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ff38f1d538636efc6e30baf25dd87b93476bbe0a | Damien Baxendale was jailed for 10 years after he left his girlfriend so badly injured doctors said it was like she had been in a 'serious car crash' A vicious thug punched and kicked his girlfriend so hard doctors said it was like she had been in a car crash after she suffered a bleed on the brain, a fractured vertebrae and a fractured eye socket. Damien Baxendale was jailed for 10 years after he left 23-year-old Chelsea Hayes unconscious, her clothing torn and blood splattered around the rooms at his flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester. She was so badly swollen her three-year-old daughter, Shernia, did not recognise her and she now suffers from back pain, headaches, nausea, dizziness, poor memory and depression. Rachel White, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court that a neighbour saw the 24-year-old outside his flat at 3am on August 3 last year, kicking someone in the face 'as if he was kicking a football'. When police officers arrived, Baxendale refused to let them in, claiming Miss Hayes was asleep, but relented when they threatened to force their way in. Miss White told the court: 'Inside was covered with blood all over and it looked as if a struggle had taken place. 'Chelsea Hayes was severely injured, gagging and unconscious.' Baxendale claimed Miss Hayes had been drunk telling police it was 'all her own fault' and claiming she had banged her head. While his girlfriend lay unconscious in hospital Baxendale told officers: 'When she wakes up she will verify everything I have said.' The court heard Miss Hayes spent 10 days in hospital and could not remember anything about that night. Chelsea Hayes, 23, pictured left after her attack and right, bruised and swollen after she was beaten by her boyfriend Damien Baxendale. She had a bleed on the brain and needed her eye socket reconstructed . Miss Hayes had to have a metal plate installed in her cheek bone to reconstruct her face and surgeons went in via her eye socket, which is now scarred (pictured) Miss White said: 'It is the kind of injury usually seen in road traffic collisions.' He left her with a bleed on the brain, two fractured vertebrae, a fractured eye socket which had to be reconstructed, damaged neck ligaments, black eyes and lips so swollen she could not open her mouth. The court heard Baxendale was granted bail in February this year but almost exactly a year later, on August 2 he was arrested again after a violent street attack on another girlfriend. At 5am a resident called police after seeing Baxendale kick the woman in the side and repeatedly punch her in the face. Her injuries included a fractured nose and bruised and swollen face. Baxendale, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and causing grievous bodily harm. The couple pictured together, left, and Miss Hayes three-year-old daughter Shernia, right, who did not recognise her mother after the attack because she was so badly swollen . Colin Buckle, defending, said his client 'knows he does not deserve the clemency of the court'. Baxendale was jailed for ten years, with a further four on licence for the attack and second violent assault. Judge Peter Davies said: 'They were savage, brutal, ferocious and frenzied assaults.' He told him that he regarded him as a dangerous offender who posed a serious risk to the public and he did not accept he was remorseful. Members of Miss Hayes' family cheered and applauded as Baxendale was sentenced. Some of the damage caused to a door during the assault at Baxendale's flat in Bolton in August last year . | Damien Baxendale, 24, was jailed for 10 years for attack on Chelsea Hayes .
She was left unconscious, her clothing torn and blood splattered around .
Neighbour called police after seeing Baxendale kicking someone in face .
Miss Hayes was so badly swollen her daughter, 3, didn't recognise her .
He was granted bail in February but went on to assault another girlfriend .
He pleaded guilty and was given four years on licence for second assault . |
ff3923936c4452e993e0bf50d5675e0743eb0601 | By . Claudia Connell . PUBLISHED: . 20:58 EST, 22 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:58 EST, 22 December 2013 . The extent to which junk mail and nuisance phone calls had taken over my life became clear during one hellish day when I felt as though I was under siege in my own home. On this day, my letterbox seemed to open and snap shut every 15 minutes with some leaflet or other offering a service I didn’t need. When the junk mail wasn’t disturbing the peace, my mobile and landline were ringing with calls claiming I was due a small fortune in PPI and accident compensation or from call centres asking me to take part in endless surveys. Deck the hall with junk: Claudia with her stacks of unwanted mail . It all added up to an incredibly stressful day when I was unable to get any work done. Certainly it’s a problem that has become part and parcel of modern life, but what made it all the more frustrating was that I take every step I can to ensure I’m not targeted. I refuse to join mailing lists, I untick boxes asking if I’d like to be sent special offers, my phone number is ex-directory and I’m registered with the TPS (telephone preference service). Clearly, though, these weren’t working. So, with a mixture of sheer frustration and morbid curiosity, I decided on that day in November last year to keep a running total of all my junk mail and nuisance calls for 12 months. My experiment came to an end at the beginning of this month and the outcome is staggering. Over the past year I have experienced 4,481 unwelcome intrusions into my life in the form of unsolicited post, spam emails, phone calls and texts. Of all these intrusions, it’s the junk mail that I find the most infuriating. Deluge: 17.5billion pieces of junk mail are distributed in Britain every year . On a bad day, leaflets start dropping through my letterbox as early as 6am and can continue until as late as 10pm. Sometimes, I’ll come home after a day out to find a dozen pieces of paper strewn across my floor. Every year around 17.5 billion pieces of junk mail, addressed and unaddressed, are distributed across the country. The average householder receives 453 of them. On Tuesday, the Mail ran the story of Rebecca George, 44, a graphic designer from Hackney, East London, who collected 1,027 pieces of junk mail in a year. Well, guess what? I can do better than that. I received nearly treble the national average. This year, 1,147 items of junk were delivered to me. My house is in a part of South London known for its young families and high-earning professionals. And even though I don’t slot into either category, it means that if I look out of my window I rarely have to wait more than a few minutes before I see a leaflet distributor. My tally included 91 cards from taxi firms, 76 freesheets and newspapers and 42 envelopes and bags from charities. There were also 159 takeaway menus - a third from Pizza Hut and Dominos, who rarely went a week without reminding me of their latest offers. Endless: Spam email traffic is never-ending, and practically impossible to stem . As the value of properties in my area has risen by 25 per cent in the past year, estate agents are keen to make their presence known. There have been 123 communications, including 30 addressed to me by name from agents who, presumably, had identified me on the electoral roll. I also received 309 flyers from companies offering every kind of service you can imagine from cleaning and gardening to baby-sitting and dog walking. Religious groups including the Church of Scientology and Jehovah’s Witnesses left their calling cards, as did one gentleman calling himself ‘Mr Mahuba the Witchdoctor’ who, for a small fee, would place lifelong curses on my enemies. On more than one occasion I wondered how much he’d charge for performing a little voodoo on Pizza Hut or Foxtons estate agents. My local authority, Lambeth, has failed to see the irony of leafleting me on 24 occasions about my duty to recycle and dispose of my mail responsibly. Of the half a million tonnes of junk mail generated in Britain every year, around a fifth ends up going to landfill sites at an annual cost to the taxpayer of £50 million. Then there is the damage to the environment. It takes 17 trees to produce each tonne of junk mail. In the past year, there were only eight blissful days out of 365 when I didn’t receive a single flyer. At the beginning of this year, I stuck a ‘no junk mail please’ sticker to my letterbox. A fortnight later I removed it when I realised it was making things worse. Hefty load: Half of a postman's bag will be made up of junk, which is worth £1.1billion a year to the Royal Mail . Some mischievous distributors were taking it as a sign to dump a handful of flyers on me in one go. When I pointed out the sticker to one young man who was about to deliver literature from a removal company, he just shrugged and said ‘no understand English’. Increasingly, it isn’t just the door-to-door leaflet-droppers responsible for junk mail. A vast amount is delivered by Royal Mail. In the past 12 months it delivered 226 letters and promotional mail items from companies trying to sell me everything from wine, holidays to insurance, clothes and furniture. Ludicrously, the companies who harassed me the most were the ones whose services I already used. So much for their expensive consumer research departments! Sky Television wrote to me 26 times trying to sell me more expensive packages or get me to switch phone provider. BT also wrote to me 16 times about their broadband or new TV sports channels. But as any Sky or BT customer knows, when you have a problem with their products and really need to make contact, you’ve got more chance of getting through to the Prime Minister than you have of speaking to someone who can help. I also received 63 letters from energy companies wanting me to switch my supply to them or simply justifying why they are sticking up their prices yet again. Thirty-three banks and credit companies wrote offering loans and balance transfers. Not surprisingly, half a postman’s sack will be made up of junk post - with the Royal Mail delivering 3.3 billion items a year. Though it offers households the chance to opt out of receiving unaddressed junk mail, since it depends on £1.1 billion a year of such business, it doesn’t make it well known. No wonder less than 1 per cent of homes have joined the scheme. I did, however, think that registering my mobile and home phones with the Telephone Preference Service would stop nuisance calls - and until about two years ago, it did. The service is free and it means that your number is put on a national register that marketing and telesales companies are meant to check and not contact anyone whose name appears on it. While reputable companies abide by the rules, a growing number of rogue ones do not. Unstoppable: Claudia was bombarded with more than triple the average amount of junk mail . It is for that reason, I assume, that over the past year I received 137 nuisance calls and 72 texts. Some of the phone calls, particularly those from Indian-based call centres, came as early as 5am, while texts pinged up any time of the day or night. The vast majority were from companies wrongly claiming I was owed PPI compensation or a pay-out after an accident. I also received 40 ‘silent calls’. These are from companies using ACS (Automated Calling Systems). Targeted phone numbers are randomly chosen and automatically dialled. If you answer and an agent is available you’ll be connected. But if you answer and no agent is free, the line just goes dead. A rather intimidating thing at 2am. During September, a company calling itself UK Lifestyle, but using Indian call centre staff, called me 14 times asking me to take part in pointless surveys. I’d refuse, ask them not to call again and an hour later they’d ring back as if they’d never spoken to me before. When it comes to text messages, texting ‘STOP’ to one of the PPI companies is the worst thing you can do. It simply informs them your number is in use and leads to a flurry of additional messages. The problem of nuisance calls and texts has become so huge, with seven out of ten people receiving them, that consumer watchdog Which? has launched a ‘Calling Time’ campaign asking the Government to get tough on organisations that harass people in their homes. Richard Lloyd of Which? says: ‘Unwanted calls or texts are not just a nuisance, they can be intrusive and distressing. 'Many of us have been bombarded with spurious claims of PPI or injury compensation, and people are fed up with this nuisance and want to see action. ‘We want regulators to work together to police and punish those responsible. If they are unwilling or unable to enforce the rules, the Government should step in.’ But the award for the biggest pest of all goes to the email spammers. In the past year, I have received 3,125 junk emails - that’s despite using the highest possible security filters. From the Nigerian scammers telling me I’ve inherited millions to Canadian pharmacies wanting to sell me Viagra, the emails arrived at a rate of nine a day. What I can do to reduce the spam? Apparently, not a lot. Internet security expert Sam Maccherola says: ‘Once your email address is publicly available online or on an illegal list, the genie cannot be put back in the bottle.’ And as with the junk text messages, opting to unsubscribe will only alert spammers to the fact your email address is active, and you’ll be targeted even more. With my own Project Junk at an end, I will shortly be taking my ten giant bin bags full of leaflets and letters to the recycling centre - and, sadly, bracing myself for the even bigger deluge that 2014 is bound to bring. | Claudia tries to avoid spam, but still had 4,481 junk messages in 2013 .
There are ways to opt out of posted and telephone junk, but they are often not well-publicised or do not work .
17.5billion items of junk mail were distributed in the UK last year . |
ff39445a3b1f04929964ee6ef1c2e97a28ca24aa | FIFA president Sepp Blatter has ruled out revisiting the vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups after the world governing body's executive committee agreed unanimously that an 'appropriate' form of the Garcia report should be published. Blatter said in a statement that 'external legal experts' supported the view that 'there are no legal grounds' to revoke the controversial vote in 2010 to award the World Cups to Russia and Qatar. FIFA's executive committee agreed unanimously that an 'appropriate' form of the report into World Cup bidding by Michael Garcia, the ethics investigator who resigned earlier this week, should be published but with names and other details removed. The report into corruption by Michael Garcia will be published, the FIFA ExCo have decided . Officials at a meeting in Morocco agreed to the proposal without a vote being taken - but nothing will be published until the ethics committee charges against three FIFA ExCo members - Angel Villar Llona of Spain, Belgium's Michel D'Hooghe and Thailand's Worawi Makudi - have been dealt with. Blatter said at a news conference: 'The famous Garcia report is no longer such a timely matter. At the current time, there is no reason to go back on our decisions. The decision of December 2010 stands.' 'We need to ensure that we respect the rules of our organisation and that we do not breach confidentiality in a way that will prevent people from speaking out in the future. 'The two World Cups are in the calendar, the only thing missing is the precise dates for 2022, but these two World Cups will take place,' said Blatter. 'It would really need an earthquake, extremely important new elements to go back on this World Cup in Qatar.' FIFA president Sepp Blatter (centre) was in favour of Garcia's report being published . American lawyer Garcia produced a 430-page report into the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He quit on Wednesday as FIFA's ethics investigator after losing his appeal challenging the findings to clear Russia and Qatar to host the World Cups. The FIFA ExCo meeting was given a presentation by Domenico Scala, the head of FIFA's audit and compliance committee, who suggested the report should be published in an 'appropriate form' - with all names and other details redacted. This was agreed to by the members without a vote - though it is understood there were some strong views expressed questioning how much of the report should be made public. Blatter said in a statement: 'The report is about history and I am focused on the future. We will not revisit the 2018 and 2022 vote and a report by independent, external legal experts commissioned by Mr Scala supports the view that there are no legal grounds to revoke the executive committee's decision on the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.' Britain's FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce, from Northern Ireland, welcomed the move to publish the report in some form. But Blatter said there were no legal grounds to revisit the votes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups . He said: 'I am pleased the the FIFA executive committee decided without a vote to publish this report. It shows that people at FIFA at the moment do desire transparency and the sooner we can get on with talking about the game of football that we all love, the better.' FIFA's ExCo appointed Zurich-based Swiss lawyer Cornel Borbely to replace Garcia in an acting capacity. Borbely had been Garcia's deputy and took charge of the investigation into the Russian and American bids. Borbely's main task will be to take over the cases of FIFA ExCo members Villar Llona, D'Hooghe and Makudi, who all had proceedings opened against them by Garcia for either alleged code breaches during the 2018/2022 bidding process or for failing to comply with his investigations. Garcia had also opened proceedings against former ExCo member Franz Beckenbauer, the former Germany player and coach, and Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the head of FIFA's inspection team which compiled a technical report on the countries bidding for 2018 and 2022. FIFA also confirmed that a final decision on the timing of the 2022 World Cup will be taken in March - November/December 2022 remains the most likely time in order to avoid the extreme heat of the summer. The FIFA ExCo have also announced they will scrap age limits for international referees . The last meeting of the task force looking at the dates will take place in Doha, Qatar, on February 23. The executive committee also supported the creation of an independent body to oversee a programme to improve workers' rights in Qatar. Blatter also took the opportunity to stress again that he would be standing for a fifth term of office on May 29 next year against as yet unknown definite opponents. 'I trust in myself, otherwise I wouldn't be here,' he said. 'Probably you will see my name because I have been asked by a lot of national federations. Football needs leadership.' Meanwhile, new rules banning third party ownership of players will come into force on May 1 next year, though existing agreements will be permitted until a player's contract expires. In other decisions, the ExCo agreed to scrap the age limit of 45 for referees - officials instead will have to take an annual fitness test. Prize money for the women's World Cup will rise by 50 per cent, from 10million US dollars (£6.4m) in 2011 to 15m US dollars (£9.6m) in 2015, with 2m US dollars (£1.28m) going to the winning team. | FIFA voted to publish Michael Garcia's World Cup bidding report .
The report concerns Russia and Qatar's successful World Cup bids .
But Sepp Blatter said they will not revisit the votes for Russia and Qatar . |
ff397a39a0e5019c4f945bb4b4cca991fc9ef2f5 | More than a year ago, Steve Carter was browsing online and came across a missing children's website. To his astonishment, after clicking through the pages, he found himself. What followed was a yearlong story of self-discovery. Carter, a 35-year-old software salesman, was adopted at age 4 from an orphanage in Honolulu. When he grew up, got married and thought about having his own children, the Philadelphia resident grew more curious about his own roots. "CNN covered Carlina White's story. It popped up on my iPad, and right from there I went to the center's website," Carter said, referring to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. White, an Atlanta woman who made headlines last year after she found her own baby picture on the website, discovered that she had been kidnapped as a 3-week-old infant from a Harlem hospital in 1987 by a woman posing as a nurse. She reunited with her biological family in an emotional meeting last January. Reading White's tale, Carter said, made him wonder about his own. On a hunch, he clicked on Missingkids.com in hopes of answering the unanswered questions about his origins. It was there he found an age-progression image made from a photograph of him as an infant. Carter recognized himself immediately, he said, and contacted the Honolulu Police Department. "I let them know my info and they ran with it," he said. "They were the ones who did all the legwork" of investigating the case. Carter then volunteered for a DNA test in February 2011. Eight months later its findings revealed fragments of his story and the name he'd been given at birth: Marx Panama Moriarty Barnes. His biological father, Mark Barnes, reported him missing more than three decades ago after his mother, Charlotte Moriarty, took him for a walk and didn't return. Carter says he believes Moriarty put him in the Hawaiian orphanage and told authorities his name was Tenzin Amea. CNN could not independently confirm that account. Barnes, who now lives in California with his two daughters, was not immediately available for comment, and Moriarty's whereabouts are unknown. This January, Carter decided to contact his newfound relatives over the phone. "They knew I had been located, but they were very surprised," Carter said, describing the experience as "a lot to digest." "You see a lot of these reunion stories and a day later they're meeting their parents," he said. "I'm still going forward, testing the waters." Carter says that while he intends to meet his kin at some point, he also wants to uncover what happened in the three-week period between his reported disappearance and his arrival at the orphanage in Hawaii. And yet authorities say stories like Carter's and White's are rare. Thousands of children under the age of 18 go missing each year, the center for missing children reported. Many of those youths are considered runaways and return home, though hundreds of the long-term missing often prove far more difficult to track down. "We encourage folks who have doubts to look on the website," said Robert Lowery, the center's executive director. Carter described his experience as "a happy ending to a story that usually isn't a happy ending." "Good things do happen," he said. | Steve Carter, 35, was adopted at age 4 from an orphanage in Honolulu.
It was only years later that the Philadelphia resident grew more curious about his own roots .
On a whim, he clicked on Missingkids.com .
There, he found an age-progression image made from a photograph of him as an infant . |
ff3a08afe0924d37d98e4761224f609bc6f2bf4a | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 07:00 EST, 20 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:09 EST, 20 November 2013 . This is the terrifying moment the engine of a microlight suddenly cuts out at 300ft - forcing the rookie pilot into an emergency landing in a field. Aviator John Merriman, 53, of Somerton, Somerset, was cruising at 50 knots over the countryside when he was confronted by the life-or-death emergency. The engine on his two-seater XAir microlight stopped, bringing the propeller to a juddering halt and filling the cockpit with an eery silence. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Crash: The terrifying moment a pilot crash lands in a field after the engine of his microlight cut out. The pilot was unharmed . Mr Merriman's remarkably calm response and his miraculous escape was filmed on a camera above his head in the cockpit. He sends a mayday over his headset radio and banks to the right in an attempt to glide back down. But the ground rushes rapidly towards him as the microlight falls like a stone - with overhead power lines directly in its path. Judging that he won't make it over the cables, John dips the nose at the last minute and crash-lands at almost 50 mph, just feet from a herd of cows. Flight cancellation: Aviator John Merriman, 53, was making a solo flight in his two-seater microlight aircraft above the Somerset countryside when the incident happened . Unscheduled landing: The 53-year-old's reaction is calm and immediate when it becomes clear that he will not remain airborne for long . The microlight hits a tractor rut which tears off the front undercarriage and nose cone and comes to an abrupt stop. The accident wrote-off the £5,000 machine - but John unstrapped himself and climbed from the wreckage completely unhurt. Mr Merriman, who has only been flying for six months and has 30 hours recorded time in the air, said: 'I told myself "Don't panic - remember your training". 'It was pretty hair-raising but I had no choice - you've only got one shot at doing it right or you're in big trouble. 'The plane will just drop out of the sky like a brick, and that will be the end of you.' Mr Merriman in the wreckage of the microlight. He is a rookie pilot but is set to gain his licence soon . The incredible scenes were taken from a fixed camera inside the £5,000 microlight . Tense: The trainee pilot veers to the right to find a clear strip of land for an emergency landing . Stoic: The ground rushes up towards the microlight, but the pilot remains steely and in control . He added: 'When I saw the electricity pylon and the cables stretching across the field I knew I wouldn't make it over them. 'I dipped the nose as far as I could and descended as fast as possible. 'When I hit the ground at 50mph, the ruts in the field catapulted the plane forward and almost threw me out of the cockpit. 'I was lucky to be unhurt. I didn't even bruise a knuckle.' The part-time delivery driver had his lucky escape on October 4 as he made his second solo flight of the day above Somerton, where he has a small holding. Split-second: The moment before the plane hits the ground . Mr Merriman dipped the nose at the last minute to avoid power lines and crash-lands at almost 50mph, just feet from a herd of cows . Hair-raising: The aircraft veers sharply to the side at the impact. Mr Merriman was unhurt and flew again just weeks later . After the crash he called his wife Heather, 51, to help him carry the remains of his microlight back to their farm in their Land Rover. The aircraft was a write-off with the crank in the engine broken and the undercarriage of the fuselage damaged beyond repair. But despite his near-death experience Mr Meriman was back in the air within a few weeks after buying himself a replacement microlight. He said: 'I've only got to do a couple more hours' flight time and I'll have my pilot's licence. 'I'm certainly not hanging around on the ground too long, although I think my instructor Chris Harrison is more worried than me.' Unhurt and unshaken, Mr Merriman inspects the damage to the microlight, which was written off in the crash . | Trainee pilot John Merriman was 300ft over fields when engine cut out .
He calmly guided the stricken microlight to a nearby empty field .
The 53-year-old escaped without a scratch thanks to skilful landing .
Amazingly, Mr Merriman was back in the air within a few weeks . |
ff3ae82c0aa65da2b58a0277e6f3d6ccb07cd744 | It looks like a glittering golden palace fit for a Russian tsar, and its appearance on the Moscow property market is perhaps a sign of the crisis facing the super-rich amid the rouble's collapse. With nine sumptuous bedrooms, Baroque-style living areas and two swimming pools - as well as being decorated with gold throughout - this home looks almost too lavish for royalty. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings and every room is fitted with exclusive custom-made ornate furniture, with the mansion sitting amid towering pine trees in its own 97 acres. Scroll down for video . Fit for an oligarch: This sumptuous palace is for sale in Moscow's most elite suburb - and is only the third most expensive on the market . Luxury: The £70million estate has 97 acres of pine forest and custom-made furniture, with copious amounts of decorative gold throughout . Excess: The luxury of the mansion, including its snooker room, is a testament to the eye-watering wealth of some in post-Soviet Russia . But all this luxury comes at a price, with only billionaire oligarchs - many of whom have suffered mega losses due to the rouble fall - likely to be able to afford the hefty $109 million (£70 million) price tag. Located in Russia's 'Beverly Hills', it is described by estate agents as being 'in the style of the country estates of the European aristocracy'. The identity of the seller is not disclosed. In its sales material Sotheby's International Realty states: 'The interiors are reminiscent of Baroque palaces. 'The rooms have a lot of gold, natural stone and precious wood. In some rooms the floors are made of natural marble and the billiard room and library are solid oak and mahogany.' The 'golden palace' is located in the prestigious Rublyovka suburb in Moscow, where A-listers reside and property prices are some of the highest in the world. Snug: One of the house's nine bedrooms is themed entirely in red, black and gold, even down to the colours of the wooden floor . Luxury: The walk-in shower, set on a central marble plinth, is big enough for an oligarch and a few mistresses for good measure . Tub: Even the bathrooms do not escape the marble, chandeliers and gold. The collapse of the rouble raises doubts over the home's future . Panelling: The study has hints of James Bond. The suburb of Rublyovka, where the mansion is, became a Beverly Hills in the 1990s . Entertaining: Should you buy the palace, there is ample enough room to invite round all your oligarch friends for caviar and fizz . The three-storey main residence, which has similarities to a modern French chateau, has 2,300 square metres of living space. Inside, the bedrooms are particularly notable, with each one dripping in gold and decorated in a different style. Some feature four-poster beds, while others boast expensive works of art on the walls, but all resemble presidential suites in luxury hotels. One of the main living areas contains a grand piano, while the spa and massage zone has hints of Arabia about its decor. Swimmers taking advantage of the larger indoor swimming pool will notice the Sistine Chapel-esque painting on the ceiling. The mansion comes completely fully-furnished, with some of the pieces made by European cabinet makers. Rublyovka, in pleasant woodland on one side of the Moscow River, became a Russian equivalent of Beverly Hills in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The western suburb quickly became home to billionaire oligarchs, showbusiness stars, government officials and industry tycoons. Bedecked: The mansion comes completely fully-furnished, with some of the pieces made by European cabinet makers . Arabesque: There are hints of the exotic in the house's swimming pool and spa rooms, with patterned tiles and teapots . Entertaining: In the dining room, it's difficult to check one's reflection in the mirror on the left without an expensive vase getting in the way . Reception room: With thick padded walls, the space where guests are invited for an introductory drink has the air of a Swiss bank vault . Welcome: The entrance hall boasts one of the house's most opulent chandeliers, dangling over a central table and viewing gallery . As well as expensive properties, the area also boasts exclusive boutique shops and sports clubs frequented by the rich and famous. As an indication of the exclusivity of the neighbourhood, the golden palace is not even the most expensive on the market, with others commanding higher prices. Ilya Menzhutov, director of the elite real estate company Metrium Grupp, said: 'It is by far not the most expensive house in Rublyovka. 'As of today, there is at least two houses that outrun the mansion in price. One of them is $130million (£85million) and the other is $150 million (£98million). 'Moreover, the most expensive estate is not in the famous Rublyovka but off the Skolkovskoye highway, where the buyer will have to pay $200 million (£130million).' The house is not even the most expensive one for sale in the elite neighbourhood - others are priced at £85million and £98million . Golden: The rise of the super-rich in Russia was at its peak in the 1990s as former nationalised industries were sold to private investors . Music: One of the rooms has a grand piano with wooden inlays, in case the creative urge decides to hit the home's wealthy owner . Some of the bedrooms boast expensive works of art on the walls, and all resemble presidential suites in luxury hotels in the west . As well as the mansion (pictured), the area also boasts exclusive boutique shops and sports clubs frequented by the rich and famous . Estate agents in Moscow are divided on how well such homes will sell at the moment, particularly amid the rouble crisis and Russia's slide towards recession. In its November review on the premium market, before the latest slump, IntermarkSavills suggested that the fall of the currency was becoming critically important. After its collapse, the official rate is around 60 roubles to the dollar. Many estate agents are now advertising their prices in dollars - or setting a fixed rate of 37 to 45 roubles to the dollar, said Nina Reznichenko, the head of suburban real estate department at IntermarkSavills. 'Clients have also reacted to such dramatic changes almost immediately: negotiations are getting longer, and the majority of purchases are made in below $2million segment.'. Tweed estate agents say the buyers of the most expensive properties have been put off by the currency problems. Just a few miles away in Moscow's supermarkets, the nation's economic woes take a very different form - with shelves stripped bare thanks to economic sanctions. Russia has banned cheese imports from nations which are imposing sanctions - including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland and Lithuania - and chicken imports from the U.S. amid growing international tension over its involvement in Ukraine. Meanwhile, in real life: Bare Moscow supermarket shelves yesterday after Russia banned imports from sanction-imposing countries . The Kremlin has banned imported chicken from the U.S. in response to the economic sanctions it has imposed after the Ukraine crisis . Also banned is cheese from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland and Lithuania, with people buying cheeses from Argentina instead . | 97-acre estate in capital's 'Beverly Hills' has nine bedrooms, two swimming pools, spa and custom chaise lounge .
Fully-furnished golden palace is one of several for sale in Rublyovka suburb, with others costing £85m and £98m .
But buyers have been put off by rouble's collapse and economic woes, with many buying homes outside Russia .
And in normal Moscow supermarkets, shelves are bare as Russia bans imports from sanction-imposing nations . |
ff3b03fb5e7d15256bcaee4b55ae3275e8be762f | By . Louise Boyle and Daniel Bates . PUBLISHED: . 17:54 EST, 17 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:17 EST, 18 September 2012 . Back in jail: Joseph Green Brown, 62, is being held over the murder of his wife Mamie in North Carolina last week after he was released from death row in 1987 . A former death row inmate who became a spokesman against the death penalty has been arrested again over the alleged murder of his wife. Joseph Brown was held after Mamie, his wife of 20 years, was found dead in her apartment on Thursday. He now faces the death penalty for the second time if convicted of the crime which has left both their families in shock. Officers found the 71-year-old woman lying on the floor suffering from apparent trauma. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Brown was released from death row in 1987 for a wrongful rape and murder conviction and spent his life campaigning for reform of the penal system. He found God, took the name Shabaka and frequently spoke out against the finality of the death penalty, including a passionate speech to a Congressional Judiciary subcommittee. Prominent lawyers involved in his case also changed their minds about capital punishment due to his pleas. In one interview Brown said: ‘I’m against killing, period, whether the violence is by individuals, the state, or armies in warfare. All life is sacred.’ The body of Mrs Brown, 71, was discovered after police were asked to check on her. Her husband was arrested late on Friday at a hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Back on death row: Joseph Green Brown, right, is again on death row for the alleged murder of his wife of 20 years, 71-year-old Mamie Caldwell Brown, left, was found dead last week . Discovery: Mamie Brown, 71, was found dead at her apartment in North Carolina after having suffered trauma, according to police . During his first court appearance in . Charlotte, North Carolina, he was escorted into a courtroom in . handcuffs. Wearing an orange prison jump suit, he glimpsed at his wife’s . family in the courtroom, but quickly turned away. A daughter of the victim could be heard saying: ‘Oh my god!’ Marcus Williams, Mrs Brown’s cousin, . said: ‘We thought they were happy. He didn’t seem like a threat. He was . upfront about everything. He was always smiling and trying to help . people.' Mr Williams added: ‘He was a motivational speaker. He liked to warn people what could happen in the legal system’. Brown’s 1974 conviction and death . sentence by a Florida jury was for raping and murdering Earlene Treva . Barksdale, the owner of a clothing store. He was scheduled for execution October 17, 1983, but a federal judge ordered a stay 15 hours before he was to be put to death. Mrs Barksdale, 34, a mother of five, . was found shot in the head at the children's clothing store she owned on . July 7, 1973 by her husband Fred, according to an article by Cltampa.com . Her . husband was considered the prime suspect for around five days before he . passed a lie detector test and attention shifted to Joseph Brown. Brown, at the time a 23-year-old . drifter from South Carolina, had just confessed to a motel robbery where . he sexually abused a female guest near Tampa airport on the same . day. He denied knowing anything about Mrs Barksdale's death. Brown was convicted of her murder the . following year and spent 13 years on death row before charges were . dropped just 15 hours before his execution. He was released on March 5, 1987 after an appeals court found that prosecution had allowed testimony at trial they knew to be false. One witness had struck a deal with the prosecution and falsely told the court that he and Brown had committed a robbery together. Grisly: Joseph Green Brown had been convicted of the rape and murder of Earlene Barksdale in 1973 but was released from death row . In a 1997 interview with America magazine about his experiences on death row, Brown said: 'Overall, it took me almost five years to decompress from the experience on death row. 'Some people couldn't believe I was still alive.' Among those who campaigned for Brown the first time around was Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut based lawyer who is now a Senator for the state. He worked the case pro bono and even put in $40,000 of his own money - despite supporting the death penalty. He declined to comment on Brown’s latest arrest. Some $400,000 of money for Brown’s defence was also provided by black rights campaigners the NAACP because they believed it was a racially-linked injustice. North Carolina, where Brown will face justice this time, has the death penalty for capitol felonies, of which first degree murder is one. The last execution in the state was Samuel Flippen in 2006 who beat his two-year-old stepdaughter to death. | Joseph Brown, 62, being held without bond over murder of wife Mamie, 71 .
Released 15 hours before execution in 1987 after being placed on death row for rape and murder of mother-of-five Earlene Barksdale . |
ff3b62b96ad45e038aa8b8985f212466857e0ccc | By . Jenny Hope . PUBLISHED: . 18:05 EST, 19 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:14 EST, 19 May 2013 . Vitamin D could help asthma patients breathe more easily, claim British researchers. Scientists at King’s College London have discovered vitamin D has the potential to significantly cut the symptoms of sufferers. They say it may one day be prescribed as a treatment alongside conventional steroids, but reducing the need for medication. Discovery: Vitamin D helps reduce the symptoms of asthma and could be used with steroids in future . A new study found the ‘sunshine’ vitamin resulted in lower levels of a natural chemical in the body that aggravates symptoms in asthma patients and cuts the effectiveness of steroids. More than five million Britons suffer asthma, including 1.4 million children, and the disease causes 1,400 deaths each year. Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, causing them to constrict and resulting in attacks of breathlessness and wheezing which can be fatal. Severe asthma is currently treated with steroid tablets which can have harmful side effects. Many sufferers have a steroid resistant variation of the condition making it even more difficult to treat and putting them at greater risk of hospitalisation from severe, even life-threatening, asthma attacks. In a study funded by Asthma UK . charity, a team of scientists at King’s identified a mechanism through . which Vitamin D can reduce asthma symptoms, providing a potential target . for future treatments. IL -17A is a natural chemical which . helps to defend the body against infection, but is known to exacerbate . asthma and reduce responsiveness to steroids when produced in larger . amounts. Experiments: Scientists at King's College London conducted the study into how the vitamin could be used . The team examined the production of IL-17A and levels of the chemical in cells from 18 steroid resistant asthma patients and 10 patients who responded to steroids, as well as a control group of 10 healthy people. Results showed that patients with asthma had much higher levels of IL-17A than those without asthma and patients with steroid resistant asthma expressed the highest levels of IL-17A. Further tests showed that while steroids were unable to lower the production of IL-17A in cells from patients with asthma, vitamin D significantly cut the production of IL-17A in cells from all patients studied. The results demonstrate that vitamin D could potentially provide an effective add-on treatment for all asthma sufferers, reducing the amount of steroid-based medicines prescribed. There is growing evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for triggering a range of diseases, including several cancers. The body makes most of its vitamin D from sunlight, although oily fish is a good dietary source. Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz from the Medical Research Council & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma at King’s, who led the study, said the findings were ‘very exciting’. Light: The 'sunshine vitamin' could reduce the amount of steroids an asthma sufferer has to take . She said ‘They show that Vitamin D could one day be used not only to treat people with steroid resistant asthma but also to reduce the doses of steroids in other asthma patients, reducing the risk of harmful side effects. ‘The results are so positive that we are testing this in a clinical trial in steroid resistant asthma patients to further research the possibilities of vitamin D as a potential treatment.’ The study is published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Malayka Rahman, Research Analysis and Communications Officer at Asthma UK, said: ‘For the majority of people with asthma, current available medicines are an effective way of managing the condition but we know that they don’t work for everyone, which is why research into new treatments is vital. ‘We also know that many people with asthma have concerns about the side effects of their medicines so if vitamin D is shown to reduce the amount of medicines required, this would have an enormous impact on people’s quality of life. We look forward to the results of the clinical trial.’ Ginger: Study shows that human airways become more relaxed when exposed to the root . Ginger could provide a new route for helping asthma patients, say US researchers. They found tissue samples taken from human airways became more relaxed when exposed to purified components of the spicy root also may have properties that help asthma patients breathe more easily. The ginger extracts enhanced the effect of medication known as beta-agonists which are commonly prescribed to people with asthma. Researcher Elizabeth Townsend, of Columbia University Department of Anesthesiology, said ‘In our study, we demonstrated that purified components of ginger can work synergistically with beta-agonists to relax airway smooth muscle . ‘These compounds may provide additional relief of asthma symptoms when used in combination.’ The results of the study will be presented at the American Thoracic Society 2013 International Conference in Philadelphia. | Vitamin D has the potential to significantly cut the symptoms of sufferers.
Scientists at King's College London made the discovery .
The ‘sunshine’ vitamin resulted in lower levels of a natural chemical in the body that aggravates symptoms in asthma patients . |
ff3c29646f6e5b83cc8436d1049d14ab3885d5c3 | Already qualified Bayern Munich beat CSKA Moscow 3-0 with another dominant performance on Wednesday to complete their fifth win in six Champions League Group E games and leave the Russians bottom of the table and out of Europe. A new-look Bayern side featured teenagers Gianluca Gaudino and Pierre Hojbjerg alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, making his first start of the season after a lengthy injury absence. With Xabi Alonso and Arjen Robben on the bench, Bayern, who had secured top spot in Group E with two games to spare, never hit top form. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: Bayern Munich 3-1 CSKA Moscow . Thomas Muller celebrates after scoring from the spot to make it 1-0 to Bayern Munich against CSKA Moscow at the Allianz Arena . Igor Akinfeev dives low to his left, but Muller has the better of him as he diverts the penalty into the back of the net to open the scoring . German forward Muller (third right) is congratulated by his Bayern team-mates after converting from the penalty spot . Sebastian Rode (third left) powers a header past Akinfeev to make it 2-0 to Bayern Munich against CSKA Moscow . Rode wheels away in celebration after securing the win for Bayern with his 83rd minute back-post header . Bayern Munich (3-4-3): Neuer, Boateng, Dante, Bernat, Hojbjerg, Rode, Schweinsteiger, Gaudino (Weiser 73), Muller (Robben 46), Gotze, Ribery (Lewandowski 46) Subs not used: Zingerle, Alonso, Rafinha, Kurt . Goals: Muller 18, Rode 84, Gotze 90 . Booked: Dante 68 . CSKA Moscow (4-2-3-1): Akinfeev, Fernandes, Ignashevich, Nababkin, Berezutski, Wernbloom, Dzagoev, Eremenko (Milanov 82), Natcho (Tosic 66), Musa (Efremov 90), Doumbia . Subs not used: Chepchugov, Vitinho, Cauna, Chernov . Booked: Natcho 27, Dzagoev 70, Wernbloom 90+2, Ignashevitch 90+2 . Referee: Olegario Benquerenca . Thomas Muller scored his 24th in the competition from the spot in the 18th minute to become Bayern's record Champions League goalscorer ahead of Mario Gomez. Sebastian Rode headed in his first Champions League goal following a fine move in the 84th before Mario Gotze added another in the 90th. The result leaves Bayern top with 15 points, a club record, and CSKA Moscow, who had keeper Igor Akinfeev to thank for keeping the score respectable, bottom on five. Manchester City snatched second spot with a 2-0 victory at Roma. 'I am proud of the team,' said Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who made five changes to the side that beat Bayer Leverkusen four days ago and started with striker Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha on the bench. 'We were outstanding and in every game played better than each of our group opponents.' The Russians were up against it going into the match, needing a win to have any chance of qualifying, and Seydou Doumbia almost put them ahead after six minutes with a header that went narrowly wide. Bayern immediately stepped on the gas and Franck Ribery made their dominance count when he was brought down after a swift turn in the box, with Muller firing home from the spot. Doumbia should have levelled with a sensational solo run that saw him dribble past six Bayern players only for keeper Manuel Neuer to deny the Ivorian. Schweinsteiger, making his first start in a competitive game since the World Cup final in July, almost got a second for Bayern but Akinfeev, who has failed to keep a clean sheet in 27 consecutive Champions League games since 2006, tipped his shot over the bar. Mario Gotze wheels away in celebration after scoring his team's third and final goal against CSKA Moscow in Munich . The Bayern players celebrate with Gotze (second right) after he sealed their win in the dying moments of the Champions League match . In the foreground, Muller slots home his penalty, while both team-mates and opposition players ready themselves in case of a rebound . Some supporters behind the goal capture the moment on their mobile phones, as Muller sends goalkeeper Akinfeev the wrong way . Bebras Natcho of CSKA Moscow reacts to the referee's decision to award a penalty, while behind Muller places the ball on the spot . Robben, on for the injured Ribery in the second half, instantly added pace and was twice denied by Akinfeev as he tore into the Russian defence. Lewandowski hit the post before Rode nodded in to seal their win with six minutes to go. Gotze then chipped in Bayern's third at the end leaving CSKA coach Leonid Slutski ruing missed opportunities early in the game. 'In the first half we had some good chances to score,' he told reporters. 'You do not get many chances against a team like Bayern and we did not make the best of the ones we did have.' Pep Guardiola (right) shows concern as Franck Ribery has to be treated for a head injury at the side of the Allianz Arena pitch . CSKA's Mario Fernandes (left) puts in a sliding challenge on Bayern's Juan Bernat during the first half of the match in Munich . Rode (centre) of Bayern Munich looks to evade the challenge of both Seydou Doumbia (left) and Alan Dzagoev . Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger controls the ball, while CSKA's Aleksei Berezutski watches on . Manuel Neuer (left) readies himself for action as the ball enters his area in the match between Bayern Munich and CSKA Moscow . Former Bayern Munich star Daniel van Buyten (left) was a special guest before the match and was thanked by Karl-Heinze Rummenigge . Rafinha, Xabi Alonso, Robert Lewandowski, Mitchell Weiser and Sinan Kurt keep themselves warm with blankets on the Bayern bench . | CSKA Moscow were level on points with Man City and Roma before their game against Bayern Munich .
Pep Guardiola's side had already secured top spot in Group E before the match began .
Thomas Muller scored the first goal of the game, from the penalty spot, before Sebastian Rode doubled the lead .
Mario Gotze secured the impressive victory in the dying moments to make it 3-0 .
The result, coupled with Manchester City's win at Roma, sees Manuel Pellegrini's side progress to the next round . |
ff3c3e6aeedab5803a74cb88623d4870b3c5d5f5 | The Department of Health and Human Services will spent an estimated $1.15 billion this year caring for minors in its Undocumented Alien Children (UAC) program, and Senate Democrats said Tuesday that they want to add an additional $1 billion for 2015. The program, part of the agency's Office of Refugee Resettlement, is responsible for the health and welfare of children who cross the U.S. border illegally and arrive without parents. An unprecedented flood of such children has arrived in recent weeks, with leaked photos showing overcrowded holding facilities run by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security. Underage illegal immigrants traveling without family members are held in those makeshift detention centers, three-quarters of which are on military bases, for a maximum of 72 hours while they are processed into the U.S. immigration system and given court dates. FLOOD: Children have raced across the U.S. border since President Obama's 2012 speech announcing that he had relaxed deportation standards for children who were already in the country . HHS says the number of 'unaccompanied alien children' it will serve in 2014 is more than double what it took in last year, but most sober estimates put the number far higher -- at least at 80,000 . After that, HHS takes over, with a dedicated budget for this year of $868 million, according to its most recent budget. A Senate Democratic aide told MailOnline on Tuesday that additional discretionary funds brought the planned total for 2014 to $911.9 million. But HHS's budget, prepared last year, anticipates caring for 60,000 children, not the 80,000 who more recent estimates expect to pour across the border – mostly from Central American countries. Adjusting for that difference, the agency will have to shift additional discretionary dollars into the UAC program, bringing the total to at least $1.2 billion. At least one estimate, appearing in the Washington Examiner, projects a total of 120,000 for fiscal year 2014. In 2011 HHS took custody of 6,775 such children. The number was 13,625 in 2012 and 24,668 in 2013. Despite widespread forecasts of another massive increase past the 60,000 expected for the current fiscal year, which ends on September 30, an HHS spokesperson told MailOnline on Tuesday afternoon that the agency's internal expectations haven't changed. 'We are still using 60K,' he wrote in an email. The spokesperson also referred questions about HHS's budget to the Office of Management and Budget inside the White House; that agency did not respond to emails seeking comment. Senate Democrats, led by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, announced Tuesday that they aim to put an additional $1 billion in play for 2015, bringing the program's planned total to $1.94 billion. That number would correspond to an expectation of more than 200,000 illegal alien children arriving next year. 'This is an emergency situation by any definition,' said Mikulski, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, on Tuesday. She also referred to the tens of thousands of children swarming into the United States as 'an urgent humanitarian crisis.' Not just adults: Border Patrol agents are apprehending hundreds of illegal immigrant children every day, and the Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for taking care of them until a suitable adult family member can claim them . Unlike previous waves of illegal immigrants, hardly any of the children pouring across America's southern border are from Mexico; most of the flood is coming from Central America . Mikulski added that her committee foresees that the problem will get worse, providing 'expanded transfer authority to respond to sudden or urgent needs in the future ... to increase shelter capacity and provide critical support services for children in HHS care.' The appropriations committee will take up Mikulski's funding bill on Thursday. Feinstein lined up in favor of the added spending on Tuesday, saying in a statement that 'the recent influx of tens of thousands of children entering the country without their parents has resulted in emergency situations in border states.' 'Federal, state and local officials need increased resources to properly shelter, feed and clothe these children as they work to find solutions to these heartbreaking situations.' In 2013, HHS budgeted just $376 billion to deal with the problem. But that fiscal year began just months after President Barack Obama announced a major immigration law exemption for children who were brought into the U.S. illegally before June 2007. Children in Central America, and their parents, got a garbled message, believing that they could take advantage of a policy shift and enter the United States with impunity. Those who make it to the United States and are captured by border patrol officers get classroom education, mental health and medical services, recreation and other taxpayer-funded services. The Department of Justice is paying for their attorneys. Senate Appropriations Committee chair Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat, is putting an extra $1 billion into HHS's budget to care for illegal immigrant children in 2015 . Texas Sen. John Cornyn slammed President Obama on Tuesday for the influx of young illegals: 'These children are being preyed on by drug cartels and human traffickers, and they¿re at high risk of being kidnapped, raped, or even killed' “The average length of stay in the program is . currently near 35 days,' HHS says in published information sheets. 'Of the children served, some 85% are reunified . with their families.' It's unclear how many of those family members are in the United States legally. 'The majority of the youth are cared for through a network of state-licensed ORR-funded care providers.' In a Senate floor speech Tuesday, Texas Republican John Cornyn blamed the White House for creating the problem. 'Sadly, this crisis is directly the result of President Obama's own policies and it involves tens of thousands of young children,' he said. 'These children are being preyed on by . drug cartels and human traffickers, and they’re at high risk of being . kidnapped, raped, or even killed while traveling in this long dangerous . journey to the United States.' 'But sadly, when they arrive here, we still . have no way of guaranteeing their safety because of lack of an adequate . plan to deal with this humanitarian crisis.' Cornyn also slammed the White House for sending mixed signals to countless Third World families, saying that by changing immigration policy unilaterally, 'the president has created an extremely dangerous incentive for children and their parents to cross into the United States.' | The Department of Health and Human Services has a $912 million budget in FY2014 to care for 'Undocumented Alien Children' but underestimated how many minors would flood across the border .
The funding will likely be upgraded to $1.15 billion this year .
Senate Democrats propose to add another $1 billion to the budget for next year, a number corresponding to 200,000 children arriving in 2015 .
ICE turns the children over to HHS after 72 hours of 'processing'
HHS spends taxpayer dollars on medical care, food, shelter and 'entertainment' |
ff3c6d2df879448ddb51f433045209ab118dc56d | More than one fifth of the UK's workers will be having their office Christmas party at some point this week. But a new poll reveals that those getting drunk with colleagues would be wise to think ahead and pack a change of clothes... just in case. Almost one in six of us (15 per cent) admit to not having made it home after their office party. It all started so innocently: Almost one in six of us (15 per cent) admit to not having made it home after their office party (file photo) The YouGov research, commissioned for the Hotels.com . mobile app shows that more than a million people (1,070,518) have turned up to . work the next day wearing the same clothes as the day before – doing . the work ‘walk of shame’ after the staff Christmas party. Whilst easy to believe that younger team members will be the ones to . party into the early hours, the study has revealed that Brits are in . fact a nation of ‘Older-Indulgers’ with 45-54 year old Christmas party . goers almost twice as likely to have committed the office walk of . shame compared to the national average (5 per cent compared to 3 per cent). Results also reveal . that as many as 750,000 Brits have slept in the office on the night of . their Christmas party, with 45-54 year old men over twice as likely to . have done so compared to the overall national average (5 per cent vs. 2 per cent). But grabbing a night’s sleep in the office is very much a last resort. Roughly a . third said they would be likely to book a suitably priced hotel room if . they could find one quickly and easily. Don't get caught out: More than one in 10 of those surveyed have opted to stay in a hotel room after a staff Christmas party (file photo) More than one in 10 of those . surveyed (11 per cent) have opted to stay in a hotel room after a staff Christmas . party as it is cheaper than travelling home late at night, and six per cent know a . colleague who has booked a hotel room intending to spend the night . with a co-worker. With a number of hotel rooms in cities like London . and Glasgow available for as little as £40, it comes . as no surprise that many opt to get a good night’s rest than take a taxi . home. Apps like Hotels.com help you find a bed close to wherever you happen to be partying, and use of the app soars between seven and 10 p.m. when people start preparing for a heavy night. Alison Couper from Hotels.com said: 'In the current economic . climate it’s no surprise that so many of us intend to let our hair down . at the work Christmas party, to sleep off the excitement of the night . before and tackle the "morning after" in the office.' | One million have come into work day after Christmas party wearing the same clothes as night before .
45-54 year olds almost twice as likely to have done so than the national average . |
ff3c78cc69c94190fdd622ebed7e5dd203ad6be0 | (CNN) -- A man who wrote a controversial book considered a "how-to" guide for pedophiles was booked into a Florida jail Tuesday after defending his book to reporters. Phillip Greaves, who was arrested Monday in Colorado, said "The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover's Code of Conduct" can be used as a guide to rehabilitating pedophiles, and -- instead of teaching them how to avoid arrest -- teaches them to avoid illegal actions. Asked if he is a pedophile, Greaves said, "I only have sex with grown-ups." He said he has no children and "I don't keep children around my house." Polk County, Florida, Sheriff Grady Judd has said his detectives were able to establish jurisdiction in the case by conducting an undercover operation, buying the book through the mail. Greaves protested Tuesday he is the target of entrapment, but Judd disagreed. "He wrote this book, he published this book, he put it on Amazon to sell," Judd told reporters as Greaves was booked into the Polk County Jail, "and he freely responded to our desire to purchase it." Greaves and his book gained national attention this year after Amazon.com defended selling the book despite angry comments and threats of boycotts. The book was removed from the website in November. Officials said the book talks about safe sex and avoiding injury to children, grooming and preparing children for sex and teaching children how to lie to their parents. Judd said Greaves' book outlines a "code of ethics" that shows pedophiles how to look for the most vulnerable children. Greaves told reporters Tuesday he wrote the book to exorcise his own childhood. He said he was introduced to sex at age 7 by a 10-year-old friend and began having sex with other children. It continued, he said, until he was about 15 when he stopped and did not have sex again for years. "Once I got into adolescence, I suppose you could have identified me as an adolescent pedophile," he said. But now, he said, he is an example of the fact that people can reform. "I think all speech should be protected," Greaves said. But "I was not the one who solicited the material to be sent to Florida. I think Florida law is for Floridians and Colorado law is for Coloradoans." He told reporters he will not be able to make bond: "I'm actually quite poor." CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said on CNN's "360°" on Monday night that prosecutors may have a hard time convicting Greaves and maintained his arrest was unconstitutional. "I don't think they can go forward because the book is clearly protected by the First Amendment," Toobin said. "This book, as awful as it is, it is only words." Judd vehemently disagreed with Toobin's assessment of the case. "This has nothing to do with free speech and everything to do with obscenity," Judd said. "We had a law in Florida that applied. We only needed jurisdiction." He said the book violates Florida law. "There's too much hand-wringing across the nation. When we can't stand together as a nation and say you can't write a book with real stories of children being sexually abused, then it's time to change the law." Judd said of Greaves: "Clearly, in our opinion, he's a pedophile. ... The guy is clearly trying to instruct people how to sexually abuse children, a step-by-step instruction guide with real-life examples. That's against the obscenity law in Florida, and we're excited to take it to court." Referring to Toobin's comments about the book being just words, he said, "Words become actions, and words in and of themselves can get you in trouble. If you threaten the president, you're in trouble. ... There are limits to what you can do." He said prosecutors and a circuit judge signed off on the arrest. Toobin pointed to a similar case that went to the Supreme Court in 2002 in which cartoons depicting children in acts similar to ones in Greaves' book were deemed protected by the Constitution. "Certainly the sheriff and I disagree about the constitutional issue, but I agree with him that the issue of child pornography is a very serious one, and I'm certainly glad that law enforcement is taking an active stand against it," Toobin said. | NEW: Phillip Greaves defends his book to reporters .
NEW: He is booked into jail in Florida .
NEW: Greaves says he wrote the book to "exorcise" his childhood .
NEW: Sheriff says Greaves' arrest was not entrapment . |
ff3cdc0386d01c3fd959c8afc551ca35801b7a56 | The 9-year-old boy fatally stabbed in a Michigan playground on Monday spent his dying breaths telling his brother he loved him and re-assuring him that the shocking attack wasn’t his fault, a family member has revealed. Michael ‘Connor’ Verkerke was playing with two of his brothers and another boy Jamarion Lawhorn, 12, who pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed Connor. The boy's great-uncle Jim Stearns told MLive that the horrific incident had left the family ‘absolutely numb’. He said Connor had told his brother: ‘If anything happens to me, it’s not your fault. I’ll always love you,’ as the boy had rushed his dying brother back to their parent’s house in Kentwood. Horrific: Michael 'Conner' Verkerke died Monday night after being stabbed in the back multiple times and he and friends played on a playground near his home . Police Jamarion didn't know Conner before the attack. They say the two boys had been playing together when Jamarion pulled a knife out of the sand and stabbed Conner multiple times in the back . ‘Their . top priority right now is the mental health of their three remaining . children,’ Stearns said of the devastated Verkerke family. A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night at Pinebrook Village Mobile Home Park, the site of Monday’s deadly attack. About 100 people gathered to celebrate Connor's memory. Children . and adults both laughed and cried during the vigil, reports MLive before Stearns, who is the uncle of Connor's mom, . spoke to the crowd and everyone joined in to sing Jesus . Loves Me. Community . members honored Connor's memory with teddy bears, passed out by vigil . organizers, placed next to a cross on the side of the playground. A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night at Pinebrook Village Mobile Home Park, the site of Monday's deadly attack . Stearns . said the incident has 'terrorized' the park for kids - in particular, . two of Connor’s brothers who were with him when the attack occurred. 'They’re afraid,' he said. The Verkerke family were also concerned about the Jamarion Lawhorn's family. 'Even though . we’re dealing with a different type of pain, they’ll be dealing with a . similar pain every day for the rest of their lives. That’s not to be . taken lightly,' said Stearns. The community has some together to help Conner's mom pay for his funeral. A Go Fund Me page set up yesterday has already raised more than $13,000 from 321 people. The Grand Rapids Press . reports that Jamarion sobbed and trembled as he appeared in court on . Tuesday to face murder charges. Even the prosecutor, who has opted to . try him in juvenile court as an adult, remarked that he looked 'tiny' and younger than his age. His mother appeared in court with him and wiped away his tears and rubbed his back to comfort him. About 100 people gathered on Wednesday night to celebrate Connor's memory and sing Jesus Loves Me . Shocking: . Jamarion Lawhorn, 12, is charged with murder. He will be tried as an . adult in juvenile court. Even prosecutors said he looked small and young . for his age . Jamarion's lawyer entered a 'not guilty' plea and asked that the boy undergo a psychological examination to determine if he is fit to stand trial. The 12-year-old did, however, tell a judge that he understood the charges against him. Under Michigan law, Jamarion could be given a 'blended' sentence if he is convicted, which would keep him in a juvenile detention facility until he is 21. After that, a judge would determine whether he should be released or sent to adult prison. Police say that Jamarion's attack on Conner was unprovoked and inexplicable. He didn't know Conner before the attack and had joined the 9-year-old and two friends on the playground. Horrific: A 9-year-old boy died at the hospital after being attacked on the playground by a 12-year-old, police say. He was stabbed at least once in the back with a kitchen knife . Random: Police say the 12-year-old didn't know the young boy he attacked and he didn't live in the trailer park near the playground . Suddenly, . he pulled a knife out of the sand and stabbed Conner multiple times in . the back, authorities say. Police aren't saying where Jamarion got the . weapon. Conner . ran to his home house nearby and collapsed on the porch. He was taken . to the hospital in critical condition an died hours later. Authorities . say Jamarion is the youngest child ever charged with murder in Kent . County - and one of the youngest in the state of Michigan. An . 11-year-old boy was convicted of killing his mother's boyfriend in 1997 . in Pontiac, Michigan. Witness Glen Stacy told the Press he was doing yard work when Jamarion approached him and asked to borrow his cell phone. Mr Stacy said he assumed the child was calling him mother. Instead the 12-year-old called cops and admitted to a brutal crime. Mr Stacy says the boy told police: 'I want to die. I don’t want to be on this earth anymore. Please pick me up.' Witness: Glen Stacy says the 12-year-old suspect asked to borrow his cell phone then called 911 and admitted he had killed . He says Jamarion told him that he lashed out because he had 'taken many pills' and nobody loved him. The 12-year-old was eerily calm and patiently waited for police, Mr Stacy told the Press. He only became animated when police finally arrived - and didn't immediately arrest him. Mr Stacy said the first emergency personnel went to the playground to help the victim. This upset the boy. 'Hello. I’m right here. You’re going the wrong way,' Jamarion shouted as officers arrived. When police did finally come for him, he walked toward the cops with his hands out in front of him - showing he wanted to be handcuffed. | Michael 'Connor' Verkerke was fatally stabbed while playing in a Michigan playground on Monday .
He spent his dying breaths telling his brother he loved him and re-assuring him that the shocking attack wasn't his fault .
Connor was playing with two of his brothers when another boy, Jamarion Lawhorn, 12, who pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed him .
The boy's great-uncle Jim Stearns said the horrific incident had left the family 'absolutely numb'
About 100 people gathered at the scene of the crime on Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil to celebrate Connor's memory .
The community has started a Go Fund Me site to help pay for Conner's funeral expenses . |
ff3d20d55bb437354c9b34f3550987d299a2c1aa | (CNN) -- He may not have won a tournament in almost two years, but Tiger Woods can still be a major force in golf according to his new high-profile sponsor. Woods lost some major backers in the wake of the scandal about his marital infidelities, including Tag Heuer. But another high-end watch-maker, Rolex, has taken on the fallen former world No. 1. "Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him and that he has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of golf," read a statement on Wednesday from the Swiss company, which also sponsors CNN's Living Golf Show. "This association pays tribute to the exceptional nature of Tiger Woods and the leading role he plays in forging the sport's global appeal." Rolex has a history of linking with golfing greats, including 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. It is the second backing for Woods' commercial value in two days, with influential business magazine Forbes keeping the 14-time major winner at the top of its "most valuable athlete" standings with a brand worth of $55 million. It cited his June deal with Japanese medical group Kowa as evidence that he was far from a spent force. Woods dropped out of the world's top 50 this week ahead of the PGA Tour's fall season Frys.com Open -- a minor tournament that he has never played before. He has not stepped out for an official event since the PGA Championship in August, but will make his ninth start of an injury-plagued season as he warms up for the Presidents Cup in Australia next month -- having been given a wild-card place by U.S. team captain Fred Couples. "I'm excited to be back. I've had good practice sessions at home and am eager to get back under the gun," Woods said ahead of the California tournament. Woods' website said he shot a course-record 10-under-par 62 last Saturday at his new home course in Jupiter, Florida -- the Greg Norman-designed Medalist Club. He will play the opening rounds at CordeValle Golf Club, near San Jose, with 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and U.S. amateur Patrick Cantlay on Thursday and Friday. | Tiger Woods signs new endorsement deal with Swiss watch-maker Rolex .
American had been dropped by big-name sponsors after scandal broke .
This week he was named Forbes' most valuable athlete despite form slump .
Woods will play PGA Tour fall season event in California, starting Thursday . |
ff3d7d0880e2ddfa51f7029c8178959160e7003f | (CNN) -- You knew Tony Soprano from the small things. The way he chewed his cigar in the opening credits of "The Sopranos." The way he shuffled to get his newspaper, sloppily clad in a white bathrobe. The way his voice changed, from a schmooze to a bark, when he talked to his psychiatrist. The way he killed. James Gandolfini was a master of the small things. "I remember telling him many times: 'You don't get it. You're like Mozart,' " David Chase, who created "The Sopranos," said in a statement. Gandolfini died Wednesday night while on vacation in Italy. He was 51. The cause of death was not announced but was believed to be a heart attack. Before "The Sopranos," Gandolfini -- a one-time truck driver and bartender who didn't turn to acting until he was in his mid-20s -- was a well-regarded character actor on stage and screen. He had a small role in the 1992 Broadway revival of "A Streetcar Named Desire" with Alec Baldwin and Jessica Lange, and appeared in such films as the Quentin Tarantino-written "True Romance" (1993), "Get Shorty" (1995) and "A Civil Action" (1998). Though his roles were limited, he invested them with beauty and invention. But he appeared destined for a career as the supporting actor until "The Sopranos" came along. "The Sopranos" was TV on a knife's edge. The HBO show, which put the cable network on the map for original material, could have been farce, could have been tragedy, could have been slasher film or kitchen-sink drama or gangster-movie parody. And, in fact, it was all these things, held together on screen by Gandolfini as woebegone Mafia chief (or was that "waste management professional"?) Tony Soprano. Tony Soprano was an unusual protagonist, especially for a television show: a violent, brutal mob boss, a beleaguered patriarch, a calculating businessman. It was as if "The Godfather's" Sonny, Vito and Michael Corleone had been combined into one hulking bear of a figure. It could have been otherwise. Opinion: Gandolfini's gift to television -- and America . Gandolfini was one of three finalists for the role, Alan Sepinwall observed in his terrific TV history, "The Revolution Was Televised." He was chosen because, Chase said, "the show I envisioned is the show that's got Jimmy in it. It's a much darker show with Jimmy in it." "At one time, I had said that this thing could be like a live-action 'Simpsons,' " Chase told Sepinwall. "Once I saw him do it, I thought, 'No, that's not right. It can be absurdist, it can have a lot of stupid s*** in it, but it should not be a live-action 'Simpsons.' " In fact, what it became was the best-written show in TV history, according to a recent survey by the Writers Guild of America. Many episodes were as rich as novels, or as finely wrought as a good short story. Writing, however, will only take you so far; you need actors to inhabit those characters. And with Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco and so many more, "The Sopranos" gave life to the scripts. Fans can pick their favorites, but two episodes stand out for Gandolfini's performances. One, "Whitecaps," includes a scene between him and Falco (as Tony's wife, Carmela) that was as raw and painful as watching an argument between your parents. (If the pair had ever starred in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", ticket-sellers could have made a fortune.) The other, "Join the Club," features an out-of-body experience in which Tony -- in a coma -- imagines he's an optics salesman named Kevin Finnerty. Here, Gandolfini drops Tony's New Jersey accent and with it, his tough-guy veneer. He's suddenly reasonable, open, somehow brighter. Special effects foreman: "So long, paisan" It's easy to confuse actors with their most famous roles; with this one episode, Gandolfini showed that he was no more Tony Soprano than he was Kevin Finnerty, but that he was playing them. Brilliantly. "If anything, Gandolfini often took things further than Chase had planned," Sepinwall wrote. In the pilot, a scene "called for Tony to slap Christopher (Imperioli) lightly across the face; instead, Gandolfini picked up the smaller Imperioli to make his displeasure clear." (He worked to get himself into Tony's frame of mind, Gandolfini told "Inside the Actors Studio," as noted in The New York Times' obituary. He'd stay up all night, put a rock in his shoe. "It's silly, but it works," he said.) "The Sopranos" gave Gandolfini fame and wealth; he got in a contract dispute before the fifth season, eventually winning a contract worth around $13 million, according to a Variety report at the time. But instead of pursuing Hollywood leading roles, he immersed himself in his craft and his interests. He played a general in "In the Loop" and the CIA director in "Zero Dark Thirty," neither role showy or outsized. He starred in the Broadway production of "God of Carnage" and was nominated for a Tony. He produced documentaries about wounded soldiers. Galdolfini left his mark on New Jersey . Among his last roles was in Chase's little-seen "Not Fade Away," which came out last year. In it, Gandolfini plays another New Jersey sad sack, this one a 1960s grocer failing to connect with his rock 'n' roll-besotted son. He could have played the part as a "Great Santini"-like martinet, or a befuddled softie, or an ignorant suburban climber. Instead, he manages to fill it with grace notes, amused one minute, frustrated the next, finally a loving father quietly handing his son some money as the boy prepares to drive away. He was a complicated, three-dimensional figure, and he gave the movie unexpected depth. Gandolfini will almost certainly be best remembered for Tony Soprano, his role of a lifetime. It's a shame that lifetime was so brief. The master of the small things left a legacy that looms large. From the mouth of Tony Soprano: Best quotes . | James Gandolfini had the role of a lifetime as Tony Soprano .
His performance made the character both darker and more relatable at once .
Gandolfini's nuanced acting made even his smaller roles shine . |
ff3dfe37cd854ed2fd811b2bc66e14c98e14c98f | LONDON, England (CNN) -- As Zimbabwe battles a cholera epidemic that has already killed hundreds, one company thinks it may have found a potential solution to the world water crisis. A shortage of clean drinking water has unleashed a cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe. Element Four, a small Canadian firm, has applied its water technology to create the WaterMill, a novel electricity-powered machine that draws moisture from the air and purifies it into clean drinkable water. The compact WaterMill, which goes on sale in the spring, is designed for household use. More crucially for countries such as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Element Four is also working on another device, the WaterWall, which could potentially supply an entire village in the developing world. The team at Element Four shares an ambitious goal: to quench the world's growing thirst for water. Now the 10-person company is taking on a challenge that global multinationals have struggled to meet. Rick Howard, the CEO of the company, says it was at a U.N. conference on water in New York last summer that he realized just how revolutionary Element Four's technology might be. "There we were on the same stage as GE, Dow Chemical and Siemens, and it was a complete shock to us when we heard the solutions they were offering. We realized we had something that could effect change," Howard tells CNN. The WaterMill draws in air through a filter and then cools it into water droplets. This water then passes through a special filter and is exposed to ultraviolet light, which rids it of bacteria. The product Element Four is designing for the developing world is called the WaterWall and is constructed by taking several of the water-making cells of the consumer appliance and hooking them up in series on a wall. The U.N., which has declared 2005-2015 the International Decade for Water, expects 1.8 billion people to live in regions with absolute water scarcity by 2025. It's no wonder then that Element Four is being closely watched by the tech world. The WaterMill is being displayed at the Wired Store in New York, a temporary store the magazine opens every holiday season that showcases the future of technology. About one in five people in the world lack access to safe drinking water, and shortages pose serious health problems for much of the developing world. Lack of clean water, coupled with poor sanitation practices, can lead to outbreaks of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, which in turn, can cause life-threatening forms of diarrhea. More than 500 people have died in Zimbabwe. Diarrheal disease is the third leading cause of death from infectious diseases, and the majority of those deaths are among children under the age of 5, according to the WHO and UNICEF. Most of those deaths could be prevented if improvements to sanitation and drinking water were made. But can an invention like the WaterWall really help ease the world's water shortage and help prevent health disasters like the outbreak in Zimbabwe from occurring in the future? "There are some brilliant inventions out there, but they are expensive and difficult to get hold of," says Paul Jawor, an emergency water and sanitation consultant with international aid organization Doctors Without Borders. The WaterMill retails for about $1,300, but Howard estimates that a pared down version -- without the bells and whistle -- for use in places like Africa would cost about $300. The biggest challenge of a product like the WaterWall, Howard says, is the power consumed by the water-making cells. To counter that, the product is designed to turn on in stages so it doesn't overload fragile power grids. In comparison to solutions like desalination, which can cost billions of dollars to develop, that's cheap. "For about $300 we can start saving lives. Ours is a very scalable product," Howard says. But there are skeptics. Frank Lawson, an engineering adviser at international charity WaterAid, said the solution Element Four is devising wouldn't be appropriate for the charity's projects. For one, the technology doesn't work in very dry climates. The machine only functions at or above about 35 percent relative humidity levels. Furthermore, it requires an energy source. "Our technologies have to be within the capacity of the benefiting community -- both technically and financially," Lawson says. WaterAid uses a number of low-cost and sustainable solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and hand-dug wells, to help communities in more than 17 countries access water. But those solutions depend upon the availability of water in the area, and fresh water supplies worldwide are feeling the squeeze from population growth, pollution and climate change. Howard admits the company needs to focus on growing its business first, so it may be some time before the Element Four's products make their way to the developing world. "We quickly came to realize that if we didn't first build a business to perfect the product and application, then we weren't going to be able to get to a point where we could have a significant humanitarian impact," he says. But Howard and partner Jonathan Ritchey are in various stages of discussions with several humanitarian groups in the field. Howard declined to name the organizations. It's early, but the company's core principle is "to do good as we do well," he says. "That's part of truly what drives us -- knowing that at some point we will be able to do some significant good." | Element Four has developed a machine that creates clean water out of air .
Growth of water use has been outpacing the rate of population increase .
Shortages of clean water pose health challenges in the developing world .
Zimbabwe's water crisis has unleashed a devastating cholera epidemic . |
ff3e280199bedfffcde1b5fb2342c691094568e0 | It started with a chance conversation between a doctor and a nurse several years ago. But that brief encounter may end up exposing what could be one of the largest Medicare frauds in U.S. history. Dr. Alon Vainer, a medical director at dialysis clinics in Georgia, was discussing clinic procedures with one of the nurses, Daniel Barbir. The two men say they saw something they believed was very wrong: expensive medicine, and lots of it, was being tossed in the trash. And the clinic workers were being told to do it, the two men say. "When we sat down and started talking about it and getting into details, we actually realized exactly what was going on," Vainer said. The alleged waste was being carried out on a massive scale and, the nurse and the doctor said, they knew why almost immediately. They claim it was a way for their company, DaVita Inc., to defraud the government, overbill Medicare and Medicaid and make a fortune. "We're talking in the hundreds of millions, easily," Vainer said. "The profit this company raked from those two schemes, only from those two drugs, was hundreds of millions of dollars." The allegations of massive fraud have implications for all Americans. The alleged fraud would have involved Medicare and Medicaid patients, whose medicine is paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Vainer and Barbir said the alleged fraud schemes they discovered were going on at the company's clinics all across the country -- at the time, about 2003 through 2010, more than 1,800 -- with tens of thousands of patients. It was enormous, they claim, and Vanier said it was all a deliberate strategy coordinated by the company. "It was just a scheme in order to fraudulently increase and maximize and boost the Medicare revenue, Medicare payment, so therefore fraudulently increase their revenue," he said. DaVita Inc., based in downtown Denver, is one of the nation's largest dialysis companies. The name means "Giving Life" in Italian. The company just moved into a brand new $101 million office tower, complete with fountains, gardens and even a suspended ski gondola inside for private meetings. DaVita has grown in the past couple of years and now runs roughly 2,000 dialysis clinics across the country, which has added up to a $7 billion business. The dialysis empire is run by CEO Kent Thiry, who dresses like one of the Three Musketeers, has adopted a company slogan of 'One for all and all for one' and in company staff meetings leads his employees, who he calls villagers, in cheers of "DaVita!" Thiry is reportedly paid an estimated $15 million a year, according to the Wall Street Journal, which has called him the best compensated CEO in Colorado. Most of DaVita's revenue comes from a single source: taxpayers. More than two-thirds of DaVita's revenue comes from Medicare and Medicaid payments. If Vainer and Barbir's allegations are true, the company threw away hundreds of millions of dollars of medicine, and taxpayers paid for it. And, if true, the alleged fraud schemes could represent one of the largest Medicare frauds in U.S. history. Vanier explained to CNN how DaVita instructed its nurses to administer a 100-milligram dose of the iron drug Venofor. "For example, if a patient requires this dose once per week, you'd administer 100 milligrams, waste nothing and charge Medicare for 100 milligrams," he said. "But what DaVita did, instead of charge (for) one vial, they give 50 milligrams of this vial (and) put the residual into the trash." he said. With another vial, he said, the company would give 25 milligrams to a patient and put the rest in the trash, then repeat it with yet another vial, when one vial could have been given without waste. The more vials DaVita used, the more the company was able to bill the government, the men say. Vainer and Barbir claim they tried to call attention to the massive waste and tried to get it stopped. But instead, they say, they were basically told to stop causing trouble and to continue following the company's protocols. "That's what upset me the most," Barbir said. "and that's when I went to Dr. Vainer. I said, 'Dr. Vainer, I can't do that.'" Barbir says he quit his job and left the clinic rather than continue where fraud was going on. Vainer claims the company punished him for speaking up. "Of course, once they found out, they did not renew my medical directorship or my practice," Vainer claimed. "We are a three-physician practice, and it was a significant loss of revenue." Today, both men have filed a whistleblower lawsuit under the U.S. False Claims Act on behalf of the U.S. government, charging DaVita with massive Medicare fraud. They stand to make millions if DaVita is found guilty. DaVita's CEO wouldn't talk, but the company's attorney Kim Rivera did. When asked about the plaintiffs' allegation that DaVita had come up with so-called schemes to throw away drugs and maximize profits, Rivera said: "Well that's just wrong. If you look at the facts of the case, first of all, the doctors make the dosing decisions.... When you look at what the practices were -- decisions being made by doctors, based on what was in the best interest of their patients. And they took into account a variety of things. "You can't just look at one issue. You have to look at things like infection control, what the patient's going to do, how the patient's going to do with particular doses. And so, during that entire time what we did, what the doctors did, was appropriate." But other companies, including DaVita's main competitor, used smaller vials and smaller combinations at times, limiting what was thrown away. DaVita reiterated its decisions to throw away medicine were for "sound clinical reasons" and "never to increase wastage." Plaintiffs' attorneys Lin Wood and Marlan Wilbanks, who claim DaVita made as much as $800 million over-billing the government, say that DaVita's defense won't hold up in court. "It's not just the taxpayers that are the victims here, it's the health care system," Wood said. "It doesn't take a graduate degree to understand what's going on here," Wilbanks said. "This is just dishonesty." DaVita denies that and vows to fight the case in court. But earlier this year, while denying it did anything wrong, DaVita settled a similar case in Texas for $55 million. Pat Burns, with the watchdog group "Taxpayers Against Fraud," says the bigger problem is that even if a company gets caught cheating the government, the company executives never seem to face any punishment. Fines are paid and business continues as usual. "The way it's set up right now, if the fraud is not caught, then taxpayers foot the bill, Burns said. "If the fraud is caught, stockholders foot the bill." Burns and others have been arguing for much harsher treatment when companies are found guilty of defrauding the federal government. He points to record billion-dollar fines, particularly in the pharmaceutical business, that are paid, but executives don't get punished and the companies continue to do business with the government. In fact, one of DaVita's defenses to CNN is that the federal government itself declined to charge the company with wrongdoing, even after reviewing the fraud allegations. "The government has come in and thoroughly investigated what the allegations are, and in both cases the government decided to drop it and move on," Rivera said. Federal prosecutors in Georgia declined to intervene in the case but stated in a letter that decision "should not be construed as a statement about the merits of the case." The short-staffed U.S. Department of Justice declines to join lawsuits all the time, instead allowing private citizens who hire private lawyers to essentially prosecute for the government, Burns said. "The U.S. Department of Justice simply doesn't have the people," Burns said. "It should have the people. I think we all would agree to that. It simply doesn't." Which brings us back to the original meeting of one doctor and one nurse who now stand to make millions if these allegations of fraud are proven true. The biggest winners, though, in their lawsuit could be taxpayers. The U.S. government will recover the bulk of whatever they win. They and others like them are essentially the U.S. taxpayers' deputies in the fight against health care fraud. Asked if they are surprised that they have to defend the U.S. taxpayer, Barbir said simply, "I'm not surprised. It's not easy to come forward and stand up and tell the truth, but it's the right thing to do." The case is set for trial later next year. | A doctor and nurse have filed a whistleblower suit against DaVita Dialysis .
The two claim the company was over-billing Medicare and Medicaid .
They say the company was wasting medication and throwing it away .
The company denies the claims, saying decisions were made in patients' best interests . |
ff3e40330995f567fa94da6d2510a603f5da2f21 | It is the news we have all been waiting for. That renowned flag-bearer for the aviation industry, Ryanair, is planning to branch out into the world of package holidays. This famed Irish purveyor of ‘low-cost’ travel has revealed that the grand concept of ‘Ryanair Holidays’ may be only a half-decade away. ‘If it becomes Ryanair Holidays at a point in time, it is a logical way for the brand to go,’ the airline’s chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs said earlier this week. ‘I can see us launching this in the next five years.’ We're all going on a Ryanair Holiday, no more worries for a week or two: Although not for the next five years . On the off-chance that you can’t wait that long for the tantalising prospect of a Ryanair-assisted escape to a sunny destination (or an east European city you haven’t heard of), here is a preview of what we may (as in won’t at all, really. Because this is satire) all be able to look forward to. It will be the best thing ever. Seriously, 2019 cannot come soon enough. (1) Hotel rooms from just £6.99 a night* . Just look at those eye-catching prices. Amazing, incredible, excellent value for money. And definitely a fair reflection of the true cost of the room. You just need to click through these next seven pages of terms and conditions. Oh, and there may be a couple of little extra fees that bring the price up to £79.99 a night. Oh, and if you could just add in your contact details here, and tick those boxes there, and that’s it – a bargain £111.99 a night. (2) Exciting ways to pay . Did we say £111.99 a night? Sorry, that price only applies if you are paying with the Angolan kwanza or the Mozambique metical (sorry, cash please, notes only). Or if you are using the Super-Duper Ryanair Hotel Cashcard, which is available from literally some outlets in some places. If you want to use a credit or debit card, we’re afraid that there will be a tiny additional charge of £27.99 per booking. Thank you for your understanding. A nice man who will definitely sell you a great holiday. And definitely won't refer to you as an 'idiot'. Oh no . (3) Early-bird check-in times . To enjoy our hotel rooms from £6.99* a night, you will need to check in at the hotel at 4:20am, ahead of being allowed into your room at 6:20am. This is due to the hotels being inflexible in their rules, and charging extortionate fees that are completely beyond our control. Check-in at 2pm is available for a discreet extra fee of £49.99 each . (4) Another teensy-weensy additional cost for checking in . And it really will be teensy-weensy. Just £25.99 (per person, rather than per room. Sorry about that). This is due to the endlessly high cost of running a front desk at a hotel (those little pens with the hotel name written on them do not – we’re afraid – pay for themselves). You can, of course, avoid this almost unnoticeable charge by downloading your own room key onto a piece of paper and bringing it with you. Do not lose your paper key. There will a charge for losing your paper key – and a personal telling-off from the chief executive. Which way to Las Ramblas, mate? Some hotels may be closer to the centre of Barcelona than others . (5) A miniscule extra fee for luggage . Bags are heavy. Carrying a full suitcase along a hotel corridor causes a lot of wear and tear to the fabric of the carpets – especially if you are staying at one of those posh hotels where a nice man in a smart uniform wheels your bag to your room on a trolley, just six hours after you have arrived. With this in mind, there will be an extra fee of just £29.99 per bag (on check-in, and on check-out) to ensure that the hotel carpets do not have holes in them. You can avoid this charge by travelling stress-free, carrying just a convenient purse filled with air. (6) Hotels in not-at-all-misleading places . There will be lots of splendid hotels in lots of brilliant locations – some as close to the city centre as 70 miles away. Book ahead now for first-rate properties in Barcelona (Reus or Girona), Munich (Memmingen) and Venice (Treviso). Other possibilities may include Amsterdam (Beijing), Madrid (Leicester), Prague (Southampton) and Bratislava (Mars). (7) Endless chances to win, win, win . The phone in your room may ring at 3am. ‘Hello. Can I interest you in a scratchcard?’ Would you like a scratchcard? Buy a scratchcard and you can win another scratchcard’. We're all on our way to Munich. Or, at least, an airport that is close to Munich. Depending on you define 'close' (8) Lovely, comfortable, luxury beds . Due to cost constraints and an unfailing commitment to competitive pricing, all beds will be an extremely generous three inches wide by four inches long. The bed of the next hotel guest may be directly in front of your bed. This will not affect the quality of your holiday. (9) Entertaining music on check-out . Once your holiday is over, just as you are leaving the hotel, you will be treated to an in-no-way-annoying tootling of trumpets and the announcement that: ‘You have enjoyed another on-time Ryanair holiday. Last year, 98 per cent of all Ryanair holidays were on time. They were all great, and nobody had any complaints, concerns, gripes or quibbles.’ (10) Hugely helpful and friendly staff . Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary once described passengers who fail or forget to print out their own boarding passes as ‘idiots’ who should ‘b***** off’. All hotel staff on Ryanair Holidays will work to similar levels of courtesy, politeness and professionalism. Of course, now that Ryanair has rebranded as a cuddly-wuddly airline, and Mr O’Leary has said that 'being nice to our customers is a new and winning strategy’, all holidays will be gold-plated, wondrous experiences. Oh why must we wait five years, Michael? Why? | Ryanair has revealed plans to start selling package holidays as well as flights .
The service is expected to launch at some point during the next five years .
We take an entirely tongue-in-cheek look at what customers can 'expect' |
ff3e40c1ef7d26108366df080c15e06a0fedcbb9 | Former escort Madison Ashton has lost her appeal against the estate of billionaire Richard Pratt, who she says promised her millions. Ms Ashton launched an appeal against the 2012 decision to reject her bid for part of the cardboard king's estate. Ms Ashton said Mr Pratt had promised to set up two trust funds, worth $2.5 million each, for her two children and pay her $500,000 as a 'retainer' to stop working as an escort and become his mistress. Scroll down for video . Madison Ashton (pictured here at court in 2012) has lost her appeal against the estate of the late cardboard billionaires, Richard Pratt . Although the Supreme Court agreed the pair had the conversation, it found Ms Ashton's acceptance of $100,000 and the transfer of car into her name was done in full satisfaction of the trust claim. In November 2005, Ms Ashton signed a document from a employee of Mr Pratt's company, Visy Industries, that released Mr Pratt from any financial responsibility in exchange for a payment of $50,000 to the former mistress. Mr Pratt died in 2009. In appealing the decision, Ms Ashton sought a declaration that Mr Pratt's 2003 promises constituted a legally binding contract and anything she signed in November 2005 was void. She also sought damages from Mr Pratt's widdoe, Jeanne Pratt. Billionaire Mr Pratt died in 2009 . Ms Ashton appeared before the Supreme Court of NSW today . But on Monday, the Court of Appeal dismissed her bid, saying the arrangement failed to spell out important terms such as Ms Ashton's obligations as mistress, how long it would last and the details of how the trusts would work. The court said Ms Ashton had received substantial gifts as Mr Pratt's mistress and there was nothing to suggest she was prevented from returning to the escort industry. Madison Ashton, who was once showered with gifts as Mr Pratt's mistress, claims the two of them were in a de-facto relationship, and it was not just a 'business' arrangement the pair had. Madison Ashton who was known as one of Australia’s most notorious prostitutes - aka Christine McQueen — stopped working as a hooker in 2003 after Pratt (right) promised her he would look after her and her two children. Ms Ashton, who also sued the cardboard baron's estate for $10 million in 2012 lost and racked up a million dollar legal bill. In September, The Daily Telegraph reported, the court heard Pratt had a 'voracious appetite for young woman like Ms Ashton and that promising her five million dollars wouldn't have been very much money to such a wealthy man. Ms Ashton, mwho was known as one of Australia’s most notorious prostitutes - aka Christine McQueen — stopped working as an escort in 2003 after Mr Pratt promised he would look after her and her two children. It was reported she claimed to have given up a lucrative career in the high class escort business to become Mr Pratt's mistress . A book called 'Mistress: The True Stories of Mistresses and Their Men' released last year delved into the couples bizarre relationship. Ms Ashton said Mr Pratt had promised to set up two trust funds, worth $2.5 million each, for her two children and pay her $500,000 as a 'retainer' to stop working as an escort and become his mistress . The late Richard Pratt (pictured) who was elected as Carlton's Football club's president Richard Pratt in 2007 was claimed to be in a de-facto relationship with prostitute Madison Ashton. Writer Matthew Benns and co-author Terry Smyth say Mr Pratt was one Australia's business giants, but it wasn't just wealth that pleased him. Rather, he had an 'apparently endless desire' for sex, Benns and Smyth wrote, sustaining two long-running affairs with a pair of young women from the bush. They were Shari-Lea Hitchcock, from Cambewarra, on the New South Wales south coast; and Peggy Jane Heslop - better known as Madison Ashton, sex worker and Penthouse Pet - who stemmed from Wangaratta, in Victoria's north-east. Hitchcock was a 'blonde bombshell, 35 years his junior,' Benns and Smyth wrote. Ashton, a canny brothel-owner with a troubled childhood. | Madison Ashton has lost her appeal against the estate of Richard Pratt .
Former escort said she was promised two trust funds worth $2.5m each .
Claimed Pratt promised her $500,000 to stop her working as an escort .
Pratt, late cardboard king billionaire, died in 2009 . |
ff3f34ee7412a46b00ab9068eb910d5374f26572 | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 08:04 EST, 6 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 08:22 EST, 6 February 2014 . Pope John Paul II will be made a saint in April . Pope John Paul II spent decades constantly questioning whether he was worthy of the role, according to private diaries published yesterday. John Paul, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005, will be made a saint in April and remains for many Catholics a towering model of faith and commitment. The diaries, which he requested were destroyed, give a glimpse into his private spiritual life, showing a man who never became complacent despite the grandeur of the papacy and his star status among many Catholics.6 . Instead he agonised about whether he was doing enough. His handwritten notes, published as 'John Paul II: I am very much in God's hands. Personal notes 1962-2003', are a series of his reflections rather than a daily diary. Although he played a very active public role in communist-era Poland and as pope, the man born Karol Wojtyla in southern Poland in 1920 rarely referred to public events in these pages. In one note in 1981, the then Cardinal Wojtyla reflected on a theological discussion with other clerics and asked: 'The word of the Lord. Do I love the word of God? Do I live by it? Do I serve it willingly. Help me, Lord, to live by your word," he asked. "Do I serve the Holy Spirit that lives in the Church?' In the same passage, he wrote, alternating between Latin and his native Polish: 'A pure, holy and immaculate sacrifice. This is why He demands from his priests that they should be of undivided heart (celibate) and demands priestly purity. Jesus, help me!' Before his death, John Paul entrusted his diaries to Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, his personal secretary and now a cardinal in the southern city of Krakow, with instructions that they be burned. In the foreword to the book, Dziwisz said he did not burn them because they hold the key to understanding the pope's private spiritual life. Pope John Paul II pictured with his secretary Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz . 'They reveal the other side of the person whom we knew as .. the pastor of the universal Church,' wrote the cardinal, who was both praised and criticised in Polish Catholic circles after announcing the publication of the book last month. Now available only in Polish, the 638-page book is dominated by deep theological reflections that reveal little of what the pope was otherwise thinking or doing when he wrote them. Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz said he did not burn them because they hold the key to understanding the pope's private spiritual life . The picture that emerges deepens but does not jar with his public image, in contrast to the posthumous diaries of Mother Teresa - who died in 1997 and was beatified by John Paul in 2003 - that revealed her long periods of doubt about God's existence. Despite the questioning of his own role, there is no sign in the diaries from 1962 to 2003 that the pope's belief in God wavered. The first signs of his questioning appear in comments from 1970 where he wrote: "Can the misfortunes of people close to me, which have happened recently, be seen as a punishment? As a sign? What can it mean?" He paid close attention to the skills required of a priest. "What language do I use when I speak to people?" he asked in 1974. "Do I proclaim the Gospel with complete conviction?" In his final years, debilitated by illness, the pope's entries become sparser and the handwriting less assured. The last entry in 2003 referred to the Biblical story of Jonah, who was ordered by God to preach his word but instead runs away. The pope, who before his final illness travelled tirelessly around the globe preaching the Gospel, wrote in a sloping script in Italian across the bottom of the page: 'Jonah, this is the fear of proclaiming the love of God.' Pope Francis looks at a Harley Davidson motorcycle in June 2013 . Pope Francis helped raised more than £200,000 for charity yesterday by selling his signed Harley Davidson. The head of the Catholic Church doesn't get much time to cruise around the streets of Rome on the Dyna Super Glide bike. So he decided to auction it off and donate the funds to Caritas Roma, a charity which supports those in need around the world. The 1,585cc Harley Davidson went under the hammer yesterday (Thurs) at Bonhams' Grand Palais auction with an estimate of just £10,000. But the prospect of owning a bike belonging to the Pope became too much for many, sending bidding through the roof. Potential buyers in the room, on the phone and online battled it out for the bike, with offers soon crossing the 100,000 euro (£83,000) mark. Bids continued to come with an online customer winning the auction, paying a staggering 210,000 euros (£175,000). Premiums took the final price to £200,976. Next up came the Pope's biker jacket, which sold for a staggering £47,851 - bringing his charity sales to almost £250,000. The staggering sale had similarities to when a US casino owner paid £127,000 for Pope Benedict XVI's Volkswagen Golf in 2005. | John Paul led the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005 .
The diaries give a glimpse into his thoughts and private spiritual life .
John Paul entrusted his diaries to Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz . |
ff3f9ab11de5d0a20e88ce87a629a6cb19c8bade | Chicago (CNN) -- Jurors deliberated a full day without reaching a verdict Thursday in the trial of a man accused of killing the mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew of entertainer Jennifer Hudson. William Balfour, Hudson's former brother-in-law, faces charges of first-degree murder, home invasion, residential burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer has argued that there is no forensic evidence linking him to the killings. Heated closing arguments Wednesday set a tense tone in the courtroom before the judge sent the 12 jurors into deliberations. The singer-actress kept her head down during much of Cook County Prosecutor Jennifer Bagby's closing argument. After showing autopsy photos of the victims, Bagby pointed toward Balfour. "It's time to hold him responsible," she said. "They have failed to prove their case," Balfour's attorney Amy Thompson said Wednesday during her closing argument, her voice rising. "He is on trial for his life." Thompson argued that police homed in on Balfour rather than conducting a full investigation. "In their mind, this wasn't a whodunnit," she said. No DNA evidence points to Balfour, said Thompson, who also questioned police work in the case, describing a set of keys that she said surfaced on an evidence list a month after the slayings. "Those keys show how desperate the state was. They resorted to this. ... My client is an innocent man," she said. But prosecutors argued that physical and circumstantial evidence links Balfour to the killings and described as "absurd" defense claims that police may have planted evidence or been part of a conspiracy to frame Balfour. Prosecutor Jim McKay told jurors that there was a "tsunami of circumstantial evidence." "The circumstantial facts of this case are drowning this guy in guilt," he said. Bagby said in her closing argument that Balfour had threatened to kill the family of Julia Hudson, Jennifer Hudson's sister. "If you leave me, I'll kill you. I'll kill your family first. You'll be the last to die," he had said, according to Bagby. "He went in that house for one reason, and one reason only, to carry out that threat," Bagby told jurors. Balfour is accused of fatally shooting Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and the singer's brother, Jason Hudson, 29, in their Chicago home in October 2008. The body of Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was found three days later in an abandoned vehicle. Prosecutors have portrayed Balfour as a jealous man who murdered the three people in a rage at the thought that his wife had a boyfriend. In her closing argument, Bagby said Balfour shot Hudson's mother as she tried to defend herself with a broom. "He fired that gun at her over and over and over," Bagby said. McKay called Balfour "a true coward." "He shoots a 57-year-old grandmother in the back. He shoots a 29-year-old man in his sleep. He shoots a 7-year-old twice in the head," McKay told jurors. "The family, the community, the city, the country demand justice." There have been 83 witnesses and 11 days of testimony in the trial. Hudson, who was on hand through the trial, was called as the prosecution's first witness. She broke down in tears several times on the stand as she recalled her family. "None of us wanted her to marry him," Hudson said of her sister's decision to marry Balfour. "We did not like how he treated her. "Where he was, I tried not to be," she said. The deaths took place a year after Hudson, who rose to fame as a contestant on "American Idol," won an Oscar for her role in the movie "Dreamgirls." In a recent interview with CNN's Piers Morgan, Hudson reflected on the life of her mother. "My mother was a very wise and strong person. I feel like she raised us well, and she prepared me well, and so that's what I live by," she said. Her career has continued to blossom and remains varied since her relatives' deaths. Recent milestones include penning a memoir detailing her struggles with her weight; being cast as Nelson Mandela's ex-wife, Winnie, in an upcoming movie; releasing a new album; and singing a well-received tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammy Awards in February. CNN's Katherine Wojtecki contributed to this report. | NEW: No verdict after a full day of deliberations .
A prosecutor says a "tsunami of circumstantial evidence" shows Balfour's guilt .
A defense attorney argues that prosecutors "failed to prove their case" |
ff3ff3a9c1b157ba41f10092cc2a565533eca092 | Studies have shown that people from Denmark are officially the happiest people on Earth, and now scientists think they know why. According to research from the University of Warwick, genetics could be the key to explaining a nation’s levels of happiness. Researchers who looked at survey data from 131 countries found that the closer a nation was genetically to the Danes, the happier its people were. University of Warwick researchers have investigated why Danes are so happy (stock image shown). The country regularly tops polls of the world's happiest people. They found there was a correlation between Danish genes and happiness, while people with Danish ancestry were also happier . Economists at the University's Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (Cage) looked at why certain countries top the world happiness rankings. Last year's World Happiness Report from the United Nations ranked Denmark the happiest nation on Earth, with an average life satisfaction score of 7.69 out of 10. It was followed by four other northern European countries, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. The UK was ranked 22nd on the list of 156 countries, with a score of 6.88. The world's most miserable country was said to be Togo, west Africa, which managed only 2.93 on the satisfaction scale. Other African countries also dominated the bottom of the ratings.Denmark has also topped the European Commission's "Eurobarometer" table of citizen well-being and happiness every year since 1973. The research, published by the German economic research institute IZA in its Discussion Paper series, could help to solve the puzzle of why a country like Denmark so regularly tops the world happiness rankings. Danish birth was also associated with specific versions of a gene that influences brain levels of the mood chemical serotonin. Compared with people from other countries, Danes were less likely to possess a short version of the gene linked to low levels of life satisfaction. ‘The results were surprising,’ said Economist Dr Eugenio Proto from Cage. ‘We found that the greater a nation's genetic distance from Denmark, the lower the reported wellbeing of that nation. ‘Our research adjusts for many other influences including Gross Domestic Product, culture, religion and the strength of the welfare state and geography.’ The researchers used data on 131 countries from a number of international surveys including the Gallup World Poll, World Value Survey and the European Quality of Life Surveys. The researchers linked cross-national data on genetic distance and well-being. Whether money can buy happiness or not (stock image shown) is cause for debate, but it seems one sure-fire way to ensure your well-being is simply to have Danish DNA. The new research was published by the German economic research institute IZA in its Discussion Paper series . The second form of evidence looked at existing research suggesting an association between mental wellbeing and a mutation of the gene that influences the re-uptake of serotonin, which is believed to be linked to human mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to relay nerve signals. ‘We looked at existing research which suggested that the long and short variants of this gene are correlated with different probabilities of clinical depression, although this link is still highly debated,’ Dr Proto continued. ‘The short version has been associated with higher scores on neuroticism and lower life satisfaction. ‘Intriguingly, among the 30 nations included in the study, it is Denmark and the Netherlands that appear to have the lowest percentage of people with this short version.’ A deficiency of the chemical in the brain is strongly linked to depression while levels are boosted by the drug Ecstasy. Compared with people from other countries, Danes were less likely to possess a short version of the gene linked to low levels of life satisfaction. 'The results were surprising,' said Economist Dr Eugenio Proto from Cage. In this library image a group of folk dancers in California celebrate the 'Danish Days' festival in 1964 . The final piece of evidence looked at whether the link between genetics and happiness also held true across generations, continents and the Atlantic Ocean. Co-author Professor Andrew Oswald, also from the University of Warwick, said: ‘We used data on the reported well-being of Americans and then looked at which part of the world their ancestors had come from. ‘The evidence revealed that there is an unexplained positive correlation between the happiness today of some nations and the observed happiness of Americans whose ancestors came from these nations, even after controlling for personal income and religion. ‘This study has used three kinds of evidence and, contrary to our own assumptions when we began the project, it seems there are reasons to believe that genetic patterns may help researchers to understand international well-being levels. ‘More research in this area is now needed and economists and social scientists may need to pay greater heed to the role of genetic variation across national populations.’ | University of Warwick researchers investigated why Danes are so happy .
The country regularly tops polls of the world's happiest people .
They found there was a correlation between Danish genes and happiness .
And they also discovered people with Danish ancestry were more likely to have a positive outlook on life .
Last year's World Happiness Report ranked Denmark as the happiest nation on Earth . |
ff40ccc46b73dbe699c6b9ed0f5114b689aa3849 | LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The Los Angeles Times' headquarters aptly sits where the U.S. Army corralled camels during the Civil War, when Southern California was a desert with no natural resources. A new film on PBS explores how the Chandler family helped develop Los Angeles through their newspaper. Los Angeles' development from an arid wasteland to a world metropolis and cultural capital is closely linked to the newspaper's rise under the ownership of one family. "It would still be a desert," documentary filmmaker Peter Jones said, if Gen. Harrison Gray Otis didn't arrive in the 1880s to take over the bankrupt Los Angeles Times and his son-in-law, Harry Chandler, wasn't there to follow him. Jones' documentary is a saga of four generations of the region's most powerful family shaping Los Angeles as they pursued their own civil agendas -- and accumulated wealth. "Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times" premieres Monday on PBS. Historian David Halberstam said in the documentary that the Chandlers dominated Southern California as no other family has dominated any major region of the United States. "They did not so much foster the growth of Los Angeles as invent it," said Halberstam, who died in 2007. Harrison Gray Otis, Harry Chandler, Norman Chandler and Otis Chandler succeeded each other at the helm of the Los Angeles Times over a span of 100 years. The city grew from a small desert town to the nation's second-largest city, while the family became one of the nation's wealthiest. The Chandler family dynasty ended when the general's great-grandson Otis Chandler was ousted as chairman of the Times board of directors in 1985. The family eventually sold its Times-Mirror Company to Chicago's Tribune Company -- which is now in bankruptcy. Each man's personality and strengths were tailored for what was demanded of their time, said Jones. "For each era, they were up to that particular era," he said. "You couldn't actually rearrange them," said Harry Chandler's namesake and the great-great-grandson of the general. "You couldn't have a General Otis in late 20th-century America," Chandler told CNN, referring to the dynasty's founder who served as an Army general in the Philippine-American War before taking over the Los Angeles Times. "His character was one of the period. 'I have a vision and everything I touch needs to support that vision and damn the consequences.'" Otis used his newspaper to scare the public about the threat of drought, drumming up support for a 230-mile aqueduct -- one of the modern engineering marvels -- to divert water from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles, Jones said. He was part of a syndicate that bought vast tracts of barren land in the San Fernando Valley with the inside knowledge the Los Angeles Aqueduct would bring water there. The scandal later inspired Roman Polanski's award-winning film "Chinatown." Otis also used the Times to influence the federal government's decision to build the Port of Los Angeles, Jones said. "He had the foresight to say 'We have to build a man-made harbor here in Los Angeles if we want to become a major port of trade,' and today the Port of Los Angeles is the busiest port in the United States," Jones said. The general and his successor son-in-law promoted investment in and migration to the Los Angeles area with stories of sunshine and opportunity. More people moving in meant more readers for their newspaper and demand for the real estate empire they were building. Harrison Gray Otis and Harry Chandler used their newspaper to create a vision of Los Angeles as "America's Great White Spot" -- free of crime and communism. They fought a decades-long battle against labor unions -- a battle that included the 1910 bombing of The Los Angeles Times headquarters. The Los Angeles film, aviation, high technology, shipping and oil industries grew from the Chandlers' influence, Jones said. As a conservative Republican family, they helped launch Richard Nixon's political career in post-World War II California. The story is not all about the men. Dorothy Chandler -- the strong-willed wife of Norman Chandler -- waged a relentless campaign to turn Los Angeles into a world-class cultural center, Jones said. She led a campaign to raise money to save the Hollywood Bowl and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In doing so, she brought together the Westside Jewish community with the white Protestant establishment based in Pasadena, Harry Chandler said. Tom Johnson, who became first nonfamily publisher of the Times in 1980, said one of Dorothy Chandler's "most remarkable" contributions was the successful effort to make sure her son Otis succeeded her husband as publisher in 1960. "The very new approach that Otis took and his leadership of the newspaper was just astounding," Johnson said in an interview with CNN. Otis Chandler gave reporters editorial independence, opened news bureaus around the world and strengthened the paper's coverage of the suburbs, Johnson said. Under Otis Chandler, it rose from being one of the worst major papers in the country to being one of the top three, Johnson said. "It was his goal to make the Los Angeles Times one of the best newspapers, and he did it in 20 years, being the right publisher at the right time," Johnson said. But Otis Chandler's transformation of the Times from a conservative newspaper into a Pulitzer Prize-winning rival to the New York Times and Washington Post angered many Chandler family members. "Some Chandlers were members of the John Birch society; his paper did an expose on it," Johnson said. Otis Chandler's newspaper looked closely at the Los Angeles Police Department, "which had a reputation to shoot first and ask questions," Johnson said. The deep family rift eventually led to the sale of the Times-Mirror Company to the Tribune Company -- and the end of the dynasty. Johnson, who left the newspaper in 1989 and later became chairman of CNN, said the paper declined in the years since because "rather than going for people who were superb newspaper people, they went outside to pick people who, in my opinion, blew the place apart." Some Chandler family descendants cooperated with Jones' efforts to explore the Chandler family's dealings. "He doesn't whitewash, but he doesn't dig into the dark side and linger too long," said Harry Chandler, the son of Otis Chandler. The documentary is "on whole, a very balanced, very accomplished, incredibly well researched" documentary, Chandler said. Jones said he avoided judging the motives of Gen. Otis and his successors. "When these guys were going about building the city, sometimes they did things, I wouldn't say in an underhanded way, but in a very private way," Jones said. "How do you ascribe motives to people who did things 100 years ago? Was it for greed, avarice and duplicity? History in general is this tangled web of good and evil." | "Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times" premieres Monday on PBS .
Historian: Chandlers not only dominated Los Angeles, they invented it .
Los Angeles grew from small desert town to nation's second-largest city .
The Chandler family newspaper dynasty ended in 1985 . |
ff4192c80e960edc6ef35fc55be778c8211867fa | A judge in the murder trial of former NFL star Aaron Hernandez handed his defense pretrial legal victories Friday, throwing out as evidence text messages sent by the homicide victim the night he died and ruling that prosecutors may not tell jurors about two other slayings allegedly committed by the former New England Patriot. Hernandez, wearing a dark suit, sat with his lawyers during the Massachusetts hearing, at times smiling and scribbling notes to his defense team. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh ruled that prosecutors may not introduce the texts that murder victim Odin Lloyd sent his sister shortly before his death. In the texts, Lloyd said that he was with Hernandez, whose trial is scheduled to start next month. Lloyd was dating a sister of Hernandez's fiancee. "U see who I'm with?" Lloyd, who was shot and killed on June 17, 2013, wrote in a text. "NFL," he wrote, referring to Hernandez, "just so you know." Prosecutor William McCauley said the messages demonstrated Lloyd feared for his life. But defense attorney James Sultan said the texts "do not suggest fear. They do not suggest knowledge of impending death. They are totally innocuous on their face." Garsh said the victim's "state of mind is relevant to motive only if there is reason to believe the defendant knew of it." Lloyd's texts were not a "dying declaration," the judge said, adding that prosecutors "do not provide a basis to infer that he was under the belief of imminent death." Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward, left court in tears after the ruling. She later returned. The decision could hurt the case, said Michael McCann, a legal analyst and Sports Illustrated writer. "The prosecution now has a more difficult case in convincing a jury, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Aaron Hernandez murdered Odin Lloyd," he said. "While there remains incriminating evidence, such as video of Hernandez the night of the murder and an inexplicable use of a cleaning service at Hernandez's home, the loss of Odin Lloyd's text messages is a significant blow to the prosecution." Authorities have said that Hernandez and two other men picked Lloyd up from his Boston apartment in a rental car shortly before he was found shot to death in a North Attleborough, Massachusetts, industrial park. Surveillance cameras at the time captured the rental car leaving the crime scene and Hernandez carrying a gun as he returned to his home minutes later. He was with two other people at the time. Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-pro football player himself, was not among them. In another defense victory, Garsh ruled that prosecutors may not tell jurors about a separate homicide case involving Hernandez: the July 2012 killings of two men in Boston. In May, Hernandez was charged in the shooting deaths of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado, who prosecutors say were ambushed and executed as they drove home in Boston's South End on July 16, 2012. In addition to the two counts of first-degree murder, Hernandez also has been charged with three counts of armed assault with intent to murder and one count of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, prosecutors said. The latter four counts reflect shots fired at three people, one of whom was wounded, inside the car that de Abreu and Furtado were in, according to prosecutors. The prosecution has said that Hernandez may have showed Lloyd the place where the double homicide allegedly took place, giving the former player a possible motive for killing Lloyd. The defense called the theory "incredible." Garsh ruled there was no link between the two crimes. She dismissed the theory as "clearly in the realm of speculation" and said it "does not comport with common sense." The judge also ruled out testimony about Hernandez's February 2013 shooting of Alexander Bradley, a former friend who was allegedly with Hernandez on the night de Abreu and Furtado were killed. Bradley, who was shot in the face, is suing Hernandez in federal court. | A judge throws out as evidence text messages sent by the homicide victim .
Massachusetts judge also says prosecutors may not tell jurors about two other murder cases .
Judge Susan Garsh rules out testimony about Hernandez's shooting of former friend .
Hernandez's murder trial is scheduled to begin next month . |
ff424a3c0be45b82e43551f43b1bbbd5735330ba | By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 05:41 EST, 27 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:23 EST, 27 September 2012 . Top tweet: Models wore metallic purple trenchcoats during the Burberry Porsum show finale. Burberry won the social media battle at London Fashion Week this month, generating over 21,000 mentions on Facebook, Twitter and other blogs. But while two thirds of the comments were about the label's clothes, 25 per cent focused on One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles, who took pride of place on the front row beside burlesque star Dita von Teese. Burberry's stellar guest list - including TV presenter and model, Alexa Chung, and Paralympic champion Johnnie Peacock - was a major part of the appeal, according to business information group Precise. The brand enjoyed double the exposure of . its nearest rival, Topshop, whose Unique show attracted around 10,000 . mentions. Unlike Burberry, however, most of the conversations about . Philip Green's label were fashion-focused. In terms of social networks, Twitter was the most popular site for fashion commentators, followed by blogs and Facebook. Burberry and Topshop racked up the . largest number of tweets - with 20,924 and 9,161 respectively - Vivienne . Westwood came next with 3,031, followed by Matthew Williamson in fourth . with 2,228, and Erdem in fifth with 1,402. Burberry and Topshop also came first . and second when comments on all blogs were taken into account, while . third place was taken by Philip Treacy and Lady Gaga, with 8,000 between . them. All of a twitter: Harry Styles, left, helped Burberry come top of the Twitter list during London Fashion Week, beating Victoria Beckham . Fourth and fifth places went to Greek-born designer Mary . Katrantzou, who accrued 2,700 comments, and Henry Holland's House of Holland, which racked up . 2,500. Singer Lady Gaga attracted over 5,000 . mentions on social networking sites in the wake of her appearance on the . catwalk at Philip Treacy, although the designer himself only received . 3,000. James Withey, Head of Brand Insight at Precise said: 'The massive . growth in social media buzz around this year' event shows how important . social media now is to the fashion world. Hats off to Gaga: singer Lady Gaga hits the catwalk at Phillip Treacy. Runners-up: Model Cara Delevigne takes to the catwalk for Mary Katranzou, left, while House Of Holland's show, right, racked up 2,500 comments on social networking sites. 'Where once a brand could rely on having a few key editors on-side, today's arbiters of a brand's success or failure are the thousands of enthusiasts who follow them closely. 'This year's exhibitors will doubtless be pleased to know that over 95 percent of the posts we have tracked over the past week were positive.' He continued: 'What also stood out about this year's event was the extent to which the 'front row celebrities' have shaped these conversations – even overtaking the brand completely at times. 'Will such big spikes help these brands cement their reputations with target consumers? Only time will tell. 'Meanwhile, it has been encouraging to see many up-and-coming designers harnessing social media with a different rule book – using their events to widen the awareness and appeal of their work.' Rulers of the runway: Topshop's Unique show, left, racked up 9,161 tweets, while Burberry's Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey, right, was surely pretty pleased with 20,924. Burberry's social media success comes in the wake of Victoria Beckham's triumph at New York Fashion Week. Beckham racked up a whopping 57,000 new Twitter followers over the five-day event, and was mentioned 17,173 times on social networking sites. Also popular in New York was Louis Vuitton supremo Marc Jacobs, whose show for his eponymous line resulted in 8,813 mentions. Veteran designer Diane von Furstenburg came in third place with 8,608 tweets, followed by Alexander Wang with 6,767. Top on Twitter: a MailOnline graphic showing who topped the social media charts. | British label racked up 21,000 mentions on social networking sites .
Beckham gained 57,000 Twitter followers during New York Fashion Week .
Topshop took second place in London with 10,000 .
Lady Gaga's appearance on Phillip Treacy's catwalk generated 5,000 comments . |
ff424f14519848d4ddeb34b2dc191a548a2c17aa | An Indian man who was caught trying to rape a teenage girl is in a critical condition in hospital after locals chopped off his genitals with a meat cleaver. Suresh Kumar was set upon in Ganganagar, in India's northwestern Rajasthan state, after locals heard the girl's screams for help. After finding the 40-year-old pinning the girl against a wall, a lynch mob dragged him to a butchers shop where they beat him with sticks for an hour before castrating him. Suresh Kumar is left bleeding and in shock after being beaten and castrated after locals in Ganganagar, in India's northwestern Rajasthan state, caught him trying to rape a teenage girl . Kumar, right, has visible scratches and abrasions to his face, after being beaten with sticks . Kumar, who is now in a critical condition in hospital, covers himself up, as angry locals watch on . They then dumped the severed remains in the middle of a road and lefta bloodied Kumar nearby. Aamir Dhawan, 30, said no one 'went to help' Kumar because they knew he had been punished for a 'sex crime'. Mr Dhawan said: 'We have had a lot of intolerable offences against women in this country recently, with girls being raped, hung, and molested, and it's time it stopped. 'This sends out a very strong message to anyone like that - if you do it you will be punished.' But the police have called for those responsible to come forward, saying people can't take the law into their 'own hands'. Kumar, middle, is stripped naked and awaits his fate, as locals record the punishment he is about to face . The spokesman said: 'As deplorable as these crimes are, law and order has to be maintained, and not lynch justice. 'We ask those men who carried out this attack to hand themselves in before we find them.' Kumar was eventually taken to hospital where doctors described his condition as critical. The girl involved was treated for shock, and given counselling. The castration follows a string of violent sex crimes in India that have prompted vigilante justice. In July, one man was killed and two others were badly hurt after being accused of raping and hanging a seven-year-old girl. The girl was discovered hanging from a tree near the village of Kaliabazar, West Bengal, and angry villagers quickly rounded up a local 'Tantrik' holy man and his two friends. The trio were mercilessly beaten. One later died in hospital and the two others required extensive treatment. That incident was a grim reminder of an incident in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, some weeks before where two sisters were raped and then hanged from a tree outside their village. | Suresh Kumar was caught pinning a teenage girl against a wall .
He was then dragged to a butchers shop and beaten for an hour with sticks .
Before angry locals used a meat clever to castrate the 40-year-old . |
ff4272e3c83d1f3164d3214817c5af6dcbde118e | (CNN) -- Manchester United have overtaken rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after a double from Wayne Rooney saw the champions defeat West Bromwich 2-0 on Sunday. Rooney's brace gives the defending champions a one point lead over rivals Manchester City, as Roberto Mancini's side surrendered top spot following a 1-0 defeat at Swansea. Both sides were playing on Sunday following disappointing Europa League defeats on Thursday at the hands of Athletic Bilbao and Sporting Lisbon respectively. United were outplayed in their 3-2 home defeat by Bilbao, but they put that performance behind them to brush aside a 10-man West Bromwich side in comfortable fashion. England striker Rooney made the breakthrough 10 minutes from half-time, diverting Javier Hernandez's cross past former United goalkeeper Ben Foster for his 23rd goal of the season. And United's stranglehold on the game became even stronger midway through the second half when the visitors had Swedish defender Jonas Olsson sent off for a second bookable offense. United made the three points safe in the 71st minute when Rooney scored from the penalty spot after Ashley Young had been brought down by Keith Andrews. Meanwhile, City, who lost 1-0 in Portugal three days previously, were always struggling against a Swansea side that are difficult to beat at home. And the hosts should have taken a sixth minute lead when they were awarded a penalty after Wayne Routledge was fouled by goalkeeper Joe Hart. However, Hart atoned for his error by diving to his right to keep out Scott Sinclair's weak spot-kick. But City's expensively-assembled side struggled throughout the 90 minutes and it was no surprise when they finally fell behind with seven minutes remaining. A mistake from defender Stefan Savic saw Routledge collect the ball, and he crossed for unmarked substitute Luke Moore to head home the winner. Those results see United overtake their neighbors to lead the table on 67 points, one ahead of City, with Tottenham a distant third another 13 points adrift. Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic remain bottom of the table despite recovering to earn a 1-1 draw at Norwich in Sunday's other match. Victor Moses netted a second half equalizer for the visitors and, although Wigan are still propping up the rest of the division, there are just four points between the bottom five teams. | Manchester United defeat West Bromwich 2-0 to go top of the English Premier League .
Wayne Rooney scores both goals as United lead rivals Manchester City by a point .
Previous leaders City surrender top spot after a 1-0 reverse at Swansea City .
Luke Moore's late header saw City lose again after their midweek defeat in Lisbon . |
ff42796f45447c52b11193ecfb48c7b407228896 | CNN) -- Australian paceman Peter Siddle took six wickets including a hat-trick as England were skittled for 260 on the first day of the Ashes series at the Gabba in Brisbane. The home side were 25 without loss in reply at the close with Simon Katich 15 not out and Shane Watson on nine, the openers having survived a testing half hour to round off a superb day for Ricky Ponting's men. But it was the heroics of birthday boy Siddle, 26 today, which put them in a strong position with his hat-trick the 11th by an Australian in Test cricket history. England were 197 for four wickets when he struck, removing Alastair Cook for 67 then Matt Prior and Stuart Broad for ducks in successive balls. "It was amazing, but I hope it's just the start of a great series for us. I was just trying to bowl fast, pitch it up and get it straight and they were three good players to get out," Siddle told Sky Sports. "It's a good list to join, Australian hat-tricks in Test cricket." A battling 76 by Ian Bell until he was the ninth man out to Test debutant Xavier Doherty lifted England to some respectability. Journeyman left-arm spinner Doherty, a surprise inclusion in the Australian team, wrapped up the England innings in the same over as he bowled James Anderson to finish with two wickets for 41. England had begun their previous series in Australia, which resulted in a 5-0 thrashing, in disastrous fashion with paceman Steve Harmison's well-chronicled wide. This time around, it was scarcely better as captain Andrew Strauss was dismissed for a duck to the third ball of the morning, edging Ben Hilfenhaus to Mike Hussey at gully. Blog: England's Ashes hopes could turn to dust . Cook and Jonathan Trott set about repairing the damage on a wicket with a green tinge and helpful to the bowlers, but with the score on 41, all-rounder Watson bowled Trott for 29. Kevin Pietersen played well for his 43, but Siddle accounted for him and Paul Collingwood for just 4 in his second spell as he found the right length to bowl on the slow surface. Bell and Cook looked to be lifting England into a strong position, but Siddle, returning again to the fray, then struck in devastating fashion and also later accounted for Graeme Swann to finish with six wickets for 54. Bell, who had been in fine form in the warm-up game in Tasmania, continued where he left off, but attempting to up the scoring rate only chipped a Doherty delivery to Watson in the covers. England, who hold the Ashes having beaten Australia on home soil in 2009, have gone into the series as narrow favorites but will have work to do on the second day of the first Test, if they are to prevent the home side from building up a sizeable first innings lead. | Peter Siddle takes hat-trick as England dismissed for 260 in first Test in Australia .
Siddle ends with 6-54 at the Gabba as home side dominate opening day .
Ian Bell top scores for England with 76 and Alastair Cook makes 67 .
Australia 25 without loss at stumps in reply . |
ff42921cbda10ebf3b35ac19d0f6eb1ec03ba62d | By . Richard Hartley-parkinson . Last updated at 8:29 PM on 26th January 2012 . Escape: A manhunt is underway for Andrew Farndon after he was freed from a taxi as he was taken to hospital after apparently stabbing himself . Dramatic new CCTV footage has emerged revealing the incredible moment a second prisoner in a week was sprung from a taxi at gunpoint. A manhunt is under way today after two prison officers were threatened at gunpoint and forced to release 26-year-old Andrew Farndon. The pictures released by Suffolk police show the gunman approaching the vehicle and two men fleeing the scene outside West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmonds. Farndon was being taken to the hospital from HMP Highpoint, a Category C prison 12 miles away, after he had apparently stabbed himself in order to carry out the plan. It is the second time Farndon has escaped from custody, having leapt from the dock during his 2007 court case over a violent attack. He was serving an indeterminate sentence for causing grievous bodily harm in 2007 with a minimum two-year jail term. He was due to undergo treatment at the hospital's accident and emergency department, but instead a waiting gunman confronted the male and female guards and fled with Farndon across a car park. A police manhunt is now under way following the incident at 6.40pm yesterday evening. Hospital staff contacted police saying they saw the prison security officers being threatened with a gun, and the officers rang to confirm they had been ambushed. Racing away: CCTV images issued by Suffolk Police show a gunman approaching the scene at West Suffolk Hospital, left, and then leaving with prisoner Andrew Farndon, right . Witnesses: Police want to speak to these people, who they believe may have witnessed the incident . Investigating: A police car is seen outside West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, where the escape took place . Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bennett said armed response officers arrived on the scene within five minutes. He said Farndon had been taken to hospital in a saloon from a local taxi firm, believed to be A1 Taxis in Bury St Edmunds. The company refused to comment. Mr Bennett said he understood it was standard practice to transport prisoners to hospital by taxi unless there was a 'specific risk'. He added: 'He was handcuffed to a female prison officer who removed the handcuffs when a handgun was pointed at her head. A male prison officer was also escorting him.' Searches were continuing in Suffolk but Mr Bennett said it was unlikely Farndon was still in the county. Forces across Britain, including the neighbouring counties of Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, along with West Midlands Police, have issued appeals for information. Mr Bennett added: 'Along with other forces, we are pursuing various lines of inquiry, including contacting his family, friends and associates in the West Midlands. 'We are also studying CCTV and number-plate recognition records to try to identify the car which was used in the escape. 'Another line of inquiry is whether any mobile phones were used in the planning and execution of this escape. 'His prison cell has been searched and various items recovered. No blade was found in this search. 'The prison officers are still shaken and it was obviously a terrifying ordeal.' A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: . 'Officers were contacted just after 6.50pm by staff at the Accident . & Emergency reception of the West Suffolk Hospital at Hardwick Lane . in Bury St Edmunds who reported they could see a man with a gun outside . the A&E department. 'They said the man was pointing the weapon at two prison officers. 'Moments later police received a second call from the prison officers, from HMP Highpoint, who said they had a gun pulled on them by a man who had confronted them as they had arrived at A&E with a prisoner who had been stabbed in an incident at the prison.' Farndon - whose family live in the Coventry area - is white, with a shaved head and goatee beard, and was wearing a dark blue baseball cap with a light-coloured jumper, padded on the right side due to his injury to the shoulder. Scene: Staff at West Suffolk Hospital reported seeing a man wielding a gun, which he aimed in the direction of two officers who were guarding Farndon . On guard: A police officer stands outside the entrance to the A&E department following the incident . HMP Highpoint, a Category C prison with around 380 inmates where Andrew Farden was being held . The gunman was also white, in his mid-40s, about 5ft 8ins tall and is believed to have had a Scottish accent. The release of Farndon is the second in a week after John Anslow (pictured) was sprung from a prison van . He was wearing a white top and blue jeans and it is thought they escaped in a dark-coloured car and may have had accomplices. Police are advising members of the public not to approach the men if they see them. The . escape is the second in just a week, after category A prisoner John . Anslow was sprung from a prison van after it left Hewell Prison in . Worcestershire. Justice minister Crispin Blunt said there was no suggestion Farndon's escape was linked to Monday's incident. 'Clearly, we will be examining the circumstances,' he said. 'The most important thing at the moment is to get this man back in custody and to investigate the full facts of the case.' A Prison Service spokeswoman said a full Prison Service inquiry would follow. Former convict Mark Leech, editor of the national prisoners' newspaper Converse, called for a full inquiry into how both escapes were possible. 'Forget reform, rehabilitation or reducing reoffending, the first and primary function of the Prison Service is security,' he said. 'How is it that security intelligence at these prisons missed completely both of these clearly pre-planned escapes?' Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has ordered an inquiry into how Anslow, described as 'extremely dangerous' by police, became the first category A prisoner to escape in more than 17 years on Monday. Instead of being transferred in a high-security prison service van with a police escort, Anslow was with other inmates in a van run by a private contractor. Three masked men ambushed the van, . smashing its windows with sledgehammers and punching the driver as he . was transporting inmates from the prison near Redditch to Stafford Crown . Court on Monday morning. An international manhunt has been launched for Anslow with police liaising with other UK forces, the UK Border Agency and foreign authorities. The search extends to all airports and railway stations. Anslow, also known as Skitz, has strong connections across the country, including London, as well as overseas, police said. A 44-year-old Tipton man arrested on Monday night on suspicion of helping Anslow to escape was released on bail pending further inquiries last night, police said. | Andrew Farndon, 26, 'stabbed himself' and was outside hospital when the raid took place .
Inmate had previously escaped custody during 2007 court case by jumping from dock . |
ff42c095048202b4d9a71df06137a6a6dbf44b52 | By . Matt Blake . PUBLISHED: . 07:57 EST, 24 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:41 EST, 25 July 2012 . A Russian fishing trip turned to horror when a man collecting firewood in the dead of night stumbled across hundreds of human foetuses scattered in the woods. The 248 embryos, most of which were already formed into babies' bodies, had been stashed inside four huge vats of formaldehyde and dumped near the town of Nevyansk, in the industrial heartland of Russia's Ural Mountains. It is unclear how long the 15-centimetre bodies, aged between 12 and 16 weeks, had been lying in the dusty wilderness but some had shrunk as if mummified. Scroll down for video . Chilling: Mystery shrouds the horrifying discovery which has sparked a full-scale police investigation into how and why the bodies were ditched in such unceremonious fashion . Mystery shrouds the horrifying discovery which has sparked a . full-scale police investigation into how and why the bodies were ditched in such unceremonious fashion. One theory is that they were illegally dumped after being used for scientific experimentation. And in a particularly chilling twist, what appear to be the . the family names of their mothers were even written on labels . attached to their tiny hands and legs. Given the state of the embryos and . unconfirmed dates on the labels, Russian police believe some could have . been born as long as ten years ago. Industrial: The 248 embryos, many of which were already formed into babies' bodies, had been stashed inside four blue vats of formaldehyde and dumped near the town of Nevyansk, in the industrial heart of Russia's Ural Mountains . Unceremonious: In a particularly chilling twist, what appear to be the the family names of their mothers were even written on labels attached to their tiny hands and legs. 'A friend of mine called at night and said he went finishing and . wanted to get some wood for his fire, a local told Russia’s Channel 4 today. 'He found some abandoned water . canisters and wanted to take them for his house. And when he came up, he . saw… little baby bodies.' Industrial town: The bodies were dumped near the Russian town of Nevyansk, in the heart of the Ural Mountains . The four friends noticed the . contents because some of the lids to the vats had popped open when they . were dropped and some of the embryos had spilled to the ground. Nevyansk authorities were eager to distance themselves from the grisly find. 'Our area is too small; we can't have so many stillborns, miscarriages or artificial abortions,' said a spokesman. A spokesman for the regional police said the horrifying find was 'biological waste' from four nearby medical facilities in Ekaterinburg, the region's major city. 'It appears a waste disposal company has failed to carry out its duties properly,' he added. In . Russia, embryos are classed as a hazardous wasted and are disposed of . immediately. However they are always sealed into air-tight packages . before disposal, never large plastic containers. It is neither common practice to attach labels to the bodies of embryos due to be disposed of. Police . have now launched an investigation into how the gruesome content was . dumped in public land and what they were being used for. One theory is that they may have been used for medical studies, such as stem cell research. Remote: Nevyansk lies in the heart of Russia's industrial heartland in the remote Ural Mountains some 2,000 miles east of Moscow . | The 15-centimetre embryos had been stashed inside four huge vats of formaldehyde and dumped near Nevyansk in the Ural Mountains .
They were aged between 12 and 16 weeks and shrunken like mummies .
The family names of their mothers even appeared to be written on labels attached to their tiny hands and legs .
Mystery shrouds the chilling discovery which has sparked a police probe .
Dead foetuses in Russia are never labeled or packed into plastic vats .
One theory is that they were off casts of a scientific experimentation . |
ff42ca76d24ecf924d09d182788e594090bbdb3c | By . Sean Poulter . PUBLISHED: . 11:23 EST, 19 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:39 EST, 20 August 2013 . 'Tenacious': Daphne Smallman, of Solihull, West Midlands, who died of cancer aged 78 in February, stood up to Tesco over the pricing issue . Tesco has been fined £300,000 in a landmark court case after it misled thousands of shoppers with a bogus half-price strawberry promotion. The supermarket admitted four offences linked to the sale of punnets of strawberries in 2,300 stores across the country at a ‘half-price’ figure of £1.99. Britain’s biggest grocer used an original price of £3.99 to justify the bargain claim. However, this higher figure only applied for a very short period. Tesco has admitted the claims of big savings were misleading and it has now been fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £65,000 in costs. The ruling will serve as a warning to all supermarkets, who stand accused of using a raft of underhand tactics to tempt shoppers through the doors. Birmingham Crown Court heard that the half-price promotion was instrumental in generating strawberry sales of some £52million with a profit of £2.3million. Judge Michael Chambers QC said: ‘The promotion was not a genuine bargain. It was false and misleading. The offer should never have been made in the first place by a national retailer. It was patently wrong.’ He said the case was ‘shocking by its very nature’ because consumers had a ‘high degree of trust’ in chains such as Tesco. As a result, he decided to levy what is a very large fine in terms of trading standards law. In court: Supermarket giant Tesco has been fined £300,000 for misleading the public over a half-price offer on punnets of strawberries . The case only reached the courts . thanks to the tenacity of elderly shopper Daphne Smallman, who saw the . strawberry bargain claims when in a Tesco at Sheldon, Birmingham, in the . summer of 2011. It turned . out that the £3.99 figure had applied for a very short period, however . the half-price deal ran for a much longer 14 weeks through the summer. This was at odds with guidelines in the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act 2008. A . general rule of thumb is that an offer price should not carry on for a . longer period than an item was sold at its full price. Fined: The case concerned a Tesco store in Sheldon, Birmingham, after it was brought to trading standards officials' attention . Mrs Smallman . understood that the original price of £3.99 might have been fair at the . start of the strawberry season when the fruit was still in short supply. Praise: Daphne Smallman's friend Sonia Lewis (pictured), 79, said the late campaigner 'would be pleased to know something had been done' However, she knew it was . unfair to keep using this high figure when strawberries were plentiful . and farmers were supplying them at low prices. It . is exactly this tactic that all of the supermarkets have used for years . to give the impression they are offering bargains on seasonal fruit and . vegetables. Mrs Smallman . was identified in court as making the complaint, however, she died . earlier this year, aged 78, before the case was resolved. She . took up the matter with her local trading standards office which . pursued the case to the point that Tesco felt it had no choice but to . admit misleading shoppers. Birmingham . council’s head of trading standards, Sajeela Naseer, stressed the . ruling was significant for the way products were promoted in future. ‘Food pricing, presentation and the depiction of promotional practices . is a crucial issue for retailers, and in turn, consumers.’ Tesco . had tried to kill off the prosecution earlier this year by arguing that . Birmingham council did not have the power to pursue a case involving . offences outside its borders. Yesterday, . however the store admitted its guilt, although it insisted the . misleading promotion was the result of a one-off human error, rather . than a wider attempt to deceive customers. A . store spokesman said: ‘We sell over 40,000 products in our stores, with . thousands on promotion at any one time, but even one mistake is one too . many. | Customer Daphne Smallman stood up to Tesco in fight over £1.99 punnets .
Supermarket is fined two years after she launched a battle in Birmingham .
Punnets were sold at £4/£3 for two weeks - while promotion was 14 weeks .
But Solihull resident Miss Smallman died aged 78 in February from cancer . |
ff42e5b1da35ad6660f05e43c023f7fcf9c7cdde | (CNN) -- It was a year ago that 13-year-old Jon Carmichael committed suicide, hanging himself in a barn near his home in Cleburne, Texas. Monday, on the anniversary of his death, his parents, Jon Timothy and Tami Carmichael, filed a $20 million federal lawsuit against several officials at the school Jon attended, alleging they deliberately turned a blind eye to the bullying of their son, prompting his death. In the lawsuit, documents state that staff and students at The Joshua Independent School District observed several explicit acts of bullying, including Jon being thrown into a trash can "easily a few times a week," but did nothing to stop it. "He was placed upside down in a toilet bowl, and had his head flushed several times, at each occasion. These acts were observed by other students who failed to report the incident," the documents said. "Just prior to his death he was stripped nude, tied up and again placed into a trashcan." The lawsuit states that event was taped and put on YouTube, but was taken down "at the direction of an unknown staff member, who also failed to report the incident." Carmichael family attorney Martin J. Cirkiel said the family's goal in issuing the lawsuit is to educate. "On the human level, the family wants what every family wants when they come to me in these kind of cases. They want to make sure it doesn't happen to someone else." Cirkiel said the family would like to see a program developed in their son's name and to be able to open a trust fund for kids who need it who are being bullied. "They want to increase planning and education," he said. Joshua Independent School District Superintendent Ray Dane said he hadn't seen the lawsuit and could not comment, but that the school has had teaching mechanisms on bullying in place for at least the duration of his 12-year tenure there. "We do what we can to train and remind students and staff that bullying is something we always have to be aware of," he said. "We've even got a student-led program where students lead other students about bullying and teaching them about our differences." Additionally, the district has implemented a new anonymous reporting system called "Talk About It" -- a way for secondary students to report bullying without feeling pressure to attach their names. The program began last year at the middle school and expanded to the high school this year, Dane said. The lawsuit acknowledges the school's rules of conduct but says it failed. "Even though the district ostensibly had a policy in place to deal with known incidents of bullying and harassment, school district personnel clearly had an actual practice and custom of looking the other way," it states. Dane said the climate in the Joshua school halls is overall very positive and sensitive to bullying issues. "I would say that we've never had many reports of bullying in the school system. Are people more aware? Yes, because we're trying to make people more aware about the issue and being sensitive. Being kind to each other and doing things that one would expect them to." Cirkiel said the Carmichaels had a memorial ceremony Monday for their son. "They want their son's life and death to have meaning," Cirkiel said. CNN's Aaron Cooper contributed to this report. | 13-year-old Jon Carmichael committed suicide in Texas last year .
His parents say relentless bullying at school led teen to hang himself .
Their lawsuit blames school, says it turned a blind eye to many incidents .
School district has no comment on suit but says it works hard to prevent bullying . |
ff4325c559766208f70b20818c2c65925ad6db26 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:10 EST, 13 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:20 EST, 14 November 2013 . After experiencing the devastating pain of losing a child, this gorilla mother is once again full of the joys of parenthood. These heartwarming images were captured by freelance photographer and musician Marina Cano at the Cabarceno Natural Park in Cantabria, Spain. The mother, Chelewa, lost her baby daughter last year after crushing her in a tragic accident. Fresh start: After experiencing the devastating pain of losing a child, this gorilla mother is once again full of the joys of parenthood . The snaps show the closeness of Chelewa and her baby who has yet to be given a name . Tender: Freelance photographer and musician Marina Cano took these tender photos . The snaps show the closeness of Chelewa and her baby who has yet to be given a name. Ms Cano, who also took photos of Chelewa with her first child, captured the tender moments from only feet away. Chelewa became a parent for the first time last year, but the baby died 11 days later after the new mother apparently moved too quickly and broke two of her ribs. While her mother tips the scales at 11 and a half stone, the baby weighed just under five pounds. Cabarceno is the largest park in Europe, covering over 750 hectares. Gorillas live in semi-wild conditions in natural, open space. Safe: Chelewa cradles her newborn baby at the park . Close: The snaps show the closeness of Chelewa and her baby who has yet to be given a name . Tragic: Chelewa became a parent for the first time last year, but the baby died 11 days later after the new mother apparently moved too quickly and broke two of her ribs . Peekaboo: The newborn baby nestles onto its mother's chest . | Images captured at the Cabrceno Wildlife Park in Cantabria, Spain .
Chelewa lost her baby daughter last year after breaking two of her ribs . |
ff4367e01f7471e6e11e9199b4e611f7db3fa979 | By . Sophie Borland Health Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:05 EST, 13 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:02 EST, 14 October 2013 . Short supply: Hospital bosses have been forced abroad in their hunt for staff (file photo) One in three hospitals is bringing in nurses from abroad because wards are so understaffed, an investigation has found. NHS managers are travelling to countries including Poland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, India and the Philippines in the drive to recruit nurses. But concerns have been raised over the English-speaking abilities of some foreign staff, while others may lack training and experience. And MPs and campaigners say it is absurd some hospitals are making nurses redundant or have imposed recruitment freezes while others are desperately having to poach them from abroad. Separate figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council show the number of foreign nurses coming to work in Britain has doubled in just three years, up from 2,306 to 4,521. This means nearly a fifth of the 25,500 new nurses registering each year are from abroad. An investigation by Nursing Times using Freedom of Information requests found that 40 out of 105 hospital trusts have actively recruited nurses from abroad within the past 12 months. In total they had poached some 1,360 nurses from abroad. But over the past few years concerns have been raised over the poor language and medical skills of nurses – and doctors – working for the NHS, with some patients claiming they have had to use sign language. Some of Britain’s foremost doctors have expressed their own frustration – including Lord Winston, a fertility specialist, who warned that nurses from Eastern Europe have been ‘trained in a completely different way’. Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association said: ‘In all of the caring services, good communications is vitally important for a number of reasons. ‘If language issues prevent this level of communication then clearly patient care will suffer and safety is compromised.’ The NMC’s figures also show three quarters of the foreign nurses that registered to work in Britain last year were from European countries and therefore did not face language or skills checks. Influx: Figures have revealed that one in three hospitals are bringing in foreign nurses, who now make up a fifth of all newly-registered nurses . EU rules prohibit such tests being carried out on nurses from member states as they are deemed a threat to ‘freedom of labour’. Only last month research by Kings College London found more than 40 per cent of hospital wards did not have enough nurses to run safely. And this summer an investigation into hospitals with the highest death rates by the NHS medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh found evidence of widespread nursing shortages. Although the numbers of nurses working in the NHS increased by more than a fifth under Labour, over the past three years they have begun falling again. Figures show there are now 5,000 fewer posts compared to April 2010 and some trusts have been making staff redundant. A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘Recruiting from abroad is nothing new. Overseas nurses make a very valuable contribution to NHS patient care. 'However, they should only ever work in the NHS if they have proven their competence and language skills.’ | 40 out of 105 hospital trusts are recruiting from abroad, new figures show .
1,360 nurses have been recruited from Europe and beyond .
New data was unearthed in a Nursing Times investigation .
Patients groups have warned the practice could be making care worse .
But government spokesman says foreign nurses make a valuable contribution . |
ff43c9632a3deb56690beb10c6b7f2e2cc4f1589 | By . Sunni Upal . Follow @@RSUpal . Carmelo Anthony has ended speculation over his NBA future by agreeing a new deal to stay with the New York Knicks. The 30-year-old All-Star was linked with a move to a number of teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, but decided to stay in New York. The Knicks didn't release details of the new deal, but president Phil Jackson said in a statement: 'After three months of questions around . Carmelo Anthony's return to the New York Knicks, we are now happy to . know that we have the cornerstone of what we envision as a "team of . excellence.'" Knick at heart: Carmelo Anthony has agreed a new deal to stay with the New York Knicks . Jackson added: '(General manager) Steve Mills and I have . assured Carmelo through our conversations, that we share the vision and . the determination to build this team.' Anthony will join the Knicks on their trip to London when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the O2 Arena on January 15. The . 30-year-old was part of the USA team who won Olympic basketball gold at . the London 2012 Games, and also travelled to England at the beginning of . 2013 when the Knicks brushed aside Detroit Pistons 102-87. Trip: Anthony, pictured playing against Detroit at The O2, will return to London with the Knicks next January . After committing his future to the Knicks, Anthony said: 'I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams. Madison Square Garden is the Mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world.' The future of Anthony and LeBron James had dominated the NBA free agency agenda after both confirmed that they would opt out of the final two years of their contracts with New York and Miami respectively. However, after James announced he was returning home to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Anthony also ended speculation about his future. Anthony averaged 27.4 points last season for the Knicks, but will hope he can help improve the team's form after they missed out on the NBA play-offs. | Anthony will stay at New York Knicks despite a number of other offers .
Terms of new contract not confirmed by the team .
30-year-old will join Knicks on trip to London to face Milwaukee in January . |
ff442d01ef4aa769d6944a882e964c9b43679eb7 | By . Chris Greenwood . PUBLISHED: . 08:40 EST, 2 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:05 EST, 3 July 2012 . Victims of crime will be told to go to Tesco to get help as the shutters . at more than one in five police stations are brought down to cut costs. Chief constables will close 264 public counters over the next three years as they battle to balance the books. Residents will instead be encouraged to travel to supermarkets, . libraries and community centres if they want to speak to officers . face-to-face. Savings: 'Shared locations', like Rainham Police Office in a Tesco car park in Essex, will replace stations . A further 179 police buildings which have no public access will be sold off in an unprecedented fire sale of assets. Senior officers argued that the blow of the police station closures will . be softened as 137 so-called ‘shared locations’ open their doors. They highlighted how many buildings were out of date and said fewer . people visit police stations as they turn to the phone and internet. Some forces, such as Kent, Surrey, Essex, Cumbria and Gwent, were . already using mobile police stations in supermarket car parks. But critics have accused police of withdrawing from landmark high street buildings in many towns and cities simply to cut costs. Simon Reed, vice-chairman of the Police Federation, lashed out at forces . for closing ‘places of refuge’ for crime victims. He said: ‘These . drop-in centres are no substitute for a proper police station and for a . lot of people they are not the answer. Axe: 5,800 frontline police officers face the axe over the next three years because of Government spending cuts . ‘In many cases they have taken away a police station and given the . public a part-time office in a supermarket or a mobile home left in a . car park. ‘The public want a police station with full facilities, a place of . refuge and safety. What we are doing is abandoning this and providing a . drop-in point instead.’ The closures were disclosed yesterday in a report by a police watchdog . into how police forces in England and Wales are coping with tighter . budgets. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary found crime continues to fall . and confidence in police remains high despite substantial cuts in . government funding. Its report said the total police workforce will fall by 32,400 officers and staff by 2015. Among these will be 5,800 frontline officers although many forces have . reorganised to put a larger proportion of bobbies on the beat. However, Paul McKeever, of the Police Federation, argued that some . forces have simply created a ‘smokescreen’ by moving officers to the . front line from other important roles. He added: ‘Whichever way you cut it, the resilience of the police . service to be able to react to whatever is thrown at it is being . threatened.’ Funding black hole: The Metropolitan Police still have to make a further £233million worth of funding cuts . Spending on equipment and services will also be cut by about £474million . as chief constables look to reorganise and share contracts to save . cash. Sir Denis O’Connor, Chief Inspector of Constabulary, argued that forces . can save the jobs of dozens of police officers by selling off costly . buildings. He said: ‘The police station and front counter have traditionally been the physical mainstay of forces’ presence in communities. ‘However, the potential savings benefit to a force in shrinking its . estate can be considerable. One reports it will save £500,000 in 2013/14 . rising to £1.6million in 2014/15.’ He said the frontline officers he . has met are ‘cracking on with the mission’, working imaginatively to . maintain services whatever difficulties they face. The latest cuts figures do not include Britain’s biggest force, the Met, . which has not produced detailed budget plans or officer numbers. Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe is reassembling his management team . following a string of resignations and a shake-up of how the force is . overseen. Officials warned his force was in danger of severe failings . when cuts bite after the Olympics and it already has a budget shortfall . of more than £233million. Two other forces, Lincolnshire and Devon & Cornwall, were also . singled out as potentially failing to provide an ‘efficient and . effective’ service in the future. Chief Constable Steve Finnigan, of the Association of Chief Police . Officers, said: ‘We are becoming more flexible in the way we deliver . critical services such as neighbourhood policing, local response teams . and investigative work.’ Policing minister Nick Herbert defended the cuts, saying: ‘This report . makes it clear that the frontline of policing is being protected overall . and that the service to the public has largely been maintained.’ | 264 front desks will be closed - meaning the public cannot cannot walk in to report crime .
Public will be steered to 'police offices' at libraries and supermarkets .
5,800 frontline officers face axe over the next three years .
But proportion of officers on the frontline will increase .
Met Police 'may not be able to provide an efficient or effective service' in the future, report warns .
They still have to find a further £233m worth of cuts .
Overall police forces have to slash £2.4billion from budgets by 2015 . |
ff44797f12edddfc144fee83baa86f0304b165d6 | By . Alex Finnis For Mail Online . If you flicked through his photographs, you might think that surfing instructor Callum Morse lives in Tenerife or Hawaii. You would never believe that his stunning pictures of sunrises and sunsets, captured from inside rolling waves, were taken literally just off these shores - on the coast of Cornwall. Mr Morse, 22, has been capturing incredible images of daybreak and twilight from the sea for five years, and they give us views normally reserved for the very bravest of surfers - from inside the barrels of waves. Callum Morse, 22, lives in St Ives, Cornwall, but people struggle to believe him when he tells them his photos were taken there and not in Hawaii or the Canary Islands. This photo was taken at sunset in St Ives Bay (Hayle) This image, taken at Porthtowan, gives a rare glimpse into the lives of the bravest of surfers, seeing sunrises and sunsets as never before - through the barrel of a wave . The sunrises create some incredible, vivid colours as they catch the tips of the crashing waves, like these at St Ives Bay (Hayle) The St Ives man is extremely dedicated to his cause - he will wade out into freezing waters in the early hours while it is still dark to make sure he catches the sunrise. He is constantly battered against rocks and has been seriously injured before, but it is all worth it when he sees the faces of people who cannot believe his photos were taken just minutes from their homes. 'I'm addicted to trying to get the perfect shot and that's what keeps me out in the waves,' he said. Mr Morse has seriously injured himself while taking the photos before - his camera crashed into his head and split it open, but it has not deterred him from continuing, This photo was taken at Godrevy . The surf instructor goes all over Cornwall to take the photographs, which he then compiles into calendars and sells. This one is from Porthmeor (St Ives) 'It is grey most of the time in Cornwall but it can look quite tropical especially when the sun is coming up. 'A lot of people are surprised to find out that my pictures were taken in the UK - people think these pictures must have been taken in Hawaii or the Canary Islands. 'Even the local surfers who know the coast here better than anyone think they could not have been taken in Cornwall.' Mr Morse heads down to the beaches like Godrevy in the early hours and gets into the sea while it is still dark so that he is prepared to capture that perfect sunrise photo . He will spend hours in the water at places like this in Porthleven - as long as five at a time, and says that he can only ever be found in the sea or in the pub . Mr Morse has a girlfriend of two years, 21-year-old Holly Lanyon, also from St Ives, and luckily, she doesn't mind that her boyfriend spends so much time in the sea. 'She is pretty cool about me being in the water all the time,' he said. 'She doesn't come out with me when I take my pictures, I prefer being by myself to take them. 'Since we have been together I have taught her how to surf, so we both do spend some time together in the sea.' Mr Morse takes pictures all over Cornwall and sells calendars featuring his pictures. Some of his snaps hang in local restaurants and hotels. Mr Morse has been taking the unique photographs for five years, starting out when he was just a teenager. This one comes from Porthleven . Mr Morse is often smashed into rocks and back onto the sand by large powerful waves, but says the knocks and scrapes are worth the end result. This huge wave was captured at Watergate Bay in Newquay . He often spends as long as five hours in the water with his Canon EOS 7D SLR, waiting to capture the perfect picture from inside a wave. 'I'm rarely out of the sea. I'm either in the water or in the pub,' he said. 'I try and wait for the magic hour - the hour around sunrise and the hour around sunset. 'This means I'll get in the water when its dark and get straight in the sea to wait for the sun to come up. 'I can be in the water for hours - basically until I fill up my memory card.' The impressive photographer often does not leave the water until he has filled up his entire memory card with images like this, from Watergate Bay . Cornwall is one of the best areas of the UK for surfing, along with neighbouring county Devon, as well as parts of Wales and Scotland. This was was snapped at Godrevy . The bold wave-rider said he has severely hurt himself before, while trying to photograph the crashing waves, but says that comes as part and parcel of what he does. 'To take the pictures you need to stand right in the impact zone, the area where the wave curls over,' he said. 'If you want to get the shot you have to put yourself in a position where you will get crumpled up on the beach or smashed up into the sand. 'I split my head open with the waterproof housing on my camera once. The wave hit the camera and the camera hit me in the face and I caught the sharp edge of the housing. 'Sometimes I shoot on a shallow reef, so when the wave hits I get smashed into the rocks. 'It doesn't deter me at all because I love getting the pictures, and who cares about a few scratches and bumps?' A green-blue wave rolls towards the camera at sunset at Godrevy, the colour of the water contrasting with the reds and oranges in the sky . | Callum Morse, 22, spends as long as five hours in the water at a time with his Canon EOS 7D SLR .
He heads down to the beach in the early hours and gets into the sea while it is still dark to capture sunrise .
Photographs are compiled into calendars and sold, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a surfer . |
ff447f516d3ee25fa5debe5f040a4722a5989868 | (CNN) -- Villarreal have sacked coach Ernesto Valverde following Sunday's 2-0 Spanish Primera Liga defeat at home to Osasuna. Valverde only took over at Villarreal in the summer following Manuel Pellegrini's departure to Real Madrid. However, the Yellow Submarines, who finished fifth last year, have had a disappointing season and are 10th in the table following Sunday's loss. "Villarreal have cancelled their contract with coach Ernesto Valverde after the defeat against Osasuna," the club confirmed in a statement on their official Web site. "The club thank the coach for his services and wish him the best of luck in his sporting career." Villarreal, who have been linked with former Getafe coach Michael Laudrup, have said they will name Valverde's replacement in the next few days. Despite a recent draw against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, Valverde has paid the price for an inconsistent season which has also seen the club crash out of the Spanish Cup to second division side Celta Vigo. The 45-year-old becomes the sixth coach to lose his job in the Spanish top flight this season following the departures of Abel Resino (Atletico Madrid), Juan Carlos Mandia (Racing Santander), Marcelino Garcia Toral (Real Zaragoza), and Hugo Sanchez and Jose Angel Ziganda (both Xerez). Meanwhile, on the pitch, Sevilla moved up to fourth place in the table as a double from Alvaro Negredo -- the second a superb chip -- earned them a 2-1 home victory over third-placed Valencia. David Navarro headed a late consolation for Valencia but they were unable to prevent Sevilla moving to withing three points of them. In earlier matches, European-chasing Getafe were held to a 0-0 by a Racing Santander side who played almost the entire second half with 10 men after Jose Moratan was dismissed for two bookings. And Atletico Madrid were jeered off by their own fans after slumping 2-0 at home to Malaga, their ninth defeat of the season. | Spanish Primera Liga side Villarreal dismiss coach Ernesto Valverde .
Valverde becomes the sixth coach to be sacked in the Primera Liga this season .
Sevilla move up to fourth place in the table after a 2-1 home win over third-placed Valencia . |
ff448be1e628a80476e1fb76b0a4c94d269060b2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:50 EST, 18 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:02 EST, 18 May 2013 . Millions of U.S. children are living with mental health disorders, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC looked at the rates of various mental health conditions among American children for its first comprehensive report on the state of mental health among children aged between 3 and 17. About one in five children of these ages have a mental health disorder, according to the CDC, and the numbers seem to be going up as does the cost of health care associated with the conditions. CDC: One in five children between ages 3-17 have a mental health disorder . 'Millions of children in the U.S. have mental disorders that affect their overall health and present challenges for their loved ones. In addition, the financial costs of childhood mental disorders are at least an estimated $247 billion each year,' Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, said in a news release. 'We are working to both increase our understanding of these disorders, and help scale up programs and strategies to promote children's mental health so that our children grow to lead productive, healthy lives.' Childhood mental health disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and Tourette Syndrome. CDC researchers worked alongside other federal health agencies in order to come up with the number of children diagnosed with mental health disorders between 2005 and 2011. Pricey: The costs of childhood mental disorders are at least an estimated $247 billion a year . They found ADHD was the most prevalent disorder affecting nearly 7 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17. Behavioral or conduct problems followed affecting 3.5 percent of children, then anxiety (3 percent), depression (2 percent), autism (1 percent) and Tourette's (0.2 percent for 6 to 17-year-olds). The CDC in March reported one in 50 U.S. school children have some form of autism. This is significantly higher than the one in 88 estimate put forward by the government last year, . Older adolescents, from ages 12 to 17, were tracked for substance abuse disorders. Prevalent: ADHD is the most prevalent disorder affecting nearly 7 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 17 . The report showed nearly 5 percent of them used an illicit drug within the past year, more than 4 percent said they used alcohol, and almost 3 percent admitted cigarette dependence within the past month. The CDC hopes to better understand the impact of these mental health disorders to inform needs for treatment and intervention strategies. Children with the disorders are also more likely to have chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy than children without mental health problems. The disorders can also last into adulthood, increasing risk for decreased productivity, substance use and injury, and substantial costs both to the individual and the U.S. economy. The CDC also pointed out that suicide, the second-leading cause of death among adolescents between 12 and 17, can result from the interaction of mental health disorders and other factors. | A fifth of all children may have mental disorders - ADHD is the most common .
More adolescents have disorders that previously thought .
However, experts say normal responses to life's challenges are too often labeled disorders .
Diagnoses have needlessly skyrocketed, say critics . |
ff44a3148087e3b9eefc5cdc8e4750ee653fff7a | (CNN) -- Top officials in Moscow have accepted a French offer to help supply the Russian navy with two new amphibious assault warships, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said Friday. The offer came from a consortium led by two French manufacturers -- DCNS and STX -- working in conjunction with Russian shipyards. Two additional warships may be constructed, bringing the total to four, Sarkozy's office said. Sarkozy and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev "welcomed the implementation of this unprecedented cooperation that will benefit the industry and employment in both countries," said a statement from Sarkozy's office. It "illustrates the willingness and ability of France and Russia develop partnerships in all major areas, including defense and security." The deal will create 5 million hours of work for an estimated 1,000 people over four years around the French town of Saint-Nazaire, according to the statement. | French-led consortium will help build at least two new Russian naval vessels .
The deal will help employ 1,000 people for four years around Saint-Nazaire, France . |
ff44fc6d1aa278b3549c7ab70725cf9d6c0dcf50 | SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN) -- A 100-inch, high definition screen projects an intense college basketball game. Massage therapists rub the nervous tensions of men and women away. Scissors skillfully cut men's hair. Two chandeliers adorn the main room, complimented by brick walls and a glass bar that doubles as a retail counter. Sean Heywood, right, and Kumi Walker own MR., a barbershop and wine bar in San Francisco, California. This is not your typical barbershop. And that has always been the vision of owners Kumi Walker and Sean Heywood. "We are literally trying to create a new version of the country club golf experience. But we're replacing golf with haircuts, and we're putting it in urban environments," says Heywood. MR. (for mister) is their first business venture. It's an upscale barbershop, wine bar and lounge in the financial district of San Francisco where memberships cost $65 to $250 a month. In addition to the basic services, those who become members benefit from exclusive services like golf putting clinics and human resource workshops. "We're trying to thrive, not just survive," Heywood said. MR. takes the cultural aspect of the black barbershop experience and modernizes it, making it a place where businesspeople of all races can network. "We looked at our social lives, and we had black friends, Asian friends, Latino friends, white friends. We would do a lot of things socially together, but when it came to getting our hair cut, we would all split up," Walker says. Watch Walker talk about the difficulty of starting and running a business » . The two entrepreneurs are bridging a cultural divide, and also giving back to the community. They offer free lifetime memberships to MR. to those in good standing with a re-entry program called Back on Track. Among other things, Back on Track offers first-time, low-level criminal offenders GED preparation, tutoring, money-management instruction and job training and placement. And that's where MR. steps in. The membership provides them with one free haircut, trim, and shoeshine monthly. "We'll take care of their grooming so that they don't have to. And they're ready for all the different jobs that they pursue going forward," Walker says. Giving back is paramount for the entrepreneurs. And the story of one black business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, inspires them. It was known as Black Wall Street, and it was destroyed in a race riot and fire 88 years ago. "All of the businesses that we wanted to create, we wanted to encompass the culture of, if that community still existed today, what it would look like," says Walker, who says he read about the riot six years ago. Imagine a credit union, a barbershop, a library, and men in freshly pressed suits with top hats sauntering on sidewalks. The melodic sounds of jazz flow into the streets from several nightclubs. A thriving community of black-owned businesses serve their clientele across a 42-block area. That was the community that existed in the segregated neighborhood of Greenwood from 1830 to 1921. But on the evening of May 31, 1921, white mobs entered Greenwood with torches and guns. Black residents gathered to protect a young man accused of assaulting a white woman. When the smoke from fires cleared on June 1, more than 1,000 homes, businesses and other institutions were burned or destroyed, according to the report of the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. "People came and said, 'Run, they are shooting people,' " says Wess Young, who was 4 then. "We evacuated. They were destroying everything." The death toll has been debated for years, because many victims were dumped in mass graves. An American Red Cross estimate puts the total at 300, much higher than the 36 reported by local officials. The riot devastated the social underpinnings of the Greenwood community and leveled a black economic force. Greenwood was rebuilt, but it never recovered. "It was a really tragic end to thriving businesses. I think we'd be a lot further ahead had that area been able to continue to thrive," says Walker. Wess Young and his family rebuilt their lives in Tulsa. When asked what he thought America would be like if the Tulsa race riot had not happened, he answers without hesitation, "We would have had a black president before now. ... He has done a good job, but we [blacks are] still in a box." His advice to people is to let go of the past once they've learned from it. "Hate will destroy your whole universe -- got to learn how to forgive, but never forget," Young says. Walker says these stories of black struggle and survival motivate him. "I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors," he says. "I just want to be as successful as possible so I can turn around and be mentors and sponsors to other people who come after me." | Entrepreneur read about famed Black Wall Street that was destroyed in 1921 .
He and partner created modern barbershop to honor memory of district .
Black Wall Street burned to ground during massive race riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma .
Tulsa race riot survivor: "Learn how to forgive, but never forget" |
ff451dbe7af1c41aa1baa083f21aff7cc951501f | An American photographer held hostage by Syrian rebels for seven months has told of his horrors in dealing with the FBI after he managed to escape. Still recovering: Matthew Schrier, 36, was held by Syrian rebels with al-Qaeda links for seven months . Matthew Schrier, from Syosset, New York, was captured by Jabhat al-Nusra, a militant group aligned with al-Qaeda, as he traveled in Syria in December 2012. He was taken to a compound near Aleppo and locked up before escaping from a gap in a basement window on July 29 last year, he said. Now the 36-year-old has revealed the shocking treatment he suffered by during and after his ordeal because of the FBI - including being forced to reimburse the State Department the $1,605 they paid for Schrier's flight home. In a new interview with McClatchy DC, Schrier said the FBI waited six months to contact his family to let them know he had been captured. He previously said that the rebels had emailed his parents pretending to be him and assuring them he was fine. With his parents none the wiser, Schrier's captors were able to drain his bank account of $17,000. The next time the FBI calls me will be the first time,' said Schrier's father, Jeffrey, outside Fort Lauderdale, Florida, told McClatchy. 'I thank God my son was able to escape, because if he was waiting for the government to spring him he would still be waiting in that hellhole.' Once Schrier was back in the US, it was a matter of weeks before he recieved the bill for his airfare. He says that a psychiatrist assigned to help him with the experience and his return cancelled five times in the first two months. He was put up in a hotel for one month after his return, but after that time the FBI suggested he go to a homeless shelter. Held: Schrier says that he was beaten, electrocuted and robbed by the rebels after they kidnapped him in December 2012. He since claims to have been treated terribly by the FBI . Locked up: The compound where Schier was kept was near Aleppo, where a Free Syrian Army fighter is pictured above . Schrier waited five months to receive a new ID and Social Security number, after his cards were stolen, copied and used multiple times. 'It is like a scam. I don't understand what they do, victims services,' Schrier told McClatchy. 'The FBI has made it impossible for me to recover.' Before he fled, Schrier said he was beaten with a metal cable across his feet and given electrical shocks. Schrier was one of several Westerners in rebel-held territory since the civil war began. He said he was traveling without a commission from a media organization and had attempted to leave Aleppo by taxi on December 31. But the vehicle was stopped and he was taken by the rebels. Schrier was also whipped with cable on the soles of his feet while his knees were wedged in a car tire, and he was questioned by men speaking fluent English whom he guessed were Canadian. Schrier's mother grew worried about getting no word from her son and reported him missing to the State Department on January 31 - exactly one month after he was taken. Alone: The New York man was working as a freelance photographer when he was taken on December 31, 2012 . Schrier's mother did not realize at first that he was just one of several Americans being held hostage in Syria, McClatchy reported. Upon learning of it, she discovered there were missing-persons posters for other hostages but not one for her son. Schrier said when she contacted the FBI to asked why this was, they quickly put a poster up online. Schrier eventually slipped from a gap in a basement window early on July 29, he said, leaving behind his cellmate. Schrier said he was able to stand on his cellmate's back and unravel a wire mesh covering a window. Just before dawn, he wriggled out but the cellmate got stuck. Schrier said he walked to a road and flagged a car. Rebels: Schrier was held by Jabhat al-Nusra; a member is seen riding a motorcycle in Deir al-ZorRead . He was able to get a ride to the Turkey border, where he was helped by American officials. The White House told McClatchy that they would not comment on Schrier's new claims. The FBI released a statement over the interview. 'When an American is detained illegally overseas, the FBI's top priority is ensuring the safe return of that individual,' the statement said. 'To that end the FBI provides support services to victims and their families, to include help in meeting short-term exigent needs, and shares information about their loved ones that is timely and appropriate.' Earlier this month the Obama administration said it was reviewing the way government agencies handle hostages and their families after three American hostages were beheaded in Syria. | Matthew Schrier was working as a freelance photographer when he was captured by al-Qaeda-linked rebels last December 2012 .
He was beaten and given electric shocks by the rebels, who also emptied his bank accounts and pretended to be him in emails to his family .
He eventually escaped in July last year through a gap in a basement window .
Schrier says the FBI made him pay back $1,605 for his flight .
They put him up in a hotel for one month and then suggested he move to a homeless shelter .
FBI took six months to confirm to his mother he had been kidnapped . |
ff453f552dcc285f302adcbb5c4c152ed7c410fd | By . Ryan Gorman . Shocking video has emerged of a young girl being hit by an out of control car trying to evade police. Eight-year-old Cassidy Wall was riding a scooter last week in front of her Erie, Pennsylvania, home when the car careened off the road, spun around and slammed into her – she suffered a concussion but is expected to otherwise be okay. ‘I fell and flew in the air, and I landed on my head,’ she told WICU of the horrifying experience. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Lucky: Eight-year-old Cassidy Wall suffered only a concussion after being hit by a car . Just like any other day: Cassidy Wall rides her scooter along the sidewalk in front of her family's home . Cassidy Wall’s younger sister was only feet away but ran to safety as her older sibling was knocked head-over-heels into the sidewalk. ‘The car crashed in and then she [Cassidy] got hit,’ five-year-old Zmyiah Wall said. ‘She flew all the way up in the sky and fell on her head.’ Driver Angelo Moore, 18, was running from police when his car bowled over the child, presumably to avoid drug charges leveled on him and friend Brandon Carlson once police arrested them. Here comes trouble: Angelo Moore's car goes speeding off the road and right at the young girl . Out of control: The car spun wildly as it jumped the curb onto the sidewalk . Moment of impact: Cassidy Wall is seen here being struck by the car . Head over heels: Cassidy Wall was sent tumbling headfirst into the cement sidewalk. The fall left her with a concussion . Happy family: Cassidy Wall (top center) shown hugging father Delorean Wall (center) with her younger siblings including Zmiyah Wall (right) His reckless driving left Cassidy Wall with a concussion and Zmiyah Wall with only bumps and bruises – injuries for which he was also given aggravated assault by vehicle. The girls’ grateful father could be seen in the video running to his daughter’s side, he is relieved the outcome wasn’t worse. ‘I was terrified. I still am terrified,’ said Delorean Wall. ‘As a father, you don’t want that to happen to your children. It’s crazy. ‘It could have happened to anybody’s kids, and it could have been worse,’ he continued. ‘So all I can tell people is just to watch your kids.’ The incident also left Cassidy Wall shaken even a week later. ‘Every time cars come past me when I'm at home, I just go in the house,’ said Cassidy. ‘Right now, I'm scared of cars because of what just happened to me on Friday night.’ | Cassidy Wall was struck by the car as it spun wildly out of control while trying escape a police chase .
She went head-over-heels into the cement but suffered only a concussion .
The young girl is expected to make a full recovery . |
ff45576139d185d025841a38b4a604f61a1e6284 | Diafra Sakho admits he is relishing the prospect of building a relationship with fellow West Ham forward Enner Valencia. The summer arrivals have looked like a well-established partnership in their last two games for the Hammers, both getting amongst the goals in the draw at Hull and Saturday's impressive 3-1 victory over Liverpool. Sakho, 24, joined from Metz having led the scoring charts for the French outfit as they gained promotion to Ligue 1 and has since scored three goals in three starts for West Ham. Diafra Sakho celebrates with strike partner Enner Valencia after scoring in West Ham's 3-1 win over Liverpool . His goal on Saturday came after Winston Reid's opener as he deftly lofted the ball over stranded Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and, whilst confirming he meant the audacious effort, the Senegal international is ready to work on his blossoming understanding with Valencia. 'I saw the 'keeper off his line, at the near post, and I only had one thing in mind,' he told West Ham TV. 'I tried it and it came off. I wasn't sure if it was going to go in or not, but thankfully it's ended up in the net. I'm pleased, pleased for me and for the team. I've dreamed of scoring a goal as good as that, particularly here at the Boleyn Ground.' Sakho, chipped in a sublime goal against Liverpool on Saturday, has become an instant hit at West Ham . Regarding Valencia, he added: 'We've trained together for a short while now. Enner's a footballer who likes to get it down and play, and me, I like to come deep. I try to position myself in relation to him and vice-versa. I hope that's going to continue to serve the club well this season. 'We're working every day in training for that. We're not going to relax and we'll carry on working hard at it, because it's only the beginning of the season and there will be plenty of matches to play together.' West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Sakho has benefited from the spotlight being drawn by the big-money signing of Valencia, who starred at the World Cup for Ecuador. Sakho competes with his namesake and Liverpool defender Mamadou during the clash at Upton Park . The duo will both be licking their lips at the prospect of coming up against Manchester United's shaky defence on Saturday but, even if the goals start to dry up for Sakho, he is ready to do his bit for the team as West Ham look to build on their win over Liverpool. 'Goals are why I'm here and that's why West Ham signed me,' he added. 'But beyond that I'll try to help the team, as much as I possibly can. And even if I don't score, as long as I'm useful, that's the important thing. I work every day in training to try to be as effective as possible. 'We deserved it (the result against Liverpool). On the whole, we lived up to manager's expectations and those of the staff. And if we continue to play like that, work together, united as a group, we'll do good things in the Premier League.' Â . | Diafra Sakho scored in West Ham's 3-1 win over Liverpool at Upton Park .
Hammers new signing has now scored three goals in four games .
Senegal striker hopes to build a successful partnership with Enner Valencia . |
ff4649cd34e2d9fb2bbdbbe41836660368029b9e | (CNN) -- Manchester United and former England midfielder Paul Scholes announced his retirement Tuesday and will join the coaching staff of the English Premier League champions. The 36-year-old made 676 appearances for the Red Devils, the last as a substitute in their 3-1 Champions League final reverse to Barcelona Saturday. Scholes won 10 Premier League titles with United and helped them to two Champions League triumphs. He won 66 England caps and played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but quit international football in 2004 at the age of 29. But with his club form still impeccable, England coach Fabio Capello reportedly tried to persuade him to return for last year's World Cup campaign in South Africa. Announcing his retirement, Scholes told the official club website: . "This was not a decision that I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing. "To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th (record) title is a great privilege. Scholes praised Alex Ferguson, calling him a "great manager" and the United boss reciprocated. "What more can I say about Paul Scholes that I haven't said before," said Ferguson. "We are going to miss a truly unbelievable player. "Paul has always been fully committed to this club and I am delighted he will be joining the coaching staff from next season." Scholes was part of the famous "Class of 92" which claimed the English FA Youth Cup in 1992 and included David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville, who quit his United career earlier this season. | Paul Scholes announces his immediate retirement for football .
Scholes played 676 times for Manchester United and won 66 England caps .
Midfield star will join the coaching staff at EPL champions United .
His final game came as a substitute in 3-1 Champions League final loss to Barcelona . |
ff46bdff94f22a8993b3f24c021dea29c8b85dab | (CNN) -- Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara took control of state-run television and attacked the residence of Laurent Gbagbo on Friday as Ivory Coast's bloody, four-month battle for political power appeared to enter its final stages . Artillery and mortars joined the cacophony of gunfire Friday in Abidjan, the nation's commercial center and largest city, witnesses said. French and United Nations troops beefed up their presence on the streets to fill a security vacuum. "The situation on the streets has deteriorated to such an extent that it's just become too dangerous to go outside," said Henry Gray, a field coordinator with the humanitarian medical group Doctors Without Borders, who called his organization while in lockdown. "There's a lot of pillaging and looting going on, and if you're out on the streets, you're basically a target." And the violence isn't isolated to Abidjan. At least 800 people were killed Tuesday in the fight for control of Ivory Coast's western city of Duekoue, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Friday. The whereabouts of Gbagbo, who refused to cede power after a disputed November election, were not known. The French ambassador to Ivory Coast said on France Info radio that Gbagbo's residence was empty. U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said the U.N. mission in Ivory Coast has been in contact with both Ouattara and Gbagbo in an effort to ensure a peaceful resolution. "I cannot confirm anything about any exit of Laurent Gbagbo," Haq said. Gbagbo adviser Abdon Bayeto blamed the United Nations and global leaders including France and the United States for Ivory Coast's bloodshed by recognizing Ouattara as the legitimate president. Ouattara knows he lost the election, Bayeto said, adding that Gbagbo is a true democrat. "For 30 years there was no trouble in the country," he said. "We are going to be victorious." The chances for that victory appeared slim Friday after pro-Ouattara forces launched a massive offensive in a final push to oust Gbagbo. Gbagbo had been expected to appear on state-run television, but the embattled president has not been seen in public for days and the TV network -- accused of having incited post-election violence -- went dark Friday after pro-Ouattara forces attacked the building and took control. Ouattara, the internationally recognized president, had been confined to a United Nations-protected hotel in Abidjan. Gbagbo's siege of the hotel ended Thursday after pro-Ouattara forces carried a nationwide offensive to Abidjan. Ouattara declared evening-into-morning curfews for Friday and Saturday in Abidjan. Ouattara's interior minister also announced on radio that the air and sea borders of the country would be sealed until further notice. It will be only "hours, maybe days" before Gbagbo falls, predicted Ouattara's spokesman, Patrich Achi. "The army does not want to fight for Laurent Gbagbo." The African Union called again Friday for Gbagbo "to immediately hand over power." "Gbagbo's days are numbered because he overstayed his welcome," Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga told CNN. Odinga has served as the African Union's main negotiator in Ivory Coast. "The will of the Ivorian people must finally prevail." Events in Ivory Coast are sure to have critical implications for the immediate region and all of Africa. The nation had been on the rebound from a 2002 civil war and the elections last year inspired expectations that the cocoa-producing nation would embark on a new chapter that would take it closer to becoming a stable democracy. But the post-election chaos does not bode well for other African nations struggling to become stronger democracies. And thousands of people have crossed into neighboring nations including Liberia, which is trying to hold onto its own fragile peace. An Abidjan resident told CNN that most of the city's 4 million residents were huddled inside their homes Friday with no access to information since national broadcasting was off the air. The resident was not identified because of security reasons. "Armed gangs are out on the street and there is a real atmosphere of fear out in the community, particularly in the poorer areas," Gray said. "It's weird, because Abidjan is actually a really nice city with well-maintained roads and nice bridges and big buildings." Documentary filmmaker Seyi Rhodes said Abidjan, a city that never slept before the turmoil erupted, was empty and bleak. International journalists covering the conflict did not dare venture out from their hotel Friday. Abidjan has become a city divided where it is difficult to decipher loyalty, Rhodes said. "There is nothing now," said Rhodes, who had visited the city before the conflict. "Abidjan is a shadow of its former self." The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees reported an exodus of more people Thursday. "Heavy fighting, widespread human rights abuses and fear of war have already forced up to 1 million people to flee their homes in Abidjan," the report said. Some 500 foreigners, including 150 French citizens, sought refuge Thursday at a French military camp, said a spokeswoman for the French Defense Ministry. A Swedish employee of the United Nations was killed in Thursday's fighting in Abidjan, said Joakim Larsson, a spokesman at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "She was in her home when she was hit by a bullet which killed her," Larsson said. Before Friday's revelation of the 800 or so deaths in Duekoue, human rights monitors had documented the deaths of 462 people -- some in heinous fashion -- and warned Abidjan is on the brink of catastrophe. "The international community must take immediate steps to protect the civilian population," said Salvatore Sagues, Amnesty International's researcher on West Africa. Republican Forces wrested control of much of Yamoussoukro and other key cocoa-producing and port cities earlier in the week before marching to Abidjan, the commercial center of Ivory Coast. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reported Friday that the agency had received "unconfirmed but worrying reports" that Republican Forces have been committing human rights violations in their advance to Abidjan, especially in the Guiglo and Daloa areas in western Ivory Coast. Among the complaints were arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment of civilians. Similar abuse accusations have been leveled at Gbagbo's men in Abidjan, the agency said. Concerned about the rising tide of violence, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to impose sanctions on Gbagbo, his wife and three associates, as well as give U.N. peacekeepers more authority to protect civilians. The U.N. resolution demands that Gbagbo step down immediately and that all state institutions, including the military, accept Ouattara as president. It also authorizes U.N. peacekeepers "to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate to protect civilians under imminent threat of violence." CNN's Zain Verjee, Carey Bodenheimer, Christabelle Fombu and Moni Basu contributed to this report. | NEW: At least 800 people were killed Tuesday in the Ivory Coast, the Red Cross says .
NEW: A witness says, "If you're out on the streets, you're basically a target"
Laurent Gbagbo has refused to cede power since a disputed November election .
Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara attack Gbagbo's home and take control of state TV . |
ff47bff651572300fec9dc42a41ae9046e98d1ee | Washington (CNN) -- Using firsthand accounts of coping with the threat of radioactive contamination, several Japanese citizens who lived near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant hope to convince U.S. officials that nuclear energy poses an unacceptable risk. Three operating reactors at the Fukushima facility suffered meltdowns in March from a combination of earthquake, tsunami and equipment failure that led to radiation leakage and widespread contamination. "I come from Fukushima," said Sachiko Sato, a farmer, who traveled with two of her children to Washington. "Radiation affects this absolutely unchanged scenery, but it's still very much there." Her English wasn't perfect, but her fears came through clearly at a news conference Tuesday as she suggested that the Japanese government arbitrarily raised contamination standards to limit the payment of relocation money. Sato's farm is in an area that no longer qualifies for assistance under relaxed measurements. She asked rhetorically, "Did they think the ability of people to sustain radiation became better after the accident?" Two of her children, both teenagers, told of being frightened that they were exposed to radiation that could cause health problems in years to come. Yukiko Anzai, an organic farmer whose bees produce honey as an agricultural commodity, said she and her husband may have to abandon farming because they don't know how radiation will affect their bees. She told reporters, "We have been farming for the happiness and health of the people, farming the way we did. Now we are really struggling. It is very difficult for us." The two women are part of a group that includes activists who oppose Japan's reliance on nuclear energy and want to use the Fukushima disaster to curtail the use of atomic power. They met with U.S. congressional staff members Monday, and on Tuesday afternoon, they met with commissioners and staff members of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Japan is already at minimum reliance on atomic energy because of routine maintenance and scheduled shutdowns. Activists want to keep the plants closed. "There are 11 still operating and 43 shut temporarily," said Aileen Mioko Smith of Japan's Green Action. "They're gradually being turned off" for maintenance, she explained, "so unless they start up again, none will be operating by March 2012." She acknowledged that Japan's government has every intention of restarting the nuclear plants. But Smith and the Japanese families potentially exposed to the fallout from Fukushima say they're encouraged by the German government's decision after Japan's accident to discontinue atomic power plants over the next decade. The United States and other Western countries continue to envision a role for nuclear energy with a review of safeguards. Japan's activists believe there is no safe path that includes nuclear energy. Kaori Izumi, who is fighting the restart of Japan's atomic power plants once they close for maintenance, told reporters, "There is immense suffering in Fukushima, including Mrs. Sato and other families. The only way their suffering gets meaning is that we learn from this lesson." Citing the well-known nuclear disasters of the past 30 years -- Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island, the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine and now Japan's Fukushima meltdown -- she said, "Can we afford not to learn? I don't think so." | Farm families near failed nuclear plant call for full moratoriam .
Group meets with congressional, nuclear agency staff members .
Citizens critical of Japan's suspect standards for radiation contamination . |
ff4827f91f448a132c28d5100c9c22c3856f6bdb | Google gossip: Amanda Rosenberg is the . 27-year-old British woman who has struck up a romance with . multibilionaire Google co-founder Sergey Brin . A British woman who left London in search of fame and fortune with . Google is at the centre of Silicon Valley gossip after striking up a . romance with the search engine’s married multi-billionaire founder. Only . last year, Amanda Rosenberg was so friendless after moving to San . Francisco that she spoke of eating her lunch alone in the toilets. But . the 27-year-old, who boarded at £31,000-a-year Marlborough College . with Princess Eugenie and Kate and Pippa Middleton, certainly seems to . have turned things around – for she was last night named as the new . lover of Sergey Brin, 40. Google has been rocked by talk of the . romance, and a spokesman yesterday confirmed that Brin – one of the . world’s richest men with a £15billion fortune – has for several months . been living apart from his wife of six years Anne Wojcicki, the mother . of his two children. If they divorce, Californian law suggests their . massive fortune would have to be halved – although they reportedly . signed a strict pre-nuptial agreement. While the internet was agog . with talk of Brin romancing his much younger employee, the Daily Mail . tracked down a distinctly unsurprised former boyfriend of Miss Rosenberg . – who said she ‘knew the power of her womanly ways’. Ewan Butler, . 28, a trainee teacher living with his parents in Darlington, said: . ‘Amanda’s a good looking girl, and she knows she is. 'And she’s good at . “playing” men – she played me.’ Brin’s relationship with Rosenberg . emerged only yesterday – but the pair were pictured together earlier . this year at a New York Fashion Week event, both wearing the . controversial Google Glass computerised spectacles for which she is . marketing manager. An employee of Google since she graduated with a . communications degree from Leeds University, she initially worked for . the internet giant in London before last year moving to San Francisco to . work at its Silicon Valley nerve centre. She soon won a role . promoting Google Glass, widely criticised as the glasses which enable . users to film and broadcast over the internet everything they see . non-stop, worrying privacy campaigners. Miss Rosenberg wrote an . online blog soon after she arrived – describing herself as a . ‘misanthropic Brit struggling to come to terms with Californian . optimism’. She wrote: ‘I’d been living a beautifully choreographed . life in London for pretty much my entire life; family, friends, job, . life. Then one day I realised the beauty had faded. ‘So I applied for a transfer with my company to a different country. Yes! The romance of a transfer! ‘Luckily for me this all worked out like I dreamed it would...NOT. Of course it didn’t work out like that! ‘I . remember having conversations with people about moving countries, and . no one talks about how it felt to be alone. 'I wanted to grab them and . scream “Why are you not telling me about how you ate lunch in the . toilets at work for the first week because no one talked to you?”.’ A good looking girl... 'who knows she is': Miss Rosenberg, shown left wearing the Google Glass device and right in a picture from her Google+ profile, previously dated Ewan Butler, . 28, a trainee teacher living from Darlington . Employee: Miss Rosenberg pictured in a YouTube marketing video for Google Glass. She won her role promoting the controversial spectacles after coming up with the voice command ‘Ok, Glass’ to . activate them . Connected but no longer together: Brin and his estranged wife are bound together by business dealings - he is an investor in her DNA company 23andMe - and the children they share. Glasses promotion: Rosenberg with boss Brin and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg in New York . Power couple: If Brin and Wojcicki, his wife of six years, divorce, Californian law suggests their . massive fortune would have to be halved - although they reportedly . signed a strict pre-nuptial agreement . Marriage on the rocks: A Google spokesman confirmed that Brin – one of the . world’s richest men – has for several months . been living apart from Wojcicki, the mother . of his two children . Miss . Rosenberg, who previously lived in Wimbledon, adding tellingly that her . first thought in her new office was: ‘Hello new boss, hello new . team...LIKE ME IMMEDIATELY.’ Sergey Brin, 40, is being roundly mocked on the internet over his apparent relationship with Amanda Rosenberg. One of numerous websites ridiculing the reported affair draws particular attention to his recent enthusiasm for the ‘Google Glass’ computerised spectacles. The website jibes: ‘Since Google Glass launched the company’s co-founder, Sergey Brin, hasn’t been spotted without a pair. 'He’s placed himself atop the privacy-eroding project, publicly, and inside Google’s secret labs. 'Maybe it’s because he’s f****** the Glass marketing manager, Amanda Rosenberg.’ The blog goes on: ‘Knowing that one of the most vital, powerful men at the company has been using Google’s most ambitious product as a dating pool won’t be smooth news for the rest of the team.’ She also wrote that she was initially so . shy she failed to turn up at her first work drinks invitation, fearing . she would be ‘the weird loner in the corner’, so stayed in eating . biscuits alone on her sofa instead. In an internet profile Miss . Rosenberg wrote of herself: ‘I’m part of the master race that is the . Chinese Jew or Chew, if you will. 'Born in Hong Kong but bred in the UK. A . misanthrope who’s bad at maths, so I got the worst of both worlds.’ Elsewhere . she declares that her motto is: ‘He who hesitates is a damned fool.’ Miss Rosenberg is understood to have an English father and a Hong Kong . Chinese mother who worked as an investment banker. After leaving . Marlborough, where Pippa Middleton was two years above her she soon began a year-long relationship . with fellow Leeds University student Mr Butler. Told his ex was . being linked to the Google tycoon, he said: ‘It wouldn’t surprise me in . the least – she’s that kind of girl.’ He added: ‘Although Amanda did . have a posh crew she knocked around with she wasn’t stuck up like you . might expect from a Marlborough girl. 'With me I think there was a . fascination with me being northern – I was pretty much the only person . in our student halls who went to a comprehensive.’ More than a marketing manager: Miss Rosenberg also appears in promotional shots for Google Glass . California dreamin': Amanda wrote on her blog that she was initially so shy in her new role in Google's Silicon Valley HQ she failed to turn up at her first work drinks invitation, fearing she would be 'the weird loner in the corner' Mixed-race heritage: Miss Rosenberg is understood to have an English father and a Hong Kong . Chinese mother. She describes herself as 'part of the master race that is the . Chinese Jew or Chew, if you will' Geek chic: Miss Rosenberg's blog details how she made every effort to fit in with Google's in-crowd . Celebrity lifestyle: Miss Rosenberg poses with British rapper and iconic glasses-wearer Tinie Tempah . Romantic link: Hugo Barra, Google's product management director for Android. Miss Rosenberg was previously linked to the Google executive, who recently announced he was leaving the firm to take a job in China . Intriguingly Miss . Rosenberg had already had a high-flying Google boyfriend in America – . senior executive Hugo Barra, who recently announced he was leaving to . join a Chinese computer firm. Last night Miss Rosenberg – who got her . Google Glass job after coming up with the voice command ‘Ok, Glass’ to . activate the device - could not be contacted for comment. A spokesman . for Brin – who founded Google with Larry Page in 1998 – said that he . was not legally separated from his wife and that ‘they remain good . friends and partners’. | Amanda Rosenberg last night named as the new lover of Sergey Brin .
The Google co-founder is one of the world's richest men with £15bn fortune .
He and wife Anne Wojcicki, both 40, married in 2007 and have two children .
Miss Rosenberg went to the same £31,000-a-year school as the Middletons .
She is marketing manager for Google's Glass computerised spectacles .
The 27-year-old came up with the 'Ok, Glass' command to activate the device .
Brin and his wife reportedly have a prenuptial agreement in case of divorce . |
ff4882909caca91aadf859d47cff906d39f18901 | (CNN) -- Many skiers who visit Colorado prefer the slopes of Aspen, Vail or Breckenridge. But there's a cool little day trip from Denver that often gets overlooked by out-of-towners. The Ski Train begins its round-trip journey to Winter Park at Union Station in Denver, Colorado. The Ski Train is a 68-year-old local favorite that shuttles about 750 people between Denver and Winter Park. It runs on weekend days -- leaving Denver's Union Station at 7:15 a.m. -- and begins the return leg nine hours later. The 56-mile trip takes about two hours each way, and many riders say it's worth the cost to avoid the traffic hassles of the oft-congested I-70. A roundtrip ticket costs between $49 and $85. There are additional expenses, such as parking at the train station in Denver and lift tickets for skiers. If someone chooses to shop instead of ski, a free shuttle into Winter Park is available. Train riders love the trip route, which winds through the Rockies and climbs to 9,000 feet. It also travels through almost 30 tunnels, including the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel, which passes underneath the Continental Divide. "The train ride up there is spectacular. You see wonderful vistas as you leave Denver through the northern plains and into the mountains," Kristal Kraft, a real estate agent in Denver, says. "And once you get through the Moffat Tunnel, you're right there at Winter Park." Kraft says she enjoyed her maiden voyage on the train, which came courtesy of a local home builder that bought group tickets in one of the club cars. "I loved the convenience [of the train],' she says. "We relaxed, talked, socialized. And when you get off the train, you are right there at the slopes." According to skitrain.com, three additional cars are available for charter and one for company retreats. The Web site lists the price for the presentation car at $5,000 for a winter trip. The site says the current train cars were purchased after Ansco Investment Company bought the Ski Train in 1988. Kraft says the cars are comfortably heated and there is ample room to move around. Kraft, an amateur photography buff, enjoyed switching from window to window, side to side, to take pictures. There is one occasional hitch to riding the train. It shares the track with the Union Pacific Railroad and at times has to stop or pullover to make way for a freight train or Amtrak. And there are instances where another train has an accident. One time a coal train derailed in a tunnel and the Union Pacific officials told the Ski Train operators it would take two days to clear the tracks, says Ski Train media relations director Jim Bain. They called the passengers together in a cafeteria in Winter Park and advised them to call friends and family to come pick them up. The company also arranged for a few buses to come gather the remaining passengers and Bain says they were all headed back to Denver by 8:30 p.m. It was a worst-case scenario, he says, and it only happened once. There are occasional delays of a few hours. The bad news is you're delayed; the good news is you're on a full service train with food service and restrooms. And there's the ability to find a beverage. One reviewer on the Web site yelp.com said there's another bonus to the train. "What's great is that once you get back into Denver you can hit Wynkoop brewery or any other bars around there to keep the party rolling," Ramon G. wrote. | Ski Train from Denver to Winter Park has been a local favorite for 68 years .
Train ferries skiers to slopes in Colorado's Rocky Mountains .
"The train ride up there is spectacular," says Denver resident .
Train passes through 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel underneath the Continental Divide . |
ff488e84e995d85a182f064b2e57eacedea6ddb9 | The romance of journeying to your destination is clearly alive and well as these entries to a photographic competition entitled On The Road show. The images from 400 submitted from all over the world were the winners of a competition run by the Society of International Travel and Tourism Photographers. And it was a civil engineer from Bristol who walked away with the top prize with his black and white shot of a car in the Eurotunnel. Jonathan Millard, 37, said: 'My photo was taken en route to a skiing holiday this year to the French Alps with friends and our 10-month-old daughter...my first ride in the Eurotunnel. 'I thought putting the camera on the ground with a fairly wide angle would make for an interesting perspective. It was the first of many holiday photos.' American Jim Shepka, from Windham, New Hampshire, came second with his moody black and white shot of Cape Neddick Lighthouse in York, Maine, while third place was taken by another Brit, Chris Upton, who picked out an iconic yellow taxi from the walkway of Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Chris, a travel and landscape photographer from Southwell, Nottinghamshire, said: 'I enjoy photographing throughout the UK but have also been fortunate to have visited some inspirational locations around the world. 'The opportunity to visit these magical places, meet the people and observe their culture, traditions and landscape has been a wonderful experience. 'My goal is always to capture the spirit of this in my images and to create an emotion in the viewer to learn more or indeed visit these locations themselves'. First prize: 'I thought putting the camera on the ground with a fairly wide angle would make for an interesting perspective,' said British photographer Jonathan Millard. Competition judge Phil Jones said, 'The very high standard made judging very difficult, but this image caught the judges' eye with its leading lines, and the low camera angle gave greater feeling of connectivity to the 'road' which fitted nicely with the theme of the competition.' Second prize: Jim Shepka was second placed for his moody shot of Cape Neddick Lighthouse in York, Maine, which was built in 1874 . Runners up: 'I took this photo (left) whilst on my journey through Orissa, India in which I visited many tribal villages,' said Polish born Irena Sowinska. 'I encountered children with a spontaneity and joyfulness that was very moving.' Right, third placed Chris Upton was also highly commended fort his image of a bike propped up against a coffee shop covered in number plates in Crested Butte, Colorado. 'I just happened to come across this bike while heading over to buy a cup of coffee,' he said. Third place went to another Brit, Chris Upton, of an iconic yellow taxi on Brooklyn Bridge, New York. Chris, from Southwell, Nottinghamshire, said: 'The shutter speed was quite tricky as I wanted to get the right amount of motion in the cars but avoid camera shake. It was then a question of waiting until a yellow cab came by...' Highly recommended for this dramatic and colourful shot, Chris Upton's photograph of a lighthouse in Maine, the Pemaquid lighthouse also was picked out by the judges. 'It was taken at dawn and I composed the image using the rocks and the dawn sky to lead to the focal point of the image, the lighthouse,' said Chris of his amazing image . Commended: Californian Todd Arbini's 'Rolling green hills of Livermore.' The professional photographer said of this ethereal shot, 'I went for a drive on Morgan Territory Road which goes up the south west side of Mount Diablo [in California]. This view is looking back on the Livermore hills at dusk.' Almost Turneresque: The quality of the light is striking in this photograph by Todd Arbini which was also commended. Both pictures were taken on travels round his home state of California, this one of a road disappearing off into the sunset at Brentwood. Commended: Former Lancashire Evening Post photographer Georgina Brewster was also highly commended for her picture of the Houses of Parliament from the banks of the Thames. The 35 year old from Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, who now concentrates on weddings and lifestyle photographs, took her picture from the South Bank on a weekend break in London with her husband and seven year old daughter. Commended: Manuel Ramos from Santiago, Chile was highly commended for his 'on the road' shot going into a national park. The 37 year old architect said: 'This was taken on the road heading to Torres del Paine National Park, located in the Chilean Patagonia, Magallanes Province.' Commended: Tamal Mitra, 25, from Kolkata, India got this evocative sunset shot from his home town. The Android game programmer said: 'Prinsep Ghat is a Ghat built during the British Raj, along the river bank of Hooghly and on its bank on Kolkata side. I was taking photographs there with my friends when I saw a couple who had hired a boat for a ride. The sun was setting that time, and that produced an amazing silhouette.' | First prize went to a black and while photo of the Eurostar with an interesting low angle .
More than 400 photographs were submitted from all over the world and a civil engineer from Bristol won the prize .
Judges said it was very difficult to pick a winner as the standard was so high . |
ff48a926c17950537e42d8ae096f5e4c4747d94a | Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is still confident he will land Fabio Borini in a £14million deal, despite the striker boarding the flight to Liverpool's tour to the States. The two clubs have agreed the fee for the Italian forward. And Poyet is still planning to speak to Borini and his representatives on Monday. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Fabio Borini's fiancee show off her private holiday villa . On a trip: Fabio Borini leaves the coach at the John Lennon Airport amid his transfer speculation . Happy, Fabio? Borini makes his way off the coach with his Liverpool team-mates before the injury . Done deal? Sunderland have agreed to pay £14million for the striker who impressed on loan last season . VIDEO Borini off to Sunderland as Liverpool eye Remy . BORN: Italy, March 29 1991 (age 23) 2009-2011: Chelsea (4 apps, 0 gls) 2011-2011: Swansea (loan) (9, 6) 2011-2012: Parma (0, 0) 2011-2012: Roma (loan) (24, 9) 2012-NOW: Liverpool (13, 1) 2013-2014: Sunderland (loan) (32, 7) 2012-NOW: Italy (1, 0) But doubts now surround the deal after Borini was pictured with the Liverpool squad leaving Merseyside on Sunday. However, . Poyet is 'relaxed' about the apparent setback and optimistic he can . persuade the 23-year-old to return to Sunderland where he spent last . season on loan. The . Sunderland manager will still speak with Borini's agents and is prepared . to fly him back from America to join up with Sunderland's training camp . in Portugal this weekend. While . still keen to speak to Poyet, Borini is not in a rush to sign for . Sunderland and is understood to have told Rodgers he would rather wait . and keep his options open. He hopes a Champions League club from abroad . will match Poyet's bid after being told he has no future at Anfield. Poyet said: 'What I can inform you is that we have agreed terms with Liverpool. 'It’s . an ongoing thing. We’ve done the steps that we needed to do properly, . but the next step is that we are still waiting for the correspondence. Then we will go on from there, doing everything official, in the right . way. 'I think Fabio’s impact is clear, as is the reason why . we want to spend that quantity of money. We know how much he can give us . because we know him perfectly. It would be perfect for us. Struggled: The Italian has never been able to establish himself as a Liverpool player since joining in 2012 . 'I’m . really calm regarding Fabio and Marcos because as everyone knows, it’s . not about numbers or quantity, it’s more about the quality of your . signings. I’m delighted with what we’ve done so far.' Sweden . international Seb Larsson has welcomed the potential addition of Borini . who became a cult hero on Wearside last season after notching two goals . against rivals Newcastle. The veteran midfielder, who signed a . new deal in the summer despite interest from Italy, Turkey and Sweden, . says the 23-year-old former Chelsea and Parma striker will be welcomed . back to the North East by players and fans. Larsson said: 'It . would be a really big deal for the club. Fabio was here last year and . did really well, so he knows the place and we know him. 'Of . course that would be a great signing, but for the people behind the . scenes to deal with and we’ll have to see if it gets over the line. 'He . showed last year just what a good player he is, especially in the . second half of the season. We all know what he can bring to the team, . and you need as many good players as you can to help improve the . competition in the squad. 'If Fabio returns, it will help everyone else . drive on and get better.' Timely: Borini scored four of his seven goals in Sunderland's final five games to beat the drop . | Fabio Borini travels to United States with Liverpool amid transfer saga .
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is willing to fly Borini back from America to join up with Black Cats training camp in Portugal .
Borini wants to keep options open in case Champions League club from abroad match agreed £14milion fee .
23-year-old scored 10 goals on loan at Sunderland last season .
Poyet confirms 'we have agreed terms with Liverpool' to make deal . |
ff48e7e308258462ffb597adbead276c4d789363 | (CNN) -- The European Union will launch its first naval operation Tuesday, protecting vessels from pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia, EU policy chief Javier Solana announced Monday. A French army helicopter taking off from French frigate Nivose, on patrol in the Gulf of Aden. EU foreign ministers approved the mission during their regular meeting in Brussels on Monday. Solana said the operation is "very important" because EU vessels will be operating "in a place in the world that everybody's looking at because of the new problems related to piracy." "It's very important that we have taken that decision to launch it tomorrow," he added. The EU naval force will take over the role of escorting United Nations World Food Program vessels carrying food and relief supplies to war-torn Somalia, an EU news release said. Its mandate, which is spelled out in several U.N. Security Council resolutions, also will include "the protection of vulnerable vessels cruising off the Somali coast, and the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast," the news release stated. The deployment follows a decision by the European Council in September that established a coordination cell that supported surveillance and protection operations by several member states off the Somali coast. Piracy has become increasingly common in that area this year, particularly in the Gulf of Aden. So far, pirates have attacked almost 100 vessels off Somalia's coast and successfully hijacked nearly 40, according to the International Maritime Bureau. Those hijacked vessels include an enormous oil tanker, a chemical tanker, and a ship laden with Soviet-era arms, including tanks. The pirates normally hold the ships for ransom. The Somali-based pirates have extended their reach beyond Somalia's coastline. On Saturday, a Dutch-operated container ship outran pirates off the coast of Tanzania, an IMB official told CNN. A luxury cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers and crew successfully outran pirates off the coast of Yemen last weekend. A multinational fleet -- including vessels from the United States, NATO member states, Russia and India -- has been patrolling the Indian Ocean waters near the Gulf of Aden, which connects the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Around 20,000 oil tankers, freighters and merchant vessels pass along the crucial shipping route each year. In a recent interview provided to CNN, a pirate leader claimed attacks on shipping would continue so long as life in Somalia remained desperate. "The pirates are living between life and death," said the pirate leader, identified by only one name, Boyah. "Who can stop them? Americans and British all put together cannot do anything." | EU force will take over the role of escorting U.N. World Food Program vessels .
Role includes "protection of vulnerable vessels cruising off the Somali coast"
Pirates have attacked almost 100 vessels off Somalia's coast this year .
Warships from U.S., India, Russia and Malaysia also patrol region . |
ff48fc2af4f0ec33bc8bd6a0311b85f1c29e51fd | By . Matt Chorley, Tom Kelly and Alan Roden . PUBLISHED: . 13:52 EST, 7 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:50 EST, 8 July 2013 . Alex Salmond today tried to laugh off complaints about his decision to unfurl a Scottish Saltire in Centre Court, insisting Wimbledon rules were there to be broken. The Scottish First Minister was accused of staging a political stunt by smuggling the flag in his wife's handbag before waving around behind David Cameron's head as Andy Murray secured his historic win. He insisted no-one sticks to the rule banning large flags around Centre Court, and after waiting 117 years for a Scot to win the men's singles 'a few Saltires hoisted over Wimbledon doesn’t really harm at all'. PR stunt? Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond waving a giant Scottish flag, breaking Wimbledon spectator rules . What have you got there? The First Minister looks set to unfurl his giant Saltire as David Cameron glances behind to see what's going on . The stunt was seen as particularly controversial coming less than 18 months before Scotland votes on leaving the rest of the United Kingdom. Some will hope that Mr Salmond's push for independence will be bolstered by Murray's victory over Novak Djokovic in straight sets last night. But his decision to wave the blue and white Scottish flag around was not seen as being particularly statesmanlike, hiding a flag in the handbag of his wife Moira. The moment the nation was gripped by Andy Murray's historic Wimbledon victory, the First Minister of Scotland was rummaging in his wife's handbag. Alex Salmond knew a Scot triumphing in the greatest tennis contest on earth presented him with a PR coup and he was going to take it. Even better was the chance to dangle the Saltire behind David Cameron's head. But the row that has erupted is about more than whether it was statesmanlike behaviour. On 18 September 2014 Scotland will stage a referendum on leaving the United Kingdom after 300 years, and Mr Salmond is desperate to prove an independent Scotland can compete on the world stage. He will hope that Murray's victory will bolster his chances of reversing dire opinion polls which suggest his dream of independence will be defeated. Murray has refused to be drawn on it, insisting he wants to 'read more about the issue'. The vast Saltire also appeared to far exceed All England Club rules which forbid flags more than 2ft by 2ft. The regulations also ban objects or . clothing bearing political statements or commercial identification . intended for ‘ambush marketing’. But Mr Salmond claimed no-one stuck to the rules. 'I think a rule more observed in its breaking than its observation. 'But can I just point out, the All . England Club didn’t mind in the slightest, they’re really nice people, . and if the All England Club didn’t mind, I really don’t think anybody . else should either.' He also argued he should be given some leeway, with Murray the first Scot to win Wimbledon for 117 years. Mr Salmond told BBC Radio 4's Today . programme: 'You’ve just been saying about it’s the first triumph since . Fred Perry in 77 years. 'It’s the first Scot since Harold . Mahony in 1896 – it’s not something that happens very often, so I think a . few saltires hoisted over Wimbledon doesn’t really harm at all. 'This was after the match was . finished, incidentally. This was part of the celebration. 'And the answer . is no, I am not responsible for the seating arrangements in the royal . box. 'I had the flag last year, actually – I just didn’t get the chance . to wave it last year.' However the incident provoked a flurry of . comment on Twitter, where it was described as an instance of . ‘photo-bombing’ – when someone spoils a photo by sneaking into the . frame, usually to poke fun at somebody. Mr Salmond insisted he had not planned to target Mr Cameron, adding: 'I had no idea what the seating arrangements were - that is absolutely the case.' But Education Secretary Michael Gove suggested it was inappropriate behaviour for Wimbledon's Royal Box. He told LBC 97.3: 'I think there is a difference between how you might behave in the Royal Box in Wimbledon and how you might behave in Hampden if a Scottish football team were to win. 'I think it was a wee bit of a stunt... my advice to Alex would just be "Put it away dear".' 'Bit sad': Alex Salmond's flag-waving antics attracted some criticism on Twitter from fellow politicians including the former deputy prime minister John Prescott . Murray poses with the Union Flag during the medal ceremony for his gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games . It is 77 years since a British man - Fred Perry - won a Wimbledon singles title. But it is 117 years since a Sctosman, Harold Mahony, triumphed - giving Alex Salmond the chance to whip out his Saltire. Mahony was born in Edinburgh in 1867 but spent most of his life in Ireland. At his Wimbledon debut in 1890 he crashed out in the first round, reaching the semis in 1891 and 1892. He took time out to train in America before returning to defeat Englishman Wilfred Baddeley in the final, 6–2, 6–8, 5–7, 8–6, 6–3. He went on to win a silver medal in the men's singles at the 1900 Paris Olympics. Former deputy prime minister John Prescott wrote on Twitter: ‘Alex Salmond photo-bombing David Cameron. Bit sad wasn’t it?’ BBC reporter Jon Sopel joked: ‘Alex Salmond waves a Saltire from Royal Box. Is there a referendum coming?’ Journalist Matthew d’Ancona posted: ‘Alex Salmond is usually a consummate politician. 'But today he was a grade-one wally.’ Comedian Brian ‘Limmy’ Limond wrote: ‘I’m pro-independence, but put the flag away Salmond - f****** grow up.’ He added: ‘Imagine Cameron scrambling for the Union Flag. Clumsy.’ Songwriter Roddy Hart asked on Twitter: ‘No matter how genuine or heartfelt, surely Salmond reaching for the Saltire whilst cameras watching would be seen as opportunistic?’ Mark Ferguson, editor of Labour website LabourList wrote: ‘Anyone spot Alex Salmond waving the Saltire behind Cameron’s head? Obvious what he was trying to do. You’ve got no class Salmond, no class.’ Labour peer George Foulkes said there is a ‘time and place’ for such a stunt. But Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon leapt to the defence of her boss. ‘Hey folks, waving the Saltire isn’t political,’ she wrote on her Twitter account. ‘It’s showing enormous pride that a boy from Dunblane just won Wimbledon.’ Mr Salmond later hailed Murray as the . 'King of Scotland' whose victory over Novak Djokavic in straight sets . may be the 'pinnacle of Scottish sporting triumph'. Speaking . on Good Morning Scotland, Mr Salmond said: 'It's right up there, it's . up there with Chris Hoy, or Celtic and the European Cup. 'It's . an amazing victory. Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle in the Open. It's probably . the pinnacle. He says it's the pinnacle of tennis, this might be the . pinnacle of Scottish sporting triumph. 'It's an absolutely astonishing triumph.' Mr Salmond also revealed he is planning further celebrations in Scotland to capitalise on Murray's extraordinary victory. When asked what plans there were to . honour the sportsman, Mr Salmond added: 'He's already got the freedom of . Stirling. 'I was thinking of a reception in Stirling Castle, which has . got a nice sort of home town ring to it with Dunblane, something like . that. 'But Andy is king of Scotland, he can have anything he likes.' Criticism: Former deputy prime minister Lord Prescott was one of the first to ridicule Mr Salmond's flag stunt . Gaffe: Broadcaster Iain Dale thought it was funny that the TV cameras did not linger on the Saltire . Twitter user David Birch suggested an Englishman staged a similar stunt . Dark side: Political scientist Philip Cowley posted this joke on Twitter . Greeting: The two men appeared to exchange friendly words as they took their seats in the royal box to watch Murray take on Djokovic . Concentration: Mr Salmond and Mr Cameron watched from the royal box as the two finalists battled it out in sweltering heat on Centre Court . Should Andy Murray be given a knighthood for winning Wimbledon? Mr Salmond’s spokesman earlier defended . the decision to take a large Saltire into Centre Court said: ‘Scotland . feels enormous pride that a young man from Dunblane has won Wimbledon. 'With flags of all kinds flying around . Wimbledon and even a Saltire above Downing St, one extra Saltire among a . sea of flags seems like a fair way to celebrate.’ The All England Club declined to comment on the incident. Murray was criticised after joking . before the 2006 World Cup that he would be supporting anyone other than . England in the competition. He has not indicated which way he . will vote in next year’s referendum on Scottish independence, but he . warned his countrymen not to let their heart rule their head. In an interview with Scotland on . Sunday earlier this year, he said: ‘I want to read more about the issue. 'I don’t think you should judge the thing on emotion, but on what is . best economically for Scotland.’ Alex Salmond took to Twitter to express his delight over Murray's phenomenal win . | Scottish First Minister smuggled flag into Centre Court in wife's handbag .
Accused of photo-bombing David Cameron with political stunt .
Hails Murray as the 'King of Scotland' who can have whatever he likes .
Mr Salmond insists no-one sticks to rule banning large flags .
Asks for leniency on flag after 117 wait for a Scot to win Wimbledon .
Education Secretary Michael Gove tells him: 'Put it away dear' |
ff493f1118b27e9b9b2aee02fa65710b945c636a | By . Paul Donnelley for MailOnline . When it comes to choosing a home-grown apple, Peter Collett is spoilt for choice. For the 83-year-old has 50 varieties growing on a single tree. Mr Collett grafted buds from a range of apple plants on to an established specimen to produce the amazing tree. Scroll down for video . He has a total of 130 types of apple in a half-acre garden in Tangmere, West Sussex, that he has spent the past 30 years cultivating, including some of the rarest and most historic English varieties. He grows 30 other types of fruit including pears, plums, cherries, quince and pomegranate. Mr Collett, whose produce has won awards, is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society Fruit Group Committee and judges RHS competitions. One of the rarest apples in his orchard is Ashmead’s Kernel, first grown in Gloucestershire in the 1700s. Other varieties never seen on supermarket shelves including Howgate Wonder, Red Devil, Laxton’s Epicure, Spartan and Crawley Beauty. Among the smallest he grows is Api Noir, which dates back to Roman times. The retired headmaster first developed a love for apples during the Second World War when he spent his summer holidays picking fruit near his childhood home in Norfolk. ‘We were given extra-long holidays so that we could help bring in the fruit harvest,’ he said. The retired headmaster developed a love for apples during the Second World War (left) when he spent his summer holidays picking fruit near his childhood home in Norfolk; Mr Collett and his wife Jean now (right) eat the apples raw, baked or in crumbles and swap some with his neighbour for 'tasty' sausages and bacon . ‘I started working on one particular fruit farm in 1943 and I returned there for the following six years because I loved it. My grandfather and great-grandfather were gardeners so it was in my blood. That first taste of ripe fruits at the peak of their perfection will remain with me for ever. I vowed I would one day achieve the same results. Britain has hundreds of varieties of apple and they are all particular to a certain area so I started to grow apple trees that came from areas that meant something to me. Peter Collett marks each area of the tree with a tag (right) so that he knows which apple is which . ‘I have apples from Norfolk where I grew up, from Hampshire where I was a teacher and from Sussex where I live now.’ He and his wife Jean, who have four children, three grandchildren and a great-grandson, eat the fruits of his labour raw, baked or in crumbles. Any left over get fed to his neighbour’s pigs, along with the windfalls. ‘It’s the most basic form of trade – and the sausages and bacon I get back are very tasty indeed,’ he said. | Peter Collett, 83, had his interest in apples piqued during WW2 .
Mr Collett grafted buds from a range of apple plants on to an established specimen to produce his tree .
One of the rarest apples in his orchard is Ashmead’s Kernel, first grown in Gloucestershire in the 1700s . |
ff49436056604234c7429de644e7b030abae4915 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 06:49 EST, 14 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 14 September 2012 . Benjamin Benit's remains were found wrapped up in a sheet in a bush . A RAF war hero lay dead and forgotten in his council flat for nine years before his body was thrown under a bush, an inquest heard. An unknown fraudster had been collecting Benjamin Benit's pension since he died and even after the body was dumped, Southwark Coroner's Court heard. When Benjamin Benit's remains were . eventually found wrapped up in a sheet in undergrowth he was still . wearing an England replica shirt from the 2002 World Cup and his left . hand was missing - it was later found in his old home. Detectives later arrested a man who initially gave his name as Benjamin Benit, but later said he was called Sidney Jackson, but he was released without charge. Police are still in the dark as to who was claiming the dead man's pension and who callously chucked the war hero's body beneath a bush. A dog walker made the grisly discovery of Mr Benit's decomposed body in Lovelinch Close, Peckham, south London on August 10, last year. The inquest heard the body had only recently been moved from Mr Benit's flat. Sawdust from a nearby tree being cut was underneath the bag containing Mr Benit, showing he had been left there after August 5. The left hand was discovered by council officers when Mr Benit's home in Ilderton Road, Peckham was cleared out by council officers on August 23. Mr Benit was born in south London on 6 June 1925, and served in the RAF during World War II. He lived for a time in Bradford, where he had family, before returning to south London in the 1980s. Sad end: The body was found ditched beneath a shrub in Lovelinch Close, Peckham . Mr Benit was a regular customer in pubs around Old Kent Road and New Cross Road in south east London. He had missed a routine GP appointment in April 2002 and would have been 76 at the time of his death. 'From . all the available evidence, it follows that Benjamin Benit came by his . death in an unknown way in the year 2002,' said coroner Tony Badenoch. 'The police identified that the pension of Mr Benit had been accessed in the years since 2002. 'I note from the inquiries that pension cheques were cashed on August 15 and August 22. 'It is plain from all the material that it wasn't Benjamin Benit cashing his own pension but somebody else.' Gruesome: The coroner's court, pictured, heard about the grim end to Mr Benit's life . Detectives arrested pensioner Sidney Jackson and questioned him about the discovery of the body. Mr Badenoch said: 'He gave me some answers to some limited questions, and it was clear in his answers he told me he didn't know where Benjamin Benit had been living, and didn't know how he came to be in Lovelinch Close.' Mr Badenoch added: 'The body was severely decomposed and wrapped in a sheet, but still dressed.' 'Cleaners found what they later learned was a human left hand. 'The presence of the hand at Heversham House indicates that he had been at that address prior to August 5, 2011. 'The police then inquired how Mr Benit may have arrived in Lovelinch Close in a deceased and seriously decomposed state. 'It was blatantly obvious he had been placed there.' Mr Badenoch said he did not have enough information to conclude the specific cause of Mr Benit's death. They recorded an open verdict. | Body was discovered dumped under a bush in Peckham, south London .
Left hand was missing and later discovered in his home by cleaners .
Police do not know who fraudster was or how body was moved there .
Dog walker made the grisly discovery of Mr Benit's decomposed body . |
ff494b50a3b9e8e921c781086abb6807aa3986f4 | Four people including a toddler were killed Tuesday and two more people were taken to hospitals after an early morning trailer home fire in southeast Ohio. Neighbors calling 911 reported hearing an explosion just after 4 a.m. Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said those reports were under investigation, and the cause of the fire was unknown. 'Oh my God! ... The trailer across the road just blew up,' reported the first caller, whose name wasn't included in an audio recording released by the sheriff's office. ' I'm going to say they're probably all there. Oh my Lord! Something just blew up over there. Holy crap!' The trailer fire was the third multiple-death home fire in Ohio in less than four weeks (library image) Phalen said authorities were searching for a possible seventh person who might have been inside the trailer home, which collapsed. No identities or information about the relationships of those inside were immediately available. 'It's completely gutted,' Phalen said. 'There are partial walls that are up, but the inside is completely gone.' He said a woman who appeared to be badly injured was taken to Ohio State University's medical center, some 40 miles northwest of the rural lot where the trailer stood, outside the village of Sugar Grove. A man was transported to nearby Fairfield Medical Center. The sheriff didn't have information on their conditions. Phalen said firefighters from seven departments responded, hindered on hilly two-lane roads by overnight snowfall. Fairfield County was under a Level 1 snow emergency, meaning motorists were urged to be very cautious because of hazardous conditions. The Ohio State Fire Marshal's office sent investigators to the site, which Phalen said was still smoldering several hours later. The trailer fire was the third multiple-death home fire in Ohio in less than four weeks. Three children were killed in a Dec. 12 house fire in Hamilton, in southwest Ohio, and a woman and three grandchildren were killed Dec. 26 in a fire near Washington Court House, about 40 miles southwest of Columbus. Fire Marshal's spokeswoman Lindsey Burnworth said Tuesday that investigations of those fires were continuing. | Neighbors reported hearing an explosion and called 911 .
Authorities are searching for a 7th person who may have been inside .
The trailer fire was the third multiple-death home fire in Ohio in less than four weeks . |
ff497b90daccb0a2d0ea21a8e84d02706a475a65 | (CNN) -- The "Linsanity" surrounding the New York Knicks' surprise phenom at point guard may be motivated by something bigger than sports. Yes, Jeremy Lin is a terrific athlete, whose almost accidental discovery by the Knicks and little-engine-that-could perseverance make for great radio commentary and pop cultural mythology. But there's something deeper at play here: Lin is iconic of a new kind of hero for the 21st century. And he is not alone. Take Lin's story by itself: A Harvard graduate and only occasional Ivy League basketball star, Lin struggles to get recognized in the NBA. He is picked up by the Golden State Warriors only to be released. Then, plagued by player injuries and in need of an extra backup point guard, the Knicks pick up Lin as a temp backup, only to dump him back in the D-league when they think they don't need him. After a string of losses, they bring him back on board more for the hell of it than anything else, and Lin lights a fire under the team, leading it to a run of dramatic victories. Still, Lin is not a superstar in the modern NBA slam-dunk sense. He can drive to the basket and make clutch plays, but the key to Lin's success is his ability to make the rest of his team work -- well, like a team. The economics major is a cool intellectual, who looks at his colleagues as part of a system. His talent is being able to keep them and the ball moving, and to find the open man -- whoever it might be, even himself. This style of play evokes earlier eras of the sport, where teamwork mattered more than individual performance. Yet it also evokes the spirit of our current era -- one in which networks and connections are coming to matter more than individual skill or personal gain. Another view: Jeremy Lin's race is a factor . Consider another Harvard alum in the headlines these days, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. He came up with his social networking platform in his dorm room, with little more ambition than to create a new way for his college friends to connect to one another. And with a combination of perseverance and bit of luck, he ended up in the right place at the right time. Unlike the charismatic CEOs of the industrial age, Zuckerberg is a rather unassuming, quick-to-gaffe computer programmer whose entire premise -- his entire business -- is based on his ability to keep other people networking. At his best, he is a mere facilitator. Likewise, Harvard Law alum Barack Obama came out of nowhere. A state senator gets picked to keynote a Democratic convention, and then somehow flips his huge success at that into a winning presidential campaign. His rise to viability, remember, depended on the strength of his Internet fundraising, and his ability to organize new networks of people around his candidacy through tools like Meetup and Facebook. And again, it's a cool, plainspoken facilitator at the helm: so cool and deliberative that he infuriates even some of his allies, but a strategist whose deeper instincts about playing the political game are only now coming to light. These are not the kind of people we traditionally think of as heroes in sports, technology, and politics. Compare Jeremy Lin, Mark Zuckerberg, and Barack Obama to, say, Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, and Bill Clinton. Jordan, Jobs, and Clinton were stars in their own right. Their campaigns and their victories were about themselves. It was Jordan who made the dunks, Jobs who showed us the iPhone, and Clinton who made his presidency about himself. Lin, Zuckerberg, and Obama, on the other hand, are rather underwhelming as tribal leaders. They are leaders of the Net generation, who owe their power to the networks they can catalyze. That's why the extent to which these three succeed will be based on their ability to keep the story from being about themselves. Jeremy Lin's biggest problem right now is his superstardom, and the fact that fan focus and adulation could make it harder for him to keep his senior, star teammates from getting jealous and uncooperative. Or worse, they could convince Lin that he really is all that people wish for him to be. Likewise, Zuckerberg's greatest liability is the possibility that the people actually energizing Facebook -- those of us who use it to connect -- begin to suspect that his company and shareholders matter more than us. Once it feels like we're creating more value for him than he is for us, we're out. And finally, Obama's success -- and chances for a second term -- may depend on his ability both to keep the ball moving, and keep his adversaries from casting that dependence on teamwork as some form of European socialism. Remember, Obama did not tell us that he was the one we were waiting for, but rather that we are the ones we have been waiting for. This is 21st century leadership, writ large. Whether we, the president, the Internet or even our sports industry are up the challenge is the real question posed by the rise of a kid named Lin. Follow CNN Opinion on Twitter. Join the conversation on Facebook. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Douglas Rushkoff. | Douglas Rushkoff says Jeremy Lin is iconic of a new kind of hero for the 21st century .
Lin, Mark Zuckerberg and Barack Obama are cool, strategic facilitators, he says .
He says they must keep the ball moving and keep the story from being about themselves .
Rushkoff: Obama must avoid having teamwork approach cast by others as socialism . |
ff4a2f4503c0e6b931d2c2872957d5dca1dac1b7 | By . Martin Robinson . A family dog helped snare a burglar after biting him so hard that police were able to use blood left in the dog's mouth to trace him. Missy, an 11 year-old rottweiler sank her . teeth into the crook as he reached his hand through the cat flap at the home in . Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. The usually mild-mannered pet did so much damage that police were able to take DNA samples from blood left at the scene - including on Missy's teeth. Bark off: Missy saw the burgler's hand come through this cat flap and bit it to protect her home . The attempted break-in happened at Pauline Cunningham’s home last week while the family were away dealing with an emergency. A neighbour who was looking after the house found the back door covered in blood and called the family back. Pauline, 53, said: 'She’s now a crime fighting dog. Usually she’s a very docile family pet. It’s so out of character for Missy. 'She’s a big softie and a lovable old girl. In dog years, she’s an old pensioner. 'A big softie': But Missy did what she had to do to protect the family home . Proud: Pauline Cunningham, daughter Amanda and grandaughter Kayla, 2 , with Missy. The plastic cat flap has clearly been looked at by forensics and the hole has been boarded up . 'She’s as far from an aggressive dog as you could get. 'Missy . must have been threatened that night. She’s used to the cats using the . cat flap, so she must have heard something that spooked her. 'When the neighbours rang to explain what happened I thought they were winding me up. 'But when they told me forensic teams were in the kitchen I realised they were telling the truth. 'There was blood smeared and splattered all over the door and the kitchen.' Takes the biscuit: Missy, seen here with two-year-old Kayla, is usually meek but was forced into action when a burglar threatened . Chilling out: The 11-year-old rottweiler takes a break from being a 'crime-fighting dog' The neighbours who were looking after . the property that night turned the lights off and left the stairgate . open – meaning Missy had the run of the house and the burglar had no . idea she was there. The next morning when neighbours checked, they found the back door drenched in blood and called the Cunninghams. The attempted break-in happened somewhere between last Thursday evening and 9.30am on Friday. Missy’s family were away from their home at the time dealing with a family emergency. Daughter Amanda, 25, said: 'The burglar must have reached through the cat flap trying to reach the door handle. 'Because the lights were off he wouldn’t have seen Missy coming. 'It looks like she grabbed hold of his arm and tried to pull him through.' Proud: Missy's family admire her bravery when she took on the burglar and won last week . Fighting fit: A neighbour who was looking after the house while the Cunninghams were away found the back door covered in blood thanks to Missy's intervention . | Missy saw a hand come through the cat flap and bit it, which allowed police to collect DNA .
The attempted burglary was not noticed until blood was spotted all over the back door the next morning .
'She’s now a crime fighting dog. Usually she’s a very docile family pet. It’s so out of character for Miss,' owner Pauline Cunningham said . |
ff4a579a2830d48516fca9ac152af2a341437928 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:38 EST, 10 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:38 EST, 10 September 2013 . The video where the girl is twerking alone in her apartment before her roomate inadvertently walks in on her and sets herself on fire has been revealed to be fake. The video has been viewed more than 9.3 million times on YouTube since it was posted a week ago and has been covered by nemerous TV news shows and websites. However, the entire clip was a hoax, put together by late night chat show host Jimmy Kimmel.Scroll down for video . Faked: Jimmy Kimmel proves his team have mastered the art of the viral video with this fake 'twerking' video . What you didn't see: After the girl set alight, Kimmel burst in with a fire extinguisher . Thank you! Jimmy Kimmell saves the day and puts out the fire... only there was no need to worry anyway because it was staged all along . ABC's late-night host revealed on his last night that he and his team were behind the video, which stars stuntwoman Daphne Avalon. Kimmel showed a 'full director's cut' of the video on Jimmy Kimmel Live, which featured him coming through the door after the roommate and extinguishing the fire. It turns out that the twerker's name isn't Caitlin Heller, but Daphne Avalon. She works as a Hollywood stuntwoman. He said the video was posted online without any kind of promotion on social media. All is revealed: Jimmy Kimmel interviewed the girl on his chat show. She is actually Daphne Avalon, a stuntwoman who works in Hollywood . Surprised: Kimmel said that he and his team were blown away by how many people viewed the video. More than 9.3 million in a week along with several news outlets, websites and other TV shows . 'We didn't send it to any TV station, we didn't tweet it,' Kimmel said. 'We just put it on YouTube and let the magic happen.' Miss Avalon appeared on Monday's Jimmy Kimmel Live, where she that admitted some people who know her including an ex high school boyfriend thought the video was real. Some speculated that the video was fake, but was not until now that Kimmel, notorious for his large and small scale pranks, admitted that he was behind it. Miss Avalon was also unable to tell anyone the truth about the video, having been sworn to secrecy after they shot a video a few months ago. Wind your waist: The girl launches into her twerking routine next to . four burning candles after apparently knocking back shots of tequila . Accident waiting to happen: She goes into a handstand while continue to wiggle away . Rude interruption: The apartment door opens and the girl begins to topple backwards . Hitting the deck: The unfortunate twerker lands on top of the candles and tequila while her roommate panics in the background . Hot stuff: The girl's legging catch fire and she springs to her feet . Twerking started in the New Orleans 'bounce' music scene of the early 90s, but has hit the headlines in 2013 after being taken up by a raft of celebrities. It had its most main-stream appearance to date with former clean . cut child star Miley Cyrus gyrating around singer Robin Thicke at the . MTV Video Music Awards earlier this month. A YouTube a search for . 'twerking' brings up more than 3.8 million results with everything from . pregnant women and dogs to babies and the elderly and it has even been honored with an official entry in the Oxford Dictionaries Online. Leave it to the professionals: Singer Miley Cyrus shows how it should be done at the MTV Music Awards . | Video where woman tried showing off her skills while four candles burned on a table behind her is revealed to be fake .
Clip has been viewed more than nine million times on YouTube .
Video was recorded for Jimmy Kimmel TV show and filmed months ago . |
ff4aa5d4c6da9480b3a94e2d9d0ff7b737d2838b | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 06:37 EST, 1 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:45 EST, 1 March 2013 . A son was denied a fair slice of his dead mother's £1m fortune after he stopped visiting her and neglected to send flowers on Mother's Day, the High Court has heard. Kenneth Hart is suing his sister, Susan Burbidge, 47, whom he claims controlled his 'vulnerable' mother Phyllis Hart's finances in the months before her death aged 86 in November 2008. He and his brother, Paul, 49, are now urging a High Court judge to overturn cash and property transfers worth around £450,000 executed by their mother in Susan's favour in the year before she died. Legal battle: Kenneth Hart (left) is suing his sister Susan Burbidge (right) over claims he was denied a fair slice of their late mother's £1m fortune because he stopped visiting her and didn't send flowers on Mother's Day . Kenneth, 67, described his mother as a 'good woman and housewife' but claimed she 'could not make up her mind about anything' - even when it came to choosing her own curtains. And she had no idea about financial matters, he told the court. Phyllis was widowed when his father, Ernest, died in 2005, Mr Hart told the court, inheriting the £1m-plus fortune Ernest had created through a thriving marquee business, Ernest Hart and Sons. By 2007, his mother was increasingly under his sister's influence, insisted Kenneth, claiming that 'any suggestion you made to mother would have to be passed by Susan'. Tension was already building within the family after Phyllis announced the previous year that she was transferring part of the company's business premises to Susan, the court heard. Kenneth, from Poole, Dorset, said this news left him 'annoyed' and conceded that he went for at least 12 months without visiting his mother, although he 'never stopped caring for her'. Family feud: Mr Hart his brother, Paul are urging the High Court (pictured) to overturn cash and property transfers worth around £450,000 executed by their mother in Susan's favour in the year before she died . His sister's barrister, Paul Emmerson, suggested that Kenneth had succeeded in 'alienating' his mother, who had become increasingly 'angry and bitter' at his apparent indifference. She had every right to 'seek sanctuary' with her daughter and son-in-law, said the barrister, as they were 'doing everything for her' and had taken her in. Mr Emmerson also cited complaints made by Phyllis about Kenneth's alleged neglect of his filial duties, including his failure to send her flowers on Mother's Day and sending a Christmas card 'which didn't even have the word mother on it'. She was 'entitled to feel upset and to distribute her property as she wanted', he added. Kenneth said he had always loved his mother but Mr Emmerson suggested he 'could have made her aware of how you felt about her'. 'You could have stayed in more regular . contact, and you could have written to her or sent her Christmas and . birthday cards?' the barrister put to him. Claims: Mr Hart's mother, Phyllis, allegedly complained about his apparent neglect of his filial duties, including his failure to send her flowers on Mother's Day . 'I think I did send her Christmas cards,' Kenneth replied, although accepting that he 'could have done more'. He had been working long hours and into weekends, he said, and had done his best to keep in touch when she moved house during her final year, also denying any terminal rift with his mother. Describing the family culture he told the court: 'We were never a close family and could go for weeks and weeks without seeing one another, but we were never at loggerheads'. The Hart brothers' barrister, Charles Auld, argued that Phyllis' transactions in her daughter's favour 'call for an explanation' and urged the judge to rule them invalid unless Susan can establish that her mother was acting of her own free will. But Mr Emmerson argued that Phyllis was 'not the vulnerable old lady' portrayed by her sons. She had 'come out of herself' since the death of her controlling husband, he told the court, and managed to weather a series of 'hectoring' exchanges with Paul, some of which he taped, said the barrister. 'She was strong and independent of thought, and perfectly capable of standing up to Paul Hart and being annoyed by his actions and the apparent indifference of Ken Hart,' he told the court. The brothers' lawyers say that, by the time of Phyllis' death, nearly everything her husband had left her - valued at over £1m - had been transferred to Susan Burbidge and her husband, Brian, subject to an 'unsigned loan agreement' that the couple would pay back £410,000 into her estate. Kenneth and Paul are asking Judge Sir William Blackburne to overturn a £290,000 cash transfer to Susan and her husband and the transfer of the proceeds of sale of the Hart family home in Beacon Park Road, Upton, Poole, to the couple. Phyllis had lived in that house throughout her marriage but moved into Little Manor Farm, in Poole, shortly before her death. The brothers' claim is being hotly contested by Susan and Brian Burbidge. The High Court hearing continues. | Kenneth Hart suing sister over claims she controlled mother's finances .
He and brother are urging High Court to overturn £450k executed to her .
Their sister Susan Burbidge claims Mr Hart had 'alienated' their mother .
Says mother 'entitled to feel upset and distribute property as she wanted' |
ff4ad35e8d257a7d47995e440d47c58a122ca8a9 | Adventurer Nick Hancock headed out into the Atlantic today to begin his second bid to live for two months on Britain's loneliest outpost, Rockall. His last attempt to break the record for living alone on the tiny, remote rock in the Outer Hebrides ended before it even began at the end of May last year. Heavy seas stopped him leaving his boat and he was forced to make the 15-hour return trip to Leverburgh on nearby Harris. Not particularly inviting: Rockall in the North Atlantic is an isolated pinnacle which only four people have ever managed to sleep on . Ready: Nick Hancock left for Rockall today . But now the Chartered surveyor and former Officer Training Corps cadet is to try again by landing on the rock tomorrow, weather permitting. On Twitter Hancock announced: 'We're heading to #Rockall today!' before loading his equipment on to the chartered Kilda Cruises boat at Leverburgh on Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Hancock, 38, from Ratho near Edinburgh, is raising money for the charity Help for Heroes, and plans to make regular broadcasts for TV and social media from Rockall. Hancock has been practising load winching to ensure he gets his survival pod - created from an 8ft yellow water tank and powered by a small wind turbine and solar panels for charging his satellite communications - up on to Rockall. 'The only real physical side is the initial climb and hauling the pod and equipment up,' he says. The occupiable area of Rockall, named in 1955 as Hall's Ledge after the first recorded person to land there, is just 11ft by 4ft, and is 13ft below the summit. The 'rockpod' footprint will leave accessible only the flattish platform on the summit for Mr Hancock to scramble up to for exercise. Last year Hancock set off for Rockall, an eroded volcano, which lies 260 miles west of the Outer Hebrides with the intention of spending 60 days on the remote sea rock, which is just 100ft wide and 70ft high. He had taken all food and water with him and planned to live in a 23 stone shelter bolted to the rock in his bid to break the current 42-day record. But when he arrived, the swell around the rock made it impossible for him to safely scramble on.He also admitted his wife Pamela did not want him to go. The couple have a two-year-old son Freddie. Survival pod: Hancock's bright yellow pod, made from a 8ft water tank will be his home during his isolation . Greenpeace activists were the last to occupy Rockall in 1997 in protest at plans to expand oil exploration . Hancock, who in 2012 stayed for a short while on Rockall as part of a reconnaissance mission for last year's mission, had aimed to set two endurance records on the isolated islet and raise £10,000 for the Help for Heroes charity. Rockall is constantly pounded by 3,000 miles of Atlantic swell. The world's largest recorded oceanic waves of over 95 feet were recorded there in 2000 - some 19 feet higher than Rockall itself. Being in such an isolated location, only four people have ever slept there, and less than 100 have landed on it. The first record for time spent on Rockall was 40 days in 1985, when ex-SAS soldier Tom McClean lived on the rock from 26 May to 4 July to affirm Britain's claim to the islet, which has been disputed by Ireland, Iceland and Denmark. His record was broken in 1997 by three Greenpeace activists who stayed there for 42 days in protest at north Atlantic oil exploration. | Only four people have ever managed to spend a night on the rock, which is just 100ft wide and 70ft high .
Hancock hopes to raise money for Help For Heroes charity and will live in an 8 foot long 'survival pod'
His first attempt to break the current record failed due to bad weather . |
ff4af11f5e3028362818e7120554316f589e8e3e | Watching from his seat up in the Villa Park stands, Alan Pardew will know Crystal Palace need to perform better than this once he steps down to the dug-out. Keith Millen oversaw a second away point in succession as caretaker manager — not to be sniffed at in their predicament. But, quite simply, Pardew must make Palace a greater attacking force. Brad Guzan was not called into meaningful action once. Pardew congratulated the players and Millen in the dressing room afterwards for their organisation, but told them sparkle is needed to survive. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats . New Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew (second left) watched the game alongside co-chairman Steve Parish (right) Yannick Bolasie lifts the ball over Brad Guzan but could only hit the crossbar with his first-half effort . Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Guzan 6; Hutton 6, Okore 6.5, Vlaar 5 (Clark 15’ 6), Cissokho 5; Sanchez 7, Cleverley 6 (Grealish 65’); Bacuna 4, Agbonlahor 5, Weimann 4.5 (Cole 83’); Benteke 4 . Subs not used: Given, N’Zogbia, Lowton, Robinson . Booked: Clark . Manager: Paul Lambert 5 . Crystal Palace (4-5-1): Speroni 6.5; Mariappa 6, Dann 6, Delaney 6.5, Kelly 6; Puncheon 5, McArthur 6 (Bannan 90’), Ward 5.5, Ledley 5, Bolasie 6.5; Zaha 4 (Gayle 62’ 5) Subs not used: Hennessey, Hangeland, Doyle, Campbell, Thomas . Booked: Delaney . Manager: Keith Millen 5 . Referee: Robert Madley 5 . Attendance: 29,047 . Man of the match: Carlos Sanchez. Carlos Sachez was the man of the match at Villa Park on New Year's Day. Above is the Colombia international's heat map.Click here for more from our brilliant Match Zone service. ‘He had no input before the game or during,’ said Millen. ‘He came down after, shook everyone’s hands and was pleased and proud of what he’d seen. But we need to add goals to stay up. ‘He knows we need a different dimension. I’m sure he will have talked to the chairman about transfers. We know we need to bring in players.’ Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar goes off injured in the first half to be replaced by Irishman Ciaran Clark . Aston Villa goalkeeper Guzan heads clear to thwart the onrushing Bolasie as Alan Hutton takes evasive action . Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa is closed down by Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke . Leandro Bacuna (right) gets away from Crystal Palace's Joe Ledley in the midfield . Pardew is expected to take his first Palace training session on Friday and Millen has been told his services are wanted by the incoming manager, who could be seen in the directors’ box as the match meandered along. No need for notebooks to record the details of this dire game. Aston Villa’s role cannot be discounted. They continued to pass the ball as instructed by Paul Lambert but moves broke down far too easily, far too frequently. Their goal tally stays stock still at 11 in 20 Premier League games, the lowest in England’s top four divisions. They have failed to score in 12 matches in all competitions this season. There were boos at half-time. Louder boos at the final whistle. In the first half, Alan Hutton was presented with an excellent chance to score his second of the season when Aly Cissokho’s cross fell kindly. But Julian Speroni spread himself large and blocked the shot brilliantly. Ron Vlaar was then forced from the field having injured his knee in a collision with Wilfried Zaha. He suffered a similar problem for Holland at the World Cup, Lambert said afterwards. Yannick Bolasie sprinted clear like a 100m runner, away from Jores Okore and across Ciaran Clark, but sent his shot smacking against the crossbar. Alas, that was to be as exciting as it got. The rest of the game an affair void of speed, creativity or flow. Palace had failed to score in four of their last five away games so another blank here was no shock. Scotland full back Hutton appeals for a foul as Bolasie fends him away before embarking on a run . Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez slides in on Palace winger Jason Puncheon in the second half . Pardew is expected to be in charge in time for Palace's FA Cup third round clash against non-league Dover . | New Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew watched the match in the directors' box .
Aston Villa were booed off at half time and again at full time in a game of little chances .
Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie hit the crossbar in the first half . |
ff4b92fd9f7bb31e3aa56b5fcef93248edb7f91d | By . Lucy Thackray For Daily Mail Australia . AFL player, Adelaide Crows forward Tom Lynch has suffered a neck fracture, which was detected four days after he suffered the injury during last weekend's clash with Brisbane Lions. A statement from the Adelaide Crows confirms that 'after complaining of soreness and pain in his arm, Lynch was sent for an MRI scan (on Thursday). It revealed a fracture.' Initial X-Rays and a CT scan had not shown any fractures or serious injury. On Sunday August 10, Lynch was involved in what the Adelaide Crows are calling ‘a sickening collision’ in the second quarter of the match at The Gabba in Brisbane, Queensland. On game day, Lynch was stretchered off in a neck brace after making front-on contact with Brisbane defender Justin Clarke, but scans on the day indicated Lynch had escaped critical neck damage. Adelaide Crows forward Tom Lynch holds his head and grimaces shortly before being stretchered off after a collision during the game which left him with a neck fracture . Tom Lynch of the Adelaide Crows is stretchered from the field during the round 20 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba. 23-year-old suffered a neck fracture in the incident. Tom Lynch and Charlie Cameron of the Crows celebrate a goal during the round 20 match last weekend, before Lynch was involved in a 'sickening clash' in the second quarter. Four days later, Lynch discovered he has a small neck fracture which early scans did not show. Lynch was allowed to fly home with the team when cleared of any serious neck injury and the club had been referring to the injury as 'a jarred neck', until the discovery the injury was far worse. Lynch, 23, was experiencing soreness and pain in his arm, the club confirms in their statement. When the young player was not showing signs of recovery by Thursday and continued to experience ‘the occasional tingle in his fingertips’, doctors ordered further scans, concerned there was more to the neck injury, according to 3AW radio. Dr Peter Larkins told 3AW radio that Lynch has fractured C7 and T1 vertebrae in his spine and expects he will be in a neck brace for six weeks. The club confirms that Lynch will wear a neck brace, but for an unknown period of time. They emphasise that the brace is only a precautionary measure, to prevent further damage. Although initial x-rays and a CT scan did not show any serious damage, Tom Lynch discoverd four days later that he has suffered a neck fracture. Lynch is pictured injured and being stretchered off in the Adelaide Crows Round 20 match against the Brisbane Lions on August 10. Tom Lynch will wear a neck brace as a precautionary measure to avoid further injury. The Adelaide Crows forward has had terrible luck with injury this year, undergoing surgery for a broken jaw from a collision with Melbourne Demons' Jack Viney. Fellow Adelaide Crows player, Patrick Dangerfield says the players were worried when the incident occurred but relieved to see their teammate was able to move his arms and legs, according to Adelaide Crows media. Earlier this year, Lynch required surgery for a badly fractured jaw, suffered from a bump from Melbourne Demons midfielder Jack Viney. Lynch was also recovering during the pre-season from foot surgery, only to dislocated his shoulder on the eve of the new season, when he had been finally deemed fit to play. Coach Brenton Sanderson laments that the 23-year-old is having a 'horrific season injury-wise.' Sanderson also defends Lynch, saying that although Lynch has received criticism for ducking his head when he came into contact with Clarke’s torso, Lynch was possibly trying to protect his jaw, considering the forward had suffered his broken jaw earlier in the year in a similar altercation. Tom Lynch (right) was Adelaide's top goal scorer in 2013 and had already scored two goals against Brisbane Lions, before he was involved in the serious collision in the second quarter of the Round 20 match. ‘You have to remember earlier in the year... he (Lynch) came out and lifted his head he got his jaw smashed in half. I think this time, instead of lifting his head up in the contest, Sanderson kept his head down,’ Sanderson told Adelaide Crows Football Club media. Adelaide’s 2013 leading goalkicker had already kicked two goals before he was stretchered off. Adelaide went on to secure a 105-point win over Brisbane. Lynch sat out last night’s narrow loss to Richmond. At this stage it is unknown how long Lynch will be out with injury. | Adelaide Crows forward Tom Lynch has suffered a small neck fracture .
Lynch injured himself during last weekend's clash with Brisbane Lions .
23-year-old was stretchered off after heavy head and neck impact .
Initial scans cleared Lynch of any serious neck injury .
Lynch has had terrible luck with injuries, having already dealt with foot surgery, a dislocated shoulder and surgery for a broken jaw this year. |
ff4c1691a64554e7f1df77a6311fa993554626e2 | Pictures and footage have emerged showing a man and his partner waving a giant Australian flag in the crowd at the Melbourne Cup - and the shocking moment Araldo flipped out and broke his leg on the way back to the mounting yard that led vets to put him down. Channel Seven have identified a man in a green polo shirt and a black cap as Mark Schneider, who along with his partner was pictured on the fence celebrating the race with a huge flag. Footage taken from the woman's phone, Channel Seven cameras and a camera mounted on the helmet of Araldo's jockey Dwayne Dunn capture the exact moment the horse spots the flag in the crowd and loses its composure - kicking a fence that shattered its leg. It comes as Racing Victoria confirmed that flags would be banned for the remainder of the Melbourne Cup carnival - and that horses would be led back to mountain yard via a different route away from the crowd. Scroll down for video . Mark Schneider, pictured in a green polo shirt and a black cap, says he deeply regretted the incident . Mr Schneider, with the assistance of another man, helps hold his partner up as she waves the large flag that spooked Araldo . Seven-year-old stallion Araldo (left) ridden by Dwayne Dunn is pictured tangled in the fence after being spooked by an Australian flag . Araldo, piloted by jockey Dwayne Dunn, is clearly distressed at the sight of the flag . Racegoers claim that Mr Schneider thought the incident was funny - but he said in a statement to Seven News that he was 'shattered' and 'deeply shaken' The man and his partner are then confronted moments later by angry punters in the crowd, who have accused the couple of finding it funny. 'A horse got hurt and you thought it was funny,' a racegoer says to Mr Schneider. 'You just put it up again.... the owners of Araldo have a million-dollar horse that's going to get the vet now saving its life because of you.' 'But you think it's funny. You laughed at security when he came up to you. Mr Schneider told Seven News in a statement: 'As owners ourselves we are shattered at the events of yesterday ... regretting what unfolded and are deeply shaken,' But a woman who witnessed the confrontation between Mr Schneider and the man in the crowd claims he wasn't initially bothered by Araldo's reaction. 'I don't think he really cared until he found out that the horse was injured.' Admire Rakti, the pre-race favourite, also died shortly after the prestigious race, with a preliminary autopsy pointing to to acute heart failure and an irregular heart rhythm as the cause of death. VRC confirmed the rule changes to Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday evening, citing the safety and wellbeing of horses, participants, employees and other event patrons as the key reasons. The ban on flags will be in place for the remaining two days of the spring racing carnival, but it has not been confirmed whether these measures will be implemented permanently. Julian Sullivan, VRC Acting Chief Executive, said the amendments had been implemented in direct response to Araldo sustaining a broken pastern when returning to the Mounting Yard on Tuesday. 'While it is important not to respond in a knee-jerk manner, these interim arrangements will be implemented until procedures are reviewed after the Melbourne Cup Carnival,' Mr Sullivan said. Horses will also be led along a different path after the race, a decision which was made in conjunction with Racing Victoria Chairman of Stewards Terry Bailey. 'Traditionally horses wait for the winner to lead them down the race, but will now enter the Mounting Yard in the order they return,' Mr Sullivan said. 'The larger crowds that gather for the Group 1 races will still have the opportunity to see the horses return to scale along the track.' Earlier on Wednesday pictures emerged showing Araldo, which ran seventh, clearly distressed at the site of a large flag being waved by a member of the public - who then shattered its leg after freaking out and kicking a fence on the way back to the mounting yard. Anthony Feroce, the racing manager of Araldo's stables, told the Herald Sun Melbourne Cup organisers should review crowd control measures after the freak incident, saying: 'It's not like car racing.' In mobile phone footage aired on Channel Seven, a man is seen angrily confronting Mr Schneider . Mr Schneider pictured here in the crowd says he is a regular racegoer and has previously waved the flag at the Melbourne Cup . The horse, which ran seventh, is clearly distressed at the site of a large flag being waved by a member of the crowd - and shattered its leg after freaking out and kicking a fence on the way back to the mounting yard . This shot taken from a camera mounted to the helmet of Araldo's jockey Dwayne Dunn shows the moment the horse spots the flag . The horse was later put down due to the injury suffered, during Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Tuesday . The death of Araldo and pre-race favour Admire Rakti overshadowed victory for the German-trained Protectionist, who romped away with the biggest winning margin in nearly two decades, and also reignited a bitter debate about the ethical treatment of racing horses. Dr Stewart said an autopsy was conducted for Admire Rakti on Tuesday night at the University of Melbourne and initial results point to acute heart failure and an irregular heart rhythm. A full post mortem with microscopic and toxicology studies will take 10 days or more, he said. 'It's seen in racehorses and human athletes as well - in the large mass of the muscle of the heart, the electrical current has to get through in a coordinated way, and at high heart rates sometimes that can become short circuited,' Dr Stewart said. Admire Rakti, the pre-race favourite, finished last in the Melbourne Cup and almost walked across the line . The heartbreaking moment that Melbourne Cup pre-race favourite Admire Rakti collapses and dies in the stall after the race . Racing Victoria head of veterinary services and equine welfare Dr Brian Stewart (left) and chairman of stewards Terry Bailey arrive at a press conferenceon Wednesday. Mr Bailey called Dr Stewart at 10pm the night before the Melbourne Cup to ask him to vet Admire Rakti . 'It happens more or less spontaneously with no warning.' He initially said the horse suffered from 'sudden death syndrome', which occurs in just 0.007 per cent of racehorses. The reason for Araldo’s demise was immediately clear. Speaking shortly afterwards, his trainer Mike Moroney said that the stallion had become distressed by a big flag and run off. 'They run the Melbourne Cup for 154 years and nothing like that has happened,' he said. Anthony Feroce, racing manager at Mike Moroney's Ballymore stables, said the horse's death was a 'freakish accident', but he anticipated the Victoria Racing Club would review how close punters are allowed to get to Cup horses following the race. 'I think the Victoria Racing Club does a magnificent job, but possibly they could look at flags that close to where the horses go,' Mr Feroce said. 'Someone had a big flag and was waving it and right at the time when our horse went passed it and they're animals, they get spooked quite easily.' Mr Feroce added that it was 'not fair' that racing was being portrayed as a cruel industry following the deaths of the two horses. 'All care is taken for their wellbeing and their welfare and I assure you, you've just got to talk to everybody involved and see how much love they have for the animals,' he said. 'Now and then we do have unfortunate accidents that happen but that's no different to any other sport.' The deaths of the two horses prompted an outpouring of comment online and reaction from animal charities who insist that racing is a cruel sport. Protectionist led the field home in stunning fashion - heading Red Cadeaux and Who Shot Thebarman by three lengths . Protectionist's owners will pocket $3.6million of the Melbourne Cup's generous $6.2million pool . Ryan Moore rides Protectionist to win race 7, the Melbourne Cup on Melbourne Cup Day . Spectacle: The Melbourne Cup is the premier event in Australian racing and brings the country to a standstill every year . | Araldo broke his leg after being spooked by an Aussie flag on way back to mounting yard after the race .
The Victorian Racing Club have banned flags from horse areas and changed the path they take after the race .
The changes will be implemented for the final two days of the spring carnival .
Flag-waver Michael Schneider said he was 'shattered' by the event which lead to the death of Araldo .
There was hope that the horse's injury could be operated on but it was put down after all options were exhausted .
Pre-race favourite Admire Rakti collapsed and died in the stalls after finishing last in the race .
Protectionist ($7.50) won the Melbourne Cup by three lengths . |
ff4cdc576587417b05a4694930270b5c8eb0be60 | By . Sam Cunningham . Follow @@samcunningham . Considering Russell Slade is on the verge of making history at Leyton Orient, he is in a remarkably jovial and relaxed mood. Slade’s side face Rotherham in the League One play-off final on Sunday, when he will attempt to lead the club into the second tier of English football for the first time in 32 years. His four years and 49 days spent in charge of the little east London club have seen barely any money spent on transfers and make him the fourth-longest serving manager in the Football League. Keeping calm: Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade could help his side reach the Championship if they can beat Rotherham at Wembley in the play-off final . ‘Stop making me feel old!’ Slade jokes when this is put to him. ‘Am I proud? Yeah I’m proud that I’ve been at this football club for four years, I’m proud that I’ve been able to manage it for four years the way I wanted to do it. ‘We’ve missed out on the play-offs twice, we’ve finished seventh twice. ‘Now we hope this is our moment to get out of League One and give this club a little bit of a shot in the arm and have some fun in the Championship.’ There is something about Slade which is infectious. Even when the pressure is on and he is . just moments away from the biggest match of his life, in front of more . than 50,000 fans at Wembley, he keeps breaking out into a huge, genuine . smile. Barmy Brisbane: Orient fans celebrate with Dean Cox after his goal against Peterborough in the play-off semi-final . Crucial moment: Cox scores the goal which secured Orient's place in the League One play-off final . We’re looking out over Orient’s small Brisbane Road stadium, with room for only 9,271 fans but that number added to by the blocks of new-build flats which punctuate the four corners and overlook the smaller stands. It’s put to Slade that getting the club into the Championship will boost this tiny East End community and those flats will soar in value. He breaks out into an enormous chuckle when he says: ‘I’ve got one of them, why do you think I’m working so hard?’ Property gag: Slade stands in Brisbane Road and he joked that the flats behind him will boost in value if Orient can secure promotion . Promotion in sight: Romain Vincelot celebrates with Orient fans after the play-off semi-final win over Peterborough . It is another joke, he actually rents one from his chairman Barry Hearn. ‘I’m doing him another favour,’ he adds, still laughing. ‘I think it’s great for the community, I really do. ‘There was a pop-up pub during the 2012 Olympics, it’s called the Leyton Technical Pub now, it’s come to life a little bit in the years I’ve been here. ‘The Olympics was great for it and if the football club get into the Championship that’ll be great for it and the rest of the community too.’ Perhaps Slade’s down-to-Earth persona, his appreciation of how his work really impacts on others, comes from his unorthodox route in to football. Man at the top: Orient chairman Barry Hearn will hope his side can secure promotion to the Championship . As a player he was a defender, not tall enough at 16 but when he shot up at 18 he had the chance to play for Notts County. Slade, 53, instead choose to go to Edge Hill University to study a four-year degree in physical education. When he finished there he went to Nottingham where he got his first job at Frank Wheldon school, but six months in he was already taking time off to coach and play reserve matches for Notts County. ‘I took the under 15s for six months, then I was taking the under 16s, and that second year I was still teaching I was playing in the reserves,’ he explains. | Leyton Orient face Rotherham in Sunday's League One play-off final .
Manager Russell Slade attempting to lead Orient into the second tier of English football for the first time in 32 years .
Slade is the fourth-longest serving manager in the Football League . |
ff4d89cd9ade5765879e734cf3071a37ec21b4a8 | The mistress of married 60 minutes correspondent Steven Kroft sent him raunchy selfies while he demanded she dress low key in a bid to keep their illicit affair secret. The messages between veteran broadcaster Kroft, 69, and Lisan Goines, 41, include pictures of the corporate lawyer posing in her underwear. The newsman also asks her a number of raunchy questions - including how many New Years resolutions she had broken. Ahead of a date at the Park Hyatt in the capital in September 2011, he told her dress 'in Washington is Either professional or Laura Bush' and insisted she did not look like Beyonce to avoid attracting attention. A source told the New York Post's Page Six Kroft was 'really paranoid about right-wing zealots' finding out about their three-year illicit affair and threatening his career at CBS. They also said: 'He was unwilling to be seen publicly with [Goines] because she’s black — because they’d be more noticeable.' Affair: Lisa Goines, the mistress of married 60 minutes correspondent Steven Kroft, would send him selfies posing in her underwear while they exchanged raunchy messages . Demands: The newsman told Goines (pictured) to dress more like Laura Bush and not Beyone in a bid to keep their affair a secret. He was reportedly paranoid 'ring-wing zealots' would find out about the illicit relationship . Together: Kroft (right) is pictured with lover Lisan Goines outside a hotel in New York City on December 17. This picture was released a short time after the broadcaster admitted the affair . The paper reported that Kroft boasted in the texts about his rapport with President Obama who he has interviewed on numerous occasions. Their source said: '[Kroft] definitely said Obama feels comfortable with him, because he was the first person to take him seriously when he was running for president,” the insider said. They have a rapport. They used to smoke together.' Kroft's representatives however have denied the allegations, saying they are 'filled with distortions, exaggerations and outright falsehoods.' In the string of messages Kroft says: 'Wanting to taste you again' before Goines replies by saying 'same here'. The next morning he the told her: 'Gonna explode if I can’t have you soon.' While staying in the same Washington Hotel they had a date in he messaged Goines saying: 'I’m in my room at the same Washington hotel where I remember having you for a four hour full course Meal plus desert.' Illicit: The texts between the pair included selfies of Goines while Kroft arranged to meet her at a hotel . Plans: The messages also include Kroft asking how many New Years resolutions she had broken and how the pair should celebrate Kroft's birthday . He also said: 'Very hard playing golf with A bulge in my pants.' Earlier this month, a week after the veteran correspondent admitted to a lengthy affair with Goines , a snap has emerged of the pair together. The pair, who are both married, met for drinks at the five-star Essex Hotel and were later seen kissing in the back of a cab, according to the National Enquirer. Kroft has admitted to the affair, calling it 'a serious lapse in personal judgment' after the magazine revealed that the duo had carried on a three-year relationship. 'My wife and I are committed to each other and are working hard to get past this,' he told the New York Post. 'Mistress': 41-year-old Goines, who is also married, met 69-year-old Kroft in a hotel bar in 2011 . The 60 Minutes correspondent, who is married with one son, and Goines hooked up in hotels across Manhattan and Washington, D.C. after meeting at a bar in 2011, it reported. Kroft had spotted Goines - who was then engaged to be married - from across the room in the St Regis and went to talk to her and her friend. While her friend was using the restroom, 'Steve quickly told Lisan, "I have to see you again",' a source said. A few weeks later, they arranged to meet for cocktails and afterwards, he handed her a room key so he could be alone with her, convincing her he was in a sexless marriage, the Enquirer reported. Throughout their affair, Kroft and Goines exchanged a series of racy text messages, including one in which he told her he 'would rather be eating your pudding' than be at work. 'Don't work too hard this week bc I wanna wear you out afterward,' Goines reportedly replied. Together: Kroft, pictured with his wife in May 2014, said they were working hard to get past the affair . In another message, he told her: 'Miss you and all that goes with it. Especially my favorite tastes and colors... pink and brown,' according to the publication. He also asked her what her 'preference' would be, and she reportedly responded: 'U all over and deep inside of me.' Sources also revealed the couple's bedroom habits, including his use of Viagra and how he poured champagne in her behind before drinking it. But while their affair began at the $700-a-night Four Seasons hotel, it quickly lost its luxurious edge and went 'kind of low end', a source said. She would often meet him while he was working in Washington D.C. and once asked him to buy her a ticket, and he agreed but only footed the bill that once, the report added. 'The whole thing soured because she got to the point where it was only about Steve,' a source said. They added that Goines never had any intention of leaving her husband and did not want Kroft to leave his wife, so ended it - until they were spotted out in Manhattan together on December 17. Questions: Kroft, pictured left in 1992 with Al Gore (center) and Bill Clinton (right) famously confronted Clinton about his womanizing during an interview during his election campaign in 1992 . The reports come more than two decades after Kroft confronted Bill Clinton over his womanizing when he was Arkansas governor. He has been married to Conant, 55, for 23 years. She is a journalist and author of four books about World War II, including three New York Times bestsellers, including 'A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS'. The couple lives in New York and they have one son, John. Kroft joined CBS in 1980 and has been with 60 Minutes for 26 years. His reporting has earned him three Peabody Awards and nine Emmy awards, including a lifetime achievement award. He told the New York Post that his 'personal failure' has no impact on his job as a journalist. Watch full interview on CBS . | CBS Newsman, 69, and corporate lawyer Lisan Goines had lengthy affair .
Pair sent raunchy messages and images to each other during relationship .
Told her to dress professionally for a date in Washington D.C. in 2011 .
Kroft was reportedly 'paranoid about right-wing zealots' finding out .
He has admitted to the affair and is trying to 'get past it' with his wife .
The broadcaster confronted Bill Clinton over affair allegations in 1992 . |
ff4d9305d0462afbe3a21535cf5feaab50346197 | (CNN) -- Whether they're raising their adopted baby girl, dodging homophobic quips from their fraternity brothers or teaching the "Single Ladies" dance to the football team after glee club, it seems gay characters are becoming a vital part of prime time TV. With characters like "Modern Family's" Mitchell and Cameron, Calvin from "Greek" and Kurt from "Glee," the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters on scripted programs has just about doubled since 2005, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation. And characters will continue to identify as LGBT as time goes on, such as "Ugly Betty's" Justin, who recently had his first same-sex kiss. But Jarrett Barrios, president of GLAAD said, "We still have a long way to go before we're fully represented [on] TV." In addition to the increasing number LGBT characters on scripted shows, which currently represents a little more than 3 percent of all leading and supporting characters on broadcast networks, there are also more openly gay actors and producers working in Hollywood, says Barrios. Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson plays the character Mitchell on the ABC prime time show "Modern Family." Like his on-screen role, Ferguson himself is openly gay. "The opportunity to play not only a well developed gay character, but a dad, a son and brother was really appealing to me. ... I chose to play him very close to myself and I think that truthfulness was appealing to the creators," Ferguson told CNN. However, Ferguson says his sexual orientation does not make him any more qualified to tackle a gay role than Eric Stonestreet, his straight co-star who plays Mitchell's partner Cameron. "As a gay man and as someone who is an advocate for equality, truthfulness and fairness, I want to see more gay roles go to gay actors," Ferguson said in an e-mail. "But then on the flip side, as an actor, I want to still be given the opportunity to play roles that are straight." In a recent interview on The Joy Behar Show , Stonestreet said he's excited he has been given the opportunity to portray one half of a committed gay couple raising a child -- a first, he said, for broadcast TV. "Our goal is to make people laugh, but while we're making people laugh, if we can open a couple minds here and there, that's also an added benefit," he said. And while shows like "Modern Family" are working to open peoples' minds about same-sex parents, the "L" and the "T," of LGBT, are still waiting for their TV time, said Hollywood casting director Tammara Billik. It's very common for female characters to be portrayed as bisexuals instead of lesbians, she said. "I wouldn't say it's because of a discomfort with lesbianism, it's just an interest in bisexuality," Billik said. "[People] think it's hot, and it gives characters a wide variety of storylines." And as far as the "T," she said, "transgender people are not represented in our daily lives with the same frequency that gay and lesbian people are. It's harder to find an audience that will embrace a transgender character." Sean Smith, the executive producer of ABC Family's "Greek," said he has loaned some of his own experiences as an openly gay man to the show. And when casting, an actor's sexual orientation does not come into play. "When you're in casting, it's not appropriate or legal to say, 'Hey, are you gay?' Whether they're gay, straight, from the South, British or from Mars, it doesn't matter. The best person who captures that character gets the job." And for Smith, straight actor Paul James was the best person for the role of Calvin Owens, a gay member of Omega Chi, a fictional fraternity on "Greek." James said he doesn't think twice about the intimacy between him and the three actors he's made out with on the series. His girlfriend doesn't either. It's just acting, he says. But with the exception of Neil Patrick Harris, who came out in 2006, playing a straight character on "How I Met Your Mother," straight actors are more often tapped for gay roles, rather than the other way around. Or so it seems. "Many gay actors, who are not out in Hollywood, are afraid (coming out) will compromise their ability to get roles," Barrios said. "But [LGBT] actors need to feel as if they can be who they are and still make it in Hollywood or homophobia wins." Both Ferguson and Smith identified themselves as gay before beginning careers in Hollywood, but Smith said he understands why some people are apprehensive about coming out once they're in the spotlight. "People want to succeed and avoid any potential pitfalls, and coming out is definitely one that can draw attention to you that might make other people in this town fearful of hiring you," said Smith. "For me, I've never really questioned it. I've worked with great guys. For them it wasn't an issue, but I'm aware of other parts of this industry." People want to watch characters they can relate to, said Smith, who was very excited to welcome "Modern Family" into his living room. "Jesse and I ... get so many compliments from gay couples and lesbian couples that want to introduce us to their kids and thank us for representing them on TV for the first time," Stonestreet told Behar. But still, "Modern Family" isn't hitting viewers over the head with Cameron and Mitchell's physical intimacy. "We're the perfect show to just build it in naturally, not draw a bunch of attention to it," Stonestreet said. For Ferguson, it's a non-issue. "I want the viewers to know Mitchell and Cameron's sex and love life is just fine," Ferguson wrote. "They also have regular bowel movements, but that is something you don't see either." | The number of LGBT characters on scripted programs has doubled since 2005 .
LGBT characters represent more than 3 percent of characters on broadcast networks .
It doesn't matter if an LGBT actor plays an LGBT role, said GLAAD's Jarrett Barrios . |
ff4dde6b49ff8e1fcaafee202cc5c4ba9c900817 | A breakthrough in fertility science could lead to a huge boost in the success of IVF, scientists said today. IVF - or ‘in vitro fertilisation’ - is currently the only hope for many women to have a baby, and some 50,000 undergo the treatment every year in Britain. But despite its popularity, the procedure has a poor success rate, with 75 per cent of IVF rounds failing to produce a baby. Scroll down for video . Despite its popularity, IVF (pictured) has a poor success rate, with 75 per cent of rounds failing to work . Manchester University researchers now think they have found a way to slash the failure rate by half. They have discovered a ‘molecular switch’ which stops an embryo being accepted in the mother’s womb. If that switch can be blocked with drugs, it could potentially boost the number of babies born using IVF by up to 18,000 a year. About 37 per cent of IVF rounds are thought to fail because the embryo does not implant into the wall of the uterus. Women who repeatedly suffer this failure have been shown to have high levels of a molecular switch which interferes in the communication between the embryo and the mother’s womb. In laboratory tests, the researchers found that if they reduced levels of the molecule - called microRNA-145 - the embryo was less likely to be rejected. Study leader Professor John Aplin, whose work is published in the Journal of Cell Science, said: ‘When an embryo is ready for implantation, its replacement is carefully timed to coincide with the window of maximal receptivity in the uterus. ‘This window is open for no more than four days.’ Professor Aplin’s team found that a protein called IGF1R is required during the four-day window for the embryo to stick to the uterus. Their tests suggest that the microRNA-145 molecular switch stops the crucial protein from growing in that window. Scientists have discovered a ‘molecular switch’ which stops an embryo being accepted in the mother’s womb. If that switch can be blocked with drugs, it could potentially boost the number of babies born using IVF by up to 18,000 a year . Dr Karen Forbes, a reproductive scientists who worked on the project, said the breakthrough could change the lives of childless women - although the team is a long way from turning it into a successful treatment. Crucially, there are already chemicals on the market which have been shown to block microRNAs, and those could be developed to stop this molecular switch from interfering in the IVF process. ‘There are lots of ways in which we can inhibit microRNAs in the lab,’ she said. ‘Eventually drugs might be developed that could improve implantation rates.’ Professor Aplin added: ‘This is one of the hardest groups of women to treat in fertility science and rates are still very low across the board. ‘Repeated IVF cycles are stressful and can be expensive too. ‘Greater understanding of the mechanisms which control success or failure can lead directly to treatments to make IVF cycles more efficient so that infertile couples can start their families.’ | IVF has a poor success rate, with 75% of rounds failing to produce a baby .
Scientists have now discovered 'molecular switch' involved in the process .
This stops an embryo being accepted in the mother’s womb, they say .
If switch could be blocked with drugs, it could boost success of IVF . |
ff4eb0d0f741f13fbedf6761c40cbbac6835cc05 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Omar Saeed Sheikh (pictured in 2002), who was convicted of the murder of reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002, has attempted to commit suicide in prison, police have said . A British man serving life imprisonment in Pakistan for the killing of American reporter Daniel Pearl has tried to commit suicide, police have said. Omar Saeed Sheikh was convicted in 2002 of the murder of Pearl, who was the South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was kidnapped and beheaded in Pakistan. The 38-year-old reporter had been investigating militant groups when he was abducted in Karachi in January , 2002. On February 21, 2002, a shocking video of his killing was delivered to U.S. officials in Pakistan. His remains were found in a shallow grave on Karachi's outskirts three months later. British-Pakistani Sheikh, who attended Forest School in Snaresbrook, east London, and three others were arrested and convicted in June 2002. Sheikh has now tried to hang himself in prison, Senior police official Akram Naeem has told the AFP news agency. Mr Naeem said he was rescued after he was spotted by officials. He said: 'His condition is stable now and a case has been filed against him in the local police station.' In January 2011, a report by the Pearl Project at Georgetown University suggested the wrong men had been convicted of the murder. Daniel Pearl was abducted from Karachi while researching a story on militant groups - his body was found three months later . The investigation claimed the alleged mastermind behind 9/11, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, was responsible for the murder. Days before he was abducted, Pearl had learned that his wife Mariane was expecting a baby boy. Mariane remained in Pakistan and campaigned for her husband's release throughout his capture. Daniel Pearl's death was confirmed on February 21, 2002. There were outpourings of grief from political and religious leaders, along with ordinary people around the world, who had campaigned for his release. Three months later, Mariane gave birth to the couple's son Adam. Marianne Pearl wrote a memoir entitled A Mighty Heart about her late husband's life which was adapted into a film starring Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl and Dan Futterman as the journalist. Omar Saeed Sheikh and three others were arrested and convicted in connection with the murder of Pearl in June 2002 . | British-born Omar Saeed Sheikh convicted of Daniel Pearl's murder in 2002 .
Police officials have now said he has tried to commit suicide in prison .
Reporter had been investigating militant groups when he was abducted in Karachi in January, 2002 .
In the U.S., for support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-8255 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org .
In the UK, for confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see samaritans.org . |
ff4edbe5b4b63b2656a794887dbd8ef60e5b5641 | By . Larisa Brown . PUBLISHED: . 11:15 EST, 22 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:05 EST, 23 January 2013 . Controversial: Emma Hadley, executive principal at the school, has defended the decision to use taxpayers' money to fund the trip . There was a time when a school trip involved an outing to a castle or a museum to mark the end of the academic year. But one school is spending £32,000 to . send 40 pupils and six teachers a little further afield next month – on . an all-expenses-paid trip to New York. Skegness Academy said the lucky . pupils were selected on the basis of attendance records, study records . and attitude – and an application letter outlining how the trip could . ‘support the subjects they are studying’. But the four-day, taxpayer-funded . ‘holiday’ was criticised by teaching unions and a local councillor . yesterday, who accused the Lincolnshire academy of using the expedition . to make the school more attractive to prospective pupils and their . parents. The academy defended the trip as an . opportunity to broaden the horizons of pupils who may otherwise be . unable to afford to visit the American city. Ian Stephenson, of the National Union . of Teachers, said the cost of the trip could pay the annual salary of . an extra teacher at the academy, rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. Lincolnshire councillor Mark Smith, . who is a governor at Skegness Grammar School, said: ‘The academy, by . giving holiday rewards and free uniforms, is trying to increase its . numbers at the expense of neighbouring schools, not just in Skegness but . the wider area.’ The lucky pupils, who will have their . flights and accommodation paid for, were specially selected after . submitting written applications to the school stating why they should be . given a place on next month’s trip. The . decision has been attacked by the National Union of Teachers who say . the money could have funded an extra teacher at the school. NUT regional secretary Ian Stephenson . said: 'It throws up issues about access to education and value for . money. 'This is a great opportunity for some children but it means other . children will miss out. The money being spent could easily fund another . teacher. 'Schools are now very competitive and I . can understand how schools would see these trips as a high profile event . which may attract pupils in a very competitive environment. 'It is an issue about taxpayers money. The amount that is being spent on a number of pupils going to New York could be spent on another teacher.' Emma Hadley, executive principal, has . defended the decision to use taxpayers’ money to fund a select group of . pupils to go on the trip. She said: 'We think it is a once in a . lifetime transatlantic experience. We believe this is value for money as . a learning experience. New York: A far more glamorous school trip than the traditional excursions to castles and historic monuments. But 40 pupils at an academy school will visit the Big Apple free of charge at a cost of £32,000 to the taxpayer . The Skegness Academy in Skegness, where 40 pupils have been offered a trip of a lifetime to New York courtesy of the tax payer . 'It links very, very closely to their sixth form studies. We have students who will be looking at architecture, art, music, terrorism and politics while they are in New York. 'We believe it really will enhance and enliven their learning. 'Our . money comes directly from the Government and because of the way . Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust operate there are economies and . efficiencies of scale.' The school, which has 1,190 pupils, became an Academy in 2010. It is part of the Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust which sponsors 13 . secondary and primary schools across the East Midlands. The Skegness . site is currently undergoing a £20 million rebuilding project. The Academy was rated as good in an Ofsted inspection in October with its leadership and management described as 'outstanding'. GCSE . and A level results have improved since it became an Academy despite . the fact that it is in an area of selective education with the cream of . the pupils going to the nearby Skegness Grammar School. The Ofsted report said: 'The academy offers students an excellent range of enrichment activities to broaden their horizons. 'The sixth form is good. This represents an impressive improvement in teaching and achievement since it opened two years ago. The pass rate is 100% in nearly all subjects at A and AS level. This represents a significant improvement on the results in 2011. 'All the students who left the sixth form in July 2012 have embarked on further training, education or employment.' Parents have not been asked to contribute to the cost of the trip. It is thought the travel company may have an arrangement with helping out the cost of the teachers. Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust said . in a statement: 'Next month (6-10 February 2013) a group of 40 sixth form pupils . (a mixture of year 12 and 13) from the Skegness Academy will be taking . the trip of a lifetime to New York. 'Pupils wishing to go on the trip had . to submit a letter of application to the Head of Sixth Form. 'Pupils had . to highlight a specific area of interest and demonstrate how the trip . would support the subjects that they are studying. For example, a pupil . on the media studies course is keen to explore America’s film industry . and a pupil studying sport is keen to research America’s sporting . history. In addition, a number of other criteria were applied such as . attendance, attitude and whether the pupil was up to date with their . studies. 'On their return the pupils will write a piece about their chosen topic . which will be formally assessed. 'Pupils are covering a range of topics . covering sport, music, photography, tourism and fashion. The pieces of writing will then be showcased at a celebration evening . for parents along with photographs and films that the pupils took during . the trip. 'The Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust only works in areas of social and . economic disadvantage and often pays for pupils to go on trips that they . would not normally be able to afford to broaden their experiences and . to enhance their studies.' | 40 sixth form students and six teachers will be flown to the Big Apple .
The trip is designed to 'broaden their experiences' and 'enhance study' |
ff4f3a99d38cf3c3db207e8f94d84b64205f20c8 | England coach Steve McNamara is confident his side can overcome the shock of losing new captain Sean O'Loughlin for their opening Four Nations Series clash with Samoa. The influential Wigan loose forward, who was the logical choice to succeed Kevin Sinfield as captain of the national team, has failed to recover from a quad strain sustained in the Warriors' Grand-Final defeat by St Helens 10 days ago. Former St Helens skipper James Graham will lead the side out at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium for the first part of Saturday's double-header while Hull loose forward Joe Westerman will take over the number 13 jersey and win his first cap. Wigan loose forward Sean O'Loughlin will miss England's opening Four Nations Series clash with Samoa. 'Sean tried his best and our medical staff tried their best but the Samoa match has come too soon,' McNamara said. 'We thought it was right that we made an early decision but we remain confident he'll be ready for Australia the week after. 'It's a blow because he's our leader and obviously he's a really, really good player. 'But I'm really happy with his replacement. Joe had a great season for Hull FC, a team that didn't make the top eight, and to be a real stand-out for them shows what a quality player he is. England coach Steve McNamara is confident his team will cope without O'Loughlin . 'James will step in as captain for this week and he's a tremendous leader. We saw that with the (Canterbury) Bulldogs towards the back end of the season when he single-handedly more or less led them to the Grand Final. 'He leads by example and gives 100 per cent effort in everything he does. He inspires everyone around him to follow his lead.' Graham, who is set to skipper his club in 2015, took over the captaincy for England's 2010 Four Nations campaign in the southern hemisphere when Adrian Morley was forced to return home due to injury. McNamara has named two other debutants in his starting line-up - Wigan scrum-half Matty Smith and Hull KR hooker Josh Hodgson - while 2014 Man of Steel Daryl Clark is set to make his England bow from the bench. Former St Helens skipper James Graham will lead England against Samoa at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium . 'There is a slight evolution to the squad this year with some new faces on show,' McNamara said. 'The debutants are exciting and they can prove themselves on the international stage.' Hodgson, who will stay on in Australia at the end of the tour to take up a two-year contract with Canberra Raiders, has been given the number nine jersey but McNamara also expects the Warrington-bound Clark to make an impact. 'Daryl's (the) Man of Steel and has been the best player in the competition this season so there is no doubting his ability,' he said. 'Josh is a tough, tenacious player and I think for this game, his robust start will help us. I think Daryl's undoubted electric speed will also help us when he comes on when the sting goes out of the game.' S Tomkins (New Zealand Warriors); J Charnley (Wigan), K Watkins (Leeds), M Shenton (Castleford), R Hall (Leeds); G Widdop (St George Illawarra), M Smith (Wigan); G Burgess (South Sydney), J Hodgson (Hull KR), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs, capt), L Farrell (Wigan), J Tomkins (Wigan), J Westerman (Hull). Replacements: D Clark (Castleford), B Ferres (Huddersfield), T Burgess (South Sydney), C Hill (Warrington). The only surprise is the selection of Joel Tomkins, whose appearance in the Grand Final was only his seventh in rugby league since his return from a three-year stint in the 15-man code, ahead of Super League Dream Team second rower Elliott Whitehead. 'Joel is very experienced and a very good player,' McNamara said. 'He fought his way back into the Wigan team, played in a Grand Final and has been in this group before. He brings a whole lot of leadership and energy into the group. He's a tremendous player to have back with us.' It will be Tomkins' first appearance for three years alongside younger brother Sam, who is one of nine survivors from the team that lost 20-18 to New Zealand in their last match, their World Cup semi-final at Wembley 11 months ago. The Super League-based players have been in Australia for less than a week but McNamara is confident that by Saturday his side will be ready for what could be a tricky opening test. 'We've only had nine days to get ready but we knew that from the outset,' McNamara said. 'The thing with this group is that they are very intelligent players and you generally only have to tell them once or twice and they pick it up. 'We've got some great combinations going. Ideally you would like to test them out in a game situation before the tournament but I'm really confident.' Samoa will make their Four Nations debut under a cloud after three players - Reni Maitua, Tautau Moga and Sauaso Sue - were not considered for selection after it was revealed they are the subject of an NRL Integrity Unit review into an alleged nightclub brawl in Brisbane over the weekend. 'Come game day, they will be past all of that,' McNamara said. 'They will be ready for this game. I don't think it will affect them.' | Wigan loose forward Sean O'Loughlin failed to recover from a calf strain .
Canterbury Bulldogs prop James Graham will lead England against Samoa .
Hull loose forward Joe Westerman set to deputise for O'Loughlin . |
ff50028ae73c68cd1d20655a03a20c3c440c5c89 | (CNN) -- Formula One's main protagonists are used to living under the glare of the paparazzi's flash bulbs but they have turned the tables to raise money for charity. Red Bull's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari ace Fernando Alonso are some of the big names who have got behind the lens to take a personal snapshot of their lives. Prints of these signed photographs will go under the hammer at the Zoom auction in central London Friday in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. "The money raised will make a real difference to patients and families from across the UK," said the charity's spokesman Olivia Jary. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone commented: "We are proud to be able to help with the tremendous work they do." Check out some of the best images on sale in the gallery above . | Formula One's stars have taken photographs to raise money for charity .
Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have donated personal snaps .
The signed photos will be auctioned in central London Friday .
The money raised is going to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity . |
ff5044fb2907b21bcb4555e24bb1568607862039 | By . Richard Arrowsmith . England World Cup stars put their club rivalries to one side as players from Liverpool and Manchester United competed in a basketball match. The game paired Wayne Rooney and Jordan Henderson against Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck - with an (over) enthusiastic video commentary from Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool striker became so involved in what was, in truth, an extraordinarily average exhibition of co-ordination between professional sportsmen that he even turned away picture hunters by squealing: 'Not now baby! I've gotta record this'. Scroll down for video . Clash of the titans? The game's highlight came when Rooney blocked a close-range shot from Sterling . B-boys: Rooney (L) and Henderson (C) take on Welbeck (2L) and Sterling at basketball . From downtown: None of the four Liverpool and Man United players managed to score a basket on video . It's the shoes! Rooney was playing with the disadvantage of playing barefoot! Sturridge may as well have taken time out for a few pictures since none of the four players on court managed to score a single basket - although Rooney's decision to play with bare feet can't have helped much. Nonetheless, England's talisman was involved in the game's only highlight when he blocked a shot from the equally diminutive Sterling - not quite clash of the titles but enough to send Sturridge into hysterics. Unfortunately, the video ends just as Rooney shoots from the three-point line with a nicely arced shot, the outcome of which may never be known. Not now baby! Video commentator Daniel Sturidge was so engrossed he turned away photo hunters . Up in the air: Rooney and Sterling at England's training session in Rio on Monday . Pointing the way to glory: Sterling could start for England against Italy in Manaus on Saturday . Low expectations: Henderson celebrates after Rooney manages to keep out Sterling's effort . | England stars staged a mixed basketball game between Manchester united and Liverpool players .
Wayne Rooney and Jordan Henderson took on Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck with video commentary from Daniel Sturridge .
World Cup stars didn't manage to score a basket during the video .
Highlight came when Rooney blocked a close-range shot from Sterling . |
ff50bc857f9881d8da63aceaab3f67ec21c907fe | (CNN) -- Traveling just below the equator, deep in the Sumatran jungle of Indonesia for CNN's new "Expedition: Sumatra" series, my team and I were on assignment to capture the story of a region at a critical crossroads, where rainforests that provide habitat to some of the most rare and endangered species in the world are being destroyed at an alarming rate by pulp and paper and palm oil industries as well as wildlife poachers. As our time in Sumatra drew to a close, I knew our biggest challenge still lay ahead. We had to answer one simple question for the millions of people who won't have the opportunity to travel to this amazing part of the world and see what we'd seen with their own eyes: "Why does it matter to me?" Read more: Can family farming make poverty history? Whether it's rainforest destruction in Sumatra or melting polar icecaps, I'll be the first to admit that it's hard to see ourselves in challenges or events that feel so far removed, so exotic compared to our daily realities of mortgages, jobs, family and information overload. It may be hard to recognize at first. However, we are connected to these faraway places and events in ways that firmly bind our futures together. The deforestation and species loss in Sumatra is a perfect example. At a very basic level, the Sumatra rainforest is part of a ring of forests along the equator known as lungs of the world-- soaking up the carbon we produce and giving us precious oxygen. Ironically, due to burning and clearing of these vital forests Indonesia now accounts for over a third of the total global carbon emissions from deforestation and land degradations. Not surprising when you consider between 1985 and 2007, the island of Sumatra alone lost 12 million hectares of natural forest, a 48% loss in 22 years. Many see the impact of this imbalance and others like it in increasing extreme weather globally, rising sea levels, shifting wildlife habitats and crop patterns, tropical diseases moving into new areas, even regional political instability around the world. Watch now: Planting a million trees a year . Ground zero for the global fight against deforestation, Sumatra is the only place in the world where tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans co-exist. These native species are quickly disappearing as their habitat is lost to palm oil estates and pulp for paper plantations, as the plantations' roads give poachers ever better access to wildlife's last hiding places, and as some are poisoned by managers angry about elephants feeding in their plantations. Indigenous communities don't fare much better as they are being displaced together with their forests. Again, you may ask what's the connection? Biodiversity is the natural way that the earth manages its own sustainability. The more diverse the variety of species, the more healthy the ecosystem and the easier it can withstand spreading threats like disease or carbon-destroying fires. Once again fires have been burning in Sumatra this summer; June and August have seen some of the worst fires in years blanketing the island and neighboring Singapore and Malaysia. But NASA did not record fires in healthy forests. They remained standing, stopping the flames' onslaught, continuing to produce the oxygen we so desperately need. Read more: Restoring the ocean to health . The connection for many of us to this imperiled paradise is even more direct. From toilet tissue and plywood to lipstick, detergent and margarine, and even condoms, many ordinary household products are routinely produced using raw materials sourced from plantations that have replaced Sumatra's rainforests. The good news is that with such a direct connection, we have in in our power to create change with simple choices in the products we buy and use. Fortunately organizations like World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are fighting this global crisis. They recently launched a campaign to focus on one of the most pristine and threatened parts of Sumatra: Thirty Hills, a spectacular landscape I was fortunate to visit with WWF during my Sumatran odyssey. Find out more at www.Save30Hills.org and sign their change.org petition. It's one of the most important habitats of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, along with orangutans, elephants and the indigenous Talang Mamak and Orang Rimba people. ...check it out. In my mind there are many reasons, some we encounter every day, why what happens in Sumatra should matter to each of us. When you watch "Expedition: Sumatra", I hope the beauty of this special place amazes you, I hope you are outraged by its destruction, but most of all, I hope you understand the power each of us has to change its future. | CNN Special Correspondent Philippe Cousteau explores Indonesia in "Expedition: Sumatra"
The Sumatran rainforest has fallen victim to species loss and deforestation .
Sumatra is the only place in the world where tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans co-exist . |
ff515f3963f8e2ca7d3776fb84a78db63258359a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A Chicago man has caught on video what could be the worst effect yet of the polar vortex: A burst pipe raining a storm of human waste through the ceiling of his advertising agency office. Kasey Moore, an advertising art director for Arc Worldwide, posted the stomach churning scene from the 15th floor of the Leo Burnett skyscraper Tuesday afternoon and the content is not suited for the faint of heart. It shows a sea of brown water filling up the office floor as more continues to gush down in a torrent onto the sprawling room’s desks and cubicles as horrified workers scramble to get out of the way. Scroll down for video... It's raining, it's pouring: As if the polar vortex couldn't get any worse, a burst pipe in a Chicago skyscraper caused a sewage storm to rain down on the Arc Worldwide ad agency . ‘So, this is happening on my floor at work,’ writes Moore on Instagram. ‘Poo eruption.’ It remained unclear from the video how widespread the leak was, but at over a million square feet, the 50-story tower can undoubtedly contain enough sewage to rain on a lot of employees’ parades. A spokesperson for the building officially denied that the brown liquid described by some as 'smelly' actually contained feces. 'While we appreciate the creativity, rest assured that it's only dust and water,' the spokesperson told Business Insider via e-mail. Moore’s appears to be the most vivid post yet of the ‘poo eruption,’ but some of his office mates have taken to social media to document the destruction as well. Instagram user bobbi12781 posted a . photo of a distraught man fleeing a cascade of human waste, but gave an . understated description of the putrid scene. ‘It's water from a busted pipe,’ she wrote. ‘Smelly water.’ Adrift in it: Kasey Moore of ad agency Arc Worldwide posted a video that makes all too clear the extent of the sewage leak on the 15th floor of the 50-story Leo Burnett building . Rain of terror: The sewage poured down the walls and from the ceiling in what Moore called a 'poo eruption' ‘What better way to start off the new year,’ complained jenibreni beside her own photo of the leak. While the exact cause of the leak remained unclear Tuesday evening, hospitals in Boston, Washington, DC, and Cleveland have all reported pipe bursts caused by the freezing Polar Vortex temperatures. These unfortunate Chicagoans have not only experienced a sewage storm this week, but they’ve also had to endure some of the worst winter chills the historic polar vortex has to offer. Temperatures in the Windy City hit -15 degrees Monday evening and hovered around 10 degrees at their highest on Tuesday. While the situation appears dire for the ad men and women of Arc Worldwide, commenter blipsman suggests on Moore’s video post that there could be a silver lining in all that sewage: . ‘Viral campaign for Bounty?’ Run for your lives! The disgusting sewage storm had employees fleeing as the floors became completely covered in the muck . | Kasey Moore of Arc Worldwide, an advertising firm, posted the since-removed video of what he dubbed a 'poo eruption' Tuesday afternoon .
A spokesman for the one million square foot Leo Burnett Building has officially denied the liquid contained feces .
It remained unclear if Polar Vortex freezing caused the pipes to burst, but freezing and burst pipes have been reported at hospitals in Boston, Washington and Cleveland . |
ff5177bbbdda5a5d8d5f2050607ef9ef7c0d57b9 | (CNN) -- The body of a man found Saturday in a mangrove area near Miami may be that of a 42-year-old passenger who fell Thursday from a small plane, police said. "Even though we presume that the body found is that of Gerardo Nales, investigators are pending 'official identification' from the Medical Examiner's Office," said Miami-Dade Police Department spokesman Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, in a statement. The body was discovered at 10:30 a.m., he said. Authorities had been looking for the Key Biscayne man since a pilot's mayday distress call sent them scrambling. "I have a door ajar," said the pilot of the single-engine Piper PA-46 aircraft, "and a passenger that fell down." Nales, the only other person aboard, "opened the back door and he just fell down the plane," the pilot said, according to a recording of his conversation with air traffic controllers. The pilot said he was flying Thursday afternoon at an altitude of 1,800 feet about two miles from shore when the incident occurred. The search was called off later that night and resumed Friday at daybreak. A police spokeswoman said it was unclear whether Nales accidentally fell out of the plane or deliberately jumped. Homicide detectives are involved, as they are in all death investigations, Miami-Dade police spokeswoman Sgt. Robin Pinkard said. The private plane went on to land safely at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Passenger killed in vintage plane crash . CNN's Tom Watkins, Alina Machado, Mike M. Ahlers and Brian Rokus contributed to this report. | A man's body was found Saturday morning in a mangrove area near Miami .
"We presume that the body found is that of Gerardo Nales," police say .
Pilot tells authorities his passenger fell out at 1,800 feet . |
ff518e366f3aa9037484c983f268fe841987affc | West Ham striker Andy Carroll declared on Twitter on Saturday that he is chomping at the bit to return to Sam Allardyce's squad sooner than later. And the 25-year-old now has even more reason to be cheerful after it has emerged that he and his long-term partner, former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow, are now engaged. The pair recently jetted out to Rome on a private jet to celebrate Billi's birthday and while they have not officially confirmed the news themselves, friends have been sending on their congratulations via social media. Billi's Mucklow best friend Cara Kilbey passes on her congratulations on her engagement to Andy Carroll . Lauren Goodger also passed on her congratulations to Carroll and Bucklow on the big news . Carroll could return to the West Ham squad for the first time this season against Aston Villa . Cara Kilbey and Lauren Goodger, who have both appeared on TOWIE in the past, passed on their congratulations on Instagram and Twitter respectively. Kilbey said: 'Congratulations to These Two Special People on their engagement. #Rome ❤️ I am so happy for you both xxxx', with Goodger adding: 'Congratulations and just seen the ring on FaceTime wow!! So happy for you both lots of love'. Carroll could return to the Hammers squad for the first time this season after a four-month injury lay off, as Allardyce's side look to continue their impressive start to the season. Carroll's wife-to-be posted a picture on Instagram from the private jet Carroll had hired to take the pair to Rome . Carroll tweeted his excitement at being involved with West Ham again... and he could play next weekend . | Andy Carroll could return to the West Ham squad for the first time this season when the Hammers play Aston Villa on Saturday .
Friends of Billi Mucklow have revealed that she has got engaged to Hammers striker Carroll .
The pair are currently on a break away in Rome . |
ff51b0c4e9abc06f64807335244423bafeecc60b | This aerial view of the battle-scarred Donetsk Airport shows how it has been reduced to a crumbling ruin two years since nearly £500million was spent making it the gateway to Euro 2012. The eery footage, which shows abandoned planes standing next to the shrapnel-covered runway, appears to have been recorded by a Ukrainian soldier with a portable drone. As it flies above the crater-riddled fields around the airport, the drone comes under fire from separatists. Bullets can be seen whizzing by but it is not hit. Scroll down for video . Aerial footage shows how Donetsk Airport has become a deserted wasteland and a crucial battleground . Abandoned planes stand beside a terminal building scarred by shrapnel during the bitter conflict . The drone shows the crater-riddled fields around the battle-torn airport that has been held by both sides . Donetsk Airport has become a symbol of Ukraine's fight against separatists and the airport remains a scene of fierce fighting almost every day. There has been two major battles at the airport, in late May and September, and it has been in the control of both sides at various points during the bitter conflict. It is located on the northern edge of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine's biggest city and is locked between the Ukrainian and separatist-controlled zones. Renovated only a couple of years ago, ahead of the Euro 2012 football championships co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland, the airport is estimated to have cost almost £500m. But now the airport that welcomed travelling football fans from across the globe has been reduced to a heap of twisted metal, and its runway is filled with burnt-out tanks and abandoned airliners. The main terminal building and the control tower lie in ruins as a result of fighting early last month. The airport in the north of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine's biggest city has been the scene of fierce fighting . The airport was rebuilt only two years ago for Euro 2012 but has been reduced to a battle-torn wasteland . The main terminal building and the control tower lie in ruins as a result of fighting early last month . 4,317 deaths since April, 957 of them since the September 5 ceasefire, and 9,921 people wounded . 466,829 internally displaced persons within Ukraine . 454,339 refugees living abroad, 387,355 of them in Russia . Today marks a year since Ukrainian protesters toppled the former pro-Kremlin regime in Kiev which resulted in President Viktor Yanukovych relinquishing power, but there is so far no end to the fighting in sight as the conflict in the east of the country drags on. On a visit to Kiev today, US Vice President Joe Biden said Russia should respect the ceasefire. He also said it should restore Ukrainian control over its own borders and remove 'illegal military formations, military equipment and militants'. He was speaking after holding talks with President Petro Poroshenko. Mr Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to carry out all of those actions, but none had taken place. US Vice President Joe Biden paid a visit to Kiev today and said Russia should respect September's ceasefire . Mr Biden spoke after holding talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (pictured) in Kiev . A firefighter tackles a blaze after shelling destroyed many houses in Kuibishevskiy near the airport yesterday . Rescue workers try to control the blaze in the district of Kuibishevskiy near the destroyed Donetsk Airport . Some 4,300 people are thought to have died in eastern Ukraine's conflict since April. UN human rights figures have said an average of 13 people have been killed every day in eastern Ukraine since the 5 September ceasefire came into place. Russia is regularly accused of arming separatist rebels, but its officials deny the allegations. | Footage shows how Donetsk Airport has been reduced to a crumbling ruin .
The airport has become a symbol of Ukraine's fight against separatists .
Has been a scene of fighting almost every day as well as two major battles .
Almost £500m was spent rebuilding it when country was a Euro 2012 host .
Today marks a year since protesters toppled former pro-Kremlin regime .
Joe Biden said Russia should respect the ceasefire on visit to Kiev today . |
ff51d04738a417d6d32beebca29ea7e1eecd90e1 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . William Shatner may have mastered futuristic technology as Captain Kirk but he's less than happy about Facebook's new app for celebrities, called Mentions. The app, released last week, would force Shatner to follow other celebrity accounts. 'The first person on the list I . was given was George Takei (rolling my eyes.),' the Star Trek actor wrote on his Tumblr, . In a recent blog, actor William Shatner called Facebook's new app for celebrities, called Mentions, 'ill conceived' Shatner recently criticized Twitter for allowing 'nobodies' to get verified accounts . The former co-starts have famously feuded over the years, and as The Huffington Post noted Takei called Shatner 'very self-centered' only a week ago on 'Real Time With Bill Maher.' Shatner continued: 'I ended up choosing Robert Downey Jr. to follow and then I hid his . posts (sorry Robert!) I think that is a big flaw in the set up. If . this app is for celebrities then WHY force them to . follow another celebrity in order to set up this app? I think that is a . flaw; I’m already following those who I want to follow - why insist I . follow that short list of others?' Shatner would prefer it if Mentions allowed him to access his page's photos, settings, and events, and that more features from the Pages app were available for Mentions. Shatner declined to follow former co-star George Takei, who has called the Captain Kirk actor 'very self-centered' He summed up the experience as 'ill conceived.' This isn't the first time Shatner's opened fire on tech he didn't like. In June he called out John Colucci, who works in social media for Engadget, criticizing Colucci having a verified account on Twitter because he wasn't important enough. The 83-year-old Shatner knows his way around the web and especially social media, keeping an active presence on both Facebook and Twitter. | Star Trek star called experience 'ill conceived'
Did not want to be forced to follow other celebrities .
Took pot shots at former costar George Takei, who he refused to follow, and Robert Downey Jr. who he hid . |
ff51dab1deb469dbba2378ef94e917471034c0e8 | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 06:32 EST, 27 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:28 EST, 27 December 2012 . 'Like being awake in a coma': Teenager Shannon Magee suffers from a rare disorder which makes her sleep for nearly a fortnight at a time . A teenager has been dubbed a real-life 'Sleeping Beauty' after being struck down by a medical condition which makes her nod off for almost 12 days at a time. Former army cadet Shannon Magee, 17, suffers from a rare neurological disorder which means she can sleep for 22 hours a day for almost a fortnight. She also has bizarre episodes - roughly once a . month - where she will belt out pop songs at the top of her voice, walk . around naked and have ghostly hallucinations while she sleeps. For the past five years, the youngster, who has two brothers and three sisters, has slept through birthdays, Christmases, family holidays including a skiing trip to the Alps and even her GCSE exams. Shannon was seen by various doctors before finally being diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS) after her father, Christopher Dodd, researched her symptoms online. There are only 45 people in the UK who have the condition, which is a complex neurological disorder characterised by periods of excessive amounts of sleep and altered behaviour. The teenager wants to become a nurse so she can help others, but is worried her condition will get in the way of her dream. Shannon, a college student in Bolton, Greater Manchester said: 'It is like being awake in a coma. It takes part of your life away with it. 'It's like I'm in my own little world and I don't recognise people. When I'm awake it's like I'm sleepwalking. 'The year when Alexandra Burke went on . X Factor was particularly bad for my parents as I kept singing . Hallelujah for four days solid. What makes it worse is that I can't sing . at all and I only knew the chorus to the song. 'I was like a broken record on repeat and just kept singing hallelujah over and over again.' Shannon has episodes each month, which usually last about 12 days, during which time she can sleep for about 22 hours per day. When she is awake, her behaviour changes as she can become aggressive and demands sweets and chocolate, and needs around-the-clock care from her parents. 'It takes part of your likfe away with it': Shannon, 17, suffers from Kleine-Levin Syndrome, which is sometimes called Sleeping Beauty syndrome . Bizarre episodes: The condition also makes the former Army cadet belt out pop songs, walk around naked and have ghostly hallucinations while she sleeps . It also affects her memory, and she says huge chunks of her teenage years are blank. Shannon added: 'My memory of when it first happened was playing in the pool with my brother Jake. I just started singing JLS really loud but I can't really remember much else. 'Then all I wanted to do was sleep, I think everyone thought I must have been bored or tired. I'd just crash and in the morning I'd have to be dragged out of bed. 'My family thought I was trying to be awkward and lazy and they had to literally pull the quilt off me and out of bed. It must have been very maddening. 'I think they thought I was being an obnoxious teenager. Looking back, the first time I started singing they didn't think much of it because they thought I'd been bitten by something.' She said the second episode happened when she returned to school in the September. Mystery solved: Shannon was seen by various doctors before finally being diagnosed after her father, Christopher Dodd (pictured), researched her symptoms online . 'I had just gone into Year 9,' she added. 'I was in my English lesson and I kept falling asleep. I had an . overwhelming urge that I had to go to sleep. 'I . kept getting told off and I got moved to the front of the class. I . actually fell asleep in class and my teacher shouted at me and she moved . me to the front of the class. 'I . couldn't help it though as I just felt overwhelmingly tired. I couldn't . keep awake and ended up getting sent to the head of year's office. As . far as the school was concerned, I was just being rude.' She said she saw various doctors who were unable to help. She . said: 'I was like a machine, I ate like a pig and slept. I binged on . Galaxy chocolate and wine gum sweets or anything which I could get my . hands on and then I'd go back to bed for three or four days and then I'd . come out of it. Missed treasured moments: Shannon, pictured with her family, has slept through birthdays, Christmases, holidays including a skiing trip to the Alps and even her GCSE exams . 'In the meantime, my stepdad thought that he would have a look on the internet at sleeping disorders and saw one which ticked every box. 'When it happens I get a feeling like a rush up through my chest to my neck and then I get a headache all day. I'd describe the feeling as similar to a panic attack, it starts in my chest and the feeling moves up to my throat.' Shannon is now on medication normally used for epilepsy sufferers. KLS is a neurological condition that starts during adolescence and sometimes will begin after an infection or illness. It is characterised by periods of excessive sleep of up to 22 hours a day. This symptom lasts between days and weeks. During such an episode a sufferer may be irritable, childish, disorientated and want to eat excessive amounts of food. Patients are fine between episodes. Shannon is just one of 1,000 people worldwide to suffer from the disorder which is commonly known as Sleeping Beauty Syndrome. Around 70per cent of sufferers are male. There is no known cure for the disorder. She went on: 'I miss parties, Christmases and every year when we go away I have an episode, I even missed some of my GCSEs because of it. I completely fell asleep in my English Literature exam. 'I wouldn't remember if I had gone out because I'd be so spaced out in a dreamlike state. When I am in the middle of an episode I am like a zombie. 'I've just come to accept it now, although it is frustrating. I don't know when the episodes will come to an end it's like a waiting game.' Her mother, Julie Ratcliffe, 56, said: 'They were taking blood tests because they thought she was drunk or on drugs, then they thought it was epilepsy. 'Even when we go to appointments and it is on her medical records, the doctors don't know what it is. 'When she is in an episode it can be very stressful and she can be very challenging. She has a vague expression on her face and I can get about 50 texts at work asking for things because she has forgotten she has already texted. She added: 'We feel better knowing it is not life-threatening, but there is not enough information, nobody knows the answers.' | Shannon Magee has rare neurological disorder called Kleine-Levin Syndrome .
Suffers bizarre episodes where she will sleepwalk naked and gorge sweets .
Has slept through Christmases, skiing holidays and even her GCSE exams .
Likens illness, dubbed Sleeping Beauty syndrome, to 'being awake in coma' |
ff520f1ee53f008cdc220db3ad2bc56f939765e2 | A lucky terrapin has defied the odds and swum away unharmed after being tossed in the air and nearly swallowed whole by a crocodile. This series of images captures the moment the terrapin looked sure to become lunch until the crocodile discovered it was slightly too big to be eaten in one gulp. Taken at Lake Panic in Kruger National Park, the crocodile is unsuccessful at tossing the terrapin back in one bite, so then tries to crush it between its powerful jaws. However, thanks to the wet surface of its shell, the little reptile managed to slip from the crocodile's grip back into the safety of the murky water. The crocodile at Kruger National Park, in South Africa, tosses the terrapin into the air as it tries to eat it in one gulp . South African safari guide, Mario Moreno, 49, managed to capture the fleeting moment on camera despite originally visiting the area for its birdlife. Mr Moreno said: 'I was focusing particularly on a landscape shot of the lake when one of my guests alerted me to one of the crocodiles making a move. 'I quickly turned to my right and was lucky enough to get a few shots of the action. 'The crocodile was tossing the terrapin in what I believe was an attempt to put it into position and swallow it. But while doing this the terrapin slipped out of the crocodile's jaws and quickly disappeared. 'It was only about 30metres away from where we were and there didn't seem to be any visible damage. We saw the turtle later on and despite looking a little shook up, it seemed unharmed.' He added: 'I have over 15 years worth of experience as a wildlife photographer I have never seen this happen before. 'The crocs are all over the place patiently waiting for an opportunity, you could sit there for hours and the crocs would just float motionless. 'We were just lucky to be at the right place at the right time.' After its attempt to swallow the terrapin whole is unsucccessful, the crocodile then attempts to crush it in its powerful jaws . However, the terrapin's shell is too slippery and it slides out of the frustrated crocodile's mouth and away to safety . The flurry of activity was brief and ended with the crocodile (pictured) swimming away without any lunch . It was later spotted lurking partially submerged from where it would lie and wait for its next victim . The terrapin, meanwhile, was pictured relaxing on a rock after its close encounter with the giant crocodile . | A terrapin in Kruger National Park, South Africa, swims away unharmed after being tossed in the air by crocodile .
Series of images shows the terrapin being thrown in the air then bitten as the crocodile tries to crush it .
But it managed to swim away safely when its slippery shell helped it slide out of the crocodile's jaws . |
ff522b1659343457d9da2e54efd7b14c35e4b0f1 | (CNN) -- Police are investigating whether a North Carolina country road may have become the dumping ground for a serial killer, a man one woman believes could have given her a terrifying ride she will never forget. Jackie Nikelia Thorpe's body was found along Seven Bridges Road in August 2007. Since May 2005, the remains of five women have been found near Seven Bridges Road outside Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The road snakes northeast out of town into rural Edgecombe County. Rocky Mount Police Chief John Manley Jr. thinks the women's deaths are related. "They seem to have some connection," he said. Lanessa Williams of Rocky Mount thinks she narrowly missed joining the ranks of the slain women, saying she is not sure whether a man who offered her a ride to a friend's house last year is responsible for their deaths. The longer the two drove, the more she felt a sense of danger, said Williams, 38. The man -- whom she described as thin and African-American, with a mustache and glasses -- rarely spoke and "looked crazy." "He kept on going, and he rode through lights, and he wouldn't let me get out," she said. Eventually, her fears were confirmed when he demanded sex. "He told me that if I didn't do what he wanted me to do, he was going to kill me and throw me in the river." The man eventually stopped his truck in a dark wilderness area, she said. When he got out, she ran away. "I laid in a ditch and stayed there for a while," she said. "He was riding around looking for me." Police are talking to Williams about her experience. She told authorities she noticed something strange: The large block letters saying "Chevrolet" on the back of the man's truck appeared to be painted on. All five of the slain women were African-American, authorities said. Four lived in Rocky Mount, about 55 miles northeast of the state capital, Raleigh. According to the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office, they were: . • Melody Wiggins, 29, whose body was found May 29, 2005. • Jackie Nikelia Thorpe, 35, whose body was found August 17, 2007, behind a house on Seven Bridges Road. • Ernestine Battle, 50, whose remains were found in a wooded area on the road March 13, 2008. • Taraha Shenice Nicholson, 28, whose remains were discovered March 7, 2009. • Jarneice Latonya Hargrove, 31, whose skeletal remains were found June 29, 2009, in the woods off the road. Manley said it appears that the women "suffered a similar death," but authorities are not divulging further details, including the cause of the deaths. Edgecombe County Sheriff James L. Knight is leading the investigation, working with Rocky Mount police and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The three agencies have created a joint task force to investigate the unsolved killings. Knight is asking the public to be vigilant. "Watch for vehicles if they are on a path or stop along that roadway, and give us a call." Anyone with more information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (252) 641-7911. | Remains of five women found since 2005 along road outside Rocky Mount .
Police chief says it appears women "suffered a similar death"
One local woman recounts terrifying ride with suspicious man .
City, county, state agencies have formed task force . |
ff5241d66ad64fbcd8d2ee5ece891f032a495b68 | By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 14:07 EST, 30 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:37 EST, 30 August 2012 . Accused: Former model and talent scout Jon Bruce . A High Court catfight has erupted between the bosses of a top London modelling agency and a former catwalk king whom they accuse of poaching models, 'fraud' and breach of contract. Brazilian rising star Talita Correa is among the models allegedly diverted away from the agency to a rival business set up by Jon Bruce. Premier Model Management - whose staff and models are the subject of the C4 series ‘The Model Agency’- has accused Mr Bruce of poaching models while still under their employment. A top judge has heard that the former . male model was so good at his job that, at times, he generated a third . of Premier's income. Mr Bruce was dismissed from his position on July 24 and he was served with court papers on the same day. The case has now reached London’s . High Court, with Rupert Butler, for the agency, telling Judge Michael . Kent QC that Mr Bruce is accused of 'diverting away' models from Premier . to a rival modelling business - whilst still in the agency’s employ. Mr Butler also accused Mr Bruce of . 'perpetrating a very serious fraud' whilst working for Premier and of . breaching his contract of employment. Mr . Bruce is claimed to have tried to gain an unfair competitive advantage . for new model management venture, Paulo Ribero Management Ltd (PRM), . which he is alleged to have started up in January this year with . business partner, Paulo Ribero. The . allegations of diverting models relate to three individuals who are on . the books of PRM, Mr Butler told the court, including Brazilian rising . star, Talita Correa, and Matthew Holbrook, a Rochdale model, who was the . runner up of C4’s Model Behaviour show. Paulo Ribero and PRM are also defendants in the action. Talita Correa, left, and Matthew Holbrook, . right, are two of the models Bruce is accused of 'diverting' from his . former employers . Nasty: The claws are out between Premier Model Management Ltd - whose staff and models were the subject of C4 series 'The Model Agency' - and one of the stars of show, Jon Bruce, back left . Mr Butler told the judge: 'What we . have here is a case of real damage that has been perpetrated on the . claimant and we want to get on with this case and find out exactly what . the damage is, so we can get on with rectifying the situation with our . customers, our clients and models. 'There . is a prima facie case that a very serious fraud has been perpetrated,' he added, asking for the judge to make an interim order that Mr Bruce . disclose to his former employers 'all confidential information or . property in his possession, but belonging to the claimant.' The barrister said Premier - whose boss . Carole White and chief booker Aidan Jean-Marie attended the hearing - . were seeking that order because, 'Mr Bruce still isn’t coming to heel . and doing that which he needs to do to remedy the situation he had . created.' 'Mr Bruce has acted for eight or nine . months completely behind our backs and deceitfully. We don’t know what . he’s done. We want him to tell us what he’s been up to,' the barrister . said. Emily Betts, for Mr Bruce, Mr Ribero . and PRM, asked for the application for the 'onerous order' to be . rejected, saying that it would unfairly restrict Mr Bruce’s ability to . earn a living when no wrongdoing has been proved against him. She . described Mr Bruce as 'good at his job, well known in the industry and . he has a lot of contacts,' saying the claim was 'an attempt to stifle . him and prevent him earning money doing his job and using his skills . elsewhere.' 'The . claimant has not shown what this unfair competitive advantage that the . defendant has gained is. We contend that his summary dismissal was . wrongful. They should not have dismissed him but they did,' she added. Denying there had been any wrongdoing, let alone fraud, by Mr Bruce, Miss Betts went on: 'The claimants contacted him to say they were concerned about his loyalty to the business. 'They put the case that he was working for PRM during his employment... He said he was willing to talk to them about that but didn’t hear anything back until he received a claim form.' Judge Kent, delivering his ruling, . allowed Premier Models’ application for disclosure, giving Mr Bruce . seven days in which to produce the material requested. Legal arguments: The case at the High Court, pictured, has heard that Mr Bruce has been accused of 'perpetrating a very serious fraud' whilst working for Premier and of breaching his contract of employment . The . judge said: 'This is case where it is alleged that Mr Bruce, who was an . employee of the claimant since 2007, has been in breach of the terms of . his employment contract by taking steps to set up a rival business with . his business partner Mr Ribero from January this year. 'It . is said that he has been passing on copyrighted information and other . material with a view to gaining an advantage for the rival business. 'There is a clear prima facie case of a . flagrant breach of those obligations which Mr Bruce owed and would have . realised on the face of it were his obligations, and would justify in my . judgement various forms of relief. 'This is a case where serious allegations are made that £850 was charged to clients of Premier Models which related to a model of PRM’s. I don’t see how that can be anything but an attempt to defraud Premier Models,' he went on. 'In all the circumstances, it seems to me that, while the orders may be onerous, there is a strong arguable case for interim relief. The claimants are entitled to protect their business,' he said. Allowing Premier’s disclosure application, the judge gave Mr Bruce seven days in which to 'disgorge everything.' | Premier Model .
Management accuse Jon Bruce of diverting away models from the agency to a rival business while still under their employment .
Mr Bruce also accused of 'perpetrating a very serious fraud' whilst working for Premier and of breaching his contract of employment . |
ff527e4edf27c0cdfe951cad390b352a5cf6cd18 | By . Mail On Sunday Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:53 EST, 4 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 04:41 EST, 5 January 2014 . Actress Alicia Rhett, who was the oldest surviving cast member of the classic 1939 film Gone With The Wind, has died aged 98. Rhett, left, portrayed India Wilkes, sister of Ashley Wilkes, in the award-winning movie based on Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel of the same name. Bill Trawick, boss of the South Carolina retirement home in which she had lived since 2002, said: ‘Alicia was a kind and gentle lady.’ Classic: Alicia Rhett, who has died aged 98, played Ashley Wilkes in the award-winning film . | Alicia Rhett played India Wilkes, sister of Ashley Wilkes, in the classic film . |
ff52926dd5f2db6ba133c5ccf312bc7fbc259836 | By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:35 EST, 6 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 21:35 EST, 6 January 2014 . The Senate confirmed Janet Yellen on Monday as the . first woman to lead the Federal Reserve, elevating an advocate of fighting . unemployment and a backer of the central bank's efforts to spur the economy . with low interest rates and massive bond purchases. Ms Yellen, 67, will replace Ben Bernanke, who is . stepping down after serving as chairman for eight years dominated by the Great . Recession and the Fed's efforts to combat it. Senators confirmed her by 56-26, with numerous . absences caused by airline flight delays forced by arctic temperatures around . much of the country. All 45 voting Democrats were joined by 11 Republicans in . supporting Ms Yellen, while 26 Republicans voted 'no.' She's in!: Dr. Janet Yellen speaking during her confirmation hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee earlier this year . Vice chair of the Fed since 2010, Ms Yellen begins her . four-year term as leader of the century-old bank on Feb. 1. With the economy . rebounding from the depths of the recession but only modestly so far, many . economists expect her to focus on how to nurture growth without putting it into . overdrive, which could risk fueling inflation. 'The big debate will be when the Fed should . tighten and how much, rather than when to step on the gas pedal and how . hard,' predicted Bill Cheney, chief economist for John Hancock Financial . Services, who envisions a growing economy this year. Under Bernanke, the Fed has driven short-term . interest rates down to near zero and flushed money into the economy with huge . bond purchases, which it has just started to ease. Ms Yellen, a strong Bernanke . ally, has supported those policies and is expected to continue them until . concrete signs emerge of sustained improvement of the economy and job market. In a written statement, President Barack Obama said . Yellen's approval means 'the American people will have a fierce . champion' who will protect them. 'I am confident that Janet will stand up for . American workers, protect consumers, foster the stability of our financial . system and help keep our economy growing for years to come,' Mr Obama said. Lobbyists for the banking and financial services . sectors issued statements pledging to work with Ms Yellen. Both industries have . led a fight to water down restrictions imposed by Mr Obama's 2010 law overhauling . how the nation's financial system is regulated. The big moment: U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) speaks to members of the press as she is on her way for a vote January 6, 2014 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Janet Yellen was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 56 - 26 to become the first woman to head the Federal Reserve Board . A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ms Yellen previously . headed the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, chaired President Bill . Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers and has been an economics professor at . the University of California at Berkeley. Ms Yellen, who as an academic has focused on . unemployment and its causes, is considered a 'dove' who wants the Fed . more focused on creating jobs because unemployment is high and inflation is . low. 'Hawks' on these issues prefer a stronger emphasis on preventing . inflation. In brief debate on her nomination, Sen. Sherrod . Brown, D-Ohio, lauded Ms Yellen, who was one of the first to warn in 2007 of a . housing bubble that could burst and damage the entire economy. 'She understands how risky financial practices . deep inside the largest Wall Street banks can have a terrible and terrifying . impact on American families,' Brown said. But Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, criticized . Ms Yellen for supporting the Fed's 'easy money' policies of low interest . rates and bond purchases. 'No one can deny that the risks are real and . could be devastating' if those policies continue for too long, Mr Grassley . said. Ms Yellen's GOP critics have said the Fed has inflated . stock and real estate prices by pumping money into the markets, creating . investment bubbles that could burst and wound the economy anew. Some also warn that as the Fed starts to trim its . bond holdings, it could spook financial markets, threatening the economy's . recovery by causing stock prices to drop and interest rates to rise. Last month, the Fed announced that it will start . gradually reducing its $85 billion in monthly bond purchases, trimming them . back initially to $75 billion this month and taking 'further measured . steps' as economic conditions improve. But the Fed also indicated that it will keep . supporting an economy that it considers less than fully healthy. It said it . will continue to keep interest rates low and try to boost unusually low . inflation, which can slow spending and borrowing. Before the vote: Then-Federal Reserve Vice Chairwoman Janet Yellen attending an event Dec 16 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Federal Reserve Act at the Federal Reserve in Washington, DC . During her November confirmation hearing before the . Senate Banking Committee, Ms Yellen said the Fed's bond buying program has . successfully supported the economy by keeping long-term borrowing rates low. The Fed's holdings have reached $4 trillion, more . than quadruple their level before the financial crisis hit in late 2008. The U.S. economy has grown only modestly since the . Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, though it has shown encouraging . signs in recent months. Unemployment fell to 7 percent last month, down . from a recent peak of 10 percent in October 2009. The economy grew at an annual . rate of 4.1 percent from July through September and has added an average . 200,000 jobs monthly since August. President Barack Obama nominated Yellen in October . after considering selecting Lawrence Summers, a former Treasury secretary who . had been a close Obama adviser early in his presidency. Summers withdrew after . opponents complained about his temperament and past support for bank . deregulation. Mr Obama called Ms Yellen a 'proven leader' and . hailed her frequent focus on the unemployed, saying, 'She understands the . human cost when people can't find a job.' She will be the first Fed chair newly appointed by . a Democratic president since Paul Volcker, picked by President Jimmy Carter, left . the post in 1987. Mr Clinton reappointed Alan Greenspan and Mr Obama gave Bernanke a . second term, though both were initially chosen by GOP presidents. Ms Yellen will preside over her first Fed meetings as . chair on March 18 and 19. | Janet Yellen is the first woman to head the Federal Reserve .
She previously served as vice-chair under outgoing head Ben Bernanke .
She was confirmed with a Senate vote of 56-26 . |
ff52a78f5361b0a1bf85a099b70e430f08702e85 | By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 12:22 EST, 13 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:09 EST, 13 December 2013 . It seems like the Holiday season starts earlier every year, with Christmas lights on store shelves in October, and carols on the radio before Thanksgiving. But for Bronx chef Jon Lovtich, the season started even earlier than most, last February. That's when he started constructing Gingerbread Lane, the entirely edible gingerbread village recently deemed the world's largest by Guinness World Records. (The world's largest gingerbread house went to a construction in Texas that didn't qualify for the edible prize since the frame was made of wood.) The 1.5 ton cookie construction currently spans 300-square-feet at the New York Hall of Science in Queens. For perspective, that's as heavy as a large hippopotamus and the size as a two-car garage. Scroll down for video . Cookie city: Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science is the largest edible gingerbread village in the world, spanning 300-square feet and weighing 1.5 tons . All coming together: The gingerbread monolith was created entirely by chef Jon Lovitch, who has been baking and constructing the pieces individually in his Bronx apartment since last February . For the past year, 37-year-old Lovitch has been baking and building the village's houses, ice rink, firehouse, and railroad stations at his apartment in the Bronx near Yankee Stadium. He says he's spent a 'few grand' on the project, buying 400 pounds of candy, ingredients for 500 pounds of gingerbread dough and 2,240 pounds of icing. Unsurprisingly the cookie construction packs quite the calorie count. The dough is the the most dangerous with over 958,000 calories, the decorators icing amounts to around 423,000 and if all 400 pounds of candy were from candy canes, that would mean nearly 699,000 calories. Mr Lovtich says he saves money by buying ingredients anytime he's out of the city, cleaning out rural supermarkets of flour, candy and sugar. Making the gingerbread village came second to his job as the executive chef at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, and most of the baking and construction took place after midnight while his wife was asleep. Ongoing project: Mr Lovitch started assembling the village as a whole this fall when he began driving the 164 structures from his apartment to the space in Queens. He continues to add to it even midway through December . 'My wife likes the fact that I work on it at home and I'm not out gambling or drinking,' he told the New York Times. It wasn't until this fall that Mr Lovitch started driving the 164 structures stored in his apartment's empty bedroom to the Hall of Science for assembly in the days leading up to the November 17 opening. And he continues to add to the structure even midway into December. The artist's mother, Vickie Lovitch, calls her son a 'gingerbread Santa Claus' and told the Times that his obsession with Christmas started at a young age when he would string 10,000 Christmas lights outside their house. Admirers: Lisa Grillo accompanies Emily, 8, and Kate, 9, as they look at the Gingerbread Lane, on December 12 . His focus on gingerbread as a medium came when he was a teenager, and he lost a competition in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Since then, he's been trying to make up for that initial loss, making bigger and better constructions each year as he moved around the country, from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh. Last January he moved to New York City with the express purpose of getting more attention for his gingerbread making, and hopefully turning the hobby into a full-time career making and teaching gingerbread architecture. Not for the calorie counter: Mr Lovitch says he spent a 'few grand' on the project which is made of 400 pounds of candy, 500 pounds of gingerbread dough and 2,240 of icing . 'Being a chef, people may remember my meals for a day or two, but with the gingerbread, I can get thousands of people at a time to checkout out my work,' he said. 'I've gotten emails a year later, thanking me for it.' Gingerbread Lane can be viewed at the Hall of Sciences in Queens until January 12 - the day it will be disassembled and visitors can take pieces of the village home with them to eat. Those pieces baked in early February might be a little stale though. Mr Lovtich also has another gingerbread village in the city this winter, at the Marriott. It's three stories high with 75 structures and he's been baking it out of the hotel's kitchen. Tasty: Gingerbread Lane will be on view until January 12 when it will be dissembled and visitors can take pieces of the houses home with them to snack on . | Gingerbread Lane was deemed the world's largest edible gingerbread village by Guinness World Records .
The cookie construction is on view at the New York Hall of Science in Queens until January 12 .
It is made out of 400 pounds of candy, 500 pounds of gingerbread dough and 2,240 pounds of icing .
Chef Jon Lovitch baked and constructed the villages 164 buildings in his apartment for the past year .
He hopes to turn gingerbread into a full-time job, teaching and making similar constructions for a living . |
ff52d4d91b741e660b0ff41263f20d785bad67e5 | If predictions hold true, Florida may soon overtake New York as the nation's third-most populous state. Pointing to the states' growth rates, demographers say it's not a question of if, but when. "If it doesn't happen this year -- it probably will -- but if not, probably next year," said Thomas Boswell, a University of Miami geography professor who studies population. "It doesn't surprise demographers," Boswell said, "we have seen it coming for a long time." On Monday, the U.S. Census Bureau releases its latest population estimates. Stan Smith, population program director at the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), agreed with Boswell that Florida likely will overtake New York at some point in 2014 or 2015. From April 2010 to July 2012, Florida's population grew 2.7%, according to census data. In the same period, New York's grew 1%. The national average was 1.7%. Last year's census estimate had the two states virtually neck and neck: New York's population was just under 19.6 million, only about 250,000 higher than Florida's. "The really, really simple thing is that Florida and New York are growing, but Florida is growing faster," said Andrew Beveridge, a sociology professor at Queens College in New York. While New York City and its surrounding suburbs, the Albany area, and Ithaca are all growing, much of upstate New York is experiencing declines in population, Beveridge said. Manufacturing jobs have diminished in northern New York cities like Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse. Florida, on the other hand, is seeing jump in tourism, real estate, construction, medicine and finance, Boswell said. But immigration is also an important factor in explaining Florida's rise. "Florida's growth for many years has been due primarily to migration," Smith said. "Typically, 80 to 90% of growth in the state has to do with people moving in." The spike in immigration includes people moving from other states as well as from abroad, Smith said. Based on responses to BEBR surveys, Smith said, most people moving to Florida do so for job-related reasons. The state also draws retirees seeking a warmer climate. If Florida surpasses New York in population, it likely will end up with more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2010, after the release of new census data, New York lost two seats and Florida gained two. Both states now have 27 House members. California, with an estimated population of 38 million in 2012, and Texas (26 million) are the nation's two most populous states. | New York could soon trail Florida in population .
Florida's growth stems mostly from newcomers looking for work .
Florida could gain congressional seats, New York could lose some . |
ff539c4f76050037fce5cc92fbd10605d6b062d6 | By . Alex Ward . PUBLISHED: . 04:06 EST, 14 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:48 EST, 14 October 2013 . Boy band One Direction are Britain’s biggest pin-ups, selling more calendars than any other celebrity including long-time favourite Cliff Richard. The 1D boys - Harry Styles, 19, Liam Payne, 20, Zayn Malik, 20, Niall Horan, 20, and Louis Tomlinson, 21 – have dominated calendar sales since their debut album three years ago according to Amazon’s all-time bestseller list. One Direction beat Cliff Richard, who until 2011, topped calendar sales every year since online retailer Amazon started in 1998. It's official: One Direction are Britain's top pin-ups, selling more calendars than any other celebrity according to Amazon's all-time bestseller list . Cheryl Cole, 30, was crowned the calendar queen beating Kylie Minogue, 45, and Kelly Brook, 33, to win the women’s poll. Xavier Garambois, vice president of EU Retail at Amazon, said: ‘Before 2011, no one could get near Cliff Richard at the top of the calendar charts but One Direction’s unrivalled popularity has seen them shoot to the top of the all-time bestsellers list, almost doubling Cliff Richards’s all time sales in just three years.’ Calendar king no more: 1D beat long time favourite Cliff Richard whose calendars topped calendar sales until 2011 . Cheryl Cole has topped female calendar sales at Amazon since 2009. The results were released by Amazon ahead of their 15th anniversary tomorrow. Darren Hardy, Amazon’s books manager, said: ‘In the battle of the sexes, the celebrity boys triumph. 'Cheryl and Kylie may top the female calendar chart but One Direction are outselling them by more than double with Christmas still to come.’ Also among the bestselling products of all time on Amazon were the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, Hunger Games and Kindle devices. Mr Garambois said: ‘The all-time bestsellers tell a story of the major trends that have gripped the UK, from the game changers in entertainment to the products that have become essential to modern life. ‘The list also showcases the advances in technology over the past 15 years. 'Technology is now a key part of everyday life as illustrated by the success of Kindle, the continued rise of the digital camera and the fact that more and more people are purchasing products to enhance their home viewing or entertainment experience. 'Advancements in technology have also meant that people can shop from anywhere, at anytime and purchasing through mobile devices is a trend that will only continue to grow. ‘Three big books bestsellers that have turned into major movie blockbusters also feature strongly, a clear sign that customers are eager to get the fix of their favourite stories in all formats.’ Top of the pops: Cheryl Cole (right) has topped female calendar sales since 2009, beating Kylie Minogue (left) and Kelly Brook . Male:1. One Direction2. Cliff Richard3. Take That4. Justin Bieber (pictured)5. Olly Murs . Female: . 1. Cheryl Cole2. Kylie Minogue3. Kelly Brook4. Girls Aloud5. Madonna . Amazon now sells more than 100 million items across over 30 categories. The online retailer has more than 6,000 permanent employees in the UK. This Christmas, Amazon will hire over 15,000 temporary associates across the UK to help deliver millions of products to customers. During Amazon’s busiest 24 hour period over Christmas last year, a delivery lorry left one of Amazon’s eight UK fulfilment centres on average once every 2 minutes and 10 seconds. On its busiest day in the run up to Christmas (December 3), 3.5 million items were ordered - a rate of around 41 items ordered per second. | One Direction named as the top selling male celebrity calendar of all time .
Cheryl Cole topped the women's top seller calendar list ahead of pop icon Kylie Minogue .
Amazon is celebrating its 15th anniversary tomorrow . |
ff53badd600cfe01fb36629842d92ef5e109cb4b | Escalating violence in the Central African Republic is posing a threat to children, with at least two beheaded and thousands recruited as soldiers, the United Nations said. The United Nations says it verified the deaths of 16 children since violence broke out in the capital of Bangui on December 5. Dozens of others have been injured. "We are witnessing unprecedented levels of violence against children. More and more children are being recruited into armed groups, and they are also being directly targeted in atrocious revenge attacks," said Souleymane Diabate, UNICEF representative in the nation. Number of child soldiers doubles . Late last year, the U.N. said the number of child soldiers in the nation had doubled to 6,000 as violence escalated. "Targeted attacks against children are a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law and must stop immediately. Concrete action is needed now to prevent violence against children," Diabate said. In the capital, 370,000 people -- about half the population -- have been displaced, the United Nations said. More than 935,000 people have been internally displaced nationwide, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday. Chaos, violence . The nation plunged into chaos after a coalition of rebels named Seleka ousted President Francois Bozize in March, the latest in a series of coups since the nation gained independence. They accused him of reneging on a peace deal and demanded that he step down. Months before his ouster, both sides had brokered a deal to form a unity government led by the President. But that deal fell apart as the rebel coalition pushed its way from the north toward the capital of Bangui, seizing towns along the way. Rebels infiltrated the capital in March, sending Bozize fleeing to Cameroon. Fears of genocide . Since then, political turmoil raged and violence became the order of the day. Seleka is a predominantly Muslim coalition, and to counter the attacks, vigilante Christian groups fought back. The country descended into anarchy, and the United Nations has warned that a genocide is brewing. Aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis as rapes, killings and other horrors grow in the nation. An unknown number of people have been killed in remote rural areas that are too risky to access. Others have fled into forests. Aid agency Doctors Without Borders said Thursday it will reduce medical activities at the airport in the capital because of insecurity. | Internally displaced number exceeds 935,000, U.N. says .
U.N. reports escalating violence against children .
Thousands of children recruited into armed groups .
Number of child soldiers in the nation has doubled to 6,000, U.N. says . |
ff53e0986ad13ad424a6821fd19afe91029887ce | (CNN) -- A snowplow driver who's been blamed by Russian authorities for a plane crash that killed the chief executive of the oil company Total has been sent to pretrial detention, his lawyer said Thursday. Snowplow driver Vladimir Martynenko has denied claims by Russian officials that he was drunk at the time of the crash Monday at Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport. Total CEO Christophe de Margerie and three others were killed after his plane hit the snowplow during takeoff and crashed. Four other airport employees have also been detained in connection with the crash, a Russian investigative committee said earlier. They are: the airport service chief engineer, Vladimir Ledenev, who's in charge of snow-clearing operations; flights director Roman Dunayev; air traffic controller Svetlana Krivsun; and the airport's chief air traffic controller, Alexander Kruglov. "Investigators believe the detained persons failed to provide safety requirements concerning flights and on-ground works and it led to the tragedy," a statement from the investigative committee said. "They have been detained and questioned as suspects in the case." Amid the fallout from the incident, the airport's director general, Andrei Dyakov, and deputy director general Sergei Solntsev have resigned, the airport said in a statement Thursday. Their resignations have been accepted. The airport's shift director, the head of the airport's maintenance division and the leading engineer who heads the shift have been suspended from duties. Blood test . Martynenko's lawyer, Aleksandr Karabanov, told CNN that a court decided Thursday to place him in detention. "The judge explained her decision, saying that the court decided that Martynenko could escape, put pressure on trial participants or destroy the evidence," Karabanov said. He said the judge had also introduced a doctor's certificate with results of a preliminary medical examination. She said that according to that data, Martynenko was found to be drunk, but the final results would be known and announced in five to seven days. "I found it's ridiculous and it makes no sense," Karabanov said. "During that medical examination, Martynenko had a blood test that would show whether there was alcohol in his blood. It always takes only a day or two to get the results. Why are we still not given any?" He said he was convinced his client was sober at the time. Log book . Karabanov said at a news conference Wednesday that Martynenko had passed a daily "medical examination" that all snowplow operators at the airport are required to take before reporting for duty. The lawyer said the results of the test were recorded in a log book that investigators now have. According to the lawyer, Martynenko became separated from a convoy of snowplows after he heard a strange sound and stopped briefly to check his equipment. The lawyer speculated that an unnamed air traffic controller saw the other snowplows in the convoy and cleared the runway without realizing that Martynenko's machine was still there. The French government has deployed three investigators and two technical consultants from its aviation authority to also investigate the crash. CNN's Alla Eshchenko and Phil Black reported from Moscow, and Laura Smith-Spark wrote in London. | NEW: Judge orders snowplow driver involved in crash to be held in pretrial detention .
Director general of the airport and his deputy resign from their posts .
Four other people are detained over a crash that killed the head of a French oil firm .
Total CEO Christophe de Margerie and three others were killed in the crash in Moscow . |
ff544cbc9ce6ea7e67470458f8172a8544ea7d3b | A Florida woman accused of killing a neighbor was indicted on a first-degree murder charge Wednesday after it was revealed in court that she allegedly hacked the victim’s body into pieces and tried to cremate them using her stove after drugging and stabbing him to death. Angela Stoldt, 42, of Deltona, was arrested in April 2013 in connection to the killing of James Sheaffer and was initially charged with second-degree murder. On Wednesday, a grand jury indicted her on charges of abuse of a dead body and tampering with physical evidence, on top of the upgraded first-degree murder charge. Gruesome murder: Angela Stoldt, 42 (left), allegedly stabbed neighbor James Sheaffer, 36 (right), with an ice pick, strangled him and then tried to dispose of his body by hacking it to pieces and cooking the remains . Crime scene: Stoldt got into an argument with Sheaffer while sitting in her car at the Osteen Cemetery in Deltona in April 2013 . Prosecutors said they will not be seeking the death penalty in Stoldt's case. In September, Stold's attorney filed a motion claiming self defense under Florida's controversial 'stand your ground' law, but Judge Randell Rowe III rejected the motion. Court documents obtained by Daytona News-Journal this week revealed chilling new details about the 2013 murder and its gruesome aftermath. James Sheaffer, a limousine driver and a married father of three, had reportedly asked his neighbor, Ms Stoldt, to act as the payee on his Social Security disability benefits, but the 36-year-old kept overdrawing their joint account. The limo driver also wanted Stoldt to ask her father for a $4,000 loan. On the morning of April 3, 2013, Stoldt, with her two children in tow, picked up her neighbor from his work at Blue Diamond Limousines and drove to her home on Horseshoe Terrace, where the two drank vodka and peach schnapps cocktails. But according to court filings, the mother of two spiked her neighbor's beverage with a prescription pain medication, which she had stolen from her father knowing that it causes drowsiness, especially when mixed with alcohol. Stoldt then allegedly loaded the drugged man into her car and drove to the Osteen Cemetery after dropping the kids off at her parents'. Husband and father: Sheaffer, who was married with three kids, was stabbed in the eye and then strangled; police were never able to locate all of his remains . By the time the two reached the burial ground, Sheaffer and Stoldt got into a heated dispute over the loan. ‘Sheaffer said that he was going to kill Ms. Stoldt as well as her children,’ the stand-you-ground motion stated. During questioning, Stoldt told detectives that Sheaffer started yelling at her and 'swinging his hands around.’ The woman said that while Sheaffer never actually hit her, he started coming at her in a threatening manner, making her fearful for her life. 'I just snapped,' she was quoted as saying. 'He came at me and I stabbed him.' That is when Stoldt pulled an ice pick from a box in the backseat and plunged it into his right eye, but the burly limo driver allegedly kept coming at her. She then grabbed a cord with two handles and used it to strangle Sheaffer by wrapping it tightly around his neck. After the man stopped moving, the 42-year-old mother grabbed the ice pick again and drove it through Sheaffer's left eye. She then wrapped the man's head in Saran Wrap to keep him from bleeding all over the car interior and drove home, with Sheaffer's corpse propped up in the passenger seat, the ice pick still protruding from his face. After parking her car in her garage, Stoldt shoved her dead neighbor's body out of the car and plopped it in a kiddie pool, leaving it there for the night. The following morning, the suspect allegedly went to work hacking James Sheaffer's body to pieces with a hacksaw. Life and death situation: Stoldt's attorney filed a motion claiming that the woman was in fear for her life because Sheaffer was threatening to kill her and her two children . According to the judge's order rejecting the self-defense motion, Miss Stoldt told police she had tried to 'destroy the evidence by cooking and cremating body parts.' The woman reportedly said that she put some of Sheaffer's remains into pots and tried simmering them on the stovetop, and also placed one of his legs in the oven hoping to burn it. Having failed that, Stoldt dumped the mutilated body parts in trash bags and disposed of them with the help of her teenage son, who was led to believe that they were getting rid of a deer his mother had killed with her car the night before. To cover up the murder, Miss Stoldt then buried her neighbor's cellphone and driver’s license in different parks, and got rid of the pots and pans used to boil human flesh. When Stoldt's daughter, who is now 16 years old, asked her about the foul smell lingering in the house, the 42-year-old woman initially lied that a rat had gotten trapped inside the oven. But she eventually came clean to the girl, telling her that she had drugged and killed James Sheaffer after he threatened to kill her. However, it was not until three weeks later that Angela Stoldt confessed to the rest of her family, prompting her sister to call 911 on April 21 because she was afraid the distraught, sleep-deprived woman might commit suicide. In the course of her questioning, Miss Stoldt spoke without hesitation of her attempts to dispose of her neighbor's corpse. 'Thursday is when I was cooking him. Friday is when I was dumping him,' she was quoted as saying. The woman showed little remorse for her actions, telling police she believed at the time Sheaffer was going to ruin her life. ‘I’m sorry, but I put Jimmie where he belonged, in my opinion at the time,’ she told detectives. Ms Stoldt eventually led sheriff's deputies to various locations around Volusia County to help recover James Sheaffer's remains, but officials said they were never able to locate all of Sheaffer's body parts. Confrontation: Sheaffer, a limo driver, allegedly attacked Stoldt while sitting in her car and would not let go of her until she wrapped a cord around his neck . Investigators who canvassed Sheaffer’s Deltona neighborhood looking for the missing man before Stoldt’s confession had talked to the woman on more than one occasion. She acknowledged being friends with Sheaffer and said she handled some of his financial affairs for him. She told investigators that she last saw Sheaffer on April 5 and 15, even though family members hadn’t seen him since April 2. The investigation took a turn April 20 when Stoldt’s sister called 911 saying that the mother of two was acting suicidal and had admitted to killing James Sheaffer. The caller told the Sheriff’s office that Stoldt was hugging her children and saying goodbye. ‘Why’s she hugging her kids goodbye?’ the emergency dispatcher asked. ‘Because she came to the house and she told my parents that she committed a crime and that she’s being investigated for it,’ the woman’s sister replied. Ms Stoldt initially declined to talk to investigators and was taken in for a mental health evaluation. But officials were able to obtain a search warrant to enter her house, where they came upon evidence indicating a crime had been committed there. A short time later, Angela Stoldt confessed to stabbing and strangling Sheaffer, and then disposing of his body. Stoldt then led investigators to a location where human remains were recovered. Ms Stoldt is being held without bail. | Angela Stoldt, 42, confessed to killing limo driver James Sheaffer, 36, in April 2013 by stabbing him in the face and strangling him with a cord .
She then dismembered the slain man with a hacksaw and tried to dispose of remains by cooking some of them in pots, according to court documents .
Placed one of Sheaffer's legs in the oven, but she could not cremate it .
Three weeks after the killing, Stoldt led sheriff's deputies to several locations where some of his remains were found .
Stoldt's lawyer claimed in September that she killed Sheaffer in self-defense because he attacked her and threatened to kill her . |
ff559ae7fdf453def035b03f5a96321281700125 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:11 EST, 5 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:18 EST, 6 February 2013 . Helping hand: A report by the University of Buffalo found that being generous to friends, neighbours and relatives can improve our health . It has long been said that it’s better to give than receive. Now scientists have revealed that the benefits of generosity extend beyond a warm glow. Providing tangible help to others appears to protect our health and lengthens our lives, they claim. A five-year study of 846 individuals found that when dealing with stressful situations, those who had helped others during the previous year were less likely to die than those who had not. Stressful experiences included such things as serious illness, burglary, job loss, financial difficulties or death of a family member. Respondents reported the amount of time in the past 12 months they had spent helping friends, neighbours or relatives not living with them by providing transport, running errands, doing shopping, performing housework, looking after children and other tasks. Michael J. Poulin, of the University at Buffalo in the US, said: ‘This study offers a significant contribution…to our understanding of how giving assistance to others may offer health benefits to the giver by buffering the negative effects of stress.’ He added: ‘Our conclusion is that helping others reduced mortality specifically by buffering the association between stress and mortality.' He added: 'As the title of our study indicates we tested the hypothesis that providing help to others . would predict a reduced association between stress and mortality for the . helpers. 'Specifically, over the five years of the study, we found that . when dealing with stressful situations, those who had helped others . during the previous year were less likely to die than those who had not . helped others.' The five-year study of 846 individuals found that when dealing with stressful situations, those who had helped others during the previous year were less likely to die than those who had not . He said: 'When we adjusted for age, baseline health . and functioning and key psychosocial variables, the Cox . proportional hazard models (the most widely used method of survival . analysis) for mortality revealed a significant interaction between . helping behavior, stressful events, morbidity and mortality. 'Our conclusion is that helping others reduced mortality . specifically by buffering the association between stress and mortality. 'These findings go beyond past analyses to indicate that the health . benefits of helping behavior derive specifically from stress-buffering . processes and provide important guidance for . understanding why helping behavior specifically may promote health and, . potentially, for how social processes in general may influence health. The study – in conjunction with Stony Brook University and Grand Valley State University – points out that although it is known that social isolation and stress have significant impacts on health, research has failed to establish whether receiving support from others helps protect individuals from stress in the same way as ‘givers’. The report will be published in the American Journal of Public Health. | Scientists from America's University of Buffalo conducted five-year study .
Looked at amount of time people spent helping friends and neighbours . |
ff563bb80672dc7e9625bf8f318fcda25baf1264 | (CNN) -- Can you remember what you were doing 30 years ago? In 1983, Bjorn Borg retired from a glittering tennis career, the Nazi Klaus Barbie was officially charged with war crimes and the final episode of M*A*S*H was breaking TV records. More importantly, for the purpose of this exercise, millions of black and "non-white" South Africans were living -- and dying -- in misery under a brutal apartheid regime. Whatever you were doing back then, I would think it unlikely that any single decision you made has shaped what has become of your life since. That's not the case, however, for the young black cricketers that left the Caribbean to play in South Africa. For them, everything changed the day they boarded a plane for Johannesburg. They are the focus of CNN's documentary "World Sport Presents: Branded a Rebel." In 1977, the Commonwealth nations added a sporting ban to their campaign against apartheid in South Africa. By isolating the country's teams and starving passionate and influential South Africans of their beloved sport, it was hoped their government would be forced into changing policies that discriminated against a majority of the population. As a result, cricket's "Rebel Tours" were highly controversial, unofficial, international matches that were organized in defiance of those sanctions. It was an issue that split the world's cricket community right down the middle. The invited players that declined, such as England's Ian Botham and West Indian Viv Richards, took a strong moral stance in opposition. Contact 'Branded as a rebel' presenter Don Riddell on Facebook . But, whether from England, Australia or Sri Lanka, the massive financial inducements were often too much even for some of the sport's biggest names to refuse. For each of the seven tours, there was outcry, but it was the West Indies' role that provoked the most outrage. These men didn't steal anything -- they certainly didn't kill anyone -- and they didn't break any laws, but their "crime" was almost worse. They were condemned for supporting an abhorrent, racist regime; effectively betraying their own race. Ironically, it was they who were isolated. They were banished from playing international sport and shunned by their peers and communities; many were forced to relocate abroad. Only one ever played for the Windies again. Hardly anything has been written or broadcast about their two tours between 1982-84, a period which has been described as one of the darkest chapters in the history of cricket. Whatever views have been articulated are typically negative, damning and highly critical of the players and those who funded and organized the matches. The common narrative is that they were mercenaries, traitors and rebels. But while the players can't deny that many were influenced by the money -- some were paid in excess of $100,000 for a month of cricket -- some would prefer to be known as missionaries. Pioneers. Crusaders. I knew it wouldn't be easy getting them to talk about their experience, just tracking them down was hard enough. For obvious reasons the West Indies Cricket Board, which had banned them, wasn't much use. Some of the players like Herbert Chang and Richard Austin -- known to have struggled with substance abuse -- have effectively fallen off the grid. Trying to forget . Of those we tracked down, it soon became clear very few had any interest in reliving the experience. It wasn't the tours that they didn't want to revisit, but the judgment and condemnation they had endured since. Some players flatly declined, others wanted to be paid outrageous sums; CNN's policy is not to pay for interviews. Over a period of several weeks, myself and our producer Samantha Bresnahan had a series of exhaustive exchanges with the team's captain Lawrence Rowe, a talented batsman who was forced to leave Jamaica and settle in Miami. We really thought he was close to giving an interview but ultimately he declined. I know he desperately wanted to tell his side of the story, a side which has never been heard before, but he was concerned his involvement would only reignite the controversy. He just couldn't take the risk. I would say that the players who did speak with us had mixed reasons for giving their interviews. Franklyn Stephenson is known as the greatest player never to have played for the Windies, but he is proud of his involvement. He still treasures his tour blazer and the team photo sits proudly on his shelf. He genuinely believes that the tours helped to change attitudes in South Africa, claiming that for the first time in their lives, white fans were able to see that the black race was at the very least equal, if not superior, to theirs. Of all the rebel teams, the West Indies were the only one to win a Test match in South Africa. West Indian society's 'running wound' Collis King, a hero of the Windies' 1979 World Cup final victory, felt the same. He was still angry at his treatment and we didn't have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find the bitterness still simmering. I believe that both men and the former wicketkeeper David Murray talked to us because they didn't have anything else to lose -- whatever the tour had once cost them, being associated with it could no longer hurt them. That's not the case for the likes of Emmerson Trotman. Even if he had wanted to share his story with us and a global audience, he has been "rehabilitated" as the current coach of the Barbados national team. That status could have been jeopardized by reminding everyone he was once a "rebel." As the regional historian Professor Hilary Beckles put it, the rebel tours still represent a "running wound" in West Indian society. Stephenson, King and Murray all told me they had no regrets. King was very clear that he would never say sorry for going to South Africa. Others have apologized, in the hope the controversy would be laid to rest. It will be interesting to see the reaction to our program; whether hearing a different perspective will change perceptions of the fateful decision these players made 30 years ago. And it makes you wonder, if you were ever put in their position, what would you do? | Thirty years ago, a West Indies cricket team took part in unauthorized tours .
Sporting sanctions had been placed on apartheid-era South Africa .
The players who took part in the tours were branded as rebels, ending their careers .
Some remain defiant about their decision, but few have profited from it . |
ff56473d2e88a02f96c9a5c0be850e59ed71af34 | (CNN) -- Microsoft is taking its last big step before releasing what promises to be a massive overhaul of its Windows operating system -- and, by extension, how almost all devices running it work. Nearing the end of a long process of tinkering under the hood, the computing giant on Friday rolled out its final preview of Windows 8, which is expected to go on sale this fall. "Since our first preview release last September, millions of people now use the pre-release product on a daily basis and millions more have been taking it through its paces, totaling hundreds of millions of hours of testing," Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky wrote Friday on the Windows 8 blog. "We genuinely appreciate the effort that so many have put into pre-release testing, and of course, we appreciate the feedback too. Direct feedback and feedback through usage contributed to hundreds of visible changes in the product and tens of thousands of under-the-hood changes." The post said Microsoft has received about 18,000 comments from 7,000 early testers of Windows 8, which have contributed to "hundreds of visible changes in the product and tens of thousands of under-the-hood changes." The release will mark the first major update of Microsoft's operating system since Windows 7 was released three years ago. Unlike previous releases that have, essentially, revamped (or, in at least one case, mercifully killed) existing features, Microsoft is touting Windows 8 as a radical reimagining of its core product. Perhaps its most visible difference from previous versions of Windows will be its compatibility with touchscreen technology. That, combined with the system's ability to connect devices (say, a PC, a tablet and a Xbox gaming console) is what Microsoft hopes will renew the enduring Mac vs. PC war on a new front. "In our hands-on of Microsoft's Consumer Preview, we declared that your familiar Windows desktop is all but dead," Alexandra Chang wrote Friday for Wired. "In the changes we've seen in the Release Preview, this still holds true," she added. "Microsoft is focused on improving and deepening the Metro [the system's design language] experience, where the desktop is only a portion -- or even an afterthought, for some users -- of a larger, app-based system." The company has made something of a ripple with its smartphone system, at least among critics. The recently released Nokia Lumia 900 has been heralded as the best Windows phone ever, although, as of March, only about 4% of U.S. smartphones ran the company's operating system. (For what it's worth, that's a month before the Lumia was released.) But Microsoft has barely moved the needle in the tablet space, where Apple still rules the roost, and only a simpler and less expensive device like Amazon's Kindle Fire has been able to put up much resistance. Even as the final Windows 8 trial was being announced, reports were surfacing that Asus, Toshiba and Acer all plan to unveil Windows tablets next week at the Computex trade show in Taipei. Meanwhile, many in the tech world are watching and waiting. With its prowess in the computing world, it's impossible to count Microsoft out. But with Apple and Google's Android system grabbing the attention and market share in the mobile world, Microsoft appears to have an uphill battle. "There's a long, narrow road ahead for Windows 8," reviewer Seth Rosenblatt wrote for CNET. "It could be the next big thing, but there's not much room for missteps." | Microsoft rolls out its final preview version of Windows 8 .
The operating system is a massive overhaul of Windows .
It's considered the company's way of moving into the tablet market .
Windows 8 also will connect PCs, tablets and phones . |
ff566cc45da640118f0e8f5e0b09b2523ae21a0e | He's got blue wings, an adventurous spirit and is poised to be the latest film star to come out of South Africa. A high-spirited young falcon, Kai is the main character in "Zambezia," a new South African 3D animation film featuring an all-star voice cast, including Hollywood A-listers Samuel L. Jackson, Abigail Breslin, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy and Jeremy Suarez. Set in the majestic Victoria Falls and inspired by southern Africa's startling artwork, "Zambezia" is hoping to put South African animation on the map while enthralling children around the world with its uplifting message of togetherness. The movie, produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios, has been selected as the closing film of the 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival, which runs until July 29. "The film is a wonderful ambassador, in a way, of South Africa and I think as it travels the world it's going to spread the word about an industry that is young and vibrant and extremely talented," says "Zambezia" director and co-writer Wayne Thornley. "In and of itself, I think it's just an enjoyable ride for children and they're going to come away wishing they could fly." Read more: The film school in Kenya's biggest slum . The movie, which is targeted toward children aged five to 11, tells the story of Kai, an intrepid young falcon that's brought up by his strict father in an isolated outpost. His lonely life is turned upside down when a kooky bird crashes into his world and tells him of Zambezia -- a bustling bird city where "there's amazing food, music, sights and sounds." A talented flier, Kai decides to leave his isolated upbringing behind him and explore life in Zambezia. He quickly realizes, however, that getting by in a city can be more difficult and demanding than living alone. Yet, after joining Zambezia's air force and defending it from a band of marauding lizards, he also discovers the true values of teamwork and community sharing. Thornley says the movie was guided by the traditional African principle of ubuntu, which he describes roughly as "a person is a person only because of other people" -- he says that the movie's heartwarming theme will resonate with both African and international audiences. "Everyone can relate to that idea that it's better, it's easier to do things together, that teams are just more vibrant and get more things done," he says. "They are difficult and messy and it's not always easy but it is worth it -- I think that's a universal theme and I hope that audiences around the world come away with that kind of message going: it's safer to stay alone but it's not better." Read more: Film pioneer helps Rwanda build new identity . The concept for the movie originated about seven years ago but production took just over two years to be completed. The third computer generated 3D film to be made in South Africa, "Zambezia" is "probably the biggest budget animated film ever to come out of anywhere in Africa," says Thornley -- Triggerfish was unable to disclose how much the film cost, but said its budget was under $20 million. The movie's international appeal is expected to be raised by the high-profile roster of actors lending their voices to the characters. Thornley says it all became possible after well-known U.S. producer Mace Neufeld saw the film by chance. "He liked what he saw and he finally got involved and started opening doors for us." Read more: 'Netflix of Africa' brings Nollywood to world . Working with top Hollywood stars such as Jackson and Goldblum was "an honor" and "really fun", says Thornley. "It was gratifying that they treated it seriously like any project," he says. "We tend to think of ourselves that we're this little studio but they were fantastic and it was really a great experience," he adds. "Zambezia" had its world premiere at France's Annecy Animation Festival last month and was released in Israel earlier in July. It will hit the big screen in Germany and Switzerland on August 30, while its South Africa release is scheduled for December 26. It has already been sold in more than 30 territories for screening in over 50 countries, including a distribution deal in English-speaking territories with Sony, according to Triggerfish Animation. Thornley says South Africa's animation industry is still young and small but it is "definitely punching above its weight." "I want people to sit back and have a fantastic time with the characters and have a fantastic insight into some of the amazing African landscapes that we've put into this film," says Thornley. "But also I want them to come away really surprised that something like that could come out of Africa and South Africa in particular." | "Zambezia" is a new South African 3D animation feature film .
The movie stars the voices of Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Suarez and Jeff Goldblum .
It has been chosen to close the 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival .
"Zambezia" is targeted toward children aged five to 11 . |
ff577e74bc53471f4bab5f7a728d733002b6377b | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 05:56 EST, 24 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:16 EST, 24 January 2014 . It raised more than a few eyebrows when it was first unveiled by Team Sky in January. But now it seems that the black 'fishnet style' suit showcased by cyclist Chris Froome is attracting attention for all the wrong reasons. The defending Tour de France champion has released pictures of his red raw back - which has been sunburnt through the lightweight mesh while training in South Africa. It raised more than a few eyebrows when it was first unveiled by Team Sky in January. But now it seems that the black 'fishnet style' suit showcased by cyclist Chris Froome is attracting attention for all the wrong reasons . The defending Tour de France champion has released pictures of his red raw back - which has apparently been sunburnt through the lightweight mesh while training . He first . modelled the skin suit - that's so close to actual skin you can see his nipples through the fabric - in January. It features sheer black mesh and there is a modesty-protecting . black panel in the groin. 'Trying out my new 2014 @TeamSky @rapharacing kit. The skin suit takes #marginalgains to the next level,' he tweeted. Manufacturers . Rapha said: 'The design philosophy is ‘robust simplicity': streamlined, . lightweight, durable and unfailingly fit for purpose.' But Froome's fiancée Michelle Cound took . to Twitter to post the picture of her husband-to-be's red raw back, . along with the words: 'The danger with wearing mesh jerseys... #OUCH' Marginal gains: Team Sky's search for perfection has seen them win the past two Tour de France titles . But Froome's fiancée Michelle Cound took to Twitter to post the picture of her husband-to-be's red raw back, along with the words: 'The danger with wearing mesh jerseys... #OUCH' The Tour de France winner headed a list of 10 riders who have signed new contracts with Team Sky for 2014. Froome said on teamsky.com: 'This has been an incredible year for me and I'm delighted to finish it off by signing a new contract with Team Sky. I've been with this team since the start and I know this is the right place for me to continue to grow as a rider. 'It's impossible to win races without the right team beside you so I'd like to thank everyone at the team for their continued support. It's an honour to be a Team Sky rider and I hope to play a big part of its success for years to come.' | Defending Tour de France champion released pictures of red raw back .
He was burned through the black 'fishnet style' aerodynamic suit .
Features sheer black mesh and a modesty-protecting .
black panel in groin . |
ff5790867a25efd8dd7fd8de2bb7deb7866cc05f | A Chinese property group is closing in on a deal to buy Britain's biggest luxury yachtmaker Sunseeker. The firm, whose Predator 108 model appeared in the James Bond film Casino Royale, is expected to be bought by Beijing-based Dalian Wanda for around £300million. It is the latest in a string of British companies to have been snapped up by Chinese buyers in recent years. Deal: Luxury British yachtmaker is expected to be bought by a Chinese property group for around £300million . Celebrity favourite: Actor Michael Douglas with his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones on board a Sunseeker yacht in Monte Carlo . Success: Founder of Sunseeker yachts Robert Braithwaite, right, celebrates signing an order with former Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan . Eddie Jordan's new toy 'The Snapper' a Sunseeker mega-yacht, arriving at The London Boat Show, ExCel . The prestigious boat-maker, based in Poole, Dorset, is a favourite of the rich and famous with owners thought to include Simon Cowell, former French international footballer Marcel Desailly, Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan and drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nigel Mansell. Wang Jianlin, chairman and founder of Dalian Wanda, told the Financial Times: 'We bought the best yacht company in the UK.' Mr Wang is known to be fan of Sunseeker, having bought a Predator 108 Special Edition model in 2010. A spokesman for Sunseeker confirmed that the company is in discussions with a third party interested in buying a majority stake. She described the buyout as a 'significant investment' in the business but insisted 'one thing is for sure, Sunseeker will remain a British brand'. It is understood any deal would be on the basis that manufacturing and design operations remain in Poole to protect the jobs of around 2,300 people. The buyout would represent a major turnaround for Sunseeker which came . to the brink of disaster as a result of the banking crisis in 2010. Sir Ben Ainslie in the cockpit of a Sunseeker Predator 92, which costs £3.9m . Luxury: The premium quality of Sunseeker yachts has made the brand a favourite of the rich and famous . A spokesman added: 'The potential new majority shareholder, who has no current interest in theluxury motor yacht sector, supports Sunseeker’s commitment to superior products and its premium brand, both of which would be further enhanced by its investment.' 'If a deal is concluded, it will be fantastic news for the business, the wider Sunseeker "family" and the motor yacht industry and will allow Sunseeker to expand.' Chinese companies have been buying up luxury European brands, especially in the UK, at a rapid rate in recent years. A young Paul Gascoigne tries out a Sunseeker at The Boat Show . A relaxed-looking Nigel Mansell waves to the crowds at the Southampton Boat Show as he inspects the £1m-plus Sunseeker yacht. He later took delivery of an identical model . British firms under Chinese ownership, or part-ownership, include MG Rover cars, Weetabix, . Thames Water and Birmingham . City football club. The deal would represent a major turnaround for the company, which makes around 50 boats a year, after it came close to disaster three years ago. The group made a loss of £9 million in 2010 after the banking crisis took its toll and broke the terms of . its bank loan. But after a refinancing agreement backed by Dublin-based investment group FL Partners it returned to . profit, announcing orders were already up for 2013. Popular with Arab royalty and Russian oligarchs, the directors said they were seeking to expand into areas including Asia, Russia and Brazil. Founded by Robert Braithwaite in 1968, Sunseeker is now an international company with an annual turnover of almost £290million a year. Its range of luxury yachts varies from sleek, speed merchants to huge vessels with rooms for five cabins and home cinema system. Customers include Arab royalty and Russian oligarchs as well as celebrities of all kinds from film stars to sports icons. Sunseeker models have appeared in several James Bond films, famously racing up the Thames in The World Is Not Enough and most recently in Casino Royale when one is owned by villain Le Chiffre. Robert Braithwaite never dreamed of having such international success when he learned his trade working for his father's engine-servicing company. Founded with a team of seven people, Sunseeker now employees around 2,300. In 2002 Braithwaite was named Entrepreneur of the Year. 'I was always a person with enormous ambition, but I never dreamed of this,' he told the BBC at the time. The company has ridden out the economic pressures of the banking crisis with profits last year set to reach £20.8million. A triumph of British manufacturing, Sunseeker says Mr Braithwaite will remain Group President of the business if any deal is concluded. | Firm expected to be bought out by Beijing-based Dalian Wanda .
Manufacturer, based in Poole, Dorset, founded in 1968 has 2,300 staff .
Models have appeared in several James Bond films .
Favourite of celebs including Michael Douglas and Simon Cowell .
Spokesman insists company 'will remain British' if a deal goes through . |
ff57cfc48437a53d0680fe7e30402d46f43e93de | By . Jill Reilly and Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 07:45 EST, 2 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:01 EST, 2 May 2013 . Acknowledging the uncertainty that lies ahead, President Barack Obama said Thursday that the U.S. will cooperate with Mexico in fighting drug-trafficking and organized crime in any way Mexico's government deems appropriate. He recommitted the U.S. to fighting the demand for illegal drugs and the flow of illegal guns across the border with Mexico even as the southern neighbor rethinks how much access it gives to U.S. security agencies. 'I agreed to continue our close cooperation on security, even as the nature of that cooperation will evolve,' Obama said at a joint news conference with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. 'It is obviously up to the Mexican people to determine their security structures and how it engages with other nations — including the United States.' Arrival: President Barack Obama waves as he arrives to Benito Juarez International airport in Mexico City, Thursday . Agenda: To sell his immigration overhaul back home, Obama (center) needs a growing economy in Mexico and a Mexican president willing to help him secure the border . Shaking hands: U.S. President Barack Obama (right) and his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto shake hands as the president arrives in Mexico City . Obama's remarks come as Pina Nieto, in . a dramatic shift from his predecessor, has moved to end the widespread . access that U.S. security agencies have had in Mexico to help fight . drug-trafficking and organized crime. The White House has been cautious . in its public response to the changes, with the president and his . advisers saying they need to hear directly from the Mexican leader . before making a judgment about the new arrangement. Pina Nieto, speaking at the news . conference in Spanish, downplayed the notion that the new arrangement . would mean less close cooperation with the United States. 'There is no . clash between these two goals,' he said. He said Obama had said the U.S. will 'cooperate on the basis of mutual respect' to promote an efficient security strategy. The two leaders met Thursday at Mexico's National Palace on the first day of Obama's three-day trip to Mexico and Costa Rica. To sell his immigration overhaul back . home, Obama needs a growing economy in Mexico and a Mexican president . willing to help him secure the border. He arrived in Mexico City eager to promote Mexico's economic success and the neighboring country's . place as the second largest export market for U.S. goods and services. Mexicans will be hanging on the American president's words, but Obama also has in mind an important audience back in the United States. Though the role played by Latino voters in last year's U.S. presidential election gets much credit for the current momentum for potentially changing immigration laws and providing a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, another reason for the change in attitudes is that stronger border protections and the recession have been disincentives to cross into the U.S. Tour: President Barack Obama (L) gets a tour of the National Palace in Mexico City from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (right) Meeting: US President Barack Obama (L) and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto make their way to their seats for a bilateral meeting . Cruising: The presidential limousine with President Barack Obama inside drives past the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City's main plaza, the Zocalo . As a result, illegal immigration has declined. 'With Mexico, first and foremost, . they are critical to our ability to secure the border,' said Ben Rhodes, . an Obama deputy national security adviser. 'All . the immigration plans that have been contemplated put a focus on . securing the border as an essential priority and starting point for . immigration reform.' Even better than a strong border is an economy that keeps people from fleeing. 'If . the Mexican economy is growing, it forestalls the need for people to . migrate to the United States to find work,' Rhodes added. Eager to focus on the economy and immigration, the administration is downplaying Pena Nieto's recent steps to end the broad access Mexico gave U.S. security agencies to help fight drug trafficking and organized crime under his predecessor, Felipe Calderon. Still, the changes are likely to be a subject during the two leaders' private talks. Pena Nieto took office in December, and for Obama the trip is an opportunity to take his measure of the Mexican leader early in his tenure. 'It's really important to go there . while this new president is forming his own plans and judgments about . what he's going to do about the border, about where he's going to be on . immigration, about where he is on trade,' U.S. Chamber of Commerce . President/CEO Thomas Donohue said in an interview. The . chamber long has worked to improve U.S.-Mexico trade, noting that now . about 6 million U.S. jobs depend on commerce with Mexico. Drugs: A Mexican federal police officer stands next to packages, believed to be marijuana. The administration is downplaying Pena Nieto's recent steps to end the broad access Mexico gave U.S. security agencies to help fight drug trafficking . Striking the right note on border security is key, Donohue said, because it is a central to winning support in Congress for the rest of the immigration legislation. 'That's what everybody wants to hear, and we have to do that in a way that makes these guys down there feel like we're doing it in conjunction with them and for them, so we can do this thing on immigration well, so we can expand our trade, so we can deal with our political issues as they are trying to deal with theirs,' Donohue said. Still, with 33 million U.S. residents of Mexican origin, Obama's message in Mexico is also bound to resonate in the U.S., where Latinos could increase pressure on Congress to act. 'It helps keep these passions alive as far as an issue to promote for the administration,' said Carl Meacham, a former senior Latin America adviser on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But Meacham, now director of the Americas program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cautioned that despite some bipartisan support to create a path to citizenship in the immigration bill, there is skepticism in Latin America. 'They've been brought to the altar so many times by different American administrations that there's a little bit of a lack of trust,' he said. For Pena Nieto, Obama's visit is a chance for him to showcase his country's economic gains. After suffering along with the U.S. during the recession, its economy is now growing at a better clip than that of the U.S. Per capita income has gone from an annual $7,900 two years ago to $10,146. | Obama needs growing economy in Mexico to sell immigration overhaul .
Hopes Mexican president willing to help him secure the border . |
ff585668eb440ae1e07df2665fa01d3311f0d843 | The mother of a toddler who suffered a . brain injury and burns cried in court on Thursday as a Massachusetts court was shown . videos of her son cowering and being yelled at. The footage was taken in November 2012 just before Jessica Linscott and her boyfriend Roland Dow left her son at a hospital and fled to Florida. The 25-year-old, who is already in prison for child endangerment charges and witness tampering, testified against Dow who is on trial for allegedly beating and burning her son. Scroll down for video . Emotional: Jessica Linscott cried in court on Thursday as she testified that Roland Dow struck her son in the head when he had a seizure . Trial: Roland Dow, pictured in court Thursday, is accused of severely beating and burning his girlfriend's son . She told the court she witnessed Dow strike her son in the head when he had seizures, and admitted that she didn't comfort her son. Linscott claimed in court that Dow physically and mentally abused her, and treated her son 'worse than a dog you don't want'. 'I allowed . a lot of things to happen that I shouldn't have let happen. I was being . a horrific parent,' she said. 'I was neglecting my son's needs. I was . putting Roland first and letting him take control of every situation.' The mother claimed her boyfriend hated her child, and punished him at the slightest provocation. If her son soiled his clothes, Dow would make him go in the shower to rinse off, . holding him down and spraying him with water. Sometimes, the frantic . toddler fell in the tub and got hurt as he struggled, she said. 'No . matter what my son was doing, he was doing it wrong [in Dow's eyes],' she said. 'My son . couldn't color the right way, he couldn't eat the right way, he . couldn't talk the right way.' Threat: Linscott, who is serving a sentence for child endangerment, says her boyfriend had physically abused her and her child . Abuse: The three-year-old boy was treated in hospital for burns and a brain injury . On the run: Dow and Linscott were arrested at a Florida theme park two weeks after leaving Linscott's son at a hospital and fleeing . Linscott said she let Dow abuse and terrify James in part because she feared he would do something even worse if she left him. Linscott, who is serving a two and a half to seven-year prison sentence, told the court she had filmed her son so she could show doctors his behavior. She claimed she believed he was having 'autistic fits' on purpose, and worried there was something seriously wrong with him. In one video, which was filmed just a few days before her son was taken to hospital, he is seen stumbling and complaining that he had a 'tummy ache'. Later, he was seen in the video cowering in a bathtub while being yelled at to stop having seizures. In other videos, the three-year-old appeared stiff and unresponsive as he was sat on the toilet, or put in the bathtub. Coached: In one video, not pictured, the child was filmed as Dow taught him what to say to social workers . Witness: Linscott testified against her boyfriend Dow, who is facing charges of assaulting her son . Arrest: The couple were arrested and charged over the alleged abuse suffered by Linscott's young son . The jury was also shown a video of the couple preparing James for a social worker's . visit in 2012. The video, which Linscott said Dow shot from . under a couch, doesn't clearly show the couple or the boy, but their . voices could be heard. Dow . is heard asking James, 'Do you like being here?', 'Anybody ever spank . you?', and 'Ever go in the shower when you're really bad?'. The little boy can be heard answering softly, 'yeah,' 'no' and 'no.' When he was asked: 'If someone said I hit you, are they lying?' Dow answered himself with a stern 'Yes'. Dow then could be heard saying to the boy: 'Hey, give me a hug. We're best friends, right?' The . couple fled to Florida after leaving the toddler at a hospital in . November 2012. They were arrested at a theme park two weeks later. During their absence, Linscott's son had been treated for a brain injury and burns on his wrist and fingers. The boy was 'beaten to the point where . he almost lost his life,' according to Massachusetts Live, which saw a court motion filed by . Rockingham County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Conway. The . child, who is now five years old, is now being cared for by Linscott's . mother. His father had died of a drug overdose before the alleged abuse . began. Denial: Dow, pictured at his arraignment in 2012, has pleaded not guilty to the abuse charges . Tears: Linscott wiped her eyes after breaking down during her arraignment in 2012 . Dow's . defense attorneys claimed in court that Linscott has a history of falsely accusing others . when she felt threatened. She testified that she lied to doctors and . police before fleeing to Florida, but told the truth when a detective . questioned her about the black eye Dow gave her while they were on the . run. Linscott . said she was afraid to take her son and leave Dow because he had hit . her, ripped out her hair, repeatedly choked her and once threw her down . the stairs. Although she did leave for three days when he threatened to . slit her throat, she said she returned after he said he would kill . himself. Dow has denied all charges being brought against him. | Jessica Linscott testified against Roland Dow who is charged with beating and burning child .
Linscott, who is in prison on child endangerment charges, claimed Dow often punished her three-year-old .
Couple fled to Florida after leaving the child at a hospital in 2012 . |
ff58785fad3e69d85c09653115766a361d44cbe2 | Editor's note: Nell Minow is editor and chairwoman of the Corporate Library, an independent research company, and was named one of the 20 most influential people in corporate governance by Directorship magazine and "the queen of good corporate governance" by BusinessWeek Online. She has co-written three books. Nell Minow says AIG's board must be held accountable for the $160 million in bonus payments. (CNN) -- The stories about the outrageous $160 million bonus payments at AIG have all omitted the most important names. They are the members of AIG's Board of Directors Compensation Committee. These people should have been on the hot seat before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, alongside CEO Ed Liddy. Although there is a lot of blame to go around, ultimately the buck stops -- or, I should say, the bucks should have stopped -- with them. Why haven't we learned that it is the boards who are responsible for the massive failures of strategy and risk management at these companies? Regulators, journalists, securities analysts and investors routinely ignore the most obvious indicators of investment risk that are presented by bad boards of directors. This is particularly obvious in the case of AIG, which has been a serial offender in corporate governance, especially in executive compensation. Those of us who remember former CEO Hank Greenberg's departure from AIG in 2005, after a corporate governance meltdown that included excessive compensation, appreciate the irony of his comment to ABC News that the retention bonuses were "mind-boggling." Mr. Kettle, Pot is on line 1. Compensation committees are not responsible for individual pay packages below the CEO, but they are responsible for determining their overall structure -- and for making sure that the CEO's job includes effective management on compensation issues. Retention of employees may be a legitimate goal of a compensation program, but it can be accomplished in a way that is both effective and credible by being tied to performance goals and by delaying vesting until after the bailout funds are returned to taxpayers. The Corporate Library released a report in February about the boards of the bailout companies, many of which were outliers in their governance and compensation practices. Some of these were clear indicators of investment and liability risk. In several cases, we found individuals who not only sat on more than four corporate boards but also sat on more than one of these particularly troubled boards during this period. Former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, for example, served on the boards of Morgan Stanley, General Motors and Wachovia -- and at various times was also a director at Merck, VF Corp., Krispy Kreme and Cousins Properties. Several other directors from these troubled boards also sat on either five or six boards altogether. We call the phenomenon of directors who serve on four or more corporate boards "overboarding." Overboarding can limit the time and attention a director has for each board. It can also be an indicator of -- or a contributor to -- so many relationships and connections that it makes it more difficult to provide the respectful skepticism necessary for independent oversight. In all, 11 of the 27 companies we identified as "troubled" had at least one overboarded director. Six had more than one; at Merrill Lynch, there were five. By comparison, fewer than 30 percent of S&P 500 companies have even a single overboarded director, and fewer than 5 percent have more than one. Another key finding from our analysis: Shareholders at these companies were well aware of the relative weakness of these boards and had expressed their dissatisfaction by withholding votes from many of these individuals the year before these companies collapsed. At least 13 individual directors, all of whom sat on at least three corporate boards during this period, had received a 13 percent or higher negative vote. The highest of these was a 38.58 percent negative vote received by Sir Winfried F.W. Bischoff at McGraw-Hill, where he sat on the compensation committee. Bischoff also served on the boards at Citigroup (as chairman and interim CEO), Eli Lilly and Prudential. Although the businesses of these companies do not overlap enough to impair Bischoff's designation as an "independent" director or to create legal conflict of interest concerns, it is relevant that McGraw-Hill owns ratings agency Standard & Poor's, which not only rates the other companies for which he was a director but also issues ratings on which the other companies rely in their assessment of risk. Because of the extensive involvement that financial services companies have in many different aspects of the business of large public corporations, directors of those companies in particular should be especially cautious about overlaps and conflicts. Badly designed compensation is an indicator of poor corporate governance, and poor corporate governance is an indicator of investment risk. Instead of trying to tax the bonuses at AIG, the government and the shareholders should insist on new directors. The company's Web site says the compensation committee has five members. The two longest serving ones are James F. Orr III, who joined the committee on May 17, 2006 and Virginia M. Rometty, who joined it on January 17, 2007, according to the company's 2007 proxy statement. The committee's charter says its responsibility include making recommendations to the full board regarding AIG's compensation programs and reviewing and approving any hiring, severance or termination payments. People say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. In this case, insanity is allowing the same people to continue to serve on the board after massive failure and expecting them to produce a different result. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Nell Minow. | Nell Minow: People often overlook crucial role of company board of directors .
She says AIG's board is ultimately responsible for the firm's mistakes .
Minow: Compensation committee members should be held to account .
She says many finance firm board members are too busy on other boards . |
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