC audiences that releasing five high-level terror targets to the nation of Qatar in exchange for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl won't put American national security at risk. 'We felt that as the war is winding . down, it was our sacred obligation, given the opportunity to get him . back, that we do so,' Rice told CNN's Candy Crowley on the 'State of the Union' program. 'We did so in a way that . resulted in the Taliban prisoners being monitored and kept in a secure . way in Qatar.' And addressing the thorny question of whether negotiating with terrorists might lead to more kidnappers' demands for more detainee releases from Guantanamo Bay, Rice insisted that the military detention center is still slated for closure. 'The terrorists are intent on doing what they want to do,' she said, 'But Candy, we have a commitment to close Guantanamo Bay. The president's been very clear about that.' 'The existence of Guantanamo Bay is itself a detriment to our national security, which is why the president has prioritized closing it, and why we intend to get that done.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Gitmo is still slated for closure, Susan Rice insisted on Sunday, saying that mothballing the military detention center would remove the incentive for terror groups to demand hostage exchanges . Obama has been accused of violating U.S. laws by approving a prisoner exchange of five Guantanamo detainees for the release of America's only prisoner of war. The five Afghans are among the most senior members of the Taliban being held at the controversial camp, and include one who had direct ties to Osama bin Laden . Obama wasn't required to notify Congress before letting five Taliban fighters out of Guantanamo Bay, Rice said, because Sgt. Bergdahl's reportedly deteriorating health gave the president an emergency exception to a law he signed a year ago -- but Obama has written in the past that the notification requirement itself was unconstitutional . Rice also said President Barack Obama had spoken personally with Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on Tuesday 'when this looked like it was a real possibility.' The amir, she said, promised Obama 'directly and personally' that there would be restrictions on the five released Taliban fighters – 'that these prisoners will be carefully watched, that their ability to move will be constrained.' 'We believe that this is in the national security interest of the United States,'she said. The only condition of their release that has been made public is a promise that they will not be permitted to leave Qatar for one year. 'Are they free to be in the country, free to communicate with whoever they want?' Crowley asked, 'or are they in detention in Qatar?' Rice pledged that 'there are restrictions on their movement and behavior. I'm not at liberty to get into detail about the precise nature of those restrictions.' 'But suffice it to say that we are satisfied,' she added, 'that that substantially mitigates the risk to the United States and to our national security and we feel confident that the assurances given to us will be upheld.' Rice's choice of words – 'substantially mitigates' – will be a crucial element in the Obama administration's defense of its decision. On ABC's 'This Week' program, host George Stephanopoulos cited a federal law that 'requires assurances that they're not going to be able to return to the battlefield' and harm American interests. Rice leapt in to correct him. 'The law says that we need to have sufficient confidence that the risk can be substantially mitigated,' she protested. 'And we do have ... that confidence based on a detailed understanding with the government of Qatar based on President Obama's personal communication with the emir of Qatar on Tuesday.' Rice also dismissed public concerns about the nature of Bergdahl's 2009 disappearance from his U.S. Army unit. President Barack Obama joined Jani and Bob Bergdahl, the parents of U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, in the Rose Garden of the White House on Saturday to announce that their son had been released to U.S. Special Forces after five years in captivity . Rice dismissed concerns about how Bergdahl came to be captured five years ago, saying that 'the point is that he is back' Sgt. Bergdahl's capture was first announced to the world in a July 2009 video in which one of his captors displayed his dog tags . 'There are a lot of questions about how he originally was captured and whether or not he had deserted, had left his post,' said Stephanopoulos. 'Is that going to be investigated? And if it's found that he did indeed leave his post, will he be disciplined – or has he already paid the price?' Rice downplayed concerns about any part Bergdahl may have played in his own capture. 'Certainly anybody who has been held in those conditions, in captivity, for five years has paid an extraordinary price. But that is really not the point,' she replied. 'The point is that he is back.' Some Republicans in Congress are complaining that Obama broke a federal law that he himself signed in 2013, by failing to notify lawmakers before transferring anyone out of the island detention center. The law also requires Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to explain why prisoners are being released, and to assure Congress that the freed terror suspects won't be able to reengage in any activities that might harm the U.S. or its global interests. The Washington Post reported Saturday night that Obama added a 'signing statement' when he inked the bill into law, 'contending that the notification requirement was an unconstitutional infringement on his powers as commander-in-chief and that he therefore could override it.' Obama's national security adviser said Qatar's emir had given the White House 'sufficient assurances' that the released detainees won't be able to harm the United States or its interests . Bowe Bergdahl's release was celebrated in his hometown of Hailey, Idaho, but unconfirmed reports have circulated since Saturday describing a different Army sergeant -- one who deserted his post and went off in search of Taliban fighters to join, not to fight . While campaigning for president in 2008, Obama habitually excoriated President George W. Bush for issuing signing statements, calling them an unconstitutional "end-run' around Congress. “Congress’ job is to pass legislation,' then-Senator Obama explained during a May 19, 2008 campaign stop in Billings, Montana. 'The president can veto it or he can sign it. But what George Bush has been trying to do as part of his effort to accumulate more power in the presidency.' 'He’s been saying, "Well, I can basically change what Congress passed by attaching a letter saying I don’t agree with this part or I don’t agree with that part, [and] I’m going to choose to interpret it this way or that way." That's not part of his power, but this is part of the whole theory of George Bush that he can make laws as he goes along.' Susan Rice has been an infrequent guest on Sunday morning political talk shows since September 2012 when she told five separate audiences on a single Sunday that a terror attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya was the result of an anti-Muslim YouTube video. That explanation was later debunked, and evidence shows that the Obama administration knew almost immediately that an al-Qaeda-linked terror group called Ansar al-Shariah had launched a premeditated attack. Four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, died in the military-style assault. But Obama was weeks away from re-election, and insisting that his foreign policy had taken al-Qaeda off the battlefield. | Obama's national security adviser told CNN that the president pulled the trigger on a hostage exchange after Qatar's emir promised that the five Taliban the US released would not be able to reenter the terror battlefield .
She also rearticulated Obama's pledge to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center, saying its existence attracts kidnappers who want a bargaining chip to free their comrades .
Rice refused to discuss the circumstances of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's capture, and didn't address reports that he was AWOL and looking to join the Taliban .
She was careful to use talking-point language on ABC, saying that Obama was only required to determine that Qatar's promises about the Taliban fighters' restrictions 'substantially mitigates' the risk to the US . |
fe273c436d5cacb4f87e7a73417a031807e9fd32 | Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- An Egyptian billionaire was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in the murder of Lebanese pop singer Susanne Tamim in 2008, Egypt's Interior Ministry told CNN Tuesday. The man who actually committed the murder got 28 years, the ministry's Alla Mahmoud said. It was the second trial of Egyptian ruling party member Hisham Talaat Moustafa since Tamim's body was found in her apartment in Dubai in July 2008. She had been stabbed and her throat was slit. Prosecutors alleged he paid the other man, Mohsen el Sukkary, $2 million to murder Tamim. In a case that captivated Egypt and the region because of the fame of the victim and defendants, the men were eventually found guilty and given the death penalty under Egyptian law. But nearly eight months after the trial, the country's Supreme Constitutional Court ordered the retrial of the two on procedural grounds. Lawyers for the defendants had claimed the prosecution's evidence could have been fabricated or tampered with by authorities in Dubai and should not be used against them. During the original trial, Moustafa's lawyer told CNN his client loved the singer but could not take Tamim as a second wife because his family objected. Polygamy is legal in Egypt, and it's not unusual for men such as Moustafa, a married father of three, to take on additional wives. Prosecutors argued that Tamim's death was a "means of taking revenge." Although Tamim was killed in the United Arab Emirates, the Egyptian judiciary tried the case in Cairo because the accused were arrested in Egypt. After Moustafa's arrest, Egyptian authorities indicted him, stripped him of his parliamentary immunity and jailed him pending trial. He also resigned as chairman of Talaat Moustafa Group -- a conglomerate with construction and real estate arms that was founded by his father, Talaat Moustafa. Moustafa's brother, Tarek Talaat Moustafa, now chairs the company. CNN's Housam Ahmed in Cairo and Caroline Faraj in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. | One of Egypt's richest and most powerful men has now been found guilty twice .
He was sentenced to death after an earlier trial but got a retrial .
The court found he paid another man $2 million to murder Susanne Tamim . |
fe27bea386101d1697662133402afb3936086835 | (CNN) -- The worst-ever outbreak of Ebola virus is stretching the medical capacities of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone -- the three West African countries hit worst by the virus -- and alarming leaders around the world. The following countries have restrictions in place aimed at keeping Ebola out, according to International SOS. AFRICA . Cameroon . Cape Verde . Chad . Equatorial Guinea . Gabon . Gambia . Kenya . Mauritania . Mauritius . Namibia . Rwanda . Senegal . Seychelles . South Africa . South Sudan . AMERICAS . Antigua and Barbuda . Belize . Canada . Colombia . Dominican Republic . Guyana . Haiti . Jamaica . Panama . Saint Kitts and Nevis . Saint Lucia . Saint Maarten . Saint Vincent and the Grenadines . Suriname . Trinidad and Tobago . United States . ASIA . North Korea . OCEANIA . Australia . Source: International SOS, November 3 . | Ebola virus has killed thousands since deadliest ever outbreak began .
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone are the worst-hit countries .
Countries around the world have implemented travel restrictions related to outbreak . |
fe2874fc90694dd275d278aa83bfccab870ed845 | (CNN) -- The body of Luis Francisco Cuellar Carvajal, governor of the department of Caqueta, Colombia, was discovered Tuesday not far from where he was kidnapped the night before, government spokesperson Wilmer Rua said. Cuellar Carvajal's throat was slit, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said in an address to the nation Tuesday night. The governor's body was found by Colombian troops in an area close to his home, where he was kidnapped Monday night, he said. One of his bodyguards was killed in the high-profile abduction, and two other officers were injured . The kidnapping was carried out by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC by its Spanish initials, Colombian Defense Minister Gabriel Silva said earlier Tuesday. Uribe had ordered the military to find and rescue Cuellar Carvajal from the rebel group. The Marxist insurgent group has been fighting the Colombian government for more than 45 years. This is the fifth time the governor has been kidnapped, Rua said. This time, he was taken late at night, about two hours before his 69th birthday. Uribe said that members of the FARC kidnapped Cuellar Carvajal at about 10 p.m. Monday. Authorities ordered the city on lockdown in an attempt to keep the kidnappers from carrying out their plan, Uribe said. Instead, the the guerrillas burned the vehicle that authorities believe was used in the kidnapping, and then slit the governor's throat to avoid leaving evidence that may have been traced from a firearm to the killers, Uribe said. The president offered a $1 billion peso reward (U.S. $485,000) for information leading to the arrests of those responsible. | Governor's body is found by Colombian troops in an area close to his home .
Luis Francisco Cuellar Carvajal was governor of the department or state of Caqueta .
Authorities suspect FARC leftist Colombian rebels responsible for the kidnapping .
It was fifth time governor had been kidnapped; one of his bodyguards was killed . |
fe28a99ad8349e1dd16f88d9875b5af96f9fd516 | Istanbul, Turkey (CNN) -- Thousands of Turks marched through Istanbul in a demonstration calling for improved rights and greater social acceptance for the country's homosexual community. Activists say the annual Turkish Gay Pride Parade, now in its ninth year, is the only march of its kind in a majority-Muslim country. Several thousand supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights carried signs and rainbow flags as they made their way down one of Istanbul's busiest pedestrian thoroughfares. Participants chanted slogans against harassment and blew whistles, waved large rainbow flags and carried signs in Turkish and English that sported messages like "We're everywhere, get used to it" and "Dance, dance, against homophobia, dance." Other signs referenced Ahmet Yildiz, a 26-year-old who was shot to death in Istanbul in 2008. Yildiz's father has been accused of traveling almost 600 miles to shoot him in what has been called an "honor killing." According to Yildiz's partner, Ibo, Yildiz sought protection from prosecutors after receiving threats of violence from his family. His case was featured in an Amnesty International report on the status of gays, lesbians, and transsexuals in Turkey titled "Not An Illness, Nor A Crime." The report says it later emerged that the prosecutor's office erroneously transferred the complaint to another office and failed to investigate the claims, in what some activists view as the unwillingness of the authorities to confront homophobic violence. Sunday's march blurred ethnic and religious lines. A group of about 20 Kurdish activists, fleeing police tear gas that was fired at an unrelated nearby political demonstration, were greeted by a round of applause as they joined the colorful crowd. Tear gas from the same demonstration wafted over parts of the crowd, causing the march to stall briefly as people took cover to stave off its effects. Gay rights organizations have accused Turkey's government of expressing hostile attitudes toward the country's homosexual community. Activists point to a statement made by Aliye Kavaf, Turkey's minister for women and family affairs. "I believe homosexuality is a biological disorder, an illness, and should be treated," she said in a 2010 interview with the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. One parade-goer, who was a part of a tango group moving through the crowd, wore a bright red head scarf with a checkered red, black, and white tie as she danced with her partner. The dancer, who wears a head scarf in daily life, said that Islam and homosexuality are not incongruous. "Religion is not a fixed thing," said Iz, who declined to provide her last name. "It has been interpreted throughout history, is still being interpreted and it needs to evolve." In accession talks with the European Union, Turkey has been gradually improving its record on homosexuality as it makes changes to conform to EU policy on human rights laws. Many marchers on Sunday came out to improve social consciousness of homosexuality. "The big-bellied, mustached men are looking, trying to figure out what's going on. They're learning what a rainbow is," said Natalie Aslan, 23. | Istanbul sees its ninth annual gay pride parade .
"We're everywhere, get used to it," one sign read .
The march is the only one of its kind in a majority-Muslim country . |
fe28aa9763140bf90e2f75a0021b96653fab55a9 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 2:58 PM on 6th August 2011 . Found: A female body found earlier today is Celina Cass . The father of 11-year-old Celina Cass, whose body was found this week, is bedridden with exhaustion and severe heart problems. The unsolved death of Adam Laro's daughter is said to be 'killing him' while detectives continue to investigate her 'suspicious' death after autopsy results were inconclusive. Meanwhile a neighbour of the family, who live in the small town of Stewartstown, said Celina's home was more like a 'party stable' with people coming in and out all the time. Robbie . Kimball, the owner of nearby Wayne’s Lanes and Jo’s Grill, said: 'They had people that were in and out of there all the time. It was the get-together hangout.' Celina went missing from the bedroom of her home almost two weeks ago and a large-scale search was underway until her body was recovered in the Connecticut River on Monday. According to relatives she will be placed in a pink casket and cremated soon. Her grandmother, Marcia Laro, told the Boston Herald that Celina's father's health is deteriorating because of her unsolved death. She said: 'Today was not good. His heart . is critical. He was supposed to have open-heart surgery, but he’s too . weak for it...His health is very bad.' Adam Laro suffered congestive heart . failure and spent more than a week in a coma prior to Celina’s . disappearance the night of July 25. He left the hospital last week and . made a public plea for her return - against doctors’ advice. Police have seized two pick-up trucks in their investigation - one belonging to her stepfather Wendell Noyes, who has a history of mental illness, and the other driven by another man who lives at her home. Natasha Newell, who works with Celina’s mother Louisa Noyes, said other relatives, including Louisa’s . ex-boyfriend’s son, her sister and her aunt, also lived in the house. Community residents were saddened that the autopsy wasn't able to provide them with any closure. Father: The unsolved death of Celina is said to be 'killing' Adam Laro, who is seriously ill with exhaustion and heart problems . Devastated: New Hampshire State Police officers watch as a woman identified as Celina Cass's mother, under a blanket, is escorted from the family home which has been described as a 'party stable' Comforting: Family and friends of Celina wait on the porch of the family home where several of Celina's relatives were living . 'I don't even know what to say. I thought the community needed some answers, and I thought we were going to get them tonight,' said Debbie Whelan, whose daughter, a friend of Celina's, was sobbing after watching a news report on a TV monitor. The lack of answers was 'scary,' said Shannon Towle, who owns a convenience store across the street from the house where Celina lived with her mother, sister, stepfather and a man named Kevin Mullaney, said by neighbors to be the son of a former boyfriend of her mother, Louisa Noyes. 'We still don't know what happened, and that's terrifying,' Towle said. Celina's death has been deemed . suspicious, based on what divers found, and investigators were treating . the case as a criminal investigation. Search: Investigators search near the dam where the body of Celina Cass was found on Tuesday . Grim: Divers recovered Cass' body from the Connecticut River on Monday a quarter-mile from her home . After the news conference, teenagers gathered in a town park, where candles were lit in Celina's memory. 'Someone has to light the way for Celina,' said Kayla Baglio, 18. 'It's to let her know no matter what, people are going to be here for her.' On Tuesday, investigators combed the area along the river, which divides Vermont and New Hampshire, above where Celina's body was found. A crime scene technician said they were doing computer-aided diagramming to give them a precise electronic image of the area. At the peak of the search for Celina, more than 100 federal, state . and local law enforcement officers descended upon the town of 800 . residents, searching a mile-wide area around her home, including woods . and ponds. Because . of the town's remote location, law enforcement officers went so far as . to have a cellphone tower erected to assist in communications. Grim: The hydroelectric dam that spans the Connecticut River between Stewartstown, N.H. and Canaan, Vt., near where the body of 11-year-old Celina Cass was found . Memories: A memorial for Celina Cass is seen here after her body was discovered at the bottom of a dam . Speech: Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young, center, announces that New Hampshire Fish and Game divers have recovered the body of Celina Cass . Five hundred tips were received and the FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to her and to the arrest and prosecution of anyone responsible for her disappearance. Troubled past: Celina Cass's stepfather, Wendell Noyes, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2003 and was hospitalised earlier this week . On Monday, the intense search came to an abrupt end when New Hampshire Fish and Game Department divers found her body near a hydroelectric dam that spans the Connecticut River between Stewartstown and Canaan. Investigators on Tuesday combed the area along the river, which divides Vermont and New Hampshire, above where Celina's body was found. A crime scene technician said they were doing computer-aided diagramming to give them a precise electronic image of the area. Celina's stepfather, Wendell Noyes, who reportedly was hospitalized hours before her body was recovered from the river, returned to the community Tuesday. Witnesses said Noyes was taken away by ambulance Monday after lying down with his face in his arms outside a home where he had been staying in Stewartstown. Hospital officials declined to say whether he was a patient. Shannon Towle, owner of Towle's Mini-Mart, said she sold him cigarettes Tuesday morning. In the first days after Celina disappeared, Noyes had described her as a quiet girl who would not have left home on her own, but he had declined to comment further. Residents considered cancelling their . annual children's fair in light of the fifth-grader's death but instead . decided to go forward with the weekend event and to dedicate it to her . memory. 'It's still a scary place for our . children,' Patricia Grover, who's on the organising committee for . Stewartstown Days said. He added: 'They need something . that's on a little happier note for them.' Location: Celina Cass' body has been found at a dam less than a mile from her home in Stewartstown, New Hampshire . 'Whatever it takes': A New Hampshire State Police Trooper puts crime scene tape around the family home of Celina Cass in the town of Stewartstown on Wednesday after her disappearance . After her body was discovered, . several of the 11-year-old's relatives could be seen at her home crying . and roads were blocked off with reporters also asked to leave. Meanwhile, Celina's stepfather was . hospitalised after he was said to have taken a 'funny turn' on the . driveway of the family home earlier today after talking to reporters. Wendell . Noyes, who was reportedly involuntarily committed to a mental . institution and diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2003, was seen . repeatedly lying face down and rolling around in the driveway. He was said to be receiving treatment for his mental illness. Celina, who lived with her mother and stepfather, was last seen on Monday night playing on her computer. The next morning, she was gone. Residents . described Celina as a sweet, friendly child. One of Celina's best . friends, 11-year-old Makayla Riendeau, said Celina loves her mother and . likes her stepfather and wouldn't run away. She . said Celina is very athletic, is a stickler about getting her school . work done on time and loves having friends over to her house. Popular: Celia Cass pictured left in her basketball uniform and right, with friends in a photo she posted on Facebook. Her friends have described her as athletic and hardworking, and say she would never run away . Hunt: Residents post flyers on trees in Stewartstown to help find Celina . | Adam Laro bedridden with exhaustion and severe heart problems .
Death still being treated as suspicious though no one arrested .
Police seized two vehicles - one belonging to her step father . |
fe28f5ca2f1b0cc06fb5bc9c75c1c76b8f389262 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:57 EST, 10 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:59 EST, 10 October 2013 . Police say a four-year-old boy taken from a playground in Baden, Lower Austria, has been found safe and well in the Channel Islands after a three-day search. Caspar Ruggaber had gone missing on Monday when his multimillionaire British father turned up unexpectedly at the mother's address in Baden, and asked to see his son. Police today confirmed that Caspar had been found safe and well in Guernsey. They are understood to be questioning the father, Stefan Gomoll, and his lawyer. The boy has joint German and British nationality, and both passports were with his mother, Dominique Ruggaber, when he was seized. It is not clear how the father managed to get the boy into the Channel Islands without a passport. Four-year-old Caspar (left) and his father Stefan Gomoll (right), who took the boy from a playground in Austria . Britta Schönhart, a lawyer for the boy's mother said that she was 'of course' pleased the child had been found safe and well. 'Arrangements are now being made for the mother to travel over to Guernsey,' she said. 'We are hoping that the case will have a positive conclusion.' The boy and his mother had been living on the Channel Island of Sark, where Mr. Gomoll is a member of the Finance and Commerce Committee. Caspar's mother Dominique Ruggaber with family lawyer Britta Schönhart. The mother is understood to be on her way to Guernsey to see her son. They moved to Baden to be near her parents when she broke up from Mr Gomoll in April 2012. In February 2013, however, the two had returned to Sark, but went back to Baden in August after Mr Gomoll threatened to put Caspar in boarding school. Austrian police had said the father had turned up unexpectedly at the mother's address in Baden on Monday, and asked to see his son. More... Kate McCann tells libel hearing she wants to defend herself in court against ‘smears’ made against her by Portuguese police . The mother agreed, saying he could take the boy to the park, but only on the condition the boy's grandfather accompany them. Mr Gomoll and the boy vanished when the grandfather used the toilet. A legal source connected to the case said Austrian police had applied for a Europe-wide arrest warrant. Caspar was taken from the town of Baden in Austria and turned up in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. His father is based in the nearby island of Sark . | Caspar went missing when British father turned up unexpectedly at the mother's address in Baden, Lower Austria .
Turned up in Guernsey in the Channel Islands three days later .
Father is a well-known businessman on the Channel Island of Sark . |
fe290e75c79299266692ebf5d911cd95de642e87 | (CNN) -- At home I drink from the tap. Not so much because I particularly love the taste, but because the automatic water dispenser on my fridge doesn't work. This, of course, is the primary job of any automatic water dispenser. Not to work. Seriously. Every fridge I've ever owned. Same thing. I'm actually starting to think it's all a giant conspiracy orchestrated by the evil hydration overlords at Brita. Don't let their cute little water pitchers fool you. Though, perhaps my fridge just needs a new filter. That could also be it. Regardless, swapping one out would require two full minutes of my life and minimal effort. Which sounds awful. So, really, it just makes more sense to ignore the problem and continue living my delightfully mediocre existence. "Hooray! Everything is only decent!" Fortunately, I really don't mind the flavor of what's coming out of the tap. It's more or less fresh and clean. And, most importantly, new. Because according to a trending science story floating around the interwebs, we now understand that the oldest known water on the planet tastes absolutely "terrible." There's far more to the story than just that. But the big headline everyone seems to be talking about online is the fact that this really old, prehistoric water shockingly doesn't taste like a mountain spring. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Barbara Sherwood Lollar, a science professor from the University of Toronto, described having a sip. "What jumps out at you first is the saltiness," she explained. "It has the consistency of a very light maple syrup." How adorably Canadian. (Salty? Maple syrup?) Anyhow, the water, which for years has been bubbling up from a zinc and copper mine in Timmins, Ontario, was only recently dated by scientists who calculated its age to be anywhere from 1 billion to 2.6 billion years old. Which is quite a wide range. Good for prehistoric science. Bad for casual conversation. "What a cutie! How old is your daughter?" "Welp, she's definitely somewhere between 3 and 67." The point here is that this water is really old. And it doesn't particularly care for kids these days, what with their video games and rap music. Amazingly, the liquid has been trapped in granitelike rock fissures 1.5 miles underground where it's happily lived beneath the dirt. And as Lollar studied it seeping up within the mine, scientific research eventually led her to taste it. "We are interested in the saltiest waters because they are the oldest," she told the Los Angeles Times. "Tasting is the quick-and-dirty way to find which are the most salty." Lollar did, however, insist that she doesn't let her students do it. Which shockingly goes against all human instinct to experience something disgusting and then immediately encourage others to do the same. "Blech! This cheese tastes like a truck-stop men's room. Here, Dave, have a bite." Prior to scientists discovering the approximate age of the ancient water found in Canada, the previous record holder came from a South African gold mine. But the water there was only tens of millions of years old. Lame. However, what's really exciting about all this is that, like the South African water, the Canadian liquid might be capable of containing life despite its incredible isolation deep within the earth. I seriously hope it's overrun with Fraggles. Of course, what we're actually talking about is tiny microbes. Which, generally speaking, I don't particularly care for. If you've ever dined on bad street meat in Ko Samui, Thailand, you know that some of these little bastards mean business. "Yeeeeeah, we're here from that rat you just ate. If you could spend the next five days near a toilet, that would be great." Lollar speculates that it will take about a year before they can confirm whether or not anything's actually living down there in the fissures, but positive results could have implications that reach beyond even our own planet. "Scientists have found evidence that there was once water on the surface of Mars," she explains. "It could be that there is water trapped in rock hidden deep beneath the planet's surface in the same way the water was trapped in the ancient rock in the Timmins mine." Until then, for the next year or so, all we can really do is enjoy the fact that one brave, friendly scientist tasted horrible prehistoric water so the rest of us didn't have to. How adorably Canadian. Follow Jarrett Bellini on Twitter. | Water bubbling up in a mine in Ontario is between 1 billion and 2.6 billion years old .
Scientist who sipped water says it tastes "terrible"
Researchers are still trying to determine if the water could contain microbes .
One brave scientist tasted horrible prehistoric water so the rest of us didn't have to . |
fe293c6208b098504c1babfadc4fa95310f3af49 | It's back. The greatest prize in club football, the European Champions League, returns for another glorious season on Tuesday and as ever there's so much to look forward to. The biggest teams and the biggest stars going head-to-head in the biggest stadiums for the biggest prize on the continent. There really is nothing better. Here's 10 reasons why we can't wait for the return of Europe's top competition this week. Who will succeed Real Madrid as champions of Europe this season? 1. The return of Liverpool . It's been a long five years away for Liverpool and their captain Steven Gerrard admitted to feeling 'jealousy' as rivals Man United, Man City and Chelsea took on the cream of Europe. But the wait is finally over and the strains of the iconic Champions League anthem will once again ring out at Anfield ahead of their match with Ludogorets Razgard on Tuesday. For a club with such a proud European pedigree as Liverpool, being away from the Champions League really hurt and they'll be desperate to make up for lost time. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard limbers up as he prepares to lead Liverpool back into the Champions League . Steven Gerrard lifts the European Cup after Liverpool's memorable comeback win in Istanbul in 2005 . Mario Balotelli is set to lead the Liverpool line against Ludogorets on Tuesday night . Brendan Rodgers has a bold and exciting team to unleash, with Mario Balotelli leading the line ahead of the likes of Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Lazar Markovic (when he returns from suspension). There are few things more stirring in football than a big European night at Anfield and they will be worth the wait. 2. Arsenal's British core take on Europe . While Liverpool are making a return, Arsenal are mainstays in the Champions League, about to embark on their 17th consecutive season. They begin with a tricky trip to Borussia Dortmund and won't be helped by a defensive injury crsis that sees them without Mathieu Debuchy, Nacho Monreal and possibly Calum Chambers. Arsene Wenger is preparing to lead Arsenal in the Champions League for the 17th successive season . Arsenal will be without right-back Mathieu Debuchy for their trip to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday . (Left to right) Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Jack Wilshere form part of Arsenal's English core as they chase glory in the Champions League . But they do boast a wonderfully creative attack, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain flying the flag for British talent. Throw in Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil and the Gunners should have the firepower to cause plenty of problems. They take on Dortmund, Galatasaray and Anderlecht in their group. 3. Chelsea aiming to go one better . It was a case of so near and yet so far for Chelsea as they were beaten by Atletico Madrid in last season's semi-finals. The lack of a deadly goalscorer proved the downfall of Jose Mourinho's team, but this time it's all very different. Diego Costa helped Atletico Madrid to victory over Chelsea in last season's Champions League semi-finals . But now Costa is showing excellent form for Chelsea following his £32m summer move . Diego Costa has scored seven goals in four Premier League matches since his £32m move from Atletico and if he can translate that form into European competition, there's no reason why Chelsea can't repeat their 2012 triumph. Chelsea start their campaign at home to Schalke on Wednesday and a group that also contains Maribor and Sporting Lisbon shouldn't cause too many problems. 4. Champions City with a point to prove . They may have won two Premier League titles out of three but Manchester City haven't yet been able to translate domestic dominance into European success. When they are confronted with one of the established names, they have struggled. Last season, it was Barcelona. The year before it was Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The year before that Bayern Munich. Lionel Messi and Barcelona proved the downfall of Manchester City in last season's last 16 tie . City need star striker Sergio Aguero to deliver the goals if they are to improve in the Champions League . And as a result, they once again find themselves in a tough group with Bayern, Roma and CSKA Moscow, travelling to the Allianz Arena first up on Wednesday. It's time for City to perform and get to the latter stages and they undoubtedly have the quality to get there. 5. Real's Galacticos - Part II . They ended an agonising 12-year wait for a Champions League crown last season and now Real Madrid are hungry for more. Having secured the much-coveted Decima triumph on an unforgettable night in Lisbon back in May, Real start their pursuit of No 11 at home to Basle on Tuesday night. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring Real Madrid's fourth goal in the 4-1 final win over Atletico Madrid in May . New Galactico James Rodriguez celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Madrid derby with Atletico . They look an even more formidable proposition this time round, with James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos the latest Galacticos to join Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. It's actually been quote a shaky start to the season for Carlo Ancelotti's men, with league defeats already to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. They will hope the Champions League will provide the kick-start they need. 6. Barcelona's awesome forward line . Barcelona also have the Champions League firmly in their sights having strengthened their attacking options with the purchase of Luis Suarez. As we all know, Suarez won't be available until the matchday four trip to Ajax but his goalscoring talents could prove the difference between success and failure in the latter stages. Barcelona's new star signing Luis Suarez will be available from matchday four onwards . Neymar and Lionel Messi celebrate a goal in Barcelona's win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend . However with their midfield packed with plenty of Champions League nous and Lionel Messi and Neymar up front, Barca have plenty to go on. They start their quest for a first Champions League title since 2011 when they play APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday, with two tantalising games with Paris Saint-Germain to come. 7. Bayern's stars on top of the world . Having been embarrassed by Real Madrid in last season's semi-finals, Bayern Munich find themselves with something to prove on the European stage. But at least their German stars have that winning feeling - Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller helped win the World Cup over the summer. Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm lifts the World Cup for Germany during the summer . Thomas Muller will once again offer a potent goalscoring threat for Bayern Munich in the Champions League . Pep Guardiola is seeking to win his third European Cup as a coach . With genuine challenges likely to be few and far between in their domestic league, Bayern will set their sights on European glory and they have an amazing team. Pep Guardiola already has two Champions League wins as a manager - he'd dearly like to make it three. 8. Familiar faces . The Champions League is a constellation of stars and many of them we know very well from the Premier League. Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas will be leading Zenit St Petersburg into action against Benfica, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen in Group C. Dimitar Berbatov will spearhead the Monaco attack on their return to the Champions League for the first time since 2005-2006. And Man City will come up against a familiar foe in Ashley Cole when they take on Roma. Andre Villas-Boas is in charge of Zenit St Petersburg for this season's Champions League campaign . Dimitar Berbatov will be up front for Monaco as they make their return to the Champions League . Ashley Cole will line up for Roma, who have been paired in the same group as Manchester City . 9. The minnows . The elite invariably grab the headlines in the Champions League but let's not forget some of the lesser lights taking part. Nobody could have scripted Ludogorets' qualification play-off victory over Steaua Bucharest as defender Cosmin Moti donned the goalkeeper's gloves to make two vital saves in a penalty shoot-out and secure their progress. Cypriots APOEL Nicosia will visit Barcelona, PSG and Ajax as they compete in the Champions League group phase for only the second time, while Maribor of Slovenia are also making their second appearance at this stage. Cosmin Moti was the penalty-saving hero for Ludogorets in their play-off win over Steaua Bucharest . 10. It is the best of football . Whoever's playing, the Champions League is a byword for top quality football and unmissable drama. The competition throws the world's biggest clubs and world class stars week-in week-out and it's wonderful to have it back again. | The Champions League returns this week as group stage gets underway .
Liverpool return to the top table after five years away as Mario Balotelli prepares to lead their line .
Arsenal hope strong British core will guide them to latter stages .
Diego Costa will offer Chelsea extra firepower as they target glory .
Manchester City seeking to improve on disappointing early exits .
Real Madrid to unleash formidable Galactico team on Europe as they bid to retain their crown .
Barcelona and Bayern Munich again amongst the favourites . |
fe293d1972124d99f2c75c70a63e934e58941ea9 | By . Paul Sims . Last updated at 12:01 AM on 16th November 2011 . The policeman shot and blinded by crazed killer Raoul Moat last night announced the end of his 20-year marriage. Pc David Rathband, 43, used Twitter to confirm he and his estranged wife Kath, 41, are set to divorce. Clearly heartbroken he wrote: ‘Sad to announce Mrs R has called time on our marriage separation permanent.’ Divorcing: Pc David Rathband is splitting from his wife Kath, 41, he revealed on Twitter yesterday . The couple separated at the end of August after police were called to their £300,000 home in Cramlington, Northumberland, following reports of a domestic incident. Pc Rathband was detained by colleagues from Northumbria Police on suspicion of assault after responding to a late-night call made by the couple’s son Ashley, 19. Killer: Raoul Moat shot Pc Rathband in the face while he was sat in his patrol car . Pc Rathband, a former traffic officer, was spoken to at the scene and officers gave the couple advice before leaving. The couple remained in contact with one another and appeared to be rebuilding their marriage. But just two days ago he wrote: ‘Life is a mystery. Who knows what is round the corner. Roll on Christmas.’ Pc Rathband miraculously survived after he was shot twice by Moat from close range as he sat in his traffic car at a roundabout in the West Denton area of Newcastle. He was left with more than 200 pellets lodged in his skull yet gave evidence at the trial of Moat’s two accomplices, Karl Ness and Qhuram Awan. Both were jailed. Wearing his uniform and holding a white stick, he told a court how he had seen the crazed killer approach his Volvo before two shots were fired through the passenger window. He was convinced he was going to die, he told the jury. Somehow he managed to radio for help and was rushed to hospital where he had emergency surgery. Since then he has launched his own charity, the Blue Lamp Foundation, to help emergency service personnel injured in the line of duty. He has also won bravery awards. In his autobiography, Tango 190, Pc Rathband paid tribute to his wife and children for supporting him in the months after the shooting in July last year. ‘I live for them now,’ he wrote. Moat, who shot and injured his former partner Sam Stobbart and killed her new boyfriend, Chris Brown, vowed to kill as many policemen as he could while on the run. He was finally cornered by armed officers in the Northumberland village of Rothbury where, after a six hour stand-off, he shot himself in the head with his double-barrelled shotgun. Following the news of Moat’s death Pc Rathband said he had enjoyed his first full night’s sleep for ages. He has since launched legal action against Northumbria Police, accusing the force of failing to do enough to protect him and fellow officers from the killer. | Pc David Rathband separated from his wife Kath following reports of a domestic incident in August . |
fe299b2f97c2ca51bb4ec53de3432570aeb64487 | Rat Pack crooner Sammy Davis Jr's little black book featuring Hollywood stars like Barbra Streisand and Clint Eastwood offers a rare glimpse into the singer's showbiz life. The late megastar's personal address book dates from the 1980s when his long career was a few decades away from his heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. It reads like a who's who of super-stardom and includes names and addresses of the likes of Oscar-winner Sidney Poitier, Michael Jackson and even tennis star Bjorn Borg. Friends in high places: A filofax belonging to Sammy Davis Jr will be auctioned today . Sammy Davis Jr's little black book featuring Hollywood stars like Barbra Streisand (top right) Perhaps one of the most unusual names listed in the book is that of former US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who allegedly had a relationship with Davis Jr's wife Altovise. Los Angeles-based auction house Nate D Sanders is selling off the spiral-bound book filled out by the singer later today and the minimum bid is $4,000. Davis Jr. was an American entertainer famed for his association with singers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. The collective was called The Rat Pack and in the height of their fame in the 1960s starred in several films including the original Ocean's 11. Sammy Davis Jr's book contains the telephone number for OJ Simpson and wife Nicole (top right) Michael Jackson is listed bottom left of this page in Sammy Davis's little black book . A telephone number for Smokey Robinson is scrawled on the right hand page . Davis, who was one of the first African-American stars, shot to fame in 1951 after a performance that rocked Hollywood nightclub Ciro's after that year's Academy Awards. He starred in his own TV show and became a hot favourite on the Las Vegas circuit, earning the nickname 'Mr Showbusiness'. He died from complications after surgery for lung cancer on May 16, 1990 in Beverley Hills, California. If Sammy ever wanted to contract Goldie Hawn he just had to look at the right hand page of his little book . It reads like a who's who of super-stardom and includes names of the likes of Oscar-winner Sidney Poitie . Another name that pops up in Sammy Davis Junior's book is the actor George Hamilton (right) Los Angeles-based auction house Nate D Sanders is selling off the spiral-bound book today . Up for grabs: The book filled out by the singer has a starting auction price of $4,000 . Starstruck: Among the names and addresses listed in the book is actor Burt Reynolds . Some of the stars in the Harlem-born singer's little black book include: . Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Liz Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Jay Leno, . Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Barbra Streisand, Dean Martin, . OJ Simpson & Nicole, Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Willie . Nelson, Clint Eastwood, LeRoy Neiman, Ella Fitzgerald, Sidney Poitier, . Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Richard Pryor, Barry Gordy, Ruta Lee, Edie . Adams, Monty Hall, Gladys Knight, Gloria Allred, Gene Kelly, Ed Asner, . Valerie Harper, Julie Andrews, Rock Hudson, Barbi Benton, Buddy Hackett, . Jerry Buss, Charles Bronson, Louis Jordan, Joey Bishop, Buddy Lee, Red . Buttons, Jay Leno, Mayor Tom Bradley, Martin Landau, Bjorn Borg, Jack . Lemon, Robert Blake, Jack LaLaine, Natalie Cole, Jerry Lewis, Glenn . Campbell, Lee Majors, Jackie Cooper, James Caan, Scott Caan, Paul . Mooney, James Lipton, Bruce Jenner, EF Hutton, Debbie Reynolds, Buddy . Rodgers, Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawls, Donald Rumsfeld, Tina Sinatra, . Loretta Swit, Rod Stewart, Nancy Sinatra, Cicely Tyson, Danny Thomas, . Lilly Tomlin, Tanya Tucker, Beverly Todd, Brenda Vaccaro, Carl Weathers, . Nancy Wilson, Dione Warwick, Eli Wallach, Helen Reddy, Ann-Margret, . Garry Marshall, Neil Diamond, Ali McGraw, Tom Dreesen, Charles Durning, . Jim Davis, Liza Minelli, Linda Evans, Erik Estrada, Jim Nabors, Lee . Elder, Tony Orlando, Tony Franciosa, Dick Van Patten, Dizzy Gillispie, . Barbara Sinatra, Robert Goulet, Lionel Richie, George Hamilton, Burt . Reynolds, Rick & Kathy Hilton, Kenny Rodgers, Baron Hilton, Mickey . Rooney, Jack Haley, Goldie Hawn, Judd Hirsch and Don Henley. | Names include Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali and Liz Taylor .
One unusual name is former US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld .
Rumsfeld allegedly had a relationship with Davis Jr's wife Altovise .
Los Angeles auction house Nate D Sanders is selling the spiral-bound book . |
fe2a47367c3cbc20651bd9b21d0552ac3325fa82 | Serie A leaders Juventus are keen on signing Radamel Falcao, Ramires and Miranda even if they choose not to cash in on £70million-rated Paul Pogba. La Gazzetta Sportiva have labelled 2015 'The year of Pogba' as Juventus will have to fight off interest from a selection of the world's best teams. Pogba has been linked with a move back to Manchester United in recent weeks but the Old Lady are keen on keeping hold of the France international. Juventus do not want to sell £70million-rated Manchester United target Paul Pogba . The Old Lady have aspirations to sign Man United's on-loan forward Radamel Falcao and Chelsea's Ramires . The Italian publication claims Massimiliano Allegri will look to bring in Falcao if Manchester United choose not to sign the Colombian on a permanent deal at the end of the season. Chelsea midfielder Ramires and Atletico Madrid defender Miranda are also said to be high up on Juventus' transfer agenda. Corriere dello Sport believe Inter Milan are leading the race to sign Bayern Munich's playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri. Juventus and Liverpool are interested in signing the 23-year-old, however Roberto Mancini's side have 'taken a step forward' in their pursuit of the unsettled star. Bayern Munich playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri could join Inter Milan, while Juventus make Wesley Sneijder bid . Napoli's Marek Hamsik has said he would 'embrace' former team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi if he was to return to the Stadio San Paolo. Lavezzi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in 2012, has been linked with a move back to Italy. Wesley Sneijder continues to be linked with a move back to Serie A with the Dutchman said to be mulling over an offer from Juventus. The Bianconeri have opened talks with Galatasaray over the possibility of signing the former Inter Milan star, according to Tuttosport. Sneijder (right) could seal a return back to Serie A with Juventus said to be leading the race . | Juventus hope to convince Paul Pogba to stay at the club .
The Serie A giants could make a move for Radamel Falcao if Manchester United do not take up option to sign the Colombian ace .
The Old Lady are also keen on signing Ramires and Miranda .
Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder is attracting interest from Juventus . |
fe2a584d726fc603010c22194ee8c6557dd9f9fd | (CNN) -- She's been dubbed the Russian "Tsarina," a former circuit-board-equipment seller who happened to sit next to one of the world's richest business moguls on a plane -- and now heads his company. Meet Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, the chairperson of French commodities giant Louis Dreyfus Holdings, with a net worth estimated at an eye-watering $6 billion according to Forbes. Orphaned at seven after her parents died in a train accident, Louis-Dreyfus was raised by her grandfather in what was then the Soviet Union, studying law at Moscow State University. She met her future husband, billionaire Robert Louis-Dreyfus, on a plane in 1988. When he died from leukemia two decades later, the mother of three was left in charge of one of the biggest commodity companies on the planet, as well as the French football club Olympique de Marseille. You might not recognize the 160-year-old Louis Dreyfus firm, but it's the one trading 70 million tonnes of agricultural goods each year, employing 30,000 people. And since 1851 it's been handed down from one male heir to another -- until now. Margarita Louis-Dreyfus sat down with CNN's Leading Women to talk about the act of "fate" that sat her next to her future husband, how his illness taught her to manage "big egos," and her plans for a company which claims to feed and clothe 500 million people worldwide. "My memories of growing up in St Petersburg are very positive. I grew up without parents, but with my grandfather. But I didn't feel that I was really abandoned -- I had enough love from him. During the week I was in the boarding school and when I came home every weekend I had fun with my friends. I was not cold in winter -- I'm telling you this because many people expected that I suffered from hunger. The Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s was OK. Of course I didn't have the luxury that children have today, but I had freedom. I had time to read which was very important generally for Russian children. It gave me a sense of the wide world and gave me a wish to see the world." "I met Robert on the plane on the way from Zurich to New York. We made a stop in London where he had just started his job as CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi and I was going on vacation to Switzerland from New York. We met shortly on the plane, a short conversation, and after this when I came back from vacation we met again. He was coming to Switzerland every weekend because his dog was here. The plane was empty and the computer put us together and I was wondering why...but it was kind of fate." "The moment I gave birth to the twins I learned Robert had leukemia. So nobody can live a normal life anymore. I had been a housewife up until the birth of the twins. Then came this big sickness that changed our lives completely. And we couldn't have a normal family vacation where everybody was happy and everybody was running around. The sickness was always there and we were traveling to different doctors But we had many hopes that he would still have many more years." "The medical world is also a man's world. In the three years of fighting for Robert's life I had to unite five big professors from around the world at one table. Each of them had different ideas and different strategies and were used to their decision being followed. So for me, I felt the strength of the woman. Because all of these men, they have big egos and I was kind of there to absorb these egos, give them the feeling of respecting their opinion -- even if you don't take it. Later when I came to the man's world of commodities, also with big egos, I was used this experience. Nobody knows everything so the main thing is to work together." "The Louis Dreyfus Foundation has a focus on giving back. It's a new project for us, it's now one-year-old and the whole idea was about education. For example in Israel, the youth orchestra includes Arabic children together with Jewish children who are learning through music how to love together. You know 'education' is a magic word. And this magic word also becomes important in our foundation -- educating the farmers on how to produce sustainably and to feed themselves." | Margarita Louis-Dreyfus is in the top 200 billionaires on the planet. Why?
Inherited commodities giant Louis Dreyfus Holdings from late husband .
First woman to lead the firm in it's 160-year-history, learned to manage "big egos"
Mother-of-three was an orphan who grew up in Soviet Union . |
fe2a5e12b24dc882cb4d656f486cfab13377fcd7 | Several top members of the Muslim Brotherhood have been asked to leave Qatar, an Egyptian leader of the group said Sunday. The apparent sudden push from Qatar comes amid longstanding pressure against the Brotherhood in the region, which began with its ouster from authority in Egypt several years ago. "We appreciate the great role of the state of Qatar in supporting the Egyptian people in their revolution against the military junta, and well understand the circumstances faced by the region," said Dr. Amr Darrag, a leading member of Freedom and Justice Party, said in a statement online. The Freedom and Justice Party is the banned political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood. The members were "asked by authorities to move their residence outside the state of Qatar," the statement said. Egyptian court dissolves Muslim Brotherhood's political party . "In order to avoid causing any embarrassment for the State of Qatar, which we found to be a very welcoming and supportive host, some symbols of the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing ... have now honored that request," Darrag said. Darrag promised that the "revolution will continue" and that the Muslim Brotherhood's "confidence in the Egyptian people unshakeable." Qatar has not addressed the matter publicly. Last year, Egypt's then-military chief Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and now its President, overthrew Mohamed Morsy, who was part of the Muslim Brotherhood. Morsy was Egypt's first democratically elected leader. That caused Muslim Brother leaders to flee to Qatar, which supports the Islamic group. Egypt's head prosecutor called on Interpol to issue red alerts for certain members, and relations between Egypt and Qatar deteriorated dramatically. Read more: What is the Muslim Brotherhood? Gaza fighting 'proxy war' for entire Middle East . | Leading members of Muslim Brotherhood's political wing say Qatar asked them to move .
Qatar has not publicly addressed the matter .
A Muslim Brotherhood member says online that other members will honor the request . |
fe2a77806c1e80f9276b2ab51f6ff8e23c7f50b2 | (CNN) -- The family of a Florida man who was the first to die in the 2001 anthrax attacks has reached a tentative settlement with the U.S. government over his death, a lawyer for the family said Monday. The family is waiting for word from the Justice Department before a deal is finalized, said Richard Schuler, the lawyer for the family of anthrax victim Robert Stevens. The family sued the government for $50 million in 2003, arguing that the military laboratory in Maryland that was identified as the source of the bacterium should have had tighter security. "I think the family was vindicated that the government has agreed to settle the case with them in spite of the fact that they put up a lot of roadblocks," Schuler said. Stevens and his wife, Maureen, were married 27 years, and there is "still a hole in her life as far as her husband is concerned," he said. Schuler would not comment on any details of the tentative deal. Stevens, a photo editor for supermarket-tabloid publisher American Media Inc., died five days after testing positive for inhalation anthrax in October 2001. He was the first of five people killed in the anthrax mailings, with 17 other people sickened. "It's a horrible, painful death, that they had to witness their loved one go through," Schuler said. "It's something that they'll never forget." Court documents filed last week in U.S. District Court in Palm Beach County, Florida, requested deadlines in the Stevens lawsuit be suspended as the parties tried to finalize a settlement. Justice Department spokesman Charles Miller declined to comment on any deal. "The documents speak for themselves," Miller told CNN via e-mail. "We would have nothing further at this time." The FBI eventually blamed the attacks on a civilian scientist at the Army's biological research laboratory at Fort Detrick, Maryland. The suspect, microbiologist Bruce Ivins, had a history of mental illness and killed himself in 2008 before investigators brought charges against him, federal prosecutors said. A February report by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that it could not reach a "definitive conclusion" about the source of the anthrax, which federal agents said had been linked to a sample from Ivins' laboratory. But the FBI and the Justice Department stand by their findings, saying that scientific testing gave agents "valuable investigative leads" that led them to Ivins. A CNN Presents investigation in early October revealed that the federal government has spent $19 billion to fight biological attacks. Multiple new labs have since opened to research potential treatments, and the government now counts nearly 15,000 workers, handling germs like Ebola, plague, and anthrax -- about twice as many as before. The FBI now checks potential workers for felonies and ties to terror groups. But proposed reforms like psychological screening or requiring two people in labs have gone nowhere, with scientists who have reviewed the issue calling those proposals intrusive, expensive and impractical. | Robert Stevens was the first of five killed in the 2001 anthrax attacks .
His family sued the government in 2003, accusing it of lax lab security .
The FBI blamed the attacks on a scientist at an Army facility . |
fe2a7cf0e4eea6023389baa643aa6537f1dcc501 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 14:33 EST, 11 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:23 EST, 12 December 2012 . 'He's making a list, he's checking it twice, he's going to find out who's been naughty or nice' goes the popular Christmas song. But Santa Claus has come to a Canadian town with a difference this Christmas - he's armed with an automatic weapon and wearing a bullet proof police vest. Abbotsford Police Department in British Columbia, Canada, has sent this rather unorthodox seasonal greeting to everyone on its own naughty list this Christmas. Scroll down for video . Seasons greetings: The not-so-festive warning sent to criminals by a Canadian police force . The force has sent the card to all known prolific offenders, gang members and drug dealers in a bid to get them to make it their New Year resolution to change their criminal ways. The card, sent out as part of Operation Resolution, features the force's Police Chief Bob Rich dressed as Father Christmas in tactical gear with the accompanying message 'Which list will you be on next year?' As well as the image of Santa on the card's front, the not-so-festive greeting also has a quote that says: 'You are always only one choice away from changing your life'. An additional greeting continues: 'We believe it is never too late to make a better choice for your life. Unamused: Not everyone saw the funny side of Abbotsford Police Department's seasonal greeting . 'For the sake of your family & for your own sake, consider 2013 the year you choose a new & better life. 'Make your New Year’s resolution now! We’re here to help.' For those on the naughty list that do heed the force's warning, there is a phone number they can call. Callers are urged to redial 911 in an emergency, but asked to leave their details for a call back from officers should they wish to 'make a change.' Checking his list twice: A more traditional Father Christmas image than the one on Abbotsford Police Department's card . A spokesman for the Abbotsford Police Department said: 'We realize that Operation Resolution is different. 'We wanted to do something different but to also stay true to the spirit of the holidays and the New Year. 'We sincerely believe that the holiday season is a time for reflection for many people in our community. 'A positive change can reap rewards and benefits far beyond the impact to a single individual.' But the police force may well find itself scrubbed off some people's Christmas card list with several taking offence and complaining via APD's Facebook page. Canadian Neva Lovegrove commented: 'One the picture is in poor taste and second in my opinion the money you used for this could of been better spent on the children and seniors of the town you already know the offender is only going to laugh at this.' Kelly Olson added: 'How much taxpayer money spent on this stupidity???' Some did see the funny side though, with Wayne Busilla posting: 'Bravo, it is effective, creative, a great use of very little taxpayers dollars. I for one, am impressed with this proactive approach to making our citizens safe.' The force under Chief Rich's leadership must be doing something right. It is well on its way to reaching its goal of halving crime since 2008 by 2013 and has been transformed from Canada's 'murder capital' to one of the safest big cities in the country. Video: Abbotsford PD sends seasons greetings to its 'naughty list': . | Abbotsford Police Department in British Columbia, Canada, has sent a seasonal greeting to known prolific offenders and gang members .
The Christmas message, part of Operation Resolution, is aimed at making criminals mend their ways in the New Year . |
fe2af2916e298800b06c83b8e36fb56dec731780 | By . Lizzie Parry . PUBLISHED: . 13:40 EST, 13 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:58 EST, 13 March 2014 . Tragic: Jamie Edward Capon, 16, died after binge drinking at a friend's birthday party in August last year . A 16-year-old died after a binge drinking session at a friend's birthday party caused him to suffer acute alcohol poisoning and pass out, an inquest has heard. Jamie Edward Capon was more than five times the legal drink-drive limit when he passed away in hospital on August 3, last year. The teenager had been celebrating with Hannah Harrison, at her home in Aberdaron, on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. Jamie, from Llanaelhaearn, Gwynedd arrived at the party at around 9pm. The inquest heard the 16-year-old passed out and was put to bed on his side, by the birthday girl's mother, who is medically trained. Daniel Jack Ransley, giving evidence at the inquest, said the party goers ranged from 15 to 17 years old and had brought their own alcohol. He said: 'I did see Jamie drink on the night, there was nothing unusual about the way he was acting but he was a bit drunk. 'He got taken to a bed in the conservatory by some other friends and then he passed out. 'I've seen him drink alcohol before so I just thought he'd had too much, it wasn't unusual.' Stephen Harrison, Hannah's father, told the inquest he had been present at the party but had not provided any alcohol. He said: 'We were in the lounge and the kids were in the marquee in the garden. 'I had come back from work around 6pm and they'd all had something to eat before heading back out to the marquee. 'I did not provide any alcohol at the . party. I didn’t recognise a lot of people who were there as a lot of . people were from Pwllheli, I didn’t recognise Jamie, but he didn’t . arrive until around 9pm. 'The . first time I noticed him was when one of his friends said he was . sleeping in the garden, my wife, who is medically trained, set up a bed . for him and laid him on his side. 'I . wanted to close things down by midnight, I checked Jamie once again . before I went to bed and my wife stayed up for around an hour and a . half. 'The next thing my . daughter came home and I heard a huge scream across the house, I ran . downstairs and saw my wife and daughter giving CPR to Jamie. 'We rang the emergency services and he was taken to hospital.' 'Brilliant': Paying tribute at the time Jamie's parents said he was a 'brilliant, kind-hearted son'. A coroner ruled he died as a result of abusing alcohol . Paying tribute days after his death, the parents of Jamie Capon described the teenager as a 'brilliant, kind-hearted son'. His mother Lesley Roberts told North Wales News, the family had donated the 16-year-old's organs to four different people, in the wake of his death. She said: 'He lit up a room. We are glad that Jamie was able to help somebody else.' While his father James added: 'Jamie was the apple of my eye. He was a very special person. 'I really do miss him. I don't know how we'll get on.' At the time the family believed Jamie had suffered a brain haemorrhage. Doctors told his parents the teenager had suffered a 'massive bleed'. He left his parents, three brothers and two sisters. After completing his GCSEs, Jamie had planned to go on to study an arts course at college in Bangor. Mr Harrison told the coroner that Jamie had a pulse before he was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital. A . blood test carried out in the ambulance showed Jamie had 414 . milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood compared to the legal . limit of 80 - which was more than five times the drink drive limit. Ysbyty . Gwynedd consultant pathologist, Dr Mark Lord said: 'He had suffered . from acute alcohol poisoning, the direct concentration of alcohol would . have killed him.' North West Wales coroner, Dewi Pritchard recorded a verdict of death as a result of abuse of alcohol. He . said: 'Jamie must have consumed an enormous amount of alcohol, he . passed out and was asleep. He was placed on a mattress in the house in . the recovery position, it was the proper thing to do. 'Guests . and Mrs Harrison realised things weren’t right and carried out CPR, . Jamie was then taken to hospital and that was when he died.' | Jamie Edward Capon died on August 3 last year after passing out at party .
He suffered acute alcohol poisoning, pathologist told an inquest .
A blood test en route to hospital revealed he had 414 milligrams of alcohol per 100 mg of blood - the legal drink-drive limit is 80mg .
Coroner ruled a verdict of death as a result of abusing alcohol . |
fe2b10babde9f527a63bcf7b3b3d9538c18c6810 | Chief Coroner dismissed excuse because she'd been there before . Lindsay tweeted that she was 'sorry for confusion' and was stressed . She turned up in an $80,000 Porsche . Lindsay not allowed to turn up at morgue unannounced and will need to ask permission from probation department and/or judge . Went straight to her therapist after the incident . The judge will be dead angry! Lindsay Lohan fails to show up for morgue duty on first day of community service . It will be interesting to see if this excuse washes with the judge. Lindsay Lohan turned up 40 minutes . late for her first day of community service yesterday at the LA County . Morgue - only to be turned away without credit. The 25-year-old actress was supposed to report at 8am on Thursday morning - but arrived at 8.40am, rolling up in an $80,000 Porsche. Her . publicist claims she was late 'due to a combination of not knowing the . entrance to go through and confusion caused by the media waiting for her . arrival'. Lohan has also taken to Twitter, saying: 'With all of the stress and pressure . from yesterday and today, I've never been so happy to go to therapy!!! 'Also, I'm sorry for the confusion that I may of (sic) caused to those at . the Coroner's office. Won't happen again, now I know where to go!' Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter, . however, is unconvinced by Lohan's excuse, telling reporters that she . has been to the morgue before so should have known where to go. Speaking later in the day, Winter told RadarOnline that Lindsay will not be allowed to turn up unannounced on Friday at the morgue because she will need to ask for permission first from her probation department and possibly Judge Stephanie Sautner. 'Ms. Lohan has to have permission from the probation department and/or the judge, that she can come back,' he told RadarOnline. 'I haven't heard from the probation department or the judge about whether or not Ms. Lohan will be allowed to come back.' Following today's incident, Lindsay went to see her therapist in Beverly Hills. 'With all of the stress and pressure from yesterday and today, I've never been so happy to go to therapy!!!!' she tweeted later in the morning. Lohan will face the wrath of Judge Sautner on her next court appearance on November 2. Where's Lindsay? Camera crews wait for Lohan's arrival at the morgue yesterday when she arrived late . Clean-up duty: Lohan has been ordered to complete 16 hours at the morgue before her next court hearing on November 2 . The actress was ordered to undertake 16 hours of morgue duty before her November court hearing at Wednesday's appearance. So long as she manages to complete these hours in the next two weeks she is not in violation of her probation. However, the Coroner's Office will . notify the Probation's Voluteer Center - which monitors Lindsay's . probation - of yesterday's drama before the judge is formally told. Lohan is already skating on thin ice . with Sautner, who blasted the Mean Girls star on Wednesday for not making . an effort to complete her probation. Long arm of the law: Lindsay seen here arriving for her court hearing on Wednesday . Finding her feet: Lindsay tweet from yesterday apologising for the confusion at the morgue and suggesting she had got lost . The judge is incensed the actress has . barely scratched the surface of the 480 hours of community service she . was ordered to complete as part of her sentence for the theft of a gold . necklace earlier this year. Lohan only did around a . day-and-a-half at the Downtown Women's Centre in LA - and failed to show . up nine times, resulting in her being rejected from the programme. This week she did some volunteer work . for the Red Cross - but Sautner ruled it as void because it was not . part of the sentence she had specifically stipulated at an earlier . hearing. Sautner said only time completed at the women's centre and the morgue counted. What a twit: She also tweeted that she was pleased to be going to therapy after a stressful day yesterday and in court on Wednesday . Rejected: Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter tells reporters Lohan arrived late for her court-ordered community service and was sent away . In a further development, LA County . Sherif Lee Baca has told Fox 11's Good Day LA that the overcrowding . issue will not keep Lohan out of jail. He told the show that if Lindsay is . sentenced to jail time he will make sure he finds room for her, adding . she needs at least 60 days inside to be rehabilitated. The news comes after Lohan's father Michael spoke out, claiming his daughter was back on drugs and needs help. He said the recent photos of her . discoloured and apparently rotting teeth was down to her smoking . methamphetamine or crack cocaine. Lohan posted $100,000 bail yesterday following her court hearing. Lead away in cuffs: Lindsay was taken into custody after being blasted by the judge. She later posted $100,000 bail . Laying the lawn down: Judge Stephanie Saunter pulled not punches during yesterday's hearing . Kicked off: Lindsay missed nine scheduled times . to work at The Downtown Women's Center and told the Probation Office it . did not 'fulfil' her . | Chief Coroner dismissed excuse because she'd been there before .
Lindsay tweeted that she was 'sorry for confusion' and was stressed .
She turned up in an $80,000 Porsche .
Lindsay not allowed to turn up at morgue unannounced and will need to ask permission from probation department and/or judge .
Went straight to her therapist after the incident . |
fe2b2966582d43c9e692e435fb4ab28cbb8ea1b6 | An Islamic Society at one of Britain's largest universities has promoted a video claiming the execution of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich was a hoax cooked up by the state, it was revealed today. Hours after the death of the soldier, 25, a Muslim student group at London Metropolitan University (LMU) circulated a YouTube film arguing the crime was manufactured using 'fake blood'. The six minute video called 'Woolwich false flag b*******. Masses are in a state-sponsored trance', has been viewed by 300,000 people, and says that Scotland Yard detectives investigating the murder were Freemasons who were in on an anti-Muslim conspiracy. The film even claims that traumatised . witnesses were in on a hoax, taunting those who tried to comfort Drummer . Rigby as he lay dying by saying: 'These women look very traumatised lol . (laugh out loud).' London Metropolitan University has previously admitted it would consider ending the sale of alcohol on campus in case it offended Muslim students. See an edited extract of the video below . Message: This video promoted by members of the London Metropolitan University Islamic Society claims that the death of Lee Rigby was a state conspiracy using 'fake blood' Problems: The Islamic Society is run by students from London Metropolitan University (pictured), which has distanced itself from the film . Last year border officials also stripped . the institution of its right to sponsor non-EU students, leaving . thousands at risk of deportation, amid fears many were on courses there . just to get a British visa. Members of its LMU Islamic Society, who also posted the video on its Facebook page, have previously called non-Muslims 'evil' and heaped praise on the Taliban. The video shows news coverage on the day of Lee Rigby's death, including his alleged killers covered in blood and holding weapons. Over the pictures are subtitles, arguing his death was a conspiracy, including one asking: 'Where is the blood on his hands that is seen on most of the other videos?'. As a reporter describes the scene in Woolwich the film says: 'Now add some fake blood and a fake media whore (reporter) talking s***, stating the obvious just in case you don’t get it and we got the made up news lol.' It later says: 'I need proof and not fabricated ‘bs’ (b*******).' It then cuts to a police officer telling the public to 'move back'. The subtitles then say: 'Yes listen to . the masonic copper, move back before you film anything incriminating . against their false flag charade.' Conspiracy: The film has been seen by more than 300,000 people and argues the killing was 'fabricated' Hoax: The film, that appeared on the LMU Islamic Society Facebook page, pinpoints several moments they say proves the terror attack was bogus . A witness then describes what he saw, and the subtitles say: 'Makes sense to you? Sounds staged to me!!!... are you buying this?'. The film's maker then goes on to pinpoint areas where fake blood was smeared by conspirators. It raises more questions about whether Britain's universities are being targeted by religious extremists bent on radicalising students. Tragic: Drummer Lee Rigby died in the street as he walked back to his barracks in Woolwich, but Choudary says the Koran teaches that there should be no sympathy for non-Muslims . Poignant: A woman looks at floral tributes left for British soldier Lee Rigby where he died almost a fortnight ago . 'That a video like this was shared by students the day after a soldier was killed like that on London’s streets is deeply concerning, and highlights the ease with which social media allows material like this to be accessed,' Rupert Sutton, of anti-extremism think-tank Student Rights, told the Evening Standard. 'We’ve seen in the past how students can be led towards violence by online material, and for this reason university authorities should be increasingly aware of this kind of activity.' The University today tried to distance itself from the video. 'The University is committed to ensuring all its students are free to study in a safe and secure environment,' a spokesman said. 'The views expressed by individual students or student societies, including on social media, do not represent those of the University.' Today the university added: 'London Metropolitan Students' Union, and its Islamic Society, would like to make it clear that the views represented on the YouTube videos referred to in the media do not represent the views of the Union or its Islamic Society. 'The SU and Islamic Society understand that these videos were not produced, edited or posted to YouTube by members of the Islamic Society. Links to these videos were, however, posted on the ISOC Facebook site by an individual user and we apologise for the offence this has caused. 'The links were removed from the Facebook site on Friday May 31. The Union and its Islamic Society condemn the events in Woolwich in the strongest possible terms.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Video posted on YouTube by London Metropolitan University group .
Film claims that Lee Rigby's death was a conspiracy and used 'fake blood'
Six-minute video named 'Woolwich false flag b*******' seen by 300,000 people .
LMU considered banning alcohol on campus as it might offend Muslims . |
fe2b68d605ad30921a8435cd812e5b720d0c3971 | (CNN) -- San Francisco police are saying a man they thought was fatally shot by officers actually killed himself. Police earlier said Kenneth Harding was shot by an officer Saturday while trying to run away. But on Thursday, authorities said they found evidence that proved something different. "We believe that the fatal wound on Mr. Harding was self-inflicted," said police Cmdr. Mike Biel. Biel revealed the new theory at a news conference Thursday at the city's medical examiner's office. Kenneth Harding died Saturday after a confrontation with undercover officers who were doing a fare check on passengers on the city's Muni bus transit system. Police say when he was approached by the officer who wanted to see his ticket, Harding ran and police pursued him. During the chase, a gunbattle started and Harding was fatally wounded, . Initially, authorities believed that San Francisco police shot and killed Harding during the confrontation in the city' Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. The shooting triggered angry protests by some community members who challenged the police version of what happened. The medical examiner said new evidence reveals a different story. "The bullet which was recovered from his head is not consistent with the service ammunition used by the San Francisco Police Department," Chief Medical Examiner Amy Hart told reporters. She demonstrated her point with a photo of the bullet removed from Harding's head. It was a .380-caliber and San Francisco Police are armed with .40-caliber ammunition, Hart said. Medical examiner's staff also found a second, unfired cartridge (.380-caliber) in Harding's right jacket pocket. Harding was also wounded in the leg by a round apparently fired by pursuing officers, authorities said. "Based upon evidence known at this time including: officer and witness statements that Harding shot at the police officers, Shot Spotter data, video tape evidence that depicts a firearm at the scene that was subsequently taken and the location of gunshot residue on Harding's right hand, it appears that Mr. Harding's head wound was self-inflicted. It is unknown if Harding's injury was intentional or accidental." When the shooting occurred, a crowd had gathered challenging officers, police said in a statement released at the news conference. At one point, a bystander recorded cell phone video of the situation, including a handgun that was laying on the ground near Harding. The Police Department believes that the weapon used by Harding is still outstanding along with a cell phone and bullet casings removed from the scene. Authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for the return of the .380-caliber firearm picked up from the scene. Harding was listed as "a person of interest" by Seattle Police who were investigating the shooting death of a young woman in that city a few weeks ago, CNN affiliate KGO reported. | The fatal shooting occurs in San Francisco .
"We believe that the fatal wound on Mr. Harding was self-inflicted," police say .
Police say the bullet found in the man's head did not match the caliber authorities use . |
fe2b7f081f8860bf8ce4478651029068da0cf300 | When BBC documentary Reinventing the Royals was first listed on TV schedules in Iate December, few paid it much attention. But when claims that Clarence House had refused to release archive footage and had tried to stop it from being aired emerged in the Radio Times, the programme suddenly became front page news. Tonight, Reinventing the Royals, a two-part series written and presented by Panorama journalist Steve Hewlett will finally air, while Clarence House has denied ever trying to prevent it. Scroll down for video . Royal row: The Prince of Wales will feature in Reinventing the Royals, the BBC documentary airing tonight . So is it really as damaging as some have claimed? The series opens with the death of Princess Diana in 1997, with the first episode focusing on the brickbats hurled at Prince Charles in its wake. With his personal popularity in the doldrums, Charles asked PR guru Mark Bolland, who was hired in 1996, to give his public image a makeover - and integrate Camilla Parker Bowles into palace life. Dubbed 'Operation Mrs PB', the campaign is the source of one of the most embarrassing allegations aired in the programme - namely that Bolland leaked news of Prince William's first meeting with Camilla to the media. Bolland has denied this incident ever happened, but the Duke of Cambridge was reportedly left angry and upset by the leak and is said to have nicknamed the PR supremo 'Blackadder'. But even that has been overshadowed by the controversy over the programme itself, which Clarence House insists it never tried to interfere with. 'The original broadcast of the programme was delayed by mutual agreement (BBC and Clarence House) whilst permissions were sought,' said a Clarence House spokesman. Investigation: The series, fronted by Steve Hewlett (c), delves into the media's relationship with the royals . Controversial: Hewlett was editor of Panorama when it broadcast the infamous 1995 Princess Diana interview . 'All permissions were subsequently granted. We have not seen the programme yet and have no comment to make.' Nevertheless, the ensuing row reportedly left Prince Charles 'furious' - all the more so when lurid claims of spats between the Buckingham Palace and Clarence House press teams emerged. Worse still, the row overshadowed what had been, until then, a successful year, with the royal widely praised for his hard work and the positive headlines generated by overseas tours to Colombia and Jordan among others. For its part, the BBC says the documentary was always going to be aired, with a spokesman telling MailOnline that coverage is going ahead 'as planned'. 'Before Christmas it became clear that there were issues relating to the clearance of archive footage in the forthcoming programme Reinventing The Royals,' continued the BBC spokesman. Campaign: Much of the controversy focuses on Mark Bolland (l) and Sandy Henney (r) also features . Unimpressed: The Duke of Cambridge (l) reportedly referred to Bolland as 'Blackadder' 'These issues have now been resolved and all the archive material we planned to use is included in the finished programme. 'The first episode of Reinventing The Royals will be broadcast on 19 February and it will be the one that we always intended to show.' The footage includes the first-ever television interview with Sandy Henney, who was press secretary to Prince Charles at the time of Princess Diana's death. Even before the accident, the Prince was worried his image was 'in tatters' while the Royal family were also alarmed by the anti-monarchist feeling following the Diana's death in Paris. '(Charles) was getting some pretty virulent criticism - bad father, unloving husband,' Ms Henney said in the documentary. Furious: Charles was reportedly unhappy about the way the row overshadowed his work . Success: 2014 had been a successful year but ended on a sour note because of the controversy . 'I think he was pretty hurt... if you've got a middle-aged balding man and a beautiful princess, it's a no-brainer as to who is going to get the media coverage.' Steve Hewlett, the editor of Panorama at the time of the infamous 1995 interview with Princess Diana, presents the show and describes how Prince Charles hired Mark Bolland from the Press Complaints Commission to act as a spin doctor for the Royal family following Diana's death. The younger royals also make an appearance in the documentary, among them Prince Harry who at one point opines: 'I don't believe there is any such thing as privacy anymore.' Testament, if nothing else, to the sometimes troubled relationship between the royals and the Press. | Charles was reportedly left fuming over controversy caused by the row .
Clarence House says it never tried to block transmission of the show .
Reinventing the Royals will air on BBC2 tonight at 9pm .
Two part programme opens with the aftermath of Princess Diana's death .
Reinventing the Royals, tonight at 9pm on BBC2 . |
fe2c90a0fc9c1a1baf8d1ef19a1ec9d318fe0d97 | By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 11:27 EST, 29 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:13 EST, 29 December 2013 . The bodies of a woman and a young boy have been found in a house. A 29-year-old woman and a two-year-old boy were discovered in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, at about 8.30pm yesterday. It has been reported today the boy is the woman's son. Find: Police outside a house Bonnyrigg where a 29-year-old mother boy, 2, were found last night . Scene: Investigators work outside the home today. The bodies were discovered after a friend voiced concerns . Hospital: A man, 29, was taken to Edinburgh Infirmary with a police presence following the discovery . Officers went to the house in a new development in the town after a 'family acquaintance' voiced concern. Police Scotland said a man, 32, was taken to hospital in Edinburgh. It added officers were not looking for any other person in connection to the deaths. Chief Inspector Colin Brown said: 'A 32-year-old man is currently receiving treatment in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and police are not looking for any other person in connection with this incident. 'The man is being treated as a patient, however there are police officers with him in hospital. 'This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts are with the families who have been affected. 'We are keeping an open mind as to what occured within this property but I want to reassure members of the local community and neighbours that such incidents are relatively rare and a comprehensive investigation is under way. 'We are grateful to the support we are receiving from the neighbours while we carry out our inquiries.' | Woman, 29, and boy, 2, discovered in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian .
Man, 32, taken to hospital with a police presence .
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection to deaths . |
fe2cb3b74c5aeb502416bfdc36de1587eb273942 | Carl Froch knocked out bitter rival George Groves with a lethal right hand in the eighth round, then set his sights on a title defence in Las Vegas next. There was talk of Froch hanging up his gloves after this hugely anticipated rematch with Groves, but straight after victory – which put to bed any of the question marks from the controversial stoppage of Groves in their last bout – he was already talking of fighting on. 'I'd love to box in Las Vegas,' Froch, 36, declared. 'It ticks a special box for me. I've fought in America a few times but Vegas is the fight capital and it's something I've never done. VIDEO Scroll down for Froch: I don't know what I could be offered to top that . Champion: Carl Froch says he dreams of a fight in Las Vegas after he beat George Groves at Wembley . Out: The IBF and WBA world super-middleweight champion floored Groves in the eighth round at Wembley . 'I will never top fighting at Wembley in front of 80,000. My kids will look back on this, they'll say that was my daddy and he defended world title. This evening will never be topped. 'But I'd like to fight in vegas. The opponent? Who knows? I'll leave that up to Rob McCracken. 'I have defended my world title 13 times on the spin. I am amongst the elite. And I showed that against Groves. 'The finish showed why I mix it with the elite and how hard it is to get to that level.' The finish was incredible. Groves was arguably ahead on points in the fight until the eighth round when Froch landed one of the punches of his career. He first padded Groves's right cheek with a left jab then hurled his right fist with unstoppable fury to take the Londoner out. Painful: Froch fought Andre Ward in New Jersey back in 2011 . Groves buckled and his left leg bent awkwardly underneath. The referee did not even need to count him out. 'I had been working on that right hand for three months,' Froch added. 'This was tactical. We had a game plan and it was executed perfectly.' James DeGale is now the mandatory challenger after defeating Brandon Gonzales, but Froch will take a break before deciding who to face next. Groves, who suffered the second defeat of his young career, vowed to come back and keep fighting. 'I'd love to come again,' the 26-year-old said. 'I think I was ahead on the score card until that point. 'I'll be pushing hard to get my world title fight and maybe if Carl is still boxing it'll be Carl again. 'I'm young enough and I will come again, I will learn and improve. 'I made a mistake, a silly mistake, left my chin open. We want to be perfect, all the imperfections need to be perfected.' Fairytale stuff: 36-year-old Froch may be targetting a last hurrah in Las Vegas . | 36-year-old Froch said he wants his next fight to be in Las Vegas .
Says it would 'tick a special box' for him .
Froch beat Groves with huge punch in eighth round at Wembley . |
fe2cc128a2c064ce4f057d821539bf3e7bf3fca4 | By . Graham Smith . Last updated at 11:00 AM on 5th November 2011 . Two thousand foreign hikers have been trapped in bad weather on the slopes of a mountain near Mount Everest in a remote corner of Nepal for the past four days, it was revealed last night. The trekkers, who are thought to include a number of Britons, been forced to stay in the small hill resort of Lukla, the gateway to Mount Everest. Lukla, which sits 2,800metres (9,186ft) above sea level, has been covered by thick cloud this week, forcing airlines to cancel flights to and from the remote region. It is located 78miles (125km) north-east of the Nepalese capital. Stranded: Foreign trekkers stand outside Katmandu airport in Nepal after their flights were cancelled yesterday. Two thousand hikers have been trappedon the slopes of a mountain near Mount Everest due to bad weather . Tens of thousands of trekkers and climbers visit the Solukhumbu region, home to Mount Everest, each year. Many start and end their trek from the windswept resort where a small airstrip is carved into the rugged mountainside. Utsav Raj Kharel, chief of Lukla's Tenzing Hillary Airport, said tourists, who were not in physical danger, had been waiting for their flights back to Kathmandu for the past four days. Mr Kharel said: 'Visibility is almost nil. Fog and clouds have covered the entire area making flights by fixed-wing small aircraft impossible.' Weather officials in Kathmandu said the clouds could continue to cover the region for a couple of days, worsening the plight of the trapped tourists who could face a food shortage. Remote airport: Lukla sits 2,800metres above sea level and has been covered by thick clouds this week . Gateway to the Himalayas: The town is located 78miles north-east of the Nepalese capital . Mr Kharel said: 'Though a few small private helicopters had picked some tourists from nearby Sirke village, they are inadequate to clear the rush.' Santa Subba, chief of the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal, said authorities were expected to make arrangements to rescue the trapped hikers in big helicopters once the weather conditions allowed them to reach the area. Autumn, which runs from September to November, is peak tourist season in South Asia's poorest but scenic country, which gets nearly 4 per cent of its gross domestic product from tourism. | Small town of Lukla has been covered by thick cloud .
Airlines unable to fly to and from the remote region . |
fe2ce9e3fd3fbdacc253406d0ab6f43c7fd0bee9 | By . Nina Golgowski . PUBLISHED: . 02:05 EST, 3 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:05 EST, 3 November 2012 . The ex-boyfriend to the mother of a 15-year-old girl found stabbed to death in a ‘fit of rage’ in her bedroom has confessed to her tragic death . Police say Juan Enrique Torres, 41, submitted a written confession on Thursday, two days after Surie Baeza was found by her mother laying in a pool of blood in her Rockwall, Texas home. '...he started talking, and it took several hours over the interview, where he finally admitted to the detectives and made a written confession that he did, in fact, kill Surie,' Police Sgt. Jeff Welch told WFAA. ‘Somewhere along the process, he said he wanted to come clean.’ Confession: Juan Enrique Torres admitted to police he had murdered his ex-girlfriend's daughter Surie Baeza . Torres, the father of Surie's seven-year-old sibling but otherwise unrelated, had recently moved out of their home after living with the family for at least eight years, WFAA reports. It was on Tuesday afternoon while the young teen stayed home from school after feeling sick the pair got into an argument, he said. Arguing about money, Torres confessed to succumbing to a 'fit of rage' which only escalated when Surie threatened to call 911. Taking a knife from the kitchen, he told police he followed the girl back to her room where he attacked her. Argument: He killed the teenager 'in a fit of rage' after she threatened to call the police when they clashed . Devastated family: Surie was discovered dead in a pool of blood by her distraught mother . Found by her mother Irma once returning home from work, the girl suffered multiple stab wounds with an autopsy revealing her attempt to defend herself. Having sent a text message around 2pm, police estimate the attack occurring between then and 4.30pm. 'We had interviewed him before,' Sgt Welch told the Dallas Morning News. 'He had been cooperative.' Emotional: The popular girl's friends were struck with grief when they discovered she had been killed . Torres had been previously arrested for domestic violence while at the time of his confession Dallas Morning News reports him having been booked in the Rockwall County Jail on Wednesday for traffic charges that included driving with a suspended license. 'She was just one of the sweetest people I've ever met,' one of Surie's friends David Harvey told CBS DFW. 'It was just one of those things where you would never expect it to happen to her of all people.' A high school freshman who played flute in her school's band, Surie was only two days into her 15th birthday when she died. Scene of the crime: Police inspecting the family home earlier this week after her body was discovered . | Juan Enrique Torres, the ex-boyfriend of the teen's mother, submitted a written confession on Thursday .
Surie Baeza, 15, was found stabbed to death in her bedroom on Tuesday after a 'fit of rage' when she threatened to call police . |
fe2d00173073d32d6b78ef9998a0ce5bd945e5e8 | By . Sophie Borland . Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, is being investigated over claims its operating theatres are not safe . One of the country's top hospitals is putting thousands of children at risk by forcing inexperienced nurses to work out of their depth. A damning internal review into Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust has warned that the operating theatres at the hospital are unsafe. Junior nurses and technical staff are being made to carry out complex tasks beyond their capabilities and failing to report mistakes or near-misses, according to the review at the Liverpool hospital. Alder Hey, which treats 270,000 . children a year, is being investigated by the Care Quality Commission . after whistleblowers warned that theatres were unsafe. But . a separate report carried out by the hospital's own director of nursing . – and seen by Channel 4 News – warns that staff are frequently being . asked to carry out tasks which put patients at risk. Last . year the Daily Mail revealed the concerns of a surgeon who formerly . worked at the hospital who warned that two babies had died needlessly . due to mistakes by overworked staff. Edwin . Jesudason, one of the country's leading paediatric surgeons, said . bullying and swearing were rife in the operating theatres with staff so . stressed they fainted. And in the 1990s the hospital was at the centre . of an organ scandal after it emerged that staff had removed the body . parts of 850 dead children without their parents' consent. The . internal report written by Gill Gore, Alder Hey's director of nursing, . warns that surgeons, nurses and other staff are taking shortcuts to get . through operations as quickly as possible which are putting patients at . risk. Staff are also failing to report errors or near-misses which means . they are not learning from mistakes – and they may happen again. The document adds: 'Staff have adopted some high risk practices in order to avoid cancellations; whilst safe outcomes have been maintained, the level of risk is such that urgent action needs to be implemented to avoid an adverse outcome or serious incident.' Under the heading 'safety concerns', the report states that 'the high pressure, time constrained environment sustained and increasing, over a significant period of time, has resulted in work-rounds to speed up activity and avoid cancellations'. Second arrest: A woman was also arrested on suspicion of murder . It adds this has led to 'shortcuts being made to safety processes that have created high risk activity' and 'limited reporting of incidents'. The report also states that there is 'belief that the senior management and the board are aware of the working conditions and condone it'. It adds that 'the working environment is hostile and there are numerous examples of staff feeling pressurised to undertake activities that they do not believe are safe. 'The perception of mistrust of management and the board is such that there is a widespread feeling of hopelessness that change will ever be achieved.' Last March Mr Jesudason warned that at least two young children had died at Alder Hey due to unsafe practices by staff. In an interview with the Mail he revealed how one baby had died in 2007 after undergoing surgery that other staff had warned was too risky. Another baby died suffering an injury at the hands of a 'stressed' surgeon, while other children were victim to accidents which were never reported. Mr Jesudason, 46, says he was later forced to leave the hospital after raising concerns. The associate professor, who now carries out research in Melbourne, says he has since been unable to find a job in the NHS as he is deemed a troublemaker. He said: 'To me, it was simply a question of doing what was right: children were at risk in a department that wasn't analysing errors while surgeons were suffering from burnout. It took a great deal for me to become a whistleblower. The whole experience has been utterly traumatising.' Mr Jesudason joined Alder Hey in 1998 but left in 2010 in what was meant to be a year's sabbatical. Three years later he has still not gone back to work at the trust. The CQC carried out an unannounced inspection of the hospital in December after being contacted by whistleblowers who work in the operating theatres. It is compiling a report of its findings which will be published over the next few weeks. A spokesman for the hospital said: 'We acknowledge that there have been difficulties within the theatre team at Alder Hey for some time. 'Over the past year we have undertaken a range of measures to address these and make changes within the department. We recognise that changes to the culture of the department may take time and therefore we have made a long-term commitment to supporting the team.' | Damning review tears into Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust .
It warns junior nurses are made to carry out tasks beyond their capabilities .
Alder Hey in Liverpool treats 270,000 .
children a year .
It is now being investigated by the Care Quality Commission . |
fe2d18624cb6ded386d51e851f117d35debb0a58 | A father and son have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after they viciously beat their neighbor's German shepherd to death. Kimberly Saesee says her beloved dog Kuma somehow got into Sam and Tony Clendenin's yard in Merced, California, on Friday evening. The pair then started hitting the animal with a baseball bat and flashlight as it lay cornered against wooden boards. The horrifying act was caught in the Saesee's surveillance camera - but the suspects said their reaction was self-defense. Horrifying: Kimberly Saesee says her beloved dog Kum (pictured) escaped from her yard and was beaten to death by her neighbors in Merced, California . Horrifying: CCTV footage from the Saesee's house shows one of the neighbors, Sam Clendenin, 24, walking over to the dog with a baseball bat . They were having a cigarette when the animal got into their yard. They trapped it next to a fence, fearing it would attack them, then started beating the dog. A devastate Miss Saesee told ABC 30: 'That could've very well been a person. How do you beat something living? I mean he was like family to us. He pretty much was a person to us. How do you beat someone to death?' 'I hope they go to prison. I don't think anyone should be able to do that to anyone or anything. It's not right. It's not right.' Sam, 24, told the station: 'I wasn't expecting to see a 200-pound dog growling right in my face in the dark in my own backyard. I should feel secure. It's my property. 'It was on right then and there. I was on a landmine. I didn't know what to do. If I get my foot off this dog, it's going to charge. I already know that, so you need to help me. And the only thing that goes through his head is baseball bat.' The Clendenins were bailed out on Friday. Authorities have reportedly said that they do not believe it was self-defense as the pair have conflicting stories. Trapped: The father and son pair cornered the dog behind their house before hitting the animal with a baseball bat and stick . Tony Clendenin, 52 (left), and son Sam, 24, (right) were arrested and have been charged with animal cruelty . | Kimberly Saesee says her beloved dog Kuma escaped in Merced, California .
It then ran into Sam and Tony Clendenin's yard next door on Friday night .
The pair are then captured hitting the animal with a bat and flashlight .
Sam, 24, said he thought the dog would attack him if he had let him loose . |
fe2d3d69992f713798ded0ad0417f73806780b66 | The Returned Service League Art Union is desperately seeking the missing winner of a $3.3 million mansion on the Gold Coast. The owner of the luxury property, which was drawn in a lottery on Christmas Eve, is known to staff at the RSL but has been uncontactable since the windfall. 'We have his contact phone number, address and email but every attempt through those channels has been silent,' said RSL Art Union Lotteries general manaher, Luke Traini. Scroll down for video . This $3.3 million property has been left abandoned by it's owner who has been missing since Christmas Eve . 'The registered letters have not been collected, the home and mobile phones unanswered,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald. The owner lives in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, and may have already forfeited a potential $20,000 in rent from the property. Mr Traini said the Union may have to take the step of hiring a private investigator in order to locate the winner. The property is located in Currumbin on the Gold Coast in Queensland . The luxury property could have already generated $20,000 rent over the past six weeks . The owner lives in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, which has a population of 8000 . 'This is the first time the RSL have been unable to get in touch with the lucky winner of one of its homes,' he said. Already the winner, who lives in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg, has missed out on a potential $20,000 in rent . Bonnyrigg has approximately 8000 residents, one of whom is unaware of the windfall. The beachside property was up for grabs at an auction run by the RSL Art Union . The stunning property offers panoramic oceanside views . The RSL Art Union may need to hire a private investigator to track down the owner of the property . | The RSL Art Union is on the hunt for the winner of a $3.3 million property .
The luxury Gold Coast property was won in a Christmas Eve raffle .
The winner is known to the Union but have been unable to contact him .
The Union may have to hire a private investigator to find the winner .
They have missed out on a potential $20,000 in rent already . |
fe2deaa7253898b189fb628af181ab52a12da1be | (CNN) -- Some observers have been careful not to name the violence in Syria a civil war, lest it become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Well, the child has to be called by its name. The violent turmoil has turned into an asymmetric civil war, where the Syrian military and pro-government militias on one hand and opposition forces on the other are using extreme violence, not only against each other but also against civilians suspected of being sympathetic to one camp or the other. The civil war is asymmetric because government forces are far better equipped, organized and mobilized than the opposition. The latest expression of the unfolding brutality of this civil war is the massacre of more than 100 unarmed civilians, half of whom were children, in the Sunni village of Houla, a center of anti-government activity. Reports are unclear as to whether the culprits were Syrian military units or pro-government militias, the Shabeeha, as they are called in Syria. The United Nations has also been careful not to point a finger at any side. But the U.N. stand is a result of Russian and Chinese support for the Syrian government, which compelled the Security Council to draft a diluted statement acceptable for all members of the council. But the kind of weapons, the systematic mode of operation and countless testimonies all point to Bashar al- Assad's regime, which is upping the ante in its war against the opposition forces and civilians suspected of being their supporters. The civil war is asymmetric for another reason. First, although the Syrian government has been put under extreme international pressure, it still receives unconditional logistical support from Iran and Hezbollah. Its diplomatic support from Russia and China -- some reports also indicate that Russia sends arm shipments to the Syrian army -- provides assistance for al-Assad's regime to carry on with its onslaught. The opposition, on the other hand, does not have the same unconditional international backing. Although Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have committed to support the opposition by arming its forces, their support is not yet a match to the kind of assistance provided by al-Assad's allies. Other international supporters of the opposition, including Western countries, have been reluctant to take the support a step further and commit themselves to the kind of military operation that brought down Moammar Gadhafi in Libya, or even less so, to the establishment of a humanitarian corridor along Syria's borders. As long as al-Assad continues to receive regional and international support, his regime will be able to stay in power and have the upper hand in this civil war. The civil war is asymmetric for a third reason. Al-Assad's regime still enjoys a cohesive leadership and is in full control of its military. Its objectives are also clear -- surviving politically and personally and maintaining control over the country. Conversely, Syrian opposition is divided into rival groups that do not share an organized agenda, have different objectives and have been unable to coordinate their efforts. So, nearly a year and a half after the start of the uprising, the opposition still does not pose a serious challenge to the regime. The U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan, who is in Damascus, was also careful not to put the blame on any side, again reflecting the political dynamics in the United Nations between supporters and opponents of al-Assad. Annan believes that his six-point plan is still the only workable road map to stop the violence. Because it is the only plan on the table, Annan is probably correct. But since the conflict in Syria has evolved into a full-fledged civil war, the questions are no longer about political reforms or cooperation between the opposition and the government to stop the violence and rebuild Syria. Rather it is the actual physical survival of al-Assad, his family and his supporters. It is also about a complete overhaul of the power structure that has been in place in Syria for more than 40 years. Given this bleak reality, the only way to put an end to the violence in Syria is by working with those who support al-Assad's regime from the outside. Russia and China need to be convinced that it is in their best interest to bring down the regime and that this is the only way to move forward in this crisis. Once this happens, Iran may also be willing to give up on its ally. Time is running out, with the beginning of spillover to Lebanon, as indicated in ethnic clashes last week in Tripoli tied to the strife in Syria. It is crucial for the two powers to recognize that with the global leadership that they claim to possess comes responsibility to interfere proactively in such cases of humanitarian crisis. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Asher Kaufman. | Asher Kaufman: It's time to call turmoil in Syria a civil war, with extreme violence on each side .
But regime's forces are far better equipped and organized than the opposition, he says .
Kaufman: Bashar al-Assad gets heavy-duty support, especially from Russia and China .
Russia and China must be convinced it's not in their interest to back al-Assad, he says . |
fe2ed882067645ab73c4b5561b2856bd59094c6b | (CNN) -- U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration Thursday for secretary of state. Over the past few months, a slew of articles have criticized Rice's personality. The Daily Beast recently ran a piece titled "Susan Rice's Personality Disorder." These articles allege that America's U.N. ambassador is "brusque," "dismissive," "undiplomatic," "shrill" and awful to work for. I felt compelled to write something because these caricatures of Rice bear no resemblance to my former boss. I worked for Susan Rice in 2009 and 2010 as her special assistant in the Washington office of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Over the past few weeks, I have talked to other junior staffers for Rice—current and former—who all share my surprise at the way she has been described. Junior staffers see a side of their "principal"—Washington-speak for boss—that others do not. Being a special assistant involves a wide swath of activities: couriering papers, sitting in on meetings and delving into some policy issues. In this multifaceted role, my colleagues and I saw Rice as a boss, as a diplomat and as a person. In each arena, Rice demonstrated a rare combination of openness, honesty and passion. Read more: Susan Rice withdraws from consideration as secretary of state . Early on in the job, I delivered a 50-page paper on Afghanistan to Rice. Before I could set it down on her desk, she asked, "What do you think of it?" I hadn't read a word and froze. I soon found out that this was typical of Rice. She always asks people at all levels what they think; she's not concerned with hierarchy or status, just ideas. You see this in her strategy meetings, which always involve staff at all levels. You also see this when Rice tours foreign countries. She is just as interested in the stories of people on the streets as the proclamations of ministers—and often more so. Democrat 'extremely upset' with Rice's withdrawal . As a diplomat, Rice can be extraordinarily charming. She can put new acquaintances instantly at ease. But she can just as easily snap them to attention. Rice has little patience for dissembling and her insistence on thorough preparation means that she invariably knows the subject matter as well as—and usually better than—her interlocutor. This enables Rice to move from charm to hard substance in an instant, getting to the heart of an issue quickly. Some people have criticized this aspect of Rice's personality as "undiplomatic." If diplomacy is the art of talking and doing nothing, then perhaps they're right. But that has never been Susan Rice. Rice is in government because she believes in strengthening America and improving this world. Rice believes that advancing core principles serves U.S. interests in the long run. You can see this belief guiding her approach to issue after issue, in meeting after meeting. Read more: Rice's letter to the President . Rice is down to earth, too, which won the loyalty of her slightly younger staffers in particular. She has an inexplicably vast collection of go-go music—a D.C. invention. She has mastered social media and new technology, but only after overcoming a healthy dose of skepticism. And she has a general demeanor, some combination of athlete and wonk, that conveys cool. I don't mean to minimize the serious policy issues she has handled as U.N. ambassador, a member of President Obama's Cabinet and a lifelong public servant. One op-ed is not enough space to engage her many accomplishments in government and the various policy disputes that inevitably arise over 20 years in high office. Opinion: A lucky day for Susan Rice . All I can say in this short piece—and say with total confidence—is that Susan Rice is a wonderful person and an inspiring boss. Washington is filled with people seeking power for its own sake; people embroiled in partisan politics; petty people; imperious, dismissive people; people who put themselves before others. But that is not Susan Rice. The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of Amar C. Bakshi. | Susan Rice withdraws her name from consideration for State .
Articles have claimed Rice is undiplomatic and difficult to work for .
Amar Bakshi says those descriptions clashed with the reality of working for Rice .
He says Rice demonstrated openness, honesty and passion as a boss . |
fe2eebf393d243ea2e0c8bb1d9395e7372dec22a | By . Wills Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 08:06 EST, 4 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 11:09 EST, 4 March 2014 . It was bottled up 235 years ago and has been left to gather dust in a cellar ever since. But this historic collection of rum has become the most expensive in history, after fetching £80,000 at auction. The rare 18th century spirit was discovered in the basement of Harewood House in Leeds while staff performed an inventory. The bottles date back to around 1780 and were valued at £600-£800 per bottle . Harrogate Fine Wine Company then sold the alcohol at an auction hosted by Christie's in London. Mark Lascelles, brother of the eighth Earl of Harewood, who owns the Grade II listed country house in Yorkshire said: 'I had always known the bottles were down there but I wouldn’t have given them another look. 'But when my late father asked us to do an inventory we thought we might take one and test it out, even though the mould was pretty unsavoury. 'They were obviously pretty old, as they had clearly been hand blown. Harrogate Fine Wine Company sold the pricey tipple at Christie's Fine and Rare Wines sale in London, fetching a sum of £78,255 . 'We brought a bottle back to the shop and it took maybe half an hour to get the mould off, and then another half an hour to get the cork out.' The bottles date back to around 1780 and were valued at £600-£800 per bottle - but they were sold for more than six times the pre-sale estimate, fetching as much as £8,225 each. David Elswood, International Director of Christie’s Wine in Europe and Asia said: 'We are thrilled with the results for the sale of The 1780 Harewood Rum. 'The twelve bottles of dark and light rum sold for a total of £78,255, making it both the oldest and most valuable Rum ever sold at auction by Christie’s.' All of the proceeds from the sale went to the Geraldine Connor Foundation - a charity that helps young people in performing arts that has strong links with Harewood House. Co-director of the foundation Shiela Haworth said: 'This money will be a stepping stone encouraging us to start this year’s summer school, meaning young people can get involved straight away. 'Young people are lost in the summer holidays, but for six long weeks they can work with professionals and at the end of it they have themselves a performance.' Andy Langshaw, who also owns the house, said: 'The idea had always been to raise money for some kind of British Caribbean charity or foundation, and we have succeeded spectacularly at that. 'It is a once in a lifetime discovery for someone in the wine trade and it has been a privilege to be involved.' Mr Lascelles added that the discovery of the rum made perfect sense, given the links between Harewood House and the Caribbean - some of the rum has now been returned to Barbados. Trade: The owners of the Grade II country house said the rum may have been there as a result of the estate's historic links to the Caribbean . Discovery: Staff at the Yorkshire country house found the bottles while performing an inventory. Each bottle was initially valued at £800, but some sold for six times their pre-sale estimate . Royal drink: Princess Anne (pictured in the white sun hat in 1969) had a 'tot' of Navy rum aboard the HMS Fox . The first stage of the rum-making process is to cultivated and harvest sugar cane by hand. Historically, it came from Papua New Guinea, but now plantations can be found all over the world, with many based in the Caribbean. The cut cane is transported to a mill where it is crushed by a machine. After being cooked it is fermented, in an open vat or in labratory conditions, and is then distilled in a heated container. Some rums are simply bottled fresh from the still. However most types of are kept heated for longer and some are infused with herbs and spices. Most of the spirit is then diluted with water - at some point prior to bottling - which gives it around a 50 per cent alcohol volume. It was in the West Indies that the rum became a popular drink with members of the British Navy. Explorers who had gone to the Caribbean to make money out of metal, found it was more lucrative to deal in sugar. This meant thousands of sugar works were set up around the islands and nearly every plantation employed a copper pot still to make alcohol from the fermented skimmings and molasses. In 1655 Admiral Penn of the British fleet captured Jamaica from the Spanish. While celebrating his victory, he authorised that rum should to replace the official beer ration. When he sailed from Jamaica he found that the rum had the natural advantage of remaining sweet in the cask for much longer than water or beer. For the next 300 years, sailors were issued a daily 'tot' of the sugar-cane drink. The spirit would also be sold to sailors to bring in extra revenue but more importantly, it attracted a naval presence that deterred pirates lurking in the area. But in 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon claimed, ‘the vice of drunkenness is but too visibly increasing in our mariners’ and he reduced the ration by a quart (just over a litre) of water to every half pint of rum. The drunkenness was cured by drinking of tea and cocoa on ships. However, it was still a threat to naval efficiency so in 1850 the rum ration was fixed at an eighth of a pint, until it was abolished in 1970. The last Navy issue took place on 31 July 1970 known as ‘Black Tot Day’. | Bottles were discovered while staff performed inventory of country house .
Were bottled up in 1780 and were initially valued at up to £800 each .
But the spirit sold for up to six-times its pre-sale estimate .
Owners said the country house had historic links to the Caribbean . |
fe2f6d5a4732a27f11b3cddd0107052da74c2eb8 | (CNN) -- Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dikembe Mutombo came to the United States on an academic scholarship to study medicine at Georgetown University. But his career path soon changed after joining the school's basketball team. Mutombo would go on to play in the NBA for 18 years and become one of the league's all-time best defensive players. Mutombo has always been involved in humanitarian work, particularly through the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. He has been involved with CNN Heroes since 2007, when he served on the Blue Ribbon Panel that selects the top Heroes of the year. Mutombo recently sat down with CNN producer Allison Blakely to talk about Heroes and his philanthropy. Below are excerpts from that interview. Allison Blakely: What was your inspiration for starting the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation? Dikembe Mutombo: After traveling so much in Africa, doing some work for different organizations, we [had] witnessed so much suffering and pain. The Democratic Republic of Congo [has suffered] more than 10 years of civil unrest, where more than 5.3 million people have died. People have [called it] the World War III of Africa. (shakes his head) People are left with nothing. I decided to create the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to change the living condition of my people in Africa. Blakely: You originally intended to be a doctor. Now you've built a hospital in your homeland. Tell me about it. Mutombo: [It] was my [hope] in building a hospital to let people know that things can be much better in the future. ... The Old Testament says, "People perish because of lack of education," and that's what we are trying to do. It's through education we will reduce the mortality rate: telling those moms how they can keep their babies away from mosquitoes, how they can get their baby vaccinated and deliver the baby in better circumstances. There was a woman that delivered a premature baby; I think that baby was like the size of my hands. We were the only hospital that was well-equipped with the high technology. The baby was able to grow stronger until it was able to go home. To see that child every time I go home is like I gave life to somebody. I think each one of us in this world, we have a duty to fulfill our mission. God has blessed some of us in the position to touch many people, and so many people can hear our voices from distances away, and I think I am capable to do it. Blakely: What is a hero to you, and what do you think inspires some of these people? Mutombo: A hero is someone who inspires you with their voice or with their acts or with their hands. That's a hero. Blakely: You were on the CNN Heroes Blue Ribbon Panel back in 2007. What was that like? Mutombo: I think it's great. I [would] encourage more people who have the strength and the courage and the love and the commitment of going out and making a difference to go and try. ... You can't just live in a society where you think, "I don't have anything to contribute." It's all about the gift that you have. ... You can inspire so many people. Blakely: You went out to the "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" last year, right? How was that? Mutombo: I was just walking down the red carpet, able to meet Anderson Cooper and everybody who came from the different parts of the world, celebrating our work and our contribution to this world. It was amazing. Blakely: So, you've met some of the CNN Heroes. How have you been inspired by them? Mutombo: Oh, inspired a lot. To see some of the people -- how they have gone on with no money, with no mean[s] -- there's a lot of people out there who are contributing. We all have some obligation to fulfill something in this world we're living in. It doesn't matter how long your life [is]. It is about your contribution, how much difference you're making. That's what those people are doing. I thank them, and I compliment them, and I salute them for their effort. | Former NBA star is committed to helping people in Democratic Republic of Congo .
His foundation helps provide health care and education for many Congolese .
Mutombo has been a part of CNN Heroes since 2007, when he served on the Blue Ribbon Panel . |
fe2fb292e5e3025816556b69e0d1699b315f7b4b | By . Luke Salkeld . PUBLISHED: . 05:17 EST, 27 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:19 EST, 29 March 2012 . A student who posted a series of racist comments on Twitter following footballer Fabrice Muamba’s cardiac arrest has begun a prison sentence of 56 days. Liam Stacey, 21, caused widespread revulsion by reacting to Muamba’s mid-game collapse by writing: ‘LOL [laughing out loud], **** Muamba. He’s dead!!! #haha.’ He responded to criticism of that message with vile racist tweets. The messages were forwarded to the police by several members of the social network, including former England striker Stan Collymore, himself a victim of abuse on Twitter. Shame: Liam Stacey is led away in handcuffs outside Swansea Magistrates Court . Stacey initially claimed his account . had been accessed by somebody else, but later pleaded guilty to racially . aggravated harassment. He was sent to prison to ‘reflect the public . outrage’ at his comments. As he spent his first night . behind bars, the two teams most shaken by Muamba's collapse replayed the . fixture that was called off when the midfielder came close to . death. Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers met again at White Hart Lane, with the home team cruising to a 3-1 victory. It means Muamba's club are now out of the FA Cup, but this hardly seemed to matter to the fans and players treating the match as a chance to pay tribute to him. Stacey, seen arriving at the court earlier in the morning, posted a series of vile tweets about footballer Fabrice Muamba . At the ground where the 23-year-old's . heart stopped, his teammate Sam Ricketts was seen to wipe a tear from . his eye before kick-off. It was a difficult return for the entire Bolton . squad, and manager Owen Coyle commended them for their bravery. Players from both sides wore T-shirts . bearing messages of thanks to those who supported Muamba, while the . whole of the Tottenham stadium erupted in applause for him. Stacey, meanwhile, faces expulsion from . Swansea University. The third-year biology student had hoped to become a . forensic scientist. Describing his tweets, prosecutor Louise Barron . told the court: ‘The offence is clearly racially aggravated. ‘There was sustained and gratuitous . racism. These were unprovoked comments and persistent abuse. The . recipients were disgusted.’ Jailing the student at Swansea . Magistrates’ Court, District Judge John Charles said: ‘Not just the . footballer’s family, not just the footballing world, but the whole world . were literally praying for Muamba’s life. Your comments aggravated this . situation. ‘I have no choice but to impose an immediate custodial sentence to reflect the public outrage at what you have done.’ Stacey made his comments about the . Bolton Wanderers midfielder while celebrating the Welsh . rugby team’s Six Nations grand slam victory earlier this month. The judge added: ‘You committed this . offence while you were drunk and it is clear you immediately regretted . it. 'But you must learn how to handle your alcohol better.’ Stacey, from Pontypridd, South Wales, . told police following his arrest at his student home in Swansea: ‘I was . at the bar when I heard what had happened to Muamba. 'I don’t know why I . posted [the comments]. I’m not racist and some of my friends are from . different cultural backgrounds.’ He later sent a text message to a . friend saying: ‘I said something about Muamba that I shouldn’t have and . tweeted back to some people who abused me. 'Getting police on me now . which isn’t good at all.’ Another read: ‘Been bawling my eyes out on the phone to my mother for the last hour, really can’t be dealing with this.’ Applause: Everybody clapped for Muamba at the start of the match (and below) Gareth Jones, defending, said Stacey . ‘does not bear [Muamba] any grudge and is glad he is making a good . recovery’. He continued: ‘My client simply lost his head and posted . these disgusting comments to the bitter shame of himself and his . parents. 'For a moment of madness, his career has now gone.’ Stacey’s . father Neale, 49, and mother Hayley, 46, were visibly shocked when the . details of his comments were read aloud yesterday. Solidarity: Bolton's Nigel Reo-Coker (left) and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe shake hands . Jim . Brisbane, chief crown prosecutor for CPS Cymru-Wales, said: ‘Racist . language is inappropriate in any setting and through any media. 'We hope this case will serve as a warning . to anyone who may think that comments made online are somehow beyond . the law.’ Muamba is said to be . continuing to make good progress at the London Chest Hospital, where he . was visited by his Bolton teammates ahead of their rescheduled . match against Tottenham. The game was abandoned on March 17 following Muamba’s collapse. Upsetting: Fabrice Muamba is treated by medical staff after collapsing. Liam Stacey, 21, posted mocking tweets as the midfielder was treated on the pitch . Happier time: Shauna Magunda, right, . Fabrice Muamba's fiancee, has urged fans to keep the Bolton . player in their prayers as he continues to recover from a life-threatening condition . VIDEO: Everybody's thoughts and prayers are with him. Bolton manager Owen Coyle credits those who have lent their support to Muamba and his family . | Swansea University student pleaded guilty to a racially-aggravated public order .
offence to incite violence and will spend up to 56 days behind bars .
21-year-old's initial message on Twitter was posted just moments after Muamba had collapsed .
Biology undergraduate .
admitted to police he had sent the tweets after getting drunk watching .
Wales v France in the Six Nations rugby match .
Bolton and Tottenham have replayed the FA Cup match that was called off when Muamba's heart stopped . |
fe2fb6ff6f10c08271ca245e6b6da4ff5cbfff80 | By . Stephen Wright . PUBLISHED: . 19:12 EST, 27 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:12 EST, 27 August 2013 . Comedian Freddie Starr has been re-bailed until October by police investigating alleged 'historic' sexual offences . Comedian Freddie Starr faced new agony yesterday after he was re-bailed until October by police investigating alleged ‘historic’ sexual offences. The 70-year-old was first arrested by detectives from Operation Yewtree - the Scotland Yard inquiry set up in the aftermath of the Jimmy Savile scandal - in November of last year. He was re-arrested in April when further allegations against him emerged. He was due to answer police bail this week, but has instead been re-bailed until October. The entertainer, who lives in Warwickshire, has consistently denied any wrongdoing and had hoped he would be cleared this week. A number of well-placed sources believe the claim against him is flimsy and ultimately he will face no further action. Operation Yewtree is being run in three strands - one involving claims against Savile, one against Savile and others, and the third allegations involving others. Starr’s arrest in November concerned allegations involving Savile and others, while the April re-arrest was over claims with no link to the late, shamed television presenter. Last week Jim Davidson was told he would face no further action seven months after he was arrested over allegations he sexually assaulted ten women. The 59-year-old comedian was arrested in January and again in March as part of Operation Yewtree. But the Crown Prosecution Service said the women’s allegations were not strong enough for there to be a realistic prospect of securing a conviction. Three people have so far been charged under Operation Yewtree. Earlier this month ex Radio One DJ Dave Lee Travis was charged with 12 sexual offences, some dating back to the 1970s. Earlier this month ex Radio One DJ Dave Lee Travis was charged with 12 sexual offences, some dating back to the 1970s . PR guru Max Clifford 70 is accused of indecently assaulting seven women and girls . PR supremo Max Clifford 70, who is accused of indecently assaulting seven women and girls, and former BBC driver David Smith, 67, who is accused of sexually abusing a young boy, will face trial next year. Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris, 83, and disgraced glam rocker Gary Glitter, 69, are among those still on police bail - waiting to hear whether they will be prosecuted. They all deny the claims. A decision on whether Harris will be charged is expected shortly. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | 70-year-old was first arrested by detectives from Operation Yewtree .
The inquiry was set up in aftermath of Jimmy Savile scandal in November .
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and was hoping to clear name . |
fe3085b00f258fdc84e5af5f7144ba347d7282ee | Brendan Rodgers never took his eyes off Jordon Ibe. In Liverpool’s final training session ahead of the Merseyside derby, the manager was about to make a big call and wanted to gauge the reaction. ‘He only found out he was playing on Friday,’ said Rodgers. ‘I was looking at him when I announced it.’ Ibe never flinched. The forward, signed from Wycombe in December 2011, has continually impressed Rodgers but he wanted to see how the 19-year-old would fare in his biggest test. Brendan Rodgers had no hesitation to throw Jordon Ibe in his Liverpool starting line-up against Everton . Ibe (middle) was outstanding for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby against Everton . The Liverpool youngster robs Steven Naismith of the ball during the Premier League clash . He didn’t disappoint. If the 192nd collision in the league between these clubs was instantly forgettable at least Ibe, with his fearless running and boundless enthusiasm on his second Barclays Premier League start, left Rodgers purring about the future. Loan spells at Birmingham last season and Derby in the first half of this campaign gave the England Under 20 international a valuable education but Rodgers recalled Ibe at the start of January knowing he could contribute to Liverpool’s push for a top-four spot. John Stones and Phil Jagielka have played 90 minutes together 11 times this season. Everton are unbeaten in those games. Ibe might have settled this stalemate, as he hit the post from 25 yards. ‘Maybe I have too much belief in young players,’ said Rodgers. ‘But you never know until you throw them in. 'This is a springboard for Jordon; to come to Goodison and play like he did was outstanding. You cannot say young English players don’t have talent.’ Everton's Bryan Oviedo puts in a tackle on Ibe during the first half at Goodison Park . Ibe's heat map, as can be seen in Sportsmail's Match Zone feature . Roberto Martinez, meanwhile, has insisted Kevin Mirallas has not alienated himself from Everton’s squad after he missed a penalty against West Brom last month, grabbing the ball ahead of regular taker Leighton Baines. The Everton midfielder has said he will ‘consider his options’ at the end of the season. ‘I haven’t got an issue,’ said Martinez. ‘It seems like we want to pick on Mirallas because he missed a penalty against West Brom. Now because he says he wants to leave we are picking on him. 'I have never had a conversation with Kevin where he has told me he is not happy.’ | Everton and Liverpool played out a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday .
In a dire affair Reds youngster Jordan Ibe gave an impressive showing .
It was only his second-ever competitive start for the club .
Brendan Rogers had no hesitation in starting the 19-year-old . |
fe31f53fb31e79f422751a3a9342112a4cb56d8c | Tony Abbott has admitted he doesn't feel any guilt about the treatment of children in detention centres as heartbreaking drawings were released showing the effect it has on their mental stability. The drawings by young children held inside Australia's detention centres were released as part of a damning report from the Australian Human Rights Commission that found hundreds of children threatened to or committed self harm in immigration detention. When the Prime Minister was asked on radio on Thursday about the report and whether he felt 'any guilt' over the treatment of children in detention, he replied: 'None whatsoever'. 'The most compassionate thing you can do is stop the boats. We have stopped the boats,' Mr Abbott told 3AW's Neil Mitchell. Scroll down for video . Drawings of crying faces by young children held inside Australia's detention centres were released as part of a damning report from the Australian Human Rights Commission . Tony Abbott has admitted he doesn't feel any guilt about the treatment of children in detention centres as heartbreaking drawings were released showing the effect it has on their mental stability . The report, titled The Forgotten Children, was tabled in parliament on Wednesday night. Drawings by children in detention accompanied the report and depicted crying faces, rows of tents and children watching from behind bars as Australians enjoy the freedom outside a detention centre. The long-awaited report called for a royal commission into the treatment of children in immigration detention after concluding that prolonged detainment caused significant mental and physical harm. Hundreds of assaults against children were reported and 128 teenagers harmed themselves between January 2013 and March 2014. Mr Abbott's remarks on radio on Thursday came after he was told there were 10-year-olds on suicide watch and three-year-olds with depression. 'There were almost 2,000 children in detention in the middle of 2013 under the former government’s watch, there were almost 1,400 children in detention at the time of the election. That number is now under 200. Why? Because this government has stopped the boats,' Mr Abbott responded. 'Now I have a very simple question: Where was the Human Rights Commission during the life of the former government when hundreds of people were drowning at sea? 'This is a blatantly partisan politicised exercise and the Human Rights Commission ought to be ashamed of itself.' Drawings by children in detention accompanied the report and depicted crying faces, rows of tents and children watching from behind bars as Australians enjoy the freedom outside a detention centre . This picture of a boy crying as he waits was drawn by a primary school aged child at Christmas Island in 2014 . The long-awaited report called for a royal commission into the treatment of children in immigration detention after concluding that prolonged detainment caused significant mental and physical harm . The report made 16 recommendations after the most comprehensive 10-month inquiry in a decade into the policy of detaining children who arrive in Australia by boat to seek asylum. The commission found that Australia's practice of holding children in detention violated human rights law and recommended that they should be released as soon as possible into the community. Neil Mitchell: Do you feel any guilt at all about the way children have been dealt with in detention? Tony Abbott: None whatsoever, Neil. Neil Mitchell: But there are 10-year-olds on suicide watch? Tony Abbott: Neil, the most compassionate thing you can do is stop the boats. We have stopped the boats… . Neil Mitchell: Three-year-olds with depression? Tony Abbott: Neill, there were almost 2,000 children in detention in the middle of 2013 under the former government’s watch, there were almost 1,400 children in detention at the time of the election. That number is now under 200. Neil Mitchell: Do you want those 200 kids out of detention? Tony Abbott: Of course, of course, but the best way to ensure, the only way to ensure that we have no children in immigration detention is not to have any boats. It called on the federal government to ban indefinite detention, close the 'harsh and cramped' Christmas Island immigration centre, get children off Nauru and appoint an independent guardian for unaccompanied minors. The report stated that 'there appears to be no rational explanation for the prolonged detention of children.' Commission President Gillian Triggs said that the Australian government's amendments to the Migration Act, which redefined the term 'refugee', was of 'profound concern'. 'It is imperative that Australian governments never again use the lives of children to achieve political or strategic advantage,' she said. 'The aims of stopping people smugglers and deaths at sea do not justify the cruel and illegal means adopted,' she told SBS. 'Australia is better than this.' However, Attorney-General George Brandis told parliament that the recommendations had been a long-standing point of difference between the government and the commission. 'The government does not accept the commission's findings,' he said. Mr Brandis said that the federal government had made 'significant progress' towards changing the conditions of detention centres since the commission's inquiry had started. 'In short, children in detention is a problem created exclusively by the former Labor Government, which has largely been solved by the current Abbott Government,' he told SBS. Hundreds of assaults against children were reported and 128 teenagers harmed themselves between January 2013 and March 2014 . This drawing by a 16-year-old boy on Christmas Island last year depicts someone asking for 'help!' This picture drawn by a six-year-old detained at the Christmas Island Detention Centre with the words 'I want go out' GetUp Campaigns Chief Erin McCallum said that the findings of the report were concerning. 'Whatever your political persuasion, locking up innocent kids in hideous detention camps is barbaric and it has to stop,' she said. Greens immigration spokeswoman Sarah Hanson-Young said the report must be the turning point to end the cruel practice of locking children in detention camps. 'This vile, institutionalised child abuse has to end,' she said in a statement. 'No longer can we turn a blind eye to the sexual, physical and psychological abuse that these policies of indefinite detention are inflicting on children.' Immigration Minister Peter Dutton - who only took on the job in late December - said many of the recommendations reflected existing government policies and were superfluous. Commission President Gillian Triggs said that the Australian government's amendments to the Migration Act, which redefined the term 'refugee', was of 'profound concern' It called on the federal government to ban indefinite detention and close the 'harsh and cramped' Christmas Island immigration centre (pictured) The report stated that 'there appears to be no rational explanation for the prolonged detention of children' 'Other recommendations would mean undermining the very policies that mean children don't get on boats in the first place,' he said in a statement. Numbers of children in immigration detention peaked at nearly 2000 in mid-2013 under Labor but now there are only 162 children still detained. Activist group ChilOut said children must only be detained as a measure of last resort and only for the shortest appropriate period. 'This report highlights our dramatic failure to uphold our obligations, by detaining children arbitrarily as punishment for seeking asylum,' it said in a statement. Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles said Labor would work through the report findings and recommendations and respond appropriately. 'The best thing we can do for children in detention is to have refugee claims processed quickly so nobody has to languish in detention with no hope of settlement,' he said in a statement. The report made 16 recommendations after the most comprehensive 10-month inquiry in a decade into the policy of detaining children who arrive in Australia by boat to seek asylum . The report stated that 'there appears to be no rational explanation for the prolonged detention of children' Report called on the government to get children off Nauru and appoint an independent guardian for unaccompanied minors . | Tony Abbott admitted during a radio interview that he didn't feel guilty about the treatment of children in detention centre .
It comes after a 10-month long inquiry by the Human Rights Commission .
Report looked into the condition of refugees in mandatory detention .
It reported hundreds of children to have threatened or committed self-harm .
128 teenagers harmed themselves between 2013 and 2014 .
The Commission recommended all children be released into community . |
fe32e906a83932ab9af2b71bfa53cb6bc3f843d4 | An octogenarian has brought smiles to her loved ones' faces from beyond the grave by joking in her obituary that she passed away while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Norma Brewer, 83, who penned her own death notice before she passed away on January 27, wrote that she likely died from hypothermia after her dog, Mia, ate her socks and boots. 'Norma Rae Flicker Brewer, a resident of Fairfield, passed away while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro,' read the obituary, which was published in the Connecticut Post. 'One last joke with the world': Norma Brewer, 83, passed away following a stroke last week - but in her obituary she claimed she died at the base came of Mount Kilimanjaro surrounded by her daughter, her dog and cats . 'She never realized her life goal of reaching the summit, but made it to the base camp. Her daughter, Donna, her dog, Mia, and her cats, came along at the last minute. There is suspicion that Mrs. Brewer died from hypothermia, after Mia ate Mrs. Brewer's warm winter boots and socks.' Brewer, who wrote the obituary 11 years ago with a friend, actually passed away after a stroke. Her loved ones said the piece was 'typical' Norma. 'She always had stories, many of which were not true, but thought were funny,' her daughter, Donna Brewer, told the Connecticut Post. 'People who don't know my mother are bemused. People who know my mother are laughing and saying, "Yeah, that's Norma".' Loved: Brewer, pictured in her younger years, had a joyous outlook on life, her children said . Remembered: She penned her own obituary 11 years ago and it was printed in the Connecticut Post . The obituary also explains how Brewer, who was the daughter of local newspaper president W. Raymond Flicker, graduated from Marymount College in New York in 1953 before moving throughout the area and having children. Norma Brewers son, Raymond, added that the humorous obituary summed up the way his mother viewed the world: 'While life is serious, it shouldn't be taken all that serious.' 'It was her way of having one last joke with the world,' he said. As well as Donna and Raymond, she leaves behind a sister, three sons and six grandchildren. | Norma Brewer, 83, passed away on January 27 following a stroke .
But in her obituary, she wrote about how she was attempting to climb Kilimanjaro when she died from hypothermia after her dog ate her socks .
Her children said it summed up the way she viewed the world: 'While life is serious, it shouldn't be taken all that serious' |
fe3315f903d8cdc332b30829341962e91441a978 | The Duchess of Cambridge was as elegant as ever today in a claret LK Bennett coat while meeting military supporters, servicemen and women, as part of London Poppy Day. However, the glossy mane that inspired a million Chelsea blow-dries looked rather different: silver roots were clearly visible along the parting of her normally chestnut hair. She's also gone for a less bouncy 'do than usual, parted in the middle, rather than at the side. In fact, the flat, middle-parted style she's chosen highlights the silvery strands coming through at her hairline. Hairdresser Daniel Galvin Jr comments: 'If you are going grey, it is important to part your hair where the grey does not show.' Rebelling: However, Professor Beard said the Duchess occasionally rebels against her public image - as can be seen in this photograph taken last year, which shows streaks of grey in Kate's usually immaculate tresses. However, it appears Kate doesn't care who spots the silvers. And why should she? She's probably got more important things on her mind. Many new mothers, like Kate, find that their hair changes after they give birth. Greying hair is not normally directly associated with pregnancy, however, any form of stress can encourage it and can be a side effect of being pregnant or giving birth. 'If, when pregnant, you use an anaesthetic grey hairs may develop. It’s a huge shock to the system sometimes sends the hair bulb to sleep causing the hair to loose its natural pigmentation,' explains Galvin Jr. 'In my experience many pregnant women whose hair turns grey will start seeing their natural pigmentation come through within a few months.' Sources say that the Duchess had, to her horror, started finding the odd . grey hair (‘stress highlights’, her friends joke) before her pregnancy . However, it seems more likely that . Kate's has been getting lighter for the last few years - common among . those with dark hair - and has simply decided not to cover it up. Indeed, impeccably placed sources have whispered that the Duchess had, to her then horror, started finding the odd . stray grey (‘stress highlights’, her friends joke) before her pregnancy. To combat these, she had organic vegetable-based dye and subtle low-lights applied during . regular four-hour visits to the Richard Ward Hair And Metrospa in . Chelsea. Evidently, Kate . has let these sessions slip - not many new mothers, even royal ones, can . spare four hours at the salon when they've got a four-month-old to look . after. 'Going grey marks nature’s way of softening the hair colour . giving natural highlights as the skin pigmentation changes,' says Galvin Jr. 'I always . recommend using a semi-permanent colour with no ammonia or peroxide, to blend . the grey hair and tone it down slightly.' However, Kate may want to . avoid any unnecessary chemicals: it could be that she's being very cautious about dying her hair while pregnant . or breastfeeding. Many women stop colouring their hair . during pregnancy, with some waiting until at least 12 weeks after the birth of . their baby to begin again. This is for fear of the . chemicals used in many dyes being passed to the baby through . breast-feeding. This time last year, pictured above, Kate's hair was noticeably darker, and parted at the side . However, the NHS says new mothers needn't avoid the salon: . 'The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly . toxic. Most research, although limited, shows that it’s safe to colour . your hair while pregnant. 'Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm. However, these doses are massive compared to the very low amount of chemicals a woman is exposed to when colouring her hair.' Celebrity hair stylist Errol Douglas said: 'I recommend vegetable dye and colour glosses to my clients when they're expecting. They're safe and take them through those months with a gentle solution to keeping roots at bay.' Kate looked radiant in a calf-length red coat from LK Bennett as she met former and serving soldiers at Kensington Palace today . The Duchess of Cambridge prepares to meet staff and volunteers from the Royal British Legion's London Poppy Day Appeal . The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled from Kensington palace to High Street Kensington this morning . Kate wore an outfit which matched the . colours of the Remembrance Day poppies: her claret coat is from LK . Bennett's autumn/winter 2011 collection . Often, women find their hair looks . thicker and shinier during pregnancy but hormonal changes kick in after . having a baby, as dermatologist Justine Hextall explains. 'Hair has three phases; growth, resting and shedding,' she says. 'Normally, . hair grows at the same rate that it falls out. But under the influence . of pregnancy hormones, more hairs remain in the growing phase, . particularly during the second and third trimester, which is why women . often notice hair becoming thicker as their pregnancy goes on. 'Usually, losing your hair after birth is just your hair going back to normal.' The Duchess of Cambridge, who left her hair long . and loose, with blonde highlights (and a hint of grey) coming through . the chestnut, rides a 1960s Routemaster bus as part of the London Poppy . Day events . Crowds swarmed as Kate and William met poppy vendors outside High Street Kensington tube station today . The Duchess of Cambridge met members of the . Poppy Girls, daughters of military personnel who are releasing a charity . song in aid of the British Royal Legion, today at Kensington Palace . The Duchess meets The Poppy Girls; Megan Adams, . 10, Florence Ransom, 10, Alice Milburn, 13, Bethany Davey, 15, and . Charlotte Mellor, 17, who beat 1,000 hopefuls to make it into the group. Catherine prepares to meet staff and volunteers from the Royal British Legions sporting a new hair style . Kate steps off a 1960s Routemaster bus at High Street Kensington station in London where they met military personnel and volunteers supported London Poppy Day . The Duchess of Cambridge meets with military personnel, staff and volunteers from the Royal British Legion . Kate pulls her hair away from her face and enjoys a laugh as she and Prince William arrive to meet staff and volunteers . | Kate, 33, showed off a different hairstyle today - plus silver streaks .
Grey hair not directly linked with pregnancy, but can be caused by stress .
Many women find hair feels and looks thinner after having a baby .
Some mothers avoid dyeing hair while pregnant or breastfeeding . |
fe331aa12f42de26ffc8c297a1599b395f022c18 | (CNN) -- Scott Simon, for lack of a better phrase, was live-tweeting his mother's final days. In carefully worded posts, Simon, who has spent years artfully telling stories as host of "Weekend Edition Saturday" on National Public Radio, shared these most intimate moments with strangers and friends alike. On Twitter, his million-plus followers are generally treated to news updates intermingled with the detailed movements of his and his family's lives. Simon is something of an open book; photos of him as a child on Santa's lap and of his parents and his children fill his website. When Simon and his wife adopted their daughter in 2004, he shared it with the world in a recorded essay for NPR. His instantly recognizable voice describes how he and his wife held their daughter in their laps as they sat in a hotel overlooking China's Pearl River. "My wife and I were happy before we met our child, but now we feel we're just beginning to grasp the hugeness of happiness that's possible," he said. Coming to terms with the death of his mother, Patricia Lyons Simon, seems another kind of hugeness, if only as seen through his updates. Lyons Simon died early Monday evening. Secrets spilled in life's final minutes . On July 19, he mentions her a couple of times but also posts a smiling photo of himself and family out at dinner. Fast forward to July 26, and his updates are posted almost exclusively from inside the hospital's walls -- observations of his mother's behaviors and his attempts at negotiating the tight-knit hospital community. By Sunday, the only updates are tender descriptions of their interactions. The lens focuses on just the two of them, and Monday we are given access to the final goodbye between a mother and her son. A few comments left on the New York Magazine website under a story about Simon's updates before he confirmed his mother's death, were critical. "Everyone suffers loss. Everyone," wrote commenter MIHAIBRESTYAN. "That's no excuse for begging for attention and acting pathetic." "What's with the tweet when he said he was holding his mother's hand," commenter BARTLEBY posted. "I imagined him by his mother's bedside doing just that ... and typing in his tweet with his other hand. It's his way of dealing, but in my experience, sometimes you're more in the moment if you just put your mobile device away." On the blog Millers Time, the author makes an observation that sums up much of the social media reaction: . "I am drawn to this for two reasons: I believe Scott Simon is doing a service to us all, opening a window into a life event that many of us have or will experience. In his willingness to share what he is experiencing, in his wonderfully honest and sincere way, he hopefully opens a dialogue families can have prior to such an end of life experience," the author, who identifies himself as "Richard" says. "We do not talk enough, I believe, with each other and with our parents about the end of life, especially when there is still time to discuss some of the issues involved. Thank you Scott Simon for doing what you're doing now," he says. Posts included below are in chronological order from oldest to newest, starting Friday, July 26. For readers unable to see the Storify below, click here. . | NEW: The mother of NPR host Scott Simon passed away on Monday .
Simon has been tweeting from Patricia Lyons Simon's hospital room .
Reaction has been mostly positive with some dissenters disagreeing with the medium .
Simon's posts offer an intimate look into mother-son relationship and a new use of the media . |
fe33791df6163f9876523287cc6382980f11f379 | (CNN) -- English club Arsenal will be without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott for their Champions League last-16 second leg with Spanish champions Barcelona, but it is "possible" captain Cesc Fabregas could play. Van Persie injured his knee scoring in Sunday's League Cup final defeat against Birmingham while Walcott sprained his ankle during the Premier League victory over Stoke City. But Fabregas, who played a key part in Arsenal's thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona during the first leg in London, has an outside chance to make the second leg on March 8. He limped off after just 14 minutes against Stoke with a hamstring strain but could be fit to face the club he left as a 16-year-old. "Cesc is looking possible [for that game]," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website on Tuesday. "He is making quick and good progress. It is possible." The news is more bleak on Dutch striker Van Persie, who is facing three weeks on the sidelines, meaning he will definitely be absent for Arsenal's trip to Spain. Wenger added: "Unfortunately, we had bad news on the scan and he will be out for the next three weeks for sure. "It could be longer. The shortest delay we can imagine is three weeks [so] he is definitely out for Barcelona." England winger Walcott will also be absent, with Wenger confirming: "He is out. We said from the day he got the injury against Stoke you could count three weeks." The clash with Barcelona has taken on added significance after Arsenal failed to end their six-year trophy drought thanks to a last-minute Carling Cup defeat against Birmingham at Wembley on Sunday. Arsenal are looking to avenge last year's 6-3 aggregate defeat by Barcelona at the quarterfinal stage of Europe's premier club competition. | Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could be fit to face Barcelona in the Champions League .
Fabregas is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury .
Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott definitely out of Arsenal's trip to Spain .
English club lead 2-1 from the first leg in London with the return leg on March 8 . |
fe343a515da88fa58da1d743b5b5e7f32b74b0a3 | Sir Bruce Keogh's Government report has called for tighter laws surrounding cosmetic surgery including the introduction of insurance . The British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) is to start offering insurance to patients who undergo plastic surgery with accredited surgeons. Until now, no insurance policy for cosmetic surgery and the associated complications existed in the UK. The move comes after a Government enquiry into cosmetic surgery were published last month. Medical director Sir Bruce Keogh called for new laws to overhaul the £2.3billion sector. Two of the key demands cited in the report was for insurance to be provided by clinics and information for patients about the success rates of their surgeons. BAAPS represents the vast majority of NHS practitioners and is the only plastic surgery society to conduct a yearly audit of the procedures performed by its members. It worked with specialist insurers Lloyd’s of London to create a policy that would safeguard all patients of surgeons who are part of the association. Because all BAAPS surgeons are covered by the insurance, patients do not need to take the insurance out themselves. The price of cover will be included in their quote for the surgery. The new ‘Aesthetic Surgery Commitment’ or ‘ASC’ policy covers corrective treatment of all the most common complications of surgery, such as infection or bleeding, but also – a world first – capsular contracture, an abnormal reaction of the body to breast implants. Up to one in ten women who undergo breast enhancement may develop this condition, but historically would have had to pay for corrective surgery themselves. Sir Bruce Keogh's Government report has called for tighter laws surrounding cosmetic surgery including the introduction of insurance . BAAPS President Rajiv Grover said: ‘In line with Sir Bruce Keogh’s recommendations for more safeguards in the aesthetic surgery sector, we are [launching] a truly innovative insurance package that will further protect our patients. ‘No procedure is risk-free and ASC covers all common complications, so people undergoing surgery with BAAPS members can enjoy peace of mind that they will be looked after, in the unlikely event of any problems.’ The most popular surgical procedures are included in the policy including tummy tucks, eyelid surgery, arm lifts, breast augmentation, ‘moob’ reduction (gynaecomastia), liposuction, facelifts, pinning back ears and fat grafting. Common complications such as infection, haematoma (bleeding), seroma (build-up of fluid), nerve injury and others are also covered. Many conditions can develop a month or longer after the procedure is undertaken – and in the case of capsular contracture, it could be several months - so the policy automatically activates on the twenty-ninth day after the op and remains live for two years, as during that initial period hospitals would cover any complications. | British Association of Plastic Surgeons offering world-first insurance .
The move comes after Sir Bruce Keogh's Government enquiry into the state of the booming £2.3billion cosmetic surgery sector .
Capsular contracture, an abnormal to breast implants, will also be covered . |
fe3460e5e8bcd064a598266944620a51e0998f87 | By . Graham Smith . UPDATED: . 09:43 EST, 30 December 2011 . A notorious Parisian wife-swapping club said to be a favourite haunt of disgraced ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn faces closure for allegedly allowing prostitutes to operate on its premises. Les Chandelles has been shut down temporarily and police have placed three people under investigation on suspicion of 'highly organised pimping'. One of the accused is former professional footballer Alim Ben Mabrouk, 51, who played for Algeria at the 1986 World Cup. Swinging: Notorious Parisian wife-swapping club Les Chandelles (pictured) is facing closure for allegedly allowing prostitutes to operate on its premises . Les Chandelles - which translates as The Candles - is located adjacent to the Louvre on Paris' elegant L'Avenue de l'Opéra. It is regarded as the most exclusive of the French capital's 50 swingers' clubs and members are reputed to include Strauss-Kahn, celebrities and several politicians. Admittance is only granted to the wealthy, famous or extremely good-looking. But detectives believe the club is frequented by high-class prostitutes and have shut it down until further notice. Paris police chief now has 24 hours to decide if Les Chandelles can open for its annual New Year's Eve celebration. The venue's owner, Valerie Hervo, 44, has been questioned by police but has not been charged. Known as Madame Valerie, she said: 'I have nothing to say, only that my establishment has nothing to do with this affair.' Les Chandelles comprises a five-star restaurant and a bar and is entered through an unmarked door. Ex-footballer Alim Ben Mabrouk (left) has been arrested on suspicion of 'highly-organised pimping' at the club, where Dominique Strauss-Kahn (right) is said to be a regular . It plays host to risque dancers and the chance to swap partners or indulge in group sex in lounge and private rooms. Strauss-Kahn, 62, led the International Monetary Fund as managing director for four years until a sex scandal involving a New York hotel maid broke earlier this year. He had been expected to be voted France's next president in the 2012 election. But he resigned in May after his shock arrest in New York on criminal charges of sexual assault and attempted rape involving Nafissatou Diallo, a hotel main at Manhattan's Sofitel. The case was dropped by the District Attorney's office, amid concerns about the credibility of Ms Diallo, who later filed a civil suit against him. Returning to France in September, he apologised for what he called an 'inappropriate relationship' with Ms Diallo, which he said was consensual. He was cleared the following month of sexually assaulting French writer Tristane Banon because of the statute of limitations in France, which is three years for the crime. | Les Chandelles said to be a favourite haunt of disgraced ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn . |
fe35056bd5050fc596216e0afbd7bf890f4bac36 | Roberto Martinez has been left scratching his head by Everton's pre-season form but one shining ray of light has been the emergence of 19-year-old striker Chris Long. Everton's manager is not afraid to give youth its chance and, in Long, he feels there is a young man who could become the latest distinguished graduate from the club's thriving Academy. Sportsmail's Dominic King discusses the youngster's upbringing and assesses his chances of making a first team impact next season. VIDEO Scroll down for Chris Long and Everton youth teammates in changing room banter . Faith: Everton manager Roberto Martinez is not afraid to give the club's young players a chance to shine . So he's made significant strides this summer? Yes. That was abundantly clear on Sunday in Germany against Bundesliga side Paderborn, when he scored Everton's only goal in a 3-1 defeat. It was a thumping effort, too. After collecting a pass from Leighton Baines, he dragged the ball away from his marker before crashing a curling, right-footed drive that sped into the net. It was a strike reminiscent of some from Everton's first team coach, Duncan Ferguson. Does he have a chance of starting the season then? Well, Martinez was certainly enthusiastic about how he has coped with being in the first team environment and believes he is 'pushing' to be included. Given that there are fitness issues concerning Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Arouna Kone, there is every reason to think that he could feature in the party that travels to the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Back of the net: Chris Long opens the scoring for Everton against Paderborn in a pre-season friendly . Instant impact: Long runs to celebrate his goal with veteran midfielder Gareth Barry . How long has he been at Everton? All his life. He first set foot in the club's Academy 14 years ago when he was just 5. He has stood out in recent years thanks to his speed, composure and agility. He has represented Everton at all age-groups, signed his first professional contract in July 2013 and has played for England at U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-20 level. He also had a brief loan spell at MK Dons last season, scoring once in four appearances. Everton pride themselves on producing good, young players, don't they? With good reason. Long – who bases his game on former England striker Michael Owen – is not much younger than Ross Barkley and John Stones and he went to the Under-20 World Cup, which was staged in Turkey last summer, with those two. If he makes the anticipated progress, he one day could be tied down to a long-term contract and be part of the future Martinez is building for the club. Homegrown: Long joined Everton's academy at the age of five and has represented England at Under 20 level . In the frame: Long could make Everton's squad for their opening Premier League game against Leicester City . What has he made of the big change? As you can imagine, Long has embraced the extra responsibility, saying: 'I've loved being with the first-team for the last two months. I was with the Under-21s for a week in pre-season and then the gaffer told me I was going to be with them. I've taken it in my stride and I'm loving it.' | Long scored in Everton's 3-1 friendly defeat to Paderborn in Germany .
He has a chance of making the Toffees squad to face Leicester on Saturday .
The 19-year-old joined Everton at the age of five .
He spent part of last season on loan at League One MK Dons .
Long has represented England at Under 16, 17, 18 and 20 level . |
fe3523a5ccb9f1ed18a94bb74a9afc2b5c9a509d | Levante forward David Barral was told to stop complaining on Saturday despite being on the receiving end of a tackle so bad it left raked stud marks all down his leg. The 31-year-old played the full 90 minutes as his side lost 2-1 at Espanyol, but the former Real Madrid youth player's troubles didn't stop there. Barral was accused of feigning injury during the match by referee Carlos del Cerro Grande, but he later posted photographic evidence suggesting the match official should have been more sympathetic. Levante forward David Barral shows off his battle scars after receiving a heavy tackle on Saturday . Barral was accused of feigning injury during the match by referee Carlos del Cerro Grande . He tweeted: 'The referee said he didn't touch me!! Hahaha.' The photo also showed that Barral appeared to have an ice pack strapped to his ankle, although it is unclear if both injuries were sustained simultaneously. Levante took the lead through Jose Luis Morales but their Barcelona-based opponents hit back through Felipe Caciedo and Sergio Garcia to leapfrog Lucas Alcaraz's side in the table. . Levante striker Jose Luis Morales celebrates after giving Levante the lead against Espanyol . But Espanyol hit back, first through Felipe Caciedo and then Sergio Garcia (pictured) to take all three points . | Levante lost 2-1 in La Liga to Espanyol on Saturday .
David Barral posted a photo of his injuries from the game .
The Levante forward was accused of faking injury by the referee .
The photo proved otherwise with stud marks visible on his leg . |
fe3550b07898abc2452aeb5a38af12f8750357fc | When Southampton waved goodbye to arguably their three best defenders in the summer, no-one would have predicted them becoming the clean sheet kings of the Barclays Premier League by December. Yet the Saints go into Monday night’s match against Manchester United boasting the best defensive record in the English top flight. Lose Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers? No problem, at least not so far, for Ronald Koeman’s team. Nathaniel Clyne has been in fine form for Southampton this season under new boss Ronald Koeman . Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster has proven himself to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League . Jose Fonte (centre) and Victor Wanyama (right) have helped the Saints to seven Premier League clean sheets . Fewest goals conceded in the top-flight this season (top five): . Southampton - 10 goals . Chelsea - 13 goals . Manchester City - 14 goals . Manchester United - 16 goals . Swansea City - 17 goals . Southampton have conceded a measly 10 League goals, thanks to a back four who have barely changed all season. Add the giant goalkeeping presence of Fraser Forster, plus pass-breaker Victor Wanyama in front of the defence, and that is one formidable hurdle. Nathaniel Clyne, Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand have been ever-presents while Toby Alderweireld has played 10 matches. Alderweireld is struggling to make the United game, which means a possible call for Maya Yoshida, who has not let anyone down either. Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and/or Radamel Falcao may think that Southampton’s three-match run without a win means there might be easy pickings at St Mary’ s. Not if Saints can help it. First Fonte. He has been part of the fixtures and fittings for a few years now and at the age of 30 provides a steady head for the younger players. The Portuguese reads the game and marshals his team-mates. Chelsea loanee Ryan Bertrand shows his pace down the flank against Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla . Toby Alderweireld is a doubt for Southampton's clash with United after picking up an injury against Arsenal . Clyne might have been forgiven for wondering what he had done wrong in the summer as Chambers and Shaw headed off to Arsenal and Manchester United. Nothing at all, from Roy Hodgson’s point of view. Clyne, 23, is in the England coach’s plans thanks to his club performances. He has also chipped in with three goals, which is an unexpected and pleasant bonus. Bertrand must love living out of a suitcase. The left back, on loan from Chelsea, is on his seventh temporary move and appears to find the south coast to his liking. The 25-year-old had the misfortune of being at Stamford Bridge while a certain Ashley Cole was monopolising his position. No-one doubted Bertrand’s potential but he is finally getting the opportunity to prove himself a headline act. So to Alderweireld, who is living up to his classy CV. The 25-year-old Belgian, brought up the Ajax way, has played in the Champions League final (for Atletico Madrid) and the World Cup in 2014, which makes the Premier League a less-daunting proposition. He is on loan from Atleticoand doubtful for the United game with a thigh injury, which opens the door to Yoshida. The Japanese defender made 13 appearances last season and this year has started four games in the Premier League. Yoshida, 26, may be an understudy but he knows what makes Southampton tick after joining from Venlo two years ago. Southampton boss Koeman has hinted that he may promote a couple of his youngsters to the bench, too. Defender Jason McCarthy will be hoping that he gets a close-up view of the seniors. The others in contention are midfielder Harry Reed and striker Ryan Seager as Saints continue to show their production line is still working at full pelt. The Saints said goodbye to Luke Shaw in the summer following his £27million move to Manchester United . Calum Chambers (left) and Dejan Lovren (right) also left St Mary's for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively . | Manchester United face Stoke City at St. Mary's on Monday night .
Saints lost Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Calum Chambers in the summer .
Southampton have kept seven Premier League clean sheets this season .
Ronald Koeman's side have also conceded just 10 League goals this term . |
fe35c4cc22a52feba25a9c511dd9748dbd6ea763 | (CNN) -- The newly elected head of Syria's opposition briefed European foreign ministers Monday on the crisis there, European Union foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton said. Ashton met Monday with Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib and pledged European support ahead of the monthly meeting of European Union foreign ministers. "We want to help, but it's their country," she said. Al-Khatib was to discuss his proposal for a political transition to end the hostilities that have left thousands of people dead during nearly 21 months of violence that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has characterized as a fight against terrorism. Ashton said the world must take a stand against al-Assad's actions. "It is important that we recognize the terrible things that have been happening in Syria and the responsibility that Assad has," Ashton said. "We said from the very beginning that it is no place to be in a position of power in your country if you respond to peaceful demonstrations with the murder of your citizens." After hearing from al-Khatib, the foreign ministers released a statement saying, "The EU is seriously concerned about the potential use and transfer of chemical weapons in Syria and reminds the Syrian regime and other parties that, in case of their use, those responsible will be held accountable." Syria has accused the United States of working to falsely accuse the country of using chemical weapons, Syrian state-run media said Monday. "The U.S. administration has consistently worked over the past year to launch a campaign of allegations on the possibility that Syria could use chemical weapons during the current crisis," the Foreign Ministry wrote in letters to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported. "What raises concerns about this news circulated by the media is our serious fear that some of the countries backing terrorism and terrorists might provide the armed terrorist groups with chemical weapons and claim that it was the Syrian government that used the weapons," SANA quoted the letters as saying. U.S. officials have said they have seen intelligence suggesting that Syrian military units may be preparing chemical weapons for use. President Barack Obama has said any use of chemical weapons would cross a "red line," eliciting swift U.S. reaction. The United States and European allies are using defense contractors to train Syrian rebels to secure chemical weapons stockpiles, a senior U.S. official and several senior diplomats said. The training, in Jordan and Turkey, covers the monitoring and securing of stockpiles of weapons and materials, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the issue. Some contractors are working with rebels in Syria to monitor sites, one of the officials said. Opposition groups said fighting continued Monday across the country. At least 142 people died Monday, 59 of them in Aleppo and 50 in Damascus and its suburbs, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria said. In one Aleppo neighborhood, opposition activists said, they discovered 10 handcuffed and blindfolded corpses killed by government forces in recent weeks, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. CNN is unable to confirm casualty reports as the government has severely restricted access by international journalists. The Observatory said a rebel group seized control of a government military base in northwest Syria. The seizure occurred in Aleppo province, where rebel fighters from the jihadi al-Nusra Front, Muhikiri al-Sham and the al-Battar battalions took over three brigades and the command center of the 111th regiment in the Sheikh Sleiman area of western Reef Aleppo, the observatory said. Two rebels and one soldier died; five other soldiers were captured, it said, adding that 140 soldiers and their officers fled. The rebel forces represent a variety of interests. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Monday that U.S. officials were concerned "that al-Nusra is little more than a front for al Qaeda in Iraq who has moved some of its operations into Syria." The State Department is planning to designate al-Nusra Front, a radical Islamist group, as a foreign terrorist organization, two U.S. officials told CNN last week. The announcement is likely to come this week, the officials said. The hope is to finalize the designation before the Friends of Syria meeting, which is slated to be held Wednesday in Morocco. The goal of the designation is to isolate extremists groups in Syria while giving a boost to the new political opposition group unveiled last month in Doha, Qatar, they said. Al-Nusra and several other groups announced their opposition to a new anti-government coalition last month. U.S. officials estimate al-Nusra members represent some 9% of rebel forces in Syria. Officials said the group has not affiliated itself publicly with al Qaeda in an apparent effort to appear more mainstream. In recent months, the al-Nusra Front has emerged as one of the most effective groups in the Syrian resistance, drawing on foreign fighters with combat experience in Iraq and elsewhere. It has claimed responsibility for a number of complex attacks in Damascus and Aleppo, frequently involving suicide bombers. CNN's Elise Labott and Samira Said contributed to this report. | "Those responsible will be held accountable" for use of chemical weapons, EU says .
At least 142 people are killed Monday across Syria, the opposition says .
Syria accuses the United States of setting it up to be framed on chemical weapons . |
fe36513446d6065e41e235b35ff4485d82245ea0 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 08:33 EST, 9 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:35 EST, 9 August 2013 . We are more accustomed to seeing her stomping down the runway in her sexy Victoria's Secret lingerie, but Lily Aldridge showcases a more demure side in her latest photoshoot. The 27-year-old Angel looks stunning as she poses for an exclusive shoot in this week's edition of Net-a-porter's digital magazine, The Edit. The mother-of-one's latest fashion shoot sees her smouldering in toughened-up, vintage-inspired pieces by the likes of Givenchy, Erdem, Dolce & Gabbana, and Agent Provocateur. Smouldering: Victoria's Secret Angel Lily Aldridge looks stunning as she poses on a beach for Net-a-porter's latest digital edition . The California native has been a Victoria's Secret model since 2009, and she also has walked the runway for Rag & Bone and Giles Deacon and appeared in ads for Coach, Clinque and Anthropologie. She was first spotted by a scout at a school carnival, and her career has since rocketed. Speaking about her life as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she said: 'I think of it as being super-girlie, not sexy. It’s a huge part of American culture. 'The Angels, to me, are strong, iconic women that I have grown up watching, . 'Becoming an Angel was a huge achievement, the turning point in my career. It’s made me a household name – very few models get that chance anymore.' Fashion's in her blood: The 27-year-old said she grew up on fashion shoots and seeing her family work in the fashion and modelling industry made her sure it was the career for her . Fresh-faced beauty: The California native has been a Victoria's Secret model since 2009, and she also has walked the runway for Rag & Bone and Giles Deacon . Aldridge has been surrounded by the fashion world since childhood. Her father is an illustrator who designed The Rolling Stones’ album artwork, half-brother Miles is a world renowned fashion photographer, half-sister Saffron is a former Ralph Lauren model and younger sister Ruby is a model and singer. Speaking about her stylish upbringing, she said: 'I grew up on fashion shoots. When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be a soccer player, then a photographer, as I looked up to Miles so much. 'But I was so in awe of Saffron; I watched her work all the time.' Her husband also happens to be Kings of Leon front-man Caleb Followill and she couldn't speak more highly of him. Soul mates: She describes husband, Kings of Leon front-man Caleb Followil, as the coolest guy she's ever met . 'I knew he liked me, so I played it cool. I never exchanged numbers as I just knew we were going to see each other again.' She was right – four years later, they were married. 'We’re so compatible; he’s the coolest guy I’ve ever met, and my best friend', she added. As for the future, Aldridge knows that Victoria’s Secret won’t last forever. She said: 'When my time is up, it’s up, but I make sure I mix up jobs and branch out.' Grand plans: Lily, pictured left in her Victoria's Secret get-up, wants to design an organic skincare line like Miranda Kerr (R) And it seems she is hoping to follow in former Angel Miranda Kerr's footsteps as the model recently unveiled her organic skincare line, Kora Organics. 'I want to create an organic beauty line, a fashion line and I’d love to do kidswear. 'I’ve done Victoria’s Secret [so] I have a name and I can launch myself in a bigger way. But, wherever my career takes me, I am blessed.' Like family: 'The Angels, to me, are strong, iconic women that I have grown up watching,' she says . | Cover girl of this week's net-a-porter digital magazine The Edit .
Says Victoria's Secret has made her a household name .
Wants to launch organic skincare and fashion line .
Has one child with Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill . |
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