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0ab642aea9c58f175c93dddec15071d1a0b2e792 | A supercentenarian recognized as the oldest man in the U.S. has died at 110 years and 338 days. Conrad Johnson from Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday after his health deteriorated following a stroke back in April. He previously told WTVD TV that his secret to long life was exercising every day, eating oatmeal for breakfast, daily prayers and early nights. Conrad Johnson from Rockford, Illinois, died at 110 years and 338 days on Tuesday - here he is pictured as a young man (right) shortly after moving from Sweden to the U.S. and (left) on his 107th birthday . Socializing was also important to him and earned a reputation for being quite the ladies' man. Johnson was born in Sweden and moved from his family farm to the U.S. at 19 years old where he pursued a career in carpentry. He never had children and was widowed twice. His first wife died in 1988 after suffering from Parkinson's disease while his second wife lost a battle with cancer in 2002. However, being one of ten children he had lots of nephews and nieces. His only survivor is a nephew, Edward Johnson of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Morning jog: Johnson revealed that his secret to long life was exercising everyday, eating oatmeal for breakfast, daily prayers and early nights . Healthy diet: Here he is seen whipping up some oatmeal for breakfast . The reverend Jane McChesney of the Tabor Lutheran Church in Illinois knew Johnson well. He was part of the congregation since the Thirties. She described him as smart, good-humored, 'a self-made man' and 'very giving.' The senior lived in his own home in Rockford until he was 102, according to the Rockford Register Star. He then moved to a retirement community but was moved to a nursing home this spring after suffering a stroke. He was set to turn 111 on January 19. Reverend McChesney said he appeared in good health until earlier this year. Dancing fan: Socializing was also important to Johnson and earned a reputation for being a ladies' man . Long life: Johnson was born before Albert Einstein introduced his theory of relativity and he saw 19 U.S. presidents take office . She said he lost some of his 'vigor' and started using a walker for the first time. Robert Young, a Senior database administrator for the national Gerontology Research Group, says Johnson was the oldest verified American man. Several women are older. Johnson was born before Albert Einstein introduced his theory of relativity and he saw 19 U.S. presidents take office. Title-holder: The oldest man in the world is Sakari Momoi from Japan, who is set to turn 112 in 2015 . He took the title of 'oldest U.S. man' after Alexander Imich passed away at his home in Manhattan, New York, on June 8 2014 aged 111 years and 124 days. It's thought James Richardson of Phoenix City, Alabama, who was born on January 2 1904 could be the new title-holder. The oldest man in the world is Sakari Momoi from Saitama City, Japan, who is set to turn 112 on February 5, 2015. Funeral arrangements are currently pending for Johnson. | Conrad Johnson from Rockford, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday .
His health deteriorated following a stroke back in April .
He was born before Albert Einstein introduced his theory of relativity and he saw 19 U.S. presidents take office . |
0ab92342d8a66208107c6226c3ab0a75ba42445b | Detectives investigating the murder of two British tourists on the Thai island of Kao Tao are hunting for three men - two of whom they say raped the female victim while the third watched. The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on the holiday isle on September 15. A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby. In the wake of heavy criticism over the investigation into their brutal deaths, police sought to allay fears that the killers had long escaped saying they were 'confident' that a significant breakthrough was on the horizon. The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on Koh Tao on September 15 . The last known picture of the pair, together with a group at the sports bar called Choppers - they also went to the AC bar where a group of amateur footballers were celebrating the end of a tournament . 'Two of the suspects raped and killed Witheridge while another one witnessed the murder,' Pol Lt Gen Panya Mamen, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, said yesterday. 'We're confident we have a very high chance of finding the suspects,' the senior police officer said. 'I'm not worried [about high public expectations] because I know how much the probe has been progressing. We just have to follow forensic results.' Police have taken more than 200 DNA samples from men living and working in the area of the crime scene - most of them being migrant workers from Burma. But there have been no matches so far with the victims. Police have been taking DNA swabs and footprints of people on the island in a bid to find the killers . A group of Thai footballers are the latest people to be questioned by police amid fears that the hunt for the killers has stalled. A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police confirmed that DNA samples were taken from 'more than eight' footballers - who reportedly threw a late-night party at the AC nightclub where the victims spent their final hours - and officers were awaiting the results. The amateur footballers were allegedly at the nightclub celebrating the end of a tournament while the British backpackers were there. Police have offered a reward of 700,000 baht - roughly £13,300 - for information which leads to the arrests of the culprits. The murders – and Ms Witheridge's suspected rape – were the work of a group of at least three 'attackers', two of whom are Asian men, police have claimed, citing analysis of DNA and other evidence . Dressed in a pink top and white skirt, Hannah Witheridge looked happy and relaxed as she strolled past fruit stands and in and out of bars on the night before her murder . Investigating officers have said they believe sexual jealousy was the motive behind the murder of 23-year-old from Great Yarmouth in the early hours of September 15. A condom has recently been recovered from the crime scene which has the young woman's DNA on its outer skin. Police have already said that DNA recovered from her body has shown that two men took advantage of her on the morning of her death. 'The discovery of the condom is an important piece of evidence,' said provincial police commander General Kiattipong Kaosam-ang. 'Solving this crime is going to come down to DNA matches and we are working hard on this.' Her recently-met friend David Miller, 24, from Jersey died when he was attacked after - it is believed - he went to her aid when he found her in trouble near a group of boulders on the beach. The movements of David Miller and Miss Witheridge are not known afterwards though some locals claim to have seen them in a bar arguing with an Asian man . DNA found on a cigarette matches a sample taken from Miss Witheridge and police say they are hoping that matching it with a suspect would 'open the door' to finding who else was involved. 'There is no doubt the murder of Miss Witheridge was sexually motivated because none of her belongings or those of the English man were missing,' said General Kiattipong Kaosam-ang. 'Yes, the motivation for the attack is rape.' He said the attackers might have been smoking when they saw Miss Witheridge walking back to her guest house alone along the beach. Miss Witheridge's family said they are 'broken' by her death and revealed several days ago that they have returned to the UK with her body. In a statement, they said: 'As a family we feel enormous relief to have Hannah back at home where she belongs. 'We continue to work closely with officers to assist in the investigation and bring those responsible to justice. 'Our family is broken and require time to grieve in private - as do Hannah's many friends.' | Hannah Witheridge was attacked by three men before being beaten to death .
Police say that two men took advantage of her while one other watched .
The 23-year-old and David Miller were bludgeoned to death on September 15 .
Police take more than 200 DNA samples from men on isle without results .
Royal Thai Police offer £13,000 reward in hunt for killers of British tourists . |
0ab95726d0834eb6d079314deba2abc48ac72014 | By . Larisa Brown . PUBLISHED: . 07:27 EST, 10 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:25 EST, 10 October 2012 . While a blanket of mist shrouded parts of Britain's countryside this morning, autumnal light elsewhere captured the spectacular display of the season's vivid colours. An early morning cold snap delivered beautiful scenes of a misty dawn during sunrise across parks in the country - a sign the bitter chill of winter is not too far away. And the season's crimson and gold colours of turning leaves spectacularly framed the historic 17th century Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire. Autumn colours frame the historic 17th century Sudbury Hall near, Sudbury, Derbyshire . Dog walkers in the autumn mist during sunrise at Hollow Pond in East London this morning . A Red Deer stag roars in the early morning light in Richmond Park, London, as autumn sees the start of the 'Rutting' season . Dog . walkers were pictured meandering in the autumn mist at dawn break at Hollow Pond in East London this morning. Meanwhile, 300 yards out to sea off the coast of Northumberland at . Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, a sculpture of a man and woman was pictured during sun rise. The giant bronze figures standing on the new breakwater and looking out to sea, with birds seen flying in the horizon, created a striking image. Elsewhere a Red Deer stag roared in the early morning light in Richmond Park, London - a sign of the start of the autumn 'Rutting' season. During the season stags can be heard roaring and barking in an attempt to attract females known as bucks. The larger males can also be seen clashing antlers with rival males. During the 'Rutting' season large Red Deer stags can be heard roaring and barking in an attempt to attract females known as bucks. The larger males can also be seen clashing antlers with rival males . A Canada Goose rests on the lake in the mist as it was chilly in London this morning . Shrouded in mist: Geese fly across the lake creating a picturesque image in the morning light . The Met Office said Britain has been experiencing ‘very autumnal weather’ with places today seeing some cloud and patches of mist and fog. Dan Williams, spokesman for the Met Office, said: ‘It is quite murky over a lot of areas and we are expecting a fair bit of cloud today. ‘Tonight we are expecting a band of rain to move up to through the south west of England over into western areas, with heavy rain and weather warnings out for tomorrow for the western parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.’ The sun rises over the giant sculpture of a man and woman situated 300 yards out to sea off the coast of Northumberland at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea . Two bronze figures - a man and a woman - standing on the new breakwater and looking out to sea at the sun rise . On Friday there is another set of . weather warnings for eastern and northern Scotland and as high as 80mm . of rain is expected on higher ground. Mr Williams added: ‘Over the next few . days we won’t be experiencing the fairly cold frosty nights and below . freezing temperatures that we have seen already. ‘Temperatures could drop as low as 2 . or 3 degrees but during the day it will be 14-16 degrees, with temperatures a bit . cooler at the weekend. ‘We will stay with the autumnal theme over . the weekend with some light showers, it will be a bit breezy and there will be some bright spells – . a typical autumnal mix.' | Early morning mist shrouds swathes of Britain's countryside as breathtaking scenes of sun rise captured elsewhere .
Forecasters predict 'typical autumnal mix' of weather over next few days with showers, sun, wind and cloud .
Weather warnings out for rain in some places with as high as 80mm of rain predicted on higher ground . |
0ab9e31c27d7d0d1519c34a7c4c9400b0bb027f0 | By . Mark Prigg . Netflix is to raise its prices for the first time in three years as the battle for online TV domination heats up. The increase, to take place sometime before July, will hike prices by $1 or $2 per month for new customers, and will help pay for more Internet video programming such as the smash hit 'House of Cards'. It comes amid fierce competition with Amazon and Hulu, while Microsoft and Yahoo have also revealed plans to produce their own shows. House of Cards with Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as Claire Underwood: amazon hopes to repeat the success of the show - but is increasing its fess to pay for it. The company added another 2.25 million Internet video subscribers during the first quarter to end March with 35.7 million U.S. customers. The company attracted another 1.75 million subscribers in Canada and overseas, leaving it with 12.7 million international customers. Netflix said current U.S. subscribers will continue to pay $8 per month for a 'generous time period' - but did not say how long that was. The move was announced as part of Netflix's first-quarter earnings report illustrates the financial pressures mounting on the company as its spends more money to license compelling content. The efforts are aimed at warding off competitive threats from Amazon.com Inc. and Hulu.com while Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc. also are gearing up to buy Internet video programming from Hollywood studios. Amazon recently raised the price of its Prime service, which includes an expanding Internet video library, from $79 to $99 annually. Investors evidently like the prospect of Netflix bringing in more revenue. Netflix's stock surged $22.12, or more than 6 percent, to $370.61 in extended trading after Netflix announced its plans. However, price increases are a risk for Netflix. The company was stung by a customer backlash in 2011, when it boosted rates by as much as 60 percent for U.S. customers who wanted to continue to Internet video and DVD-by-mail services. Netflix lost about 800,000 subscribers after the 2011 pricing change was announced, rattling investors so much that the company's stock plunged more than 80 percent before starting to rebound in August 2012. The price rise comes amid fierce competition with Amazon and Hulu, while Microsoft and Yahoo have also revealed plans to produce their own shows. Netflix has been on a roll since the backlash subsided. The company added another 2.25 million Internet video subscribers during the first quarter to end March with 35.7 million U.S. customers. That's up nearly 50 percent from 23.9 million U.S. subscribers in July 2012 while the company was still trying to sooth customers irked by the last price increase. The company attracted another 1.75 million subscribers in Canada and overseas, leaving it with 12.7 million international customers. Netflix's comeback has been propelled by the company's increasing emphasis on exclusive programming such as 'House of Cards,' an acclaimed series starring Kevin Spacey as a cunning politician with a ruthless plan to become President of the United States. Netflix released all 13 episodes in 'House of Cards' second season on Feb. 14, midway through the first quarter. Another popular Netflix series, 'Orange Is The New Black,' is returning with new episodes June 6, toward the final month of the current quarter. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said the company needs to charge higher prices so the Internet video service can afford to bid against its rivals for programming -and reach its long-term goal of 60 million to 90 million U.S. subscribers. 'If we want to continue to expand, to do more great original content, more series, more movies, we have to eventually increase prices a little bit,' Hastings said in a question-and-answer session streamed in an Internet video. Netflix Inc. earned $53 million, or 86 cents per share, during the first three months of the year. That compared to $2.7 million, or 5 cents, last year. The latest quarterly earnings exceeded the average estimate of 81 cents per share among analysts surveyed by FactSet. Revenue rose 24 percent from last year to $1.3 billion to match analyst projections. | Increase of $1-$2 per months for new customers .
Comes as Microsoft and Yahoo reveal they will make more exclusive shows . |
0aba0839f663dabdcda7b5085d1c1763b8b902b7 | By . Jack Doyle . and James Slack . PUBLISHED: . 18:12 EST, 7 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:53 EST, 8 January 2014 . Supermarkets were yesterday accused of targeting parents by selling alcohol alongside school uniforms and sweets. Campaigners said the irresponsible tactic could encourage impulse buying and ‘normalise the role of alcohol’ at home. A Home Office investigation found bottles of Smirnoff vodka, Jagermeister and other spirits on sale in Tesco next to school clothes. Warning: Photograph showing rum, whisky and vodka next to Sainsbury's sweets . A Sainsbury’s store was found selling chocolate snowmen and other sweets next to bottles of Absolut vodka and Bacardi rum. Other promotions uncovered included a WHSmith store at a motorway service station selling Strongbow cider and Carlsberg lager alongside soft drinks and food. A Lidl store stocked boxes of Christmas Jaffa Cakes next to bottles of spirits, cider and sparkling wine. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat crime prevention minister at the Home Office . Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat crime prevention minister at the Home Office, said: ‘The situation where some irresponsible supermarkets sell alcohol next to children’s clothes or sweets can only encourage impulse buying. This is unacceptable and needs to stop.’ He added: ‘Industry needs to raise its game and do much more to help reduce problem drinking, and supermarkets have to recognise they have a significant part to play in this. ‘They need to promote and display alcohol more responsibly, do their bit to improve public awareness of the dangers of drink and support local areas in tackling alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder.’ Tom Smith, of Alcohol Concern, said: ‘Retailers have got to start taking this seriously and stop selling alcohol alongside everyday products such as children’s sweets and school uniforms. Selling booze like this drives impulse buying and serves only to normalise the role of alcohol in society. ‘The reality is that we’re facing historically high levels of health problems caused by alcohol misuse. If we’re to develop a culture of more responsible drinking, retailers have to play their part.’ Supermarkets have resisted government pressure to put alcohol in aisles separate from other items. Home Office figures show 963 big supermarkets sell alcohol round the clock. They make up 13 per cent of all bars, shops, hotels and pubs licensed to open 24 hours. Last year David Cameron abandoned plans for a 45p minimum price for a unit of alcohol amid resistance from the drinks industry, and a proposed ban on multi-buy discounts was also ditched. But Mr Baker’s comments signal a tougher line on alcohol promotions from within government. Tesco said: ‘Alcohol should not be next to school uniforms or any other products for children in our stores. We are looking into what happened in this store.’ Lidl said: ‘We take our role as a responsible retailer, and all matters of sales of age-restricted products, extremely seriously and will take any comments about the merchandising of our products on board.’ Sainsbury’s said: ‘We take the sale of age-restricted products very seriously. Anyone working on a checkout is trained to ask customers who look under 25 for ID before selling them alcohol.’ WHSmith said: ‘We have a very limited range of alcoholic drinks available in a small number of stores. We are committed to responsible marketing of these products; however, in some cases, the small store size makes it difficult to position alcohol far from soft drinks. ‘We comply with all legal requirements and ensure we are in line with best practice.’ | Campaigners said the irresponsible tactic could encourage impulse buying .
They also believe it could ‘normalise the role of alcohol’ at home .
Liberal Democrat crime prevention minister Norman Baker said supermarkets had been irresponsible . |
0abae4f1ae8799da281c357e8ee2d462b36c81b2 | By . Sam Creighton . On a gloriously sunny day, lazily sailing down the Thames in your own luxury boat is a lifestyle most people can only dream of. But for the would-be captain of a £1 million boat, it all went wrong when he forgot a cardinal maritime rule - always look where you are going. A Princess V57, called Victoria, gave sunbathers a shock this afternoon by careering straight into Richmond Bridge in west London. Scroll down for video . The luxury yacht was trying to drive under Richmond Bridge but high tides made the manoeuvre difficult . The crash happened just before 4pm this afternoon. According to the Port of London Authority (PLA), the boat - which retails for over the £1 million mark - miraculously came out of the accident without any real damage. Also, none of the passengers were injured. A spokesman for the PLA said: 'At about 15.49 she was coming under Richmond Road Bridge and struck the side, she seems to have reversed her engines and attempted the manouevre again successfully. More... That's no way to park! Driver smashes through fence and flips his Ford Fiesta to land upside down in a back garden - but manages to CRAWL out unscathed . House obliterated by pensioner, 72, who rammed her SKODA into neighbour's home . 'When a boat like this reverses, the engines can make quite a loud noise, so people might have thought it was more dramatic than it was. 'I think it was just a family day out, the only thing remarkable about it is that the weather was lovely, so everyone and their dog was out to see it. As far as I understand it was all over in a couple of minutes.' Caroline Fisher, 45, who witnessed the incident from her home by the bridge, said: 'It was really bizarre. I saw this big boat coming towards the bridge and just thought it was not going to fit through. 'There was just this big bang and then it seemed to be doing some sort of three point turn and there was another really loud bang. I thought some of the other boats around might have gone to help it but it just sat there for about ten minutes and then it went under the bridge and everyone started cheering. 'I'm sure it probably wasn't but it seemed like it was out of control. I was taking loads of pictures when it sailed by me but I couldn't really see any damage.' A RNLI lifeboat was called out to deal with the incident but, by the time it arrived, the yacht was already through the bridge and was continuing with its journey. A large crowd gathered after the crash, at 4pm this afternoon, to watch the boat eventually make it under . The Port of London Authority said the privately owned boat escaped the incident without any real damage . Water levels were higher than expected, and strong currents are thought to be partly responsible for the crash . An RNLI spokesman said: 'An RNLI London lifeboat crew was called to a . report of a motor vessel pinned against Richmond Bridge by the tide this . afternoon. 'Before the crew from Chiswick lifeboat station arrived, the vessel . had managed to get itself free and had begun travelling down river. 'The lifeboat met the troubled vessel near Twickenham Bridge and noticed it had suffered some scratches on the starboard side. 'The . lifeboat crew spoke to a person on-board who said everything was now ok . and that the vessel was heading to a nearby wharf down river.' The . boat is thought to have been dragged towards the bridge by the river's . currents and became stuck under its arch due to high water levels. The accident occurred just after high tide and the water levels were running almost a metre higher than would normally be expected, meaning the flow was particularly fierce. This is because of an ongoing situation where the flood waters than have struck so much of England in recent weeks are flowing out to sea along the Thames. A spokesman for the PLA said: 'It's wrong to speculate too much on this incident but it's quite conceivable that the driver would have been coming up to the bridge expecting a certain strength of current and could have been caught unawares.' The boat, a Princess V57, retails for upwards of £1 million is capable of reaching speeds of 36 knots . The yacht was able to reverse and make it under the bridge on the second attempt . Although the incident only lasted minutes, the sunny weather meant large crowds were out to witness it . The passengers on the yacht were later met by lifeguards but no assistance was needed . | A Princess V57 yacht, worth more than £1million, crashed into the bridge .
Powerful currents on the Thames contributed to the crash .
The boat only suffered minor damage and no one was injured . |
0abaf33d3a1925edab1e28b434442b4a558fb66c | A Russian grandmother has been caught abandoning her grandson on CCTV in a supermarket because she could not afford to feed him. Eugene Kapustina, 61, says she was asked to look after her grandson Vova, six, while his parents went to a different city to look for work. Kapustina says the pair promised they would send money home but had now been gone for a year without contacting her once. Scroll down for video . CCTV footage from a Russian supermarket shows an elderly lady abandoning her grandson after she claims she was unable to feed him any longer . Eugene Kapustina, 61, says she was told to look after the boy while his parents left to find work in another town, but they have been gone for a year without contacting her . Speaking to police, she said that all her savings have been used up trying to pay for herself and the child and added that she can no longer afford to feed him on her pension. She told officers she hoped that somebody at the supermarket in the suburb of Zelenograd, in the Russian capital Moscow, might take care of him. Investigators managed to trace the woman using CCTV footage and information from the boy. Footage shows the distressed child sitting on the floor by the cash desks where he was approached by the security guard Ahmed Izmaylov after he noticed that the child seemed to be unaccompanied. He said: 'I approached him and he started to cry and saw that he had a small bag with a few possessions and a note saying please look after me.' The boy has been placed in a temporary orphanage and police say he will stay there until they can find his parents. Once they have interviewed them, a decision can be made on the child's future. Kapustina says she has spent all of her money taking care of the boy and cannot feed him any longer. She says she left him in the supermarket in the hopes that someone would look after him . Police officers investigating the crime say they have transferred the six-year-old, named Vova, to a temporary orphanage while they try to track down his mother and father . | Eugene Kapustina, 61, filmed leaving grandchild Vova, six, in supermarket .
Police tracked her down and she claimed she was unable to feed him .
Says boy's parents left him with her a year ago but have not come home .
Police have moved boy to orphanage while they hunt his mother and father . |
0abb0e23ffeffd48727c05695023ebcabe121478 | By . Deni Kirkova . Sales of prosecco have increased by more than 90 per cent, making it nearly twice as popular as champagne. Experts say wine-lovers are more aware now than at any other time about what they are buying when it comes to bubbly, . The . Italian fizz market has almost doubled in the past year; while sales . of champagne are falling flat, taking a nosedive of 16 per cent over the . same period. Sales of Italian fizz have increased by more than 90 per cent making it nearly twice as popular as champagne . However branded and retailer-exclusive . champagnes fared better, being up 4 per cent making the champagne market . worth £280million. Market research also revealed that the worldwide revenue of own-label Italian sparkling wine grew from £50.2million to £95.4million from January 2013 to January 2014. Prosecco's performance is also outshining cava - the UK cava market is currently worth £169million, down from £175million from last year. The International Wine and Spirit . Competition announced the Northern Hemisphere results on Monday at the . start of the London Wine Fair and the highest achievers for own-label prosecco were the following retailers: . The research comes from Nielson, a key authority in market . research for all grocery. The data is taken on take-home sales only and . it is based on all products sold and scanned through the tills in UK . supermarkets. Canti Prosecco Brut, £6, and Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava, £7.99, are two of Bring A Bottle's top sellers . Rosie Davenport, Editor of Off Licence News magazine who published the Nielson research, said: . 'What we are seeing is that the very cheap own label . champagne is definitely being eroded by prosecco. 'Italian fizz has become a more sophisticated option and moved away from the very sweet styles into an everyday drink that's fashionable; but also a fun and sociable option that you can . open and enjoy with friends at any time - and certainly isn't only . reserved for special occasions. 'Consumers are finding it more accessible and are preferring the style, . however they are still buying into the more established champagne brands. 'This has hit some of the cheaper champagnes, though there are signs that the more well-known names are holding their own, and, if anything, the prosecco effect has helped by opening up the world of sparkling wines and champagnes to a new set of consumers. 'Italian fizz has moved into an everyday drink that's fashionable but also a fun and sociable option' The figures show the total Italian sparkling sector is worth £229.3 million. A spokesperson for supermarket wine, beers and spirits price comparison site, bringabottle.co.uk, said: . 'As far as the quality goes it definitely has been improving for the past five or so years, and the sales reflect that. 'Some of the top sparkling recommendations from the wine experts over the Christmas period (traditionally the best selling time) were for prosecco rather than champagne. 'In the battle for the sparkling wines (champagne, prosecco, cava and the New World) prosecco is the closest to champagne; cava being slightly less sweet and having more bubbles. 'Consumers are more aware than at any other time that 'champagne' is just another term for sparkling wine (albeit produced in the champagne region) and that the prices do not necessarily reflect the quality of the product. 'The champagne houses and supermarkets are reacting to the rise in prosecco sales and some of the biggest champagne brands prices were reduced by slightly more than 50 per cent over the Christmas period in order to make champagne more appealing to consumers who would otherwise be buying prosecco and other sparkling wines.' • The taste profile of prosecco is . slightly different to champagne. There are many styles available, however . typically prosecco is sweeter and lighter, which has helped its broader . appeal. • The production methods in champagne and prosecco are . different as is the aging process and the length of time it has been . matured, which effects the taste. By Rosie Davenport, Editor of Off Licence News magazine . | Sales of supermarket Italian fizz have increased by more than 90 per cent .
Own-brand prosecco is now nearly twice as popular as champagne . |
0abbbc34252feacc63d3b0b5c051c5f1b7b967fe | Raheem Sterling has been blasted by former England hero Alan Shearer for being too 'tired' to start for England against Estonia. The Liverpool starlet dropped to the bench for Roy Hodgson's side's clash in Tallinn, which saw Wayne Rooney's free-kick hand England three points. But Sterling faces a backlash over his reasons for starting the game on the bench. Raheem Sterling has been blasted by Alan Shearer for not starting England's match against Estonia . Sterling (right) was dropped to the bench after telling boss Roy Hodgson (left) that he is feeling too tired to play . 'I genuinely have never heard something like that in my career. Certainly not in a squad I was involved in,' Shearer wrote in the Sun. 'If I had, as either captain of Newcastle or England, I'd have gone straight up to the player and said "are you sure?" and that's putting it mildly.' Former striker Shearer - the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer - went on to draw unfavourable comparisions between Sterling and the general public. Sterling (centre) watches on from the substitutes bench as England were in action against Estonia . 'The working man who is up at 6am and home at 8pm does not want to hear about how tired a 19-year-old professional footballer is,' Shearer said. 'And no, that is not just some cliche, it is what many people are thinking this morning.' Sterling came on a second half substitute for Jordan Henderson in England's win against Estonia on Sunday. Sterling (centre) came on as second half substitute for England in Tallinn on Sunday . The 19-year-old made an impact off the bench for the Three Lions - winning the free-kick that captain Wayne Rooney scored directly from with 17 minutes to go. Victory for Roy Hodgson's side sees them currently top Group E in their bid for Euro 2016 qualification. Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game for England curling home a free-kick against Estonia . | Alan Shearer cannot believe Raheem Sterling's reasons for starting on the bench for England against Estonia .
Sterling was dropped to the bench after complaining of being too 'tired'
Shearer says he never heard anything like that in his career .
England beat Estonia 1-0 in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday . |
0abc3f7afb2fb515b3c3dc814550c75aeccc5030 | By . Mia De Graaf . A 20-year-old soldier has returned safely from Afghanistan with the 100-year-old Bible that has accompanied four generations of his family into five conflicts. Private Curtis Welsby took the Armed Services Testament 1916 - issued as standard to his great-great grandfather when he fought in World War One - with him to Camp Bastion last year. But the tiny Bible has also seen active service in World War Two, the Korean War and Northern Ireland with his relatives who all returned home safely. Heirloom: Private Curtis Welsby (left) went to Camp Bastion with the Armed Services Testament 1916 handed to his great-great-grandfather in World War One. Later, his grandfather Dennis Farrell took it to Korea (right) Paperback: Private Welsby hopes to pass the family heirloom onto his nephew who wants to join the army too . His great-great-grandfather Jay Greenwood was just a teenager when he lied about his age in order to sign up to go to the battlefields of World War One. It was then passed to Private Welsby’s grandfather Dennis Farrell who took it with him while serving in the Second World War from 1940 and later to Korea. The paperback Bible, which falls open at John and Acts, even survived Dennis’s time in a Korean prisoner of war camp and was later handed to his son, and Private Welsby’s uncle Gary Farrell who served in the King’s Regiment in Northern Ireland. Private Welsby, 20, from Manchester, serves in the 1st Battalion of the Mercian Regiment and recently returned from a seven month tour in Afghanistan. He hopes to pass the family heirloom onto his seven-year-old nephew who already has aspirations to join up. When his friend was killed in an explosion he turned to the well-leafed pages and found comfort in Revelations 21:4 which reads: 'and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.' Comfort: When his friend was killed in an explosion he found comfort in Revelations 21:4 which reads: 'and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain' Private Welsby, from Manchester, served in the 1st Battalion of the Mercian Regiment for seven months . Private Welsby said: 'I knew it was a big responsibility to take such an important piece of family history with me into the field but I couldn’t have gone without it. 'It’s been everywhere so it was only right that it came out to Afghanistan with me. 'I carried it with me all the time and when we were out on patrol I would be checking every couple of hundred metres just to make sure it was still there. 'I definitely think of it as a good luck charm and something that was protecting me while I was out there. 'My comrades are a bit in awe of it. Most of us have something that we take with us as good luck from home but no-one else has got one of these. 'I've never seen anything else like it. 'I was really close to my Grandad and when he had it with him for the whole of the time he was a prisoner in Korea which is incredible. Weight: He said taking the heirloom felt like a huge responsibility but he couldn't have gone without it . 'I think that it gave him a bit of faith that he would get out, which he did thankfully. 'You just need something to comfort you a little bit and the Bible did that tremendously. 'Reading it after my friend died made feel happy for him thinking ‘it’s alright, he’s gone to a better place with no more war, fighting or anything’. 'Anything can happen when you’re out there but, when I picked up my Bible, I felt that nothing would happen to us. 'We got into fire-fights, but we always got out of them. ‘The local kids used to ask me for it. But I always said no. It’s been in my family for so long. It’ll be passed on to my nephew. He’s only seven, but he already wants to be in the army. 'It’s going to him in about 11 years when he joins the Army. 'That said, if I’m still around, I’ll be hanging onto it. It’s such good luck - he’ll have to wait!' | Private Curtis Welby, 20, took Armed Services Testament 1916 with him .
Tiny Bible was given to his great-great grandfather in World War One .
Ancestors have also taken it to conflicts in Korea and Northern Ireland .
Private Welsby believes it protected him while serving in Helmand Province . |
0abd120228317862a13da0797a520cca56aa1da2 | By . Mail On Sunday Reporter . Michael McIntyre took home a cool £9¿million from his latest stand-up tour . Michael McIntyre has cashed in a £9 million cheque from his latest stand-up comedy tour. The comedian turned BBC1 chat show host, left, pocketed the money for his 73-date Showtime tour, which included ten nights at London’s O2 Arena in 2012. The tour grossed £21 million, putting him on a par with the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith. Now it has been revealed that he . last year paid himself and his wife Kitty the £9.23million that was left . after covering costs and taxes when he wound up the company set up for . the tour, Buddywaldo. Showtime . made McIntyre, 38, one of the highest-grossing comics in the world, and . last year he paid £2.5 million for a six-bedroom house in the Wiltshire . countryside. It is a far cry from his plight a decade ago, when he was £40,000 in debt and struggling on the stand-up circuit. The . BBC paid McIntyre about £500,000 to present his six-part chat show, . which tomorrow features an interview with Nigella Lawson. The . show has had a mixed response from critics, with 400,000 viewers . deserting it in the second week in which the guests were Abbey Clancy, . Jeremy Clarkson and Sir David Jason. He . was also reportedly paid £2 million in advance for his autobiography, . ‘Life and Laughing: My Story’ and has sold over three million DVDs in . the UK. Last year he splashed out £2.5million on a six-bedroom mansion in the Wiltshire countryside. The property is home to the couple and their two young sons Lucas and Oscar and boasts a tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. Hot ticket: McIntyre's Showtime tour grossed £2million, putting him on a par with the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith . He has previously spoken of how he was £40,000 in debt and living in rented accommodation just 10 years ago. His brand of friendly, inoffensive humour has attracted fierce criticism, even among his own peers. Vic Reeves has previously described him as being ‘far too easy and soft’, saying, ‘the same people who think Jedward are funny will go and see Michael McIntyre’. Special guest: The BBC paid McIntyre about £500,000 to present his six-part chat show, which tomorrow features an interview with Nigella Lawson . | The comedian pocketed the money for his 73-date Showtime tour .
The tour included ten nights at London’s O2 Arena in 2012 .
A decade ago he was £40,000 in debt and struggling on the stand-up circuit . |
0abd3cee9c71303c18d78dbc4c82f86aa2f5443e | Apple says it sold a record breaking 39.3 million iPhones in the last quarter. The figure, 16 percent more than a year ago, is a record for the quarter due to due to excitement over new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models that Apple began selling last month. The surge in iPhone sales helped the company beat Wall Street's expectations for the three months that ended Sept. 27. Scroll down for video . The figure, 16 percent more than a year ago, is a record for the quarter due to due to excitement over new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models that Apple began selling last month. Overall, the company's profit rose more than 12 percent from a year ago, to $8.5 billion. Total sales also rose more than 12 percent, to $42.1 billion. Overall, the company's profit rose more than 12 percent from a year ago, to $8.5 billion. Total sales also rose more than 12 percent, to $42.1 billion. 'Our fiscal 2014 was one for the record books, including the biggest iPhone launch ever with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus,' said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. 'With amazing innovations in our new iPhones, iPads and Macs, as well as iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, we are heading into the holidays with Apple's strongest product lineup ever. 'We are also incredibly excited about Apple Watch and other great products and services in the pipeline for 2015.' While iPhone sales were up, Apple also sold 13 percent fewer iPad tablets than it did a year ago. That follows an industry-wide decline in tablet sales. But the company reported lower iPad sales than analysts had expected. Apple's Time Cook with the iPad Air 2, which will be available in gold, and includes a fingerprint touch sensor and a new faster chip . Sales of iPad were down 13%, to 12.3 million for the quarter. Some investors hope that Apple's recently forged alliance with IBM, intended to help drive tablet and phone sales to corporate customers, may help reverse a decline in sales of the tablet device. Maestri said in an interview that the pair of tech giants had already signed on 50 "foundational" or initial clients, and the two intend to introduce their first jointly designed software apps next month. International sales accounted for 60 percent of the quarter's revenue, Apple said. Thin: The new Ipad Air 2 is just 6.1mm thick making it the thinnest tablet on the planet . 'Our strong business performance drove EPS growth of 20 percent and a record $13.3 billion in cash flow from operations in the September quarter,' said Luca Maestri, Apple's CFO. 'We continued to execute aggressively against our capital return programme, spending over $20 billion in the quarter and bringing cumulative returns to $94 billion.' Shares in Apple were roughly flat at about $100 in after-hours trade. | New version of iPad revealed last week expected to boost sales .
Company beat Wall Street's expectations with latest results .
Profit rose more than 12 percent from a year ago, to $8.5 billion . |
0abda53eef1633842e74842d4cececc6410e9d98 | When Sue Walters was diagnosed with leukaemia, she hoped that the best of medical science would be used to cure it. What she could never have anticipated was that her life would be saved by an 18-year-old boy from a remote German village. Sue’s only chance of survival was a stem cell transplant — previously known as a bone marrow transplant. ‘What Nicola has done is amazing — it really is a gift of life. If I hadn’t had the transplant, it was unlikely I’d have lived beyond three months,' said Sue Walters of her donor Nicola Gerber . This would give her a new, stronger immune system to destroy the cancerous cells in her blood. No one in her family matched her tissue type, so doctors searched the worldwide donor register — and found Nicola Gerber, a student from Mechern, near the French border. He had recently registered as a stem cell donor, and was the perfect match. Thanks to Nicola, Sue has made a full recovery. The two began writing to each other a year after the transplant and recently met for the first time when Nicola flew from Germany to see Sue. ‘What Nicola has done is amazing — it really is a gift of life,’ says Sue, who broke down in tears when he walked into the room. ‘If I hadn’t had the transplant, it was unlikely I’d have lived beyond three months.’ Sue’s husband Humphrey, her son Mark and daughter-in-law Maria were all there to show their enormous gratitude. ‘What’s remarkable is for a young guy like this to have the social awareness to do something like that,’ says Humphrey. For Nicola the reward is seeing Sue in good health. ‘She looks so well and so happy,’ he says. ‘It’s a good feeling.’ The story behind his decision to donate is extraordinary. In 2011, a man in his village was diagnosed with leukaemia and needed a stem cell transplant. ‘Half the village — about 300 people — got checked to see if they were a match and one was found,’ says Nicola, now 21 and studying engineering. ‘I registered and though I wasn’t a match, three months later I got a letter saying there was another person who needed my cells. ‘I was told it was a lady from England. I was happy to help,’ he says. Sue, 74, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) — aggressive cancer of the white blood cells — in July 2011 after a blood test showed up abnormalities. About 2,600 people in Britain are diagnosed with this form of leukaemia each year. It’s most common in the over 60s. ‘She looks so well and so happy. It’s a good feeling,' said Nicola . ‘The diagnosis was a huge shock,’ says Sue, who lives in West London and has two children, Claudia and Mark, and three grandchildren. ‘I wanted to know if I was going to die and my doctor said: “Do not go and Google this.” To this day I have never looked.’ She adds: ‘Initially, I did cry, but soon I thought: “I’ve got to get a grip on this.” I never asked about my prognosis. I had complete confidence in the wonderful doctors and nurses. 'It’s only since the transplant that I’ve realised how close to death I was.’ Sue began two courses of chemotherapy, each involving a five-week hospital stay. Her doctor explained that while they could control her cancer with chemotherapy, the only cure was the transplant. Stem cells are ‘master’ cells that can develop into a variety of different cells — those in the bone marrow turn into blood cells. These play a crucial role in the immune system, and in leukaemia, all these cells become abnormal, says Dr Mike Potter, consultant haematologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital and the London Clinic, who treated Sue. ‘Chemotherapy can reduce the cancer, but it can’t destroy it completely. In a stem cell transplant, cells travel to the centre of the bones and start making new blood cells able to fight the cancer that’s left over from the chemo.’ Essentially, the patient’s blood and immune system is replaced by the donor’s. During Sue’s second course of chemotherapy, she was told a donor had been found. ‘I was just told it was a young German boy of 18 and that was a bit of a strange thought,’ says Sue, who works for her husband, a motivational speaker and performance coach in business and sport. About 2,000 people in Britain need a stem cell transplant for leukaemia and lymphoma — cancers of the blood — and other blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia. Often, it is their last hope of survival. Patients can receive a stem cell transplant only from someone who matches their tissue type or else the body rejects it, says Dr Potter. ‘There are 22 million volunteers in the world and, for every patient, there are usually just one or two donors who match and sometimes none,’ he says. Around a million Britons are registered as stem cell donors, but there’s a desperate need for more. Only 60 per cent of patients in need of a transplant find the best possible match, according to the charity Anthony Nolan. There is a particular shortage of young, male donors and those of ethnic minority. 'It’s only since the transplant that I’ve realised how close to death I was,’ said Sue . It’s possible to perform a stem cell transplant using a donor who is a less-than-perfect match, but the risks of rejection are higher. Stem cells used to be collected via a needle into the bone marrow, an operation involving a general anaesthetic, which caused considerable pain for days afterwards. Now they can be taken from the blood without an anaesthetic. Before donating his cells Nicola had to inject himself in the stomach twice a day for three days with a drug that stimulates stem cells to come out from the bone marrow and into the blood. ‘It didn’t hurt, but it’s uncomfortable when you feel the stem cells coming out — like a pressure in my chest and back,’ he says. He then travelled to a hospital in Frankfurt to have cells harvested during a three-hour procedure. Blood was removed via a tube into his arm and into a machine, which removed the stem cells before the blood was returned to a tube in his other arm. About ten to 15 litres of blood were removed, then returned. Nicola says it was painless, and while some donors feel very tired afterwards, he felt fine. His cells were flown straight to London — the transplant must be done within 48 hours as the cells have a lifespan of only 72 hours. Sue was prepared with high-dose chemotherapy to wipe out her immune system so her body would accept the new cells. Though her donor was a perfect match, the transplant still carried a 20 per cent risk of her dying, due to infection or rejection of the cells. The transplant on November 25, 2011 was just like a blood trans-fusion, says Sue. ‘I did have terrible pain in my back for about a week after, which I was told was my body fighting the new stem cells.’ It takes three weeks for the donor immune system to start working, and with her own immune system in decline, Sue was kept in hospital. 'She was discharged on Christmas Eve, feeling ‘very weak’. Gradually, her new immune system started to fight the leukaemia. By the summer, Sue’s strength had returned and she now feels extremely well. It’s not until after five years that you can say someone is ‘cured’ — but at three years, Sue is ‘in a very good position’, says Dr Potter. She still takes antiviral and antibiotic drugs as a precaution. A year after the transplant, she received a letter through the London Clinic from Nicola, though their names couldn’t be revealed to each other until two years had passed (to avoid distress for the donor and recipient). ‘It was a very sweet letter,’ she says. ‘He just said: “I’m really glad to help you.” ’ They exchanged Christmas cards and then decided to meet. ‘I’d wanted to know where my stem cells had gone,’ says Nicola. ‘I wanted to know if it worked.’ He says the decision to donate was a simple one. ‘If you have the chance to help someone, you should do it,’ he says. To find out about donating stem cells, visit anthonynolan.org/thankyoustranger; nhsbt.nhs.uk/bonemarrow and deletebloodcancer.org.uk. | Sue Walters’ only chance of survival from leukaemia was a stem cell transplant .
No one in her family matched her tissue type .
Doctors searched the worldwide donor register .
They found Nicola Gerber, a student from Mechern, near the French border . |
0abe1f91951636a950286d8811a4a3649bf756c5 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 19:09 EST, 12 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:46 EST, 12 March 2013 . A case involving an Air Force general who dismissed charges against a lieutenant colonel convicted of sexual assault will be reviewed at the top levels of the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a letter released on Monday. But it seems unlikely that the ruling would be changed. Hagel said that under military law, neither he nor the Air Force secretary has the authority to reverse Lt Gen Craig Franklin's decision to overturn the November conviction against Lt Col James Wilkerson, a former inspector general at Aviano Air Base in Italy. Second look: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says he will reexamine a case involving an Air Force general who dismissed charges against a lieutenant colonel convicted of sexual assault . Reversal: Lt Gen Craig Franklin (left) made the decision to overturn the sexual assault conviction against Lt Col James Wilkerson, right, a former inspector general . Hagel's letter is dated March 7 and was sent to Sen Barbara Boxer, D-California, who released it publicly. The Senate Armed Services Committee is holding a hearing Wednesday on sexual assaults in the military and the Wilkerson case is expected to be a major topic of discussion. Boxer and Sen Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, wrote to Hagel last week asking him to look into the case. They called Franklin's decision to overturn the jury verdict 'a travesty of justice.' Franklin is commander of the 3rd Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Sen Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, told Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Gen Mark Welsh, the Air Force chief of staff, in a March 5 letter that Franklin's decision 'shows ignorance, at best, and malfeasance, at worst.' Advocates: Sen Barbara Boxer, left, released the letter from Hagel on Monday, while Sen Claire McCaskill, right, has told Air Force officials that Franklin's decision 'shows ignorance, at best' Franklin's decision undermines efforts by the Air Force and the other military branches 'to erase a culture that has often turned a blind eye on sexual assault,' McCaskill added. Shaheen and McCaskill are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Air Force has been grappling for months with the fallout over a sex scandal at its training headquarters in Texas. Dozens of young female recruits and airmen at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio were victimized by their instructors who sexually harassed, improperly touched or raped them. During January testimony before a House committee, Welsh likened sexual assault in the Air Force's ranks to a cancer and vowed to tackle the problem by screening personnel more carefully and putting an end to bad behaviors like binge drinking that can lead to misconduct. But Welsh also acknowledged that the Air Force recorded a disturbing number of reports of sexual assault last year even as it worked to curb misconduct. The preliminary figures for 2012 show there were nearly 800 reports of cases, ranging from inappropriate touching to rape, according to Welsh. Wilkerson is a former inspector general at Aviano Air Base in Italy before he was convicted of aggravated sexual assault, a conviction that was later overturned . That would be a nearly 30 per cent increase from 2011, when 614 cases were reported. The 2012 figures are being audited and will be included in a report the Defense Department will submit to Congress next month. In his letter to Boxer, Hagel refers to Franklin as the 'convening authority,' a term for a commander who is responsible for establishing a court-martial. The Uniform Code of Military Justice gives a convening authority the 'sole discretion' to reduce or set aside guilty verdicts and sentences, or to reverse a jury's verdict. Wilkerson was convicted on November 2 by a military panel on charges of abusive sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault and three instances of conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. The incident involved a civilian employee. Wilkerson was sentenced to a year in prison and dismissal from the service. Time for a change: Rep Jackie Speier is looking to propose legislation that would strip commanders of authority to block decisions made by courts-martial . But Franklin exercised his discretion and reviewed the case over a three-week period and concluded 'that the entire body of evidence was insufficient to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,' Hagel wrote. Although convening authorities are not required to provide reasons for their decisions, Hagel said he has directed the Pentagon's general counsel and the Air Force secretary to examine Franklin's decision 'to determine how the factual basis for the action can be made more transparent.' Hagel also said the Wilkerson case raises the question of whether it is necessary or appropriate 'to place the convening authority in the position of having the responsibility to review the findings and sentence of a court-martial,' particularly when military law allows for a rigorous appeal process. He said he is ordering the Air Force and other military services to examine that question and determine if changes to military law are necessary. Boxer said in a statement that she is encouraged by Hagel's response. 'I believe that we should end the ability of senior commanders to unilaterally overturn a decision or sentence by a military court and from the tenor of his letter, I am hopeful that Secretary Hagel will reach the same conclusion,' Boxer said. Rep Jackie Speier, D-California, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said she is planning to introduce legislation on Tuesday that would strip commanders of the authority to overturn decision or lessen sentences made by courts-martial. Eugene R. Fidell, who teaches military justice at Yale Law School, credited Speier for pushing for change, but warned that it could take months to get a bill through Congress. Among the thorny issues to be resolved are what, if any, role commanders should have in the administration of military justice and how current law should be adjusted to reflect a shift, he said. 'No one should be under any illusions that it can be done overnight,' Fidell said. | Hagel responded to letter from Sen Barbara Boxer, asking him to take another look at sexual assault case .
Lt Gen Craig Franklin overturned a November conviction against Lt Col James Wilkerson, a former Air Force inspector general .
Figures for 2012 show there were nearly 800 reports of cases ranging from inappropriate touching to rape - up 30 per cent from 2011 . |
0abe5e19e4383b165f2569c7975d76a562c1d1e6 | (CNN) -- For a world-class shopping experience you should head to glitzy Ginza. As well as flagship fashion outlets, the area boasts one of the city's best department stores, Mitsukoshi (4-6-16 Chuo Dori). The real treat here, as at many Tokyo department stores, is the fantastic basement-level food hall ("depachika"). For the complete Mitsukoshi experience, there's an ever bigger store in Nihombashi. The "Electric Town" of Akihabara is tech-head's heaven. Next door is Matsuya, another big department store, and while you're in the area don't miss the Sony Building (5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku). Your inner games geek won't be able to resist the entire floor devoted to the PlayStation. If you've ever wondered where Tokyo teenagers buy their wacky cyber-goth manga-inspired attire, the answer is Takeshita-Dori, a narrow street in Harajuku. On Sundays the street fills with fashion-conscious teens, dressed to impress. For the less adventurous, but more discerning shopper, Harajuku's main thoroughfare, Omotesando is lined with elegant boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Prada and Loveless (3-17-11 Minami-Aoyama). Looking unlike any shop you've seen before, Loveless has three floors of hip Japanese clothing and a basement decked out like the dungeon of some deranged medieval aristocrat. Harajuku is also home to six-floor Kiddy Land (6-1-9 Jingu-mae), one of the city's best toy stores, with a huge selection of Hello Kitty products. The area around Shibuya Station is a buzzing epicenter of shopping activity. Among its highlights are Tokyu Hands (Takashimaya Times Square, 5-24-2 Sendagaya), a department store that sells everything you could ever need, and plenty of stuff you had no idea even existed (electrically heated pilllows anyone?). A Bathing Ape (1 - Rise Bld. 13-17 Udagawa-Cho) offers funky T-shirts and trainers in an art gallery-style space, and Mandarake (Shibuya Beam B2 31-2 Udagawacho) is the place to satisfy your manga cravings, should you have any. For more manga, and a glimpse into the future, you'll want to go to Akihabara. Also known as Electric Town, Akihabara is a district of electronics stores clad in illuminated signs. Visit after dark for the full "Blade Runner" experience. Yodobashi Camera sells everything from next generation cell phones to cameras that aren't yet available outside Japan. For something more sedate, Daikanyama is a refined area popular with in-the-know fashionistas, while Jimbocho is the city's used-book quarter. Marunouchi was once a drab business district but is fast becoming the city's hottest shopping area. Shin-Marunouchi (just opposite the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Stations) is a huge building, with the lowest seven floors devoted to chic shopping. The basement "depachika" is a feast for foodies. Tokyo International Forum (5-1 Marunouchi 3-chome, Chiyoda-ku) is a vast space used for art exhibitions and as a concert hall. It also boasts excellent shopping and hosts a flea market every other Sunday. Where to stay | What to see | Where to be seen | Where to eat | Where to shop . ...................... Do you agree with our Tokyo picks? Send us your comments and suggestions in the "Sound Off" box below and we'll print the best. | Ginza offers world-class shopping - check out the food hall in Mitsukoshi .
Takeshita-Dori is where teenagers pick up their "cosplay" costumes .
Omotesando is lined with boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and Prada .
Akihabara, or "Electric Town," is the place to buy electronics and manga . |
0abe8517bb6909cad1d0e3e12e54c2623fa48a52 | (CNN) -- From designer John Galliano's anti-Semitic tirade to Vogue Italia's recent reference to "slave earrings" -- the fashion world is often, it seems, at the sharp end of the race debate. In 2007, several of the world's black supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Somalian-born Iman, and male model Tyson Beckford launched a campaign against race discrimination in the fashion industry. Former model Bethann Hardison organized the campaign. A model in the 1970s, she later formed her own agency and helped launch the careers of both Campbell and Beckford. She was quoted in the New York Times as saying, "Modeling is probably the one industry where you have the freedom to refer to people by their color and reject them in their work." The following year, Vogue Italia published the "Black Issue" -- celebrating models of color from the past and present. The magazine sold out in the United States and Great Britain within 72 hours. So how far has the industry changed since then? As Paris Fashion Week comes to a close, CNN spoke to two black women with two different experiences of the industry. Sosheba Griffiths, 22, is a model from Kingston, Jamaica who was discovered on her way home from school, aged 16. She moved to New York to launch her international career and has since worked with a long list of top designers including Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood and Diane von Furstenberg. She says things are looking good for models of all ethnicity. Constance C.R. White is Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine, a monthly title aimed at African-American women focusing on fashion, lifestyle and beauty. White acknowledges progress has been made, but says there's still a long way to go. How far have things changed in the fashion industry since 2008? Griffiths: There has definitely been a big improvement since 2008 ... After the all-black edition of Vogue Italia, we have seen the numbers of black models go up on catwalks, magazine shoots, adverts, everything. Everyone is much more aware of it now. I think that in the last couple of years people feel OK to talk about race, to say there has been a problem and to try and change that. White: Yes, there has been progress. Remember, there were no black models at all in the 30s and 40s and it was only as recently as the 1970s that we had the first black face on the cover of Vogue.But the change has not been anywhere near fast or dramatic enough. Unfortunately, there a still hurdles to overcome. Even this year there were some shows in Milan that didn't have a single black model. More generally, there are fewer jobs for black and Asian women ... and even though there are and have been a number of big name black supermodels like Naomi Cambell, Tyra Banks and Iman -- you rarely see them together in the same shoot. Are you concerned that the increased use of ethnically diverse models is just a fashion trend? White: There is a tendency to see black models as part of a trend rather than as a blank canvass. Designers and editors will say a certain style "looks good" on a black person -- generally something bright and colorful -- but you'd never hear the same discussions around white models. On top of this, the "black look" is defined narrowly within the fashion system. When an agency or designer says they want say, an "all American" look -- what does that mean? Do black models get sent on call for shoots like that? Mostly not. Griffiths: Ethnic looks are much more fashionable now than they used to be ... You see a lot more really lovely African fabrics, traditional tribal colors, Indian jewelery and stuff like that. But even if it started as a trend, I'm sure it's now something that is here to stay. The high-end designer clothes are getting more popular all over the world, not just Europe and America, so the designers will have to have models for all the different customers. How does life differ for black models on a day-to-day basis? White: Most white models are groomed for life in the fashion industry from a young age. An agent will invest resources so that they know how to dress, how to speak and how to behave on shoot. This type of thing doesn't often happen for black models, so they have a steeper learning curve and are more likely to feel like outsiders from the start. Griffiths: I think maybe I was one of the lucky ones. When I started in 2006, I moved from Jamaica to New York and it was amazing -- but everything was new to me. My agency took me to Topshop to buy a new wardrobe, and they told me the kind of thing I should say in castings and everything I needed to know to do well. From day-to-day there are some things that are different. When we do shoots, some of the makeup artists don't know what colors to use on our face or how to style our hair, and they maybe get a bit frustrated. But I don't get mad at them, I just try to help, I bring my own foundation and let them use that. | How far has fashion industry tackled racism since Vogue Italia "All Black" issue?
Young black model and editor of black women's magazine have different views .
But both agree that the future is only going to be more diverse . |
0abf4bacd3194af1f0c8f254489fddb925d0f4de | A skull dating back to the 1600s has been found in Australia, casting doubt over whether Captain Cook really was the first European to land on the east coast of the country. In preparation for a murder investigation, police ran carbon dating tests on the intact human skull but results showed it was a lot older than first expected. Results found that the skull, found near Taree a large town about 200 miles north of Sydney recently, could date back to the mid-1600s, 120 years before Captain Cook landed in Australia. Here before Captain Cook? Carbon dating of this skull found in Australia recently suggested that the person, a white male, was born in the mid-1600s, almost 100 years before Captain Cook arrived in the country . Expert Stewart Fallon from the Australian National University, who did the carbon dating, was shocked to discover the age of the artefact, which tests confirmed was the male skull of a white European. He told AFP: ‘We didn't know how old this one was. We assumed at first that it was going to be a very young sample. ‘When we first did it we weren't really thinking about people coming to Australia and things like that until we started to look at the dates and say, “Oh, that's becoming intriguing”.’ Dr Fallon said that carbon dating for dates after 1950 was very accurate but anything earlier was less clear. Two samples for the skull indicated two different dates but both were within the error range. He suggested there was a good chance that the man was born in the mid-1600s. 'Intriguing': Dr Stewart Fallon said carbon dating results suggested, with 80 per cent probability, that the skull was of a man born in the mid-1600s which came as a shock because he thought the remains were much younger on first inspection . He said: ‘Using [the dates] together we can do some modelling as to what we expect the calendar age to be ... and the way it works out by using those two dates is that we get about an 80 per cent probability that the person was born somewhere around the 1650s and died somewhere between 1660 and 1700. The other possibility, which Dr Fallon gave a one-in-five probability, was that the man was born between 1780 and 1790, and died between 1805 and 1810. Historians have been cautious about the discovery, suggesting it does not necessarily refute Captain Cook’s claim. Archaeologist Adam Ford said that because the skull was found without other remains, it could have been imported as part of a private collection. He told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph: . ‘Before we rewrite the history of European settlement we have to . consider a number of issues, particularly the circumstances of the . discovery. Don't rewrite history just yet: Historians have been cautious with one suggesting that the skull (right) may have been imported to Australia as part of a private collection because it was found without other remains. Captain Cook (left) reached the east coast of Australia in 1770 . ‘The fact the skull is in good condition and found alone could easily point to it coming from a private collection and skulls were very popular with collectors in the 19th century.’ Cassie Mercer, an Australian historical researcher said: ‘If the skull does pre-date British settlement, it may be a tragic yet fascinating clue to the little-known history of early interactions between First Australians and the outside world.’ Detective Sergeant John Williamson said: ‘The DNA determined the skull . was a male and the anthropologist report states the skull is that of a . Caucasoid aged anywhere from 28 to 65.’ Captain Cook is thought to be the first white person to reach the east coast of Australia when he reached shore in April 1770. He declared the east British soil, four months later. Dutch explorers reached the north and west coasts in the early 1600s. | Carbon dating of the skull suggests it is of a man born in the mid-1600s .
It was found near the town of Taree, 200 miles north of Sydney .
Captain James Cook was thought to be the first white European to reach the east cost of Australia .
Historians have been cautious and suggest the relic may have been imported . |
0abff88b8d547aedb45a63dd0b5fe7a8c21823fc | By . Mark Prigg . NASA doesn't have enough money to get its new, $12 billion rocket system off the ground by the end of 2017 as planned, federal auditors warned today. The Government Accountability Office issued a report Wednesday saying Nasa's's Space Launch System is at 'high risk of missing' its planned December 2017 initial test flight. The post-space shuttle program would build the biggest rockets ever - larger than the Saturn V rockets which sent men to the moon - to send astronauts to asteroids and Mars. Scroll down for video . An artist's impression of the giant rocket taking off . There will be two versions of the rocket. The smaller, 70-metric-ton SLS will stand 321 feet tall, provide 8.4 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, weigh 5.5 million poundsand carry 154,000 pounds of payload. The massive 130-metric-ton-configuration will be the most capable, powerful launch vehicle in history. Towering a staggering 384 feet tall, it will provide 9.2 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and weigh 6.5 million pounds. It will be able to carry payloads weighing 286,000 pounds to orbit. 'They can't meet the date with the money they have,' report author Cristina Chaplain said. She said it wasn't because the space agency had technical problems with the congressionally-required program, but that Nasa didn't get enough money to carry out the massive undertaking. The GAO report put the current shortfall at $400 million, but did say Nasawas 'making solid progress' on the rocket program design. Nasa's launch system officials told the GAO that there was a 90 percent chance of not hitting the launch date at this time. This usually means Nasa has to delay its test launch date, get more money or be less ambitious about what it plans to do, said former Nasa associate administrator Scott Pace, space policy director at George Washington University. The biggest rocket ever made: The SLS will be 384 feet tall and weigh 6.5 million pounds . Nasa is working on the problems GAO highlighted, but delaying launch or diverting money from other programs would harm taxpayers, Nasa Associate Administrator William Gerstenmaier wrote in the agency's response. 'Welcome to aerospace,' Pace said, pointing out that large space projects often end up as much as 50 percent over budget. He said that 'is why you shouldn't believe initial cost estimates.' The space agency has been reluctant to put an overall price tag on the Space Launch System. The GAO report says it will cost $12 billion to get to the first test launch and 'potentially billions more to develop increasingly capable vehicles' that could be used for launches to asteroids and Mars. | Construction of the Space Launch System has already begun .
Rocket will be 384 feet tall and weigh 6.5 million pounds .
First test flight scheduled for 2017 .
Could be used as part of Manned Mars missions . |
0ac00a2e9ff0d833ad4b2e4e1a37d74651fe8bc2 | Ed Miliband today described himself as a 'child of immigrants' but vowed to introduce a new bill to tighten rules on foreigners moving to Britain if he wins the next election. The Labour leader, in Rochester and Strood ahead of next month's crunch by-election, said he was 'proud of the contribution' immigrants like his parents had made to Britain. But he pledged new legislation would be introduced in the first Queen's Speech after the general election. Extra border controls and new powers to force public sector workers to speak English will be introduced as part of a wider package of measures passed 'within weeks' of a new Labour government, party sources said. Labour leader Ed Miliband pledged immigration legislation in the first Queen's Speech after the general election as he campaigned in Rochester & Strood . Mr Miliband was campaigning before the November 20 Rochester and Strood by-election sparked by Conservative MP Mark Reckless defected to Ukip . A Conservative spokesman said: 'This is just pathetic posturing from Miliband...nothing he has promised today would actually reduce immigration. 'Labour had an open-door immigration policy for 13 years.' Mr Miliband praised Labour's candidate in Rochester, Naushabah Khan, adding: 'Like Naushabah, I am the child of immigrants'. But he said abuses needed to be tackled. He said recruitment agencies banned from only hiring from abroad and companies employing people from outside the EU would have to create an apprenticeship. There would also be a specific law against bringing in foreign workers to undercut wages in the UK, and a reintroduction of ‘counting in and counting out’ at borders. He has been under pressure from some of his MPs to harden his line on immigration since Ukip came close to taking Heywood and Middleton, a supposed safe Labour seat near Manchester in a by-election this month. But speaking to Labour supporters in Chatham, Mr Miliband said he was also clear about what he ‘will not do’. He said: ‘False promises on immigration just make people more cynical about politics. I will not be part of that.’ Mr Miliband said he knew the EU ‘needs to change if we are to deal with the problems of immigration’. ‘We will seek change in Europe for longer transitional controls when new countries join the EU,’ he said. Stopping child benefit and child tax credits being paid to kids living abroad. Doubling the period before people would be entitled to benefits. And stronger rules to deal with foreign criminals'. Ukip candidate Mark Reckless (left) hopes to follow in the footsteps of Douglas Carswell (right) who was became the party's first elected MP earlier this month . Ukip leader Nigel Farage (left), speaking with the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Strasbourg yesterday, has described the by-election as the 'most important' in 30 years . But he highlighted David Cameron's failure to hit the target of bringing net annual immigration down to tens of thousands. ‘I will not make promises I cannot keep,’ he said. ‘I will never propose a policy or a course of action that would damage our country. ‘Nigel Farage wants to leave the EU, on which three million British jobs and thousands of businesses in our country depend ... ‘Now David Cameron is also saying he is ready to leave the EU and have Britain turn its back on the rest of the world.’ Mr Miliband declared: ‘I will not be a prime minister that puts either those jobs and businesses or our national interest at risk. ‘Labour offers real change right now, not damage to our country.’ Voters in the Kent town of Rochester will get the chance to return Ukip's second MP in the by-election next year . The speech comes with less than a month to go until the by-election triggered by Mark Reckless after he defected from the Tories to Ukip. A new poll has suggested Mr Reckless is on track to retain his seat on November 20, with 43 per cent support to 30 per cent for the Conservatives. Labour are trailing on 21 per cent. In a direct appeal to traditional Labour voters not to shift allegiance to Nigel Farage's Ukip, Mr Miliband said: ‘If you want a party for working people, then vote Labour in this by-election, for clear, credible and concrete change.’ | Labour leader pledges legislation in first Queen's Speech after the election .
Miliband made announcement during campaign visit to Rochester & Strood .
November 20 by-election in Kent town sparked by Mark Reckless defection .
Ukip on track to comfortably win the seat according to new polls . |
0ac03bd25693b98905c692a06b01b08247243887 | Three quarters of GPs want to charge foreigners for appointments, figures show. They say too many migrants and tourists are abusing the NHS, which is already under immense pressure. Many want foreigners to be regarded as private patients and made to pay at the surgery reception either by card or cash. Three quarters of GPs want to charge foreigners for appointments as they fear too many migrants and tourists are abusing the NHS, which is already under immense pressure (stock picture) A private GP appointment typically costs £70 and from then on overseas patients would also have to pay for blood tests, scans or drugs. Ministers have warned that the NHS is becoming an ‘international health service’ and overseas patients not entitled to free care racking up bills of up to £300 million year. They have proposed a series of measures to crackdown on the problem including a pilot scheme last month to check the documents of all new patients registering with a GP. At present, GP appointments and treatment are free for all overseas patients although they are meant to pay for most hospital procedures. But family doctors say that the current system makes them a gateway for foreigners abusing free hospital treatment. Dr Kailash Chand, Deputy Chair of the British Medical Association, argues the NHS should remain free for anyone who needed to use it . This is because staff rarely bother to check patients’ nationalities and whether they should be paying as they assume that if they have a GP referral they are eligible for free NHS care. A survey of 515 GPs by Pulse magazine found that 77 per cent were in favour of ‘upfront’ charges for foreign patients. One, Dr Zishan Syed, a GP in Maidstone, Kent, said: ‘It is a sad reality but there is abuse of the NHS by foreign visitors. ‘It is only fair that they pay upfront if they are not entitled to free care on the NHS. ‘The NHS is in trouble and it is only right that the Government stops anyone from taking advantage of a system that is already under immense pressure. Another Dr Niall Finegan, a GP in Salford, Greater Manchester pointed out that British patients don’t get free care abroad there is no reason the NHS should pay for foreigners. ‘We do not get free care abroad.’ He said. Another anonymous GP said: ‘GP should be able to charge patient as if he is private patient and give private prescription. why should we do work free of charge for patients not entitled to NHS treatment. One other doctor, who did not reveal their name said: ‘These patients need to be treated as private patient. ‘GPs should charge fee and give private prescription. Most of money should go to GP.’ But other doctors said the NHS should remain free for anyone who needed to use it. Dr Kailash Chand, Deputy Chair of the British Medical Association, which represents doctors said: ‘Quite a significant majority of GPs for as long as I have known have supported charging foreign visitors for NHS care. ‘They see this as one of the solutions for the demand. It is understandable. ‘But I think they are mistaken. I believe in universal health care. If they bring in these charges, where do you stop? This will be counterproductive.’ Last month the Department of Health announced a pilot whereby all new patients registering at a GP would have to prove they are either British citizens or if from the EU, show their European Health Insurance Card. The scheme will initially involve ten practices as part of a series of measures aimed at getting GPs in the habit of checking if patients are entitled to free care. | Figures show majority of GPs want to charge foreigners for appointments .
Doctors say migrants are abusing NHS which is under immense pressure .
Ministers warned the NHS is becoming an ‘international health service’
Overseas patients are racking up health care bills of up to £300 million year . |
0ac087a38e319cdaf67876cb39bd0062ff1fa598 | LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's accident prone "Octopus UFO" is just one of hundreds of unexplained sightings in the same area where a wind turbine was wrecked over the weekend, according to the latest reports. The Sun tabloid newspaper's UFO splash. Britain's tabloid Sun newspaper Thursday proclaimed from its front page that a wind turbine was ruined after a UFO hit one of its 20 meter-long blades in Conisholme, Lincolnshire. It quoted residents who saw strange balls of lights in the sky and heard a loud bang. However, another British national newspaper said the lights were just fireworks from a staff member's dad's birthday celebration. Turbine experts suggested it was a simple mechanical failure. The plot thickened further Friday, with The Sun saying it had been "bombarded" with reports of UFO sightings from hundreds of witnesses in the area where the turbine was destroyed. Watch video on the UFO incident . "There have been reports of flying saucers for more than six months," the newspaper said. Local John Harrison, 32, told The Sun he looked out of his window and saw "a massive ball of light with tentacles going right down to the ground." The newspaper said "other respected witnesses, such as local council chairman Robert Palmer and GP Jenny Watson, described seeing 'streaking white lights'." Quoting unnamed Ministry of Defence "insiders," The Sun said the UFO sightings may be an unmanned stealth bomber on test flights. It said the Taranis "black delta-wing craft" was being developed nearby to deliver bombs undetected in war zones; back to the testing board then? However, initial reports when the Taranis contract was let last year said it would take at least four years to develop with flight testing due 2010... in Australia. CNN has also been "bombarded" with messages, but mainly from people less than convinced. J. Kale believed there was a very simple explanation. "The octopus thing obviously thought the wind turbine was a female doing a mating dance and tried to mate with it." Trevor Brown was worried the aliens did not "know how to drive a flying octopus." Mono was worried what the aliens might think about the fuss. "Well, let's hope there is intelligent life watching us. It would at least prove there is intelligence somewhere." Maxim, who lives near the turbines, had a simple explanation for the lights. "On Sunday there was a very spectacular meteor shower, like fireworks on the horizontal." Lilia was unimpressed with some of the explanations -- and your writer. "Listen, just report the story and follow through. Think you can do that? Without screwing up? The plausible explanations are absurd. You are going to tell me that the residents of the area are not going to recognize fireworks? This is a ridiculous and insulting explanation and it sounds exactly like that, offensive and ridiculous. I don't know if there was a UFO or not, but it is all rather odd. What I do know is that the arrogant tone has got to stop." Is it life Jim but not as we know it? Beam us up your thoughts. | British tabloid blames UFO for destroying wind turbine blade .
"Octopus UFO" may have been unmanned stealth bomber on test flight, paper says .
CNN readers remain skeptical about role of UFO in turbine's ruination . |
0ac097e2b312240f3dfa13bc5b01ca9a91f1964a | At least 50 people were injured when two trains crashed into each other in Switzerland today - with a passenger claiming one had jumped a red light. The crash happened in Rafz, north of Zurich, during the early morning rush-hour. A high-speed train from Zurich collided with an RER suburban one, causing it to derail. 'The accident happened at 6.45am,' said a Zurich police spokesman. 'It's serious.' Scroll down for video . Derailed carriages are seen at a station in Rafz, Switzerland, after two trains collided, injuring 50 passengers . Investigation: One of the passengers claimed one of the trains had jumped a red light . Carnage: A high-speed train from Zurich collided with an RER suburban one, causing it to derail . Ambulances and a helicopter rushed to the crash site, as all services on the line between Bulach and Schaffhausen were suspended. An 18-year-old passenger on the RER train told local media that he thought his train, which had just left Ratz in the direction of Schaffhausen had 'passed through a red light'. He added: 'A fast train from Zurich came up behind us and brushed against the side of our RER. 'The Intercity service derailed.' Lars Fehr, 20, meanwhile told the Blick daily he had been sitting in the Rafz station waiting room when the crash occurred. Firefighters inspect the site of the train crash at Rafz station, a town 20 miles north of Zurich . Ambulances and police helicopters rushed to the scene and service on the train line between the towns of Bulach and Schaffhouse has been suspended . 'Suddenly there was a loud bang,' he told the paper, adding that both the trains had been heading in the same direction. Fehr said a woman had called the police and some people had headed out to the derailed train to help. 'The conductor got out of the locomotive, put on a safety vest and helped passengers out of the train,' he said. The Swiss are Europe's top rail users, and their network is normally envied abroad for safety and quality. | Crash happened early today at Rafz train station 20 miles north of Zurich .
18-year-old passenger claims he thought one of the trains jumped a light . |
0ac0b846d8d643d339e347a474fbc4860467407d | A father has condemned the NHS for double standards after he was refused a surgery on his chest due to his gender, he believes. Gareth Edwards pleaded with the NHS for surgery after one side of his chest became bigger than the other, resembling a breast. The 24-year-old suffers from gynecomastia - swelling of the breast tissue in men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. Scroll down for video . Gareth Edwards, 24, suffers from gynecomastia - swelling of breast tissue in men. The condition has led to his chest becoming asymmetrical . The father-of-one says the stress of his condition is making him ill - and he desperately wants surgery . The condition can can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. While it isn't a threat to health, it can cause great emotional distress to those affected. Mr Edwards, a father-of-one, says he is so distressed by his appearance he can no longer go to the gym or show his chest on the beach. He is now desperate to have surgery to make his breasts more symmetrical. However the NHS has refused to fund the op because there is no demonstrable health benefit to having it. Mr Edwards, from Bovey Tracey, Devon, said has now been told it will cost more than £3,000 to have an operation privately - money he does not have. Mr Edwards believes he has a right to have surgery on the NHS - but has been refused the op . The hotel chef, who weighs 9st, said: 'About six months ago I noticed one side of my chest was bigger than the other. 'It's now got to the point where I can't go to the gym, or the beach on a sunny day and take off my T-shirt. I'm scared people are staring at me. 'My friends were shocked I had a boob and said I should seek help. 'I was told it is fatty tissue that needs removing - and it's only going to get bigger.' He insists private surgery is not an option due to his personal circumstances. 'I have a young son and a family to feed and clothe - I don’t have that kind of money. I need the operation to remove the lump and gristle, which is causing the problem.' He added: 'I pay taxes and National Insurance. All I’m asking is for the NHS to do its job and fix my issue, which I shouldn't have to pay for. The stress of it all is making me ill. 'Women get boob jobs on the NHS but I can't get help - it's very upsetting.' A spokesman for South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group said: 'When making these decisions we have a responsibility to take into account ethical issues, safety, clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness, balancing the needs of the majority with the differing needs of the individual. 'We are not unsympathetic to any individual who wishes to change their appearance. 'However when there is no demonstrable health benefit to the individual the NHS is unlikely to agree funding.' The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both. If there is predominantly a diffuse fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. This involves sucking out the tissue through a small tube inserted via a 3-4mm incision. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be excised (cut out) with a scalpel. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars. Most operations for gynaecomastia take about 90 minutes and are performed under general anaesthetic, or in some cases, under local anaesthesic with sedation. Source: BAAPS . | Gareth Edwards suffers from gynecomastia - swelling of breast tissue in men .
Condition is caused by imbalance of hormones oestrogen and testosterone .
Has left 24-year-old with one side of his chest bigger than the other .
Applied to have op to make his chest more symmetrical on the NHS .
But was refused surgery as there is 'no health benefit', says funding body .
Having surgery privately would cost £3,000, which father-of-one can't afford . |
0ac0dfdaca4ed1e3e559505b383919d727ddd603 | Arsenal named six academy products on their bench with an average age of just 18 for their Champions League victory at Galatasaray. Three of them - Gedion Zelalem, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Stefan O'Connor - got on to the field for the Gunners. Here, Sportsmail takes a look at how the youngsters performed during Tuesday night's 4-1 victory... Aaron Ramsey watches on as his half-volley flies towards the Galatasaray goal during the first half . Gedion Zelalem (17, midfielder, German) - Played 45 minutes . Minutes played: 45 . Total passes: 44 (40 completed) Pass completion rate: 90.9 per cent . Accurate forward-half passes: 15 . Forward-half pass completion: 83.3 per cent . Recoveries: 4 . Fouls: 1 . The young German's introduction to this match came somewhat under the radar after he replaced Mathieu Flamini just before the half-time interval. However, he showed some promising glimpses during the second half. He looked composed on the ball, tidy in possession, as well as strong and physical. It appears he could slot into the team seamlessly in defensive midfield - having completed 90.9 per cent of his 44 passes during the second half. On saying that, the 17-year-old could not have asked for a better game to be introduced into with it already done and dusted at 3-0 by the time he arrived on to the field. Gedion Zelalem (right) holds off the challenge of Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder on Tuesday night . This was Zelalem's second appearance for the Gunners, although his first in the Champions League, having come on as a substitute during the FA Cup tie with Coventry City in January. He is a German Under 17 international, as well as being a regular in the Arsenal Under 21 and Under 19 sides. Zelalem could well find himself as a consistent replacement for Arsenal in a position they are severely lacking in. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (left) talks to Zelalem in training ahead of the match . Ainsley Maitland-Niles (17, winger, English) - Played 45 minutes . Minutes played: 45 . Total passes: 29 (27 completed) Pass completion rate: 93.1 per cent . Accurate forward-half passes: 8 . Forward-half pass completion: 80 per cent . Tackles: 3 . Fouls: 1 . Maitland-Niles came on at half-time for Aaron Ramsey to make his full professional debut having been an unused substitute in the defeat at Stoke City - and in the process he became their second-youngest ever representative in the Champions League. Aged 17 years and 102 days, only Jack Wilshere (aged 16 years and 239 days when he made his debut) has appeared at a younger age in Europe for the Gunners. Unfortunately for the youngster, Arsenal's fluidity and intensity slacked off in the second half as they eased off the gas. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, also 17, came on for his competitive debut for Arsenal on Tuesday night . That said, he still looked extremely confident for one so young and did not look over-awed by the occasion. He completed a remarkable 93.1 per cent of his 29 attempted passes - including playing a couple of nice through-balls to release Joel Campbell as the game became stretched late on. Unorthodox for a winger, but Maitland-Niles also provided an important clearance from a dangerous Galatasaray attack. He is renowned for his pace and crossing ability, but unfortunately had little-to-no opportunity to show it on Tuesday night. The winger (right) and Hector Bellerin (left) both challenge Bruma of Galatasaray for the ball . Stefan O'Connor (17, defender, English) - Played 13 minutes . Minutes played: 13 . Total passes: 7 (6 completed) Pass completion rate: 85.7 per cent . Accurate forward-half passes: 2 . Forward-half pass completion: 100 per cent . Clearances: 3 . Fouls: 0 . The commanding centre back barely had an opportunity to prove how invaluable he could be to an Arsenal first team severely lacking in power and leadership. However, for the 13 minutes he was on the field after replacing Mathieu Debuchy, O'Connor did not put a single foot wrong. In fact, the 17-year-old made three clearances - including a vital one just before Wesley Sneijder was about to unleash a shot from the edge of the area - and contributed a few nice passes too. He is already a regular in Arsenal's Under 21 team and has excelled in the UEFA Youth League. O'Connor has also been capped for England at Under 17 level and is seen by Arsenal as a real defensive prospect for the future. Stefan O'Connor (second right) challenges for the ball during Arsenal's match against Galatasaray . O'Connor (left) challenges Lukas Podolski for the ball during Arsenal training on Monday . | Arsenal beat Galatasaray 4-1 in Champions League on Tuesday .
The Gunners' bench for the night had an average age of just 18 .
Three 17-year-olds came on for Arsenal in the second half .
Gedion Zelalem, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Stefan O'Connor came on .
Here, Sportsmail assesses how the three youngsters performed . |
0ac1fbe30fa074f91c280997ad8d980202430c5d | Two men have been charged in the United States with conspiring to help overthrow the government in the tiny West African nation of Gambia, federal prosecutors said Monday. Both men were in custody and were expected to make court appearances Monday in Baltimore and Minneapolis. The charges stem from a Dec. 30 coup attempt in the former British colony, which came as the longtime ruler was away. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who has since returned to the country, blamed 'terrorist groups' for the coup attempt and alleged that plotters had received backing from foreign countries. Accused: American citizens Cherno Njie, 57 (left), and Papa Faal, 46 (right), were arrested upon their return to the US from the tiny West African nation following a thwarted December coup in which they allegedly participated . Home: In this Monday photo is the home of Papa Faal in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Faal and Njie are accused of traveling to Gambia independently of one another to participate in a coup. Njie hails from Austin, Texas . Shots fired: Residents walk on an empty street in Banjul, Gambia, Tuesday, December 30 on the same day heavy gunfire rang out Tuesday near the presidential palace in the tiny West African nation . Prosecutors say the two men, Cherno Njie and Papa Faal, traveled separately from the United States to Gambia to participate in the unrest there. They later returned to the U.S. and are now in custody. 'The United States strongly condemns such conspiracies. With these serious charges, the United States is committed to holding them fully responsible for their actions,' Attorney General Eric Holder said in the statement. Overall, about 10 to 12 people were in Gambia to try to overthrow the government 'with the expectation that others in the country would join and assist them,' the department said. According to BBC News, court documents indicate Njie was a leader of the conspiracy who was set to be appointed interim leader of Gambia had the coup succeeded. Human rights activists have long criticized the Gambian government for targeting political opponents, journalists and gays and lesbians. Jammeh came to powern in The Gambia in a coup 20 years ago and has a tight grip on the tiny nation, a slither of land on the Atlantic coast surrounded by Senegal . Gambian-Americans: President Yahya Jammeh is pictured in 2006. The Gambian president was out of the country on Tuesday when shots rang out in what appeared to be a coup led by Gambians who'd since left for other countries, including at least two from the United States . The U.S. government recently removed Gambia from a trade agreement in response to human rights abuses, including a law signed in October that imposes life imprisonment for some homosexual acts . Faal, 46, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Gambia who lives in Minnesota, told investigators that in August he joined a movement in the United States bent on overthrowing the government. He said he was motivated to be part of the group, which prosecutors said planned to ambush the president's convoy, by concerns that elections were being rigged and over 'the plight of the Gambian people,' according to court papers. Prosecutors say he purchased semi-automatic rifles in Minnesota that were then shipped by cargo ship to Gambia. After members of the group were defeated at the Gambian State House, Faal escaped by ferry to neighboring Senegal, where he walked into the U.S. Embassy, spoke to U.S. officials and gave the FBI permission to search his home in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, prosecutors say. Njie, 57, is a U.S. citizen of Gambian descent who lives in Austin, Texas. He was arrested Sunday after flying into Dulles International Airport from Senegal. It wasn't immediately clear whether the two men had lawyers. Yahya Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup . Gunmen attacked the capital, Banjul, in the early hours of December 30, when President Yahya Jammeh was out of the country. Diplomats say at least four attackers were killed. On the run were several others. Since returning on Wednesday, Jammeh has warned he would not spare anyone involved in the attempted coup, which local media said was led by former presidential guard chief Lamin Sanneh. Sanneh's mother and brother were amongst those arrested so far, family members said, asking not to be named. 'Nobody can also destabilize this country. So anybody who comes to attack this country; be ready because you are going to die no matter who you are and who backed you,' Jammeh said. 'We will get to the bottom of this and we will not spare anybody,' he said. 'Enough is enough. They want to destroy our country. We will destroy them,' he added. Jammeh came to power in a coup 20 years ago and has a tight grip on the tiny nation, a slither of land on the Atlantic coast surrounded by Senegal. A failed coup plot in 2006 led to a crackdown and some executions, according to rights groups. Jammeh is one of Africa's most vocal anti-gay leaders and has previously threatened to behead sexual minorities found in his country. The U.S. government recently removed Gambia from a trade agreement in response to human rights abuses, including a law signed in October that imposes life imprisonment for some homosexual acts. Jammeh also drew swift condemnation from activists in 2007 after he insisted that HIV-positive patients stop taking their antiretroviral medications, claiming he could cure them with an herbal body rub and bananas. Soldiers loyal to Gambian President Yahya Jammeh went house-to-house in search of opponents Thursday after the longtime leader blamed 'terrorist groups' for staging a coup attempt earlier this week. Jammeh, who was out of the country at the time of Tuesday's attack but has since returned to Banjul, the capital, alleged that the coup plotters had received backing from some foreign countries. 'I live for the Gambia and I will die fighting for the truth. No human being can do anything to me, my government or the Gambia,' Jammeh said. 'It was not a coup. It was an attack by dissidents based in the US, Germany and United Kingdom.' After hours of fighting, forces loyal to Jammeh's regime succeeded in getting the upper hand, killing five insurgents. It was not immediately known how many casualties were suffered by the national military. 'We are all gripped by fear,' said one Banjul resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. A 2011 campaing poster for Jammeh stands along the side of a Banul road. Papa Faal said he was motivated to be part of the group, which prosecutors said planned to ambush the president's convoy, by concerns that elections were being rigged and over 'the plight of the Gambian people,' according to court papers. | Cherno Njie, 57, and Papa Faal, 46, were arrested upon their return to the US from the tiny West African nation following a thwarted December coup .
The men, both of Gambian descent, conspiring to help overthrow longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh--who Njie would have replaced following a victory .
The men were slated to appear in American courts Monday as U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder condemned 'such conspiracies' |
0ac2cb5ad039f37fc3fe8da10dd585ace769dee0 | Police shot a 17-year-old who opened fire during a high school football game between two local rivals. Eugene Brantley was hit in the arm by officers after interrupting the game between Mays and Carver high schools at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday night. Witnesses say there were about nine minutes left in the fourth quarter when they started hearing gunshots from outside the stadium. Stopped: This is the dramatic moment a police officer restrained 17-year-old Eugene Brantley on the side of a football pitch after he opened fire during a game between two high school football rivals . Response: Officers swarm around Brantley who was shot in the arm after interrupting the game between Mays and Carver high schools at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia . Some said around a dozen were fired as terrified players, cheerleaders and spectators tried to flee the scene. Brantley was then shot and was subsequently restrained by police on the track circling the outfield. Jonathan Gooch told WXIA. 'The first two went off and everyone stopped and started looking around thinking there can't be gunshots. 'After the next five, six, seven, all the players started running, all the coaches started running, all the officials jumped down to the ground, the cheerleaders didn't know where to go.' The game was called off after the ordeal, however because of play off implications, they will have to reschedule the game and start from the point where it was abandoned/ . Atlanta Public Schools have canceled or moved all high school and middle school games scheduled to be played at the stadium Saturday. In the aftermath, Brantley was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, obstruction, reckless conduct and carrying a weapon on school property. He was taken to hospital following the shooting and is said to be still receiving treatment. It is the second shooting at a school in the area this month. On Octber 3, Kristofer Hunter, a 17-year-old student was shot to death in the parking lot outside of Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn following a game. Dropped: Police retrieved a gun from the frenzied scene and then took the 17-year-old into custody . Reaction: Players, cheerleaders and spectators were forced to flee the scene at Lakewood Stadium with witnesses saying they heard at least a dozen shots . Detained: After police arrived at the scene and shot Brantleym, he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, obstruction, reckless conduct and carrying a weapon on school property . | Eugene Brantley interrupted game at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta .
He was shot in the arm by officers and then restrained on the running track .
Match was between two long-time rivals Mays and Carver high schools .
Witnesses say a dozen shots were fired before police took him down .
Frenzied spectators and players were forced to flee the scene .
Game was immediately abandoned and will now be rearranged .
Is the second shooting in the Atlanta area in the last month . |
0ac51e091f15a102c144bf51d50c630dac02c2d2 | Claire Mills heard a pupil compare her to a king prawn because he'd 'keep the head but throw away the body' The comment prompted the mum-of-one to drop from 18-and-a-half stone to ten stone and a dress size 26 to ten . By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 04:43 EST, 15 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:25 EST, 15 October 2012 . A cruel comment from a school boy over her weight has prompted a teacher to lose almost nine stone. Claire Mills, 31, was mortified when she . overheard students poking fun at her size, with one pupil calling her an 'upside down king prawn' because he'd 'keep the head but throw away the body.' 'Hearing that comment broke my heart, but it gave me the motivation I needed to shift the flab,' said Claire, from Llandrindod, Powys. Who's laughing now? Claire Mills lost nearly nine stone after hearing school children mocking her size . The mum-of-one was a size 26 and tipped the scales at almost 18 and a half stone at her heaviest. But after cutting out comfort food . and taking up jogging, she has shed almost nine . stone - and now weighs just over 10 stone. She said: 'I was always one of the bigger children in school, and as I got older, I became very conscious of my size. I was so much bigger than all my friends, but I never had the motivation to do anything to change the way I looked. 'I got upset about it, so I'd stay in at night, sitting on the sofa, eating comfort food.' Claire said her weight then crept up further after she married husband, Darren and had a daughter, Jessica. Mummy's shrunk: Claire's daughter Jessica shows how her mum no longer fits into her old size 26 jeans . Baggy trousers: The mother can now fit both her legs into the trouser leg that used to fit one after she slimmed down through healthy eating and exercise . 'When I met Darren, a farmer, and got . married, I was so happy, I couldn't believe that someone would want me . to be their wife - so I didn't worry about losing weight then either,' she explained. 'And when I fell pregnant in 2008, I took that as licence to eat whatever I liked. 'I was so unhappy with myself when . Jessica was born though, I refused to have my photo taken with her - I . really regret that I only have a handful of snaps of us together when . she was a baby.' The teacher also found her size was affecting her work. Part of her job as a Duke of Edinburgh Development Officer involved . accompanying groups of young people on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. But . she couldn't keep up with her pupils on the outdoor treks and had to . completely rule out fun activities like canoeing. 'King prawn': A pupil said he would 'keep the head but throw away the body' when Claire looked like this, prompting her to lose weight . She said: 'I love my job, being outdoors with the . children, and I wouldn't change it for the world - but I was so big I . couldn't do it properly. 'My job also involves a lot of driving . round the country to different sites, so I'd always have plenty of . sweets and sandwiches in the car for when I got bored.' It . was on one of these trips that Claire heard some children mocking her . figure and that finally gave her the push she needed to lose weight. 'One day I overheard a group of . boys talking about me. They didn't know I was there, and they were . laughing about how fat I was,' she recalled. 'One of them said: "Her face is alright, . but you wouldn't want the body. She's like an upside down prawn - keep . the head, chuck away the rest." 'I pretended I hadn't heard, and carried . on as normal, but when I got home I broke down in floods of tears. I . realised I had to do something about my weight for the sake of my . health, my family and my pride.' A rare picture of Claire with Jessica when she was younger: The mother avoided cameras at the time because she was ashamed of her size . Claire signed up with the Cambridge Weight Loss plan which restricts dieters to eating only soups and shakes for a set period . of time. 'The first week of sticking to the plan . was really tough - but I soon realised that once I stopped thinking . about what I was going to have for tea every night, and obsessing about . food, it didn't matter that much,' she said. New wardrobe needed: The teacher once tipped the scales at almost 18-and-a-half stone but is now a size ten . 'Once it was time for me to reintroduce . healthy cooked meals back into my diet, food wasn't such a big issue for . me, and I'd lost so much weight, I wasn't going to spoil it by eating . takeaways every night.' As the pounds fell off, Claire then took up running and two years after being spurred into action, she is now . thrilled to be able to slip into a size 10 dress. Health kick: Claire said she hasn't been happier since losing weight as she can now be a more active wife and mother to husband Darren and daughter Jessica . She said she couldn't be happier with her new figure. 'It wasn't long before people at work started to notice the difference in me, and I was soon the talk of the village. 'My little girl looks at pictures of me . now from a few years ago and doesn't recognise me. It's wonderful to be . able to do so much with her now. She added: 'My husband, Darren, has been so supportive of me - he'd love me no matter what I look like, but he's pleased there is a bit more room for him in the bed now!'I feel so much better for being fitter and healthier - losing weight is the best thing I've ever done.' | Claire Mills heard a pupil compare her to a king prawn because he'd 'keep the head but throw away the body'
The comment prompted the mum-of-one to drop from 18-and-a-half stone to ten stone and a dress size 26 to ten . |
0ac525e9135dee601bc15f8d1dd0c66d426dbb94 | Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars, 62, coincidentally was knocked over on Saturday night by an overzealous fan who was hauled off by security . By . Paul Chavez . PUBLISHED: . 16:31 EST, 5 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:27 EST, 6 May 2013 . A crazed fan stormed onstage and grabbed singer Justin Bieber from behind on Sunday in Dubai during the middle of a piano performance. The 19-year-old Canadian pop star was performing one of his last songs, Believe, when a youth in a white shirt and jeans blindsided the unsuspecting singer. Bieber managed to free himself and dashed to the side of the stage. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Onstage drama: A youth rushed the stage at Justin Bieber's concert in Dubai on Sunday and grabbed the singer from behind . Security guards rushed the stage and lunged at the attacker, according to a report in Dubai English language newspaper The National. The stage stormer pushed the piano off its hinges and it fell damaged to the stage. A video posted by a fan online showed security guards rushing around the stage as the piano lay upturned. An accompanying tweet said: 'Whoa. Crazy fan tackled @justinbieber and knocked the piano down the stage. Mayhem.' Downright piano: Justin's piano was a casualty in the attack . According to reports, Bieber was . rattled, but he and his eight-piece band finished the song while the . offender was taken off the stage. After a three-minute break, Bieber returned for an encore and finished the concert with Boyfriend and the finale Baby. Bieber . also performed on Saturday in Dubai as part of his international . Believe Tour and pulled a song out of respect for the country's Muslim . culture. Listening up: Justin Bieber cupped his hand behind his ear on Saturday during a concert at Sevens Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates . Bieber skipped the song One Less Lonely Girl because the state religion of Islam frowns upon men touching women who are not their relatives. The singer typically recruits a young female fan to join him during the song to flirt with onstage. The respectful move followed another thoughtful incident on his international Believe Tour that occurred recently in Turkey. The Boyfriend singer paused his show multiple times on Thursday to allow fans to step away for the Muslim call to prayer. The star's tour, however, hasn't been without its rough spots. International star: Justin performed for two nights in front of fans in Dubai at Sevens Stadium . A show in Oman reportedly was cancelled because the nation deemed his act 'too sexy.' The teen pop idol also drew ire for travelling with a Capuchin monkey named Mally that was confiscated by customs officials in Munich, Germany. Justin also skulked around London in March with his shirt off and had to be restrained by a member of his entourage when he appeared to lash out at a photographer. He also drew heat in some corners in April for writing in the guest book at the Anne Frank Museum: 'Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber.' Rocking out: Justin gave an energetic performance on Saturday for fans in Dubai . Some believed the singer's remark was tasteless and disrespectful, though museum officials defended his sincerity. Bieber was spotted letting loose in Dubai on Friday as he emerged from a . nightclub dressed in black and ended up jumping on the roof of a white . Range Rover. Justin has been touring in support of his Believe album released last June. Following his visit to Dubai and concerts in South Africa, the tour will resume in June with shows in the United States. In an odd coincidence, Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars, 62, was knocked over on Saturday night by an overzealous fan and was hauled off by security, according to a report by TMZ. The band was performing the song Primal Scream at the Spectra Place in Canada when the man bolted across the stage, bowled Mars over and made a run at lead singer Vince Neil. The band stopped to make sure that Mars, who was celebrating his birthday on Saturday, was not hurt before resuming the show. | Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars, 62, coincidentally was knocked over on Saturday night by an overzealous fan who was hauled off by security . |
0ac5971d4d798ba3bd8ad27c7a9486cc59b74679 | (CNN) -- On 9 March 2010 I stood outside the international bus terminal on Erdbergstraße in Vienna, waiting for the 11 a.m. bus from Zagreb to arrive. It was cold and breezy, typical of March in the Austrian capital. A steady stream of tourists emerged from the buses and headed to see the palaces of the Habsburgs. Jed had told me there would be a CIA team shadowing me. I looked at a man in a cowboy hat on the street corner checking his watch. Surely they would not be that obvious. Then I saw her. She wore a long black skirt as I had anticipated, but instead of being fully veiled, she was wearing a simple headscarf. A few stray strands of blonde hair fluttered in the breeze. 'As salaam aleikum. I'm Aminah,' she said in soft-accented English, fixing me with her blue-green eyes. Despite the fact that Awlaki had instructed me to wear Western clothes to avoid suspicion, I had to keep my distance from a woman who was not related to me. I didn't even shake her hand. But I was impressed; the photos had not done her justice. Aminah was strikingly pretty, with full lips, high cheekbones and an angular nose. She looked several years younger than her age, thirty-two. Gwyneth Paltrow, I thought -- Anwar will love this girl. I had come across her on a Facebook fan page for Awlaki in November 2009 -- two months after he had repeated his request that I find him a wife in the West. I had left a message on the site requesting support and Aminah had replied. 'What kind of support and are you in direct contact with Shaikh?' she wrote in her first message on 28 November 2009. Two days later, after we exchanged several messages, she wrote this: . 'I have one question tho. Do you know personally AAA? And if it is so, may I be so liberal to ask you something? AAA was our code for Anwar al-Awlaki. 'Yes I do know him. Feel free to ask,' I replied immediately. She had written back: . 'I sent Shaikh a letter by mail, I am not sure if I had his correct email address, but actually I was wondering will he search for a second wife, I proposed him a marriage, and I do not know how silly it is. But I tried. Now, as I am in contact with you there is a possibility for you to get know me better in a way you can recommended me. 'I seek a way how to get out of this country, and I search a husband who will teach me and whom I can help a lot. I deeply respect him and the all things he do for this Ummah and I want to help him in any way.' I wrote back: . 'You will be wife number 3, as he already got two wives, however he don't stay with them because they are in the capital, and only see him now and then. But you will stay with him all the time, as you don't have a family there. You should expect hardship, and moving from place to place once in a while. Taking care of your duties in house as a wife. Be patience with all what you will see and face, as AAA may be expose to danger etc. and Allah is our protector. Can you accept this?' She replied within ten minutes: . 'I would go with him anywhere, I am 32 years old and I am ready for dangerous things, I am not afraid of death or to die in the sake of Allah. I didn't know he has 2 wife already. But I do not mind at all. I want to help him in his work ... I am good in housekeeping job [and] I'm willing to be a very hardworking and active wife.' Agent Storm: Inside al Qaeda for the CIA . | Morten Storm was a double agent for the CIA .
He says Anwar al-Awlaki asked him to find the terrorist a wife .
Morten Storm met the woman who would become al-Awlaki's wife through Facebook .
For more on his story, watch CNN at 9 p.m. ET Tuesday . |
0ac5e76f11c9ed5c97683aaaad5f6ec6759d45c9 | (CNN) -- It was not too long ago -- in 2001, prior to the U.S. invasion -- that Afghanistan's women were all but entirely marginalized. With strict Taliban laws in place, half the country's populace was barred from practically every aspect of public life, from education to voting and most occupations. Afghan women, under the Taliban, weren't even allowed to leave their homes without a male escort, and the mandatory burqa became a visual symbol of the regime's all-encompassing oppression. The country still has a long way to go, but giant strides have been made since the Taliban was scattered and broken under the might of the U.S. and allied military. Women's rights were guaranteed under the new, post-Taliban constitution, but there remains a gulf in terms of what is written and what is practiced. Afghanistan remains far from an equal, open society, and outside the capital, Kabul, conservative values still reign. In some parts of the hinterland, the old rules still apply, even if they are no longer being enforced by the Taliban. However, there are indications that women have taken hugely positive steps towards, if not yet equality, a much more active role in the running of the country. And their influence has largely been welcomed. One of Saturday's frontrunners, Abdullah Abdullah, sees the engagement of the country's women as vital to its development. "If you want to see this country or any other country even being able to deal with the challenges and develop, it cannot happen without the role of half the population," he told Britain's Independent newspaper. Since voter registration for Saturday's elections started almost a year ago, 2.5 million names were added to the electoral roll. Of these, over half were women, according to the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan. This level of engagement is unprecedented in Afghanistan, and shows that women are a hugely significant demographic that needs to be courted. "I am here to vote today. It's a day to decide about the future of Afghanistan and I would like to ask all women to break their silence and take one step towards progress. If they don't want to do it for themselves they should do it for future generations," one female voter told Afghanistan's state news agency Khaama. There are positive signs from the leading candidates, with all three frontrunners pledging to allow women a greater role in government, vowing to support women's rights in their campaign speeches. And while it could be seen as a cynical vote-grabbing move, women's names are also appearing on the ballot, something that would have been unimaginable only 13 years ago. There were three female vice-presidential candidates on Saturday's ballot, although only one, Habiba Sarabi, the former governor of Bamiyan province, is on the ticket of a realistic frontrunner. Campaigning alongside Zamai Rassoul, the establishment candidate, Sarabi represents the potential that Afghan women have to offer. Although it's looking unlikely, should returns show success for Rassoul -- official results aren't expected for weeks -- Sarabi's role as one of his lieutenants would truly be a historic achievement. Rassoul's picking of a female running-mate was "a victory," Shukria Barakzai, a Member of Parliament and women's rights activist told CNN. "Of course it will have a direct impact for the life of women in Afghanistan. For me it's not enough. We want women to be in every layer of power. "I believe in ten years we can have a female president. The way Afghanistan is improving, the way women (have) come out, and turned out, the way women voted ...that gives me more energy -- that Afghanistan is ready to have a female president in the near future." On International Women's Day, the formerly U.S.-based candidate Ashraf Ghani addressed a rally in Kabul which was attended by thousands of women. Uniquely for electioneering in this part of the world, his wife Rula, a Lebanese-American and a Christian, spoke as well. Karzai's wife, in contrast, was rarely if ever seen in public. At the next level of governance, there is further evidence of a burgeoning female movement, with female candidates popping up all over the country. Around 300 female candidates are contesting seats on provincial councils -- a record number. "The women's vote will not any more be a 'ghost vote' which has time after time been abused by men. This is a kind of message that Afghans have woken up. It's also a clear message that Afghan society has changed," says Barakzai, who eschews the burqa that all women had to wear pre-2001, instead typically wearing a more relaxed headscarf loosely on her dark hair. "The women of Afghanistan... have shown how brave they are." Her confidence has also been transmitted to her daughter: Too young to vote but full of optimism about the future of her country, and the place of women in it. CNN's Anna Coren asked her what she imagined the coming years could hold. "Honestly a bright future, a future that is good for us, good for all the people, for girls, good for women -- you know, a bright future!" she said. | Women an increasingly influential demographic in Afghan politics .
All three frontrunners in Saturday's election have pledged to support women's rights .
Habiba Sarabi, Afghanistan's first female governor, again makes history as vice-presidential candidate .
Optimism of female candidates is transmitted to the next generation . |
0ac72cce0d0219b1b13d5eadc75230bed6d4af16 | By . David Williams and Imtiaz Hussain . Last updated at 1:45 AM on 6th January 2012 . A British aid worker awarded the MBE for his work was kidnapped yesterday by at least four gunmen. Pro-Taliban fighters are suspected of seizing Khalil Dale, 60, in Pakistan after surrounding his Land Cruiser despite its clear Red Cross markings. Mr Dale was honoured for his courage in some of the world’s toughest disaster zones, having been robbed at gunpoint, strafed by machine-gun fire and threatened by a man wielding a Kalashnikov rifle. Seized: Khalil Dale is suspected to have been kidnapped by pro-Taliban fighters in Pakistan despite a Land Cruiser he was in having Red Cross markings . The slightly-built bachelor, previously known as Ken and a former nurse in Dumfries, was driving through the centre of the strife-ridden city of Quetta. Mr Dale has been based in the troubled region, where kidnapping and insurgency are rife, for 11 months running health projects. A veteran of aid work in Iran – where he was put on house arrest during the revolution – Libya, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Afghanistan, he had chosen not to have protection. Mr Dale converted to Islam in 1985 and changed his name. His work earned him the MBE in 1994, which he received from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Mr Dale once declared that confronting danger did not worry him, saying: ‘I just get on with the job and I believe in destiny. But I’ll put it this way: I’ve made my will.’ Taken: A Pakistani employee of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) gestures next to the vehicle of British employee Khalil Ahmad Dale, who was captured nearby in Quetta, Pakistan . Criminal gangs in the area have often targeted foreign aid workers in the hope of securing large ransoms but, by late last night, there had been no demands from Mr Dale’s captors. The Foreign Office said it was urgently investigating the incident and was in touch with his family, although it was not clear if they are also in Pakistan. In a statement, the International Red Cross called for Mr Dale’s ‘rapid and unconditional release’ adding that it had ‘no indication as to the abductors’ identities or motives’. The charity added that it will continue its humanitarian work in Pakistan despite the kidnapping. A spokesman for the British Red Cross said they were working to find out what had happened to Mr Dale. Quetta is the main town of Baluchistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan. This has raised fears that he could be taken out of Pakistan, making any potential rescue much more dangerous. On guard: Pakistani private security guards stand outside the office of the ICRC where Khalil Ahmad Dale was kidnapped in Quetta. The city is also home to the Quetta Shura, the Taliban’s leadership council which is believed to direct much of its militant activity. Ahsan Mahboob, a senior police officer, said the aid worker had been travelling with a Pakistani doctor and a driver who were not seized. An official of a security agency claimed the Red Cross in the city had received threats recently from Baloch United Liberation Army. In February 2009, this group seized senior UN official John Solensky and held the American for two months. nThe Iraqi militia which kidnapped five Britons in 2007 has offered to hand over the body of the last missing man. It claimed Alan McMenemy, from Glasgow, died trying to escape. The bodies of three others in the group have been returned to Britain while the fifth man, IT expert Peter Moore, was freed alive in 2009. | Khalil Ahmad Dale snatched outside office by gunmen . |
0ac8070fdb137867c9e2874a794847085b813cc9 | A New Jersey teacher has been arrested after she allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with one of her students. Nicole McDonough, 32, of Mount Olive, New Jersey, was arrested on a charge or second-degree charge of official misconduct and placed on immediate paid leave this week after being accused of having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old in May and June of this year. The student attended West Morris Mendham High School, where McDonough, a married mother of two, works as an English teacher. Charged: Nicole McDonough (above) was arrested Tuesday after reportedly having sex with an 18-year-old student . The student attended West Morris Mendham High School, where McDonough, a married mother of two, works as an English teacher . Details of the alleged incidents, as well as the sex of the student, have not been released at this time. According to NJ.com, McDonough 'teaches honors and International Baccalaureate-level English courses at the high school' and 'holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the College of St. Elizabeth.' Describing herself on the school's website she writes; 'Although teaching is one of my many passions, I am also a mom, a personal trainer, and a cross-fitter. I am a mother of two amazing girls. We also have a puggle named Tegan.' She closes by saying; 'The classroom is one of my many loves and I am excited to return to start a full year of school!' Though the student in question is not a minor, authorities have yet to release their name. | Nicole McDonough of Mount Olive, New Jersey, was arrested on a charge or second-degree charge of official misconduct this week .
The 32-year-old married mother of two and English teacher at West Morris Mendham High School is accused of having sex with an 18-year-old .
She is currently on paid leave from the school as an investigation takes place . |
0ac866f94a108e8638ec99fa408ae27b48d8bf46 | Disney has announced huge profits from its movie studios, the same day it confirmed that the Toy Story franchise will return to cinemas in 2017 with a fourth installment. Pictures such as Frozen, as well as hits from its Marvel Studios subsidiary including The Avengers, Iron Man 3 and Guardians of the Galaxy, made an average of $1billion in global box office receipts, the company's CEO said. Bob Iger talked up the media company's studio successes during an earnings conference Thursday, the same day he announced that Toy Story creator John Lasseter would return to direct the fourth movie in the beloved franchise. Scroll down for video . The return: Disney's movie division had strong results - with particular excitement attendant on the newly-announced Toy Story four, featuring favorites Buzz Lightyear, right, Woody, front and center, T-rex, back right and Mr Potato Head, far left . Update: The new film, featuring tablets where in the 1995 original there was only Etch-a-Sketch, is set for studio release in 2017, and will be directed by creator John Lasseter . However, while Disney's film successes impressed, other holdings including the ABC and ESPN cable networks and other media interests dampened optimism, with the result of an overall drop in the company's share price. Disney's value dipped one per cent yesterday, after announced figures for cable earnings fell short of predictions,CNBC reported. But financial results will do little to halt the enthusiasm around the latest Toy Story film. In a separate announcement, Iger welcomed back John Lasseter, who wrote the story for all three films and directed the first two. He said: 'John created Toy Story and directed its first two films and it's great to have him back directing one of our most valuable properties.' Marvelous: Disney's acquisition of Marvel Studios is paying dividends, with billion-dollar profits from films like Marvel's The Avengers, as well as separate films starring Captain America (Christopher Evans, center), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr, right) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth, second from left) Newcomer: 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy also contributed to the $1.78billion revenues at Disney Studios . Lasseter himself said the film will 'open a new chapter' in the lives of its main characters, Woody the cowboy and space ranger Buzz Lightyear. The original 1995 film was the first fully computer-animated feature-length film, and made $361million at the box office. Sequels followed with 1999's Toy Story 2, and the much-anticipated Toy Story 3 in 2010. Good news in the movie business comes at a challenging time. Movie studios, TV networks and cable and satellite providers alike are grappling with a changing media industry as more people watch TV and movies online and via streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. HBO made waves recently by saying it would offer a standalone streaming service late next year. Some have speculated that Disney's ESPN network may do the same - but Iger batted away the idea, saying that cable channel bundles are still the best choice for consumers. Keeping on: Older hits including Frozen are still bolstering Disney's bottom line thanks to home releases . Princess cash: Frozen, starring Elsa the Snow Queen, was another of Disney's billion-dollar moneymakers . He said there are 101 million households with a cable or satellite subscription in the U.S., down from 101.5 million last year. He said: 'While clearly the economy has had some impact over the last few years and we do see the millennials seem to be becoming subscribers a little bit later than perhaps they used to, we just feel that when you look at the quality of what's offered, meaning the number channels in the programming across those channels, and you consider the price, that is likely to remain dominant for a long time.' He added that he didn't think there is a need to create a standalone ESPN streaming service since that might erode the popularity of cable bundles. 'To do it at a point where you are endangering your own business model which is already facing a fair amount of challenge because of all the changing dynamics of the media landscape, it doesn't make sense to us right now,' he said. Disney Studios had the strongest results among the media company's divisions. Revenue in that unit climbed 18 per cent to $1.78 billion, with growth both in theatrical distribution due to Maleficent and Guardians of the Galaxy and home entertainment thanks to Frozen and Captain America. Other segments reported higher revenue as well. The Burbank, California company said revenue from media and cable networks rose 5 per cent to $5.22 billion. Revenue from parks and resorts rose 7 per cent to $4 billion. Consumer product revenue rose 7 per cent to $1.07 billion. Overall revenue rose 7 per cent to $12.39 billion, ahead of expectations of $12.36 billion. Fourth-quarter net income rose 8 per cent to $1.5 billion, or 87 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, net income matched analyst expectations of 89 cents per share. The stock dipped less than 2 percent after-hours, having closed at an all-time high of $92 before the report. The stock has been on a dramatic run, nearly doubling in the last two years. | Company earning big on hits like Frozen, The Avengers and Iron Man .
Earnings news comes amid excitement about latest Toy Story entrant .
Film, due in 2017, will mark the return of original director John Lasseter .
However, overall share price fell after Disney fell short on cable earnings .
CEO Bob Iger committed to cable bundles, despite streaming competitors . |
0aca6f06391572a3e19b2af791660a83bd7f9ea3 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:51 EST, 30 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:19 EST, 30 March 2012 . An empty 'handcuff' box and two used condoms have been found in the desperate search for a missing 15-year-old schoolgirl. Sierra LaMar was reported missing by her . mother on March 16, having never made it to the bus or her Morgan, Hill . California high school. A search volunteer found the empty box which was marked 'handcuffs' yesterday within 1.5miles of where the pretty teen's Samsung cellphone and Juicy-brand handbag were found. Mystery: Sierra Lamar, 15, disappeared on the walk to catch a bus to school on the morning of March 16 . Police ruled the disappearance . as a kidnapping as Sierra does not having a history as a runaway or any . unusually negative family problems. Interviews with friends and a search . of her computer also yielded no information indicating she fled. Investigators told Mercury News that the find could be a major breakthrough in the disappearance which has stumped police for two weeks, or it could be a simple coincidence. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office has sent the cardboard box and condoms for forensics tests. 'Other than the fact that it's pretty close to Sierra's mom's house, there's no indication at this time that it's related,' Sgt. Jose Cardoza told Mercury News. 'But we're collecting it as possible evidence.' 'This may be another significant piece of evidence, but it's hard to confirm that it's related at this time,' he added. The box, which was used to ship handcuffs by an unknown manufacturer, was empty, Cardoza said. Potential clue: The handcuff box and condoms were found, near the teenager's home, pictured, and close to where her phone and handbag were found abandoned as shown on the map . Hope: A fourth vigil was held last night for the missing 15-year-old in her hometown of Morgan Hill, California . It was found near a dead end about a mile from the intersection where Sierra was supposed to catch a bus bext to her home after 7am for school. A . day after her disappearance, sheriff's deputies found Sierra's . cellphone on Santa Teresa , an electronic window into her world which now sits in a San . Jose crime lab undergoing forensic tests. It . was in a field near where she normally caught a school bus in Morgan . Hill, a semi-rural community of 40,240 on the fringes of Silicon Valley . surrounded by mountains, orchards and reservoirs. The day after deputies located her . Samsung Galaxy smartphone, they came across Sierra's handbag a few . blocks away. Several items of her clothing - a San Jose Sharks T-shirt, . pants and undergarments - were folded neatly inside. Scroll down for video . Mystery: Sierra Lamar, 15, disappeared on the walk to her school's bus stop last Friday morning in Morgan Hill, California . Clues: Her mother snapped this photo of her the morning she disappeared, appearing playful which followed her parents and friends' perception of nothing out of the ordinary . On Tuesday and Wednesday, a search of waterways, ponds and reservoirs in the Morgan Hill area came up empty. Cardoza . said the sheriff's dive team searched the Calero, Chesbro and Uvas . reservoirs, as well as the percolation ponds in the Morgan Hill and . southern Santa Clara County areas. Earlier, crews had searched the . pastures and gullies of Coyote Valley with the same fruitless results. Sheriff's . deputies, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials have spent . 3,500 hours on the search. More than 600 tips have poured in. More than 1,000 volunteers have joined . in searches led by the KlaasKids Foundation. The searches began Tuesday, and will continue . through to Sunday at the very least. School: Last week, sheriffs investigators visited Miss Lamar's school of Sobrato High, suspending their ground search for interviews with her classmates and friends . Without a trace: While police dogs lost her scene at her mother's driveway her cell phone was recovered Sunday in a field nearby . Growing concern: Clothes belonging to Sierra Lamar have been found after the teenager went missing 12 days ago from her home in Morgan Hill, California . The law enforcement response has . included searching the homes of neighbors, contacting registered sex . offenders, interviewing friends and relatives, and stopping drivers who . travel the road where Sierra picked up the bus and where her phone and . purse were found to ask if they saw anything unusual. Marlene LaMar told investigators she last saw her daughter when she left for work about 6am on March 16. Just before 6:30am, when Sierra . ordinarily got ready for school, the teenager tweeted. A friend received . a routine text message from her about 40 minutes later, the time she . usually left home to catch the bus, authorities said. But investigators have not found anything to signal where to look now. Volunteers: Searchers are briefed by members of the KlaasKids Foundation for Children as they sign up for duty on Tuesday . Hunt continues: A Santa Clara County Sheriff photographs possible evidence that a volunteer searcher under the guidance of the KlaasKids Foundation for Children discovered in the area near Calero Reservoir on Tuesday . Keeping hope alive: Volunteer searcher Rodney Ray under the guidance of the KlaasKids Foundation for Children bags possible evidence in the case . Search and rescue: The Santa Clara County Sheriffs underwater search unit prepares to lower a zodiac into Calero Reservoir to look for clues on Tuesday . The MacBook she got for her birthday . has not provided any hints about where she might be. The night before . she disappeared, she tweeted that she planned to write a school essay . about teen depression and suicide. That same week, she tweeted: . 'suiiiiicide im tooo aliiiiive kill ya sellf.' Sierra and her mother have been living . in Morgan Hill since October. Tonya Miller, a family friend, said . Sierra appeared to have adjusted to the move, briefly joining a private . cheerleading club and befriending the daughter of her mother's . boyfriend. The sheriff's department said neither Mrs LaMar nor her boyfriend is considered a suspect. Authorities also absolved Sierra's . father, Steve LaMar, a registered sex offender convicted in 2009 of one . count of lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under 14. The victim . was not Sierra or her older sister. Police say he is cooperating in the . investigation and is not a suspect. 'I'm not going to hide it. It is very important they interview me, I get cleared and cooperate with everything,' LaMar said. Sex offender: The California sex offender registry entry for Steve Lamar, Sierra's father . The night before Sierra went missing, . she asked her father to make an appointment to get her hair highlighted. He said he texted her the next day to say he had, but never got a . reply. When investigators reported finding . the phone, Steve LaMar said, 'That was pretty disturbing because we know . that she is 15 years old and she loved that phone and was always on it. We would get mad at her for being on it at dinner.' Sierra is 5-feet-2 with a thin build, dark hair and an olive complexion. Anyone . with information can contact sheriff's investigators at 408-808-4500, . the anonymous tip line at 408-808-4431 or email [email protected]. | Sierra LaMar, 15, was last seen 14 days ago by her mother as she got ready for school .
The potential clue was found near a mile from her California home being tested for evidence .
Her mobile and T-shirt, pants and undergarments found folded neatly inside a handbag were located blocks away last week .
Police and FBI have spent more than 3,500 man hours on search . |
0acb4d359aa7397a293e699890ba3c70c60f3fc0 | They've been dating for nearly two years but James Middleton and girlfriend Donna Air still keep the flame alive with regular date nights it seems. The loved-up duo enjoyed a night out at the theatre and were spotted walking arm in arm as they left a production of War Horse at the London Theatre in Covent Garden. Donna, 35, who is known for her chic sense of style, looked casual and cool in a leather skirt teamed with an on-trend khaki blazer complete with leather lapels. The £325 Aberlady jacket by Really Wild clothing - a firm favourite of James' sister Kate - has become a staple in Donna's wardrobe; it's the third time she's worn it. Scroll down for video . Date night: James Middleton and girlfriend Donna Air enjoy a night out at the theatre. The happy couple, spotted walking arm in arm, watched War Horse at the London Theatre in Covent Garden . The Duchess of Cambridge's brother, 27, is still cultivating a trendy hipster beard and looked dapper in navy chinos and a blue jacket. The couple are regularly spotted on date nights and often frequent showbiz parties together. Trendy pair: The loved-up duo were seen walking arm in arm in central London after they enjoyed a quiet date night at a local theatre . Fashionable: Donna, 35, who has her own jewellery range for QVC named Little Bird, looked casual and cool in a leather skirt teamed with an on-trend khaki blazer . Clearly things are getting serious between the pair, who recently enjoyed a family holiday in Geneva with Donna's 10-year-old daughter Freya. The couple looked at ease with each other as they wheeled their luggage out of Heathrow Airport alongside Donna's little girl. James and Donna were rumoured to be engaged last June when the former Byker Grove actress attended the Serpentine Gallery summer party with a sparkling ring on her engagement finger. They have since denied the speculation, but Donna recently admitting she isn’t averse to marriage, telling The Telegraph: ‘I’ve never been married so maybe one day I will do the wife thing.’ | Donna, 35, and James, 27, visited Covent Garden theatre .
Donna looked trendy in leather skirt and khaki blazer .
Pair recently went on family summer holiday with Donna's daughter . |
0acbeb7fd6aec84e0f3c925c99d0b1dc45764b4d | Drugs such as low-dose aspirin (pictured) would be more effective if timed with the body’s natural rhythms, new research says . Many popular pills – including some cholesterol-busting statins – would be better taken at night than in the morning, scientists believe. They say widely-used tablets such as low-dose aspirin would be more effective if timed with the body’s natural rhythms. Scientists showed that individual genes are governed by the body clock and become more or less active at certain times of the day. They found that nearly half of all mouse genes work harder at some points in the 24-hour cycle than others, with ‘rush hours’ of activity just before dawn and dusk. Although the study was on mice, most mouse genes have ‘twins’ in humans. Many common drugs home in on these genes and so should be most effective when the genes are most active. This is particularly important in the case of medicines such as aspirin, which are broken down quickly by the body. The University of Pennsylvania study found 56 of the 100 best-selling drugs in the US act on genes that ebb and flow over the day. Similarly, 119 of the 250 pills on the World Health Organisation’s list of essential medicines may work better at a certain time of the day, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports. Pennsylvania University’s pharmacology professor John Hogenesch said more work is needed to say when is the best time to take each pill. However, research already shows that low-dose aspirin, taken daily by millions of Britons who have survived a heart attack or stroke to keep their blood thin, is best taken at night. This ensures the drug has time to work before morning – the peak time for heart attacks. Likewise, simvastatin, one of the most widely-used cholesterol-lowering statin pills, should also be taken at bedtime. This is because the drug works by blocking a key step in the production of cholesterol, and the gene behind this step is most active at night. Patients are already told to take simvastatin in the evening, however many still take it at the wrong time. Some will take the drug in the morning to prevent them forgetting. Individual genes are governed by the body clock and become more or less active at certain times of the day. Many common drugs home in on these genes – and so should be most effective if given when the genes are most active, say U.S. researchers . Professor Hogenesch said: ‘There’s a huge opportunity for improving the action of existing drugs through better timing.’ Heidi Wright, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: ‘Simvastatin…is best taken at bedtime as your liver makes most of your cholesterol at night. ‘Low-dose aspirin works by making your blood less sticky. There is research that says more heart attacks occur in the morning, so…reducing this stickiness by the morning could help prevent heart attacks.’ Women are putting their lives at risk by ignoring the symptoms of heart disease, researchers warn. Many brush pain off as indigestion or a pulled muscle and wait days or weeks before seeing a doctor. But in fact it could be a symptom of angina, where one of the arteries to the heart gets blocked, or a mild heart attack. Harvard researchers urge women not to assume heart attacks are a ‘man’s disease’ and to seek help. Statistically, women are less likely to have a heart attack than men before the menopause, but afterwards they overtake them and are more at risk. Furthermore, heart attacks in women tend to be more severe than in men – possibly because they have ignored the warning signs. Lead author Dr Catherine Kreatsoulas, of the Harvard School of Public Health, said: ‘Both men and women go into a phase of denial – but women seem to stay in this stage longer.’ | Some drugs would be more effective if timed with body's natural rhythms .
US scientists found individual genes are governed by the body clock and become more or less active at certain times of the day .
Many common drugs home in on these genes – and so should be most effective if given when the genes are most active . |
0acbf6946446b6c97a1a33180400bcd843ab99a3 | By . Robin Cottle for MailOnline . Phil Mickelson will miss the FedEx Cup play-offs finale for the first time in his career after withdrawing from the BMW Championship in Denver after the second round. A six-over-par 76 left Mickelson 14 shots off the lead heading into the weekend and tied for 63rd in the 69-man field. The five-time major winner would have needed to finish fourth or higher to have any chance of qualifying for next week's Tour Championship. Swanning off: Phil Mickelson watches his shot at the BMW Championship but it was a disappointing day for Lefty . Signing off: Mickelson signs autographs for excited fans after his round in Denver . Decisions: Mickelson discusses his next course of action with caddie Jim Mackay . 'My primary goal is to rest and prepare for the Ryder Cup,' Mickelson said in a statement reported on pgatour.com. 'Without a chance to contend at the Tour Championship, the most important thing for me now is to prepare for the Ryder Cup.' | Mickelson will miss the FedEx Cup play-offs finale for the first time in his career .
A six-over-par 76 left Mickelson seventh last in the 68-man field .
He said: 'My primary goal is to rest and prepare for the Ryder Cup'
2014 edition takes place at Gleneagles from September 26-28 .
Mickelson will be appearing in his eighth Ryder Cup . |
0acc3d9dcd6ea19f087b0c7fec696796067965ed | Victoria Christensen weighs 308lbs (22st) and was called 'fatty' at school . Entered Miss Plus American pageant and was crowned Mrs Utah Plus America 2012 . Says the pageant 'turned her from a girl into a woman' By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 05:16 EST, 8 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:04 EST, 8 October 2012 . A girl cruelly nicknamed ‘garbage disposal’ at school has fulfilled a childhood dream by being crowned a beauty queen weighing more than 308lbs (22st). Victoria Christensen, 23, grew up in awe of girls on television competing in the Miss America pageant every year and even had to witness her slim sisters regularly scooping regional beauty awards. But now after suffering years of verbal abuse at the hands of bullies due to her size, brunette Victoria has finally decided to ignore her critics and pursue her dreams. Victoria Christensen, who weighs 22 stone, has fulfilled a childhood dream by being crowned a beauty queen . After suffering years of verbal abuse at the hands of bullies due to her size, Victoria has finally decided to ignore her critics and be happy . Determined that her size wouldn’t get . in the way of her beauty pageant dreams she entered Miss Plus America, a . beauty pageant specifically for the larger lady. And . despite not winning the national title, Victoria was crowned Mrs. Utah . Plus America 2012 and with it gained the confidence boost to be proud of . her curves. She said: 'I used to watch the Miss America pageant as a child and wished I could be one of those girls. Although she was cruelly nicknamed garbage disposal at school, Victoria has beat her demons and become a pageant girl . 'I had decided that I was never going to be skinny enough or pretty enough to do that so year after year I would watch them and continue to wish. 'At school people commonly called me fat and "fatty" - the worst was "garbage disposal" because people thought I ate too much. ‘But I don’t remember anything more than that because I’ve tried to let them go and remove any negative forces in my life. 'My . gorgeous sisters are 10 and 16 years older than me and I remember going . to a few local parades and seeing them with beautiful dresses and . people waving at them - I wanted to be that girl.' Victoria, . who works in home automation support, was browsing Facebook one day . when she stumbled across a link to an interview with the Mrs Plus . America 2011 winner and discovered the pageant. Victoria with her sisters Dawn (L) and Jennifer (R) who she used to watch enter beauty pageants . She added: 'My first thought was . "wait a minute - plus?" I realised I had a chance to be one of the girls . I thought I would never be skinny enough or pretty enough to be. 'I . was obviously anxious but my amazing husband Fred encouraged me and . kept on telling me it would be alright and he really wanted to see me do . this. 'I spoke to the wonderful organisers . and when Fred saw my expression each time I spoke with them he pushed me . more. I remember feeling accepted for the first time. 'Not . too long after I entered I noticed myself being more confident. About . two months before the pageant Fred walked in on me in the bathroom . crying and asked me what was the matter. Despite not winning the national title, Victoria was crowned Mrs. Utah Plus America 2012 . The Plus size pageant gave Victoria the confidence boost she had always needed . 'I explained that for the first time in my life I could look into the mirror and actually like what I see looking back. 'I realised I was becoming what I’d wanted to see in myself for nearly my whole life to date. 'I want to send out a positive message about feeling confident with who you are. 'Miss Plus America changed my life and helped me see what a woman should be. It has turned me from a girl into a woman and given me the strength to accept myself and shine. 'I may not have finished first overall but this was my first ever pageant and I’m not ready to give up or stop anytime soon.' | Victoria Christensen weighs 308lbs (22st) and was called 'fatty' at school .
Entered Miss Plus American pageant and was crowned Mrs Utah Plus America 2012 .
Entrants must be at least a dress size 14 but there is no maximum size .
Says the pageant 'turned her from a girl into a woman' |
0acdd651cbbbf44b55ae408cbcc2f4ce7e01d0a5 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 09:06 EST, 25 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:11 EST, 25 January 2013 . Britain would quit the European Union if a referendum was held now, a surprise new poll revealed today. In the wake of David Cameron’s high profile speech on giving voters a say on severing ties with Brussels, research showed 40 per cent of people now back an exit while 37 per cent want to stay in. The Populus survey would translate to a 53-47 vote in favour of leaving after other factors, such as likelihood to vote, were taken into account. Scroll down for video . David Cameron reassured business leaders at the World Economic Forum that Britain was not turning its back on Europe, but more people now back the idea of quitting Brussels . It is a marked turnaround from other surveys this week which suggested more people wanted to stay in the EU. Mr Cameron has insisted he wants Britain to remain within the EU but only after negotiating a fresh settlement, clawing back powers from Brussels. The Conservatives are to start drawing up legislation now to hold a referendum, which would be staged after the next election but before 2017. According to the Populus/Times poll, Mr Cameron’s long-awaited speech has done little to help his prospects of securing a Conservative majority at the 2015 election. Three quarters of supporters of the Eurosceptic UK Independence Party said they were unmoved by the speech, and 17 per cent said they were less likely to back the Tories in future. Just 8 per cent of UKIP supporters said they were no more minded to back Mr Cameron. In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Cameron sought to reassure business leaders that Britain was not ‘turning our backs on Europe’. But he told them Europe was being ‘out-competed, out-invested, out-innovated’ and must be transformed into an engine for growth. The PM discussed the proposals in a 15-minute meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel, who has indicated she is open to a ‘fair compromise’ with Britain. Nick Clegg said he was 'none the wiser' about how the PM's plans to claw back powers would actually work . Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said he is ‘still none the wiser about exactly what this great re-negotiation means’. In an interview with The House magazine, he said: ‘It was a well-crafted speech and obviously very well delivered. But in terms of the content, look, the Conservative Party will obviously ride away with headlines about the referendum today. My own view is that it will be a tactical victory today for a strategic mistake tomorrow.’ Meanwhile, Labour leader Ed Miliband sought to clarify his own position on Europe, after appearing to rule out an in/out referendum in the House of Commons. He said: ‘I am being clear. I do not think it makes sense, now, to commit to an in/out referendum years ahead. ‘And the reason why it does not make sense is clear from what the priority of the British people is. Their priority is jobs and growth and living standards and I've got to say what I think the right priority is and I do not believe now it makes sense to commit to an in/out referendum.’ In an interview with CNN, Mr Cameron insisted the Government was not planning to ‘storm off’ if its calls for reform were not met. ‘We're not putting a list of demands on the table and saying we'll storm off if we don't get them,’ he said. ‘What we're saying is we should in Europe have changes that will benefit all of the countries of the European Union, but which at the same time will, I think, make Britain more comfortable with her place in the European Union.’ | 40% back exit compared to 37 per cent who want to stay in European Union .
Populus poll result suggests 53-47 vote in favour of exit .
PM promised to claw back powers before staging referendum in 2017 .
Nick Clegg says he is 'none the wise' about how it would work in practice . |
0ace52bb69c82fbb9ad2ece26bf45bde746dc713 | Senator Dianne Feinstein has gone on record saying she believes there are terrorist sleeper cells present in the US laying in wait to carry out an attack similar to the deadly incidents that rocked Paris last week. The California Democrat and former Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman made the ominous comments while appearing on CNN's State of the Union Sunday to talk about the waiver program, which allows foreign nationals from 38 countries to enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Calling the waiver program 'America's Achilles heel,' Feinstein noted that the people suspected of shooting up the offices of the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo and attacking a Kosher grocery store in Paris were French citizens - and people from France are permitted to enter the US without a visa. Scroll down for video . Ominous remarks: Senator Dianne Feinstein said on CNN she believes there are terrorist sleeper cells present in the US . Attorney General Eric Holder, pictured here January 11 at an International meeting against terrorism in Paris, said the US is keeping track on suspicious individuals . While brothers Said and Cherif Kouachi, 34 and 32, responsible for the murders of 12 Charlie Hebdo staffers, were on a no-fly list, Senator Feinstein pointed out that had they wanted to enter the US, they could have done so using a fake passport. ‘They can come back from training, they go through a visa waiver country, and they come into this country,’ Feinstein said. ‘We have a big problem here.’ Feinstein, who has long been a vocal critic of the waiver program expanded under President George W. Bush to boost tourism, issued a warning against terrorist sleeper cells on US soil. ‘I think there are sleeper cells, not only in France, but certainly in other countries, and, yes, even in our own,’ Feinstein said. ‘So I think this calls for vigilance. It calls for seeing that the national security organizations of our country -- the intelligence community -- is funded fully, is directed ably, is cooperating with ... British intelligence, French intelligence, German intelligence, as we do.’ The attacks in France last week left a total of 17 people dead over the course of three bloody days, including 12 cartoonists and staff at Charlie Hebdo and four shoppers shot dead inside a grocery store during a hostage crisis perpetrated by the Kouchi brothers’ accomplice, Amedy Coulibaly. Perpetrators: Said (left) and Cherif Kouachi (right) targeted Charlie Hebdo magazine after it repeatedly published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, which some Muslims find deeply offensive . Attackers: The brothers fled Paris (pictured) on Wednesday last week then led police on a chase across northern France before they were shot and killed in a print works near the capital . Al Qaeda's branch in Yemen said it directed the attack by the masked gunmen to avenge the honor of the Prophet Muhammad, a frequent target of the weekly's satire. All three suspects were killed by French police during near-simultaneous raids at a suburban printing plant and the Kosher market in Paris. Recent polls show that Americans are deeply concerns about a similar terrorist attack at home. A Rasmussen poll released Sunday found that 65 per cent of Americans believe it is at least somewhat that an attack on 'those critical of Islam' in the US will occur over the next year, reported the Washington Times. During his appearance on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday, Attorney General Eric Holder tried to reassure the public that the Obama administration is doing everything possible to keep tabs on suspicious individuals. United they stand: Fifty world leaders march during a rally in Paris Sunday honoring the 17 victims of three days of bloodshed . ‘We have a universe of people who we focus on using legitimate means and keep track of them,’ Holder said, adding that they have no information at this time on specific threats. Congressman Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, said over the weekend that the House Homeland Security Committee, which he chairs, plans to launch an investigation to identify potential security loopholes in the visa waiver program. ‘I think we need to take a look at the visa waiver program again, and see what we can do to prevent this kind of thing from happening, because I believe it will happen, if it hasn't already,’ McCaul said. The White House also announced that President Obama will host an anti-extremism summit February 18 to discuss ways to stop the radicalization and recruitment of Americans by terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS. | The former Senate Intelligence Committee chairwoman called program that lets certain foreign citizens enter the country without a visa 'America's Achilles heel'
Feinstein said had the Paris attackers wanted to enter the US, they could have done so using a fake passport without a visa .
New poll shows 65 per cent of Americans believe it is at least somewhat that an attack on 'those critical of Islam' in the US will happen this year . |
0ace80efe4a955202e24c83fc542c8f6e6fb18fc | (CNN) -- A man celebrating his friend's impending marriage fell to his death from a Black Hawk, Colorado, hotel window early Saturday, police said. Dirk Anderson, 29, was sitting on the ledge of an open window in the 11th-floor room at the Lady Luck Hotel and Casino when the screen on which he was leaning gave way, according to reports by CNN television affiliates KUSA and KCNC. The Thornton, Colorado, man landed on the roof of a parking garage five levels below, police said. While there was alcohol at the bachelor party, investigators said they don't know if Anderson had been drinking before his fall. There was no evidence of horseplay and it appeared to be an accident, police said. Black Hawk, a 19th-century gold-mining town, is home to several casinos that attract tourists and gamblers from Denver, 35 miles away. Woman on first date plunges to her death off 17th-floor balcony . CNN's John Branch contributed to this report. | Dirk Anderson, 29, landed on the roof of a parking garage five levels below .
Investigators don't know if Anderson had been drinking before his fall .
No evidence of horseplay and it appears to be an accident, police say . |
0acf0acbc5973655f9edab1d1bd5392ff5f2b865 | A day after Rafael Nadal exited the Madrid Masters and vowed never to return while the clay is still blue, a similarly disgruntled Novak Djokovic suffered a shock 7-6 (2), 6-3 loss to fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic. The world No. 1 said he would join Nadal in boycotting the Madrid tournament next year if organizers did not restore standard red clay to the courts. "I want to forget this week as soon as possible and move on to the real clay courts," Djokovic said. "It took me at least a week to try to get used to this surface and somehow find a way to win matches and play a decent level of tennis. "There is no discussion in my eyes, it's very simple. No blue clay for me." Nadal lost to fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco on Thursday for his earliest exit in a clay-court tournament in eight years. Verdasco was routed 6-1, 6-2 by Tomas Berdych in Friday's quarterfinals. The blue clay is the brainchild of tournament owner Ion Tiriac, who claims it helps fans see the ball and creates a better viewing experience. And while Djokovic and Nadal have crashed out, Roger Federer has thrived at the tournament, beating David Ferrer 6-4, 6-4 on Friday to advance to the semifinals. The 16-time Grand Slam champion, president of the ATP Players' Council, said he sympathized with Nadal and Djokovic. "Yes of course, I said it from the start. It's not something we actually wanted," he said. "I understand their frustrations. It's a bit tricky for everyone and we definitely have to look into things for next year." Federer will replace Nadal at No. 2 in the rankings if he wins the tournament, thereby increasing his chances of being seeded second for the French Open. Federer, who didn't face a single break point against Ferrer, will play Tipsarevic in the semifinals, while Juan Martin del Potro meets Berdych in the other after a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Alexandr Dolgopolov. Serena Williams, too, has been in blistering form in Madrid and won a battle of former No. 1s in typically ruthless style, thrashing Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-3 . Both players were unbeaten on clay coming into the match, but Williams extended her winning streak over the Russian to seven while winning her 10th straight match. Williams said the clay was "extremely slippery" but she wouldn't join the top men's stars in skipping Madrid next year. "If I'm not here next year, it won't be because of the clay," said the 13-time Grand Slam champion. "I don't think there's been any improvement in the courts over the week, but every clay court is different. "This is not the best court -- definitely not what they play like at Roland Garros -- but it's what they use at Madrid." Williams will face Lucie Hradecka for a place in the final after the Czech qualifier upset fifth-seeded Sam Stosur 7-6 (8), 7-6 (6). World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka avoided another upset when she recovered to beat French Open champion Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. She will play Agnieszka Radwanska for the sixth time this year in Saturday's semifinals, and said any complaints about the courts would have to wait. "I'm not a fan of this court, that's for sure," she added. "But I don't want to sit here and complain about it. "Nothing is going to change this year. We can talk after the tournament about possible changes." | Novak Djokovic loses 7-6 (2), 6-3 to Janko Tipsarevic in Madrid .
Djokovic says he will not play in Madrid again while the clay is blue .
Nadal said he would also boycott the event after his loss a day earlier .
Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka all through to semifinals . |
0acf9d91157baf50e0736b07961603a70b1a3ce7 | By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 12:53 EST, 12 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:08 EST, 12 August 2012 . Team GB's astonishing medal haul at London 2012 has been further boosted in the final event of the Games after Samantha Murray took a silver medal in the women's modern pentathlon. Cheered on by thousands of patriotic supporters in London's Greenwich Park, the 22-year-old finished the Olympics off in fine style with Team GB's 65th medal. Murray, from Preston, was eight seconds behind top spot when she started the run-shoot finale but caught up to finish second. Delighted: Great Britain's Samantha Murray crosses the line in second place to win silver medal in the Women's Pentathlon at Greenwich Park . Proud: A delighted Murray is pictured with her silver medal. Team GB's Mhairi Spence finished 21st . Success: Cheered on by thousands of patriotic supporters in London's Greenwich Park, the 22-year-old finished the Games off in fine style with Team GB's 65th medal of the Games . The race was won by Lithuania's Laura Asadauskaite while Team GB's Mhairi Spence finished 21st. Speaking to the BBC, a delighted Murray said: 'Honestly, if you have a goal - if there's anything you want to achieve in life - don't let anybody get in your way. 'You can do it. If I can do it, and I'm a normal girl, anyone can do what they want to do.' The silver medal for Murray now means British pentathletes have won medals at all four Games since it was introduced in 2000. Advice: Following her medal win, Murray said if there is something people want to achieve in life then they should go for it . Multi-talented: Murray is pictured in the fencing phase of the modern pentathlon at the Aquatics Centre . Emotional: Murray screams out after her fencing match . Bizarre: The running and shooting elements are contested in tandem - with athletes having three bouts of shooting each followed by a 1000m run. Murray is pictured taking part in the shooting . Star: Murray, second right, is seen during the combined run-shoot event . The modern pentathlon requires the athletes to be multi-talented across a range of disciples. It includes five events - pistol shooting, fencing, 200m freestyle swimming, show jumping, and a 3 km cross-country run. Apart from the fencing competition, the athletes do not compete directly against each other. Points for each event combine to give overall total scores. For the final event - the cross-country run - the competitors are ranked according to their score from the first four rounds. They are given different start times with the leader going first. One of the most bizarre aspects of the event is that the running and shooting elements are contested in tandem - with athletes having three bouts of shooting each followed by a 1000m run. Since 1949 an annual World Championship has taken place in non-Olympic years. In recent years there have been calls for the removal of the penthalon from the Games because of its lack of widespread popularity outside Eastern Europe. Murray started the final combined event eight seconds behind leader Laura Asadauskaite. She began the third phase of the competition, the show jumping, in third place and, although her round was not without its dramas, her score of 1140 was good enough to put her fourth overall. Spence won the world title in Rome in . May while Murray picked up the bronze, earning both their spots in . London at the end of a fierce qualification battle. Among those to miss out was Beijing silver medallist Heather Fell, so the pressure was on the British pair to perform. The . action began this morning in the Copper Box with the fencing, an event . where Spence usually excels, living up to her nickname 'Fencey Spencey'. She . was not quite on top form today, winning 19 of her 35 bouts for 856 . points, which put her tied for 11 but 100 points down on where she would . have wanted to be. Murray had the worst possible start, . losing her first seven fights, but she recovered impressively and ended . the fencing only one win behind Spence in joint 16th. That was a good result for the Lancastrian, though, as, unlike her team-mate, fencing tends to be her weakest discipline. Battling: Murray is seen competing in the Swimming 200m Freestyle section of the modern Pentathlon . Thrilled: Murray shows her emotions as she crosses the line in second place, left, while Britain's Mhairi Spence, right, celebrates with Murray after a fencing match . Her . strongest, the 200 metres freestyle swim, came next, and Murray did not . disappoint, posting a time of two minutes 08.20 seconds. She was touched out by Hungary's . Sarolta Kovacs, who broke the Olympic record with 2min 08.11sec, but her . score of 1264 was enough to move her up to third place. Spence was a couple of seconds off her best but posted a decent time of 2:16.51, climbing to ninth. Losing control: Tamara Vega, of Mexico, is pictured falling from Douce de Roulad during the Riding Show Jumping during today's event . Desperate: The rider tries to cling on as she falls to the ground . Nasty: The Mexican goes to ground after jumping an obstacle . Chase: Vega runs after her horse in a bid to make up lost time . | The 22-year-old finished the .
Games off in fine style with Team GB's 65th medal .
She said: 'Honestly, if you have a goal - if there's anything you want to achieve in life - don't let anybody get in your way' |
0ad00009f51f16e63fab0cd57456c00f119bbe8d | Cristiano Ronaldo has once again trained for Portugal ahead of their Group G clash with USA on Sunday - despite being warned that he risks his career by playing on at the World Cup. The 29-year-old Real Madrid forward has been struggling with a knee injury and doctors have told him that he could shorten his career by playing for Portugal in the short-term. However, Ronaldo seems determined to star for his country in Brazil and showed few signs of his injury during training on Friday. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Helder Postiga say there is nothing wrong with Helder Postiga . Fit: Cristiano Ronaldo shows few signs of his knee injury during Portugal training on Friday . Sprint: Ronaldo is put through his paces during training ahead of the Portugal-USA match on Sunday . Cover: Ronaldo did wear a small protective bandage over his knee during training . Ball control: Ronaldo puts pressure on his knee as he takes on team-mates during a practice match . Peering out: Ronaldo looks on before training in Campinas as Portugal prepare for their Group G match . He did wear a small protective bandage over his knee, but it was nothing like the heavy strapping he wore when he limped out of training earlier in the week. And Portugal boss Paulo Bento will be particularly keen to have his talisman on the field against USA following his side's 4-0 humbling at the hands of Germany. A Thomas Muller hat-trick and a Mats Hummels header plunged Portugal to the bottom of Group G and Bento knows that a win against the Americans is crucial for his side's chances of progressing to the last-16. Ronaldo may even have painkilling injections to ensure he can play with an injury that should have ruled him out of the tournament. The 2014 Ballon D'Or winner is a pivotal member of the Portuguese side, having scored eight goals in qualification to ensure they qualified for Brazil. He has won 112 caps, scoring 49 goals for Portugal. Hat-trick: Thomas Muller (left) celebrates after scoring the first of his three goals in Germany's 4-0 win . Frustrated: Ronaldo looks annoyed and disappointed as Germany players celebrate their 4-0 demolition . Team talk: Ronaldo (far right) stands to one side as the Portuguese team discuss tactics in training . Keepy-up: Ronaldo flicks the ball up to team-mates as he prepares to face USA on Sunday . Stretch: The Real Madrid forward flexes his knee with the help of a Portuguese coach in training . | Ronaldo trained on Friday with the squad ahead of USA match .
The 29-year-old has been suffering from a knee injury and wore a bandage .
He has been warned that he risks his future career by playing at World Cup .
Portugal need a goal on Sunday after 4-0 humbling at hands of Germany . |
0ad27a77b220f96c0dc62f94b0c8f1c9ae14b99a | (CNN) -- Josh and Jenni Johnston already have photos and memories of 4-year-old Anastasia, the HIV-positive Russian orphan they met in November and hoped to welcome into their family. Now they don't know what the future holds after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a controversial law that bans the adoption of Russian children by American families. The new law creates uncertainty for 46 American families who have already met prospective adoptees, according to the U.S. State Department. The agency, which helps facilitate foreign adoptions, hopes Russia will lift the ban altogether, but in the meantime is working to resolve pending adoptions. Read more: Russia's Putin signs anti-U.S. adoption bill . As far as the Johnstons know, their dossier was submitted to a Russian court on Friday, one month after meeting Anastasia in a children's home outside Moscow. Otherwise, they have no idea where their case stands or how the new law will affect them. "We just hope everything works out so we can bring her home," Josh Johnston said in a phone interview from his home in Dover, New Jersey. "We told her we were going to be back for her and she said she would wait for us," he said. "Now we're in limbo." The couple already has one adopted child, 4-year-old Jack from Ethiopia, and two biological children. But they wanted to continue growing their family, and their Christian faith led them to again consider adoption, Josh Johnston said. Jenni Johnston's experience volunteering for an international nonprofit had also opened their eyes to the difficulties orphans with medical conditions face in finding a family, leading them to specifically request a child who was HIV-positive. "We knew that there was an overwhelming need for children to be adopted, especially children with special needs," Josh Johnston said. "We had means and love to give, so we figured that would be the best way to serve the Lord and the world." They completed about 90 hours of online and classroom training on cultural awareness and raising a special-needs child before arriving in Moscow at the end of November. They met with an official from the region's Ministry of Education, who gave them an information packet with Anastasia's picture, Josh Johnston said. They accepted the referral and drove about 70 miles (115 km) east of Moscow to the children's home, an imposing facility surrounded by high fences topped with barbed wire. Inside, they found a clean and safe environment for children ages 4 to 16. They first saw Anastasia from a distance in the audience of a talent show and later met her face-to-face accompanied by a nurse and doctor, Josh Johnston said. She seemed shy and unsure at first. But when the nurse explained that they were there to take her home, her face flushed and she smiled, he said. "She captured our hearts," he said. "We went there guided by the Lord, and she was the one the Lord put in front of us." Americans tend to seek adoptions abroad because of the perception that it's easier and that there are more children in need in other countries than in the United States. In the past 20 years, Americans have adopted about 60,000 Russian children, according to the U.S State Department. In 2011, Americans adopted 970 children from Russia, making it third to China (2,589 in 2011) and Ethiopia (1,727), according to the U.S. State Department. Still, most adoptions are domestic. U.S. citizens adopted 17,416 children from foreign countries in 2008, accounting for 13 percent of adoptions that year compared to approximately 136,000 children in the United States, according to a 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau. "Generally, it's perceived that orphans have far greater challenges abroad than they do in the United States, so when it comes to adopting a child, families typically want to raise a child out of a desperate situation," said Kim de Blecourt, founder of Nourished Hearts, a faith-based support network for those connected to adoption and foster care. Another common perception is that it costs less to adopt internationally. But estimates show that variables such as travel, visa and attorney fees can drive up the cost. International adoptions also offer families who don't want open adoptions more distance from biological parents -- geographically, psychologically and logistically. When Dominique Love found out she couldn't have children, she and her husband started looking abroad to avoid potential conflicts with birth parents. She knows that stance might draw criticism, but at the time it was a very real fear. "I was scared of the birth mother having a role in our lives, or taking the child back or changing her mind," she said. "When you're standing on the edge of adoption, every angle of it is scary. Until you're in those shoes and faced with the decision you really can't judge." The couple came across Russia as an option and ultimately found the experience to be so positive that they planned to return there to adopt a daughter. The process was relatively quick, from the moment they submitted paperwork in August 2008 to when they left the country on February 7, 2009, with the 20-month-old boy they later renamed Hampton Burchfield Love Greto. He knows he is adopted and where he's from, she said. She and her husband try to instill in him an awareness of Russian culture through maps, books and TV shows about Russia. They have also become part of a community of Russian-American families in Atlanta in an effort to stay connected to his roots. "He's Russian-American. It's part of his story, and we don't want to erase that," she said. She remembers the day her son thanked her for "choosing" him. It broke her heart and reminded her of the other children still waiting for a family to choose them, which is why she was eager to return to Russia for Hampton's sister. If the ban holds up, she and her husband will pursue a domestic adoption. She sympathizes with Russians who want their children to stay in the land where they born but thinks the children are the ones who will suffer. "Our son had been in that baby home for 12 months when we came along," she said. "You don't understand the need until you see it. We walked into that baby home and saw the number of children that need homes." Follow CNN Living on Facebook and Emanuella Grinberg on Twitter . CNN's Elise Labott contributed to this report. | Josh and Jenni Johnston told orphan Anastasia they would return for her .
The New Jersey couple has no idea how the new law will affect them .
Their faith, sympathy for special-needs children led them to look for HIV-positive orphan .
Mother of child adopted from Russia says bill will hurt orphans in need of homes . |
0ad280c431fb8cb20bfb00aef77d9a619bb49764 | By . Alexandra Klausner . The only thing worse than going back to school after a relaxing summer is watching a commercial about it deemed 'the worst commercial ever' by internet viewers. Or is it? A 30-second commercial for East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph, Missouri was posted on YouTube on Saturday and so far has over one million views. Though many YouTube users think the commercial is 'terrible,' it's managed to go viral almost overnight, reports ABC. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . The opening: A girl sings the name of the mall off-key in the beginning of the 'terrible' commercial . Great casting: Employees of the mall hold up items like 'denim' which can be purchased at the shopping center . The commercial starts with a little girl singing about back to school shopping at East Hills Shopping Center. It then shows several of the mall's employees holding up various back to school items featured in the shopping center. 'Denim,' says on employee as she holds up a pair of the season's newest blue jeans. 'Haircuts,' sings a punk-rock looking employee as she gives the camera her most operatic voice. 'Backpacks! Backpacks! Come get your backpacks!' says a perky blonde employee. 'Boots and pants,' says a mall worker with spiked blonde hair. Singing praise: This woman sings 'haircuts' in her best operatic voice . Classic staple: 'Backpacks,' exclaims a perky blonde to the camera . 'Shoes!' screeches another employee. 'Get yourself an outfit,' says a woman in case the viewers didn't realize that the mall sells multiple items of clothing. The local advertisement may have amused some and annoyed others but either way it has gained international attention. 'Americans are good at making everything terrible,' said user Rage Smith. 'I don't know what to do. Am I supposed to dislike this, or like it? I dislike it with a passion, but that's the point so do I like it?' said Aaron Tripp. 'I don't think it's a "terrible" commercial when it goes viral and 1'000'000 end up watching it,' said XxDarkLightWolfxX. Great combo: 'Boots and pants,' exclaims a male store staff member . Step in the right direction: 'Shoes,' advertises this vivacious mall staff member . Sales boost?: It's hard to say whether or not the commercial will boost sales at the mall but considering the large number of viewers it's promising . 'What an innovative form of marketing. Reverse psychology, I wanna go there to get my boots and pants,' said JamEcrivain. The mall's general manager Caroline Thalasinos spoke with NBC on Monday morning and said that the commercial was intended to be extremely 'lightheaded and funny.' 'It was extremely catchy and even though it was extremely funny, I knew a lot of people might take it seriously, and I mean, we had no idea that it was going to go viral but I knew that we were going to get attention for it and that’s what the main goal was,' she added. Thalasinos told reporters it's too soon to tell if the commercial will boosts sales but it has certainly gotten the public's attention.'When they do think of back to school shopping .... They’re going to think of East Hills Shopping Center, and I think that’s great,' she said. | A 30-second commercial for East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph, Missouri was posted on YouTube on Saturday .
So far, the commercial has over 1 million views .
viewers are split over finding the commercial amusing versus annoying .
It's too soon to tell if the commercial will boosts sales but it has certainly gotten the public's attention . |
0ad378bcf780549a01b559fe5e30cd596edf297b | (CNN) -- If Donald Sterling was trying to make amends with his public mea culpa, he didn't seem to make any friends. In an exclusive interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, the embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner apologized profusely for his comments about African-Americans but insisted he is not a racist. That assertion was to be expected. But a plethora of other claims seem to contradict what others have said. CLAIM: "Am I entitled to one mistake, am I, after 35 years?" Sterling told Cooper he's not a racist, just someone who made a "terrible, terrible mistake." He was referring to the recorded conversation released last month, in which he told friend V. Stiviano that she should stop bringing black people to his games. "In your lousy f***ing Instagrams, you don't have to have yourself with -- walking with black people," he said, according to the audio posted by TMZ. In his interview with CNN, Sterling said his off-the-cuff remarks stemmed from jealousy, not racism. "When she said to me, I'm going to bring four gorgeous black guys to the game ... I was a little jealous," he said. "Am I entitled to one mistake? It's a terrible mistake, and I'll never do it again." Sterling: I'm here to apologize and to ask for forgiveness . REALITY: Sterling has been accused of more than just one "mistake." Based on Sterling's track record with his real estate ventures, the business mogul has made more than one mistake based on discrimination, attorney Gloria Allred said. "It wasn't one mistake. This is not an isolated incident," Allred told CNN's Bill Weir on Monday night. Allred is representing a woman who organized plaintiffs in a suit against Sterling. Sterling was sued by the Justice Department in 2006 on allegations that his rental company refused to lease apartments to African-Americans in Beverly Hills and refused to rent to non-Koreans in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles County. That case was settled in 2009. Sterling agreed to pay nearly $3 million but continuing denying the accusations. And in 2003, the nonprofit Housing Rights Center and a group of tenants who lived in Sterling's properties sued, accusing him of "numerous discriminatory statements and housing practices," according to court documents. Sterling "vehemently denied" the allegations and accused the plaintiffs of "being unreliable tenants and for being driven by hidden agendas," according to court documents. The case was dismissed in 2005 after a settlement was reached. Details of the deal were not disclosed. Sterling to Anderson Cooper: You're more of a racist than I am . ------ . CLAIM: "I was baited. I mean, that's not the way I talk." Sterling said he was actually echoing words that Stiviano had used before the recording. "She would always use the word black, that's a black girl, that's a black guy, this is black that's black," Sterling said. He also said Stiviano's alleged comment about bringing "four gorgeous black guys" to a game came just before the publicized part of the recorded conversation. "It was like she was baiting me just to say things," Sterling told Cooper. "When I listen to that tape, I don't even know how I can say words like that." REALITY: Stiviano blames his age. Stiviano, who is part black, said she doesn't think the 80-year-old Sterling is a racist. "No, I don't believe that in my heart," she told ABC's Barbara Walters. "I think the things he says are not what he feels. Anyone can say anything in the heat of the moment. "I think he comes from a different generation ... he was brought up to believe these things ... segregation, whites and blacks," Stiviano added. "But through his actions, he's shown that he's not a racist. He's shown to be a very generous and kind man." Ex-NBA player: "Baited" comment is a joke . ------ . CLAIM: "The players don't hate me. The sponsors don't hate me." In fact, Sterling said, people have been calling him "by the thousands" to offer their support. REALITY: The players have protested, and sponsors have left in droves. At the first Clippers game after the Sterling controversy broke, players wore their red warm-up shirts inside-out and concealed the Clippers name. And sponsors such as Kia, CarMax, State Farm Insurance and Virgin America have pulled advertising from the Clippers after the recorded conversation was released. ------ . CLAIM: "Because the media says that the (other NBA) owners want me out doesn't mean that they want me out." Sterling told Cooper he doesn't just have a good team, he's a "good owner." REALITY: He didn't ask the owners if they want him out. Sterling said he has received the support of some other franchise owners. But he later said he didn't ask specifically about whether they wanted him to retain ownership of the Clippers. It's unclear whether the NBA can legally oust Sterling, CNN legal analyst Danny Cevallos said. But Commissioner Adam Silver has placed the onus on the owners; they have the burden of deciding whether to oust one of their own. Yet even if the owners are privately sympathetic to Sterling, "an owner who dares to defend the embattled Clippers owner commits social seppuku," Cevallos said. On the other hand, NBA owners are independent thinkers and independently wealthy, he said. If anyone can weather criticism, it's these captains of industry. ------ . CLAIM: Earvin "Magic" Johnson "doesn't do anything" for African-Americans. In perhaps the most bizarre part of his interview, Sterling lambasted the retired Los Angeles Lakers legend, who was mentioned several times in Sterling's recorded exchange with Stiviano. "What kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?" Sterling asked. "I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background. But what does he do for the black people? He doesn't do anything." REALITY: Johnson has made plenty of impact off the court. Johnson has launched numerous business ventures not just to help the black community, but to invigorate the economies of impoverished areas. He founded Magic Johnson Enterprises and began investing in movie theaters, restaurants and fitness centers. The five-time NBA champion has focused on bringing high-quality businesses to diverse communities. He is also chairman and CEO of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS through awareness and education. The foundation has also raised more than $20 million for charity and given almost $4 million in scholarships. What has Magic Johnson done? Quite a lot, actually . CNN's Christine Romans, Steve Almasy, Jason Hanna contributed to this report. Watch Anderson Cooper . 360° weeknights 8pm ET. For the latest from AC360° click here. | Sterling said his comments about black men stemmed from jealousy .
Attorney: Sterling has a history of discrimination from his real estate ventures .
Sterling says supporters are calling him "by the thousands"
He also slammed Magic Johnson, saying he hasn't helped the black community . |
0ad5d834479f8b88cc827c00fa26c3c617a39195 | Reaction: Arthur Stevenson-Hart became 'very giddy' A Frankenstein food breakfast cereal designed for children and packed with additives linked to bad behaviour and hyperactivity is being sold in Britain. Lucky Charms, which is imported from the US, is the first mainstream GM food to go on sale in this country. The cereal, which is being sold by Tesco, is at the vanguard of what GM advocates hope will be numerous products to arrive in kitchens here. Its use of genetically modified corn is buried in small print on the package. GM corn has been eaten in the US for more than a decade. However, critics of the technology argue that not enough research has been carried out to ensure these foods are safe. Most GM corn plants have been modified in the laboratory to contain a toxin that kills pests that feed on them. Potentially more alarming is the fact that the cereal contains a number of artificial colours that the Food Standards Agency urges manufacturers not to use because research found a possible association with hyperactivity in young children. Lucky Charms is marketed as a nutritious cereal for children, but contains four suspect colourings – Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue and Allura Red. Tesco bans the use of GM ingredients from its own-label foods, including breakfast cereals, on the basis that British families have rejected the technology. However, this ban does not apply to other brands and the store has also lifted its ban on the use of GM animal feed at farms that supply meat, milk and eggs. General Mills, which makes Lucky Charms, points to its wholegrain content and describes the mix of corn, soya, sugar and marshmallow as ‘magically delicious’. However, one father said Tesco was ‘letting customers down’ by selling it. Paul Stevenson, a psychotherapist from Twickenham, south-west London, said his nine-year-old son Arthur became ‘very giddy’, talked incessantly and was extremely hyperactive after eating the cereal, which Tesco is selling at a premium price of £5 a box. ‘As his behaviour became more and more unusually hyper and lacking attention I then noticed that he was enthusiastically eating and talking about this new cereal called Lucky Charms,’ said Mr Stevenson. ‘I checked the box and found out that in very small lettering it said that it was a GM food. Small print: Tesco says that Lucky Charms adhere to the 'relevant legislation' even if it may have adverse effects . ‘I destroyed the packet and he calmed down the next day but I was very concerned and angry.’ It seems likely that the adverse reaction was caused by the suspect colours. There is a smallprint warning on the pack that the cereal may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. Mr Stevenson said the cereal was on prominent display at the local Tesco and is sold in a packet that is ‘extremely attractive to little kids’. Pete Riley, of campaign group GM Freeze, called on customers to boycott Tesco. ‘The idea of promoting a cereal to children that is not only GM but also contains suspect colours does not seem to me to be the correct policy for a company that claims to be a responsible retailer,’ he said. General Mills said it does not supply the cereal to UK stores and that Tesco had ordered its supplies from a third party importer. The supermarket said in a statement: ‘We sell this branded product as part of our world foods range. The product ingredients are clearly labelled and are in line with relevant legislation.’ | Imported Lucky Charms can have adverse effects on children's behaviour .
It is marketed as nutritious, but contains four suspect colourings . |
0ad8abca96ce301ee54accdefa070392542ea242 | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 08:17 EST, 30 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:05 EST, 30 October 2013 . Many fliers often switch off when airlines deliver the staid FAA's in-flight safety guidelines. But this new musical offering by Virgin America is guaranteed to get passengers' attention... even if they find it annoying. The video features 36 dancers and former . contestants from So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol - singing rapping dancing and contortion all play a part in the five-minute film. Scroll down for video . New venture: This new musical offering by Virgin America is guaranteed to get passengers attention... even if they find it annoying . The video uses 14 dance styles to spell out the pre-flight instructions and features singing air hostesses and dancing nuns. It also includes humourous asides in the instructions such an air hostess saying: 'For the .001% of you who have never operated a seat belt before — really?' Debuting today on screens across America including Times Square, the video was created by filmmaker Jon Chu who worked on Step Up 2, Step Up 3, Justin Bieber's 3D concert film Never Say Never and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. The video uses 14 dance styles to spell out the pre-flight instructions and features singing air hostesses and dancing nuns. Amusing: It also includes humourous asides in the instructions such an air hostess saying: 'For the .001% of you who have never operated a seat belt before - really?' Past: Jon Chuo worked on Step Up 2, Step Up 3, Justin Bieber's 3D concert film Never Say Never and G.I. Joe: Retaliation . New work: Debuting today on screens across America including Times Square, the video was created by filmmaker Jon Chu . 'I'm a visual learner myself and making it fun and entertaining made a big difference for me,' said Mr Chu. 'I wanted to make sure this video lived up to that promise and pushed the envelope. I think we've successfully taken Virgin America into new, uncharted territory with this safety video, and I really hope to see people doing their own versions of the safety dance soon.' 'The most important aspect of any safety video is that people actually pay attention to it. Too often the dry, perfunctory safety messaging used in the past was tuned out. 'We believe we were successful with our original video in creating a message that resonated. Using the universal languages of music and dance, we think even more people will pay attention, and hopefully be entertained at the same time,' said Steve Forte, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin America. Rapper: The young rapper which features in the five-minute video . The FAA has a regulation dictating what all has to be included in safety presentations . Hit: Virgin America made waves in the safety video genre in 2007, when it became the first domestic airline to feature an animated film in-flight safety video across its fleet . 'We don't care how you deliver it, as long as it's imparted to passengers,' says FAA spokeswoman Alison Duquette . The FAA has a regulation dictating what all has to be included in safety presentations. 'We don't care how you deliver it, as long as it's imparted to passengers,' says FAA spokeswoman Alison Duquette. 'Some of the airlines get a little creative, but it's all the same information that you have to provide,' she told USA Today. Virgin America made waves in the safety video genre in 2007, when it became the first domestic airline to feature an animated film in-flight safety video across its fleet. The cult favorite will still be featured onboard the airline's entertainment platform, but the new VX Safety Dance video will be played to fliers in mid-November. | Video .
will deliver FAA's in-flight safety guidelines in a new fashion .
Elaborate video has 36 dancers and 14 dance styles .
Features contestants from So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol . |
0ad92958e68ed0c19bf2bc524947289845c4823b | (EW.com) -- Fox is pulling the plug on "Almost Human." The robot cop drama will not return for a second season. 'The Following' post-mortem: EP on who's REALLY dead . "Almost Human" starred Karl Urban and Michael Ealy as two cops, at least one a robot, who fought crime in the future. The freshman drama struggled in the ratings on Monday nights, where the last few episodes averaged about 5.6 million viewers and a mere 1.5 rating among adults 18-49 in the overnight numbers. Tricia Helfer to star in new Syfy space drama . The somewhat similarly premised CBS freshman drama series "Intelligence," which stars Josh Holloway as a crime fighter with a cyber-wired brain, is still on the bubble for a renewal after likewise struggling on Mondays this season. The decision came down on the same day "Almost Human" executive producer J.J. Abrams announced the cast for one of his other sci-fi projects, "Star Wars: Episode VII." 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. | Fox has pulled the plug on "Almost Human"
The freshman robot cop drama starred Karl Urban and Michael Ealy .
It struggled in ratings on Monday nights . |
0ada64f40ebeba9e675cbd37ad110e643d48e74a | The two British women accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine worth £1.5 million out of Peru have been branded liars by the lawyer who prepared the preliminary case against them. And he says their refusal to confess increases their prospect of facing 15 years in prison. In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, Dr Juan Mendoza Abarca, head of the state attorney’s office anti-drugs unit, dismissed the women’s stories. Scroll down for video . Living a nightmare: Michaella McCollum Connolly, left, and Melissa Reid in a Lima court . He said their excuses were ‘very well practised’, they had been coached in what to say and their ‘demeanour did not suggest that they had been threatened’. The lawyer, who led the investigation for the first 15 days, said that Melissa Reid and Michaella McCollum Connolly, both 20, had no proof to back up any of their claims. Last week The Mail on Sunday printed the women’s police statements in full and revealed that Miss Reid’s father, William, thinks she should plead guilty. Dr Mendoza Abarca said: ‘They don’t even have one element of proof. Unfortunately, their stories are not believable – their stories are incredible. They staged this whole thing from the beginning because they knew it was possible they would get caught and if they did get caught they had the excuses really well planned. ‘The problem is that they received the drugs, they packed the drugs in their bags and they went to the airport. But had they been given the bags packed already – which is what usually happens – then it’s another story. When somebody is threatened, you can tell. I have spoken to the girls and their demeanour did not suggest that they had been threatened because of the way they acted.’ Dr Mendoza Abarca questioned the women for three hours and thinks they will end up pleading guilty to get a shorter sentence. Dr Juan Mendoza Abarca, head of the state attorney's office anti-drugs unit, is interviewed by reporter Simon Murphy . He added: ‘It’s very obvious that they were trained in what to say if they were caught. They were prepared in every sense. They were told to take pictures of themselves having a good time, to try to act as normal as possible. All of the excuses were very well practised.’ This comes as The Mail on Sunday has uncovered fresh information about the women’s capture at Lima airport: . Michaella McCollum Connolly (L) and Melissa Reid (R) were detained allegedly with 11 kilograms of cocaine on their way to Madrid, Spain, at the international airport Jorge Chavez in Callao, near Lima, Peru . The case is now in the hands of the judiciary, but Dr Mendoza Abarca has been privy to all the evidence in the first 15 days of the case. His remarks provide a stark assessment of the women’s hopes of proving their innocence. If they continue to plead not guilty they will receive a minimum of eight and maximum of 15 years behind bars, he warns. ‘The biggest part, for me, was when they started crying when I asked them about their families,’ he said. ‘There’s no way in the world they would risk their families’ safety for that many days when they could have come forward and told the authorities they’d been threatened. ‘They are going to end up pleading guilty to get the minimum sentence, that’s what they always end up doing in my experience.’ He added: ‘When they were first questioned, their demeanour was very flat and they were just repeating their story. Usually when a mule is caught they come out with lots of different stories and explanations – they have lots of detail. These girls’ stories were just too superficial. ‘They could have come forward before. They had the opportunities to. The authorities in this country and their country would have done everything that was necessary to protect their families and to make sure nothing happened to them. ‘If that had happened, they actually would have had the opportunity to catch the real people involved because they would have done whatever was necessary to catch the real bosses. But they didn’t do that. They waited to be caught.’ Dr Mendoza Abarca also ruled out the possibility that the women were sacrificed to let a bigger load of drugs though, explaining that once the girls had been caught all flights were put on high alert. He added that CCTV showing the girls’ movements just before they went to the airport ‘showed nobody was holding a gun to their head’. ‘No one was seen to force them to do anything,’ he said. ‘They may have been used to carry drugs but they may also have been offered compensation for it because they were just freely walking around.’ Joke: Melissa Reid has poured her heart out in a series of letters to friends at home . Melissa Reid has poured her heart out in a series of letters to friends at home, describing her nightmare ordeal in a squalid Peruvian prison. But she has managed to keep her sense of humour and was able to joke: ‘Hope I look good on TV! (as good as I can that is.)’ Reid has spent her first full week behind bars with Michaella McCollum Connolly in a grim prison alongside murderers and terrorists. She describes the experience as ‘frustrating and scary’ but is ‘taking it one day at a time’. Melissa tells friends that Michaella, from Northern Ireland, is ‘like a sister to me now’. Writing to friends at home in Glasgow from Virgen de Fatima prison, Melissa says: ‘Makes me sick to think I was meant to still be having the summer of a lifetime in beefa [Ibiza] baby but instead I am in a woman’s prison in Peru. I suppose it hasn’t quite hit home.’ After complaining that she misses her mother’s cooking, Melissa describes to another friend how she witnessed a hungry inmate sucking chicken bones, calling it ‘a different ball game’. At the prison, the women undergo a military-style regime. There is a head count at 6am, the inmates are locked in their cells from 6pm and lights go out at 9pm. Melissa and Michaella face up to three years there while they await trial. They are forced to take cold showers, which often cut out, and are confined to their cell most of the day. They are kept isolated from the main prison population while officials monitor their progress. Writing to her friends, Melissa said: ‘I am taking it day by day. It’s too hard to look at the long term as I will drive myself insane!’ To another friend she wrote: ‘If it was someone I knew in this position I would set up like a petition for David Cameron or something? I don’t know if it will help but surely it will put pressure on them! I just wish we were back having the summer of our lives everything is so f****d up now!’ She added: ‘My 21st [birthday] will be in a Peruvian prison ahhh!!!!’ The pair could spend up to three years in jail in Peru as they await their trial . Last night, Melissa’s father, William, bid an emotional goodbye to his daughter as he prepared to fly back to Britain. Breaking down in tears, Melissa told him: ‘I’m going to find it so hard not knowing when I’ll next see you or Mum.’ Mr Reid said: ‘I think prison has been a reality check for them both. They now know that this is going to be where they’re going to spend a considerable period of time. ‘Melissa has always been looking forward to my next visit but when I’m gone, she’ll not know when she’ll see her family again. ‘I’ve tried to explain to her why I think she should plead guilty. She is guilty of transporting drugs, but she can say she’s sorry for those actions and the hurt and misery it’s brought to her family. She’s just got to take the medicine that goes with that and move on.’ | Lawyer brands women accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine as liars .
Dr Juan Mendoza Abarca said their excuses were 'very well practised'
He said the two women had no proof to back up their claims .
The cocaine was concealed inside porridge and jelly packets with a lining of loose pepper on the inside to mask the smell of drugs; .
The cocaine was cut with bicarbonate of soda and starch; .
The women were carrying cash, including €50, £35 of local currency and $50; .
They also had a digital camera and two BlackBerry phones with sim cards, which are currently being investigated. |
0adae7209c9c193e49fbdad6fd93cb95ef203582 | Short bursts of exercise lasting less than 10 minutes give you the same health benefits as slugging it out at the gym for hours. Researchers have found that even walking to the bus stop or cleaning your home can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol. Activities like mowing the lawn and even fishing can also lower your risk of heart disease. Healthy: The Boston University study found that short bursts of exercise, including household tasks such as cleaning and mowing the grass, can be as healthy as more lengthy exercise . A Boston University study found that so long as the 10 minute bursts make up your daily quota of exercise, you will see the difference on your body. It concluded that ‘some exercise is better than nothing’ and that by adding up the small things you can have big impact. For the experiment the researchers attached a motion detector to to 2,109 men and woman with an average age of 47. More than half were overweight. The sensor - called an accelerometer - allowed them to monitor all their activity, rather than asking them to fill out a questionnaire in which they might not have listed everything they did. The results showed that compared to those who did not do enough exercise, everyone who did so weighed less, had lower BMI and lower cholesterol. Exercising had a stronger impact on cardiovascular risk factors in women than men, possibly because of physiological differences or unmeasured factors. But significantly, the benefits of short bursts of less than 10 minutes yielded the same benefits as those who worked out for longer. Examples of activities which counted included everything from cleaning the garage to badminton and golf. Similar: The study found that short bursts of activity yielded the same benefits as longer workouts . More strenuous activities like hiking, jogging, shovelling counted too. The researchers said the findings may work as an encouragement to those who do not have enough time to work out - or cannot muster the energy to do so after a long day. According to NHS guidelines, adults should get at least two hours and 30 minutes or moderate intensity exercise a week, such as fast walking, or 75 minutes of high intensity exercise such as swimming. The two may be mixed together if a person so chooses, so long as they hit the target. Lead Researcher Professor Nicole Glazer of Boston University School of Medicine, said: ‘I think it’s really important finding - because of the high levels of sedentary behaviour it is crucial to get people to be more active. ‘Going to the gym is not the only thing you can do and things like taking the stairs and walking for the bus do add up. ‘It’s important to exercise even if you do not have time to do so, and you can fit it into your day’. | Short bursts of exercise carry same health benefits, according to scientists at Boston University .
Activities like mowing the lawn or cleaning the home can help people lose weight . |
0adb73b7946a19e08179a84b4614d4435a9288d6 | By . Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail . Follow @@SamiMokbel81_DM . Click here for fourth round ties in the Capital One Cup . Don't worry Andre Schurrle, you have scored in a World Cup semi-final. That memory should keep the Germany forward sane when he reflects on all the opportunities he wasted against Bolton last night. The more he tried, the more he looked to the heavens. The final shot count for Schurrle was 12, four times as many as Bolton managed during the entire 90 minutes. Thankfully for the 23-year-old, Kurt Zouma and Oscar were more accurate as the Blues booked a Capital One Cup last-16 trip to League Two Shrewsbury. It should have been a much smoother ride for the west London club, though. Kurt Zouma slammed home the first goal on his Chelsea debut against Bolton in Capital One Cup . Chelsea's French defender Zouma pounced to open the scoring against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge . Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech 6; Azpilicueta 6.5, Zouma 7, Cahill 6.5, Luis 7; Mikel 6.5, Ake 7 (Matic 90); Salah 7 (Hazard 79), Oscar 7, Schurrle 6.5; Remy 6 (Drogba 73). Subs: Ivanovic, Matic, Schwarzer, Christensen, Baker. Manager: Mourinho 7 . Bolton (4-5-1): Lonergan 7.5; Herd 6, Mills 6.5, Dervite 6, Moxey 5, Feeney 5 (Spearing 68, 5), Danns 5 (Mason 82), Pratley 5, Kamara 5, Davies 5 (Lee 52); Beckford 5 . Subs: Clayton, McNaughton, Ream, Kenny. Booked: Pratley . Manager: Freedman 6 . Referee: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire) - 6 . ‘Andre’s performance reflected the mentality of the team,’ said Steve Holland, Chelsea’s assistant coach. ‘Not much more than two months ago he was playing in the World Cup final, tonight he was playing in the Capital One Cup. He showed a real committed performance — full of drive all night. He looked our most likely source throughout the game. He was an example of what was best about our performance. ‘A combination of some missed chances, a bit of bad luck and some very good goalkeeping meant that we were still at the limit right at the end of the game.’ Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho fielded an understrength side, giving goalkeeper Petr Cech his first appearance of the season. Mourinho also gave Loic Remy a full debut after his move from Queens Park Rangers, while there were starts for youngsters Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma. Bolton manager Dougie Freedman also made five changes from the side that started their Championship defeat by Wolves on Saturday. Chelsea began as if they meant business, possibly prompted by Mourinho’s wardrobe choice — the Portuguese opting for a suit rather than the tracksuit he favoured during this tournament last season. Or perhaps it was the fact Freedman kept him waiting for the customary pre-match handshake. Whatever it was, Chelsea came flying out the blocks and could have been four up inside 17 minutes. Chelsea's Kurt Zouma, right, celebrates scoring the opening goal against Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge . Bolton Wanderers' Matt Mills (centre hidden) equalised with a powerful header against Chelsea . 11 - Crystal Palace, Hull, Tottenham and West Brom . 9 - Brighton, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest . 6 - Newcastle . 5 - Bolton, Manchester City . 4 - Sheffield Wednesday . 3 - Burton Albion . Schurrle had enough chances to have scored a hat-trick before the game was a quarter of an hour old. He was denied twice inside the first five minutes; his free-kick tipped wide by Andy Lonergan before a header was cleared off the line by Matt Mills. Mills again denied Schurrle, this time with a well-timed challenge as the World Cup winner met Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross after 14 minutes. Then Remy fluffed a chance to break the deadlock with a poor header before Schurrle squandered another chance. He was getting closer, though, his 20-yard free-kick being tipped on to the bar by Lonergan. The goal finally arrived in the 25th minute, but from an unlikely source. Bolton defender Dorian Dervite blocked Gary Cahill’s header from Mohamed Salah’s corner only for the ball to drop to Zouma and the French centre back slammed home his first goal for the club. Relief swept through the crowd but seven minutes later Bolton snatched a shock equaliser. Liam Feeney’s deep free-kick looked more hopeful than accurate but Mills rose above Jon Obi Mikel to head home from 14 yards. The goal did not alter the flow of the game, however, as Chelsea — and Schurrle, looked to regain the lead. Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was beaten by Matt Mills' thumping header for Bolton in the first half . Bolton celebrate Mills' equaliser against Chelsea in Capital One Cup third round tie at Stamford Bridge . The German missed two more chances before Ake thumped a long-range drive well over the bar just before the break. Schurrle, inevitably, was involved in their first chance of the second half but Oscar’s header from the German’s free-kick was well saved by the over-worked Lonergan in the 51st minute. Five minutes later, Chelsea made the vital breakthrough as Oscar thumped a 25-yard drive past Lonergan after good work by Remy. As if to rub salt into Schurrle’s wounds, he then saw his 80th-minute drive from 15 yards tipped on to a post by Lonergan, who gratefully held on to the loose ball. It was just one of those nights for Schurrle. Like our MailOnline Sport Facebook page. Brazilian midfielder Oscar fired home the winner for Chelsea with a 25-yard drive . Oscar celebrates scoring Chelsea's second goal in the 55th minute against Bolton . Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech comes out to punch clear during the Capital One Cup tie . Chelsea's Andre Schuerrle, right, endured a frustrating night after missing a succession of chances . Chelsea defender Gary Cahill had his hands full dealing with Bolton striker Jermaine Beckford . Chelsea midfeilder Oscar tangles with Matt Mills of Bolton Wanderers during the Capital One Cup match . Joe Mason of Bolton breaks away from Chelsea defender Gary Cahill to set up an attack . Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech watches Bolton's Dorian Dervite climb above defender to direct a header at goal . | Andre Schurrle spurned a host of chances and Bolton goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan was in fine form to deny the hosts .
French defender Kurt Zouma, on his debut, struck from a corner after 25 minutes to break the deadlock .
Chelsea's profligacy was punished when Bolton captain Matt Mills headed in an equaliser six minutes later .
Oscar saved his side's blushes by striking from 25 yards out after 55 minutes . |
0adbcedec99d78d2c1399ce5fe01e5c953558035 | By . Sophie Jane Evans . Another life sentence: Nicky Suddons, 26, has been given a second life sentence after carrying out a savage sex attack while on day release from prison . A notorious rapist who carried out a savage sex attack at knifepoint after being let out of prison for a day on 'work experience' has been given a second life sentence. Nicky Suddons, 26, was jailed for life aged 17 for a rape and six other serious assaults on women and a girl aged 13 in Manchester in 2004. But after being deemed safe to work in the community, he assembled a ‘rape kit’ containing a knife, balaclava and rubber gloves. Left unsupervised during his lunch . break, he then tried to rape a woman in her 50s as she walked her Labrador in a park near Grantham, Lincolnshire. The victim was only saved because the dog turned on the former lifeguard. Now, Suddons has been handed a second life sentence with a minimum jail term of six years - but has been warned he may never be deemed safe to be released into the community. Sentencing him at Lincoln Crown Court, Judge Sean Morris said: 'I stress that is the minimum term you will serve. 'I . strongly suspect that the lesson in your case has been learned, and it . will be many years, if not decades - and it may be never - when it comes to . considering your release. 'You . are an extremely dangerous human being. I am convinced you will . sexually assault and rape women in the future if you are released. 'In . this case your victim has been severely traumatised. She has not been . able to return to work. She has been diagnosed with post traumatic . stress disorder. Crime scene: After being deemed safe to work in the community, he assembled a 'rape kit' containing a knife, balaclava and rubber gloves. He then tried to rape a woman in Queen Elizabeth Park (pictured) near Grantham . 'She cannot now go out of her house without the dog and . without a rape alarm. That is severe psychological harm.' After his initial crime spree in 2004, Suddons became known as the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ rapist based on the area of Manchester where he carried out the attacks. He later boasted about his crimes on social media sites, saying he carried out the knifepoint assaults for kicks and regarded himself as 'untouchable'. He was handed a life sentence in September 2005 - with the judge warning he had ‘an extremely high risk of reoffending’ and . was a ‘highly dangerous young man’. Case: Now, Suddons has been handed a second life sentence with a minimum jail term of six years at Lincoln Crown Court (pictured). He has been warned he may never be deemed safe to be released into the community . But in Spring last year, Suddons was deemed safe to . be let out of North Sea Camp open prison near Boston, Lincolnshire, to carry . out painting and decorating work in Grantham. By that time, he has completed a sex offender treatment programme designed to deter him from committing further sex attacks. Under the day release arrangement, . Suddons slept at the prison every night, but was allowed out during the . day to carry out his work placement. While out of prison, he collected together the 'rape kit' - including condoms to stop police tracing him through DNA - before attempting to rape the middle-aged woman during his lunch hour. Warning. Sentencing Suddons, Judge Sean Morris (right) branded him 'an extremely dangerous human being'. Left, the criminal is pictured in 2005 after being imprisoned for carrying out seven sex assaults in Manchester . David Outterside, prosecuting, said Suddons had left his work renovating an old property for a church, before making his way to Queen Elizabeth Park where he lay in wait for a victim. After changing his clothes, he then confronted the woman as she walked her pet Labrador through a wooded area. The woman told the jury how she turned round to find herself face to face with a masked man brandishing a knife. She said she fell to the ground and screamed while her dog started barking. Suddons stood over her and warned 'Don’t scream', the court heard. Initial case: Suddons received his first life sentence at Manchester Crown Court (pictured) in September 2005 . The woman told the jury: 'My eyes were . fixed on the knife and the mask. His thumb was on the Stanley knife as . if the blade was ready to be flicked.' Suddons backed off as the dog lunged at him and then fled, but was caught and later arrested after a cyclist stopped him from leaving the park. Mr Outterside said that Suddons had carefully planned the attack and had hoped his rape kit would help him avoid the mistakes he had made leading to his arrest in 2004. 'What was on his mind was rape,' he said. 'This time he was prepared and was absolutely determined not to be caught. He thought he could get clean away with it but he was caught red-handed.' Concern: Suddons's conviction in December sparked a review of the prisoner day release scheme by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling . Suddons, originally from Abbey Hey, Manchester, received his first life . sentence at Manchester Crown Court in September 2005 after admitting a . rape and six sexual assaults on victims aged between 13 and 28. Several of the attacks were at knife point taking place in a local park and in an area close to a canal. He . was ordered to serve a minimum of just four years because he was a . juvenile aged 17 when he committed the offences. In his latest case, he denied attempting to rape the middle-aged woman on 28 June 2013, but the jury took less than an hour to convict him. In evidence, he claimed the last time he had had sex was when he raped a 28-year-old woman in East Manchester ten years ago. He told the jury: 'That was the last time I had sex. I think about sex the same as every bloke. I don’t think about it all the time. Not daily.' Suddons's conviction in December sparked a review of the prisoner day release scheme by Justice . Secretary Chris Grayling, who described the case as 'horrifying'. 'This is a truly horrifying case and one that needs to be investigated thoroughly,' he said. ‘I’m . determined to get to the bottom of what went wrong and to take forward . any lessons learnt from the reviews I have commissioned. ‘In . future when people are released on temporary licence I want to see them . tagged so we can better monitor where they are and where they have . been.’ Last month, it was announced that day release from prison is to be scaled back following a series of serious crimes committed by offenders temporarily out of jail. Tighter rules about who is eligible for the scheme are to be introduced, while prisoners will only be allowed out for a specific purpose, such as gaining work experience, the Ministry of Justice said. Day-release prisoners will also have to wear electronic tags, once technology is made available, the department added. For prisoners with a history of serious crimes, there will be a new 'restricted' level where they will undergo stringent risk assessments by probation officers and other professionals. Suddons's case was the second high profile case involving an life sentence inmate from North Sea Camp on work placement. In October 2012, Lee Cyrus went on the run after being let out on day release for work. He was only arrested after going on a crime spree and was subsequently convicted following a jury trial of five counts of exposure, wounding with intent, unlawful wounding, affray, aggravated burglary, robbery and burglary. He was jailed at Southwark Crown Court in December when he received a new life sentence and was ordered to serve a minimum of 11 years. | Nicky Suddons, 26, was originally jailed in 2004 for seven sex assaults .
He was ordered to serve minimum of four years as he was aged 17 at time .
Let out of prison for day on 'work experience' after being deemed safe .
But while out, he put together a 'rape kit' of balaclava, glove and knife .
Then lay in wait for woman, 50, in park, before attempting to rape her .
Suddons now handed second life sentence with minimum six-year term .
Judge Sean Morris branded him 'an extremely dangerous human being'
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling ordered review into day release scheme . |
0add6b43e18072837f0bef41031d6f92f740d625 | Washing and peeling potatoes for the Sunday roast can be a time-consuming task, especially if you have 1kg of potatoes to prepare. However, one Danish man has found an ingenious solution to slash the time needed to peel the spuds using just a bucket, a hose, a drill and a toilet brush. Leo Lund from Grasten came up with the idea to use the everyday household items so he could prepare the potatoes within just 50 seconds ready to be cooked. Scroll down for video . Starting off with a 1kg bag of potatoes, left, Leo Lund tips them into a bucket, right, and lines up his drill, with a toilet brush attached and his hose . Mr Lund then places the drill brush inside the bucket, left, and then blasts the potatoes with the water from his hose . In a video, Mr Lund can be seen taking his large bag of unwashed and unpeeled potatoes and placing them in a bucket. He then picks up a power drill, which he has attached a stiff toilet brush to the end of it. Mr Lund then blasts the potatoes with the hose, while at the same time holding the drill with the brush attached inside the bucket. The potatoes then go into a spin as the force of the drill and hose begin to wash and peel them . After a minute of the potatoes being spun, he then drains away the excess water ready to reveal the spuds . He then tips the potatoes, which have been cleaned and peeled into a pan ready to be cooked . He continues to hose down the spuds while using the drill brush to quickly peel them. And less than a minute later, he pours out the excess water to reveal his washed and peeled potatoes, which he places into a pan. Mr Lund then posted the video of his potato peeling on to his Facebook page and entitled his video, 'How to fix 1 kg of new potatoes ready for the pot in about 50 seconds, rather lazy than stupid.' The footage has now gone viral on the social network already receiving more than 17,000 likes and being shared over 100,000 times since it was posted last week. | Leo Lund from Grasten, Denmark came up with idea to quickly peel potatoes .
Uses a bucket, hose, toilet brush and drill to prepare potatoes for cooking .
The potatoes become washed, peeled and ready to cook in under a minute . |
0add9e1b74b279fa9da3b8919a779dbaed7adc72 | By . John Hall . PUBLISHED: . 12:07 EST, 14 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:12 EST, 14 March 2014 . A driver had a lucky escape after his car smashed through a fence and plunged down a steep bank into an unsuspecting homeowner's back garden. Neighbours looked on in shock as the blue Ford Fiesta came to halt just yards from a glass conservatory in a quiet residential road in Barepot, Cumbria. Despite the dramatic crash, the driver was able to crawl out of his vehicle unhurt - with a cup of strong, sugary tea on offer from a friendly neighbour to help him deal with the shock. Crash: The blue Ford Fiesta came to halt just yards from a glass conservatory in a quiet residential road in Barepot, Cumbria. Despite the dramatic crash, the driver was able to crawl out of his vehicle unhurt . Escape: As the car landed on its roof and was badly damaged, neighbours were amazed to see the driver climbing out one of the vehicle's doors only seconds later . The accident happened when the driver lost control of his vehicle while travelling along Workington Road on the main road between Seaton and Northside on the west Cumbrian coast. As he approached a junction, the man's car careered off the road, smashed into a fence, plunged down an embankment and came to a rest in the back garden of a property in Yearl Rise - a quiet residential street in the tiny village of Barepot. As the car landed on its roof and was badly damaged, neighbours were amazed to see the driver climbing out one of the vehicle's doors only seconds later. Scene: The accident happened when the driver lost control of his vehicle while travelling along Workington Road (pictured), near Seaton in Cumbria. The driver crashed through the hedge and fence on the left . The man was taken to hospital for treatment but is not thought to have suffered any injuries . Lucky: The accident happened when the driver lost control of his vehicle while travelling along Workington Road on the main road between Seaton and Northside on the west Cumbrian coast . Although he is not thought to have suffered any injuries, the man was taken to hospital for treatment. Margaret Short lives next door to the house the driver landed in and was the first person on the scene. 'It was an almighty bang - I have never heard anything like it. He managed to crawl out by himself,' she said. 'I couldn't believe it when I saw the car upside down on the lawn. He was really shaken up so I made him a cup of tea with lots of sugar.' | Driver of blue Ford Fiesta lost control of vehicle and careered off the road .
Crashed through fence and down bank, with car left upside down in garden .
Accident took place on Yearl Rise - a quiet street in Barepot village, Cumbria .
Despite dramatic crash, the man was able to climb out the vehicle unscathed . |
0addcdad25370af21d1c3831837c98ead636abf8 | Doctors say 16million Britons may not gain any benefit at all from taking a daily dose of Aspirin . Aspirin is pointless for a quarter of patients and hundreds could be needlessly dying as a result, doctors have warned. They say that 16million Britons may not gain any benefit at all from taking a daily dose of the drug, which is mainly used to thin the blood. Those at risk of heart attacks and strokes are also thought to be around four times more likely to suffer a fatal attack than those for whom aspirin is effective. Scientists have now developed a £10 urine test that can tell whether the drug is effective for individual patients. Doctors want patients to be tested for aspirin resistance before they are prescribed the drug. Dr Paul Ames, a consultant at St George's Hospital, London, believes the new test could have a significant impact on the health of hundreds of thousands of patients. He told The Daily Telegraph: 'Doctors need to realise that aspirin, the cornerstone of much cardiac therapy, is not working for up to 25 per cent of those taking it. 'Then there are the side effects, such as ulcers, to consider.' He added that aspirin-resistant patients are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack and almost four times more likely to suffer cardiovascular death. Scroll down for video . He said it was imperative that there should be testing for aspirin resistance, so patients can be given alternative treatments. Doctors have warned that a quarter of users are actually aspirin-resistant and should not take the medicine . Aspirin, known as acetylsalicylic acid, has been used for many years as a painkiller because it is an anti-inflammatory. Low doses of up to 75mg are recommended for people with known cardiovascular disease because it thins the blood. Medics say that, in aspirin-resistant patients, blood thinning is poor. It means there a greater likelihood of clots forming in arteries, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. | 16million Britons may not gain any benefit from taking a daily dose of drug .
Aspirin-resistant patients are up to twice as likely to suffer a heart attack .
Scientists have developed a £10 urine test to tell whether drug is effective . |
0addeb0ae4b94f53f2fcca67a942c366cda27d63 | The Chicago Crime Commission named a new Public Enemy No. 1 on Thursday, a designation originally crafted for Al Capone. The new holder of this dubious distinction, however, is not American nor believed to be in the United States. He is Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the infamous Mexican drug lord who is Chicago's most wanted because his Sinaloa cartel supplies a majority of the narcotics in the city. Not since Capone "has any criminal deserved this title more than Joaquin Guzman," commission President J.R. Davis said in a news release. "Guzman is the major supplier of narcotics to Chicago. His agents are working in the Chicago area importing vast quantities of drugs for sale throughout the Chicago region and collecting and sending to Mexico tens of millions of dollars in drug money." Daughter of accused drug lord deported to Mexico . Guzman is the boss of the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful drug trafficking operations. His nickname, which means "shorty," matches his 5-foot-6-inch frame, though he has climbed to great heights in the drug smuggling business. Forbes magazine has estimated that "El Chapo" is worth $1 billion. The U.S. Treasury Department has declared him the most influential trafficker in the world, and Mexican authorities have been on his tail since his 2001 escape from a Mexican prison in a laundry cart. Chicago is among the major destinations for the cartel's illegal drugs. "While Chicago is 1,500 miles from Mexico, the Sinaloa drug cartel is so deeply embedded in the city that local and federal law enforcement are forced to operate as if they are on the border," said Jack Riley, who heads the Drug Enforcement Administration's office in the city. The DEA is heading up a new strike force focusing on what Riley calls "choke points": where the drugs and money change hands between the cartel operatives and Chicago gangs. Language and cultural barriers at that juncture make the criminal groups more vulnerable, he said in a statement. Officials hope this strategy weakens the cartel and creates leads that may bring the capture of Guzman, who is in hiding in Mexico. "If I pitted Chicago's traditional organized crime group against Guzman and the Sinaloa Cartel, it wouldn't be a fight," Riley said. "In my opinion, Guzman is the new Al Capone of Chicago. His ability to corrupt and enforce his sanctions with his endless supply of revenue is more powerful than Chicago's Italian organized crime gang." Rape case in Mexican resort city puts violence back in the spotlight . | Chicago Crime Commission names a new Public Enemy No. 1 .
Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is the most wanted man .
He is in hiding in Mexico but is blamed for the majority of narcotics in Chicago . |
0ade7b0c3e8d4618395d73afe7dcf52d44d0917d | A father and son are part of a group of seven Florida men accused of prostituting a 16-year-old girl and forcing her to have group sex while they plied her with drugs, prosecutors say. The high school student was reported missing by her school and disappeared for a week while she was driven across Miami-Dade and told to earn $1,288 for the group, according to police. The Miami Herald reports that the girl climbed into a black Ford Taurus with one woman and two men on December 4 after school. Scroll down for video . Accused: Derrick Powell, Sr, (left) and Derrick Powell, Jr, (right) are part of a group charged with trafficking a 16-year-old girl into prostitution while feeding her drugs . She was then given alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and MDMA, an amphetamine-like synthetic drug with hallucinogenic effects. She was coerced into sex acts with at least 16 men over the week she was missing, including two occasions where she was forced to have sex with up to 8 men at once, authorities said. 'Every time you think you have seen the worst of the worst, a case like this pops up,' State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle told NBC. 'It's nauseating. It's horrifying and unspeakable,' she added. 'How human beings could be so barbaric to each other is a mystery to me.' Police charged 43-year-old Derrick Powell, Sr, with sexual battery. The man's own son, 18-year-old Derrick Powell, Jr, was also charged with assault. Five other suspects, Craig Hill, Mark Evans, Branden Sands, Jerome Grace and Edward Cornelius, ranging from ages 24 to 42, are also in custody. Abduction: Cornelius Edwards (left) and Jerome Grace (right) were also accused of orchestrating the forced prostitution . Investigation: Branden Sands (left) and Mark Evans (right). Police are searching for a man and a woman they believe may have knowledge about the abduction. Pre-trial: At least one of the accused, Craig Hill, argued in a hearing that he was innocent of any connection to the crime . Prosecutors say the girl was located in Overtown a week after she was taken and taken immediately to the hospital. The next morning, she identified the homes where she trafficked between, and police moved in to make arrests. Several of the men have prior convictions, including manufacturing and sale of illegal drugs, according to Florida inmate records. Police say the investigation is ongoing and are seeking the woman in the car and another man to question them about a possible connection to the crime. | Derrick Powell, Sr, is charged with sexual battery and Derrick Powell, Jr, is charged with assault .
Five other men are accused of crimes related to the trafficking of the teenager, who was shuttled between homes and forced to engage in sex .
Prosecutors says on two occasions she was forced to have sex with up to eight men at once .
The girl was found and rescued, then helped identify the homes where she was held . |
0adf2f28325c0db8d50f42ee4551f41321319fd9 | Chelsea may not be able to claim that Kurt Zouma is a product of their youth set-up, but the French youngster is quickly becoming the next big thing at Stamford Bridge. Zouma, who has only just turned 20, put in another impeccable performance during Chelsea's 2-0 victory against Newcastle on Saturday. For much of the season, the defensive partnership of Gary Cahill and Terry has provided a firm base for a Chelsea side looking to win their first Premier League title since 2010, but that was until the shock 5-3 defeat against rivals Tottenham on New Year's Day. Kurt Zouma has put in a number of impressive performances for Chelsea this season . The French youngster tackles Ayoze Perez during Chelsea's 2-0 win against Newcastle . Zouma marshalled the right side of Chelsea's defence at Stamford Bridge on Saturday . Cahill, in particular, had a game to forget at White Hart Lane and was lucky not to have been shown a red card for a kick on Harry Kane in the second half. The England vice-captain often has to bear the brunt of the criticism from Chelsea fans should the Blues succumb to a defeat and many would have been pleased to see Zouma alongside stalwart Terry at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Strong, quick and confident in possession, Zouma has all the tools to become a star in west London. He's not bad in the opposition's box either, scoring more goals (two) in his first season for Chelsea than much-maligned striker Fernando Torres did during his first term in a blue shirt. Zouma played alongside Chelsea captain John Terry (left) at the heart of the Blues' defence . Zouma scores Chelsea's third goal during the FA Cup third round win against Watford . One thing that cannot be questioned is his bravery on the field. Zouma showed his commitment to the cause during Chelsea's 3-1 Capital One Cup quarter-final win against Derby after being clattered by Petr Cech as the pair attempted to clear a corner. The defender was knocked to the floor from a Derby corner and received treatment for seven minutes as the first half drew to a close. Zouma has now played in Chelsea's last two games and the Blues having conceded a goal, while scoring five at the other end. He made 87 per cent of his passes on Saturday, won three duels and three recoveries. Zouma is clattered by goalkeeper Petr Cech as the Blues No 1 punches the ball clear against Derby . Gary Cahill (left) had a game to forget as Chelsea were beaten 5-3 by Tottenham on New Year's Day . Those at Stamford Bridge on Saturday will also have noticed Terry giving regular instructions to the 20-year-old as the Blues captain looks to mould Zouma into a force to be reckoned with. He's already becoming somewhat of a cult hero in SW6, with fans around the ground chanting his surnames repeatedly. In fact, it was Zouma who looked the more assured defender during a poor first 45 minutes from Terry which saw the former England captain easily beaten by Remy Cabella and Moussa Sissoko as Chelsea struggled to click into gear before an Oscar striker settled the nerves. As Chelsea grew in confidence, so did Zouma, bursting out of defence with the ball on more than one occasion as he looked to drive his team forward. Zouma's chances have been limited this season, the the Frenchman has impressed when selected . Jose Mourinho signed Zouma from St Etienne for a fee of £12.5million last year . Terry may be playing some of the best football of his career this season, but at 34, Mourinho must at least start to think about his eventual replacement. The Portuguese manager may have to look no further than his £12.5million signing should Zouma continue to put in such impressive performances when called upon. On the flipside, Zouma could actually help prolong Terry's career at the heart of the Chelsea defence. Despite Terry's age, the pair still have time to form a perfect partnership in which Zouma's pace and exuberance can dovetial with his skipper's experiences and reading of the game. Chelsea fans have also understandably been quick to mention Marcel Desailly's name when watching Zouma grace the Stamford Bridge turf. Chelsea fans have been comparing the young defender to former club captain Marcel Desailly (right) John Terry (right) learned his trade alongside Desailly and will hope to guide Zouma . The former Blues captain was a commanding presence both on and off the field, and has rightly gone down as one of the Stamford Bridge greats. It would perhaps be unfair to make such early comparisons, but Zouma looks to possess the same leggy gate and similar characteristics to Desailly and is quick to try and make a tackle unlike Cahill who is often guilty of gifting opposing forwards too much space. Assistant coach Steve Holland labelled Zouma's performance as 'immaculate' while Blues boss Mourinho heaped praise on the former St Etienne man following his impressive display against Watford. The 20-year-old celebrates scoring on his Chelsea debut against Bolton in September, 2014 . Mourinho said recently: 'He [Zouma] had another good game . 'He made mistakes in pre-season. But apart from that, his outstanding physical condition and the way he sees the game and makes decision are very good.' Terry admits that learning from the likes of Michael Duberry, Frank Leboeuf and Desailly greatly improved his game and there's no doubt the 34-year-old will be hoping to provide the same inspiration for Chelsea's French starlet. | Kurt Zouma helped Chelsea to 2-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday .
French youngster has impressed despite limited first team chances .
20-year-old has been compared to former Blues captain Marcel Desailly .
Gary Cahill dropped to the bench for Newcastle clash .
Chelsea fans will hope Zouma can one day replace John Terry . |
0ae14f569de2d086c5f426a1f31c9e31108d14f0 | By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 02:53 EST, 30 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:53 EST, 30 May 2012 . Around 1,500 airline passengers were forced to land at the wrong airports today as fog and emergency repairs forced Gatwick to shut their main runway. A total of 24 flights were forced to touch down at other UK destinations due to . the combination of poor visibility and runway repairs, a Gatwick . spokesman said. Engineers were carrying out planned maintenance work to the airport's main runway overnight, leaving just the second landing strip open. Shutdown: Gatwick Airport operators were forced to divert planes this morning due to poor visibility and runway repairs . The south-east of England was blanketed in fog this morning for the first time after days of hot weather. However, the sky is expected to clear later and temperatures could hit 25C in London and the south-east of England. Met Office forecaster Ruth Steele said: 'There is an area of quite extensive mist and fog which might be a bit slow to clear. 'By mid-day it should be clear and most places will be throughout the morning with some potential for showers later. 'There is still potential for temperatures between 22C and 24C. The centre of London expected to be the warmest and temperatures could hit 25C.' In the north-east, Newcastle will have a cloudy day and temperatures are expected to reach no higher than 14C, while in Manchester it will be 19C. Fog this morning meant short and medium-haul . flights from Gatwick had to be diverted to Stansted, Luton, Bristol and Heathrow from . around 12.10am onwards. Closure: Runway repairs were being carried out at Gatwick - and the back-up landing strip could not be used because of fog . A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said that the main runway was shut for maintenance repairs overnight. 'We had some planned runway maintenance . works scheduled for last night which all flight operators were informed . about and when we do that we have to use our second runway which is a . visual strip,' he said. However, he added that as pilots have to land manually on this second runway it could not be used during foggy conditions. As a result, 24 planes were diverted to other airports. All the passengers were transferred back to Gatwick by coach. Easyjet, British Airways and Thomson passengers were affected by the disruption. Three BA short-haul flights due to depart Gatwick this morning have been cancelled because of the disruption and eight flights have been delayed, the spokesman added. The main runway reopened at 5.30am and there was no disruption this morning. | Easyjet, British Airways and Thomson passengers diverted to other airports .
Flights sent to Stansted, Luton, Bristol and Heathrow .
Parts of Britain blanketed in fog this morning but more hot weather is expected later . |
0ae191ef90c63edaaccd8bc441d9c01ff1d59fa6 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 04:32 EST, 16 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 08:17 EST, 16 January 2014 . David Cameron faces the humiliating prospect of the Conservatives being pushed into third place in May’s European elections. A damning new poll reveals the Tories are on course to come behind Labour and the UK Independence Party – the first time it would be outside the top two in election history. Leading Tory backbencher Liam Fox today piled pressure on the Prime Minister, admitting ‘anything could happen’ when voters go to the polls. The Conservatives are on course to come third in the elections to the European Parliament in May, behind Labour and Ukip. YouGov interviewed 1,893 adults for The Sun on January 14 and 15 . Ukip leader Nigel Farage predicts he will trigger a political 'earthquake' by topping the Euro elections, while David Cameron is under pressure from Eurosceptics in the Tory party see off the threat of Ukip . Ukip leader Nigel Farage has predicted he will trigger an ‘earthquake’ in British politics if his party tops the poll in May when MEPs are elected to the Brussels Parliament. Mr Cameron hoped to head off the threat from the anti-EU party with a pro0mise of an in-out referendum if he is Prime Minister after 2015. But a growing Tory revolt over Europe, demanding a veto for the British parliament to reject any Brussels law, has exposed deep divisions on the government benches. A new opinion poll today puts Labour on course to come first, with Ukip in second followed by the Conservatives. A Tory rebellion over Europe has descended into farce after Number 10 revealed it has never received a controversial letter from rebels. David Cameron came under intense pressure at the weekend over claims 95 Tory MPs had signed a letter calling for the UK government to have the right to veto any EU laws. It then emerged that some MPs included in the list had not actually signed it. Treasury select committee chairman Andrew Tyrie insisted his name had been included error, and at least six others were also mistakenly added. Now it has been revealed that the letter was never actually sent to Number 10, and does not actually exist. A response to a Freedom of Information request by The Times said: 'A search of our records has not identified that we have received the letter to which you refer.' Bernard Jenkin, the Tory MP who co-ordinated the letter, said he had passed the names to Mr Cameron's parliamentary aide Gavin Williamson, rather than send an actual letter. Liam Fox, a standard bearer of the Tory right, today refused to say whether he had signed it, but hinted at the confusion. Asked if had backed the letter, he told Radio 4: 'That is for me to know and the Prime Minister to know... or not know.' The YouGov survey for The Sun put Labour on 32 per cent and Ukip on 26 per cent, with the Tories trailing on 23 per cent and Liberal Democrats a distant fourth on 9 per cent. If the findings were repeated on May 22 with a uniform swing, they would see Conservative representation at the European Parliament slashed by 11 to 15 MEPs. Labour would have 28 (up 15), Ukip 23 (up 10), and the Lib Dems' 11 MEPs would be completely wiped out, according to The Sun's calculations. Mr Farage has predicted that Ukip will come first in May: ‘My ambition and my conviction is we could come first in those European elections and cause an earthquake in British politics.’ Tory strategists are working to limit the damage on Mr Cameron if the party loses MEPs. Today senior Conservative Mr Fox declined to say whether his party could beat Ukip. ‘I think pretty much anything could happen in May, because I think that voters will very much see the European elections as a referendum on a referendum,’ he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. ‘I think it's very important that the Conservative party is defined by the national interest, that we decide we have to have a rational and reasonable debate about our role in Europe and our role in the world, and also Europe's role in the world. ‘One of my biggest problems in this debate is not that it's just about Britain's relationship with Europe, it's where does Europe now stand in terms of a very competitive global economy.’ But Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg accused the Conservatives of engaging in an 'unholy bidding war' with the UK Independence Party over who can sound most anti-European, which could end in Britain leaving the European Union. The Liberal Democrat leader insisted he will not tone down his party's pro-European message, following a poll suggesting his MEPs are set to be wiped out in this year's elections to the European Parliament, while Conservatives slump to third place behind Labour and the UK Independence Party. Mr Clegg said it would be 'economic suicide' for Britain to quit the EU, and that Tories and Ukip were indulging in 'silly political games' which could put millions of jobs at risk. He insisted the Lib Dems would campaign as the pro-EU 'party of in'. Asked how they would vote in a general election, 39 per cent of people backed Labour compared to 33 per cent for the Tories. YouGov interviewed 1,893 adults for The Sun on January 14 and 15 . Mr Clegg added: 'I really genuinely feel that we are . getting to the point in the debate where you've got this unholy bidding . war between the Conservative Party and Ukip as to who can sound more . breathless in their condemnation of all things European and, before you . know it, this country will find itself outside of the European Union. 'I think this will mean we will be less relevant and powerful around the world, we would have less influence around the world. 'But . crucially you would have fewer people in work, because being in Europe . at the end of the day means being in work. I am not going to stand idly . by while people play ever more silly political games and jeopardise . millions of jobs in this country.' However, in a sign that voters will use the European elections to inflict a bloody nose on the Tories, a separate poll on voting intentions for the 2015 general election was very different. It put Labour on 39 per cent, Conservatives 33 per cent and Ukip 12 further behind on 12 per cent and the Lib Dems on 10 per cent. | Damning YouGov survey reveals Conservatives will lose MEPs .
Tories have never been outside top two parties in modern political history .
Lib Dems face losing every seat in the European Parliament .
Ex-Tory Cabinet minister Liam Fox admits 'anything could happen'
Letter to David Cameron from 95 anti-EU Tory MPs 'does not exist' |
0ae424ae15992799870dc89a4fc82925ddeda32a | Elegant, seemingly resilient and as much of a perfectionist as her famous boyfriend, L’Wren Scott’s acquaintances would say she had ‘the legs of a gazelle and the hide of a rhino’. Following the shocking news of her suicide last night, we now know the latter must have been untrue. Indeed, she hinted at her terrible vulnerability in one of her final postings on Instagram, where she reproduced the saying: ‘Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of life.’ Scroll down for video . Jagger's girls: L'Wren with two of Mick's daughters Jade, left, and Georgia May . But why did she need armour? And can she have really felt so under attack? Those who knew her say she was suffering from depression and had only just recovered from an ‘incident’ a few weeks ago when she had harmed herself. From the outside, though, it seemed the 49-year-old former model was enjoying a halcyon period, professionally and personally. She had just released an eponymous perfume, on sale in the upmarket store Barneys in New York. Her cosmetics venture with make-up artist Bobbi Brown was also hitting stores, based, she said, on the colours of the roses she grew at the home in the Loire she shared with Mick. Striking: Those renowned 42-in legs - and the little girl she once was named Laura . Her spring clothing collection had been unveiled. She dressed Christina Hendricks at the Oscars and continued to win plaudits for her fashion line. However, there were thousands of miles between her and Mick, who has been performing in Macau and Singapore with the Stones and had moved on to Australia for the next leg of their tour. Last night, various theories were presented as to why she took her life: that she was distraught following failed attempts to start a family or that she was ill. However, one source close to the Stones said she had harmed herself a month ago, although it was hushed up. Fan: L'Wren and Sarah Jessica Parker in a L'Wren design . The source added: ‘L’Wren was really quite troubled and there were some issues over Mick and her standing in the family. It seems she suffered from depression.’ She wasn’t, it was noted, invited to the baby shower that Jerry Hall hosted for Jade Jagger and daughter Assisi in London at the weekend. She was also reportedly frustrated at being apparently consigned to the role of girlfriend rather than wife — not that she ever let on. L’Wren knew that, after divorcing first wife Bianca and second wife Jerry, Mick had no time for matrimony and little for monogamy. She seemed to be playing a long game. But after chalking up 12 years by his side, she could hardly be blamed for hoping for more. One who knew her said L’Wren was ‘one of those people who likes perfection,’ citing her designer glass bathroom and the impeccably furnished house she had created for Mick in Paris. His lack of commitment was far from perfect. Some thought she had fallen prey to the insecurities that are the lot of every rock ‘wife’ who waves a temporary goodbye to her man. The rock wives who stick at their marriages the longest tend to be the ones who go on the road with their men — such as Jo Wood, who gave herself a job as Ronnie’s road manager. L’Wren knew that. She usually liked to be right at Mick’s side. She was there at Glastonbury when the Rolling Stones headlined last summer, in a chic pair of wellies, and in the wings at their last Hyde Park gig. She also designed the stage outfits Mick has worn for the past two years — the snappy trilby hats, oversized coats and slinky jeans with a 28in waist. But for whatever reason, this time, she remained alone at their apartment in New York while Mick, 70, was on the road. The source connected with the Stones told the Mail: ‘She just wasn’t well enough to go on tour with them.’ Nicole Kidman and L'Wren attend The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, 2011. Right, Princess Beatrice and L'Wren at the Serpentine Summer Party, Hyde Park, London June 2013 . Front row friends: L'Wren was seated next to Victoria Beckham at the Chanel 2006 Summer show in Paris . There were other signs of strain. L’Wren cancelled her show at London Fashion Week in January at the last minute, saying her chosen fabrics had arrived too late for samples to be sewn in time. Accounts for her business, filed in the UK in October 2013, show her company, LS Fashion LTD, had a deficit of £3,546,000 with the designer owing creditors £4,592,000. There was speculation last night that she was ‘too broke’ to stage her London show. However, she had just collaborated with the High Street store Banana Republic for a collection that would have paid her around £3million, so perhaps this is an overstatement. She told an interviewer she felt the financial pressure. ‘Every cheque, every penny, I have to be responsible for because it’s my own money.’ Her life story reads like an adventure novel. The adopted daughter of a Mormon store clerk, she dreamed of the big time and made it. Famous friends: L'Wren with actress Ellen Barkin in New York, 2002 . All smiles: Jagger was by Scott's side when she launched her Banana Republic partnership last fall . Humble beginnings: Scott (seen here in 2013 with musician Brian Adams) was the adoptive daughter of Mormon parents and grew up in Utah . Nicole Kidman was one of her closest friends and regularly wore her designs. By the time she met Mick she had already divorced her first millionaire. Given up for adoption at birth, she was named plain Laura by her adoptive parents Ivan and Lula Bambrough, and known as Luann. She grew up in a bungalow in the tiny town of Roy near Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father worked in a DIY store. It was a devout household, with both parents active in the Mormon church. She later said that her upbringing had been ‘like something out of Steven Spielberg’. By the time she was 12, she was a formidable 6ft. She went on to grow a further 4in. Known at school by the nickname ‘Lady’, she excelled at sport and sang in the choir. Loss: The New York apartment building where L'Wren Scott committed suicide. Right, a medical examiner van at the apartment . But she always wanted to work in fashion, and used to make dresses for her Barbie dolls and cut up and remake vintage dresses. At 18, she met the famous photographer Bruce Weber, who encouraged her to believe in her worth as a fashion model. So she applied for a passport and, knowing not a word of French, hopped on a plane to Paris. In a recent interview, she said she had left after her adoptive parents declined to fund a course in fashion design. She said: ‘I didn’t really feel that I was going to be able to achieve my goals in life if I’d stayed there . . . I think I would have felt much more scared not to do it. ‘I wanted to be in fashion. I’ve always thought if you want to do something, just do it.’ Some thought L'Wren had fallen prey to the insecurities that are the lot of every rock 'wife' who waves a temporary goodbye to her man . She began to call herself L’Wren when she became a model, working the catwalk for eight years, and became famous for her incredible 42in legs forming the hands of a clock in a famous David Bailey advert for Pretty Polly tights. While working in London, she met Andrew Ladsky, a millionaire property developer whose mother was a member of the Boucheron jewellery family. They were together for three years, but in 1991 the relationship ended in a bizarre legal wrangle over a couple of valuable paintings and a full-length sheepskin coat. After the split from Ladsky, L’Wren moved to Los Angeles and met another property developer, Anthony Brand. They married, but it lasted just three years and they were divorced in 1996. She met Mick in 2001 on a shoot for a French magazine. He took her on holiday to St Barts, and she was soon at his side at red carpet events. He had been dating Venezualan heiress Vanessa Neumann when they met but L’Wren’s success, independence and one-liners bowled him over. He found her physically bewitching, too, exclaiming she had ‘the best body I’ve ever known’. It was never about the music for L’Wren. As she said last year: ‘I loved Motown, and blues, and classical music, but never rock ’n’ roll. I get made fun of a lot. Mick used to tell me for years that this one particular song was Gimme Shelter, and I’d say: “Oh, I love that song,” but it wasn’t that at all!’ She launched her fashion line in 2005 and quickly acquired many celebrity fans — from Madonna to Angelina Jolie, Mariah Carey to Sharon Stone. Mick would come to all her shows to support her. Their life appeared stable — and was certainly luxurious. She and Mick lived together for several years in a Claridge’s hotel suite, eventually buying a house together in Chelsea. However, due to Mick’s tax arrangements, most of their life together was spent in New York. Long-term: She met Mick Jagger in 2001 on a shoot for a French magazine . 'Devastated': L'Wren Scott killed herself in her Manhattan apartment on Monday morning after texting an assistant to 'come by' while her longtime boyfriend Mick Jagger was on tour in Australia . Pricey: Her off-the-rack dresses sold for between $1,499 and $2,990 . Designer L'Wren Scott pictured with her family in 2000. From left to right, L'Wren, brother Randy, mom Lula, dad Ivan and sister Jan . The Chelsea house was renovated nearly ten years ago to include a nursery and nanny quarters, but no baby ever arrived. It was said that Mick went on various diets and attempted various spiritual remedies to try to assist conception, but L’Wren never had the baby she seemingly so wanted. Her mother Lulu observed some years ago: ‘She usually knows what she wants and she gets it.’ And to the outside world it appeared as though L’Wren had everything — the model looks, a successful fashion line and a rock star boyfriend. Yet it seems even this wasn’t enough to save her from plunging into a depression that saw her take her own charmed life. | The designer and renowned beauty appeared to be enjoying success .
But beneath she suffered from depression and had recently self-harmed .
There was speculation she was insecure in relationship with Mick Jagger .
The 49-year-old was also reportedly struggling financially .
For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch or visit http://www.samaritans.org/ .
For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ . |
0ae4d9626b0ae8c864f1850b145dfaba9bbae092 | Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg is planning to build a waterside town next to the firm's San Francisco headquarters. The 200-acre plot will be turned into Facebook's own company town, complete with supermarkets, hotels and homes for 10,000 of its employees and their families. The extravagant plans will see the conurbation - dubbed 'Zee-town' - have its own roads, as well as accommodation ranging from luxurious villas for high-paid executives to dormitories for trainees. Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg is planning to build a waterside town next to the firm's San Francisco headquarters, with the help of architect Frank Gehry (right) The 200-acre plot will be turned into Facebook's own company town, complete with supermarkets, hotels and homes for 10,000 of its employees. Pictured, plans from 2012 . Facebook recently spent $400million (£260million) on a 55-acre industrial park next to their main offices at 1 Hacker Way near San Francisco's Menlo Park, the final plot needed for construction to begin. Mr Zuckerberg has hired architect Frank Gehry, 85, who designed the visually-striking Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, for the job. The Sunday Times reported that the town will have 'real streets' for outsiders to visit. Mr Gehry was asked to tone down some of the plans for the $200billion (£130billion) company's town, with the architect told to make the buildings blend into nature. Most of the offices will have oak trees planted on 40ft high roofs with Facebook hoping the site will look like a grassy hill from the outside. Critics of 'Zee-town' say that workers will be dependent on cars to get to the settlement, going against Facebook's eco-friendly ethos, however the company argues it has alternative plans for transport. The extravagant plans will see the conurbation - dubbed 'Zee-town' - have its own roads . Facebook moved into its Menlo Park headquarters in 2011. The campus previously was home to Sun Microsystems . Mr Gehry designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the museum of modern and contemporary art in northern Spain . Business writer Sarah Goodyear said it 'epitomises the planning failures of the past three generations in California and avoids connecting with a real messy place like San Francisco'. Mr Zuckerberg already has a $10million (£6.5million), five-bedroom 'starter home' 20 minutes away from the site, so he is unlikely to be moving in once the town is complete. The tycoon also owns four houses on the same street. Mr Zuckerberg, the 15th wealthiest person in the world according to Forbes, is not the first boss to try to build a town for their company. The Cadbury family built Bournville - and named their plain chocolate bar after it - in the 19th century after the confectionery makers needed to move the factory to a new site in Birmingham. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, also plans to move his company to its own independent settlement, using the unconventional method of building rockets in an attempt to colonise space. | Facebook plans to build its own town on a 200-acre plot in San Francisco .
Mark Zuckerberg wants homes for 10,000 workers next to company's HQ .
'Zee-town' will have supermarkets, hotels and luxurious accommodation .
Oak trees will be planted on 40ft high roofs to provide an eco-friendly feel .
Extravagant town designed by Guggenheim Museum architect Frank Gehry . |
0ae57478507485c165c737f5922760f60db3506c | A man has been charged with murder after a married couple were subjected to a 'violent and sustained' attack in their £750,000 home. Lithuanian builder Viktoras Bruzas, 38, appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates' Court in Redhill today on two counts of murder. Patrick Kettyle, 55, and his wife Gillian Kettyle, 54, were found dead at their Surrey home shortly after midnight on Thursday after police received a call from Mrs Kettyle's 16-year-old son, Timothy. Lithuanian builder Viktoras Bruzas, 38, (right) has been charged with murder after the bodies of married couple Patrick (left), 55, and Gillian Kettyle, 54, were discovered at their Surrey home on Thursday . Police confirmed that Bruzas knew Mr Kettyle (pictured) and his wife, and said this relationship was an ‘important part’ of their investigation. Bruzas was found less than five miles from the scene of the murder . Their deaths sparked a police search for Lithuanian builder Bruzas, 38, who was found later in Oxshott - less than five miles from the scene and arrested on suspicion of murder. A clean-shaven Bruzas, from Walton-on-Thames, wore a navy sweater and grey tracksuit bottoms when he appeared in the dock today, flanked by two guards. The Lithuanian builder spoke only to confirm his age and address during a brief appearance. Kristina Bruziene is reportedly the estranged wife of Bruzas. She was employed by the dead couple as a secretary in 2012 . He has been remanded in custody to appear before Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday. Police confirmed that Bruzas and the Kettyle family were known to each other, and said this relationship was an ‘important part’ of their investigation. Mr Kettyle had employed Bruzas’s ex-wife, Kristina Bruziene, 37, as a secretary at his million-pound building and property development firm after the builder introduced them. Bruzas grew up in Kaunas, Lithuania, the country’s second biggest city, 65 miles west of the capital, Vilnius. He married his wife in Lithuania before they moved to the UK in their twenties. The couple settled in Forest Gate, East London, and had their son Richard, who was born in September 2007. Bruzas was known by his neighbours as a quiet man who worked hard to support his family. The full results of the post mortems, as well as formal identification of the couple, are expected next week but the initial cause of death has been established as stab wounds. Detective Superintendent Nick May, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said they were killed in a 'significant, violent and sustained' attack. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said after their murders: 'This is a tragic incident which has shaken the close community in Fetcham. Lithuanian builder Viktoras Bruzas (pictured) spoke only to confirm his age and address during a brief appearance at South East Surrey Magistrates' Court today. He has been charged with two counts of murder . A window at the Kettyle's home appears to have been smashed. The middle-aged couple were found by a family member who was not hurt in the attack, police revealed at a press conference . A forensics officer collects a knife in Fetcham, Surrey, where the couple were found (right). Forensic officers were in the house (left), where police said Mr and Mrs Kettyle were subjected to a 'violent and sustained' attack . The house where the bodies were found is a two-storey detached house with a brick-paved drive and neat bushes at the front, the second house along The Copse . 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted with the search of Viktoras Bruzas including members of the public and the media.' Prior to Bruzas' arrest, police had been liaising with both the National Crime Agency and Interpol who were in touch with the Lithuanian authorities. Another man in his 30s who was arrested at a property in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey on Thursday has been released with no further action taken against him, police said. Officers were called to The Copse, a quiet street of detached houses in Fetcham, at around 12.30am on Thursday. Police said that the murders had shaken the close community in Fetcham. Above, the house was cordoned off as the police searched the area after the attack . Police set up at the scene. Senior officers said they had been working with the National Crime Agency and Interpol in a bid to track down the Lithuanian . Fetcham is a leafy commuter village in Surrey, just south of the M25. The sleepy road where the murders took place was cordoned off by police . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Viktoras Bruzas was charged with murders of Patrick and Gillian Kettyle .
The 38-year-old appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates' Court today .
He has been remanded in custody and will appear in court on Tuesday .
Police said the Kettyles were subjected to a 'violent and sustained' attack . |
0ae58a5b4ad10ec89e92c0948db76ca2105cca6d | By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 03:19 EST, 10 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:02 EST, 10 May 2013 . Texting while behind the wheel has overtaken drink driving as the biggest cause of death among teenagers in America. More than 3,000 teenagers are killed every year in car crashes caused by texting while driving compared to 2,700 from drink driving. The study by Cohen Children’s Medical Center also discovered that 50 per cent of students admit to texting while driving. Lethal: Texting while driving has become the biggest cause of teen deaths in America - killing more than 3,000 teenagers every year (stock image) Dr Andrew Adesman, Chief Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, told CBS: 'The reality is kids aren’t drinking seven days per week — they are carrying their phones and texting seven days per week, so you intuitively know this a more common occurrence.' Dr Adesman, the chief author of the study, added that the current laws against texting while driving, which has been shown to make car crash 23 times more likely, are not effective. The study comes as many lawmakers continue to push for stricter driving laws. Earlier this year, Long Island State Senator Charles Fuschillo proposed harsher penalties for distracted drivers, including increased fines for talking or texting on a mobile phone. He said: 'It goes up to $400 but all the penalties in the world aren’t going to stop someone from being irresponsible.' The parents of college student Alexander Heit, 22, released a picture of the text message he was typing just moments before he was killed in a car crash in April. They hope the image will help prevent further deaths caused by drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel. His final text cut off in mid-sentence, because he drifted into oncoming traffic before he could send it. The photo, published in The Greeley Tribune, shows Heit was responding to a friend by typing 'Sounds good my man, seeya soon, ill tw' before he crashed. The parents of the University of Northern Colorado student decided to release the image to try and prevent similar deaths from happening in the future. In a statement released through police, Heit's mother said she doesn't want anyone else to lose someone to texting while driving. 'I can’t bear the thought of anyone else having to go through something like this,' Sharon Heit said. 'In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you.' The Senator added that one possible . solution would be the use of phone apps that restrict texts and calls to . a mobile when it detects the phone is in a moving car. Some schools across the U.S have introduced educational classes to try and prevent its students from texting while driving. Manhattan schoolteacher Julius Khan told CBS he urges his students to 'think about your mother and father crying over your grave or someone’s else grave that you’re responsible for killing'. 'Pay attention to what you’re doing because the life you save could be your own,' Khan added. The New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury and Freeport High School has launched driving simulations demonstrating the dangers of texting behind the wheel. It comes as the UK unveiled plans to increase fines for texting while driving by 50 per cent to £90. The higher fine will also apply to a range of other fixed penalty offences, including speeding and running a red light. A new fixed penalty of a £90 fine plus . three points will also be introduced for careless driving such as cutting up . other drivers, tailgating, middle-lane hogging, eating a sandwich or . lighting a cigarette at the wheel, or driving at an inappropriate speed. But the number of penalty points offenders receive on their licence will remain at three, sparking criticism that the penalties need to go further. There had been calls for the 150,000 or more drivers a year convicted of offences involving mobile phones to incur a six-point penalty. More than a million motorists have been convicted of using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel since 2003, with a peak of 161,096 convictions in 2010. An AA/Populus poll found that 42 per cent of drivers admit using hand-held mobiles illegally and 20 per cent admit to having sent a text at the wheel. Research carried out for Which? found that texting and tweeting at the wheel caused a 79 per cent drop in the driver's attention – up to seven times more than in someone at the legal drink-drive limit. Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: 'With both texting and hand-held use of mobile phones at the wheel causing more impairment than being at the drink-drive limit or under the influence of cannabis, the police need to target the large number of motorists continuing to flout the law.' | More than 3,000 teens are killed every year in car crashes caused by texting .
It has overtaken drink driving, which kills 2,700 every year, as the biggest cause of teen deaths in America .
Calls for tougher laws to prevent drivers from texting while behind the wheel .
UK plans to increase fines for texting while driving by 50 per cent to £90 . |
0ae5da9af11553bcfcda0ecedc1666d45f0767bc | U.N. weapons inspectors are expected to report their findings regarding a chemical attack in Syria early next week, sources said Wednesday, but a leading human rights group is already pointing its finger at government troops. The inspectors collected evidence from the site of the August 21 attack outside Damascus, and laboratories have been processing the material for more than a week. A diplomatic source told CNN that the findings would be presented on Monday, while another source said the report would "likely" be presented Monday or Tuesday. Earlier Wednesday, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters that there was no timeline for the inspectors' report. "They are going about their work now," Haq said. "Once they are done, they will present it to the secretary-general." U.N. report: Abuses on both sides of Syrian civil war . In addition, the report could be delayed amid diplomatic efforts to forestall threatened U.S. military action against Syria. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is headed for a two-day meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Switzerland over Moscow's plan to put the Syrian chemical weapons arsenal under international control. Washington accuses Syrian government troops of using the nerve gas sarin in a large-scale attack in the suburbs of Damascus, killing more than 1,400 people -- including hundreds of children. President Barack Obama told Americans on Tuesday night that he would put off punitive strikes on Syria to pursue the diplomatic opening from Russia. Syria's government has denied using chemical weapons, arguing its troops came under chemical attack by rebel fighters. The U.N. team that investigated the attack is tasked with confirming whether chemical weapons were used, but its mandate doesn't include assigning blame for the attack. But the American position got some support this week from Human Rights Watch, which concluded that government forces "were almost certainly responsible" and suggested U.N. inspectors saw some of the same evidence it did. The U.S.-based human rights group said its experts reviewed video and photos from the scene, including pictures from one source who photographed and measured remnants of rockets left at the scene. The weapons included Soviet-era 140mm rockets and an apparently Syrian-built projectile capable of holding up to 60 liters (16 gallons) of chemical agents, a Tuesday report from the group noted. Human Rights Watch used video uploaded to the Internet and photos provided by Syrian activists as part of their review. Some of those photos included detailed measurements of a 330mm rocket so far seen only in the hands of government forces -- a model "compatible, and perhaps specifically designed, for the delivery of chemical agents." "U.N. inspectors were also videotaped inspecting some of the same rocket remnants during their on-site visit, further confirming that the rockets are located at the scene of the attacks," the report notes. Did Obama answer these five questions about Syria? All eyes turn to U.S.-Russia talks in Geneva . | Inspectors could present Syria findings by Monday or Tuesday, sources say .
Government troops are "almost certainly responsible" for the August attack, rights group says .
Syrian government denies its forces used poison gas .
Top U.S. and Russian officials to discuss disarmament . |
0ae5e35dc2844afc251d082d8d5ef4be8edce58c | Firebrand senator Jacqui Lambie has revealed Botox is partly responsible for her new look, describing the wrinkle-smoothing procedure as 'addictive'. The former Palmer United Party member has also spoken out about being single and has again hit out Prime Minister Tony Abbott, saying he needs to 'grow a pair'. The article, which features in January's issue of Australian Women's Weekly, is accompanied by pictures of Senator Lambie's promised new look, with her signature pulled-back bun replaced with loose tresses. Scroll down for video . The former Palmer United Party member has also spoken out about being single and has again hit out Prime Minister Tony Abbott, saying he needs to 'grow a pair' In one of the photos she is brandishing an Australian flag, which draws inspiration from her idol, former Nation One leader Pauline Hanson who has been arguably as controversial as the Tasmanian senator. Senator Lambie spoke to the magazine candidly about Botox and fillers as she prepared for the shoot. 'It's addictive. It's like "Oh my God, here comes that wrinkle again",' she said. Senator Lambie - who recently broke away from the Palmer United Party after a very public stoush over defence pay - also spoke about how she had been single for more than a decade. The Australian Women's Weekly article is accompanied by pictures of Senator Lambie's promised new look, with her signature pulled-back bun replaced with loose tresses . 'I basically haven't been with anyone for 10 or 11 years, ' she said. 'I'm open to it. It's just to have that human contact would be nice.' Ms Lambie had two children by the time she was 27 years old. She became pregnant at 18 with Brentyn and was with child while she trained for the army, which meant five-kilometre runs and 100 push-ups up until she reached the 20-week mark. Her second child, Dylan, was a result of a relationship with fellow soldier John Milverton at 22. They separated after years together as Senator Lambie does not believe in 'staying together for the sake of the kids' as it was 'a coward's way'. After this relationship break-up, her career with the army stalled due to an ongoing back injury during training. Here Jacqui Lambie in happier times with PUP leader and Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer . To try and reduce the burden on her back, the army contributed funds to reduce Senator Lambie's double-D breasts after having two children, which she says 'were hanging down'. But she finally had to give up her army dreams after a trip to East Timor on her first deployment after she was strapped into a flak jacket, which 'was the end of me'. The drugs she took for her back pain, similar to those prescribed to schizophrenics which 'messes with the chemicals in your brain', led her to be cared for by her son, Dylan. But when he started going down the wrong path in life, Senator Lambie had to take him to a youth crisis centre and then she began questioning her capabilities as a parent. 'I began thinking "What use am I to anyone? I might as well end it. I'm a waste of space",' she said. This is the point where Senator Lambie attempted to take her own life when she was drunk and walked in front of a car. Senator Lambie says Tony Abbott 'doesn't wear the pants' in his office but chief of staff Peta Credlin does . Having spent 20 years working on her depression, the mother-of-two turned to politics and the Tasmanian senator catapulted herself into the spotlight with her frank - and sometimes shocking - opinions. Most infamously describing her ideal man as one with 'heaps of cash' and had 'a package between their legs', and her position on banning the burqa, which has landed her in hot water. But the final straw for PUP leader Clive Palmer was when Senator Lambie said she would vote against all government legislation until a defence force pay deal was reconsidered. Despite being very vocal about her opinions of her former boss in the past, this time Senator Lambie only had tough words for Prime Minister Tony Abbott who she says has to 'grow a pair'. 'Females scare the crap out of him but he's going to have to grow a pair because he has to deal with me,' she said. 'My vote's important so if I was Tony Abbott, I'd be saying "Hey, Jacqui Lambie, let's have a cup of coffee". 'But he can't do that, can he? Because he doesn't wear the pants. The female in his office [chief of staff] Peta Credlin – she's the one that wears the pants.' The interview with Senator Lambie features in January's issue of Australian Women's Weekly . | Jacqui Lambie has given an interview with magazine Australian Women's Weekly .
She talks about how she fights the signs of ageing, and how she has been single for 10 years .
Senator Lambie also talks tough to Tony Abbott, saying he needs to 'grow a pair'
The interview comes after she resigned from the Palmer United Party last month . |
0ae77e45f2a7c2fe13d921160686d9c4ae531d77 | (CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday he welcomed plans by Britain to withdraw almost 4,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of next year. Afghan security forces are ready to ensure security and protect their country, Karzai said, according to a statement from his office. British Prime Minister David Cameron said Wednesday that UK troop numbers would reduce to about 5,200 by the end of 2013. UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the accelerated withdrawal was thanks to "real progress" on the ground in the southern province of Helmand. "This is a direct result of the success of the Afghan National Security Forces in assuming a lead role in delivering security for the Afghan people," he said. "There remain huge challenges ahead for the Afghan people. Our combat mission is drawing to a close, but our commitment to the Afghan people is long term." Karzai said the UK announcement was "a timely decision for the security responsibilities to be transferred to Afghan forces." There will be about 9,000 British military personnel in Afghanistan by the end of this year. Britain's announcement comes only days after the last French combat units left Afghanistan. About 1,500 French troops will remain in Afghanistan into 2013 to remove equipment and help train Afghan forces. Britain is the second-largest contributor of troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, with the majority of its personnel operating in Helmand. The United States, whose troops make up the bulk of the force, still has some 68,000 personnel in Afghanistan. Coalition forces are working to get Afghan security forces ready to take charge of security after the NATO mission in Afghanistan concludes at the end of 2014. Read more: Landmine kills 10 girls collecting firewood . | President Hamid Karzai says Afghan forces are ready to protect their country .
He welcomes a decision by Britain to pull out nearly 4,000 troops next year .
David Cameron said UK troop numbers would fall to about 5,200 by the end of 2013 .
U.S. troops make up the bulk of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan . |
0ae8000e185c687f90b57c6b0852d79a0d97eb0f | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Israeli naval forces have raided a . ship in the Red Sea and seized dozens of advanced rockets from Iran which they claim were . destined for Palestinian militants in Gaza. The weapons cache would have significantly boosted their ability to strike Israeli citizens, the military said. The . ship carrying Syrian-made rockets was intercepted more than 1,000 miles . south of Israel, off the coasts of Sudan and Eritrea. Dangerous discovery: This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces shows one of the missiles found on a cargo ship off the coasts of Sudan and Eritera in the Red Sea . The . M-302 rockets have a range of up to 100 miles and would have . significantly improved the capabilities of Gaza militants, putting . nearly all of Israel in their range, a military spokesman said. Previously, Gaza militants have only been able to reach about 50 miles into Israel with their home grown M-75 missiles. There was no immediate comment from Iran or Gaza's Hamas rulers about the Israeli claims. Israeli . prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting the US this week, . held a series of talks with Israeli defence officials ahead of the . ship's takeover. He later . spoke out against international relationships between Iran and western . countries and warned that may go nuclear after sanctions have been . relaxed. ‘At a time when . it talks with the world powers, at a time when Iran is smiling and . saying all sorts of pleasantries, that same Iran is sending lethal . weapons to terror organisations and it is doing it with an elaborate . network of covert global operations with the aim of streaming rockets, . missiles and other lethal weapons to harm innocent civilians' Find: Israeli naval forces raided a ship deep in the Red Sea early Wednesday and seized dozens of advanced rockets from Iran, allegedly destined for Palestinian militants in Gaza . Threat: The M-302 rockets have a range of up to 100 miles and would put nearly all of Israel in their range if they had reached their believed final destination, the Israeli army said . Video . released by the military showed Israeli soldiers on the ship inspecting . the rockets, shipped in large crates. The video also showed beige bags . containing cement with the words ‘Made in I.R. Iran,’ in English, . written on them. Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon said the weapons headed for Gaza were ‘strategically important’. ‘Iran . trains, funds and arms terror groups in the region and around the world . and its failed attempts to transfer the arms that were discovered this . morning is more proof of that,’ he said. The . operation, codenamed Full Disclosure, followed months of intelligence . gathering. The spokesman said the shipment originated in Syria, after . which the weapons were transported to Iran and then out to sea via Iraq. The . shipment was destined for Sudan, from where it was to be moved overland . through Egypt to Gaza, the army said. Israel claims militants have . used similar routes in the past. The . 17 crew members of the ship, flying under a Panama flag, were not . suspects and were probably unaware of the content of their cargo, he . added. The vessel was being . brought to the port of Eilat, Israel's most southerly point, where the . crew would be released and the cache unloaded. It was expected to arrive . later this week. Way in: Israel believes the rockets would be smuggled into Gaza from Egypt by using the tunnel system connecting the two countries which is currently being rebuilt by Palestinians (pictured), after being destroyed by the Egyptian army following the Arab Spring revolution . Israel . accuses Iran of supplying rockets and other arms to its foes - militants . in Gaza and Lebanon's Hezbollah - and it has moved to intercept weapons . shipments in the past. Three . years ago, Israel seized the cargo ship Victoria loaded with weapons . allegedly sent by Iran to Gaza militants, including land-to-sea . missiles. In November 2009, . Israel took over the Iranian Francop vessel off the coast of Cyprus and . captured hundreds of tons of rockets, missiles, mortars, grenades and . anti-tank weapons on board that it said were headed to Hezbollah . guerrillas in Lebanon. Israel . is also suspected of carrying out airstrikes in Sudan on arms shipments . believed to be bound for Gaza. Israel has never confirmed carrying out . the strikes. In January . 2002, Israeli forces stormed the Karine A freighter on the Red Sea, and . confiscated what the military said was 50 tons of missiles, mortars, . rifles and ammunition headed for Palestinian militants in the Gaza . Strip. In May 2001, Israel . captured the vessel Santorini off its coastline, packed with explosives . Israel said were being sent from Hezbollah to Palestinian militant . groups. Anger: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured yesterday, hit back at western nations for engaging in talks with Iran and relaxing sanctions . Israel's foreign . ministry said Israeli troops boarded the ship in accordance with . international law and with the consent of the crew and the relevant . authorities. It said the ship was operated by a company registered in . the Marshall Islands. ‘The . missiles and weapons found on the ship were loaded and concealed by . Iran,’ it said. ‘The weapons were intended for Palestinian terror groups . in Gaza, who would use it to harm Israeli civilians, as they have done . in the past.’ It added that . Israel will lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations Security . Council and with a sanctions committee established under Security . Council resolution 1737. ‘In . terms of maritime law we have the right to board a ship we identify as . dealing with terror, carrying weapons that are meant to endanger the . state of Israel,’ Yedidia Yaari, a former chief of Israel's navy, told . Israeli Channel 10 TV. Another . former navy chief, Vice Admiral Eliezer Marom, said Iran's smuggling . efforts to Israel's enemies was almost a daily activity. He said it was . orchestrated by a special unit of the ‘Quds Force’, part of the . Revolutionary Guards. ‘There . are people waking up very day and their mission is to smuggle weapons . to the terrorist organisations so they will be directed to the citizens . of Israel,’ he said. | Rockets made in Syria sent from Iran meant for Gaza, Israeli army says .
Missiles found have a 100mile range and would 'threaten all of Israel'
Neither Hamas or the Iranian government have responded to accusations . |
0ae858b67563c20d937c4a6f394dc0c56f9c24d3 | By . Associated Press . and Daily Mail Reporter . A Maryland girl who disappeared after her mother was found dead last week has been located following a nationwide search, authorities say. The girl, 11-year-old Caitlyn Virts, was located along with her father, Timothy Virts, in a motel in Florence, South Carolina, police said late Friday. She and her father had been missing since the body of the girl's mother, Bobby Jo Cortez, was found at her home Thursday. Police have since charged Timothy Virts with first-degree murder in the slaying of Cortez, 36. Manhunt: Timothy Virts abducted his daughter, Caitlyn, and brought her to a motel in South Carolina . The father and his daughter were staying at the Colonial Inn when they were discovered by the owner . The girl was found unharmed, according . to a statement by the Baltimore County Police Department. Virts is in . police custody and will be returned to Maryland 'pending an extradition . process,' the statement said. Police hope to return the girl home as . soon as possible. 'Detectives . will be traveling to South Carolina as soon as possible to continue the . investigation,' said Corp. John Wachter in a statement. Virts . and his daughter were located at the Colonial Inn, according to local . police in Florence. They first rented a room on Thursday night, said . owner Carol Gause. 'They . looked fine. She just walked right up with her father. I didn't notice . anything,' Gause said by phone from the hotel on Saturday. Gause . was checking her Facebook page from the front desk around 7 p.m. Friday . when she saw the Amber Alert posted by a friend and immediately . recognized Virts and his daughter. She called police and officers . quickly arrived. She said Virts was arrested without problems and his . daughter appeared to be OK. 'I . was startled, but I wasn't worried or frightened. You don't expect to . ever be involved in something like this,' Gause said. 'But I called . police and they took over.' The . search for Timothy Virts and his daughter, Caitlyn, become a nationwide . operation, with police believing his daughter could be in danger. Getaway car: Virts was believed to be using this 1999 Dodge Durango that has Maryland plates . Police tried to track down Virts, who was believed to be using a car belonging to the husband of his alleged victim . The FBI believed Virts, 38, may have . left the state and taken Caitlyn with him after Ms Cortez's body was . discovered at her Dundalk home. An autopsy was due to take place on Friday, and police have not said what used to inflict the injuries. Police . spokeswoman Elise Armacost said probable cause for the murder charge . was based on physical evidence and interviews with people in the house . at the time Ms Cortez was killed. Caitlyn's twin sister and Ms Cortez's young son, as well as two other adults, were also living at the home. Armacost said Virts had been staying there too, for the past several weeks. The FBI said that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland has charged Virts with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Victim: Bobbie Jo Cortez was found in her home, covered in multiple cuts, on Thursday . The agency searched nationwide for Caitlyn and Virts and put up digital billboards across the country on the search. An Amber Alert issued in Maryland was expanded late Thursday to include West Virginia. A police spokesman told WUSA9 they believed Virts had connections to West Virginia and were 'doing our due diligence' to follow tips. He was thought to be driving a black 1999 Dodge Durango with Maryland plates 5AJ4458. The car is registered to Ms Cortez's husband, Daniel Williams Cortez. Mr Cortez, 38, is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on sexual assault charges. Police said they do not believe he has anything to do with the murder of his wife. | The girl, 11-year-old Caitlyn Virts, was located along with her father, Timothy Virts, in a motel in Florence, South Carolina .
The owner of the Colonial Inn, Carol Gause, recognized the pair and called the police .
Timothy Virts was wanted for murder after body of Bobbie Jo Cortez was found on Thursday .
Virts was believed to be using a car owned by his alleged victim's husband, who is in jail facing sex assault charges . |
0ae86fa472c851b0c33f8a54635e64ad3596f2b9 | Turkish Airlines has gone from strength to strength in recent years, adding new routes across Europe and Asia as well as expanding into Africa. A new multi-billion dollar hub airport in the works in Istanbul means this impressive growth story will soon be given yet another boost. But with many ambitious competitors also expanding across the Gulf and the Middle East, can the Turkish aviation vision continue to soar? John Defterios spoke to the airline's CEO, Temel Kotil, to find out. Below is an edited version of their conversation. John Defterios (JD): Why do you think there is so much growth coming out of Turkey? Temel Kotil (TK): The airline business is so big and economies are growing in East Asia, Africa and Europe which is feeding us so we are going to grow. This is very simple. JD: When do you get to the point when the market is too saturated as there are also many expanding hubs across the Middle East and particularly in the Gulf states? TK: That's the beauty of the airline business. There are about 3.1 billion travelers and by 2030 that will be between seven or eight billion, so there are more coming. We are growing at 18%. Our friends in the Gulf are growing at about 10% to 15%. What is happening is that passengers are floating (between carriers). So you have the option to go from City X in Europe to City Y in Asia to go via Istanbul, via Dubai, via Abu Dhabi and so on. Who will become the winner will be the airline who loves the passengers. We love the passengers. We are the best airline in Europe for the last two years. Hopefully we will continue that but who knows? We will work hard. It's a big business and it's a big market. If we are good we can become the winner. (Having a) good brand, quality, prices, network, size; this matters. JD: You're building major infrastructure in Istanbul with a third airport that has a $35 billion price tag. Some say this is grandiosity and that you don't really need an airport of that size. How do you counter these critics? TK: No, we need it. From Istanbul we have to cover the whole of Europe. We have more than 100 destinations coming as a European carrier. We (also) cover the whole of the Middle East, Africa, northern Africa, Central Africa all through Central Asia. This means Turkish Airlines becomes a nice feeder from Istanbul. By 2023, depending upon ourselves will be... 120 million (passengers every year). Because of this... you can make a big investment in the airport. (We can) combine these bigger airports with the passenger capabilities of the Turkish Airlines. History will change. The Asian carriers who are feeding the other hubs (just now) they will appear in Istanbul. Today they want to fly to Istanbul but because of capacity concerns they are not coming. Turkey is a growing country. The cost issue is not a problem because of the volume from Turkish Airlines is already put on the table already. | Turkish Airlines expanding into Asia, Europe and Africa .
New hub airport in Istanbul with first stage set to open in 2017 .
Aviation industry set to expand dramatically by 2030 . |
0ae88b39c235ce186faf892e35d06098a204ffc6 | Victoria avoids all eye contact. Her gaze alternates between boring into the ground and scouring the horizon out the window. Her right foot taps nervously on the wooden floor. She is one of the 55 female trafficking victims helped each year at the crisis intervention centre run by the International Organisation for Migration and the Ministry of Labour in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau. Her story is shocking. 'A childhood friend told me she worked in a boutique in Dubai and could help me get a similar job,' she explains. 'She put me in touch with a guy who arranged my trip to Odessa [in Ukraine] and onward from Kiev to Dubai. Haunted: One of the women currently being helped by in the IMO's Chisinau anti-trafficking centre . 'In Dubai I was met by a Russian speaking woman, Oxana, who took me to a flat with six other girls from Eastern Europe. 'Oxana told me I’d been sold and took my passport away. I refused to see clients and as a result, was denied food. My cries and pleas were met with blows and kicks.' Appalling though it is, Victoria is by no means alone. She's just one of an estimated 800,000 women and children tricked and trafficked into a life of beatings, rape and torture every year. In Moldova, the country that she - and I - once called home, human trafficking is a huge problem, with an estimated 25,000 Moldovans trafficked abroad in 2008 according to Moldova’s national Bureau of Statistics. Men are taken to work on building sites and farms, while women like Victoria are mostly sold into the sex trade in Turkey, Russia, Cyprus, the UAE, and elsewhere. Tragic: Victoria is just one of an estimated 800,000 women sold into sex slavery abroad each year . Hell: Many of those taken abroad suffer extreme violence and are beaten and raped by their 'owners' Speaking out: Stela Brinzeanu's new novel Bessarabian Nights focuses on trafficking . Victims can be as young as . 12-years-old, with the International Organisation for Migration . estimating that 10 per cent of the Moldovans taken are children. I met Victoria while researching my . novel, Bessarabian Nights, which follows two friends as they attempt to . save a third from the trafficking gangs still common in Eastern Europe. Shockingly, many of the women I spoke to had been sold into prostitution by people they knew and told me that many of recruiters were women. Some of the girls didn't even think of themselves as victims: Having previously been abused . by family members, they considered violence to be normal. One . girl who certainly thought that way was Irina, a girl brutalised and left . pregnant by her violent father before being trafficked to Turkey. ‘There is nothing extraordinary or . unusual about my story. Or I don’t think so,' she told me. 'Like many other families in . Moldova, ours was very poor – so poor we fed our dog dried corn. 'After my mother died of breast cancer and father went to prison for raping me, I was left alone and pregnant. 'My godmother offered to help with the abortion and arranged for me to go . to Turkey. "The conditions are much better there and they’ll look after . you," she told me. 'At the airport in Istanbul I was met by two men who . drove me to a property where there were three other girls, Moldovan and . Ukrainian, and told me I was to serve their clients. 'I told them I was . pregnant but the men raped me in the next room that same day.' Frightening: Most of the women and children trafficked endure months if not years of torture before rescue . For rural girls like Irina, high . unemployment, widespread domestic violence and rife alcoholism further . exacerbate the problem and make them more vulnerable to human . trafficking than their city dwelling counterparts. Over half the victims I met were from the . Moldovan countryside, where a patriarchal mentality and religious . traditions still uphold discrimination against women. The recruiters exploit the fact that . these people are less knowledgeable about the process and risks of . moving abroad for work, and as in Irina's case, tell them they'll be well treated when, in fact, the reality is quite different. Although many do eventually escape their captors, the impact of being forced into slavery can have severe emotional consequences as Victoria makes plain. 'Locked up and under constant security, I saw no way out,' she continues. 'Weak from starvation and abuse, I agreed to seeing clients. 'There was no choice but work the streets and nightclubs every day, sometimes serving up to a dozen men or even more. Risk: Those who live in rural areas are more at risk because of economic problems and poverty . Stela's new novel, Bessarabian Nights, is out now and available from Amazon . 'My captors took all the money on the . pretext I owed them for flights and accommodation. The security guy who . drove me everywhere raped me every time I refused his advances, which . was almost daily. 'My bruises and cuts were habitually covered with cheap make-up. After a few weeks I managed to use the phone of one of my clients and called a friend I knew in Dubai. 'She . helped me run away and report my circumstances to a charity . organisation there. I was promptly returned to Moldova.' Others, such as Irina, find ways to adapt - even if that means overcoming repeatedly being raped when dealing with the aftermath of an abortion. 'I . cried and pleaded them to spare me the ordeal [of being prostituted] but was told they had . paid good money for me, which I had to return,' continues Irina. 'I was driven to various . hotels and houses to see men for two weeks before I had the abortion. Days after, I was taken to see clients again. 'It . was dreadful at the beginning and I was frightened. But the living . conditions there were a lot better than at home and they gave us plenty . of food too. 'I worked in Turkey for a year before we were arrested . following a police raid and sent back to Moldova and Ukraine, . penniless.' Although for Irina and Victoria the nightmare is, for now at least, over, while poverty and unemployment in Moldova remain rampant, the problem is likely to continue. Warning girls of . the risks abroad is not enough. Viable alternatives such as skills . training, employment opportunities and investment in human potential, . needs to be more widely available. Otherwise, regardless of the . potential risks, men, women and children will continue to be trafficked out of Moldova. Ignorance, as much as . desperation, is what sends them abroad. Stela Brinzeanu is the author of Bessarabian Nights (£8.99, Lightning Source), available now at Amazon. For more on Stela and her work, see stelabrinzeanu.com . | As many as 25,000 Moldovans fall prey to trafficking gangs each year .
Of those, 10% are thought to be children according to the IOM .
Author Stela Brinzeanu met trafficking victims while researching new novel .
Bessarabian Nights follows two friends as they hunt for a trafficked girl . |
0ae89d16ac1cb5f01f865b1751acbf21c40fe3ae | Beijing (CNN) -- Wang Jingyao creaks open a metal door to let us into his cramped apartment. In a modest living room, he shows us a meticulously kept shrine to his wife. "My wife had always been a kind person since she was young. She was kind-hearted and gentle," he says. The photos come from a different era in China. One shows Wang and his wife, Bian Zhongyun, shoulder to shoulder and smiling at the camera. They made a handsome couple. Both joined the Communist Party in the heady post-revolution years of the early 1950s. Wang was a historian at the Chinese Academy of Science. Bian became a respected educator at an elite Beijing middle school. They dreamed of helping the Party build a new China. But just a few years later, Party loyalty proved no protection for Bian. As the madness of the Cultural Revolution engulfed Beijing, she became the first victim. "We trusted the Party, but no one ever thought it would become a party that murders people," says Wang. Red Guards, Mao's enforcers . In one sense, the events that led up to Bian's death began with the bruised ego of Mao Zedong. In the early 1960s, China's great revolutionary hero was still smarting from the catastrophic failure of the Great Leap Forward, a policy of collective farming and industry that directly and indirectly caused the deaths of millions of Chinese. Mao called on a new revolution to stamp out what he called bourgeois and counter-revolutionary influences. Conveniently, for Mao, the ensuing chaos helped shore up his personality cult and get rid of his political opponents. The early enforcers were the Red Guards, a proxy army of children and young adults that violently struck out at anyone not toeing the Maoist line. Intellectuals, educators as well as artifacts were all targeted. A favorite method was to whip their elders with the heavy metal buckles on their leather belts. But this was no random chaos. "There was absolutely a top down approach to the violence and there is plenty of evidence that everything was very carefully planned," says historian Frank Dikötter. "There were constant messages going from the Party to the students. There was nothing spontaneous about it." Beatings, then an awful climax . The trouble started in the early summer at Bian's school in Beijing. Led by their leader Song Binbin, the students labeled Bian as a counter-revolutionary and "opposing Chairman Mao," according to historian Wang Youqin, who attended the school at the time. Soon the attacks got physical with Bian and other teachers put through so-called "struggle-sessions." "Students ran onto the stage to strike Bian with iron-clad wooden training rifles. Each time Bian fell to the floor, someone would douse her with cold water and drag her upright again by the hair to endure further criticism," says Wang. Bian reached out to the Party to stop the beatings but she got no reply. Despite the obvious risks, Bian kept returning to the school. Perhaps she felt there was nowhere to hide. On the afternoon of August 5, 1966, the beatings reached their awful climax. 'We couldn't stop the beatings' The students of '66 are now in their 60s. I meet a group of them in a teahouse in Beijing. They have had careers and full lives but all seem haunted by the bloody events of that August. Liu Jin was a student leader at the school when the Red Guards targeted Bian. "I didn't know what to do," she says, "I blame myself for not stopping it." "We couldn't stop the beating, because it would have been doing something against the trend. I respected Ms. Bian, but I was too afraid to say anything," says Feng Jinglan, another former student. The mob beat Bian for three hours. They used the legs of their school desks spiked with nails. "She looked miserable. I could never forget this. She lay on the ground, her eyes were blurry, she was foaming at the mouth," recalls Liu. She says they carried Bian in a wheelbarrow to a hospital across the street from the school. Wang Jingyao got the news about his wife in a phone call from the school. "They told me that she was injured and I should go. So I went with my four children," says Wang, "I remember that hospital very clearly." Sensing the worst, Wang took a camera. He took pictures of his mortally wounded wife as evidence. The images are haunting and graphic. In one, his four children stand over their mother who lies on a gurney still clutching her handbag. "I laid a cloth over her face so my youngest wouldn't see. She had already passed," says Wang. No charges, no justice . The authorities quickly cremated the body and no one has ever been charged despite, presumably, hundreds of witnesses. Instead of condemning the murder, Mao seemed to embrace it. Just days later, he held a mass rally for the Red Guards in Tiananmen Square where Song Binbin presented a Red Guard armband to the Chairman. The official sanction of the violence was complete. "After Song Binbin presented the armband to Mao, the number of murders increased massively," says Wang Youqin, who has obsessively tracked the killings by interviewing hundreds of family members. "The Red Guards killed almost 2,000 people in the first two weeks alone." She says they only stopped when the Beijing municipal government eventually called them to halt in September. The Cultural Revolution would drag on for a decade. In a society where educators and elders are traditionally revered, the brutal violence against teachers shocked many, but over the decades, the Communist Party has helped erase discussion of the stain on their history, and the violence is rarely discussed in public. But that may be changing. Breaking the taboo . Over the past year, those closest to the events are tentatively trying to break the taboo. Song Binbin, Liu Jin and a handful of former classmates publicly apologized for the killing of Bian. "I participated in the revolution voluntarily, no one forced me," says Liu, "but after Bian's death my faith was turned. I had to question my beliefs." All of the former students we interviewed said they were powerless to stop the killing. Song declined to be interviewed. But their apologies haven't led to a widespread reckoning with the past. And few, if any, believe the Communist Party will tackle the issue. "There is hardly a person within the Cultural Revolution whose hands are not dirty in some way. It is socially and politically explosive and that is why the apologies are not likely to go much further than they have already," says Dikköter. For Wang Jingyao, they are too little, too late. He says he still wants justice for his wife's murder. "I can't accept them, the so-called apologies are hypocritical and not sincere. They just want to cover up their involvement," he said, "they just want to slip away unpunished and turn this page over." | Decades later, former students apologize for failing to stop teacher's murder .
Red Guards beat Bian Zhongyun to death in 1966 for "opposing Chairman Mao"
Husband Wang Jingyao wants justice for his wife, whom he described as "gentle"
Couple used to dream of helping Communist Party build a new China . |
0ae9054389e7ffe2fc58f45bcad63e5cb88f8698 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 10 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:31 EST, 12 October 2012 . Enraged: Robert Zimmerman Jr., pictured on Piers Morgan Tonight, launched a threatening Twitter tirade at the the Trayvon Martin family's attorneys . The older brother of George Zimmerman has launched a Twitter tirade on an attorney for Trayvon Martin's family, vowing to make it his life's work to disbar her. Robert Zimmerman Jr.'s rant followed a week of television interviews in which he protested the innocence of his brother, who stands accused of killing the unarmed teenager in February. The Zimmermans have been on a national media crusade over the past week - chatting with Piers Morgan and Spanish-speaking channels - to 'reintroduce' the family, who believe they have been misrepresented throughout the high-profile, divisive case. On Monday, Robert Zimmerman Jr. marked the end of his press tour by unleashing his anger at attorney Natalie Jackson, blaming her for the false portrayal of his family. 'I hope GOD grants you a long life so . you live to repent for what you have done,' he wrote on a tweet to her on Monday. He went on: 'My Life’s work = you WILL be held accountable for your words/actions. You AINT seen NOTHIN' yet... I will see U disbarred.' And, in a reference to what critics have dubbed the 'scheme team' behind the case - attorneys Jackson and Benjamin Crump and Orlando publicist Ryan Julison - he added: 'The Scheme will be exposed, one by one, day by day - SHAME on you.' Jackson quipped back: 'Please see my Rule #1: Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference - Mark Twain.' Scroll down for video . Anger: Zimmerman, the brother of George Zimmerman, directed messages at attorney Natalie Jackson . His emotional outburst underscores the trouble the family has faced controlling their image, and the struggle the defense team endures to keep their client and his family in line. Defense attorney Mark O'Mara told the Miami Herald that he . cringed when he saw the rant and that the media tour had gone ahead without George Zimmerman's knowledge. In their attempts to support their relative, the Zimmermans may be doing more harm than good, he suggested. 'I have been cautious with how we act in . this case and now someone with the same last name who does not act with . the same constraints is out there - and I have no control over him,' O'Mara said. Target: Natalie Jackson (centre) is representing the Martins with Daryl Parks (left) and Ben Crump (left) It is just another debacle for the defense team. They faced an early struggle after nationwide protests called for the arrest of Zimmerman, who they claimed attacked 17-year-old Trayvon because he was African American. After Zimmerman was released from prison after bailing himself out, he ended up back behind bars and on a new bail after the courts accused him about failing to reveal the extent of his legal funds. Then, last month, Zimmerman's best friend published a book full of errors about how Trayvon died - but ended up on the prosecution's evidence list, the Herald reported. Robert Zimmerman Jr., 31, decided to stand up for his family - who have all gone into hiding since the case arose - and travelled to Los Angeles last week to carry out interviews. Case: Neighbourhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, left, has been charged with second-degree murder for the February shooting of Trayvon Marton, right. He shot the teenager as he walked home . Family support: Robert Jr. has appeared on a number of TV and radio shows this week to speak against the portrayal of his brother and his family by the media . His aim, he said in an email to . reporters, was to 'reintroduce the Zimmerman family' and he was the only . person authorized to speak on their behalf. He went on to appear on radio and television shows in Los Angeles, where he painted his brother as a hard-working man attacked by the teenager and demonised by the media. He also appeared on Piers Morgan Tonight with his mother, who had her face obscured, before taking to his Twitter account for the attack on the Martin lawyer. In an email to the Herald, he stood by his rant, saying: 'I . don't want her to be able to use her position as an attorney to . assassinate anyone else's character or to ever hurt anyone else's . family.' Fight: Attorneys for Zimmerman said the Twitter rant will not have helped their already troubled case. Here, supporters of Trayvon Martin hold a rally in March, calling for Zimmerman's arrest . His brother, 29, has been charged with second-degree murder for the February 26 shooting in Sanford, Florida. Trayvon was found to be just carrying Skittles and iced tea when he was killed, but Zimmerman's attorneys claim he acted in self defense when the teenager tackled him. The team has requested that Trayvon's school records and social media posts be released as part of the trial. A hearing for the request will be heard on October 19. See below for video - Robert Zimmerman Jr. speaks to Piers Morgan . | Robert Zimmerman Jr. wrote threatening messages following a week of television appearances protesting his brother's innocence . |
0ae9a98265905048c44275607043b74c73e195f1 | Silly stunt: Judy and the rubber chicken. Her Grand Slam of public appearances and lucrative business commitments that could make her more than £150,000 in a year . Andy Murray may have cruised through the opening rounds of Wimbledon as reigning champion — but it’s his mum Judy who has taken on a Grand Slam of public appearances and lucrative business commitments that could make her more than £150,000 in a year. Her week started with an unlikely appearance on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. Then we witnessed her ‘ambassadorship’ for Lavazza coffee — as part of a deal thought to be worth around £25,000, 54-year-old Judy was seen helping to dispense free coffee to Wimbledon fans, and manning a coffee stall with former Wimbledon champ Goran Ivanisevic and Rafa Nadal’s uncle-coach Tony. A bigger commitment is her deal with Robinsons, the drinks brand that has had a partnership with Wimbledon for more than 100 years. Among other advertising ventures and coaching initiatives, she has filmed a series of comic skits with former British No 1 Tim Henman, debating whether part of Wimbledon should be called ‘Henman Hill’ or ‘Murray Mount’. The Robinsons deal, worth around £50,000 and brokered by the leading sports agency IMG, led her this week to take part in a stunt in which she was photographed bouncing a rubber chicken on a tennis racquet. In past years tennis fans struggled to take Judy to their hearts — all that fist-pumping and clenched aggression made her appear too pushy. But after Andy’s victory last year, and aided by a makeover that turned her into a glamorous white-blonde, Judy is being seen in a new light. At least, that is the plan. In a long junior and senior tennis career she won 64 Scottish titles but her victories were never translated into international success. Instead she launched herself into coaching, and her dream now is to launch a tennis academy in Scotland, preferably near the Murrays’ home town of Dunblane. ‘This is my big goal. I want it to be something to leave behind,’ she has said. But she needs more than £15 million in initial funding, and there will be heavy maintenance costs thereafter — hence the deals with Lavazza and Robinsons, and another as a ‘brand ambassador’ for Head, the racquet maker. It was Judy, rather than Andy, who gave a cover interview to the Radio Times pre-Wimbledon, in which she spoke about the Dunblane shooting massacre at Andy’s primary school. She has also started an online column for BT Sport — and now there are unconfirmed reports that she will be a contestant on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. A fan of the BBC show, she would be paid £25,000 to take part, rising to £60,000 if she makes the quarter-finals and up to £75,000 for the semis. Add in newspaper interviews and shameless flirting with the young comedian Jack Whitehall on his BBC3 Backchat show, and you have what appears to be a concerted media blitz. Indeed, a glance at Judy’s Twitter (@Judmoo) reveals a media-savvy woman enjoying her moment in the sun. This week she has plugged her sponsored activities, sent out daily words of encouragement to Andy and his new coach Amelie Mauresmo, and kept followers up to date with her hectic social schedule. If she is heartbroken by her split from long-term partner Phil Reid, she is hiding it well. They were together for about five years but are thought to have parted in January. While Judy travels the world supporting Andy and his brother Jamie at tennis tournaments, Andy’s girlfriend Kim stays largely at home. Coaching is still Judy’s chief passion— and turning that Murray Tennis Academy into a reality. And if that means having to bounce a rubber chicken on a purple novelty tennis racquet for her sponsors, then so be it. | Judy Murray's business deals could make her more than £150,000 a year .
Her deal with Robinsons, the drinks brand, is worth around £50,000 .
Tennis fans have in the past struggled to warm to Andy Murray's mother . |
0ae9f1001efc220657ab53896659ac85030f8ad0 | Minot, North Dakota (CNN) -- The bloated Souris River has crested at an historic high in Minot, North Dakota, but floodwaters likely will remain at or near their current level for several days, authorities said Sunday. "At this point, the river has had its crest so far in Minot, but a number of locations downstream still have some high water yet to come," said Richard Kinney, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. North Dakota. A crest is defined as the high point of the water during a flood before it begins to recede. A boil-water order, issued as a precaution on Saturday, remains in effect. And experts caution that although the water rose quickly -- flooding up to 4,000 homes to some degree -- it will be slow to recede. "We did have a couple of close calls at the temporary dikes last night," Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman told reporters Sunday. "Both those areas have been repaired." He reminded residents not to enter the evacuation zone. The river at Minot crested at 1,561.72 feet above sea level Sunday morning, said Kinney -- below earlier predictions but still almost 4 feet above an 1881 record. Water levels had fallen to 1,561.48 feet by Sunday night, Kinney said. Many residents of Minot, who evacuated ahead of the rising water, approached the water's edge on Sunday, hoping to catch a glimpse of their homes, said CNN's Jim Spellman. Most often, they are disappointed at the devastation they see, he said. Spellman said when he toured the hardest-hit area by boat, several residents gave him their addresses and asked him to check on their homes. Everyone was hoping their home might be the one that was spared, he said, but he had to bring back bad news. "It's a somber feeling, sitting here," said resident Steve Knab. He recalled "listening to the sirens go off, and they evacuated us, and coming back the next day and seeing this ... it's disheartening." But, he said, "we'll get there. We're healthy." These personal struggles come as local, state and federal authorities rush to minimize the damage to property and maximize security and safety of residents. Three recovery centers will open on Monday -- two in Minot and one in Bismarck, Gov. Jack Dalrymple told reporters. Residents can visit the location to find out about assistance programs and "meet with someone who is able to answer your questions directly," he said. But, he noted, it is not necessary for residents to visit the centers to register for disaster assistance, which can be done by telephone or online. He said he had toured the area, and it was "sobering, to say the least." A task force is being set up to immediately begin working on returning children to schools, whether those schools are restored or relocated. Evacuee Robin Taylor said residents have been helping one another. When her family had to evacuate in a hurry, neighbors on both sides pitched in, she said. Jim Sarroll has lived in Minot his entire life. He has sandbagged his home, located just outside the evacuation zone, with the help of neighbors, and said Sunday it is dry for now. He is, however, very concerned about the water. "I flushed my toilet this morning, and the water was red," he said. Still, he said he is able to see the positives when neighbors, relatives and friends bond to get through a disaster the best they can. The Souris flows through the center of Minot, a city of about 36,000. About a third of the city's population is under evacuation orders. About 900 National Guard soldiers and about 100 airmen from Minot Air Force Base are assisting in the Minot area, authorities said. Minot officials told residents Saturday that tap water should be boiled for at least a minute before consuming in order to kill any dangerous organisms. The focal point in Minot continues to be the Broadway Bridge, a critical north-south route through town. Officials have been working round-the-clock to prevent the river from inundating nearby routes, all part of larger efforts aimed at preventing Minot from effectively being split in half by the flooding. "It's really important that (Broadway) bridge stays open," said Cecily Fong, spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. Republican Rep. Rick Berg said he had been in touch with officials in Washington -- which has authorized FEMA to grant assistance -- and expressed optimism that the government will work well with residents to overcome the challenges. "You're seeing people at the highest levels working together, putting politics behind them," said North Dakota's lone congressman. Berg, though, cautioned that the "marathon" was far from over. For instance, water levels near the Broadway Bridge were still expected to remain around 1,561 feet through Tuesday -- with a slow drop over the coming week. And the worst is yet to come for other North Dakota cities and towns. In Sawyer, "we'll be approaching peak levels over next 24 hours," meteorologist Patrick Ayd of the National Weather Service in Bismarck said early Sunday morning. Water levels in Velva are expected to peak Monday or Tuesday. The situation prompted the evacuation Saturday of Sawyer's 350 residents as water from the Souris River began to slosh up a main street through town, according to the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Ken and Janelle Herslip's house -- less than a mile from the Souris -- was one of those flooded on Sunday. Even though a crew of more than three dozen friends and family helped them evacuate on Monday -- scouring the house for everything that wasn't attached to the walls -- Ken Herslip said Saturday his wife was still devastated. "We've had many homes over our life, and she finally got the house of her dreams," he said. "She is absolutely devastated, bawling all the time." Herslip, who built the house, isn't so busted up. No one was hurt, and they can build again, he said. Still, he said, "it will never be the same." CNN's Alexandra Steele, Mike Pearson, Holly Yan, Phil Gast and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report. | NEW: River levels at Minot begin their slow retreat, a NWS forecaster says .
"It's disheartening," says resident Steve Knab .
3,000 to 4,000 homes have been affected by floodwater in Minot .
The Souris River has topped its record crest from 1881 . |
0aea17326e550bc6227099d5f41a81815352c05b | A leading Tory MP has called on Boris Johnson to investigate claims that Scotland Yard officers have abused their position by trying to shut down newspaper investigations into Ukip. Zac Goldsmith made the demand after a former Ukip official received a harassment warning for talking to The Mail on Sunday about her claims an alleged ‘former mistress’ of Ukip leader Nigel Farage had fabricated a sexual assault case against a fellow Tory MP. Police are investigating Jasna Badzak’s allegation that Annabelle Fuller falsely accused Andrew Bridgen of inappropriately touching her at his Westminster flat in 2011. Leading Tory MP Zac Goldsmith has called on Boris Johnson to investigate claims that Scotland Yard officers have abused their position by trying to shut down newspaper investigations into Ukip . The call for an investigation comes as Rupert Murdoch launches legal action against Scotland Yard for 'hacking' thousands of journalists emails. The MP for North West Leicestershire, who denied wrong-doing, was arrested but no charges were brought. Ms Badzak, 43, who used to work as a Ukip press officer, says she has given the police details of messages she exchanged with Ms Fuller about the incident. But when this newspaper spoke to Ms Badzak last month about a new development in the case – that detectives were planning to question Mr Farage after establishing that Ms Fuller had made phone calls to the Ukip leader on the evening she was in Mr Bridgen’s flat – Ms Badzak was warned off. Ms Badzak was issued with a ‘Prevention of Harassment’ letter by a Met officer, Detective Sergeant Gordon McKay, on the grounds the conversation had led to Ms Fuller being ‘subjected to numerous phone calls and emails’. The Mail on Sunday sent three emails to Ms Fuller prior to printing our story to clarify the details. When asked what she had said on the phone to Mr Farage on the night in question, Ms Fuller replied: ‘Are you now a police officer?’ Ex-party spin doctor Ms Fuller, 32, was described as Farage’s ‘former mistress’ under Parliamentary privilege in Strasbourg earlier this year by Nikki Sinclaire, a former Ukip MEP. Mr Farage and Ms Fuller strongly deny an affair and Ms Fuller has since stopped working for the party. Police are investigating Jasna Badzak’s allegation that Annabelle Fuller falsely accused Andrew Bridgen, pictured above with his wife Jackie, inappropriately touched her at his Westminster flat in 2011 . Mr Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond Park, who wrote to Mr Johnson on Thursday about the case – as the Mayor he has ultimate oversight of Scotland Yard – said he was concerned by claims officers could have been abusing their office. On Friday, former Tory MP Louise Mensch submitted two criminal complaints about the alleged conduct of officers. Her move came after she learned that another serving officer at the Met had warned two reporters – who had contacted Ukip MEP Gerard Batten to ask about his alleged links to far-Right organisations – against publishing articles ‘deemed to be untruthful and concerning’. Last night a friend of Mr Bridgen said: ‘Andrew was approached by the police as a result of new information provided by Jasna Badzak regarding false allegations made about him by Annabelle Fuller in June 2011. Andrew is extremely concerned by the pace of the investigation into Ms Fuller’s apparent perverting the course of justice.’ Ms Fuller said: ‘I reported Jasna Badzak to the police over her continued harassment of me which started when she made false allegations about me.’ Ms Mensch said: ‘It seems to be an abuse of the criminal law to prevent citizens talking to journalists.’ The row has come amid growing concern over the use of police surveillance powers against journalists. A report published last week by the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee said the laws were not ‘fit for purpose’ and should be overhauled. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘On November 1, police received an allegation of harassment. On November 15, a 43-year-old woman was issued with a 1st Instance Harassment Warning.’ News UK claims police 'hacking' of journalists emails was 'revenge' bid . Rupert Murdoch is suing Scotland Yard for ‘hacking’ into thousands of journalists’ emails – in what was last night dubbed as ‘revenge’ for the phone-hacking scandal. The Metropolitan Police has arrested dozens of reporters working for the tycoon’s newspapers over plotting to listen in to celebrities’ voicemail messages, making payments to public officials and other crimes, with seven convicted this year. But in an ironic twist, News UK is now taking Scotland Yard to court, claiming damages for breach of confidentiality. The company, previously known as News International, says the Met kept and searched through an archive of journalists’ emails dating back to 2004 – many of which may have contained sensitive information. Rupert Murdoch is suing Scotland Yard for ‘hacking’ into thousands of journalists’ emails – in what was last night dubbed as ‘revenge’ for the phone-hacking scandal. News UK voluntarily handed over emails to police as part of the probe into phone-hacking at the News of the World, in 2011. It had a policy of deleting old emails automatically after a set period of time, although computer experts were able to find information dating back to around 2004 on 64 storage tapes. News UK says police accessed the data from this without agreement. Murdoch’s lawyers want the data – still kept by Scotland Yard – to be returned, as well as damages for ‘breach of confidence’ by the Met. A lawyer involved in the phone-hacking trials said last night: ‘It sounds like there is an element of Murdoch’s revenge about this.’ Both parties declined to comment on the civil case. | A Former Ukip official received a harassment warning for talking to MoS .
About Annabelle Fuller making claims about Andrew Bridgen .
Detectives were thought to be preparing to speak to Ukip's Nigel Farage . |
0aeac929f869f839f49c8a5491ef1380b543d534 | "I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them," wrote Nora Ephron in Heartburn. If only most of us were so philosophical about the way we eat when we're in the throes of a powerful emotion. Unfortunately, after we celebrate our promotion with champagne and cupcakes or drown our romantic woes in a bowl of spaghetti, we tend to feel remorseful. "I indulged myself," we might confess, in a hushed tone, to a friend the next day. (Even our choice of word—indulge—is loaded, as it implies we are engaging in a vaguely illicit behavior.) But is this self-flagellation really necessary? Some experts say no. "It's healthy to emotionally eat once in a while—to eat for comfort, to celebrate, or just because," says Jean Fain, a psychotherapist affiliated with Harvard Medical School and the author of "The Self-Compassion Diet." "Sure, you could go for a walk or head to the gym, but sometimes an ice cream sundae is just the thing." Of course, no one is suggesting that it's a good idea to routinely pull a Liz Lemon on a gallon of rocky road. Frequent, heavy emotional eating can be a serious issue. However, doing it occasionally might not be all bad. Both your body and psyche are hardwired to make connections between how you feel and what's on your plate. It's the way you handle—and regulate—your eating that makes the difference between a pleasurable endeavor and a real health concern. Real Simple: Debunking health myths . Your physical cravings, demystifiedYour body is no dummy. There's a reason it yearns for a bowl of crunchy-top macaroni and cheese or a sliver of warm apple pie. "Foods that are laden with carbohydrates, sugar, or fat simply taste delicious," says Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D., an associate professor of exercise psychology at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. But surprise! Flavor is only part of the reason you crave these foods. Your brain chemistry actually changes when you bite into a bagel or a Twizzler. "Carbohydrates set off a series of chemical reactions that ultimately lead to a boost in brain serotonin," says Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., the former director of the Research Program in Women's Health at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Clinical Research Center. The higher the levels of serotonin, the more content you feel (at least temporarily). No wonder cutting out carbs can make you grumpy: A 2009 study from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, in Adelaide, Australia, found that low-carbohydrate dieters registered the lowest moods. The same goes for fatty foods. In a 2011 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, subjects were fed through a stomach tube with either a solution of fatty acids or saline. Both groups then listened to music proven to evoke a negative or neutral emotion. Those given the fat were less sad, and brain scans showed dampened activity in areas associated with sadness. The researchers believe this shows that fatty acids can induce a signal from your gut to your brain, which may influence emotions. There are times when we are more physically vulnerable to these triggers—for example, during periods of stress. "Chronic stress creates elevated levels of the hormone cortisol," says Jeffrey Morrison, M.D., a family practitioner in New York City and the author of Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind ($26, amazon.com). Your body thinks you're going through a famine, he explains, which can increase your cravings. Exhaustion is a contributing factor, too. In a 2012 study, Columbia University and St. Luke's--Roosevelt Hospital Center researchers found that when subjects were sleep-deprived, seeing pictures of unhealthy foods activated reward centers in their brains. Those centers were less active when the participants were fully rested. Increased reward-center activity may make a person more likely to eat. (See, that's why you scarfed those doughnut holes while pulling an all-nighter for work.) Real Simple: 24 Nutritious (and tasty) snacks . The quest for comfortBiology isn't the only reason we eat emotionally. Think back: Since day one, when we were fed in a mother's or father's arms, we have associated food with comfort, says Michelle May, M.D., the founder of the Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Program, in Phoenix, and the author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat ($20, amazon.com). As a child, you probably got the food-as-soother message in countless other ways, too: Remember the lollipop the doctor always handed out after a visit? The teacher who rewarded A students with ice cream? By adulthood that association becomes ingrained in our minds, says Craig Johnson, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in eating disorders and the chief clinical officer of the Eating Recovery Center, in Denver: "Children's brains sometimes aren't developed enough to use words to deal with complex feelings, so they may use food to self-regulate emotions." That's even more likely if your parents modeled that behavior. In a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers brought together mother-preschooler pairs. They asked the moms to rate their own emotional-eating habits. Then they devised an activity during which snacks would be offered to the children. The preschoolers whose moms reported regulating their feelings with food ate more snacks than did the other children. We're also more likely to indulge (there's that word again) when we're trying to bond with others. A 2001 study from Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, showed that people consume more in a group than they do alone, regardless of hunger levels. Eating socially "may help you feel like you're strengthening relationships," says Jennifer Taitz, a clinical psychologist in New York City and the author of End Emotional Eating ($18, amazon.com). Why? In that moment, united by a mutual desire to, say, conquer a piece of peanut butter pie, "everyone feels connected to one another." Real Simple: 25 easy instant energy boosters . When it's a problemIf you're unsure whether your emotional eating has gone too far, ask yourself these questions. • Do you frequently eat when you feel emotional but not particularly hungry?"When a desire or a craving comes from something other than hunger, eating can't satisfy it," says May. "If you are eating but don't physically need the food, you'll never feel satisfied." In fact, research published in the journal Obesity in 2007 found that dieters who ate according to internal emotional cues, such as loneliness, instead of physical or external cues lost less weight over time and were more likely to gain it back. • Instead of confronting a problem, do you hit the refrigerator?Psychologists say that numbing yourself with food rather than dealing with your feelings can increase stress, which in turn can raise your blood pressure and weaken your immune system. • Do you punish yourself after having a treat?Guilt can lead to uncontrolled eating, says Georgia Kostas, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and the author of The Cooper Clinic Solution to the Diet Revolution ($35, amazon.com): "If you feel bad about eating a scoop of ice cream, excess guilt may lead you to eat the whole carton. Now you've destroyed any pleasure you had hoped to derive from the ice cream." • Finally, do you regularly overeat those carby, fatty foods?(You know—the ones you crave the most.) Here's how to know: "Make good food choices about 90 percent of the time," says Kostas, "and reserve the other 10 percent for 'fun calories.' " If your comfort-food intake often exceeds that percentage, consider cutting back. Real Simple: Low-calorie snacks for every craving . Need more incentive? Recent research indicates that eating a lot of fatty foods can end up negatively affecting your mood over time. In a 2012 study from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, researchers fed mice diets with different amounts of fat. After 12 weeks, the mice that were fed a higher-fat diet showed more signs of depression and anxiety. The takeaway: Although you initially may feel euphoric from eating fatty foods, the more you do it, the worse you feel. The recipe for true happiness just might be healthy, balanced meals, followed now and then by dessert—and as the ever wise Nora Ephron advised, no regrets. Food for thoughtWant to avoid excessive emotional eating? Try one of these exercises. Record your emotions. "For a few days, before you eat, force yourself to write down what you're feeling and thinking at that exact moment," says exercise psychologist Heather Hausenblas. "Seeing your emotions on paper helps you understand what's happening inside and recognize times when you're more likely to eat out of something other than hunger." It really works: A 2008 study from the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, found that people choose lower-calorie foods when they are aware of their feelings. Real Simple: Understanding unfamiliar nutritional terms . Show a little self-compassion. The next time you eat in response to a strong emotion, don't lament your lack of willpower. Research shows that treating yourself gently may help you stave off future bouts of emotional eating. In 2007 researchers at Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, asked female subjects to taste-test doughnuts. Half weren't given any special instruction. The other half were given a lesson in self-compassion beforehand. The tester said, "I hope you won't be too hard on yourself. Everyone in the study eats this stuff." The result: Those who received the "Be kind to yourself" mandate ultimately ate fewer sweets. Get an assistant. Or, at the very least, ask your spouse or kids to help around the house a bit more. According to a 2012 study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, in Oulu, Finland, feeling burned-out can easily lead to emotional eating. Researchers found that women who were overwhelmed on the job were significantly more likely to use food as a source of comfort and relief than were those who were not. Antidote: Delegate some of your to-do list. Or, hey, ditch a few of the items on it altogether. | Celebratory or comforting meals can often make people feel remorse for indulging themselves .
"Foods that are laden with carbohydrates, sugar, or fat simply taste delicious," says Heather Hausenblas, Ph.D.
If you punish yourself after eating, your emotional eating may have gone too far . |
0aec0c26d3e13cf20686594bb26fc7459830d026 | By . Joshua Gardner . PUBLISHED: . 14:38 EST, 13 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:36 EST, 13 November 2013 . Famed Raiders tight end turned television sports broadcaster Todd Christensen died at 57 in a Utah hospital on Wednesday after suffering complications during a liver transplant. The two-time Super Bowl champ's death was announced this morning by Christensen's alma mater, the school that would launch his impressive football career, Brigham Young University. Liver disease was among a number of illnesses Christensen reportedly battled prior to his death. RIP: Famed Raiders tight end Todd Christensen died Wednesday at the age of 57 after suffering complications during surgery . Christensen's son, Toby Christensen, said his father died Wednesday morning at Intermountain Medical Center near his home in Alpine, Utah. 'I've been receiving hundreds of texts, Facebook postings and emails — from everybody with a story about my dad,' Toby Christensen said. Christensen was a devout Mormon who didn't drink, and his family believes his liver problems started 25 years ago after a "botched" gall bladder operation, his son told The Associated Press. Chosen in the second round of the 1978 NFL draft, Christensen was first a Dallas Cowboy. He began the 1979 season with the New York Giants but midway through the season he'd join the team that made him a star. The Oregon raised Pennsylvania native helped lead the Raiders to Super Bowl victory twice, once in 1981 and again in 1984. Christensen, at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, never fit the Raiders' untamed mold. He was a thoughtful son of a professor, and even read his own poetry at a Super Bowl press conference. He later self-published three books of poetry. In 1983, he set a tight end single season record when he caught 92 receptions. Three years later, he broke his own record by catching 95. Legend: The 57-year-old (seen at left in 2002 and at right in 1987) was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders and appeared in the Pro Bowl on five occasions during his 11 year NFL career . Gladiator: In addition to his football career and stints in sports broadcasting, Christensen (center at left) was even briefly a host of the over-the-top American Gladiators television show . 'Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to the family of Todd Christensen. Great player, great guy,' tweeted BYU Football. As a college baller, Christensen led the BYU Cougars in receiving three times between 1974 and 1977, ending his career at the school with 152 receptions. 'He had great skill,' BYU football Hall of Fame coach LaVell Edwards told the Daily Herald of Provo, Utah. 'He ran the ball well and he caught the ball extremely well. He had excellent ability in all areas and those are the things that stand out.' In addition to his Super Bowl rings, Christensen played in the Pro Bowl for five of his 11 NFL seasons. After his departure from pro football in 1988, Christensen's resume took some unexpected turns. He had a brief flirtation with Major League Baseball when he hit a home run during a workout with the Oakland A's in 1990. He even briefly appeared as a host of the over-the-top American Gladiators television series. Christensen appeared in other television projects like Married with Children and acted as a sports analyst for both ESPN and NBC. Record setting: Seen here mid-game in 1985, Christensen's career saw him break the single season reception record twice. He caught 92 receptions in 1983. Three years later, he caught 95 . | The former Raiders star tight end died from complications during a surgical procedure, according to his alma mater Brigham Young University .
Christensen had been battling health problems including liver disease . |
0aed65253a96642d92154bc826d47e1378b663fe | (CNN) -- Jared Remy, the son of famed Boston Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy, pleaded guilty in a Massachusetts court Tuesday to killing his fiancée Jennifer Martel just days after he was arrested for assaulting her. Remy, 35, was sentenced Tuesday to life in state prison without the possibility of parole after changing his plea to guilty after he was charged with the August 2013 stabbing death of Martel, 27. "Jared Remy perceived that he was losing control of Jennifer Martel and lashed out at her in a fit of rage, killing her," Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement. "Today, with this plea, the defendant has been held accountable for his actions. This plea ensures that Jared Remy will spend the rest of his natural life in prison." The gruesome details of the case rippled through the small community of Waltham, Massachusetts, after questions surfaced about why Remy had not been held on bail after his arrest just two days before the slaying. Remy was arrested on August 13 for assault and battery after Martel told police that Remy had grabbed her neck and head and "slammed her face against a mirror" in the bathroom during an argument, according to a Waltham police report. Martel fled the home with the couple's daughter to a neighbor's home and called 911. Martel could be heard on the call, which was released by police, saying "(Remy) is just a very violent person who is on lots of medication who might need serious help." Domestic violence facts . When Martel filed for a restraining order, she told police that Remy had been arrested before for assaulting an ex-girlfriend, according to police. Remy was arrested by Waltham police after the incident and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was arraigned the next morning and released after posting just $40 for the bail fee, according to Waltham District Court documents. The next day, Remy returned to the Waltham home he shared with Martel and their child and stabbed her multiple times. The couple's daughter was home at the time, according to police. The Middlesex district attorney's office conducted an internal review after Martel's death, which resulted in some countywide procedural changes on how domestic abuse cases are handled. Remy is the son of famed Red Sox color commentator Jerry Remy. The elder Remy played for the Red Sox as a second baseman from 1978 to 1984 and was voted an all-star his first year with the team. Remy is also considered the president of Red Sox nation, according to the Red Sox homepage. Massachusetts abolished the death penalty in the early 1980s when lawmakers ruled it was unconstitutional. Remy will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. 'Shield' actor Michael Jace officially charged with wife's murder . | Jared Remy was sentenced to life in prison in the stabbing death of Jennifer Martel .
Remy was charged with assaulting his fiancee two days before he killed her .
Martel told police "slammed her face against a mirror" during an argument .
Remy's father, Jerry, is a Boston Red Sox announcer and former player . |
0aed82a5b444877d95bbacb1e5edde54a52d675f | What a match we have in store at the Rec on Sunday. Both Bath and Glasgow have everything to play for, with qualification to the knock-out stage of the Champions Cup up for grabs. It is remarkable that, along with Toulouse, all three teams can finish first, second or third so the group is on a knife-edge. It is still in the hands of Toulouse as, if they win in Montpellier, they win the group and Bath and Glasgow are playing for second. But stranger things have happened and Montpellier look like they have improved under Jake White, so they’ll give Toulouse a real challenge. Finn Russell could be the key for Glasgow against Bath in the European Champions Cup on Sunday . Both Bath and Glasgow know that a win is vital if they are to have any chance of progressing and things would be even better if the win came with a bonus point as well. Those circumstances mean we should have a cracker of a game, with both teams throwing everything at each other. Bath are extremely confident after their amazing performance last week in Toulouse which gave them a bonus-point win, but Glasgow had a good result last week too against Montpellier — albeit without getting the bonus point. Bath go into this game as clear favourites for a number of reasons — they look to be at full-strength whilst Glasgow have severe problems in the back row, they are playing at home and have momentum on their side. There are some fantastic match-ups throughout the teams that will go a long way to determining the outcome of the match. Here are just three: . George Ford v Finn Russell . Without doubt, if both stay fit, these two will start for their respective countries at stand-off in the Six Nations. Ford was immense last week, mixing his game up beautifully, kicking well when he needed to and seeing when things were on to attack, even when deep within his own 22. They are different physically, Russell is much taller, but they are very similar in how they play the game. Russell faces a battle for supremacy against Bath fly half George Ford . Both kick and pass well and they are both very brave in defence; they both attack the line at pace, too, which creates so much space out wide for the outside backs. They love to attack, have good awareness when things are on or not and they will have a go. This is a big test for Russell in his young career because he needs to try and get the upper hand over Ford, no small task the way the Englishman is playing. Ford can be put under pressure though, the big Premiership sides like Northampton and Saracens have really asked questions of him and he has not coped well. What does not help Russell is that his back row is decimated and they have a hooker playing openside. Back three . I have bundled the back three together because all three match-ups are good. The wingers — Matt Banahan and Horacio Agulla against Tommy Seymour and DTH van der Merve — all share many of the same qualities; size, power, and, above all, pace. Tommy Seymour (left) skipping past Montpelier's Benoit Sicart in their clash last weekend . They all work very hard off the ball as well, popping up on the other wing and usually being in the right place at the right time. The Glasgow wingers just shade it when it comes to form, DTH scored a hat trick last week and Seymour has been on fire all season. I have high expectations of the full-back contest between Anthony Watson against Sean Maitland. I am a big fan of Watson, who glides across the ground effortlessly but with genuine pace. Give him space and he can be devastating. Maitland announced this week that he is leaving at the end of the season to join London Irish so he will want to justify this by playing well. He has been more of a winger recently but he likes the space that full-back gives you and he can have a huge impact on this game. Back row . I don’t think there is much between the two sides in general, apart from in the back row. Glasgow have been devastated by injury here and it is such a shame. I would have loved to have seen Josh Strauss, Rob Harley and Adam Ashe take the field but all are injured along with Ryan Wilson, Chris Fusaro and Tyrone Holmes. This means that Warriors are fielding a second row, a hooker and a centre in the back row! Glasgow Warriors head coach talks to the press ahead of his side's forthcoming clash with Bath . Leone Nakarawe, Fraser Brown and Richie Vernon would not have expected to play together in such a big game but they are and they will need to produce miracles against a very good Bath back row. At openside Francois Louw was brilliant last week in Toulouse, running great support lines and being strong in defence, and this is the one position that might settle this game. Fraser Brown is a good player but he is a hooker, not an openside. My concern for Glasgow is that Louw could dominate things in attack and defence because he is a wily old fox and he could get to Finn Russell in defence with no recognised back row to defend him. | Glasgow face Bath for a place in knock-out stage of Champions Cup .
Three sides in Pool 4 including Toulouse can still qualify .
George Ford v Finn Russell will be a key battle at the Rec on Sunday . |
0aedbe4d61a29a0cfca42cbd03a18e6a4dde0b37 | By . Lucy Osborne, Sam Webb and Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 05:28 EST, 3 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:56 EST, 4 November 2013 . This is the moment a group of coastguards edged along a cliff in gale force winds and high seas as they tried in vain to save a woman who drowned yesterday. The victim and her brother were 'coasteering', a practice which involves climbing on cliffs and swimming in the sea in order to make their way around the shoreline. She died after being swept into a tiny cave at a beauty spot and trapped by the sea swelling around her on the Dorset coast. As strong winds lashed much of the country, desperate rescuers spent two hours talking to the 30-year-old through a blowhole – but were unable to reach her in time to save her life. Scroll down for videos . So near: Rescuers (centre, standing on the ledge) talked to the woman through a blowhole, but the rough seas prevented them from saving her . Danger: Rescuers could not reach the woman in time because of the high winds and rough seas along the coastline . Mission: Rescuers spoke to the woman through a blowhole for two hours but the rescue attempt was unsuccessful . Rescue bid: Crews today made another bid to reach the cave at a beauty spot in order to retrieve the body of the drowned climber . Tilly Whim Caves on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. A woman drowned after being swept into the cave yesterday . The woman was 'coasteering', which involves adventurers free climbing up and along a rock face and jumping into water . Coasteering is an extreme sport which involves exploring rocky shorelines without a boat. Participants both climb along cliff faces and swim close to the shore to navigate around areas which are inaccessible on foot. The . sport appeals to thrillseekers because it allows them to jump into the . ocean from remote cliffs. The first mention of coasteering was 40 years . ago, but it did not catch on amongst the general population until the . 1990s. Coasteering fans . are advised to wear safety gear such as a helmet, wetsuit and . lifejacket due to the risks involved in exposing themselves to the . elements. Novices are also recommended to join a tour led by a qualified instructor, who can be found in many coastal towns. A brave rescuer risked his own safety to . crawl down into the cave, but found her dead and could not retrieve her . body due to the severe weather. Two lifeboat crews battled against . force nine 50mph winds to try to get to the mouth of the cave, with a . three metre sea swell whipping up and forcing them back. The search for the woman's body is continuing today. The victim had been . ‘coasteering’ with her 31-year-old brother – who was unhurt – at a . beauty spot known as Tilly Whim caves, near Swanage, Dorset. Coasteering . is an adventure sport that involves free climbing up and along a rock . face and jumping into the water to swim at points where the rocks are . too difficult to navigate. It is believed the . woman, from London, had jumped off the side of the cliffs at Tilly Whim when she was . dragged into the opening of the cave by the fierce waves. A member of the public raised the alarm when he spotted her brother in difficulty in the water at about 2.55pm on Saturday. It . was only when he was rescued by a coastguard helicopter winchman that . he was able to tell the crew his sister was trapped in the base of the . cliffs. High winds: There were fierce gales in some areas, with high winds whipping up dramatic waves at West Beach in Newhaven, East Sussex . Repair bill: A local council worker looks at the broken seaside railings and uprooted granite slabs in Aberystwyth, Wales . Peeking through the clouds: A stormy morning at Porthcawl in South Wales yesterday after a night of high winds and rain battered the country . Dave Turnbull, of . the Swanage lifeboat, said: ‘The woman had been washed into a small cave . at the base of the cliffs that had a blowhole at the top that wasn’t . very accessible. ‘The . helicopter winchman got into a position where he could talk to her . through the gap. She seemed to be out of the water but there was no way . we could reach her. ‘As the . tide rose, many further attempts to reach her were made but the rough . conditions, with the tide rising and seas breaking over the heads of the . rescuers at times, proved impossible to overcome. ‘With . the tide getting higher another coastguard officer entered through the . blowhole but found the woman had sadly succumbed to the conditions. It . was very sad and a truly awful situation to have been in.’ Winds of up to 89mph swept Wales, bringing down power lines and leaving up to 25,000 homes without power . Plume: 40ft high waves lash the harbour at Illfracombe, Devon. Storm force winds and heavy rain swept Britain . Damp light: A streetlamp is drenched by a column of water in Ilfracombe . Waves crashing and seagulls soaring over the sea wall of Newhaven Harbour in West Sussex . A . spokesman for Portland coastguard said the unnamed officer had placed . himself in great danger in crawling down through the gap. She . said: 'The lifeboat crews had tried to reach the woman through the . opening in the front and entering the blowhole from the top was the last . resort as it was extremely dangerous. 'The hole was just about wide enough for . one person to fit in and it was 15ft deep. The officer knew the dangers . and made the decision to go into the gap. Awesome power: A woman watches waves the sea batter the wall at Newhaven . Stormy weather at Porthcawl in South Wales yesterday after a night of high winds and rain battered the country . Soaked: The Seaside village of Little Haven near Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire has been hit by huge 30 foot waves and a high tide . Gale-force: A walker drops his head and battles against gusts of 70 knots (80mph) on the exposed coast in Aberystwyth . Erosion: Paving stones collapse as the high tide washes away soil in Aberystwyth . Broken seaside railings and uprooted granite slabs after the 80mph winds and huge waves struck Aberystwyth . 'The water was charging in through the cave practically filling it up and then shooting up the hole, pushing the officer back up. The casualty had been communicating but unfortunately she was found to be deceased when the officer entered the cave. 'Our thoughts are with her family. It was a horrible thing for anyone to have to go through and it had an unfortunate and tragic outcome.' Dave . Wrixton, a police spokesman, said the man who was rescued ‘apart from . being cold and shaken up was said to have been unhurt.’ It is thought the man and woman had been coasteering by themselves and were not part of a group. Splashdown: A man runs for cover as waves crash down in Aberystwyth, Wales Gale-force winds and a high tide caused huge waves to batter the coastline . Deluge: A total of 10 flood warnings were in place in coastal areas of Wales on Saturday night, because of concerns over high tides . Peter Boyce, who organises coasteering expeditions in the area, said that he always checks that conditions are safe before sending groups out along the cliffs. 'The weather conditions were not good for coasteering yesterday,' he told The Times. 'Before we go out, we check certain websites to look at the height of the waves and the distance between the waves.' Although . the weather was calm in parts of the country over the weekend, there . were fierce gales in other areas, with high winds whipping up dramatic . waves at West Beach in Newhaven, East Sussex. In . Blackpool, a man, believed to be in his 40s, was left fighting for his . life after 60mph winds blew him under the wheels of taxi on Saturday . night. | Victim, 30, was 'coasteering' with her brother - who was unhurt - at Tilly Whim caves, near Swanage, Dorset .
Desperate rescuers spent two hours talking to woman through a blowhole - but could not reach her in time .
Two lifeboat crews battled against force nine 50mph winds to try to get to the mouth of the cave yesterday .
Brave rescuer squeezed into caves but found the woman dead and was unable to retrieve her body .
Coasteering is a sport involving free climbing up and along a rock face and jumping into the water to swim . |
0aede50bc797b7ae4bf73801c973e1080edc5eec | By . James Rush . PUBLISHED: . 07:27 EST, 4 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:52 EST, 5 April 2013 . Plans for a giant new £2bn theme park on the edge of London to rival Disneyland Paris have been halted - by a colony of rare spiders. Developers say the Paramount scheme will be the third biggest theme park in the world and twice the size of the Olympic Park. It is due to create 27,000 jobs and was set to be completed by 2019. But an environmental audit of the 872-acre brownfield site in the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent has found it is home to distinguished jumping spiders. Halted: Plans to build a £2bn new theme park to rival Disneyland Paris have been halted after a colony of rare spiders were discovered on the site . Rare: A colony of distinguished jumping spiders, which are found on only two sites in the UK, has been discovered . They are found on only two sites in the UK and are on a biodiversity priority species list. The spiders are one of the few creatures that like the alkaline land created from the cement kiln dust produced by the former works on the site to the east of the Dartford Crossing. London Resort Company Holdings, the consortium behind the theme park, will now have to find a new home for the colony. Tony Sefton, project director for LRCH, yesterday said there are plans to create a 27-acre wetland wildlife park at the park. He said: 'We will look after the spiders. We're doing a good thing. 'The alkaline land is dreadful for most forms of wildlife. But there is this particular spider that likes very alkaline conditions.' Discovery: An environmental audit of the 872-acre brownfield site in the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent has found it is home to distinguished jumping spiders . Site: The spiders are found on only two sites in the UK, including the site of the proposed theme park, and are on a biodiversity priority species list . He said LRCH hope to find a solution similar to that reached at the London 2012 Olympic Park where species found during development were moved to a wildlife sanctuary. Dartford Borough Council leader Jeremy Kite said there are solutions to preserving unusual species. He said: 'In the past we've moved fish, we've sent voles away on holiday; it's fairly common and protects them from building works. Then when they're finished they're brought back.' The only other UK home for . distinguished jumping spiders, which have the Latin name sitticus . distinguendus, are the West Thurrock marshes in Essex. Both habitats are brownfield sites, or previously developed land. The spiders are on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species list, but the list is not legally binding. Plans: Project director Tony Sefton has said the spiders will be looked after . The ambitious resort will be located in the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent, currently a brownfield site . This . means the Joint Nature Conservation Committee have deemed the species . is threatened and one that requires conservation action. There . is currently no law preventing developers building on the rare spiders' home although there is a proposal for the species to be added to the . Wildlife and Countryside Act. The 'world-class' venue, supported by Paramount Pictures, will feature Europe’s largest indoor . water park, theatres, live music venues, attractions, cinemas, . restaurants, event space and hotels and, if given the green light, will be . twice the size of Olympic Park in East London. The site is on the doorstep of Ebbsfleet . International railway station, which is 17 minutes from London and two . hours from Paris. Mr Sefton has previously said the plans were Britain’s biggest post-Olympic project. Lucrative: Major films in the Paramount stable include TinTin (left) and Titanic (right) 'Our vision is to create a world-class entertainment destination, the first of its kind in the UK,' he said. 'We are at the start of a long journey, but have been encouraged by the support and buy-in we have had to date. 'We are particularly pleased with the . appetite we are seeing from investors, who consider this a compelling . investment proposition. There are 37 types of jumping spider . in the UK, but worldwide it is the largest spider family containing . over five thousand species. They . have a very large front pair of eyes, and are thought to possess the . best vision for an invertebrate after cephalopods - octopus and . relatives. This vision, along with an ability to jump, allows them to actively hunt their prey during the day. Their keen eyesight also plays a part in courtship, where males can undertake elaborate dances to woo a female. LRCH has signed an . agreement with Paramount Licensing Inc, the licensing division of . Paramount Pictures, to give exclusive UK licensing for a Paramount . entertainment resort at the heart of the site. LRCH is also in negotiations with a range of major British brands to sign licensing agreements. Dartford and Gravesham Borough Councils have both offered support for the project. There were previously six Paramount . theme parks in the United States but these were all sold-off and . re-branded during a company re-shuffle in 2006. Today, . they are operated without the Paramount backing but in their heyday, . rides on offer included Tomb Raider: The Ride and The Italian Job: Stunt . Tracks. Another . Paramount theme is set to open in Murcia, Spain, in 2015 and company . chiefs predict it will draw in three million visitors to the area every . year. One of the main . attractions in the pipeline is Titanic 4D, which will use . state-of-the-art special effects to give guests a taste of the iconic . vessel. Meanwhile a 4D Mission: Impossible ride will take visitors through action scenes in a military-style vehicle. | Paramount scheme is due to be third biggest theme park in the world .
Environmental audit of site found it is home to distinguished jumping spider .
Consortium behind the park say they 'will look after the spiders' |
0aee156ab0430ffe037564a74de272754b1477c2 | Call: Environment secretary Owen Paterson will today call for Britain to lead the way in adopting GM foods . Children will go blind or die if the world does not embrace genetically modified crops Owen Paterson claimed today. The Environment Secretary issued the controversial ultimatum as he claimed Britain could lead the way in producing GM food. He claims it would lower prices and free up the countryside. The Environment Secretary, a longstanding advocate of GM technology, claims its adoption in the UK could be as significant as the agricultural revolution. But ahead of a major speech he claimed the decision to back the controversial technology is a matter of life and death. He said 'golden rice' which could be grown in the world's poorest countries was first created in 1999 but had not been used to help solve global hunger. 'Now the World Health organisation estimates that up to 500,000 children go irreversibly blind a year, and 250,000 of those actually die. 'Now the problem is mainly in South-East Asia, but over the last 15 years, despite offering the seeds for free to those who would need them, every attempt to deploy this golden rice has been thwarted. And in that time, seven million children have gone blind or died. I think all those who have thwarted the attempts to bring in this – for free, don’t forget – should really reflect. 'Those are real young people, and today, young people will wake up this morning able to see, and they’ll go to bed blind for life. Some of them will die today.' In his speech Mr Paterson pointed out that since 1996 there has been a hundred-fold increase in the use of GM crops around the world, with 17million farmers in 28 countries now growing what critics have branded Frankenstein foods. Less than 0.1 per cent of this takes place in the EU. 'Farmers wouldn't grow these crops if . they didn't benefit from doing so,' he argued. 'Governments . wouldn't license these technologies if they didn't recognise the . economic, environmental and public benefits. 'Consumers . wouldn't buy these products if they didn't think they were safe and . cost-effective. While the rest of the world is ploughing ahead and . reaping the benefits of new technologies, Europe risks being left . behind. We cannot afford to let that happen. 'The . use of GM [technology] could be as transformative as the original . agricultural revolution was. The UK should be at the forefront now, as . it was then.' Mr . Paterson – who comes from a long line of farmers and tanners and keeps . sheep, hens and horses at his country home in North Shropshire – claims that GM farming can help feed people in poorer countries and . inject missing vitamins into the diets of children in the UK. In . a speech designed to appeal to traditionalists, he also argued that . using GM crops to improve yields will require less space, freeing up . more greenfield land. 'If we use cultivated land more efficiently, we could free up space for biodiversity, nature and wilderness,' he said. He also argued that GM crops can help combat the effects of Britain's increasingly erratic climate. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson claims adoption of GM in the UK could be as significant as the agricultural revolution . Mr Paterson will argue that using GM crops to improve yields will require less space, freeing up more greenfield land . In recent weeks the Prime Minister, the Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Mark Walport, and the Science Minister, David Willetts, have all voiced support for GM crops. Mr Paterson intends to lead a campaign among European ministers to make Brussels lift many of its restrictions on the use of GM technology. He said: 'I am conscious of those who have concerns and who need reassurance on this matter. I recognise that we – government, industry, the scientific community and others – owe a duty to the British public to reassure them that GM is a safe, proven and beneficial innovation.' Due to the speech's controversial content, the location where it was to be delivered was kept wraps last night to avoid it being hijacked by protesters. Flashback: Campaigners dump four tonnes of GM soya outside Downing Street in 1999 at the height of the protests against genetically modified food . Outlining what he will say, Mr . Paterson told BBC Radio 4's Today show this morning that there was no . evidence GM foods are harmful. 'The . facts show that in other parts of the world GM is being adopted as . normal practice. In 2012 there were 17 million farmers in 28 countries . growing GM crops on 170 million hectares, that's 12 epr cent of the . world's arable land or, very roughly, seven times the surface area of . the whole of the UK. 'These . crops are now established, they are part of normal life, they are part . of normal agricultural production, they are part of people's everyday . diets.' He questioned the reason behind the highly charged debate about the use of GMOs. 'Is . it emotion or is it evidence? There have been a whole raft of studies . across the EU, there have been about 50 projects over the last 25 years . on GM, 400 independent research groups.' Peter Melchett of the Soil Association warned: 'We need . farming that helps poorer African and Asian farmers produce food – not . farming that helps [GM producers] Bayer, Syngenta and Monsanto produce . profits.' | Owen Paterson said children are dying because GM food isn't being adopted .
17million farmers now grow GM products around the world .
But resistance to so-called 'Frankenstein foods' has slowed uptake in the EU . |
0aee93724a5873e70d24052018826090edcb1fd8 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:13 EST, 6 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:42 EST, 7 October 2012 . The death toll has risen to seven from a 'rapidly evolving outbreak' of rare fungal meningitis that has been linked to spinal steroid injections, sparking fear as new cases have been reported in nine U.S. states. The potential scope of the meningitis outbreak, that has sickened 64 people, widened dramatically as health officials warned that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of patients who received steroid back injections in 23 states could be at risk. The outbreak of the disease, known as aspergillus meningitis, is caused by a fungus found in a spinal steroid injections, a fairly common treatment used to relieve back pain, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Beware: Health officials warned that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of patients who received steroid back injections in 23 states could be at risk (stock photo) The latest fatalities were reported in Michigan on Saturday, though the Michigan Department of Community Health said they would not provide more information on the two deaths until after the weekend. The fifth victim, Diana Reed, died on Wednesday afternoon at St Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by family members. Mrs . Reed, 56, is one of thousands of patients recently treated in Tennessee . hospitals for back pain with a steroid epidural - a fairly typical . treatment. But since then a tainted batch of steroids released across . the U.S. has been linked to dozens of cases of fungal meningitis. Mrs Reed, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was the fifth person to succumb to the infection. A blog written by a close friend of Reed's family, Brandon Scott Thomas, characterized her as 'hilarious, beautiful, and full of life' and praised her for carrying for husband Wayne Reed after he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease - almost 20 years ago. 'Over the course of the last week she has gone from someone brimming with life to someone in the process of passing from this life to the next,' wrote. 'Her brain couldn't take the stress. After a series of strokes they moved her to hospice care. Wayne, one of the longest surviving patients with ALS, there by her side.' Reed served on the board of her husband's namesake child care organization, the Wayne Reed Christian Child Care Center. The caretaker: Diana Reed dedicated her life to helping underprivileged children before a routine medical procedure infected her with a rare fungal meningitis . Source: The outbreak of the deadly form of meningitis was traced to St Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee . The injectable steroids responsible . for Reed's death were produced by New England Compounding Center, a . specialized pharmacy in Framingham, Massachusetts. The company has shut down operations and said it is working with regulators to identify the source of the infection. It is not clear how many patients received tainted injections, or even whether everyone who got one will get sick. So far, 64 people in nine states - Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio - have contracted fungal meningitis, and five have died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an alarming indication that the outbreak . could get a lot bigger, Massachusetts health officials said the pharmacy . involved, the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, has . recalled three lots consisting of a total of 17,676 single-dose vials of . the steroid, preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate. No solicitors: Specialized pharmacy New England Compounding Center has hidden from the public as its steroids are linked to multiple deaths and critical infections . An unknown number of those vials reached 75 clinics and other facilities in 23 states between July and September, federal health officials said. Several hundred of the vials, maybe more, have been returned unused, one Massachusetts official said. However many other vials were used. At one clinic in Evansville, Indiana, more than 500 patients got shots from the suspect lots, officials said. At two clinics in Tennessee, more than 900 patients received them. The incubation period before symptoms appear is 28 days, and its almost certain more cases will be reported say health officials, who are now calling this a national health crisis. Tennessee: The initial outbreak site with a suspected 16 cases, two of whom are in critical condition. Three others have already died. North Carolina: The second state to report infection with one case found at an unidentified clinic. Florida: Only two cases have been reported but health officials fear more may come forward. Virginia: One person has died from fungal meningitis and three more cases are still being treated. Maryland: Seven medical clinics in Maryland pulled their stock of a questionable steroid after one person died and two more cases were reported. Indiana: At least five people in Indiana are sick with fungal meningitis, with no fatalities yet reported . Michigan: There are at least eight confirmed cases of meningitis in Michigan, including two deaths . Minnesota: Fungal meningitis has been diagnosed in two women hospitalized in Minnesota . Ohio: Health officials reported Saturday of a 65-year-old man being treated for the meningitis after receiving the steroid . Unlike the more common viral and bacterial meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious. It is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include a severe headache, nausea, fever, and dizziness. The first patients identified in Tennessee experienced slurred speech, and difficulty walking and urinating. The pharmacy voluntarily recalled three lots of the steroid Methylprednisolone Acetate on September 26 according to the FDA. The drug is primarily used to relieve back pain. The drug was administered to patients in their late 40s to early 80s. Tennessee's S. Thomas Hospital, ground zero for the outbreak with a suspected 15 cases as of Wednesday with two in critical condition, reported having 2,000 vials of the steroid in stock before the threat was discovered. 'Some are doing well and improving. Some are very ill - very, very . seriously ill and may die,' Tennessee health official Dr. David Reagan . said. In Tennessee alone roughly 1,000 people were administered the steroid. The link between the injections and the . meningitis was discovered by Tennessee physician April Pettit, who found . the initial cases were all people who'd recently received an epidural. Officials are still investigating how the steroid resulted in fungal meningitis. New England Compounding Center . released a statement promising to work with heath authorities to . discover what happened. But company president and licensed pharmacist . Barry J. Cadden has otherwise dodged interview requests and the company . web site is down. An archived version of the site notes the company is licensed to distribute drugs in every U.S. state. Critical condition: Tennessee health official Dr. David Reagan says the infected are 'very, very seriously ill and may die' New England Compounding Center is among the approximately 3,000 U.S. compounding pharmacies specializing in blending, liquefying, or combining medicines customized for patients unable to swallow tablets, require specific dosages, or who have allergies. Such companies are regulated by the . state boards of pharmacy that license them rather than facing the . broader regulations traditional drug companies deal with. The pharmacy has produced questionable . products before. In 2006, New England Compounding Center was one of . four companies ordered by the the Food and Drug Administration to cease . producing a topical anesthetic cream that was found to cause 'grave . reactions including seizures and irregular heartbeats.' The cream was the cause of two deaths, neither tied directly to New England Compounding Center. Ground zero: The first patients of the fungal meningitis were reported at St. Thomas Hospital which had roughly 2,000 vials of a dangerous steroid on stock . That same year the company was also cited for multiple violations of federal laws and regulations based on a 2004 review of its offices. They were charged with misbranding drugs prescribed for eye treatment, misbranding an anesthetic drug and failing to provide adequate directions for its use, and promoting the use of a cancer drug for an unapproved purpose. An FDA warning letter admonished the company that it was 'distributing an unapproved drug in violation' of federal regulations. In 2010 the company was sued by an Illinois firm that alleged New England Compounding Center illegally hacked its database violating the federal computer computer fraud and abuse act. The case was eventually settled. | Two more deaths have been reported in Michigan, bringing the total death toll to seven .
64 people have been sickened in nine states - Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio .
Massachusetts company who made product has shut down operations . |
0aef0ffd5443bc582aa944bb8714617afbe51973 | The body of a British tycoon who plunged to his death from a fourth-floor window was identified by his brother-in-law, an inquest heard today. Scot Young, 52, was found impaled on railings after plummeting 60ft from his £3million penthouse in Montagu Square in Marylebone, London, on December 8. An inquest into his death today heard how his brother-in-law Guy van Ristell formally identified his body at Westminster Public Mortuary. The hearing, at Westminster Coroner's Court, also heard how his daughter Sasha Young provided background details for registration of the body. Scroll down for video . Scot Young, 52 (pictured), was found impaled on railings after plummeting 60ft from his £3million penthouse in Montagu Square, London, on December 8. His body was identified by his brother-in-law Guy van Ristell . The tycoon was killed after falling 60ft from his multi-million pound apartment onto metal railings (pictured) Prior to his death, Mr Young - one of Britain's wealthiest men - was embroiled in a vicious divorce battle with ex-wife Michelle, 49, who claimed he had hidden his huge wealth from investigators. There has been speculation that Russian gangland groups were involved in his horrific death, after he reportedly ran into financial trouble with them. However, a packed public gallery heard today how detectives have dismissed claims the bankrupt entrepreneur died as part of a plot involving his connections to Russian oligarchs. The inquest into his death was opened this morning and adjourned until next month. Coroner's officer Rosalin Thompson said: 'Identification was made by his brother-in-law Guy van Ristell and details were provided by his daughter Sasha Young for registration. 'On Monday, December 8, this gentleman was found impaled on railings outside [his home in] Montagu Square with multiple injuries. 'He was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Police are not treating this death as suspicious' Mr Young was engaged to 29-year-old American fashion designer and TV presenter Noelle Reno (together left). He had been embroiled in a lengthy, bitter High Court divorce battle with his ex-wife Michelle, 49 (right) Adjourning the inquest, Angela Hodes, Westminster assistant coroner, said: 'I will open the inquest touching the death of Scott Guy Young who died on December 8 and I will adjourn that for a coroners review on January 12, 2015.' In the wake of the Dundee-born entrepreneur's death, figures close to Mr Young speculated that his death was not suicide. Scotland Yard insists Mr Young's death is not suspicious but it has emerged that at least six of his friends have died in strange circumstances in the past 10 years. At the weekend, it was revealed that Mr Young, originally from Dundee, once worked for wealthy Dundee licensee Alex Brown, 60, who was found drowned near his luxury yacht in Malaga in 2006. Police probed claims from Brown's family that he may have been murdered after he was seen arguing with a man on the harbour's edge. Lawyer Stephen Curtis was killed when his new helicopter crashed in 2004. Curtis was an associate of oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who also died in mysterious circumstances last year. Johnny Elichaoff, 55, fell to his death from a shopping centre last month. Meanwhile, Robert Curtis, 47, and Paul Castle, 54, fell to their deaths under Tube trains in 2010 and 2012 respectively. There have been allegations that the property mogul was killed after falling foul of Russian mobsters following disputes over cash. However, Scotland Yard has insisted it is not treating his death as suspicious. Mr Young was engaged to 29-year-old American fashion designer and TV presenter Noelle Reno. He had two daughters from his previous relationship. He was involved in a lengthy and bitter High Court divorce battle with his ex-wife for a share of his claimed fortune. Michelle had demanded £300million from her former husband, who she married in 1995 claiming he was worth 'a few billion'. Mr Young, a 'deal fixer' for the super-rich, lived a playboy lifestyle, travelling in private jets, driving supercars and with an international property portfolio. He was said to have counted some of Britain's richest and most powerful figures among his friends, including Topshop mogul Sir Philip Green and the late Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky. It is claimed Mr Young made his fortune in the 1990s on the back of a telecoms deal and property ventures, amassing a £2billion fortune. However, he was left bankrupt following a Moscow property deal. Last November, his ex-wife was awarded a £20million settlement and £6million in legal costs after seven years of wrangling. Mrs Young - who had demanded £300million - called the vast sum a disgrace and insisted her ex-husband was still worth billions. He had previously been ordered to pay his ex-wife more than £20,000-a-month in maintenance, and had a six-month stint in jail after refusing to co-operate with investigations trying to track down his fortune. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Scot Young found impaled on railings after plummeting 60ft from window .
Body of 52-year-old tycoon was identified by brother-in-law Guy van Ristell .
His daughter Sasha Young also gave details for registration, inquest heard .
Mr Young had been embroiled in bitter divorce battle with wife Michelle, 49 .
Inquest into his death formally opened today and adjourned until January . |
0aef5a528446b7b39a0ed105a2021e95559b0902 | A mother who returned home from a trip to Tesco to find an illegal immigrant sitting in her driveway fed him chocolate and crisps to waylay him until police arrived. Jacky Goodfellow, 40, gave the 23-year-old Eritrean a Penguin chocolate bar and a packet of Hula Hoops - but said that he did not know how to open the crisps. The mother-of-six said she then sat and chatted with the 'pleasant young man' - a science graduate in his own country - while her daughter called the police to their home in the village of Elvington, near Dover, Kent. Scroll down to watch video . Jacky Goodfellow, 40, arrived home from Tesco to find an illegal immigrant on her driveway. She gave the 23-year-old Eritrean a Penguin chocolate bar and a packet of Hula Hoops to keep him busy until police arrived . Mrs Goodfellow said: 'It was really surreal. The police asked us to stop him running away. 'He was a very pleasant young man but obviously he shouldn't be here. I just felt for the guy.' Mrs Goodfellow said that she had unpacked her shopping and asked if he was hungry: 'We are all human. 'I gave him a Penguin and a packet of Hula Hoops. But he didn't know how to open the crisp packet. It was a weird afternoon.' The mother-of-six said she then sat and chatted with the young man - a science graduate in his own country - while her daughter called the police to their home in the village of Elvington, near Dover, Kent . Mrs Goodfellow said the man could speak English well, and told her that he had a degree in science and wanted to claim asylum in the UK and become a teacher. She said he told her he had come to the UK on a ferry after hiding beneath a lorry. He said he had gone undetected by sniffer dogs at the port of Calais. After crossing the channel he said he then let go of the lorry near a field and walked to Elvington in the hope of finding a police station. The migrant claimed to have walked all the way to Calais from Africa. Her daughter, hairdresser Alice, 19, said she had been 'shocked' to see the migrant in the driveway at around 2.30pm on Monday. But she said: 'He was quite friendly, quite chilled out and just wanted help really.' Mrs Goodfellow said: 'It was really surreal. The police asked us to stop him running away.'He was a very pleasant young man but obviously he shouldn't be here. I just felt for the guy' Mrs Goodfellow said the man could speak English well, and told her that he had a degree in science and wanted to claim asylum in the UK and become a teacher . The migrant said he was from Eritrea and came to the UK on a ferry after hiding beneath a lorry at the port of Calais. He claimed to have walked all the way to Calais from Africa . A Kent Police spokesman said: 'Kent Police was called at around 2.30pm on September 29 to reports of a suspected illegal immigrant in Elvington. 'Patrols attended and will convey the man to the custody of Home Office Immigration Enforcement.' Migrants are launching ever-more-desperate attempts to reach the UK from Calais. The wave of immigrants arriving from Calais is causing 'overcrowding' issues at detention centres in the London area, so hundreds are being moved into hotels on the coast. Last week it emerged that 130 asylum seekers were staying at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, close to the Port of Dover. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for the European Union to bring in stricter border controls to deal with what it describes as a 'worsening situation'. The incident comes just days after a suspected illegal immigrant was discovered after clinging to the bottom of a caravan as it was being driven from Calais to a suburban road in Kent . Meanwhile, more than 3,000 people have signed an e-petition demanding the UK Government help solve the problems faced by British truckers. They want fines of up to £2,000 per migrant, which are imposed on lorry drivers and hauliers if stowaways are caught hiding inside their vehicles, to be scrapped. Earlier this month, a suspected illegal immigrant was discovered after clinging to the bottom of a caravan as it drove from Calais to a suburban road in Kent. The man, believed to be in his late teens, is thought to have tied himself to the chassis of the vehicle before it entered the Channel Tunnel. He emerged after the two-hour journey as Paul Coles and his daughter, Joanne, were returning the vehicle to its owner in Ashford. | Jacky Goodfellow, 40, gave the 23-year-old Eritrean snacks as they chatted .
He said he was a science graduate and wanted asylum to become a teacher .
The pair talked as her daughter called police to Elvington, near Dover .
She gave him Hula Hoops and Penguin bar - but he couldn't open the crisps .
Mrs Goodfellow said: 'He was a very pleasant young man... we are all human' |
0aefbf4c6076a6c81211452a7052f93499044a87 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 5:07 PM on 2nd November 2011 . Two-year-old twin girls who were joined at the chest and abdomen have been separated after nine hours of surgery at a California hospital. Doctors at Stanford University's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital said Angelica and Angelina Sabuco should now make full recoveries. Paediatric surgeon Dr Gary Hartman, along with a team of more than 20 physicians and nurses from various specialties, said the surgery went smoothly and he expected both girls to do well. Scroll down for video . Brave: Conjoined twins Angelica and Angelina Sabuco will undergo a nine-hour procedure tomorrow with hopes they will grow up to lead normal lives . Operation: Dr Gary Hartman operates on Angelica and Angelina during the nine-hour surgery on the conjoined twins . Scale: More than 20 surgeons and nurses were involved in the operation at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California . He said: 'The long-term prognosis is that we should have a happy, healthy set of girls. We don't see any barrier to a full recovery. The twins' mother, Ginady Sabuco, called the operation 'a dream come true'. She added: 'Words cannot express how the family feels.' The operation took months of planning and required the separation of livers, diaphragms, breastbones and chest and abdominal wall muscles. It began at around 6.30am yesterday morning and by mid-afternoon the girls had their own operating rooms for the second phase of surgery - reconstructing the area where they had been connected. They were then moved to an intensive care unit, each with a scar stretching from her chest to her belly. Both girls are being kept sedated and doctors said they could be awakened earlier today, CBS reported. They are likely to remain in hospital for at least two weeks. 'Dream': The girls' mother, Ginady Sabuco, stands with Dr Hartman, right, and plastic surgeon Peter Lorenz after the successful operation . Family: The girls, who were born in the Philippines, live in San Jose with their parents Ginady and Fidel Sabuco, and their ten-year-old brother . The reconstruction included covering . what plastic surgeon Dr. Peter Lorenz described as a 'window' left in . their chests after separation. Since July, the girls had received . weekly injections of sterile saltwater into balloons placed under their . skin. The procedure stretched their skin and grew new skin to patch the . area. Angelina and Angelica, who were born . in the Philippines and live in San Jose with their parents and . ten-year-old brother, have done well so far. They love listening to stories and music, and they know their colours and can count to ten. And like many children their age, they love Dora the Explorer and Elmo, and celebrated their second birthdays with cakes adorned with Disney princesses and Tinker Bell. But remaining conjoined carries risks for the girls' physical health, especially if they share organs unequally. If one conjoined twin dies, the other will die within hours. Conjoined: Angelica and Angelina are classified as thoraco-omphalopagus - their livers, diaphragms, breast bones, chest and abdominal wall muscles are fused . Risky: The nine-hour operation will involve cutting along the girls' skin and muscle and separating their diaphragms and livers . Angelica and Angelina were classified . as thoraco-omphalopagus - joined at the chest and abdomen. Their livers, . diaphragms, breast bones, chest and abdominal wall muscles are fused. They have separate hearts, brains, kidneys, stomachs and intestines. The occurrence of conjoined twins is estimated to range from one in 50,000 births to one in 100,000 births worldwide. According . to the hospital, only about six separation surgeries are done annually . in the U.S. Most conjoined twins never survive pregnancy and the overall . survival rate is approximately 25 per cent. According . to ABC News, there have been approximately two dozen sets of conjoined . twins in the world who have been successfully separated. The operation involved cutting along the girls' skin and muscle and separating their diaphragms and livers. Doctors snipped any adhesions between the girls' bowels. Separate reconstruction operations will follow. While the hospital would not discuss the cost of the surgery, officials told the network part of the expenses will be paid for by the family's medical insurance. They will be the second set of conjoined twins separated at the hospital. The last such procedure took place in November 2007. Watch video here . Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy . | Two-year-old Angelica and Angelina Sabuco were joined at the chest and abdomen .
Doctors say operation ran 'smoothly' and girls could be awake later today .
Twins likely to remain in hospital for at least two weeks . |
0af04d35b37f8dbb7d5d691ecf78f901b9ac9c7a | It was a seemingly wistful moment at the halfway mark of his presidency, before the celebratory parade and the evening's galas. Shortly after exhorting the United States to continue its "never-ending journey" to live up to the ideals of its founders, on his way off the platform at the West Front of the Capitol, President Barack Obama stopped to drink in the scene before him. "I want to take a look one more time," he told those surrounding him. "I'm not going to see this again." And so, with his oath of office taken -- again -- and the speech delivered, the president stood aside for 24 seconds on the chilly Monday afternoon, letting the crowd that had joined him for his formal, public second inauguration file past. It was one of the few quiet moments on an otherwise jam-packed day. Obama stole another such moment with his wife, at the first of two official inaugural balls they were scheduled to attend Monday night. Obamas party with 30,000 close friends . Following performances by Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley and the Mexican rock group Mana, the first couple danced as Jennifer Hudson sang the classic song, "Let's Stay Together," by Al Green. First lady Michelle Obama wore a floor-length, custom, ruby-colored chiffon and velvet gown designed by Jason Wu, the same designer behind her 2009 inaugural dress. The celebrations came a day after Obama was sworn in on the constitutionally required date in a low-key ceremony at the White House. The flag-waving crowd that watched Monday's event was noticeably smaller than the throng that turned out for his first oath in 2009 but still packed the National Mall for blocks. The waving flags, the red-white-and-blue bunting and the heralding trumpets marked the 57th such ceremony in the history of the nation, with the peaceful extension of power based on last November's election that returned Obama to the White House. The best Inauguration Day tweets . The Sousa marches, the ceremonial guns and the voices of James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce having faded away, Obama headed into the Capitol for a luncheon with members of Congress. Then he led the traditional parade up Pennsylvania Avenue, stopping near the White House to walk a few blocks of the route with the first lady to the cheers of those lining the sidewalks. "You've got to come out for this," said Nick Pignone, a Washington resident. "Everyone's excited -- good vibes right now." Also publicly sworn in for a second term was Vice President Joe Biden, who, like Obama, also took his official oath Sunday. Justice Sonia Sotomayor performed the honors for Biden at his home at the Naval Observatory in Washington, where the vice president's extended family and a few Cabinet officials gathered to watch the ceremony. Biden and his wife, Jill, also took some time to walk part of the parade route, with a grinning Biden periodically jogging over to the sidelines to shake hands with people across the barricades. Once both couples and their families were seated at the White House reviewing stand, one of the first acts to pass was the marching band from Honolulu's Punahou School, Obama's alma mater. What followed included dozens of military and school bands, Native American dance troupes whirling in traditional dress, war veterans, Civil War re-enactors, kilted firefighters blowing bagpipes and Montana's governor and congressional delegation on horseback and in cowboy hats. 10 opinions: Explaining Obama's speech . Obama, the first African-American president and the 17th to win a second term, used a pair of Bibles in Monday's ceremony -- one from Abraham Lincoln, the other from Martin Luther King Jr. His roughly 2,000-word inaugural address hearkened back to both. "I did everything possible today to keep from crying," said U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, a onetime lieutenant of King. He called the sight of Obama using King's Bible "very moving, unreal -- almost unbelievable." Monday is also the federal holiday commemorating the birthday of King, who was assassinated in 1968. The loudest cheer of Obama's address came when he said the nation's journey remained incomplete "until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts," and "until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law." Obama embraces key social justice movements in inaugural address . Obama begins the second half of his presidency with the opportunity to make it more historic but facing some of the same challenges that he struggled with in the first four years. Americans "have the power to set this country's course," he said, urging people to fulfill their citizenship by meeting "the obligation to shape the debates of our time -- not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals." On the Mall, Carlos Arieta and his wife, Sharon, took in the scene after driving from Atlanta to witness history. The former Washington residents said it was the first time they had attended an inauguration. Surprised by the throngs gathered a few hours before the speech on a clear morning with temperatures just above freezing, Arieta said "it's nice to see all the different kinds of people." Even some of those who didn't support Obama's November re-election turned out to watch. Don King, 27, and his 21-year-old brother Matthew said they don't agree with the president on taxation, debt and other fiscal issues but didn't want to miss this bit of history. "It's the second inauguration for Obama, and it's pretty amazing if you think back to the 1800s and later during the civil rights era, that we're here," Don King said. Obamas, Bidens participate in National Day of Service . A new CNN/ORC International poll released Monday indicated less excitement this time than four years ago, when nearly 2 million people crowded the Mall despite frigid weather for Obama's historic first inauguration. In January 2009, nearly seven in 10 Americans questioned in a CNN survey said they were thrilled or happy that Obama was about to take office. Now, according to the new, that number is down 18 points, to 50%. Back then, six in 10 saw Obama's inauguration as a celebration by all Americans of democracy in action, with just 39% saying it was a political celebration by the supporters of the winning candidate. Now, the numbers are nearly reversed, with 62% saying the second inauguration is a celebration by those backing the president, and 35% saying it's a celebration of democracy. "The thrill is gone, along with the hope that the start of a new presidential term of office will bring a divided nation together," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. Gergen: Obama 2.0 -- tougher, wiser? Reality of second-term presidencies . The smaller crowd this time around reflects the reality of second-term presidencies, when the novelty and expectations of a new leader have been replaced with the familiarity and experiences of the first act. For Obama, that difference is even sharper. His historic ascendancy to the White House in 2008 came with soaring public hopes and expectations for a new kind of governance that would close the vast partisan gulf developed in recent decades. However, a litany of challenges, including an inherited economic recession and repeated battles with congressional Republicans over budgets and spending, only hardened the opposing positions in Washington. Obama's signature achievements, including major reforms of the health care industry and Wall Street, became symbols of political division, with opponents constantly accusing him of hindering needed economic recovery. Obama's unfinished business and battles ahead . For his second term, Obama has vowed to press for an overhaul of the nation's immigration policies and new ways to boost the sputtering economy, proposals that are bound to spark battles with his Republican rivals, and oversee the implementation of Obamacare. And the shootings at a Connecticut elementary school last month put the divisive issue of gun control on his immediate agenda. CNN polling released Sunday showed a majority of Americans -- 54% -- believe Obama will be an outstanding or above average president in his second term, while 43% said he'd be poor or below average. And while overall, seven in 10 Americans hope the president's policies succeed, only four in 10 Republicans feel that way, with 52% hoping that Obama will fail. Obama's second-term priorities . But House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, told CNN, "Today is the day for all of us in this country to come together." "I think the president did a fine job, certainly, laying out what he would like to see happen as far as the future of the country," Cantor said. "There are areas of disagreement, but there are also some things fundamentally we agree on, and that is this country is one of opportunity. And sort of the way we get there to help everybody, there are some differences. Hopefully, we can bridge those differences." Four other priorities for the next four years . | Michelle Obama wears a floor-length, custom, red gown designed by Jason Wu .
She and the president dance to Jennifer Hudson singing "Let's Stay Together"
"Today is the day for all of us in this country to come together," says a GOP leader .
A civil rights veteran struggles "to keep from crying" as Obama takes oath on MLK Bible . |
0af0ec68a97182c455853e4f0e3122d86ad6a459 | Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israel approved Wednesday the construction of a settlement in East Jerusalem just before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is to visit the country on a peace mission. Kerry will meet with Israeli, Palestinian Authority and Jordanian officials in Jordan and Jerusalem from Thursday to Saturday in the wake of President Barack Obama's efforts in Israel last March urging renewed peace talks. Palestinian chief peace negotiator Saeb Erekat called out to the world Thursday to stop Israel from building more settlement homes. Letting Tel Aviv get away with it, takes away any motivation for Israel to work towards peace, he said. In January, the United Nations Human Rights Council said Israeli settlements amount to "creeping annexation" of Palestinian territories by Israel and have taken a "heavy toll" on the rights and sovereignty of Palestinians. The construction of new homes is "taking Palestinian land, lives and livelihoods," Erekat lamented. Wednesday's approval of a 69-unit settlement in East Jerusalem -- which Palestinians consider to be the capital of their future state one day -- harkens to an incident in 2010 when Israel announced another East Jerusalem settlement during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden. Then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the announcement "insulting" to the United States. On Wednesday, Meir Margalit, a Jerusalem City Council member from the left-wing Meretz party, criticized Wednesday's settlement approval and described it as "provocation" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The approval by an Israeli planning committee was part of a "very long process" and now means that construction can start at any time, Margalit said. "This is a provocation by Netanyahu's government when John Kerry is coming to re-start the negotiations," Margalit said. "To approve these houses in Har Homa, or also known as Jabal Abu Ghneim in East Jerusalem, is a foolish move. This means that Israel has no serious intentions to restart the peace process," Margalit said. Israel's construction of settlements "is more important than peace in the Middle East," Margalit charged. But a senior Israeli government official who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue said there was no political influence behind the approval process. "This is private land, private constructions and nothing to do with the government or with government agendas," the official said. Brachie Sprung, an advisor to the Jerusalem mayor, said construction permission was granted by local planning and building committee. "It should be noted that the municipality has no legal right to stop the property ownership of the citizens to whom the ground belongs," Sprung said in a statement. "There is no change in the policy of the municipality over the last four years, and we are continuing to build in all the suburbs of the city according to the development program for Jews and Arabs as one," Sprung said. Thousands of housing units are expected to be built throughout Jerusalem in coming years, Sprung said. "New building in Jerusalem is necessary for the development of the city and gives the opportunity for youngsters and students to live and buy," Sprung added. Hagit Ofran, settlement watch director for the Israeli activist group Peace Now, said the construction plan was initially filed in April 2012, and the length of time behind its approval is typical. CNN's Kareem Khadder reported from Jerusalem and Michael Martinez wrote and reported from Los Angeles. Mike Schwartz also contributed from Jerusalem. | NEW: Palestinian chief negotiator calls international community to stop settlements .
Israeli planning committee approves 69 homes for an East Jerusalem settlement .
Secretary of State John Kerry is to visit Jerusalem this week to renew peace talks .
Settlement approval is "provocation... a foolish move," Jerusalem councilman says . |
0af0f6ab08d9927fac59a1bf084d2296b73b760d | By . Tara Brady . A couple allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old boy and forced him to apologise to their six-year-old son after the teenager made him cry. Rebecca and Jose Molina have been remanded in custody after allegedly abducting Nicholas Sanapaw while he was walking home. It is claimed Nicholas was playing near a river at Memorial Grove Park in Colusa, California, when he accidentally hurt the Molina's six-year-old son. Rebecca and Jose Molina have been remanded in custody after allegedly abducting Nicholas Sanapaw, aged 13, while he was walking home. They were accused of forcing him to apologise to their six-year-old son . Rebecca Molina is accused of punching Nicholas before going to get her husband and forcing him the teenager into their minivan. Witnesses say the boy was driven to the Molina's family home where Nicholas was allegedly made to get on his knees and tell their son he was sorry. According to Nicholas's mother, he has a few bumps and bruises. Frances Sanapaw told the CBS Sacramento: 'My kid ain’t no angel but good Lord, he doesn't deserve that, I know that much.' Nicholas's mother Frances Sanapaw said her son had some bumps and bruises after the alleged ordeal . Allegations: The Molina's eldest daughter (left) alleged that Nicholas (right) hurt her brother and made him cry . However, the Molina's eldest daughter said Nicholas had attacked her little brother and left her siblings without a mother and father. She said: 'My dad was just trying to reprimand him.' The Molinas have been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and child cruelty. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Rebecca and Jose Molina have been remanded in custody .
Accused of abducting Nicholas Sanapaw while he was walking home .
Claimed Nicholas hurt the Molina's six-year-son and made him cry .
Couple allegedly took the boy to their home where they made him apologise . |
0af101376443976e731cfba5ea1a8324c1999c3c | A force of up to 100 Paras is being sent to join the battle against Islamic State (IS) with authority to shoot and kill when needed. The elite troops are the first detachment of British soldiers to go to Iraq in a fighting role since 2009. The Paras’ job will be to protect around 350 British military instructors who are being sent out in January to train the Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga forces. Scroll down for video . Shoot to kill: Up to 100 British Paras are being sent to Iraq to join the battle against ISIS . Should they come under attack from IS, the Paras – expected to be drawn from the regiment’s second battalion – will be authorised to shoot and kill the jihadis. With the Paras and other international troops providing a ring of steel around the training camps in northern Iraq, the British instructors will seek to improve the skills of the locally raised forces so they can defeat IS in a so-called ‘spring offensive’ pencilled in for April. British and US commanders are hoping to raise a force of 20,000 Iraqis and Kurds to push back IS forces from strategically significant cities such as Mosul. They will be backed by air strikes and also drone attacks, which are playing an increasingly critical role in the campaign. The ramping up of Britain’s training mission in Iraq will be approved by the UK’s National Security Council next week and formally announced by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon in Parliament. Defence sources confirmed last night that the British deployment to Iraq would include a ‘force protection’ element with soldiers being sent there for up to six months. But last night former British military intelligence officer Frank Ledwidge raised concerns that the increase in UK troops would inevitably lead to casualties. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon will make the formal announcement in Parliament next week . Mr Ledwidge, who served in Iraq in 2004, said: ‘The British troops will have a big red flag on them and will be a big target for IS. ‘The threat is likely to come from car bombings and suicide attacks so the force protection element of the deployment will need to be proactive. ‘They won’t just be guarding the perimeter of the camp, they’ll have to patrol and interact closely with local security forces. It will be a risky and complex job. ‘This is definitely “mission creep” and if or when UK casualties are taken next year I’d expect to see the size of the British deployment to Iraq increase. ‘Post-Afghanistan the British Army is looking for a new role in order to maintain its sense of purpose and its troop numbers because the Ministry of Defence will not be protected from the sharp cuts in public spending that are on the horizon. So the generals will be thrilled by this deployment.’ The move to increase Britain’s commitment to the war against IS follows a review by UK military advisers. Their conclusions were sent to Mr Fallon. The Government has insisted repeatedly that the training mission will not constitute ‘boots on the ground’ and in accordance with this policy, the Paras’ role will be strictly defensive. Two months ago a team of 12 soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment were sent to northern Iraq to teach the Peshmerga how to use heavy machine guns. A UK advisory team is also based in the Iraqi capital Baghdad while, as The Mail on Sunday has exclusively revealed, British Special Forces have conducted a series of attacks against IS and are believed to have killed hundreds of jihadis. Last week the US announced that it was committing 1,500 troops to training Iraqi forces while up to 400 Australian soldiers and 100 German personnel will also be involved. These international troops will be confined to training bases but their mere presence will require security procedures to be stepped up. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said last night: ‘The Defence Secretary announced the intention to provide further training to the Iraqi military in early November. ‘No decision on troop numbers, units or locations have been made, so this is purely speculation at this stage.’ | Paras' job will be to protect 350 British instructors being sent in January .
They will train up a force of 20,000 from Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga .
Paras will be authorised to shoot and kill jihadis if they come under attack .
Move due to be approved in UK's National Security Council next week .
Former intelligence officer warns increase in UK troops will lead to casualties . |
0af16250b718402470fd731152ba4c5d5579f022 | By . Will Stewart . PUBLISHED: . 18:34 EST, 5 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:00 EST, 6 September 2012 . No mission is too much for former KGB spy turned strongman leader Vladimir Putin as he sets off on his latest bid to put right the wrongs of nature by teaching birds to fly. Hang-gliding over Arctic Siberia this week, the all-Russian action man guided white cranes which seem to have lost the instinct to migrate south to a warmer climate for the winter. The aim was to set the endangered birds on course for Asia and as with his previous action-man ventures - which included sedating a tiger, tagging a white whale, and offering tender loving care and a tracking collar to a polar bear - the Kremlin announced total success. Scroll down for video . Fly away home: Russian President Vladimir Putin flies in a motorized deltaplane to lead young Siberian cranes on their migration path . As opposition groups and bloggers mercilessly mocked his flying lesson for birds, Putin's PR machine made clear that after a false start all five juvenile cranes had followed the lead bird - the Russian president dressed in flapping white overalls - and flown for the required distance. It is hoped the cranes will now fly from Kushavet ornithological research station to Tyumen, further south in Siberia, before taking off for middle Asia and a warm winter. 'For cranes, the parent is a man in a white robe,' explained Yuri Markin, the director of the game reserve. 'They don't remember a particular person. They remember the white robe and hood, or on the ultralight, a white helmet - and a special beak that is worn on the head.' Nice suit Mr President: Putin kitted up for the flight in a baggy white outfit, gloves and goggles - but sadly no beak . Watch the birdie: Putin keeps a careful eye on one of the cranes while waiting in a motorized hang-glider . Pictures do not show Putin wearing the beak, probably to avoid yet more vilification from his foes, on the three motorised hang gliding flights he made on the remote on the Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic. 'It is amazing how the birds get used to it,' Putin told state television still dressed in his pilot's outfit of helmet and goggles. 'They do not fear the hang-glider and they overtook it. They are amazing. It's a very good feeling.' He has been preparing for 18 months, he said, and ahead of the crane-flight he clocked up 17 hours flying the hang glider. Instant fame: The three-month-old Siberian cranes got their moment of TV glory . Preparing for take-off: Putin (front) sits in the motorized glider at the Kushevat ornithological station, near the city of Salekhard . Nervous flyer? Putin made three trips in the glider, the first to get familiar with its workings, and two others with the birds . As the cranes - hopefully - head south on their own, jokes were flying round the Russian web today as one former Putin spin doctor branded this a stunt too far. 'Bad publicity,' said Gelb Pavolvsky. One cartoon showed Putin wearing cardboard wings telling the resentful looking cranes: 'Let's assign roles right now. I'll be the alpha crane!'. Another had Putin telling the cranes: 'I will save you'. One crane responded: 'Maybe I'd better die out.' Back on terra firma: Putin (2nd L) talks with an ornithologist after the successful flights . The many faces of Putin: The Russian president is keen to cultivate a hard-man image, but also to present himself as a simple nature-lover . A mock-up picture showed a bare-chested Putin in sun glasses flying on a crane. The 59 year old president as 'Mother Hen' and opposition leader Alexei Navalny sneered: "About Stalin they said 'In the night, a light will burn in the window.' And of Putin they will say: 'He flew over our homes with a flock of cranes.' One Twitter post said: 'For the flock to recognise him as a leader, he stuffed three feathers in his rear.' Among his other memorable macho stunts was a scuba dive for fragments of ancient Greek amphorae. Later his spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted the artifacts had been planted on the sea floor for Putin to grab. Animal welfare: Mr Putin has already examined a tranquilised polar bear in the wild (left) and has now turned his attention to the plight of the Siberian white crane (right) Action man: Mr Putin's other high-profile stunts have included posing bare chested with a rifle . Some opponents say humour is the wrong reaction, claiming his stunts are part of the establishment of a cult of personality lionizing an authoritarian leader. One victim of the crane flight was Masha Gessen, author of a book critical of Putin. She appeared to have been fired from her post as editor of travel and science magazine Vokrug Sveta (Around the World) after refusing to send a reporter 2,200 miles northwest of Moscow to cover the event. The magazine said she left by agreement following "differences" with the publishers. Like the cranes, Putin also went on to engage with Asia. His adventure came en route to host the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vladivostok, attended by US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and leaders of 21 countries. Over-exposed? Mr Putin has also been photographed posing bare chested with a horse in the past . Opposition: Not all Russians have appreciated Mr Putin's stunts, such as horseback riding (left). Journalist Masha Gessen (right), author of a book critical of the president, claims she was fired for refusing to send a reporter to cover the Siberian white cranes event. | Vladimir Putin pulls audacious stunt to help Siberian white cranes to Asia using hang-glider .
Cranes born in captivity did not know how to fly south, so environmentalists devised an imitation lead bird to guide the way .
It follows other escapades by Mr Putin, including posing bare-chested with rifles and petting a polar bear in the wild .
But the latest event has ruffled some feathers in Russia, with one journalist claiming she was fired for not covering it . |
0af1bad942a8cab168699c03d2675a8d7523ab6d | Michelle Obama spent Sunday night watching her niece play basketball for Princeton. The first lady attended her alma mater's game against American University with her daughters and mother. Mrs Obama graduated from Princeton in 1985. She spoke with the Tigers at the half, knocking on the locker room door and asking, 'if she was interrupting anything,' Princeton coach Courtney Banghart said. The first lady spent halftime talking to the team, taking pictures and saying how proud she was of how hard they played. The first lady and her daughters also took part in the cheer before the team went out for the second half. Cheerleader: First lady Michelle Obama spent Sunday night watching the Princeton women's basketball team play American University. Pictured above at the game with his mother Marian Robinson, right . Proud alumna: Mrs Obama graduated from Princeton University in 1985. Daughter Sasha Obama also attended the game, pictured center . Auntie: Mrs Obama came out to see her nice Leslie Robinson play for Princeton, pictured on the left and right in the number 45 jersey . 'It was very cool,' Banghart told The Associated Press in a phone interview Sunday night. 'It was pretty surreal. She carries herself with such charisma and grace, she's a beautiful woman and she's a Princeton alum.' The first family stayed for the entire game, sitting directly behind the Tigers bench. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who played at Harvard, also was at the game. Banghart said the game was scheduled so that the Obamas could have a chance to watch their niece Leslie Robinson play. The freshman was scoreless in 11 minutes, but had five rebounds in Princeton's 63-56 win. 'She's the nicest kid, but you could tell she was a little anxious before the game,' Banghart said. The Tigers had a private tour of the White House on Saturday, getting to play on the basketball court there. 'It really was a special weekend and one that my players won't forget anytime soon,' the coach said. Front row tickets: Leslie Robinson, center, gets up off the bench as her aunt stares on in the background . | Michelle Obama watched the Princeton women's basketball team play American University Sunday night .
Mrs Obama graduated from Ivy League university in 1985 and now her niece Leslie Robinson plays basketball there as a freshman .
Leslie's father Craig Robinson, the first lady's brother, used to coach the men's basketball at Oregon State University .
He was fired from the position after the team's performance last season . |
0af40285aaefec4f6052d8f6486a01e1d3ddf94e | The United States has brought Abu Anas al Libi -- an alleged al Qaeda operative whom U.S. Army Delta Force soldiers captured in Libya this month -- to New York, a U.S. attorney's office said Monday. He was transferred to law enforcement custody and brought to the United States on Saturday, according to a letter from the office of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara to a federal judge. Al Libi is expected to appear before a judicial officer on Tuesday, Bharara's office said. His family in Tripoli said they were shocked that he was in the United States. They had received no details of his whereabouts from the U.S. or Libyan governments, family members told CNN. His son, Abdullah, said the family hoped to get him a lawyer that would "work with him, for him." It was unclear if al Libi already has a lawyer. "We don't want him talking to just anyone," Abdullah said. "We don't want just any lawyer asking him questions." A U.S. official said al Libi received care at a medical facility in New York for a pre-existing medical condition and is "doing better." The official did not detail the medical issue. His wife told CNN this month that al Libi has a severe case of hepatitis C and that she was worried about his health. U.S. special operations forces captured al Libi in Tripoli more than a week ago. The 49-year-old native of Libya is accused of playing a role in the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. The United States had been holding him aboard a Navy ship, U.S. officials said. He was questioned there by members of a high-value detainee interrogation team, the officials said. American officials have described him as "one of the world's most wanted terrorists." He was indicted in 2001 by the federal court in the Southern District of New York in the embassy bombings and in connection with his alleged roles in al Qaeda conspiracies to attack U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Some terrorism experts have questioned how much valuable intelligence al Libi would be able to provide for his captors. A former jihadist associate told CNN last week that it was unlikely that he was still playing an active role with the terrorist network. His wife said he was no longer a member of al Qaeda, had been living a normal life and was seeking a job with the Libyan oil ministry. Al Libi was captured October 5 on the street in front of his home as he returned in his car from morning prayers. President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have previously said they prefer to try individuals such as al Libi in American courts. Trying such suspects on American soil has been a controversial topic in the past. In 2009, Holder said five detainees with alleged ties to the September 11, 2001, attacks would be transferred from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to New York for trial in civilian court. Later Holder reversed course, announcing that accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others would be tried in a military commission at Guantanamo instead. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said last week that there was no chance that al Libi would end up at Guantanamo. "The administration's position on Guantanamo is clear. Our goal is not to add to the population, it's to reduce it, which we've done. ... Our policy is not to send any new detainees to Guantanamo," she said. Still, Rep. Peter King, R-New York, said Monday that it was "unfortunate that al Libi is on American soil, ending the interrogation process." "It shows the inherent flaws in the U.S. policy decision to try (terror suspects) in the U.S. because once you arrive on U.S. soil, that ends the interrogation of these high value detainees," Kind said, said, adding would not have happened if al Libi had been sent to Guantanamo Bay and faced a military commission there. King, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, credited the government with giving advance notice of al Libi's arrival to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelley, which allowed them to have security measures in place. | Al Libi received medical treatment in New York for pre-existing condition, official says .
Abu Anas al Libi was a member of al Qaeda, U.S. officials say .
Authorities say he played role in bombings at American embassies in 1998 .
He is scheduled to appear before a federal official in NYC on Tuesday . |
0af42cd3db65375ae1b5948bb3ef06b3a762fc10 | A Columbus man holding five young children hostage in a home has surrendered to SWAT police after barricading himself inside and threatening to shoot them. The tense standoff between officers and and the man began at around 2am on Monday when Columbus Police responded to a domestic violence call. Local 10 TV in the Ohio city said that police managed to get a woman inside the home to safety but revealed that the man used mattresses against the windows and ceased all communication with officers around 6am. Scroll Down for Video . Response: The SWAT officers endured a six hour face-off with the man who was holding five children hostage . SWAT officers used bullhorns and telephoned the man to try and negotiate his surrender before he eventually gave-up just before 8am and was taken into custody. Officers told 10 TV that the man got the children to talk with negotiators as they evacuated neighboring properties. Tense: Police were called to the duplex on East 22nd Avenue at Ontario Street on a report of domestic violence . Ominous: A SWAT team member trains his shotgun on the home in Columbus, Ohio during the negotiations . It is not known if the children are related to the man but 10 TV confirmed that they are all between five and 11 years old. Two local schools, Columbus Global Academy and Hamilton STEM Academy closed down and children were dropped off nearby while police clear the area following the unidentified man's surrender. It is not known what the man has been charged with and what caused the domestic violence 911 call in the first place. It is also not known what, or if any weapons were recovered from the property. | Columbus, Ohio man surrendered to police after six-hour negotiation .
Threatened to shoot at police if they tried to enter the home .
Held five children between the ages of five and 11 years old hostage . |
0af6eb754130e6d8d52d9e8967d4a756a0db6591 | (OPRAH.COM) -- Here's a little fact of life that took me by surprise: Roughly 23 million women in this country are 40 to 49 years of age and about 6,000 of us turn 50 every single day. We are a thoroughly undefined constituency. Some of us are what the wonderful Wendy Wasserstein used to call "bachelor girls," some of us are married, and a lot of us have had trial separations that seemed to go just fine...at least for the husband (with the struggling rock band), who went on to become the ex-husband (with the thriving law practice). Many of us have demanding kids or aging parents or a little of each. We juggle jobs, mortgages, student loans, and cancer treatments with low-fat diets, low-impact aerobics, low-grade depressions, a strong sense of irony, a dark sense of humor, and a full-bodied cabernet. We are tired. We are very tired -- we've thought seriously about penciling in a nervous breakdown for ourselves, but we've been through everything the world has to throw at us so many times that it's damn near impossible to get nervous about much of anything. Despite (or perhaps because of) all the coulda, woulda, shoulda moments that have come and gone, we've learned how to have a good laugh, an impromptu party, and an impure thought (or two) on a semiregular basis. We consider our options, our alternatives, our exit strategies. We take notes, we plan ahead, but we always leave room for serendipity. We are an entire generation of women who are making up our lives as we go along. Oprah.com: What Oprah has learned though the years . I know that it's human nature to want to glorify the past and preserve it in a delicious, if often inaccurate, cotton-candied haze. But the truth is that part of me (that would be the part of me that now needs an underwire bra and a pair of Spanx) really does miss my 20s. I still had that new car smell. I still thought terrorism would stay confined to the other side of the world. On the home front, I still kept standing up for brides (as if they needed my assistance to stand) while waiting politely for it to be my turn. And because it never occurred to me that my turn wouldn't come, I devoted an inordinate amount of time to trying to decide whether my wedding gown should be white or ecru -- by the time I hit 35, I'd have been okay with paisley. The Web had not gone mainstream when I was in my 20s, so any surfing I did (and coming from Detroit, that wasn't much) was in the ocean. And I grant you, my rearview mirror might be a little bit rose-tinted, but if memory serves, those oceans were fairly clean. Come to think of it, the glaciers were glacial, the bees were alive and well, a can of tuna didn't require a warning from the surgeon general, and the climate wasn't making any sudden moves. Color me crazy, but I've always been a sucker for a nice solid layer of ozone parking itself between me and a death ray. I'm also a great believer in time off for good behavior. I crave solitude. I like being unreachable once in a while, and in those days it was no big deal if somebody couldn't track you down for half an hour. You see, in the 1980s, we didn't know from e-mail or cell phones or Facebook or GPS, and a BlackBerry was nothing more complicated than a healthy treat that was high in antioxidants -- only guess what? Nobody had ever heard of antioxidants. I didn't need a baby aspirin every night or a Lipitor every morning. And I swear to God (that's another thing, God was still around when I was in my 20s), the closest anybody seemed to come to a genuine eating disorder was picking at a mixed green salad on a blind date until it was okay to go home and scarf down the contents of your refrigerator. But before I start turning into my great-uncle Saul, who never fails to tell me how he could've bought the entire Upper East Side of Manhattan for $225 back in 1936 ("when an ear of corn still tasted like an ear of corn"), let me say this: As much as I miss those days, I'm delighted and relieved to be done with being young. One quick glance in the mirror is all I need to know that time is most definitely a thief. Wait, strike that: One glance and I usually think I'm holding up pretty well -- it's upon closer inspection, that moment when I take a deep breath, put on my glasses, and turn up the dimmer switch, that I'm reminded gravity is not my friend. But if time has robbed me of a little elasticity and a lot of naïveté, it's left a few things in their place. Thanks to nearly 48 years at the big dance, a million mistakes, and one extraordinary psychiatrist, I've finally achieved the occasional touch of clarity. I'm getting to be resourceful. I'm getting to be resilient, and I hope that on my better days, I'm getting to be a little more calm, a little more contemplative, a little more compassionate. Oprah.com: How to make your midlife matter . Sometimes I think being middle-aged isn't about learning a lot of new lessons so much as learning the same old ones again and again. Here are a few of the lessons I keep learning: . • It is never a good thing when a shrinking portion of the population controls a growing portion of the money. It tends to make incredibly decent, hardworking, middle-class people sort of jumpy, and the next thing you know Kirsten Dunst is playing Marie Antoinette in a Sofia Coppola extravaganza. • Anyone who looks okay in ochre will look even better not in ochre. • War and famine bad, James Franco and spaghetti carbonara good. • What doesn't kill me does not make me stronger. It makes me anxious, bitchy, and vulnerable...but nobody wants to see that embroidered on a pillow. • This isn't exactly an old lesson I keep learning, but given that I'm lucky enough to have my own column, I'd like to use it to set right an unfortunate mistake. Remember a few years ago when we all got together and decided that sleep was the new sex? I've come to believe that we were dead wrong. What do you say we make actual ouch-you're-on-my-hair, did-you-hear-the-baby, jeez-that-was-my-eye, messy, intimate, life-affirming, really, really fun sex the new sex?! Because here's the thing: Between the economy, the environment, and the powder keg that is Pakistan, nobody's getting any sleep anyway -- so as long as we're all lying there wide awake... • Dorothy Parker was a genius. She wrote a gem of a poem called "Indian Summer." It's very short, but I'm low on space, so I'll just cut to the end: . But now I know the things I know, . And do the things I do; . And if you do not like me so, . To hell, my love, with you! Bravo, Ms. Parker. And, finally, deep into my 40s, I couldn't agree with you more. By Lisa Kogan from O, The Oprah Magazine, February 2009 . Subscribe to O, The Oprah Magazine for up to 75% off the newsstand price. That's like getting 18 issues FREE. Subscribe now! TM & © 2009 Harpo Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Columnist Lisa Kogan heads toward 50s with fond look back at younger years .
Back then, she still had her "new car smell" and could enjoy solitude .
Says women in her generation are tired, considering scheduling a breakdown .
But since no one is sleeping these days, she'd like life-affirming, really fun sex . |
0afa71f0144414baefce106bb4b64bc229f592c1 | PUBLISHED: . 17:52 EST, 6 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 21:58 EST, 6 August 2012 . An 87-year-old Denver man has been charged with cultivating more than 400 marijuana plants in his backyard, igniting a Facebook protest in his defence. Edward Bogunovich initially denied the charges, telling ABC News, 'I didn't even have a pipe. I've got zero plants, and I have papers to prove it,' but later changed his tune to say he had sold the plants the day before police raided his home. In that second, Monday afternoon interview, Bogunovich told ABC he had a notarized document proving the timely sale of the some 414 marijuana plants. Scroll down for video . Busted: Edward Bogunovich, 87, has been charged with exceeding the state limit on the number of cannabis plants he could cultivate for medical use . Meanwhile, Denver Police Det. Christopher . Shotts said Bogunovich presented police with a 'questionable' state medical marijuana license after the Friday raid. Those documents, Shotts wrote in an affidavit obtained by ABC News, provided for the legal growth of 231 marijuana plants between Bogunovich and two others cultivators, who . also happened to be growing plants in his backyard. Bogunovich was growing 183 more plants . than he was allowed, Shotts said in the affidavit. Police seized the . plants, which weighed a combined 461 pounds. ABC News reported the Denver District Attorney’s Office said Bogunovich is charged with cultivating marijuana in excess of 30 plants, and possessing more than 12 ounces of marijuana with intent to distribute more than 100 pounds of marijuana. 'I didn't even have a pipe. I've got zero plants, and I have papers to prove it.' The arrest sparked a protest on ABC News's Facebook page after the organization prominently displayed its story on Bogunovich, there. By Monday evening, nearly 700 people had 'liked' the story, with another 430 more posting comments, the vast majority defending Bogunvich and his actions. 'Leave grandpa alone,' wrote Lopez Borrero Minerva. 'He can't feed himself on a fixed income. 'Leave grandpa alone. He can't feed himself on a fixed income. Things keep going up in price but . that SS check or VA check isn't going up.' 'Things keep going up in price but that SS check or VA check isn't going up. How is he suppose to eat and paid for his medications? Go get the murders, thieves, rapist, and child molesters that are out there.' 'Let that man keep his weed!' declared Tiffany Beatty, while another poster commented, 'Leave him alone! He's 87 years old, He probley needs it! Medical Marijuana right.' Bogunovich was released from the Denver Detention Center in lieu of a $10,000 bond and is due back in court Thursday, ABC’s Denver affiliate KMGH reported. Protest ignited: Close to a 1,000 people had 'liked' or commented on the ABC News' story on Bogunovich on Facebook by Monday evening . Watch video here: . | Facebook protest on news organization's page ignited by arrest .
Police say he was growing 414 plants, or about 200 more than the state said he could for medical reasons . |
0afa876ed0bc145ea426d3bf4a1953fcd3678551 | Washington (CNN) -- In the emotional aftermath of the Trayvon Martin killing last year, Attorney General Eric Holder signaled the unlikelihood of filing federal hate crimes charges against admitted shooter George Zimmerman. "For a federal hate crime, we have to prove the highest standard in the law," Holder said in April 2012, 45 days after Zimmerman shot the African American teenager in what was depicted by civil rights groups as a racially motivated killing. In words that now sound prescient, Holder described to reporters that day how "something that was reckless, that was negligent does not meet that standard." "We have to show that there was specific intent to do the crime with requisite state of mind," he said. Zimmerman's acquittal of state murder and manslaughter charges on Saturday showed the Florida jury rejected that he intended to kill Martin for any reason, including the racial motivation necessary for federal charges that he violated Martin's civil rights. The Department of Justice opened an investigation into the Zimmerman case last year, and a statement from the agency on Sunday said it was ongoing and will now include evidence and testimony from the Florida trial. In a speech in Washington on Monday, Holder said the Justice Department would "continue to act in a manner that is consistent with the facts and the law" in examining what he called "the tragic, unnecessary shooting death of Trayvon Martin." "Independent of the legal determination that will be made, I believe that this tragedy provides yet another opportunity for our nation to speak honestly about the complicated and emotionally charged issues that this case has raised," Holder said. "We must not - as we have too often in the past - let this opportunity pass." Separately, the White House said President Barack Obama would play no role in deciding whether federal charges are filed. "Cases are brought on the merits and the merits are evaluated by the professionals at the Department of Justice," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. The president on Sunday called Martin's killing a tragedy for America, but said in a written statement that the jury had spoken. He acknowledged the case had "elicited strong passions," but urged "calm reflection." Still, political pressure for a federal case is mounting. Demonstrators around the country are calling for Zimmerman to be punished, and hundreds of thousands of people have signed online petitions by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) that call for federal charges. However, legal experts make the same point Holder did last year in saying the law limits the federal government's options. Watch Holder's speech . Because Zimmerman is a private citizen, he can only be charged with a hate crime in terms of civil rights violations under federal law, said David Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor in Florida who now is in private practice. To successfully prosecute Zimmerman, the Department of Justice would have to show that Zimmerman "caused the death of Trayvon Martin solely motivated by/because of his race or color," Weinstein told CNN in an e-mail, adding: "This element was absent from the state trial and quite frankly doesn't exist." Five Reasons for acquittal . CNN Legal analyst Paul Callan agreed Monday that federal prosecutors are "in sort of a tough spot." The hate crimes statue is generally applied to cases involving police officers or other government agents, Callan said, adding that using it in a case involving a lone private citizen is "very, very rare and I think in this case, it's going to be very hard to prove." A federal hate crimes violation in a killing carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Even if the federal charges were identical to the state charges, it would not be double jeopardy for Zimmerman because the federal government is a separate and sovereign entity. Those seeking federal charges say the killing was racially motivated, arguing that Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, targeted Martin for special scrutiny because the teenager was an African-American. Regardless of how the shooting occurred, they say, the fight occurred because of Martin's race. "The most fundamental of civil rights — the right to life — was violated the night George Zimmerman stalked and then took the life of Trayvon Martin," says the petition on the NAACP website. Petition to White House . Rep. Marcia Fudge, the Ohio Democrat who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, said racial profiling like what Zimmerman did to Martin "continues to make communities of innocent individuals fear a justice system designed to protect them." "Men and women wonder if merely walking or driving justifies being followed, stopped, or questioned," Fudge said in a statement Monday. "This practice and the presumption of guilt so often associated with people of color must come to an end." A crush of petitioners crashed the NAACP website during the night, causing the group to set up a parallel petition drive on the liberal MoveOn.org website, said Derek Turner of the NAACP. A separate petition effort on the White House website generated nearly 15,000 supporters. Such political pressure evokes memories of the Rodney King case in 1991, when videotape of white Los Angeles police officers clubbing an African-American man after a car chase prompted race-tinged national furor. When a criminal court failed to convict the officers of police brutality, riots ensued in Los Angeles over alleged racial discrimination. The Justice Department then filed a civil rights suit against the officers, alleging "deprivations of federal rights under color of law," and two were convicted in 1993. A court sentenced them to 30 months in federal prison. Weinstein said the Justice Department can't file similar charges against Zimmerman because he is a private citizen instead of a police officer or government official of any kind. "There are no other relevant sections under which to prosecute him" other than the hate crime statute, which covers "offenses involving actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin," Weinstein added. However, Martin's family can still file a civil wrongful death lawsuit against Zimmerman to seek penalties and damages. Such a legal move carries no criminal penalty or prison time. Obama won't get involved in decision . CNN's Kevin Liptak, Ben Brumfield and Josh Levs and InSession Trial Editor Jessica Thill contributed to this report. | President Obama will have no role in deciding on federal charges .
Federal hate crimes laws require proof of racial motivation, legal experts say .
AG Holder has called that a high legal bar; says Monday that facts and law are paramount .
The jury in the George Zimmerman case rejected state criminal charges . |
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