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09d38083aaf37c827d387379177fa55b5cee4a3d | LONDON, England (CNN) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has issued a posthumous apology for the "appalling" treatment of Alan Turing, the British code-breaker who was chemically castrated for being gay. A portrait of Alan Turing is currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery's "Gay Icons" exhibition. The apology came after more than 30,000 people signed an online petition on the UK Government Web site calling for the government to recognize the "tragic consequences of prejudice that ended this man's life and career." Turing was just 41 years old when he committed suicide, two years after undergoing a court-ordered chemical castration. He had been found guilty of gross indecency for having a homosexual relationship. The punishment in 1952 was either a prison sentence or chemical castration. Turing chose the latter. In a statement on the British Government Web site, Prime Minister Gordon Brown acknowledged Turing's "outstanding" contribution during World War II. "He truly was one of those individuals we can point to whose unique contribution helped to turn the tide of war," he wrote, adding, "The debt of gratitude he is owed makes it all the more horrifying, therefore, that he was treated so inhumanely." Turing is considered one of Britain's greatest mathematicians, a genius who is credited with inventing the Bombe, a code-breaking machine that deciphered messages encoded by German Enigma machines during World War II. He went on to develop the Turing machine, a theory that automatic computation cannot solve all mathematical problems, which is considered the basis of modern computing. Last month, the curious lack of public recognition for Turing's contribution to the war effort and computing in general motivated computer programmer John Graham-Cumming to campaign on his behalf. The author of the "Geek Atlas," a travel guide for technology enthusiasts, started an online petition, and soon attracted high-profile signatories including scientist Richard Dawkins, actor Stephen Fry, author Ian McEwan and philosopher A.C. Grayling. "I was surprised by both the number of people who signed and the fast response from the government," Graham-Cumming told CNN. He said the Prime Minister had called him personally to relay news of the apology. Stories about calls for a British apology were carried in newspapers in France, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Portugal Poland and the Czech Republic. Supporters set up an international petition which attracted more than 10,000 signatures. | Online petition calling for apology for Alan Turing elicits response from UK PM .
Gordon Brown issues statement apologizing for his "appalling" treatment .
Turing committed suicide two years after undergoing chemical castration .
Best known for decoding messages from German Enigma machines in WWII . |
09d47c7349bebf732d19c3b5b86eac8bdd73cfd7 | Garry Monk has told Swansea supporters to trust the club’s board after talks commenced with foreign investors. Swansea City Supporters Trust are wary of external investment in a club that, in recent years, has been heralded for its ownership model and local backing. But chairman Huw Jenkins said last month the club were ‘miles behind’ their rivals in commercial income and needed to consider alternative revenues in order to compete. Swansea manager Garry Monk has urged fans to have faith with the board over investment talks . It is understood they are now in talks with American millionaire John Jay Moores, as well as his long-time associate Charles Noell. Moores, 70, previously owned the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball franchise in California and a Swansea source told Sportsmail that the Texan is discussing the possibility of purchasing an equity stake in the club, though no offers have yet been made. The club have refused to confirm or deny Moores is in talks. Swansea’s current board has taken the club from League Two to the Premier League and Monk said on Thursday: ‘It's important as a club that we look to push forward. ‘The way to do that is maybe attract other interest and other investment and there are areas of the club that need to be strengthened - facility-wise, commercially, infrastructure and expansion of the stadium. ‘What I would say is over the last 10-11 years you speak to everyone who's been involved at this club and Huw and the board have always made the decisions with the best interests of the club in mind. ‘It's not about someone coming in and taking over everything - people should have trust in the board that they will do whatever's best for the good of Swansea.’ Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins (centre) has helped club go from League Two to the Premier League . He added: ‘The bigger clubs are going to stretch away with more money and the clubs that are left behind must try to stay on their heels enough to compete. ‘This is a way of doing it and that's what the club is looking at. Of course I can understand the fans' concerns but Huw and the board are very shrewd in what they do.’ | Swansea City Supporters Trust are wary of external investment in a club .
Welsh club linked with American millionaire John Jay Moores .
Chairman Huw Jenkins said Swansea were 'miles behind' their rivals . |
09d4912413490fbc33cb448b9019a340a46193b2 | By . Matt Blake and Reuters Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:36 EST, 14 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:51 EST, 14 June 2013 . A local party official for Italy's Northern League caused a national uproar for posting a violent comment on her Facebook page calling for the country's first black minister to be raped. Dolores Valandro, an elected local councilor in the northern city of Padua, wrote above a picture of African-born Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge that she should be raped. Valandro's comment was in reference to a story from an Italian web site called 'All the Crimes of Immigrants' about the alleged attempted rape of two women by an African man. 'Why does no one rape her, so she can understand what the victim of this atrocious crime felt? Shame on you!' Valandro wrote, in capital letters. Insulted: Cecile Kyenge, 48, who was born in Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Italy when she was 18, said Dolores Valandro's words were an 'insult to all Italians' Her comment was quickly circulated and condemned on Facebook and Twitter, and the story shot to the top of news web sites. 'This type of language is beyond me because it incites violence, and it tries to incite violence by the general public,' the 48-year-old Kyenge, who was born in Democratic Republic of Congo and came to Italy when she was 18, replied on Twitter. Inciting violence: Valandro wrote above the picture of Kyenge on Facebook, 'Won't someone rape her, just to make her understand what victims of this terrible crime feel? For shame!' 'This is an insult to all Italians,' she added later. Prime Minister Enrico Letta joined scores of public figures in condemning the rape comment. 'We should all be offended': Prime Minister Enrico Letta joined scores of public figures in condemning the rape comment . 'Cecile . Kyenge is right. Each of us should be offended, as I am. Cecile merits . my personal solidarity, as well as that of the government and the . country,' he said in a statement. Lower house of parliament speaker . Laura Boldrini said: 'The words of the League councilor from Padua, . Dolores Valandro, are unacceptable and full of racism and hate ... What's even worse is that it was a woman with a political role . suggesting rape as a punishment.' Northern League regional secretary Flavio Tosi said Valandro would be ejected from the party for her 'unspeakable' comment. After becoming minister in April, Kyenge has been regularly insulted on far-right web sites. Mario Borghezio, another Northern League member, was expelled from the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group in the European Parliament earlier this month for making racist remarks about Kyenge, including saying she wanted to impose Congo's 'tribal traditions' on Italy. Kyenge is campaigning to make it easier for immigrants to gain citizenship, and she backs a law that would automatically make anyone born on Italian soil a citizen. Valandro later apologized in a radio interview and denied the Northern League was racist. 'It was a comment made in a moment of anger, and I'm sorry,' she said. 'We're always called racists, but it's not true. I've met Congo nationals in city hall myself. It's not a question of racism. If people come here they have to respect the rules a little bit,' she said. | Dolores Valandro, of Italy's Lega Nord, called for Cecile Kyenge to be raped .
She wrote 'Why does no one rape her, so she understands [what it's like]?'
Reference to story about attempted rape of two .
women by an African man .
Kyenge replies: 'This type of language is beyond me as it incites violence'
Cecile Kyenge is Integration Minister and Italy's first black minister . |
09d4badc73423e8ba0cb825b9172e76ef0366c71 | Washington (CNN) -- The sure-to-be politically fraught nomination process for Eric Holder's replacement as attorney general will come after next month's midterm elections, the White House said on Tuesday. An official, speaking anonymously about the nomination process, said Senate Democrats urged the White House to wait until after November's contests to put a nominee forward to head the Justice Department. Democrats are urgently working to maintain control of the Senate, and are expected to lose seats in the Republican-controlled House. Holder, the last of President Barack Obama's original cabinet members, was a politically divisive attorney general, and the fight to replace him is expected to be rancorous on Capitol Hill. A nominee could be pushed through a lame duck session after the midterm elections, though other issues on the congressional docket -- like authorizing Obama's use of force in against ISIS -- are expected to dominate proceedings in November and December. "I do anticipate that Democrats will hold the Senate," White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters after Holder resigned. "That said, I also anticipate that whoever the nominee is will earn and ultimately receive bipartisan support." Democrats close to the nominating process have floated several names as potential Holder replacements: the current Labor Secretary Tom Perez, the former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and former White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler are all considered in the mix. Others include U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and former Justice Department official Tony West. CNN White House Producer Kevin Liptak contributed to this report. | White House says nomination process will start after midterms .
Senate Dems urged White House to wait .
Process to replace him will be rancorous, many say . |
09d63f6e03a24b6ed25fcda29deeb97cd4f2228e | With his country grappling with the damage from "hell-storm" Haiyan, a Philippines official launched a hunger strike Tuesday to pressure a U.N. climate change conference for concrete steps to fight global warming. Naderev Sano, a member of the Philippines Climate Change Commission, said he was fasting "in solidarity with my countrymen who are now struggling for food back home" -- including his own brother, whom Sano said "has been gathering bodies of the dead with his own two hands." "What my country is going through as a result of this extreme climate event is madness. The climate crisis is madness," he said. "Mr. President, we can stop this madness, right here in Warsaw." Sano leads the Philippines delegation to the 19th Conference of the Parties in Poland's capital. He got a standing ovation after he spoke, four days after Super Typhoon Haiyan struck his island nation with estimated winds of 315 kph (195 mph). The storm has left nearly 1,800 people at the latest count. "Despite the massive efforts that my country had exerted in preparing for the onslaught of this storm, it was just a force too powerful, and even as a nation familiar with storms, Haiyan was nothing we have ever experienced before," Sano said. But he said the Philippines refuses to accept that "running away from storms, evacuating our families, suffering the devastation and misery, counting our dead, (will) become a way of life." Sano said he will refrain from eating during the 12-day conference "until a meaningful outcome is in sight." He called for "concrete pledges" to the Green Climate Fund -- a U.N. fund aimed at helping developing nations reduce their climate change emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change -- and said he will continue to fast "until we see real ambition on climate action in accordance with the principles of the convention." He told CNN's Connect the World that while the complete picture of climate change is still being studied, the highest increase in measured sea levels over the past seven decades "has been in the waters just east of the Philippines." "The precautionary principle tells you you shouldn't wait for full scientific certainty before doing something or taking action," he said. "How many lives do we want to lose, not just in the Philippines but in communities that have other climate impacts?" Read more: Projected Typhoon Haiyan death toll falls, but tensions rise . The idea of long-term climate change driven largely by the use of fossil fuels, which release heat-trapping carbon emissions into the atmosphere, is controversial politically but accepted as fact by most researchers. Scientists say they can't pin any particular storm on the process, but that the warming of the air and oceans "loads the dice" in favor of more extreme weather. "When it's a very rare event, we have a challenge scientifically in distinguishing between the rare chance event and the possible effects of global warming. So for these individual storms, that's a particular challenge," said Noah Diffenbaugh, a climate scientist at Stanford University in California. But Diffenbaugh added, "Even though that's challenging science, we do know that global warming is occurring, we do know that human emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary cause of that global warming, and we do know that a number of extreme events have increased in likelihood as a result of that." James Elsner, a climate and statistics expert at Florida State University, said that doesn't necessarily mean more hurricanes or typhoons. "We could see fewer storms, but the ones that do form could be stronger," Elsner said. That appears to be the trend over the past 30 years, he said. An October study in the scientific journal Nature noted that more than 5 billion people live in areas that would be affected by climate change by 2050, and the countries that will first see its effects are the ones least capable of responding. And a June report by the World Bank noted that the Philippines is already seeing the effects of a warming climate, ranking 16 of its provinces among the most vulnerable regions in southeast Asia. Watch the opening session of the 19th COP . The Philippines has launched efforts to better prepare for the impact of climate change, President Benigno Aquino III told CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday. But he said addressing the issue is a global problem. "We all live on one planet," Aquino said. "Either we come up with a solution that everybody adheres to and cooperates with, or let us be prepared to meet disasters." On the table in Warsaw is the issue of compensating countries that suffer from the effects of climate change and can't afford to adapt on their own. "The poorest people of the world are at greater risk because of our vulnerability and decades of maldevelopment, which I also must assert is connected to the kind of pursuit of economic growth that has led to an altered climate system," Sano said. In his remarks to the conference, Sano challenged climate change skeptics to "get off their ivory towers and away from the comfort of their armchairs" to see the communities battling flooding, hurricanes and fires. "And if that is not enough, they may want to see what has happened to Philippines now," he said. This year's Warsaw conference brings together countries that have signed onto the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. The annual meetings review the parties' progress in limiting global temperature increases. Sano said that at the last conference, held in Qatar less than a year ago, he appealed to the world to open its eyes as the Philippines had confronted another catastrophic storm -- Typhoon Bopha, then the costliest in its history. Read more: December 2012: Bopha death toll rises . "Less than a year hence, we cannot imagine that a disaster much bigger would come. With an apparent cruel twist of fate, my country is being tested by this hell-storm called Super Typhoon Haiyan," he said. He said he spoke on behalf of his delegation as well as "the countless people who will no longer be able to speak for themselves after perishing from the storm." Sano's protest prompted Twitter users to begin using the hashtag #fastfortheclimate in support. The Climate Action Network -- a body of 850 nongovernmental organizations -- later announced that members of "civil society" were joining Sano in fasting, in a move it said is "unprecedented within the history of the climate movement." Climate Action Network spokeswoman Ria Voorhaar said the protest is spreading "far and wide," with at least 100 people in Warsaw for the conference also fasting. "A lot of climate-focused youth groups have jumped on it immediately to show solidarity," she said. Voorhaar said the hunger strikers want the Warsaw conference to take "concrete steps" toward reducing carbon emissions before 2020, enacting an international mechanism for damages and financing efforts to adapt to a warming world. | "How many lives do we want to lose?" hunger-striking official asks .
Sano says his brother is safe, but other relatives remain unaccounted for .
Philippines climate conference delegate fasts to demand action .
Scientists believe warmer climate will fuel more powerful storms . |
09d86bd1171a53ff276e42564bbad962fda2a297 | Britain's youngest entrepreneur has set up his third business at the age of nine. Henry Patterson started his first enterprise when he was just seven selling bags of manure for £1. The schoolboy slicker then went on to set up his own eBay store where he sold items he had bought from charity shops - and made himself £150. Now Henry - who looks like a junior . Gordon Gekko from 80s film Wall Street - has started a children's online . sweet shop called Not Before Tea. Nine-year-old entrepreneur, Henry Patterson (left), from Lidlington, in Bedfordshire, who is set to be a real life Gordon Gecko and (right) Michael Douglas as the character . He has already had over 100 orders for his sweets and smashed his £10 profit target for the first month in the first week. The youngster, who created his own . logo and did all his own marketing, is a dab hand at spreadsheets, . margins and business rates. He proudly hands out business cards . emblazoned with 'creative director' to fellow pupils at Swanbourne House . School, Buckinghamshire. And he already has big plans for the future. As well as adding to his business . portfolio he hopes hopes to direct his own film after writing a . screenplay featuring the characters from his sweet shop. The schoolboy has gone into partnership with his mother Rebecca who runs an online confectionary store. Sweet success: Harry has recently launched his third business, an online sweet store . A jar of the 'Not before Tea' range of sweets available on nine-year-old Henry Patterson's website . Henry has come up with the idea, designed the logo and marketed his new business a children's sweet shop called Not Before Tea . Henry, whose father Julian, 52, works . in marketing, said: 'I started coming up with business ideas when I was . five. I started selling manure and I loved it - even if it was a bit . smelly. 'My friends couldn't believe it when I . set up the sweet shop. But I don't think they were really surprised . either because I've set up my other businesses before. 'No one knows the type of sweets that . children like better than a child. I just love looking at the products . there in front of me. 'The best part of the sweet shop is . that I get to taste test all the sweets. My favourite one is the old . fashioned liquorice straws. 'I get five per cent of what I make into my bank account and I try and spend it on things for the businesses. 'I want to try and carry on with this for the next ten years, but I want to set up more businesses after this one. I made a film about a tadpole that can't swim. I think I would like to be a film director when I'm older.' A screenshot of Henry Patterson's Sherbet Pip company website . Henry hopes hopes to direct his own film after writing a screenplay featuring the characters from his sweet shop . Henry has created a whole story around his sweet products with two central characters - Sherbet and Pip. His jar containers come with pens so kids can doodle on their own designs and also include reward stickers for parents to give children who clean their teeth before bed. Henry added: 'I thought I didn't want to do just sweets so I came up with the idea of Sherbet and Pip. I really loved English at school and so I thought we should have a story to go along with the shop. 'I hate cleaning my teeth after I have eaten sweets but love getting stickers at the dentist. That's how I got the idea.' Henry has contributed his own product range to the site with sweet jars that include mud, worms and alien themed sweets. His mother, a PR manager, set up her Sherbetpip.co.uk site as part of a programme with Bedfordshire County Council that shows young people how easy it can be to start a small business. The pair are now in talks with producers at ITV's Saturday Night Takeaway about featuring the sweet jars in hampers to be given away at the show. Mrs Patterson, 39, said: 'Henry's got a business brain and thinks this venture is the start of other adventures. He could tell you how much everything costs and how much it costs to put together each jar. 'He has three ambitions. One is to make £10 from this business - which he's already achieved, one is to meet David Walliams and the other is to see his products sold in a big shop. 'He plans to keep this business going until he is 16 and all the money he makes is going into a bank account to help start any other future businesses. 'I'm really proud of him. But this is just how he works. He rings me from school and asks me if the site is live. 'But the only thing he is not allowed to do is pack the jars with sweets because of hygiene and health and safety. If he wants money he has to go out and try and make it himself.' | Schoolboy slicker Henry Patterson started first enterprise aged seven .
Now he has started a children's online .
sweet shop called Not Before Tea .
Henry has already had over 100 orders for his sweets .
And, he looks like a junior .
Gordon Gekko from 80s film Wall Street . |
09d8857215cb52af8b41b33dff8dbc03f6bd42d9 | (CNN) -- Sylvia Robinson, a singer-songwriter who went on to become a pioneer in the hip-hop music business, introducing the seminal "Rapper's Delight," died Thursday in New Jersey of congestive heart failure. She was 76. Best known as an artist for 1973's sultry "Pillow Talk," Robinson was a "trendsetter" in music, publicist Lynn K. Hobson told CNN. "She was known as the founder of hip-hop," Hobson said. "She was vibrant, with an over-the-top personality." Robinson's singing, producing and songwriting career dated back to the 1950s, when she recorded as "Little Sylvia" and later as one half of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia." The team's hit "Love Is Strange," which hit the pop charts in early 1957 and reached No. 1 on the rhythm-and-blues chart, found new life three decades later in the 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing." She also produced "Love On a Two-Way Street" for the Moments in 1970. Born Sylvia Vanterpool, Robinson and her late husband, Joe, founded Sugar Hill Records in 1979 and released the early hip hop hit, "Rapper's Delight," performed by the Sugar Hill Gang. Her eldest son, Joey, was a member of the group she formed. The song, which adapted the musical track of Chic's "Good Times," began with the familiar lines, "I said a hip hop, a hippie, a hippie to the hip hip hop, you don't stop to rock it." The label also signed Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, which had success in the 1980s, including the hit "The Message." Kanye West and Alicia Keys are among the artists who sampled songs associated with Robinson, Hobson said. The funeral is scheduled for October 11 at Community Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey. "RIP to my grandmother," MTV personality Darnell Robinson, the entrepreneur's grandson, wrote on his Twitter account Thursday. "We lost Mommy Sylvia this morning but she will never be forgotten!" CNN's Phil Gast contributed to this report. | Singer-songwriter and music entrepreneur dies at 76 .
She was most known for single "Pillow Talk"
Sylvia Robinson helped start Sugar Hill Records . |
09d913708f60d05fceb3859172638910c889f882 | (CNN) -- A line of angry protesters waving signs and wearing scows formed a ring around the front entrance of the Daily News' headquarters. They took turns at the bullhorn accusing the paper of everything from libel to genocide. They didn't bring a list of demands; they weren't looking to negotiate. They had one goal: to shut the paper down forever. "We're going to march until the walls come down," one shouted. Employees who would normally head out the revolving door to one of the lunch trucks along Broad street developed a taste for cafeteria food that day. Not Chuck Stone. Stone, senior editor of the newspaper they had pledged to kill, walked out the front entrance and met their scows with a broad smile. Picketers committed to the complete destruction of the Daily News returned his smile or nodded in recognition as they passed him. A few even shook his hand. I'll never forget that scene. It was, at once, improbable yet typical of a man who was as comfortable in the salons of power as he was in the embrace of the disadvantaged. Chuck was the last man you'd pick out of a lineup of guys suspected of aiding and abetting dangerous felons. In his horn-rimmed glasses, hand-tied, silk bowties and graying crew cut, he looked like a grown-up version of the nerds that tough guys used to beat up to burnish their reps. But fugitives who were wanted for vicious assaults and heinous crimes would call Chuck before they called their lawyers. In a town where some cops were known to administer curbside justice, surrendering to Chuck Stone was a way to keep from having their faces rearranged on the way to jail. At least 75 fugitives did just that over Stone's 19-year career. In 1981, he negotiated the release of six prison guards being held hostage by a band of armed inmates whose leader was doing life for killing a cop. Prisoners guards and a remarkably composed Chuck Stone emerged unscathed from the two-day ordeal. His departure in 1991 ended a 19-year run as the most influential columnist in town. Chuck's courtly manners and air of refinement could disarm the unwary. But the Daily News knew what they were getting when they hired him in 1972. Newsweek magazine had once dubbed him "the angry man of the negro press." Philadelphia was a target-rich environment in 1972. Frank Rizzo, a former police commissioner who had once left a formal dinner in a tuxedo to supervise the public strip search of a group of unarmed Black Panthers, had been elected mayor. Chuck began his Daily News tenure in time to see four City Council members, including the city council president get ensnared in the Abscam net. In a one-party town where an inbred Democratic machine reigned supreme, Chuck Stone was like a kid in a candy shop. He attacked police brutality, political corruption, the chronic failure of public schools and institutional injustice twice a week in the Daily News and weekly on his aptly-named TV show, "On Target". He was the Daily News' first black columnist. But he never saw color when he was looking through his gun sights. He described Wilson W. Goode, the city's first black mayor, as a "paternalistic ferret." When State Rep. Dwight Evans was the most-powerful black politician in the state capital, Stone called him "an oleaginous eel." The English language was a sharp tool in his hands. He described one of his targets as a "retromingent," a term for an animal who urinates backward. But he could be effusive in praise. He originated the George Fencl Award, an honor named for a cop known for the kind of firm but fair police work which Stone advocated. His death on April 6 at age 89 ended a lifetime of service. He was trained as a Tuskegee Airman in a segregated U.S. Army in WWII. He had worked overseas for an international aid organization in the '50s. In the '60s, he was a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and later authored three books. He ended his career as a professor of Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before retiring five years ago. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is as a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists. Les Payne, a Pulitizer Prize-winning columnist and NABJ co-founder once described him as the first amongst equals in founding NABJ. "There were a lot of us in the room," Payne told me. "But Chuck was the one holding the clipboard." Join us on Facebook.com/CNNOpinion. | Elmer Smith remembers Chuck Stone, legendary Philadelphia journalist, who died April 6 .
Stone was known as a thorn in the side of police and an advocate for the little guy .
Stone was a Tuskegee Airman and a founder of National Association of Black Journalists . |
09d95513143829486be87d83fe09cdf2b98ac13d | (CNN) -- The body found Saturday in a fortified bunker in Washington state is believed to be a murder suspect who had been hiding inside, the King County Sheriff's Office said. A sheriff's SWAT team blew a hole in the roof of the hideout with explosives and saw what they believe to be the body of Peter Keller. It appeared he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the sheriff's office said. "They believe the person has been dead for some time. There's a great deal of blood and a pistol nearby," Sheriff Steven D. Strachan said. A bomb disposal unit cleared the bunker to ensure there were no explosives or booby traps, officials said. Deputies earlier said they had Keller, 41, contained inside the bunker. Authorities fired tear gas late Friday into the bunker, set into the Cascade foothills about 25 miles east of Seattle. It was unclear whether the gas went deep enough to have any effect. Keller had not been seen since Sunday following a fire at his home, where the bodies of his wife and teenage daughter were discovered. His standoff with authorities began Friday after investigators found evidence that led them to the bunker near Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, according to the sheriff's office. Authorities didn't immediately send deputies in because of safety concerns. Investigators do not have a clear motive for the slayings, according to Sgt. Cindi West of the King County Sheriff's Office. Keller, who did not have a criminal record, was described as a survivalist by some relatives, West said. "We gathered he had a doomsday attitude ... family and friends have indicated he thought the world was going to end at some point," West said. Keller likely had plenty of arms and supplies in the bunker, officials said. Clues to Keller's whereabouts came while investigators were processing evidence at his house, authorities said. People in the area also reported seeing Keller's pickup truck near the trailhead. "This isn't a hole in the ground. This is a large built-up structure," Strachan said of the bunker. "But hidden. It took some time to find it. In fact our tactical team smelled the wood smoke coming before they actually saw it." Strachan said Keller's house nearby was set afire Sunday after the slayings, but it failed to spread beyond the kitchen. Authorities found a hard drive with photos, he told CNN Seattle affiliate KING. One photo was enhanced and it aided in the search for Keller, who authorities said had been building the bunker for at least eight years. The sheriff's office this week obtained an arrest warrant for Keller stipulating two counts of first-degree murder and first-degree arson. CNN's Phil Gast and Kara Devlin contributed to this report. | A body with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound is found .
Authorities believe it is the body of Peter Keller .
Keller is suspected of killing his wife and daughter .
His motive for the slayings is unclear . |
09dba9542ee64697d789d47ecd3bd53bc8b0d953 | (CNN) -- 2005 champions Croatia take on neighbors and arch-rivals Serbia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals this weekend -- their first tennis clash since becoming independent nations following the break-up of the old Yugoslavia. The tie in Split gives Croatia home advantage, but in terms of world rankings Serbia, headed by Novak Djokovic, will start as narrow favorites to reach the last four. What is guaranteed is a tinderbox atmosphere in a Spaladium Arena filled to the brim with about 1,000 Serbian fans in the 10,000 capacity crowd. Mindful of recent incidents at the Australian Open where Serb and Croat fans have been involved in ugly scuffles, extra security measures have been laid on by local police. Yugoslavia reached the Davis Cup semifinals three times, the last being in 1991, the year Croatia declared independence, leading to a bloody Balkan war with the Serbs. Fortunately, relations have improved at all levels between the countries and Djokovic told CNN's Open Court earlier this year that players in the Croatian team were among his best friends on the circuit. "I mostly get along with tennis players from my country, from Serbia, Tipsarevic, and from Croatia, Ljubicic, Ancic and Cilic, all these guys that I speak the same language with, it gets easier to have a friendship with and have a good connection," he revealed. That friendship will be put aside when action in the best-of-five tie gets underway on Friday with the opening singles rubbers. Croatia have been hit by injuries to Mario Ancic and big-serving Ivo Karlovic, with Ivan Ljubicic coming out of Davis Cup retirement especially for this tie. With the reshuffles, a heavy weight of expectation falls on the shoulders of Croatian number one, 21-year-old Marin Cilic, who said the tie was going to be a "memory for life." "It's going to be a clash of two great nations," he told the official Davis Cup website. "There's going to be a lot of tension in the air but hopefully everything is going to go all right." Cilic, who lost in the first round at Wimbledon, like Ljubicic is at his best on the indoor hard court surface being used in Split. They will need to be with Djokovic, newly installed as world number two, leading a Serbian team boasting Viktor Troicki, Janko Tipsarevic and doubles world number one Nenad Zimonjic. Djokovic is confident of victory but also wary of Croatia's home advantage. "Given the quality of our team, it is logical to expect victory," he told his official website. "Of course, it is hard to predict what will happen there, because being a host in Davis Cup matches is an advantage. Djokovic wants top spot in rankings . "But, as I said, we have quality, which we've been confirming years back and we can challenge any team on any surface in any country. I am optimistic," he added. Serbia knocked out the United States 3-2 in their last 16 World Group tie to reach the quarterfinals for the first time but Djokovic wants them to go all the way. "We have a good chance to pass the Croats, and I think we can go all the way to the finals," he concluded. Djokovic opens against Ljubicic in the first singles match Friday, with Cilic then playing Troicki. In Saturday's key doubles clash, Croats Ivan Dodik and Antonio Veic are up against Tipsarevic and Zimonjic. In other ties, defending champions Spain will be without world number one and Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal as they take on France at Clermont- Ferrand. Spain are bidding for a hat-trick of titles while France are hampered by the loss through injury of their top-ranked player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Another absentee this week is Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych who misses the Czech Republic's visit to Chile in Coquimbo. Russia have Nikolay Davydenko back for their Moscow tie against Argentina, who are missing injured U.S. Open champ Juan Martin del Potro. | Croatia take on Serbia in Davis Cup quarterfinal tie in Split .
First tennis clash between the nations since the break-up of the old Yugoslavia .
Serbian number one Novak Djokovic confident his team can secure victory .
Defending champions Spain without Rafael Nadal for tie against France . |
09dd11faeff6665ac70fad840bfa2a2b21ac2717 | Paul Scholes believes Raheem Sterling and Jack Wilshere should follow the lead of Juan Mata and play in next summer's European Under 21 Championship, should England qualify. Gareth Southgate's Young Lions take on Croatia in the first leg of their play-off at Molineux on Friday night and head into the match in fine form having won nine of their 10 group games. But former England and Manchester United midfielder Scholes writes in his Independent column that there needs to be a culture change if England are to succeed at Under 21 level. Jack Wilshere - man of the match against San Marino - will be eligible to play for the Under 21s next summer . Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling should also go the European Under 21 Championship, says Paul Scholes . 'There are too many young players who, having made a senior debut, see a move to the Under 21s as a demotion,' Scholes argues. 'Calum Chambers is a prime example. He went from the Under 19s to the senior team. Then he was in the Under 21s squad this week until the injury to John Stones meant that he returned to the seniors. 'I have no reason to doubt that Chambers would have taken the Under 21s seriously. But if any player needs a reminder, they only have to look as far as Juan Mata. He was part of the Spain squad that won the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa and then went back to the Under-21s the following summer and won the European Championship. Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata celebrates with the World Cup trophy in 2010 . Mata with his Bronze Boot award after helping Spain to the European Under 21 title in Denmark in 2011 . Scholes says that Calum Chambers (above) should not consider an Under 21s call-up a demotion . 'If it is good enough for Mata, why not English lads, too? Should Southgate’s team make it to the tournament, I would advocate taking Raheem Sterling and Jack Wilshere to the tournament next summer, even though they are well-established in the senior team.' Scholes highlights the counter-argument to his point; namely that dropping players who had played in qualifiers for those who haven't would be inherently unfair. But he retorts: 'Does the Football Association want to win something? If the answer is 'Yes', then it is time to be ruthless about getting the best team on the pitch.' Scholes played 66 times for England but never made an appearances for the Under 21s . | Paul Scholes says an England Under 21 call-up for a senior player such as Calum Chambers shouldn't be considered a demotion .
Juan Mata won the European Under 21 Championship with Spain the year after he had been part of their World Cup-winning squad in South Africa .
Jack Wilshere and Raheem Sterling eligible for Under 21s next summer .
Scholes says both should play if England qualify by beating Croatia . |
09dd93b0fe9ada5ead807f15de4fadf4bd3b9fbd | London, England (CNN) -- Not many people would see quadriplegia as a gift. But then, not many people are Paul Callahan. As a 21-year-old Harvard University student, Paul's life was full of possibility. An undergraduate studying business at one of the best universities in the world, there was a lot to look forward to for the young man from Massachusetts. Then a freak accident changed everything. Paul slipped on a wet floor, breaking his neck and rendering him paralyzed from the chest down. He retained the use of his arms, but not his hands. Callahan spent the next five years traveling to rehabilitation centers across the United States in search of a way to walk again. When a doctor finally suggested it was time to concentrate on living instead of walking, Paul did exactly that. Almost 30 years later, the 55-year-old father of two is now set to represent the United States in sailing at the Paralympics. "It's an evolutionary process where you transition from one life to the other," Paul told CNN. "I never gave up moving forward. You can define that as walking or being a contributing member of society. At 26 I chose the later." Golden hopes . Next week Paul and his two team mates -- both amputees -- will take to a 24-foot boat for the three-person sailing event at the Paralympics. Skipper Paul drives the boat by wearing rollerblading gloves on his hands, attached to bicycle pedals. The pedals are in turn linked to a pulley system that steers the vessel. This will be Paul's second Paralympics, after his debut at Sydney in 2000. The U.S. team failed to win a medal, but as Paul admits he was still fresh to the sport. With a fifth place in the Disabled Sailing World Championships in Weymouth last year, this time gold is on the cards, he insists. Watch: Sailing for social change . It would be an incredible achievement in a life already marked by success. Paul returned to Harvard in 1983, becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from the university. He then went on to work at Goldman Sachs as an asset manager for 15 years. "Everyone is quite capable of doing much more than they think they can," Paul said. "Once they realize that fact, then the world becomes their oyster." Sail to Prevail . It was a chance sailing trip in 1995 that sparked Paul's love for the sport -- and a new venture that would help thousands of disabled children. "I got on a sailboat and looked back at my empty wheelchair on the dock," Paul said. "It was the first time in 15 years I was able to do something on my own. It was an incredible moment." So inspiring was the experience, Callahan left his Wall Street job and took over Sail to Prevail -- a non-profit organization that teaches disabled children to sail. Watch: Sailing solo around the world . From starting with eight children a year, the charity, based in Newport, Rhode Island, now helps around 1,000 youngsters annually. Their disabilities vary from spinal cord injuries to autism, and Paul says when he races for gold next month, it'll be for them. "When we get on the starting line against 14 other countries, I want to win a gold medal just as much as they do -- but I've got an additional motivation," he said. "The better my team does, the more powerful impact it will have for Sail to Prevail." The gift . It is perhaps a testament to Paul's mental strength that he views his disability as a special opportunity in life. "I've been given an extraordinary gift where I can affect people's lives in ways other people can't. So I see it as a responsibility," he said. There have been some dark moments Paul admits. But with his wife, Alisa, 9-year-old twin sons and the Paralympics on the horizon, what's the point in dwelling on that instant he slipped on a wet floor? "I've been very fortunate," he said, adding: "You've only got a limited amount of time in life. So you may as well choose to put that towards positive effort, rather than squandering it on the negative." | Quadriplegic Paul Callahan will represent the U.S. in sailing at Paralympics .
Broke his neck in freak accident when he was a 21-year-old undergrad at Harvard .
Went on to graduate from business school and work on Wall Street for 15 years .
Now CEO of Sail to Prevail, a sailing school for disabled children . |
09dedb0cb7390ede267efea0b9af8f350ebdbbfa | Historic: President Barack Obama will make a groundbreaking visit to Burma later this month, it has emerged. He is pictured celebrating following his re-election on Tuesday . President Barack Obama will make history by becoming the first U.S. President to visit Burma, it has emerged. The visit - which would be one of the first foreign trips following Obama's re-election on Tuesday - will take place on November 18/19, according to an official within the Burmese government. It will be part of Obama's efforts to encourage democracy in the Southeast Asian nation. The official, who did not want to be . named, said Obama would meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as . well as government officials including reformist President Thein Sein. U.S. officials have not yet announced any plans for a visit, which would come less than two weeks after Obama's election to a second term. The Burmese official, speaking from the . capital, Naypyitaw, said today that security for the visit had been . prepared, but that the schedule was not final. Obama's administration has sought to encourage the recent democratic progress under Thein Sein by easing sanctions applied against Burma's previous military regime. Officials in nearby Thailand and Cambodia have already informally announced plans for visits by Obama that same week. Cambodia is hosting a summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Thailand is a longtime close U.S. ally. The visit to Burma would be the culmination of a dramatic turnaround in relations with Washington as the country has shifted from five decades of ruinous military rule and shaken off the pariah status it had earned through its bloody suppression of democracy. Obama's ending of the long-standing U.S. isolation of Burma's generals has played a part in coaxing them into political reforms that have unfolded with surprising speed in the past year. The U.S. has appointed a full . ambassador and suspended sanctions to reward Burma for political . prisoner releases and the election of Nobel laureate Suu Kyi to . parliament. Groundbreaking: An official within the Burmese government said Obama would meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, right, as well as reformist President Thein Sein, left . From Burma's point of view, the lifting of sanctions is essential for . boosting a lagging economy that was hurt not only by sanctions that . curbed exports and foreign investment, but also by what had been a . protectionist, centralised approach. Thein Sein's government has initiated major economic reforms in addition to political ones. A procession of senior diplomats and world leaders have traveled to Burma, stopping both in the remote, opulent capital city, which was built by the former ruling junta, and at Suu Kyi's dilapidated lakeside villa in the main city of Yangon, where she spent 15 years under house arrest. New Zealand announced today that Prime Minister John Key would visit Burma after attending the regional meetings in Cambodia. Significant: The most senior U.S. official to visit Burma was Hillary Clinton, who last December became the first U.S. secretary of state to travel to the country in 56 years . The most senior U.S. official to visit was Hillary Rodham Clinton, who last December became the first U.S. secretary of state to travel to the country in 56 years. The Obama administration regards the political changes in Burma as a marquee achievement in its foreign policy, and one that could dilute the influence of China in a country that has a strategic location between South and Southeast Asia, regions of growing economic importance. But exiled Burmese activists and human rights groups are likely to criticise an Obama visit as premature, rewarding Thein Sein before his political and economic reforms have truly taken root. The military - still dominant and implicated in rights abuses - has failed to prevent vicious outbreaks of communal violence in the west of the country that have left scores dead. | The visit - which would be one of the first foreign trips following Obama's re-election on Tuesday - will take place on November 18/19 .
It is believed Obama will meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as well as reformist President Thein Sein . |
09df2ae8806bd0e78398bb1cc2bc8b1e4d200061 | By . Richard Shears . PUBLISHED: . 10:16 EST, 16 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:36 EST, 16 November 2012 . A shipwrecked yacht containing £80million of cocaine and the decomposing body of a dead crew member has been found by divers in the Pacific. The unusual discovery of the French-named vessel called Jereve, which was laden with 204 one-kilo blocks of cocaine, was made about ten miles north of Tonga's main island. A second crew member from the 40ft yacht, which had been tracked by authorities since it left Ecuador in August, is missing leaving police in four countries trying to establish if he is dead or on the run. Unusual discovery: A shipwrecked yacht called Jereve containing . £80million of cocaine and the decomposing body of a dead crew member has . been found by divers in the Pacific . Above, some of the 204 one-kilo blocks of cocaine found on board . The boat, which ran . aground on a reef, was discovered . by a group of divers who were exploring the area. Police in Tonga said the body had been taken to Nuku'alofa, the capital of the island of Tongatapu, where it is hoped the cause of death can be established. And police in Australia, Tonga, the Cook Island and the United States Drugs Enforcement Agency said yesterday that the drug-smuggling voyage had been organised by a crime syndicate with Australia believed to be the destination. The neatly-packaged drugs were found hidden in the hull of the yacht, which is known to have a history of sailing in waters off central America and Colombia in South America. The luxurious ship has three staterooms and space to sleep six people. The translation of its French name is 'I dream'. Expensive cargo: The neatly-packaged drugs were found hidden in the hull of the yacht, which is known to have a history of sailing in waters off central America and Colombia in South America . David Sharpe, Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said he was certain the drugs were bound for Australia . The wreck has left police trying to . solve several questions including whether the man who was discovered on . board had died before the yacht hit the reef. Former New Zealand police officer Mr . Grant O'Fee, who is now the Police Commissioner in Tonga, confirmed that . the body was that of a 'palagni' – the Tongan name for a white person . and not a Pacific islander or a Latin American. 'We have not yet been able to establish his name and we have yet to ascertain the cause of death,' said Mr O'Fee. But he confirmed that two men had been on board the vessel when it left Ecuador and it had been monitored by drug enforcement agencies. The yacht had been under watch for nearly two months as it sailed across the Pacific, but then the agencies monitoring it lost contact on October 5. Australian Federal Police (AFP) have sent forensic pathologists to Tonga to help with the investigation into the identity of the man. Mr David Sharpe, Acting Assistant Commissioner of the AFP, said he was certain the drugs were bound for Australia. Referring to the surveillance that had been place on the vessel earlier and the activity now surrounding it, he said it showed the value of collaboration between numerous countries spanning the Asia-Pacific region. 'This is an outstanding example of the effectiveness and strength of the relationships with our partners in the South Pacific and in the US to combat transnational crime in the region' said Mr Sharpe. He said this was the fourth drug vessel since 2010 targeting Australia 'so that's a total of 1.1 tons of cocaine on four yachts that have been stopped from reaching the shores of Australia,' he said. Mr O'Fee said forensic scientists would probably be analysing the corpse over the weekend. 'Identification of the body is not going to be an easy task, as you can imagine, ' he told Radio New Zealand. | Vessel had been tracked by drug enforcement authorities after it left Ecuador, but they lost contact on October 5 .
Discovery of 204 one-kilo blocks of cocaine was made about ten miles north of Tonga's main island .
Police trying to identify whether second crew member who is missing is dead or managed to escape . |
09df70a379653872798f1284efe95240944f6af6 | (EW.com) -- In the late 1950s, a young singer called Ernest Evans began going by the name of Chubby Checker, a handle bestowed in part by Dick Clark's wife (seriously!). Because it was a less vulgar time, nobody thought to warn young Chubby that his new moniker was just begging to be used as a lame double entendre (example: "Chubby Checker? I barely know 'er!"). But 60-odd years later, times have most definitely changed. Celebrities show off their female breast nipples all willy-nilly, despite strict orders from the suits at CBS. Nobody really gives a f— when somebody drops an f-bomb on national TV during the year's most-watched program. And not too long ago, some jokester thought it'd be funny to make an app called "The Chubby Checker," which promises to predict the size of a man's Sammy Davis Jr. based on what size shoe he wears. EW: J.Lo saves Adele from huskster . Naturally, Checker wasn't pleased when he found out about the app's existence — and now he's filing a $500,000,000 trademark infringement lawsuit against Hewlett Packard due to the "irreparable damage and harm" caused by this goofy little novelty. EW: 'Jeopardy' goes all out with 'Call Me Maybe' clues . The twist: The app was removed from all Palm and HP-hosted web sites in September 2012, and the operating system that runs it was discontinued even before then in August 2011. So Checker is asking for half a billion dollars on account of something that cost $.99, was downloaded a grand total of 84 times, and would have faded away quietly and completely if not for this headline-grabbing lawsuit. Bad move, Chubs; you'll never get kinged if this is the way you play. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | The "Chubby Checker" app has run afoul of the singer .
It claims to predict the size of a certain body part .
The app was removed years ago . |
09e1f6253baaa7732bfaaa5242f8cd834f892396 | By . Joshua Gardner . Two stars of popular new reality series Southern Charm whose pregnancy false alarm became a major story arc really did have a baby. Thomas Ravenel, 51, and much younger girlfriend Kathryn Dennis, 22, became parents despite an episode in which Dennis' pregnancy test came back negative that aired on Bravo, TMZ is reporting. The two reportedly kept their reality TV tryst going after cameras stopped rolling and began shacking up in Palm Beach, Florida. On March 24, the South Carolina celebutante gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Kensington. Scroll down for video... May-December: 50-year-old Ravenel's relationship with the 22-year-old local celebutante immediately raised eyebrows at garden parties across Charleston, South Carolina. Now they'll be raising a child . A recent multi-episode arc of their . southern-gentry-on-the-rocks docuseries showcased Dennis' pregnancy . scare, though it remained unclear if it was Ravenel who was the . potential father or fellow star and self-proclaimed rascally raconteur . Shep Rose. Lucky for everyone, except perhaps the show's rabid fans, Dennis did not end up being pregnant. At least not at the time. The high-drama duo stole away to Florida, where they continue to live as a couple, where the baby was presumably conceived. While Ravenel seemed extremely relieved when his gal pal's test came back negative, he told BravoTV's The Dish that he felt the opposite when he met his bouncing baby girl. 'It's really a blessing,' he said. 'It's one of the greatest creations one could ever hope to be apart of!' In fact, it was the scare itself that showed Ravenel just how much having a baby with Dennis would mean to him. Happy family: The happy couple say their families are happy with the new addition, despite both being from conservative southern families. Her family, who live in this large but well-worn South Carolina home, were especially happy and visited the baby the day it was born . Rags to riches? The millionaire former politician met Dennis' family, who live two miles out a dirt road, not long after her original pregnancy scare . Faithful: A recent episode of Southern Charm introduced viewers to Dennis's faithful family, including her grandmother (center) and mother and father . Welcome to the family! The grandmother's advice when she learned of Dennis' relationship with a rich older man: Start taking pre-natal vitamins . 'I'm getting on in my age and I wanted a child,' he said. 'And after we had wrapped up shooting in Charleston, we had both decided we wanted to have a baby for real. We both love each other and care about each other.' The new mom is doing well, too, Ravenel said. 'She has tremendous motherly instincts,' he said. 'She's been constantly reading books about babies and doing her homework. She is all over her new responsibilities. 'She has the energy and the mindset to make sure the baby is well taken care of. I've really grown to respect and admire her.' So will the happy couple be getting married any time soon? 'We've been talking about it,' he said. 'Eventually I'd like to get married. All I can say is stay tuned.' For now, they're just focused on learning to be parents. 'Kensington is starting to make her needs known—I need ear plugs,' he said. 'But everyone's healthy and happy and we're just blessed.' It's worth noting that the season finale of Southern Charm is slated to document the Charleston, South Carolina gang's July 4 exploits, which would have been right around the time the new parents would have finally gotten their positive pregnancy results. It airs April 21 at 10/9c. Fertile for ground for drama: Dennis and Ravenel have a knack for having fun both separately and together. Here, the recent episode that showed the couple in a doctor's office as they anxiously awaited Dennis' pregnancy test results . Meanwhile, . and despite not actually being a main cast member, Dennis' presence on . the show is fertile ground for cultivating the canniest of drama, . intrigue and southern seduction. When the local celebutante, political . scion and model was hauled into Berkeley County jail for underage . drinking and disorderly conduct in 2012, authorities snapped the sexy . mugshot of the century. For fans wondering how Dennis gets to . join the soapy series' main cast members in their drunken antics: the . 5-foot-11 redhead turned 21 by the time she showed up to heighten the . show's already impossibly high drama. New parents: Ravenel once served months in prison on felony cocaine charges and recently pleaded guilty to a DUI. Dennis has had some issues with the law, herself. This 2012 mugshot was snapped after she was hauled in for underage alcohol possession and disorderly conduct . Dennis . may just be the perfect match for millionaire former real estate . developer turned felon Ravenel, even with the 30-year age gap. Like Dennis, Ravenel also has a history of booze-fueled lawbreaking. He pleaded guilty just last March to driving drunk while summering in East Hampton, New York last July. The . former Rudy Giuliani presidential campaign chairman had his license . suspended for six months and was fined $1,400, according to the Post and . Courier. While clearly a lot of fun while apart, Ravenel and Dennis know how to have a good time while together, as well. Not the father: Another Southern Hospitality cast member, self-proclaimed rascally raconteur Shep Rose was also worried he was the father of Dennis' baby, but she wasn't actually pregnant at the time . Like gentlemen: In an encounter unrelated to the pregnancy, Ravenel invited fellow cast member Whitney Sudler-Smith to 'take it outside,' where he accused the show's resident southern dandy of sleeping with Dennis . Dramatic turn: Dennis and Ravenel's romance has also created a stir outside the various love triangles . Talking trash: The pair drew snickers and sideways glances upon their arrival at a friend's party . THOMAS RAVENEL: THE ONCE AND FUTURE SOUTH CAROLINA POLITICAL POWER PLAYER? Thomas Ravenel . Ravenel, who's 48 according to his BravoTV bio but 51 if you prefer to believe news outlets such as the Associated Press, was once a major up-and-coming force in Palmetto State politics. The millionaire former real estate developer held the state-wide elected office of South Carolina Treasurer and had served as chairman for Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign in the state before he was brought down hard in a cocaine scandal. Ravenel was indicted on federal drug charges in 2007 for buying less than 500 grams of cocaine to share with other people in late 2005. He was sentenced in 2008 to 10 months after his felony conviction. And what about now? Besides the Bravo gig, or perhaps because of it, Ravenel is reportedly eying a dive back into politics. The Republican ex-con told Andy Cohen early this month that he likely intends to run for U.S. Senate. 'And should the current U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham be the nominee, I’m going to throw my hat into the ring as a candidate because I think the voters need the opportunity to have a choice,' he said on Watch What Happens Live. Kathryn Dennis . KATHRYN CALHOUN DENNIS: POLITICAL SCION, MODEL, CELEBUTANTE, SEDUCTRESS . Kathryn Dennis raised the eyebrows of Charleston, South Carolina's garden-partying elite when she dropped onto the scene as Ravenel's girlfriend, but it's not her first lap around the disgraced politician dating pool. The 22-year-old was once involved with Thad Viers, a former state representative who resigned his office in disgrace in 2012 after he was arrested for harassing an ex-girlfriend. Her politico predilections may stem from her background as the daughter of two prominent political families. Dennis' grandfather was celebrated state politician Rembert C. Dennis and she claims to be a descendant of America's seventh vice president John C. Calhoun (hence the middle name). | Former South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel welcomed a baby girl with Kathryn Dennis welcomed Kensington Calhoun Ravenel March 24 .
Ravenel was put away for 10 months in 2008 on federal cocaine charges .
The millionaire former real estate developer now appears on Bravo's Southern Charm series .
Ravenel has a May-December romance on the show with political scion and South Carolina celebutante Kathryn Dennis .
Dennis was arrested in 2012 for underage drinking and disorderly conduct .
Ravenel is considering a run for U.S. Senate despite his checkered past and drama-filled present . |
09e22b5c5c44a5a4258405d07966b578ec1aff4b | Her role as Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek inspired the first black astronaut to fulfill her dreams of working with Nasa. But Nichelle Nichols might have left to pursue a career on Broadway were it not for the intervention of a very unlikely Trekkie - Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Although he's best known for his rousing speeches promising a future of freedom and equality for downpressed African Americans, it transpires the civil rights leader also had in mind a far more distant future. Trailblazers: Nichelle Nichols is pictured left as Lieutenant Uhura, on board the Star Ship Enterprise. She nearly left the role after the show's first season until Dr Martin Luther King, right, persuaded her to stay . 'He said, "You have one of the most important roles, this is a first. It's non-stereotypical, it's brilliant, it's beauty and it's intelligence",' Nichols told Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the astrophysicist and broadcaster. 'He said, "You cannot leave, do you understand? It has been heavenly ordained. This is God's gift and onus for you. You have changed the face of television forever." Now 82, Nichols 1966 debut on Star Trek as a black woman playing an educated character was groundbreaking for its time. It was the era of the Black Panthers, and of race riots in Watts, Newark and Detroit, as black communities fought to realise the potential of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts passed to enshrine equality in law. Nichols pictured in 2010: Her 1966 debut on Star Trek as a black woman playing an educated character was groundbreaking for its time . But even with all the turmoil of the age, Nichols hadn't fully grasped the racial and cultural implications of her Star Trek role, still thinking of herself as just a cast member on the show. In fact, she had already decided to move on from the role and even handed her letter of resignation to producer Gene Roddenberry when she met King. 'I had been invited as a celebrity guest at a NAACP fundraiser in Beverly Hills,' she told Tyson, in the interview first aired in 2011 but still available on his website. 'One of the promoters came up and said someone wanted to meet me. He said he's your greatest fan ... I'm thinking it's a Trekker, maybe a child, maybe a young man. 'And so I turned and I see this man across the room with this brilliant smile, which you didn't often see on his face. And I remember saying to myself, 'Whoever this little Trekker is they're going to have to wait because this is my leader, Dr Martin Luther King, walking towards me with a smile on his face." 'And he walks to me and with this smile he says, "Miss Nichols, I am your greatest fan."' Nichols says King spoke to her about her role in Star Trek and how important it was to the future of the civil rights movement. He praised Roddenberry, the producer, as a visionary, adding 'we [black people] are there, because you are there.' Said to be one of the first black women to appear in a major television series in a role not portraying a servant, Nichols did prove to be an inspiration to a generation of young people. Mae Jemison, an American doctor who became the first black woman in space on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, has said she was she was inspired to join Nasa by Nichols' portrayal of Uhura. And Nichols is also credited with having the first interracial kiss on network television, with William Shatner's Captain Kirk, during a 1968 episode of the show. Groundbreaking: Nichols is also credited with having the first interracial kiss on American network television, with William Shatner's Captain Kirk, during a 1968 episode of the show . After Star Trek's cancellation after three seasons amid failing ratings, Nichols volunteered her time to Nasa for a special project to recruit ethnic-minority and female personnel for the agency. She is credited with helping to recruit Dr Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, and United States Air Force Colonel Guion Bluford, the first African-American astronaut. She also helped bring in Dr Judith Resnik and Dr Ronald McNair, who both flew successful missions during the Space Shuttle program before their deaths in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. | Nichelle Nichols was set to take up an offer to of a role on Broadway .
But then she met Dr King who told her 'I am your biggest fan'
Hers was perhaps the first significant TV role for a black woman .
'You cannot leave,' Dr King said. 'It has been heavenly ordained' |
09e2a179b71398373322cf6204bbe3b43cf7e285 | 'Diatribe': Jeremy Hardy has come under criticism from Radio 4 listeners for his 'extreme left-wing views' on his show . The BBC has admitted it finds it ‘very difficult’ to find Conservative comedians to appear on radio programmes in order to provide political balance. Radio 4’s comedy boss has claimed it is a ‘struggle’ to find performers regarded as having a right-wing point of view. The admission was made by Commissioning editor Caroline Raphael, in response to criticism from listeners over Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation, described as a new ‘Tory and coalition bashing comedy’. The content led many to complain to Radio 4 audience opinion show Feedback with one stating: ‘This programme appears to be a diatribe of Jeremy Hardy’s prejudiced extreme left wing views. It wasn’t clever and it certainly wasn’t funny.’ He added: ‘The BBC is a non-political organisation and yet it is paying for broadcasting what appeared to be a party political broadcast for the Communist Party’. Miss Raphael suggested that ‘possibly the right feels more comfortable with a pen and paper’ when she tried to explain the dearth of right-of-centre comedians on its shows. She admitted the problem is not that they do not exist but that they are not coming through. The BBC executive added that she was keen to find comics who can challenge the perceived left-wing domination of BBC comedy shows such as The News Quiz. In Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation, which airs in a prime evening slot, Mr Hardy repeatedly mocks Tory politicians describing David Cameron and George Osborne as a ‘horrible kind of posh’, saying they were ‘braying hoorays’.Among a string of anti-Conservative and coalition remarks, he also joked about the Tory party killing foreigners. One listener told Feedback: ‘I think anyone would be hard pushed to call the 30 minutes of incessant Tory and coalition bashing comedy. Just broadcasting such a left-wing biased show in a prime-time comedy slot is I am afraid fuel to all those who accuse the BBC of such bias.’ A member of the audience added: ‘Jeremy Hardy had me screaming at the radio I’m afraid to say. Next time for a bit of balance can we maybe have a right wing comedian if you can find one.’ Miss Raphael tried to defend the show saying the targets of satire would always be ‘those in power’, but admitted the BBC did have a problem finding comedians from a right-of-centre viewpoint. BBC Radio 4 Commissioning editor Caroline Raphael has claimed it is a struggle to find right-wing comedians . She told Feedback: ‘It is very difficult to find comedians from the right. I am not saying they aren’t out there. ‘Producers…spend a lot of time in the comedy clubs looking for people with a range of views.’ She said the broadcaster was ‘very open to names’, adding: ‘But we are not seeing them come through, there isn’t a tradition in terms of stand-up, possibly the right feels more comfortable with a pen and paper and the left standing up on a soap box, or in a comedy club.’ She added she was sure there was a PHD thesis in the subject, adding ‘but I do admit it is something we struggle with.’ Presenter of Feedback Roger Bolton suggested programmes like The News Quiz, which has been accused of being anti-Conservative and also features Jeremy Hardy, could take ‘note’ of The Now Show which is satirical about everyone. The News Quiz is regarded by many as being dominated by left-wing voices and has been accused of being biased against Tory politicians. But Miss Raphael said The News Quiz was very different from the other programme, because it relied on people’s ‘personal views’ while The Now Show was ‘very scripted’. The News Quiz has been trying to extend the range of its panellists including the number of women in recent times. The Radio 4 comedy chief said they were ‘trying people out’ and producers were working hard at extending the range of people. Among the names from a right-of-centre viewpoint who have been on the show in recent months is newspaper columnist Daniel Finkelstein. Speaking about the political balance on programmes, such as The News Quiz, she added producers often did not known exactly what people’s political views are as many comedian’s routines are ‘observational’ rather than about politics. The BBC boss added that while the corporation has a ‘responsibility’ for balance it did not mean you could not broadcast something ‘because you cannot find the opposite’. | Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation led to complaints from Radio 4 listeners .
Show criticised for 'Tory bashing' and 'prejudiced extreme left wing views'
Commissioning editor Caroline Raphael has now admitted it is a struggle to find comedians with a right-wing point of view . |
09e36805cae167da8fb312e88cd430be60bed45b | By . Laurie Whitwell . Last updated at 7:13 PM on 6th August 2011 . This is certainly not something you see every day. A baseball fan dressed in a green Morph suit ran onto the pitch during a game in Madison, Wisconsin, and managed to wrestle, sprint and slide his way to escape from SIX security men in pursuit. He made his exit via a large door at the back of the field - which was being held open by a yellow Morph man, who promptly shut it in the faces of the onrushing staff. Scroll down for video... Arms flailing: Dressed head to toe in green, the Morph man comes onto the pitch from the Duck Blind stand of the stadium . A video of the comical incident has attracted nearly 100,000 hits since it was put on YouTube a week ago, with one user commenting: 'hahah this was awesome, what an escape assisted by the yellow man.' It came at the top of the fifth innings of a match between Madison Mallards and Battle Creek Bombers, two collegiate summer baseball teams. First, the fan takes everyone by surprise by leaping from the stands and running across the field arms flailing. First obstacle: The Morph man comes up against two security men and decides to dart to the left . Floored: An older member of staff hauls the Morph man to the ground - but he rolls over and gets out of his grasp . Then, he charges towards staff when they come to stop him and it looks like his fun is over as he is wrestled to the ground. But despite four officials surrounding the masked man, he manages to push one away and makes a dash for the far fence. One shove and away: The lycra-clad individual pushes a staff member and makes a dart for the back of the field . Out-paced: The ground's security staff fail to keep up with the anonymous prankster . Slippery: One security man goes for a slide tackle in the wet conditions but fails to grab Morph man's heels . As he sprints away, attempts at slide tackles are poorly timed and even a sixth security man can't keep pace with the prankster. But with seemingly nowhere to go, his chances of escape don't look good. That is until a large door at the back of the field, used for bringing in batting cages, is opened by his accomplice dressed in a yellow Morph man costume. To the rescue: The green Morph man has help in the shape of a yellow Morph man, who holds open the door used to bring batting cages onto the field . Slammed shut: The yellow Morph man completes the stunt by locking in the staffers . They exchange a high five as the green Morph man runs out and the stunt is complete when the door, which locks from the outside, is slammed shut in the staff members' faces. Another YouTube user posted: 'I watched this from the duck blind (the stadium's main stand) and couldn't stop laughing!' Mallards president Vern Stenman told MailOnline he had never seen anything like it before and said he thought is could be an former employee with knowledge of how the door works. Mr Stenman said: 'Our staff are kind of perplexed. We're used to having people on the field but usually they are drunk so easy to handle.' There was a similar stunt days later when the green man escaped by climbing up a rope ladder dropped down over the far wall by his yellow accomplice. | Got help from a yellow Morph man . |
09e3b1b7dc99bda1434029378eae5a4e95b72e11 | By . James Salmon . House prices have grown at their fastest pace since the financial crisis, fuelling fears that the Help to Buy scheme is inflating a new property bubble. In the latest sign of recovery in the housing market, an influential report from Hometrack has found that three quarters of postcodes registered price gains this year. This is up from just a fifth last year. Across England and Wales, average prices rose by 4.4 per cent to £206,726 – the highest registered by Hometrack since October 2007 and a rebound from last year’s 0.3 per cent fall. House prices have grown at their fastest pace since the financial crisis, fuelling fears that the Help to Buy scheme is inflating a new property bubble . By far the biggest gains were in London and the south east, with average prices growing 9.1 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. The average price of a house in London is now £422,860, and Hertfordshire has the next highest average at £340,333. Demand for housing also soared by 25 per cent, the fastest pace for three years, while the supply of new homes fell to a record low, increasing just 6 per cent. The report said it expected ‘the momentum in house price growth to spill over into 2014 by a continued lack of supply and rising demand’. The huge inbalance lends weight to concerns that the housing market is overheating following the introduction of the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme in April, which was launched to help those with small deposits get their foot on the property ladder. But over the next fortnight leading forecasters are expected to show that the housing market has been turbo-charged by the Help to Buy scheme and a glut of cheap mortgage deals. Halifax’s latest index is expected to show prices rose 8.1 per cent in the year to December, the fastest since October 2007. Meanwhile, Nationwide is set to predict growth of 7.1 per cent, which would be the best since June 2010. This raft of data is likely to be latched on by critics of Help to Buy, ranging from business secretary Vince Cable to former Bank of England governor Lord King. They argue that Help to Buy is artificially driving up house prices – particularly in London and the south east – because there are not enough homes to cope with soaring demand. The Institute for Public Policy Research, the prominent left-leaning think-tank, also warned this weekend that the Chancellor ‘risks pumping up a fresh housing bubble with the Help to Buy scheme’. It fears a repeat of the massive build-up of household debt before 2008, which contributed to the financial crisis. But supporters of the scheme – including David Cameron – have played down the concerns.The Hometrack report shows a stark north-south divide in the housing market. The north was the only region to see a drop in prices, of 0.5 per cent, while homeowners in the north east experienced an average rise of just 0.5 per cent. In Merseyside the average house is now £149,300 and in Teesside it is £141,400. Hometrack said a ‘broader based recovery in the housing market is dependent on growth in the real economy, jobs and household incomes’. | Hometrack report found three quarters of postcodes registered price gains .
Across England and Wales, average prices rose by 4.4 per cent to £206,726 .
Highest registered by Hometrack since 2007 - fuelling fears of 'bubble' |
09e42d78e00f893020d8f4f5c37e86391aec91f3 | Singer Samantha Jade has been mocked on social media for her role in an advertising campaign for Australian supermarket chain Woolworths. The X Factor winner appears in the commercials which debuted on Sunday night during the Australian Open as the face of the supermarket's catchy 'Cheap Cheap' jingle. One of the ads was filmed on court at this year's tennis and features with 50 ball kids, where Jade can be seen dancing and singing while encouraging others to do the 'Cheap Cheap Dance' and share their moves with the hashtag. Scroll down for video . Australian singer Samantha Jade has faced some backlash on social media about her new ads for Woolworths . The campaign aired for the first time on Sunday night at the Australian Open during the Men's Final . It features the singer dancing on court with 50 ballkids doing the 'Cheap Cheap Dance' The other sees the singer in a recording studio, singing alongside 'Cheap Cheap' birds, Percy and Woolie. Jade talks about the 'Cheap Cheap' prices as her two green feathered friends flutter around her. But viewers were quick to respond to the 'cringeworthy' ads, slamming the singer on social media calling her 'cheap' and threatening to boycott Woolworths to shop at their major competitor Coles. 'That Woolworths ad with Samantha and singing birds just made my hair bleed', wrote one Twitter user. Social media lit up with criticism over the ads which aired on Sunday evening . Users were not impressed with the jingle - which is known for its incredibly catchy tune . Some questioned how good the move would be for her career . One of the advertisements features her singing alongside 'Cheap Cheap' birds, Percy and Woolie . Viewers were quick to respond to the 'cringeworthy' ad, slamming the singer on social media . Samantha Jade revealed ahead of the release of the commercial she chose to pair with Woolworths after growing up shopping at the chain . 'That 90 second @woolworths ad in the middle of the Australian Open has shocked me to my core #CheapCheap', posted another. Samantha Jade revealed ahead of the release of the commercials she chose to pair with Woolworths after growing up shopping at the chain. 'I've always been a Woolies kid. I lived next door to a Woolworths store in my hometown Morley in Perth where I shopped with my mum for family meals and get togethers', the singer said. 'Spending time with family and friends is really important to me. I now live in Sydney and I still shop at my local Woolies to get supplies for a girly picnic or family BBQ', Jade added. Commenters took to the Woolworths Facebook page to express their feelings . Some vowed not to shop at the supermarket chain . Others criticised Jade claiming she had 'cheapened herself' One person even came up with an alternative way to spend advertising money . The collaboration is part of the supermarket's commitment to supporting young talent . 'I've always been a Woolies kid' the singer said ahead of the release of the campaign . However many vocal social media users have criticised it calling it a 'cheap' move by the X Factor star . The collaboration is part of the supermarket's commitment to supporting young talent, according to Woolworths General Manager of Marketing Tony Phillips. 'We're delighted to be working with Samantha Jade, one of the most exciting musicians of today. Over the next few months, Samantha will appear on our TV screens and you'll also hear her fabulous voice in store,' Mr Phillips said. 'We're sure Australians will love her just as much as they love our 'Cheap Cheap' prices', he added. However when the video was uploaded to the Woolworths Facebook page, that also opened up a space for many more people to show their dislike for the commercial. Despite the criticisms fans still jumped to Jade's defence praising her singing talents . Others vowed only to shop at Woolworths . The commercials feature the singer doing the 'Cheap Cheap Dance' Some hit out at the company for the 'terrible advert' Others said they cringed while watching it . 'I'm sorry Samantha Jade but you've cheap cheap cheapened yourself!', one woman commented. 'Totally turned me off buying anything at Woolworths,' another wrote. Despite the criticism Jade still has many supporters out there saying the commercial encourage them to continue their commitment to the supermarket chain and the Australian singer. 'Woah Coles just got owned by Woolworths in ad dept! Samantha Jade can definitely sing!' read one tweet. 'Makes me want to shop at Woolworths every day', another social media user posted. Speaking about the campaign on Monday, Samantha Jade said in her experience the response had been 'overwhelmingly positive'. 'There are always going to be critics, it comes with the territory,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'The vast majority of the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and I've been so pleased by the interest and support I've received from my fans and Woolies shoppers.' 'On the whole, we've been really pleased with the positive public reaction to the announcement,' Woolworths said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'People love Samantha, it's a really fun partnership and we are delighted to be showcasing fresh Australian talent.' | Samantha Jade is the face of the Woolworths 'Cheap Cheap' adverts .
She has been slammed on social media for the 'cringeworthy' commercials .
The ad debuted during the Australian Open Men's Final on Sunday night .
It features her singing and dancing on court with 50 ballkids . |
09e5339673b6e3a5637feec83e046a6c76090451 | Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) -- More than 160 people have been arrested in connection with the massacre earlier this month of scores of people in central Nigeria, a national police spokesman told CNN Monday. Of the 163 arrested, 41 will be charged with homicide, said spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu. The other 122 will be charged with rioting, arson and possession of firearms, he said. More than 200 people died in the March 7 massacre, according to some estimates. They took place in predominately Christian towns near the city of Jos, where about 150 people, mostly Muslims, were reported killed in January. The region lies on a faith-based fault line between Muslim-dominated northern Nigeria and the mainly Christian south. Ojukwu said the ethnic backgrounds of those arrested are mixed, but they are all from the area near Jos. Human Rights Watch said the attacks by Muslims with guns, machetes and knives apparently were in retaliation for the previous attacks against Islamic communities and the theft of cattle from herdsmen. Last week, at least 11 more people were killed in a predominantly Christian village. Choji Gyang, special adviser on religious affairs to the governor of the Nigerian state of Plateau, has said the attackers were Muslim herdsmen, some dressed in military uniforms. They also stole about 120 cattle from the village, he said. The violence has put much of oil-rich Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, on edge. Authorities in Lagos took the unusual step of sending a text message to residents earlier this month to try to put them at ease. The violence often pits Christians and Muslims against each other. But John Onaiyekan, Roman Catholic archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo have said that the violence is fueled more by other factors: ethnic, social and economic problems. "If you have one group or a community that has land that's been encroached upon by another community or even by itinerant cattle farmers, then the people who lay claim to the land will fight back," Obasanjo recently told CNN. "If there are job opportunities in an area, and persons believe they are indigenous to that area, and (are) not getting enough out of the jobs that are available, they will fight those who are getting the jobs." | More than 200 people were slain on March 7 in mostly Christian towns .
Of the 163 arrested, 41 will be charged with homicide .
Massacre thought to be in retaliation for deaths of about 150 Muslims in January .
Nigeria has a mainly Muslim north and a mainly Christian south . |
09e5d246c504d64dc17669f6c8aa40914564bf01 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 01:00 EST, 26 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:15 EST, 26 March 2012 . The wife of the U.S. soldier accused of killing 17 Afghan villagers has defended her husband in an interview with NBC's Today show, saying she finds the charges ‘unbelievable' while vowing to stand by him. Karilyn Bales told Matt Lauer this morning that her husband, Staff Sargent Robert Bales, is 'very brave, very courageous'. The Washington state woman said her husband joined the Army after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, to 'protect his family, friends and country. He wanted to do his part'. Scroll down for video . Standing by her man: Karilyn Bales speaks to the Today show about the Afghan shootings and says she does not believe her husband is involved . Defensive: Karilyn Bales (left) said she found the charges against her husband Robert (right) unbelievable . Convinced: Karilyn gave an exclusive interview to Matt Lauer and insisted her husband is innocent of all accusations. She has started a fund to help pay for his legal fees . She told Matt Lauer: 'I have no idea what happened, but he would not ... he loves children, and he would not do that' Officials say Staff Sargent Bales . wandered off base in southern Afghanistan earlier this month and killed . eight Afghan adults and nine children. The wife of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier said the accusations are 'unbelievable to me'. She . said her husband had no nightmares or any other signs of PTSD, and says . she didn't ask him about the accusations when she spoke to him on the . phone. 'He seemed a . bit confused as to where he was or why he was there,' she said. 'I don't . think I'll have to ask him. I think he'll tell me.' When asked what kind of a dad her husband is to their two children - . a girl named Quincy, four, and a boy named Bobby, three - she said: . 'He's a very involved father. He loves children, he's like a big kid . himself.' ‘I have no idea what happened, but he would not ... he loves children, and he would not do that.’ She . said she was in the grocery store when she heard the news and prayed it . wasn't her husband. She soon received a call from officials who broke . the news. Money worries: Robert Bales (right) allegedly conned a pensioner out of his life savings before going into the army . 'They held my hand and just said that…they thought that he had left the base and perhaps killed the Afghan civilian,' she said. 'That was the only sentence and I just started crying. I just don't think he was involved.' When asked if she would change her mind if an official came forward and said: 'Yes he turned himself in, he did this', she replied: 'I don't think anything will change my mind in believing he did not do this, this is not what it appears to be.' He was formally charged on Friday with 17 counts of premeditated murder and six counts each of . attempted murder and assault. He could face the death penalty if convicted. According to Afghan officials, the 17th fatality was the unborn child of one of the victims. The U.S. paid $50,000 in compensation for each villager killed and $11,000 for each person wounded in a shooting rampage allegedly carried out by a rogue American soldier in southern Afghanistan, Afghan officials said yesterday. The families were told that the money came from President Barack Obama. The unusually large payouts were the latest move by the White House to mend relations with the Afghan people after the killings threatened to shatter already tense relations. These were further heightened today after a gunman in an Afghan army uniform shot dead two British troops inside a base in southern Afghanistan. The attack in Lashkar Gar appeared to be the latest in a string of 'green on blue' attacks in which Afghan security forces have turned on their international colleagues or mentors. A NATO source confirmed the victims were British. Karilyn with her husband: They have two young children together and she said he is an involved dad who 'loves kids' Robert Bales faces the death penalty after being charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder . U.S. investigators have said they believe Bales killed in two episodes, returning to his base after the first attack and later slipping away to kill again. He is reported to have surrendered without a struggle. The 38-year-old married father-of-two from Lake Tapps, Washington, is being held at a U.S. military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Karilyn Bales, also 38, has spoken to her husband by telephone twice since he was detained. The soldier called his wife first from overseas shortly after massacre, and then last week from Fort Leavenworth where the two talked about family matters and 'reaffirmed their love for each other,’ said her attorney, Lance Rosen. She once worked for Washington Mutual, the giant Seattle-based mortgage lender, according to her LinkedIn.com profile. She is now working for Amaxra, a business communications company in Redmond, Washington, as an associate technical project manager. Bales was on his fourth tour of duty in a war zone, having served three tours in Iraq, where he suffered a head injury and a foot injury. His civilian attorney, John Henry Browne, had said the soldier and his family had thought he was done fighting. The family has set up a defence fund to help pay for Bales' legal fees. Convinced: Karilyn told Matt Lauer that no matter what, she will stick by her husband and does not believe he is guilty . Empty: The couple's Bonney Lake, Washington home was put on the market . for $229,000. Bales' wife and two children have been moved to Joint Base . Lewis McChord in Tacoma . Disarray: Boxes on the porch of Bales's home after his family was moved to a military base for their protection . The Bales family had a Seattle-area home condemned, struggled to make payments on another and failed to get a promotion a year ago. Karilyn Bales put the family's Tacoma-area home up for sale days before the rampage. The youngest of five brothers, Bales grew up in the working class Cincinnati suburb of Norwood, Ohio, and has been described as cheerful, all around good guy. He joined the Army two months after 9/11, after a Florida investment business failed and after he had worked with a string of securities operations. Tears of grief: An Afghan youth mourns for his relatives, who were allegedly killed by the U.S. service member . | Karilyn Bales said her husband showed no signs of PTSD .
Has defended her husband, saying she finds charges 'unbelievable'
Spoken to him twice since shooting but did not ask him about accusations .
U.S. paid $50,000 in compensation for each Afghan villager killed .
A gunman in Afghan uniform shot dead two British troops today . |
09e613fd338382dc34b755ff6a13504b7803306b | Millie Mackintosh reveals her top hosting tips . The glamorous Made In Chelsea star is always showing off her perfectly put-together meals and culinary conquests on social media. And now Millie Mackintosh reveals her top tips for hosting the perfect dinner party this festive season exclusively to Femail. Millie's advice comes in light of new research showing two thirds of people (64 per cent) are shunning pubs, restaurants and parties, to instead open their homes to friends and family. However, this increase in generosity has led to a plethora of problems, with hopeless hosts admitting to a myriad of dinner party disasters. Problems range from not being prepared enough with food, drink and room dressing (53 per cent) to leaving guests to their own devices while preparing food (28 per cent) and struggling to decide on recipes (15 per cent). And with almost two thirds (62 per cent) of Britons more likely to host a get together in their homes in the run up to the festive season than during the rest of the year, dilemmas faced by the majority of people, such as what to cook (46 per cent) and planning drinks (26 per cent), is set to increase. Seven in ten (69 per cent) said they have had gatecrashers at their gathering (ie neighbours, friends or acquaintances turning up unexpectedly). One in ten admit to passing off food (such as takeaways) as their own when hosting parties. And British dinner party hosts revealed they frequently lose essential props such as toilet paper (7 per cent), milk (5 per cent) and seats (28 per cent). The poll from Tassimo has spurred the brand to come up with an 'ultimate solution to the nation's hosting woes' with their Perfect Host panel. Millie Mackintosh prepares canapes with Masterchef John Torode and coffee expert Hazel Middleton, left . Make sure your house is looking nice, says Millie . The glamorous Made In Chelsea star is always showing off her perfectly put-together meals on Instagram . The fabulous three have teamed up to give the nation helpful hints and tips for throwing a festive bash . In the run up to Christmas, John will be sharing his top seasonal recipes and kitchen hacks, Millie will tell everyone how to host the perfect gathering, and Hazel will give the low down on what to drink - when and why . Fashion designer Millie Mackintosh, chef John Torode and coffee expert Hazel Middleton have joined forces with the hot drinks machine brand to share their party expertise. In the run up to Christmas, John will offer his top seasonal recipes and kitchen hacks, Millie will tell everyone how to host the perfect gathering, and Hazel will give the low down on what to drink - when and why. Millie said: 'I love this time of year when I have lots of excuses to catch up with friends and family. 'In fact, I'm hosting Christmas at my home for the first time this year. I have just moved into a new house and after appearing on Celebrity Masterchef, expectations from guests are high.' But she's confident she can help 'the nation fix their hosting horrors,' adding, 'and hopefully I'll learn a thing or two along the way too.' John Torode added: 'The run-up to Christmas can be a busy and stressful time of year, so I've created a number of delicious recipes and drink suggestions, which are easy to replicate and sure to impress any guest.' A Tassimo spokesperson said: 'We know the winter months are an important time of year, with friends and family more likely to catch up over a coffee this festive season than during other times of the year. 'We are so excited to work with our Perfect Host panel to help Londoners with their drink and dinner dilemmas!' Millie Mackintosh at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night (left) and at an event last week (right) Chef John Torode's top kitchen must-haves . My go to food when hosting friends is anything in pastry because it is easy and always satisfies everyone. Little pies, tarts, puffs, sausage rolls and those sorts of things work well because both adults and kids alike always love them. Coffee expert Hazel Middleton on the perfect coffee morning . There's nothing better than a coffee morning with a selection of great hot drinks, including cappuccinos and lattes and some lovely cakes and biscuits. Nothing complements coffee more than a delicious slice of cake or a crisp biscuit. I like to bake my own cakes for coffee mornings, and this can be done the day before to avoid panic on the morning. | She and rapper husband Professor Green are hosting their first Christmas .
Made In Chelsea star says lighting, avoiding booze and planning are key .
Recommends mellow music during dinner, and livelier tunes afterwards .
Tips come in light of research showing two thirds will shun pub for home . |
09e62b334425ef4eee26be483a625858c91340eb | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 08:29 EST, 23 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:19 EST, 23 November 2013 . Jailed: Michael Garner, 53, was jailed for five years eight months at Chester Crown Court . A financial adviser stole almost £1 million from friends, a charity and investors to feed his online gambling addiction. Michael Garner, 53, frittered away astronomical amounts on an online casino - placing bets totalling an astonishing £1.5m, but only winning back around £750,000. To feed his gambling habits, he began stealing from the Cheadle and Gatley Round Table charitable organisation, where he was the trusted treasurer and later president. He stole ticket money, totalling £2,500, which had been collected by the likes of Cheadle Primary School's PTA and Mathers bakers, in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. A court heard he also swiped £3,500 from the charity's coffers by forging a signature and paying a cheque from its account directly into his own. But, as his gambling addiction escalated, so did his stealing. Garner, a well-known self-employed financial and pensions adviser from Heaton Mersey, Stockport, convinced long-time friend and client Dr Ken Jones, 80, to invest in a trading opportunity he had identified in Switzerland. Dr Jones, a retired biochemist, cashed in his £100,000 stocks and shares and then paid the money into his trusted pal's account. But Garner blew the lot on online gambling site Jackpotjoy within a month. Stole: The 53-year-old stole ticket money, totalling £2,500, which had been collected by the likes of Cheadle Primary School's PTA (pictured) Garner's stealing continued and became more audacious as he scammed a dozen successful businessmen who had been persuaded to invest in the Swiss scheme. The Escrow Trading Trust, based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, was set up to hold the investors' cash with Garner and two other people as trustees. Garner forged a bank mandate without the knowledge of the other trustees that allowed him to withdraw money from the trust's account. Between December 2011 and May 2012, he stole almost £900,000 and paid it into the account he shared with his wife. The court heard Garner was gambling on average about £10,000 a day on Jackpotjoy - and up to £80,000 a day on some occasions. Online gambling: Garner blew the money on online gambling site Jackpotjoy. The court heard Garner was gambling on average about £10,000 a day on the website - and up to £80,000 a day on some occasions . His crimes were uncovered when one of the trustees spoke to their bank manager and realised the cash had gone missing. Garner was arrested at his home on Woodside and later pleaded guilty to five counts of theft relating to the Round Table, and two counts of fraud and 22 counts of theft relating to the Swiss investment opportunity. Sentencing Garner to five years and eight months in jail, Recorder Michael Hayton QC described Garner's breach of trust as 'grotesque'. He added: 'Your life has been ruined by this addiction.' Anna Mackenzie, defending, told the court Garner was remorseful and understood his actions had 'devastated' the lives of himself, family, friends and victims. She added his marriage appeared to be over and his matrimonial home, his only asset, had been sold to help pay off a civil claim made by the investors against him. | Michael Garner, 52, placed bets totalling £1.5m, but only won £750,000 .
He stole money from a primary school PTA as well as his friends .
Gambled on average about £10,000 a day on betting website Jackpotjoy .
Garner was sentenced to five years and eight months in jail . |
09e68430afb555ad65bf0d3a864b207d06b5e5bb | BlackBerry has finally unveiled the first round of price details and the release date for its Passport phone, after teasing it for months. The 4.5-inch square design launches in the US on Wednesday, and a SIM-free handset will cost $599. It is expected to roll out to more regions 'over the coming months', but prices in these regions may vary due to sales taxes and tariffs. Scroll down for video . The BlackBerry Passport (pictured centre) has a full HD 4.5-inch square screen and shows 60 characters of text, compared to 40 on a rectangular 5-inch device (Samsung's Galaxy S5 5.1-inch device is pictured right). Apple's iPhone 4S is pictured left to show scale. There is also a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera . The details were revealed by the Canadian firm's chief executive John Chen during an interview on Monday, ahead of a BlackBerry event tomorrow. The specific countries that Passport will in available in hasn't been announced, but it's likely to also launch in the UK, Canada and Dubai, because the launch events are being held in these locations. He told the Wall Street Journal that the price of the flagship device should be in the region of $799, but his firm dropped the price to 'get the market interested.' The . BlackBerry Passport has a full HD 4.5-inch square screen, which is said . to offer a similar viewing space to a 5-inch phone, but ‘an even better . viewing experience’ because of the screen’s width. It has 1440x1440 pixel resolution display with a pixel density of 453PPI. Other specifications include a 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage plus expandable storage via microSD card up to 64GB. There is also a 13MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. The Black Berry Classic is also due to launch at the event. By comparison, Apple's latest iPhone 6 handset starts at $649, while the iPhone 6 Plus costs $749 - both are also available on two-year contracts, with upfront costs starting at $199. Samsung's Galaxy S5 costs around $650, and the South Korean firm is yet to release price details for its Galaxy Note Edge. The . BlackBerry Passport has a full HD 4.5-inch square screen, which is said . to offer a similar viewing space to a 5-inch phone, but ‘an even better . viewing experience’ because of the screen’s width. It will be first time BlackBerry has launched a new device, globally, since its BlackBerry 10 devices in 2013. The Passport was first revealed in June by BlackBerry boss John Chen during the company's quarterly earnings report. The project was previously known as Windermere, and Mr Chen said at the time that Passport would be officially announced at an event in London in . September. The Passport combines a large touchscreen with a physical keyboard. BlackBerry chief executive John Chen first revealed the square phone (pictured) during the Canadian company's annual general meeting in June . In June , BlackBerry announced it was offering . 240,000 Android apps to its smartphone users in a surprise deal with . Amazon. The . deal lets BlackBerry add a selection of consumer apps to its . devices, and to focus on developing enterprise and productivity . applications. For example, BlackBerry customers will be able to access popular . Android apps such as Groupon, Netflix, Pinterest, Candy Crush Saga and . Minecraft. The . apps will be available on BlackBerry 10 devices from autumn, when . the company rolls out the BlackBerry 10.3 operating system, the . statement said. Further details were unveiled by Matt Young on the Inside BlackBerry blog . in July: ‘Consider how IMAX movies begin with the screens set to a more . traditional 16:9 aspect ratio projection for conventional movie . trailers, before expanding to their true dimensions. 'The Passport is like the IMAX of productivity, and you don’t have to sacrifice screen real estate, vertically or horizontally.' Academic research has shown that the optimal number of characters on a line in a book is 66 characters. Most . rectangular smartphones show approximately 40 characters per line, . while the BlackBerry Passport is said to show 60 characters. This makes the Passport ‘the ideal device for reading e-books, viewing documents and browsing the web.’ It also solves the problem of having to switch between landscape and portrait mode when taking a photo or filming a video. ‘We’ve . been living in a rectangular world for quite some time and know it’s a . great ergonomic design that drives content, media consumption and quick . communications,’ continued Mr Young. The Passport (right) was unveiled alongside Blackberry's touchscreen phone the Z3 (left), and the Classic (centre) in a slide, earlier this year. It is unclear how comfortable the phone will be to hold, when making a call for example . ‘However, the rectangle has become a defacto approach to smartphone design, perhaps limiting innovations. ‘Just as a passport is the universal symbol of mobility and was the inspiration for the size and form factor of this device, your BlackBerry Passport becomes your ticket to open new doors of opportunity.’ It is unclear how comfortable the phone will be to hold, when making a call for example, and BlackBerry has not released any details about the price. The blog post did, however, position the device more towards businesses than consumers. For example, it stated architects and mortgage brokers could use it to look at full designs and schematics on the go. While medical staff could view X-rays and medical documents in the office with a patient . Mr Young . concluded: ‘The BlackBerry Passport will take you to new places on the . best business trip you’ve ever had. We want you to imagine the . possibilities.’ [caption] . The . move is the latest by the smartphone pioneer to streamline its focus as . it attempts to reinvent itself under new chief executive John Chen. BlackBerry phones have recently lost ground to Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy devices. Chen . wants to remain a competitor in the smartphone segment, but is focused . on making BlackBerry a dominant force in machine-to-machine . communications. The . company's QNX software already is a mainstay in the automobile . industry, powering electronic and other systems in a wide range of cars. BlackBerry . already works with hundreds of large enterprise clients including . corporations and government agencies to manage and secure mobile devices . on their internal networks. Chen . intends to build on those ties and BlackBerry's touted security . credentials to allow these enterprise clients to build and customize . in-house corporate and productivity applications for their employees. | The BlackBerry Passport has a full HD 4.5-inch square screen .
It shows 60 characters, compared to 40 on a rectangular 5-inch device .
The device combines a large touchscreen with a physical keyboard .
It will launch in the US for $599 before being rolled out to more regions .
Prices in other regions may vary due to sales taxes and tariffs .
Blog post states the device is aimed at architects, writers and medical staff . |
09e77398895c34bc8b903df06c0b3a792a966831 | Russia's anti-gay stance was thrown into confusion today by speculation that fake lesbian pop duo tATu will be the surprise performers at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. The line-up for the February 7 opening ceremony is a closely guarded secret, but flame-haired singer Lena Katina yesterday tweeted 'we have been invited to take part at the Sochi Olympics'. The announcement follows worldwide criticism of Russia over recently passed laws held to be discriminatory against gays. Not schoolgirls any more: A picture from tATu's social media site shows the pair posing next to a Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics photo. There is speculation that the controversial faux lesbian pop duo could perform there . Katina and her bandmate Yulia Volkova were just teenagers when they burst into worldwide musical superstardom with their critically acclaimed 2003 single All The Things She Had. But the duo also courted controversy with a risque music video which showed them standing in the rain and sharing a passionate kiss while dressed in revealing school uniform-like outfits. Children's groups in Britain reacted with outrage amid claims their act was a marketing stunt promoting homosexuality among vulnerable teenagers. So speculation that tATu will be one of the acts at Sochi comes as a surprise with Russia currently mired in controversy after new laws were passed in the country which ban homosexual 'propaganda' to children. The legislation is drawn so widely that there are fears it could trap gay visitors or competitors in Sochi - or even tATu themselves. Mayor of Sochi, Anatoly Pakhomov, was quoted this week saying there are no gay people in his Black Sea resort. Earlier Putin said gay people could feel 'relaxed' about attending the Sochi Olympics but they should 'leave children alone please'. But still cuddling up: Speculation that tATu will be one of the acts at Sochi is ironic with Russia currently mired in controversy after new laws were passed in the country which ban homosexual 'propaganda' to children . However, the appearance of tATu at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony is not yet confirmed. Katina, now 29, later withdrew her post announcing their appearance, replacing it with a message stating: 'All statements will be made at the right moment. As it turned out, this was not yet the right moment.' Despite this, a number of major news websites reported that the controversial duo will be on stage in Sochi. 'Lena Katina and Yulia Volkova from tATu will be singing at Sochi Olympics opening ceremony,' stated news outlet gazeta.ru. Montages of Katina and Volkova, 28, posing with the Olympic symbol were posted on the group's social network site, but there were also claims it could be a publicity stunt. Katina also criticised the organisers for 'disgustingly bad organisation'. She ranted: 'They treat artists like **it.' Controversial: A frame of the music video for All The Things She Had which showed Katina and Volkova standing in the rain and sharing a passionate kiss while dressed in revealing school uniform-like outfits . Although the pair are now both grown up women in their late 20s, images of Katina and Volkova still show them posing as schoolgirls. Despite officially splitting in 2011, the duo recently performed together. Volkova is reported to be currently in Moscow having undergone Botox treatment in her lips. She has two children - a daughter Viktoria, aged 9, and son Samir, 6 - from two marriages. Katina wed Slovenian musician Sasho Kuzmanovich in August last year. Russian Olympic chiefs declined to comment on any role for tATu. | Ironically, children's groups in Britain once accused the pop duo of promoting homosexuality among teenagers . |
09e779a2c0c0d93d4f0a77ef8939ac6c23f461d2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 13:56 EST, 16 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:07 EST, 16 January 2014 . Convicted: Albrecht Muth, 49, has been found guilty of strangling his socialite wife, 91, in 2011 . An eccentric German man who pretended to be an Iraqi army general was today found guilty of choking his 91-year-old socialite wife to death. A jury deliberated for half a day before finding Albrecht Muth, 49, guilty of first-degree murder in the August 2011 beating and strangulation death of his wife, Viola Drath. The German journalist was found dead in their row home in Washington D.C. Muth did not attend the trial in D.C. Superior Court after . doctors said his intermittent bouts of self-imposed starvation made him too weak to . appear. Instead, he participated by video link but did not testify. Muth, who prosecutors say was motivated by inheritance money, faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced in March. He had claimed that his elderly wife died from a fall in the bathroom, but authorities said her injuries were not consistent with someone who had fallen. The killing captivated Washington . because of Drath's longtime connections to the city's diplomatic and . social circuits, and due to revelations in the couple's unconventional . relationship. Jurors heard about how he masqueraded as a brigadier general in the Iraqi army, strolling around his neighborhood in a uniform he purchased. He also displayed a store-bought military certificate in his home even though he didn't actually have a military background. Muth's lawyers argued that no physical evidence connected him to the killing and said the case against their client was circumstantial. Muth denied guilt, blaming her death on an Iranian hit job. Victim: German journalist and socialite Viola Drath was found beaten and strangled in the couple's D.C. home. Prosecutors said that her much-younger husband had sought inheritance money . Prosecutors cited a pattern of verbal and physical abuse toward his wife, including a conviction for assaulting her in 1992. hey said Muth, who lived on a $2,000 monthly allowance from Drath that had recently been reduced by $200, was motivated by money and made a bogus claim to a portion of her estate. Drath was a playwright and columnist who wrote often on German affairs for publications including The Washington Times and Handelsblatt, a German newspaper. In 1990, following the death of her first husband, she married Muth, who was nearly a half-century younger. The couple lived together in a row home in Georgetown, where they routinely organized dinner parties for dignitaries and other guests. Muth also became romantically entangled for several years with a man who eventually sought a restraining order against him in 2004. On the morning of August 12, 2011, following a night of heavy drinking, Muth called police to report finding his wife dead inside a third-floor bathroom of their home. Disinherited: Drath, pictured, had written her much younger husband out of her will . Crime scene: The investigation began after Muth reported finding Drath's body in the bathroom of their home in Georgetown, Washington. He claimed she had fallen but police later ruled it a homicide . He said she had fallen, and investigators initially treated the death as one of natural causes. But the medical examiner's office concluded within days that it was a homicide. At trial, prosecutors presented graphic . crime scene photographs of Drath sprawled dead on the bathroom floor . with what one expert described as a large, bloody gash on her neck and . another wound on the back of her neck. Detectives settled on Muth as the suspect after finding no signs of forced entry. They determined only Muth and his wife were home at the time of her death. They also said he presented Drath's daughter with a phony amendment to her will, even though Drath specifically left him out of it. A forensic investigator said Muth appeared anxious and . fidgety but otherwise emotionless after she came to the home to take . photographs and inspect the body. She said he seemed especially curious . to know the cause of death and whether any trauma was found that could . explain it. After killing Drath, prosecutors said Muth searched the Internet for information about extradition arrangements with Mexico, flights to Iceland and crossing the Canadian border. One of Drath's daughters, Connie Drath Dwyer, testified that Muth had pressured her mother for money and insisted he be able to keep furniture upon her death. | Albrecht Muth beat and strangled Viola Drath in their bathroom in August 2011 but told police that she must have fallen .
Prosecutors say he was motivated by inheritance money .
But Muth's lawyer argued there was no evidence linking him to the death .
Drath was a German journalist and playwright who disinherited Muth . |
09e7b37afc88d45dd73d119fd2960b87f6ad512e | By . Eddie Wrenn . PUBLISHED: . 05:21 EST, 1 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:43 EST, 1 October 2012 . The 22-foot-long 'Tyrannosaurus Rex of the Sea' has been unveiled by scientists, who discovered and researched the remains of two giant prehistoric crocodiles. The two crocodiles - Plesiosuchus and the 17-foot-long Dakosaurus - were top of the marine food chain as they explored the shallow waters which covered south England 150 million years ago. Dr Mark Young, of the University of Edinburgh, led an international team of scientists in exploring the remains, found buried in previously ocean-covered areas of Dorset and Cambridgeshire as well as in Germany. T-Rex of the sea: Plesiosuchus has a similar size and skull structure to the most fearsome of dinosaurs . Dakosaurus's skull and close-up of its teeth, used for hunting down prey in the shallow waters of south England . Rather than the more laid-back style of modern-day crocodiles, the research team say the collossal beasts hunted aggressively and territorially in a mammal-like manner. The team say that Dakosaurus and Plesiosuchus both had skulls more similar to Tyranodaurus rex and, in feeding manner, behaved much like North Atlantic killer whales. Young told Discovery News: 'The skulls of these two sea croc species have some similarities to T. rex. 'The largest known skull of Plesiosuchus manselii was . approximately four feet, three inches long, putting it in the size range . of adult T Rex skulls.' Young added: 'There are two "types" of North Atlantic killer whales: the first is large-bodied (more than 2m longer than the smaller type) and the teeth have no tooth wear, while the second is smaller-bodied and the teeth show extensive tooth wear. 'This is the same pattern we see in these fossil crocodiles.' Dakosaurus: The skull, mandible and snout is shown in the top image, followed by a close-up of the teeth, showing the interlocking dentition . He added: 'The fact that two unrelated groups, separated by around 152 million years evolved a similar set of morphofunctional adaptations in western Europe came as quite a surprise.' Dakosaurus and Plesiosuchus were part of a diverse group of marine . crocodylians in the family Metriorhynchids. They varied hugely in body . size, lifestyle and feeding strategy. The team, which included researchers from the Natural History Museum, also found that Dakosaurus had skull and jaw characteristics like living suction-feeding dolphins, which would make Dakosaurus the first known suction-feeding crocodylian. Young said: 'This way of eating involves being able to rapidly open the mouth wide, . and generating negative pressure. This sucks a prey item . into the mouth.' He added: 'This research shows that crocodiles are not "living fossils". To scale: The team has researched four giant crocodiles which lived in the European seas 150million years ago . 'The long fossil record of crocodiles show they did many of the things living mammals do today. 'There were some terrestrial crocodiles with mammal-like teeth and also crocodiles that left the land and became fully marine. 'They evolved some remarkable adaptations for marine life, from flippers to a shark-like tail fin.' Another question that has intrigued scientists is how such a large variety of top predators could live together side by side in the same ecosystem without competing with each other. Dr Lorna Steel, from the Natural History Museum, said: 'The skull and tooth morphology show that they all ate different prey, and fed in different ways. 'We think that Plesiosuchus specialised in eating other marine reptiles, and Dakosaurus was a generalist, probably eating fish and whatever else it could get hold of, perhaps including the small metriorhynchid Geosaurus.' | Crocodile roamed oceans which covered south England .
Two new species of crocodiles 'hunted like mammals' |
09e80bdf4ba18264c037161e5aeb6749c6008154 | Northampton broke Leicester hearts in last season's Aviva Premiership play-offs - and Saints boss Jim Mallinder believes the Tigers will be 'hurting' ahead of Saturday's showdown at Franklin's Gardens. The dramatic 21-20 victory for Northampton, which was secured by a late Tom Wood try, ended Leicester's run of appearing in every Premiership final since 2004. Northampton marched on to Twickenham, where they beat Saracens in similarly dramatic circumstances to be crowned English champions for the first time, and victory this weekend would guarantee they lead the Premiership heading into Christmas. Northampton boss Jim Mallinder wants his team to be wary of Leicester looking for revenge on Saturday . 'It is going to be massive again,' Mallinder said. 'Leicester have had a few sort of ups and downs a little bit this season, but generally they are getting back up there, they are playing well, they have got lots of players back and we know that games against Leicester are good spicy affairs.' While Tigers will arrive in the hotbed of an East Midlands derby following back-to-back European Champions Cup games against French heavyweights Toulon, Saints hardly broke sweat in racking up more than 100 points at Italian side Treviso's expense. Mallinder, though, does not not believe such contrasting derby build-ups will have any bearing on their fierce rivals' latest meeting. 'Sometimes, it can help you in that you are playing at that level and intensity, but I think all our players are used to it,' Mallinder added. 'They play in enough big games over the season, and we are going into it in good shape. We have got a good fit squad. 'What a cracking game it was last time (against Leicester). Courtney Lawes is looking forward to being involved in another exciting encounter against Leicester . 'It was so close and could have gone either way, so they will be hurting, but we also remember they've had the better record against us over the past few outings. 'We won the last one, but generally they've done the job on us.' England lock Courtney Lawes, who signed a new Northampton contract this week, said: 'It is a local derby, and all the boys know it's going to be ferocious. It's always exciting. 'It is the first time we have played them since last season's semi-final. They will be ready to get some revenge on us, and we have to be ready for that.' Local bragging rights are also up for grabs in the west country on Saturday when Gloucester and Bath clash at Kingsholm. Last season's corresponding clash - won 18-17 by Bath following a late converted penalty try - proved eventful for all the wrong reasons after Gloucester finished the game with only 11 players. Scrum-half Tavis Knoyle was sent off following a mass brawl close to full-time, while home prop Sila Puafisi received a red card earlier in the game. Gloucester also had two players sin-binned, and Bath picked up three yellow cards. Bath's star rugby league recruit Sam Burgess returns to the bench this weekend after making his full debut on the European stage against Montpellier last Friday, with Kyle Eastmond partnering Jonathan Joseph in midfield. Sam Burgess is set to return to the bench for Bath after making his European debut against Montpellier . 'Since I've arrived (at the club), nearly every Gloucester supporter I've met, the one game they've talked about is Bath,' Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys said. 'But we have spoken about it this week as being just another game, it's game 10 of 22 across the course of the season. 'In this league, every game is important and it's a big run for us coming into the Christmas period. 'We've got a little bit of momentum, based on the last three games. We've actually played quite well. 'But Bath is going to be a huge test. They've been outstanding this season, so for us it's another chance for us to measure ourselves against one of the top teams in the country.' Elsewhere on Saturday, Saracens host rock-bottom London Welsh and Harlequins entertain Newcastle, while Sunday's Premiership action sees Wasps - watched by a crowd of more than 28,000 - play their first home game at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, with London Irish providing the opposition. | Northampton won 21-20 against Leicester to end their Premiership final run .
Coach Jim Mallinder has prepared his team to face an angry Leicester side .
Sam Burgess is set to make the bench for Bath against Gloucester . |
09e85f27e570624247c093b7dd81388330c92015 | By . Jonny Singer . Italy legend Paolo Maldini says he doesn't understand Roy Hodgson's decision to leave Ashley Cole out of England’s World Cup squad. The former AC Milan defender, who played until the age of 40, called Cole 'one of the great left backs of all time' and praised the Chelsea man for his big game performances. Maldini, who won over 100 caps for Italy before retiring from international football in 2002, said Cole would have been one of the first players on the teamsheet if he were in charge. World class: Ashley Cole is still one of the best in the world according to Maldini . 'I don't understand': The former Italy defender says he would have taken Cole to Brazil . Maldini said: ‘Ashley Cole is one of the great left backs of all time - and I have seen nothing to suggest that he is still not one of the best in the world. ‘The coach must make his own decisions - but he would have been one of the first players I would have picked. ‘Not only for his big game experience - but for the way he performs in the big games. How many times have we seen him keep the best attacking players in the world quiet in the big games - he is a player that rises to the occasion. Service: Cole received a commemorative 100th cap last year, but has now retired from interantionals . Replacements: Leighton Baines (left) will start in Brazil with youngster Luke Shaw (right) as back-up . Tough call: Roy Hodgson described the decision to leave out Cole as the hardest he had to make . ‘It is important to have youth in the side of course - but not to take one of the players who is still maybe the best in his position in the world - I just don't understand.’ Maldini's comments come after Italy manager Cesare Prandelli claimed that he wouldn't pick a single Englishman over the players in his squad. England will begin their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus on June 14. | Former Italy defender called Cole 'one of the great left backs of all time'
Says Chelsea man would have been one of the first names he'd have picked .
Maldini played until he was 40, and thinks Cole is still one of the best . |
09e96e29fb6c8dda5ee9bc55d1b2e3ae8d6dbb83 | Neymar was involved in a row with a Manchester City fan after being substituted during Barcelona's Champions League last-16 victory at the Etihad Stadium. The Brazil captain left the pitch with ten minutes to play and Barcelona sitting pretty with a 2-1 lead over 10-man City. But instead of watching his team see out the win, the forward engaged in a verbal spat with a City fan who shouted at him in Portuguese. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Neymar confront a Manchester City fan . As the final whistle blows Neymar approaches a Manchester City fan (left) who begins to gesture at him . The fan continues to make 'diving' motions as Neymar confronts him in the stands . A steward leads the Brazil star away while another shouts at the fan to 'stop it', ending the incident . After the initial exchange things appeared to have cooled off, with Neymar posing with another fan for a selfie, but the striker restarted matters after the final whistle. Rather than going down the tunnel, the Barca star returned to argue with the fan before a steward intervened. The supporter, wearing a City shirt with Yaya Toure's name on the back, appeared to indicate that Neymar had been diving during the game. As the 23-year-old approached the supporter made repeated hand gestures, before being pushed away and told to 'stop it' by a steward. Neymar breaks away from James Milner during the game, which Barcelona won 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium . The 23-year-old celebrates with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan's second goal . After the game Neymar attempted to play down the incident. He was quoted in the Brazilian media saying 'I was just playing with him. He began to curse me and I ended up mocking him.' The striker would not reveal what exactly was said in the altercation, but hinted that the fan swore at him. 'What he told me? I can not repeat it, no,' he joked. 'My mother gave me an education. What his mother did not tell him, my mother taught me.' Neymar walks through Manchester airport after Barcelona's first leg win over Manchester City . Messi walks off the team bus followed by Suarez as the Catalan club headed home on Tuesday night . Neymar could face sanctions from UEFA if City decide to report the incident, which was not seen by match officials. The Brazilian was in fine form during Barcelona's win, as the Spanish side outclassed Manuel Pellegrini's City side. Luis Suarez scored both goals before Sergio Aguero pulled one back for the hosts, and Lionel Messi missed a penalty in stoppage time. Messi missed a stoppage-time penalty, but two goals from Suarez saw Barca seize a first-leg advantage . Messi and Suarez were the stars of the show as Barcelona showed their superiority over City . Messi prepares to leave Manchester but it is City who look to be heading for a Champions League exit . | Neymar had an angry exchange with fan when he was substituted .
The Brazil captain then returned to confront supporter at the final whistle .
Young man in Manchester City shirt appeared to accuse player of diving .
Neymar claims he was 'mocking' the fan who abused him .
Neymar could face UEFA sanctions if City report the incident .
Barcelona beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium . |
09e97758ee4e0bf1a6b3ebe758789124beb82e1d | By . Tom Bower . PUBLISHED: . 19:13 EST, 19 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:37 EST, 20 June 2012 . Controversial: Brilliant historian Gitta Sereny's 1972 book tried to argue that society was to blame for Mary Bell¿s crimes. In Sereny¿s opinion, the killer was simply the victim of her childhood . Four years after 11-year-old Mary Bell was convicted of killing two small boys (aged three and four), I interviewed her mother Betty for BBC TV’s Midweek programme in a shabby hotel room in Newcastle. She had been persuaded by writer Gitta Sereny to help promote her book about the killer schoolgirl which was called The Case Of Mary Bell. In a hesitant performance, Bell’s mother admitted that, as a child, her daughter had witnessed her own sordid lifestyle, which included drug-taking. Sereny believed that those awful experiences had contributed to Mary’s pathological behaviour. Sereny, who has just died at the age of 91, was understandably pleased with her scoop. The Mary Bell story had gripped Britain in 1968. During her trial, experts testified that she had shown no remorse or anxiety and shed no tears for her crimes. Her lack of emotion and evidence of her previous violence towards babies and animals had staggered the court. It was no surprise that people wanted an explanation as to why a young girl could behave in such a depraved way. Step forward the brilliant historian Gitta Sereny, whose 1972 book tried to argue that society was to blame for Mary Bell’s crimes. In Sereny’s opinion, the killer was simply the victim of her childhood. She recounted Bell’s uncorroborated claims that she had been sexually abused by her prostitute mother and her mother’s clients. This led Sereny to contend this abuse was irrefutably the cause of Bell’s murderous behaviour. Such analysis was typical of the growing cult of victimhood, which saw criminals as prisoners of their upbringing who were therefore incapable of making moral judgments. The ‘unfortunate’ Mary Bell had become a monster because of her allegedly terrible childhood. Mary Bell, pictured, was convicted of horrific child murders. Bell's mother Betty admitted that, as a child, her daughter had witnessed her own sordid lifestyle, which included drug-taking . To blame were her teachers, the police, social workers and even her neighbours. According to Sereny, everyone bore responsibility except the killer herself. At the time, this view was embraced unquestionably by Britain’s increasingly liberal ruling elite. Sereny had managed to humanise a monster. This was helped by the confessions of Mary Bell’s mother and Sereny’s description of a rigid legal system and an uncomprehending judge who — when sentencing Bell to ‘life in detention’ — said she was ‘dangerous and remained a grave risk to other children’. Later, it was revealed Bell had been paid £50,000 for her collaboration — bringing a storm of new criticism down on Sereny’s head. Undaunted, she remained in touch with Mary Bell throughout her 12 years in prison and at the secret address where — hiding behind a new identity — the killer subsequently enjoyed her freedom. Sereny’s remarkable skills and her ‘pursuit of the truth’ led her to write several other studies of evil. These included gripping biographies of two of Hitler’s henchmen, Albert Speer and Franz Stangl. As with Mary Bell, she endeavoured to explain away their monstrous behaviour as the result of circumstances beyond their control. New theory: Albert Speer, right, was convicted at Nuremberg for war crimes. Sereny claimed in a novel that his monstrous behaviour was a result of circumstances beyond his control . Sereny’s credibility was boosted by the fact she was brought up in Vienna and her heavily accented English reminded many of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. In 1938, soon after Hitler’s occupation of Austria, Sereny’s family fled to Paris. Unlike most Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, she was fascinated by the perpetrators of mass murder. One intriguing aspect of Sereny was the way she denied her Jewish roots. When she returned to Europe from the U.S. after the war in 1945, she claimed she was a Catholic. She angrily denied she was Jewish — a key reason why she had been forced to leave Vienna in the first place. The truth is that on the morning of March 16, 1938 — alongside my own mother — she had been physically kicked out of Reinhardt’s school by fellow students wearing swastika armbands. Sereny was a brave woman but the denial of her Jewish past put a question mark over her illustrious career as she sought to understand the state of the minds of the murderers who persecuted her people. Similar: Sereny¿s credibility was boosted by the fact she was brought up in Vienna and her heavily accented English reminded many of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis . Inspired by a description of Adolf Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem in 1961, in which one of an architects of the Final Solution was described as the embodiment of ‘the banality of evil’, Sereny attended the trial in Dusseldorf of Franz Stangl, the commander of two extermination camps — Sobibor and Treblinka — where he organised the murder of 1,250,000 Jews. Like many Nazi murderers, Stangl escaped after the war to South America, where he lived until he was exposed. Extradited to Germany, he was jailed for life. Sereny persuaded him to give her a series of interviews for a biography. The fascinating result showed how an intelligent but unremarkable Austrian policeman had been inducted into the Nazi murder machine. Stangl’s inhumanity was encapsulated in his admission that he regarded the hapless people who arrived daily at the death camps by train as ‘cargo’. His horrifying insensitivity and lack of conscience was justified by a monstrous lie: ‘It was a matter of my survival. 'What I had to do to get out.’ Inspired by the trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann, pictured, Sereny attended the trial in Dusseldorf of Franz Stangl, the commander of two extermination camps . Sereny was accused of being more sympathetic to the villain than to his victims — a criticism that would return years later with her depiction of Mary Bell. Murderers, she argued, were the products of their environment and therefore not totally responsible for their crimes. Like Mary Bell, Stangl had lacked the ‘freedom to grow: within family, within human society as a whole.’ Stangl’s father was a ‘dragoner’ — one of the imperial elite regiments of the German army. He told Sereny: ‘Our lives were run on regimental lines. I was scared to death of him.’ To her credit, she recorded Stangl’s post-war confession: ‘Everything I did out of my own free will.’ But, then, she cast doubt on his self-awareness. She concluded that he was not a perpetrator of evil but a victim of his childhood. ‘A moral monster,’ she wrote, ‘is not born but is produced by interference with this growth.’ Both Mary Bell and Stangl were therefore victims of ‘a climate of life’. This misguided obsession with the denial of personal responsibility reached a climax in her biography — critics would say hagiography — of Hitler’s favourite architect Albert Speer. It even led to accusations that she was a Nazi sympathiser. Speer was the Nazi minister of armaments. It was he who presented the Fuhrer with a grandiose vision for rebuilding Berlin as a city befitting a conqueror’s Thousand Year Reich. He dramatically increased the manufacture of weapons. This was achieved as a result of Speer’s use of prisoners of war and 7.5 million slave labourers. Misguided: Sereny defended Hitler henchman Albert Speer. This even led to accusations that she was a Nazi sympathiser . He was also responsible for the eviction of up to 70,000 Jews from their homes in Berlin from where they were taken to ghettoes and execution camps. Prosecuted at Nuremberg with other . Nazi leaders, Speer brilliantly set himself apart by playing the . middle-class apologist who was ignorant of Hitler’s genocide plans. After . 20 years in prison, Speer produced a manuscript — Inside The Third . Reich — in which he outrageously painted himself as a conscious-stricken . bystander to Nazi crimes unaware of the Final Solution. Pandering . to that cynical distortion of the truth, Sereny gained access to him . and produced a biography sub-titled His Battle With Truth. Shockingly, she depicted the thug as ‘unique among Hitler’s men in the integrity of his battle of conscience’. Here was another killer whose crimes, for Sereny, could be explained and occasionally even excused. In her world of rampant psycho-babble, she claimed Speer’s abusive parents had prompted his search for a father figure which, in turn, fatally led him to Hitler. Portraying him as a beguiled innocent, Sereny wrote about Speer’s ‘aesthetic perception’, ‘inner awareness’ and ‘moral guilt’ but never his calculated participation in killing. In humanising monsters, Sereny was a major force in creating a very modern and corrosive ideology that architects of evil should not be punished but understood and even rewarded to help them atone for their sins. Their victims are forgotten. Worse still, we are left with a society more likely — not less — to breed such monsters in the future. | Gitta Sereny tried to claim society was to blame for child murderer Mary Bell's crimes .
Credibility boosted by the .
fact she was brought up in Vienna and her heavily accented English .
Brave woman but denial of Jewish past put question mark over her career . |
09ebedc3561e683b414fa20d0554e9a3bf0db58f | By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 12:52 EST, 30 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:09 EST, 30 October 2013 . Computer giant Dell is facing angry complaints from customers claiming their new laptop smells like cat urine. Dozens of users of the £900 Latitude 6430u Ultrabook device say it whiffs of feline wee. The issue with the high-end business laptop was first noted in June when one user posted on the company's forum asking for help. A bit smelly: Dozens of users of Dell's Latitude 6430u Ultrabook device say it whiffs of feline wee. The problem with the high-end business computer was first noted in June . Since then, dozens of angry customers have written about the terrible smell their laptops have emitted. One wrote: 'No amount of compressed air is going to help the awful stench coming from the keyboard.' Another user added: 'I thought for sure one of my cats sprayed it, but there was something faulty with it so I had it replaced.' Dell is investigating and claims the problem is an issue with the manufacturing process and not the result of contamination. A spokesman said: 'The smell is not related to cat urine or any other type of biological contaminant, nor is it a health hazard. Dozens of angry customers have written about the terrible stench their laptops emitted. One user said: 'I thought for sure one of my cats sprayed it, but there was something faulty with it so I had it replaced' Operating system: Windows 8 Pro . Processor: Intel Core i5 . Screen: 36 cm LED-backlit HD screen . Memory: 8GB . Storage: 128GB solid state drive . Battery life: 6 hours . Weight: 1.8kg . 'The problem was related to the manufacturing process, and has now been resolved.' Dell has changed the manufacturing process for the machine and is telling users to send affected laptops away for the keyboard and palm rest to be replaced free of charge. The Windows 8 Pro Ultrabook has otherwise received positive reviews and claims to be 'thin, lightweight and beautifully designed.' An advert for the computer on Dell's website, says: 'Manage your workload with a cutting-edge laptop that’s as thoughtfully designed on the outside as it is on the inside.' The laptop has an environmentally conscious design that is energy-efficient and free of PVC material. Dell said the manufacturing process was to blame for the smell coming from the Ultrabook, pictured, but the issue has now been resolved . | Dozens of users of the £900 Dell Latitude 6430u Ultrabook claim it smells .
Dell said the problem is not the result of contamination but a problem with the manufacturing process, which has now been resolved .
Owners of the computer can send their machine away for a replacement keyboard and palm rest free of charge . |
09ec7d8a09abf31d26de0621feefcf817fe8299d | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:01 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:24 EST, 4 October 2012 . It's a battle almost every parent dreads - trying to get a screaming baby to eat dinner. But one father has discovered the secret to getting his fussy 10-month-old son Benjamin to finish his food. Andrew Tsai, from North London, plays him hit Korean music video Gangnam Style which he has discovered has a calming effect on his son. Scroll down for video . Andrew Tsai struggles to feed breakfast to his 10-month-old son Benjamin . Benjamin continues to pull away from his breakfast . Mr Tsai finds YouTube video Gangnam Style in an attempt to calm down the baby . Benjamin stares in wonder at the computer screen . A You Tube video, which has become an internet sensation, shows clearly the impact the South Korean rapper Psy’s song has on his son. As the music plays, Benjamin immediately becomes anesthetized. His jaw drops for his father to feed him as much food as he can during the short window. Yet as soon as the music stops, the child becomes angry and in no mood to eat. But replaying the music instantly has the same effect, and dinner time is resumed. Relaxing: Psy in his music video: As the music plays, Benjamin immediately becomes anesthetized . Inspiration: Korean rapper-singer Psy performs on NBC's Today show in New York last month . The baby opens his jaw as his father tries to feed him while the music plays . Benjamin is now happy to eat his breakfast . Gangnam Style has broken a Guinness World Record for being the most 'liked' video in online history. Psy's hit song, which details life in an affluent Seoul neighbourhood, has been viewed 359,713,166 times. Video: Baby Benjamin only eats while watching hit Korean music video . | Hit Korean video has calming effect on screaming baby .
The 10-month-old only starts eating once 'Gangnam Style' starts playing . |
09ee814f716ca22ef5ba154c0fd24c17c88fae6e | By . Adrian Durham . Follow @@talkSPORTDrive . Over the next couple of weeks, and especially when England play Costa Roca in Belo Horizonte on June 24, you will hear a lot about a game played in the same city which is seen as the biggest World Cup shock of all time – USA 1-0 England in 1950. In particular you will hear the name Joe Gaetjens. I spent a lot of time researching this particular game for my book ‘Is He All That?’ and concluded that while the FA let the national team down, it’s a result that should never have stood. The circumstances of the game render it meaningless in my view and in no way should the result be regarded as the biggest upset in football history. Disaster: England goalkeeper Bert Williams looks on helplessly as he is beaten by Joe Gaetjens . Horror: Sir Alf Ramsey (right) played as England suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at the hands of the USA . Firstly let’s assess the England team at that time – they were brilliant. In 1948 they went to Italy and won 4-0 in Turin against the double world champions. It was so easy that Stanley Matthews stood in the corner with the ball at his feet and combed his hair with his hands as he waited for the well-beaten Italians to challenge him. But in Brazil two years later, the pomposity of the FA at that time was so out of control they decided to send Matthews – comfortably England’s best player – to an exhibition tour of north America rather than take him to the World Cup. So Matthews sailed to Canada for the first ‘showpiece’ game, then took the train to New York for the second match, but he was injured. The FA XI beat a USA national team 1-0, an ironic contrast to what would happen later in Belo Horizonte. He then flew to Brazil via Trinidad. Having missed England’s first ever World Cup match - they beat Chile 2-0 - Matthews then sat in the stands in Belo Horizonte to watch the USA defeat. The Grimsby fishmonger Arthur Drewry picked the team in his role as FA selector (he would later become a FIFA president). Seemingly the main thing the England manager Walter Winterbottom did at the World Cup was don an apron and teach the chefs at the Luxor Hotel in Rio how to fry eggs after they had served up a black and burnt mess on a plate to the players. But the FA’s buffoonery was not the reason this result was a joke. Three of the victorious players did not have USA citizenship, including the goalscorer Gaetjens. FIFA allowed them to play on the promise that they would all get citizenship after the tournament. However, the USA captain that day Ed McIlvenny failed to ever become a US citizen. To make it worse for England, he was Scottish. As a bizarre aside, Scotland qualified but refused to go to this World Cup because they had failed to win the Home Championship after a fortunate England win at Hampden Park. These ‘ringers’ were brought in when the Americans realised they had a team that was likely to be humiliated at the World Cup. In 1948, when England went to Italy and won 4-0, the USA had lost to the Italians 9-0. They had actually been semi-finalists in 1930 and wanted to protect that proud history - not be remembered for embarrassing results. So they hunted for good players whether they were American or not. Gaetjens was from Haiti. He was found washing pots and studying in Brooklyn, and he only met his World Cup team-mates two days before they travelled to the tournament. The goal itself was a joke: Walter Bahr hit an awful shot - some thought it was a cross – which was one of only two efforts they had in the 90 minutes, and according to most accounts of the game I’ve read, it hit the oblivious Gaetjens on the back of the head and went in. Alf Ramsey played in the game and said: ‘He (Gaetjens) ducked to avoid the ball.’ Three-and-a-half years after scoring that goal Gaetjens played in a World Cup qualifier for the country of his birth Haiti. So much for being an American citizen. Lofted up high: Gaetjens is carried off the pitch in celebration but wasn't even an American citizen . Sorry, you are? USA skipper Ed McIlvenny (right) was Scottish and exchanged pleasantries with Billy Wright . Battler: English midfielder Tom Finney (centre) goes up for a header between American defenders Charlie Colombo and Walter Bahr . Ball in hand: Williams and Ramsey tried to get England going but failed . in Belo Horizonte . Confidence: Ramsey and other members of the England team get fitted for their suits ahead of their flight to Rio . It was a crazy result, and it is wheeled out as some sort of symbol of English uselessness when there are far better examples of that from World Cup history; the whole 2010 campaign under Fabio Capello springs to mind. It was a lucky win for the USA - their goalkeeper Frank Borghi literally never kicked a ball in the game, because he was useless with his feet; England hit the bar at least five times. It was a watershed for the English FA’s superior attitude (this was the first World Cup they bothered to enter) and the USA team had a few ringers. Even though I believe the result shouldn’t have stood, and by fielding non-US citizens I believe the Americans cheated, I am glad that Gaetjens is seen as the hero. His life ended in tragedy. His family were members of the Haitian aristocracy, and when the dictator Papa Doc Duvalier tightened his grip on the country, his vicious army, the Tonton Macoutes, snatched Gaetjens as he started a day’s work at the dry-cleaning business he owned. He was taken to Fort Dimanche, the notorious prison where inmates were tortured - sometimes sexually - and murdered. It is widely believed that ‘men were sent there to die’. It was a torture and death chamber, where 40 men were crowded into rooms measuring just a few square feet. They ate gruel off the floor, and they drank only the water they were hosed down with. One American journalist said this: ‘Most men do not leave Fort Dimanche; if they are not beaten to death they die of tuberculosis, dysentery, or having the blood sucked from them by scores of vermin.’His relatives never heard from him again. It is believed he is one of the 30,000 or more executed by Papa Doc. So hail Gaetjens as a hero, but bear in mind the context and circumstances of that USA victory over England in Belo Horizonte in 1950. Watching on: Local Brazilian girls watch the England team train prior to their opening match against Chile . | England travelled to Brazil 1950 as one of the favourites for the trophy .
But they were humiliated by the USA, who were rank outsiders .
Goalscorer Joe Gaetjens wasn't American and captain Ed McIlvenny was Scottish . |
09ef00ef615595ea5ace3503f81b39efe5e63e54 | (CNN) -- Members of the international community have reacted to the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president of Iran and the oppostion protests which have accompanied the result. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pictured at a rally held in Tehran Sunday to celebrate his re-election as Iranian president. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement Saturday: "We are monitoring the situation as it unfolds in Iran but we, like the rest of the world, are waiting and watching to see what the Iranian people decide. "The United States has refrained from commenting on the election in Iran. We obviously hope that the outcome reflects the genuine will and desire of the Iranian people." White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Saturday the administration was "impressed by the vigorous debate and enthusiasm that this election generated, particularly among young Iranians." U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, commenting on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, said: "I have doubts, but withhold comment." He added that the Iranian government had suppressed crowds and limited free speech, which raised questions. He also said that the strong showing by Ahmadinejad was "unlikely," based on pre-election analysis. Gallery: Emotions run high after election » . Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman said in a statement that "the problem which Iran poses for the international community is not personal in nature, but derives from its policy. "In any case, in light of Tehran's ongoing policy, and even more so after Ahmadinejad's re-election, the international community must continue to act uncompromisingly to prevent the nuclearization of Iran, and to halt its activity in support of terror organizations and undermining stability in the Middle East. In a statement Saturday the EU Presidency said it was "concerned about alleged irregularities during the election process and post-electional violence that broke out immediately after the release of the official election results on 13 June 2009. "The Presidency hopes that outcome of the Presidential elections will bring the opportunity to resume the dialogue on nuclear issue and clear up Iranian position in this regard. The Presidency expects the new Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take its responsibility towards international community and respect its international obligations." UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Saturday that the UK government had "followed carefully, and admired, the passion and debate during the Iranian election campaign. "We have also heard the concerns about the counting of ballots expressed by two of the candidates. This is a matter for the Iranian authorities to address. We will continue to follow developments. Our priority is that Iran engages with the concerns of the world community, above all on the issue of nuclear proliferation." Fawzi Barhoum, spokesman for Hamas, the militant Palestinian movement backed by Iran, welcomed the results. He urged the world to respect Iranian democracy and accept the results of the elections. The office of Afghan President Hamid Karzai said in a statement Sunday that he had congratulated Ahmadinejad on his victory. It added that Karzai believed "relations between the two Muslim nations of Afghanistan and Iran expanded during Mr. Ahmadinejad's first term and hoped that these relations get stronger during his second term." German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told ARD Sunday that the Iranian ambassador in Berlin would be summoned to explain the treatment of protesters against the result. "I have already prompted Iran, together with European colleagues today, to quickly shed light on what has happened there -- if one can take the announced election results there seriously or not," he added. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have offered their congratulations to Ahmadinejad, the official Anatolian Agency reported Monday. It said that they "called Ahmadinejad on the phone and congratulated him for his success in the election." Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon told reporters in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Saturday, that Canada was "deeply concerned" about allegations of voting irregularities. "We're troubled by reports of intimidation of opposition candidates' offices by security forces. We've asked our embassy officials in Tehran to closely monitor the situation, and Canada is calling on Iranian authorities to conduct fair and transparent counting of all ballots." CNN's Shira Medding in Jerusalem and Greg Clary in Washington contributed to this report. | U.S. Vice President Joe Biden: Questions need to be asked about vote .
UK: We admire passion of the election, Iran needs to address fears about fairness .
EU Presidency: Hopes outcome sees opportunity for dialogue on nuclear issue .
Turkish media: President, prime minister have offered congratulations . |
09ef62ca7c926124b1309e5995e9b2b0c318b8e8 | A family found their missing pet tortoise in a store room more than 30 years after they lost her, it was reported today. Manuela disappeared from her home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1982 and despite a lengthy search was never seen again. Her owners, the Almeida family, assumed she had run away after builders working on the house left the front door open. Turtle-ly delighted: The Almeida family plays with their pet tortoise Manuela 30 years after she disappeared from their home in Rio de Janeiro . It was only after their father Leonel died earlier this month that the Almeida children began clearing out a second-floor room which he had filled with broken electrical items and always kept locked. Leonel's son, Leandro, said he was astonished to find Manuela alive inside a box containing an old record player. He told Brazil's Globo G1 website said: 'I put the box on the pavement for the rubbish men to collect, and a neighbour said, "you're not throwing out the turtle as well are you?" 'I looked and saw her. At that moment, I turned white, I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.' Alone time: Manuela was finally discovered alive inside a box containing an old record player when the family decided to clear out a locked store room (above) Red-footed tortoises are popular pets in South America because they are relatively inexpensive and have interesting personalities. In the wild, they mainly live in dry forest areas and grasslands and feed on fruit, leaves, dead animals and even faeces. They have a life expectancy of around 50 years. As pets, it is recommended that they are housed outdoors when conditions allow. They are particularly resilient as they can survive for up to three years without food. But they are also at risk from humans as the species is considered a delicacy in many cities of South America. Daughter Lenita, who had been given the . tortoise as a childhood pet, said: 'Everything my father thought he . could fix, he picked up and brought home. 'If he found an old television he thought he might be able to use a part of it to fix another one in the future, so he just kept accumulating things. We never dared go inside that room. 'We're all thrilled to have Manuela back. 'But no-one can understand how she managed to survive for 30 years in there, it's just unbelievable.' Rio de Janeiro vet Jeferson Pires explained that Manuela's red-footed species of tortoise, can go for long periods without eating. He said: 'They are particularly resilient and can survive for two to three years without food. In the wild they eat fruit, leaves, dead animals, even faeces.' He said Manuela may have survived by eating termites from the wooden floors. | Manuela disappeared from her home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1982 .
Found when owners finally cleared out store room after father died .
Vet believes she survived by eating termites from the wooden floors . |
09eff5e905cac8d0e1cbfd4e293573d9b477c3a1 | (CNN) -- He has beheaded again. The tall, masked British man with the London accent, working with ISIS. His first two victims were American journalists. His third was a fellow citizen, British aid worker David Haines. British Prime Minister David Cameron hastily assembled a meeting of his top national security advisers in the early hours of Sunday morning to discuss what can be done. According to British officials, Cameron knows the identity of the British executioner. ISIS executes David Haines, Cameron vows justice . He also knows that the executioner has already killed two citizens of his country's closest ally and he knows that the executioner holds at least two other American citizens. Cameron knows that the executioner holds other hostages from additional Western countries and that he is part of a larger group of British hostage-takers working for ISIS, nicknamed "the Beatles" by their captives. And he knows that the lives of the remaining hostages are in grave danger. It is a real crisis for Cameron, and it underlines a sobering fact: British citizens have volunteered to go to Syria to fight at 25 times the rate that Americans have done so, when adjusted for population size. Some 500 British citizens have traveled to Syria to fight, as have 100 Americans. The population of the United Kingdom is about a fifth of that of the States. A British government assessment by the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism provided to CNN shows that the British have already arrested 69 people this year for "Syria related terrorist offences" that include terrorist financing, preparing an act of terrorism, and attending a terrorist training camp. In 2013, 25 people were arrested in the UK on similar charges, bringing the total number of arrests to 94, according to the British government assessment. By contrast, only eight have been arrested for similar Syria-related terrorist crimes in the States. ISIS execution videos strikingly similar . The war in Syria is attracting British fighters from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds, not just those of Syrian descent. A British official told CNN that the vast majority of British fighters going to Syria do not have any real links to the country other than a desire to fight in a holy war against the Bashar al-Assad regime. Alarmed by the threat posed by its citizens fighting in Syria, the British government has already refused to issue or has cancelled 23 passports and has also revoked the citizenship of eight British citizens, according to the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism. The British agency also underlines the threat posed by other European citizens who have traveled to Syria, who can freely travel around the European Union, including the UK, and who can also travel to the States without visas as they are from so-called "visa waiver" countries. Statement from the family of David Haines . According to the British government, 700 fighters have traveled to Syria from France; 400 from Germany; between 300 and 500 from Belgium; 130 from the Netherlands; over 100 from Denmark; 100 from Austria; 80 from Sweden; and between 50 and 100 from Spain. The British government also estimates that 100 Canadians have left Canada to "support or train with terrorist movements abroad. The majority of these are likely to be in Syria." And it estimates that there are 60 Australians fighting in Syria and Iraq and about 100 Australian "facilitators" helping to make this possible in Australia. This brings the total number of Westerners who have fought in Syria to between 2,620 and 2,870, according to the British Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism assessment obtained by CNN, which is likely the most authoritative estimate yet. Despite the fact that the British government has identified the executioner of the two American journalists and of David Haines, it is not making his name public "for operational reasons." That's because the only likely hope for the remaining hostages is some kind of rescue operation similar to the one that the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command mounted on July 4, which didn't achieve its purpose because the prisoners had been recently moved from the location where they were being held in Syria. A rescue operation is a long shot, but at this point it may be the only real chance of saving the lives of the remaining hostages. David Cameron knows this -- and so does President Barack Obama. | ISIS executioner, tall man with London accent, has beheaded a third man, a UK aid worker .
Peter Bergen says British officials believe they know the identity of the killer .
A UK estimate puts the number of Westerners fighting in Syria at more than 2,600 .
Bergen: UK officials not releasing the name of the killer "for operational reasons" |
09f04b3a30e1daeb468ec3f62ab190342ba8eb45 | By . Rebecca English . His great-grandfather dropped the family name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha during the First World War because it sounded too Germanic. But Prince Charles wasn't given the chance to dodge his Teutonic roots yesterday when he was presented with a large freshly-baked pretzel. He was handed the pastry by Stuttgart-born delicatessen worker Petra Braun from the creatively-named Hansel and Pretzel shop in Ham, Surrey. Prince Charles was handed the pastry by Stuttgart-born delicatessen worker Petra Braun from the creatively-named Hansel and Pretzel shop in Ham, Surrey . Prince Charles is given a large pretzel as he visits the Ham Close Estate near Richmond on behalf of the Prince's Foundation for Building Community - but he doesn't look too impressed! Prince Charles wasn't given the chance to dodge his Teutonic roots yesterday when he was presented with a large freshly-baked pretzel . As she showed him the gift, Miss Braun, 47, joked: 'You might as well have this because you are German.' Charles . looked a little surprised by the remark – but soon regained his . composure, politely remarking: 'Well that was a long time ago.' The . Saxe-Coburg-Gotha name came to the British Royal Family in 1840 with . the marriage of Victoria to Prince Albert, who was the son of Ernest, . Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Victoria . herself remained a member of the House of Hanover, which had ruled . Britain since the accession of King George I in 1714. Here, doggy! Prince Charles meets Kathleen Broderick and her dog Sirius . The Prince of Wales meets local residents during a visit to Richmond to find out how Richmond Council is working with the Prince's Foundation, of which the Prince is President . Charles seemed in good spirits - even getting into a fit of giggles - during his visit . The Prince of Wales meets Paul Card in his flat during a visit to Ham Close in Richmond . The Prince of Wales meets local residents and school children on the estate . The Prince of Wales looked dapper in a blue suit as he made his way through Richmond . The only British monarch from the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was Edward VII, who reigned for nine years at the turn of the last century. His son, George V, replaced the royal house's title with that of Windsor in 1917 when anti-German sentiment was at its peak. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a glass of rose as she participated in a wine tasting class. Camilla was paying a visit to the new Wine Research Centre at Plumpton College, East Sussex. Earlier in the day she praised the 'wonderful, uplifting feeling' she gained as she officially opened an £11.5 million hospice in a seaside town. Camilla toured the bright, modern facilities at St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne, East Sussex, where she was serenaded by a 40-strong school choir. She spoke to patients, staff and volunteers, visited the physiotherapy gym, and toured its 20-bed in-patient unit. The Duchess of Cornwall takes part in a wine tasting class during a visit to the new Wine Research Centre at Plumpton College, East Sussex . Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall was out and about to officially open St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne . There she met prostate cancer sufferer Ray Boylan, 55, who recently re-married wife Lyn, 53, after they divorced and years later rekindled their love for each other. On being told of their recent nuptials, Camilla remarked: 'That's very nice. I feel as if I should have come with flowers or something.' She works out! The royal visitor, who grew up in Sussex, watched Val Herlihy, 69, as she used weights to build up her strength in the gym . The Duchess went on to pick up one of the pink dumbbells Mrs Herlihy was using before telling her with a smile: 'I think I'll hand that back to you' Camilla wore a smart tweed coat with white blouse and knee high boots as she paid an official visit to St Wilfrid's Hospice . Camilla chatted to member of the school choir, who serenaded her on arrival . Camilla spoke to patients, staff and volunteers, visited the physiotherapy gym, and toured its 20-bed in-patient unit . The royal visitor, who grew up in Sussex, watched Val Herlihy, 69, as she used weights to build up her strength in the gym. The Duchess went on to pick up one of the pink dumbbells Mrs Herlihy was using before telling her with a smile: 'I think I'll hand that back to you.' Camilla then went on to watch Audrey Martin, 69, on an exercise bike. Afterwards, Ms Martin said: 'I joked to her that I was on my way to Brighton, and she said "How far have you got?" 'It was nice to see her here. It's a fantastic place. Everyone is friendly and it's not the type of place that you don't want to come to.' After unveiling a plaque, she told the . gathering: 'As a native of Sussex, it's always a real treat to come back . here again, and especially to see this wonderful hospice' The hospice was completed last August and saw patients move from its old base in Eastbourne in November. Staff care for more than 1,000 ill people each year, and the hospice has provided services in the area for over 30 years. All of the care at St Wilfrid's is free, but its £10,000-a-day running costs are only partially met by the NHS. The rest comes from donations. After listening to a choir from independent Eastbourne College and meeting more staff and volunteers, Camilla spoke of her fondness for the hospice. Camilla shares a joke with patient Mike Capp during an official visit to St Wilfrid's Hospice . The Duchess of Cornwall talks to students in a laboratory during a visit to the new Wine Research Centre at Plumpton College, East Sussex . The Duchess of Cornwall dons a lab coat during a visit to the new Wine Research Centre at Plumpton College . Camilla meets artist Steve Geliot during an official visit to St Wilfrid's Hospice. The hospice was completed last August and saw patients move from its old base in Eastbourne in November . After unveiling a plaque, she told the gathering: 'As a native of Sussex, it's always a real treat to come back here again, and especially to see this wonderful hospice. 'I would just like to congratulate everyone who was involved. It's the most wonderful place, with a wonderful, uplifting feeling, which is what all hospices should have.' Among the guests was BBC broadcaster David Dimbleby, a new patron of the hospice, who spoke afterwards about the change in how cancer is treated nowadays. Camilla seems intrigued by Derrick Platt's badges of honour during her visit . Mr Dimbleby, whose own father died from the disease in 1965, said: 'Everything that is behind a wall is losing out because it's not connecting. 'The great thing about here is it connects - people feel part of what's going on. We are all going to die. 'There is no mystery behind it, and many of us die of cancer. My father died of cancer. Many people have got grandparents or parents with cancer. 'To have this change in the way in which it is treated from when my dad died in 1965 and now is just extraordinary. 'The word cancer wasn't used - the Big C. Now people talk about it. The thing is to make it part of all our lives and part of living and I think that's what this place achieves. 'It has just such a good atmosphere.' 'I would just like to congratulate everyone who was involved. It's the most wonderful place,' she said . Camilla is presented with flowers as she makes a speech alongside Jo Walton . | Prince Charles was handed a giant pretzel when he visited a bakery .
Meanwhile, Camilla went wine-tasting in Eastbourne, East Sussex .
She was serenaded by a 40-strong school choir .
Visited physiotherapy gym, and toured its 20-bed in-patient unit . |
09f2364a27ccba33c8f0bb55ab331fce54edffed | By . Anna Hodgekiss . PUBLISHED: . 10:47 EST, 27 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:09 EST, 27 May 2013 . The parents of a toddler who lost both legs and an arm to meningitis are battling for a new vaccine to be introduced across the UK. Tommy Brown contracted the deadly disease at just five months old. He was given just a five per cent chance of survival after also developing blood poisoning and his heart stopping, meaning doctors had to bring him back from the dead. Now, a year after their ordeal, Tommy's parents Julie and Dean are campaigning for a revolutionary new meningitis vaccine to be made available to children across the NHS. Fourteen-month-old Tommy Brown (with mother Julie, father Dean and sister Ellie) contracted meningitis B at just five months old. He lost both legs, his right arm and the fingers of his left hand and was given just a five per cent chance of survival . Ms Tuckey, 37, said: 'Injuries and all, we prayed Tommy would live. It makes me cry to see him alert and looking about, then looking at where his hands and legs used to be, as if he is wondering where they are. 'It was so painful to see him suffer and go through the operations. But he is remarkable and is superb at adapting, we're lucky to still have our beautiful boy.' The ordeal began when mother-of-four Ms Tuckey, 37, and Tommy's father, Dean Brown, 28, saw their son's temperature skyrocket to over 37C. They took Tommy to his doctor, but his temperature continued to rise and he was eventually diagnosed with a throat infection. But by the morning, the youngster had a purple rash across his body and was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital, where meningitis and septicaemia were finally diagnosed. Doctors also had to revive him as he technically died in A&E. The family is backing a campaign for a new vaccine to be introduced across the UK. It will protect against meningitis B, the most deadly form that Tommy had . Tommy's parents were then shocked to be told that he would have to lose one of his legs between the knee and ankle. But, after a five-hour operation, he had to have both legs, right hand and left hand fingers amputated in March 2012, followed by painful skin grafts. Ms Tuckey, who has three other children, Elle, 10; Demi, 18 and Lee, 19, said: 'It was a nightmare. I didn't go home for six weeks, I suffered bad dreams every night and spoke to a psychologist to help me cope with things. 'It was hard to see our clever boy, who was starting to move around in his walker, learn to cope without his limbs. 'But we know he will do us proud and achieve whatever he puts his mind to.' He was also dubbed 'the miracle boy' as the hospital told his parents 'we've never known a child so poorly . survive so many amputations, so young'. Marvel: Tommy was dubbed 'the miracle boy' by hospital. His mother Julie said: 'We were told the staff had never known a child so poorly survive so many amputations, so young' Tommy is now learning to walk using his new prosthetic . legs and can even kick a football. The . family are now assisting with the Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust's . new national Meningitis B: Beat it Now roadshow and petition. The . UK has one of the highest Meningitis B incidence rates in the world, . affecting an average of 1,870 people each year. Meningitis B is the most . deadly form of the condition. One in 10 people affected will die and . one in four will be left with life-changing after-effects such as brain . damage or limb loss. Developed by pharmaceutical giant Novartis, Bexsero would be the first Meningitis B vaccine to be licensed for use in the UK. Hope: Tommy is now learning to walk using his new prosthetic legs and can even kick a football . Next month, the independent Joint . Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the . Government on vaccination, will suggest whether Bexsero should be in the . childhood immunisation schedule. Meningitis UK and Meningitis Trust is a charity for the research and prevention of the disease and provides support services and after-care for sufferers. Mr Brown said: 'We strongly support the campaign as we don't want anyone else to go through what we have, it still impacts on us now and will for life. 'It's a horrendous disease that kills or leaves people like our Tommy with awful after-effects. 'It's simple - there should be no question - the Government needs to act and put this vaccine on the NHS immediately. 'It will save so many lives and stop others from suffering like Tommy, so everyone should rally behind Beat it Now.' To donate to little Tommy's fund please visit https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/cRxhd. | Tommy Brown contracted the deadly disease at just five months old .
Lost both his legs, his right arm and fingers on left arm to the condition .
Was given just a five per cent chance of survival after his heart stopped .
His parents are now campaigning for new meningitis vaccine to be approved .
Will protect against the most deadly strain, meningitis B .
Health experts will next month advise Government on rolling it out . |
09f2b1aca9eb76c91c2535f36c010e05293b5ca9 | Yaya Toure is not motivated by money but instead by the pursuit of a long-term technical role at Manchester City, according to his agent. The Ivory Coast international seemed to express his unhappiness at the Etihad Stadium through Twitter on Tuesday after his agent Dimitry Seluk publicly claimed his client felt underappreciated and disrespected at City. Seluk suggested that one of Toure's main gripes was the club's failure to mark his 31st birthday last week. Ambition: Toure has been linked with a return 'home' to Barcelona after a lack of respect from City . Comments: Toure's agent Dimitri Seluk has been in the public eye over the last week . All smiles: Toure is now training in America with the Ivory Coast after his trip to Abu Dhabi with City . But in an interview with Sky Sports News broadcast on Thursday morning the Ukrainian claimed Toure would be more than happy to stay should he be promised a coaching position or sporting director's role beyond his retirement. Seluk said: 'Of course. Like Real Madrid did with (Zinedine) Zidane for example. Zidane played then after that he started working for the club. 'Yaya needs the club in the future. 'We don't want any more pounds, not a longer contract, nothing like this, only really attention. 'More attention (paid) to Yaya and Yaya must feel happy at the club - that's the main thing. 'I'll tell you one more time, we don't need one more pound in the contract.' Toure initially appeared to contradict claims from Seluk that he could quit the club this summer after his outspoken agent claimed City had failed to celebrate his birthday adequately. But the player quickly backtracked and made statements in favour of his agent. General: Former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane was handed a coaching role at the club . Peacemaker: Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain will talk with Toure before the World Cup . Snub: Toure was upset by Pellegrini not giving him a birthday message . Slice it up: The controversial cake . £47million - Since making his big-money move to Barcelona in 2007, Yaya Toure has earned approximately £47m in wages alone. That includes contracts of around £40,000-a-week at Barcelona and a weekly wage of more than £200,000 at City. PS . It’s not just wages that Yaya pockets - in his time at City the midfielder has earned around £6m in image rights and £4m in bonuses. A video published by City last week in which Toure was presented with a birthday cake has since been widely circulated while many also pointed out that the club had tweeted a happy birthday message at the time. Seluk later clarified his remarks, saying that Toure was disappointed nobody from a senior position at the club wished him happy birthday. And on Thursday he added: 'Of course some players congratulated him (on his birthday) but not the sporting director, not the general director, not the chairman, nobody. '(The manager?) No, nobody. 'This is the question. If you don't even congratulate the player or send flowers to his wife or mother - these are just small things.' Return? Toure is also rumoured to be open to a move back to former club Barcelona . Sticking the knife in? Toure's cake was dwarfed by that of Manchester City's owners celebrating the title . | Yaya Toure's agent Dimitry Seluk claims the midfielder would like a coaching role at Manchester City .
Toure is upset that the club did not celebrate his 31st birthday appropriately .
Man City have no intention of selling Toure despite his agent's outburst . |
09f351693d26984e93064536defb4e6d5555386e | Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- The Iraqi government has aired videos showing three men, who claim to be members of the ousted Baath Party, saying they were involved in last month's devastating Baghdad attacks. In recent months the Iraqi government has played a number of such videos for reporters. Many Iraqis have voiced skepticism about their authenticity. In the videos shown Sunday, the men said they were Baath Party members who were involved in planning and executing the October 25 bombings at government buildings. The two suicide vehicle bombings that struck the Ministry of Justice and other government buildings in October killed 160 Iraqis and wounded more than 500. It was Iraq's deadliest attack in more than two years. The attacks mirrored a pair of bombings on August 19 at the Foreign and Finance Ministries that killed more than 100 people and wounded hundreds more. The Islamic State in Iraq, an umbrella group that includes al Qaeda in Iraq, claimed responsibility for both the August and October attacks. The Iraqi government has said both attacks were a coordinated effort by Baath loyalists and al Qaeda in Iraq. In recent weeks, the government and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have stepped up the anti-Baath rhetoric ahead of the country's upcoming national elections, an escalation that some fear is a political ploy to keep some Sunni Arab candidates from running in the elections. Sunni Arabs -- a minority in now-Shiite-led Iraq -- dominated Saddam Hussein's Baath Party, which ran the country for decades and persecuted majority Shiites and minority Kurds. The party is illegal in Iraq now, and most of its former mid- and high-level officials are banned from government jobs. In an interview with al-Iraqia State TV on Sunday night, which re-aired on Monday, government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the attacks originated from people in Syria. Al-Dabbagh cautioned that the Iraqi government is not accusing the Syrian government of involvement. He said a group based in Syria was planning and carrying out the attacks. He said the confessions shown Sunday were only a part of the information and confessions the government has. After the August bombings, tensions between Iraq and neighboring Syria reached an all-time high and both countries withdrew their ambassadors. Iraq accused Syria of harboring Baath Party members who, it said, were financing and planning the attacks in Iraq. Earlier in August, al-Maliki and a high-level delegation visited Damascus and asked the Syrian government to hand over a number of mid-level and senior Baathists living in Syria. Syria refused, and the Iraqis accused Syria of supporting the August attacks by providing a refuge for Baathists who were working with al Qaeda in Iraq. In late August, Syria repeated its willingness to help the Iraqis investigate the bombings and discounted the tapes the government had released as fabricated evidence. "Syria informed the Iraqi side of its readiness to receive an Iraqi delegation to inspect the evidence available to them concerning the bombings' perpetrators," a Syrian official said, according to SANA, the state-run news agency. "Otherwise Syria considers what has been broadcast through the Iraqi media as mere fabricated evidence intended to serve internal political goals, and the conflicting and contradicting statements by the Iraqi officials are proof of that." The top U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, told reporters last week that investigations into the October bombings were under way and a number of suspects were in custody. He said al Qaeda in Iraq has teamed up with remnants of the Baath Party -- a statement that gave more weight to the Iraqi government's claims. "We have been able to significantly reduce the capability of several groups to include al Qaeda and some of the Sunni rejectionist groups, so what I think we have seen happen over the last year or so is that these groups have started to work together. And so they have started to coalesce, especially at the local level. ... So it blurs the lines sometimes. And I think sometimes it's semantics. Some people say al Qaeda, some people call them Baathists. I would argue that they are probably both involved, they are coordinating at the local level," Odierno said. When asked if there was any indication the attacks came from Syria, Odierno said: "I think my experience is that there probably was some movement of fighters or explosives coming in from Syria. But again, we will continue to work our way through that." Odierno and Iraqi officials have warned that they expect more such high-profile attacks before the January national elections, the country's second national vote since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. "We believe there will be attempts to conduct more attacks between now and the elections, because they want to destabilize those. We are working hard with Iraqi security force partners to come up with a comprehensive strategy to stop that, we are increasing efforts, the Iraqis are increasing efforts in the belts around Baghdad and Mosul. ... We are increasing our efforts on the borders and we are increasing our counterterrorism targeting, and the tempo of that has increased significantly over the last month or so," Odierno said. | Iraqi officials air videos showing alleged confessions by Baath Party members .
Men in videos say they helped in bombings that killed 160 last month .
Some say government trying to discredit Sunni Muslims so they won't run for office .
U.S. general says remnants of Baath Party have teamed up with al Qaeda in Iraq . |
09f48a28bdf2df253b96ae6eb26f92def5a04642 | By . Kerry Mcqueeney . PUBLISHED: . 19:08 EST, 18 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:53 EST, 19 September 2012 . Women who play away from home might want to consider the punishment meted out for similar indiscretions hundreds of years ago in Warwickshire. While adultery in this day and age might end up in the divorce courts, women guilty of such a crime during the late Middle Ages were forced to endure a very unusual form of retribution - reciting a humiliating ditty while sitting backwards on a ram, holding its tail. This is just one of many punishments that were routinely handed out in Warwickshire for activities banned in the county for more than six centuries. And many of the offences themselves would now be considered equally ridiculous. Ancient history: The manorial documents stipulating the bizarre punishments for outlawed activities have been uploaded to the internet . Ancient documents stipulating the strange laws and have been unearthed and uploaded to the internet so they can be viewed online for the first time on the National Archives' Manorial Documents Register. Historians spent six months collating the records and putting them onto an online database. They include laws against selling shoes before 1pm as well as playing tennis and bowls - 'crimes' which were punishable by a 40 pence fine. Neil Bettridge, manorial documents project officer for Warwickshire County Council, said: 'People were fined for playing bowls [in Temple Balsall] in the 1620s. An ancient map (pictured) detailing the historical boundaries of Warwickshire was also among the haul of manorial documents . Historians spent six months collating the records and putting them onto an online database . 'It was more a question of social order. People weren’t keen on [other] people getting together in large groups and necessarily enjoying themselves. 'I think it was a question of social control that they didn’t want people to be wasting their time on what they thought were frivolous things.' In 1424 tennis was banned from the streets of Atherstone, Warkwickshire, while ale house haunters who did not attend church were fined under charges issued by 17th Century courts. Women who committed adultery were also forced to sit on the back of a ram in front of everyone in the court, hold the animal’s tail and recite a ditty. A rich and fascinating history: A lot of the records are written in Latin and, because of their age, the handwriting is difficult to read . Ancient scrolls: The ancient documents include laws against selling shoes before 1pm as well as playing tennis and bowls - 'crimes' punishable by a 40 pence fine . The contents of the scrolls can be viewed online for the first time on the National Archives' Manorial Documents Register . Charges issued by 17th century court leets' include: 'A pain (fine) on tanners and shoemakers that they offer not wares to sell before one of the clock in the afternoon.' Another law reads: 'The churchwardens to search for ale house haunters and others that come not to church on Sunday on pain (fine) of 10s.' Mark Ryder, head of localities and community safety said: 'These records contain a rich and fascinating history about life in Warwickshire in the late middle ages. 'The database will signpost people to the relevant sources and will help to bring medieval history to everyone’s fingertips.' Sam Collenette, the county council’s archives and historic environment manager, added: 'They’re quite difficult records to use and a lot of them are in Latin. And because of the age of them the records are in difficult handwriting. 'They are the only source that will give people detailed information about medieval life in villages.' | Ancient documents have been unearthed stipulating strange laws in the county during the late Middle Ages .
Historians spent six months collating the records and putting them on to an online database .
They can now be viewed on the internet for the first time on the National Archives' Manorial Documents Register . |
09f5704c9a59b73164aac165e6366c4d05100cf8 | When midnight strikes on New Year's Day, John Martin will be sipping champagne as he flies over the South Pole on his 996th flight on a Qantas plane. The 82-year-old from Wollongong, just south of Sydney, boarded a 12-hour Qantas 747 flight at around 6pm on December 31, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. As one of Qantas's most loyal customers, Mr Martin was invited on the privately chartered day tour with Antarctica Flights, in which four hours will be spent hovering over the vast Antarctic continent at 10,000 feet, after word spread that he'd been flying with the carrier for over 50 years. Scroll down for video . John Martin, 82, will spend his 996th flight with Qantas flying over the South Pole on New Year's Eve . 'Why would anyone want to fly an 82-year-old to the South Pole and back on New Years's Eve? But they do, so I have promised to be on my best behaviour,' he told Fairfax. After completing his 959th flight with Qantas earlier this month, he racked up three million miles with the single airline – the equivalent of flying around the world several times over. The former television news editor has completed 148 long-haul journeys to New York and 138 flights to London along the way, but he admits that he's already flown on over 1000 other commercial flights with various other carriers when Qantas' flights didn't reach a destination that appealed to him. 'Really, I'm not obsessive about Qantas,' Mr Martin said. 'I never had the aim of doing 1000 Qantas flight, just like I never said I'd live to 82. It just happened.' The retired television news editor was given the keys to Qantas' 75th Boeing 737-800, a retro-themed aircraft earlier this year . But it wasn't until the age of 32 that the former news editor flew on his first international flight. 'I made my money as a news editor, it was a good salary and a good job and I spent most of it with the tax office and Qantas, and it gave me, I think, the best life in the world. The things I've done, the places I've been, it's been wonderful,' Mr Martin told News.com.au. As a tribute to his loyalty, the airline recently presented him with the keys to its 75th Boeing 737-800, a retro-themed aircraft with a 1970s livery featuring Qantas' iconic flying kangaroo logo in November this year. Mr Martin's love for aviation and Qantas runs so deep that he often flies to a destination and back on Christmas Day because his considers airline staff his family. He also regularly flies from Sydney to Perth or Melbourne and back in one day. As one of Qantas's most loyal customers, Mr Martin was invited on the privately chartered day tour with Antarctica Flights, in which four hours will be spent hovering over the vast Antarctic continent at 10,000 feet, after word spread that he'd been flying with the carrier for over 50 years . Mr Martin never married and never had children, and he refuses to slow down even though his friends are encouraging him to take it easy as he grows older. After flying all over the world, Mr Martin can name all of the 278 different aircraft he has flown on thanks to his meticulous record-keeping. He keeps notes on every Qantas plane he has boarded and is eager to add the airline's first Airbus A380 to his list. Along the way he has racked up plenty of frequent flyer points, although he doesn't allow them to accumulate. He told news.com.au: 'I tend to use the (points) before they get too big, because if I died before I used them, it would kill me, it would be the end of the world, I mean going up to heaven with Frequent Flyer Points unused. 'The man upstairs says you can't use them for the last trip, so there's just no way.' 'I never had the aim of doing 1000 Qantas flight, just like I never said I'd live to 82. It just happened,' he said . | John Martin will complete his 996th flight with Qantas on New Years Day .
He was invited on a privately chartered day tour with Antarctica Flights, in which four hours will be spent over Antarctica at 10,000 feet .
He has flown 148 long-haul journeys to New York and 138 to London .
The former television news editor has been flying for more than 50 years .
Qantas recently presented him with keys to a retro-themed plane .
He flies on Christmas Day because he considers airline staff his family . |
09f8a8a06dbfa272a3f5258f7b730a7c3de5af2d | (CNN) -- A free Lamborghini in Miami, Florida. Brazos, a new luxury condo development in Austin, Texas, will auction off its rooms at deep discounts in May. Complimentary housekeeping in Phoenix, Arizona. Two bedrooms for the price of one in Atlanta, Georgia. It's a buyers market again for condominium shoppers after years of artificially high prices and speculation. Marketing gimmicks, along with auctions, upgrades and incentives, continue to be wildly popular for developers desperate to relieve the inventory glut. "We want to move the products as fast as we can," said Summer Dunham, marketing manager for Starpointe Communities, which develops luxury condominiums in Scottsdale, Arizona, one of the first states slammed by the nation's housing crises. "It was very slow in 2008. Everyone had difficulty selling." So in February, the determined company auctioned off 20 four-story condominiums overlooking a golf course, private park and three swimming pools against a mountain backdrop. The upscale properties were priced as high as $1.6 million before the market sank. The auction was declared a success for the company, which sold nearly all of its units in a weak market where only 115 out of nearly 2,000 available units have closed in the first quarter of this year, according to a report by Metrostudy, a research firm tracking the condo market. And bargain hunters were jazzed to pay, on average, $600,000 for a unit at the auction. "Developers will bend over backwards to sell these units," said Brad Hunter, chief economist at Metrostudy. "There is no limit on the number of ways they will work with someone to sell at this point." Condominium sales continue to sag amid soft demand from buyers. Metrostudy reported that sales prices nationwide have dropped from a massive and unsustainable pace that reached a crescendo in 2006. Sales are at a virtual standstill today. For example, only 158 units closed out of 3,137 available units in Palm Beach County, Florida, during the first three months of this year, according to Metrostudy. The situation has only worsened with the economic downturn, Hunter said. Buyers are tightening their wallets and demanding lower prices. Recovery isn't expected for several more years in some markets, the firm says. Even more troublesome, thousands of new units are entering saturated condo markets such as Miami, Florida, and Phoenix, Arizona. Much of the financing from the projects came before the condo market collapse, experts say. Meanwhile, the value of existing condominiums is falling. The National Association of Realtors found that the prices for existing condos has dropped nearly 16 percent since 2006. The small number of recent sales probably were brought on by the deep discounts, said Walter Molony, spokesman for the group. "The condo market is starting to improve, but you still have a long way to go," Molony said. Other prospective buyers are having trouble obtaining loans to make down payments in a tight credit market, housing experts say. This month, Fannie Mae implemented additional fees on condominium loans regardless of applicants' credit scores. Some private mortgage lenders are also refusing to give loans to buyers for condos that are empty or have delinquent owners. But if buyers do have the cash saved up, now may be the best time to finance. Interest rates have fallen to under 5 percent in some places. In some condo markets, marketing teases are still popular. While they may not make the sale, they spark interest, sellers say. "At one point, they were giving away free flights, free Vespas," said Ben Kakimoto, a Realtor at John L. Scott Real Estate specializing in condos in Seattle, Washington. Kakimoto said at least five more high-rise luxury condos are set to open in downtown Seattle this year in addition to the oversupply already on the market. His research shows there is a 9.2-month supply of condos in Seattle -- the highest number his company has ever seen. A healthy market should have about five or six months of supply, he says. High-end shoppers will find luxury properties like the South of Fifth development in South Beach, Florida, which offered a free Lamborghini worth $260,000 when buyers purchased one of the multimillion-dollar properties, said Sildy Cervera, who managed the sales. "The fear factor is still holding people back," said Cervera, who ended the promotion this month after receiving ample inquiries but few buyers. In recent months, auctioning has become a popular way for developers to liquidate their properties. When consumers name a price, they can feel confident they are getting rock-bottom prices, said Chris Longly, a National Auctioneers Association spokesman. Auctioning also can encourage more buyers, he said. Next month in Austin, Texas, Kennedy Wilson, a California company that handles auctions nationally, will auction units at the Brazos, a sophisticated development with prices previously at $200,000 to $1.6 million. Instead, the starting bid prices will range from $80,000 to $600,000. Kennedy Wilson President Rhett Winchell said he has received four times as many inquiries for auctions in the last year, compared with the previous year. "We can sell out 30 to 50 properties at one single event," he said. Last month in Atlanta, sellers auctioned off The Horizon at Wildwood, where sleek contemporary condos originally priced at $375,000 went for $200,000. In Atlanta, only 645 units units sold, leaving more than 6,000 units unsold in 2008, according to Haddow & Company, a real estate consulting firm. It was here, at the Horizon auction last month at a W Hotel -- where drinks and finger foods were served -- that cattle rancher George Drake, 73, and his wife purchased a new two-bedroom condo for nearly 40 percent off. "I got a fine deal," said Drake, who is currently painting the walls before he and his wife move in next month. "I am really pleased." | Condo market continues to see slow sales in cities like Miami, Phoenix and Atlanta .
Thousands of units will come onto the market this year despite declining demand .
Auctions are selling upscale properties at 40 percent off to cut their inventory .
Marketing gimmicks like free cars, housekeeping or upgrades are also offered . |
09f8ebf0d5319187d944977219fb8edb62f23c29 | HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) -- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has introduced a $1,000 note -- $10 trillion in the old value -- as the country battles to end cash shortages in the hyper-inflationary environment. Zimbabwe's currency is trading around Z$350 -- $35 trillion in the old value -- against U.S. dollar. However, analysts said the new note -- which can only buy a loaf of bread -- will not ease pressure on cash shortages because of the ever-increasing prices. "It will not make even a small impact. What we need in Zimbabwe is a clear change of policies, start production and then inflation will start easing up," said John Robertson, an economic consultant. "The zeros seem to be coming back no matter how often they slash them." In August, Zimbabwe slashed ten zeroes on the currency; two years earlier the country slashed three zeros. The zeroes keep bouncing back in the country that has an inflation rate of 11.2 million -- the highest in the world. Zimbabwe's agro-based economy has been on a free-fall for more than a decade now. The situation was exacerbated by the destruction of commercial agriculture in 2000 when President Robert Mugabe's government embarked on a violent land grab from white farmers and gave it to inexperienced black farmers. Mugabe denies that he is to blame for the country's economic collapse, citing economic sanctions that have been placed on Zimbabwe. Since 2000, Zimbabwe's currency has been depreciating against major currency. It is trading around $350 Zimbabwean dollars -- $35 trillion in the old value -- against the U.S. dollar. | Z$1,000 note can only purchase a loaf of bread .
Zimbabwe's agro-based economy in free-fall for more than a decade .
Robert Mugabe blames country's economic collapse on sanctions . |
09f96093a80099ddc7f0031879d23c7d3abf526e | This is the incredible moment when a Peruvian police officer crosses five lanes of busy traffic to rescue a stranded puppy. Juan Manuel Iman Zena, 34, had spotted the terrified young dog on the busy Panamericana Sur, in the Peruvian capital Lima. Concerned about its welfare, and fearing it could cause a major accident, the brave officer took his life in his hands as he strode out onto the highway, ordering traffic to stop, to pick up the puppy. Scroll down for video . Juan Manuel Iman Zena (pictured with the rescued puppy) had spotted the terrified young animal on the busy Panamericana Sur, in the Peruvian capital Lima . Video footage of the incident has since gone viral, turning Mr Zena into an internet star. But despite his online fame, the officer insists; 'I was only doing my job. 'I could see that there was no way the young dog was going to make it back and it's amazing he even managed to get the central reservation in the first place,' said Mr Zena. 'I knew it was about to be hit at any moment, and was worried that if a car tried to swerve it might cause an accident.' Concerned about the puppy's welfare, and fearing it could cause a major accident, the brave officer took his life in his hands as he strode out onto the highway to pick up the puppy . The officer orders traffic to stop and slowly approached the young dog before grabbing it by the scruff of its neck . Realising he could be hit 'any moment', he quickly carries with the animal to his motorbike across the road where he can check its collar . The video shows him starting to wave down traffic before eventually crossing the highway and slowly approaching the puppy. He then grabs the dog by the scruff of the neck and carries it back to the safety of his motorbike. There he puts the animal on a makeshift lead and checks the collar to help track down the owners. On the video a child can also be heard saying excitedly: 'He saved it.' Mr Zena added: 'I had an easy job with the last part, the telephone number for the owners was on the collar and I simply called them and they were very grateful to be reunited with their pet.' Video footage of the incident has since gone viral, turning Mr Zena into an internet star but despite his new online fame, he insists he was only doing his job . The video, shot by witness Carolina Carol, attracted widespread praise for the police officer from animal welfare protection organisations in the country and resulted in him being praised by his superiors. The president of the Peruvian Animal Protection Association, Cecilia Degregori, wrote in the Facebook profile of the group that it was great to see positive news about dogs and people in the media for a change. She said: 'Unfortunately, we see daily reports of cruelty and indifference against animals and we are fighting to change this attitude. However I must say to this policeman, with your behaviour we are proud of you and the Peruvian police and we see in you hope for the future for change.' | Juan Manuel Iman Zena spotted the puppy on a busy road in Lima, Peru .
Worried it could cause an accident the police officer crosses the highway .
Video of him risking his life to save the young dog has since gone viral . |
09f9af57ab354267ead7ca08f770d78d7f3212de | By . Meghan Keneally . and Louise Boyle . Robert Wilson committed suicide in December and now details of his will have been released, showing he left $2million to his assistant and millions to the executor of his will. The 87-year-old hedge funder-turned-philanthropist's health was deteriorating and had recently suffered a stroke which limited his mobility. He was found dead on December 23 after having jumped from his 16th floor apartment in the historic San Remo building on Manhattan's Upper West Side which is known for its unparalleled views of Central Park. Today it was revealed that in addition to environmental and educational charities, he also left his 72-year-old assistant Angela Riccardi $2million and gave an undisclosed amount to Richard Schneidman who was a longtime friend and put in charge of executing his will. After taxes, Mr Schneidman's gift is expected to be multiple millions. Planned: Robert W. Wilson deliberately gave hundreds of millions of dollars of his fortune away in the years before his death on December 23 and told friends he wanted to have it all gone when he died . The New York Daily News reported that . the openly gay octogenarian did not leave any money to his ex-wife, who . he divorced nearly 40 years ago. 'He . left huge amounts of money to charity... He was a good friend for 30 . years. I’m devastated,' Mr Schneidman told The Daily News. Neighbor David Tobey told the New York Post: 'Robert, for all his money, never took cabs, never took a limo. He always took the subway. 'On the few occasions when he did grab a cab, he would usually share a cab with someone in the building. He shared a cab with my wife and insisted that she pay half.' Wilson had a personal fortune of about $800million - but he recently told friends he had given all but $100million to charity. He apparently could not give away the rest because it was tied up in long-term investments. A police source told the Post that he had left a suicide note which read: 'I had a rewarding life. Thank you and goodbye to all my friends. Please make sure you cancel all my plans. Tell everyone what I did. I’m not ashamed of killing myself. Sell all my stuff.' Friends saw signs that he may do something drastic as he suffered a debilitating stroke about a month ago and began unloading his fortune in droves. The multi-millionaire did not have any children and his 35-year marriage ended well before his death. Home: Wilson had owned his 16th floor apartment in the historic San Remo building since 1978 and he jumped off the balcony to his death on Monday . The paper reports that he has donated more than $100million a piece to four different charities: The Nature conservancy, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the World Monuments Fund. 'He was the most committed person I have ever known,' World Monuments Fund president Bonnie Burnham said to The Post. 'More than his financial contributions, he brought an astute mind and sharp wit to the organization. He will be missed greatly and long remembered as a visionary donor.' The idea of saving the environment was one that Wilson had spoken about previously, and in a 2011 interview, he told The Financial Times that much of the $600million he had given to charity at that point was directed towards those groups. 'The idea of "But for my money, it would be gone forever" appeals,' he said then at the age of 84. Another issue that appealed to him - and was close to his purse strings- was an investment in New York City's Catholic schools even though he was an atheist. The felt that the tuition at the schools, which were going through financial issues, showed an immediate 'return' and he gave $20million to a fund earmarked for that cause. 'I’m an atheist, but I think the schools are especially good,' he said to the Financial Times. Before the stroke: Wilson, seen here in his colorfully-decorated apartment in 2010, donated hundreds of millions of dollars to environmental and educational causes . He was also proud of the apartment where he lived, making it less of a shock that he chose that as his final resting place. He had owned the apartment since 1978 and his attention to detail and fine art collection has helped him decorate it and refurbish it so that his original price- $300,000- is just a fraction of what he estimated it's worth in 2011- $20million. Wilson is one of many millionaires who live in the building, as Bono, Tiger Woods, Steven Spielberg, Dodi Fayed and Bruce Willis have all had apartments in the building. The apartment has views of Central Park, and Wilson clearly relished looking out at the trees and the lake. 'Who needs a summer place? I've got one,' he said to the Financial Times reporter. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 . | Robert Wilson's left all of his fortune to charity with the exception of gifts to his assistant of 20 years and his business manager .
He killed himself on December 23 in New York City after suffering a debilitating stroke the month before .
Friends fondly remembered that the openly gay 87-year-old took the subway and shared cabs in spite of his wealth .
Had been actively giving his millions away for years to environmental and educational causes .
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org . |
09fb8e410d612e924a034bac6647c41c6716ea9e | By . Rebecca English . Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. But as the Duchess of Cambridge’s first official portrait was unveiled to the public yesterday, art critics were, unusually, largely united in their condemnation. ‘Ghastly ... rotten ... an out and out disaster,’ was the view of the editor of the British Art Journal, Robin Simon. Scroll down for video . The Duchess attended the gallery for the unveiling of the first official portrait of her painted by Paul Emsley . Real impact: The painting is much bigger than lifesize - which one art critic called a 'jolly brave' choice . One to show the grandchildren? The pregnant Duchess looked in high spirits as she arrived at the gallery for a private viewing this morning ahead of the public unveiling . Their muse: The Duchess introduces her husband to artist Paul Emsley after viewing his portrait at the National Portrait Gallery . ‘It’s only saving grace is that it’s not by Rolf Harris,’ was the best that David Lee, now editor of The Jackdaw and a former editor of Art Review, could manage. Kate, on her first official outing for almost a month, was far more polite. ‘It’s just amazing. Absolutely brilliant,’ she told the artist, Paul Emsley, when she met him at the National Portrait Gallery, where the picture will hang. Her husband, Prince William, nodded sagely. ‘It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely beautiful,’ he concurred. From others, however, the biggest criticism seemed to be the generally ageing nature of the portrait, which took three and a half months to produce. Most seemed to think it makes the duchess, who turned 31 this week, look at least 15 years older. Portrait of the artist: Emsley working on the painting at his studio in Bradford-upon-Avon, Wiltshire, using a photo taken when the Duchess visited him there in May . What he saw: The artist said he wanted to emphasise Kate's 'sparkling green eyes' Then there are the shadows and creases . which give her a rather baggy-eyed look, not to mention the squareness . of her jaw and the rather coppery tint to her famously tumbling brunette . locks. One onlooker at the gallery yesterday . couldn’t get over what they described as her ‘grey, smoker’s skin’, . while another commented that her mouth appears to be set in a grimace . rather than the promised enigmatic smile. The glittering sapphire and diamond earrings Kate wears in her portrait were once owned by Princess Diana, who received them as a wedding present from Prince Charles. William’s mother was given the earrings by Charles because they bore a startling resemblance to her engagement ring – which is now also worn by the daughter-in-law she never got to meet. Diana famously wore the jewels on the cover of Vogue in July 1994, as well as on numerous other public occasions. After her death it is understood they were returned to Charles who gave them to his ‘darling daughter-in-law’ when she married William in 2011. Kate first wore them in public on her royal tour to Canada, after having them slightly remodelled. While the director of the National . Portrait Gallery, Sandy Nairne, declared himself delighted by such a . ‘captivating image’, most members of the public who trooped into Room 37 . after the unveiling took one look at the portrait before turning . excitedly to the half-naked video of sleeping footballer David Beckham . made by Sam Taylor-Wood, which was playing nearby. To be fair, royal portraiture has . always been a subjective issue. Rolf Harris, who was asked to paint the . Queen in 2005, admitted that in the early stages he made the monarch . look like a ‘pork butcher from Norwich’. Mr Emsley, who has garnered plaudits . for his wildlife paintings, has always divided critics with his . realistic, almost ‘photographic’ style of painting. Renowned critic Brian Sewell has . described it as ‘sickening’, but the artist has won several prestigious . awards including the 1997 BP Portrait Award. The National Portrait Gallery, of which . Kate is patron, drew up a shortlist of four painters but the duchess, . who graduated from St Andrews with a 2:1 in history of art and . previously studied at the British Institute in Florence, plumped for Mr . Emsley. She posed for the artist before she . became pregnant, having one sitting at his studio in Bradford-on-Avon, . Wiltshire, followed by another at Kensington Palace in London, in May . and June last year. He also worked from a series of photos he took of the duchess. The finished picture shows her in a . Windsor blue pussy-bow blouse imagined by the artist because she wore . different outfits for each of her sittings. Yesterday Kate, wearing a burgundy . dress from High Street store Whistles and displaying no sign of her . 12-week baby bump, brought along her parents, sister and brother for the . great unveiling. They spent around ten minutes looking . at the picture before attending a private breakfast reception, after . which the media were allowed in. Asked what the duchess thought of his . work, Mr Emsley said yesterday: ‘I think, from what I can see this . morning, she’s delighted with it. I’m very happy about that.’ He said Kate had personally chosen the . photo she wanted him to work from because of the way her hair fell, the . light on her face and her expression generally. But he admitted he had changed the . colour of the duchess’s eyes slightly on finished oil to match ‘the . background and the colour of her blouse’. He added: ‘What she wanted was that the portrait should convey her natural self as opposed to her official self. ‘The fact she is a beautiful woman is, . for an artist, difficult. When you have lines and wrinkles it is much . easier as an artist to capture them as a person. Obviously she has none . of that. ‘But I tried to do that with her smile and hope I have succeeded.’ The portrait, which is likely to have . cost upwards of £20,000, has been donated to the gallery by art . philanthropist Sir Hugh Legatt. The Duchess appeared to be showing the first signs of a baby bump as she was photographed outside the gallery . Kate arrives at the gallery with Prince William. The baby is likely to be moving about but its movements will be too small for Kate to feel them just yet . Did he get it right? The artist, who has previously painted Nelson Mandela, was keen to capture Kate's ‘charm, serenity and intelligence’ as well as her ‘sparkling green eyes . Art enthusiast: The young royals chose Emsley from a shortlist drawn up by the NPG . Warm: An animated Kate told Emsley the portrait was 'amazing... absolutely brilliant' Scrawl: Louise Mensch retweeted an 'official portrait' posted online by writer Jenny Colgan . Support: Kate's father Michael, left, and brother James Middleton also attended the viewing this morning . Family occasion: Kate's mother Carole Middleton and sister Pippa, leave the gallery after viewing the new portrait . Classic style: Pippa and Carole looked rather serious as they left the gallery holding almost identical handbags . | Painting is sure to be divisive - but Kate is said to be 'thrilled' with it .
The Duchess is shown grimacing rather than smiling .
Hair has a coppery tinge and there are shadows and lines under her eyes .
Artist wanted to capture her 'charm, serenity and intelligence’ |
09fc166b33d5bcbb466fcccfedb208ff67b531f1 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 09:38 EST, 11 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:35 EST, 12 July 2013 . George Osborne has started wearing a hi-tech wristband which makes sure he gets a good night’s sleep. The Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed he uses the UP wristband to monitor his sleep patterns and track his fitness regime. The black plastic Jawbone wristband links up with a smartphone app to allow users to take a ‘holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle’. Grilling: George Osborne was seen wearing the black wristband while giving evidence to the Treasury select committee . Worries that senior ministers are struggling to sleep at night seem to be spreading in government. It has emerged that Education Secretary Michael Gove has also taken to wearing a Jawbone wristband. Mr Osborne’s black version was first spotted as he gave evidence to the Treasury select committee this morning. It . was visible under the cuff of his right sleeve as he was grilled on his . plans for tax and spending. He has also been seen wearing it while out . running. Later he told . journalists that the gadget, which costs around £100, was given to him . as a birthday present when he turned 42 in May. What it shows . The technology works by monitoring . whether the user is in deep or light sleep and only wakes them at the . best time so they start the day feeling refreshed. It . also monitors physical activity 24/7, providing a record of the . Chancellor’s morning jog around St James’ Park near the Treasury. It . also makes it ‘fun and easy’ to keep track of what users eat, although . it is not known if he used it to record eating a Byron burger in the . Treasury on the eve of his Spending Review speech last month. The up device links in to a smartphone app which provides an on-screen 'daily dashboard'. Gift: The Chancellor revealed the £100 Jawbone gadget was a gift for his 42nd birthday in May . Active: The gadget tracks the wearer's movements 24 hours a day, including when the Chancellor goes jogging in central London . Manufacturers Jawbone say that the system 'not only visualizes your information so you can understand the meaning behind the numbers, it also discovers hidden connections in the way you live to deliver powerful insights. Over time, insights lead to new behaviors and new behaviors become new, healthier habits'. The wristband tracks movements during sleep to record periods of light and deep slumber and waking moments during the night. Its precision motion detection system captures a complete record of daily activity - or inactivity. Users can create a database of their diet by scanning barcodes and taking photos of their meals. Nutrition: The app can also be used to track what the user eats, including the Byron burger the Chancellor was pictured eating on the eve of his Spending Review last month . Mr Osborne explained why he was using it as he addressed a press gallery lunch with journalists in Westminster. He said: ‘It was a birthday present. It measures how far you walk but it also measures your sleep patterns, your deep and light sleep. ‘I was pleased to note yesterday that Michael Gove was also wearing one.’ Asked how it is helping him to relax at night, the Chancellor replied: ‘I always sleep well.’ The UP device markets itself as a way to 'KNOW YOURSELF LIVE BETTER' There have been portable fitness gadgets on the market for many years now, but the Jawbone UP was the first designed to live full-time with its user. First released in 2011, it was withdrawn because of technical problems. After being totally re-engineered, it was relaunched the following year. However some blogs and reviews have claimed that the new, remodelled wristband still has glitches, with some people saying theirs stopped working shortly after buying the product, others claiming it records false information and some complaining it disrupts their sleep. Costing around £100, the portable personal trainer tracks a person’s eating habits, sleep and exercise - syncing with an app on a user’s mobile phone to offer advice about how to be healthier. From the moment a person wakes - by vibrating at the 'best' possible moment according to sleep patterns - the machine monitors everything they do, prompting the wearer to get up and move if they have been sat still, and even to 'log' everything they eat. Jawbone describe the UP as 'attractive, durable, water-resistant and unobtrusive' and even suggests it can be worn with a cocktail dress as easily as with gym kit. Inside the wristband is a motion sensor which stores steps, calories burned, distance, and active versus inactive time. The motion sensor even tracks the user while they sleep - tracking their movement to gauge when they fall asleep, how long it takes, and how much deep sleep they’re getting. If that wasn't enough, the iPhone app prompts the user to take photographs of every meal, and tracks where, when and what they have eaten. A 'Feed' screen on the mobile phone then offers an up-to-date stream of information about how a person is progressing with respect to your health. It also links with online 'health challenges' to set you tasks to achieve during the week. | Chancellor says gadget tracks his sleep, exercise and food intake .
Was seen wearing £100 UP by Jawbone while being grilled by MPs .
It is used to take a ‘holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle’
Education Secretary Michael Gove also wearing one . |
09fc47aef88c709afcbacbd9713c24750fd7a880 | Smells can influence our views - and a particularly pungent one can increase our conservatism and even change our views on same sex marriage, it has been claimed. In a new study, titled 'Disgust and the Politics of Sex,' researchers say that an odour really can change our mind - and even change our religious views. The team tested a range of view on people both with and without exposing them to noxious fumes. A terrible smell can increase our conservatism and even change our views on same sex marriage, it has been claimed. The researchers tested their theory with the use of a noxious smell. Of the 57 participants, consisting of community members and students recruited via an online ad and paid $10 for their time, 30 were randomly chosen for the control group and the remaining 27 were in the variable group. The variable group was exposed to a stench caused by butyric acid, the smell found in rancid butter and sweat, that was placed on hidden cotton pads in the room. 'Disgust has been implicated as a potential causal agent underlying socio-political attitudes and behaviors,' the University of Arkansas team wrote in the journal PLOS One. 'The present study tested the effects of disgust on a range of policy preferences to clarify whether disgust is generally implicated in political conservatism across public policy attitudes or is uniquely related to specific content domains.' The team say their unusual research proved the theory. 'The study showed that exposure to a disgusting odor increased endorsement of socially conservative attitudes related to sexuality,' they wrote. 'In particular, there was a strong and consistent link between induced disgust and less support for gay marriage.' The researchers tested their theory with the use of a particularly offensive smell. Of the 57 participants, consisting of community members and students recruited via an online ad and paid $10 for their time, 30 were randomly chosen for the control group and the remaining 27 were in the variable group. The variable group was exposed to a stench caused by butyric acid, the smell found in rancid butter and sweat, that was placed on hidden cotton pads in the room. Participants were asked 'If a close friend of family member were gay, I would support their right to having a same-sex marriage?' - both with and without a noxious smell present. They say the results were shocking. 'In the research presented here, exposure to a disgusting odor caused greater endorsement of conservative views, including: rejecting gay marriage, restricting sex to marriage, disapproving of the use of pornography, and increased beliefs in Biblical truth. 'Rejection of gay marriage was a particularly strong response to the disgust-inducing odor, perhaps because of the connection between homosexuality and perceptions of sexual impurity. 'It is possible that some forms of political conservatism, particularly those related to sex and sexuality, are basic and inherent in some populations and can readily emerge under threatening or taxing conditions.' | Team found 'strong and consistent link between induced disgust and less support for gay marriage'
Used butyric acid, the smell found in rancid butter and sweat, to test theory .
Those exposed to smell more likely to reject gay marriage, restrict sex to marriage, disapprove of the use of pornography, and believe in Biblical truth . |
09fd11d4e61255165dee1912d6e71c51883b606d | HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- A comic-book character popular in Mexico for generations has run into a cultural barrier at the border, where Americans see him as a racist caricature. Comic book character Memin Pinguin is "a disgrace," an African-American activist says. For more than 60 years Mexicans have followed the adventures of "Memin Pinguin." But the dark-skinned Memin's exaggerated features in "Memin for President" came as a shock to Houston, Texas, Wal-Mart shopper Shawnedria McGinty. "I was like, OK, is that a monkey or a boy?" McGinty said. "To me it was an insult." She'd never heard of "Memin Pinguin." She bought a Spanish-English dictionary and tried translating but still didn't like what she saw. Watch what upset McGinty » . "So I asked my boyfriend, does that look like a monkey to you?" she said. "And we went back and forth and he was like, no, that's a black woman," referring to the character's Aunt Jemima-like mother. McGinty and Houston community activist Quannel X want the comic books removed from the stores. "This is absolutely insensitive toward race, in particular the African-American culture, and also people of color," Quannel X said. "This is poking fun at the physical features of an entire people." But Mexican readers who grew up following the shenanigans of Memin say critics need to look beyond the cover and understand the stories. "They will bring a smile to their face because we're so fond of that character," said Javier Salas, a Spanish-language talk show host on Chicago radio station WRTO. "We respect him, we love him. And that's why it's so absurd for us to hear complaints from people who don't know, don't understand Memin." Memin is a poor Cuban-Mexican kid with bug eyes, thick lips and protruding ears. The mischievous and caring boy helps his mother by selling newspapers and shining shoes. "We grew up reading, learning and educating ourselves with a lot of the topics they always touched on, which was honesty, justice, tolerance. He was a very unique character," Salas said. Wal-Mart spokesman Lorenzo Lopez said the retailer has instructed stores to remove the books from shelves and discontinue sales. "We received the customer complaint regarding the book, which we knew was based on a popular cartoon character in Mexico. We looked into it further, and we decided to no longer distribute the book and are in the process of removing the books from the stores." The store has received no other complaints about Memin, Lopez said. "We have a wide array of products that we provide to Hispanic customers, but when we looked at this more carefully and given the sensitivity of the topic, we thought it was best to no longer carry the book in our stores," he said. He did not know how many copies of Memin books the chain had or how long it would take to remove them from displays. Memin is no stranger to controversy. Three years ago, a series of Mexican stamps honoring Memin ignited an international uproar. The stamps were discontinued because of protests from African-American leaders. "This is saying we respect and regard the African-American community by making them look like Sambos on a stamp?" the Rev. Al Sharpton said at the time. "This goes over the line." Quannel X called the comic book "a disgrace." "Look how they portray his mother, with huge ethnic lips, dark skin, making her look like the big gorilla and him like the little monkey." But fans of Memin say the valuable lessons of a beloved comic book character tackling real-life problems have been lost in translation. | Wal-Mart pulls popular Mexican books after shopper complains .
Memin Pinguin has been cherished in Mexico for generations .
Characters' features insult blacks, say activist and shopper .
Stories teach valuable lessons about life, defender maintains . |
09fd5c0809fba61e70350ab56e806cae86ba28c3 | An American doctor caught Ebola while working for the World Health Organization in Sierra Leone has been released from an Atlanta hospital after conquering the disease - nearly six weeks after he was flown back to the US for treatment. The doctor's name was kept closely guarded and out of the public record while he was being treated in Atlanta since September 9. Hospital officials said man was released Monday 'to an undisclosed location' Sunday from Atlanta's Emory University Hospital, after he was determined to be free of the virus and no threat to the public. The man clung to his anonymity even as he neared a full recovery last week. Scroll down for video . Still anonymous: The unnamed healthcare worker who contracted Ebola in Sierra Leone before spending the last six and a half weeks at Emory University Hospital has gone home 'to an undisclosed location' and retained his anonymity . 'As a result of the virus, my condition worsened and I became critically ill soon after I arrived at Emory,' the unnamed man said in statement. He continued: 'Through rigorous medical treatment, skillful nursing, and the full support of a health-care team, I am well on the way to a full recovery.' 'I want the public to know that although Ebola is a serious, complex disease, it is possible to recover and return to a healthy life. 'I wish to retain my anonymity for now, but I anticipate sharing more information in future weeks as I complete my recovery.' The man was transported to the hospital on September 9 after arriving in Atlanta on a jet. The World Health Organization disclosed that a doctor who had been working in an Ebola treatment center in Sierra Leone had been evacuated out of Africa when he tested positive for the disease. The unnamed healthcare worker was in Sierra Leone when he contracted the disease before being flown back to the U.S. for treatment in Atlanta. Some 1,200 hundred people have died from Ebola in the West African nation . However, hospital and health officials never released his name, in keeping with his family's wish for privacy. Emory is one of four U.S. hospitals with specialized treatment units for people with highly dangerous infectious diseases. The others are in Maryland, Nebraska and Montana. In a statement last week, the unidentified patient said that his condition worsened shortly after he arrived at Emory and that for a while he was critically ill. His time at Emory - nearly six weeks - is the longest stay of an Ebola patient at a U.S. hospital. None of the seven others was admitted for more than 3 1/2 weeks. In August, Emory treated two U.S. aid workers who were infected in Liberia and evacuated to Atlanta. Both were released from the unit within three weeks. Emory is also treating a nurse, Amber Joy Vinson, who was infected at a Dallas hospital while treating a visitor from Liberia. She arrived last week. Emory officials did not provide a condition report on her Monday. Amber Vinson (left), the second Dallas nurse diagnosed with Ebola after contact with Thomas Eric Duncan, is now the single Ebola patient receiving care at Emory. Her co-worker Nina Pham was transferred to into the care of the NIH in Maryland . | The male patient was being treated at Atlanta's Emory University Hospital since early September .
The patient, who is the only one on American soil who to remain anonymous, had been working in an Ebola treatment center in Sierra Leone .
The patient claims he plans on 'sharing more information in future weeks' |
09fda69a62d6987dcefb716d6cc797ef44b02af5 | (CNN) -- A historic site in China's former capital that dates back more than 600 years to the Ming Dynasty was damaged Sunday after a Ferrari raced across it before a publicity event for the Italian carmaker, the official Xinhua news agency said. The Ferrari 458 Italia sped around the ramparts of the ancient city walls in Nanjing, leaving thick black tread marks that cleaners were unable to remove, an exhibition of driving that aired on state television before being circulated on the Internet. In a statement issued Tuesday, Ferrari China said the drive was taken unauthorized by staff from its Nanjing distributor Nanjing Kuaiyi Automobile Trading Co. Ltd, which was planning to hold a new car exhibition in the area. City authorities said the car was intended to be part of a ceremony on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of the luxury car automaker's entry into China's luxury car market. Ferrari expressed "deep regret" for what it described as an "accident," calling it "unacceptable" and saying it would take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again. It stated it has "always held great respect toward Chinese traditional culture and regards the protection of historical relics as of great importance." Qinhuai district tourism bureau said its officials had been reprimanded, while the Nanjing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage said the use of the site was not approved by archeological authorities, Xinhua said. The incident also dismayed some Chinese netizens, who expressed their misgivings about the partnership between Ferrari and the city authorities. Weibo user Dayushenying called the incident "shameful," off rumors that Ferrari had paid 80,000 yuan to use the city walls, without regard for cultural relics. Weibo user bobisaman commented wryly: "Ferrari put out the cash, Nanjing put out the city walls. In the end, Nanjing won because Ferrari helped advertise it globally." CNN's Tian Shao contributed to this report. | Ferrari leaves tread marks on city walls dating to Ming Dynasty in Nanjing .
Ferrari said the drive was taken unauthorized by staff from its local distributor .
District tourism bureau has reprimanded officials in charge of the city walls . |
0a000f521734500aa360bf6bb2bb31446e4d66cd | By . Associated Press . Last updated at 1:48 AM on 11th December 2011 . Dana and Elizabeth Davis had spent nearly five gruelling days stranded in their car in the rugged Arizona mountains during a snowstorm when they finally realised they needed to venture out for help. The car had run out of petrol, and their rations of sandwiches, chocolate bars and juice were depleted. Dana, 86, bundled in multiple layers of clothing, put socks on his hands for warmth as he and 82-year-old Elizabeth started walking. What happened next became a story of incredible tragedy and survival. Elizabeth collapsed just 15 to 20 feet into the walk, her body in a weakened state after five days in the cold. Found: Dana Davis, 86 (right) was found walking along a remote road. His 82-year-old wife Elizabeth (left) had died when trying to hike to safety . Dana forged ahead, walking eight miles, . spending a night under a tree and leaving behind pieces of his wife's . knitting yarn to create a trail to her body. The former Boy Scout and World War II Navy vet was found by an officer . with the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation along a desolate, dirt . road and taken to a hospital, where he spoke with reporters Friday about . the ordeal. He had lost about weight and was covered with a white blanket, but . otherwise was in good condition, at the hospital in the mining community . of Globe. Found: Authorities found the couple's 2001 Buick on a remote road after an Arizona officer found Mr Davis walking alone on a trail . He hopes to be discharged from Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center on Saturday. The Albuquerque couple had been visiting with nephew Jim Mills in the . Phoenix suburb of Chandler and began their drive home December 1 along . U.S. 60 - a route that would take them through the Bosque del Apache . National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, where Elizabeth had once been . president of a friend's group. The side trip was one of countless journeys they had made in their 60 . years together, visiting Asia, South America and the jungles of Borneo . to watch orangutans. But they accidentally ended up on a different highway. Realising their . mistake, the couple consulted a map and decided to take a forest road . that connects back to the main road. Snowed in: The couple was trapped in their stalled car for two separate snowstorms . ‘I should have turned around right then and gone about five miles back . to where I had turned in," Mr Davis said. The couple drove their Buick . for miles up the forest road, passing a sign that said ‘pavement ends’ but continuing on. Mr Davis said he wasn't worried, because he had driven the Alaska-Canadian Highway before it was paved. ‘So that's the second time I goofed,’ Davis said. The road became more and more impassable the farther they travelled. The car bottomed out several times, punching a hole in the transmission oil pan and making it impossible to drive anymore. They were stuck, miles from anywhere, with no mobile phone and no one knowing of their whereabouts. They knew they could be there for some time given the desolate nature of . the area. They had two sandwiches, four cookies, two chocolate bars and . two cans of juice. ‘We knew it would probably be a while before somebody found us, so we . started rationing ourselves right away,’ Mr Davis said at the news . conference next to his son and daughter, who live in the San Francisco . and Philadelphia areas. He was upbeat, but his wife was worried. She wrote letters to her children and grandchildren. They ran the engine at night to stay warm but eventually ran out of gas and decided to seek help. Off course: The couple veered off course because they wanted to visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge on their way back to Albuquerque . ‘She was pretty convinced she was not going to get out of there,’ said . Davis, who worked 40 years in aerospace engineering for General Electric . Co. and also served in the Navy during World War II. ‘Me, I'm pretty . stubborn. I was going to walk until I found someone.’ The walk was too much for his wife. After she collapsed and died, Mr Davis moved her body away from the road and resumed his walk. He hiked from 10am until sunset Tuesday and found a spot under a tree to spend the night. The next day, he started walking again in attempt to find any sense of . civilization. He encountered snow that was piled several feet high along . the road. Finally, an officer with the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation appeared in an SUV, and he was saved. His yarn and other markers led them back to his wife of more than 60 years. Authorities returned the fabric, and Davis displayed it Friday at the . news conference - a handful of red and blue pieces of yarn that he had . left on trees to mark the route. Remote: The couple did not have mobile phones with them, but they likely wouldn't have worked in such a remote location . When asked at the news conference how he is coping, Mr Davis said: "It . really hasn't hit me that hard yet. ... I don't feel as though I really . realize she's gone." The couple's son, Bob Davis, and daughter, Lani Sexton, said the letters their mother wrote are her legacy. ‘The letters to my kids, myself, my sister, her kids. It's almost like . she knew. She knew that that was it. The letters were very poignant,’ son Bob said. Both children, although devastated by the loss of their mother, beamed at their father. ‘It's amazing, don't you think,’ daughter Lani said. ‘He's 86, and I . think it bodes well for my brother and I, for our lives. Our family's . always had humour, and that's what gotten us through the last 36 hours . since we got to town here, and we're hugely proud.’ | Elizabeth and Dana Davis spent five days stranded in rugged Arizona mountains before trying to walk to safety .
Elizabeth, 82, died just 15ft from car .
Husband speaks of letters his wife wrote to her children as she feared the worst . |
0a001b54b5b0ea17f11aa8d7acafb40ae7748ca6 | Their 11-game winning streak may have come to an abrupt end after Saturday's horror show against Malaga, but Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique were still out and about the following night. Amidst renewed talks of crisis at the Nou Camp after Juanmi's goal sent the La Liga title challengers crashing to their first home defeat since November 1, the pair were spotted outside the Casino de Barcelona at around midnight on Sunday. Messi and Pique caught up with Chelsea midfielder and former Nou Camp team-mate Cesc Fabregas outside the Barcelona setting that houses poker tournaments, roulette and blackjack tables and serves a range of gastronomic delights in its numerous restaurants. Gerard Pique (left) and Cesc Fabregas in conversation outside the Casino de Barcelona on Sunday night . Pique (centre) and Fabregas (left) were joined by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi (second right) Fabregas' wife Daniella Semaan posted this picture on Instagram wife Messi's wife Antonella Roccuzzo . Messi catches up with former team-mate Fabregas but the weekend wasn't all fun and games for Barcelona . The Casino de Barcelona with its beach-side location is a popular spot for stars and tourists alike . The Barcelona forward arrives at Manchester Airport ahead of their Champions League clash with City . The squad arrived at 12.20pm UK time, 13 hours after Messi was spotted outside the Barcelona casino . A shades- wearing Neymar arrives alongside his Barcelona team-mates in front of awaiting supporters . Luis Suarez's hands were full upon arrival and he will be hoping to give Manchester City the same problem . Defender Javier Mascherano signed autographs and posed for pictures with Barcelona supporters . And while the boys from Barcelona were out together, Fabregas' wife Daniella Semaan posted a picture of herself enjoying a night in with Lionel Messi's other half Antonella Roccuzzo 'back home' in Barcelona. Returning to his hometown to meet his former colleagues at the beach venue, Chelsea midfielder Fabregas will have brought his own tales of woe to distract his pals from their state of sorrow. With his team on the end of some debatable refereeing decisions during their ill-tempered 1-1 draw against Burnley the previous day - just ask Jose Mourinho - Fabregas will be looking ahead to Sunday's Capital One Cup final clash with London rivals Tottenham, hoping that fortune will favour his side at Wembley. Messi and Pique will no doubt be wishing their luck will also change after Saturday's loss as the Catalans' disappointing show meant they missed out on the opportunity to leapfrog arch rivals Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, and a win for Carlo Ancelotti's side the following day opened up a four-point gap. Both players were subject to some criticism during the defeat, with Messi's performance at the Nou Camp, despite showing flickers of brightness, described as 'fretful' by Sportsmail's Oliver Holt. Two goals would have drawn him level with old foe Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the 'Pichichi' (top scorer) trophy. Instead, his fruitless afternoon saw him fall further behind the Portuguese after his strike on Sunday capped a 2-0 win for Real at Elche. Squawka.com . Pique buries his head in the netting as Barcelona lost their first match in 12 games against Malaga . Barcelona forward Messi could not inspire them to win against Malaga on Saturday in La Liga . Pique argues with the referee Juan Martinez Munuera before being booked in Saturday's La Liga loss . Pique, too, was collared for remonstrating a foul and received his fifth yellow card in La Liga this season to ensure he'll miss next weekend's away game against Granada. So it's no surprise, then, that the trio were keen to let off some steam, but with Luis Enrique's men heading into a tough fixture against a rampant Manchester City side and whisperings of an end to Barcelona's hegemony in European football, it is vital his players get their heads down. Against Malaga they showed a distinct lack of inventiveness despite flaunting a front three of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, who appeared to fade into anonymity again behind his stellar strike partners. Arriving at Manchester Airport a mere 13 hours after their visit to the casino, it will be straight back to work for Messi and Co as his side become increasingly dependent on him in times of self-doubt. One thing we can be sure of is that Manuel Pellegrini and his men will be smelling blood heading into Tuesday night and the 27-year-old will have to be at his very best if Barcelona are to take home some faith. While Barcelona were struggling, City were handing out a pasting to Newcastle in the Premier League . Last season City were knocked out by Barcelona in the Champions League but will it be the same this time? Squawka.com . | Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique were photographed outside the Casino de Barcelona at around midnight on Sunday .
The pair were joined by Chelsea star and former team-mate Cesc Fabregas .
Catalans' 11-game win streak ended on Saturday after a loss to Malaga .
Barcelona face Manchester City in Champions League last 16 on Tuesday .
Luis Enrique's squad travel to Manchester on Monday ahead of the clash .
READ: Barcelona head to the Etihad Stadium in a mood of crisis . |
0a02013ba07cb3118e64f3e9aecab33687ad1fb9 | By . Damien Gayle . If you'd just fallen through a ceiling at work, you might expect a little help. But none was forthcoming for hapless shop worker Ryan Veltkamp, whose colleague appeared completely unconcerned at his plight. Despite coming crashing down surrounded by debris, the assistant at Baneberry Golf and Resort in Tennessee was met with indifference from his co-worker and a customer browsing the store. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . 'That hurt': Ryan Veltkamp lies on the floor after coming crashing through the ceiling at the shop at Baneberry Golf and Resort in Tennessee, in scenes captured on the shop's CCTV cameras on December 30 . A remarkable video shows the moment Mr Veltkamp came plummetting from the loft of the shop on December 30. At . first, all seems quiet in the golfing supplies retailer, its . surveillance camera looking out on a peaceful and apparently average . day. Then, about 20 seconds . into the clip, a crunching, cracking sound is heard and, just a second . later, Mr Veltkamp drops onto the shop floor, surrounded by debris. He lands apparently quite heavily on his upper back, and just lies there. At this point, his colleague saunters over and says: 'Hey Ryan.' 'Hey Billy,' Mr Veltkamp replies. 'That hurt.' 'Alright, don't move a muscle,' his colleague tells him. Another man, apparently a customer, then walks over and asks, incredibly: 'Why is there a hole in the ceiling?' 'Hey Ryan': Mr Veltkamp's colleague doesn't seem overly concerned at the catastrophic mishap . 'Why is there a hole in the ceiling?' A customer shows off a complete lack of any kind of powers of deduction . Despite claiming to be okay and trying to get up, Mr Veltkamp eventually thinks better of it and chooses to just stay lying where he has fallen. Trevor Tam of Warrior Custom Golf, the company which manages the shop, told Golf.com that Mr Veltkamp had been in the attic, ironically searching for the wires that eventually captured his fall. Thankfully, according to Mr Tam, Mr Veltkamp was 'completely unharmed' in the accident and, after a few days, they were 'able to see the comedy of it all' and made the video public. | CCTV captured the moment Ryan Veltkamp came plummeting into the shop .
Ironically, he was in the attic searching for the cables controlling the CCTV . |
0a02f8f34bbbce835d5c80bf79d9776b41462349 | Poland's former democracy leader Lech Walesa has broken his leg - and landed in a hospital where a fellow patient is a communist-era official involved in directing the 1981 crackdown that put him in prison. Walesa, 71, the founder of the Solidarity trade union and a former president of Poland, broke his right leg on Tuesday while leaving a church in his hometown of Gdansk. A photo he posted on his blog shows Walesa in his hospital bed with his broken leg raised and in a cast. Lech Walesa, a former president of Poland and democracy campaigner during the 1980s, pictured in hospital with a broken leg . Walesa pictured with British Prime Minister Sir John Major (left) in 1992, and with Pope John Paul II in 1989 . Polish media on Wednesday highlighted the irony of him being in the same Gdansk hospital as General Czeslaw Kiszczak, who as interior minister in 1981 played a key role in imposing martial law. The hospital's doctors are examining Kiszczak, 89, to determine whether he is strong enough to stand trial for his role in communist-era repressions. Kiszczak has said that he is too sick to appear in court, but tabloids have shown photos of him this year vacationing and apparently in decent form. Walesa was a key figure in Poland's transformation from a member of the Soviet bloc to an independent post-communist nation. An engineer and electrician by trade, shortly after beginning work at the shipyard in Gdansk, Poland (then known as Lenin Shipyard), he came a vocal dissident and worker rights campaigner, and established the Soviet bloc's first trade union, Solidarity. Lech Walesa (pictured in 2005) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his campaigning in Poland . Lech Walesa was a fierce workers' rights campaigner. Here he is pictured in 2006 (left) on the 26th anniversary of the founding of the Solidarity movement, and right, addressing a crowd during the heyday of his activism in 1989 . During this time he operated in fierce opposition to the Polish communist leadership, which included Kiszczak, who is currently being treated in the same hospital as Walesa. Kiszczak was instrumental in overseeing martial law throughout Poland from 1981 - 1983. Walesa's staunch advocacy of worker rights led to him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 and he was later President from 1990 to 1995, where he helped oversee the country's transition through privatization and to a free-market economy. | Poland's Nobel Peace Prize winner bedridden in hospital with broken leg .
Lech Walesa helped found the Solidarity trade union movement in 1980 .
He is being treated in the same hospital as an old communist nemesis .
General Czeslaw Kiszczak played a key role in imposing martial law in 1981 .
Hospital doctors are examining Kiszczak to see if he is fit to stand trial . |
0a03ba4e2d247acacfddd4e53270a008b5c1fff0 | (CNN) -- Among the entertainers who have donated their energies to the USO in recent years are Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Scarlett Johansson, Kid Rock, Queensryche, Toby Keith, Lewis Black and Robin Williams. Stephen Colbert's trip to Iraq, facilitated by the USO, was six months in the planning. But when the USO conducts a public opinion survey asking people who they think of when the military service organization is mentioned, one name always comes up. "The first thing out of their mouths is 'Bob Hope,' " said Mark Phillips, the USO's vice president for communications, with an audible shrug. "And if they're not part of the military, the list stops there." As the country celebrates Independence Day and pays tribute to the men and women who serve in its armed forces, the USO is trying to change that mindset. The organization, which was founded in 1941 to bring comfort and entertainment to America's men and women in uniform, has been focusing its support on American troops stationed around the world, particularly those in the military theaters of Iraq and Afghanistan, said Phillips. As part of that initiative, it's paying a great deal of attention to the troops' desires, whether they be for high technology -- the USO recently brought video game/HDTV entertainment centers and satellite-based telephone systems to some areas -- or a diversity of entertainers, including rappers and NFL players. The Colbert trip was a meeting of the minds between the Comedy Central star and the military, said Rachel Tischler, the USO's vice president for entertainment operations. The "Colbert Report" host, who has attested to his interest in Iraq in such venues as Newsweek magazine (he was a guest editor last month), expressed interest in going, a request that made its way up the chain of command to Gen. David Petraeus, the former leader of coalition forces in Iraq. Petraeus liked the idea, said Tischler, and the principals were put in touch with the USO. Colbert's excursion, which the comedian called "Operation Iraqi Stephen," was unusual for the USO, she added. "We try to keep our footprint small," she said, noting that the organization is reliant on the military to feed and house its guests. In "Colbert's" case, the footprint was considerably larger: Colbert's staff and several USO employees -- not to mention 150 volunteers. The trip required six months of planning. But the broadcasts went well, with Colbert paying tribute to the military and the USO's volunteers (as well as his own staff) on the "Report." He also put in a plug for USO donations: "The USO does more than bring my show to Baghdad," Colbert said on the show. "They also deliver much-needed care packages to the troops." (Whereupon, in a care-package primer, Colbert and Tom Hanks filled a box with shaving gel, Tang and a demolished ice sculpture.) The group remains greatly dependent on the kindness of strangers, said Phillips. "We're primarily a volunteer organization," he said, noting the USO has fewer than 400 paid employees and 25,000 volunteers. Though the USO does receive a small congressional appropriation -- $20 million in 2008 -- much of its funding comes from individuals, corporations and in the form of in-kind services. Jamie Masada, the owner of Los Angeles' Laugh Factory comedy club, said the organization is close to his heart. He followed a tour of Laugh Factory comedians with an invitation to service members to visit his club. "What we try to do is give the soldiers -- the people that are out there putting their lives on the line for our country ... we try to say, one day if you come to Los Angeles, if you want to be a comedian, our door is open to you. We want you to send us some material, some jokes," he said. At a recent USO fundraiser, five service members were given the opportunity to compete for the title of "funniest service member." The group was given advice from several notable comedians, including Tom Dreesen and Paul Rodriguez, and the winner received cash, gift certificates and a performance at the club, complete with name on the marquee. A number of performers return again and again. Toby Keith has gone on at least seven USO tours; "He insists on going to the smallest, most remote places," said Phillips. Actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band are also frequent participants. "There aren't enough words to describe just how grateful I am to our nation's troops," said Keith in a press release before this year's tour. "I've participated in several USO tours over the years and I've seen firsthand their sacrifice. And I will not stop doing all I can to show my support and lift their spirits." Many entertainers shy away from publicity, particularly on the home front. "We have celebrities come to Bethesda Naval Hospital, Walter Reed ... and they almost always insist we don't talk about [the visits]," said Tischler. At its core, Phillips said, the USO remains dedicated to the needs of U.S. service members. "Service members in Iraq and Afghanistan are frequently at small, remote bases," said Phillips. "There's little in the way of creature comforts. Those are the things we try to deliver." | USO often brings thoughts of Bob Hope, but organization well beyond that .
Group offers technology, entertainment to troops overseas .
USO played key role in arranging "Colbert Report" from Iraq . |
0a044ad1c5023c5437d67023376caa8d54d242dd | By . David Wilkes . PUBLISHED: . 11:40 EST, 19 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:17 EST, 19 November 2012 . Accused: Bobby and Moira Roberts have been charged with animal cruelty after secret footage revealed they allowed their elephant to be beaten (file picture) The former owners of Britain’s last circus elephant instructed workers to keep her chained up and let a groom beat her, a court heard yesterday. Anne the elephant was kept tethered for days with only a scattering of straw and displayed behaviour caused by stress, it was alleged. Prosecutor Helen Law said Anne, who already had arthritis, rocked backwards and forwards which, as in humans, is a sign of distress. At other times her leg buckled under her. Her suffering was described on the first day of the trial of Bobby and Moira Roberts who are accused of animal cruelty. They run Bobby Roberts Super Circus and Anne, a 59-year-old from Sri Lanka, started working for Mr Roberts back in 1957. Her plight was captured in covert footage obtained by campaign group Animal Defenders International which placed a camera in the barn at the circus’ winter quarters where Anne was kept when not on tour. As well as being chained to the ground by one front and one hind leg, it showed she was hit with various tools including a pitchfork by one of the Roberts’ employees. Neither of the Roberts is accused of hitting Anne themselves but they are charged with failing to take reasonable steps to prevent her being hit by their staff. Miss Law told Northampton Magistrates’ Court that the grooms were ‘plainly inadequately trained’ and one clip from the footage showed Bobby Roberts kicking Anne’s trunk in front of a worker. ‘Bobby Roberts was happy to legitimise the use of casual violence on this elephant,’ she said.Other clips showed Anne being kicked and hit on the flank with a pitchfork by a worker.' After the footage was first made public . in the Daily Mail last year, police and the RSPCA visited the site in . Polebrook, Cambridgeshire, and found Anne’s environment had been . significantly altered. Circus: Anne was kept her chained up for 24-hours-a-day and only un-shackled so they could swap which leg she was chained with, a court heard . New life: Anne now lives at Longleat in a giant paddock with its own sandpit for her to play in (pictured) Fragile: Anne is 58 and video shown to the jury included footage of her being kicked and poked . Allegations: The prosecution say Bobby Roberts would boot Anne in the trunk . She was unchained and in an area of . the barn deep with straw and cordoned off by an electric fence. Miss Law . said this was because the Roberts knew keeping her chained was ‘not . permissible under the required standards’. But the RSPCA was still concerned . Anne was not receiving appropriate medication for arthritis which she . was diagnosed with in 2003, the court heard. The owners agreed to hand . over the elephant to Longleat Wildlife Park. Bobby Roberts, 69, claims he instructed the groom only to keep Anne chained at certain times and to let her go outside when the weather was good. Moira Roberts, 73, claims to have had nothing to do with the elephant’s care. The Roberts, of Oundle, Northamptonshire, each deny causing unnecessary suffering to Anne, failing to prevent employee Nicolai Nitu from causing her suffering, and failing to ensure her needs were met. The groom is thought to have fled to his native Romania. The case continues. Watch the whole film here . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Bobby and Moira Roberts appeared at Northampton Crown Court accused of causing Anne, 58, unnecessary suffering .
Mr Roberts allegedly caught on camera kicking Anne in the trunk and then allowing his staff to abuse her .
The couple deny all charges and face a five-day trial .
Anne now lives at Longleat in a paddock with her own sandpit . |
0a045dcc5d3fddad8617a17db4fb36e490921b75 | Republicans have muscled a $1.1 trillion bill financing government agencies through the House after President Barack Obama phoned Democratic lawmakers and urged them to back the measure. The House approved the measure late Thursday by 219-206, hours before a midnight deadline, avoiding a government shutdown. The compromise bill keeps agencies funded through next September. After the measures passed the Republican's House leader John Boehner said with relief: 'Thank you and Merry Christmas'. Scroll down for video . President Barack Obama phoned Democratic lawmakers and urged them to back the$1.1trillion bill that will keep government agencies funded through next September . Many conservatives opposed it because it did not block Obama's recent executive actions on immigration. A large majority of House Democrats opposed it because of provisions easing some restrictions on banks and allowing higher political contributions by big donors. Obama backed the bill and called wavering Democratic lawmakers to persuade them to help it pass. The bill must now be approved by the Democratic-run Senate. Funding for federal agencies was expiring at midnight. Lawmakers were ready to pass short-term legislation keeping government doors open. Earlier this week, Democrats complained bitterly in public about a portion of the $1.1 trillion measure that eases regulations imposed on big banks in the wake of the 2008 economic meltdown — even though 70 members of party's rank and file supported an identical provision in a stand-alone bill late last year. After a closed-door meeting, Democrats also chorused objections to separate section of the spending bill that eases limits on campaign contributions to political parties. The measure was passed hours before a midnight deadline - narrowly avoiding a government shutdown . | House approved the measure late Thursday by 219-206 .
Compromise bill keeps agencies funded through next September .
Some conservatives opposed fact it did not block Obama's recent executive actions on immigration .
The bill must now be approved by the Democratic-run Senate .
John Boehner, the Republicans' House leader, said with relief: 'Thank you and Merry Christmas.' |
0a050dbe85bff2aa1efd4dbeb4628bc6fc9f46f1 | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 14:32 EST, 11 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:32 EST, 11 April 2012 . Crushed to death: Gary Whiting, 51, died immediately when a co-worker switched on a machine he was inside . Arms maker BAE Systems is facing a fine of at least £100,000 after admitting responsibility for the death of a worker crushed to death in a metal press. Gary Whiting, 51, died immediately from his injuries when a fellow worker switched on the press at BAE's Brough plant in East Yorkshire without realising he was still inside. Mr Whiting, who lived with wife Jacqueline in nearby east Hull, had worked at the company for 21 years. He was due to retire the following year. At Hull Crown Court yesterday, BAE Operations Limited admitted health and safety breaches led to the maintenance man's death on November 10, 2008. In court, a specialist inspector from the Health and Safety Executive condemned the firm for failing to implement measures that could have avoided the tragedy. In particular, investigators were concerned that the press could be turned on while a person was inside. At the time of the tragedy, Mr Whiting had been working as part of a four-strong maintenance team, tasked with servicing the machine. The jury at the inquest was told the recognised 'safe system' of working involved checking if anyone was in the machine, and shouting to one another, before turning it on. However, John Moutrie, a specialist HSE inspector, criticised the system that was in place for workers using the machine. He explained that a safer system of working would be using ISO Locks, where each member of the team has a padlock to place on the machine if they are going inside. This would eliminate the risk of a worker turning on a machine, not knowing a colleague is inside, he said. Richard Lissack QC, representing BAE, said: 'The company accepts it failed to take all reasonable and practical steps to care for the safety of this man who died in this awful accident.' He added that the company accepted they could have had 'physical control methods' that could have been used to avoid Mr Whiting’s death. Entrance to BAe Brough Plant: This entrance is situated on Saltgrounds Road . The QC extended BAE's condolences to the Whiting family, saying: 'Mr Whiting was a valued and popular workman and highly experienced. 'His death was truly shocking, in the truest sense of the word, to those who knew and liked him for many years.' Mr Whiting was a member of both East Hull Harriers and Athletics Club and Holderness Bowling Club and loved his job, according to his family. Speaking after the inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death, they said they did not believe Mr Whiting was at fault as he was not told the machine was about to be turned on. They also made clear they do not hold Alan Abbott, who turned the machine on, to blame. In a statement, they said: 'The family do not hold the operator of the press, nor indeed any other individual, personally responsible for Gary’s death.' Judge Michael Mettyear adjourned sentencing until a date in June. Earlier this year BAE announced it was shutting down its Brough plant, ending more than 100 years of manufacturing at the site. | Firm criticised for health and safety failures .
Gary Whiting, 51, was one year from retirement . |
0a05715184ed236ada505e0540361cc7820b3b57 | Washington (CNN) -- A U.S. Coast Guard chopper responding to a possibly distressed boater off the South Carolina coast was forced to make an emergency landing when the pilot was temporarily blinded by a laser, the service said. The scare on Wednesday near Garden City Beach was the third time in as many weeks that Coast Guard pilots in that area, called the Grand Strand, have reported being disabled by sharp laser light. "We've been very fortunate that the green laser incidents haven't yet resulted in tragedy," Coast Guard Cmdr. Gregory Fuller of Air Station Savannah said in a statement. In the latest incident, the chopper responded to reports of orange flares offshore. Following the emergency landing, another crew took over and continued the search. No distressed boater or any evidence of flares were found, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard is working with police to try to find out who is responsible. The pilot in this case was grounded for 24 hours before being cleared to fly again. It is unclear what type of laser might have been used in this case. But reports by commercial and private pilots of laser incidents nationally have jumped in recent years as hand-held technology has become readily available and easily used. Aviation safety officials and law enforcement are trying to curb the activity and are stepping up prosecutions. Phony Mayday calls vexing Coast Guard . Coast Guard officials have deemed the Grand Strand area of the South Carolina coast where pilots have reported lasers as very high risk, and now require crews to consider the possibility of a laser scenario before responding to a distress call. "Every time we send our aircrews to the Grand Strand, we're telling them to fly into the equivalent of a storm, where it's almost guaranteed they'll be hit," Fuller said. "We're simply asking the public to stop putting Coast Guard men and women in senseless and unnecessary danger." It is a problem becoming all too frequent for pilots. The number of reported laser incidents involving aircraft in the United States has risen 26% from 2,836 in 2010 to 3,592 in 2011. It has more than doubled since 2009. "Shining a laser at an airplane is not a laughing matter. It's dangerous for both pilots and passengers, and we will not tolerate it," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in May. FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta has said federal authorities will "aggressively" prosecute violators under a new law that makes laser targeting a federal crime, and will not treat incidents with warning notices or counseling. The FAA and the Justice Department are pushing for stiffer penalties against those responsible for targeting aircraft. Since June last year, the FAA has started enforcement action against 28 people charged with aiming a laser device at an aircraft and has opened "dozens of additional cases" for investigation, the agency said. Dealing with these incidents on top of an increase in false mayday calls have frustrated Coast Guard officials. "The biggest downfall is that their night vision is ruined, and they're flying blind. It's dangerous for the pilots and the crew. Their lives and the lives of the crew are at risk," Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Fredrick told CNN. CNN's Jim Barnett contributed to this report. | The Coast Guard chopper was responding to reports of flares off South Carolina coast .
Temporarily blinded pilot makes a safe emergency landing, no distressed boater found .
There have been multiple laser incidents targeting Coast Guard pilots in recent weeks . |
0a05b14962b2e73bbff82086762e0e23d32b359f | Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Turn up the music, crack the window -- falling gas prices have flipped on the road-trip ignition switch. The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle is 104 feet long and 95 feet wide at the alcove. I decided to celebrate the unofficial return of reasonable driving vacations with a venture to the ultimate temple of excess -- Hearst Castle. From Los Angeles, my family and I retraced the journey of Hollywood luminaries who headed north to hang out with publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, Carol Lombard and Hearst's mistress Marion Davies all made the trek to what Hearst called "La Cuesta Encantada," or the Enchanted Hill. Winston Churchill and President Calvin Coolidge also rested here amid art and antiquities from around the world. Hearst Castle looks down over golden fields, the glistening Pacific and the town of San Simeon, California, home to less than 500 people. We took a tour bus from the visitors center to the mansion, a long gull's dive from the ocean, 1,610 feet above sea level. Hearst hired San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919 and by 1947 the 165-room estate stretched over 127 acres. It's crystal clear Hearst was a demanding mastermind of his kingdom on the hill, putting Morgan through what must have been agonizing brain twisters. Visitors see that when Hearst wanted European choir chairs wedged into his assembly room, Morgan made it work. When he wanted elaborate ceilings salvaged from Europe, Morgan expanded their reach to fit into the estate's rooms. A massive 95 x 104-foot outdoor swimming pool, made of concrete and Vermont marble, is one of the central jewels of the property. Our guide recounted Hearst house rules. In an effort to control his guests' alcohol consumption, Hearst banned them from bringing their own liquor. The Hollywood types reportedly snuck it in anyway, like frat boys at a football game. Guests stayed in opulent guest houses adorned with religious icons, art and other worldly treasures. Hearst mandated unmarried guests sleep apart, while violating his own edict by sleeping with his beloved actress friend Marion Davies. Though Hearst remained married to Millicent Hearst, with whom he had five children, Davies' ghost is everywhere at Hearst Castle. Images of the actress, along with Charlie Chaplin and others stars, flicker about in a short film shown in the mansion's 50-seat movie theater. Museum-worthy pieces fill the property, including intricate Flemish tapestries in an east-facing sitting room called the Morning Room. Owing to my Belgian roots, I looked at the tapestries and cracked to my kids, "No wonder my 83-year-old mother can still sew a tiny patch onto a Girl Scout vest." The castle's grandeur was enough to hold the childrens' attention. We saw them as young as 4 years old, eyes popping while taking in ancient Egyptian statues or towering Christmas trees. "This guy was rich!" my friend's 7-year-old-son, Nicolas, exclaimed. Perhaps a headline from Hearst's San Francisco Examiner in another era could best describe our trip: . "The road to fun is back and affordable!" | William Randolph Hearst entertained Hollywood stars at his estate near San Simeon .
The 165-room estate stretches over 127 acres overlooking the Pacific .
Hearst filled the rooms with art and antiquities from around the world . |
0a05f1fb74f6e35a2ff5a82fa62ff670baa7c962 | Mike Page and his wife woke up in their Atlanta home Tuesday morning to find their two-year-old boxer, Brix, was happily gnawing on a bone in the driveway. When Page went up to see what Brix had in her mouth, he was shocked to find what resembled a human bone. 'It looked like a femur bone, it was a very large bone,' Page told WTXF. Scroll down for video . Good dog: Two-year-old boxer Brix found the first bones, tipping investigators off to the remains of a human body nearby . Shortly after, Brix went out and brought home two more similarly eerie finds, leaving one of the bones she brought back on the couch, prompting Page to call police. An official from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office determined the bone found matched that of a human leg bone. 'The medical examiner is saying it looks like from the lower extremity,' said Atlanta Police homicide commander Lt Charles Hampton. 'It could be a femur. Could be a tibia,' he added. 'Right now, I'm not sure which one.' Shortly after the confirmation, cadaver dogs scoured the area, finally coming across a human skeleton behind a house nearby, which the medical examiner matched to the remains found earlier. 'Had we not found these initial bones out here, we wouldn’t even be out here right now to find the current remains that we’ve located this afternoon,' Hampton told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Watch the full report on 11alive here. Search: Investigators, working with cadaver dogs, found a human skeleton behind a nearby house that the medical examiner believes matches with the original bones . Discovery: Brix's owner Mike Page said finding his dog with what looked like a human bone was 'disturbing' and said 'there was no flesh on the bone,' indicating it might have been there for a while . 'We’re glad we did find the initial bones, and hopefully we can bring some type of closure to the family,' he said. Police say they don't know how long the remains were there before being found, though they were in an advanced state of decomposition. Details from Page given to WXIA made it seem like the remains had been there for a long time, as 'there was no flesh on the bone. It was completely dry.' They are also in the dark as to the race and sex of the identified body, and though they said there was clothing found nearby, they did not release other details. Police are working to check missing persons reports to see if there is a match in police records. | Two-year-old boxer Brix was in her driveway gnawing on a bone .
Owner Mike Page thought the bone looked like it belonged to a human and called police .
The medical examiner determined it was a tibia or a femur from a human being and called in cadaver dogs, which located a human skeleton nearby .
The remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition, though police are checking missing persons reports to determine if there is a match . |
0a061fb6e6d4a92232e782727879383aa3e08196 | By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 06:07 EST, 18 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:36 EST, 18 February 2014 . Thomas Gainsborough painted some of Britain’s most recognisable landscapes as well as some of the 18th century's most famous aristocrats. So, the discovery of what could be the great artist’s paints has got art historians excited. The intriguing little pots were found at the artist's home and experts believe they were used by the master. The bladders of paint (pictured) were found at Gainsborough's former house in Sudbury in the mid-1960s during a clear-out, it is only now that experts are attempting to confirm their provenance . Before the invention of tubes made of lead or tin, painters carried bladders to store the paint that they would have made in their studio. The bladders were made from pig bladder - hence the name - and tied at the top with strong twine to keep air out. This kept the paint fresh and workable. It is unusual for such a large collection of delicate bladders of paint to survive. The ‘bladders’ of paint spent hundreds of years gathering dust in the attic at the famous 18th century Suffolk-born painter’s former house. While they were found at the property in Sudbury in the mid-1960s during a clear-out, it is only now that experts are attempting to confirm their provenance. The paints were discovered just after the house was opened to the public as a museum and art gallery some 50 years ago. The 'bladders' of paint spent hundreds of years gathering dust in the attic at the famous 18th century Suffolk-born painter's former house (pictured) Thomas Gainsborough (self portrait left) painted some of Britain’s most recognisable landscapes and famous portraits of 18th century aristocrats, such as Anne, Countess of Chesterfield (right) Executive director Mark Bills intends to feature the historic paint bladders in an exhibition, but only after they have been examined by specialists. ‘We’ve commissioned the Hamilton Kerr Institute at Cambridge University - they have lots of experience in this area,’ Mr Bills said. ‘The paints will undergo a scientific test to date them and to see if it’s plausible that they’re Gainsborough’s.’ He said that the museum is undertaking the work now that it has the funding, but it already knows that the bladders are mid-18th Century and French. Some 19 pouches were discovered in the attic and Mr Bills said it is rare to find so many together. ‘It is possible that they were a present to someone in the family but to buy paints at that time wasn’t cheap - they would have been a good present,’ he said. ‘There are secrets yet to be revealed.’ The Suffolk-born painter's former house in Sudbury (pictured) now hosts exhibitions of his work and is a museum for fans of Gainsborough . Thomas Gainsborough was born in Sudbury, Suffolk in 1727 and became one of the country’s most celebrated landscape and portrait artists before dying in 1788 aged 61. He left home in 1740 to study art in London with William Hogarth. After marrying In 1746 Margaret Burr and fathering two daughters, he moved to Bath in 1759 where fashionable society patronised him, and he began exhibiting in London. In 1769, he became a founding member of the Royal Academy, but his relationship with the organisation was thorny and he sometimes withdrew his work from exhibition. Gainsborough moved to London in 1774, and painted portraits of the king and queen. He painted relatively simple landscapes and is credited (along with Richard Wilson) as the originator of the 18th century British landscape school. He painted quickly and his later pictures are characterised by a light palette and easy strokes. He preferred landscapes to portraits. His liking for landscapes is shown in the way he merged figures of the portraits with the scenes behind them. Gainsborough worked more from observations of nature and of human nature than from application of formal academic rules. The poetic sensibility of his paintings caused Constable to say, ‘On looking at them, we find tears in our eyes and know not what brings them.’ The paints (pictured) will undergo a scientific test to date them and to see if it's plausible that they¿re Gainsborough's. Once the tests have been completed and the paints returned to Sudbury they will become part of an exhibition next year and a conference about Gainsborough and contemporary artists. Even if it turns out that the bladders did not belong to the ‘son of Suffolk’ they will still be a valuable addition to the museum’s collection. 'To have 19 surviving is a very rare thing - They are really important,’ Mr Bills said. Once the scientific tests have been completed to establish the paints' former owner, they will become part of an exhibition next year and a conference about Gainsborough and contemporary artists . | The ‘bladders’ of paint spent hundreds of .
years gathering dust in the attic at the famous 18th century .
Suffolk-born painter’s former house in Sudbury .
Paints were discovered just after the house was opened to the public as a museum and art gallery some 50 years ago .
They will undergo a scientific test to date them and to see if it’s plausible that they belonged to Gainsborough’ |
0a06e1c26ef6cbadd8f508ec2ade220f755de6a8 | By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 12:04 EST, 8 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:46 EST, 8 November 2012 . A couple have been banned from keeping pets after RSPCA officers discovered they were living with almost 100 cats and dogs. RSPCA inspectors were stunned at the squalor the couple lived in at their Cumbria farmhouse - amongst dozens of dogs, cats, cattle, sheep and pigs. Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard that Robert Park, 54, and his 57-year-old wife Linda Faulder-Park, were living with 70 dogs as an 'indoor feral pack' when the house was raided. Squalor: A couple have been banned from keeping pets after RSPCA officers discovered they were living with almost 100 cats and dogs . Dozens of sheep, cattle, and pigs owned by the couple were in such poor condition they had to be destroyed. But it was conditions inside the couple’s home that most shocked vets and the team of RSPCA inspectors who were called in to investigate. They found that the farmhouse had been transformed into a foul-smelling kennel for dozens of dogs, with the walls, floors and furniture covered in dog excrement. Living as an indoor 'feral pack,' the dogs - a mixture of collies and terriers - were left to fight over food, and 21 were in such poor condition that the RSPCA had to destroy them on welfare grounds. Of the cats found in the house, two were already dead and a further 16 also had to be put to sleep. The discovery of so many animals in the house and pigs, cattle, and sheep in dreadful conditions triggered a huge joint investigation by Cumbria Trading Standards and the RSPCA, which drafted in 10 inspectors from across the north west. Describing the house, prosecution barrister Alison Whalley told district judge Gerald Chalk: 'The conditions could only be described as appalling, and fit for neither man nor beast.' At Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, the couple entered guilty pleas to animal welfare charges but the court accepted their crimes were the result of neglect, rather than a desire to cause suffering. They were given suspended 160 day jail sentences, banned from keeping any animals for life, and told to pay legal costs totalling £12,000 each. Carlisle Magistrates' Court heard that Robert Park, 54, and his 57-year-old wife Linda Faulder-Park, were living with 70 dogs as an indoor feral pack when the house was raided . RSPCA inspectors were stunned at the squalor the couple lived in at their Cumbria farmhouse - amongst dozens of dogs, cats, cattle, sheep and pigs . Describing the house, prosecution barrister Alison Whalley told district judge Gerald Chalk: 'The conditions could only be described as appalling, and fit for neither man nor beast.' Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Chris Towler told of the day in January this year when he and his fellow inspector Martyn Fletcher were called to the couple’s dilapidated Bridge Farm, at Low Row, Scales, near Aspatria. He said: 'The police had visited the farm on an unrelated investigation. Nothing could have prepared us for what we found inside this farmhouse. 'It was one of the worst scenes I have come across in my 27 years with the RSPCA. It wasn’t just the deprivation; it was the sheer number of domestic animals in there. 'There were 91 in total. As well as the 20 cats and 73 dogs, we found a duck, a cockerel, and a cockatiel. 'The conditions inside the house were appalling: Filthy and in a state of disrepair.' The dogs - which included five puppies - were living in groups in various rooms. Only one of the rooms in the house, said Mr Towler, was fit for human habitation. This cat was among the 100 found living in the Cumbria farmhouse . The discovery of so many animals in the house triggered a huge joint investigation by Cumbria Trading Standards and the RSPCA . The couple admitted six animal welfare offences relating to their 35 sheep, 36 pigs, and 45 cattle, all of which had to be destroyed . The weaker of the dogs were unable to compete for the food and water the couple were putting out. The couple were unaware two of their cats were lying dead in one room. Four dogs were found locked in a dark barn, its floor covered in what Mr Towler described as a sludge of faeces and mud. One of the dogs had learned to clamber up a fence so that it could drink water from a lopsided gutter. Most of the cats were being kept in what RSPCA officials said were shocking conditions in a makeshift pen, its floor soaking wet. In court, the couple’s barrister Keith Thomas explained that they had got into the habit of taking in stray dogs, some of which bred with others already in the house. Linda Park suffered a disability and was unable to help her husband on the farm and because he worked elsewhere milking cows, had less time to care for the animals. Judge Gerald Chalk described the couple¿s offences as 'truly shocking' Angela Jones, trading standards service manager with Cumbria County Council, said: 'This has been a distressing case for all involved.' Mr Thomas conceded there were far too many animals for the couple to care for. Mr Towler said he accepted that the Parks had not intentionally set out to cause suffering to their animals. He added: 'The whole situation was very sad in pure human terms. The house was generally filthy, and in my view not fit for habitation, for either this couple or their animals. 'They should have asked for help. Hopefully now they will get the help they need.' The couple pleaded guilty to 10 charges brought by the RSPCA - two of causing unnecessary suffering, and the remainder of failing to provide adequately for the needs of their animals. They also admitted six animal welfare offences relating to their 35 sheep, 36 pigs, and 45 cattle, all of which had to be destroyed. Judge Gerald Chalk described the couple’s offences as 'truly shocking,' saying: 'I’m of the view it was due to you closing your eyes to the obvious and you chose to ignore it but it was not deliberate. 'I don’t think it safe for you to care for animals in the future.' Angela Jones, trading standards service manager with Cumbria County Council, said: 'This has been a distressing case for all involved, not least Robert and Linda Park who were struggling to look after both themselves and their animals during the bitterly cold winter of 2011/12. 'It gives us no pleasure to see anyone lose the privilege to keep livestock or pets. 'But the severity of this sentence reinforces the clear duty on all owners to ensure the welfare of animals.' The couple must also observe a 9pm and 6am curfew for the next six weeks. Robert Park will be allowed to continue working as a milker on a local farm. | RSPCA also find dozens .
of dogs, cats, cattle, sheep and pigs in farmhouse .
They found the .
walls, floors and furniture covered in dog excrement .
Robert Park, 54, and his 57-year-old wife Linda Faulder-Park simply could not cope with looking after their animals . |
0a075b54c6af73ba416dfa2ba3398730aa15c454 | Follow all the movers and shakers here . Having decided their transfer business was done, Stoke City might be forced into a rethink on bringing in an attacking wide player following Peter Odemwingie's knee injury against Manchester City on Saturday. Less likely are high-profile departures from The Britannia. There is no will to sell Ryan Shawcross to Everton or let goalkeeper Jack Butland go on loan unless another Premier League club guarantees him first-team action. VIDEO Scroll down for Tony Pullis speaking fondly of Ryan Shawcross (archive) Deals: Stoke are hoping to keep Ryan Shawcross (left) but may enter the market for an attacking player . Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi is the player Mark Hughes wants to sign as cover for Odemwingie, who suffered the potentially long-term knee injury on Saturday. Assaidi, 26, impressed on loan at Stoke last season and the club agreed a fee with Liverpool only for the player to fail to agree personal terms. Brendan Rodgers is on a purge of fringe players, with Daniel Agger gone and Sebastian Coates travelling to Sunderland. | Stoke could move for Oussama Assaidi following Peter Odemwingie's knee injury .
Potters are hoping to keep Ryan Shawcross at The Britannia .
Jack Butland also looks set to stay with the Potters . |
0a078513cee66db2ccaaca1b7b0755c96f0c5c8a | ISIS controls a vast compound in Iraq containing 2,500 rusting chemical weapons rockets, according to the Iraqi government. The site was bombed by the US during the 1991 Gulf War, but the munitions there were only partially destroyed, according to the UN - then left to Iraq to take care of. However, Iraqi officials wrote to the United Nations this summer claiming that abandoned weapons containing the lethal nerve agent Sarin are still in the ruins of the Muthanna State Establishment, which made chemical weapons in the 1980s and early 1990s, and that this is now in the hands of the violent jihadists. They warned that they had watched equipment there being looted on CCTV. A CIA picture of the Muthanna State Establishment, which produced chemical weapons on an industrial scale . Remnants of Iraq's chemical weapons program at the Muthanna State Establishment. It was destroyed by American bombs during the 1991 Gulf War . Cache: Isis controls a compound in Iraq containing 2,500 chemical weapons rockets, according to the Iraqi government. Pictured are Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians preparing unexploded ordnance for demolition at a safe disposal area near Baghdad in 2003 . A U.S. Army Third Infantry Division soldier loads materials discovered in an explosives laboratory hidden in a home April 15, 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq . Militants then shut the surveillance cameras at the depot down, the New York Times reported. Iraq's UN Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim wrote to the UN saying that 'armed terrorist groups' took over the Muthanna complex, which lies 60 miles north of Baghdad, on June 11. In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said remnants of a former chemical weapons programme are kept in two bunkers there. 'The project management spotted at dawn on Thursday, 12 June 2014, through the camera surveillance system, the looting of some of the project equipment and appliances, before the terrorists disabled the surveillance system,' Alhakim wrote in the letter dated June 30. 'The Government of Iraq requests the States Members of the United Nations to understand the current inability of Iraq, owing to the deterioration of the security situation, to fulfill its obligations to destroy chemical weapons,' he said. The Muthanna complex measures three by three miles and was thought to be capable of producing around 4,000 tonnes of nerve agent a year. Alhakim singled out the capture of bunkers 13 and 41 in the sprawling complex 35 miles (56 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad in the notorious 'Sunni Triangle.' The last major report by U.N. inspectors on the status of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program was released about a year after the experts left in March 2003. It states that Bunker 13 contained 2,500 sarin-filled 122-mm chemical rockets produced and filled before 1991, and about 180 tons of sodium cyanide, 'a very toxic chemical and a precursor for the warfare agent tabun.' However, U.S. Defence Department spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said earlier that the United States' best understanding was that 'whatever material was kept there is pretty old and not likely to be able to be accessed or used against anyone right now'. 'We aren't viewing this particular site and their holding it as a major issue at this point,' Kirby said. 'Should they even be able to access the materials, frankly, it would likely be more of a threat to them than anyone else.' It was revealed this week that about 5,000 chemical weapons were recovered or destroyed in Iraq following the 2003 invasion but the Pentagon chose to keep the findings top secret. An investigation by The New York Times has revealed that U.S. forces happened across the hidden caches of warheads, shells and aviation bombs between 2004 and 2011. Secrets: In 2002 President George W. Bush said Hussein was developing a program of chemical weapons but no evidence of such weapons was ever found . But the information wasn't made public for several embarrassing reasons including the fact some of the weapons were U.S.-made, plus they had been sitting dormant since the early 1980s and therefore didn't support President George W. Bush's rationale for going to war. The weapons - most of them mustard agents in 155-millimeter artillery shells or 122-millimeter rockets - were developed by Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war which raged between 1980 and 1988. But on September 12, 2002, President Bush had contended that Hussein was developing new chemical weapons capable of 'mass destruction'. 'Right now, Iraq is expanding and improving facilities that were used for the production of biological weapons,' he said. But all the weapons found had been developed before 1991. In March 2003, President Bush received a mandate from the U.S. Congress to lead an invasion of Iraq, asserting that Iraq was in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1441. With strong support from British P.M. Tony Blair, the Bush administration claimed that Sadam and his forces were in possession of weapons of mass destruction that posed a threat to U.S. security and that of allies including the U.K. and Australia. After investigation following the invasion, the U.S. led Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its nuclear, chemical and biological programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion, but that they intended to resume production if the Iraq sanctions were lifted. Although no active chemical weapons program was found, at least 17 U.S. troops and 7 Iraqi police officers were burned or wounded when chemical devices exploded. President Bush later said that the biggest regret of his presidency was 'the intelligence failure' in Iraq, while the Senate Intelligence Committee found in 2008 that his administration 'misrepresented the intelligence and the threat from Iraq'. The U.S. completed its withdrawal of military personnel in December 2011, during the ninth year of the war. The rise of ISIS means that the U.S. will send an army headquarters to Iraq for the first time in three years to assist local security forces struggling to resist advances by the fundamentalist group. Another reason for the cover-up, according to The Times, was that five of the six chemical weapons encounters involved weapons designed by the U.S. '''Nothing of significance'' is what I was ordered to say,' said Jarrod Lampier, a now-retired Army major who was present when forces found 2,400 nerve agent rockets in 2006 - the largest chemical weapons discovery of the war. Soldiers were also loathe to report finding the caches as documenting chemical weapons added hours of extra work to their load. Chemical warfare specialists had to be called in, and waiting for them to arrive put coalition forces in dangerous positions. 'I could wait all day for tech escort to show up and make a chem round disappear, or I could just make it disappear myself,' one ex-soldier told The Times. The mustard shells could be put in with other explosives that needed to be destructed and then detonated. However, handling chemical weapons lead to many injuries, which were not taken seriously by military doctors at the time. Many explosive ordnance disposal personnel were not aware that the shells they were handling contained chemicals, believing them to be regular old artillery. At least 17 American military personnel and seven Iraqi police were sickened by poisons - usually sarin and mustard gases. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (centre) is greeted as he arrives at Vienna International Airport. He's in the country to discuss Iran's nuclear program . Many of the shells would leak liquid during transportation, exposing the soldiers to the potentially-lethal fumes. Symptoms ranged from disorientation and nausea to blindness and huge, seething blisters. Jarrod Taylor, a former Army sergeant on hand for the destruction of mustard shells that burned two soldiers in his infantry company, joked of 'wounds that never happened' from 'that stuff that didn't exist'. 'I love it when I hear, ''Oh there weren't any chemical weapons in Iraq'',' he said. 'There were plenty.' | Isis controls a former chemical weapons factory near Baghdad, it's claimed .
The Muthanna State Establishment made nerve agents in the 80s and 90s .
Iraq wrote to the UN this summer to say that it had lost control of the depot .
Officials said that armed terrorist groups had taken over the complex .
It comes after it was revealed the US found 5,000 chemical weapons in Iraq . |
0a08d8320a95f442862bdd77eb94434f83bac0fb | By . Daily Mail Reporter . While Rachel Canning hasn't made many headlines since becoming the 'spoiled New Jersey teenager' who took teenage angst to a whole new level by trying to divorce her mom and dad back in March, it doesn't mean she's stopped living life on her own terms. Now the 18-year-old who wanted to have her cake and eat it, too, has finished out the senior year she fought so hard to force her parents to pay for in a blaze of glory befitting the headlines she won back in March. When her parents refused to cough up for the icing, the syrupy sweet cheerleader hauled them into court to keep the honey flowing. She's since dropped the case and moved home again, while apparently keeping the boyfriend who court docs show was the reason behind their domestic strife. And if the party didn't stop then, it . certainly wasn't going to end as Canning edged ever closer to senior prom, graduation and her future as a college student free from the . influence of her mother and former Lincoln Park, New Jersey police chief . father. Graduation! Litigious cheerleader Rachel Canning dropped her lawsuit against her parents in March after a judge all but scoffed at her for wanted to live apart from her parents while forcing them to pay her private high school tuition . Prom! Senior prom appeared like the time of Rachel's (far right) life, though whose cashed she used for the fairy-like dress remained a mystery . Day to remember: Rachel (right) was dressed like the princess she was accused of being in so many headlines this spring as she attended Morrison Catholic High School's senior prom in May just months after suing her own parents . Catholic school girl: Rachel dropped her suit and moved back in with her parents soon after trying to get tuition out of them for the remainder of her senior year. Here, the 18-year-old is pictured at a court hearing, which she attended with several of her friends while wearing her Catholic school uniform . To be fair, the honors student would leave Morris Catholic High School with a $56,000 scholarship to Western New England University, enough to make one think twice before assuming she's some parasitic princess. However, photos posted to her social media accounts and those of her friends since the media circus around her suit died down mostly support her parents' court arguments that she's just a spoiled teen with a bad news boyfriend and a new found love of partying. Graduation was a good time for Canning, though she managed to sleep through her final chapel service as a catholic high schooler. She also who tweeted on the big day: 'I wanna be drunk when I wake up On the right side of the wrong bed.' Did the lyrics from English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran reflect reality for the 18-year-old? Parties! Rachel tweeted out these song lyrics on the day of graduation. Her parents accused the teen of hard partying the led up to her leaving home. She'd since moved back ion, but has the debauchery continued? YOLO? The teen managed to sleep through her last chapel service as a Catholic schooler, but the honoros student denied her behavior had changed in her March lawsuit . They do if it went anything like many of her last high school days and nights, when photos reveal Canning and her friends drinking and partying hard. Prom looked fun for the teen, too, though her photos from the night reveal she may not have attended on the arm of Lucas Kitzmiller, the boyfriend who Canning's parent's disapproved of so vehemently they were willing to let their daughter leave home rather than date him. Whether she attended with Lucas or not, Rachel still proudly displays a photo of the two of them on her Twitter account. Courtroom foes: She had sued Elizabeth and Sean Canning, pictured in court, after leaving home last year. They claimed her behavior had drastically worsened in part as a result of her dating a boy named Lucas. Residual anger? This month, long after the courtroom showdown that never was, Rachel tweeted this. Her father is a former Chief of Police in their town . That's where soon-to-be college freshman also had some choice words for people like her former cop father. 'The majority of cops are such assholes,' she tweeted. Soon Rachel will have all the freedom in the world to go against her parents' wishes as her adolescence turns into adulthood. But when her $56,000 runs out at Western New England--where tuition, room and board cost $46,154 per year--will she sue herself to cough up the cash? They must have settled: Even as she prepares to move away to Massachusetts for college, the 18-year-old is still pictured in social media with the boyfriend, Lucas Kitzmiller, who angered her parents so much . College-bound! Rachel (left at left and with the red cup at right) is now headed to college where she'll study biomedical engineering on a $56,000 scholarship. No word yet on who she might sue when those funds dry up . | New Jersey teen Rachel Canning, 18, sued her parents in March with claims of neglect and abuse while her parents said she was just acting out .
She ended up dropping the suit and moving back in with her mother and former police chief father .
She was immediately pictured partying hard with the very boyfriend she left home over being banned from dating .
Now the college-bound teen is moving on to the next phase of her life thanks to a $56,000 scholarship .
But she wasn't going to leave home before partying it at prom and graduation . |
0a0a4c90d59df9e36ffec4ba306b4f20f3ba4acb | San Diego, California (CNN) -- What's in a name? For my friends and simpaticos in the immigration reform community, enough to go ballistic at the mere mention of the phrase: "illegal immigrant." First, there's enough to be afraid of in this world -- from big government to monsters under the bed. We shouldn't be afraid of words. And when it comes time to declare a word or phrase offensive, we should be careful to do so judiciously and not go overboard. That's my advice to my very good friend and business partner, Charles Garcia, for whom I have great affection and tremendous respect. He's my brother from another mother. That's true even on the rare occasion when he's wrong. And that's the case this week now that Charlie has written, in a thought-provoking column for CNN.com, that the phrase "illegal immigrant" is "biased" and "racially offensive." He also implied that it's a "slur" and -- borrowing language from George Orwell -- a "worn-out and useless phrase." Actually, it's none of the above. The phrase is accurate. It's the shoe that fits. It's reality. And, as is often the case with reality, it's hard for some people to accept. What do you think about the term? Share your view with CNN iReport. Apparently, that includes people like Justice Sonia Sotomayor who, in her first opinion on the Supreme Court -- in a 2009 case called Mohawk Industries v. Carpenter, which involved a business accused of employing illegal immigrants -- used the term "undocumented immigrant." According to The New York Times, this was the first time that a Supreme Court justice had used that phrase. Other justices had previously gone with "illegal immigrant." Undocumented immigrant? Really? That's politically correct, but it's also absurd. Most of these people have plenty of documents. A woman who makes a living cleaning homes in my neighborhood once explained to me that she had a drawer full of fake green cards and IDs saying she was -- pick one -- a native-born U.S. citizen, legal resident or exchange student. Many illegal immigrants have Matricula ID cards issued by Mexican consulates, foreign passports, drivers licenses in some states and phony Social Security cards where all nine digits are "0's." Garcia: Why "illegal immigrant" is a slur . This isn't about documents. It has been my experience that many of those who have trouble with the phrase "illegal immigrant" are really troubled by something deeper -- the fact that, at the end of the day, by supporting a pathway to earned legal status, they're defending a group of people who engaged in unlawful activity. For some folks, this is messy business. So they try to sanitize it by changing the language. As a columnist, I don't mind messy. I have never used "illegal aliens," and I never will. And I don't use "illegal" as a noun. But, like many other journalists, including those at CNN, I do use "illegal immigrant." And I refuse to accept that doing so is tantamount to a hate crime. I don't want to demean anyone. But, as someone who makes his living with words, I'd also prefer not to degrade the English language. Besides, in more than 20 years of writing about illegal immigrants -- oops, there, I said it again -- I've been accused of defending lawbreakers thousands of times. I plead guilty as charged. I don't condone illegal immigration, but I do often defend illegal immigrants who are unfairly exploited, picked on and blamed for everything from crime to pollution to the quality of public schools. As Charlie correctly points out in the part of the column with which I agree, a lot of that nonsense comes from the Republican Party and shameful politicians who think that raising our blood pressure over illegal immigration is a shortcut to helping them raise their poll numbers and raise funds from contributors. I've spanked many of these officials before, and I look forward to the next opportunity. For the record, I'm not against high blood pressure. I've been known to raise it myself. I think that, if people are upset that our immigration system is broken, they have a right to be angry. But I also think they should direct their anger at government and politicians, and not at the immigrants themselves. I also think that illegal immigrants are more of a positive than a negative. They make a contribution to the U.S. economy, do jobs Americans won't do, replenish the American spirit with hope and optimism and often raise good kids with a work ethic and strong traditional values that put the native-born to shame. They're not a liability. They're an asset. Naturalized citizens explain why they're American by choice . But, c'mon. These people are not saints. With the exception of DREAM Act kids involuntarily brought here by their parents, these people did something wrong. Illegal immigrants either overstayed a visa or crossed a border without authorization. That was wrong. Then many of them doubled down on the misdeed by using fake documents to procure employment or not paying income taxes on money earned, even though the federal government has set up an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number that allows illegal immigrants to pay taxes. If that sounds harsh, blame my upbringing. I'm the grandson of a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States legally during the Mexican Revolution and my father spent 36 years as a cop. It's in my DNA to not make excuses for wrongdoing. My friends in the immigration reform community need to get over their uneasiness and stop sugar coating who these people are and what they've done to get here. We can't fix the problem of illegal immigration until we deal with it honesty and candidly. As Charlie mentioned, Justice Anthony Kennedy has an interesting take on illegal immigration, which he incorporated into the majority opinion in the recent Supreme Court decision striking down most of the Arizona immigration law. Kennedy wrote: "As a general rule, it is not a crime for a removable alien to remain present in the United States." True. But "present" doesn't just happen. The estimated 10 million illegal immigrants who are unlawfully in the United States didn't just appear one day like the genie out of Aladdin's lamp. Like the old saying goes: "If you see a turtle resting on a fence post, you can be sure someone put it there. It didn't get there by itself." At some point in time, again with the exception of DREAM'ers, someone did something bad. That doesn't make them bad people. But they broke the law. We're not talking about criminal law, and so they're not "criminals." Immigration law is based in civil law, and that's why those who break it get deported and not imprisoned. But these people are still lawbreakers, and -- by definition -- illegal immigrants. Sorry, Charlie. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette. | Ruben Navarrette: Those who say "illegal immigrant" is a slur are wrong .
He says adult migrants who aren't legal immigrants broke the law to get to the U.S.
Navarrette: Migrants aren't criminals and are wrongly blamed for many of America's ills .
Still, he says, it doesn't help to gloss over fact that immigration laws were broken . |
0a0aa464d262b903f44b0f8eaa67f13dd1946cfd | By . Antonia Hoyle . PUBLISHED: . 17:02 EST, 21 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:04 EST, 22 August 2013 . Suzanne Morris off to sleep at 2am as her tiny two-month-old son George lay beside her. With him snuggled between Suzanne and her husband David, the fledgling family seemed the picture of contentment. But a couple of hours later Suzanne awoke with a start and realised George was no longer by her side. Her shock had turned to panic by the time she discovered him under the duvet at the bottom of her and David's marital bed. 'He'd either wriggled there or we had pushed him down in our sleep,' says Suzanne. 'I get a cold sweat when I think about it. George could have been smothered. He was sound asleep and it was just a lucky coincidence I woke up. Who knows what could have happened? He could have died and become a statistic.' Dangerous bonding: Babies can be squashed or suffocated if they sleep in the same bed as their parents (posed by models) The statistic to which Suzanne refers is the number of babies who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) each year. They were given a disturbing new focus recently when researchers revealed that babies who share a bed with their mothers are up to five times more likely to die than those who sleep separately. SIDS - the sudden and unexplained death of a child under the age of one - kills 300 babies a year in Britain. It has been long known that premature babies and those with breathing and heart problems are more susceptible, while parents who smoke, take drugs or drink to excess are known to put their baby at risk. But it now transpires that even the most diligent mothers, like Suzanne, are also jeopardising their baby’s safety by co-sleeping. 'Babies have been squashed or wriggled under the duvet and can die from being overheated' The comprehensive review - compiled with data from five previous studies and after examining nearly 1,500 cases of SIDS - revealed that an estimated 88 per cent of deaths that occurred while a child slept with their parents would not have happened if the baby had not been bed-sharing. 'Deep down, I suppose we knew it was risky,' says Suzanne, 40. 'It wasn't a choice to co-sleep that night. We were just so tired. I was absolutely mortified and still am.' An adult bed can be a dangerous environment for a baby, as Alison Edwards, a senior lecturer in midwifery at Birmingham City University, explains: 'Babies have been squashed or wriggled under the duvet and can die from being overheated.' Yet 50 per cent of all mothers share a bed with their baby at some stage, despite Department of Health guidelines urging them to place an infant in its own cot for the first six months. Risk: Half of all mothers share a bed with their baby at some stage, despite Department of Health guidelines urging them to place an infant in its own cot for the first six months . This is, perhaps, due to the popularity of trendy 'attachment parenting', as espoused by psychologists such as Penelope Leach and celebrity mothers from Angelina Jolie to Heidi Klum. It encourages mothers to feed their babies on demand and never let them out of their sight. The 'breastapo' also has a case to answer: pressure on women to breastfeed has led to a huge rise in co-sleeping, with 80 per cent of mothers succumbing to it. Because breast milk is easier to digest than formula, babies grow hungrier faster and need to be fed more often than their bottle-fed peers. Many mothers feel the only way they can get any sleep at all is to keep their child by their side. Suzanne, an event manager, who lives with David, 42, a chartered surveyor, and George, now seven, and Ruby, four, in Hove, East Sussex, admits that's what happened to her. 'I was desperate to breastfeed and was advised by my parenting class to keep George on my breast non-stop to get feeding established,' she says. 'When I think of what could have happened I feel sick. I now fully appreciate how dangerous co-sleeping can be' 'But he never got enough milk. I was feeding every two hours. I would never have slept.' George was given a bottle and his own cot in their room, but Suzanne is still haunted by the incident. 'When I think of what could have happened I feel sick. I now fully appreciate how dangerous co-sleeping can be.' Yet plenty of professional bodies still promote its benefits. Rosemary Dodds, senior policy advisor at the National Childbirth Trust, insists the organisation does not advise new parents on whether to sleep with their baby, but adds: 'We are aware of the advantages of bed sharing for a baby in terms of reassurance and establishing breastfeeding. 'For parents it works very well because they get more sleep. Historically and culturally babies have slept close to their parents.' Certainly, until the advent of the cot in the 19th century, co-sleeping in Western society was de rigueur. Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith, author of BabyCalm, insists that co-sleeping poses no added risk if planned properly. 'It is the most common way of sleeping in Japan and they have the lowest SIDS rate in the world,' she says, claiming that mothers instinctively form a protective 'frame' around their baby with their body. But Ockwell-Smith admits there are caveats. Babies should always be put in sleeping bags above, never under, parents' duvets. Three's a crowd: Sleeping with your baby can drive a wedge between couples . They should sleep on their mother's side of the bed, as research shows fathers are less attuned to their child's movements and more likely to roll on top of them. And formula-fed babies - without the immunity-boosting properties of breast milk - should not co-sleep at all as studies have shown them to be at a higher risk of SIDS in the first place. Professor Helen Ball, who runs the Parent-Infant Sleep Lab at Durham University, says she has also discovered that breastfeeding mothers instinctively position their babies more safely in their bed than those who have never breastfed. 'Mothers who have only bottle fed place their baby up near their face, rather than at their chest, so they are on the pillow and at risk of suffocation,' she says. 'Your partner will start to feel left out if you have a little person with you 24 hours a day. There is never time to be a couple' Some co-sleep for the feeling of closeness as much as to facilitate breastfeeding. 'The increased skin-on-skin contact releases a hormone called oxytocin that promotes bonding,' says Ockwell-Smith. Kate Kirrane, 40, a company director from London, co-slept with her daughter Iyla, now three, after her birth in September 2009 until her son Isaac, now 18 months, was born in February last year. Now he still sleeps with Mum if teething or fretful. 'It feels unnatural not to,' says Kate. 'He wants to be close to me - why would I deprive him of that?' She says health visitors and midwives were already aware of the dangers at the time she gave birth. 'It was rammed down my throat I shouldn't do it but I have always been mindful of safety and my natural instinct won over,' she says. 'It is wrong that mothers are made to feel guilty.' And what of the husbands in this arrangement? Co-sleeping inevitably creates an added barrier to spousal relations which are often already strained by a newborn. Kate admits that there were times when her husband Michael, 43, a company manager, 'put his foot down'. 'But at the end of the day it’s not him getting up in the night, is it?' She claims co-sleeping has had little impact on their romantic life, however. 'I sleep better this way so I'm happier, which means I'm a better mother and wife.' But maternity nurse Rachel Waddilove, author of Sleep Solutions, is adamant co-sleeping has a ruinous effect on a relationship: 'Your partner might enjoy it for the first few days but he will start to feel left out if you have a little person with you 24 hours a day. There is never time to be a couple.' Attachment parenting advocates as much skin-on-skin contact as possible . Colette Burgess couldn't agree more. She and her husband Dave, a welder, agreed long before their son Ben was born in July 2009 and daughter Chloe came along two years later that there was no place in their family for co-sleeping. 'I adore my children but don't want to spend every waking moment with them,' she says. 'Our bedroom is the only place we can get away. There is barely enough room for two of us without a baby in the middle.' Ben and Chloe both slept in a cot at the bottom of the bed before moving into their own rooms at four and eight months respectively. Colette, 33, breastfed each for eight months and says that the safety implications of co-sleeping worried her almost as much as the invasion of her marital privacy. 'I'd go downstairs to feed so I didn't risk falling asleep on our bed,' she says. 'I was paranoid about suffocating them and no matter how tired I was I'd never feed lying down.' Colette, a primary school teacher from Manchester, was brought up by her own parents never to enter their room and is now training Ben and Chloe to do the same. The upshot is that neither wakes in the night, she adds. 'I have friends who have co-slept and their children are now six and still getting into their bed. At what point do you draw the line and say they need to sleep on their own?' It is a controversial question. But based on the latest scientific findings, it seems that sooner would be infinitely safer than later. | Babies who share a bed with their mothers are up to five times more likely to suffer Sudden Infant Death Syndrome .
Department of Health urge placing infant in own cot for first six months .
Many mothers share a bed due to popularity of 'attachment parenting'
Others find it easier when breastfeeding .
But it can also ruin relationships as well as being dangerous . |
0a0adc84ccbf9414613e145a3795dccc4828ddd4 | (CNN) -- A high school senior's lawsuit against her mother and father for financial support and college tuition hit a hurdle Tuesday when a New Jersey judge denied the teenager's request for immediate financial assistance from the parents. Rachel Canning, 18, alleges in her lawsuit that her parents forced her out of their Lincoln Park, New Jersey home, and that she is unable to support herself financially. The lawsuit asks that her parents pay the remaining tuition for her last semester at her private high school, pay her current living and transportation expenses, commit to paying her college tuition and pay her legal fees for the suit she filed against her parents. Her parents say she left home because she didn't want to obey their rules. Judge Peter Bogaard denied the request for high school tuition and current living expenses at a hearing Tuesday in New Jersey State Superior Court. Another hearing will be held in April on other issues in the suit, including whether Canning left home of her own accord, the judge said. Canning, an honor student and cheerleader at Morris Catholic High School in Denville, says in court documents she had to leave her parents' home because of emotional and psychological mistreatment, alleging, among other things, that her mother called her "fat" and "porky" and that her father threatened to beat her. "I have been subjected to severe verbal and physical abuse by my mother and father," Canning wrote in a court certification. "I am not willingly and voluntarily leaving a reasonable situation at home to make my own decisions. I had to leave to end the abuse." Canning left her parents' home at the end of last October. After spending two nights at her boyfriend's home, she moved into the home of her friend in a nearby town, where she has been staying ever since, according to court documents written by the parents' attorney. Fair or outrageous? New Jersey teen sues her parents to pay up for college . Canning seeks a court's official declaration that she is unemancipated, meaning her parents would still be required to support her financially. She also is suing to reimburse her friend's parents, John and Amy Inglesino, for legal fees that they have been paying since the lawsuit was initiated, according to the suit. Canning's parents, Sean and Elizabeth Canning, claim that allegations of abuse are completely unfounded. "We were always her support team, cheering her on or defending her whenever she had a problem," wrote Elizabeth Canning in a court certification. She claims that her daughter was never forced out of the family's home, but rather "took it upon herself to run away so that she could live her life without any parental supervision and without any rules." Canning was suspended from school for truancy last October, according to court documents filed by her parents' attorney, Laurie Rush-Masuret. Her parents told the teen that she could no longer see her boyfriend, who was also suspended from school. Car and phone privileges were also taken away. Once she learned of the punishment, Canning cut school again and then decided to run away, her father said in court documents. Once she left home, her parents notified Morris Catholic High School that they would no longer pay for their daughter's tuition, the documents state. "They stopped paying my high school tuition to punish the school and me, and have redirected my college fund indicating their refusal to afford me an education," Rachel Canning stated in court documents. The situation around the teen and her family initiated an investigation by New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), which received allegations that Rachel was being abused. The teen wrote in court documents that her school contacted the state agency. When DCPP staffers interviewed the teen, her parents, and her two younger sisters, they ultimately "determined that allegation of emotional abuse was unfounded," a letter from DCPP states. Sean Canning, a retired Lincoln Park police chief and current business administrator for the town of Mount Olive, told CNN affiliate WCBS that he and his wife are "distraught." "We're being sued by our child. I'm dumbfounded. So is my wife. So are my other daughters," he said. "Living in our house, there's very few things. There's minor chores, there's curfews. When I say curfew, it's usually after 11 o'clock at night." Sean Canning wrote in court documents that the Inglesinos, for taking in his daughter, had "enabled the situation to an absurd level. Under the guise of good intentions, they have arrogantly placed themselves in our stead and operated under the belief that their parenting style is superior to our own." CNN's attempts to reach John or Amy Inglesino were unsuccessful. Stephanie Frangos Hagan, a family law attorney and New Jersey State Bar Association family law officer, said to her knowledge, a case like this is unprecedented. Though Canning is 18 years old, New Jersey law does not consider a person to be emancipated unless that person has left "the scope of his or her parents' authority," according to Hagan. "A parent is not obligated to contribute to the support of an emancipated child," said Hagan. "A child is emancipated when he or she is beyond the control of the parents. Is she truly beyond the scope of her parents' authority, as a result of her own voluntary acts? That's for the judge to decide." "The argument (she) is making is that she didn't leave home voluntary. She's saying 'I was thrown out,'" Hagan said. Neither Rachel Canning nor her parents testified at Tuesday's hearing, but it saw a reunion between the daughter and her estranged parents, the first one in over four months. While Sean Canning was seen speaking to Rachel, Elizabeth was seen briefly weeping after being seated. The parents' attorney, Rush-Masuret, told CNN that Elizabeth Canning is too upset about the situation to even talk about it. She said the Cannings have told their daughter to come home, and she has refused. "To be clear, my clients never abandoned nor abused their child and they have asked her to come home. They simply sought to exert their own parental judgment and reasonable household rules which she is not willing to accept," Rush-Masuret said in court Tuesday. Rachel Canning's attorney, Tanya N. Helfand, said Sean and Elizabeth Canning are being "negligent and irresponsible." "Normal healthy parents want to help their children. They want their children to go to college. They want to help them with their difficulties," Helfand said in court. "You may not get along wonderfully every single day with your teenager. That doesn't mean that you abandon them and you say, 'Guess what, you're on your own.'" Judge Bogaard denied the request for the last semester of high school tuition because the school said she could continue anyway, since she is an honor student. And Rachel Canning wrote in her court certification that "The peer ministers at Morris Catholic have decided to raise funds to pay ... tuition so I don't have to leave early." As for why he denied the request for immediate financial assistance, the judge indicated he didn't see an emergency situation, and would make further decisions at the next hearing. The teen wrote in her court certification that she aspires to be a biomedical engineer. Her first choice for college is the University of Delaware, from which she has yet to hear back from regarding her admission decision. She said taking legal action was necessary to ensure that she is able to accomplish her future goals. "I am a very good student. I have no drug problems. I am a good athlete. I work at a job outside of school," she wrote. "My parents simply will not help me any longer...(They) should be required to provide for my support and education until I can stand on my own two feet. In order to do this, I had to take legal action." Girl costs father $80,000 with 'SUCK IT' Facebook post . CNN's Ronni Berke, Jean Casarez, Lauren-Ashley Morton and Tekella Foster contributed to this report. | Rachel Canning, 18, is suing her parents for financial support, legal fees, tuition .
She alleges she was verbally and physically abused by her parents and was forced to leave .
Canning's parents say Rachel left on her own and that she is always welcome to come back .
A judge denies her initial requests for immediate financial assistance . |
0a0b44620d0dec6fdfc1aa139ff51bcb36c56c51 | By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 07:12 EST, 5 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:18 EST, 5 November 2012 . Homeless families could be sent hundreds of miles away from the areas of London they hail from because councils are desperately trying to save money. As the Government prepares to cap housing benefit allowances at £400 per week from April, local authorities in the capital are buying or renting houses in places like Manchester, Merthr Tydfil and Hull, it has been revealed. Council bosses say rising rental costs in their areas coupled with Coalition cuts are forcing them to send the homeless to places nowhere near their own neighbourhoods. Dispossessed: Families from London are being sent all over Britain because their councils will not house them nearby (file picture) So instead they are acquiring properties in counties around London like Kent, Essex, Sussex and Berkshire as well as much further afield. But the Government has said clearly that 'as far as is reasonably practicable' they must offer housing in their own area. This was because it was discovered that . Newham Council, one of the Olympic boroughs, had decided to relocate . people to Stoke-on-Trent, to the fury of then housing minister Grant Shapps. But critics have said London councils have no choice. Angry: Former Housing Minister Grant Shapps was furious when it was revealed that councils were considering sending families across the country . Alison Garnham, chief executive, of the Child Poverty Action Group told the Guardian: 'Families are facing the . impossible situation of being told to move to cheaper accommodation that . just doesn't exist with London's rising rents. London boroughs are . staring at a black hole in their budgets as a result, with costs . transferred from central to local government. 'There's still time for government to do the sensible thing and think . again when these reforms are debated in parliament before thousands of . London's families find themselves uprooted, overcrowded and thrown into . turmoil.' London councils have acquired rental properties in Luton, Northampton, Broxbourne, Gravesend, Dartford, Slough, Windsor, Margate, Hastings, Epping Forest, Thurrock and Basildon in preparation for welfare cuts, the Guardian has found. 'It is going to be practically impossible to provide affordable accommodation to meet our homelessness duties in London,' Ken Jones, director of housing and strategy at Barking and Dagenham council in east London told the paper. 'As the pressures increase we will be looking to procure well out of London, and even out of the home counties.' One cabinet member for housing in an inner city borough added: 'Let's . face it, a lot of people with more than two or three children, and who . are dependent on benefits in this borough are not going to be here for . very much longer.' Olympic borough: Newham, the home of the Olympic Park, was accused of trying to send people to Stoke-on-Trent . The 33 London councils were asked if they were already placing people outside of London and more than half said told the Guardian they already were. But the Coalition insists that councils do not need to do this. 'It is neither acceptable, fair nor necessary for local authorities to place families far away from their area. The law is already clear that local authorities must secure accommodation within their own borough so far as reasonably practicable, and new rules will reinforce this,' a housing spokesman said. 'Our reforms restore fairness to a system that was allowed to spiral out of control under the previous government. It's not right that some families living on benefits should be able to live in areas of London that hard-working families could simply never afford to stay in.' | Local authorities say sky-high rental costs in the capital, combined with the incoming benefits cap has forced them to send people miles away from home .
Areas as far away as Manchester, Merthr Tydfil and Hull, as well as the Home Counties are all earmarked for families .
'It is going to be practically impossible to provide affordable accommodation to meet our homelessness duties in London,' Dagenham Council say . |
0a0b59738a88e97ef66322a8c866d22ebf079289 | By . Julian Robinson . An extremist friend of the man who hacked soldier Lee Rigby to death with a meat cleaver has been jailed for three years - after calling for holy war against Britain. Ibrahim Hassan, 28, and his co-accused Shah Hussain, 31, published hate-filled speeches online two days after Fusilier Rigby was killed by Michael Adebolajo on May 22 last year. British Muslim Hassan, also known as Abu Nusaybah, was arrested moments after filming an interview with BBC Newsnight claiming to be a friend of Adebolajo. An extremist friend of Michael Adebolajo, Ibrahim Hassan, pictured left, and his co-accused Shah Hussain, right, have both been jailed for three years for calling for holy war against Britain and America . Michael Adebolajo shows a bloodied hand and knives following the murder of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich in May last year . On the show he claimed Adebolajo had been tortured in Kenya, and had been offered a job by MI5.Hussain was arrested days later as part of the same investigation. Both men have previous convictions for encouraging terrorism at a 2008 rally, and are heavily linked to Adebolajo through banned terror extremist group, al-Muhajiroun. Judge Nicholas Hilliard, the Common Sergeant of London, told them: 'This is the second time that each of you has been before a court for an offence contrary to the Terrorism Act. That increases the gravity of the offences and I am sure both of you knew that you were playing with fire. 'Only time will tell whether your beliefs have really changed.' Both men showed no reaction as they walked down to the cells. Prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones said: 'Police became aware that Hassan was providing a pre-recorded interview to BBC Newsnight on Friday, 24 May and they duly attended and arrested him. 'The . interview shows him endeavouring to mitigate for the actions of Michael . Adebolajo, the murderer of Lee Rigby, due to his having been tortured in . Kenya six months before and allegedly harassed by the secret services. 'However . Hassan also makes it plain that if he had known of the planned attack . he would have sought to dissuade Adebolajo from it, and that he was . horrified by it.' Drummer Lee Rigby, pictured, of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was attacked and killed by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale. Now extremist friends of Adebolajo have been jailed for calling for a holy war against Britain . The two men met in 2004 at meetings of the banned fundamentalist terror group founded by hate preachers Omar Bakri Muhammed and Anjem Choudary. In 2008, they were each jailed for two years after being filmed encouraging terrorism at a rally outside the Regents Park Mosque. In his speech, Hassan said: 'My dear Muslim brothers, I urge you right now, Sheikh Osama Bin Laden has already told us that these kafirs will never be pleased with us. 'We should be preparing, all of you should be training for jihad.' He threatened to kill Tony Blair and called him a 'coward'. 'By Allah, myself I'll go for Tony Blair when his cover is broken,' he said. 'Tony Blair is the enemy to me. By Allah if I get the opportunity I will assassinate, put him in a grave. 'Tony Blair's a pig, he's a kafir, he's a kafir. George Bush the same message to him. 'I'll cut your neck off.' Hussain said in his speech that he would 'slaughter' George Bush if he were to see him and had a knife. Both admitted disseminating a terrorist publication relating to an audio file of a speech by the deceased radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki which called for the execution of anyone who insulted the prophet Mohammed. Michael Adebolajo, left, was given a whole-life jail term after murdering Lee Rigby in Woolwich last year while Michael Adebowale, right, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 45 years . Hassan also admitted encouraging terrorism related to video lectures entitled In Pursuit of Allah's Governance on the Earth. Hussain admitted encouraging terrorism in a video lecture entitled 'Signs of a Good Death in Islam'. One of the signs he mentioned was 'death on the battlefield' by fighting against British and American forces to earn martyrdom and a place in paradise. Others included death by plague, fire, pleurisy, drowning, abdominal illness and under a collapsed building. Hussain ran a website hosting his own lectures, links to videos features preachers including Abu Hamza, Abu Qatada, and Khalid al-Husainan, and a text called 'Reality of the Rulers' by Abu Zubair Adil al-Adab. He also hosted a video of a speech given by Khalid al-Husainan and a text called 'Reality of the Rulers' written by Abu Zubair Adil al-Adab. The court heard Hassan came to the UK from Somalia in 1995 with his sister and converted to Islam in around 2004. He has two children with one partner and two-step children with another. Pall bearers carry the coffin of Lee Rigby into Bury Parish Church for an overnight vigil following his brutal murder. Now extremist friends of one of his killers have been jailed for calling for holy war against Britain . Mozammel Hossain, representing Hassan, said Hassan had left Al-Muhajiroun in 2010 and had made the 'utterly stupid' lectures to please his audience of former colleagues. Hassan wrote a letter claiming he did not excuse or condone the Lee Rigby murder and was 'shocked' by Adebolajo's actions. Lawrence McNulty, for Hussain, said that his client had also left Al Muhajiroun before it was proscribed by the Government and had changed his views. Hussain, of Cannon Street Road, Whitechapel, east London, and Abdullah-Hassan, of Carr Road, Walthamstow, east London, both admitted disseminating terrorist material and encouraging or inciting terrorism on or before May 24 last year. Hussain was jailed for three years concurrent on each count while Hussain was jailed for three years for dissemination and 28 months concurrent for encouraging terrorism. Michael Adebolajo, 29, was found guilty of murdering Fusilier Rigby outside Woolwich Barracks and is currently serving a whole-life sentence. Michael Adebowale, 22, is serving a life sentence for the murder, with a minimum term of 45 years. | Irbahim Hassan and Shah Hussain jailed for three years over hate speeches .
Hassan had claimed to be a friend of Lee Rigby killer Michael Adebolajo .
Both men had previous convictions for encouraging terrorism in 2008 rally .
They were heavily linked to Adebolajo through banned extremist group . |
0a0c2f4e07ba05f3226e8afec1350ac82161cd2e | By . Snejana Farberov . PUBLISHED: . 02:25 EST, 5 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:39 EST, 5 December 2013 . The father of a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook school shooting appeared on Piers Morgan Live today to talk about the looming one-year anniversary of the tragedy – and the pain of celebrating the holidays without his child. Neil Heslin, whose son, Jesse Lewis, was shot dead in the December 14, 2012, massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, said that he expected Christmas spent without his boy to be just as difficult this year as the year before. ‘I will probably take the Christmas tree down that I never took down from last year,’ Heslin said. In mourning: Neil Heslin, whose son, Jesse Lewis, was shot dead in the December 14, 2012, massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, spoke about his life since the tragedy . Portrait of grief: Neil Heslin, father of six-year-old Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Jesse Lewis, holds a picture of him with Jesse as he testifies during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on 'The Assault Weapons Ban of 2013' He explained that he and Jesse set up the tree after Thanksgiving and were planning to decorate it on the weekend of the shooting. With Jesse not there to trim it, the bare tree has been standing in the Heslin household ever since the shooting. Mr Heslin also addressed the controversial decision to release today the harrowing audio recordings of 911 calls made during the massacre, saying he wished they remained sealed. ‘It’s just a sad reminder of what happened and clearly the day is etched in my mind, December 14th,’ he said. The grieving man compared the heart-breaking experience of losing a child to an amputation. Mr Heslin, pictured in March during a pro-gun control event in New York, said he could not bring himself to take down last year's tree that he and his son (right) had set up just before the school shooting . Hero: Scarlett Lewis, mother of Sandy Hook victim Jesse Lewis, said that her son yelled for his classmates to run away before Adam Lanza shot him in the head . Controversial move: Mr Heslin criticized the decision to release the audio recordings of 911 calls made during the December 14, 2012, tragedy . ‘I guess the best description I could give is it's like losing a leg and an arm and not being able to support yourself,’ Neil Heslin told the interviewer. On the event of the anniversary, Mr Morgan also spoke to Marsha Lanza, the aunt of the 20-year-old gunman, Adam Lanza, who revealed that the massacre has 'shaken their family to the core.' Different perspective: Adam Lanza's aunt, Marsha Lanza (right) said that the massacre has shaken their family to the core and that she too knows what it means to lose a child . Speaking from her home in Florida, Mrs . Lanza, who is married to the brother of Adam's father, recalled how . she first learned of the tragedy in Newtown. Monster: Adam Lanza, 20, killed his mother and then opened fire inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, killing 26 people, among them 20 children . The woman said that when she saw an early news report about the school shooting on TV, she thought to herself, 'Oh no, not another one,' not knowing at the time the identity of the killer. When she learned that it was her nephew who murdered 20 children and six adults before turning the gun on himself, Marsha Lanza said she was shocked and immediately called her husband. In the candid conversation about the tragedy, Adam Lanza's aunt said she is no stranger to loss and knows all too well how the victims' families feel. ‘My heart goes out to each and every family that has lost a child,’ she said. ‘Personally, I have lost two sons. I know what you feel, I know what you’ll feel five years from now and 10 years from now.’ She added: 'You can't dwell on the bad times...you will endure.’ | Neil Heslin lost his son, 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, in the December 14, 2012, shooting .
Heslin criticized decision to release 911 calls made during the tragedy .
Adam Lanza's aunt, Marsha Lanza, said their family have been shaken to the core by last year's events . |
0a0d11c125e4e4b061061f44b08f60cb5b8bf177 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 6:29 PM on 29th February 2012 . A girl was sent flying after an out-of-control deer ran through a glass door and ploughed into her. Samantha Irons, 11, and her eight-year-old brother Sebastian were at a gas station on Sunday when the creature charged through the door. The siblings were leaving the store with snacks in Dacula, Georgia when the boy spotted the animal coming towards him and leapt out the way. His sister was not so lucky. Scroll down for video . Collision: Samantha Irons, 11, is lifted off her feet as a deer comes crashing through the glass door of a gas station in Georgia and smacks into her . Miss Irons told wsbtv.com: 'I see glass everywhere, then I realize that I’m on the ground but at that time, I didn’t realize what hit me. It felt like a car.' The girl's father ran from his car to the store after hearing the loud bang. He initially thought that a vehicle had lost control and hit his daughter. Convenience store workers called 911 as Samantha was covered in blood which turned out to belong to the injured deer. Shock: Samantha Irons recovers at home in Georgia after a deer crashed into her as she tried to leave a convenience store with her brother . CCTV from the store shows the stunned animal staggering around the aisles. Samantha was checked over by . emergency workers and had a slight concussion, large bruise to her leg . and a few cuts but no serious injuries. The store was cleared and the injured deer had to be put down. This . was not the first time that a deer has ploughed through glass. Last . month in New Jersey, shoppers at a goodwill store were surprised when a . deer crashed through the plate glass doors. Animal experts said it was likely the creatures caught their reflection in the glass, thought it was a rival and charged. There are 50,000 reports of drivers hitting deer in Georgia every year, according to authorities. Disorientated: The deer barrels around the store having just smashed through a plate-glass window . Unsuspecting: The girl and her eight-year-old brother Sebastian buy snacks at the store in Dacula, Georgia . Day out: The siblings go to exit the garage to join their father who was waiting in the car . Impact: Miss Irons said the force of being hit by the running deer 'was like a car' Sprawled: A customer at the gas station quickly runs over to help Miss Irons who was knocked to the ground . Precaution: The 11-year-old was checked over by emergency staff and was found to be slightly concussed with cuts and bruises but otherwise fine . Dazed: The deer careered around the aisles after smashing through the glass door. It later had to be put down . | Samantha Irons, 11, left with a concussion, cuts and bruises . |
0a0f56ebc5a0a67ed18de79d99b40a42d8058d04 | Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam is open to the possibility of a move abroad in the future amid links to Real Sociedad. The 29-year-old has started just five times for Mark Hughes' men in the Premier League this season and a switch to La Liga with Sociedad - who are coached by David Moyes - has been mooted. Adam insists that he is no hurry to leave the Britannia Stadium, but admits the idea of plying his trade outside of England before the end of his career is something that appeals to him. Charlie Adam is open to the possibility of moving abroad to continue his career . The 29-year-old has started just five Premier League games for Stoke this season . 'There's better weather than here,' he told the Stoke Sentinel. 'I would love the experience of playing abroad because it's certainly something different. Hopefully, more British players will go and do it. On rumours of an exit in January, he added: 'It's going to happen when you have good players not playing and the opportunity for clubs to have a look at things [in the transfer window]. 'But there's nothing happening at the moment and I am happy to be here at Stoke.' Adam has been linked with a potential move to David Moyes' Real Sociedad . | Charlie Adam is open to the possibility of moving abroad .
Scottish midfielder has started just five games this season .
Adam has been linked with a move to David Moyes' Real Sociedad . |
0a10d46e8d848941656352cdf58e587143896f2f | In the latest in our regular series on the travel habits of the rich and famous, champion skier Chemmy Alcott talks the marvels of Maui and what not to eat in Japan. Favourite childhood holiday? When I was three, we went to Crete, and a beautiful starfish floated up to me in the water and wrapped itself round my leg. I felt so connected with the sea. Top travel tip? Stay hydrated, use an eye mask - and enjoy the journey. Chemmy Alcott: Fond of snow, dreams of Hawaii . What do you never travel without? Earplugs. I am deaf in one ear and I find that when I need to really rest, I have to block totally the hearing in both ears. Where would you go if you could live in any other country than Britain? Well, it isn't a country - but the Hawaiian island of Maui. I have lots of friends there through my best friend, Julia Mancuso. The Maui world revolves around caring for others and having fun; money rarely comes into it. Most traumatic travel experience? I stopped in Tokyo, en route to Australia, and asked a local to take me to his favourite Japanese restaurant. Desperate not to offend, I ate everything put in front of me - eyeballs and all. The next 12-hour flight wasn't the smoothest ride! Where did you last go on holiday? I spent Christmas in the mountains. The best bit was helping my young nephews master the art of skiing, and also racing around with my hubby, Dougie Crawford. What destination is on your hitlist and why? After Dougie and I got married, we made a bucket list that includes everything from drinking a mojito and salsa dancing in a bodega bar in Havana to sipping chai tea at the Taj Mahal, heliskiing in Alaska, cat-skiing in Japan and ski-touring in Iceland. Favourite hotel in the world? I have just stayed at the most incredible chalet in Val d'Isere called Marco Polo - an alpine, Balinese fusion filled with unique art, and with a massive bath made from one slab of beautiful stone. I didn't want to leave. Next big adventure? I'm taking part in the world's toughest ski race in Greenland next month, alongside the Arctic V (endurance experts Max Willcocks, Adam Libbey, Richard Gibbs and Chris Brooks). It's a 160km cross-country skiing survival event to raise funds for our charity, Ski 4 Cancer. www.chemmyalcott.com . | Star skier is usually found on snow - but dreams of moving out to Hawaii .
Salsa dancing in Havana and chai at the Taj Mahal are on her bucket list . |
0a10dea37648dc0c47a40845ae6e18999f644eab | By . Glen Owen, Political Correspondent . Tory health minister believes plain cigarette packets would have a positive impact on public health as people would be less attracted to the habit . A health minister has admitted for the first time that David Cameron is blocking the introduction of plain cigarette packaging – despite growing pressure from health campaigners who believe it would be the most effective way to stop teenagers from being attracted to the habit. Tory MP Jane Ellison, who told the Commons earlier this year that there would be draft regulations in place ‘by the end of April’, has now admitted: ‘There comes a point, as a minister, where you get things ready, then you basically wait until you are allowed to talk about them.’ Asked whether this referred to No10, she laughed and said: ‘I couldn’t possibly comment.’ Recorded at a meeting of the Tory Reform Group earlier this month, her words have emerged days after 600 clinicians wrote an open letter urging the Government to publish the plans. ‘Smoking-related disease remains the main cause of preventable deaths in the UK, killing more than 100,000 people a year. It is necessary and logical to end the marketing of cigarettes and tobacco products through packaging,’ they wrote in the letter to the British Medical Journal. Although Ms Ellison believes removing the distinctive packaging of cigarettes ‘would be very likely to have a positive impact on public health’, many of her Tory colleagues argue the move would damage small businesses such as newsagents. Labour also claims that Tory Election strategist, Lynton Crosby, who has represented tobacco firms in the past, is influencing the hold-up. 600 clinicians wrote an open letter to the government saying: 'Smoking-related disease remains the main cause of preventable deaths in the UK' Last night Luciana Berger, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Public Health, said: ‘We now know the standardised packaging hold-up comes from Downing Street. 'There can be no excuse for further delay. The Government must bring forward the regulations it promised months ago. This is what Parliament has voted for, concerned health professionals want, and what people support. ‘Cameron must do the right thing, and not cave into vested interests and stand up for the wrong people.’ Ms Ellison was not available for comment. A No10 spokesman said: ‘It is not true that any attempt is being made to block this measure.’ | Jane Ellison says Prime Minister is blocking plain cigarette package .
Had said plain packaging regulations would be in place by April .
Campaigners say plain packaging would be best to stop teenagers smoking .
Labour health minister says there should be no excuse for the delay . |
0a11ec5374add814d121adc9b9a9f1de8364f547 | (CNN) -- So a bunch of guys away from home, who should know better, take off their wedding rings, mix testosterone with alcohol and hookers --- an appalling combination --- argue over the price of a lady's company and, all of a sudden, the entire culture of the U.S. Secret Service is thrown into question. All of a sudden, this is the worst disaster for the Secret Service, ever. All of a sudden, the Secret Service is out of control. All of a sudden, anything might have happened, like one of the 11 agents could have been blackmailed to open a door for a sniper or to look the other way as a bomb-carrying terrorist walks up to the president. All of a sudden, the men and women of the Secret Service are no longer the best and the brightest. Especially the men. All of a sudden... Stop! It's time for a reality check. The 11 agents who were sent home from Colombia in disgrace before the president even left Washington were there in a support role. Whether they were manning metal detectors or handling dogs that sweep rooms, whether they were part of a sniper team or standing post at 3 a.m. along a barricaded street, they were not members of the Presidential Protective Division (PPD). They were not on the president's shoulder. At no time was the president's security in danger. What damage did their stupidity do? Obviously, a lot to their personal lives, their marriages and their careers. Obviously, also, a lot to the image and reputation of the Secret Service. The legislation creating the Secret Service was sitting on Abraham Lincoln's desk, waiting to be signed, on April 15, 1865, the night he was assassinated. In those days, the Secret Service was housed inside the Treasury Department, and its job was to protect and defend the currency and monetary instruments of the United States. It didn't get the supplementary duty of protecting the president and vice president until after William McKinley was assassinated in 1901. No agent I have ever met was hired for his sense of humor. These are very serious men and women who do their jobs very seriously. They have always been the best and the brightest. And they still are. You can see it in the way they stand a little taller and walk with a different gait than others in law enforcement. You can see it in their pride. Frankly, I can't think of any other law enforcement agency where pride counts as much as it does with the Secret Service. It's the same pride that is always so visible with the U.S. Marines. That's the reason why this scandal matters. Not because someone thinks the agency is out of control. It's not. Not because of wildly exaggerated threats of blackmail. No, Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. It matters because the idiotic actions of 11 agents who forgot who they are and what their badge stands for deeply affects every active duty agent and tens of thousands of retired agents. Pride has been dented. And agents are, rightly, furious. These are men and women who have made -- and continue to make -- huge personal sacrifices for their share in that pride. The divorce rate among agents is high. That's not because they party with hookers, but because for the privilege of wearing that special five starred badge, they abandon any thoughts of their time being their own. They miss birthdays and Christmas, Little League games, graduations, school plays, first teeth, first steps, first words. When the president travels, especially overseas, it's a flying circus with 800-1,000 people, limousines, helicopters, communications equipment, big guns, small guns, sometimes food, and often 20-30 planes. As an integral part of this, Secret Service agents have two main concerns: To create and to maintain a tightly controlled environment in which the president can do his job safely and to bring everyone home at night. Anything short of that is, the way the Secret Service defines the word, failure. Just as those two things are true, so are these: What happened with those 11 agents is defined as stupidity. They will be dealt with quickly by the Secret Service. The president's opponents will pretend that there are political ramifications and invent whatever capital out of this that they can to embarrass the president. It will take a long time before pride is fully restored, and, if this ever happens again, it will definitely not be soon. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jeffrey Robinson. | Jeffrey Robinson: Bad behavior of 11 Secret Service agents has caused uproar over whole force .
Time for a reality check, he says; president was not in danger .
He says most agents proud, serious, willing to make big sacrifices for job .
Robinson: Agents in scandal were stupid; now people playing politics . |
0a11ec8a477bd8f68f4ca2df556f9871c12525ad | (CNN) -- South Korean star Park Ji-sung has signed a two-year contract extension at English Premier League champions Manchester United. The 28-year-old Park has been handed a contract extension at Manchester United. The attacking midfielder is now tied to Old Trafford until 2012 as reward for his dogged displays for United since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2005. "I am so pleased to have a new contract," Park told www.manutd.com. "We have achieved great success over the last four years and won many trophies." Park has had to work hard to establish himself as a regular member of United's starting line-up and was devastated to be left out of the squad for their 2008 Champions League final success against Chelsea. But last season he was a key figure as United completed a hat-trick of Premier League titles. Park also gained selection for the Champions League final against Barcelona, becoming the first player from Asia to play in the European club showpiece. His popularity in his home region is undoubted and United have been able to capitalize with two highly-profitable visits to the continent with Park a key draw. Park, who will be a driving force in South Korea's World Cup challenge in South Africa next year, has played 127 times for United, scoring 12 goals. "We are always pleased to secure the future of our star players and Ji-Sung has proved himself to be a fantastic professional as well as an important versatile player in our squad," said manager Alex Ferguson. Park has been rewarded with an improved deal worth a reported $5.9 million per year. | Park Ji-Sung given two-year extension to his contract at Manchester United .
South Korea star was first player from Asia to play in Champions League final .
Park has made 127 appearances for United since joining from PSV in 2005 . |
0a12bc9fb4ad7dca66b2072094b48a126e3efd0a | (CNN) -- At this point are there any celebrities left who have not done the Ice Bucket Challenge? All across the Internet the famous are taking a dousing in the name of raising money -- and bringing awareness -- to Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. The participants include such figures as Iggy Azalea, Lady Gaga and Chris Pratt. Some, like Justin Bieber, have taken the challenge more than once. "All right, second Ice Bucket Challenge," Bieber said in a video posted on his Instagram account. "Today I nominate my Beliebers all over the world. I know you guys got an ice bucket." CNNMoney: $15 million pours in from Ice Bucket Challenge . "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Pratt attempted a different twist by drinking Blue Ice Vodka and Smirnoff Ice instead of dumping an ice bucket on himself. But he didn't get away with his scam as a pair of friends proceeded to pour cold water over him multiple times from a balcony above. "Really," Pratt sputtered. "That's so cold!" Pop star Lady Gaga was one of the latest celebs to post her video on her Instagram account. The singer was silent as she sat in a chair, dressed in what appeared to be a studded bathing suit and poured ice water over herself from a massive silver bowl. "Scandal" star Kerry Washington accepted two bucket challenges -- one as a stand-in for the cast and one for herself. And she wasn't the only celeb from a Shonda Rhimes show to get on board. The cast of "Grey's Anatomy" also participated. Once the stars have completed the challenge, they have in turn challenged fellow celebs to take the plunge themselves. Others celebs participating include Oprah Winfrey, the cast of "The Voice," Jennifer Lopez, Robert Downey Jr., Nina Dobrev and James Van Der Beek. Friend of man behind Ice Bucket Challenge dies . | Celebrities are stepping up to take the Ice Bucket Challenge .
It benefits funding and awareness of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease .
Some celebs have done the challenge more than once . |
0a1335c931d4b7a96296e04eab714925d6f4f4d8 | (CNN) -- Since President Xi Jinping assumed power, he's reshaped China's foreign policy by recalibrating its stresses on sovereignty and stability, what the Chinese call wei quan and wei wen. On the one hand, China has stepped up its emphasis on sovereignty, especially concerning its territorial dispute with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands (or the Senkakus, as they're known in Japan). Beijing has streamlined its various maritime agencies to make them more efficient and better coordinated, and it keeps sending government vessels to the area to demonstrate its jurisdiction over this region. More recently, it announced a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea to assure its sovereign security over territory, territorial water and space in the ADIZ. On the other hand, China has attached more importance to its peripheral stability. Despite its earlier skirmish over Ladakh with India in May, it cut a border defense co-operation agreement with New Delhi, to avoid mutual tailing between their patrols in border areas where there is no common understanding of the line of actual control. And recently, President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang visited five out of 10 ASEAN countries, and wrapped up a cooperative deal with Vietnam to jointly develop an oil well in the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin. China has also furthered its relations with major powers -- Xi visited Russia and the U.S. within the first three months of coming to power, promoting a "new type of major country relationship." However, the quest for sovereignty and stability at the same time could prove challenging. China's ADIZ announcement is turning into such a case. Origins of the ADIZ . The concept and practice of ADIZ are not China's invention. Rather, it was invented by the U.S. in 1951, with a purpose of identifying, through various means, incoming aircraft toward North America. An ADIZ would usually be much bigger than one's territorial space, to allow sufficient time for such identification. Last weekend, the Chinese government announced its East China Sea ADIZ, asking foreign military planes flying over this area to identify themselves or, if necessary, the government would take defensive military action to enforce their identification. It is noted that the ADIZ is a national mandate, rather than demanded by any international law. Therefore, any other country has to make its own sovereign choice to follow or not. The establishment of the East China Sea ADIZ looks to be China's latest attempt to stress sovereignty and stability. The purpose of such identification is to assure China's sovereignty over its airspace without disrupting the international law of freedom of flight through international airspace. Obviously, China is able to identify those foreign civilian airlines which routinely fly to and from China. China will also be able to monitor and identify some foreign military aircraft flying over this zone. Establishing such a zone would allow China, ideally, additional time to predict if some of the flights over the area would be harmful and, consequently, if its defense establishment should take precautionary measures. Challenge to status quo? As establishing an ADIZ is a national endeavor rather than one mandated by international law, it is predictable other stakeholders could view it a challenge to the status quo, which suits their national interests. Soon after China's ADIZ was announced, the U.S. sent two B-52 bombers into the new air zone on what the U.S. says was a pre-planned trip. It is understood that the U.S. strategic bombers neither loaded bombs nor were escorted by jet fighters, and didn't go too close to China's territorial space, signaling that the mission was not intended as a military threat. Such a restrained challenge seems to have led China to properly balance its quest for sovereignty and stability. If and when China's newly declared ADIZ is truly challenged, as long as China could identify the incoming foreign aircraft and manage the challenge to a certain degree, China would not send aircraft to "greet" them. But certainly, if the incoming foreign aircraft did not respond to China's query of identity, and if China detected a threatening posture, its air force would act in a defensive way. Though the U.S. has presented its challenge to China establishing such a zone, the country's ADIZ may have more to do with Japan. Japan's own ADIZ has been as close as to 130 kilometers from China, and includes the Diaoyu, or Senkaku, Islands. If China's inclusion of Diaoyu Islands is intolerable to Japan due to their dispute over this area, Japan's inclusion of the same islands, some four decades ago, has much earlier provoked a similar degree of irritation. Japan's establishment of its ADIZ was a breach of the status quo at that time. Japan further pushed the envelope last year by "nationalizing" the main islands, representing another effort to break the existing status quo. Its persistent changing of the status quo cannot go unchallenged. China's efforts to strike a balance between sovereignty and stability are destined to be difficult. However, facing increasing security challenges, Beijing is likely to respond in kind, while abiding by international law. The opinions in this article are solely those of Shen Dingli, a professor and associate dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. | President Xi has reshaped China's foreign policy, stressing sovereignty and stability .
Shen Dingli: East China Sea ADIZ looks to be China's latest attempt to stress this approach .
Facing increasing security challenges, Beijing is likely to respond in kind, Shen Dingli says . |
0a1348f35332d5c7795f9890eff8797f6135c925 | By . Andy James and Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 03:31 EST, 13 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:16 EST, 13 April 2013 . Two Premier League football clubs are advertising long internships which pay no salary, it has emerged. Reading and Wigan have come under fire for looking to take on unpaid full-time back-room staff next season. The revelations come as the Government looks to clamp down on companies who are using unpaid interns long term. Exposed: Premier League football clubs Reading and Wigan are advertising long internships which pay no salary, it has emerged. Wigan's stadium is pictured . Cheap: The role at Reading is described as a performance analyst but as well as being unpaid it does not pay travel expenses . Both clubs are advertising the positions on the UK Sport website. The role at Reading is described as a performance analyst ‘to assist the Senior Performance Analyst in providing performance feedback (statistical and video) to Reading FC First Team’ . However, it adds: ‘this role is unpaid and includes no travel expenses’. Wigan are also looking to recruit three . performance analysts whose ‘main duties will include filming of games . and training sessions, live and post-match coding, statistical analysis . and video creation’. The job is also unpaid. It emerged yesterday that Employment minister Jo Swinson has passed the details of more than 100 companies to HM Revenue and Customs. Intern: The jobs, with Reading (above and Wigan (below) are advertised on UK Sport's website . They are accused of breaking the law . by using interns in positions which would normally be subject to . national minimum wage rules. According . to The Independent, in a letter to Intern Aware, she wrote: 'The list . of employers that you provided will be treated as . intelligence by HMRC.' Crackdown: It emerged yesterday that Employment minister Jo Swinson has passed the details of more than 100 companies to HM Revenue and Customs . Despite paying no salary the requirements for the job at Reading are particularly demanding. Applicants should hold or be completing a postgraduate degree in performance analysis or Sports Science. They should also have a performance analysis background, with some previous experience of working in Professional/Semi-Pro Football. The Wigan job is an ‘intern’ by title . but requires the successful applicant to ‘work primarily within the . Academy across all age groups up to Under 21 level, and will spend some . time working alongside the First Team Analysis Department. The role involves ‘filming of games and training sessions, live and post-match coding, statistical analysis and video creation’. The . description claims the ‘hours of work will be flexible and will include . weekends and some evening work’ but the applicant requires a ‘high work . ethic’. Speaking to the Independent, a spokesman for the Department of Business said: 'The law on the . National Minimum Wage is clear. 'If somebody on a work experience . placement or internship is a worker under NMW legislation, then they are . entitled to the minimum wage.' Wigan Athletic have not commented . but Reading defended the internship as an important part of career . progression for an individual. | Reading and Wigan want unpaid full-time back-room staff next season .
It comes as the Government clamps down on firms using unpaid interns . |
0a138aa82389e17ba1784bdced99379d007cc45b | Abuja, Nigeria (CNN) -- Rural villages held mass burials in northern Nigeria on Sunday, the Red Cross said, raising the possibility that six days of post-election violence have produced heavy casualties. There is no official death toll, but witnesses say hundreds have died. The government has provided few other details out of concern the violence could spiral. Shehu Sani, president of the Civil Rights Congress and longtime civil rights campaigner, told CNN there have been 500 burials. CNN could not independently confirm that number. The Civil Rights Congress, based in Kaduna, has in the past been known to ally itself with pro-northern political groups. The election of President Goodluck Jonathan, who is from the majority-Christian southern part of the country, sparked violence in the Muslim-dominated north last week. Concerns about ongoing violence led Nigerian election officials last week to delay subsequent gubernatorial elections in two states. Northern Muslims in some areas charged that the elections were rigged. Armed protesters in the region prowled the streets chanting the name of former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, the main opposition frontrunner. The last election four years ago was widely condemned for rampant vote rigging, violence, theft of ballot boxes and intimidation. While the Monday elections were marred by violence, reports of underage voting and other logistical problems, observers considered it an improvement. World leaders have urged the west African nation to probe allegations of ballot stuffing and unusually high turnout in some areas. After he was declared the victor, Jonathan warned perpetrators that persistent postelection violence could threaten the stability of the country. "These acts of mayhem are sad reminders of the events which plunged our country into 30 months of an unfortunate civil war," Jonathan said last week. Jonathan was referring to a period of unrest in the 1960s that spawned a civil war in Nigeria. Muslims fearing reprisal attacks in Christian areas have fled to military barracks or neighboring states, the Nigerian Red Cross said. More than 40,000 people are displaced in the north, according to the aid group. Government officials have declined to release the number of fatalities or injuries over fears it could prompt revenge attacks. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer and its most populous nation with 150 million people. | Civil Rights Congress president reports 500 burials .
There is no official death toll, but witnesses report hundreds have died .
Protesters in the mostly Muslim north charge the vote was rigged .
Violence leads Nigerian officials to delay subsequent gubernatorial elections . |
0a13a16470a0aa1c8c7224d8c207698bdf456dbe | CLICK HERE to find out why Atletico Madrid had to wait 105 days to get the trophy. Atletico Madrid were finally presented with the La Liga trophy some 105 days after winning it as they snatched their first victory of the season over newly-promoted Eibar at the Vicente Calderon. The reigning champions - minus suspended manager Diego Simeone, who is serving an eight-match touchline ban - received the trophy before the game, which narrowly ended 2-1 in the home side's favour. It took Atletico just 11 minutes to pounce through Miranda before new-signing Mario Mandzukic doubled their lead in the 25th minute, only for a stubborn Eibar to bridge the gap soon after. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Atletico Madrid on victory parade after winning La Liga . Finally! Atletico Madrid's players celebrate with their La Liga trophy some 105 days after winning the title . Applause: Atletico must now defend their La Liga title against the likes of rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona . Cheers: Atletico were given the trophy before kick off and went on to beat newly-promoted Eibar 2-1 at home . Atletico Madrid: Angel Moya, Siqueira, Miranda, Godin, Juanfran, Garcia, Gabi, Suarez, Koke, Grizmann (Jimenez 60), Mandzukic (Niguez 67) Subs (not used): Oblak, Mendes, Ansaldi, Rodriguez, Gimenez . Bookings: Gabi, Suarez, Koke . Goals: Miranda (12), Mandzukic (26) Eibar: Xabier, Boveda, Albentosa, Navas, Abraham, Carrillo (Saul 82), Errasti, Capa (Dani Nieto 62), Javi Lara, Arruabarrena (Del Moral 73), Angel . Subs (not used): Jaime, Ekiza, Lillo, Boateng . Bookings: NONE . Goals: Abraham (33) It was Abraham's stunning goal in the 33rd minute which made the La Liga new-boys believe they could compete, and the modest Basque side kept Atletico fans on edge in the second half. Atletico - without departed striker Diego Costa, who joined Chelsea during the summer - failed to deliver the same intensity and conviction that powered them to last season's title on Saturday. Assistant manager German Burgos directed Atletico from the dugout, while Simeone watched from the stands as punishment for vehemently protesting during the Spanish Super Cup earlier in the month. Miranda and former Bayern Munich striker Mandzukic's headers were somewhat routine, but Abraham's strike to reduce the deficit was anything but. A beautifully-curled shot into the top-right corner rounded off a succession of one-touch football and a cheeky back-heeled flick from the new kids on the La Liga block, and drew warm applause from the 48,000 in the Vicente Calderon. Eibar took control of possession in the second half, forcing Atletico to sit deep. The visitors almost snatched an equaliser when Eneko Boveda's header skimmed the post 15 minutes from time, but it wasn't to be. Simeone's men survived to record their first win of the new season, having been held to a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano five days earlier. Starters: Miranda opens the scoring for Atletico just 11 minutes in as the match got off to a routine start . Banned: Diego Simeone had to watch his side narrowly win from the stands as he serves his eight-game ban . Photo opportunity: Diego Godin carries the trophy among the crowd as Atletico celebrate last year's victory . Together: The title-winning Atletico squad are now without the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Diego Costa . | Atletico Madrid beat newly-promoted Eibar 2-1 in first La Liga home game, having drawn 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano in opening match of the season .
Diego Simeone watches from stand as Atletico boss serves eight-match ban .
Atletico presented with La Liga trophy before match - 105 days after winning first title in 18 years at Nou Camp with 1-1 draw against Barcelona . |
0a1825fafd53d101b2510293919bad051fbc4d62 | Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson said he is frustrated and expects to have a plan in place to take "personnel actions" against employees responsible for manipulating patient wait lists at one VA medical center by the end of this week. He wouldn't identify the location of the center, but said it is not the Phoenix facility that has been at the epicenter of a wait-list scandal. Gibson, the top official of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said the investigation process "takes a long time. And nobody is more frustrated about that than I am." He added that investigators at the Office of Inspector General are on the ground at more than 70 locations, and he needs to wait for each investigation to be complete before anyone can be fired. The investigations came after months of CNN reports on deadly delays for veterans waiting for care at VA hospitals. Gibson was put in place temporarily after the ensuing firestorm forced the resignation of the former VA secretary, Eric Shinseki. Gibson said he believes the behavior of VA employees has begun to change across the nation, but he wants to hold accountable the individuals responsible for fraudulent practices as soon as possible. "Until people actually see those consequences I think they still don't trust it's a serious thing," Gibson said. "I want to set the tone." Gibson spoke to CNN outside a hearing before the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs on Wednesday; the acting secretary described an ongoing culture within the VA of faulty scheduling, long wait times, retaliation against whistle-blowers and lack of accountability for the leaders who have perpetuated these issues. In order to curb these failures, Gibson requested $17.6 billion over the next three years to hire 10,000 doctors and medical providers, pay for private health care appointments and increase the agency's infrastructure to meet veterans' needs. "I believe in as little as two years, the conversation can change," Gibson said, indicating his confidence that his proposed solutions can transform the VA. About $10 billion of the requested funds would cover the costs of additional VA staff and private care for veterans while about $6 billion would pay for new clinics and medical space, Gibson said. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Nebraska, challenged Gibson's request for additional funds, however, noting that Congress repeatedly approved more money at the request of former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki in years past, yet the backlog of appointments persisted. Highlighting the severity of the issues, the committee's chairman, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said more than 600,000 veterans are still waiting at least a month for appointments and about 8,000 are waiting at least four months. "What are the legitimate needs? What are the real needs facing the 22 million veterans in this country?" Sanders asked. "We have an immediate crisis." The Veterans Health Administration has reached out to more than 160,000 veterans to get them off wait lists and into medical centers, Gibson said, but he added that the VA needs to take drastic steps to restore trust with veterans and the American public at large. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, said he has called for a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice into allegations that VA leaders intentionally manipulated patients' appointments. "I do think that criminal responsibility has to be applied if there was ... destruction of documents, fraud in reporting," Blumenthal said. Gibson told senators on Wednesday that he will not tolerate retaliation against whistle-blowers, but a panel of VA employees told the House Committee on Veterans Affairs last week that the threat of retaliation continues to silence individuals who have knowledge of wrongdoing. After Shinseki's resignation, President Obama nominated the former chief executive of Procter & Gamble Co. and West Point graduate, Bob McDonald, to lead the VA. McDonald will face a Senate confirmation hearing next week. | Workers responsible for manipulating patient wait lists at one center face action .
70 locations being investigated, VA boss says .
He will wait for each investigation to be complete before anyone can be fired . |
0a18565199ddcfa6265e1c7fa1ef0d3e7cc4e3a4 | Farmers are threatening protests after Iceland cut the price of a four-pint milk carton from £1 to 89p. The budget store is using milk as a loss leader – selling below cost price to lure in customers – with the result it is even undercutting discount chains Aldi and Lidl. However, the news has angered dairy farmers who complain they have been hit with a succession of punishing price cuts which are forcing them out of business. Scroll down for video . Farmers are threatening protests after Iceland cut the price of a four-pint milk carton from £1 to 89p . The Farmers For Action campaign group has already held a series of blockades outside dairy and supermarket distribution centres in the past week, with more planned. And last night, farmers’ leaders accused Iceland of being ‘rash and stupid’ as they warned that the company is now likely to face its own protests. FFA chairman David Handley said: ‘This move by Iceland is a disgrace. It will feed through to lower prices paid to farmers. ‘The supermarkets are devaluing milk. We are almost getting to the point it is so cheap that people will buy it because it doesn’t matter if they throw it away. Some farmers are now getting as little as 27.1p a litre for milk to be sold in the high street, which compares to an average cost of production of about 32p . The Farmers For Action campaign group have called Iceland a 'disgrace' - pictured, chairman and CEO of the company, Malcolm Walker . ‘The dairy industry lost 49 milk producers in September.’ Rob Harrison, chairman of the National Farmers’ Union dairy board, said: ‘We will be speaking to Iceland. This continual devaluation of milk is a real concern to our industry. ‘It is rather rash and stupid to do this when lots of dairy farmers are suffering with low prices. ‘Either Iceland is screwing its suppliers or it is subsidising the cost of milk to shoppers. I hope shoppers vote with their feet and support farmers by ensuring they get a fair price for milk. Some farmers want to take action.’ The wholesale prices of milk and other dairy products have collapsed due to a glut in supplies. Some farmers are now getting as little as 27.1p a litre for milk to be sold in the high street, which compares to an average cost of production of about 32p. An Iceland spokesman said: ‘We have not changed the price we pay for our milk, only the price we charge to our customers. ‘We are operating in the most competitive food retail market in the UK any of us can remember, and decided to make a major investment of our own margin to help our customers by offering them really compelling, market-beating value on one of the key essentials they buy every day.’ | Iceland slash cost of milk as way of luring customers into their stores .
'Stupid and rash' technique means they even undercut Aldi and Lidl .
Farmers call move a 'disgrace' and say it will be felt by dairy farmers .
Campign group Farmers For Action now planning series of demonstrations . |
0a19bd7d8f82574e12072e83d3fa0cb5527235fc | By . Sunni Upal for MailOnline . Follow @@RSUpal . Jordan Henderson's father Brian has revealed that he kept his battle with cancer a secret to avoid it affecting the Liverpool midfielder's performance on the pitch. Brian Henderson was diagnosed with the illness last November, but didn't reveal the news to his son until earlier this year, just before he had surgery on his tongue and throat. Brian is now on the road to recovery after having his cancer removed, and he told his son Jordan to make him proud with his performances for Liverpool. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Jordan Henderson's outrageous back heel assist . Secret: Brian Henderson did not reveal his cancer battle to son Jordan to avoid it affecting his performances . Praise: Brian also informed Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers of his illness and said the club were 'amazing' Energetic: Henderson helped Liverpool to second . The 59-year-old retired police officer, who is due to speak at a Sunderland conference for cancer survivors about his experience, also informed Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers about his illness. He said: 'It was a very emotional time when I had to break the news to the family. 'I went to speak to Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool who was very understanding. He gave Jordan time off, and the people at Liverpool were amazing. 'They were very understanding and gave him a lot of support. 'I said to Jordan that the best thing he could do for me when he got back to playing was try to get man of the match in every game. 'People didn't realise the pressure he was under. I was so proud of him.' Henderson's energetic performances helped Liverpool to within two points of their Premier League title last season. The 24-year-old earned a place in Roy Hodgson's England World Cup squad, but his dad Brian was unable to travel to see him play due to his illness. Off and running: Henderson provided an assist for Raheem Sterling in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Southampton . VIDEO New signings excellent - Rogers . | Brian Henderson was diagnosed with illness in November last year .
He only told son Jordan the news earlier this year just before surgery .
Brian told Jordan to make him proud with his performances on the pitch .
'People at Liverpool were amazing', said Brian after telling Brendan Rodgers . |
0a19ea2e18df791497a16b3efab1f9c6e02d16d6 | Simferopol, Ukraine (CNN) -- Demonstrators clapped along to Soviet-era songs as dancers from Russia's Black Sea fleet entertained the masses at the center of Crimea's administrative capital Sunday. But it was more than just nostalgia for the old Soviet Union. With a controversial referendum over whether Crimea will remain part of Ukraine just a week away, it was a rallying cry for ethnic Russians gathered in Simferopol's Lenin Square. The large demonstration was the latest flashpoint as tensions simmer on the Crimean peninsula, which has become the epicenter of a battle for influence among Moscow, Kiev and the West since Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's ouster last month. Pro-Russian forces have pushed into the Black Sea peninsula in a bloodless siege, prompting criticism from Western nations and Ukraine's interim government. At Sunday's rally, throngs of people waved Crimean and Russian flags. And they said they want one thing: a union with Russia. Because of language and history, one man at the rally told CNN, Russia and Crimea are already "brothers." But not all Crimeans are convinced. Across town, beneath a statue of Ukraine's most celebrated poet, the crowd was much smaller, the mood much more somber. Asked what he thought about the possibility of Crimea becoming part of Russia, one demonstrator shook his head. "It will be very complicated because of economics, and a lot of different nations live here, not only Russians. ... Not all of the people want to be part of Russia," he said. "It's kind of show. Putin's show." The rally was peaceful. But elsewhere, in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, another Ukrainian rally came under attack by pro-Russian gangs who whipped and beat demonstrators. In Kiev, thousands of people gathered at a rally for peace at the central Independence Square, the cradle of the protests that ousted Yanukovych. The crowd shouted slogans such as "Glory for Ukraine" and "Putin go away" as representatives of different religions prayed for a solution to the crisis. Putin speaks with Merkel, Cameron . While the autonomous Ukrainian region was the scene of emotional demonstrations by both sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the breakaway moves by the pro-Russian leaders of Crimea in conversations with two world leaders on Sunday, . In separate phone calls with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron, Putin underlined "steps being taken by Crimea's legitimate authorities ... being based on international law on behalf of the interests of the population there," according to a Kremlin statement. Putin also said new Ukrainian authorities were doing nothing "to curb ultra-nationalist and radical forces committing outrages" in Kiev and other regions. The three leaders spoke amid tensions on the Black Sea peninsula that have escalated since the Moscow-backed regional parliament voted to leave Ukraine for Russia and announced a March 16 referendum to give Crimeans an opportunity to vote on the idea. Despite the differences of opinion over what is happening on the ground, the Kremlin statement said there was consensus on the need to de-escalate tensions and normalize the situation. It's unclear what could happen next in the tense standoff, but Sunday's phone conversations between Putin, Cameron and Merkel send one clear message, CNN analyst and Russian journalist Vladimir Pozner said. "I think it shows that President Putin is very worried by the situation. I think speculation that he's trying to rebuild the Soviet empire are way off base," Pozner said. "I think he knows all too well the necessity of Russia having an international relationship with the West. ... My hope is, with all the escalations going on, that there's a real chance of finding some way out of this very dangerous situation." Moscow has denounced the events that led to Yanukovych's ouster as an illegitimate coup and has refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities, putting the two countries on a collision course over control of Crimea, which has longstanding ties to Russia and has thousands of Russian troops stationed there. Putin has said Russia has the right to protect Russians living in the former Soviet republic. Pro-Russian forces are now in de facto control of the region ahead of the referendum, which Kiev says is illegal. Washington has warned Moscow that any moves to annex Crimea would close the door to diplomacy. On Saturday, U.S. President Barack Obama rounded up world leaders to demand Russia "de-escalate the situation." Ukrainian interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk will fly to the United States this week to discuss the crisis in Crimea, as hostilities in the eastern European country's southern region intensify. Yatsenyuk is expected to arrive in the United States on Wednesday, a spokeswoman from his press office told CNN. The White House confirmed the visit and said the two will talk about the Russian military incursion and economic support for Ukraine. Referendum becomes focus . Putin last week secured permission from his parliament to use military force to protect Russian citizens in Ukraine. The move came within days after Yanukovych's flight from the country. Yanukovych was ousted after three months of protests against a decision to spurn a free trade deal with the European Union and turn toward closer ties with Moscow. A convoy of military vehicles, believed to be carrying Russian soldiers, traveled through Simferopol on Saturday, heading toward the border post at Armyansk, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense told CNN. Armyansk is one of the main access points into Crimea from the rest of Ukraine. Dozens of military observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have tried to cross into Crimea for three days but have been refused entry by armed men. They did not attempt a crossing on Sunday. The referendum on whether the Crimean Peninsula should join Russia has become the focus of the Ukraine crisis. Yatsenyuk has called it "an illegitimate decision." "If there is an annexation of Crimea, if there is a referendum that moves Crimea from Ukraine to Russia, we won't recognize it, nor will most of the world," U.S. deputy national security adviser Tony Blinken said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "So I think you'd see, if there are further steps in the direction of annexing Crimea, a very strong, coordinated international response." CNN's Claudia Rebaza, Arkady Irshenko, Azadeh Ansari and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report . | Pro- and anti-Russian groups hold rival rallies in Crimea .
Putin speaks with British PM, German Chancellor about the situation there .
CNN analyst: Putin is "very worried by the situation"
The Ukrainian prime minister is expected to arrive in the United States on Wednesday . |
0a1ad82d161d90d758240407cb8c8fcebff4a212 | Washington (CNN) -- Noisy protests at military funerals, immigration reform and violent video games were among the issues on the Supreme Court's docket as the high court began its new term Monday. The term also marks the debut of Justice Elena Kagan on the Supreme Court and the first time three women are serving on the nine-justice panel. Roughly 52 appeals are currently on the high court's schedule. About another two dozen are expected to be added in coming months. But Kagan, 50, will recuse herself from at least 24 cases already on the docket. That means she will not sit in oral arguments or vote on the outcomes. As the former Solicitor General in the Justice Department, it was Kagan's job to supervise all pending appeals at the high court, and she has withdrawn from those cases in which she was involved or which might present a conflict of interest. The caseload for the term is usually settled by February. Other controversial appeals that might get added to the high court's docket cover issues related to same-sex marriage, terrorism and health care reform, among other things. Here are some key cases the Supreme Court is scheduled to tackle in its 2010-2011 term: . MILITARY FUNERALS - Snyder v. Phelps (arguments on Wednesday, October 6) AT ISSUE: A balancing test between the privacy rights of grieving families and the free speech/assembly rights of demonstrators, however disturbing and provocative their message. THE CASE: A small Kansas church has gained national attention for protesting loudly at funerals of U.S. service members, promoting their anti-homosexual message. Albert Snyder, the father of a U.S. Marine killed in Iraq sued after members of the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church conducted an angry demonstration at his son's burial service. The family of the Marine won a $5 million judgment from the protesters. The ruling, however, was later overturned by a federal appeals court, which said the protest did not directly refer to the lance corporal, and therefore was protected speech on an issue of national debate. THE ARGUMENTS: The church, led by pastor Fred Phelps, believes God is punishing the United States for "the sin of homosexuality" through events including soldiers' deaths. The marchers say they obey local rules over where they can gather to protest. The Snyder family says their son was not gay, and the emotional wounds from the protest have yet to heal. They have the support of a number of members of Congress, 48 states and the District of Columbia. THE IMPACT: The court's ruling could set new guidelines on a broad range of speech-related events, including protests. Several states have attempted to impose specific limits on when and where the church can protest. The justices may be asked to address how far states and private entities like cemeteries and churches can go to justify policies meant to silence or restrict demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights in a funeral setting. DEATH PENALTY- Skinner v. Switzer (09-9000) (arguments Wednesday, October 13) AT ISSUE: A Texas death row inmate claiming innocence is demanding authorities conduct more thorough DNA testing of evidence gathered at the crime scene. THE CASE: Henry "Hank" Skinner, 47, was convicted of the New Year's Eve 1993 killings of his live-in girlfriend and her two adult sons. The justices issued a stay less than 30 minutes before his scheduled March 24 execution. THE ARGUMENTS: In a recent death row interview, Skinner told CNN that if he loses this appeal, an innocent man will be put to death. He claims that new analysis of certain untested DNA samples would clear him and determine the real killer. The state says he is not entitled to testing of evidence that was not analyzed before his 1995 trial. It also claims the wealth of forensic evidence available -- evidence reviewed repeatedly by various state and federal courts -- points to his undeniable guilt. IMPACT: What if an executed prisoner is later found to be innocent? Other inmates have recently pushed "actual innocence claims," prompted by growing use of DNA testing on old evidence. A court ruling could make such claims easier or harder to pursue in the future. VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES - Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants (08-1448) (arguments on Tuesday, November 2) AT ISSUE: A free speech dispute over a California law banning the sale of violent video games to children. THE CASE: A 2005 state law -- designed to strengthen the current industry-controlled rating system -- would have placed an outright ban on the sale or rental of games deemed excessively "violent" to those under 18. As defined by California, such interactive games are those in which the player is given the choice of "killing, maiming, dismembering or sexually assaulting an image of a human being" in offensive ways. Retailers could be fined up to $1,000 for any violation. The law is in limbo pending the high court's ruling. THE ARGUMENTS: Video game makers said the ban goes too far against their free speech rights, and the existing industry-imposed, nationwide voluntary ratings system is an adequate screen for parents to judge the appropriateness of computer games. The state says it has a legal obligation to protect children when the industry has failed to do so. THE IMPACT: The motion picture industry has its own self-monitoring ratings system, imposed decades ago after complaints that some films were too explicit for the general audience in what was seen and heard. A high court ruling allowing greater government control over the evaluation of expressive content could be applied to other media. The Supreme Court in recent years has thwarted repeated congressional attempts to protect children from pornography, saying such legislation went too far in limiting adult access to lawful but explicit sexual content on the internet. The court has also said in various contexts that minors enjoy a variety of free-expression rights. SCHOOLS-RELIGION- Arizona Christian School Tuition Org. v. Winn (09-987); Garriott v. Winn (09-991) (arguments Wednesday, November 3) AT ISSUE: A lawsuit challenging Arizona's tax breaks for donations to private school scholarships. THE CASE: The 13-year-old program provides dollar-for-dollar income tax writeoffs for donations to organizations providing aid covering school tuition. Some Arizona taxpayers have challenged the program as unconstitutional, because religious organizations award most of the scholarships and require children to enroll in religious schools. THE ARGUMENTS: The suit says the program amounts to an unconstitutional state endorsement of religion. But in 2002, the Supreme Court upheld school voucher programs, and supporters of the Arizona measure say it is no different from a Cleveland, Ohio, program permitted eight years ago. In both cases, the government does not direct any money to religious schools. THE IMPACT: Taken separately, disputes over education and religion are among the most contentious issues the high court faces. This case has become a hotly contested political and legal fight. The program's supporters call it "private charity," saying it has been a boon to school choice; contributions have risen to the tens of millions of dollars. Opponents call it a government spending program, and claim that private schools serve as willing state surrogates. IMMIGRATION REFORM - Chamber of Commerce v. Whiting (09-115) (arguments Wednesday, December 8) AT ISSUE: Do federal immigration laws trump state efforts to crack down on businesses that hire illegal aliens? THE CASE: In 2007, Arizona passed the Legal Arizona Workers Act, allowing the state to suspend the licenses of businesses that "intentionally or knowingly" violate work-eligibility verification requirements. Companies would be required under that law to use E-Verify, a federal database to check the documentation of current and prospective employees. THE ARGUMENTS: In its lawsuit, the Chamber of Commerce argues federal law prohibits Arizona and other states from making E-Verify use mandatory. The state argues its broad licensing authority gives it the right to monitor businesses within its jurisdiction. The Obama administration recommended review. IMPACT: This case could serve as a bellwether to a larger, more controversial state immigration law from Arizona. That statute was tossed out by a federal judge in August and is currently pending at a federal appeals court. It would, among other things, give police authority to check a person's immigration status if officers have a "reasonable suspicion" that individual is in the country illegally. Kagan has withdrawn from the E-Verify case after her earlier involvement in the appeal process while serving as the solicitor general in the Obama administration. Last week, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) proposed legislation that would allow a retired Supreme Court justice to sit on the high court if an existing justice recuses himself or herself from a case. "Under the proposed bill, the active justices of the Supreme Court would be permitted to vote to designate a retired Supreme Court justice," a statement on Leahy's website says. "The proposed legislation would also allow the Court to preempt potential 4-4 split decisions, in which the decision of a lower court stands." CNN's Kate Bolduan contributed to this report. | About 52 appeals are on the Supreme Court's schedule for the 2010-2011 term .
Issues include immigration reform, violent video games and military funerals .
Justice Elena Kagan will recuse herself from at least 24 cases .
Lawmaker to propose bill allowing retired Justice to sit in on cases of recusal . |
0a1c0855f3f719a8c4e0ec1c84f25ea8765f1241 | (CNN) -- The death toll on both sides from hostilities in Israel and Gaza is now over 1,000; among them are scores of children, and many more civilians are injured. Thousands are forced to flee their homes, and those who stay are left terrified by the bombs raining down. As negotiations for a cease-fire continue, many organizations have begun to provide relief to those in harm's way and to protect those affected by the crisis. UNICEF estimates that thousands of families in Gaza have seen their homes destroyed or damaged. "UNICEF and partners are procuring essential pediatric drugs for hospitals and health facilities," its website says, "and child protection teams are helping children and their caregivers cope with the psychological distress." The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is also on the ground in both Gaza and Israel. In Gaza, it is providing first aid and emergency support, with several medical centers operating where casualties are worst. Teams were able to enter some of the worst hit areas during short-lived ceasefires to help evacuate victims, many of whom were trapped in the rubble of destroyed buildings. In Israel, Red Cross partner organization Magen David Adom says it has treated hundreds for shrapnel injuries and psychological trauma. The organization is also providing ambulance transport for some critical patients transferred from Gaza. UNICEF stressed that "the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel threatens devastating physical harm and mental distress for children on all sides, the effects of which can last a lifetime as their sense of security is undermined." The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is working with the elderly and disabled in Israel to ensure that they have access to food and supplies, and providing psychosocial support for children in shelters. The Jewish Federations of North America are helping those Israelis in rocket range find safe spaces, as well as providing trauma counseling and other emergency services. The organization Medecins sans Frontieres has been supporting Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City with a surgical team and other medical supplies. Save the Children has been working with local partners in Gaza to provide medical supplies and help those who have lost their homes with necessities such as baby food and mattresses. Mercy Corps is also providing assistance to civilians in Gaza, delivering food and necessities to those who need them, as well as medical kits to hospitals and clinics. As the conflict continues, pleas for peace echoed around the world. On its website, Save the Children joined other organizations in calling for an immediate cease-fire. "We call for parties to address the root causes of violence that has left people in Gaza and in Israel caught in a cycle that must stop once and for all." UNICEF tweeted a poignant quote, reminding us that children in conflict zones everywhere are perhaps the ones who suffer the most: "I hate the future so much. We might live, or we might die." The organization Seeds of Peace brings teenagers from around the world together to work on peacekeeping skills. A charter on its website reads, "We refuse to be victims. We know it is possible to redirect human passions, even calls for revenge, toward the positive goal of creating peace." | As the death toll rises, a number of organizations are helping in both Gaza and Israel .
UNICEF estimates thousands of families in Gaza have seen their homes damaged .
Groups say children on both sides need medical care and psychosocial support . |
0a1c17d84f846eecce39356447e4d556ffdd07fa | Mary Kidson was charged with child cruelty . Mary Kidson's daughter was eight when she started having problems at school. 'She'd never been a high achiever,' recalls Mary. 'But it was as if she was going backwards: she was finding it harder to keep up in class and she got tired very easily. She complained of pains in her arms and legs and bad headaches.' At first Mary, a former foundry manager for British Steel, thought it was a temporary blip. But her daughter got worse. Over the next five years there were frequent visits to doctors, yet time and again Mary was told there was nothing wrong - the tests all came back clear. Eventually, three years ago, in desperation she visited Dr Thierry Hertoghe, an endocrinologist who runs a clinic in Brussels. He found her daughter lacked several important hormones, and prescribed replacements including a thyroid hormone. The treatment worked wonders, says Mary, who now runs an online educational service for children with learning difficulties from her home in Herefordshire. 'My daughter was transformed. She became a bright and happy child. 'Within a month the headaches were gone and she'd got her energy back.' Little did Mary know, however, that this breakthrough would lead to her being charged with child cruelty, and her daughter being taken from her. Mary and her daughter had entered one of the most hotly disputed areas of medicine - the diagnosis and treatment of an underactive thyroid. Known as hypothyroidism, the condition affects three million adults in the UK. It leads to a lack of the thyroid hormone, which helps regulate the metabolism, and causes symptoms such as low body temperature, fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold, muscle aches, headaches, and water retention. The condition is detected with a blood test, and most of those affected are successfully treated with a form of thyroid hormone known as T4. But as the Mail has previously reported, patient groups and some experts claim the blood test for it is unreliable because it measures levels of only one thyroid hormone - and there are two, T4 and T3. Campaigners believe as many as 300,000 adults and an unknown number of children are missed by standard tests. The problem, as they see it, is that NHS doctors are advised not to give hormone replacement to people with a 'normal' blood test even though they have typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Indeed official advice is that prescribing hormones to these patients could cause long-term problems such as damage to the heart and bones. Instead, patients report being offered psychological counselling or are given a prescription for depression. Her daughter lacked several important hormones, and was prescribed replacements . And this is where Mary's story turns dark. A year after Dr Hertoghe started prescribing the hormones, police and social workers suddenly arrived at her home and her weeping 14-year-old daughter was taken into care. Mary believes the raid was triggered by a complaint by her ex-husband - her lawyer has a copy of a letter from a GP advising him to contact child protection services. Mary was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty and last month appeared before Worcester Crown Court on a charge of 'unlawfully and maliciously administering a poison or other destructive and noxious thing' - in other words the hormones - with intent to endanger her daughter's life. The prosecution said the hormones could cause heart and bone problems and dismissed the Belgian doctor as a quack. Last week the trial was stopped on the grounds there was no evidence for the charge. Mary is now free but her child - who cannot be named for legal reasons - is in a psychiatric clinic, following a breakdown. This extraordinary story raises worrying questions about whether the full weight of the law should be used in disagreements between doctors and parents about how best to treat a child. There are obvious echoes of the Ashya King case - the boy who was taken by his parents to Spain from Southampton General Hospital against the advice of his doctors. The parents wanted him to have a brain cancer treatment not available and they, too, were imprisoned. Mary's ordeal started when her daughter was a toddler. 'She never babbled like normal babies and by three she still wasn't speaking,' says Mary. 'I asked my doctor about it several times but was told there was nothing wrong.' The little girl was eventually diagnosed with severe oral and verbal dyspraxia - a developmental disorder that makes it hard to precisely control the mouth and tongue - and needed intensive therapy. But she was otherwise healthy and able to attend school. Mary and her daughter had entered one of the most hotly disputed areas of medicine - the diagnosis and treatment of an underactive thyroid . Then, at eight, she began to develop a range of health problems. As well as chronic tiredness she started to put on weight, and by nine was officially obese. 'Every day she'd complain about bad headaches. Most mornings her fingers would be stiff and puffy. 'We went to see the GP and she got referred to various specialists such as a rheumatologist for the fingers, someone else for the headaches and a dietitian for the weight, and they all did tests. I think she may have had a thyroid test then, but they all came back negative. 'I think part of the problem was that nobody took an overview and looked at the pattern of symptoms. Each one was treated separately. For instance, she was 12 and still showing no signs of puberty, which made sense in light of the very low levels of oestrogen that Dr Hertoghe picked up on later, but it is also something that could contribute to tiredness. 'I knew what a healthy child was - John, her older brother, was sporty and had no problems. My daughter was different.' At the end of 2011 the family GP said that if the paediatricians could find nothing wrong with her then she wasn't likely to, and there was nothing more she could do. So Mary turned to the internet. 'As soon as I put in my daughter's symptoms, details of treatment with thyroid and other hormones started coming up,' she says. 'I learned that the NHS test for low thyroid could show you as having a healthy level when you didn't. That's because the test tells you how much of the version of the thyroid hormone known as T4 you have. But T4 has to be turned into the active form called T3, and some people have a problem converting T4 to T3.' She also learned that European countries such as Germany and Belgium had lower thresholds for treating T4 deficiency. Sheila Turner, who chairs the charity Thyroid Patient Advocacy says: 'While we estimate that there are about 100 doctors in the UK who are prepared to treat patients with symptoms but supposedly 'healthy' levels according to the blood test, most are not prepared to treat children in this situation for fear of legal proceedings.' A sympathetic private doctor in the UK put Mary in touch with Dr Hertoghe in 2011 when her daughter was nearly 14. 'He ran blood tests that had not been done in the UK,' she says. Dr Hertoghe told the Mail: 'As well as a low level of thyroid hormone, I found she was not making enough oestrogen or cortisol. Being short of any of these would be enough to make you feel very tired and explained other symptoms like low mood and constipation.' He is critical of the official UK approach. 'There, doctors only treat thyroid deficiency when it reaches around 70 per cent, but in Europe many start to treat at the 25 per cent mark. British hormone specialists don't listen to what patients are telling them about their symptoms, they just tell them if they are deficient or not and that's it.' Mary began treating her daughter with the hormones and some mineral and vitamin supplements prescribed by Dr Hertoghe. 'It all cost several thousand pounds - it was worth it.' The hormones - a thyroid extract used for more than 100 years, oestrogen and cortisol - were the 'poison or other destructive and noxious thing' that formed the basis of the charge Mary was attempting to harm her daughter. 'If I was going to poison her there are lots of cheaper ways to do it,' says Mary wryly. The transformation in her daughter was 'wonderful - she slept well. Even patches of eczema that would flare up disappeared. Her education got back on track' And then suddenly it was all taken away from her. 'If only they had talked to me and the doctor involved first,' says Mary. 'Then we could have discussed it and worked out what was best for my daughter. If the NHS doctors had insisted that the hormones be stopped then I would have said 'OK, let's do it for three months and then reassess'.' 'Instead they did something very harmful to both of us.' For their part, UK hormone experts are confident their tests are reliable. 'We have very robust methods for detecting if someone is hormone deficient in this country and the same diagnostic criteria apply to teenagers and adults,' says Dr Mark Vanderpump, endocrinologist and president of the British Thyroid Association. 'So if a patient has tested and been found not to need replacement, giving them unnecessary hormone treatment or supplements could do damage in the long term. 'A patient requires a diagnoses but sometimes there is no clear diagnoses and it is only possible to say that an endocrine cause has been excluded. It is difficult to explain reports of symptom benefit. Sometimes there may be a placebo effect which may only be temporary. In other patients, symptoms spontaneously improve with no intervention. Assessing each case individually and holistically is important.' | Mary Kidson's daughter was eight when she started having problems .
An endocrinologist in Brussels found she lacked several hormones .
Mary, from Herefordshire, says replacements worked wonders . |
0a1d53047d2f513e860630d13c7bd76fd6d31ff1 | If you have ever dreamt of smothering your home-cooked meals in McDonald's Big Mac sauce - now is your chance as Australians have the exclusive offer of purchasing their own famous burger condiment. Until now, the Big Mac sauce has only been delivered to McDonald’s outlets in sealed canisters and directly dispensed onto the burger using a specially calibrated ‘sauce gun’. But Macca's fans will need to get in quick because each of the 920 Australian stores only have 600 25ml tubs on offer to take home. Scroll down for video . Only one 500ml bottle of the Big Mac Special Sauce is being auctioned off on eBay with money going to charity . Although the magic ingredients for the sauce have never been a secret - it's the ratio to create distinct flavour that remains a mystery. The sauce is made up of a blend of relish, mustard, onion and garlic, along with other ingredients, which gives it that distinctive sweet and sour taste. 'Big Mac sauce is one of the most iconic McDonald's ingredients and people often ask us where they can buy it; so we're excited to be the first country in the world to offer tubs of Big Mac sauce to our customers,' McDonald's Australia, Chief Marketing Officer Mark Lollback said. 'I know of people who love adding our special sauce to all types of food – from french fries to McNuggets – so it's going to be interesting to see what Aussies choose to add a spot of Big Mac sauce to over the next month.' The ingredients that make up the Big Mac are the same today as when the burger was first created 40 years ago – two all beef patties, Special Sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun . Although the magic ingredients for the Big Mac sauce have never been a secret - it's the ratio to create distinct flavour that remains a mystery . Each 920 of the McDonald's stores throughout Australia have 600 25ml tubs available until sold out . The first chance Aussies will have to get their hands on some Big Mac sauce is through an eBay auction of an exclusive 500ml bottle that kicked off last night, with proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Charities. The bottle is one of only 200 produced in the world with the remaining 199 not available for purchase. 'We're excited to be auctioning off the first-ever bottle of Big Mac sauce for a cause we are passionate about,' Mr Lollback said. 'It's going to be interesting to see just how much people are prepared to pay for such a sought after commodity.' A vending machine tour is travelling to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane throughout February to give Aussies the chance to grab a free tub in return for a tweet. The sauce is made up of a blend of relish, mustard, onion and garlic, along with other ingredients, which gives it that distinctive sweet and sour taste . A vending machine tour is travelling to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane throughout February to give Aussies the chance to grab a free tub in return for a tweet . | Aussies can buy McDonald's Big Mac Special Sauce for month of February .
Each 920 McDonald's stores have 600 25ml tubs available until sold out .
The first time offer is only available in the Australian outlets .
An exclusive one-off 500ml bottle will be auctioned on eBay .
A Big Mac Special Sauce vending machine tour runs throughout February .
Travelling to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne - consumers can tweet in return for a free tub . |
0a1e599f293a96eebec255ccc6d44134a6fc7720 | Some apps are designed to provide instruction and feedback as you move . Have pricey gym memberships and celebrity workout DVDs had their day? A new breed of high-tech fitness websites and apps — programs you use on your mobile phone or tablet — offer workouts and fitness advice for a fraction of the price or even free. Some provide watch-as-you-workout instructions that are best suited to larger screens such as iPads and other tablets. And others are designed to provide instruction and feedback as you move, usually via a smartphone that can be strapped to your arm or waistband. But how effective are the apps on offer and which will work best for you? We asked London personal trainers Jon Denoris and Joe Wicks for their verdicts, then rated the apps for usefulness . . . BEST FOR THE TIME-CRUNCHED . The Scientific 7-Minute Workout . £1.49; Android, iPhone and iPad . An app based on groundbreaking research in the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine last year that suggested a mere seven minutes’ daily effort is enough to get you fit. It offers a step-by-step video guide to 12 key exercises, including jumping jacks, push-ups and abdominal crunches. You do each for 30 seconds, rest ten seconds, then move onto the next. There are alternative exercises, a Pilates workout and you can customise your own plan. Verdict: Great if you don’t have time to go to the gym or prefer to work out at home. None of the moves requires equipment — all use your body weight. The potential for variety is limited and you might get bored. You would need to do this at least four to five times a week and combine with general activity such as walking for aerobic fitness. 9/10 . BEST FOR GYM CLASS DEVOTEE . Instructor Live . £5.99 a month with a 30-day free trial; instructorlive.com; laptop, iPod, iPhone and TV connected to internet . This website streams live classes every month to any internet-enabled electronic device. A huge range of classes (around 40 different ones a month) includes ballet, Pilates and aerobics, all filmed from a studio in London. Classes are live, but other participants can’t see you, though you can ask the instructor questions. If you miss a scheduled class, you can watch it on catch-up. Verdict: Good value compared with the price of a gym membership. However, people enjoy gym classes because of the social side, so the lack of contact could be crucial. Plenty of options from beginner to advanced classes. 8/10 . BEST FOR OUTDOORS . RunKeeper . Free; runkeeper.com; iPhone, iPod and Android . One of the many walking and running apps that track your route using GPS and tell you how far you’ve gone and how fast. You can store and save your favourite routes, input goals and follow set training programmes — from a beginner’s 5km to a marathon — share your workouts with friends if they sign up for the app or even compare results over the same course. Verdict: Excellent as a basic motivational tool and one of the simplest apps around, the detailed training maps and routes are really useful. Much like a fitness tracker, it also calculates your pace in real time as well as working out your average and top speeds. Keen runners or walkers may want more tailored data, which costs £27.99 a year with the premium service. This fitness app also offers more personalised running programmes and downloadable feedback, along with a virtual coach who will keep you on track towards your goal. 7/10 . Essentially Fitocracy is a fitness social network — a motivational tool with which you share your pain . BEST FOR MOTIVATION . Fitocracy . Free; iPhone, iPod and Android . One of the most popular fitness apps of the past couple of years. Essentially it’s a fitness social network — a motivational tool with which you share your pain with others aiming to get fit and (for a fee) learn better techniques and approaches from expert trainers. You are encouraged to log your progress, list your challenges for others to see, then go about achieving them — using guidance and help of the other members, including fitness experts. Verdict: Well-designed and simple to use, this app could prove effective for anyone who tends to lose interest after the first few weeks. The idea that you report back to fellow exercisers can be very motivational. However, it’s targeted at the beginner and could quickly lose its appeal. 7/10 . BEST FOR YOGA FANS . Though targeted at all levels, even the more basic workouts assume some experience of yoga . Daily yoga . Free; iPod, iPhone and Android . This provides a library of more than 50 classes with video demonstrations, music and 400 poses. Plans come in a variety of intensities and durations. There are options such as ‘office yoga to de-stress’ and ‘seated yoga’ to be done at your desk or by people who are less mobile. Verdict: Though targeted at all levels, even the more basic workouts assume some experience of yoga. There’s plenty of variety, but those wanting more advanced postures will need the ‘pro’ version of the app (£22 a year). Yoga alone won’t improve all-over fitness, but it is a great adjunct to cardiovascular activities, such as running and cycling. 5/10 . Tabata Trainer involves performing 20 seconds of an exercise followed by a ten-second rest . BEST FOR THE SUPERFIT . Tabata Trainer . £1.49; tabatatrainerapp.com; iPhone and iPod Touch . Tabata involves performing 20 seconds of an exercise — including lunges, squat jumps and press-ups — followed by a ten-second rest, repeated for four minutes in total. This provides a routines of varying lengths — there are no demonstration videos, so you need to know how to do each exercise. Verdict: Not suitable for beginners. There’s also a risk that technique will suffer as you focus on speed and intensity, raising the risk of injury and muscle strains. These type of workouts could be demotivating or too challenging because, even though short, Tabata is incredibly tough. 6/10 . BEST FOR INDOOR RUNNERS . BeatBurn Treadmill Trainer . £2.49; iPhone and iPod . Treadmill exercise classes — done in a group — are set to be a big trend in 2015, with gyms such as Virgin Active launching them. This app prescribes individual running workouts set to music with varying speeds — slower for the warm-up (which you can walk) and faster for sprints and hill work. You can customise the intensity and it can be used outdoors. Verdict: Running to a beat has scientific backing — psychologists at Brunel University have shown many people find running to music easier. A good variety of tunes and you can add your own. It’s all about running or walking, though, so you’d need to add your own strength moves. 8/10 . BEST FOR TONING . Barre3 . £2.99; barre3.com; iPhone and iPod . Creator and presenter Sadie Lincoln, who trained workout queen Madonna, provides 24 ten-minute ballet-style workouts for your mobile along with healthy eating advice and recipes. It can all be done on the go — all you need is a table, tree, bench or chair to lean on. Routines are based on the principle of a cardiovascular workout (such as repetitive fast side steps) combined with dance-inspired toning moves performed with small pulse movements that will leave your muscles quivering. Verdict: Well-presented and with clear instructions, but many exercises require equipment such as weights or yoga balls. You will need additional cardio exercises to keep your weight down. 6/10 . | High-tech fitness websites and apps offer workouts and fitness advice .
The Scientific 7-Minute Workout offers guide to 12 key exercises .
RunKeeper track your route using GPS and tell you how far you’ve gone .
Instructor Live streams live classes every month to an electronic device . |
0a1e9a3bd86791e6c8ed3943eb36daf676c87f39 | A mother is refusing to send her son to primary school after teachers threatened him with isolation because he got his hair cut like Arsenal star Olivier Giroud. Nine year-old Danny Purdy saved up £7 of his own pocket money to get a style like that of his favourite Gunner. But his mum Sarah said he came back from school in tears after a telling off from his teachers at Brooklands Middle School in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Nine year-old Danny Purdy (pictured with his mother, Sarah) saved up £7 of his own pocket money to get the style like his favourite Gunner, Olivier Giroud (right) She says she was told Danny would have to stay in isolation until his hair is 'rectified'. Mrs Purdy, 33, a trainee nurse said: 'My son came home from school in tears saying the school told him he was not allowed in. 'I spoke to them and they told me he could, but he would be put in an exclusion room away from all other children until his hair is sorted. 'All he wanted was a little confidence, and it was amazing how something as simple as a haircut did that for him, Brooklands school have taken that away from him.' Danny has been off school since last Friday after his mum took him in and was told he would be placed immediately into isolation. She has now asked the school for materials so she can tutor Danny from home until the row is resolved. Mrs Purdy said: 'We genuinely didn't think a haircut like Danny's was breaking the rules. 'As long as children wear their school uniforms correctly and work hard at school, I really don't see what the problem is. 'I most certainly won't stand by and watch them make my son feel like an outcast and exclude him from lessons. 'I always thought we think with our brains and not our hair, but clearly not.' But headteacher Steven Harrington-Williams has defended the school's stance and said they had held an assembly on uniform policy prior to the cut. He said: 'What happened was he came into school with a large portion of his hair shaved almost to the scalp while the rest was long. 'We don't expect that sort of haircut in the school. We would have placed him in the reflection area where he would have done something. Danny's mother said that he came home in tears after being told off about his haircut by teachers at his Leighton Buzzard school . The headmaster of Brooklands Middle School (pictured) has defended the action taken over the hair cut . 'The other thing that's distressing is that on the morning back from holidays, I gave a message to the whole school in what was acceptable in terms of appearance. 'We have a school policy on haircuts and unfortunately, I, as headteacher of the school, have to abide by those standards.' It is not the first time Brooklands School have been accused of being too strict in regards to its uniform policy. In October, one parent was left 'disgusted' with staff after his eight-year-old grandson was isolated in a reflection room for having one tramline shaved in his hair. He said: 'The head teacher made an example of him and put him in a reflection room to do his work by himself and one teacher for the whole day. 'They told his mum he had to shave his whole head or wait for the bit to grow back before he returned to school. 'His mum is disgusted and so am I, How can he be treated like that?' Mrs Purdy, who is also mum to five-year-old Maisie, said she has been told by the school to shave all of her son's hair off. She added that the uniform policy only bans 'extreme haircuts' but she does not think Danny's fell into that category. The single mum said: 'I don't see this as being extreme. What I have said to the head is that what some people see as acceptable others see as inappropriate. 'I suggested to him he needs to put a picture in the uniform policy of what is acceptable because how should we know. 'A lot of kids have their hair cut like that and they haven't been taken out of class. 'The school told me over the phone that it would be offensive to poorer children who couldn't afford to have their hair cut like that. 'They want me to shave it off. It would make him look like a thug and it is punishing him for doing nothing wrong. It is so detrimental to his educational needs. 'He is a major football fan and this is a way of expressing himself. Children should be encouraged to be individual not punished.' French international Giroud has become a fans favourite since joining the Gunners in 2012 and was on the score sheet as they beat Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday. Arsenal FC declined to comment. | Danny Purdy saved up £7 of his own money for a haircut like his hero .
The nine-year-old had his hair styled like that of Arsenal star Olivier Giroud .
However, he arrived home in tears after teachers told him off about the cut .
He will be isolated at his Bedfordshire school until his hair is 'rectified' |
0a1ea51684e15ddb091ddee7ede418f9d5ac45d6 | A Russian policeman had to cling on for dear life when a rogue driver sped off during a roadside check, and took the officer with him on his car bonnet. The policeman was stuck on the bonnet of the car for three miles before his colleagues were able to stop the 24-year-old driver by shooting his tyres flat. The incident was filmed by a fellow driver, and the clip sees a white Toyota speed past other vehicles with the policeman on the bonnet. Going for a ride: The policeman clings on for dear life as a rogue driver speeds down the road in Omsk in southern Russia's Omsk Oblast . Novel Tretyakov, 37, accidentally filmed the incident on the outskirts of the city of Omsk in southern Russia's Omsk Oblast, with his car's dashcam. 'I was parked at the side of the road and wanted to pull onto the main road and then turn left,' Mr Tretyakov explains. 'I could see my review mirror that there was a car coming up behind me so I waited for it to go past, but couldn't believe it when I saw it had a policeman clinging to the front. 'I'm surprised the driver could see, but he was driving along at a normal speed almost as if there was nothing unusual. 'It was actually quite comical although I guess pretty dangerous and frightening for the policeman.' Hold tight: The policeman had stopped the driver for a roadside check, and in an attempt to avoid getting caught driving without a license, the 24-year-old sped off . The incident took place last Friday when police officers carrying out a routine roadside check had tried to stop a Toyota Vitz, which had then sped off. Police spokesman Trofim Zhirov said: 'We set up a roadblock a short distance away, but the driver pushed the police car out of the way with his own vehicle, and then ended up collecting a police officer on his bonnet when he tried to stop the car.' Police eventually stopped the Toyota driver by shooting out his tyres and rescued the shocked police officer after he was carried three miles. Not letting go: The policeman managed to hold on to the windscreen for three miles before his colleagues stopped the driver by shooting his tyres . Action movie: The incident, in south Russia, was filmed by a fellow driver on his car's dashcam . Bad move: The 24-year-old driver faces attempted murder charges in addition to motoring offences . Spokesman Zhirov added: 'The officer could have been badly hurt at any stage if he had fallen in front of the vehicle. 'Given that it was a snow-covered road there is no chance the driver could have stopped. He was arrested, and the case is being prepared against him.' The 24-year-old offender has a history of dangerous driving, and was driving without a license, as it had been revoked in the summer. He now faces attempted murder charges in addition to motoring offences. | Russian policeman taken on three-mile ride on offender's car bonnet .
Police had stopped 24-year-old by the road, but he sped off with police .
His license had been suspended in the summer, but he had kept driving . |
0a1ef61e85845fc03a2aad06aabad8d34e0b36ad | By . Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:08 EST, 4 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:37 EST, 4 June 2013 . A judge has accepted James Holmes' plea of not guilty by reason of insanity - as the Colorado theater shooting suspect smirked and yawned his way through the hearing. Holmes, who allegedly killed 12 theater goers and injured 70 more as they watched The Dark Knight Rises last July, looked indifferent as he followed the ground rules of the plea in court on Tuesday. After Judge Carlos Samour Jr. read through the 18 points and asked Holmes if he had any questions, Holmes answered 'no' in a clear, firm voice. Samour then accepted the plea, setting the stage for a lengthy mental evaluation of Holmes. The judge also determined prosecutors can have access to a notebook that Holmes sent to a psychiatrist filled with violent drawings before last summer's rampage. Scroll down for video . Keeping you up James? Aurora theater shooting suspect James Holmes yawns during a hearing in court in Centennial, Colorado, where a judge accepted his insanity plea for the massacre . Holmes is charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder following the shootings in Aurora last summer, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The insanity plea is widely seen as . Holmes' best chance of avoiding execution, and possibly his only chance, . given the weight of the evidence against him. Holmes' lawyers repeatedly have said he is mentally ill, but they delayed the insanity plea while arguing state laws were unconstitutional. They said the laws could hobble the defense if Holmes' case should ever reach the phase where the jury decides if he should be executed. The judge rejected that argument last week. 'Killer': James Holmes sported a beard and longer hair as he appeared in court on Tuesday . Silent: Holmes only said 'no' when the judge asked him whether he had any questions about his plea . On Tuesday, Samour ordered Holmes to . undergo a mental evaluation at the state hospital in Pueblo, as soon as . the hospital is ready to conduct it. But . evaluators want to review the 40,000 pages of evidence in the case . first, so it's unclear when it will happen. Samour set a tentative . deadline of August 2 for Holmes' evaluation. Colorado law defines insanity as the inability to distinguish right from wrong caused by a diseased or defective mind. If jurors find Holmes not guilty by . reason of insanity, he would be committed indefinitely to the state . mental hospital. He could eventually be released if doctors find his . sanity has been restored, but that is considered unlikely. In court: Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. accepted the plea, setting the stage for a lengthy mental evaluation . If jurors convict him, the next step . is the penalty phase, during which both sides call witnesses to testify . about factors that could affect why Holmes should or shouldn't be . executed. The jury would then decide whether Holmes should be executed or sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole. If jurors impose the death penalty, it . would trigger court appeals and open other possibilities that would . take years to resolve. The hearing came as the court . released dozens of pretrial motions filed by defense attorneys . challenging the admissibility of ballistics, handwriting and mountains . of other evidence. The . motions challenge the search and seizure of computers, a pistol from . Holmes' car outside the theater, evidence taken from Holmes' booby-trapped apartment, emails and other items. Scene: Members of the the prosecution team are pictured at the Century 16 theater last July, days after Holmes allegedly killed 12 people and injured 70 more there as they watched a film . Apartment: Authorities said Homes had booby-trapped his apartment for police after the shootings . The motions also indicate the prosecution has as many as 3,000 witnesses, including FBI and Aurora officials, and demands that prosecutors hand over as many as 2,000 pieces of physical evidence. They also signaled that Holmes will seek a change of venue because of pretrial publicity. Lawyers also argued about whether . prosecutors should have access to a notebook Holmes sent to psychiatrist . Lynne Fenton. Media reports have said the notebook contains violent . drawings. Defense lawyers . argued Fenton never received the notebook so prosecutors shouldn't have . access to it; prosecutors say police would like to do unspecified . 'additional processing' on the notebook. Samour ordered the notebook to be turned over next week. Missed: People visit a memorial for the victims across the street from the movie theater last July . Victims: Six-year-old Veronica Moser, left, and 18-year-old AJ Boik, right, a popular musician and art student, were among the 12 people who lost their lives in the shooting last July . Hundreds of people were watching a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises at the Aurora theater July 20 when the shooting occurred. The dead included a Navy veteran who threw himself in front of his friends to shield them, an aspiring sports journalist who had survived a mall shooting just two months earlier, and a six-year-old girl. Prosecutors say Holmes spent months buying weapons, ammunition and materials for explosives and scouted the theater in advance. He donned police-style body armor, tossed a gas canister into the seats and opened fire, they say. What a different a year makes: Holmes left in his mug shot and right in his first court appearance last July . | Judge also ruled that prosecutors could access the notebook Holmes sent to his psychiatrist before the shooting spree last summer .
Insanity plea means he will now undergo lengthy mental evaluation .
If found not guilty by insanity he will go to state mental hospital indefinitely .
Holmes, who now sports long hair and a beard, is accused of killing 12 people and injuring 70 more in Aurora cinema in July . |
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