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0c64657adc77b769fb0177a7cd5611eae07255f4 | San Diego, California (CNN)Political attacks have really gone to the dogs. They used to have more style and substance. It was considered bad form to just weave an attack out of whole cloth, counting on the fact that the mark was so despised by a segment of society that people would be anxious to believe the worst. It used to be that when you wanted to sling mud at someone whose politics you didn't agree with -- chiefly as a way of making them look bad and yourself look good by comparison -- you'd try to dig up dirt, find a skeleton in a closet or challenge the person's integrity. These days, you don't have to work that hard. The whole process is do-it-yourself. You just go to Facebook and see what embarrassing family photos can be linked to the person you intend to slime. The target doesn't even have to be in the photo. Just the fact that they posted it, or thought it was humorous, or in any way condoned the act is good enough. In our narcissistic look-at-me-and-mine culture, social media networks are veritable treasure chests of blunders, blushes and blemishes. Even with our best efforts to use these sites to showcase our best features, there is plenty of embarrassment to go around. Once you find the photos, you do a little cut and paste. Then you can scribble a few sentences about how shocked -- shocked! -- you are that people could behave in such a manner. Be sure to include a line from the head of some nonprofit that raises funds by advancing the idea that, without a group like theirs, our entire society would be in dire straits. If you're attacking someone on the left, you might hunt around on social media for a photo where they're not wearing a flag pin and accuse them of being unpatriotic. If you're trying to smear someone on the right, you can fall back on the old standby and accuse them of being uncaring. How uncaring? Enough to use a dog as a food stool. The offender in question is 6-year-old Trig Palin, who became an instant target of supposedly tolerant liberals when he wound up being born to mother Sarah, one of the most popular political figures for conservatives and a constant thorn in the side of liberals. This time, what put Trig in the liberal's version of "timeout" is a photo on his mom's Facebook page of him standing barefoot on his new pet dog -- a black labrador oddly named Jill Hadassah -- so he could reach the kitchen sink and wash his dish. The liberal organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, was not amused. PETA blasted Palin in a statement, calling her "hard-hearted" and "bizarrely callous." The statement read, "It's odd that anyone -- let alone a mother -- would find it appropriate to post such a thing, with no apparent sympathy for the dog in the photo." You know who deserves sympathy? The journalists who got that statement and had to whip up a story based on faux outrage. Palin struck back by zeroing in with the real reason that groups like PETA have lost influence and credibility: the double standard they employ, denouncing certain behavior by the people they oppose while excusing the same behavior by people they support. Where was the organization last year, she asked, when the liberal talk show hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, posted a similar photo of a girl standing on a dog? Back then, PETA was AWOL. She is right about the double standard. And I admire her spunk. In a world of politicians and even former politicians who are so careful about what they say and do that they don't say or do anything, Palin unplugged is a refreshing exception. There is more to the story. According to media reports, the canine is a service dog that was trained to care for Trig, who has Down syndrome. The little guy doesn't just need special care. It seems that he also needs constant protection -- from liberals who hate his mommy. Trig was first targeted by the left in February 2010, when he was just shy of 2 years old. That's when Seth MacFarlane, creator of the Fox animated comedy, "Family Guy," thought it would be a hoot to air an episode that demolished all the preaching that liberals have done over the years about tolerance and the importance of defending those with special needs. In the episode, the character Chris is dating a teenage girl with Down syndrome, and when he asks her what her parents do, she says, "My dad's an accountant, and my mom is the former governor of Alaska." David Tolleson, head of the Atlanta-based National Down Syndrome Congress, called the gag "hurtful and stereotypical." And Palin's daughter Bristol wrote on her mom's Facebook page that the joke was especially cruel given that her brother already faces a life filled with intolerance and prejudice. On the defensive, MacFarlane claimed at the time that he was "an equal opportunity offender." Sure. In 2008, the comedian had spoken at an Obama-Biden rally at a university in Ohio, where he took potshots at Republicans and touted the Democratic ticket. As all this unfolded, we learned -- thanks to Trig -- a valuable lesson about how the tolerant left has a much stronger stomach for intolerance if its aimed at one of its enemies. Now the little guy is at it again, teaching us that liberals are creative enough to make smears out of thin air. In a perfect world, I'd prefer that children not mistake their household pets for a step ladder. But whatever else can be said about the world that Trig Palin is likely to face in the years to come, this much we know: It won't be perfect. | PETA criticized posting of photo of Sarah Palin's child standing on a dog .
Ruben Navarrette: Animal rights groups targeted Palin unfairly . |
0c679f728f00722b462260a67aa0f6626712c171 | By . Thomas Durante . A Pentecostal reverend known for preaching with the help of a rattlesnake coiled around his arm lost his life when one of the creatures suddenly bit him. Mack Randall Wolford, pastor at the Full Gospel Apostolic House of the Lord Jesus in Matoaka, West Virginia, died hours after receiving the deadly bite on Sunday - the day after his 44th birthday. Wolford’s father, who was also a serpent-handling pastor, died in the same way nearly 30 years ago. Scroll down to watch a video of Wolford preaching . Deadly bite: Mack Randall Wolford, pictured at a previous service, was killed hours after receiving the deadly bite on Sunday. Wolford had been bitten three times . before, but never sought medical attention, saying that a bite was a . test of his faith. It was his wish not to be taken to a hospital unless . absolutely necessary. But by the time he was taken to Bluefield Regional Medical Center, it was too late. Wolford was holding a 'homecoming' service outdoors at Panther State Forest about 70 miles away from Matoaka while handing the rattler, which is seen by . his followers as a sign of faith. The gathering was a yearly occurrence for Wolford, who joined relatives to celebrate faith and family before sitting down together for dinner during the Memorial Day weekend. He leaves behind his wife Fran and three stepchildren. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported that Wolford had set the serpent down during the service when it suddenly jerked forward and bit him on the thigh. Celebration: Wolford clutched the rattlers during his congrgation as a sign of faith . Serpent: Rattlesnakes are seen in Wolford's congregation as a test of faith . Wolford had reportedly owned the timber . rattlesnake, named Sheba, for several years, taking care of it in his . home and introducing it to his followers during his services. Videos posted to YouTube show the preacher dancing in previous services while holding the snake. His . unique celebrations were held regularly for his followers - who . numbered between five and 30 - most of whom were members of his family. Wolford . owned several snakes, which he cared for in his home, according to . filmmaker Kate Fowler, who was shooting a documentary about him called . With Signs Following. Ritual: Wolford danced with rattlesnakes during his outdoor services in West Virginia . In an interview with MailOnline, Ms . Fowler, who has worked on the documentary for about a year, described . Wolford as 'articulate, well-read, intelligent and charismatic.' She said that despite handling venomous snakes, he did his best to make his guests feel comfortable. Ms Fowler said: 'It was pretty scary the first time I was at a service, but I've never seen him put anyone in a bad situation.' A young resident of Matoaka, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Telegraph: 'I know [Wolford] was really bad off before he died... it was really bad. He’s worshiped at that church all his life. Fearless: Wolford did his best to make guests at his services feel comfortable, even though he handled venomous snakes . 'His daddy passed away the same way, from a rattler. He knew the risks. All of us around here are that way.' Wolford was only 15 at the time of his father's death, but later took on his mantle. His devastated mother, who was present at the service when he was bitten, was always fearful for her son, but was extremely proud of his work with those who battled alcoholism and addiction, Ms Fowler said. There are dozens of species of rattlesnakes across the U.S., and they are the largest among venomous snakes. They usually only sound their noisy rattles if they feel cornered, threatened or taken by surprise. Rattlesnake bites are usually not fatal, as long as they are treated quickly. If bitten, victims are advised to remain calm, as a quickened heart rate can spread the venom throughout the body faster. Rattlesnakes love to sun themselves, and can be found near logs, boulders, or open areas, and in areas like mountains, prairies, deserts, and beaches, according to the CDC. A nursing supervisor at Bluefield Regional Medical Center told the Charleston Daily Mail that Wolford was admitted to the facility at about 10:30pm on Sunday night. The supervisor told the paper: 'He was a snake handler. It looked like it happened maybe during church, but by the time he got here, it was a bad situation.' Ms Fowler was in the process of a final edit With Signs Following, but is still deciding how to approach Wolford's death in the documentary. Neighbours told the Daily Telegraph that Wolford, like other snake-handling preachers, was fully aware of the danger posed by the reptile. There are dozens of species of rattlesnakes, which are the largest of all venomous snakes in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The timber rattlesnake, widely regarded as the most dangerous of the species, are common to deciduous forests as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Texas. It is unlawful to kill a timber rattlesnake, as it is an endangered species. While rattlers are behind the most common snakebite injuries in the United States, they are rarely fatal if treated quickly. Dangerous: Wolford owned a timber rattlesnake, similar to the one shown here . Watch videos here . | Mack Randall Wolford, 44, died after being bitten at 'homecoming' service on Sunday .
Neighbours say Wolford was aware of the danger posed by handling rattlesnakes .
Had been bitten three times before, but never sought medical attention . |
0c67b38567fd79760b1f3f9a2da209b3034af4aa | News reports indicate that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test, potentially scheduled to coincide with President Obama's visit to South Korea this week. The North Korean foreign minister warned Tuesday that Obama's trip could "escalate confrontation and bring the dark clouds of a nuclear arms race," prompting speculation that the impulsive young leader of the North, Kim Jong Un, is again crying out for attention. Typically, experts and government officials refer to these outbursts and nuclear or missile tests as "provocations," which are followed by sanctions, tensions and -- it is hoped -- a return to diplomacy. But by now, it should be obvious that while North Korean behavior appears cyclical ("there they go again"), Pyongyang is on a clear, linear path to developing nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them on target in Japan and eventually the United States. North Korea's third and most recent nuclear test, in February 2013, used a relatively small 6- to 9-kiloton plutonium-based nuclear warhead, according to the South Korea Ministry of Defense, roughly half the yield of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If North Korea's new test is substantially larger, it will demonstrate that Pyongyang either has mastered the warhead design challenges of plutonium-based weapons or has covertly enriched uranium. If it is the former case, North Korea will more easily be able to miniaturize its nuclear warhead technology for mating with ballistic missiles. If the latter case, North Korea will probably demonstrate the ability to covertly stockpile large amounts of fissile material, since highly enriched uranium facilities can be more easily hidden underground and North Korea has plenty of uranium mines to obtain the necessary fuel. Either way, a "new form" of North Korean nuclear test would signal a substantial increase in the country's nuclear capabilities and not just another provocation requiring a short-term punishment from the international community. The United States and its allies and partners would no doubt seek to place additional sanctions on North Korea through the United Nations, if such a test were to occur. However, given current tensions with Russia, as well as Chinese concern about North Korean stability, it is unlikely that the U.N. Security Council would approve substantial new sanctions. Yet, deterring North Korea is critical. What more could be done? First, if the United States cannot win substantial new sanctions at the U.N., it should take additional steps in concert with South Korea, Japan and other allies and partners to squeeze the North's ability to import or export dangerous materials related to their missile and nuclear programs. Additional sanctions should target North Korean use of international banks to conduct illicit activities. Although some of these institutions have been targeted (most notably Banco Delta Asia in 2005), more can be done to cut North Korea off from its international financing. A coalition of like-minded states could also agree to inspect any and all ships or planes that have departed from North Korea in the previous six months. This same coalition would work together to pressure Beijing to increase inspections and cut off illicit banking activities with North Korea. Moving China to action has usually been a challenge, but additional North Korean provocations and Kim Jong Un's execution of his uncle and China's contact in Pyongyang, Jang Song Thaek, could motivate China to take steps, particularly once it is clear that the U.S. is no longer willing to rely on the Security Council for another round of weak sanctions. Second, the U.S. should respond to any North Korean test by increasing cooperation trilaterally with Japan and South Korea. Although South Korea-Japan relations have been at a low point, the United States has spearheaded efforts to make progress in the bilateral relationship in recent months. Obama's visit to both countries will surely touch on this issue, but a North Korean provocation could help him drive Japan and South Korea toward closer cooperation, particularly on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; missile defense; and logistics. This would not only improve U.S.-Japan-South Korea cooperation but could also deter additional provocative actions and put pressure on Chinese leaders to restrain their North Korean ally. In December 2010, the U.S., Japan and South Korea came very close to issuing a joint collective security statement, declaring that an attack by the North on any of us would be an attack on all of us, after the North sank a South Korean vessel and shelled civilians on a South Korean-held island. That high bar could become achievable again. Third, the United States should bolster its extended deterrent framework -- or nuclear umbrella -- in East Asia. Today, some question U.S. willpower in the face of threats in the Asia Pacific region, particularly after the uncertain U.S. responses to aggression in Syria and Ukraine. A North Korean nuclear test would require the U.S. to make unambiguous statements about the defense of our allies and follow through with demonstrations of American capability, including deployments of assets like the B-2 bomber to Guam and increased exercises with Japan and Korea. North Korea is estimated to have enough fissile material now for between six and 12 nuclear weapons and is working hard on miniaturization and longer-range ballistic missiles capable of hitting not only Japan but someday, potentially, the United States. At this rate, it will not be long before an American president is going to ask his staff who let North Korea develop the ability to threaten the United States with impunity and why more wasn't done to stop the North. We know that diplomacy has failed to knock the North off its goal and that a military strike would risk dangerous retaliation against Japan and Korea. But in between war and diplomacy, we have a range of options that could constrict the North's program and buy us time until the threat can be removed peacefully through diplomacy or collapse of the onerous regime in Pyongyang. | North Korea may launch nuclear test to coincide with Obama's visit to South Korea .
Writers: If it's a more serious provocation, it could signal an uptick in nuclear capability .
They say strong U.N. sanctions necessary to stop a possible march toward nukes .
Writers: U.S. must strengthen ties with S. Korea and Japan and build up its deterrent system . |
0c67e8d5a91f3c7d9c53e29b8d0a25cf8db21b54 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:04 EST, 9 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:04 EST, 9 October 2012 . The local news anchor who spoke out after a viewer criticised her for being overweight has now leapt to the defence of her attacker. Jennifer Livingston sprang to national fame after she denounced Kenneth Krause for saying that her weight meant she was not a 'suitable example' for her younger viewers. He apologised for the attack last week after Ms Livingston received a flood of supporting her brave stand against the bullying behaviour. But she now seems to have accepted his apology - and even said, 'I hope people leave him alone.' Scroll down for video . Weighty issue: Reporter Jennifer . Livingston responded to a viewer email that chided her over her weight . The anchor for WKBT in Wisconsin told TMZ she had 'no hard feelings' towards Mr Krause despite his unprovoked attack on her. 'I hope people kinda leave him behind and leave him alone,' she continued. Ms Livingston said she was pleased to have started a national debate about bullying, adding: 'I just think it's a discussion that needs to happen across the country.' Mr Krause on Friday told ABC News of his regret at criticising the anchor's weight, saying: 'I'm in no position to bully her.' He continued: 'She's a big media personality - I'm just a working stiff. If Jennifer's offended then I truly apologise to Jennifer, that's the last thing I wanted to do.' No offence: Kenneth Krause apologised for the attack which provoked a nationwide response . In his initial email to Ms Livingston, first published by her husband and fellow anchor Mike Thompson, the security guard wrote: 'Surely you don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young people, girls in particular.' An ABC reporter asked Mr Krause: 'She says she has a thyroid problem - did you consider any of that before writing the email?' 'Of course, I was obese as a child - I've been fighting with that all my life,' he said. 'Boy I can sure empathise with that.' Speaking about Mr Krause and his letter on the Today show, . Ms Livingston said she was more insulted by being called a . bad role model to young girls than by being called fat. 'The person called me obese and I can deal with that and being called fat, . but it was calling me a bad role model that really rubbed me the wrong way,' she said. Weight control: Mr Krause claims he was obese as a child and has had a life-time fight with his weight . 'Not . only for our community but in particular for young girls, I am a mother . of three young girls and I felt that was an unfair judgement of someone . who didn't know me. 'I have a pretty thick skin, I'm a tough gal and can handle this type of thing, but what I was . thinking instead was that I'm having conversations with my 10-year-old daughter right now about bullying. 'I'm trying to inspire her and teach her that if she sees bullying - the importance of taking a stand. 'But . what kind of message am I teaching her if my husband and I are talking . about this mean email I've received and I'm not taking a stand for . myself?' The letter that Mr Krause wrote to Ms Livingston states that he was 'surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn't improved for many years. 'Surely you . don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young . people, girls in particular.' Aftermath: Jennifer Livingston spoke to the . Today show about the comments saying she is trying to inspire her . daughter to take a stand against bullying . Husband's support: Anchor Mike Thompson, pictured left and with his wife Ms Livingston on the right, said he found the email infuriating when he first published it on his own Facebook page . After the issue became national news, Mr Krause was asked to explain why he made his comments. Though he refused to go on air, he released a statement saying: 'Given this country's present epidemic . of obesity and the many truly horrible diseases related thereto, and . considering Jennifer Livingston's fortuitous position in the community, I . hope she'll finally take advantage of a rare and golden opportunity to . influence the health and psychological well-being of Coulee region . children by transforming herself for all of her viewers to see over the . next year. 'And to that end I would be absolutely pleased to offer her any . advice or support she would be willing to accept.' His harsh words drew much criticism and caused a major debate across the U.S. Ms Livingston said on the Today show that though Mr Krause made a valid point about the dangers of obesity, she blasted his approach for being 'totally inappropriate'. 'I have never gone in public saying I am the shining example of what your health should be', she said. 'I've never said girls should aspire to have a body like mine, I've never told anyone to eat the way I do or exercise as much as I do. 'If someone wants to talk to me about the story I've covered then I am all about that. My job is to go out and report the news. But when you attack someone on a personal level it's not fair at all, I don't care if I'm in the public eye or not.' Admission: The anchor said, 'The truth is, I am overweight. You can call me fat' Hi Jennifer, . It's unusual that I see your morning show, but I did so for a very short . time today. I was surprised indeed to witness that your physical condition hasn't improved for many years. Surely you . don't consider yourself a suitable example for this community's young . people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a . person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I . leave you this note hoping that you'll reconsider your responsibility as . a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle. In a special four-minute broadcast that aired before the news Ms Livingston spoke directly to her critic. She said she tried to laugh off the comment as she was so used to criticism from being in the public eye, but was encouraged by hundreds of supporters to speak out. She acknowledged: 'The truth is, I am overweight. You can call me fat - and yes, even obese on a doctor's chart. 'But to the person who wrote me that . letter, do you think I don't know that? That your cruel words are . pointing out something that I don't see? 'You don't know me. You are not a . friend of mine. You are not a part of my family, and you have admitted . you don't watch this show. 'You know nothing about me but what you see on . the outside, and I am much more than a number on a scale.' And perhaps to address the writer's comment that she was not a good role model for young people, she used the opportunity to focus on bullying, pointing out that October is anti-bullying month. Ms Livingston said: 'That man’s words mean . nothing to me, but really angers me about this is is there are children . who don’t know better - who get emails as critical as the one I . received, or in many cases even worse, each and every day. 'The internet has become a weapon and is passed down from people like that man to those who don't know any better. 'If . you are at home and you are talking about the fat news lady, guess . what? Your children are probably going to go to school and call someone . fat.' Standing up: Ms Livingston refused to give in to those who criticised her over her appearance . Viral: After Mr Thompson revealed the letter, messages of support for the couple started to flood in . She then thanked the hundreds of messages of support and courage she received from those in the community and further, saying it was 'overwhelming' and 'inspiring'. She finished the broadcast with a strong and powerful message: 'To all of the children out there who feel lost, who are struggling with your weight, with the color of your skin, your sexual preference, your disability, even the acne on your face, listen to me right now. 'Do not let your self-worth be defined by bullies. Learn from my experience - that the cruel words of one are nothing compared to the shouts of many.' VIDEO: Bullying debate ignited as news anchor responds to viewer who called her fat . | Jennifer Livingston was accused of being a bad role model .
Viewer Kenneth Krause apologised for attack and said he used to be obese .
Anchor now says she hopes people 'leave him alone' |
0c6854a86ddbb7c3dd5e8954464a04de7a1074ff | (CNN) -- A federal appeals court in Argentina has ruled that a grandmother must stand trial for growing two marijuana plants in her backyard. Argentina allows personal consumption of marijuana, and a federal judge had issued a stay against prosecuting the unnamed woman, who swore she used the marijuana solely for herself, the government's Judicial Information Center said last week. But the public prosecutor's office appealed the ruling, and a federal appeals court overturned the previous decision because the woman lives with her two sons and a grandchild. She could not prove the marijuana was solely for personal consumption, the three-page appeals court ruling said. Argentina's Supreme Court ruled in August it is unconstitutional to punish an adult for private use of marijuana -- as long as the use doesn't harm anyone else. The unanimous ruling made Argentina the second Latin American country within a one-week span last year to allow personal use of a formerly illegal drug. Mexico also enacted a law in August that decriminalized possession of small quantities of most drugs, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine and LSD. Earlier last year, a Brazilian appeals court ruled possession of drugs for personal use is not illegal. | Grandmother in Argentina will have to stand trial for growing two marijuana plants, court says .
Personal use of marijuana is allowed in Argentina as long as it doesn't harm anyone else .
Appeals court says the woman couldn't prove the marijuana was solely for her . |
0c69c31b10376623a8723b5bab096f702a6e5dc2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:45 EST, 2 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:00 EST, 2 April 2013 . Jeffrey Campbell's best-selling platform ankle boot, Lita, has been labelled 'the world’s ugliest shoe' - more so than Crocs, UGG Boots and even Celine's recent mink-lined sandals. But is the title deserved? Last week, the Los Angeles-based brand released a wedding range of Lita boots, called Cold Feet, prompting The Daily Beast to describe the shoe as 'hideous,' and 'the Clydesdale hoof of modern footwear.' But the opinion of fashion industry experts is divided; and with the Lita being sold everywhere from Nordstrom to Urban Outfitters, the shoe's popularity may just speak for itself. The Lita Boot: Jeffrey Campbell's best-selling platform ankle boot, Lita, has been labelled 'the world¿s ugliest shoe' - more so than Crocs, UGGs and even Celine's recent furry mink sandals. But is the title deserved? The Lita boot, with a two-inch platform and five-inch heel, . retails for between $160 and $190. First introduced in 2010, the shoe style was initially offered in mustard yellow, but has since been produced in 164 different colors and 65 different versions so far - selling nearly 160,000 pairs. The Daily Beast's Misty White Sidell described Jeffery Campbell as 'best known for producing cheaper imitations of runway shoes,' adding that they are 'probably Instagram’s favorite . shoe (tagged over 47,000 times on the app), but that doesn’t mean . they’re attractive in real life.' Named after Lita Ford of the Seventies band, The Runaways, the shoe's popularity is undeniable. 'Jeffrey . Campbell Lita's in your closet? You're golden' Miss White Sidell explains that he majority of Lita wearers wore the shoe in black, 'which . they’d often pair with American Apparel chiffon maxi skirts and some . sort of sweater.' But then . come the . shoe's eclectic prints: from cosmic stars, to the American flag and even . cat tapestry, the shoe was soon seen on every New York style blogger. 'Within a year, the elephant shoes had trickled . down through fashion social hierarchy, proliferating from the feet of . Teen Vogue interns to those of downtown dive bar dwellers,' wrote Miss White Sidell. 'In the . lead-up to that summer’s Independence Day festivities, New York’s . peacocking neighborhoods were awash with the American flag print . version.' Here comes the bride? Last week, Jeffery Campbell released a wedding range of Lita boots, called Cold Feet, prompting The Daily Beast to describe the shoes (pictured) as 'hideous' Worth it? The Lita boot, with its two-inch platform and five-inch heel, . retails for between $160 and $190 . Wild side: First introduced in 2010, the shoe style . was initially offered in mustard yellow, but the style has since been . produced in 164 different colors and 65 different versions so far - . selling nearly 160,000 pairs . While there are many fashion insiders that agree (in a Lita-dedicated post titled 'Shoe Vom,' Ceriselle, a fashion and lifestyle blog based in Bristol by Hayley Constantine, called them 'offensive'), there are many more who disagree. Rachel Schwartzmann, a New York City-based fashion blogger who contributes to The Huffington Post, recently wrote: 'Have . a pair of eye-catching shoes, you're set. Have a pair of Jeffrey . Campbell's Lita's in your closet, you're golden.' She went on to discuss the brand's 'fabulous and groundbreaking . designs in footwear,' saying: 'Even a little rain and wind won't . stop me from living and loving in my Litas.' Nylon magazine's Ali Hoffman also wrote last year: . 'Jeffrey Campbell is to shoes as Ben & Jerry's is to ice cream: What . first sounds like a crazy-slash-overwhelming mess of ingredients somehow . works perfectly in real life.' High profile fans: Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi teams a yellow and black leopard print shirt with mismatched black and white zebra print Lita shoes . And Lucky magazine's Lauren Sherman noted in . 2011: 'Another ubiquitous New York Fashion Week street style trend? Jeffrey Campbell's Lita boot. 'This bold shoe boasts a hidden . platform - which makes it comfy without forsaking an edge - and comes in . around 40 different colors and materials, from army green to red . glitter.' Regardless of the Lita's rank in shoe 'ugliness,' fans can now take their platform boots to the alter with Jeffery Campbell's wedding collection - which was 'made for the non-traditional bride in mind,' according to the company's website. There are many reasons we turn to ugly shoes - ignoring function for the sake of fetish, fashion fantasy. And there are just as many aesthetically-challenged shoes that the public has collectively embraced, for both fashion and comfort. Here, MailOnline takes a look at some of the ugliest shoes born into the 21st Century.Crocs . Crocs are lightweight, . waterproof and bacteria resistant, molded . from a material called croslite. Great for hospitals, commercial kitchens and kindergarten schools, Crocs are practical - but otherwise, unnecessary. UGG Boots . A unisex style of sheepskin boot which originated in Australia and New Zealand for warmth and comfort; but it wasn't long before off-duty A-list stars took note, and the world followed. Crocs vs UGG Boots: Two aesthetically-challenged shoes that the public has collectively embraced for comfort . Céline Designer Pheobe Philo released these remixed Birkenstock inspired-style sandals with bright linings of dyed mink for spring 2012. Marc JacobsThe designer wore these pilgrim-inspired rhinestone buckle shoes to last year's Met Gala, which he teamed with a see-through lace dress, . Louis VuittonThis kitten-heeled, half-boot is made from ombré monogram denim, sheepskin, Mongolian lamb, . wood, metal, and leather. 7th October 2009: Paris Fashion Week - "Louis Vuitton" Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2010. Paris, France.\nPictured, model.\nCredit: GoffPhotos.com Ref: KGC-60/146875\n*UK and Middle East Sales Only*\n . Nicholas Kirkwood for Meadham Kirchhoff Ruched . and ruffled lamé, furry pom-poms, glitter – all in one platform sandal.Brian AtwoodAt least these 2012 peep toe platform ankle Charleston boots aren't yellow?Alexander McQueen . These Armadillo Alien-inspired shoes were a favorite of Lady Gaga's. For fashion? Nicholas Kirkwood for Meadham Kirchhoff (left), Brian Atwood (middle) and Alexander McQueen (right) have all created questionable footwear . | The Los Angeles-based brand has just released a wedding range of Lita boots, sparking a hot debate over the shoes . |
0c6ab2cde79c7e3e6551288a9c8ee422b0f1ba2a | (CNN) -- All-star slugger Manny Ramirez has been arrested in southern Florida on one charge stemming from a domestic dispute, officials said Monday. The former Boston Red Sox star was arrested at a residence on one charge of touch/strike battery, the Broward County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. Ramirez, who hit 555 career home runs, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball in April, rather than continue with the league's drug prevention and treatment program. He was suspended in 2009 for 50 games after violating the league's drug policy. Ramirez is 39. | Ramirez is arrested at a residence in connection to a domestic dispute .
He announced his retirement from Major League Baseball in April . |
0c6acf49a30c2532f722c102916489e2cee534c6 | (CNN) -- Forty-four years after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was gunned down on the balcony of a Memphis hotel, the Tennessee city is overcoming what some call protracted guilt and embarrassment, and naming a street in his honor. A nearly 1-mile stretch of Linden Avenue will be renamed Dr. M.L. King Jr. Avenue on Wednesday, the anniversary of the civil rights leader's assassination. The honor has been a long time coming. More than 900 U.S. cities have streets named after King. The largest concentration is in the South, led by Georgia, which has more than 70 roads named after the Atlanta native, according to an article by Derek H. Alderman of East Carolina University in the New Georgia Encyclopedia. But in the city where he died, the omission has been, to many, glaring. "We never wanted to address losing Dr. King's life here," said former Memphis City Councilman Berlin Boyd, who helped lead the street-naming effort. Born and raised in Memphis, Boyd, 34, said he always wondered why there was no official street tribute for King. During his brief five-month term in a vacated council seat -- from August to January -- Boyd decided to get the ball rolling. "I had the opportunity to do something, and we got it done," Boyd said. The east-west Linden Avenue, while less famous than Beale Street with its many blues clubs and restaurants just a block north, was selected because that was where King marched in support of striking sanitation workers. The avenue also was a pivotal location during the strike. A photo shows the civil rights leader on Linden, Boyd said. The council proposal was approved earlier this year by a land-use control board. "He marched along this street; we wanted something that had a real nexus to this city," said Mayor A.C. Wharton. One of Dr. King's associates during the 1968 sanitation workers' march was the Rev. James Netters, a former city council member. Netters advocated for an intersection in honor of King in the early 1970s; The council decided to rename a portion of Interstate 240 as a substitute, he said. "Naming Linden is better than nothing," Netters said. The downtown thoroughfare is close to the historic Clayborn-Ball Temple, a focal point for many meetings of the sanitation strikers. King was scheduled to speak there on April 3, 1968, but, because of a large crowd, the rally was moved to Mason Temple. It was there that he delivered his famous "I've Been to the Mountaintop" address. Linden Avenue is a busy downtown thoroughfare and is on one side of FedExForum, home of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. The area around the street is undergoing a significant transformation, Wharton said. "This is the right time" to rename the street, the mayor said. Demolition of a public housing project is making way for a mixed-use development, and other projects will change the landscape. Long-term plans include naming up to 5 miles of Linden Avenue for King. King was killed April 4, 1968, by James Earl Ray. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where he was killed, will sponsor a commemoration on the anniversary date. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was with King at the Lorraine, said the assassination left Memphis with a deep sense of pain and guilt. He contends the city could "do more to memorialize Dr. King's legacy." For the city, the street naming is a large symbolic step in honoring King. "There is no way we could do enough for him ... that would measure up to what he gave up the United States of America," Wharton said. | A 1-mile stretch of Linden Avenue will be named after the civil rights leader .
Ceremony will take place on the 44th anniversary of King's death .
It was on this street that King led a march in support of striking sanitation workers .
"We wanted something that had a real nexus to this city," says Mayor A.C. Wharton . |
0c6b33df051ef3f58980262bdbe6cc661ae1e045 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- In a boon for IMAX and movie-watchers in China alike, a deal struck between the United States and China last week raises the number of 3D, IMAX and similar enhanced-format movies released in China. China has remained mostly closed to Hollywood, with a quota of 20 foreign films per year, most of them being from the United States. Under the agreement, announced during U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's trip to Los Angeles with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, 14 additional IMAX or 3D films would be allowed. Foreign film companies will also be permitted to take a 25% cut of the box office, nearly double the current 13%-17%. In a White House statement, Biden said the deal would support "thousands of American jobs in and around the film industry," adding that "Chinese audiences will have access to more of the finest films made anywhere in the world." Some 2.2 million Americans have jobs that depend on the film and television industries, according to the Motion Picture Association of America. IMAX, which has 217 theatres open or contracted to open in China, hailed the move, saying in a statement Saturday that it was "also committed to bringing Chinese films presented in our format to the U.S." On February 14, the company said that its first quarter box office of the year was $55 million, up from $38 million during the same period last year, driven primarily by "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," which accounted for nearly half those earnings. The Chinese film, "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," rounded the top four with $3.7 million. Last year, Chinese box office revenue exceeded $2.1 billion, much of the revenues from 3D titles, the White House noted. The deal resolves film-related issues related to a 2009 World Trade Organization ruling siding with the United States. According to the ruling, China's measures relating to the importation and distribution of films, sound recordings, audiovisual home entertainment products and reading materials breached its trading rights commitments as a WTO member. Hollywood has been battling piracy in China, despite Beijing's closure of piracy websites, in no small part due to the limited access of U.S. films to Chinese screens. Allen Wan, head of production for Hong Kong-based Salon Films Group which has worked with Hollywood companies in Asia, was positive about the deal. "Chinese audiences can see more films from the U.S. properly, officially. And on the other hand, I think it will increase more opportunities for Chinese and U.S. film (companies) to cooperate together to produce more films." "The Flowers of War," directed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou and starring Oscar-winner Christian Bale, cost $100 million to make, the largest production made in China. The film, which is set during Japan's occupation of Nanjing and the 1937 massacre, was China's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Its executive producer is David Linde, CEO of Lava Bear Films and former chairman of Universal Pictures. (He was also executive producer for Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.") The movie has failed to connect with U.S. audiences, however. For the week of February 14, it was playing in six locations, down from 30 when it opened, with an average gross of $550 per location, according to Boxoffice.com. The film's overall U.S. gross during its four-week run? $213,792, at last count. On Friday, coinciding with the U.S.-China film deal, DreamWorks Animation announced a joint venture with China Media Capital (CMC) and two other Chinese companies to establish a China-focused family entertainment company, Oriental DreamWorks. "In addition to content creation, the joint venture will pursue business opportunities in the areas of live entertainment, theme parks, mobile, online, interactive games and consumer products," DreamWorks Animation said in its announcement. The venture will have an initial capitalization of $330 million. The Chinese companies will hold a 55% majority stake; DreamWorks Animation will hold about 45%, according to the announcement. On the agenda: "Kung Fu Panda 3," Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua cited CMC chief investment officer Li Huaiyu as saying in an exclusive interview. DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda" was the top animated film released in China in 2008, according to the company. The sequel, which made $95 million at the Chinese box office last year, was second only to "Transformers 3," which brought in $170 million. | U.S.-China film-related deal resolves 2009 WTO ruling siding with United States .
Biden: Deal, struck during Xi's visit, would support "thousands of American jobs"
"Chinese audiences will have access to more of the finest films," he adds .
DreamWorks Animation enters joint venture with Chinese companies . |
0c6c2625e9323977e753fd3c0ea6c96ae637bdf8 | A son surprised his mother with the dream car she had always wanted - and published a video of her delight on YouTube. Corey Wadden, an aspiring social entrepreneur from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, got a friend to film the moment he handed his mother an envelope with the keys to the car inside. 'Since I was a kid, my mom's been raving about this car that she's always wanted: an old Saab,' Mr Waddon wrote on YouTube. 'Last year, I asked her to point out the exact car, in passing. She pointed out a copper coloured 1973 Saab 99 EMS.' Scroll down for video . Surprise! Corey Wadden bought his mother his dream car after tricking her into thinking he was making a documentary . This came in the mail: The film shows Corey Wadden handing his mother a letter that he claims was sent to her . Penny drops: His mom breaks down in giggles as she comes face to face with the car parked in the parking lot outside her apartment block . He explained: 'My mom used to clean houses for a living, and one of the houses she would clean for a few years was a guy who owned a 70's saab 99. He would throw her the keys and let her move the car all the time and she fell in love with it.' Mr Wadden says he spent six months just looking for the right car, then another six months to raise the cash to buy it. 'But suprising her with it made it all worthwhile,' he said. The film shows the scene as Mr Wadden collects his unsuspecting mother from her apartment, after telling her he needs to film her for a documentary he's making. Halfway down the block's austere-looking flight of stairs, he stops, hands her the envelope and tells her: 'Before we go out, something came in the mail for you, I don't know what it was but you should check it.' 'This didn't come in the mail,' she says, before finding the keys folded in a sheet of paper with a printed picture of the car. 'What the f***!' 'You're kidding me!' she then said, smiling and giggling uncontrollably as she comes face to face with the car parked in the car park outside the block. On his website, Mr Wadden explains his mother lost her job and she had no plan to support herself in old age - hence the gesture . Let's take it out for a spin: Mr Wadden says he spent six months looking for the right car, and then another six to raise the cash to buy it . Mr Wadden's touching display of filial devotion came as part of a personal project he has pursued for two-and-a-half years to raise enough money to become a millionaire by 25. On his website he explains that after his mother lost her job, he realised she had no plan to support herself in old age. 'I decided to take 2 years of my life to do everything I could to retire my family and attain financial freedom,' he said. Two-and-a-half years on, Mr Wadden's still trying to make his first million. But at least he's managed to make his mother very happy. | Corey Wadden's display of devotion came as part of project to raise enough money to become millionaire by 25 .
The Ontario entrepreneur wanted to get his mom a 1973 Saab 99 EMS .
Tricked his mom into thinking she would be part of a documentary . |
0c6d4d250de48a1b4969a9b5ddff904498fdb9f3 | By . Paul Bentley . PUBLISHED: . 20:20 EST, 27 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:00 EST, 28 October 2013 . Snatched: Two of the Tower of London's famous ravens have been killed by a fox. Legend has it that six ravens must guard the Tower of London at all times or the monarchy will fall. So security has been beefed up at the Norman fortress after a fox killed two of the treasured birds, leaving the minimum number required to save the Crown. The ravens, named Grip and Jubilee, were snatched just before they were due to be locked up in their cages overnight. Fortunately there were two spare birds at the Tower to keep the numbers up. A spokesman for Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that cares for the birds, said it had been a ‘lucky escape’ because the hungry fox had almost taken the number of ravens below six. The dead birds were found by keepers at dusk and tests showed they were killed by a fox. Grip was named after the raven in Charles Dickens’s Barnaby Rudge that inspired a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, while Jubilee was chosen to honour the Queen. The two new birds brought in as replacements have been given the same names. Catherine Steventon, of Historic Royal Palaces, said: ‘The ravens are put to bed each evening in secure enclosures to minimise these risks, however sadly a fox captured two of the ravens before they were put to bed. 'At dusk we couldn’t find them. Eventually, they were found within the inner walls… Currently we have eight ravens at the Tower. The legend mentions six ravens and we like to have two extra.’ In light of the attacks, Historic Royal Palaces has increased security and reviewed pest control measures. The legend of the ravens of the Tower is said to have begun under the reign of Charles II, who insisted that they should be protected. Guardians: The tower's ravens are cared for by the Beefeaters . Historic: The ravens are rumoured to have first been protected on order of Charles II . Watchers: A raven can be seen looking over Beefeaters at the Tower in 1996 . The birds, known as ‘guardians of the Tower’, are very well looked after, eating a diet of meat from Smithfield market, biscuits soaked in blood, and salt and vinegar crisps as a treat. An annual budget of £4,000 is set aside for their care. Most ravens in the wild have a life expectancy of 12 years but those in the Tower – who have their wings clipped to stop them flying away – usually live past their 25th birthday, with some reaching 40. Current residents Hugine, Erin, Merlin, Munin, Portia, Rocky, Jubilee and Grip will this winter see their home refurbished for the first time in 20 years. Taken: The ravens, named Grip and Jubilee, were snatched just before they were due to be locked up in their cages at the Tower overnight . They are allowed to roam on the south lawn and Tower Green during the day but are locked up at night. From next year, they will have modern cages with a secure area. The fox attack occurred in May and only came to light after a freedom of information request. Fortunately, no other ravens have been killed since but two died naturally and a third bird was dismissed for eating TV aerials. They have all been replaced. Legend has it that wild ravens have lived in the Tower of London for more than five hundred years. The birds are notorious scavengers and could have been attracted to the fortress by the smell given off by the corpses of those who had been executed. There are accounts of the carnivorous animals looking grimly on at the executions of Anne Bolyen and Lady Jane Grey - both wives of Tudor king Henry VIII. Superstitions that the ravens staying at the tower is the key to the nation's survival are thought to have originated around the 17th Century, when reigning monarch Charles II took the legend seriously enough to have the birds protected. Tradition: Two ravens pictured in the Tower in the 1960s . One story tells that the king complained to his Royal Astronomer, John Flamsteed, that the birds were leaving unsightly droppings on his telescope, and that he wanted them removed. But when he was told of the legend that the ravens were linked to the survival of the monarchy - which had only just been restored after the death of Oliver Cromwell - he declared that the ravens should have their wings clipped and be kept in the Tower to ensure their survival. As a compromise, he also decided to move the Royal Observatory to Greenwich. Another account say that Charles II first protected the ravens after the people of the capital began attacking them for scavenging in the destruction left by the Great Fire of London in 1666. In modern times, the ravens have one of their wings clipped, which means they can fly for short distances but cannot escape the fortress. The birds are officially enlisted as soldiers in the Army, and there are records of individuals being dismissed from their 'duties' at the Tower for unsatisfactory conduct. Close bond: A Raven Master meets a young bird at the Tower in the 1980s . Each raven has a coloured band on its leg to make it easier to identify the birds, which are commonly cited as being the one of the most common reasons for visiting the Tower, second only to the Crown Jewels. As well as their diet of premium meat, the birds are also feed cheese, boiled eggs, fruit and even vitamin supplements to keep them healthy. They are also dutifully protected from the outside world - a report from 2005 showed that crows around the Tower were being shot to protect the birds from disease and competition for food - while in the 2006 bird flu scare, they were given a special protective enclosure. However, some historians claim that the tradition of keeping ravens in the Tower is much less well-established than previously thought. In 2004 Dr Geoff Parnell, an historian at the Tower, searched the record books for the earliest mention of kept ravens, and could find nothing dating from earlier than 1895. Also in the records that did exist, it was occasionally stated that 'there are none' of the ravens left - suggesting their fabled link to Britain's destiny may not be as strong as first thought. | Security beefed up at Norman fortress after fox kills two birds .
Ravens Grip and Jubilee were due to be locked up in their cages overnight .
Legend has it that six ravens must guard the Tower at all times . |
0c6f5813e535c8051cf01e1a578df0ceaefcf20a | Chris Hughton’s career in the Brighton dug-out got off to the best possible start as he saw his new side book their place in the FA Cup fourth round. But for much of the tie it looked like these sides were heading for a replay but late goals from Lewis Dunk and Chris O’Grady made sure Brighton were in the hat for Monday’s draw. Hughton - who was named as Sami Hyypia’s replacement this week - has a proud history in the FA Cup having won it twice in the 1980s with Tottenham and he fielded a strong team in his first game in charge. Lewis Dunk scores the opening goal of the game in the 89th minute for Brighton against Brentford . Brighton players congratulate Chris O'Grady after he scored the visitors' second goal of the afternoon . Gordon Greer celebrates after the two late goals send Brighton into the FA Cup fourth round . Dunk celebrates after scoring a well-taken header in the 89th minute of the match on Saturday . Brentford (4-4-2): Bonham 7, Odubajo 7, Dean 6, Tarkowski 6, Bidwell 6, Diagouraga 6, Jota 7.5, Judge 6 (Yennaris 88), Toral 7 (Dallas 78), Smith 5.5 (Saunders 62 6), Gray 7. Subs not used: Lee, Craig, Tebar, Proschwitz. Booked: Tarkowski. Brighton (4-3-3): Stockdale 7, Calderon 6, Greer 6, Dunk 6, Chicksen 6, Holla 6, Ince 6, Teixeira 6 (Halford 66 6), March 6, Mackail-Smith 6.5 (O’Grady 66 6), Baldock 6.5. Subs not used: Walton, Hughes, Rea, Toko, McCourt. Booked: Greer, Baldock, Teixeira, Chicksen, Halford. Goal: Dunk 88, O’Grady 90. Ref: David Coote. Att: 8,542. Brentford had the better of the first half and were unlucky not to take the lead, but after the break it was Brighton who took control and eventually got the win they deserved thanks to Dunk’s header and Chris O’Grady’s cool finish. As early as the third minute Brentford had a great chance to take the lead after Moses Odubajo shot was well saved by David Stockdale and the rebound fell into the path of Andre Gray - but the striker somehow managed guide his shot along the goal line and not over it. Stockdale was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers and he was again called into action when Spanish midfielder Jota’s tricky run set up Jon Toral but his shot was well saved by the Brighton keeper. Brentford handed a rare start to Jack Bonham in goal and the 21-year-old did a good job in intercepting Joao Carlos Teixeira’s cross as Craig Mackail-Smith was lurking dangerously at the far post. Bonham had to be alert to keep out Solly March early in the second half after Mackail-Smith made a good break as Brighton looked to up the tempo after the break. Brighton defender Dunk clears a cross during the FA Cup third-round clash at Griffin Park . Brentford's Jake Bidwell tries to protect the ball while being closed down by Solly March and Inigo Calderon . Brentford's Tommy Smith slides in on Brighton & Hove's Solly March on Saturday afternoon . March is sent flying by Smith's slide tackle mid way through the first half . Brighton boss Chris Hughton watches on as Sam Baldock and Moses Odubajo tussle for the ball . Neither side looked like they wanted a replay and Gray again had a great chance to give his side the lead when the ball fell to him in the middle of the penalty area but he pulled his shot wide. Brighton boss Hughton must have been scratching his head minutes later when wondering how his side were not in front. March had two great chances to put the visitors ahead. He nicked the ball off Odubajo on the edge of the area and saw his shot cannon off the post and then minutes later when his shot seemed to go under Bonham, but the ball trickled wide of the goal. Another mix up at the back for Brentford allowed substitute Chris O’Grady to go through on goal, but he also managed to hit the post when it seemed easier to score. But finally the goal they deserved did come when Dunk rose highest to head home March’s free kick from inside a crowded penalty area. And in stoppage time Adam Chicksen played in O’Grady and he curled the ball past Bonham to make sure of the result. Alan Judge of Brentford tries to control the ball while being tracked by Brighton midfielder March . Brentford goalkeeper Jack Bonham collides with Brighton goalscorer Dunk during the second half . Brentford's James Tarkowski attempts to shield the ball from Craig Mackail-Smith at Griffin Park . Mackail-Smith heads the ball while Brentford's Harlee Dean watches on during the third-round clash . Brentford manager Mark Warburton embraces his opposite number Hughton before the match . | Brentford dominated possession during the FA Cup third round clash .
But the hosts couldn't turn that into goals against Brighton .
Chris Hughton's side took the lead through Lewis Dunk in the 89th minute .
And then Chris O'Grady scored in injury time to seal the win . |
0c709f5f704278d537da9d50a771fd84d20f3a09 | Indian police are on the lookout for three Iranians they suspect of involvement in last month's bombing of an Israeli Embassy car in New Delhi, a senior investigator said Thursday. The investigator, who spoke to CNN on the condition of anonymity, identified the suspects as Houshan Afshar, Syed Ali Mehdi Sadr and Mohammad Reza Abolghasemi. The Iranian Embassy spokesman, Hassan Rahimi Majd, did not respond to CNN's calls for a comment. Syed Mohammad Kazmi, an Indian freelance journalist working for an Iranian news outlet, was arrested last week in connection with the February 13 attack, which left several people wounded. In a separate incident on February 13, another device was found on an Israeli Embassy car in Tbilisi, Georgia, and safely detonated. A day later, a series of bombs disguised as radios detonated in Bangkok, Thailand. The Bangkok blasts did not kill anyone, and their intended targets were not clear, although authorities have said they were intended for Israeli diplomats. The devices used explosive materials that are not available in Thailand and were likely smuggled in, police said. The first bomb went off in a rental house in Bangkok believed to have been leased to foreigners, according to Thai authorities. After the blast, two of the men left the scene, while a third detonated two more bombs -- one when a taxi driver refused to give him a ride and another when he tried to throw a bomb at police officers as they closed in on him. The last bomb exploded near the man, blowing off his legs below the knee, authorities said. Thai police released a photo of a radio set packed with explosives. The devices included C-4 class plastic explosives, steel balls to increase destructive power, and round magnets. Police said the bombs had a five-second delay to allow the bomber to escape. The Thai National Security Council has drawn a tentative link between the bombs in Bangkok and those in India and Georgia, saying the materials used in the devices were similar. Kazmi, the freelance journalist, was held on charges of plotting the New Delhi attack. Authorities did not say for which Iranian media organization he works. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Tehran for the attacks. But Iran has denied the accusation, saying that "Israeli agents are often the perpetrators of such terrorist acts." Three other Iranians are in custody. Allegations that Iran was involved in the attacks "are fabricated and false and are prepared by the U.S. and the Zionist regimes," the official Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency, quoting a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said last month. | Indian police are looking for three Iranian suspects in last month's bombing in New Delhi .
Incidents occurred in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Bangkok, Thailand .
Tehran denies any involvement in the attacks . |
0c70c8ccd2f3d2dada53f5ec85156d8ede527eae | By . Katy Winter . PUBLISHED: . 06:10 EST, 24 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:33 EST, 24 September 2013 . The Prince of Wales has revealed that his sons the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry have inherited an essential quality from their father - a love of dancing. Charles joked about his prowess on the dance floor and how William and Harry have picked up the skill during a wide-ranging interview with the magazine Australian Women's Weekly. The heir to the throne also spoke of his joy at the warm reception the Duchess of Cornwall received from Australians last year. The Prince of Wales, pictured here in a disco dancing session in Derby in 1992, claims that sons William and Harry inherited their dancing skills from him . Charles hit the Dance-O-Mat with Lisa Shannon during a visit to Christchurch, New Zealand last year, but says at his age he dances less . Prince Harry showed off his moves when he was invited to dance by Chantol Dormer, when he visited Rise Life, a youth charity project in Kingston, Jamaica last year . Charles and Camilla made their first official visit to the country as a couple last November, and the royal described his delight after wellwishers realised she was 'an incredibly good sort'. The royal was first interviewed by the magazine in 1974 when, aged 26, he declared, 'If I hear rhythmic music, I just want to get up and dance.' The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Tuvalu and danced with the ladies at the Vaiku Falekaupule . Asked by the publication's deputy editor Juliet Rieden if he still felt the beat, Charles, who became a grandfather for the first time in July, repled: 'Perhaps, it's slightly less becoming once you get to my age.' He added: 'I think given half a chance though, the old one-two and the two-step can come in handy. I'm glad to say that both my sons have inherited it, I think. 'They're very good. They do make me laugh when they get going.' The Duke clearly amused his wife as he demonstrated his 'swagger' dance moves with Vanessa Boateng during a reception at Centrepoint's Camberwell Foyer in London in 2011 . It is easy to see why Prince Harry makes his father laugh when he 'gets going' on the dance floor when you see him dancing with local women during a walkabout at a 'block party' in Belmopan, Belize, central America during the Diamond Jubilee world tour . Harry was spotted dancing numerous times during his Diamond Jubilee tour of the Caribbean last year - especially in Kingston when he visited a charity. And when Charles and Camilla travelled to New Zealand at the end of their Diamond Jubilee tour, they both strutted their stuff with different partners on a pop-up dancefloor in Christchurch. Asked if he was passing his wisdom on to William and Harry, Charles suggested his sons had learnt from him - but wanted to keep it a secret. Charles, seen here trying his hand at Latin dancing at a state banquet in 1999 in Buenos Aires, says even nowadays 'the old one-two and the two-step can come in handy' He said: 'Well, I don't know. I hope so. How do you know? You can try, but no, I've always believed I just do what I do and I hope that they might notice something. 'I mean, funnily enough, I don't see what they're up to when I'm not there, but sometimes I hear back from others that they're surprisingly similar in some ways (to me). So maybe some things rub off ... which they wouldn't want me to know.' Speaking about last year's Australian visit, which marked the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the prince told the women's magazine: 'Before you go, you wonder what is the reaction going to be - it's always the same. But it was wonderful that they took to her and saw her for what she is - an incredibly good sort. The Prince and Princess of Wales dance together in 1985 at the Lady Mayoress's Committee Dance in Melbourne. Diana made a lasting impression on Australians during numerous visits . 'She loved it and has such incredibly happy memories of her experience and, obviously, I was thrilled, as you can imagine, for Australians to discover just how special she is ... because she's got the most wonderful sense of humour and has some very good jokes.' Charles' first wife Diana, Princess of Wales made a lasting impression on Australians during numerous visits and the Duchess appears to have also won the affections of many people in the country. The first stop for the royals during their tour was the remote outback settlement of Longreach and Camilla endeared herself to the locals by cuddling a 12-month-old kangaroo. The prince still has fond memories of his first visit to Australia, made in 1966 when he was aged 17. When the royal couple visited the outback settlement of Longreach and Camilla endeared herself to the locals by cuddling a 12-month-old kangaroo, called Ruby Blue . The royal spent two terms in the Australian outback at Timbertop, an off-shoot of Geelong Grammar School in Melbourne, on a private exchange from Gordonstoun. During the visit the prince said he plucked up the courage to really talk to the public and learnt to communicate with wellwishers. Speaking about the crowds that had come out to see him Charles said: 'Then, of course, finally, I took the plunge and went over and talked to people, and that suddenly unlocked a completely different feeling and I was then able to communicate and talk to people so much more.' While at Timbertop, 100 miles from Melbourne, the prince joined the other pupils who had to fend for themselves and complete expeditions into the surrounding hills. He said: 'There were leeches and snakes, and those enormous bull ants and funnel web spiders I've never forgotten. And then waking up in your tent and you're frozen stiff in the frost. 'I never imagined that would happen in that part of the world - or all these strange creepy crawlies wanting to do you mischief. But it was jolly good for the character and, in many ways, I loved it and I learnt a lot from it. And I certainly discovered what good value the Australians are.' Speaking about the issues that motivate him the royal said that we had created a 'throwaway society'. He stressed that nations had to look after the natural world: 'What I'm trying to say is there is another way of looking at this if we're going to hand over to our children and grandchildren a planet that isn't totally degraded and compromised. You can't push nature beyond a certain limit. We have to look after it.' Charles and Camilla made their first official visit to Australia as a couple last November, and the royal described his delight after wellwishers realised she was 'an incredibly good sort' Speaking about his views on balancing conventional medicine with complimentary treatments he said: 'I know lots of people who find they aren't benefited in every case by just the conventional, orthodox drug and finally discover that actually an approach - whether it's herbal medicine or acupuncture or various other forms of complementary medicine - actually does benefit them. 'There's a lot that can be done on the preventative side. There's an enormous amount we can do by looking at the whole person.' Charles also stressed that he wanted to see if some of his UK charities could link up with Australian counterparts to tackle issues. One project already off the ground will see the Prince's Foundation for Building Community develop the 'Prince's Australian Terrace' in Melbourne. The development will be an update to the popular Australian terraced house, combining 21st century Australian lifestyle demands with the technology of today which aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living solution. | Charles spoke to Australian Women's Weekly following his visit .
Says he still feels the beat and 'the old two-step comes in handy'
Claims Harry and William have inherited his moves .
'They're very good. They do make me laugh when they get going.'
Also spoke of his joy at the warm reception given to Camilla in Australia . |
0c715dfd9eb16e875eb8e4fef20872c7205704fa | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 10:38 EST, 5 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:41 EST, 5 May 2013 . When David Knapp found out his son-in-law was set to pick up an eBay purchase from the home where he was raised by his own parents, he was intrigued enough to go along for the ride. But the grandfather's curiosity turned to astonishment when the bungalow's owner, after learning of his history in the house, handed him a bracelet his late mother Emily had lost decades earlier. The 66-year-old grandfather-of-six admitted he was overwhelmed to be presented with the silver trinket stamped with his mother's initials - that he didn't even know she had lost. What are the chances? David Knapp, 66, holds up the silver bracelet which belonged to his mother that he was reunited with after a chance encounter with the new owner of his childhood home . Mr Knapp's parents lived at the bungalow in Costock, Nottinghamshire, which was built by his grandfather, after they got married in 1936 until they sold it and moved to Nottingham in 1985. 'It's overwhelming to be honest,' Mr Knapp said. 'The owners held up a bracelet which they said they found while they were gardening outside the bedroom window. 'The bracelet had the initials ER on it. My mother's maiden name was Richards and her first name was Emily. 'I must admit I didn't even know mum had the bracelet, let alone lost it, until I was shown it.' Blast from the past: Mr Knapp's mother Emily, . centre, to whom the bracelet belonged, with his father Douglas, left, and . sister Susan, right, pictured in the garden of the home in Costock, . Nottinghamshire . How it looked then: Mr Knapp's parents lived at . the bungalow, which was built by his . grandfather, after they got married in 1936, raised there children there and remained until they sold it and moved . to Nottingham in 1985 . Mr Knapp grew up at the property with his two sisters and lived there until he got married when he was 28-years-old. So he was already stunned when his son-in-law Andrew told him that he had to visit the property to pick up a sofa that he'd bid for an the auction site eBay. And the retired computer worker had another shock when the owner of the bungalow gave him a silver bracelet which his mother had lost. 'I think it must be her engagement bracelet because there's a shape of a heart on it,' he added. 'Mum must have lost the bracelet when I was very young, probably while she was gardening. 'We'll keep it. It's of more sentimental value than monetary value.' Heirloom: Mr Knapp says he'll keep the bracelet, which he thinks must have been given to his mother as an engagement present because it has a heart on it . The bracelet's finder Annie Sherman, who has since moved out of the bungalow, said she was delighted she was able to reunite the jewellery with its owner. She said: 'I dug it up while I was making a flower bed and I kept it because I thought it was rather sweet. 'I had a lump in my throat when I gave him the bracelet. It's now back with its rightful owners.' | David Knapp, 66, was already stunned when son-in-law told him he was set to pick up purchase from his childhood home .
But he got another shock when the bungalow's owner presented him with a bracelet his mother lost decades earlier .
He says he will keep the silver trinket, which he believes was an engagement present to his mother . |
0c72419a3f3361a205de94eda4207ebb13298347 | Tax rises and benefit cuts passed by the Coalition have cost the average household £1,127 a year – with the poorest families with children the hardest hit, a new report has revealed. While the richest 10 per cent have lost the most in cash terms, poor parents have lost the most as a percentage of their income, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said. Middle earners and the very rich have escaped 'remarkably unscathed' from the Government's austerity programme - with those without children actually gaining financially from the changes, largely due to increases in the threshold for paying income tax, said the IFS. The richest 10 per cent have lost the most in cash terms since 2010, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said . But poor parents have lost the most as a percentage of their income, the respected economic think tank said . Pensioners were 'relatively unaffected' on average, as their gains from the 'triple lock' on the state pension were largely offset by the hike in VAT. Labour said the findings were proof of a 'clear betrayal' by David Cameron of his promise to lead the most family-friendly Government ever. Looking at these changes, the poorest households lost around 4 per cent of their incomes, compared with around 3.5 per cent for the next poorest tenth, between 2.5 per cent and zero for middle-income households and a loss of about 2.5 per cent for the richest. The IFS found that families with four or more children lost 6.9 per cent of their income as a result of the tax and benefit changes under study - an average £2,941 - compared with a loss of 4.5 per cent for three-child families, 3.5 per cent for those with two children, 2.6 per cent for those with one and 0.4 per cent for childless households. Non-working lone parents were the worst-hit household type, losing about £1,837 a year from the changes under study, though the IFS said the average loss was skewed upwards by a small number of households affected by measures such as the benefits cap and national caps on local housing allowance rates. Hardest-hit region was Greater London, where households lost an average £1,042, followed by the South East, West Midlands and North West. James Browne, a senior research economist at IFS and co-author of the report said: 'Whichever way you cut it, low-income households with children and the very richest households have lost out significantly from the changes as a percentage of their incomes. 'Increases in the tax-free personal allowance have played an important role in protecting middle-income working-age households meaning that those without children have actually gained overall.' The hardest-hit region is Greater London, where households have lost an average £1,042 a year, followed by the South East, West Midlands and North West . The Chancellor George Osborne has introduced tax rises and benefit cuts costing the average family more than £1,000 a year . Labour Treasury spokeswoman Cathy Jamieson said: 'This report shows that tax and benefit changes under this Government have left households £1,127 a year worse off on average. 'Families with children have been hit hardest of all by David Cameron's choices - a clear betrayal of his promise to lead the most family-friendly government ever. 'For all the Government's claims, this report shows that they have raised tax by over £13.5 billion a year. And for millions of working people the rise in VAT and cuts to things like tax credits have more than offset changes to the personal allowance. 'The Tories are now promising to cut tax credits again for millions of working families and refusing to rule out another VAT rise to pay for their unfunded promises. It's clear working people can't afford five more years of this Government. 'Labour's economic plan will ensure we earn our way to rising living standards for all and balance the books in a fairer way. We will reverse this Government's £3 billion-a-year tax cut for the top 1 per cent of earners and help 24 million working people with a lower 10p starting rate of tax.' A Treasury spokeswoman said: 'Today's report from the IFS confirms that the richest have lost the most from the Government's changes to taxes and welfare. 'Treasury analysis has shown throughout the Parliament that the richest 10 per cent of households have made the largest contribution to reducing the deficit. 'The Treasury presents the most complete, rigorous and detailed record of the impact of this Government's policies on households. At the Autumn Statement this confirmed that the richest 20 per cent of households will contribute more to reducing the deficit than the remaining 80 per cent put together. 'Fairness is at the heart of our approach to reducing the deficit. Our analysis shows how our commitment to fairness is not a matter of rhetoric: it is reflected in the policy choices we have made. 'UK income inequality is now lower than when this Government came into office and the recovery is being felt across the country. But the only sustainable way to raise living standards for all is to keep working through the plan that is securing a better future across the country.' | Richest 10% have lost most in cash terms, Institute for Fiscal Studies said .
But poor families have lost the most as a percentage of their income .
Middle earners and the very rich have escaped 'remarkably unscathed' |
0c734f82bc2264c320276e069de1faf455c0f5f0 | By . Tom Worden for MailOnline . An ex-rugby league player died following a struggle with police after he fell from a hotel balcony in Spain. Luke Rhoden, 25, died from a cardiac arrest after being restrained by officers on the party island of Ibiza. Police said Mr Rhoden fell from a first-floor balcony at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in the resort of San Antonio last night. Tragic: Luke Rhoden died in Ibiza after an altercation with police. He had fallen from a first floor balcony . Cause of death: Rhoden, 25, pictured with an unnamed female, died from a cardiac arrest after being restrained by officers . He then picked himself up before running through the hotel screaming 'someone's trying to kill me', a police source said. Officers from the Civil Guard restrained him and put him into an ambulance to be sedated. Rumours circulated on Twitter that Mr Rhoden had been beaten up by police before his death. But a Civil Guard source said: 'Our officers do not beat people up. 'They restrained him for his own safety and helped him into the ambulance where he was sedated.' Paramedics spent 40 minutes trying to revive Mr Rhoden but he died at the scene. Police were called to the hotel after Mr Rhoden plunged from the balcony at around 10.30pm last night. Keen sportsman: Mr Rhoden (third right) with Wigan Warriors Academy Under-18s and Wigan Reserve Grade players in 2007 . The police source said: 'He was acting wildly and from his behaviour we believe he may have been taking drugs. 'He was a guest at the hotel. He jumped from the hotel balcony onto a patio below, then picked himself up and ran through the hotel screaming like a madman that someone was trying to kill him. 'Our officers restrained him for his own safety and put him into an ambulance so he could be sedated. 'The paramedics tried to revive him but he died in the ambulance. An autopsy will reveal the cause of death.' The autopsy will also determine whether Mr Rhoden had been taking drugs. Mr Rhoden, from Wigan, played prop forward as a junior for rugby league side Wigan Warriors and for England's under 17 side. Staff from Ibiza Rocks were today comforting friends and family at the hotel. Probe: An autopsy will also determine whether Mr Rhoden had been taking drugs . A source at the hotel said: 'Mr Rhoden's a big, big guy and it took a lot to restrain him. 'Several of our staff witnessed him being restrained but nobody has reported seeing the police use excessive force or beating him. 'He had fallen from a balcony and then made his way through public areas of the hotel acting very strangely. 'He made it out into the street where the police took over.' A spokesman for the hotel said: 'We can confirm there was a fatality in Ibiza last night and our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the individual concerned at this very difficult time. Popular: Mr Rhoden enjoying a night out with friends . 'We continue to assist the Spanish Police with their investigation and cannot make further comment about the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident until a full enquiry into the cause of death is complete.' Thomas Brindle wrote on Twitter: 'I am devastated to hear the news about Luke Rhoden, former team mate and top bloke. 'Very sad times. RIP.' British consular staff were today offering assistance to family members. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We can confirm the death of a British national in Ibiza on 3 September. 'We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.' This summer tourists were warned of a dangerous new mind-bending drug circulating on the island said to send some users into a crazed rage. The drug, known as bath salts or 'cannibal', contains the powerful stimulant MDVP. His former club Wigan Warriors said: 'Wigan Warriors are saddened to hear of the death of former youth player Luke Rhoden. 'Having come through the club's scholarship system Luke played for the Warriors academy in 2007 and 2008 before moving on to play semi-professionally at Oldham.' | Luke Rhoden, 25, died from a cardiac arrest after an altercation with police .
The tragedy happened in Ibiza after Rhoden fell from a hotel balcony .
Rumours circulated on Twitter that Mr Rhoden had been beaten up by police .
But a Civil Guard source said: 'Our officers do not beat people up'
Mr Rhoden played as a junior for rugby league side Wigan Warriors . |
0c73bc7062d37af63e1eb14613391cacff4bce66 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 17:28 EST, 8 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:30 EST, 8 March 2013 . Mathai worked for Annie George (pictured) and her late husband at their 20,000-square-foot mansion . A woman who had been charged with cheating an Indian household servant out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay and keeping her as a virtual prisoner at a mansion was found guilty Friday of knowingly keeping the servant in the country illegally. Annie George had said she didn't know Valsamma Mathai was in the United States illegally and that she didn’t mistreat Mathai during the 5 1/2 years she worked in her 20,000-square-foot home in suburban Rexford, near Albany. Mathai had testified that she slept in a closet, worked long days without vacation, days off or sick time and wasn't allowed to leave the property, a palatial stone mansion on a cliff overlooking the Mohawk River. George was convicted of harboring an illegal immigrant. She faces a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal jury handed down its decision Friday after deliberating since Thursday afternoon. The case surfaced when Mathai's son in India, Shiju Mathai, called the National Human Trafficking Resources Center in 2011. On Thursday, George said the tape recording of a phone call between a woman and Shiju Mathai, which prosecutors played Wednesday, wasn't her voice. She didn't say who she thought the voice belonged to. On the call, the woman warns Shiju there could be dire consequences, even jail time, for his mother if she was to tell authorities about working in the United States. Palatial home: V.M. worked in the George family's more than 20,000-square-foot stone mansion called Llenroc, 15 miles northwest of Albany . George testified that she was left in desperate financial straits when her husband died in 2009. She said she knew nothing of his . business dealings, including the arrangement to have Mathai live with . them, because he required her to stick to her duties as his wife and . mother of their six children and severely punished her if she tried to . make any decisions in the home. Her late husband, Mathai George, was a . native of India who built a hotel and real estate development business . in the United States. Deal gone awry: The woman hired in 2006 to work for the Georges as a live-in domestic servant for $1,000 a month . He was killed in 2009 along with his 11-year-old son and another man when their private plane crashed after takeoff. In his closing arguments, defense lawyer Mark Sacco said Annie George deferred to her husband on all decisions. 'The government is prosecuting Annie George because Mathai George isn't here,' Sacco said. He suggested Shiju Mathai launched the . investigation because he was unhappy that his mother was sending less . money home after Mathai George died. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick . Belliss said Annie George was an intelligent woman with a graduate . degree in pharmacy who, even if she didn't directly know Valsamma . Mathai's immigration status, was smart enough to figure it out. Belliss said Annie George even took Valsamma to an immigration lawyer once, a charge George denied. Valsamma Mathai came to the United . States legally on a visa after her husband died of cancer, leaving her . the sole provider for her two sons and ailing mother. When she left the . original family she was illegal because it violated the terms of the . visa, Belliss said. A business associate testified . Wednesday that Mathai George left six hotels, all in foreclosure or . bankrupt and in poor condition. Several friends of Annie George said . when they visited it appeared Valsamma Mathai was a member of the family . rather than a servant, and George's children called her grandmother. Federal prosecutors said Annie George . owes Mathai $317,000, based on the minimum wage and overtime for the . hours she worked. Mathai said she was paid only $26,000, much of which . she sent to her family in India. | Prosecutors said Annie George owes Mathai $317,000, based on the minimum wage and overtime .
She was removed in May 2011 after her son in India called the National Human Trafficking Resources Center .
Annie George faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty of harboring an illegal immigrant for private financial gain . |
0c74e1ae61834335e879ee1731ff523f72939d2b | Curtis, 54, is now recovering at home . By . Mike Larkin and Shyam Dodge . PUBLISHED: . 21:00 EST, 1 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:31 EST, 2 August 2013 . Jamie Lee Curtis is home resting after being hospitalised following a car crash. The Los Angeles Police department has confirmed that Curtis was involved in a collision at 10:10 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Rose Avenue in Venice Beach, California. According to a witness the 54-year-old . called her friend Jodie Foster moments after the incident and the Oscar-winner . showed up within minutes to lend some aid. On the scene: Jamie Lee Curtis pictured moments after her limo was struck by a BMW in Venice Beach, California, on Thursday morning . Coming to her aid: A witness claims Jodie Foster arrived on the scene after Curtis called her for help . Curtis was riding in a black Yukon SUV limo when it was struck by a BMW, but the collision has officially been deemed an accident by police. The star is said to have complained of ‘pain’ at the scene of the incident and was promptly rushed to a local hospital. ‘Jamie was indeed a passenger in a car involved in a collision this a.m.,’ the actress's rep explained to E! News on Thursday, ‘She went to the hospital to be checked out, but she is fine and is home resting.’ Shaken up: The 54-year-old complained of pain following the collision, pictured at the scene of the accident surrounded by fire fighters . Rushed to ER: An unnamed person involved in the incident is said to have been more 'seriously' injured and was immediately transported to the hospital . In photographs taken at the scene, Jamie looked shaken up as she spoke to a police officer who had attended the scene. Debris littered the road, and Jamie chatted with Jodie about what had just happened. Firefighters also attended, and were pictured delivering first aid at the scene. The collision: Curtis' limo appears to have been rear-ended in the accident . An ambulance then took Jamie to the ER, but according to TMZ her injuries were minor and she is now back home recovering. Another person was also taken to hospital, and their injures were more serious. While the pair have yet to appear in the same film together, they both starred in versions of Disney's Freaky Friday. Jodie . was nominated for a Golden Globe for her turn as daughter Annabel . Andrews in the 1976 hit original, which tells the story of a mother and . daughter switch bodies and get a taste of the other's life. Jamie played the mother opposite Lindsay Lohan in the 2003 remake, though her name in this film was changed to Tess Coleman. With friends like these: Jamie is said to have called good friend Jodie immediately following the collision . | Curtis, 54, is now recovering at home . |
0c75a7bdf9773add70ab07629c3baeedda08c547 | Not ready: Close pals say Cressida Bonas, seen here attending a society wedding has no plans of becoming a Royal bride within the next 12 months . Their romance may be going from strength to strength – but if Prince Harry thinks that his glamorous young girlfriend Cressida Bonas is ready for marriage he can think again. Cressida, 25, has told friends she has no plans of becoming a Royal bride within the next 12 months and would prefer smitten Harry to wait before asking for her hand in marriage. The couple have been dating for two years, but observers have noted that their relationship has become far more serious in recent weeks. However, a close friend of the couple said the former dance student ‘has yet to make up her mind about what she wants to do’. ‘Cressida is very busy and has lots to do. Marriage is not something she’s considering yet,’ said the source. ‘She has just started a new job where she’s being paid the usual salary for someone of her age – i.e. peanuts – and she has found a flat to rent with her friend Daisy. She is doing all the things that people in their 20s should be doing. ‘Who knows what might have changed by this time next year but that is how she wants it to be. ‘She doesn’t want to miss out on that chapter – she’s not that kind of girl. That said, her mother is ecstatic and would love them to get engaged.’ Although Harry, 29, has made it clear to his girlfriend that he is besotted – and that he would love to pop the question – Cressida’s determination not to rush things also stems from the fact that few of her closest friends have settled down. The source said: ‘When Cressida’s good chum Missy Percy got engaged to one of Harry’s best friends, Tom Van Straubenzee, she was really happy for them because they had been together for several years. However, she noted that Missy was only 25 at the time and she thinks that’s really young.’ Instead, free-spirited Cressida, who recently started a new job in marketing, is busy planning her adventures for the year ahead. In addition to hiring a tipi with friends for the Glastonbury Festival in June, she is planning a trip to Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean this summer. She will be travelling with her half-sister Isabella, who is married to Sir Richard’s son Sam. Close: Harry is said to be keen to pop the question to Cressida, the pair looked happy pictured here at an event in Wembley Arena last month . Busy: Free-spirited Cressida is said to be busy planning her adventures for the year ahead . Cressida also wants to attend the Burning Man festival, a cultural event that takes place in the Nevada desert at the end of August. The friend said: ‘Cressida has always wanted to go to Burning Man and she’s been talking about joining a huge gang who are going this year. It’s unlikely Harry will be able to go, though. Impatient: Harry has made it clear to his girlfriend that he is besotted with her . 'It is such an effort – you have to book flights to San Francisco and then hire an RV and fill it with food because no money is exchanged on the festival site. It takes lots of planning and months of saving. ‘Those are the kind of big events on Cressie’s horizon at the moment, not weddings.’ Meanwhile, Harry is planning two overseas Royal tours this year. He is due to visit Estonia and Italy in May, followed by a visit to Brazil and Chile in June. The latter will allow him to watch one or two matches at the World Cup in Brazil, and a Palace aide has told The Mail on Sunday it is likely he will attend at least one England game. On Tuesday Harry went on a ‘boys’ night’ to a smart private club in Mayfair with his friends James Haskell, the England rugby star, stockbroker Adam Bidwell, and Viscount Erleigh. The group was overheard teasing Harry about reports that he will soon be walking down the aisle. A source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘They were joshing him about planning his stag do. Harry said, “I have to be careful, it can’t be like Vegas”’ – thought to be a reference to his infamous trip to the city in 2012 when he was photographed frolicking naked at a hotel. The source said Harry’s friends promised to ‘send him out in style’ and one of them claimed: ‘Leave it to us, you’ll be hungover for a week.’ | Prince Harry's girlfriend Cressida Bonas is not ready for marriage, according to close friends .
Cressida, 25, has told friends she has no plans to become a Royal bride in the next 12 months .
The couple have been dating for two years, but their relationship has become more serious in recent weeks .
Harry has made it clear that he is besotted with Cressida and wants to pop the question . |
0c766a58a7633aa8f26890756ea559190c4c7acc | This is the captivating moment that a high-rise building in a Detroit suburb was reduced to a mound of rubble. Local media report the implosion and collapse in Southfield, Michigan, on the campus of Oakland Community College (OCC), lasted about two minutes. It temporarily left a thick and billowing cloud of dust cloud hanging over the area. A series of mini-explosions took place before college graduate Andrea Wilson detonated the main explosion . The building was in sore need of repair, and it was decided destruction was better than restoration . The right to push the detonation button was auctioned on eBay, with the winning bid of £5,100 ($8,000) placed anonymously by two people. They in turn awarded the right to recent OCC graduate Andrea Wilson, who said it was the best graduation gift she could ask for. Ms Wilson told Michigan Live: 'It's something I'll be able to tell my kids one day, that I helped blow up a building.' Ms Wilson has said that being the one to detonate the explosion is 'something to tell her kids one day' And in around two minutes, the 17-storey building was reduced to a cloud of dust and a pile of rubble . 'It was exhilarating. It happened real fast. There were a series of explosions and then it all went down all at once.' There were a series of mini-explosions that lit the windows of the 17-storey, 250,000-square-foot North Plaza Building, before the final blow. And in less than two minutes the building was reduced to a pile of rubble. | College graduate Andrea Wilson won eBay auction to detonate the blast .
Believed she had bid £5,100 ($8,000) to push the button in Detroit, US .
Huge building reduced to pile of rubble in around two minutes . |
0c76859b6f76f83ac367b78b13bfe67e61507ecf | By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 10:29 EST, 25 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:22 EST, 25 February 2014 . Two New York police sources have said they would not miss Alec Baldwin should he move to Los Angeles . New York police sources have reportedly said Alec Baldwin will not be missed should he move to Los Angeles. The actor revealed yesterday in New York magazine that he ‘probably’ needs to move out of the city and said he was considering L.A. Baldwin said he misses the days when New Yorkers would signal their appreciation of celebrities briefly and politely while taking care to maintain privacy. An NYPD police officer responded however . by telling The New York Post: ‘I say: Don’t let the door hit you on the . way out of the city.’ The officer, who has not been named, reportedly knows Baldwin from the actor’s neighbourhood, Greenwich Village. ‘I . don’t like the guy. It’s a pain in the ass to deal with him every time . he blows his top at the press and we’re called in to clean up the mess.’ The source said that Mr Baldwin shows ‘respect’ to police officers, but said he wasn’t sure if it was ‘sincere’ or not. Another police source also told the paper: ‘Good riddance.’ They also said that his life would not get any better if he moves to L.A., pointing out that the press would 'hound' him there as well. In . the New York interview, headlined 'I Give Up', he talks about beginning to ‘crave’ Los Angeles . after more than 30 years in the Big Apple because he thinks he would be able . to give wife Hilaria and their six-month-old daughter Carmen a more . peaceful and private life. 'I give up': Melodramatic Alec Baldwin laments his A-list life as he predicts he will 'probably' have to leave New York in candid new interview . Revealing: The interview is said to detail the former 30 Rock star's feud with fellow actor Shia LaBeouf and the dispute with MSNBC that ended his short-lived Up Late talk show . In the same interview, Mr Baldwin also claims Shia LaBeouf verbally attacked him while making Orphans, leading to their bust-up. The . 55-year-old star and Mr LaBeouf were engulfed in a feud after clashing while . making the Broadway play partly because he claims the Transformers actor . 'began to sulk' because Mr Baldwin didn't learn his lines ahead of . rehearsals. He said: 'One day he attacked me in front of . everyone. He said, “You’re slowing me down, and you don’t know your . lines. And if you don’t say your lines, I’m just going to keep saying my . lines.” 'We all sat, . frozen. I snorted a bit, and, turning to him in front of the whole cast, . I asked, “If I don’t say my words fast enough, you’re going to just say . your next line?” I said. “You realise the lines are written in a . certain order?” He just glared at me.' Mr Baldwin claims he asked for a break to cut short the incident and went to speak . to the stage manager with director Dan Sullivan and offered to quit the . project and insisted they didn't fire Mr Labeouf. But . the actor recalls Mr LaBeouf, who he had heard was 'potentially very . difficult to work with', was 'shocked' when he was given his marching . orders from the show. Love-hate . relationship: The volatile star has long lamented the intrusion into . his private life and several homophobic rants have notably affected his . career, with his short-lived Up Late talk show cancelled in November . following an anti-gay slur at a photographer . Elsewhere in the article, which features an accompanying close-up of Mr Baldwin as he . stares into the camera with a neutral, if . a little sour, expression on his face, the Oscar-nominee discusses his . feelings about MSNBC, on which he had short-lived talk show Up Late. The programme was pulled off air for good in November after five episodes . following what was initially a two-week suspension, reportedly . due to Mr Baldwin's use of yet another anti-gay slur during an altercation with a . photographer outside his home. While the official word was that the two . parted ways mutually, sources say the star's 'diva-like behaviour . towards co-workers', along with the homophobic comment, played a . deciding factor in the decision. But . in his New York magazine chat, he insists he 'never wanted' to be on . MSNBC in the first place and describes it as 'the same s**t all day . long' as well as slamming several stars of the channel including talk . show host Joe Scarborough. Speaking about the channel, he said: 'Morning Joe was boring. Scarborough is neither eloquent nor funny. And merely cranky doesn’t always work well in the morning. Mika B. is the Margaret Dumont of cable news. I liked Chris Jansing a lot. Very straightforward. I like Lawrence O’Donnell, but he’s too smart to be doing that show. Rachel Maddow is Rachel Maddow, the ultimate wonk/dweeb who got a show, polished it, made it her own. She’s talented. The problem with everybody on MSNBC is none of them are funny, although that doesn’t prevent them from trying to be.' However, Ms Maddow - who he described as 'phony who doesn't have the same passion for truth off-camera that she seems to have on air - seems to have dismissed his claims, highlighting that they have never even met. She tweeted: 'I have never met Mr. Baldwin, either on-camera or off-camera. I wish him all the best.' Around the same time the Up Late talk . show was pulled, Baldwin lamented the invasion of privacy he and his . family faces on a daily basis, ranting in an open letter on the Huffington Post that he was willing to give it all up to protect his loved ones. 'If . quitting the television business, the movie business, the theater, any . component of entertainment, is necessary in order to bring safety and . peace to my family, then that is an easy choice,' he wrote. 'This country’s obsession with the private lives of famous people is tragic.' 'It is an easy choice': In November, the former 30 Rock actor said it was a no-brainer that he would give up his career for the sake of protecting his family - pictured here with wife Hilaria Baldwin and six-month-old daughter Carmen in Madrid earlier this month . | Two New York police sources say the actor will not be missed should he move to Los Angeles .
Mr Baldwin said in an interview, published yesterday, that he 'probably' needs to move out of the city and that he was considering L.A . |
0c770a9d99d0e32bfc80f1693184278104d82972 | The Israeli military said Friday it arrested three Palestinians from the West Bank and charged them in an alleged plot to assassinate Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Court documents say the scheme involved a plan to purchase rocket-propelled grenades and fire them on his convoy. Lieberman has a home in a West Bank settlement. The military suspects that the three men gathered intelligence on Lieberman's convoy. The indictment sheet says the plot was hatched in August during Operation Protective Edge -- an Israeli military assault against the Hamas military wing in Gaza, designed to stop Palestinian rocket attacks into Israel. A Hamas spokesman said he was unaware of a planned attack, but he justified it. All Israeli leaders are legitimate targets because Israeli soldiers killed Palestinian children and women, and they entered Al Aqsa mosque and attacked Palestinians, said Sami Abu Zuhri. The military and police said they also uncovered an intended gun and car attack on the Jewish West Bank settlement of Gush Etzion. Three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped there in June, contributing to tensions in the lead-up to the military action in Gaza. | Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has a West Bank home .
Three men intended to fire rocket-propelled grenades at his car convoy, police allege .
Israeli leaders are legitimate targets, a Hamas spokesman says . |
0c7729725a22acd3d7430a84f487b7933717f33d | Editor's note: The staff at CNN.com has been intrigued by the journalism of VICE, an independent media company and Web site based in Brooklyn, New York. The reports, which are produced solely by VICE, reflect a very transparent approach to journalism, where viewers are taken along on every step of the reporting process. We believe this unique reporting approach is worthy of sharing with our CNN.com readers. London, England (VICE) -- According to Britain's National Fraud Authority, fraud costs British taxpayers an estimated £30 billion ($47 million) every year; globally, the figure is a staggering $3 trillion, an amount larger than the GDPs of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. In April 2011, VICE was introduced to Tony Sales, a convicted fraudster and one of Britain's most successful career criminals. During his career, Sales banked an estimated £10 million through various financial scams, ultimately spending six rather luxurious years of his life on the lamb. Sales introduced us to a number of players in London's vast underground fraud network, who tutored us in various scams that, cumulatively, cost every adult in Britain £621 ($1,000) a year. A number of those we met were young, working-class men, most in their late teens or early 20s. One young fraudster explained that he first started scamming online to finance his wrestling action figure collection, though when he discovered how easy it was to obtain purloined credit card numbers, he graduated to more expensive items like sneakers, stereo equipment and large grocery orders (which, he claims, are then given to local single mothers). We were allowed to watch as he plied his trade, but his identity was never known to us and we were blindfolded for the round trip to his apartment. See the rest of UK fraud at VICE.COM . We also spent time with a Nigerian underworld figure calling himself Mr. Gold, the purveyor of a strangely ingenious scheme called "wash, wash." Gold convinces other criminals -- including, he claims, members of the Irish Republican Army -- that he has obtained large amounts of cash that once belonged to Osama bin Laden. He then charges his victim thousands of pounds to "wash" the former al Qaeda leader's "dirty money," which has been stained brown for "reasons of security." The cleaning fluid, Gold explains, is prohibitively expensive and can only be obtained by bribing military personnel. Despite the absurdity of the scam, he claims it has netted him hundreds of thousands of pounds. How did we gain access to this world? Well, Tony Sales argues that he is now a reformed fraudster, and hopes that this documentary will demonstrate to the British government that they should employ him to help combat fraud. We wish him all the best. | Fraud in Britain is estimated to cost taxpayers $47 million a year .
VICE meets former and current career criminals for an inside look at how they do it .
A former fraudster says he's now reformed and wants to help the government combat fraud . |
0c77f250d3d104fc50d2e6b4f63e3c885a436284 | By . Sam Webb . The son of an Indian politician killed in an air crash in 1973 is one of the 227 passengers feared dead after the disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines flight. The family of Canadian-Indian Muktesh Mukherjee, 42, fear he has shared the same fate as his grandfather Mohan Kumaramangalam, Indira Gandhi’s steel and mines minister who died on Indian Airlines flight 440 which crashed close to New Delhi four decades ago, killing 48 of the 65 passengers on board. Mr Mukherjee, the vice-president of operations in China for the Pennsylvania-based XCoal Energy and Resources, was one of five Indians on the flight. Muktesh Mukherjee, 42, and his wife Xiaomao Bai, 37, were on the missing Malaysia Airlines . His 37 year old Chinese wife Xiaomao Bai was also on the flight. 'We’re living in fear of a second disaster in the air in our family,' a member of his family told India's The Telegraph. Mr Mukherjee's mother Uma, the daughter of Mohan Kumaramangalam’s left her home in Dubai for Beijing yesterday after hearing about the Malaysia Airlines flight. 'We are trying to gather information and get the family together. It’s a very sad time for us,” said Mr Mukherjee's cousin Mangaljit Mukherjee, a Supreme Court lawyer. Mr Mukherjee, the vice-president of operations in China for the Pennsylvania-based XCoal Energy and Resources, was one of five Indians on the flight . Indian Foreign Office spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said: 'Our high commissioner in Kuala Lumpur has personally spoken to the families of all the five Indian nationals on the flight.' Canadian embassy officials confirmed that Ottawa was in touch with the families. Authorities have still found no trace of the missing plane despite searches by ships from six navies and dozens of military aircraft. The massive search is mainly in a 50-nautical mile radius from where the last contact with the plane was made, midway between Malaysia's east coast and the southern tip of Vietnam. Chinese students stand by candles while praying for the passengers aboard the missing Boeing 777 at a school in Zhuji city. The disappearance may be down to a terrorist act . Members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) scan the seas about 140 nautical miles north-east of Kota Baru, Malaysia, for any signs of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane . Oil slicks can be seen from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plane scanning the seas about 140 nautical miles north-east of Kota Baru, Malaysia . A U.S. led search is also taking place hundreds of miles away on the other side of the Malaysian peninsula. Malaysia's civil aviation chief Azharuddin Abdul Rahman described the disappearance of the plane as an 'unprecedented aviation mystery'. He said a hijacking could not be ruled out as investigators explore all theories for the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. 'Unfortunately we have not found anything that appears to be objects from the aircraft, let alone the aircraft,' he told a news conference. 'As far as we are concerned, we have to find the aircraft, we have to find a piece of the aircraft if possible.' Flight MH370 disappeared from radar screens in the early hours of Saturday, about an hour into its flight from Kuala Lumpur. Searches for the plane are now taking place throughout the area . | Muktesh Mukherjee is among the 239 missing after plane disappeared .
His grandfather Mohan Kumaramangalam died in crash near New Delhi .
Family is 'in fear of a second disaster in the air' after flight went dark . |
0c7858974e5b8dfe777470504301b59cbeeec855 | Around a third of items bought at last weekend's Black Friday sales stampede may have already been returned, new research claims. Figures suggest millions were swept up by the frenzy into making purchases they did not want simply because goods were cheaper. More than £800million was spent online on Friday and £720 million on so-called Cyber Monday this week during the growing trend for websites and stores to offer pre-Christmas sales. But CollectPlus, a parcel rival to the Post Office, has seen a seen a 30 per cent rise in parcel returns this week compared to an average week. Scroll down for video . There were ugly scenes at shops last Friday as bargain-hungry shoppers fought over discount TVs . The fights came as £810million was spent online - with a similar amount taken by shops and supermarkets . Most appear to be hastily bought items from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, returned quickly by those hoping to get their money back in time to spend on Christmas. The post-Black Friday surge will result in an estimated 31 per cent of online purchases being returned, according to a survey of more than 2,000 adult customers. And it could cost British business up to £505 million in lost productivity and employee absence as the average customer will each spend 52 minutes returning parcels this Christmas, said the research. Almost one in five Britons have taken time off work to return a purchase, said CollectPlus CEO Neil Ashworth. The rush to buy online bargains caused a number of retailers' websites to crash under the strain . This Amazon warehouse in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire had to process millions of orders . Mr Ashworth said: 'With the increased enthusiasm for 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday', we expect to see a sharp returns peak this week. 'Our research tells us that the average shopper is taking valuable time and losing money each year due to complicated or costly returns. 'As such, it is imperative that retailers have a robust model in place to ensure that customers can conveniently return any unwanted items and are quickly reimbursed.' The boom in online shopping has led to a sharp rise in the number of British shoppers returning purchases by post, as opposed to just going into a store for a refund or exchange. Natalie Berg, of research analysts Planet Retail, added: 'The frenzied nature of this year's Black Friday and, to a lesser extent, Cyber Monday events will have resulted in some panic buying. 'Having had time to reflect on whether such purchases are actually worth keeping, or indeed if it they were genuine bargains at all, many shoppers will be looking to return items this week.' But research suggests more than a third of items bought on the day of sales has now been returned . | Online shoppers in the UK spent millions on goods on Black Friday .
Shops also saw ugly scenes as customers fought over discount items .
But parcel firm now reveals around a third of the goods are being returned .
Research suggests many shoppers may have got carried away in sales . |
0c787abcbd4703cd3413aba1cc5cb5225dc94d75 | (CNN) -- The Puerto Rico Police Department has a long pattern of violating citizens' constitutional rights through excessive force and unwarranted searches, the Justice Department said in a report released Thursday. The analysis by the Justice Department's civil rights division found the U.S. commonwealth's police force is "broken in a number of critical and fundamental respects." Bucking the trend of decreasing crime in the United States, violent crime in Puerto Rico increased 17% between 2007 and 2009. The island has also seen a number of large protests in past years over issues such as the cost of public education and job cuts. Police confronted these challenges with too heavy a hand, the report said. In response to student protests in August 2009, police used chemical agents, batons and physical force against protesters, according to the report. Protesters at other demonstrations have been met with chokeholds and rocks thrown by police, the report said. Puerto Rico has used excessive force that has violated and suppressed people's right to exercise free speech, the Justice Department said. There is also evidence of unlawful search and seizure that violate the Fourth Amendment. Many of the abuses come from the police department's strategy of sending tactical officers for community policing, according to the report. The Justice Department also found the police department fails to police sex crimes and cases of domestic violence, and discriminates by targeting people of Dominican descent. "We find that these deficiencies will lead to constitutional violations unless they are addressed," the report said. It is a "longstanding practice" of the department to use force -- including deadly force -- in cases where lesser force or no force would have sufficed, the report said, adding that hundreds of people have been unnecessarily injured. The Justice Department also contends that there are problems not just with the way the Puerto Rico police department carries out its functions, but among the officers themselves. Between 2005 and 2010, there were more than 1,700 arrests of police officers on charges ranging from theft to murder, the report said. Current police policies fail to guide officers, and there is a lack of oversight by superiors, according to the report. Training is also insufficient, it said. Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno said Thursday that long before the Justice Department report, his administration had already sent a 150-page study to federal authorities outlining changes the police would undertake. Fortuno said he was aware there were problems at the police department for years. The governor also said that police have been meeting with the Dominican community in Puerto Rico to address issues of discrimination in policing. One aspect of the report that Fortuno did not address was police corruption. The Puerto Rico Police Department is the second-largest in the United States. Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez described the crime situation in Puerto Rico as serious. There have been 786 killings so far this year in what looks to be a record-setting year. One refrain that federal investigators heard repeatedly in Puerto Rico is that they had to make a choice between preserving public safety and abiding by the Constitution. "I categorically reject that false choice," Perez said. He said history has shown that crime declines when the public has confidence in its police. "Reforming the department won't be easy, and it will take time," Perez said. He gave Fortuno's government credit for giving investigators access to documents and personnel since the probe was opened in 2008. Nationwide, there are 17 investigations such as the one in Puerto Rico against police departments in the United States, Perez said. Such probes are designed to make systematic changes in those departments. The American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups that pushed for the investigation, said the report confirmed the level of violence and corruption in the Puerto Rico Police Department. "With the facts laid bare, it is now the responsibility of the Puerto Rican government and the Justice Department to make sure the police abuse and brutality end as quickly as possible," ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero said in a statement. Journalist Dania Alexandrino contributed to this report. | NEW: ACLU says report confirms level of violence and corruption among police .
NEW: Puerto Rican governor says he is already making changes .
The Justice Department says civil rights are being violated by police in Puerto Rico .
The police force uses excessive force and unlawful searches, the report says . |
0c79c823a358445d4d7735d565d2f81e9b9dc8ba | (CNN) -- Before she was even born, Micaela Bryan already had her own Twitter handle. Now just over 18 months old, she has more than 12,000 online followers. Some of them are among the biggest names in sport, including Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. The top-ranked tennis duo have both had star billing on @micaelabryan -- and Djokovic is quite the regular guest. "Uncle Rafa" might have been the early inspiration, but his on-court rival "Uncle Nole" has made a serious play for her affection. "Every time Novak sees her it's really funny, he'll say, 'Micaela, my little buddy, how are you doing?' and he'll go and give her a hug," her mom Michelle Bryan told CNN's Open Court. "And if she doesn't give him what he wants, like a good response, he'll say, 'You've forgotten about me already.' " But Micaela will never forget Djokovic. When she grows up she'll have a permanent record of her encounters with Serbia's favorite sporting son -- it's all documented on social media. "My wife masterminded it," says Bob Bryan, one half of the most successful men's doubles partnership in tennis history. "She got @micaelabryan before she was born and I didn't even know about it, and then we got this picture with Nadal in Miami when he was just walking through the corridor toward the locker room and he kneeled down and took a picture with her. "He says as a joke, 'Let's put it on our Twitter account,' and we put it on and woke up the next day, she had something like 750 followers. "So it was kind of born right then. We were like, 'Now she has all these fans we've got to keep them happy,' so we just kept getting pics with stars." The biggest "get" so far is undoubtedly Roger Federer, the record-setting 17-time grand slam champion of the men's game, who was pinned down at the 2012 French Open. "He's one of those guys, sometimes at tournaments you don't see him he's so busy," says Bob of the Swiss superstar, himself a father of two young girls. "He doesn't stay at the player hotel ... you might catch him in the locker room. But we saw him hanging out at the French. He was so nice, he's like, 'Take one this way, let's try this one,' doing lots of little poses. Micaela loved him and that was a high-five moment for sure." Bob and his twin brother Mike have had plenty of "high-five moments" on the court in the past year -- or, to be more accurate in their case, "chest-bumping moments." By winning Wimbledon in July, they became the first doubles team to hold all four grand slams and the Olympic title at the same time -- and success in their home U.S. Open this weekend would create history as they would own all four majors in a calendar year. Only one other partnership has achieved it -- Ken McGregor and Frank Sedgman in 1951 -- but the Australians did so before the advent of the professional Open era in 1969. On Monday the identical twins needed to save two set points in the opening set in a 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 victory over the British pairing of Colin Fleming and Jonathan Marray. Though doubles is considerably lower profile than singles competition, the 35-year-old brothers have both earned more than $10 million in tournament prize money on top of their endorsement deals. And both are acutely aware that, to capitalize on their playing success, they need a strong online presence. Bob (@Bryanbros) has almost 110,000 Twitter followers, Mike (@Bryanbrothers) has nearly 75,000, their Facebook page has just passed 45,000 likes and they also have an official website. "When companies are deciding between two athletes, they'll pick the one that's got the most followers or is more active on social media. They're looking at players that give them that extra marketing pop," explains Bob. "It's really important for the athletes to stay connected with the fans, they really appreciate it. It's good for promoting yourself and promoting your sport. I think companies now really understand and appreciate the value of an athlete who has a big social reach. Watch: Twin trouble for Pat Cash . "In our contracts now -- clothing, shoes rackets -- it's all built in, the number of tweets we have to send, the number of times you have to post on Facebook." Although he has nowhere near the online following of Nadal and Federer, who both have upward of 10 million followers on Facebook alone, Bob says he was one of the first regular tennis tweeters -- and now many players use it to communicate during the downtime of touring life. "I had a birthday (in April) and Novak Djokovic wrote me a direct message on Twitter -- it's a way we stay connected. It's getting away from email and texts and going towards Twitter and Facebook. "It's one of the big reasons why I decided to put my daughter on it -- it's just another way to stay active and be creative with it. I don't like to just post pictures of rackets, so if I meet someone cool, or go to an interesting place..." Micaela, too, is getting to see the world. And she's being primed for a life in tennis -- already boasting a racket deal "after a long 16 months of negotiations" according to a post on her Twitter page in June. "I played tennis my whole life so I would love for her to play tennis, because for me it was amazing," says mom Michelle, a lawyer who played the sport at college. "I developed mentally, I think I benefited from it growing up, all my friends played tennis -- the culture is something I want her to experience as well. But ultimately it's up to her." Micaela may still be getting to grips with her nascent tennis swing, but she's already a dab hand with technology -- though more often than not it ends up in her mouth. "She's a genius with the iPhone, she loves it. She's got the swiping down," says Mike, as he retrieves his mobile from the baby before it receives a terminal dribbling . "We love having her on the road. That's the only way Bob would do it. He wants to see her develop and grow up, and we've seen her first steps, we see her roll over for the first time. And I'm a good babysitter -- I ask for $100 and I'll do it." Life on the tour can be a grind, but having a baby on board can alleviate some of the stress. "She doesn't care if we win or lose, so it keeps things in perspective," says Bob. "We lost a tough one in Monte Carlo and had seven match points. We wouldn't usually talk for a few days, but she comes running at us, gives us a hug and laughing, she doesn't care." Micaela may soon have company on the circuit -- Michelle is pregnant again. And the brothers have no intention of quitting yet. "We're still having fun, we're eager, we still have some goals left," says Mike. Bob: "We're perfectionists, I still don't think we're playing our best tennis. There's stuff we can improve and you want to get to that level before you shut it down." | Baby daughter of tennis star Bob Bryan has become a big hit on the internet .
Micaela Bryan had her own Twitter account set up before she was born last year .
She now has more than 12,000 followers, including the biggest names in tennis .
Micaela travels with the Bryan brothers and has snaps from all aorund the world . |
0c7adb8272bd78e5bd642bcf2776a90d02184b5a | By . Alex Ward . PUBLISHED: . 09:38 EST, 8 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:33 EST, 8 November 2012 . This incredible ‘Extra Terrestrial Vehicle’ is a sci-fi fan’s ultimate toy but the concept car will set a buyer back £75,000, the same pricetag as a Porsche 911. This futuristic creation by car designer Michael Vetter, or Kit Car Mike as he is known, is based on a run-of-the-mill Chevrolet but is unlike any other car on the road. Looking more like the car driven by Tom Cruise in Minority Report than anything seen in sci-fi blockbuster E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, the supercharged engine is a concept car still sure to impress die-hard sci-fi fans. Sci-fan fantasy: The 'Extra Terrestrial Vehicle' is a sci-fi fan's ultimate toy but will cost £75,000 . Concept car: Created by car designer Michael Vetter, or Kit Car Mike as he is known, is based on a run-of-the-mill Chevrolet . With a windscreen five feet high and gullwing windows which open by remote control, the futuristic car makes the famous De Lorean, from the Back To The Future films, look outdated. Kit Car Mike, who runs The Car Factory in Florida, America, has made seven ETVs and one model is on display at the London Motor Museum in Middlesex. Set to impress: The car has a windscreen five feet high and gullwing windows which open automatically by remote control . Unlike anything on the road: Kit Car Mike said that he gets 'five times as many people photographing it than if I was in a supercar' He said: ‘This ETV is built for the person that has had every kind of car and is still looking for something different. ‘I have built more than 100 custom cars and this is the best of the best in terms of looks and reliability. ‘I was unprepared for the initial response I would get while driving it but I would say I get five times as many people photographing it than if I was in a supercar. Rare: Only seven ETVs have been made and one is one display at the London Motor Museum in Middlesex . Supercharged sci-fi: The car is powered by a two litre supercharged engine which sends 270bhp to the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox . ‘If you think a Bugatti Veyron gets a lot of attention, be prepared for something of a different flavour as this brings in so much positive energy.’ The Car Factory website says of ETVs: ' We offer to build any style of futuristic or concept car in a high quality manner where you will be able to drive the car every day if you like.’ It is powered by a two litre supercharged engine which sends 270bhp to the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox. There are also two cameras inside making it easier to park this awkwardly-shaped car. Cruise's car: The ETV looks similar to the car Tom Cruise drove in Minority Report, a concept car by Lexus . Old school sci-fi: The ETV makes favourite sci-fi car the De Lorean, from the Back To The Future films, look a little outdated . | Created by car designer Michael Vetter at The Car Factory in Florida .
The concept car costs £75,000 .
It has a windscreen five-feet high and gullwing windows which open by remote control . |
0c7b0d607133df0b7bc77140352684e9972ab289 | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 13:28 EST, 28 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:18 EST, 29 July 2013 . A spoof sculpture trail which includes such highlights as an abandoned bath and a derelict house has been created to poke fun at art critics. A leaflet promoting the fictitious Colne Valley Sculpture Trail near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, showcases 12 eyesores which have supposedly been produced by modern artists. The blurb which goes along with each piece mocks the buzzwords favoured by certain critics and artists. 'Wash Behind the Ears': A bathtub features in a spoof artwork trail that mocks the conventions and pretensions of the world of modern art . The Colne Valley Sculpture Trail, described as a 'three-mile walk of shame', says this building is a 'house of recent construction whose sole purpose from the outset was to be derelict' The abandoned bath is supposedly a piece called 'Wash Behind the Ears', and is described as dealing with 'the contradictory concepts of filth and cleanliness, typically by placing a familiar bathroom item in a countryside setting'. It continues: 'Here, bathtub is rendered repugnant by dirt, brambles, and a crude gash where the hot tap should be'. A section of collapsed drystone wall titled Wall/Fall/Wall is supposedly the work of Karen Braithwaite who built it then destroyed some of it 'with some violence'. An 'artwork' by Pena Mosteiro called Wound Series 38: Cut 5. 'Mosteiro is a member of Portugal’s 'Arte Scalpele' movement, whose members inflict careful damage on plants and animals at early stages of their development. A small cut made in a sycamore sapling has grown to become the disturbing and almost threatening presence we see today - yet in counterpoint its soft hues and curves are surprisingly tender' 'Filled Arch' by Karen Braithwaite is described as a 'delicate interplay of precariousness and balance'. The artist comments: 'I am interested less in the wall, and more the area between the sky and the ground' Bjorn Starstrup's 'Longitudinal Torsion with Radials'. 'Here, the twists in the main section juxtapose the concepts of flow and rigidity, but the work also carries associations of pain, emphasised by the carefully entangled barbed wire and nettles' It continues: 'The resulting piece suggests a sense of bereavement, the turf above almost seeming to weep.' The leaflet which can be seen on the mapfodder.com website is a deliberate attempt to mock art gallery pomposity, but features a real-life three mile section of Pennines countryside. Its anonymous creator told the Yorkshire Post: 'I liked the idea of printing the trail as a tourism leaflet, and leaving it lying about for people to pick up thinking it's genuine, and gradually get the joke, and having no idea who did it or why.' Imran Choudray's (Re) Birth: 'A traditional building of significant visual appeal appears to be giving . birth to a modern concrete monstrosity, destroying itself in the process' The Pastoral Krew's Country Scene: Lake: 'The Pastoral Krew, (whose identity, or identities, remain unknown), transport the techniques of urban art into a countryside setting, creating pieces of surprising harmony and tranquility' The author said good feedback had been received, adding: 'My favourite thing I came across was somebody's blog, which, as far as I can tell, showed that they had walked the trail believing the 'sculptures' to be genuine works of art.' The author added: 'My advice to people is if they want to do the walk, do it asap because the 'sculptures' could disappear at any time. 'My dream would be to have a preservation order put on the lot of them.' Angela Paradina - Movable Border: 'In her second work, the border itself is of a more conventional form - a simple, circular metal fence- yet the area it encloses appears to be no different to its surrounding' John Hubert Diamond - Shrine To Myself: 'Diamond’s strict Methodist upbringing has found its expression in this courageous piece. When this piece was completed, the artist spent eight weeks permanently residing inside, sustained only by food and drink offered by passers-by' Karen Braithwaite - Wall Fragment: 'A short section of wall mysteriously emerges from, then disappears back into, a grass bank. This seemingly futile gesture is, according to the artist, "intended to symbolise the pointlessness of all human endeavour"' Angela Paradina- Impermanent Border. The artist's work 'both mocks and question the concept of a border. 'She has used a random selection of found panels to create a clear border - yet has simultaneously subverted its implied permanence by its ramshackle and temporary appearance' | The leaflet promotes the made-up Colne Valley Sculpture Trail .
It gives local eyesores ridiculous modern art descriptions .
A section of collapsed wall is branded 'Wall/Fall/Wall'
The leaflet has even fooled art bloggers . |
0c7bd9f6e196f750aadc1414effed8b75a2e77be | With two goals in five second-half minutes against Motherwell in midweek, Mikael Lustig has taken over John Guidetti’s mantle as the most deadly Swede currently residing at Celtic Park. However, the fit-again defender has his sights set on emulating another well-known compatriot. As a youngster, Lustig grew up in Umeå in northern Sweden watching Old Firm matches which featured his idol — a certain Henrik Larsson — putting Rangers to the sword. After moving to Parkhead in January 2012, however, circumstances have dictated he’s had to wait over three frustrating years for his first chance to face the Ibrox side. After making his first appearance in a Celtic jersey since Aberdeen on November 9, the 28-year-old — who came on at half-time on Wednesday — insists he is more than ready for next weekend’s League Cup semi-final. It is, as he knows from his formative years watching on television, an occasion where heroes can emerge. Mikael Lustig has had to wait over three years to get his first shot at an Old Firm Derby . ‘When I was younger, I watched Scottish league games on television, especially the Old Firm games because of Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby,’ recalled Lustig. ‘So I’ve seen them and, of course, it’s a good time to be a hero. ‘I’ve been here three years now and not played in one. But I always knew I wanted to be at Celtic for a long time, so I knew I would play them at some point. I am ready for it! ‘I’ve been to a couple of the games. I sat in the stands at Ibrox and at Celtic Park. I was injured for the home game and I was in the squad at Ibrox (but didn’t make the bench). ‘The occasion was still unlike anything I had experienced. The atmosphere was brilliant. We’ve not had it for a while.’ Henrik Larsson celebrates after scoring against Rangers in a Scottish Cup tie in 2004 . Lustig insists everyone within the Celtic dressing room is aware of the significance and importance of the upcoming League Cup and Europa League ties against historic foes Rangers and Inter Milan respectively. But he believes the uninitiated — like Virgil van Dijk, Jason Denayer and Stefan Johansen — won’t truly understand the occasion until they walk into the searing white heat of Hampden Park for the semi-final a week tomorrow. ‘We play for Celtic and everyone here knows how important these games are,’ said Lustig, whose side faces Ross County in Dingwall in a lunchtime Premiership kick-off today. ‘I don’t go out much. After training I go back to my house and spend time with my kids but still I know how important these games are for the fans. ‘But it’s hard to tell someone about these kind of games if they have not experienced it yet. ‘I always remember hearing that the Champions League nights at Celtic Park were unbelievable. But then when you actually experience it, I remember being like “woah!”. Lustig wants to emulate his idol Larsson by scoring against Celtic's fierce rivals Rangers . ‘I think you need to experience it for yourself. If you love football you should be watching an Old Firm match. ‘When we drew them (Rangers) we were all talking about it. I’m not going to lie. You miss the atmosphere. Of course it is a big game. But it’s tight in the league just now and that means we can’t just focus on the cup and the European matches like we did the last two years. ‘Before we could put the league on the side a little bit. But now we need to be focusing on every game and that has been quite good for us, I think. ‘We play Ross County today and as well as needing the three points it’s a chance for players to play their way into the Rangers match.’ Lustig’s two second-half goals were headers but he was left ruing ‘blowing’ his big chance to grab a hat-trick in the 4-0 rout of Motherwell. He does not expect to be adding to his tally in Dingwall today or rivalling Leigh Griffiths, Anthony Stokes, Stefan Scepovic and Guidetti at the end of the season. Celtic take on Rangers next weekend in a League Cup semi-final showdown . ‘They were my first goals in years so I’d be quite stupid to start boasting about it,’ he smiled. ‘Of course, it’s not every day you score two goals. And one of them was probably the best goal I have ever scored with my head. But maybe not my best-ever goal, because I got some decent ones at Rosenborg. ‘But, let’s be honest, I don’t think I’ll be up there at the end of the season. ‘I actually had a chance to get a perfect hat-trick. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. But I blew it! I have maybe scored a hat-trick when I was really young. I used to play up front when I was a boy but never in senior football. ‘Is there a goal of the season competition developing between our full-backs? Absolutely, although I don’t think Emilio (Izaguirre) is in the competition yet. But Adam Mathews’ against Hamilton was really good, a screamer. ‘It’s good playing in this Celtic team because that’s three games in a row now the full-backs have scored goals. I don’t think we are going to score in every game. But it is always nice to feel like you have the opportunity to go forward.’ | Mikael Lustig has had to wait over three years to play an Old Firm Derby .
Celtic take on fierce rivals Rangers next weekend in League Cup .
Lustig recalls watching idol Henrik Larsson putting Rangers to the sword . |
0c7c6ba9855491f4b1eb2466157b318c300c70c1 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:17 EST, 13 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:15 EST, 13 August 2012 . A bankrupt Pakistani man and his son managed to set up a business and cheat their local community out of almost £50,000 despite being in the UK illegally, a court heard. Siyed Asem, 58, and his son Syed Bukhari, 25, ran a corner shop and operated a Western Union money transfer service offering ‘excellent rates’ on transactions. But more than 20 customers who used the service to send money to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, were left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Father and son partnership: Bankrupt Siyed Asem, left, and his son Syed Bukhari, right, together stole nearly £50,000 from their customers who had requested for the cash to be transferred to India . Jailing father and son for two years . each, Judge Jamie Tabor QC described their offences against their own . Asian community in Gloucester’s Barton area as ‘despicable.’ Judge . Tabor said it was ‘extraordinary’ that the men had been able to run a . shop and set up the money transfer business when they were both illegal . overstayers and Asem was bankrupt. Asem . came to the UK on a visitor’s permit eight years ago and never left. His son was in the UK on a student permit which would not allow him to . work or run a business. Gloucester crown court heard that the service operated legitimately at first but the pair soon started stealing the money - which amounted to a total of £48,206. One of their customers, retired Khadijabbi Mulla, lost £1,000 he requested to be transferred to India to pay for his operation there. Prosecutor Lisa Hennessy said: 'He was told it would take 8 weeks, which would take him close to the date of his operation. 'When he got to India he still had not received the promised PIN number to access his money. 'He . contacted a friend in Gloucester to ask him to complain and the message . he got back was that he would get a refund when he got back. Jailed: Siyed Asem and Syed Bukhari were sentenced to two years in prison at Gloucester Crown Court . 'He has never received a refund - as he puts it he has just had lots of excuses and delays.' Mrs Hennessy said another victim of the con, Fatima Kazi, paid the men £1,500 to be transferred to India to help fund the building of a mosque in her late father’s memory. Mrs Hennessy continued: 'The money never arrived.' She detailed how other customers lost money in similar transactions - Runara Begum and her husband lost almost £5,500 which was supposed to be going to Bangladesh; Rashid Salloo lost £1,000 destined for India; Yusuf Chand transferred £7,000 to India in two transactions but it never arrived. There were other customers who had transferred significant sums and either received nothing or were given very small refunds, she added. Mrs Hennessy said all the offences occurred within a few months between late 2010 and early 2011 after Bukhari applied in October 2010 to become an agent for Finit UK, a Western Union money transfer company. The application was granted and he was approved after ‘various checks had been carried out’. Mrs Hennessy told the court the fact that both men were illegal immigrants didn't appear to 'have come up on the checks'. She added that they also failed to notice that Asem had been made bankrupt in 2008. Fraud: The pair set up a Western Union money transfer service but stole thousands of pounds from customers that was meant to be sent to India . Bukhari admitted 11 offences of fraud - of masking false representations to customers that his money transfer business was in a sound financial position and that money would be transferred at a preferential rate of exchange - between January and March 2011. Asem admitted 12 similar charges. Mrs Hennessy said Bukhari was responsible for £33,688 of the total fraud and Asem £14,518. Sabhia Pathan, defending, said Bukhari had come to Britain legitimately to study to be a chartered accountant but had started working at McDonald’s to earn some money and then had opened the shop with his father. Asem had trusted his son’s business acumen and joined him in the venture but the money transfer service had quickly gone wrong because they were offering such good exchange rates that they made no profit, she said. Ms Pathan said that Western Union had checked only Bukhari’s credit rating before allowing him to set up the service. She added that both men knew they were facing deportation after their sentences and Asem was fearful of going back to Pakistan because he has health problems which are better treated here. Despite his status he has been getting free medication, she said. Jailing the men, Judge Tabor said: 'Over a period of three months you stole just under £50,000 from many members of your local community. 'That money was entrusted to you to transfer abroad for a variety of purposes including allowing people to have operations and to help with a mosque and other charitable tasks. 'People trusted you, especially you, father, because of the seniority that you held. I accept that when you started this business in November you ran it legitimately for a short period of time. 'But by the middle of January you were nothing more or less than confidence tricksters. You have done considerable damage to your community and you know it. 'These were despicable offences.' He told them police will now investigate their finances to see what can be confiscated from them under the Proceeds of Crime Act. | Bankrupt Siyed Asam, 58, and his son Syed Bukhari, 25, both stole money from customers using their Western Union money transfer service .
Both were jailed for two years each at Gloucester Crown Court . |
0c7dbd278dabb9c90d651b35e3838f49967dab31 | On Friday, Susie Wolff will become the first driver to participate in a Formula One grand prix weekend in over two decades, and Claire Williams believes it as a 'massive step forward' for the sport. Wolff, the 31-year-old development driver at Williams, will take part in Friday's opening practice session for the British Grand Prix - the 50th edition at Silverstone - replacing Valtteri Bottas. 'For Formula One as a whole it sends out a really powerful message,' Williams, the British team's deputy team principal, said. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Felipe Massa catches a lift with Susie Wolff in DTM car . Girlpower: Williams' Susie Wolff during the paddock day at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix . Progress: Team principal Claire Williams described Wolff's participation as a 'massive step forward' 'It is a massive step forward. I think Susie has proved herself to be a great role model. She has got here on merit and it will be fantastic to see what tomorrow brings for her, but also for the future of Formula One.' It is 22 years since a female driver took to the wheel during a race weekend, while you have to go back to 1976 when Italian driver Lella Lombardi last competed in a race. Wolff came through the junior ranks of karting before stints in Formula Renault and German Touring Car series DTM before being snapped up by Williams in 2012. But her failure to win a race during her professional career, coupled with her romantic association with Williams shareholder Toto Wolff have led some to argue she is fortunate to land a seat with the British team. 'When she was karting, she was the only girl. She stuck with it and beat a lot of boys to get her seat and she really truly deserves the seat she has got within our race team, so I am really proud of that,' Williams explains. Behind the wheel: Wolff takes part in the Formula One test days at Catalunya's racetrack in Montmelo . Spot of tennis: Wolff (middle) attends day seven of Wimbledon at the All England Club . 'I really hope it encourages more girls to take up karting and to come up through the junior ranks because Susie has shown that you can do it, and she has also demonstrated that Formula One is a non-gender bias sport. We are a sport that welcomes men and women to take part in a race on a Sunday afternoon and not a lot of sports can actually say that.' Wolff will also get behind the wheel during practice for the German Grand Prix later this month, but Williams admitted there were no plans in place for the Scot to usurp regular drivers Felipe Massa and Bottas. 'At the moment, we have two race drivers who are contracted to the team; you never say never, but that is not part of the plan today,' she said. 'When you are a team principal, the only thing you care about when you are looking at a potential driver to put in your car is talent and that comes with speed, technical feedback, the whole package. Whether you are a boy or a girl it doesn't make a difference. No-one cares about that.' Male dominated: Only five women have taken part in a race weekend in Formula One history . In the spotlight: Wolff arrives in the paddock before practice for the Australian Grand Prix . | Wolff will become the first woman to drive at a grand prix for 22 years .
Only five women have taken part in a race weekend in Formula One history .
The Scot will drive in practice for an hour and a half on Friday .
Critics point to the fact she is the wife of Toto Wolff, the Mercedes boss . |
0c7ed04a92699dad3329aca4b8d6996db4dfedf2 | By . Damien Gayle . Teeming with wildlife like deer, giraffes, monkeys and dolphins, this sculpture bursts with the beauty of the natural world. At the centre, inexorably linked to each constituent part, is a man. He holds a globe in his hand to represent our dominant species' unique duties as custodians of the planet. Crafted entirely from driftwood, the vast, thought-provoking masterpiece was created by sculptor Paul Baliker, 59, who describes it as a 'call to action'. Epic art: Sculptor Paul Baliker, 59, is dwarfed . by his masterpiece A Matter Of Time, which is entirely carved from cedar . driftwood . Powerful but fragile: The detail of a . rhinoceros's head in the sculpture, which is, in its totality, all about . humankind's relationship to our planet . Everything is connected: At its rear this life-like frog blends back in to the cedar driftwood from which it is hewn . Harmony: A dolphin-like creature is sanded . smooth, but the scar in its side - a . feature of the cedar driftwood it is carved from - is an added poignant . detail . You can almost smell the ocean: A crab detail . worked in to the sculpture, which bursts all over with the beauty of the . natural world . You can almost smell the ocean: A crab detail . worked in to the sculpture, which bursts all over with the beauty of the . natural world . 'I started out sculpting to put food on the table, I never dreamt of where it would lead,' he said. 'I hope that people can see the environmental message I attempt to portray, and perhaps think hard about the impact man has on the natural world. 'I attempt to create one major environment statement a year, always on a massive scale. 'It is my contribution to a better planet.' 'My contribution to a better planet': A toucan . sits proudly near the top of the sculpture, which took Mr Baliker six . months of intense work to complete . Crowning glory: This eagle's head peers out . right at the top of Mr Baliker's immense and thought-provoking . environmentalist masterpiece . 'I hope that people can see the environmental . message': Mr Baliker says he tries to create one major environment . statement a year, always on a massive scale . Natural beauty: The varying colours of the cedar . driftwood add unique and unexpectedly appropriate texture to Mr . Baliker's carvings, as in this bust of a giraffe . Fierce: A panther rears out from the sculpture, . with the powerful, sinuous muscles of its neck seamlessly blending into . the contours of the driftwood it's made from . 'I have seen tears in some viewer's eyes': The sculpture, called A Matter Of Time, measures a massive 13ft by 13ft, dwarfing its creator, who says it's been warmly received . Bursting out: A turtle appears to climb from within the driftwood sculpture, with the textures around it meant to represent the ocean's froth and spray . Mr Baliker spent six months creating his masterpiece. Using chainsaws, sanders and rotary grinders, he carefully carved each element from cedar driftwood collected around the Gulf of Mexico . 'The sculpture had been on my mind for the past 15 years,' he said. 'For me to be able to put it together took vision, the material, as well as ability, time and desire,' In tune with nature The sculpture seems to . free spirits already present, like this otter whose . tortuous body emerges from natural curves in the wood . Spiritual: This deer's antlers have been created by the choice of the perfect piece of driftwood already with many-forking branches . Unique responsibility: Mr Balrike said he wanted his sculpture to focus around mankind, 'since in this sculpture he holds the fate of the planet in his hands' 'The sculpture is a call to action': Mr Baliker says he wants people who see the artwork to think hard about the impact man has on the natural world . The sculpture, called A Matter Of Time, measures a massive 13ft by 13ft, dwarfing its creator, who says it's been warmly received. 'I have seen tears in some viewer's eyes,' he said. 'I wanted this sculpture to focus around mankind, since in this sculpture he holds the fate of the planet in his hands. 'The sculpture is a call to action.' | Sculptor Paul Baliker, 59, spent six months crafting his 13ft by 13ft masterpiece .
It is made entirely from cedar driftwood collected around the Gulf of Mexico . |
0c7f4c4cbebfe798bfa6a2f77e560b3a0547b909 | By . Janine Yaqoob . PUBLISHED: . 18:10 EST, 10 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:10 EST, 10 May 2013 . A couple who filled their home with junk narrowly escaped jail today for child cruelty in what is thought to be the first prosecution for hoarding. Ambulance driver Duncan Scott, 47, and his partner Claire Anderson, 46, were told by a furious judge at the Old Bailey that they were lucky he was not jailing them immediately. Instead Judge John Bevan handed them suspended sentences after hearing how the couple collected so much junk from car boot sales that children living there had to eat on the stairs. Claire Anderson, 46, and her partner Duncan Scott, 47, were given suspended sentences at the Old Bailey today after pleading guilty to four charges of child cruelty today . The couple, from Bedfordshire, . pleaded guilty to four charges of child cruelty by providing . inappropriate living condition for four children between September 2007 . and September 2011. The court heard that there were piles of clothes in the bedrooms and toys and other items from car boot sales all over the house. Police and social workers who went to the three-bedroom terraced property found the youngsters were eating their meals on the stairs because the kitchen was so cluttered. The children, who are all aged under 16, cannot be identified for legal reasons. Charles Ward-Jackson, prosecuting, said the house was 'extremely untidy' but it was accepted that it was clean. The couple had been warned after social workers visited the house on a number of occasions, but were ignored. Mother-of-four Claire Anderson leaving the Old Bailey after narrowly escaping a prison sentence . Judge John Bevan observed: 'He has got money problems, she seems to spend it all at car boot sales. 'She shows a number of characteristics common in individuals who hoard, frequently shopping, visiting car boot sales on a weekly basis. 'She seems to have spent a lot of time socialising at them in order to give her a social life.' Bozzie Sheffi, representing Anderson, said she suffered from depression and was physically exhausted. Judge Bevan sentenced the couple to six months jail suspended for two years, and ordered them to do 150 hours unpaid work each. He told the couple, who were on bail: 'You can count yourselves fortunate that you are leaving by the same door you came in through.' The judge said the couple appeared to blame each other. He added: 'The evidence demonstrates, and one only has to look at the photographs, that you were slovenly. 'The photographs are dreadful. The lower bunk bed could not appear to be seen. There was nowhere to eat food other than on the stairs.' He told Scott: 'As an ambulance technician, you should have known better.' Addressing Anderson, he said: 'You were addicted to car boot sales and clutter. 'The children were unkempt and untidy. Despite claiming you were suffering depression, you were not prevented from going to car boot sales and making the situation worse and worse.' The case highlights what appears to be a growing problem of people filling up their homes with possessions. Television programmes have featured families who cannot move around their homes or sleep in their beds. | Duncan Scott, 47, and Claire Anderson, 46, pleaded guilty to child cruelty .
The couple's home, in Bedfordshire, was so cluttered that four children had to eat on the stairs .
They were given suspended sentences at the Old Bailey today . |
0c7f8ba8793a8588473012513434c3a4c57f6039 | (CNN) -- The last polar bear in Africa died Wednesday after months of grieving his longtime companion at a zoo in Johannesburg, a far cry from his Arctic habitat. Wang, 28, suffered from chronic arthritis and liver failure. The Johannesburg Zoo, where he had been a major attraction since he was a cub, put him down for health reasons. The chief veterinarian "had to make a very tough decision," the zoo said in a statement after his death. The furry giant spent his last days pining for GeeBee, his polar bear partner of 28 years, who died of a heart attack in January. GeeBee and Wang had spent their days together at the zoo since they were 6 months old. It was a notable friendship -- polar bears tend to be solitary animals. After her death, Wang walked around listless and shunned food and swimming, the latter a favorite pastime with GeeBee. To distract him from his heartbreak so he could eat and improve his health, the zoo coaxed him with special treats and showered him with toys. For Valentine's Day this year, zoo officials brought Wang a box filled with fruit and meat, and decorated it with love hearts and a note that said, "We Love You Wang!" Companies also showered him with toys and gifts, including an offer of a snow machine in the hopes that it might excite the animal long associated with subzero temperatures. But Wang had lived his entire life in a warm climate, and a sudden change in environment would be fatal for his advanced age, the zoo said at the time. In the wild, polar bears barely make it past 20 years, said Agnes Maluleke, the carnivore curator for the Johannesburg Zoo. Wang was born at a Japanese zoo, and GeeBee came from Canada after both were swapped for lions. The two met at the Johannesburg Zoo in 1986. They did not breed because polar bears' reproduction is stimulated by cold weather, Maluleke said. The zoo has no plans to replace the polar bears. | Wang suffered from chronic arthritis and liver failure .
He lost his polar bear companion, GeeBee, in January .
He spent months grieving for her and shunned food .
The Johannesburg Zoo he's called home for 28 years euthanized him Wednesday . |
0c7fe6645263f28fb2b14297f9403dad960806b1 | A rescue kitten will undergo a life-threatening recovery surgery today after it underwent a routine microchip surgery last week that left him paralyzed. Muffin, who was just six-weeks-old when Loren Slama rescued him, was taken to Downey Animal Shelter after being found wandering the streets of Los Angeles last week. After taking Muffin home from the shelter for routine medical microchip implantation, Slama made the horrifying realization that something went very wrong. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Suffering: Muffin is just six-weeks-old and left paralyzed after a botched routine surgery last week . Hope: Thanks to funding from generous donors, Muffin has enough money to undergo a life-threatening surgery today to remove the chip that left her paralyzed and dragging her tiny body across the floor . The chip: The microchip, an implant used to help identify pets, was meant to go just below the surface of the skin but ended up being lodged in her spine . Microchips are are radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants that provide permanent ID for a pet, reports Petfinder.com. They are meant to be implanted just below the surface of the skin and are not normally painful or invasive. They give each pet a personal identification number and even medical histry in the case that the pet is lost. Chip implantation is often a required surgery for rescue pets and usually have little to no complications. Slama said that as soon as she took Muffin home, his adorable little face started to dangle then crash towards the floor all together. She decided to get to the bottom of what was ailing her new pet after leaving the vet. An X-ray showed that a microchip that doctors implanted as part of the routine process had gotten lodged into the kitten's spine., reportsCBS. Now the six-week-old Muffin has to drag its entire left side when it moves. Loved: Loren Slama rescued six-week-old Muffin from the harsh streets of Los Angeles last week and wants her to be healthy and happy in her caring home . Immobilized: Muffin can barely move and when she does, she must drag the left side of her body on the floor . Horrified: Owner Loren Slama says that thanks to generous donors, Muffin might have a chance at recovery after a life-threatening surgery today to remove the chip . X-ray: X-rays show that the chip went right through Muffin's spinal cord causing debilitating paralysis . 'I noticed after 30 minutes his head started to dangle and it started to kind of crash. On the X-ray it was clearly demonstrated that the microchip was inserted all the way into the spine. That’s why he was paralyzed,' Slama said. 'I was in a total state of shock,' Slama added. Muffin has a surgery scheduled for Today at the Angels Veterinary Specialty Center where a neurologist will attempt to remove the chip. The surgery is very risky and Muffin might die during or shortly after but Slama has no choice if she wants Muffin to have a chance at surviving free of pain. Slama asked Downey Animal Control to pay for the surgery since it was their doctor who implanted a microchip but they declined. 'It’s a highly risky procedure. He might die during the surgery and even a few days after the surgery. However, we need to do the surgery because the longer the microchip stays into the spine the more damage it can cause,' Slama said. Catastrophe: Muffin was left paralyzed but if he survives today's surgery he may have a change at a normal life . The proof: Animal Control is investigating what may have went wrong during the surgery that left a poor kitten paralyzed with a microchip implanted in his spine . Hopeful: Today's surgery to remove the chip could help Muffin lead a more normal life after becoming paralyzed . The Los Angeles Department of Animal Control and Care released a statement about their reasoning for not funding the surgery. 'This was an anomaly. We acted in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines in terms of whether the kitten should be micro chipped for its age and size. 'We have never had an incident like this before. However, we are conducting an investigation and determining whether or not any corrections need to be made,' they said. Despite Los Angeles Animal Control's lack of funding, Slama was able to raise money through caring donors on Youcaring.com. They reached over their $5,000 goal. 'Dear Supporters and Animal Lovers, . WE HAVE REACHED OUR GOAL!!!!! We have left the fund raiser open, since once it is closed, we will be unable to update all of Muffin's friends. NO NEED TO DONATE MORE! We are overwhelmed by your generosity. Because of you, Muffin will get the finest care with the best surgical team. Please keep Muffin in your thoughts and prayers that he survives the surgery, and lives a long, healthy kitty life. THANK YOU from the bottom of every rescuer's heart,' says the site. Loren Slama promises to keep supporters updated on Muffin's recovery. | Six-week-old Muffin was rescued from the streets of Los Angeles by animal lover Loren Slama last week .
Slama took Muffin to Downey Animal Shelter where a veterinarian performed a botched microchip surgery last week that left Muffin paralyzed .
Pet microchip surgery is a typically non-invasive chip-implantation surgery just below the surface of the skin that acts as an identifier .
Muffin has no choice but to undergo life-threatening surgery funded by generous donors to remove the chip today . |
0c8245fcfbf8bbb6e271f8b082a952c4388d0c62 | Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training at Real Madrid a hero after winning the Ballon d'Or award for a second successive year. The Portuguese superstar showed off the shiny golden award to coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team-mates after seeing off competition from Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer to win the world's best player crown for a third time. He was joined by James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos, who also had silverware to show off after Monday night's glittering ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland. VIDEO Scroll down for Ronaldo's teammates take the mick out of Ballon d'Or celebration . Cristiano Ronaldo poses with his Ballon d'Or trophy as he returns to training with Real Madrid on Tuesday . Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos pose with their awards following the ceremony in Zurich. Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer, while Ramos made the FIFA FIFPro Team of the Year . Real coach Carlo Ancelotti (centre) poses with award winners Ramos (left), Toni Kroos (second left), Ronaldo (second right) and James Rodriguez (right), who won the Puskas Award for best goal . The entire Real Madrid squad pose with the award winners at the club's training ground on Tuesday . Colombian star Rodriguez won the Puskas Award for best goal following his sensational strike against Uruguay at the World Cup last summer. Ramos and Kroos, meanwhile, were named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for 2014 along with Angel di Maria, who moved from Real to Manchester United over the summer. Despite leading Real to their elusive 10th European Cup success, Ancelotti missed out on the coach of the year award which went to German World Cup-winner Joachim Low. Ronaldo celebrates with clenched fists after being announced as the Ballon d'Or winner in Zurich . Ronaldo receives the trophy from FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the climax of the gala ceremony . Ronaldo hands over the Ballon d'Or to his son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, on the podium in Zurich . Ronaldo gives interviews to reporters after the ceremony as he celebrates a third world player award . Ronaldo, 29, was the hot favourite to claim the main prize after an outstanding 2014 that saw him score 61 goals for club and country, provid 22 assists and claim nine club and individual honours. He played an integral part as Real won the Champions League, rounding off a 4-1 win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in May's Lisbon final. Real also won the Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Averaging a goal every 62 minutes in La Liga during the calendar year of 2014, Ronaldo also claimed the top scorer trophy. Ronaldo strips off after scoring Real Madrid's fourth and final goal in the Champions League final in May . Ronaldo scored a remarkable 61 goals for club and country Portugal during the calendar year of 2014 . Among the many medals acquired by Ronaldo in 2014 was the UEFA Super Cup in August . Ronaldo was a clear winner with 37.66 per cent of total votes cast by a panel made up of captains, coaches and media members from all FIFA affiliate associations. Messi took second with 15.76 per cent, just ahead of Neuer on 15.72. Ronaldo said: 'I am extremely happy and proud to receive this award and I want to keep challenging myself every day. 'Of course this is something that is always with me. I want to become one of the greatest players of all time and this requires a lot of effort but I hope to get there.' James Rodriguez is presented with the Puskas Award for his stunning goal against Uruguay at the World Cup . Colombia star Rodriguez celebrates after scoring his spectacular goal in the World Cup last 16 tie . His memorable goal helped Colombia to a 2-0 win at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro . Toni Kroos alongside Angel di Maria (left) and Andres Iniesta (right) at the Ballon d'Or ceremony . Sergio Ramos and girlfriend Pilar Rubio Fernandez on the red carpet ahead of the ceremony . James Rodriguez, who arrived at the Bernabeu in the summer, claimed the Puskas Award for his stunning strike for Colombia against Uruguay at the World Cup. He saw off competition from Holland and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and Irish women's player Stephanie Roche to win the award. Ramos and Kroos took their place in the World XI alongside Neuer, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Philipp Lahm, Di Maria, Andres Iniesta, Messi, Ronaldo and Arjen Robben. February 11 - Getting straight back to record-breaking business after clinching his second Ballon d'Or a month earlier, Ronaldo surpassed Luis Aragones' achievements in the history of Copa del Rey games between Real and Atletico Madrid by scoring a brace against the Rojiblancos. Aragones had scored five goals for Atleti but his record had remained unchallenged since the 1970s. More intriguingly Ronaldo's first goal in the derby, a penalty in the seventh minute, meant the Portuguese had scored in every possible minute of a 90-minute game. May 24 - Ronaldo had been conspicuous by his absence from the scoresheet but it looked like Real had managed to do enough to thwart city rivals Atletico at the end of a dramatic Champions League final in Lisbon. However, he would make his mark in the 121st minute of play, scoring the penalty that made it 4-1 and rubber-stamped 'La Decima'. It was also his 17th goal in that season's tournament, a new record. October 25 - An opening goal against title rivals Barcelona was Ronaldo's 15th in his last seven league games and broke a Real record set by Hungary great Ferenc Puskas in both the 1959-60 and 1960-61 campaigns. Puskas had scored 13 times through seven consecutive league games. December 6 - Ronaldo's 23rd hat-trick in Real colours, this time plundered at the expense of Celta Vigo, was not only a Primera Division record but meant the Portuguese had become the fastest player in La Liga history to score 200 goals. December 20 - His Barcelona rival Lionel Messi might have beaten him to the title of all-time Champions League goalscorer, but Ronaldo was hardly complaining when his 72nd Champions League goal - scored in a 4-0 thumping of Ludogorets - boosted him beyond Real stalwart Raul's previous competition record. He is three goals behind Messi, but now only one Ballon d'Or behind the Argentinian. PRESS ASSOCIATION . | Cristiano Ronaldo showed off his Ballon d'Or award on his return to training with Real Madrid on Tuesday morning .
Portuguese star saw off competition from Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer to win the world's best player accolade in Zurich .
James Rodriguez won the Puskas Award for stunning World Cup goal .
Toni Kroos and Sergio Ramos made the FIFA World XI .
But Carlo Ancelotti missed out on Coach of the Year award . |
0c832c7f3c1f711ac5b507de54336fadecee37ca | By . Travelmail Reporter . With many of us saving up to bag a seat on a budget airline for our week in the sun, it may come as a surprise that Europeans are no strangers to the pleasure of a private jet. A brand new infogpraphic based on Private Jet Charter's client base and research shows which continents are flying the most private jets - and European's come out on top, followed by North America, the Middle East and Russia. South America was the continent least likely to travel this way. While business being the reason for 62 per cent of travel by jet, 38 per cent of passengers are lucky enough to be flying for leisure. The 16-seater Gulfstream G550, which can fly up to 575mph is the most frequently chartered private jet, and the Embraer Legacy 600/650 which has speeds up to 518mph was also popular. The study also looked at up and coming markets to look into for gaining clients, and found Asian clients were increasingly travelling by private jet. Infographic: The Private Jet Charter collated information from their client base and research . | Despite recent recession private jet travel in Europe is on the increase .
London to Nice, Dubai to Moscow and Miami to Las Vegas are busiest routes .
South Americans are the least likely to fly by private jet . |
0c8393633f477664b351528e22562615fea3fb10 | By . Charles Walford . Last updated at 1:28 PM on 6th December 2011 . As a starting point they perhaps should have analysed the printer's invoice a bit more closely. A council has spent almost £21,000 on leaflets asking taxpayers for ideas on how it can save money. Sheffield Council will send out 230,000 forms asking for ways on how to cut £57m from the 2012-13 budget. Leader of the Labour-run council, Julie Dore, said each leaflet had cost 9p to produce, which was 'value for money'. Council leader Julie Door said the leaflets, which are being sent to 230,000 residents, were value for money . Among other things, residents will be asked whether they feel grass could be cut less frequently. Opposition Liberal Democrat councillors called it a 'glorified PR stunt' and said the money should have gone towards protecting vital services. The council said the leaflets had cost a total of £21,000 to produce and post. Ms Dore said the letters are needed to allow members of the public to put forward their views. She said: 'This is [the public's] . opportunity to respond and participate in what is a very, very difficult . budget-setting process. 'They wouldn't get a chance to understand what dire circumstances we're in with these cuts and what it means to Sheffield.' Council leaders at Sheffield Town Hall (pictured) are asking residents for help on money-saving ideas . The . leaflet explains to members of the public that the council has a £1.5bn . annual budget and gives examples of some of the big costs involved. Maintenance of the city's parks cost . about £7m a year, while libraries, museums, galleries and leisure . centres altogether cost £33m a year. 'It's all those other things that we need to know what's important to people,' said Ms Dore. '[For . example], is it important to cut the grass in parks on a weekly basis . or would it be acceptable to cut them fortnightly, so we can keep . libraries open more than we would? How Sheffield Council divides up its £1.5bn annual budget: . Education: £482mHousing: £216mCouncil tax and housing benefits: £210mAdult social care: £196mCentral costs and other services: £106m . Children's social care: £52mPlanning, highways and transport: £96mLeisure and culture: £38mCost of borrowing: £37mBins, disposal and recycling: £34mEnvironmental Health: £13m . Sheffield Council, December 2011 . 'It's those sort of choices that we're expecting people to tell us about.' Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the opposition Lib Dem group, said the money should have been saved by the council. 'Instead of wasting thousands on this glorified PR stunt, the leader of the council should be using this money to protect vital front line services such as street cleaning or road repairs,' he said. Mr Mohammed added that the consultation should have been carried out three or four months earlier because some decisions about next year's budget must have already been made. 'We are now almost at the door of the final closure of the budget process as far as I'm concerned,' said Mr Mohammed. 'If Julie Dore was really concerned about consultation [she] should have started this much earlier... Where are the options? What are the details? Where are you going to cut? There's no detail.' People are being given until 6 January to comment. Ms Dore said she did not expect to receive a 100 per cent response rate to the letters. | 230,000 forms sent out to Sheffield residents were 'value for money', claims council leader .
Residents will be asked whether they feel grass could be cut less frequently . |
0c84171327cf367541c391271026f1380cc076f6 | By . Pa Reporter . Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats... Here is all the information you need for Stoke's home clash with Leicester... Stoke City vs Leicester City (Britannia Stadium) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . Stoke EVS . Draw 9/4 . Leicester 3/1 . Referee: Michael Oliver . Managers: Mark Hughes (Stoke), Nigel Pearson (Leicester) Head-to-head league record: Stoke wins 27, draws 25, Leicester wins 26 . Team news . Stoke . Stoke will assess the condition of forward Mame Biram Diouf ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Leicester at the Britannia Stadium. Since scoring the Potters' winner in their shock victory at Manchester City on August 30, Diouf has been away on international duty with Senegal and had not been back in training with his club by Friday. Stoke's Mame Biram Diouf scored a shock winner for Stoke in their 1-0 victory at Manchester City . Winger Oussama Assaidi is in contention to make his 'second debut' after rejoining the Staffordshire outfit on another season-long loan deal from Liverpool on transfer deadline day. But midfielder Stephen Ireland (rib) looks set to miss out along with Geoff Cameron (hernia) and Peter Odemwingie (knee), both of whom have undergone surgery. Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Bardsley, Pieters, Huth, Muniesa, Wilson, Shawcross, Teixeira, Wilkinson, Whelan, Palacios, Nzonzi, Adam, Sidwell, Walters, Arnautovic, Diouf, Bojan, Crouch, Moses. Leicester . A trio of new signings come into the reckoning for Leicester manager Nigel Pearson ahead of his side's Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke on Saturday. Defender Danny Simpson, along with strikers Tom Lawrence and Nick Powell - the latter on loan from Manchester United - are added to the squad for the game at the Britannia Stadium. Promising youngster Tom Lawrence has arrived at Leicester from Manchester United on a permanent basis . Defender Matthew Upson (foot) remains sidelined, and although Matty James is training again after a lay-off with a shin injury, the game comes too soon for the midfielder. Provisional squad: Schmeichel, Hamer, De Laet, Konchesky, Wasilewski, Schlupp, Moore, Morgan, King, Hammond, Albrighton, Knockaert, Mahrez, Vardy, Taylor-Fletcher, Ulloa, Nugent, Wood, Drinkwater, Cambiasso, Simpson, Powell, Lawrence. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) The Potters are unbeaten in five home meetings with Leicester in all competitions (W4 D1). Indeed, none of the last 10 clashes between the Potters and the Foxes have been won by the away side (six home wins, four draws). Leicester City are without a clean sheet in 11 Premier League games; the longest run of any current top-flight side. Since the start of last season, only Chelsea (2) and Liverpool (5) have scored more than once against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are unbeaten in their last five home meetings with Leicester, not losing since James Scowcroft scored the only goal for the Foxes in an August 2002 second tier clash . The Potters, who lost 1-0 to Aston Villa on the opening day, have not lost consecutive home league games since April 2013. Nigel Pearson’s side have scored in 33 of their last 34 league games, failing only to net against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, that 2-0 defeat at Chelsea was Leicester’s first away defeat this calendar year (W8 D4). The Foxes have blocked 25 opposition shots so far this season; at least 10 more than any other team in the Premier League. Stoke are the only Premier League side yet to net in the first-half in 2014-15. Leicester new boy Nick Powell currently has the best min/goal ratio of any player in Premier League history, having scored once in 29 minutes of top-flight football. | Stoke to assess fitness of Mame Biram Diouf .
Oussama Assaidi could make second Potters debut .
Stephen Ireland set to miss out along with Geoff Cameron and Peter Odemwingie - the latter two having undergone surgery .
New Leicester City signings Danny Simpson and Tom Lawrence available .
Nick Powell, on loan from Manchester United, also in line for Foxes debut .
Matthew Upson and Matty James ruled out for trip to Stoke . |
0c84362517caf4695c80e49783cc60f53485fc07 | By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 05:18 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:26 EST, 4 October 2012 . Recycling your waste has been taken to a new level by one London designer who has made a whole collection from waste food. Hoyan Ip reuses leftovers, dubbed 'bio-trimmings' everything from handbags to belt buckles. The collection is made by drying the food and coating it with a clear substance. A handbag made from waste foods. Its designer has worked on a whole range of products from buttons to belt buckles. Hoyan tried dozens of different foods, and found those high in carbohydrates worked best. Food was dried, the crushed. It was then recombined with a binder, and placed into moulds of the required shape, where is was dried for a second time. The designer is now developing a waterproof coating for the material. 'They are made out of wasted food, anything from leftover dinners to junk food,' 26 year old Ip told MailOnline. 'There was a lot of experimentation of foods to find out what worst best - but I'm keeping the exact recipes to myself.' The food was selected and dried. It was then crushed, and moulded into the required shape as it dried. 'There is no smell, but at the moment the products aren't machine washable,' said Ip. She is currently developing a coating to protect them from the wet. 'I'm hoping to develop backing to sell them, but the main thing is to promote starvation and other global issues. 'Sustainability is a key theme for the fashion.' Buttons created by the designer can be used in existing designs such as jeans . 'I propose to identify the relationship between food waste and waste . produced from the fashion industry,' she wrote on her web site. 'It can be argued that nothing is new anymore in terms of fashion . clothing as similar trends are re-interpreted season by season and it is . worthwhile to preserve what we already have in our wardrobe ready for . it to be a current trend again.' 'As there are more and more designers emerging, there is very little we . can do to dispose of the unwanted clothes ethically especially when you . realize such sensitivity and though has gone into making a garment. 'The solution is to re-use the clothes, de-brand them, repair them and wear them.” Ip tested dozens of different foods, but has kept the exact recipe secret. The designer has also created clothing, including shirts, trousers and even a bow tie using the 'bio-trimmings' material. | London designer hopes the collection will raise awareness of food waste .
Collection includes buttons, shirt collars and belt buckles . |
0c851f77841c02d2c1f6f1ed5d82e1e53b422417 | Former boxer Jamie Moore has vowed to complete the Great North Run next year – despite currently struggling to walk even 100 metres after being shot in August. The one-time European light-middleweight champion almost died when hit twice in the left leg by a mystery gunman in a case of mistaken identity in Marbella. Moore is now undergoing a long and painful rehabilitation where even walking short distances leaves the 35-year-old in agony. Former European light-middleweight champion Jamie Moore is recovering slowly from being shot in the leg . The retired boxer (right) has vowed to complete next year's Great North Run despite his lack of mobility . But Moore insists nothing will stop him completing the North East's famous half-marathon for kids' Neuroblastoma charity Niamh's Next Step, of which he is a patron, next September – no matter how long it takes or how much it hurts him. The married dad-of-two told Fubar Radio's Weekend Hangover Show: 'I am making good progress, but it is a long old road, a painstaking process. 'I think people see me up and around they think I am back to normal. I am nowhere near that. 'Nerves rehabilitate at roughly one millimetre a day. My nerve damages travels from my knee to the tops of my toes – so you're probably talking 12 to 18 months before I am back anywhere near where I was. Moore will race for Niamh's Next Step, which supports sufferers of neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer . 'Although I can get around and do some stuff, walking is a struggle. I can walk slowly with a foot brace on but it is painful, an effort. 'I have to intentionally force my left leg to move. Every step I take on my left foot is a conscious effort. For me to walk 100 metres is a real effort. 'But I will definitely complete the Great North Run. 'Even if I don't get any better than I am now, I will be doing it. Even if I have to walk 13 miles, I will do it. 'Even if I have to force my left leg to walk every step, I will do it because I am stubborn like that. There is nothing that can stop me. Moore pictured here in his boxing pomp - on the left in 2003 and on the right in 2007 after winning the British light-middleweight title bout . 'My goal will be to do it for the kids at Niamh's Next Step. A lot of young children get Neuroblastoma and it is a horrible, aggressive form of cancer. 'These kids go through hell trying to get rid of it and going though chemotherapy. That will be my driving force. 'So firstly, the aim is to get myself right physically and to the point where I can do it, and when it is hurting and getting difficult my driving force will be to do it for the kids who have Neuroblastoma to give them maybe a better life before their lives are taken away, or to give them a better rehabilitation.' To give an idea of how difficult Moore still finds walking, he was left in agony when he agreed to take his nine-year-old son Mikey sightseeing in London last weekend. The 35-year-old says nothing will stop him competing in the famous Great North Run next year . He recalled: 'I was working in the corner for Ricky Boylan's fight, and my son had never been to London before. 'He said, "Will you take me for a walk around London?" For me to walk 100 metres is a real effort, but I will do anything for him. 'So I took him on the Underground, into Piccadilly Circus, and it absolutely killed me. 'It was so painful but I wanted to do it for him. It didn't matter how much pain I was in. 'People think I am better than I actually am, but I am far from better and it is going to take a long, long while.' *You can sponsor Jamie Moore to do the Great North Run next September at justgiving.com/JamieMoore777 . *Listen to the full interview on the Latch and Halina Weekend Hangover Show on Fubar Radio on Saturday between 10am and 12pm. | Retired boxer Jamie Moore was shot in case of mistaken identity in August .
The former European light-middleweight champion was hit twice in the leg .
Moore is in the early stages of rehabilitation and walking is difficult .
The 35-year-old says nothing will stop him completing Great North Run .
He will be running for the charity Niamh's Next Step, which supports sufferers of neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer . |
0c8569361d6f024ef66438bdfe73b4e2f4de0566 | (CNN) -- The global football transfer market is big business, with star players swapping countries, even continents to play for richer, more prestigious clubs. The exact figures involved in these transactions are often difficult to ascertain, but football's world governing body, FIFA have introduced a system which allows the transfer market to be accurately tracked and analyzed. The Transfer Matching System (TMS) was first conceived in 2007 and was designed as a way of monitoring international transfers and ensuring FIFA's regulations were adhered to. In 2009, former Cameroon defender Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe became the first player to switch clubs using the TMS when he left Celtic in Scotland for French club Toulouse. And last week FIFA were able to release a full year's worth of figures for the first time for international transfers conducted between January 1 to December 31 2011. "Thanks to TMS, football authorities have access for the first time to global, directly reported data on the transfer market," read FIFA's first annual Global Transfer Market release. "As additional information is entered in the system and we continue to work to enhance the integrity and usability of the data, future editions will be able to provide unparalleled insight into the evolution of the global market for international football." So, if you want to know how often an international transfer was made, the total amount spent on international transfers or the average wage of a footballer, check out the above gallery. Data from all 208 of FIFA's member associations was collected. Some of the results may surprise you. | FIFA have released figures regarding international football transfers in 2011 .
The figures take into account players who moved between two different countries .
The numbers were gathered using the Transfer Matching System (TMS), first introduced in 2009 .
TMS helps regulate international transfers and makes sure FIFA's rules are adhered to . |
0c85f7066941c67b301d11a9b212b5c773f8e0a0 | (CNN) -- Another American doctor infected with the deadly Ebola virus is coming home for treatment in the United States. Dr. Rick Sacra was stationed in Liberia when he was exposed to the virus. He will be flown to Nebraska, according to the international Christian mission organization Serving In Mission. He's expected to arrive at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha on Friday. His spouse, Debbie Sacra, said he is "clearly sick" but is in "good spirits" and was able to walk onto the plane. "We are really encouraged by that news and are looking forward to reuniting with him," she said. Sacra was admitted to an Ebola case management center over the weekend near the hospital in Monrovia where he has served for 15 years. "Rick was receiving excellent care from our SIM/ELWA staff in Liberia at our Ebola 2 Care Center," said Bruce Johnson, president of SIM USA. "They all love and admire him deeply. However, The Nebraska Medical Center provides advanced monitoring equipment and wider availability of treatment options." What to know about the killer disease . Sacra, who is from Holden, Massachusetts, was not treating Ebola patients directly. Instead he was delivering babies at a general hospital in Monrovia, Johnson said. "I am surrounded by friends and family and the body of Christ, who are a great encouragement and who are praying fervently for Rick's recovery along with me," Debbie Sacra said in a statement. "We are trusting in God to be with Rick and us through this difficult circumstance. "Rick would want me to urge you to remember that there are many people in Liberia who are suffering in this epidemic and others who are not receiving standard health care because clinics and hospitals have been forced to close. West Africa is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis, and the world needs to respond compassionately and generously." Sacra had been to Liberia with SIM before, and volunteered to go again after he heard fellow missionaries Nancy Writebol and Dr. Kent Brantly had contracted the virus, SIM President Bruce Johnson said. Both were also flown to Atlanta for treatment and have been released. "We learned a bit from (the) Emory experience," Dr. Philip Smith, with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said about where Brantly and Writebol were treated. "They found that after they took care of these patients for a little while that they were comfortable backing down ... Even though it's backing down, it's still two or three layers of gloves instead of one. It's no comparison to what you would do in an ordinary hospital floor," he said, CNN affiliate KETV reported. Human trial of experimental Ebola vaccine begins . Sacra started to show symptoms of haemorrhagic fever on Friday evening. Health care workers did an Ebola test on Monday, which came back positive for the deadly virus. Sacra was following all protocols and taking all necessary precautions against Ebola, Johnson said. It is unclear how he became infected, but SIM is working with the CDC to determine the point of contact. | Dr. Rick Sacra will be flown to Nebraska for treatment .
Sacra was stationed in Liberia when he caught the Ebola virus .
Aid organization says he will have better access to care in U.S. |
0c88eae5700e7b107d2164b5b2e6410f0e523d6d | Ed Miliband yesterday said he had never taken illegal drugs – but added that he had ‘read about’ the effects of cannabis. The Labour leader said he was opposed to the decriminalisation of drugs, including cannabis, warning it would send out a dangerous message to young people. Mr Miliband was asked about his attitude towards drugs during an online question and answer Leaders Live discussion with young people, produced by Bite the Ballot with ITV News. Ed Miliband said he had never taken illegal drugs – but added that he had ‘read about’ the effects of cannabis . Asked whether he had ever experimented with drugs, he said: ‘I have not taken drugs… but I have read about it.’ Mr Miliband said Government should ‘always be looking at the way we discourage young people from taking drugs.’ He went on: ‘I’m not in favour of decriminalisation of, for example, cannabis. 'I think there are mental effects of cannabis that people maybe didn’t realise a decade ago.’ Mr Miliband said Labour was still finalising plans to promise a cut in university tuition fees at next year’s election. And he said an incoming Labour government would consider changing the law to prevent a planned 10 per cent pay rise for MPs. He announced that 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote within a year of the next election. Mr Miliband said the government would change the law to lower the voting age from May 2016. Such a move – the first change in the national voting age since 1969 – would enfranchise more than 1.5million 16 and 17-year-olds. It comes after the voting age was lowered for the first time in the Scottish referendum in September. Mr Miliband said he is opposed to decriminalisation of drugs warning it sends out a'dangerous' message to young people - adding Government should ‘always be looking' at the ways they can discourage young people . During a YouTube debate Mr Miliband said: ‘Too many young people are turning their backs on politics which is bad for our country and bad for them too. ‘That’s because too often young people don’t get a look-in with politicians who know they can’t vote - or assume that they won’t vote. ‘The measures we will introduce in our first year of government represent the greatest extension of the franchise in my lifetime. ‘But it is not enough just to give young people the right to vote. We must do everything we can to ensure they have the chance to exercise it.' Mr Miliband, who has long been a supporter of an earlier voting age, is expected to use a speech at next week’s party conference to pledge that the policy will be included in his general election manifesto. Party sources believe that idealistic youngsters are more likely to vote Labour. The idea is also backed by the Liberal Democrats. The voting age in Britain was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969. Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps has previously dismissed calls to lower the voting age to 16 when the issue was raised last year. | Ed Miliband said he's never taken illegal drugs - but has read about effects .
Is opposed to decriminalisation of drugs as it sends 'dangerous message'
Said Government should look at ways to discourage people taking drugs .
Added Labour is finalising plans to promise a cut in university tuition fees . |
0c8976351e70c6ed35db0cfe5a89962821734cd5 | Diego offered to Arsenal as Gunners look to challenge for top spot next season . Manchester City are chasing Marcus Rashford, the 16-year-old rising star at neighbours Manchester United. The attacking midfielder is one of the most highly sought after talents for his age group but United have yet to wrap up terms on a new contract. City are particularly keen while Chelsea and Arsenal also have an interest. United are reluctant to pay out big-money . contracts and constantly risk losing some players due to greater . financial incentives being offered at other clubs. Tug of war: Manchester City are keen to take starlet Marcus Rushford from neighbours Manchester United . Although many would argue United's principled stance is to be admired, the harsh reality is many of the youngsters or their representatives will be swayed by the better contracts. Rashford is a Man United fan and is still committed to the club, but that won't stop rivals from making legitimate offers. There is a growing feeling within United that they will have to bend their past policy if they are to continue to compete. While James Wilson is one shining light on the horizon, they are not blessed with an abundance of prospects and it is a facet of the club David Moyes wanted to address and one Louis van Gaal will do also. The flip side is that the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal have problems when some of their young players sense they will not make any progress and want to leave. Chelsea have an issue arising with highly-rated defender Andreas Christensen. The Denmark U21 centre half wants to play more games and other clubs, such as City, will offer the promise of a quicker route to the first team. Manchester United are expected to place an official bid for Marco Reus at Borussia Dortmund over the coming days but may leave a move for Toni Kroos until next summer when he becomes a free agent. His Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller is also an option for Liverpool and Arsenal who have asked to be kept informed should the German champions consider selling. Arsenal have also enquired about Mario Mandzukic and Javi Martinez and maintain interest in Southampton duo Calum Chambers and Morgan Schneiderlin, as reported in Sportsmail. Hotting up: Manchester United are expected to bid for Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus shortly . Newcastle, Leicester, Cardiff and Derby County are all considering moves for Leeds United striker Ross McCormack this summer. The 27-year-old scored 29 goals in an eventful season which looks set to take another twist off the pitch with Leeds owner Massimo Cellino facing a winding-up petition from Sport Capital on June 9. Other creditors are also demanding unpaid monies. Leeds rejected offers from Cardiff and West Ham in January and will demand around £10million this window. However, the offers that come in will be around £6m and the player could ask to go if the unrest at Elland Road escalates. Derby will only bid should they gain promotion but Leicester, who also like Brighton's Leonardo Ulloa, are keen. Meanwhile, Newcastle are looking to sell Northern Ireland midfielder Shane Ferguson. The 22-year-old, who had a loan spell with Birmingham earlier in the season, has two years left on contract so Newcastle will look for around £1m. Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday and St Mirren are keen on on out of contract midfielder Conor Newton. Star striker: Leeds marksman Ross McCormack (front) is hot property this summer after plundering 29 goals . Juventus have revived their interest in Manchester City full back Aleksandar Kolarov. The 28-year-old is a popular figure at the Etihad but is interested in a return to Serie A where he has other suitors such as Roma and Inter Milan. His wages of £2.9m a year are a sticking point but Italian champions Juventus are prepared to offer a longer deal on around £2.5m a year. On Wednesday, Juve officials met Kolarov's representatives at the Westin Palace Hotel in Milan and they are due to hold further talks after the weekend before making a proposal to City. The Serbia defender has one year left on contract at City, who he joined from Lazio in 2010. Italian job: Serie A champions Juventus have revived their interest in Man City left-back Aleksander Kolorov . Besiktas are hopeful of persuading Gary Medel to leave Cardiff for Turkey. The Chile midfielder, who cost £11million from Sevilla last summer, has an escape clause which was triggered once Cardiff were relegated. However, he also has admirers in the Premier League, as do team-mates Steven Caulker and Fraizer Campbell. Both are expected to leave over the coming weeks. Stoke are among the clubs to have considered Campbell. Manager Mark Hughes is intent on bringing in another striker and has scouted Markus Berg at Panathinaikos and other targets in the Bundesliga despite being rebuffed by Ivica Olic at Wolfsburg and, so far, Mame Biram Diouf at Hannover. Turkish delight? Besiktas hope to persuade Cardiff's Gary Medel to join them in Turkey this summer . Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Radosav Petrovic is weighing up a return to the Premier League. The 25-year-old has been playing for Genclerbirligi in Turkey but has tentative offers from four Premier League clubs, while newly-promoted Leicester City have also shown an interest. Petrovic, who played 19 times for Blackburn in 2011-12, has been capped 37 times by Serbia. Crystal Palace are interested in Bordeaux's 29-year-old Nicolas . Maurice-Belay and Marseille's Thomas Ephestion, 18. However, manager . Tony Pulis has made left back and striker his priority positions should . he opt to stay on at Selhurst Park. | City are trying to sign United youngster Rashford, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in the 16-year-old .
United are expected to make an offer for Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus shortly, but will postpone any move for Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos for now .
Thomas Muller is a target for Liverpool and Arsenal .
Gunners also interested in Bayern duo Mario Mandzukic and Javi Martinez, and Calum Chambers and Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton . |
0c8a52398196466a1cf54a8b5f79a148dfbe852e | This is the hotel where you really can walk on water. Four Rivers Floating Lodge in Koh Andet Island, Cambodia, offers guests the chance to enjoy a relaxing stay while bobbing around on the stunning Tatai River. Visitors will be a stone's throw away from forest wildlife, including rare Javan rhinoceroses, Indochinese tigers and Asian elephants. Scroll down for video . Floating hotel: 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is located on the Tatai River in Cambodia . Walking on water ... Guests at the Koh Andet Island accommodation are also allowed to take pets into their chalets . Stunning location: The sun sets over the Tatai River where 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is situated . But guests who prefer their own animals can take pets into the luxurious villas - which are located around 80 miles away from Thailand's Trat airport. Steve Dobson, who listed the hotel on GoUnusual.com, said: 'Guests will start their day by waking up to the sights and muted sounds of the Cardamom mountains. 'As the mist clears over the water, there is little to disturb the natural calm other than the plop and splash of a feeding fish, the startled cry of a far-off bird and the growl of a predator returning home after a kill. 'Cocooned in comfort and surrounded by top-quality furnishings and decoration, each villa has flat-screen television and DVD player, and mini-bar. The resort boasts 12 double and twin-bed tented villas that boast flat-screen televisions, a DVD player and a mini bar . Tranquil: Switch off and enjoy a drink or two as the sun sets over the Tatai River in Cambodia . Remote: The only way to get to the water-top accommodation is by boat . Luxury interior: The rooms boast a modern design and include a flat-screen TV and double bed . Ultimate comfort: The bathroom inside the floating hotel - which boasts a stand-alone bathtub . 'Not that DVD movies, messages and recorded sound will be any match for the natural wonders you will witness from your private extra large sun-lounger balcony where you can enjoy an afternoon snack or a sunset cocktail. 'Away from the stress and pressure of everyday life, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is the ultimate vacation hideaway where, immersed in natural beauty, you enjoy the the serenity of the surroundings.' The site contains 12 double and twin-bed tented villas that boast flat-screen televisions, a DVD player and a mini bar. Prices for the unique hotel, listed on GoUnusual.com, start from £125 per night. The great outdoors: The resort - which features tented villas - is stone's throw away from forest wildlife . Spacious: Inside one of the tented villas at the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Cambodia . Excursion: Guests staying at the floating hotel will have the chance to see rare Javan rhinoceroses, Indochinese tigers and Asian elephants . Into the wild: As well as exploring the nearby island and relaxing, guests can also take a boat trip around the accommodation . | The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge's tented villas on the beautiful Tatai River cost from £125 per night .
Guests can explore nearby island wildlife and may see Javan rhinoceroses, Indochinese tigers and Asian elephants .
Villas boast double and twin-bed tented villas that boast flat-screen televisions, a DVD player and a mini bar . |
0c8ab3f416eab7404bbc15a6609e5bcd1494c647 | By . Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:43 EST, 27 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 23:34 EST, 28 June 2012 . Photos of the heartbreaking devastation of the wildfires that have ravaged Colorado in the last several days have revealed piles of rubble where houses once stood before the flames engulfed the region, leaving more than 30,000 people homeless. The photos revealed the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, where dozens of homes can be seen decimated by the fast-moving fire. The raging wildfire that has encroached on the state's second-largest city and threatened the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mayor Steve Bach said a more accurate account will be available later in the day of the damage from a blaze that has burned out of control for much of the week and forced more than 30,000 evacuees to frantically pack up belongings and flee. Scroll down for video . Before and after: The devastating Colorado wildfire can be seen in two overhead images in the Colorado Springs neighbourhood of Mountain Shadows . Whole streets of house have been razed to the ground by the fire in the Colorado Springs neighbourhood of Mountain Shadows . Watching it burn: Distraught residents stand helplessly as high winds push the Waldo Canyon Fire into the Garden of the Gods and Mountain Shadows neighborhoods in Colorado Springs . Heavy smoke and ash billowed down the . mountain from the Waldo Canyon Fire, which is top priority for the . nation's firefighters. Jeffrey Lucas, who has lived in the area all his . life, said his family home had burned to the ground. The 23-year-old told the Denver Post: 'The fire was literally coming down the hill as all of us were running to grab things out of the house and get out of there.' He . added that there were no calls from police and they had seen how close . the fire was getting from watching news reports on TV. The family . watched their home catch fire just 30 minutes after they escaped. Their home was one of about 300 that are believed to have been destroyed in the Waldo Canyon blaze, the Post reported. Ted . Stefani told the Post that he found out his five-bedroom home was gone . when he saw it consumed by flames in a photo on the front page of the . newspaper. The cause of the blaze remains unknown and local authorities said Thursday that conditions are too dangerous for any such investigation to begin. Some of the hundreds of totally destroyed homes are seen in the aftermath of the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs . Devastation: Winds have pushed the Waldo Canyon fire into the foothills neighborhoods west of Colorado Springs, Colorado . Cooler temperatures and lighter winds helped firefighters on Thursday in the battle against the fire, which has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced more than 35,000 people to flee . This aerial photo shows the destructive path of the Waldo Canyon fire in the Mountain Shadows subdivision area of Colorado Springs . El Paso County sheriff's Lt Jeff . Kramer said that U.S. Forest Service agents are waiting for firefighting . commanders to tell them when it's safe to enter the burned area. The . wildfire was one of many burning across the parched West, blazes that . have destroyed structures and prompted evacuations in Montana and Utah . and forced the closure of a portion of Zion National Park. Colorado's Thursday weather forecast offered some hope for progress, with the temperature expected to reach into the mid-80s - about 5 degrees cooler than Wednesday - and humidity 15 to 20 percent, about 5 percentage points higher. Winds were forecast to be 10 to 15 mph out of the west. 'It's not windy yet this morning. That's always a good sign,' fire information officer Rob Dyerberg said Thursday. Neighborhood inferno: The Waldo Canyon Fire engulfs an entire neighborhood in the foothills of Colorado Springs as temperatures of more than 100 degrees only served to fuel the flames . Aerial firefight: A helicopter drops water over Queens Canyon, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, while fighting the Waldo Canyon fire . Neighborhoods where explosions of bright orange flame Tuesday signaled yet another house had been claimed were still dangerous, keeping authorities away from being to assess the damage. An AP aerial photo taken Wednesday of one neighborhood showed hundreds of heavily damaged or destroyed homes. Ed and Florine Gigandet took refuge in a hotel in Manitou Springs, which days earlier had been evacuated when the same fire passed through. They fled their home as ash fell on their driveway from an ominous orange smoke overhead. Trying to learn about damage, the Gigandets drove to near their west Colorado Springs neighborhood to talk to police officers and see the area. They scoured media photos and spent hours on the phone with friends for any scrap of information. Authorities told the Gigandets it could be at least week before they're allowed home. Run for your life: Smoke and ash billowed down the hill from the Waldo Canyon wildfire causing 32,000 residents to be evacuated . Courage under fire: Firefighters struggle to get . close to the blaze (left) while evacuated residents wait anxiously for . news of their homes . Neighbourhood ravaged: Smoke rises over the Mountain Shadows area of Colorado Springs, Colorado, after the Waldo Canyon fire blazed through the area . 'We only packed clothes for four days,' Florine Gigandet, 83, a retired photo printer, said. 'I really thought that we'd be gone for only a day.' The displaced residents took stock of what they left behind. Some sat in coffee shops, others stood on bluffs to keep an eye on their neighborhoods, and others met with insurance company representatives. The fire moved so fast that Laura Oldland grabbed damp laundry out of her drier and threw it into a suitcase. But she forgot her grandmother's dishes. The Gigandets, avid golfers, left their clubs behind. 'We should be out golfing,' said Ed Gigandet, 81, a retired mining machinery sales analyst. Destruction: A residential area party destroyed by the Colorado wildfires is seen from this aerial photo . Meanwhile, the White House said President Obama will tour fire-stricken areas of Colorado on Friday and thank firefighters battling some of the worst fires to hit the American West in decades. The president phoned Gov John . Hickenlooper yesterday to pledge his support and resources for the . firefight, and said that both that his thoughts and prayers are with . responders and families impacted by the fires, according to a statement . from the White House. Colorado Springs Police Chief Peter Carey said Obama's visit to Colorado, considered a key battleground state in the presidential election, would not tax the city's already-strained police force. Quenching: A Modular Airborne Firefighting System-equipped C-130 drops fire retardant on a section of the Waldo Canyon fire near Colorado Springs . Gov Hickenlooper said he expected the president might sign a disaster declaration that would allow for more federal aid. The fire blackened up to 50 acres along the southwest boundary of the Air Force Academy campus, said Anne Rys-Sikora, a spokeswoman for the firefighters. No injuries or damage to structures - including the iconic Cadet Chapel - were reported. Fort Carson, an Army infantry post about 15 miles from the academy, sent 120 soldiers along with bulldozers and other heavy equipment to help clear a line to stop the fire on the academy. Fleeing: Tayor Salamon, 11, holds on to his dog as they pile in the back seat and his family rushes to leave their home in Colorado Springs . A time to cry: Robert Garcia consoles his wife Margaret as they watch the Waldo Canyon Fire; The Garcias were evacuated yesterday and were trying today to see if their home were damaged . Gone with the wind: High winds push the Waldo Canyon Fire into the Garden of the Gods and Mountain Shadows neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, Colorado; three men capture the destruction with cameras and mobile phones . Gusty: Two men survey the smoke from the top of a rocky hill as wind blows the thick smoke through the air . Rys-Sikora said the academy was not getting a disproportionate share of equipment and firefighters. 'It's not lopsided,' she said. Late Wednesday night, Air Force Academy officials announced they were relocating about 550 cadets off academy grounds. About 200 cadets in summer academics were being moved to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and 350 others in airmanship and other training programs were released to local sponsor families, the school said. The cadet area isn't immediately threatened, and an incoming class of more than 1,000 is still scheduled to arrive Thursday. The full scope of the fire remained unknown. So intense were the flames and so thick the smoke that rescue workers weren't able to tell residents which structures were destroyed and which ones were still standing. Up in flames: An entire neighborhood burns near the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colo. on Tuesday, June 26 . Watching as Rome burns: A man outside of Colorado Springs observes the blanket of smoke billowing out from Colorado Springs . Different forms of devastation: Left, Susan . Custer wears a mask as she checks on her sister's home, and right, a . girl wipes away tears . Indeed, authorities were too busy Wednesday struggling to save homes in near-zero visibility to count how many had been destroyed in what is the latest test for a drought-parched and tinder-dry state. At one point, a team assessing the damage had to leave charred neighborhoods because of smoke and fire danger. FBI officials are present and have said they were investigating the cause of the blaze. In addition to the some 30,000 evacuees, about 3,000 more people were evacuated to the west of the fire, Teller County authorities said Wednesday, and Teller County courts were closed through Thursday. The Red Cross was accommodating . victims at its shelters, with space enough for perhaps 2,500 people. Most evacuees were staying with family and friends. Crews . also were battling a deadly and destructive wildfire in northern . Colorado and another that flared Tuesday night near Boulder. Colorado wasn't the only state affected by fire, as several burned throughout the parched West. Hard day's night: A Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane helicopter drops slurry on a hot spot at the Waldo Canyon Fire . Seen from space: The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite captured this natural-color image on June 26; Smoke trails mark the locations of actively burning fires . What's left: Homes burned by the Waldo Canyon Fire are seen today; Fire-fighters struggled against a wildfire at the edge of Colorado Springs that doubled in size overnight and has forced 32,000 people from their homes . | 32,000 evacuated from Colorado Springs including Air Force Academy cadets as inferno spread .
About 300 homes reportedly destroyed in Waldo Canyon Fire, which has been named the No. 1 priority for emergency crews .
Obama to tour the disaster-stricken area on Friday to meet firefighters working around the clock . |
0c8ab7d049dca01e18d3ce60c92daa311cb1fcc4 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:13 EST, 31 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:33 EST, 1 June 2013 . One of the prostitutes who is defending the alleged father and son pimps in court, was given a black eye by one of them - but says she deserved it, according to a man who offered to help her. As the court heard about the spacious suburban homes with swimming pools in the back garden and BMWs in the drive that the prostitutes were given, they were also told the men would verbally abuse the women and, in one case, gave Desiree Ellis a black eye in 2007. In recorded phone calls played in court, George Jr was heard to say to the women: 'You . like being a cheap ho?' and 'I’m waxing your a** in the morning'. Violence: Desiree Ellis with a black eye, which the court was told was caused by Vincent George Jr . Former prosecutor David Novick told the court that when he asked Ms Ellis about her black eye at the time, 'She said she deserved it, and it wasn’t . a big deal'. Vincent George, 55, and his son Vincent George Jr, 35, have been charged with money laundering and sex trafficking for allegedly forcing five young women into prostitution, and then beating them and withholding money from them. The five blondes from Pennsylvania would drive into New York City and work eight-hour shifts, turning tricks for $300 each in the backseat of clients' cars or posh Manhattan hotel rooms, according to testimony. 'She, I thought, was moving towards wanting help, but ended up not going that way,' Mr Novick, who offered Miss Ellis help on July 27, 2007, said. 'I recall specifically her telling me that she got the black eye from her then pimp.' The 24-year-old however, denied she was a victim, and said she works 'with' not 'for' George Jr, according to the Daily News. Family business: Vincent George Jr and Vincent George Sr are accused of sex trafficking . Alleged abuse: The court is shown a picture of Desiree Ellis with a black eye. She denies her pimp did it . 'I had a bad date. The gentleman was unhappy with the service he had gotten and we got physical.' she testified, adding that she 'never stated' George Jr. hit her. Miss Ellis and two other women - Danielle Geissler and Heather Keith, who is eight months pregnant with another man's child - testified previously . of how happy they were with their lifestyles and the perks of the job, . which included spacious homes in Allentown, Pennsylvania, vacations and fridges full of food. Perks: Desiree Ellis shows a picture of the house she says she was given in Allentown, Pennsylvania . Secretly recorded conversations . between the Georges, who have admitted 47 years of pimping between . them, reveal how keeping their employees happy, or getting the 'b*****s to sit' as they described it, was just good business. 'I had a lot of b*****s, dad,' George Jr, is heard saying to his father, as he recalls past employees who left for other pimps or lifestyles. 'Dad, you been in this s*** twice the . time I’ve been in this s***, so I know your numbers [of former . employees] is stupid, you know what I mean?' he adds. George Jr adds. 'If them b*****s . would have sat ...' before his father interrupts and says: 'We’d be . f*****g rich, man.' Despite their lucrative earnings in . the sex trade, the women wanted regular lifestyles, with nice homes that . had swimming pools. 'They certainly had jewelry, too, and . nice clothes,' George Jr’s lawyer, David Epstein, told The New York Post. 'But . they weren’t "bling-bling" kind of women.' 'They would go to work at fancy . Manhattan hotels, but then come home and walk around in their slippers, . do their laundry, housecleaning,' he said. Despite the veneer of normality the prostitutes presented to the outside world, neighbors said they were suspicious of the women and the Georges, who lived about two miles from them. 'We knew something wasn’t normal because they didn’t keep their yard like everyone else,' a 73-year-old, who gave her name only as Judy, told The New York Post. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Secretly recorded calls reveal George family threatening prostitutes .
Desiree Ellis denies pimp hurt her, saying unsatisfied client became angry . |
0c8bb3e2f77a791685b2089cf51c83086a6bd160 | Peter Ball, formerly the Bishop of Gloucester and Bishop of Lewes, will be prosecuted for historic offences dating back to 1977 (file photo) A retired Church of England bishop and friend of Prince Charles has been charged with a series of sex offences. Peter Ball, who once described the Prince of Wales as a loyal friend after being given a place to live by him, is due to appear in court next month over sex offences and misconduct charges. The 82-year-old former Bishop of Gloucester, who was previously Bishop of Lewes in East Sussex, will be prosecuted for alleged historic offences dating back to 1977. Ball was enthroned as Bishop of Gloucester in 1992 at a ceremony attended by Prince Charles, and resigned in 1993. Shortly afterwards Charles invited him to live in Manor Lodge in the village of Aller, Somerset, a property owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. Ball said at the time: ‘He [Prince Charles] has been wonderfully kind and allowed me to have a Duchy house. The prince is a loyal friend. ‘I have immense admiration for him. He has been through horrific times and is a great person.’ Ball is understood to have moved out of the property after living there for a decade. After his resignation he continued working in churches until 2010. He was arrested in November 2012, when . his Permission to Officiate was suspended, after a three-month . investigation into the Chichester Diocese in Sussex. Rev Peter Ball meeting Prince Charles in 1992. The bishop, now 82, has described him as 'a loyal friend' in the past . Ball, of Langport, . Somerset, is accused of an indecent assault on a boy, aged 12 or 13, . indecent assault on a man aged 19 or 20, and misconduct in a public . office. The former bishop, . thought to be the most senior member of the clergy to be charged in . connection with a sex abuse investigation, will appear at Brighton . Magistrates’ Court. Jaswant . Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in the South East, said . yesterday: ‘After a thorough and careful review, I have decided that . Peter Ball should be prosecuted for misconduct in public office and two . indecent assaults. Ball, 82, is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates Court, pictured, next month . It is alleged that he sexually abused a number of young males between 1977 and 1992. The . misconduct alleged is that he misused his position and authority to . manipulate and prevail upon others for his own sexual gratification. ‘During this time Mr Ball was serving as a bishop in the Church of England.’ Sussex . Police said Ball was arrested on November 13, 2012, but released on . medical advice without being interviewed. He was charged after providing . a statement in response to the continuing police probe. The . Church of England said it has been ‘working closely’ with police. It . added: ‘The Church of England takes any allegations of abuse very . seriously and is committed to being a safe place for all.’ Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Peter Ball is formerly the Bishop of Gloucester and Bishop of Lewes .
Alleged he sexually abused a number of young males between 1977-1992 .
Charges include an alleged indecent assault on a boy, .
aged 12 or 13 .
Ball, 82, is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates Court next month . |
0c8c156505604a5afcb802860294abdcfb98eaa5 | The United States has no plans to restrict travel from African countries hard-hit by the Ebola virus epidemic, the Obama administration said Monday. At the same time, the president's chief spokesman said the U.S. won't absolutely rule it out. 'A travel ban is not something that we're currently considering,' White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters. 'We feel good about the measures that are already in place,' he insisted. White House on tilt? Obama's aides are facing tough questions from reporters who demand to know why planes from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea are still allowed to land at US airports amid an Ebolaepidemic . Now arriving in the US: 77 sick patients believed to be infected with Ebola have been stopped from boarding planes bound for America, and the White House says that's enough to suggest the planes can still come . Global village: West African nationals can connect to the US via Nigeria or Europe and the White House says the planes have to continue flying if supplies and aid workers are to reach those in need . 'Our experts continue to be confident that the medical infrastructure that we have in this country is sufficient to prevent an Ebola outbreak from occurring,' Earnest said. He continued Monday to project confidence, which some have interpreted as reassuring while others see it as complacency. Still, he adopted a never-say-never attitude when pressed on the subject. 'This is something that we regularly assess and re-assess, and – so I wouldn't rule out any changes in the future,' he said. Earnest explained that a back-and-forth flow of aviation traffic is needed in order to fight the Ebola outbreak from an ocean away. 'We're relying on the commercial transportation system to move supplies and personnel into the region,' he said. 'So we don't want to obstruct one of the core components of our strategy.' The administration is relying heavily on what Earnest called 'a multi-layered screening protocol' to spare Americans from the kind of public health devastation that has brought three countries to their knees and killed thousands. 'There are extensive screening measures on the ground in west Africa where this outbreak has occurred,' he said, adding that 'there's guidelines and guidance and training that has been given to flight crews.' 'There also is a protocol in place for Customs and Border Patrol officers who are manning our ports of entry,' Earnest added, 'to be on the lookout for individuals, again, that may be exhibiting symptoms of Ebola – in other words, that are contagious with Ebola.' But health officials said Sunday that they are considering the approval of new measures designed to provide the U.S. with one extra firewall, such as checking the body temperature of everyone who enters the U.S. from an affected nation. Death toll keeps tolling: Red Cross workers loaded the body of this Ebola victim onto a truck for disposal on Sunday . Setting boundaries: US Air Force personnel mark out the location of a future field hospital in Liberia with razor wire, which could be needed to keep hordes of patients out of the few clinics available . Other pandemics have seen similar strategies. In 2009, at the height of the avian influenza scare, China and other Asian nations required temperature checks of every passenger deplaning in Beijing and other major points of entry. But those modest steps, like the more drastic travel ban proposals, are just drawing-board ideas. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that a 'discussion is underway right now' and 'all options are being looked at' for new U.S.-based screening plans. But the question, he told CNN, is whether 'the extra level of screening is going to be worth the resources you need to put into it. At a press conference Sunday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Dr. Thomas Frieden declared: 'There's no doubt that we can stop Ebola in this country.' He also said current screening protocols in Africa have stopped 77 potentially Ebola-infected people from boarding planes to America. The Ebola virus is transmitted via contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. The current strain of the virus is believed to have killed about half of the people it has infected in Africa. U.S. officials stressed Friday during a White House press conference that America's public health system is more robust and will adequately protect the public. | 77 people have been prevented from boarding US-bound planes in west Africa, but the CDC doesn't know what it doesn't know .
Obama spokesman Josh Earnest said there is no plan to cut off travel from Liberia and other Ebola hotspots but 'I wouldn't rule out any changes'
Earnest said a back-and-forth flow of aviation traffic is needed in order to get personnel and supplies to the affected countries .
The administration has 'a lot of confidence' in current screening measures . |
0c8d02b715cb91a4d53a61fc132facf962202125 | Penis-shaped lollies have been taken off the shelves in New Zealand after a local father complained that they were 'offensive'. Barrie Aburn, from Dunedin on the South Island, was surprised when the mixed bag of lollies his young daughters bought him as a birthday present contained the lewd confectionery. Mr Aburn's partner Jacqui Hawkins was the first to notice them when she picked one randomly out of the bag of Dragon Sweets, The New Zealand Herald reported. Barrie Aburn, from Dunedin on the South Island, was surprised when the mixed bag of confectionery his young daughters bought him as a birthday present contained penis-shaped gummy lollies . 'I don't find anything amusing about it at all. I find it disgusting,' she said. The bag also contained gummy babies with penises. The Dragon Sweets were imported from China six weeks ago by confectionery company Dutch Rusk. Dutch Rusk managing director Willem Van de Geest said 7200 bags of mixed gummy lollies were distributed around the South Island, but said he was unaware they contained the inappropriate sweets. They have since been recalled. The Dragon Sweets were imported from China six weeks ago by confectionery company Dutch Rusk . 'You have to look at it two or three times to think that doesn't look right,' Mr Van de Geest said. He apologised to Mr Aburn and said it was a one-off occurrence that wouldn't happen again. Mr Van de Geest added that the lollies would not be considered offensive in Asia, where the shape is a sign of health and fertility. 'They wouldn't even blink an eyelid. We see it as offensive. We don't mind a hand or a foot being part of a lolly but we object to a breast or a penis,' he said. | Penis-shaped lollies have been taken off the shelves in the South Island .
Barrie Aburn, from Dunedin, was surprised when a bag of lollies his young daughters bought him for his birthday contained the lewd confectionery .
7200 bags have been recalled and the company has apologised . |
0c8d0b410988fd248388af5bf87fcfa6894f310c | Kasia Rivera, 37, (pictured in 2012) from New Jersey, is facing new charges of illegally injecting silicone into a woman's buttocks and breasts . A bogus cosmetic surgeon, who allegedly fatally injected a man with silicone during a penis enlargement procedure, is facing new charges. Kasia Rivera, 37, from East Orange, New Jersey, had been due in court on February 27 on charges of reckless manslaughter and the unauthorized practice of medicine relating to the death of 22-year-old Justin Street in 2011. However new charges were brought against Rivera on Tuesday after she allegedly illegally injected a woman with silicone. Rivera, who had been out on bail on the manslaughter charge, was take into custody on Tuesday after the judge raised her bond to $200,000, NJ.com reported. If she is released at a later date, Judge Ronald Wigler told her: 'You are not to commit any new crimes whatsoever. You are not to inject anybody with any kind of needle.' The bogus surgeon was arrested in December 2011 following the death of Mr Street who attended a 'pumping party' at her East Orange home. It has been alleged that Rivera injected silicone into the 22-year-old's penis. Mr Street suffered a clot to the lungs owing to a a silicone embolism and authorities believe Rivera administered similar black market injections to other unsuspecting customers. The 22-year-old's death, the day after he received the injection, was ruled a homicide following an investigation. In the new case, Rivera has been charged with the unauthorized practice of medicine after she allegedly injected silicone into a woman's buttocks and breasts at least four times. Rivera, 37, appeared on Wednesday (pictured) in a Newark courtroom with her attorney, Olubukola Adetula, and Essex County Assistant Prosecutor William Neafsey . The illegal injections came to light after a 17-year-old girl was hospitalized due to a silicone injection. Another woman, 35-year-old Alexis Patterson, is accused of injecting the teenager and has been held on aggravated assault and the unauthorized practice of medicine charges on $100,000 bail. Separately Rivera was charged in December with giving false information to a police officer and possessing a stun gun. Justin Street, 22, died after receiving an illegal silicone injection in a penis enlargement procedure in 2011 . According to nj,com, Essex County Assistant Prosecutor William Neafsey said on Tuesday: 'She's continuing to do these acts.' Silicon injections are used to enlarge body parts such as the buttocks or breasts. The only cosmetic use for non-encapsulated medical silicone approved by the FDA is Botox, for injection around the eyes. However black-market illegal use by untrained practitioners continues as a quick-fix budget alternative to cosmetic surgery. Doctors have said the slow economy has also fueled the trade in illegal silicone injections. In some cases, silicone can migrate through the bloodstream, resulting in a potentially fatal clot in the heart, brain or lungs. The silicone can also migrate through tissue leaving disfigured lumps. There is also no guarantee of medical-grade silicon at so-called 'pumping parties' cosmetic events held in homes, offices and even motel rooms. Industrial-grade silicone purchased at hardware stores is sometimes used as are toxic substitutes such as castor oil, mineral oil and petroleum jelly. | Kasia Rivera, 37, from New Jersey, due in court on February 27 on charges of reckless manslaughter relating to death of Justin Street, 22, in 2011 .
Mr Street had silicone injected into his penis during a 'pumping party' at Rivera's home .
The bogus cosmetic surgeon has now been charged in a separate case for allegedly injecting silicone into a woman's breasts and buttocks . |
0c8dd5cf24d5f690626cbd0ddeec6f0aa4b44f7a | The rise and rise of Tyler Blackett continues at pace. The 20-year-old has been at Manchester United since he was seven, but before this season was barely known outside the walls of Carrington. Six games into his season, though, and he could soon find himself on £50,000 a week, having started the campaign on £2,000 - a pay increase of 2,400 per cent. A £50,000 sum may seem the going rate for a centre back starting regularly for United, but has Blackett really justified such a staggering pay rise? Tyler Blackett (right) looks set to be offered £50,000 a week to remain at Old Trafford past this season . The centre back currently earns £2,000 a week and his deal expires at the end of the season . The Manchester United youth product (right) has appeared six times in the league under Louis van Gaal . Swansea (h) lost 2-1 - Sportsmail rating 6 . Sunderland (a) 1-1 - 5 . Burnley (a) 0-0 - 5.5 . QPR (h) won 4-0 - 6.5 . Leicester (a) lost 5-3 - 4.5 . Everton (h) won 2-1 - 7 (came on at 70 mins) Louis van Gaal has spoken glowingly about Blackett and has been impressed by his dedication to improving himself - the defender, as reported previously by Sportsmail, regularly puts in extra training sessions on days off. Yet the fact remains that in the five games Blackett has started this season he has not scored a rating higher than 6.5 from Sportsmail's reporters. His highest rating has been a 7 - but that came in a 20-minute cameo in the 2-1 win over Everton. It must also be remembered that Paul Pogba - now a full French international and one of the best young players in Europe - left Old Trafford when the club balked at his pay demands. Pogba wanted a reported £20,000 a week and when he didn't get it joined Juventus, where he has gone on to win two Serie A titles but is still only on £23,000. Paul Pogba (right) left United after reportedly being refused wages of £20,000 a week and even at Juventus, where he has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world, he earns just £23,000 a week . Adnan Januzaj was recently rewarded with a new contract at United but he is paid a reported £30,000 a week . Adnan Januzaj, who so impressed last season and was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, is only on a reported £30,000 a week. There will be those that say that no young player - regardless of how good they are - deserves to be lavished with such vast sums. Others will say that, with Blackett's contract due to expire next year, United had to splash out to keep him at the club. Should Blackett go on to become a regular for United for the next decade then £50,000 a week will seem a snip and a masterstroke by the club's hierarchy. But, at present, it seems to be another example of United's apparent willingness to throw money around without concern. Blackett (left) has not received higher than a 7 rating from Sportsmail reporters so far this season . The 20-year-old has featured prominently due to United and Van Gaal's defensive injury crisis this season . By all accounts, Blackett seems to a sensible young man who won't let the money distract him but with his potential sky-high wages now known the pressure will continue to increase on his inexperienced shoulders. Any slip-up and that figure will be bandied about. Blackett is not to blame for this, of course - United's paymasters ultimately sign off any deal and questions must be asked of them. But the centre back will have to attempt to go about his business and prove he is worth the cash, but should such a young man still finding his way in the Premier League be under such intense pressure so soon? Blackett operates as a left-sided centre back and has looked assured despite being just 20 years of age . You can follow them on Twitter here. Like our Manchester United Facebook page. | Tyler Blackett looks set to be paid £50,000-a-week at Old Trafford .
Centre back started season on £2,000 a week and has played six times .
Adnan Januzaj is on £30,000 a week, Paul Pogba gets £23,000 .
Blackett has not received higher than a 7 from Sportsmail's reporters for any of his Manchester United performances so far this season . |
0c8e2421b88d252ec7b09cc49e0cd7622cbc3b0b | By . Associated Press . UPDATED: . 16:06 EST, 9 February 2012 . A reality televison producer arrived in . Mexico escorted by nearly a dozen agents after being extradited . from the United States to face trial over his wife's killing. Former Survivor producer Bruce . Beresford-Redman landed at Cancun's airport late last night and was whisked away in an . SUV accompanied by three police vehicles. He was driven to the state prosecutors' office, which is charging him with the . death of his wife, Monica, whose naked body was found in a sewer cistern at a . Cancun resort following an April 2010 family vacation. Back to Mexico: Bruce Beresford-Redman flew a private government flight to Mexico. Here he has just landed in Cancun . He carried a bottle of water and had his hands cuffed as he exited the plane in what appeared to be a bullet proof vest . Under heavy guard: Beresford-Redman was driven by state police to a jail in Cancun after his extradition to Mexico on a charge of murdering his wife . Whisked away: The former Survivor producer, wearing a bulletproof vest, leaves Cancun's airport in an SUV accompanied by three police vehicles . The noncommercial jet touched down at around 10.40pm on a separate runway where reporters didn't have access. The victim's sister, Carla Burgos, said: 'It was a relief. We have been waiting for that for two years.' Gaspar Armando Garcia Torres, attorney . general for the state of Quintana Roo, said the suspect will be taken to . a jail in the Caribbean resort. He could see a judge anytime within the next three days. Reporters couldn't approach Bruce . Beresford-Redman. From afar, the producer could be seen handcuffed . wearing a white T-shirt and a bulletproof vest. Handouts issued later confirmed his outfit. Awaiting trial: Beresford-Redman (centre) is guarded by state police before he is admitted to a jail in Cancun today. He is due to see a judge within the next three days . Husband and wife: Bruce Beresford-Redman, left, pictured at his . California home in May 2010, is accused of killing his wife, Monica . Beresford-Redman, right . 'Relief': Mrs Beresford-Redman's sister, Carla Burgos (left), and her attorney, Alsion Triessl, address the media about the extradition of Beresford-Redman yesterday . The legal saga of Beresford-Redman has played out on both sides of the border. The U.S. Marshals Service turned the . Emmy-nominated producer over to Mexican federal police Wednesday, . roughly two weeks after State Department officials signed a warrant . clearing his extradition. The producer and his wife Monica . Beresford-Redman had gone to the resort with their young children in an . attempt to save their marriage after she learned her husband was . cheating on her. Mexican authorities say Beresford-Redman murdered his wife ‘by asphyxiating her’ in their room on April 5, 2010. Handcuffed: Beresford-Redman was extradited from Los Angeles to Mexico on Wednesday . Returning to Mexico: Beresford-Redman boarded this Aero Mexico plane from Los Angeles to face trial . Her naked body was found in a hotel sewer three days later. Bruce Beresford-Redman opted in December . not to appeal a U.S. court ruling upholding his extradition. Mexican . authorities later said they had reached an agreement for his return. 'Bruce eagerly wants to set the record . straight, confront the charges in a fair trial and return to his . children,' spokesman Stephen Jaffe wrote in an email. Beresford-Redman, an Emmy-nominated . producer, has denied that he killed his wife and his attorneys have . attacked evidence in the case. Had marriage difficulties: The couple took a trip to the exclusive Mexican resort after details of Beresford-Redman's affair emerged . Exclusive: The luxurious Moon Palace Resort in Cancun where the couple vacationed . His U.S. attorneys fought his return to . Mexico, but two federal judges ruled there was ample reason to send him . abroad for trial. Beresford-Redman has also employed . attorneys in Mexico to challenge the validity of the case there. He was . arrested on a fugitive warrant in the Los Angeles area in November 2010. Accused: Mexican police escort Beresford-Redman (centre) inside the attorney general's office in Cancun following his arrest in April, 2010 . Mexican and U.S. authorities say he left . Mexico without permission, although Beresford-Redman's lawyers have . claimed he was under no obligation to stay and needed to return to the . U.S. to help care for his children. The family of Monica Beresford-Redman . said the extradition 'marks a major milestone in our journey to ensure . justice for Monica.' 'After nearly 15 months in United States . custody, Bruce will finally be returned to Mexico to stand trial for . Monica's murder,' attorney Alison Triessl wrote in a statement released . on behalf of the family. Triessl said the family will follow the . case in Mexico and will ask for the maximum sentence if Beresford-Redman . is convicted. The maximum sentence could be 12 to 30 years in prison. 'He has always stated that he is . innocent of the charges against him and it is his hope that the court in . Cancun will assure that he receives a fair trial in which, he is . confident, he will be exonerated,' Beresford-Redman's attorney, Richard . Hirsch wrote in a statement. U.S. prosecutors presented statements . from hotel guests who said they heard loud arguing and cries of distress . coming from the couple's room on the night Monica Beresford-Redman went . missing. The producer's attorneys have claimed . the noises came from Beresford-Redman and his children playing loud . games throughout the night and that there isn't any forensic evidence . that he killed his wife. | Bruce Beresford-Redman driven to jail in Cancun after extradition . |
0c8fdf1346d45159e38821731de0dbe27347dddc | Beijing (CNN) -- Chinese state media frequently treats Japan's atrocities of the past like breaking news of today. But lately, the steady flow of war history-related news has become a flood. Amid fast-deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, China's State Archives Administration recently re-opened case files from a Chinese military tribunal in 1956 and launched a dedicated website to publish summaries of confessions by 45 convicted Japanese war criminals. Among the horrifying accounts posted online by Chinese authorities are confessions of raping countless women, burying people alive and performing human vivisections in China -- all handwritten by captured Japanese army officers after World War II and long sealed in the state archives in Beijing. The Chinese government's target is clear. "Since the Abe cabinet came into power in Japan," begins the online introduction to the confessions, referring to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "It has openly confused right and wrong to mislead the public, in an attempt to whitewash the history of external aggression and colonialism." Tense seas . China and Japan have a dark history of conflict, including the nine-year Second Sino-Japanese War during which the contentious Nanjing Massacre took place from December 13, 1937 to March 1, 1938. Japanese soldiers committed mass murders and forced Chinese and Korean women into sexual slavery during the occupation of Nanjing. But it was a more recent flare-up, say analysts, which brought the historic grievances back out into the open. Relations between China and Japan became strained in 2012 when Japan claimed islands in the East China Sea. China then declared in November 2013 an Air Defense Identification Zone over the East China Sea, imposing air traffic restrictions over the disputed area. China's moves have made Japan and other nations in South East Asia nervous over it's expanding military and more assertive foreign policy, accusing China of trying to change the status quo. A right turn . In December, Abe further stoked tensions by visiting the Yasukuni Shrine where Japanese soldiers are honored -- including wartime leaders convicted as class-A war criminals. Abe became the first sitting prime minister to make the provocative visit since Junichiro Koizumi went in 2006. Six months later, Abe declared a more liberal interpretation of Japan's post-war pacifist constitution, essentially lifting a decades-long ban that prevented its military from fighting abroad. The following month, China released the Japanese wartime confessions online. Beijing also marked the anniversary of the Second Sino-Japanese War with an elaborate commemoration ceremony at Lugou Bridge, the site of the first showdown. "China is responding to Prime Minister Abe's attempts to rehabilitate the discredited wartime past. It's trying to underscore the fact that Japan suffers from selective amnesia," says Jeff Kingston, an expert in Asian regional tensions and a professor at Temple University, Japan Campus. Global strategy . For long-time China watchers, this back-and-forth may be escalating at an alarming rate, but it is nothing new. "Since the early 1990s, the communist party has been trying to stoke anti-Japanese patriotism among the Chinese people mostly because they wanted to regain some of the legitimacy they lost in the Tiananmen Square massacre," says Kingston, referring to the bloody military crackdown on Chinese student demonstrators in 1989. For China's president, the nationalism stoked by anti-Japanese sentiment, could become a powerful tool. "Nationalism is a very potent force in China right now. Xi is strengthening nationalistic sentiment to unify the country behind him and reinforce his own position as leader," says Frank Ching, a political commentator. Beyond fomenting patriotism at home, China is also reminding its international partners that Japan hasn't come clean about its past. Kingston explains that Japan's imperialist history "is Abe's Achilles' heel." By highlighting Abe's right-wing inclinations, China can drive a wedge between the U.S. and Japan, while pulling South Korea -- another nation that suffers wartime scars inflicted by Japan -- closer. China appears to be using it's propaganda push to isolate Japan from its allies. Resolution . But China's heavy-handed propaganda may backfire in the end because foreign governments may see it in a more cynical light. "If they press their case more quietly, it would be more effective," says Kingston. It may also lead the nations further away from resolution. "These battles over history undermine trust and limit the room for diplomacy. It's very difficult for both sides to find a face-saving way to climb down," says Kingston. Abe has repeatedly called for face-to-face talks with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. "The door for dialogue is always open on my side, and I hope China has the same attitude," the Japanese leader said. But analysts are not hopeful for talks, as both nations wait for the other to make the first move. "The Chinese side has made it clear that they will not talk to Abe unless he takes action to show that his attitude has changed, but I don't see Abe doing that in the absence of any commitment from China for a meeting first," says Ching. All eyes are now on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit coming up in November during which Abe has invited Xi to a meeting on the sidelines. The two leaders have never met since both came to power in 2012. | Sino-Japanese relations fast deteriorating amid tensions over disputed islands in the East China Sea .
Analysts say China and Japan are engaged in a war of propaganda and rhetoric .
Jeff Kingston: "These battles over history undermine trust and limit the room for diplomacy" |
0c90cd63faff6e91b657a1bd75892af5076710d7 | (CNN) -- DNA evidence links a now-dead American convict to the murder of a Canadian teenager who disappeared in 1974, authorities in British Columbia said Tuesday. Bobby Jack Fowler, who died in an Oregon prison in 2006, is responsible for the murder of 16-year-old Colleen MacMillen, Inspector Gary Shinkaruk of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said at a news conference. Authorities said while the case is closed on MacMillen's death, investigations continue into the abductions and killings of other women in the same region of Canada, and the search is still on for information in those cases. "Today's announcement and public plea for assistance is a significant milestone in our commitment to solving a series of missing and murdered women investigations in British Columbia," said Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, commanding officer of the RCMP in British Columbia. New DNA work may offer break in 36-year-old Michigan slayings . On August 9, 1974, MacMillen disappeared near Highway 97 in Lac La Hache, British Columbia, according to Shinkaruk. She was found dead 47 kilometers (about 29 miles) south of her last known location. A DNA profile of an unknown male was established in 2007 from evidence in her case, but Canada's National Crime Scene Databank did not turn up a match, Shinkaruk said. A higher-quality sample was submitted to INTERPOL in 2012, and the new sample was matched with Fowler. The development brings to a close one of 18 open cases in British Columbia involving women who went missing, with some later found murdered, stretching back to 1969. The cases are being investigated by a task force named Project E-Pana. The mission of the Project E-Pana is to solve the homicides of 13 women and the disappearances of another five women who remain missing, according to Shinkaruk. The name of the task force comes from an Inuit word describing the spirit goddess that looks after souls, according to the RCMP website. Fowler has been ruled out as a suspect in eight of the eighteen cases, though he remains a "person of interest" in the remaining nine open cases. Fowler also has been named as a suspect in the 1995 murders of two Oregon teenage girls and as a person of interest in a 1992 double homicide, according to the district attorney's office in Lincoln County, Oregon. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the victims of these crimes," Canadian Minister of Public Safety Victor Toews said in a statement. "Anyone with information about this individual should come forward as soon as possible," he added, referring to Fowler's movements through the region during the time that the killings and abductions occurred. Fowler, 66, was arrested in 1995 for a violent attack on a woman in Oregon, and died in a prison there six years ago. Shinkaruk said his office has released photos and a video of Fowler. The RCMP has also created a timeline for Fowler's movements over the last 40 years, and Shinkaruk called on citizens of Canada and the United States to think back to the 1970s, '80s and '90s and contact the RCMP with any new information in the still-open cases. More from CNN Justice: . Suspect in St. Maarten deaths in court . High school soccer players accused of hazing, sexual assault . Family, volunteers, police search for missing Florida student . | 16-year-old Colleen MacMillen was murdered in British Columbia in 1974 .
On Tuesday, Canadian authorities said DNA tied an American man to her death .
The man, Bobby Jack Fowler, died in a U.S. prison in 2006 .
But he remains a "person of interest" in 9 cases of missing or murdered Canadian women . |
0c937c7dc519726236eb717e8248a678f00dd745 | U.S. special operations forces attempted to rescue an American and Briton held hostage by al-Qaeda during an early morning raid on a cave in Yemen, but the two Westerners had already been moved by the time commandos arrived. News of the pre-dawn Tuesday raid was first reported by the New York Times on Wednesday, which detailed how Americans, including members of the Navy’s SEAL Team Six, worked with Yemeni counterterrorism forces to stage the attack on an al-Qaeda hideout in the Yemeni province of Hadhramaut, near the border with Saudi Arabia. SEAL Team Six is the elite team which participated in the 2012 raid in which former al-Qaeda leader and 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden was assassinated. Eight hostages - including six Yemenis, a Saudi Arabian and an Ethiopian - were rescued in this week's raid. A member of the Yemen special forces confirmed that an unnamed American and Briton were expected to be among the hostages in the remote cave. Covert: A joint team of U.S. special forces and Yemen counterterrorism agents conducted a raid on an al-Qaeda hideout Tuesday, freeing eight hostages. An American and Briton were expected to be among the prisoners, but appear to have been moved shortly before the raid . U.S. officials confirmed that the raid took place, but referred all questions about the operation to the Yemeni government. ‘I would just tell you we continue to support Yemeni counterterrorism efforts and would refer you to them to talk to any operations,’ Rear Admiral John F Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters on Tuesday. According to the Times, the raid happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when about two dozen U.S. special forces and Yemeni soldiers were flown to a dune-filled area called Hagr al-Saiaar. The team then made their way on foot to a cave where the hostages were being held, and engaged in a firefight with members of the group al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Seven AQAP fighters were killed in the battle, officials said. The soldiers and freed hostages then hiked back to waiting helicopters, and flew out of the rural region overrun by al-Qaeda groups who are protected by the local tribes. The Tuesday operation was the first reported incident where American forces have operated on the ground in Yemen. However, the U.S. military has a strong presence in the country, which has authorized the Pentagon to carry out drone strikes on terrorist groups. So far, the Yemeni government has only confirmed the identity of one of the hostages freed in the raid: Khalil al-Mekhlafi. Al-Meklafi, a lecturer at Yemen’s Al Bayda University who holds a doctorate in computer science, and two of his colleagues were abducted last year after finishing classes at the school. Professor Sailan Al Arami, president of the Al Bayda, said al-Meklafi was hired by the university last year after serving for months at a police academy. A local journalist told the Times that al-Meklafi was likely abducted by al-Qaeda militants, who thought his time as a police officer made him knowledgeable in how to make explosives. ‘They think that he would help them making bombs,’ the journalist, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Times. The Saudi Arabian hostage has also not been identified yet, but it is alleged that it could be diplomat Abdullah al-Khalidi. Free? Six Yemenis, an Ethiopian and a Saudi Arabian were freed in the raid. The Saudi Arabian hostage has not been identified but could be diplomat Abdullah al-Khalidi (pictured left and right). Al-Khalidi was kidnapped in Aden, Yemen in 2012, and has appeared in al-Qaeda videos pleading for his release (a grab of one of the videos on the right) Al-Khalidi was kidnapped from the Yemeni city of Aden in 2012, and has pleaded for his release in videos released by al-Qaeda to the Saudi Arabian government. A spokesman at the Saudi Embassy in Washington told the Times that they had no information about the citizen who was released. This past summer, U.S. special ops participated in a similar raid in Syria, where they failed to rescue American hostages held by the Islamic State, after the extremist group started beheading American journalists and aid workers in videotaped recordings. The identity of the American targeted in the Tuesday raid remains a mystery, since there hasn’t been a report of an American held hostage by AQAP in Yemen. | Tuesday morning raid carried out by two dozen American commandos and Yemeni counterterrorism agents in remote region overrun by al-Qaeda cells .
Eight hostages rescued including six Yemenis, an Ethiopian and a Saudi Arabian .
Member of the Yemeni special forces says an American and Briton were expected to be among the prisoners, but were moved before the raid . |
0c937e361fc6f70348154fe7431db40141b805c6 | Doctors now have convincing evidence that they put HIV into remission, hopefully for good, in a Mississippi baby born with the AIDS virus — a medical first that is prompting a new look at how hard and fast such cases should be treated. The case was reported earlier this year but some doctors were skeptical that the baby was really infected rather than testing positive because of exposure to virus in the mom's blood. The new report, published online Wednesday by the New England Journal of Medicine, makes clear that the girl, now 3, was infected in the womb. She was treated unusually aggressively and shows no active infection despite stopping AIDS medicines 18 months ago. A Cure? Dr. Deborah Persaud specializes in juvenile HIV and helped research the case . Doctors won't call it a cure because they don't know what proof or how much time is needed to declare someone free of HIV infection, long feared to be permanent. 'We want to be very cautious here. We're calling it remission because we'd like to observe the child for a longer time and be absolutely sure there's no rebound,' said Dr. Katherine Luzuriaga, a University of Massachusetts AIDS expert involved in the baby's care. The government's top AIDS scientist, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, agreed. 'At minimum, the baby is in a clear remission. It is possible that the baby has actually been cured. We don't have a definition for cure as we do for certain cancers, where after five years or so you can be relatively certain the person is not going to go and relapse,' he said. A scientist at his institute did sophisticated tests that showed no active virus in the child. A government-sponsored international study starting in January aims to test early treatment in babies born with HIV to see if the results in this case can be reproduced. Normally the virus (pictured as seen under a microscope) rebounds if treatment stops . Most HIV-infected moms in the U.S. get AIDS medicines during pregnancy, which greatly cuts the chances they will pass the virus to their babies. But the Mississippi mom got no prenatal care and her HIV was discovered during labor. Doctors considered the baby to be at such high risk that they started the child on three powerful medicines 30 hours after birth, rather than waiting for a test to confirm infection as is usually done. Within a month, the baby's virus fell to undetectable levels. She remained on treatment until she was 18 months old when doctors lost contact with her. Ten months later when she returned, they could find no sign of infection even though the mom had stopped giving the child AIDS medicines. Only one other person is thought to have been cured of HIV infection — a San Francisco man who had a bone marrow transplant in 2007 from a donor with natural resistance to HIV, and showed no sign of infection five years later. In the Mississippi baby, 'there's no immune mechanism we can identify that would keep the virus in check' like that bone marrow donor, said another study author, Dr. Deborah Persaud of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, who helped investigate the case because she has researched treatment in children. A 'functional cure' for HIV/AIDS can be achieved for some patients diagnosed early, according to new research. Image shows a conceptual view of HIV in the bloodstream . Dr. Peter Havens, pediatric HIV chief at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and a government adviser on HIV treatment guidelines, said the child may have an undiscovered genetic trait that helped her manage the virus. 'I'm just not convinced that her dramatic response would be replicable in a large population,' he said. It's too soon to recommend treating other high-risk babies so aggressively without more study, he said. In the upcoming study, doctors plan to give AIDS medicines for at least two years and watch for signs of remission before suspending treatment and seeing whether a remission results. The Mississippi case 'did open people's eyes further' about a possible cure, Luzuriaga said. 'We might be able to intervene early and spare children a lifetime of therapy. That is the potential impact of this case.' | After the baby was cured, doctors wondered whether she ever actually had the disease .
Researchers were able to prove that the baby actually was infected while still in the womb .
She was treated unusually aggressively and shows no active infection despite stopping AIDS medicines 18 months ago . |
0c93994368bf3963a48f94ad40c9d20e24c244fa | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 12:14 EST, 26 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:28 EST, 29 July 2013 . A woman who murdered her 'sugar daddy' ex-boyfriend with the help of another lover and then hid the mutilated body in a freezer was jailed for life today. Sharon Swinhoe, 44, battered retired civil servant Peter McMahon to death in a sustained assault which saw the 68-year-old's eyes gouged out. Along with her accomplice, one of her other lovers Joseph Collins, 54, Swinhoe wheeled Mr McMahon's body in a suitcase from her home to Collins's flat in Elswick, Newcastle, where they hid the body in his freezer. Sharon Swinhoe, 44, left, was jailed for 25 years today for the murder of her ex-boyfriend Peter McMahon, right . Police found the badly decomposed body some time later. A third boyfriend of Swinhoe's Ronald Douglas, 77, also helped the pair move the body, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Swinhoe plundered Mr McMahon's bank account after his death. All three denied murder during a six week trial, but Swinhoe was jailed for a minumum of 25 years and Collins for a minimum of 20 years after they were found guilty yesterday. Douglas, from Blaydon, Gateshead, admitted conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and was sentenced to four years in jail. Jailing Swinhoe, Mr Justice Globe said that she appeared to show no remorse for the killing, adding: 'You appear to care more about the rats you kept as pets than the man who loved you and asked to marry you and bought you an £1,100 engagement ring. Jailed: Another of Swinhoe's former lovers Joseph Collins, pictured, was jailed for a minimum of 20 years for the killing . 'Peter McMahon was a well-liked respected, generous, mature man living comfortably on his two pensions in the Newcastle area. 'In common with the two men sitting alongside you Sharon Swinhoe, his downfall was that he fell victim to your charm that has attracted men to you like magnets. 'Ultimately he fell victim to your much more sinister, controlling and violent personality.' More than £2,600 found in her flat after the murder must be repaid to the family, the judge ordered. During the trial, twice-married Mr McMahon was described as being besotted with Swinhoe, who was 24 years his junior. He would buy her presents and she was described by the prosecution as seeing Mr McMahon as a sugar daddy. Prior to his body being discovered in the second-hand chest freezer, Mr McMahon’s son phoned from New Zealand to tell his father he had become a grandfather. Swinhoe answered the call and said he could not come to the phone because he was sleeping - despite it being early evening. David Jeremy QC, defending Collins, said his client’s existence 'consisted of little more than orbiting the life of Sharon Swinhoe'. Mr Justice Globe said Swinhoe and Douglas’s relationship had finished by the time of the murder, but she continued to use him as a taxi service and recruited him to help move the body. Douglas was jailed for four years, down from eight years, on account of his age, and his guilty plea, the judge said. Chilling: Sharon Swinhoe, Joseph Collins, and Ronald Douglas pictured in the lifts at Collins's flat after the murder of Mr McMahon last year . Sentenced: The trio were all jailed for their part in the horrific murder at Newcastle Crown Court today . After the case Detective Chief Inspector Paul Young said: 'Peter McMahon was a decent, hard-working man who was looking forward to becoming a grandfather. 'Swinhoe and Collins targeted him for financial gain, preying on his generosity and then plundering his bank accounts after his death. 'Mr McMahon believed they were his friends, but they brutally murdered him and then conspired with Ronald Douglas to cover up their crime by hiding the body and denying responsibility.' 'You appear to care more about the rats . you kept as pets than the man who loved you and asked to marry you and . bought you an £1,100 engagement ring.' Mr Justice Globe . In a statement, Mr McMahon’s family described Swanhoe as 'cruel, calculated and cold hearted. The statement said: 'He (Mr McMahon) will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 'It is particularly tragic that he not only had his life taken from him, but that these people showed utter disrespect for it afterwards. 'He was also denied the chance to learn he had become a grandfather which he had always dearly wanted. 'We still can’t believe that anybody could be so cruel, calculated and cold hearted against our dad. 'Rest in peace dad.' The family thanked Northumbria Police and the CPS for bringing Mr McMahon's killers to justice. Following the verdict, Gerry Sydenham, head of the Crown Court Unit at CPS North East, said: 'It is clear from the evidence in this case that Swinhoe manipulated Peter McMahon in the same way that she manipulated the two men who would later assist her in his murder and the disposal of his body. 'It is evident that Peter had genuine affection for Swinhoe but she chose to exploit those feelings and, on October 18 last year, she led Peter to believe that he was leaving his home to rekindle their relationship. The truth is that she was leading him to his eventual death. 'After the murder, Swinhoe and Collins showed not a scrap of remorse. 'Their every action from that point was a calculated attempt to evade justice, including their inhuman treatment of Mr McMahon’s remains and the web of lies they told, both to Peter’s family and to police. 'Ultimately, the only thing that they have achieved through their despicable actions is to prolong the suffering of Peter’s family and friends. 'I am pleased with the sentences passed today and I would hope that they give some measure of comfort to those who knew Peter McMahon at what must be a very difficult time for them.' | Sharon Swinhow will serve at least 25 years in jail for killing Peter McMahon .
Accomplice Joseph Collins will serve 20 years for the 68-year-old's murder .
Ronald Douglas, 77, was jailed for four years for helping hide the body .
Mr McMahon died in a 'sustained assault' which saw his eyes gouged out . |
0c93c780440008075a40d9e4c7ff394c022885c2 | Scroll down for video . A one-year-old baby died in Upstate New York on Tuesday after it ingested liquid nicotine, the chemical used in the popular e-cigarettes. The baby died at its home in Fort Plains on Tuesday and when it was found unresponsive it was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. ABC reports that police say the death was a 'tragic accident' and that no foul play was involved. Dangerous: Liquid nicotine that could have been for an e-cigarette killed a one-year-old in Upstate New York who ingested the dangerous chemical . It's unclear as to whether or not the liquid was for an e-cigarette but officials expressed their concern about similar accidents happening to children of e-cigarette smokers in the future. 'One teaspoon of liquid nicotine could be lethal to a child, and smaller amounts can cause severe illness, often requiring trips to the emergency department,' the American Association of Poison Control centers in a statement yesterday. They also states that even though liquid nicotine is dangerous for children there are currently no child-proof packaging standards set in place. The American Association of Poison Control Centers made an announcement in November that the number of exposures to liquid nicotine is on the rise. By November 30 there had been 3,638 exposures to the dangerous chemical. That's more than double the 1,543 exposures reported in 2013. In 2011 just 271 exposures were counted. The child's death on Tuesday marks the first death related to the substance since 2012 when a man injected himself with the chemical. Dr.Donna Seger, director of the poison control center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said that even the smallest amount of nicotine can be dangerous for children. 'They’re not that difficult to get into,' Seger said of the vials that contain the nicotine. 'The issue is once the exposure occurs, it could be bad.' ABC spoke with Phil Daman, president of the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association who questioned whether or not the nicotine the child found was in fact the standard liquid used for e-cigarettes. Growing popularity: As the popularity of e-cigarettes increases so does the number of dangerous exposures to -liquid nicotine used in the cigarette . The liquids range in strength from low to high and the one consumed by the child could have been a higher dosage than normal. Daman also said he was, 'saddened to hear the terrible news.' '[We] want to always be mindful to put safe products on the market,' said Daman . He said companies should do their best to 'err on the side of caution.' Symptoms of nicotine exposure are vomiting, nausea, and eye irritation. Children may be more likely to consume the nicotine liquids that are flavored and made to look like candy. 'E-cigarette liquids as currently sold are a threat to small children because they are not required to be childproof, and they come in candy and fruit flavors that are appealing to children,' said U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden in April. As more and more children become exposed, legislators and companies are taking steps to ensure safety. The e-cigarette Vapor World, changed their packaging to make bottles child resistant. Governor Andrew Cuomo of is set to sign a bill in coming weeks that will require child-resistant caps on liquid nicotine bottles. | The baby died at its home in Fort Plains on Tuesday and when it was found unresponsive it was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead .
Police say the death was a 'tragic accident' and that no foul play is expected .
Governor Andrew Cuomo of is set to sign a bill in coming weeks that will require child-resistant caps on liquid nicotine bottles . |
0c941f75c1376c0aadcec30bfff87238243d5c65 | (CNN)Two Renaissance sculptures of a nude man riding a panther may have been created by Michelangelo, says a British museum. The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge says that the bronze sculptures, known as the Rothschild Bronzes and dating from the 1500s, were probably created just after the famed artist's David and just before he painted the ceiling of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. The museum and researchers at the University of Cambridge say they have "compelling evidence" that the works, attributed to a Dutch sculptor, are actually from Michelangelo. If so, they are the only surviving Michelangelo bronzes in the world, says the museum. The key clue that the unsigned bronzes were actually done by Michelangelo came from one of the master's apprentices. Last year, Paul Joannides, a Cambridge art history professor, noted that a Michelangelo student had made a study of several Michelangelo sketches for works believed lost. One of the drawings in the study, which dates from 1508, matched one of the bronzes. Further research indicated they were in Michelangelo's style, and X-rays roughly confirmed the era of their creation. "Even a peroneal tendon is visible, as is the transverse arch of the foot," wrote University of Warwick anatomist Peter Abrahams, according to the UK Guardian. Victoria Avery, keeper of applied arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum, described the project to the Guardian as "a Renaissance whodunit." She says that the museum was careful in assembling the evidence and that the works are masterpieces. "The modeling is superb, they are so powerful and so compelling, so whoever made them had to be superb," she said. The works -- and some of the evidence -- will be on display at the Fitzwilliam from Tuesday through August 9. Though the museum is confident of the works' origins, research is continuing, and results will be presented at a conference in early July. | Formerly obscure works are believed to be by Michelangelo .
The bronze sculptures will go on display at a museum in Cambridge, England .
Key clue was a study from an apprentice in early 16th century . |
0c9539b5f0d72e0c6abb0231625c5c6086ad3aff | Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama announced new U.S. sanctions targeting Iran's oil Tuesday as well as banks in China and Iraq, warning that Tehran faces "growing consequences" for refusing to answer international questions about its nuclear program. Obama said China's Bank of Kunlun and the Elaf Islamic Bank in Iraq "facilitated transactions worth millions of dollars" for Iranian banks already under sanctions. "By cutting off these financial institutions from the United States, today's action makes it clear that we will expose any financial institution, no matter where they are located, that allows the increasingly desperate Iranian regime to retain access to the international financial system," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House. On a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, said the purpose of additional sanctions was to "affect Iran's calculus" to get Tehran to negotiate seriously over its disputed nuclear program. The United States will continue to "look for ways to increase the impact" of sanctions on Iran, Rhodes said. "It's only going to get worse for the Iranian government," he said. Opinion: Romney on Iran is just like Obama . The sanctions announced Tuesday come on the heels of a complete European Union embargo on the purchase of Iranian petroleum that took effect at the beginning of the month, and the imposition of U.S. sanctions that cut off the U.S. financial system from any entity that facilitates the purchase of Iranian oil through the Central Bank of Iran. The United States recently granted exceptions to those sanctions to all major importers of Iranian oil based on evidence that those countries had significantly reduced their purchase of Iranian petroleum. Countries granted exceptions must demonstrate every 180 days their continued reduction of such purchases in order to avoid U.S. sanctions. The International Energy Association has said that exports of Iranian oil have dropped from a rate of 2.5 million barrels a day in 2011 to below 1.5 million barrels a day in June. On the same call Tuesday, Robert Einhorn, special adviser for nonproliferation and arms control at the State Department, said the drop represented a decline of 40% to 50%, and approximately $9 billion per quarter in lost revenue for Iran. The value of Iran's currency, the rial, has also dropped some 38% in value since international sanctions began to take effect the Obama administration said. In Tuesday's action, Obama issued an executive order against Iranian energy and petrochemical sectors in an effort to prevent the establishment of payment mechanisms that would allow the circumvention of existing sanctions. In addition to formal transactions of Iranian oil conducted through banks and other financial institutions, the new sanctions seek to punish purchases done through informal means or barter that have sought to go around existing sanctions targeting transactions through Iran's Central Bank. The executive order also broadens U.S. sanctions on any person or entity engaged in the purchase or acquisition from Iran's petrochemical industry, its second largest export industry behind oil. The petrochemical industry itself generates approximately $9 billion a year in foreign revenue for the Iranian government. The executive order also authorizes the Treasury Department to take actions that prevent Iran from getting access to U.S. dollars and precious metals, such as gold, in an effort to arrest the decline of its currency. "These and other provisions send a clear signal to Iran that the Obama administration is determined to increase the pressure until Iranian leaders negotiate seriously" over their nuclear program with the United States and its international partners, Einhorn said on the call. In announcing the action against the two banks, the Treasury Department said the sanctions were part of a wider effort to expose and isolate Iranian financial institutions connected to Iran's support for terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. "Imposing sanctions on Kunlun and Elaf underscores Treasury's commitment to use all the tools at its disposal to intensify financial pressure against Iran while protecting the U.S. financial system from illicit activity," Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen said in a written statement. "Any bank, anywhere, that seeks to provide a financial lifeline to Iran's designated financial institutions should know that it will be held accountable and its activity will be exposed." On the call with reporters, Cohen said the "collateral benefit" of the sanctions is that Iran is finding it increasingly difficult to make payments in the international financial system, which in turn make it more difficult to procure materials for the nuclear program. The sanctions on Kunlun and Elaf would have a "chilling effect" on the willingness of other international financial institutions from doing business with Iranian banks Cohen said. Peres: Iran in 'open war' with Israel . Tuesday's actions from the administration come at the same time that negotiators in the House and Senate reached an agreement on even greater sanctions on Iran's energy and financial sectors. It is possible both chambers could vote on the measures later this week before the August recess. Rhodes told reporters the administration is reviewing the text of the legislation, but was "quite optimistic" the administration would "continue to work in lock step with Congress" on sanctions with Iran. Moments after the adminsitration made its announcement, an influential member of Congress made clear there was still work ahead. "This legislation and today's executive action are important steps in the right direction, but not the final word on Iran sanctions," Rep. Howard Berman, D-California, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said in a written statement. "Unless Iran agrees to end its weapons program, we must continue to pursue even tougher measures that would result in crippling sanctions on the Iranian regime." In Tuesday's statement, Obama said Washington "remains committed to a diplomatic solution, but the onus is on Iran to abide by its international obligations." "If the Iranian government continues its defiance, there should be no doubt that the United States and our partners will continue to impose increasing consequences," he said. CNN's Matt Smith contributed to this report. | U.S. still wants a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue, Obama says .
New sanctions crack down on banks Washington says helped Iran evade sanctions .
Iran insists its nuclear work is strictly peaceful .
Obama says Iran faces "growing consequences" for defying world concerns . |
0c9587407a1b08daf9446420de0956de2d6b5165 | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 03:58 EST, 23 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:02 EST, 23 November 2012 . A family were left heartbroken after teenage thieves butchered their pet turkey to put on their Thanksgiving dinner table. Christa and Brian Caponi discovered that their beloved 30lbs turkey Tom was missing on Monday morning and when they found a trail of blood and feathers they feared the worst. Two teenagers from their neighbourhood in Santa Rosa County, Florida have been charged with killing Tom using a bow and arrow after Mr Caponi spotted them on the family’s CCTV. Santa Rosa County sheriff’s deputies . arrested Joshua Anderson, 19, and Jacob Provo, 18, on Monday, both . living in the Caponis’ neighbourhood. Killed: The Caponi family were left devastated when thieves stole their Tom the Turkey and killed the bird for a Thanksgiving meal . Arrested: Jacob Provo, left, and Joshua Anderson, right were caught as they allegedly went to butcher the Caponi family's turkey . Family pet: Owner Brian Caponi with Tom the Turkey who was killed for aThanksgiving meal . Tom the turkey was like a member of the family, Mrs Caponi said, and was a favourite among the family’s menagerie of 50 cats, goats, chickens and roosters kept on their six acre Gulf Breeze home. ‘He was a family pet,’ Mrs Caponi told Pensacola News Journal. ‘It was like having a normal family dog.’ Mr Caponi saw the teenagers on a CCTV recording of the night Tom disappeared, and they have been charged with armed burglary, armed trespassing, theft of livestock and animal cruelty. The pair were arrested on their way to . prepare the bird for dinner, admitting they had planned to turn him . into their Thanksgiving meal. Mr . Provo admitted to having entered the pen where Tom was kept and shot . him with an arrow. Anderson told officers that he was accompanying Provo . when the turkey was killed, PNJ reported. ‘He . was so friendly,’ a devastated Mrs Caponi said. ‘My husband and I are . big animal lovers and our animals are very close to us. It’s been a very . rough two days.’ The two teenagers are in the Santa Rosa County jail on $57,000 bail. Butchered: Tom the turkey, a family pet, was killed by thieves . Devastated: Brian Caponi the owner of Tom the turkey who was killed says the bird was like a 'normal family pet' | Two teenage thieves killed the turkey in his pen using a bow and arrow .
Arrested as they were heading to butcher the bird for Thanksgiving dinner . |
0c970da9579eca0859688198aee680944653b569 | (CNN) -- The family of Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier captured by the Taliban in 2009, received a letter from him recently -- reviving their hopes that the 27-year-old army sergeant is still alive. Bergdahl's father mentioned receiving the letter in an e-mail exchange with Dwight Murphy, the spokesman for the local POW/MIA group in Boise Valley, Idaho. "We have received a letter from Bowe through the Red Cross!" the father says in the exchange. "He was scripted and redacted but he was no doubt alive and his faculties fully functioning as of two months ago." He did not say when he got the letter, but Murphy copied and pasted the exchange with the father on his Facebook page after receiving his permission to do so. The father's letter goes on say, "They are being very careful with him. He is still highly valued at high levels. "Guantanamo, drones and politics in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Washington are still the big issues." CNN was unable to reach the father late Wednesday night. The network also reached out to the military and the International Committee for the Red Cross for confirmation, but did not hear back. Last week, the military told CNN it had no reason to believe Bergdahl was dead. In 2012: Parents of captured soldier lead Washington motorcycle rally . Whereabouts unclear . Bergdahl was captured after he finished his guard shift at a combat outpost in southeastern Paktika province in Afghanistan. Since his capture, four videos of the Idaho native have been released. But the last video was sent in February 2011, and it's unclear where Bergdahl is being held now. He was a private at the time. The army has been giving Bergdahl promotions that would have come to him had his army career gone as planned. If he returns home safely, the army will give him all the back pay that he has earned while in captivity. His father has rarely spoken to the media. Bowe Bergdahl, an adventurer and gentleman . Resolution close? In his exchange with Murphy, he said he believed "we are getting closer to a resolution." But, he added, there seems to be a disagreement among the Taliban about the direction forward. "It appears at least several parties want to arbitrate captive SGT Bowe, several others ... want to keep fighting until every single Westerner is out," the father said. Last year, Bergdahl's parents led the Rolling Thunder ride in Washington, and said the family holds out hope for his safe return. "Bowe, your family has not forgotten you, your hometown has not forgotten you. Your state of Idaho has not forgotten you, and thanks to all of you here today, Washington D.C. has not forgotten you," his father told a cheering crowd. "We love you, we are proud of you. Stay strong, never give up. We pray for the day that we welcome you home," he said. Flanked by riders wanting to offer support for the safe return of his son, Bergdahl spoke separately to CNN. He sported a long beard and wore a bandana imprinted with "POW." His son's official status is listed as "missing/captured." "The beard is a chronology," Bergdahl said, "of my son's captivity since June 30, 2009." | Letter: "He was no doubt alive"
"They are being very careful with him," Bergdahl's father writes .
Bergdahl was captured after he finished his guard shift .
His father believes a resolution is "getting closer" |
0c980d4f58be279b9da1f27046d0ad665211631b | (CNN) -- There's learning to read, and then there's loving to read. As the end of the school year approaches, parents are stockpiling ideas to keep their children on top of those long summer reading lists. But how? Bestselling novelist and renowned nonfiction writer Anna Quindlen raised three avid readers who are also a big part of her work. Her eldest son, Quin Krovatin, now 29, helped research and write her 2004 travelogue, "Imagined London," and her fun and foibles as a parent found their way into her other writing, without exposing too many details about them. ("Books and columns come and go, but your kids are there forever," she said.) Quindlen recently took some time on her tour to promote her new novel, "Still Life with Bread Crumbs," to offer some guidance on raising kids who are passionate about reading. It's never too early to read to children -- and don't stop . Quindlen and her husband, Gerald Krovatin, started reading to their three kids from the start. "We read to them from the time they were very little," she said. When Quin was 5, he showed his mother just how much the reading message hit home. "I took him for a school interview, which is a horrid rite of passage in Manhattan. And the interviewer came out and said, 'And how long has he been reading?' And I said, 'Oh he can't read. He's only in kindergarten.' And she said, 'No, he reads.' I thought, 'Oh I'm the world's worst mother.' " She laughed, and continued: "I said, 'Quin? You can read?' He sort of shook his head. And I said, 'Why didn't you tell me?' And he said, 'Because I was afraid you wouldn't read to me anymore.' "So I told him then that I would read to him forever." Just because your children can read, doesn't mean they don't want to share books with their parents. Sharing "Harry Potter" with your children can be even more fun than reading it alone the first time. Make reading the reward . Once kids can read by themselves, present books as a treat, rather than a task. Even if their teachers ask them to read at home for 20 minutes a day after school, urge your children to read for an hour or more -- by choice. " 'All right, if you're good tonight, you can read for a half an hour after you get into bed.' If you make reading seem like castor oil, it's no surprise that your kids won't want to do it. If you make it seem like chocolate pudding and a milkshake combined, they will be thrilled to do it," Quindlen said. Be a model reader . The more you read yourself, the more children will yearn to read often, too. Fill your home with books, whether on tablets or tables, and make sure your kids see you reading, and enjoying it. Quindlen said her three children grew up seeing their mother behind a book so often that they might ask: " 'What does mom's face look like when there's not a book in front of it? Does anyone remember?' " Be the reader you want your children to become. Match books to children's interests ... Take advantage of the wide range of books for children. Quindlen advises, "If you have a boy who is an indefatigable jock, don't give him 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.' That's not his book. Give him Jane Leavy's biography of Sandy Koufax. Or give him some great young adult novel about a baseball team. Once you know who your kids are, you've got to pick out the books that are right for them." Other reading experts agree that getting children excited about reading involves knowing them well, and choosing books that cater to their interests. "One of the best ways to inspire children to read is to help them find books that speak to them as individuals, so that reading isn't this isolated, fraught activity that they do at school," says Victoria Ford Smith, an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut who specializes in children's literature. "It's an infinitely fertile field to be in." Ford teaches Roald Dahl's books to undergraduates at the University of Connecticut, and cites the author who wrote "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Matilda," and many others as one of her favorites. For children who are accustomed to having adults make all of the decisions about their lives, Dahl's stories are a refreshing escape. "He really turns the tables on who has the power in his books," she said. "Usually it's children who are powerful, and adults who are ridiculous." Try something different for parents and kids . From Dahl, to Sendak, to Dr. Seuss and others, young readers are spoiled for choice. There's a reason why Dr. Seuss in particular gets a nationwide celebration -- or Seussibration, for those in the know -- on his birthday, March 2: He created a niche with his wacky characters, and accessible writing style. "It's a really simple vocabulary; it's easy to begin to read, if you're a beginning reader, but (the books) still have a really great sense of humor," said Madigan McGillicuddy, a children's librarian in Atlanta. "There is so much packed in there that builds a lifetime love of reading." Children's books have come a long way since the days of "Dick and Jane," which seem a bit stilted next to what's on today's bookshelves. Now, most children's books have intricate illustrations, and wildly imaginative plots. "What mostly attracts me to children's literature is how complex it is," Ford said. "We often have a misconception that children's literature is literature for adults with simpler language, and happy endings." Really, children's literature brings their fears and frustrations to life. Ford cited Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are," about a boy who gets sent to bed without his supper, but can imagine a world where he rules a land of wild giants. For parents, revisiting favorite stories from their own childhoods can engage them in reading along with their kids, and inspire them to beg for the next book. As Quindlen said, "I made it seem like reading was the greatest thing since sliced bread because that's how I feel." By the end of the summer, parents and kids who follow her advice might feel the same way. Which books made you want to read more as a child? Share your favorites in the comments, on Twitter @CNNschools or on CNN Living's Facebook page! | Want to raise a reader? Be the reader you want your children to be, experts say .
Anna Quindlen's son pretended he couldn't read so his mother would keep reading to him .
Quindlen: Make reading a reward, "like chocolate pudding and a milkshake combined"
Children's literature experts love Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak . |
0c9827f6b52d7b658d14008937014be8cecebc44 | By . Steph Cockroft . The uncle of a four-year-old boy who drowned after slipping into the sea has been killed in a crash - just hours after laying flowers to mark the young boy's birthday. Peter Thurlow, 42, travelled this week to Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, to lay flowers at the scene where his nephew Dylan died in August 2012. But within hours of the flowers being . placed, Mr Thurlow, 42, was killed in a collision with a lorry on the M5 . motorway. Tragic: Dylan Cecil, pictured here with his parents Rachel McCollum and Darren Cecil, who died in 2012. Yesterday, his uncle Peter Thurlow died in a crash on the M5 motorway . Pete Thurlow, 42, had travelled to Burnham-on-Sea just one day before the crash to lay flowers at the scene where his nephew Dylan died, on what would have been the young boy's sixth birthday . Speaking on her son Dylan’s Facebook memorial page, Miss McCollum confirmed the news that Dylan's uncle had been killed. She said: 'Dylan as you know me daddy aunty lisa and uncle pete came to burnham to lay you flowers for your 6th birthday. 'Only 50mins after midnight your uncle pete was tragicly [sic] killed on the motorway in burnham. 'Please take care of each other up their [sic] fly high. Love you both to the moon and back xxxxx.' Mr Thurlow, from Kettering, Northamptonshire, made the 170-mile journey to . lay flowers for Dylan on what would have been the young boy's sixth birthday. He travelled to the Somerset town where the tragedy took place, with his . wife Lisa, as well as Dylan's parents Rachel McCollum and Darren Cecil, on Tuesday. Little Dylan Cecil drowned in August 2012 after falling from a jetty while on holiday with his family. His mother and father both jumped in to try and save their son but he was swept away by strong currents . Emergency services at the scene of the crash on the M5, between Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare, in which Dylan's uncle died yesterday . But while he was returning home, he was involved in the crash, which took place between Weston-Super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, and was killed. A police spokesman confirmed Mr Thurlow had been killed in the crash but said they were not yet sure of the circumstances. The tragedy is the second to hit the . family in as many years. Dylan Cecil drowned on August 19, 2012 after . falling the jetty into Bridgwater Bay, Somerset, while . visiting his grandmother, Jackie McCollum. The family had been going for a stroll at 6pm in the evening when the tragedy unfolded. Dylan's mother, pictured at the slipway in Burnham-on-Sea near where Dylan died, travelled with Dylan's dad Darren Cecil and his uncle and auntie to lay flowers to commemorate the young boy's sixth birthday . An inquest into his death heard how Dylan lost his footing while playing with his two younger sisters. His mother tried in vain to save her four-year-old son, leaping into the water with Dylan's father, Darren. But the young boy had been carried away by strong currents. Dylan's father Darren, front right, seen at his son's funeral. Dylan died after slipping into the sea while going on a family walk . The tides at Burnham-on-Sea are believed to be some of the highest and most powerful in the world. It was estimated that the speed of the current on the day was around four or five knots, approximately 5mph, strong enough to easily sweep an adult off their feet. Four days later, after an extensive search involving RNLI and the local Burnham Area Rescue Boat, Dylan’s body was discovered. Speaking about the crash in which Mr Thurlow died, a police spokesman said: 'He was among a group of people from Kettering who had been attending a memorial service in Burnham-on-Sea. It is all in connection with the young boy who tragically drowned. 'We are not yet sure of the circumstances of the man’s death so we are appealing for witnesses to contact the collision investigation team.' | Dylan Cecil, 4, died after slipping from a jetty in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset .
His family drove from home in Northamptonshire to lay flowers at the scene .
They made the 170-mile journey on what would have been his sixth birthday .
Just hours later, Dylan's uncle Pete Thurlow was killed in a crash on the M5 . |
0c9881539c0c5249e911dd70b37cf7f74327b97d | With a rueful smile and a brief admission of a truth almost universally accepted, Roy Hodgson seemed to sum up the lot of an England manager forever burdened by expectations, rarely given the kind of freedom that having nothing left to lose bestows upon less exalted colleagues. ‘If I say what I really think, people will turn it against me with a plethora of facts,’ said Hodgson, an experienced and well-travelled coach currently in charge of a team with five straight wins and one foot already in the Euro 2016 Finals. Despite this run of all-conquering form, the shadow of the summer’s World Cup lingers over England still, it seems. For a man whose earliest memory of the world’s oldest international fixture is of Jim Baxter destroying the reigning world champions in 1967, tonight’s match offers intensity, yes — but also a little breathing space. Wayne Rooney said playing in such an intense atmosphere at Celtic Park will benefit the younger players . Roy Hodgson was out to inspect the Celtic Park pitch with his players ahead of Tuesday night's clash . Continuing to lay down the testimony that he thought might be used against him, Hodgson said: ‘The World Cup was a real cold shower for us, a real bad moment. ‘I thought we were doing quite a lot of things well, leading up. Then we lost two matches and we’ve hit a wall — and supposedly we have to start again. ‘Well, I don’t think we’ve started again. We did have a massive barrier to get over after the World Cup, because we created that barrier by losing two matches. ‘We erected the fence. But I don’t think we started at the World Cup and have now got somewhere. We’d always been working towards what we’re getting today. ‘The rider from my side is that a lot of players were beginning to emerge and stake their claim just before the World Cup, who hadn’t necessarily fully succeeded, . ‘After the World Cup, it gave us a good opportunity to say: “Look, let’s give these guys their opportunity and see if, with the work we do, we can bring them up to speed in the next two years.” That was a great benefit. Rooney, who is just six goals short of becoming England's record goalscorer, speaks to the media . VIDEO Rooney expecting fiery atmosphere in Scotland . ‘I’d like to think some of the players we’ve brought in have shown signs they can justify that confidence I’ve shown in them.’ If Hodgson expects to give some of the emerging talents valuable exposure to a fairly fiery friendly, he made it clear last night that he will still be deploying his big guns at Celtic Park, with no club managers promised deals on early substitutions. Even in a match where half-a-dozen changes can be made from the bench. For the man whose career has taken him all over Scandinavia, to Inter Milan twice — and even included being linked with the Scotland job back in 2002 — this fixture will always be special. Recalling his first memories of the clash, he revealed: ‘The one memory that sticks out is when Baxter ran us ragged at Wembley just after the World Cup. I didn’t go to the match, you couldn’t get tickets for Wembley in those days, but I watched it on television. Jim Baxter is hugged by fans who invaded the pitch after a 3-2 win for Scotland at Wembley . ‘I was just starting out in football, just getting interested in tactics, so I watched it with great interest. ‘Scotland came down in ’67 and gave that wonderful display, which was personified by Jimmy Baxter in the middle of the park. That is my abiding memory. But there is no point in me talking about it with these boys, because they weren’t even born.’ Asked whether taking the Scotland job had ever been on his horizon, Hodgson said: ‘It might have been if they’d have offered it to me. In 2002, where was I...? ‘I’ve tried in the past to play down those so called linkages, unless a situation has arisen when I’ve been sitting down being interviewed or offered the job. ‘I’m sure you have the information, and it was correct, but I can’t remember too much about it.’ The England manager looks focused as he strides out onto the Celtic Park pitch on Monday . Polite and politically astute enough not to tread on any local sensibilities, Hodgson — a well-read man who referenced George Orwell’s Animal Farm at one point, albeit in a slightly odd aside — stressed the pure footballing nature of the rivalry that underpins this fixture, while predicting a ‘classic’ game between two teams keen to play the right way. ‘In future, we will play matches against teams who accept we have the better players, so they seek to restrict their attacking movements to frustrate us,’ he said. ‘I’m expecting to see a classic game of football where both teams want to win, where both believe they have the ability and quality to win. Both teams will be attempting to create goal chances, which will inevitably lead to some counter-attacking football. ‘It will be of a similar ilk to Friday’s game between Scotland and Ireland. It will be different to our games against San Marino and Estonia, when defeat wasn’t our major concern but scoring goals might have been.’ | England face Scotland in international clash at Celtic Park on Tuesday .
Scotland full of confidence after victory over Ireland in qualifier .
England beat Slovenia 3-1 at Wembley to maintain unbeaten start .
Hodgson says this is an opportunity for England to take stock . |
0c99586b962a847c1897ace3defb9e500cd3c542 | By . Hannah Roberts . A British port is in the running to dismantle the Costa Concordia, a mega-contract expected to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds. Able Seaton Port on Teeside, near Hartlepool, has been asked to submit a proposal for the vast demolition project, which is expected to take 200 people two years to complete. It estimated value of the contract is more than Euro 300million. The wreck of the stricken cruise liner is still stranded off the island of Giglio where it struck rocks and sank, killing 32 people. Almost two years on from the tragedy, the stricken hull is almost set to be towed away from the Mediterranean holiday island . Captain Francesco Schettino was allegedly performing an ill judged 'salute' to the islander when the giant ship ran aground. Almost two years on from the tragedy, the stricken hull is almost set to be towed away from the Mediterranean holiday island, the salvage team said. Its destination is still undecided. A final judgement will be taken in March but some eight ports are in contention including Able Port on the River Tees, among others in Italy, Norway, Turkey, China and France. Able UK confirmed that it was in the tender process and said that its yard had previously recycled both a French aircraft carrier and US Government vessels. 'The facility, including one of the world's largest dry docks, has full planning permissions and environmental accreditations to undertake this type of activity. The previous contracts were completed in October 2010 and employed over 100 personnel,' it said. Altogether 12 companies have been invited to bid for the job of breaking up, scrapping and recycling the vessel . Altogether 12 companies have been invited to bid for the job of breaking up, scrapping and recycling the vessel. Italy’s environment minister Andrea Orlando told reporters that although it was the government's preferred choice that the contract go to an Italian bidder, it was not in a position to make any demands. 'Naturally the port of destination is not unimportant to us, for many reasons,' he said, adding that given the environmental challenges it was preferable for the ship to be towed to a port nearby. But there are question marks over the suitability of several of the four Italian docks- which might need huge renovations to prepare them for the size of the task. The 114,000-ton ship was wrested from the rocks in September last year in a complicated 19-hour salvage operation, the largest and most expensive of its kind. Captain,Schettino, is currently standing trial in the Tuscan town of Grosseto charged with multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship . More than 1,000 concrete stacks and six underwater platforms are being used to keep the vessel stable. To tow the cruise ship away, Costa has rented for three months, at a cost of Euro 30 million euro, the Dockwise Vanguard, the largest semi-submersible vessel in the world. Michael Thamm, chief executive officer of Costa Crociere, said: 'We are very confident that we can remove this ship within the month of June. This is not very far away - and then a great job will be done.' Mr Thamm said he expected the cost of the Costa Concordia salvage effort to reach €600m (£496m) by the time it was removed from Giglio. News of the tender came as Giglio prepares to mark the two year anniversary of the disaster on Monday with a mass and concert commemorating those who lost their lives. Captain,Schettino, is currently standing trial in the Tuscan town of Grosseto charged with multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship. | The wreck of the stricken cruise liner is still stranded off the island of Giglio where it struck rocks and sank, killing 32 people .
Stricken hull is set to be towed away from the Mediterranean holiday island .
Eight ports could dismantle vessel including Able Port on the River Tees, among others in Italy, Norway, Turkey, China and France . |
0c996888da5f55fe7a400b1ba0867948ae018c19 | A German religious forum took an unexpected turn yesterday when three topless protesters had to be dragged out of the building. The Berlin Islam Week event, held in one of the city's town halls, was stopped in its tracks by members of extreme protest group Femen, who charged into the hall with slogans attacking 'religious oppression' and Sharia law daubed on their bodies. Photographs from the moment the women were dragged out by policemen show a bemused-looking woman filming the event on her phone as unimpressed guests look on. Disturbance: One of the three Femen protesters is held on the ground by a policeman as a woman records the event on her phone . Protest: Three protesters from Femen stormed the stage at Berlin's Islam Week event . 'Dialogue': The women were dragged out of the event, at a Berlin town hall, after revealing their stridently anti-Islam views . Other images show the three on stage during a discussion, where speakers were confronted with the messages written on their bodies and also on banners which they waved above their heads while shouting. Femen, which began in Eastern Europe, is notorious for using nudity to promote their message of female emancipation and protest against governments and organisations with which they disagree. Berlin Islam Week is open to atheists and those of other religions as well as Muslims, according to promotional material, which describes the event as 'an important part of inter-religious dialogue process '. The description says this year's event aimed to 'provide a platform for exchange and to strengthen dialogue' and mentioned talks with 'religious, inter-religious , social and historical themes.' A spokesman for the event said that guests reacted 'appropriately' to the 'act of provocation' and continued the event afterwards. Coverage: The group has generated significant attention in recent years with its topless protest . Disruption: The three women, one of whom was said to have once been a Muslim herself, complained about Sharia law and 'religious oppression' Event: Berlin Islam Week is said to be a platform for discussion between religions . Following the event, Femen posted a statement online which attacked the Muslim system of law and claimed that the event was part of a culture which 'is responsible for many crimes'. It said: 'Femen is outraged that the city of Berlin offered a public platform and support to the community that openly spreads inhuman ideology and calls for violence and incitement...' 'Femen calls western government [sic], do not ignore the fact that the violent form of Islam found its niche in the western democratic society. It operates in the parallel world in the midst of our society and is responsible for many crimes.' 'We want to encourage all women to free themselves from patriarchal structures! You are worth as much as your fathers and brothers, you have a right to physical integrity, you have a right to make your own decisions, you have a right to self-determination, to love and freedom!' Following the event, a spokesman for Berlin Islam Week told MailOnline: 'Although [the protest] was intended as an act of deliberate . provocation, we did not defer to it. 'The audience, mainly from the Muslim . community, reacted to the disturbance appropriately, so that we all were very . quickly able to eventually continue the program of the Islam Week.' Femen has described it aims as 'fighting patriarchy in its three manifestations - sexual exploitation of women, dictatorship and religion.' Posts: After the event, Femen attacked the Berlin local government for lettings its buildings be used for Islam Week . Dragged out: Femen has often courted controversy by disrupting events with its messages . History: A Femen protester can be seen here last year confronting Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel . The group has shot to fame in recent years after sending its topless activists to disrupt high-profile events and political leaders. Last year Russian president Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were confronted with a topless protester at a trade fair in Hanover. In September Femen members caused further controversy by storming the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week during a show by designer Nina Ricci. More recently, the group, which was founded by a Ukrainian, has mounted protests outside the Crimean parliament in Simferopol after the referendum which saw the region transferred from Ukraine to Russia. | Three protesters disrupted the event in a Berlin town hall yesterday .
Photographs show activists being dragged away by German police .
They were covered in slogans attacking Sharia law and 'religious oppression'
Bemused onlookers filmed the event on their phones . |
0c9ce2438ffc9134cfbeef20101af01ecb8dc13f | Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- The Thai military continued to hold former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday, a source close to her told CNN. She was ordered to report a day earlier to the junta that took charge of the country this week. The National Council for Peace and Order summoned 35 others to report by 1 p.m. Saturday, a military spokesman told reporters. More than 100 people were previously summoned. Around 150 people will be required to appear, the spokesman said in English. They come from all sides of Thailand's political divide. Not all of them are to be detained, just those directly involved in Thailand's raucous political conflicts, the spokesman said. Some of those held previously, including opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and members of Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party, were later released. That also happened to Panthongtae Shinawatra -- the nephew of Yingluck and son of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra -- according to a source close to his family. Saturday's list included academics and one of Yingluck's chief opponents, "Yellow Shirt" movement leader Sondhi Limthongkul. The politician suffered a gunshot wound to the head during unrest in 2009 but later recovered. Some no-shows . Some of those summoned have yet to heed the council's call. On Saturday, it gave them another chance to do so and announced that those who did not comply would be taken in by "law enforcement." The military has banned more than 150 prominent figures from leaving the country and threatened to arrest politicians who disobey its orders. Security forces have arrested "many people" suspected of possessing "military grade weapons and explosive devices," the spokesman said. The armed forces seized power in a coup Thursday after months of turmoil that paralyzed much of the government and caused deadly clashes in Bangkok. It has imposed martial law, which includes a curfew, and shut out independent media reporting. CNN International's broadcasting has been blacked out in Thailand. It also dissolved the Senate, according to a statement from the military chief read on the country's broadcast outlets. On Saturday, a number of major TV stations were back on air, including MCOT, TPBS and NBT. 'Time to think' Detentions are not expected to last much longer than seven days. "We want to give them some time to relax and have time to think over the problem," the spokesman said. The council wants to "adjust their perception and make them think about the country, think about the Thai people as a whole, not just one particular group." The military council wants both sides to "listen to the other side" and stop being "self-centered," he added. Detainees determined to have no significant link to conflict and who find "common ground" for the good of the country will be released, the spokesman said. He asked that the public not worry about their treatment. "We look after them very well," he said. He did not say what would happen to those whose attitudes did not change or who are found to be more deeply involved in the country's friction. Regular coups . The United States and other countries have criticized the military's intervention, the latest in a long list of coups in Thailand, and called for the swift restoration of democracy. The U.S. State Department expressed concern about the military's actions. "It has dissolved the Senate, detained a number of people, called in some academics and journalists, and continued to restrict the press," deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said. "We again call on the military to release those detained for political reasons, end restrictions on the media, and move to restore civilian democracy through elections." Yingluck, whose government was in power when the unrest began in November, was removed from office this month by the country's Constitutional Court over the appointments of top security officials. Yingluck arrived around noon Friday at a military compound in Bangkok with one of her sisters. She was being detained at a military barracks outside Bangkok, the Thai government's national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Paradon Patthanathabut, said late Friday. Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the head of the military, has assumed the powers to act as Prime Minister until a new one takes office, the military said Thursday. How the government will operate remains unclear, given that the military also has thrown out the constitution it drew up in 2007 after a previous coup, except for Section 2, which acknowledges that the King is the head of state. The last six months have been marked by large-scale protests, both by those backing Yingluck's government and those opposed to it. There have been periodic outbursts of deadly violence in the streets. Protesters clearing out . Protest camps of both sides in Bangkok have been cleared away since the coup. Under the new order, schools will be closed nationwide between Friday and Sunday, the military said. A curfew is in place between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The military has warned against posting misleading or critical comments on social media platforms. In a speech Thursday, Prayuth said that these actions were necessary to restore order and push through reforms. Life in most of the city's center appeared normal during the day Friday, with shops open and people going to work. The military presence around the city remained subtle, with few soldiers in view, except outside the Defense Ministry and military sites. Protesters dismantled their camps. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has updated its guidance for Americans traveling to Thailand. It "recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider any nonessential travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest and restrictions on internal movements, including an indefinite nighttime curfew." 'Red Shirt' reaction? The question many analysts are asking is how the popular "Red Shirt" movement, which supports Yingluck and her exiled brother Thaksin Shinawatra, will respond to the coup. The Red Shirts, whose support base is in the rural north and northwest of Thailand, were already angered by Yingluck's ouster this month, a move they viewed as a judicial coup by Bangkok elites. Senior Red Shirt leaders, as well as prominent figures from the anti-Yingluck protesters, were still being held Friday by the military, according to Paradon, the national security adviser to the government. Thaksin, a business tycoon who built a highly successful political movement through populist policies benefiting the rural masses, was deposed as Prime Minister in a military coup in 2006. In 2010, when the pro-Thaksin party was out of power, the Red Shirts mounted large protests in the heart of Bangkok. An ensuing crackdown by security forces resulted in clashes that killed around 90 people. Thailand martial law: A cheat sheet to get you up to speed . Soldiers, selfies and a military coup . CNN's Kocha Olarn reported from Bangkok, and Ben Brumfield reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Paula Hancocks, Simon Harrison, Neda Farshbaf and Jethro Mullen contributed to this report. | Son of a former prime minister is released, a source close to his family says .
Military chief dissolves senate .
Military says it expects to see a change in politicians' and activists' attitudes .
Source: Ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a military barracks outside Bangkok . |
0c9d4f0580229cd45c174beeb06cd972903d3e01 | Germany's World Cup-winning coach Joachim Low expects Borussia Dortmund to turn around their disastrous season - citing their struggles this campaign as a mere one-off scenario. Despite boasting the talents of Mats Hummels, Marco Reus and Ciro Immobile the German giants find themselves struggling in the top tier with 14 points from as many games. Dortmund's alarming form is in stark contrast to the side's results over the last four years which saw them crowned Bundesliga champions in successive seasons in 2011 and 2012. In addition they have finished as runners-up to Bayern Munich in the following two - as well as losing the Champions League final to their bitter rivals at Wembley in 2013. Germany's World Cup-winning coach Jurgen Low believes Borussia Dortmund will turn around their fortunes . Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has come under pressure after the club's woeful start to the season . Jurgen Klopp's side have lost eight of their 14 domestic clashes so far this season but Low, who guided the national team to glory in Brazil this summer, believes it's only a matter of time before BVB return to winning ways - although he concedes that qualifying for European football next season looks highly unlikely. 'I regard the situation at Dortmund as a one-off,' the Germany boss told Sport Bild. 'They are still athletically and economically well positioned. 'After years of success, though, they are now just dealing with a difficult period that they have to overcome. 'Maybe they won't be in European competition for a year but they will regroup. I believe that Borussia will be a good rival for Bayern again in the coming years.' Dortmund have lost eight of their 14 league games this season, including a 2-0 defeat at Frankfurt on Sunday . | German giants have lost eight of their first 14 league games of the season .
Dortmund beat Hoffenheim 1-0 to move up to 14th place in the Bundesliga . |
0c9e3ddd9ff7eca533faa2cdada00201c4ef87be | Cam Newton looked remarkably healthy as he took to the sidelines to watch his Carolina Panthers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first game since he was injured in a terrifying car crash last week. While the 25-year-old suffered two traverse fractures in the accident, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport revealed Sunday that he could return to the field as early as next week's game against the Cleveland Browns. The quarterback is taking it easy for now, sitting out today's game and letting back-up quarterback Derek Anderson lead the Panthers offense. Impressive recovery: Cam Newton made his first appearance in front of fans at Panthers stadium on Sunday, since he was injured in a car crash on Tuesday . Get well soon Cam! Newton sat out Sunday's game, with back-up quarterback Derek Anderson filling in . Return to the field? Experts say Newton is likely to return to the Panthers as early as next week's game against the Cleveland Browns. Pictured above on the field Sunday . Lighthearted: Back-up quarterback Derek Anderson (left) has a laugh with Newton on the sidelines in the first half of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay . Shake it off: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera (right) and Newton shake hands before kick-off on Sunday . He previously brushed off comments on his return, saying he's just glad to be alive. 'As far as when I am coming back, who cares? That's not something that I am worried about right now. I am just thankful to have breath in my lungs,' Newton told the Charlotte Observer. Last week, Newton spoke with the Observer to describe the horrifying crash just a block from Panthers stadium. Newton said he was travelling through an intersection in his black pick-up truck on Tuesday when a driver in a Buick sedan pulled out into the intersection. He says he tried to avoid the car, but was clipped and the T-bone crash caused his truck to flip and roll several times. 'I really couldn't talk afterward because I was in such shock,' Newton said. 'I got myself out of the truck, and I couldn't stop smiling.' Wrecked: Newton was driving through an intersection on Tuesday, when a Buick sedan pulled out in front of him, causing a T-bone crash . Safe and sound: Newton was able to escape his vehicle and pull himself to safety on a nearby sidewalk. He says he was so happy to be alive, he couldn't stop smiling . From above: Newton suffered two traverse fractures in the accident, and was taken to the hospital for overnight treatment . Smashed: Neither driver in the accident was ticketed. Police say Newton was going the speed limit at the time . Indeed, pictures of Newton after the crash show him grinning from ear to ear as he lay down on the sidewalk with an police officer attending to him. He was later moved to a gurney and transported to the hospital where he spent the night healing, and was released Wednesday. While Newton was religious before the crash, he says the brush with death reaffirmed his faith in God. 'I am on somebody's fantasy league and I think it is the man upstairs,' he said. Neither Newton or the driver of the sedan have been ticketed in the crash. Police say Newton was travelling within the speed limit. | The Carolina Panthers quarterback was injured last week, when he got into a car crash just a block from the stadium .
The 25-year-old suffered two traverse fractures to his back, but experts say he could return to the field as early as next week's game . |
0c9ed3d42a5306a325587480a5cb5926e8219a5e | Sarah, 10, and Kylie, 15, were struck by cars in separate incidents - both drivers sped away . Surveillance video from both incidents exists and police say they're confident they'll find the drivers . Younger sister Sarah is now having to wear a cast while sister Kylie remains critically ill in hospital . Their father, Jim, can't believe the unlucky coincidence . By . James Daniel . PUBLISHED: . 15:36 EST, 11 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:36 EST, 11 March 2013 . For any family having to endure the horror of a hit-and-run would be enormously stressful, but to be forced to go through the exact same thing twice in the same week almost beggars belief. For the Givens family from Philadelphia, such a nightmare became a reality this weekend. Sarah, 10, was hit by a white SUV as she walked home with a friend on Thursday afternoon. Scroll down for video . Two sisters, two hit-and-runs: Kyle, 14 (left) and Sarah, 10 (right) were hit by cars in Philadelphia within days of one another. Police are confident they'll catch the drivers thanks to CCTV capturing both incidents . 'I had just started walking across the street when I noticed a white truck zooming down, I got hit and flew up in the air, and I fell under a parked car, that's when I kind of blacked out' she said. The police have recovered CCTV footage of the incident and saw a White GMC Yukon Denali speeding away. She was giving details to police about how the hit-and-run driver had careered into her, when the phone rang. Her sister, Kylie, 14, was crossing the street when she was also struck by another hit-and-run driver who was behind the wheel of a white 4-door sedan with tinted windows. Sarah Givens, 10: She was struck by a car on Thursday. Luckily she suffered bruising and a broken leg which means no more ice-skating for a couple of months . Kylie Givens, 14: Not quite as lucky as her younger sister, Kylie was struck on Saturday night and is now in intensive care. She is expected to make a full recovery . Their father, Jim, is having difficulty making sense of it all. He told the Daily News: 'Two daughters in two days. I just couldn't believe it. It's crazy! Why can't these people be grown-ups and turn themselves in? They're just cowards. Cold and heartless.' Dad, Jim Givens: No sooner was one daughter giving details of her hit-and-run to the police, a phone call informed him that his other daughter had also been knocked down . Incredibly, both sisters survived their ordeals but they will both have to endure painful recoveries. Sarah's leg was broken in two places and has bruised hips. As a budding figure skater the injuries will mean she'll be off the ice for a couple of months. She says that she is worried about her sister Kylie whose injuries are far more serious and is in hospital in a critical condition. She has internal bleeding, doctors have had to remove her spleen and she also has numerous arm and leg injuries. All on tape: Police are confident they'll catch the drivers involved in both hit-and-run because surveillance cameras captured the whole thing . Although police have not released details of the incident, her family have said that the driver stopped after the accident. He checked to see if Kylie was still alive before getting back into his car and driving away. As a result of the past few days, the girls' father Jim is exhausted and looking for answers. 'I just don't know why they didn't stop. Accidents happen, but when you leave, it's not an accident anymore. It's now just a heartless person trying to get away.' | Sarah, 10, and Kylie, 15, were struck by cars in separate incidents - both drivers sped away .
Surveillance video from both incidents exists and police say they're confident they'll find the drivers .
Younger sister Sarah is now having to wear a cast while sister Kylie remains critically ill in hospital .
Their father, Jim, can't believe the unlucky coincidence . |
0c9ff22b2da8749ab368706615143c75c4deb744 | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 08:06 EST, 27 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:05 EST, 27 August 2013 . Hundreds of passengers were today forced to evacuate a train and walk along the railway tracks after a commuter service caught fire during rush hour. After the blaze broke out near Hither Green station in South-East London, commuters evacuated the train and climbed down onto the tracks. The line had to have its power switched off to avoid electrocuting the 400 passengers as they walked to safety at the station. Scroll down for video . Evacuation: Commuters were forced to leave a smoke-filled train after a fire broke out at Hither Green . Pandemonium: The line into Central London was shut down while engineers dealt with the issue . Helping hand: commuters leave the train . The company operating the train blamed the fire on a piece of machinery which overheated after drawing too much electricity from the tracks. Thick black smoke started billowing out of the Southeastern train around 8am, prompting passengers to pull the alarm and open carriage doors using the emergency button. Commuters started pouring on the tracks, and banged on the sides of other carriage to warn their fellow passengers they should evacuate. The incident led to severe delays on the line from Dartford in to Charing Cross, but no one was seriously injured despite the panic. Several passengers took to Twitter in . the aftermath of the fire - Danielle Hammond wrote: 'My train being on . fire & being ditched onto the tracks is doing nothing to convince me . I shouldn't have stayed in bed today! 'Had so much smoke in our carriage. Scary stuff!' Emily . Bastone-Wright tweeted: 'Wonder if @se-railway will tell us why my . train carriage decided to explode and cause panic through other . carriages today at Hither Green???' Rush to escape: commuters pour off the train after a fire broke out near Hither Green, south east London . Emergency: Cloud of smoke poured into the air when the train's 'shoe gear' malfunctioned and overheated . Bad start to the week: Commuters walk along the platform after the fire emergency . Commuter Jonathan Lewis told the Evening Standard: 'It started looking like it was foggy outside, then there was the sound of all the windows shutting in the carriage in front of ours. 'Then passengers poured into our carriage to escape the smoke. The announcement was, "We hope to be moving shortly", but by this point the doors were already open and people were helping each other down on to the track.' A spokesman for operator Southeastern . Trains said: 'There was a report of smoke coming from underneath the . 7.17 Gravesend to Charing Cross. 'The train was spotted to be smoking on its approach to Hither Green station. 'Passengers . in the first four carriages were able to leave the train via the . platform at Hither Green and those in the last four were evacuated onto . the tracks. 'We had the emergency services on . site and engineers are inspecting the train. We believe it was a problem . with the shoe gear, which draws power from the tracks, which could have . overheated after drawing too much. 'Tracks were electrified but power to the track was cut off by the signalman after reports of smoke were given to Network Rail.' A spokesman for London Fire Brigade said: 'We were called at 7.56am to Hither Green station, South-East London. 'Two . fire engines were sent to but the train was evacuated and there were no . casualties. The incident was over by 8.36 and trains are running . through the area again.' However, other commuters using the busy line into London said that trains were prevented from moving until at least 9am. Investigation: Rail staff examine the damaged train after it was evacuated at Hither Green Station . Inspection: Engineers examine the train in the aftermath of the fire, which interrupted rush-hour services . Platform: Power had to be shut down on the train line while the problem was dealt with . | Commuter train catches fire at Hither Green in South-East London .
Passengers evacuate train and walk down tracks into the station .
Operator blames the 'shoe gear' which draws power from the tracks . |
0ca0337f5043a528c65cbfa7bcadf791a975ad41 | By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 15:00 EST, 25 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:05 EST, 26 February 2014 . One newborn has already proved she's a real New Yorker, being so impatient as to force her mom into delivery right on a crosswalk rather than wait for a cab to the hospital in rush hour traffic. A Fox news crew just happened to be driving by on their way to cover another story around 3:30pm when they saw a large crowd gathered on the corner of 68th and Third Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Thinking someone had feinted, reported Linda Schmidt offered to call an ambulance but soon learned that a woman had just given birth. Scroll down for video . Quick labor: A woman gave birth to a baby girl on a New York City crosswalk yesterday afternoon . Rush to the hospital: The woman had reportedly already gone into labor around 3:30 when her doorman walked her to the corner to hail a cab. Pictured leaving in an ambulance with her husband carrying a backpack . According to witnesses, the unidentified mother had already gone into labor by the time she left her apartment on East 68th Street. Her doorman walked her up to Third Avenue to catch a cab, but the baby just couldn't wait. 'She was like, "Oh my god, the baby's coming,"' one female witness said, 'And then I could see the baby's head coming out.' That witness said it was only a matter of seconds after the baby crowned that the little girl was born. Just seconds: But once she got to the corner, the baby's head was already crowning and witnesses say it was only a matter of seconds before the woman gave birth . Baby's first blanket: Several women offered the baby their scarves since it was a chilly day in the mid-30s . Doing fine: Mom and daughter were taken to Lenox Hill Hospital where they were recovering fine . Several female bystanders rushed to offer their scarves to wrap the baby, since temperatures were in the chilly mid-30s. 'I happened to be crossing the street and the baby came out...all I could do is cover her up with my scarf,' another witness said. 'Amazing - A miracle on 3rd Avenue.' The woman, her husband and their newborn child were taken to Lenox Hill Hospital where both were reportedly recovering fine. This was the couple's third child together. Witnesses: The witness on the left said she held the baby's head as it was crowning, while the woman on the right offered up her scarf and called the birth a 'miracle on Third Avenue' | The unidentified woman had already gone into labor when she and her doorman tried to hail a cab on the Upper East Side .
By the time she got to the street corner, the head was crowning, she dropped to the ground and seconds later the baby was born .
Mother and daughter were taken to Lenox Hill Hospital and are both fine . |
0ca0ba36acfcab4a4b4c4100f09ae1a4085e030a | Kyle Edmund has broken into the world's top 150 players for the first time after winning his first Challenger Tour title in Hong Kong. While the attention of British tennis fans was focused on Andy Murray's efforts to claim the Australian Open crown, 20-year-old Edmund was celebrating a significant victory. The Yorkshireman did not drop a set in his five matches at the second-tier event and was an impressive 6-1 6-2 winner over 89th-ranked Japanese player Tatsuma Ito in the final. British No 3 keeps his eye on the ball at the Australian Open, has just won his first Challenger title . Kyle Edmund was overpowered by Steve Johnson in straight sets in the Australian Open first-round . The victory helped Edmund climb 44 places in the rankings to 148 and continued his fine start to the season after he successfully came through three qualifying rounds at the Australian Open. He said in the South China Morning Post: 'He (Ito) is very experienced and I knew I had to take it to him and play my own game. Luckily, this was the best I played all week and it was ideal that it came in the final.' No British man won a Challenger title last season, with Edmund reaching his first final in his last event of the year in Yokohama before losing to Australian John Millman. Edmund has played his way into contention for Great Britain's Davis Cup tie with USA in Glasgow next month . Edmund cemented his position as the British number three behind Murray, who has returned to the top four courtesy of his run in Melbourne, and world number 102 James Ward. Edmund's form has also furthered his case to be named in Britain's Davis Cup team for next month's World Group clash with the United States in Glasgow. First he will attempt to push his ranking closer to the top 100 and has headed back to Australia where he will play in this week's tournament in Burnie. James Ward, the British No 2, lost in the first round of the Australian Open but is up to 102 in the rankings . | Kyle Edmund rises to 148 ranking after beating Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 6-2 .
20-year-old didn't drop a set winning his first Challenger Tour title .
Edmund joins Brits Andy Murray (4th) and James Ward (102nd) in top 150 .
Great Britain face the USA in the Davis Cup in Glasgow next month . |
0ca0cb1b3abce183952a3b3238deb5d388955671 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:10 EST, 17 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:44 EST, 17 January 2013 . A self-confessed white supremacist from Chicago plans to plead guilty to burning down his black neighbor's home in a racist attack, according to reports. Brian James Moudry, 35, has until now pleaded not guilty to setting fire to the family home in Joliet in 2007. But he has now requested to change his plea to guilty, according to the report by CBS. Plea change: Brian Moudry, pictured, will admit torching his neighbor's home in a racist attack, according to reports. The white supremacist is accused of setting the blaze to drive a black family out of his neighborhood . Court records allegedly show Moudry will admit the charges in federal court. It is alleged he was trying to force the family of ten out of the South Reed Street area. The couple, who were renting the home, had eight young children. All eight were in the property on June 17, 2007 at the time of the blaze, but managed to escape unharmed. Tattooed Moudry has previously served time for hate crimes, according to the report, and was allegedly a member of the far-right hate group headed by Matt Hale. Hale is serving a 40-year prison sentence for asking a follower to murder U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow in 2002. The indictment against Moudry alleges he set the fire to 'injure, intimidate, and interfere with' the family. Neighbors: Brian Moudry is accused of setting a fire in the South Reed Street area of Joliet, Chicago, in 2007. He is accused of trying to force his black neighbors away from the area, pictured . They moved out after the fire. Moudry was charged with a three count indictment including arson, using fire to interfere with housing rights on the basis of race, and using fire to commit another felony. He could face a sentence of up to 20 years for the arson charge while the other charges carry mandatory 10-year sentences and fines of up to $250,000. 'The federal government takes very seriously its responsibilities to protect members of all racial and ethnic groups from intimidation and violence,' outgoing U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald said in a statement in May, when Moudry appeared in court. Moudry is being represented by a black attorney, MiAngel Cody who was appointed to him. He remains in custody. | Brian James Moudry, 35, is expected to change his plea in the court case, according to reports today .
The alleged arson attack was committed in 2007 in Joliet, Chicago .
The children and an adult were in the home at the time but managed to escape unharmed. The family moved away following the incident . |
0ca1ba88ebb6a34c5c6d45fc5a2eaf6dc1e1d255 | This is terrible scene when the parents of two-year-old Rushona Kurbonava look on in horror as their daughter's body is recovered from a New York lake. The toddler's mother, Yulduz, is consoled by a NYPD sergeant as the youngster's body is brought to the shore. Rushona went wandered off during a family barbecue with her young cousin when she fell into the algae covered lake in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on Saturday afternoon. Scroll down for video . Yulduz Kurbonava, pictured, collapsed as she witnessed her daughter's body being recovered by divers . NYPD divers draped Rushona Kurbonava's body in a grey blanket before bringing her to the surface . Rushona's father, Dilshod, covered his eyes with his left hand as his daughter's body was brought to shore . Relatives found the young boy, whose clothes were soaking wet, but were unable to find Rushona because of the green algae covering the surface of the lake. A major rescue operation was launched, with the NYPD deploying their specialist sub aqua unit as well as a helicopter which hovered low over the lake in a bid to blow away some of the algae. Tragically, divers found Rushona's body at 6.06pm on Saturday and carefully brought it to the shore, covered in a grey blanket. Rushona's family were celebrating the July 4 holiday weekend and were grilling kabobs in the park overlooking the lake when she went missing. The medical examiner's office ruled the tragedy a case of accidental drowning. Her mother, pictured, was treated for shock by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital . Rushona's father Dilshod, left, tries to console his wife as she is being wheeled to the ambulance by medics . Ruhshona's family, emigrated from . Uzbekistan in 2010. Her uncle Dekzod Isokov told the New York Post: 'They walked off, and we didn't know,' he said. The boy was later found soaked, but safe, in bushes and woods near the lake. Officers combed the 585-acre park from bicycles and helicopters and underwater as members of the public also joined the search. Rushona Kurbonova's body was recovered by NYPD divers after she wandered off during a family picnic in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and drowned in the lake . Shavonne Dillard was having a picnic with fellow members of her Pentecostal congregation when she witnessed the tragic scenes. She said: 'My . whole church family was looking for this baby, and we were praying out . here,' Ms Dillard said Rushona's 37-year-old mother paced by the lake as the massive search was underway. 'She was frantic,' added Ms Dillard. As the dive team brought Rushona's body to the shore, her mother collapsed and was taken to hospital suffering from shock. Brooklyn Borough president, Eric Adams said: 'No parent should ever have to bury a child. We all have a part to play in promoting safe play conditions.' Zada Bacoj, superintendent of the tragic family's Brooklyn apartment building told the Daily News that the toddler was 'a little angel. 'What bigger heartbreak than this?' he added. The family were described as incredibly hard working with Rushona's father driving a taxi. The parents were described as devoted to their three children. Rushova went missing around 1pm, launching a frantic five-hour search, combing the 585-acre park. Another . witness, Angela Peterson, said she saw an older boy she believed to be . the girl's older brother running though the park shouting in another . language as the mother frantically trailed after him. She said: 'I heard the mother say, "Oh my god! Oh my god!" She was so distraught,' Peterson recalled. A person called 911 saying a woman approached her shouting 'my babies!' 'She . didn’t speak much English. 'The mother was in a . terrible shock — that feeling when you lose something and you go numb. I . know the park like the back of my hand but for a child…it’s almost like . a maze, a game.' Police sources said the lake bottom is like quick sand while there was almost zero visibility under the water due to the green algae covering the surface. Prospect Park lake in Brooklyn, pictured, was covered in green algae which made the search more difficult . | Ruhshona Kurbonova went missing with a cousin at 1pm on Saturday .
Her cousin was found soaking wet and covered in algae from the lake .
NYPD launched an immediate 5-hour search until they recovered the toddler .
Police divers removed Rushona's body from the lake covered in a blanket .
Her mother Yulduz collapsed when she saw the diver emerge from the water .
The family were enjoying a July 4 barbecue when Rushona disappeared .
Medical examiner's office has ruled the tragic case 'accidental drowning' |
0ca379e7d4ad4f2ce24a8d43235b47e0a8d0243b | Washington (CNN) -- When it comes to the trust Americans put in government, a new national poll indicates it's a matter of location, location, location. According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday, only 26 percent of the public trusts the federal government most of the time or always. A third of the people questioned in the poll say they trust their state government most or all of the time. But that number surges to 52 percent for those who say they trust local government most or all of the time. "How broken is government in the mind of most Americans? It depends on how close that government is to them," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Suburbanites are happiest with their local government, with 55 percent of them saying they trust their local government all or most of the time. That same figure for city folk is 50 percent, and for rural Americans, it is 47 percent." Democrats may want to take pause over the 26-percent trust figure. The number is as low as it was in 1994 when the GOP swept the midterm elections and won control of Congress. According to CNN poll numbers released Sunday, Americans overwhelmingly think that the government in this country is broken, but the public overwhelmingly holds out hope that what's broken can be fixed. The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted February 12-15, with 1,023 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the overall survey. CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. | CNN asks 1,023 adult Americans about their trust in government .
Federal government rates the lowest at 23%; local government rates 52% .
Suburbanites rate highest level of trust with local government . |
0ca45f126f9789928a74f5a4fd4ddc606ceb8ee7 | By . Jonathan O'Callaghan for MailOnline . In the summer of 1989 Nasa’s Voyager 2 became the first, and to date only, spacecraft to visit the planet Neptune. During the brief flyby of the planet on 25 August, the probe returned images of its natural satellite Triton, a giant moon bigger even than the dwarf planet Pluto. And now a map and video have been revealed stitching together the images in unprecedented detail, creating the most comprehensview of its surface ever seen. Scroll down for video . Footage of Voyager 2's flyby of Neptune's largest moon (animation above) has been restored by Dr Paul Schenk of the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI). The movie, using the best Voyager map in colour, recreates the encounter with Triton as Voyager 2 ended its tour of the giant planets and began its trek into deep space in 1989 . The footage was restored by Dr Paul Schenk of the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas. It . is 37 years since the twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched and . the pair continue to explore where nothing from Earth has flown before. Their primary mission was the exploration of Jupiter and Saturn. After . making a string of discoveries there - such as active volcanoes on . Jupiter's moon Io and intricacies of Saturn's rings - the mission was . extended. Voyager 2 went on to explore Uranus and Neptune, and is still the only spacecraft to have visited those outer planets. The . current mission for both spacecraft, the Voyager Interstellar Mission, . is to explore the outermost edge of the Sun's domain and beyond. The map has a resolution of 1,970 feet (600 m) per pixel, while the approximately natural colours have been enhanced to bring out the contrast. Voyager 2's ‘eyes’ saw colours slightly different from human eyes, and this map was produced using orange, green and blue filter images. When it passed in 1989, most of the Northern Hemisphere was in darkness and was unseen. Because of the speed of Voyager's visit - about 15 miles (25 km) per second, and the slow rotation of Triton - only the Southern Hemisphere was seen clearly at close distance. The rest of the surface was either in darkness or seen as blurry markings. 'The biggest challenge in "restoring" this map was the color of Triton,' Dr Schenk tells MailOnline. 'We had considerable difficulty because some of the colour images were smeared or noisy, and there is some uncertainty in the absolute calibration of the colour images. 'We also do not know exactly what the colour of Triton was in those days. Earth-based observations gave very different answers. 'We did our best to give at least an impression of what the colour of this very active body at the edge of the Solar System looks like.' And on his website Dr Schenk explains what is being seen in the video and images. ‘Voyager 2 made a hair-raising pass over Neptune’s large moon Triton in August 1989,’ he wrote. ‘Approaching from the deep south, Voyager passed over the north pole of cloud-swept Neptune, almost close enough to brush the far-attenuated upper atmosphere. ‘The gravity of Neptune pulled the spacecraft down toward Triton, passing over the unlit north pole of that bitterly cold icy moon.’ When Voyager 2 passed in 1989, most of the Northern Hemisphere (left) was in darkness and was unseen. Because of the speed of Voyager's visit, about 15 miles (25 km) per second, and the slow rotation of Triton, only the Southern Hemisphere (right) was seen clearly at close distance . Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft ever to have visited Neptune, seen here. Dark, cold and whipped by supersonic winds, Neptune is the last of the hydrogen and helium gas giants in the solar system. More than 30 times as far from the sun as Earth, the planet takes almost 165 Earth years to orbit the sun . Triton is 1,681 miles (2,706 km) across, making it the 16th largest body in the solar system. It is also thought to have an icy surface, and may even have clouds in its skies. In fact, the moon is thought to bear some similarities to Pluto, which makes these recent restorations all the more interesting. Next year on 14 July, Nasa’s New Horizons probe will flyby the dwarf planet, and by using the experiences of Voyager 2 at Triton, engineers hope to get as much data as possible out of the mission. 'The new map of Triton sharpens the details . a bit but also shows us the entire surface, at least as far as Voyager . could see it,' Dr Schenk continues to MailOnline. 'It gives us a sense of how dynamic and active this place . is. More importantly we can compare it with other active worlds like . Europa and Enceladus. 'Perhaps the most important feature of the map is . that it gives us a complete and up-to-date picture of Pluto, her twin, . so that we will be ready when New Horizons gets there next summer.' And on whether he hope a mission visits again in the future, he added: 'I . certainly hope we go back. 'Uranus and Neptune and their strange moons . are among the largest bodies on the Solar System. 'After we go back to . Europa, the next targets should be Uranus, Neptune or both, with modern . scientific instruments like Cassini at Saturn has.' In another historic milestone for the . Voyager mission, 25 August also marks the two-year anniversary of . Voyager 1 reaching interstellar space. It is 37 years since the twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft (illustrated) were launched and the pair continue to explore where nothing from Earth has flown before.Their primary mission was the exploration of Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 went on to explore Uranus and Neptune, the only spacecraft to have visited those planets . Triton is 1,681 miles (2,706 km) across, making it the 16th largest body in the solar system. It is also thought to have an icy surface (illustration shown), and may even have clouds in its skies. In fact, the moon is thought to bear some similarities to Pluto, which makes these recent restorations all the more interesting . | Footage of Voyager 2's flyby of Neptune's largest moon has been restored .
The project was by the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas .
The results reveal the surface of the moon Triton in unprecedented detail .
In August 1989 Voyager 2 became the first and only probe to visit Neptune .
And it's mission could help the arrival of New Horizons at Pluto next year .
Footage of Voyager 2's flyby of Neptune's largest moon (animation above) has been restored by Dr Paul Schenk of the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI). The movie, using the best Voyager map in colour, recreates the encounter with Triton as Voyager 2 ended its tour of the giant planets and began its trek into deep space in 1989 . |
0ca632ca59116d7cdb217d0d6cdcd0798f642dde | By . Harriet Arkell . Sara Agintas, 45, right, had a free gastric band operation and now she wants the NHS to send her daughter Hannah, 14, to £4,500 weight loss camp . A mother of six who dropped from 38 stone to 22 after having a free £14,000 gastric band says she now wants the taxpayer to send her overweight daughter to boot camp. Sara Agintas, 45, from Milton Keynes, says that while she has managed to lose weight after having an operation to reduce her stomach capacity, she's concerned that her 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, who is 5ft 9in and weighs 17 stone, needs expensive intervention by the State. Mrs Agintas, who has shrunk from a size 38 to 22 since her operation in 2012, said: 'I can’t afford to pay for a weight loss camp, but I don’t see why the Government can’t step in and provide for her with a funded camp on the NHS. 'It would be an investment for her future - I have tried everything I can to help her at home, with no luck.' Mrs Agintas had her gastric band operation done for nothing by a private surgeon after she appeared in the press two years ago calling to have the operation on the NHS. At the time, she said: 'I can’t afford a personal trainer or weight-loss surgery – I need help from the taxpayer.' Now she believes the only way her daughter will lose weight is by attending a weight-loss camp for children - paid for by the State. 'I don't want Hannah to end up the way I was and if she doesn't stop, that's exactly what's going to happen,' she said. 'I just can't get through to her - she will eat anything she can get her hands on. 'I make hearty home cooked meals at home from scratch, and I serve up smaller portions, but Hannah will always have seconds or finish up any leftovers - even though she doesn’t need it.' Mrs Agintas said: 'I would love her to go to a kids’ boot camp but it is just so expensive and way out of my price range. The camps I've looked at cost about £4,500 and that’s just not the kind of money I have. 'I think she would really benefit from going to a boot camp, so she can be out of the home environment and completely educated by health professionals. 'If she keeps on she will end up with no choice but to get a gastric band like me, and I don’t want that for her.' Scroll down for video . Mrs Agintas says her son, Sam, 16, left, is working on his diet but daughter Hannah, centre, needs expert help . The way she was: The mother of six went from size 38 and 38 stone to size 22 and 22 stone after her free op . Schoolgirl Hannah, whose BMI of 35 defines her as obese, said: 'I know I'm a bit overweight, but I don’t have as much to lose as my mum did. 'I think my mum has done really well and I’m proud of her. I do want to lose some weight so she can be proud of me too, but I don’t find it easy. 'I wouldn't mind going to a boot camp.' In Britain, a five-week residential stay at a high-end fitness camp starts from £4,250. Parents are told children can lose up to three stone, through a combination of diet, exercise and education about nutrition. Mrs Agintas says she's sought medical advice about Hannah’s weight but has been offered no support. 'I've taken Hannah to the doctors about her weight but all I have been told is that she's fine and will grow out of it once her teenage years are over,' she said. Mrs Agintas says she's sought medical advice about Hannah’s weight but has been offered no support . Hannah, left, has a BMI of 35, which classes her as obese, and her mother, right, says she must go to fat camp . Since losing weight and keeping it off with healthy cooking and exercise, Mrs Agintas says she has improved the quality of her life, getting a job as a passenger escort for disabled children and becoming a parish councillor. She said: 'The gastric operation really gave me the kick-start I needed to turn my life around. 'Before, I was stuck to a sofa. I couldn't move or do anything, and the only time I went out was at night to do the weekly shop. 'It wasn't a life, and my doctor gave me just one year to live, but I couldn't leave my kids without a mum.' Mrs Agintas lives at home with her three youngest children, Sam, 16, Hannah, and Zoe, 11. Zoe is naturally slim, but both Sam and Hannah are overweight. Mrs Agintas says her weight crept up after she suffered from cravings for junk food when she was pregnant . Time to work out: The family, who live in Milton Keynes, eat healthy, home-cooked food, but it isn't enough . Sam weighs 18 stone but is trying to lose weight by eating his mother’s healthy meals and joining a gym to lose weight. Mrs Agintas said: 'The Government have billions of pounds, and I think they should spend some money helping parents who cannot afford to send their kids to a fat camp. 'More money needs to be spent on educating young people about food and exercise, it’s an investment for the future. 'I am worried about Hannah and her spiralling into what I was like. The situation is drastic and she needs to stop now before she gains any more weight. 'Hannah only has about four stone to lose and I'm sure she can do it - but I have tried everything. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.' Gastric band surgery is available on the NHS, but not for everyone. Guidelines say the patient must have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI between 35-40 and a serious health condition (such as high blood pressure) that could be improved if the patient loses weight. It also depends on where the patient lives - different clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in different areas may have varying criteria for eligibility. Meanwhile, surgery for children is not recommended except for in exceptional circumstances where a child has a BMI of over 50 or is classed as morbidly obese. GPs will offer advice on weight loss so a visit to the doctor will be the best place to start. The NHS offers a free, downloadable 12-week weight loss plan, which advises on calorie intake and exercise. Other services on offer include slimming clubs, meetings with dieticians, and exercise groups. For more information visit the NHS weight loss page. | Mother of six Sara Agintas, 45, went from 38 stone to 22 after having free op .
She says having gastric band was 'the kick-start I needed' to eat healthily .
Now she's worried about her 14-year-old daughter, Hannah, who is obese .
Mrs Agintas, from Milton Keynes, says she can't help but a boot camp could .
She says: 'The Government has billions and should spend them on children'
Says doctors haven't helped and her daughter won't listen to her advice .
Hannah says: 'I do want to lose weight and wouldn't mind going to fat camp' |
0ca6869221b60870e0c04880e836733114987820 | Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- As political comebacks go, Nawaz Sharif's is among the more remarkable. He served two terms as Pakistan's prime minister in the 1990s before he was overthrown in a military coup and banished into the political hinterlands. After a Pakistani court sentenced him to life in prison for hijacking and terrorism, he managed to negotiate his way into exile in Saudi Arabia, where he remained for seven years, waiting for the political tides to shift and allow his return. On Wednesday, he completed his long journey back to power and became prime minister for an unprecedented third term. The Pakistani National Assembly, where his political party secured control in elections last month, elected him prime minister with 244 votes. Later Wednesday, he took the oath of office from President Asif Ali Zardari, one of his longtime political rivals whose term ends later this year. Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had been in government since 2008. This year, it became the first elected administration in the country's history to successfully see out a full term in office and hand over power democratically. But that milestone didn't help the PPP at the ballot box last month. Following a term plagued by corruption allegations, militant violence, economic torpor and power shortages, its support fell away in an election marred by extremist attacks on candidates. Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, on the other hand, performed strongly, capitalizing on his image as a flag-bearer for private industry and entrepreneurship with promises to revive the country's economic fortunes. Stern challenges . Now, as he takes the reins of government again, he will have to face up to Pakistan's raft of daunting challenges. His economic stewardship will be quickly put to the test. Analysts say Sharif, the scion of an industrial family and one of the country's richest people, has typically favored large, showy infrastructure projects such as highways as a way to spur economic activity. But with Pakistani's public finances in a fragile state, finding the funds for big building plans could prove difficult, observers say. He also has the complex task of resolving the country's energy crisis, which has resulted in prolonged power outages that hurt businesses and sometimes provoke street protests. The security situation in the country remains a severe problem, as the widespread attacks during the elections by the Pakistani Taliban and other extremists showed. Sharif has floated the idea of holding talks with the Taliban, but some analysts say the country's powerful military, with whom Sharif has clashed in the past, will hold the final word on key security and foreign policy decisions. Stance on drones? Until Wednesday, when he called for an end to drone strikes, his stance on the United States' unpopular program in Pakistan's tribal areas that border Afghanistan was unclear. "The campaign of drone strikes should be shut down," Sharif said in his acceptance speech. "We must work together to ensure Pakistan's sovereignty." Imran Khan, the former cricket star whose young party has become one of the main opposition groups in parliament, has called on Sharif to bring an end to the U.S. program. Sharif has condemned drone strikes in the past, including the one last week that killed the Pakistani Taliban's No. 2 leader. But analysts say he had good working relations with the United States during his previous terms in office and is likely to take a similarly pragmatic approach once back in power. He has said he will pursue closer ties with Pakistan's neighbor and archrival, India. During his second term as prime minister, in the late 1990s, Sharif oversaw Pakistan's emergence as a nuclear power, for which many Pakistanis still hold him in high regard. It remains to be seen what his third term will be remembered for. CNN's Shaan Khan reported from Islamabad, and Jethro Mullen reported and wrote from Hong Kong. | Nawaz Sharif is sworn in as prime minister Wednesday .
He held office twice in the 1990s, but was overthrown in a military coup .
He returned from exile in 2007 and his party won elections last month .
Analysts say he faces a raft of thorny challenges, including security and the economy . |
0ca7c46270afa5ca3531f2ac69f379f213177a9a | Nigella Lawson spoke publicly for the first time yesterday about her ‘mortifying’ court ordeal, saying her only desire as she gave evidence was to protect her children. The celebrity cook said she didn’t want to dwell on the experience, instead joking: ‘And actually, since then I’ve eaten a lot of chocolate, had a very good Christmas and I’m into the New Year.’ Miss Lawson made the comments on US TV show Good Morning America, where she was being interviewed to promote her cookery show The Taste. Scroll down for video . First interview: Nigella Lawson has appeared on GMA and admitted she'd been 'eating a lot of chocolate' to cope with the trials of the past year including drug allegations and her divorce . Admission: Nigella told the TV morning show in New York on Thursday that she was 'mortified' by the playing out of her private life in court . High profile: Nigella is trying to crack America with her new show The Taste, pictured here with Anthony Bourdain and Ludo Lefebve . The 53-year-old was immediately asked . about the trial of her two former housekeepers, during which intimate . details of her alleged secret drug abuse, disastrous marriage to . multi-millionaire Charles Saatchi and chaotic lifestyle were exposed. She . said: ‘To be honest, to have not only your private life but . distortions of your private life put on display is mortifying, but . there are people going through an awful lot worse and to dwell on any of . it would be self-pity, and I don’t like to do that.’ Asked . about her memories of the two days she spent in the witness box, she . said: ‘I can’t really remember exactly because you’re so focused on . answering the questions to the best of your ability that actually you . don’t have enormous awareness of yourself ... maybe that’s a good thing. Fraud trial: Nigella and her former husband Charles Saatchi arriving at Isleworth Crown Court last month where the lid was lifted on their relationship . ‘My . only desire really was to protect my children as much as possible, . which I wasn’t, alas, always … I couldn’t do, but that’s what I wanted . to do.’ Asked whether she . felt she was on trial, Miss Lawson said: ‘Well, I did. It’s one of the . niceties of the English legal system that you are not allowed counsel if . you are a witness. Maybe it will change. Maybe that’s good.’ Miss . Lawson, dressed in a black dress and heels, appeared confident during . her appearance on the breakfast show for the ABC network but at one . point fumbled her words. She . was interviewed alongside fellow judges Anthony Bourdain, Marcus . Samuelsson and Ludo Lefebvre ahead of the second series of US show The . Taste. It was only when she began talking about the lemon meringue pie . she had baked that she seemed to relax. She . was not asked directly about her alleged drug use or her former . personal assistants, Italian sisters Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo, . who were cleared of a £685,000 credit card fraud. During . two days of humiliating evidence at Isleworth Crown Court last month, . Miss Lawson was forced to deny she was a drug addict after confessing to . having snorted cocaine and smoked cannabis. Moving on: Nigella said she had enjoyed a good Christmas on her first TV appearance since the fraud trial of the Grillo sisters, who were eventually found not guilty of fraud . Her . former housekeepers told the court she had let them spend what they . liked in return for keeping her cocaine addiction and heavy cannabis use . a secret from her ‘shouty’ and frightening husband. After the Grillos . were acquitted, Miss Lawson released an extraordinary statement in which . she described the allegations of her drug-taking as a ‘ridiculous . sideshow’. She claimed the . trial had been part of a campaign by her 70-year-old ex-husband to . ‘destroy her’ with malicious and false allegations. She . also complained that her children were subjected to ‘extreme . allegations in court without any real protection,’ something for which . she could not ‘forgive the court process’. Miss . Lawson has long wanted to find fame in America, but the allegations of . drug use during last month’s court case could put those ambitions on . hold. Scotland Yard is to . investigate the cook over her admission that she took cocaine and smoked . cannabis in front of her children. Officers will review the evidence . and then consult the Crown Prosecution Service. She . could face the prospect of being formally interviewed by police. The . first series of The Taste, which involves contestants presenting their . food to the judges over several rounds, will be aired on Channel 4 from . January 7. Divorce: Mr Saatchi (right) said he was 'heartbroken' to have lost Nigella (left) - but she did not reciprocate and made clear she was happy to move on with her life . In charge: Nigella, pictured alongside her fellow chefs Ludo Lefebrve, Marcus Samuelsson and Anthony Bourdain is both a judge and the show's executive producer . Break: Nigella was with her best friend over Christmas before heading to the United States to promote her new show . Meanwhile it . emerged yesterday that Mr Saatchi spent New Year’s Eve on a £25million . super yacht in the Caribbean with his new girlfriend Trinny Woodall. He . reportedly spent tens of thousands of pounds to hire the 160ft long . vessel, on which he and Miss Woodall were ‘acting like honeymooners’. One of Miss Lawson’s fellow judges on The Taste, chef Anthony Bourdain, . is a reformed drug addict who once sold his record collection to buy . heroin. Bourdain, 57, wrote a . bestselling memoir of his days as a chef in New York in the 1990s, . describing how ‘we were high all the time, sneaking off to the walk-in . [refrigerator] at every opportunity. Hardly a decision was made without . drugs’. Testimony: Nigella is questioned by . Karina Arden, defending, as sisters Elisabetta and Francesca Grillo . watch from the dock where she said she had taken cocaine seven times . Not guilty: The TV cook accused her ex-husband of a campaign 'deliberately designed to destroy my reputation' as former aides Elisabetta Grillo (left) and Francesca Grillo (right) were cleared of a £680,000 credit card fraud . Harrowing: A furious Nigella said after the trial ended her children had been 'subjected to extreme allegations in court without any real protection or representation', adding: 'For this I cannot forgive the court process' Close: Since his divorce Charles Saatchi has spent long periods with Trinny Woodall and was in America and the Caribbean with her over Christmas and the New Year . Luxury life: Ms Woodall posted this photo of herself hugging her daughter on the super-yacht she is shared with Mr Saatchi as they saw in 2014 together . | Domestic goddess opens heart after her divorce and drug revelations .
Appeared on ABC's Good Morning America to promote show The Taste .
UK trial of PAs revealed allegations of cocaine use and unhappy marriage .
'I was trying to protect my children as much as possible', she said .
Miss Lawson appeared as witness and said 'distortion of your private life on display is mortifying' |
0caa5a970c344420f40b08afb91547ccce7412f6 | A boy could be left scarred for life after a temporary tattoo blistered his skin and sent him into toxic shock. Alfie Abbott had the Henna tattoo bought for him as a birthday present while on an all-inclusive holiday with his family in Turkey last month. But once home in Nottingham, the 11-year-old started complaining that the design was really itchy and a painful rash broke out all over his body. Reaction: Alfie Abbott, 11, suffered an extreme allergic reaction to the temporary ink, which left him with painful blisters on his upper arm (left). He has been left with visible scarring (right) which could be permanent . His concerned mother took him to the burns unit at the city's Queen’s Medical Centre hospital, where doctors said the schoolboy had gone into toxic shock. The £40 tribal design, which was applied at the five-star hotel's tattoo parlour, has left Alfie with visible scarring on his upper-right arm that could be permanent. Painful: The 11-year-old had the tribal tattoo bought for him as a birthday present while on an all-inclusive holiday with his family in Turkey. Shortly after returning home, he started saying the design was sore and itchy . The schoolboy has been in and out of hospital since getting the tattoo on 12 September to receive treatment for the scar, which his mother said 'won't stop weeping'. His mother Louise today criticised the Eftalia Splash Resort in Konakli, where she was staying with Alfie and daughters Kacey and Elle, saying 'He has been in agony'. She told the Sun: 'Doctors said he went into toxic shock and his arm won't stop weeping and the burns have left the tattoo blistered into his arm. Scarred: The schoolboy has been in and out of hospital since getting the tattoo on 12 September receiving treatment for the scar, which his mother said 'won't stop weeping'. Pictured: The scar slowly healing . Slammed: His mother Louise today criticised the resort in Konakli, saying 'He has been in agony' 'It’s disgusting, you’d think they would do checks on what goes on in hotels they are sending people to. She added: 'He now faces years of trips to hospital to try to do something about the scarring that covers his arm.' Earlier this year, two schoolboy brothers were left scarred for life after dodgy Henna left permanent scars on their backs. Liam, 16, and Owen Groves, 14, pestered their mother to allow them to have henna body art while on an all-inclusive holiday in Egypt. But instead of natural henna the tattoo artist, who worked in the resort where they were staying, used super-strength black henna. The brothers now can't take their tops off in the sun as doctors warned to avoid direct sunlight on the area. Thomas Cook admit they do not recommend their customers have henna tattoos at their hotels. A spokesman said: 'We know how important a holiday is to our customers, and are most concerned to learn of the negative reaction to a henna tattoo sustained by Master Abbot after his holiday in Turkey earlier this month. 'We wish Master Abbot a full recovery following his experience, and invite his parents to contact us in haste so that we can address their complaint directly and personally.' | Alfie Abbott had the £40 tribal design inked at five-star resort in Konakli .
Once home, the schoolboy started complaining that tattoo was itchy .
He broke out in a painful rash all over his body and his face swelled up .
Doctors at Nottingham burns centre said the schoolboy suffered toxic shock .
His mother criticised the five-star resort, saying her son was in 'agony' |
0caaf9b4682090fd32020c61edfe016c818a5821 | Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Tottenham's home clash with Stoke... Tottenham Hotspur vs Stoke City (White Hart Lane) Kick-off: Sunday 1.30pm . Odds (subject to change): . Tottenham 4/6 . Draw 11/4 . Stoke 4/1 . Referee: Mike Jones . Managers: Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham), Mark Hughes (Stoke) Head-to-head league record: Tottenham wins 42, draws 17, Stoke wins 19 . Team news . Tottenham . Aaron Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor are to be assessed before Tottenham's return to Premier League action against Stoke. The pair were rested for the midweek Europa League trip to Asteras Tripoli due to slight hamstring complaints. Kyle Walker continues to miss out following abdominal surgery, while Nabil Bentaleb is absent due to an ankle complaint. Provisional squad: Lloris, Vorm, Friedel, Naughton, Dier, Rose, Davies, Kaboul, Chiriches, Fazio, Vertonghen, Dembele, Capoue, Stambouli, Mason, Paulinho, Lamela, Lennon, Chadli, Townsend, Eriksen, Kane, Soldado, Adebayor. Emmanuel Adebayor could return for Spurs after missing their midweek Europa League tie with a slight injury . Stoke . Peter Crouch, Phil Bardsley and Marc Muniesa are back available for Sunday's away clash with Tottenham, while Marko Arnautovic remains in line to feature despite breaking his hand. Ex-Spurs man Crouch and Bardsley sat out the 2-2 home draw with West Ham last Saturday due to suspensions, while Muniesa was nursing an ankle problem. Although Arnautovic is not expected to be kept out by the injury he suffered in training earlier this week, the same cannot be said of Dionatan Teixeira, who broke his foot on the same day and has joined Robert Huth (calf), Glenn Whelan (broken leg) and and Peter Odemwingie (knee) on the sidelines. Provisional squad: Begovic, Sorensen, Wilson, Shawcross, Pieters, Cameron, Muniesa, Bardsley, Nzonzi, Adam, Sidwell, Ireland, Walters, Arnautovic, Bojan, Assaidi, Moses, Diouf, Crouch. Peter Crouch is back available for Stoke after returning from a one-game ban for being sent off . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Tottenham have won six and lost just one of the last nine Premier League games against Stoke City. The Potters have only won one of six trips to White Hart Lane in the Premier League (D2 L3). Spurs have lost three of their last four Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (W1). Stoke have won none of their last six Premier League away trips to London (D1 L5). Tottenham have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League outings. Stoke City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen saves from Robbie Keane during the Potters' last win at Tottenham, as they went on to triumph 1-0 at White Hart Lane in October 2009 . Stoke have lost only one of their last nine Premier League games in November (W4 D4). The Potters have scored only two goals in the last 30 minutes of games all season. Only four players (Fabregas, Sigurdsson, Tadic and Baines) have assisted more Premier League goals than Erik Lamela (4) this season. Heading into MD11, no player has been caught offside more times than Emmanuel Adebayor this season (10 times, level with Berahino). Hugo Lloris has parried more saves back into a dangerous scenario than any other goalkeeper this season (12). | Aaron Lennon and Emmanuel Adebayor may return after midweek rest .
Kyle Walker remains a long-term absentee for Tottenham Hotspur .
Peter Crouch available for Stoke after returning from suspension .
Tottenham have won six of last nine Premier League games against Stoke .
Harry Kane has praised his side's resilience after 10-man Spurs beat Asteras Tripolis 2-1 in the Europa League . |
0cab7d50543924c14c3bc08a9f3bbef229ba0b0d | We may never know the why -- though there has been no shortage of speculation on the Internet -- but at least now we know what the Carter-Knowles family has to say about their already infamous elevator fight. Solange Knowles, Jay Z and his wife, Beyonce, have released a statement about surveillance video originally posted by TMZ showing Solange, the younger sister of Beyonce, hitting and kicking her brother-in-law. The trio had previously not spoken publicly about the incident in an elevator at the Standard Hotel in New York City following the Met Gala held on May 5. But on Thursday, they broke their silence. The family referred CNN to a statement they previously gave to the Associated Press. The statement says: . "As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it. Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. "They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family. "The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false. At the end of the day, families have problems and we're no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same." Following the incident, the sisters were photographed leaving together while Jay Z left in a separate car. | Solange Knowles, Jay Z and his wife, Beyonce, release a statement .
TMZ released video showing an altercation between Solange and Jay Z in an elevator .
They say they have "worked through it," saying all families have their problems .
The statement refutes that Solange was intoxicated . |
0cac981b6269a6efd526fcf7a7d72b4733208706 | (CNN) -- Something was different in 2013. Unlike recent years, when some of the major events were powered by groups and movements -- think revolutions that seemed to materialize out of nowhere, public squares occupied without visible leadership -- this year, it was individuals who created the most unexpected or dramatic events. Some of this year's crucial stories resulted from the interaction of individuals challenging institutions, organizations or the status quo. Sometimes they failed miserably. Other times, they succeeded. But mostly they gave a shove to history, trying to knock it onto a different path. These are my candidates for what defined 2013: . The spies got out-spied . Edward Snowden hadn't yet turned 30 when he threw back the curtain, exposing the astonishing scale of surveillance by the National Security Agency. While the NSA had its sights on other things, a single contractor in its midst triggered an earthquake. Snowden left his NSA job with hundreds of thousands of documents, revealing how the NSA was gobbling up "meta-data," records of telephone calls and e-mails, even from world leaders and U.S. allies. The revelations showed an almost omnipotent NSA, capable of learning any of our secrets. And yet, it bared an agency that could be embarrassingly bested by a single man. To some a hero, to others a traitor, Snowden forced an examination of how far society is willing to allow the government to spy on people's lives. If Snowden didn't act, would we have slipped quickly and easily into an Orwellian state without knowing what our government had been doing? A Pope more concerned with inequality than sexuality . In March, Catholic cardinals gathered in Rome to choose an Argentine priest as the new Pope, the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. Pope Francis has emerged as the most innovative pope in living memory. CNN Poll: Pope's approval rating sky high . He is challenging the mighty forces of tradition in the Church, wearing a benevolent smile while surely facing murmurs of dissent behind Vatican walls. The Pope decried the Church's obsession with homosexuality, abortion and birth control, prodding Catholics to fight poverty and inequality instead. He has become an endless source of surprises, phoning his newspaperman to cancel his subscription, paying his hotel bill in person and refusing to move to the papal residence. Can Pope Francis succeed in bringing lasting changes to one of the world's oldest, most conservative institutions? We will find out. Struggling Iran pulls a rabbit out of the hat . The dispute with Iran over its nuclear weapons began a new chapter with the surprise election of Hassan Rouhani. The new Iranian President sharply shifted to conciliatory tones, but much doubt remains about whether that will result in real changes. Obama put the odds for a final deal at 50/50. It is Rouhani's boss, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in Iran. Nothing happens without his approval, not even a change of tone. It is not clear he has decided to change the goals of Iran's nuclear program. Almost two decades have passed since the United States and other countries started imposing sanctions on Iran, aiming to prevent what they believe -- and Iran denies -- is a nuclear weapons program. Iran and the Washington-led world powers made an interim deal to slow some of Iran's progress for six months and roll back some sanctions. That created excitement in some quarters and consternation in others, especially because Iran appears to have found a way to continue enriching uranium even though the United Nations had specifically demanded it stop. Who wins? Some would say Iran, thanks to Rouhani. Obama scored self-goal with Obamacare rollout . When it comes to individuals challenging the status quo, the President of the United States is not exactly Everyman, but Barack Obama took on the system and then trampled himself in it. The story might have been the political dysfunction and the government shutdown that left Americans disgusted with Washington. Obama seemed to be scoring points after standing firm against Republicans. What tripped him most painfully required no intervention from his critics. It was the disastrous rollout of the signature achievement of his presidency, the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. When Americans stopped shaking their heads at the shutdown, they discovered the Obamacare rollout disaster unfolding. Obama's approval rating took a plunge, made steeper by his initial denial that there was a problem. When a contrite Obama declared "That's on me," he found little disagreement. In Syria, Obama fumbled and al-Assad stays in power . When 2012 drew to a close, we knew the suffering of the Syrian people was nowhere near its end. Who would have guessed that by the end of 2013, the Syrian regime would be strengthened? After calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down in the face of mounting deaths, Obama, along with much of the West, seemed to have no clear idea what to do next. He worried that the opposition fighting against his dictatorship would give rise to a new regime dominated by Islamist extremists. Obama drew a "red line," saying the use of chemical weapons by al-Assad would change his calculus. Then al-Assad used chemical weapons, and Obama announced he had decided the United States had to intervene. Obama is not a natural risk-taker. When he decided to take action in Syria, he went out on a limb, but quickly he reversed course, afraid to challenge public opinion. He surprised everyone with the announcement that he would await congressional authorization. The congressional green light looked doubtful when Secretary of State John Kerry off-handedly suggested intervention could be prevented if al-Assad surrendered his chemical weapons. Syria's ally Russia picked up the idea and launched into a diplomatic offensive that saved al-Assad from Western attack and saved Obama from political shame. As Russia's Vladimir Putin made his victory lap, the Syrian people continued to endure relentless assault by al-Assad and his Lebanese ally, Hezbollah. The death count has continued to climb, and the winter weather is adding to the misery of Syria's civilians. Putin outwitted Obama, and another dictator gets the last laugh. As we look back on 2013, it's worth remembering that we are all not just witnesses; we are the protagonists of our time in history. Individuals can change history, for better or worse. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Frida Ghitis. | Frida Ghitis: Some individuals made a huge impact by challenging the status quo .
Ghitis: If not for Edward Snowden, we wouldn't know about NSA's massive spying .
She says Pope Francis is challenging the mighty forces of Catholic tradition .
Ghitis: We are all not just witnesses; we are the protagonists of our own time . |
0caca52c24c884b7fe3b230e2601337f1fd8e0a4 | (CNN) -- There's one solution out of 43 quintillion possible combinations, and even the man who invented it spent a month of solid research trying to figure it out. But that hasn't stopped the Rubik's Cube from becoming the most popular toy in history. The colorful puzzle, consisting of small blocks rotating on a central axis, has sold an estimated 350 million units since its conception nearly 40 years ago. And yet the man whose name it bears -- Erno Rubik -- only ever intended it to be a teaching aid for his small class of design students. The son of a poet mother and a father who manufactured glider planes, Rubik grew up in Soviet-era Hungary, studying both sculpture and architecture. Read: Rubik's Cube in numbers . His life-changing idea arrived when he was in his late 20s, a young professor still living at home with his parents. Starting off with just chunks of wood and rubber bands, Rubik set about trying to create a structure that would permit individual blocks to move independently of one another without the whole thing falling apart. It took six years to go from prototype to market, but when it finally hit the shelves at the start of the 1980s, it became the fastest selling puzzle of all time. It stills retains its appeal to this day. Last year alone it sold seven million units and so-called "speed cubing" competitions -- where contestants attempt to solve the puzzle against the clock -- are as popular as ever. In a rare interview, the publicity-shy Rubik retraces the journey of his iconic toy. CNN: What do you think it is about the cube that continues to capture the public imagination? Erno Rubik: I believe probably the most characteristic part of the cube is the contradiction between simplicity and complexity. I love the simplicity of the cube because it's a very clear geometrical shape, and I love geometry because it's the study of how the whole universe is structured. I think probably that's part of the key to the success of the cube -- you are able to have a connection with this order and chaos. CNN: You had the idea in 1974 and at the time you were a lecturer in interior design, what set you off on this invention? ER: I was searching to find a good task for my students. When you are studying from a book, lots of people go straight to the end to look for the answers. But that's not my style. For me, the most enjoyable part is the puzzle, the process of solving, not the solution itself. Also, we were playing with geometry, which is not a static subject. It's a very mobile thing, it's changeable. So, I was looking for a mobile structure and I found the geometry of a cube very exciting because of the high level of symmetries it has and the fact that you can do a lot of things with it. CNN: What was the puzzle you were trying to pose? ER: Usually structures are pieces that are connected in some way or another, and usually these connections are stable things. So all the time "A" is connected to "B." But with the structure of the Rubik's Cube, you realize these elements are moving very freely, but you don't understand what keeps the whole thing together, so that was a very interesting part of it. CNN: How did you go about building the prototype? ER: Nowadays you've got three-dimensional printing and CAD [computer-aided design] programs on computers, but I was working at a very different time. There was a workshop in the school, and I just used wood as a material because it is very simple to use and you don't need any sophisticated machines. So I made it just by using my hands -- cutting the wood, drilling holes, using elastic bands and those kind of very simple things. CNN: How does the internal mechanism actually work? ER: Usually people are surprised by how simple it is, but it is also very difficult to explain. So the best way to discover it is to take it apart! CNN: How long did it take you to solve the cube once you'd created the prototype? ER: It took more than a month of research, facing the problem, trying to understand it, building up theories, testing them, thinking to myself things like: "I have one side and one turn is 90 degrees and if you turn it four times I'll be back where I was," and so on. You have to find rules and then you find the law of symmetry, the law of movements. CNN: Do you remember the moment when you solved it? ER: I remember it was very emotional, but I don't remember what time it was exactly. I don't make notes on that, and I have no diary about it, but I remember it was a very emotional feeling. Read: 'Li-Fi' provides a light bulb moment for wireless web . But then it's not something like a jigsaw puzzle where you start to work on it, spend some time on it, and in the end it's solved, it's finished. If you find a solution with the cube, it doesn't mean you find everything. It's only a starting point. You can work on and find something else, you can improve your solution, you can make it shorter, you can go deeper and deeper and collect knowledge and many other things. CNN: What did you do next? ER: I showed it to the people in the school and my students liked it very much. And I had the feeling that because it has very simple structure, it can be manufactured easily and it can be a product that is available for others. And so I applied for a patent because I had some experience of my father's work and he has got several patents. After that I was searching to find a manufacturer here in Hungary. But the country was a very different place from how it is today. We were behind the Iron Curtain, we had different social circumstances -- so it was not an easy task. Read: DIY inventors flock to Maker Faire . But I found a small company who was working with plastic - their main line was manufacturing chess sets -- and we started to negotiate. CNN: Did you make any mistakes with the patent application, would you do it differently given what you know now? ER: You know, there is a Hungarian saying that it's easy to be clever after the event. One problem was the speed of the process because from the beginning to the real marketing [point] was six years. Six years is too long because there is a rule on how you can patent: When you start the process, you need to make the next step within a year, because otherwise you lose the patent. But in the end we partly solved the problem because we used my name as a trademark, and this too is a good tool for protection. I was lucky because in the New York phone book there is less than five people who have the same name! CNN: What would you advise an inventor now to do to protect themselves? ER: That's a very difficult question. There are many more protection possibilities than in that time. One thing is, you need to find partners, you can't do it alone. You need professionals; you need advisers and you need partners who are capable of helping you both on the legal part and also the financial part as well. And naturally it is very important to realise you product. You can protect your patent but if you don't develop the product it's meaningless. CNN: In a couple of years, it'll be 40 years old, how do you feel about it? Are you still discovering things about it? ER: Yeah, nowadays my discoveries come from watching the impact of the cube. I'm wondering how people are so creative, and how many things were born out of and inspired by the cube. That's a very interesting thing. CNN: The final question: Are you a good Rubik's Cube player? ER: I am really not a speedcuber. My best time when I was practicing was about a minute. Usually people say if you can create a piano, you must be a good piano player, but it is not true. They are different type of human activities and need different capabilities. | Rubik invented cube that bears his name as teaching aid for his class of students .
The colorful puzzle has gone on to become the world's biggest selling toy -- with 350 million sold .
Hungarian-born Rubik retraces the moment of inspiration that led him to his iconic invention . |
0cad6cc86cfb53acba38ce602511a39872806dcf | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:28 EST, 29 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:09 EST, 30 September 2013 . Amanda Knox's retrial over the murder of Meredith Kercher opened in Florence today - but neither the American student nor her Italian ex-boyfriend was there to see the start of proceedings. Instead, the 26-year-old was photographed taking a walk in her home town of Seattle, more than 5,000 miles from the the trial. Miss Knox has said she will not return to Italy where she is accused of murdering her British roommate in 2007. Scroll down for video . Amanda Knox was all smiles in the rain in Seattle, Washington, as she chatted on the phone while picking up supplies at a pet store ahead of the re-trial in Italy . Knox and her one-time lover Rafaelle Sollecito served four years in jail for the murder of Meredith Kercher, who was found semi-naked with her throat slit in the flat she shared with Knox in Perugia, Italy. Both were freed on appeal in 2011 but in March this year Italy’s highest court sensationally ordered them to face retrial. In June judges published the reasons for that decision, saying the ruling by the appeal court that freed them was full of ‘deficiencies contradictions and illogical conclusions’. Knox has said that her decision not to attend the re-trial was ‘common sense’. Amanda Knox, pictured in Seattle at the weekend, left, has said her decision not to attend the re-trial for murdering fellow student Meredith Kercher, right, was 'common sense' ‘I was imprisoned as an innocent person and I just can’t re-live that,’ said told NBC television. In a memoir released earlier this year, Knox sought to portray herself as a naive young woman railroaded by a foreign justice system and not a callous sexual deviant as she was painted in many reports after her initial conviction. Knox is not obliged to attend the retrial and can be represented by her lawyers. If found guilty, she would be able to appeal again, but Italy could apply for her extradition if that failed. Amanda Knox and her one-time lover Rafaelle Sollecito, pictured with her just after the murder of Meredith Kercher in 2007, have already served four years in jail . | Amanda Knox's retrial began in Florence this morning but she is not there .
Miss Knox and her one-time lover Rafaelle Sollecito have already served four years in jail following the murder of Meredith Kercher .
Both were freed on appeal in 2011 but were ordered to face retrial .
Court that freed them was full of 'deficiencies, contradictions and illogical conclusions', judges said . |
0cada38b908725674ed005c849248bb86c17c3c8 | By . Mark Duell . Updated: . 05:14 EST, 7 December 2011 . A series of photos from Mark Zuckerberg’s private Facebook page were made public today after a web expert managed to gain access thanks to a glitch in the social networking site. The bug in the website’s photo reporting tool - which Facebook says was only temporary and has now been fixed - meant that users could access others’ pictures even if they were private. Users were able to look at the private photos by ‘reporting’ a profile picture as ‘inappropriate’, which then saw other photos displayed, such as those of Facebook CEO Mr Zuckerberg. Private photos: Mark Zuckerberg holds up plates of chicken he appears to have just killed then fried himself . Loving: Mark Zuckerberg is pictured with his long-time girlfriend Priscilla Chan playing with their puppy . Girl and boy: Photos of the couple in their home show an interest in food . A Facebook spokesman told CNET the . glitch happened because of ‘one of our most recent code pushes’ but it . was only live for a short time and ‘not all content was accessible’. The reporting system was disabled and . will be brought back to normal once the bug has been fixed by the . website’s developers, the spokesman added, restating the site’s . commitment to data privacy. The glitch and resulting private . photos of Mr Zuckerberg went viral when software engineer Mike Rundle, . of Raleigh, North Carolina, posted a link to them on photo-sharing . website Imgur. But Mr Rundle said he first saw the photos linked from a discussion on the online forum Hacker News. Man's best friend: Many of the reportedly private photos on the Imgur website involve Mr Zuckerberg's puppy . Big names: Mr Zuckerberg is pictured speaking to President Barack Obama, with Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt in the background. The late former Apple CEO Steve Jobs was also at the meeting . Cheers: Mr Zuckerberg, who is worth $17.5billion, holds a toast with friends in his kitchen . Trick of treat: He kneels with his girlfriend who holds a bowl of Snickers and other chocolate bars on Halloween . Members of a body-building forum first . picked up on an alleged security flaw which allows users to access . personal photos when they try to report ‘inappropriate’ profile . pictures, reported CNET. Mr Zuckerberg’s long-time girlfriend . Priscilla Chan is pictured in most of the photos. Some of them can be . viewed publically on his public Facebook profile, but others are said to . be private. The 27-year-old, of Palo Alto, . California, has a staggering fortune of $17.5billion and treated himself . to a $7million five-bedroom, five bathroom home earlier this year in . May. The 1903 home with its outdoor walls . and trees offers far more privacy than his former 3,800 sq ft rented . house. It has an entertainment pavilion with an outdoor fireplace and . built-in barbeque. Whale of a time: The happy couple are pictured together at a restaurant in one of the private photos . Sushi time: The former Harvard University student inspired the 2010 film The Social Network . Dinner party: Mr Zuckerberg and Miss Chan are pictured with friends and their puppy inside their kitchen . All smiles: Mr Zuckerberg, left, poses with an unknown man on a sunny day by the beach . The New York dentist’s son has lived . in Palo Alto almost continuously since he moved Facebook to Silicon . Valley straight from his Harvard dormitory room in 2004. The technology genius, originally from . Dobbs Ferry in New York, inspired the 2010 film The Social Network, in . which he is played by Jesse Eisenberg. Mr Zuckerberg has vowed to embark on a . mission to eat only what he killed and has reportedly been learning how . to hunt with the aim of killing a bison which he will devour once it is . dead. The young tycoon, whose girlfriend is . Priscilla Chan, has been studying how to fire a gun powerful enough to . bring down one of the 2,000lb beasts and even got a licence to hunt, . reports said. He has killed chickens, lobsters, a . pig and a goat as part of his crusade for responsible eating - and says . he only wants to eat meat if he knows exactly where it came from and had . a hand in its demise. | Facebook user reportedly exploited security loophole to access pictures .
Some images of Facebook CEO at home with girlfriend have never been seen .
He is pictured with Priscilla Chan at their $7million house in Palo Alto . |
0caef4f7e221041ed5c395813d4af1352b26dae4 | New York (CNN) -- Federal prosecutors said the defendants had a "hatred and thirst for violence," while defense attorneys argued that an FBI informant was the real culprit as opening arguments got underway Tuesday in the trial of four men accused in an alleged bomb plot. Prosecutors say the men plotted to detonate explosives near two synagogues in the Riverdale section of the Bronx in May 2009 and also sought to fire missiles at planes at an Air National Guard base. James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen were arrested on May 20, 2009, allegedly after having placed what they thought were bombs at two sites and before making their way to Stewart Airport in Newburgh, New York. But no bombs went off that night. The men were part of a year-long sting operation led by a paid FBI informant. The bombs and missiles were not, in fact, armed, but were rather part of the FBI's masquerade. And defense attorneys are calling the situation entrapment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hickey painted a picture in court of the defendants -- specifically, James Cromitie -- as having a "hatred and thirst for violence." He described the four men as having cased and photographed targets, planned their escape, and talked about public reaction. All the while, a fifth man in their group, a man they knew to be "Maksud" and from whom they were receiving all their funding, was actually an FBI informant who had been taping their conversations and meeting with the FBI. Hickey described the informant, whose real name is Shaheed Hussein, as having been hired by the FBI to go to a certain mosque and listen for talk of violence against Americans. According to Hickey, Cromitie and Hussein met several times over a period of months, during which time Hussein convinced Cromitie that he was a representative of the Jaish a-Mohammed, a bogus international terrorism ring he said was based in Pakistan and was looking for recruits. Hickey further charged that Cromitie expressed his desire to "kill Jews" and make America "pay for Afghanistan and other Muslim countries," recruiting Williams and Williams -- who are not related -- along with Payen to be part of the mission to target Jewish institutions and military operations in the United States. But defense attorneys argued that it was Hussein, not the four defendants, who planned, funded, and directed the entire operation, seducing the poverty-stricken defendants with food, gifts, and promises of a significant payday. The defense painted a picture of Hussein as a convicted felon who began working for the FBI as part of a plea bargain that kept him from jail and deportation, and paid him $100,000. Defense attorneys alleged that Hussein pressured the four men, whom, they said, he saw as his meal ticket, to agree to be a part of the mission, promising large sums of money and expensive cars and not taking no for an answer. They further alleged entrapment, as the defendants did not have violent pasts and "could not and would not have been involved in such a conspiracy without Shaheed Hussein." Vincent L. Briccetti, attorney for Cromitie, called the 100 hours of videotaped conversations between the men "not a documentary but a work of fiction... a movie produced, directed, starred in, and edited by Shaheed Hussein and the FBI." Suzanne Brody, attorney for Onta Williams, suggested the FBI was more interested in instigating and initiating, rather than investigating. The trial will resume Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan at 9:30 a.m. ET . | Four men are on trial in New York in an alleged bomb plot .
They are accused to plotting to blow up two synagogues .
They are also accused of plotting to fire missiles at U.S. military planes .
Defense attorneys argue the men were entrapped by an FBI informant . |
0cb024bcafbbe8ac5d0bb34f8d8b7dc8659e8794 | (CNN) -- Two recent incidents have people questioning the basic goodness of humanity. In Washington, a man had a fatal heart attack across the street from a fire station. Passers-by said firefighters refused to help him because they hadn't been officially dispatched. At an elementary school in Salt Lake City, staff members seized and discarded children's lunches because their parents owed money on their accounts. (School administrators apologized.) Officials in Washington say they are "furious" at the firefighters' inaction. A mother of one of the students in Utah says she was "blind-sided" by the school's actions, and a state senator says he is "incredibly disappointed." The anger and bewilderment are understandable. But neither incident seems that shocking when considered in light of decades of study of the psychology of obedience and power. Researchers have repeatedly found that allegiance to rules and protocols routinely trumps people's consciences and sense of basic moral responsibility. Most famously, studies by Stanley Milgram at Yale University in the 1960s found that ordinary people were willing to give what they believed were fatal electric shocks to their partners in a bogus "memory experiment" simply because a researcher in a white lab coat told them to. The people supposedly getting shocked (who were working with Milgram and not being hurt at all) hollered and pleaded for the shocks to stop, which distressed many of the people administering them, but they kept at it. In fact, roughly two-thirds of the participants kept giving shocks until they had reached the highest voltage level possible, a percentage far higher than Milgram or any of his colleagues anticipated. In a similar vein, the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment run by psychologist Philip Zimbardo took typical Stanford University undergrads and randomly assigned them to be guards or prisoners in a makeshift jail. The guards completely took on their new roles and meted out cruel and sadistic treatment to their "prisoners." The authority they were given and the rules they were asked to enforce blinded them to what was right — and perhaps the same could be said for those school officials and firefighters. It's important to keep in mind that the participants in Milgram and Zimbardo's studies weren't necessarily bad people. They were likely no worse than you or me. They, too, were likely "blind-sided by the surprisingly strong ways that rules and circumstance can dictate our behavior. While we would like to believe that humanity has evolved since the 1960s, other researchers have achieved similar results in more recent years. Is the upshot of all this that we're condemned to be unprincipled sheep? That a few rules and regulations can easily blind us to the better angels of our nature? Not so fast. The research shows that while external influences on our behavior can be strong, they are not insurmountable. We can overcome these influences simply by becoming more aware of them. One set of studies found that when people attended social psychology lectures explaining how external pressures can inhibit moral behavior, they became less susceptible to those pressures. Other evidence suggests that being reminded of one's similarities or common humanity with a person in need can motivate us to come to their aid, even when doing so puts ourselves at risk. Perhaps if bystanders' appeals to those firefighters had struck a more personal chord with them, they might have been jarred into action. Finally, throughout history, we have seen examples of people who displayed great altruism, even heroism, while most everyone around them remained bystanders to evil — or perpetrators of it. Some evidence suggests that the roots of this caring behavior extend back into childhood. A seminal study by Samuel and Pearl Oliner suggests that one commonality of people who rescued Jews during the Holocaust was that their parents nurtured empathy in them, such as by encouraging them to see the world from other points of view and emphasizing the universal similarity of people. Indeed, the childhood roots of altruism were evoked by another story in the news this week: the story of 10-year-old Danny DiPietro, who noticed that something seemed awry in a neighbor's garage and pressured his mother to investigate. Despite his mother's resistance, Danny persisted until his mother agreed to walk down the street. She found an 80-year-old neighbor who had slipped, couldn't get up, and likely would have died had she spent much more time trapped outside in the freezing cold. Rather than remaining quiet or succumbing to the pressure not to make waves, Danny stayed attuned to his moral instincts—"something just didn't feel right," he said. Sometimes it's nice to be reminded that while sensing what's right can get complicated by adult rules and regulations, it can still come naturally to kids. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jason Marsh. | Jason Marsh: Stories of school lunches grabbed from kids, man ignored by rescuers draw shock .
How does this happen? Studies show people all too blindly obey rules, authority, he says .
Marsh: It's surmountable. People can be reminded of humanity, taught empathy .
Marsh: Story of boy, on his own instincts, urging mom to check on fallen neighbor gives hope . |
0cb0f3d44e73e39336bec5cb5e6d99a697e30909 | (CNN)Al Qaeda militants freed six of their fighters from a southern Yemeni prison during an attack on the facility Friday, just one day after the group took over a military camp in the same province, security officials said. These attacks by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which has long clashed with Yemen's military, happened in the Arab nation's Shabwa province, more than 100 miles to the east of the capital, which has been in political strife for weeks after minority Houthi rebels took over. Also Friday, at least three more nations announced they were temporarily closing their embassies in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa because of deteriorating security conditions, including neighboring Saudi Arabia. Three of the six militants freed in Friday's prison attack in Shabwa had been sentenced to death, provincial security officials said. Information about casualties, and details about how the attack transpired, weren't immediately available. A day earlier, AQAP took over a military camp at the Sabwa town of Baihan, about 110 miles east of Sanaa, after two hours of clashes with government troops, three local security officials said. This gave AQAP control of all of the camp's weaponry, the officials said. Before the clashes ended, the camp's commander called on tribal fighters to intervene. When those fighters arrived, a ceasefire was called so that the tribal fighters could help evacuate Yemeni troops -- including dozens of injured -- from the camp, a tribal leader said. Saudi Arabia, Germany and Italy said Friday they were suspending their embassy operations in Sanaa -- joining the United States and other nations that made similar moves earlier in the week. Saudi Arabia evacuated its staff because of deteriorating security conditions following a recent takeover of the Yemeni capital by Houthi rebels, the Saudi Foreign Ministry and two Yemeni Foreign Ministry officials said. One of the Yemeni officials said the Saudi evacuations happened Thursday. German Embassy officials left Yemen on Friday morning, Germany's Foreign Ministry said on Twitter. Italy's decision follows "recent events in the country and the progressively deteriorating security conditions," a post by Italy's Foreign Ministry reads. The United States, along with Britain and France, said this week that they moved staffers out of their embassies because of instability in Yemen, after Houthi rebels seized control of key government facilities, dissolved parliament and placed President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi under house arrest last month. The Houthis -- Shiite Muslims who have long felt marginalized in the majority Sunni Muslim country -- are now the preeminent power in Sanaa. But different groups there have resisted the Houthis' attempted takeover of national government institutions, particularly in the south, where there's a long-running secessionist movement. AQAP, a Sunni Muslim terror group, vowed to attack Houthi loyalists nationwide last year. The United States has had a long relationship with Yemen's leaders, working with them to target AQAP militants. It's not clear what the Houthis' takeover of Sanaa means for U.S. anti-terrorism efforts, but the drone program there still appears to be active. A U,S. drone strike killed senior AQAP cleric Harith bin Ghazi al-Nadhari and three other people in Shabwa province on January 31. CNN's Alexander Felton and Greg Botelho contributed to this report. | Three of six freed AQAP prisoners were facing death penalty .
Saudi Arabia, Germany and Italy join the U.S. and other nations in suspending embassy operations in Yemen .
The moves come after Houthi rebels took control of Yemen's capital . |
0cb1844a99357ba35270a14a6d42cc0b551b24dd | By . Scarlett Russell . It was very happy families for Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall this weekend as they took baby daughter Mia to the Salperton Park Horse Trials in Gloucestershire. In the adorable pictures Zara is seen carefully positioning an ice cream cone in her mouth whilst holding up the five-month-old. Her husband, Mike, took over watching their daughter so that Zara, daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of The Queen, could compete at the event. Hands full: Zara Phillips, pictured here, holds baby daughter Mia at the Salperton Park Horse Trials in Gloucestershire this weekend . So sweet: Five-month-old Mia is held by mother Zara Phillips, grand-daughter to The Queen at the trials where Zara was competing . Need a hand? Zara skilfully places daughter Mia into he buggy, whilst balancing an ice cream cone in her mouth . Dressed in a pale blue t-shirt and . sandy coloured shorts, Mike, 35, pushed Mia’s buggy around the field and was . also pictured dutifully grabbing salad tortilla wraps and ice creams for his family. Zara, 33, wore white jodhpurs and a blue jacket and riding hat, no doubt sweltering under all the riding gear during the summer heat yesterday. Mia was dressed in a pale blue playsuit and cute cream sunhat to protect her head from the sun. Zara and Mike were joined by friends . who were all too happy to offer a helping hand, holding Mia whilst Zara . prepared for her ride. Doting Dad: Rugby star Mike Tindall, pictured here, took care daughter Mia when equestrian-lover Zara competed in the Salperton Park Horse Trials . Walking in sunshine: Former England rugby centre Mike Tindall, pictured her pushing his daughter's buggy, recently hinted he may play at Gloucester . Having a laugh: Mike Tindall strolls his daughter Mia's buggy around Salperton Park during the beautiful summer sun, whilst laughing and chatting to female friends . Salperton is a village in the Cotswolds about eight miles east of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. The horse trials take place over this . weekend within the picturesque surroundings of Salperton . Park House and village. This is the eleventh running of the . event which has continued to grow in status as an opportunity for . British and overseas riders and horses to prepare themselves for autumn . championships and other events. Show-jumping and dressage take place at the Equestrian event. Hands on mother: As Zara Phillips prepares for her competition at Salperton Park, she holds daughter Mia before handing her to a friend . That's a wrap! Dressed in a pale blue t-shirt and sand-coloured shorts, Mike Tindall dotingly delivered salad tortilla wraps and ice creams for his wife Zara . Grand entrance: Zara Phillip smiles for the camera atop her horse as she competes at the Salperton Park Horse Trials . All smiles: Zara Phillips, pictured here, has reason to be happy as she enjoyed the glorious sunshine over the weekend, riding horses and bonding with her husband Mike Tindall and daughter Mia . Former world eventing champion Zara . has landed a place in the Great Britain squad for the World Equestrian . Games later this summer. The riding star became the first member of the Royal Family to win an Olympic medal as part of Team GB back in 2012. Her mother presented Zara with her winning medal at the celebrated event in London. Zara’s inclusion in the World . Equestrian Games, which start in August, mean she has a chance to . represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Ready to go: Zara dons her riding gear at the Salperton Park Horse Trials in Gloucestershire this weekend. The event gives riders a chance to practice show jumping and dressage ahead of bigger events this summer . High rider: Former world eventing champion Zara Phillips has landed a place in the Great Britain squad for the World Equestrian Games in August. She has a chance to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics in Rio . Sporting parents: Zara Phillips, left, revealed that she will ride her horse High Kingdom at the World Equestrian Games, which takes place in Normandy, France this summer. Husband Mike Tindall, right, meanwhile has been discussing his rugby future at club Gloucester . According to the BBC, Zara joins Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Izzy Taylor and Oliver Townshend on the Great Britain squad. Zara revealed that she will ride her . horse High Kingdom at the World Equestrian Games, which takes place in . Normandy, France this summer. 'It’s fantastic to be part of a team again,' Zara told the news channel. 'High Kingdom has improved each year and every time I've taken him to a big competition he's got better and better. Take a break: Zara Phillips chats to a female friend who sits on the grass holding Zara and Mike Tindall's daughter Mia. Zara has been competing as well as spending family time with Mia and Mike . Deep in conversation: Still wearing her white riding shirt and jodhpurs, Zara Phillips sits down whilst her friend holds a smiling baby Mia. The group are at the Salperton Park Horse Trials in Gloucestershire . Tired, Zara? The daughter of Princess Anne, Zara Phillips, rests her head in her hands after competing at the Salperton Park Horse Trails this weekend . 'He's felt good this year and hopefully will peak at the right time.' Just as Zara is riding high, husband Mike is also at an exciting point in his career. The former England rugby champion, who played centre, is in discussions about how it will pan out. As his current contract at the Gloucester club ends in July, he told the Telegraph that he is 'in limbo.' The player said: 'The only certainty at the moment is that Nigel’s [Davies, former head coach] departure has put everything up in the air. 'It’s almost put me back to where we were two years ago.' Flash: Peter Phillips drives his soft top red Jaguar sports car to the Beaufort Polo Club today . Spotted: Peter Phillips, older brother of Zara, is pictured driving his Jaguar sports car through the Cotswolds countryside . Also enjoying the sunshine was Zara's older brother, Peter Phillips, who sported his racy new red Jaguar car earlier today. Peter cruised his way through the Cotswolds countryside en route to the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, where Princes William and Harry were competing in a charity polo match. The younger Prince was victorious. | Champion Zara, 33, and rugby husband Mike Tindall, 35, enjoy day out .
She strategically placed an ice cream cone in her mouth whilst holding Mia .
Mike pushed Mia's buggy at the Salperton Park Horse Trials . |
0cb2af86955fc7447789e685ee76acc24ceeba40 | Washington (CNN) -- Following criticism for including ISIS footage of an American captive in an Arizona campaign ad, GOP House candidate Wendy Rogers' campaign has edited the segment out of the ad -- but is standing by its contention that the incumbent Democrat is soft on terrorism. Rogers, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, launched the attack ad against freshman Rep. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona's 9th District. In a statement defending the message in the ad, Rogers campaign spokesman James Harris said that the ad was edited to keep the focus on Sinema's voting record on national security. "She must explain why she voted for terrorists to be tried on American soil, where they could pose an even greater danger to our homeland, and how she justified voting to give constitutional rights to those intent on destroying our nation," Rogers said in a statement. Obama's commitment to fighting ISIS threat questioned . The ad first went up on YouTube on Monday, drawing immediate criticism from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The new version was published Tuesday night. The original footage showed American journalist James Foley on his knees as an ISIS militant, dressed in all black, swings a knife close to Foley's side. The edited version cut the scene altogether, showing instead several ISIS militants walking in a group with guns in hand. ISIS Fast Facts . While Sinema's campaign did not immediately return CNN's request for comment, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's western regional press spokesman, Tyrone Gayle, told ABC News via email: "For Wendy Rogers to use such a reprehensible tactic to make baseless claims just to smear Representative Sinema proves how desperate her campaign has become." Rogers apparently is the first candidate to use ISIS video footage in a campaign ad. New Mexico Republican candidate Allen Weh showed a still frame of Foley's executioner with knife in hand in an ad against Sen. Tom Udall back in August. Foley himself was cropped out of the frame. Foley killer featured in Republican ad . According to a CBS News/New York Times poll in September, a majority of Americans said they thought a terrorist attack is likely, with 17 percent saying that terrorism is one of the most important issues to them weeks going into the midterms. The anatomy of ISIS: How the 'Islamic State' is run, from oil to beheadings . | Republican congressional candidate's ad had ISIS footage of American captive .
The footage is removed following criticism by Democrats .
The ad by challenger Wendy Rogers claims that Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is soft on terrorism .
Rogers' campaign stands by the ad's message . |
0cb2c5c85a6bda19c0c60d59024d9e0888ed3a08 | By . Phil Vinter . PUBLISHED: . 09:00 EST, 28 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:02 EST, 28 May 2012 . As excitement builds for the Queen’s Jubilee, spoilsport council officials in one town have put a serious dampener on preparations by traders. Patriotic shop owners in Cheltenham want to hang Union flag and Olympics bunting across the road outside their businesses. But health and safety officials said they need to take out a £5m insurance policy to cover the cost of redirecting traffic while the flags are put up. Frustration: High street traders along Bath Road in Cheltenham have had to abandon plans to hang bunting across the road because council chiefs are insisting they take out £5million insurance cover . Shopkeepers had planned to hang the string of red, white and blue flags in an eye-catching zig-zag pattern down the length of the street, echoing scenes from other towns across the country. Members of the Bath Road Traders’ Association have now scrapped the display - and instead plan to simply hang the bunting in parallel lines above the pavement. The news is an upsetting blow for resident Joan Clifford, 78, who painstakingly stitched the strings together and measured them exactly to fit the street. But Gloucestershire Highways insisted on a raft of safety measures when erecting the display, including road closures, diversions and the hire of hydraulic cherry-pickers. Officials ruled that any such an operation would require £5million worth of public liability insurance. Lizzie Smith, chairman of the association, said she thought the ruling was unnecessary: 'It is rules for rules and they are a bunch of party poopers,’ she said. Patriotic: Members of Bath Road Traders' Association with the Olympic bunting they made. It will now be hung along the street instead of zig-zagging across it . Proud: Residents had even marked the bunting so it would fit exactly between lampposts when it was strung across the road. 'We were happy to hire a cherry picker to get up there and would have paid for that ourselves. 'But nobody was willing to take on a £5 million public liability policy, which is quite understandable.' The association began planning decorations for the Olympic torch and . Jubilee following a successful Christmas party on the street.Local resident Mrs Clifford, from Leckhampton, offered to hand make bunting and the shops launched an appeal for fabric donations. The talented seamstress and her friends painstakingly cut and made the bunting in red, white and blue for the Jubilee and blue, yellow, black, green and red for the Olympics. They even marked the bunting so it would fit exactly between lampposts when it was strung across the road. Killjoys: Highways officials said they are not asking for insurance to cover the bunting, but to cover the risks associated with installing it . Ms Smith, manager of homemade food shop Cook, added: 'It would have looked so much better if we had been able to string it across the street. 'I think it is amazing that a 78-year-old woman came forward and volunteered to make the bunting, which was such a massive job. Imagine cutting it all. 'She had specially made it so that it would fit perfectly between the lampposts, there were even tabs with instructions sewn into the bunting to say where it went. 'I have seen other towns with bunting strung across the road and I’m sure there wasn’t all this fuss.' The 45-member association was hit with a letter from Gloucestershire Highways five weeks before the Olympic torch passed through the street last week. Result: Traders said they would be looking into the possibility of taking out insurance for future events . Thousands of locals lined popular Bath Road to see the iconic torch as it made its way through Cheltenham. Ms Smith added that the association had not looked into the cost of buying a £5 million public liability policy but would do so for future events.Chris Riley from Gloucestershire Highways said the £5 million insurance would have covered the disruption of erecting the bunting. He said: 'We are not asking for insurance to cover the bunting, but insurance is needed to put it up as a traffic management plan would have to be put in place to put it up and take it down and for a cherry picker to be used. 'It is the installation process which needs covering and it is exactly the same for the district council when they put the Christmas lights up for example. 'Cheltenham Borough Council would already have liability insurance for this if they were to put it up.' | Health and safety killjoys say insurance is needed to cover risk of putting up bunting .
Residents had spent weeks making Olympic and Jubilee bunting . |
0cb31f0d00a39625914d1e44e26c2c8e35dd6e35 | Owen Williams wants to extend his stay at Leicester and compete for a place in the Wales team from the Aviva Premiership. Having moved to Welford Road as a complete unknown last year, the fly-half has been one of the club’s stand-out performers, seeing off competition from England internationals Toby Flood and Freddie Burns during his first two seasons. The 22-year-old is at an advanced stage in contract negotiations and told Sportsmail that he is prepared to stay in the East Midlands, even though a return across the border would boost his chances of being selected for Wales. Leicester fly half Owen Williams was Man of the Match in his side's 25-21 win over Toulon at Welford Road . ‘I’m happy to stay at this club,’ said Williams. ‘If it means playing in front of 24,000 people every week and playing in big games, then I want to play for Leicester. Hopefully it doesn’t affect my Wales chances in the future but we’ll see how it goes. ‘The Premiership is a tough league and there are no easy games. Every week is a grind and, after two years at the club, I like to think I have improved a bit. I just want to win things with Leicester and if I’m doing well, then all good. I’ve not heard anything from Wales.’ If Williams does pen a new deal with Leicester it will be a blow of Wales coach Warren Gatland who is keen to have the best talent playing for one of the four Regions. Northampton winger George North has a a full international release clause to allow him to play for Wales . After a bitter stand-off between the Welsh Rugby Union and the clubs, a peace deal has now been signed and a batch of central contracts have been offered to the best players under the new Rugby Services Agreement (RSA). The spin-off is that regions only pay 40 per cent of player salaries and, as a result, Gatland has control over when they are available for international duty. It is a positive step forwards with regard to retaining young players but, in the case of Williams, there are questions over whether a return to Wales would stunt the rapid development he has enjoyed in the Aviva Premiership. Ospreys number 10 Dan Biggar is currently first choice fly half for Warren Gatland's Wales team . If the youngster does sign a new deal, he is likely to request a full international release clause, similar to that of George North at Northampton. Williams is the first out-of-contract player since the RSA was agreed and the risk is that Gatland makes an example out of the playmaker, to set a precedent, if he does re-sign at Leicester. Who should fill the No 10 jersey has been a long-term problem for Gatland, although Dan Biggar is the stand-out choice going into the Six Nations after his stellar performances in the autumn internationals. Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill has backed Williams's decision to stay with the Tigers . But there is a lack of competition — Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell are among the next in line — and Williams’ club performances, including a man-of-the-match display in last week’s victory over Toulon, make him an obvious choice. ‘The reality is if you are the best player you are going to play for your country,’ said Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill. ‘I want Owen to play for Wales. He can play for Wales whilst playing for this club. I know there are issues around release, but that can be worked out. At this point, the best thing for Owen is to stay here and play in this team.’ | Owen Williams has starred at fly half for Leicester the past two seasons .
The 22-year-old is keen to stay on with the Aviva Premiership club .
Dan Biggar is currently first choice fly half for Wales .
Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell are also options .
Tigers boss Richard Cockerill backs Williams for Wales call-up . |
0cb4a775b08f3536784e053f8e57291dd91b9415 | A Texas jury convicted Donald Collins this evening of capital murder for raping and then setting a boy on fire. Collins was 13 years old when he attacked then 8-year-old Robbie Middleton in 1998, leaving him with horrific burns affecting 99 per cent of his body. Middleton died in 2011, at age 21, from skin cancer. It took jurors all Monday afternoon to reach the guilty verdict. Collins could face up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced. Scroll down for video . Convicted: Donald Collins (left) has been found guilty of capital murder for raping Robert Middleton (right) and setting him on fire in 1998 . 'This man committed capital murder when he poured gas on Robert Middleton and set him on fire,' prosecutors said during closing arguments. Montgomery County Chief Prosecutor Rob Freyer called Collins 'a child rapist, a murderer and a monster' in his final impassioned plea to the members of the Galveston County jury. 'Today, after so many days, after so many tears, after so much pain and frustration with the system, today that little boy gets to hit back,' he said. He then turned to Collins and added: 'Today is the day that you pay, according to theHouston Chronicle. Collins, 29, will not face the death penalty because he was 13 years old when he committed the crime. The trial's punishment phase begins Tuesday. 'It's been so long and we've waited and waited and now that it's here, it's like, maybe it'll sink in later,' Colleen Middleton, the victim's mother, told ABC13 upon hearing the verdict. Middleton expressed hope that her son's tormentor will get the maximum sentence. During Collins' trial last week, the jury heard a heartbreaking deathbed video of Middleton where he named Collins as the person who raped and set him alight in an attempt to cover up his crime. Robbie succumbed to cancer, believed to have been caused by the horrific burn injuries he suffered 13 years before. A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide. In 1998, Robbie was tied to a tree, doused with gasoline and set alight on his 8th birthday in woodland behind his home in Splendora, Texas. At trial last Thursday, the jury was shown a 30-minute video of Robbie just 17 days before he died. According to the Houston Chronicle, on the tape Robbie said: 'Don grabbed me, turned me around and threw gas in my face.' Spared: Collins, 29, will not face the death penalty because he was 13 years old when he committed the crime . Robbie Middleton eventually died from skin cancer in 2011, thought to have been caused by the severe burns he suffered 13 years before . He said that he was blinded by the gasoline but when he realized he was on fire, he started to run from the woodland trail back home. He added: 'I was running as fast as I could but I couldn't see where I was running to', recalling that he was screaming and in horrific pain. The 21-year-old Robbie was then asked by the interviewer, attorney Craig Sico, if he was sexually assaulted by Collins. Robbie replied that two weeks before he was burned, Collins 'took me out into the woods where I was burned. He pulled my clothes down and started raping me'. The prosecution has alleged that Collins set eight-year-old Robbie on fire to prevent his crime being discovered. While the jury watched the video, the defendant turned his back to the screen and seemed to read a newspaper, the Chronicle reported. Collins has pleaded not guilty. His defense lawyer has claimed that Robbie, who spent most of his life at Shriner's Children's Hospital in Galveston, named Collins along with many others soon after the attack. Attorney E. Tay Bond said there was not enough evidence to convict Collins and accused the Middleton family's attorney of making up the rape theory. Robbie's mother Colleen Middleton choked back tears as she told the jury on Wednesday about how Robbie told her Don Collins, 13, had tied him up and set him on fire . The defense team added that there were no witnesses to the attack and claimed prosecutors were playing to the jury's emotions. 'Do not expect the defense to bring an eyewitness to this tragedy because there is not one,' Bond told jurors. 'There are no witnesses from the woods except for Robbie.' However, prosecutors countered that witnesses will testify that Collins admitted to them that he poured gasoline on Robbie. 'Our case is based on the testimony of adults who have come forward and can tell you what this man did when they were children,' Montgomery County prosecutor Kelly Blackburn said in his opening statement. Collins was convicted of raping another eight-year-old boy in 2001 at gunpoint. From the age of 16, he spent four years in a juvenile detention center for the crime. The victim testified at a 2013 hearing to determine whether Collins should be tried as an adult for the crime against Robbie Middleton. The victim said that Collins threatened to burn him if he told anyone about the assault. A judge determined last March that Collins could be tried for murder as an adult, despite being a teenager at the time. In 1998, Robbie had named Collins as his attacker and the 13-year-old was arrested. It was determined last year that Collins, now 29, could be tried as an adult in the murder trial even though he was 13 years old (pictured) when he allegedly raped and set eight-year-old Robbie Middleton on f . Collins spent several months in juvenile detention but was released after prosecutors said they didn't have enough evidence to pursue the case . On Wednesday, Robbie's mother, Colleen, choked back tears as she told the Houston court how Collins had 'stalked' her son in the days before the attack. She testified that Robbie told her Don Collins, 13, had tied him up and set him on fire. Mrs Middleton, who said she did not recognize her son when she found him covered in burns from head to toe collapsed by her home, said that in the months after the attack he was so delirious with pain that he named everyone he knew as his attacker - including the family dog. However, after almost a year, and when he began to regain lucidity, he named Don Collins as his attacker - and never wavered. Mrs Middleton said it had been a 'long road' for the family and they were unclear if Robbie would ever get justice for the horrific injuries he had suffered. She said: 'When Robert died, we were thinking maybe nothing will ever happen. Maybe someone is just going to get away with what they did to him.' | Robbie Middleton's frail voice named suspect Donald Collins as his rapist and torturer, just shortly before he died aged 21 in 2011 .
Robbie succumbed to cancer, believed to have been caused by the horrific burn injuries he suffered 13 years before .
In 1998, Robbie was tied to a tree and set alight on his 8th birthday in woodland behind his home in Splendora, Texas .
On tape, Robbie said Collins set him alight after raping him two weeks before in woods near their homes .
Collins, now 29, is facing up to 40 years in prison; he will escape the death penalty because he was 13 at the time of the attack . |
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