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028ead68886640b09d648b8c82f611099b0ed6f7 | (CNN) -- Newcastle United has fined their manager Alan Pardew £100,000 ($168,000) for head-butting an opposition player during an English Premier League match on Saturday. The 52-year-old clashed with Hull City midfielder David Meyler during Newcastle's 4-1 win at the KC Stadium. The incident happened in the 72nd minute as Meyler was retrieving a ball for a throw in. Pardew was sent to the stands by the referee and later apologized. "I apologize to everyone. I should not have got involved in it," Pardew said. In a statement published on the club's official website, Saturday, Newcastle said that Pardew's actions were "disappointing" and "unacceptable" and took away from a positive performance on the pitch. "Alan unreservedly apologized immediately following the game to the player, to Hull City Football Club and its fans, and to the fans of Newcastle United," the NUFC statement said. "We have held discussions this evening with Alan who has offered his sincere apologies to the Club and it is clear he deeply regrets his actions. Alan has accepted a formal warning from the Club in relation to his behavior today and also a Club fine of £100,000." Pardew, who has been manager of Newcastle since December 2010, will also be investigated by the English Football Association about the incident. Read more: Unstoppable Bayern Munich slay Schalke . | Newcastle United manager fined £100,000 by club for clash with opposing player .
Pardew head-butted Hull City midfielder David Meyler during second half of league match .
Newcastle also give Pardew a formal warning; English FA set to investigate incident . |
028f626e0ecc21c8a51330325e349398f119a591 | ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Four people in two states have been arrested as part of an investigation into the Final Exit Network, an organization that police believe helped a Georgia man end his life in June, authorities said Thursday. Claire Blehr, 76, of Georgia, and Thomas E. Goodwin, 63, of Florida and Georgia, were two of the four arrested. John Celmer, 58, lived in Cumming, north of Atlanta. Cumming police, the Forsyth County coroner and the man's relatives all had suspicions that his death was an assisted suicide, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation, the agency said in a news release. The GBI on Wednesday set up a sting operation at a residence in adjoining Dawson County, using an undercover agent who had posed as a terminally ill man seeking assistance with his suicide, the statement said. Claire Blehr, 76, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Thomas E. Goodwin, 63, of both Punta Gorda, Florida, and Kennesaw, Georgia, were arrested, the GBI said. Meanwhile, authorities in Baltimore, Maryland, arrested Dr. Lawrence D. Egbert, 81, of Baltimore in connection with the investigation. A second person, Nicholas Alec Sheridan, 60, also of Baltimore, was arrested Wednesday night, GBI spokesman John Bankhead said Thursday. All four face charges of assisted suicide, tampering with evidence and violation of the Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the GBI said. The Final Exit Network, based in the north Atlanta suburb of Marietta, identifies itself on its Web site as "an all-volunteer organization dedicated to serving people who are suffering from an intolerable condition. Network volunteers offer you counseling, support and even guidance to self-deliverance at a time and place of your choosing, but you always do the choosing. We will never encourage you to hasten your death." Celmer suffered from "very, very severe mouth and throat cancer," his 85-year-old mother, Betty Celmer, said from her home in the Buffalo, New York, suburb of East Amherst. "They were rebuilding the whole mouth," she said. "He was suffering terribly, that I know." She said her son had undergone numerous surgeries and "sounded depressed." When he died, she said she had no idea his death might have been a suicide. In a statement released by the GBI, Celmer's widow, Susan, said that she and her family "are gratified that the GBI and other law enforcement agencies have pursued this matter vigorously and that their investigation has led to the arrests reported today." She said she will not comment further and requested privacy, referring future questions to her attorneys. An e-mail to Jerry Dincin, a man listed as Final Exit Network's vice president and treasurer on its Web site, was not answered Thursday. A call to Final Exit was answered by a recording. The method used in the suicide was helium inhalation, according to the GBI statement. People pay $50 to join the Final Exit Network, according to the GBI, and complete an application process. They are then visited by an "exit guide" assigned to the case. "During the visitations, the member is instructed to purchase two helium tanks of a specific size and brand and a specific type of hood known as an 'exit bag,' " according to the GBI statement. "On the day of the event, the member is visited by the 'exit guide' and a 'senior exit guide.' The senior exit guide instructs the member through the process." Goodwin and Blehr were told the GBI agent suffered from pancreatic cancer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. At the Dawson County residence on Wednesday, Goodwin allegedly walked the undercover agent through the steps and demonstrated how he would hold the agent's hands to stop him from removing the exit bag, Bankhead said. The GBI said that after the death occurs, "all evidence is removed from the scene by the 'guides' and discarded, as evidence indicated happened in the Cumming case." Goodwin's former neighbors in Kennesaw told CNN he moved to Florida a few years ago but still owns his large home there and returns to check on it occasionally. Kay Makarenko, 69, who lives behind Goodwin's home, said she was shocked to hear of his arrest. "I said, 'It can't be the same Ted Goodwin.' " After the arrests Wednesday, authorities in Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Colorado and Montana began executing search warrants and conducting interviews as part of the probe into the Final Exit Network, the GBI said, adding that GBI agents were in each state except Colorado to assist. In Phoenix, Arizona, police have linked the 2007 death of a 58-year-old woman to the Final Exit Network, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas said Wednesday, according to CNN affiliate KPHO-TV in Phoenix. Thomas said the woman, Jana Van Voorhis, was not terminally ill but suffered from mental illness and depression. He said a police investigation turned up records of visits from Final Exit guides to Voorhis, according to KPHO. No arrests have been made, but Thomas said he expects his office to wrap up its investigation and decide if charges are warranted within 60 days. CNN affiliate WDIV-TV in Detroit, Michigan, reported that search warrants were executed regarding two Michigan residents who sit on Final Exit's board of directors. The Final Exit Network Web site features a "Wall of Fame" with photos of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, among others. Kevorkian was released on parole in June 2007 after serving more than eight years of a 10- to 25-year sentence in the 1998 death of a man suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. "We believe the needs of those who are suffering are paramount," the organization says. "We applaud the work of organizations that seek legislative action to strengthen our right to die a peaceful and painless death at the time and place of our choosing. However, we feel that legislative change will not come soon enough for the many people who need help now and in the interim." Betty Celmer, meanwhile, declined to share her thoughts on assisted suicide or the Final Exit Network's alleged involvement in her son's death, saying she lacks specifics. "He's in a far better place," she said. "That's the only comment I'm going to make." CNN's Ashley Broughton and Jim Kavanagh contributed to this report. | NEW: Widow says she's gratified "investigation has led to the arrests"
Authorities probing group that police believe helped Georgia man end his life .
After Wednesday arrests, authorities in eight states execute search warrants .
Final Exit Network's Web site: Volunteers offer "guidance to self-deliverance" |
02904bd4421fa1ea3ee7d647cade3ebde8694391 | A few short years ago, we would be more accustomed to seeing her adorning lads' mags with platinum blonde locks and lashings of fake tan. But, it seems, Katie Price is a new woman - and she's set on conquering the high fashion world. The Celebrity Big Brother star was barely recognisable as she strutted her stuff in an androgynous tuxedo on the Fashion For Relief catwalk on Thursday night. Scroll down for video . Katie Price rocked a statement look on the catwalk at Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief show last night. Hair stylist Matt Roskell was keen to prove to the fashion world that she can be fierce . The 36-year-old joined fellow celebrities to walk in supermodel Naomi Campbell's show, which raised money for the fight against Ebola. FEMAIL went backstage ahead of the show to meet the team in charge of giving the stars - including Katie - a high fashion makeover. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the 36-year-old said of her androgynous look: 'I was totally up for the team giving me a new different look for the catwalk.' Luckily for Katie, hair stylist Matt Roskell, from Francesco Group Weeping Cross, was keen to do just that. 'I have always thought Katie Price was incredibly beautiful but I always thought the tan, hair extensions, fake eyelashes detracted from rather than enhanced her beauty,' he said. 'I was really excited, if a bit nervous, about being assigned to Katie but felt this was an amazing opportunity to show her and the fash pack how fierce she can actually look.' The 36-year-old joined fellow celebrities to walk in supermodel Naomi Campbell's show, which raised money for the fight against Ebola and rocked the runway in an androgynous tuxedo . Matt, who worked alongside the Wella Professionals team, had a blast backstage with Katie - and found her a dream to work with. 'She was super lovely and although it took a little bit of reassurance, once she was on-board with my vision and agreed to it, she walked the catwalk with a confidence I haven't seen in her in a long time.' The inspiration for the look was the work of artist Patrick Nagel, who did the cover of the Duran Duran Rio album cover and inspired the Robert Palmer Addicted To Love video models. As lead hair stylist Johnnie Sapong explained, Naomi and the team wanted to create a 'structured glamour' and 'refined elegance' to complement the lavish designs on the catwalk. 'It's all about effortless glamour,' said Johnnie. 'We are creating structured ponytails with a high shine finish'. Matt said he's always thought Katie Price was incredibly beautiful but thought the tan, hair extensions and fake eyelashes detracted from rather than enhanced her beauty . Matt added: 'It is such a strong aesthetic and Katie has such a great strong face she totally rocked it.' Katie was joined by The Duchess of York, Jourdan Dunn, Pixie Lott, and a string of other celebrities at the fundraiser in London's Somerset House. Some of the world's best known fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood, donated items for the show. Brit Award nominee Ella Eyre performed her single 'Gravity' to a packed crowd, who also took part in an auction of luxury goods. Katie was joined by The Duchess of York, Jourdan Dunn, Pixie Lott, and a string of other celebrities at the fundraiser in London's Somerset House . Lots included an exclusive holiday to the Maldives, A Bvlgari Watch and an Alexander McQueen dress. All funds raised on the night will go to raise vital funds and awareness towards the fight against Ebola. Industry stalwart Naomi said: 'Tonight has been incredible and I am so thankful to everyone who has been involved to make the show such a brilliant success. 'The fight to raise awareness and bring aid to those affected by Ebola is a cause that I am so passionate about. 'I sincerely hope the funds raised from tonight's show will hopefully make a difference to those affected by this terrible disease.' All funds raised by Naomi will go to raise vital funds and awareness towards the fight against Ebola . | Star, 36, walked in Fashion For Relief show on Thursday .
Stylist tells how he was nervous to work with her but she was lovely .
Told FEMAIL she walked with a confidence he's never seen before . |
029050376967d7c47a862ade09bf39a64cc97f92 | By . Ryan Gorman . and Associated Press Reporter . Additional details have emerged about the Pennsylvania boy accused of stabbing 21 people at Franklin Regional High School earlier this month. Alex Hribal, 16, is revealed to have written a note saying he couldn't wait to see the 'helpless looks' on students' faces when they realize 'their precious lives are going to be taken' and that he fought off students who tried to stop him. 'No, I am not dropping them (knives), my work is not done I have more people to kill,' Hribal was overheard saying by Vice Principal Samuel King, according to an affidavit cited by KDKA. Horror: Alex Hribal wrote a note boasting of his planned kill spree, investigators said . Police say the note was found in Alex Hribal's locker. They say it was dated April 6, three days before the rampage at the school near Pittsburgh. Details about the note are contained in the criminal complaint filed Friday against Hribal that increases the number of attempted homicide charges he faces to 21, up from four. 'I can't wait to see the priceless and helpless looks on the faces of the students of one of the 'best schools in Pennsylvania' realize their precious lives are going to be taken by the only one among them that is a plebeian,' the note said, according to the affidavit. Investigators also confirmed they believe Hribal was targeting specific students, and even called one the night before the stabbing spree and said he would 'f**k them up.' No motive has yet been provided by authorities in the April 6 attack that reportedly saw Hribal run through the school wielding two eight-inch kitchen knives. The horrific rampage left 20 students and a security guard either stabbed or slashed. One student reportedly almost died after one of the knives missed his heart by by only fractions of an inch. Two of the wounded students remain hospitalized. | Alex Hribal, 16, stands charged with 21 counts of attempted homicide .
He is accused of running through a suburban Pittsburgh high school while wielding two eight-inch kitchen knives he used to stab and slash students . |
02907b8a76079e56ff670091a21a0d08d00ac6db | (CNN) -- "Real photographers don't take photographs, they make photographs," says Eileen Ramsay, who is widely regarded as one of the world's great yachting photographers. The feisty 96-year-old Brit should know. A pioneer in her field, she is credited with being the first yachting photographer to shun the safety of the tripod and compose her pictures while dangling off the side of a boat -- all in quest for the ultimate action shot. "Other photographers would stand in the middle of their boats taking pictures of big yachts with plate cameras, so I developed my own style -- taking my pictures as close to the water as possible," recalls Ramsay. Water-level photography, now an industry standard, quickly became her signature shot, but it was neither easy nor cheap. While adamant that she never dropped one of her German-made Rollerflex cameras overboard, the saltwater took its toll on her equipment nonetheless. "I used to make sure I shielded the camera under my buttoned-up anorak, but the saltwater would still get to it. Even though I cleaned them after each session, they would quickly get stiff because of all the salt," says Ramsay, whose career has been immortalized in a new book by fellow photo-journalist and Brit Barry Pickthall. Read related: $16m solar boat sails into record books . It has taken Pickthall over a year to complete the glossy hard-back book, regally titled "Eileen Ramsay: Queen of Yachting". "It only took so long because Eileeen was so prolific. She kept immaculate records of her work and she remembers every photograph she's ever taken, which meant that she would immediately pick up on things if I didn't get it right," says Pickthall, a former yachting correspondent who now runs a photo agency that specializes in nautical photography. Drawn to picture-taking from a young age, Ramsay began her professional career in 1937 as a 22-year-old receptionist at a photography studio outside London. But as war clouds gathered across Europe and the call to arms began, the owner of the studio discovered that his personal services would be required to record the impending conflict, so he gave each of his staff a camera and told them to go out and take some "interesting" photographs. The one to come back with the best pictures would take over the studio in his absence during the war. "I didn't know anything about cameras then, but my pictures were judged the best and I got the job," says Ramsay, who spent the war years honing her skills in portrait photography by taking pictures of soldiers and their girlfriends. After the war she decided to go at it alone and set up her own studio in London, taking on any commissions that came her way from magazines and newspapers. In 1953, she and her boyfriend decided to move closer to the ocean, and after purchasing a 28 foot (8.5 meter) ex-Royal Air Force boat that they moored at the end of their garden, she set out to make her mark in the nautical world. Sailing enjoyed a post-war explosion in Britain, and it was during the 1950s and 60s that Ramsay's yachting photography career really took off. It's this period that Pickthall has tried to capture in his book. More from Mainsail: When superyacht chic meets hybrid technology . "I feel it's very important to save Eileen's archive. Her early pictures of our sailing pioneers have great significance when recording Britain's sailing history," says Pickthall, adding that grown men were "moved to tears" at the sight of her original photos, which he brought to a boat exhibition last year. "All these people were gobsmacked, they couldn't believe these photos existed. They kept spotting themselves as children as they flicked through her albums," says Pickthall. As for Ramsay, she is not fazed by her new moniker as the "Queen of Yachting". "I knew I was original back then," she says bluntly, before adding: "You know, when you are 96 years of age, nothing can really faze you." | Eileeen Ramsey began her professional career as a 22-year-old in 1937 .
She pioneered the water-level photography angle, now an industry standard .
Her career took off in the 1950s and 1960s when sailing enjoyed a post-war explosion in Britain . |
0290feb13240ea14c3401f17448905eb60a382ae | A four-year-old girl has been mauled to death by a 'monster' pit bull while she was watching TV at home with her mom. Little Mia Derouen was pounced on by the 130lb dog, one of two at the home in the Houma Highland Apartments in Houma, Louisiana, and died in hospital from her injuries, according to Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis. Police officers were called to the apartment complex around 7 p.m. Tuesday by the girl's mother, Megan Touchet, who was also injured as she desperately fought the crazed dog off her child. Scroll down for video . Tragic: Four-year-old Mia Derouen, pictured, was mauled to death by her family's dog . Birthday: Mia was due to turn five the week after the attack on March 25 . 'The mother was able to get away from the pit bull and barricade herself in a bedroom where she screamed for help and handed over her 4-year-old child through a window to medical personnel,' Duplantis said in a statement. According to police, the attack happened inside the family home. 'She was screaming for help,' Duplantis said of the desperate mother's 911 call. Mia suffered facial and head injuries in the pit bull attack and was rushed to Terrebonne General Medical Center but didn't make it. Touchet suffered moderate injuries and was hospitalized as well. She remains in hospital today. Duplantis did not know whether the girl was on a sofa or chair or on the floor when she was attacked. Vicious attack: Mia, pictured with her dad Chris, was pounced on by the dog, one of two at her mom's home in the Houma Highland Apartments . The animal, named Niko, was shot dead by police before they were able to enter the apartment. Duplantis described it as 'a monster,' in a Wednesday afternoon press conference. They reported that it was 'running loose inside the apartment acting in a very vicious manner' and officers shot it three times to 'eliminate the threat of additional injuries.' 'It's a traumatic event,' said Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet told WWLTV.com Wednesday. Mia would have celebrated her fifth birthday next week. Her father, Chris Derouen, took to Facebook to beg for a miracle as his daughter fought for life in hospital. Frantic call: Police officers were called to the complex around 7 p.m. by the girl's mother, Megan Touchet, who was also injured as the fought the crazed dog off her child . Prayers: Her father, Chris Derouen, picured, took to Facebook to beg for a miracle as his daughter fought for life in hospital. She later died . 'Please I need prayers,' he wrote. 'My daughter was attacked by a pitbull and they don't know if she will make it....please God...I need this miracle.' After she passed away he covered his wall with pictures of the two of them, and friends and family expressed their sympathies. Claudet said the family had another pit bull. 'They had two pit bulls, and one was over 100 pounds,' he said, adding that this larger dog was the one that attacked Mia. 'Unfortunately, that's what happened and it's such a horrific event,' he said. The second pit bull was taken away by animal control officers, police said. Duplantis described the scene as 'horrific' and said counseling was being offered to the officers who were on the scene. It's not clear if charges will be filed in the case, which is still being investigated. The families have set up a gofundme page to raise money for the child's funeral expenses. | Mia Derouen was attacked by the dog, one of two at the home in Houma, Louisiana, Tuesday night and died in hospital from her injuries .
Officers were called to the home around 7 p.m. by the girl's mother, Megan Touchet, who was also injured as she fought the crazed dog off her child .
Mia suffered facial and head injuries in the pit bull attack and was rushed to Terrebonne General Medical Center but didn't make it .
She would have celebrated her fifth birthday next week .
Her father, Chris Derouen, took to Facebook to beg for a miracle as his daughter fought for life in hospital . |
02927c88776bcc84fc883435a5037b4c8ca70e83 | Barcelona's convincing 3-1 loss against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu has prompted Spanish newspapers to question Luis Enrique's team. Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Karim Benzema shattered a Barcelona side that ran out of answers after a fourth-minute goal from Neymar initially silenced the 85,500 crowd in Madrid. Spanish newspaper Sport take aim at the ages of Barcelona's starting XI on their front page, writing that the La Liga giants had 'six player with 30 or more years and a 28.6 years average'. Spanish newspaper Sport take aim at the advancing ages of Barcelona's starting XI on their front page . Likewise, AS don't hold back. The Spanish newspaper write that 'the Bernabeu Clasico sends Barca into depression' and that it was 'more than a victory' for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Barcelona remain joint top of the La Liga table with Sevilla but the defeat moved Real within one point of their most fierce rivals. Lionel Messi was lost on the big stage as Ronaldo stole the show with a 35th-minute penalty. Spanish newspaper AS write that 'the Bernabeu Clasico sends Barca into depression' after Real won 3-1 . Mundo Deportivo, on the other hand, look on the bright side for the Barca boys after the 3-1 defeat. They use their front page to list three positives and as many negatives with the title: 'Heads of tails.' The positives: . The negatives: . Mundo Deportivo look on the bright side for the Barca boys after the 3-1 loss by listing positives and negatives . Finally from Spain, Marca opt to focus on the brilliance of Real manager Ancelotti. They write: 'Ancelotti reconstructs Madrid and transforms them into a solid team. The dressing room considers him the great architect of Madrid’s excellent form.' Following the win, he is hailed as 'more valued than ever' at the Bernabeu. Marca opt to focus on the brilliance of Real manager Ancelotti, who they label the 'great architect' of Madrid . A swift move over to France, and L'Equipe focus on Marseille losing 1-0 against Lyon on Sunday. A rather comical photograph of Lyon's Yoann Gourcuff celebrating his goal with his team-mates accompanies the headline: 'What talent!' Marseille, sitting top of the table with a comfortable four-point gap, face struggling side Lens next. L'Equipe focus on Marseille losing against Lyon on Sunday with Yoann Gourcuff (Centre) celebrating his goal . It's all about Juventus in Italy after the Serie A leaders won 2-0 over Palermo. Corriere dello Sport say it's 'full speed ahead' while La Gazzetta dello Sport label them 'ruthless'. Massimiliano Allegri's men sit three points ahead of rivals Roma at the top of the table. Corriere dello Sport say it's 'full speed ahead' while La Gazzetta dello Sport label them 'ruthless' | Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday in El Clasico .
Spanish newspaper Sport take aim at the average age of Barcelona's team .
AS report that Barcelona have been sent 'into depression' by the defeat .
Marca, however, focus on the brilliance of Real manager Carlo Ancelotti .
French newspaper L'Equipe focus on Marseille losing 1-0 against Lyon . |
0292d0189dde3ecd38a3695c5ed9678065a85497 | It may already be the most anticipated product in Apple's history - and for fans eagerly awaiting Apple's $349 Watch, there could be some good news on the way. Apple is 'finishing up' work on the Apple Watch’s software, according to 9to5mac. It says sources familiar with the product’s development say that the device is currently on track to ship in the United States by the end of March, . Scroll down for video . Apple anticipates a total of 24 million watches will be shipped during 2015, according to claims - and mass production will start in January . The Apple Watch will use three types of app. Notifications allow users to take action or respond right from their wrist such as turning the lights off after they've left the house, quickly accessing flight details at the airport, and rerouting their transit when a train or bus is late. Glances, which quickly show users information they care about most, such as the latest news and sports scores, alarm system status or the next step of a favorite recipe. Full apps can use a developer's own interface. So far Apple has refused to reveal exactly when it will be released, although a statement made to Apple employees suggests the release will be in 'the spring.' It has previously been claimed that suppliers were struggling to make enough screens and processors. However, breakthroughs have been made in the number of successful yields for the watch's display and processor, according to Taiwan's United Daily News late last year. Now 9to5Mac's Mark Gurman says Apple Store employees are set to be trained in February. 'One or two representatives from many Apple Stores in the United States, depending on store and market size, will be sent to Apple offices in either Cupertino, California or Austin, Texas to learn first-hand about the Watch,' he claims. 'These training programs will take place between February 9th and February 16th.' The employees will then train the rest of their store's staff, it is believed. Unveiled on September 9 at Apple's iPhone 6 launch event, the Apple Watch is the company's foray into wearable computers. Samsung, LG, Motorola and Microsoft have already launched their own smartwatches, but Apple is expected to face unprecedented demand for its watch. Quanta, which is building the watch, has upped its number of workers from 2,000 to 10,000 and is ultimately aiming for 20,000. The initial round of shipments will be 3 to 5 million watches. Apple anticipates a total of 24 million watches to be shipped during 2015, G for Games said. According to 9to5Mac, Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of retail and online stores hinted at the release date when she told staff: 'We’re going into the holidays, we’ll go into Chinese New Year, and then we’ve got a new watch launch coming in the spring.' Apple's chief executive Tim Cook unveiled the watch at a launch event in September. He didn't announce exactly when the watch would be available, but said it would go on sale 'early next year.' Built-in is a 'taptic engine' that responds to a subtle vibrations users feel on their wrist for notifications . The watch has a completely new user interface, different from the iPhone, and the 'crown' on the Apple Watch is a dial called the 'digital crown.' Users can turn the crown to zoom in and out on a map, or scroll a list. The crown can also be pressed to take the user back to the home screen. Different areas on the watch face can be customised with taps and swipes, and force touches. The Glances feature shows info users would like to see, similar to Google Now, and is accessed by swiping the screen up from the bottom. Music can also be controlled on an iPhone through the Apple Watch. Built-in is a 'taptic engine' that responds to a subtle vibrations users feel on their wrist for notifications. It understands questions in messages and then offers pre-selected answers, and messages can be dictated to the iPhone. Users can also talk to the watch and send a voice reply, or have it transcribed to them. There is no keyboard on the watch, and messages can only be sent through dictation, or emoji. Siri also is built into the Apple Watch. A 'source close to Apple' told The Information last month that the firm 'would be lucky to ship [the watch] before Valentine's Day'. Chinese New Year falls on 19 February next year, so Ms Ahrendts comments push it at least beyond this date. Despite the range of impressive features unveiled by Mr Cook, there was something he failed to mention: battery life. The telling omission suggests the watch’s battery life will be the Achilles Heel of the device when it eventually does go on sale. Apple is said to be unhappy with the watch's battery life, and the long lead time before the $349 (£216) product ships could mean the device will be more functional once it's released early next year. Apple's chief executive Tim Cook (pictured) unveiled the watch at a launch event in September. Although he didn't reveal battery life details, Mr Cook did spend some time talking about the Watch's charging system, which combines Apple’s MagSafe technology with inductive charging . Most existing smartwatches on the market, such as Pebble and MetaWatch, tend to last up to a week on a single charge. The closest Cook came to talking about the battery life for the Watch was saying that users would ‘charge it at night.’ During an interview in Bloomberg Business Week, Apple's senior vice president of operations Jeff WIlliams said: 'We want to make the best product in the world. 'One of our competitors is on their fourth or fifth attempt, but nobody is wearing them.' The company's chief executive added that the Apple Watch ‘can be worn all day, for any occasion,’ but hourly figures were notably absent. A source said Apple is unhappy with the watch's battery life, according to Re/Code. Another source confirmed to the technology site that that the battery life ‘is about a day now.’ The watch has a completely new user interface (left), different from the iPhone, and the 'crown' on the Apple Watch is a dial called the 'digital crown' (right) presented by chief executive Tim Cook . The company's chief executive added the Apple Watch ‘can be worn all day, for any occasion,’ but hourly figures were notably absent. The long lead time before the $349 (£216) product ships could mean the device will be more functional once it's released early next year . A spokesperson for Apple declined to provide battery details to MailOnline and said they will be revealed closer to launch next year. Like many of Apple’s other products, the Apple Watch appears to have a sealed back, which means the battery cannot be replaced. This suggests that the entire $349 (£216) device will have to be replaced, once the battery eventually deteriorates from constant charging and use. Another concern is the launch of the health and activity-tracking apps on the Apple Watch, which will rely on adequate battery life for round-the-clock monitoring. Companies including Fitbit and Withings have health trackers that are designed to be worn at night too, monitoring sleep patterns through movements. However, if the Watch has to be charged at night, vital health signs could be missed . Companies including Fitbit and Withings have health trackers that are designed to be worn at night too, monitoring sleep patterns through movements. However, if the Watch has to be charged at night, vital health signs could be missed by the gadget which Apple says will ‘motivate people to be more active and more healthy.’ Apple did, however, spend some time talking about the Watch's charging system, which combines Apple’s MagSafe technology with inductive charging. Apple’s silence on battery life suggests the company is still working to improve the feature. The success of the device could hang on whether or not it manages to do it in time. | Apple Retail staff expected to undergo training in February .
Software for watch is almost finished, according to blog 9to5mac . |
0292f175ac31417d56e52c81e20e6e582b1c6213 | By . Mark Duell . and Matt Blake . A Swedish man who once was considered a psychopathic serial killer has been freed, after authorities found that his eight murder convictions were based on false confessions. Sture Bergwall was convicted of eight murders in a series of trials from 1994 to 2001 - despite there being no forensic evidence or witness statements - and confessed to more than 30 killings in total. But the 63-year-old later recanted his confessions, saying that he made them to get attention and drugs, and prosecutors dropped the final murder charge in July last year. Freed: Sture Bergwall was convicted of eight murders in a series of trials from 1994 to 2001 - despite there being no forensic evidence or witness statements - and confessed to more than 30 killings in total . Yesterday, a court in Falun, Sweden, ordered his release from a secure psychiatric unit where he has been held since 1991 - ruling that he should continue to receive care, but no longer in a closed unit. Each of Bergwall’s convictions was overturned after prosecutors said they had no other evidence linking him to the deaths, some of which may not even have been murders. ‘He has been detained for 20 years in a locked psychiatric clinic. It is a miscarriage of justice,’ said his lawyer Thomas Olsson, adding that they will now start looking at whether to seek damages. Bergwall had been kept at the mental institution until now, waiting for a verdict on whether his mental health was good enough to let him out. His case is one that has gripped Sweden for years. Unexplained: Bergwall claimed he killed 17-year-old Norwegian Trine Jensen (left) in 1981, and strangled prostitute Gry Storvik (right) in 1985 . The Government launched a commission of inquiry last November looking into possible shortfalls in the legal system that may have resulted in Bergwall's convictions. Outside: Each of Bergwall's convictions was overturned after prosecutors said they had no other evidence linking him to the deaths . He relished his reputation as . 'Sweden's answer to Hannibal Lecter' and would happily regale anyone in . ear shot with stories of murder, mutilation, rape and cannibalism. His . tales of how he strangled, stabbed, defiled and mutilated his victims . captivated and horrified his homeland, cementing his standing as . Sweden’s most prolific and deranged serial killer. Some victims he claimed he stabbed, others he strangled and one he beat to death with a rock. Some he said he raped, others he chopped up and one he even claimed to have eaten. But what was constant throughout all his gruesome confessions was the detail with which he described the murders: how he killed them, where he killed them, even their last words. He managed to hoodwink judges, psychiatrists, journalists and the Swedish public, until he decided to make his most staggering confession of all: that he had made it all up. His near forensic knowledge of many of the murders convinced detectives and prosecutors that he must have committed the crimes. Nobody bothered to find out that he had studied the killings during regular trips to a local library on day trips from the asylum. Bergwall, a convicted sex offender and bank robber who at the time had changed his name to Thomas Quick, had already been locked up in the Sater hospital for a botched bank robbery. 1976, Charles Zelmanovits, 15 . He claimed to . have picked the teenager up in his car by the side of a road. After . persuading him to engage in a sexual act he said he strangled him, . abused the body and cut it up with a saw in nearby woods. He said he . took a leg as a souvenir. 1980, Johan Asplund, 11 . He spotted Aspland by the side of a . road and asked to check if he had run over a cat. When the boy bent over . he smashed his head against the door and dragged him into his car. He . drove the boy into the countryside, where he sexually assaulted then . strangled him. He buried some of the organs, put the hands on the car's . front seat, the head, legs and torso in plastic bags. He said what he did no't throw out of the window he took home and ate. 1981, Trine Jensen, 17 . After beating and raping her, he said he strangled her with the strap of her handbag . 1984, Marinus and Janny Stegehuis . The . Dutch couple were on a camping holiday. He said he stabbed the husband . through the tent canvas and clambered inside. He described the attack in . extraordinary detail, accurately numbering how many times each victim . was stabbed. 1985, Gry Storvik, 23 . He made the Norwegian female prostitute strip before he tortured her, and he described how she vomited as he strangled her. 1988, Israeli student, Yenon Levi, 24 . He . said he and an accomplice took the tourist, who was seeing relatives, . to a holiday home in the woods and killed him when he tried to escape. 1988, Therese Johannesen, nine . The . Norwegian girl was waiting at a bus shelter for a downpour to end when . he pulled her down a slope and bashed her head against a rock. he later . told how disappointed he was that she was not a boy. He said her last . words were: 'Mummy, mummy'. He then dismembered and buried her, returning . a year later to burn the remains. Police later found a bone fragment . that matched that of a young girl that appeared to have been cut by a . sharp instrument in the spot he identified. It was there, during a series of therapy sessions which he says were so uninteresting that he felt a failure even at that, that he realised for the first time how to make people sit up and take notice of him. He told GQ magazine in an interview last August how when he said his heavily-pregnant mother had walked in on his father sexually abusing him at the age of ten, the therapist's interest sparked up. Such was the shock at what his mother had seen, he claimed, that she miscarried the baby onto the bedroom floor. He told how the next day his father took him to bury the dead foetus in nearby woodland. As the therapist listened intently to his tale, for the first time he felt important. And within weeks he was telling staff he was behind one of Sweden's most famous unsolved murders - that of 11-year-old Johan Asplund whose torso alone was found in 1980. As the months drew on he confessed to a host of other murders including that of a 15-year-old boy in 1976; a 17-year-old girl in 1981; Dutch husband and wife in 1984; a 23-year-old female prostitute in 1985; and an Israeli student and a 9-year-old Norwegian girl in 1988. Of those eight murders he was convicted, despite claims of a lack of real evidence. Retrials were ordered in each case, but prosecutors said that without the confessions they didn't have enough evidence to go back to court. Last July they dropped the final case, which involved the death of 15-year-old boy who disappeared in northern Sweden in 1976. Bergwall was convicted in 1994 of murdering the boy, even though there was no technical evidence linking him to the crime and the cause of death could not be established. The lack of evidence to support the confessions led to some doubts over Bergwall's guilt, but a 2006 review by Sweden's chancellor of justice found no problems with the convictions. Two years later Bergwall recanted in a Swedish TV documentary, saying he had fabricated the story of Thomas Quick the serial killer. He now claims it was a cry for attention, fuelled by heavy medication. Sven-Erik Alhem, a Swedish legal expert who was not involved with the case, last year called it the country’s 'greatest miscarriage of justice in modern times.' He said it was particularly painful for the families of the victims, who are unlikely to ever find out the truth of what happened to their loved ones. With Bergwall's confessions withdrawn, there are no longer any strong links between the eight deaths, and it is not even clear that all were homicides. In two cases no bodies were found. | Sture Bergwall was convicted of eight murders between 1994 and 2001 .
It was despite there being no forensic evidence or witness statements .
63-year-old claimed to have killed 30 people but recanted confessions .
Released from a secure psychiatric unit where he has been since 1991 .
Government launches inquiry into possible shortfalls in legal system . |
0293107dc735291995305b2b55496637ebb21253 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 16:56 EST, 11 May 2012 . A man who confessed to . bludgeoning a nine-year-old girl to death then dismembering her body three . days before Christmas pleaded guilty today after prosecutors said they . would ask for the death penalty. Michael Plumadore, 39, from Indiana, also pleaded guilty to . abuse of a corpse and removing a dead body from the scene in Aliahna . Maroney-Lemmon's December 22 death at a Fort Wayne trailer park. He'll be . sentenced June 18 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Death: Michael Plumadore, left, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, told police he 'killed Aliahna Maroney-Lemmon', right, who weighed just 41lbs, in the early hours of December 22 before dismembering her . Plumadore's attorneys and prosecutors . had told the judge last week they were ready for his trial to start that . day. But defense attorney Anthony Churchward said today that they . agreed to the guilty pleas after prosecutors indicated they would pursue . the death penalty if Plumadore was convicted by trial. Plumadore was looking after Aliahna and . her six-year-old sister because their mother was sick. He was a trusted . family friend who had looked after Aliahna's dying grandfather at the . trailer park where the family lived. The grandfather - who died three weeks before the girl's death - was a convicted sex offender. The family moved to the trailer park - where 15 sex offenders lived - to take care of him in his final days. Plumadore told police he repeatedly hit Aliahna in the head with a brick, chopped up her . body with a hack saw, stashed her head, hands and feet in the trailer . where he lived and dumped the rest of her remains nearby. She weighed only 41 pounds when she died. The other . girls weren't harmed. Horrifying: Michael Plumadore poses next to the chair he where says little Aliahna Lemmon was last sleeping. Authorities say he had already killed her and her body parts were in his freezer at the time of this photo . Plumadore has previously been convicted of trespassing, assault and forgery in three different states and there had been a warrant out for his arrest 11 years before the murder. He was charged with battery of a first-responder in 2000 and was given felony probation. But he failed to report to his probation officer, fulfill his community service hours or complete an anger management course. Plumadore was reported an absconder in June 2000. Greg Shumaker, one of 15 convicted sex offenders who lives at the park, recalled Aliahna's family moving to the trailer park to help take care of 66-year-old James E 'Shorty' Lemmon. Frightening: According to a state website, 15 registered sex offenders live at the mobile home park that numbers about two dozen homes . Sadness: Tarah Souders, mother of Aliahna, is pushed in a wheelchair by step-grandfather David Story and reacts in front of a memorial outside of a mobile home after her daughter's death . Convicted: James Lemmon, Aliahna's grandfather, was convicted of child molesting . Mr Shumaker said he introduced Plumadore . to Mr Lemmon shortly after Plumadore moved into the trailer park, and . Plumadore moved in with Mr Lemmon a few days later. Mr Shumaker said he knew Mr Lemmon because they were both sex offenders and were in jail together. Plumadore is not a registered sex offender in Indiana. But Mr Lemmon had assured Ms Souders that there was nothing to worry about, Mr Shumaker said. Paulette Hair, 45, a former manager at the trailer park who lives at a nearby trailer park, said she also knew Mr Lemmon was a sex offender. 'He stayed out of everybody's way,' she said. Mr Shumaker said Plumadore briefly moved away, but returned when Ms Souders, 28, asked him to care for her father. Aliahna's . father, Dawayne Maroney of Centerville, Iowa, said he knew Plumadore . through Ms Souders and had no reason to distrust him. 'I . can't talk about it because I'm still coping with it. It's too hard to . talk about,' he said. 'I had no reason to suspect anything.' | Michael Plumadore, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, bludgeoned Aliahna Maroney-Lemmon to death .
'Put body in his trailer park freezer and later dismembered it with hacksaw'
Sentenced to life without parole . |
029349034f859b64c21daf39b3eaf56a56e069a8 | Warning: Tory group Renewal said it is up to David Cameron to 'right the wrong' of the party opposing minimum wage . David Cameron must increase the minimum wage because many poor voters no longer believe in capitalism, Tory MPs warn today. Echoing Ed Miliband’s critique of predatory capitalism, the Conservative group Renewal, which campaigns for the Tories to broaden their appeal with working class voters, today warns the Prime Minister that he must do more for the North or risk losing the next election. Robert Halfon, the MP for Harlow has already won the nickname ‘the most expensive MP in Parliament’ after persuading Chancellor George Osborne to freeze fuel duty to help voters who are feeling the squeeze. Today he calls for the National Minimum Wage, currently £6.31 an hour for the over 21s to be raised - a move being considered by the Low Pay Commission and the Chancellor. He said: ‘It was a big mistake for the Conservative Party to oppose the minimum wage. We must right that wrong by at least increasing it in line with inflation. We should not make the same mistake. ‘We must move on to ensure that everyone, in the north and the south, on low wages as well as high, can benefit from the proceeds of growth. If we say that the Conservative Party is on the side of hard working people then we have to really mean it.’ Renewal announced that they will now begin work on a project called ‘Renewing Capitalism’, to come up with ‘new ways to create a genuinely competitive economic environment in which the consumer and the low-paid are protected, competition is cherished and anti-competitive, monopolistic behaviour is cracked down on’. They will also explore ideas to create wealth in parts of the country that have been struggling to share in prosperity since the 1980s, notably deindustrialised towns in northern England. David Skelton, founder of the group, said: ‘The Conservative Party needs to come to terms with the fact that many people, particularly the low paid, don’t think that capitalism is working for them. ‘We need to do more to show that capitalism can work for everybody in every part of the country. Being pro market isn’t the same as being pro big business. 'Where there are instances of abuse - in either the public or the private sector - Conservatives should come down hard to protect the consumer.’ Chancellor George Osborne is now considering the move as the Conservatives court voters . That critique is a stark echo of Labour leader Ed Miliband’s view that Britain needs a ‘new kind of economy’. The Labour leader is due to make a speech later this week in which he will spell out more ideas about what aides say is his determination to temper the excesses of traditional Anglo-Saxon market economies and create a society more like that of Germany or Scandinavia where businesses and unions work more closely together. A Conservative spokesman said: ‘The government is helping hardworking families across Britain and offering them financial security by letting people earn £10,000 before they pay tax, cutting fuel duty and freezing council tax. ‘Ambitious projects like HS2 and the electrification of local rail services in the North - key elements of our long-term economic plan - are vital to Britain’s recovery.’ | Tory group Renewal calls for £6.31-an-hour rate for over 21s to be raised .
Claim it is necessary to 'right the wrong' of Tories opposing minimum wage .
The move is being considered by Chancellor in run up to general election . |
0295c4f86921f5ce138643c929e86a06c8d698a8 | Tragic: Leila Fowler was found stabbed to death in her own home in Valley Springs, California, last month . A rural California community was on lockdown Monday, two days after a mysterious intruder stabbed an 8-year-old girl to death at home before being spotted by her 12-year-old brother. Leila Fowler was found stabbed to death in the family home in Valley Springs, California on Saturday. According to police, the boy . encountered the intruder who immediately fled leaving the bloody . evidence of his crime for the terrified child to find. He called 911 and she was later pronounced dead at hospital. Residents in Calveras County have . been ordered to lock their doors as deputies search for the suspected . killer, who is described as a white or Hispanic male with long gray . hair. He is believed to be at least six feet tall and was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and blue pants. A neighbor said he spotted the suspect fleeing shortly after the 911 call. Police officers from neighboring areas have been called in to help as authorities hunt down the suspect. With the suspect still on the loose, some of the kids in this enclave nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills were hunkering down after school at James Barci's ranch. 'Nobody is staying alone,' said Barci, a truck driver and parent volunteer at Jenny Lind Elementary School, where victim Fowler was a popular third-grader. 'I told my work I'm not coming in, and I'm just going to have all of my kids' friends at the house until this is over.' The apparently random attack has the tightknit community on edge. Parents such as Barci spontaneously showed up Monday at the school of 500 students to give hugs or tie purple and pink ribbons - Leila's favorite colors - to trees on campus. Scroll down for video . Terror: Residents in Calveras County have been ordered to lock their doors as deputies search for the suspected killer, who is described as a white or Hispanic male with long gray hair . Shock: Valley Springs residents comfort each other after the murder of 8-year-old Leila Fowler . Police are searching the region door by door and trunk by trunk . Later Monday, authorities identified the girl's parents while also saying a witness saw a person running from the family home that had a similar description of a man who fled from the home when the girl's brother confronted him. In a hastily called news conference, Calaveras County sheriff's Capt. Jim Macedo identified the father of Leila Fowler as Barney Fowler and the mother as Krystal Walters. The names of the parents hadn't previously been released. As Macedo spoke, Fowler and Walters - both solemn and declining to speak, and with Walters near tears at times - stood in the background. Macedo said Leila's parents wanted to convey their requests that their privacy be respected, but also that a memorial fund had been set up for their daughter. A vigil is also planned for Tuesday night. No suspects have been named, but officials said a second witness saw someone with a description similar to one provided by Leila's brother of a man who ran from the home when the boy confronted him. Investigators have also checked registered sex offenders in the area and parolees. Horrifying: Leila Fowler's 12-year-old brother was at their home with her in Valley Springs around noon on Saturday when he encountered the intruder, who immediately fled . Ressaurance: Calaveras County Sheriff's deputies stand watch at Jenny Lind Elementary School, after the murder of Leila Fowler, who studied, there over the weekend. The sign reads: 'We'll miss you Leila' In a pastoral place where fat horses . swish their tails in knee-high grass and few people had ever bothered to . lock their doors, residents now say their guns are loaded. 'My . husband wanted me to put one in my car so I'd have it in my hand when I . entered the house,' Tabatha Camden said as she dropped off a neighbor's . children at the school. 'I drew the line at that. We've always had one gun loaded in the house at all times, but now we have four.' The . sheriff's office has released little information about the killing . other than a vague description of a man with long gray hair. Calaveras County Deputy Coroner Steve Moore said the girl died from multiple stab wounds. The . Fowler family's hillside street is blocked off as a crime scene, since . nobody knows for sure how the intruder arrived or where he went. Violent . crime is so rare in the community of 7,400 people that even law . enforcement officers have to stop and think when asked about the last . time there was a stranger killing in the area. 'Probably . five years ago was the last one I can remember,' said Officer Rebecca . Myers of the California Highway Patrol, who was assigned to block access . to the neighborhood of one-acre ranchettes. Official efforts: Calaveras County Sheriff's Department Captain Jim Macedo (left) gives details about the case on Sunday . Manhunt: Authorities are conducting door-to-door searches and residents in Calveras County have been ordered to lock their doors . The killing of the little girl known for her sweet smile, generous hugs and friendly demeanor has hit the community hard. It's . a place where parents read about tragedies in other places and give . thanks that they live in Calaveras County, which makes the news only . when the jumping frog contest celebrated by Mark Twain is taking place . at the county fair. 'I . don't know how our children are going to adjust to this,' said Kathryn . Danielli, who moved here from Stockton with her sixth-grade daughter to . escape crime. Danielli was . among about 20 parents who drove their children to school then stayed to . lend support. Sheriff's deputies patrolled the area and sheriff's . volunteers stood guard at the entrance. 'Everybody . up here who has kids moved up here because your kids can go outside and . play,' said Kim Hoeke, who moved from Antioch in the San Francisco Bay . area seven years ago. Calaveras . Unified School District Superintendent Mark Campbell said at least two . therapy dogs and 10 counselors were on hand for students, teachers and . staff to guide them through the grieving process. Leila would have turned nine-years-old in June . Campbell . said he met with Leila's parents Monday when they came to the school to . thank teachers and staff for the support they had offered. The . parents were at a Little League game at the time their daughter was . attacked, Campbell said. Leila's brother found her and notified the . father, who called 911 and went home, he said. Part . of the school-guided grieving process included classrooms taking turns . writing notes to Leila and hanging them on the fence at the entrance to . the school. They came in somber groups and attached their notes one by . one. 'Dear Leila: You were a fun person and very smart. I enjoyed being around you every minute,' one girl wrote. 'I know you are in heaven looking down at us but you will always be in my heart,' wrote another. Campbell said officers will have a presence at the school at until the case is resolved. The . suspect is the subject of a broad manhunt by the sheriff's departments . of Calaveras and surrounding counties, the California Highway Patrol and . the state Department of Justice. Sheriff's officials say investigators collected fingerprints and what they believe is DNA from the home on Sunday. 'Our . normal has changed and we will move forth and heal by coming together, . as we all are here today,' said Linda Stoes, whose daughter dressed in . purple Monday to honor her friend. 'Our perspectives have changed . forever.' While . door-to door searches are proving fruitless, the residents are still . reeling shock that in such a quiet, rural area, such a thing could . happen. 'This is way . too close to home,' Julia Poland, who took her 13-year-old daughter to . an afternoon news conference on the search, told the Modesto Bee. 'This . kind of thing does not happen here.' Manhunt: California police officers are searching for the man suspected of murdering a 9-year-old girl . Witness: The girl's 12-year-old brother was at their home with her in Valley Springs around noon on Saturday when he encountered the intruder, who immediately fled . A . neighbour, Roger Ballew told the Associated Press: 'I was working on my . tractor and a CHP copter kept flying over my house.' After a SWAT team . showed up at his house Saturday night and told him to stay inside, he . admitted: 'It was nerve-wracking, I didn't sleep well.' Immediately after the 911 call was . reported, a quarter-mile perimeter was set up around the house as police . conduct the house-to-house search. 'We were doing a house-to-house search . and in some cases we're searching extensively into attics and storage . sheds,' Calveras County officer Jim Macedo told CBS Sacramento. He added: 'It’s a . difficult area to search. It’s rural, it’s remote.' Macedo said the girl was suffering from severe injuries and her death has been ruled a homicide. He urged residents to keep their doors locked until they find the suspect. Leila would have turned nine-years-old in June. Lockdown: Residents in Calveras County have been ordered to lock their doors as deputies search for the suspected killer . Mark . Campbell, the district’s superintendent, said in a statement Sunday . that there will be an added law enforcement presence at Jenny Lind . Elementary and bus stops nearby. Valley . Springs is a community of about 2,500 people in an unincorporated area . of Calaveras County, known as 'Gold Country,' in the foothills of the . Sierra Nevada mountains, about 60 miles southeast of Sacramento. | Leila Fowler was stabbed to death in her Valley Spring's home on Saturday .
Her 12-year-old brother was also in the house when the intruder broke in .
Suspect believed to be at least six feet tall and white or Hispanic .
Wearing black long-sleeved shirt and blue pants . |
0295c779ae4a8a06d8fd47f370c35aff3746689b | By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 05:23 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:53 EST, 31 October 2013 . When artist Alan Dodd was asked by friends to paint a mural on a blank 50-foot-long wall at their home he transformed it into an optical illusion. Friendly faces behind windows and lifelike archways leading to landscapes are painted onto the cottage, in Eye, Suffolk. And the images give an illusion of a make-believe world within. Nationally-renowned artist Alan Dodd stands with the unusual mural that he painted on the side of a friend's home in Eye, Suffolk . The largest painting in the Eye mural is a blacksmith's forge, which takes in the skyline features of the town's church and castle. Quirky characters and also animals feature on other parts of the house side. More... The picture you never thought you'd see... Anna Wintour eating a burger and fries! Artist gives Vogue editor and her fashion friends a calorie-laden makeover . Rare Italian 'San Gennaro' collection of gems said to be worth more than England's crown jewels goes on display in Rome . Sex slaves, public executions - yet glorious art like this: A majestic Roman eagle, newly unearthed in London, and a gripping account of life in AD100 . These include rabbits and chickens, and a captivating cat which stares from a painted window. Many of the images were inspired by the history of botany and horticulture. In one window Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus, who was the first person to categorise plants, sits writing with a quill pen. A parrot watches him from an ornate perch and an old fashioned wig sits beside him. Mr Dodd, who was taught by pop art pioneer David Hockney, paints the work, which he says is a homage to the market town's heritage . Mr Dodd adds the finishing touches to the masterpiece, which he says will benefit from being on a wall that stays out of the sun . The finished mural is incredibly detailed and Mr Dodd spent 55 hours up a ladder during the painting process . In another view influential British horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll reclines in her rocking chair, looking into the secluded garden through the painted curtains. Mr Dodd's mural also features a red Royal Mail letterbox, adding even more colour to the finished work. The artist spent 55 days up a ladder to create images at the property in Eye, Suffolk. He says the stunning finished product is a homage to the heritage of the market town. In another detail from the mural an elderly lady reclines in a rocking chair next to a vase of flowers, while in a second window an intricate vase is displayed . Mr Dodd, 71, who lives in Weston, Suffolk, said: 'It was just a blank, long wall. 'You would not believe what a difference it has made to the space. 'The wall is about 650 square feet so it would not have been feasible to paint the whole thing so we decided to paint parts of it.' He added: 'The mural will also really benefit from being on a wall which is often away from direct sunlight.' Mr Dodd trained at the Royal Academy of Arts in the 1960s and was taught by influential pop art pioneer David Hockney. He now designs and paints murals for a living. The artist has used his skills to work on a number of important projects, including the Pompeiian ceiling decoration in the New Picture Room at Sir John Soane's Museum in London. | Alan Dodd painted the stunning and unusual murals on the side of a friend's home in Eye, Suffolk .
He took 55 hours to complete the work on the 50-foot-long house side and says it is a tribute to the town .
He paints historical scenes and was taught by influential artist David Hockney . |
02985072d3451ce27557f96b2d1ab28d01796d30 | By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 23:22 EST, 26 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:12 EST, 27 November 2013 . A homeless man who came to New York City to find work woke up Saturday poor and despondent. But by the day's end the 53-year-old father-of-two was on his way back to his native Czech Republic thanks to a group of selfless strangers. Jaroslav Nemcovsky flew from his home outside Prague to Orlando, Florida, in September but lost his job and traveled to Manhattan in a desperate bid to find work. Once there however, things only worsened for the already down-on-his-luck immigrant when he was robbed after falling asleep charging his cell phone at Port Authority. Scroll down for video . Selfless: Brandon Levithan, center, and his girlfriend Simona Kanevsky, left, were able to help homeless man Jaroslav Nemcovsky, right, return to his native Czech Republic on the weekend . With no money, no passport and no shoes, Nemcovsky thought he would die on the harsh, and increasingly wintery, streets of the Big Apple. But all that changed when Brandon Levithan, owner of clothing company Thread Society, and his friends came across him sitting solemnly in Union Square last weekend. 'We didn't think he was homeless. We weren't sure we wanted to approach him,' Levithan, who was distributing warm clothes to the city's poor at the time, told the New York Daily News Tuesday. In a heartwarming YouTube video that has now gone viral, Levithan is seen approaching Nemcovsky, who doesn't speak English but was able to communicate with Levithan's girlfriend, Simona Kanevsky in Russian. 'I explained to him that we were a clothing company giving out sweatshirts, hats and gloves,' Kanevsky said. 'I asked if he wanted anything and all he responded with was, "I just want to go home... to Czech."' Help: The group took Nemcovsky to a hotel to get cleaned up and gave him new clothes and pizza . Barber: They then took him for a haircut and a shave . First things first, the couple, and their friends, took Nemcovsky, who hadn't showered for two weeks to a nearby hotel where they got him cleaned up, gave him new clothes and fed him some New York pizza. They then took him to a corner barber for a shave and a hair cut. He was a new man. 'He was so grateful, explaining to me that he has never had a beard so long in his life and hasn't been able to shave in two months,' Kanevsky told the Daily News. Back at the hotel, he elaborated on his struggles since arriving in the states. 'He was robbed of his phone, his passport. He had $1,000 -- they even took his shoes,' Levithan said. 'He said he went to police for help and they laughed at him.' Tears: Explaining his struggle, the 53-year-old teared up and was so grateful . Friends: The group left Nemcovsky at the hotel to rest for a while as they pondered how they could help fulfil his wish to return to Czech . The Czech Consulate were able to replace his passport, but gave him no other help in getting home.After 10 days of sleeping in a homeless shelter, he said he was kicked out and, when Levithan and his friends found him, he was sleeping in Union Square. Describing how he just wanted to get home and see his son and daughter, he teared up. The group left Nemcovsky at the hotel to rest for a while as they pondered how they could help fulfil his wish to return to Czech. When they returned, they surprised him with a one-way ticket leaving from JFK Airport early the next morning. Surprise: They then surprised him with a one-way ticket to his home in the Czech Republic, taking him to JFK airport, pictured . Flight: Levithan said they got him on the flight, pictured, around eight hours after they first met him, desperate and alone, in Union Square . 'I can only imagine being on the street, alone in a different country where nobody speaks the language. We just wanted to get him home with his family,' Levithan told the Daily News. Levithan said they got him on the flight around eight hours after they first met him, desperate and alone, in Union Square. And they're looking forward to hearing from him once he's settled back home, Levithan said, adding that they exchanged contact information. But for now, the group are just happy at the difference they were able to make in helping a complete stranger who was down on his luck, and hope their selfless actions inspire others to assist those less fortunate. 'It's the holiday season. We were there to do good. Giving shirts and warming people is really nice deed. Giving him a fresh start and getting him where he needs to be — that's what motivated us to go through with this,' said Levithan. 'I think I got more out of it than I thought I would.' | A homeless man who came to New York to find work woke up Saturday poor and despondent but by day's end, Jaroslav Nemcovsky, 53, was on his way back to the Czech Republic thanks to some selfless strangers .
The father-of-two was sleeping in Union Square after a failed bid to find work was made worse when he was robbed while charging his cell phone at Port Authority .
However, Brandon Levithan, owner of clothing company Thread Society, and his friends found him, cleaned him up, fed him and bought him a one-way ticket home . |
0298ece54b634a1ea494c4cda530c36e2e7c7652 | Havana (CNN) -- More than 50 years after the fact, Cuba has published the diary that Ernesto "Che" Guevara kept during the armed struggle that he waged alongside Fidel Castro from the Sierra Maestra mountains. "Diary of a Combatant" recounts Guevara's experiences from coming ashore in Cuba on December 2, 1956, until shortly before the bearded rebels declared victory January 1, 1959. According to Guevara's widow, Aleida March, the goal is "to show his work, his thoughts, his life, so that the Cuban people and the entire world get to know him and don't distort things anymore." The book was edited by the Che Guevara Studies Center, which is directed by March, and published by Australia's Ocean Press/Ocean Sur. Researchers said that Guevara kept his diary in hand-written notebooks and that part of the reason they put off publishing the diary was because some of the notebooks were missing. "Where are the notebooks? We don¹t know, and there are a lot of different versions," Maria del Carmen Ariet, a leading researcher from the Che Guevara Studies Center, said at a press conference to launch the book. But she also said that much of the material was included in "Episodes of the Cuban Revolutionary War," a more polished account of his time in the Sierra Maestra mountains that Guevara published in 1963. "We'd have to ask if he really wanted the 'Diary of a Combatant' published," she said. Some of Guevara's other diaries have been commercially successful, most notably "The Motorcycle Diaries," the memoir of a 23-year-old medical student on a road trip in Latin America. Guevara was born in Argentina in 1928 and met Castro in 1955 in Mexico City, where he was plotting his return to Cuba to overthrow Fulgencio Batista. During the guerrilla fighting in the mountains, Guevara was the first subordinate to be promoted to the rank of "comandante" by Castro. He went on to become Cuba's Central Bank chief before heading to Africa and then Bolivia to continue armed struggles. He was killed in 1967. | "Diary of a Combatant" spans period between 1956 and 1959 .
It includes accounts of armed struggle beside Fidel Castro in Cuba .
Much of the material was published in a 1963 book . |
029a53fbac29898775420964629562063013db9b | Max Clifford was jailed for eight years at Southwark Crown Court in May after a jury found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault against teenage girls and young women between 1977 and 1984 . Disgraced PR guru Max Clifford has launched an appeal against his eight-year prison sentence for a string of indecent assaults on four women. In April he became the first person to be convicted under the high profile Operation Yewtree sex crime investigation. He was jailed for eight years at Southwark Crown Court in May after a jury found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault against teenage girls and young women between 1977 and 1984. The judge said that if the offences had taken place today – since sentencing guidelines were toughened in 2003 – Clifford would have been regarded as a multiple rapist for which he would have been locked up for life. The maximum sentence for indecent assault at the time was two years. The 71-year-old committed the offences after luring and 'degrading' women through his celebrity connections during his high-profile career. Passing sentence at Southwark Crown Court in May, Judge Anthony Leonard told Clifford his personality and position in the public eye were the reasons his crimes were not revealed earlier. He said: 'The reason why they were not brought to light sooner was because of your own dominant character and your position in the world of entertainment which meant that your victims thought that you were untouchable, something that I think you too believed. 'These offences may have taken place a long time ago, when inappropriate and trivial sexual behaviour was more likely to be tolerated, but your offending was not trivial, but of a very serious nature.' For Clifford’s eight offences, the judge gave him a series of sentences of 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, six months, 21 months and 15 months, some to run concurrently and some consecutively, to arrive at a total of eight years. He is now serving his sentence at Category C Littlehey jail in Cambridgeshire. A spokesman for the Judicial Office said Clifford was appealing against the length of his imprisonment which would be heard at the Court of Appeal in London on October 9. The former celebrity agent, who branded his accusers 'fantasists', remained defiant ahead of his sentencing, and said: 'I stand by everything I have said in the last 17 months.' In August, Clifford, pictured kissing a guest on the cheek, was allowed out of prison to attend his brother Bernard's funeral at North East Surrey Crematorium in south west London . A spokesman for the Judicial Office said Clifford, pictured with his former wife Jo, was appealing against the length of his imprisonment which would be heard at the Court of Appeal in London on October 9 . In August, he was allowed out of prison to attend his brother Bernard's funeral at North East Surrey Crematorium in south west London. He was brought out from the van 300ft from the cemetery chapel in handcuffs, flanked by security guards, before walking indoors for the service. Clifford stood laughing and smiling with family and friends following the 30-minute service. | Max Clifford has launched appeal against his eight-year prison sentence .
He was found guilty of eight charges of indecent assault in April .
Clifford committed string of indecent assaults between 1977 and 1984 .
Historic nature of offences set maximum term for each charge at two years .
His appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London on 9 October . |
029ae7053b983a009e81af56a95ceee1c68cec08 | By . Laura Topham . PUBLISHED: . 20:31 EST, 2 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:31 EST, 2 November 2013 . The X Factor has been criticised by fans for ‘shamelessly’ plugging sponsors’ products on last Saturday’s programme. During the two-hour ITV talent show, contestants were repeatedly shown using Samsung products – and on another occasion, a TV catch-up service from another sponsor was featured. The first sighting of an item provided by electronics giant Samsung came within minutes – when boy-band Rough Copy used what appeared to be one of its smart cameras to take pictures of themselves at a film premiere. Snap: Abi Alton's Samsung plug on the X Factor where she is shown having her picture taken on one of the South Korean company's Galaxy smartphones . Soon afterwards singers Abi Alton and Luke Friend had photos taken with the brand’s mobile phones. Other contestants were then shown using Samsung’s tablet – including Nicholas McDonald, who made a video call to his mother, and Tamera Foster, who watched a video with mentor Nicole Scherzinger. Boy-band Kingsland Road later reviewed their performance using the subscription-free TV service, YouView, from another show sponsor, TalkTalk. Fans expressed their anger on Twitter. Aisha Mohammed wrote: ‘I hate X Factor for their shameless product placement’. And Phil Holmes said he had developed a new game counting ‘how many times X Factor can shoehorn in’ Samsung products. Gadgets: Other contestants were then shown using Samsung¿s tablet, including Tamera Foster, who watched a video with mentor Nicole Scherzinger (centre) Product placement has been allowed on UK TV programmes since February 2011. But regulator Ofcom stipulates there must be ‘editorial justification’ for a product – meaning content should not seem manipulated or distorted in order to include it. An ITV spokesman said: ‘Editorial integrity is at the heart of what we do. Product placement on The X Factor complies with all regulations.’ | Samsung phones and tablets repeatedly shown on ITV talent show .
Viewers take to Twitter to complain about 'shameless' product placements .
Ofcom rules say there must be 'editorial justification' for showing products . |
029af794302766dfb3f5dd1e33f499d3aa187a2e | (CNN) -- An Egyptian court Monday ordered a ban on activities of the Muslim Brotherhood and froze its finances, according to state-run news website EgyNews. The move is the latest in an anti-Muslim Brotherhood crackdown that began when the military ousted President Mohamed Morsy, who was backed by the Brotherhood, in early July. The country's Ministry of Social Solidarity said earlier this month that it was considering punishing the group, accusing it of violating a law regulating non-governmental groups, EgyNews reported. The law prohibits such groups from operating as political organizations and forming militias. The Brotherhood has a political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the current government has accused the Brotherhood of inciting violence. A U.S. State Department spokeswoman, in response to a question at a briefing in Washington, said the department is looking for more information about the court's ruling. "A transparent and inclusive political process that preserves the rights of all Egyptians to participate and leads back to a civilian-led government is critical to the success of Egypt's political and economic future," said Jen Psaki. She added that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy had discussed the matter when they met Sunday in New York. Opinion: Why the Muslim Brotherhood can't back down . Egypt has been in turmoil since Morsy's ouster, with the military and Morsy opponents battling Muslim Brotherhood members and others. In August, hundreds of people -- citizens as well as members of security forces -- were killed. Many of the deaths occurred when the military used force to clear two pro-Morsy sit-in sites in Cairo. Violence raged after pro-Morsy supporters staged demonstrations a few days later. Read more: What is the Muslim Brotherhood? The Brotherhood was underground during the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, who had banned the group. But after Mubarak's ouster in 2011, the group's Freedom and Justice Party got into gear and fielded parliamentary candidates. The Freedom and Justice Party won about half the seats up for election in December 2011, and its presidential candidate, Morsy, won in 2012. Egyptian security forces lately have rounded up high-profile members of the group. Last week, they arrested a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman, Gehad El-Haddad, who was a frequent guest on Western media. He was arrested at an apartment in a Cairo suburb, Egypt's state-run newspaper Al-Ahram reported. He was accused of inciting violence and murder. El-Haddad was active on social media, notifying supporters of rallies. Egyptian police official killed in clashes on outskirts of Cairo . | Government: The Muslim Brotherhood was violating the law .
Egypt's been in turmoil since the military ousted Brotherhood-backed President Morsy .
The Brotherhood was banned under Hosni Mubarak's regime .
But it went official on the political scene after Mubarak's 2011 ouster . |
029b2d379c90df7f7d7e64a54fb9f0e3e882bfda | By . Keith Gladdis . PUBLISHED: . 18:23 EST, 28 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:12 EST, 29 January 2013 . Covert patrols by former soldiers have seen litter fines soar 90-fold in 15 years. Dropped bank cards, nut shells and even pens have been enough to warrant on-the-spot fines of £80. A staggering 63,883 tickets were issued in England last year compared with just 727 back in 1997. The surge follows ‘payments for penalties’ deals between 15 councils and Xfor, which typically takes £45 from each ticket. Scroll down for video . Fines: Nearly 64,000 tickets were issued in England last year compared with 727 in 1997 following 'payments for penalties' deals between 15 councils and Xfor. Picture shows the firm's enforcement officers at work in Abertillery, South Wales . Major offences: Civil liberties group the Manifesto Club has said . councils are spending more time investigating and prosecuting people for . dropping cigarette butts (right) than for fly-tipping (left) 'Booming business': The firm, which is run by former soldiers, pocketed £1.6million in commission last year . Freedom of information requests reveal the firm, which is run by former soldiers, has pocketed £1.6million in commission. It is expected to issue around 40,000 penalties this year. Councils insist the fines are popular with residents tired of litter-strewn streets. But campaigners say a ‘private police force’ is targeting pedestrians over the most trivial offences. Patrols have been known to hide in bushes waiting for smokers to drop cigarette butts. One woman in Blaenau Gwent, South Wales, says she was targeted by Xfor for accidentally dropping a cotton thread from her glove. Another was given a £75 ticket for walking her dog in a field she had used for 30 years. She was not aware it had been turned into a no-dog zone because warning signs had been stolen. Other people fined up to £80 a time had dropped a match stick, orange peel and a banana skin. In 2010-11, just seven litter fines were issued by Blaenau Gwent council. But when Xfor was contracted on a commission basis in October 2011 that figure shot up to 1,147 within six months. In the Vale of Glamorgan fines went from 22 in a year to 500 within two months. Wales accounted for 10,000 tickets on top of England’s 63,000. Litter: Dropped bank cards, nut shells and even pens have been enough to warrant on-the-spot fines of £80. Picture posed by model . And the London council of Bromley saw its £80 fines leap from just four to 618 last year. Two councils, Birmingham and Blaenau Gwent, pay Xfor by the hour. Basildon council in Essex has ended its association with the firm after just ten months saying it had lost at least £34,000 when hundreds of offenders failed to pay their fines. The authority promised to give Xfor £45 for every properly issued ticket even if the offender did not pay up. Research by the Manifesto Club, a civil liberties group, predicted almost half of all litter fines would be issued by Xfor in the coming year. Josie Appleton, who founded the group, said: ‘It is a booming business. People are not being fined for the most serious offences but for the most trivial. The people who work for Xfor have the power to fine like a private police force but they do not behave in the way a police force would. Many of them are ex-armed forces personnel, when they are on the streets they wear black fleeces and they appear to deliberately blend into the crowd to catch people littering. ‘We have had reports of them hiding in bushes watching a group of people smoking before leaping out to fine people who have dropped butts. ‘Many councils are spending more time investigating and prosecuting people for dropping cigarette butts than for fly-tipping.’ Those who receive fines can take their case to court but risk being fined £2,000 if they lose. John Fassenfelt, who is chairman of the Magistrates’ Association, warned against the use of private firms. ‘Magistrates' court is much more transparent and consistent,’ he said. Colin Smith, deputy leader of Bromley Council, said the litter scheme was not a money-spinner, adding: ‘It’s a hard line policy. We’re keen to drive the message, residents are sick to death of littering.’ Hillingdon council in West London issued 3,048 litter fines last year. Clamping down: Councils have insisted the fines are popular with residents who are tired of litter on their streets . A spokesman said: ‘Our residents told us they wanted us to take a tougher stance on littering in Hillingdon and we responded. The council does not aim to make a profit and the income from penalties received helps to fund the running costs of the scheme.’ Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis said: ‘Those who harm the environment by shamelessly littering and fly-tipping should be brought to book. ‘But councils shouldn't be using residents as cash cows and shouldn't be persecuting people for petty or insignificant breaches.’ A spokesman for Xfor last night said: ‘We understand concerns raised with regard to alleged incentivising private enforcement services. We offer a menu of payment options. ‘This includes daily rates as well as a percentage of the revenue from each appropriately raised fixed penalty notice. ‘The vast majority of clients choose the second option to maximise cost effectiveness and achieve cost neutrality. The only people affected by our presence are individuals that leave litter.’ A young woman who dropped a salt sachet in a car park is facing a bill of more than £400. Laura Howells, 24, was eating a KFC takeaway in her car when she was approached by a council official who handed her a £75 on-the-spot fine. But she was then ordered to pay £316.85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after she appeared in court for failing to pay up. ‘I felt sick when I found out how much the fine was,’ said Miss Howells, of Kidwelly, West Wales. | A firm, run by former soldiers, pocketed £1.6million in commission last year .
People fined up to £80 for dropping match stick, orange peel or banana skin .
Rise follows 'payment for penalties' deals between councils and form Xfor . |
029bc476dd93f81bf355f8e8717b7943704e0162 | Rio Ferdinand has lifted the lid on Wayne Rooney’s temper tantrums, telling how his former Manchester United team-mate used to 'smash up mobile phones in frustration'. Ferdinand and Rooney played alongside each other for 10 years at Old Trafford until the former left the club during the summer. And the QPR defender has shed new light on the current United captain's temper - although he admitted the England striker has now calmed down. Wayne Rooney had a temper in his younger days, reveals former team-mate Rio Ferdinand . The United striker used to 'fly into a rage about the smallest things,' says Ferdinand . Ferdinand acknowledges Rooney has calmed down a bit - although he's still prone to the odd outburst . Possibly Rooney's most famous outburst, against West Ham in 2011 when he swore into a camera . Ferdinand says Rooney would often be arguing on his phone outside the United training ground . In The Sun’s serialisation of his autobiography #2sides, Ferdinand said: ‘Wayne Rooney always struck me as a very angry young man, always arguing with people outside the training ground, especially on the phone. ‘He seemed to fly into a rage about the smallest things and went through mobile phones like they were sweets. He’d smash phones up in frustration, throwing them on the concrete. ‘I don’t know what happened but he did calm down.’ Ferdinand says Rooney (right) struck him as an angry young man, always arguing with people . Ferdinand writes in his autobiography, #2sides, that Rooney went through phones 'like they were sweets' VIDEO Ferdinand book criticises Moyes and Terry . | Rio Ferdinand writes about Wayne Rooney's temper in his new book .
Ferdinand says Rooney struck him as an angry young man .
He said his former Manchester United team-mate would often smash phones on the concrete outside their training ground .
Rooney has calmed down now though, Ferdinand says . |
029bcd7faefcaed0f597642b7340d83cb4509756 | (CNN) -- Myanmar is facing a food shortage largely due to last year's deadly Cyclone Nargis, which destroyed nearly all the rice crops in the fertile Ayeyarwaddy delta, the United Nations said Wednesday. A young farmer ploughs a field in preparation to grow rice in Dalla, about 20 kms south of Yangon on July 9, 2008. Rice production in the cyclone-affected areas of Ayeyarwaddy and Yangon, the largest city and former capital of Myanmar, is expected to be 50 percent of last year's, according to the report issued by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP). Rat infestation in western's Myanmar's Chin State has also contributed to the food shortage, the report says. "Access to food remains the critical challenge for the poorest people and for vulnerable populations in remote areas of Myanmar," Chris Kaye, WFP's representative for Myanmar, said in a written statement. "And for many of those affected by Cyclone Nargis, who are engaged in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods, the limited delta harvest means they will continue to rely on assistance to meet their food needs." Watch Paul Risley of the WFP discuss the food crisis » . Although rice production is expected to be adequate this year because of strong crops in other areas of the country, access to food remains a serious challenge to Myanmar's poor, especially in the delta region, the report said. More than 5 million people fall below the food poverty line and emergency food aid is still needed in cyclone-affected areas, the report said. The cyclone also hurt the cattle and fishing industries, contributing to the food crisis. "Humanitarian assistance has not restored the production capacity of small to medium-sized farms," He Changchui, FAO's Asia-Pacific regional chief, said in a written statement. "Farmers and fishers are unlikely to self-finance their needs this year, thus entering into a spiral of pauperization of the delta." | Myanmar is facing a food shortage largely due to last year's deadly Cyclone Nargis .
Cyclone destroyed nearly all the rice crops in the fertile Ayeyarwaddy delta .
Rice production in the cyclone-affected areas expected to be half of last year's .
Despite adequate crops this year, food access remains a problem for the poor . |
029d493db1c6f4d2a3b29d5395b9f27a2983c76d | By . Ian Drury . 'Cause of amusement': Captain Susie King in her 'unflattering' army uniform . Finding flattering maternity wear is often an uphill battle. So spare a thought for Britain’s military mums-to-be who are up in arms about the Army’s uniform for pregnant soldiers. Standard-issue maternity kit, which dates back almost to the Cold War, has been blasted for being more Ministry of Defence than Mothercare, and condemned as poor quality, unprofessional and badly fitting. The criticism has prompted top brass to order a review into modernising uniforms for female troops with a baby bump. Despite being forced to cut thousands of troops and equipment to save money, military chiefs will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds designing and introducing the new fatigues. It is the latest move by the Ministry of Defence to ensure the military is ‘inclusive’ and does not discriminate against service personnel – but it runs the risk of charges of political correctness. Pregnant troops in the Army are currently issued long-sleeved blouses, pregnancy trousers with an elasticated waist, an unstylish beige maternity dress and a cardigan. Captain Susie King, who serves in the Royal Signals, highlighted the problem in the latest issue of Soldier, the Army’s magazine. She said: ‘As a pregnant woman trying to work right up until my due date I’m shocked at how poor the Army’s maternity wear is. ‘I have spent the last eight months switching between clothing as my bump grew. I initially went down the route of getting larger and larger sizes of standard shirt and trousers. ‘I then tailored my slacks myself using elastic panels so that I didn’t have to wear a pair that swamped me in other areas. ‘However, a couple of months ago this no longer sufficed.’ ‘I switched to the issued maternity trousers but when I wore them for a whole day their elastic panel gradually lost its strength and they had a habit of suddenly falling to the floor. ‘My last option was the unstylish beige maternity dress, worn with beret cardigan and brown lace up shoes. ‘It’s fair to say the look this creates has generated a fair amount of amusement among my colleagues. ‘It’s not really a laughing matter when pregnant serving women are being denied the opportunity to look professional in the workplace. ‘Can’t we be supplied with smart maternity garments that look and work as well as the standard versions?’ Lieutenant Colonel Simon Blake, in charge of logistic support at Army Headquarters, said maternity wear was ‘under scrutiny’ and were set to be modernised now troops were withdrawing from Afghanistan. He said: ‘The view is that although the range of clothing is sufficient its design is dated and its functionality can be improved. ‘MoD uniform acquisition has been focused on operational requirements in the last few years with combat garments and high profile parade and ceremonial uniforms understandably being the top priorities. ‘As the Army returns to contingency we are looking more at workwear appearance and it’s hoped this will include the maternity uniforms.’ The Ministry of Defence said the move is to ensure that the military is inclusive and does not discriminate . Earlier this year, the Mail revealed that more than 200 servicewomen have been sent home from war zones after discovering they were pregnant. An astonishing 99 were evacuated from Afghanistan and 102 from Iraq under strict rules that ban mothers-to-be from serving on the front line. Commanders ordered them to return to Britain - sometimes on flights reserved for injured troops - as soon as their condition became known. The Ministry of Defence routinely orders around 1,000 maternity uniforms a year. According to the latest MoD figures, around 15,800 women serve in the Armed Forces – about 9.9 per cent of the total. For the Army, there are nearly 8.000 female service personnel – 8.7 per cent. At any one time around 500 to 600 women have been posted to Afghanistan and in the last eight years around 7,000 have served in Helmand. No women are deployed in the units where the primary role is to ‘close with and kill’ the enemy, or to engage in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. It means they are barred from all infantry battalions, tank regiments, the Royal Marine Commandos and Special Forces. But female servicemen do go out on patrol with combat units and risk firefights while doing supporting roles such as medics, intelligence specialists, artillery spotters, logisticians or signallers. Until August 1990, servicewomen could be sacked for becoming pregnant. In that year, the Armed Forces were no longer excluded from equality laws. It is thought more than £50million has been paid in compensation to 3,500 former servicewomen who were unfairly dismissed. An MoD spokesperson said: ‘All three services offer maternity clothing which are designed in consultation with our female personnel. 'The current designs are from 2004 and we regularly review them to ensure they meet the requirements.’ | Military chiefs will spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on new fatigues .
Latest move by the Ministry of Defence to ensure the military is ‘inclusive’
Pregnant troops in the Army are currently issued long-sleeved blouses .
Also given pregnancy trousers and an unstylish beige maternity dress . |
029e07f312857dea43264baf0baf7bcf03bdb227 | (CNN) -- The deadly attack in Kabul on Shi'ite worshippers celebrating the feast of Ashura adds one more layer to the country's overlapping security crises. And they evoke violent sectarian rivalries in Iraq and Pakistan, where animosity between Sunni and Shia runs deep. Afghanistan has its own cultural rifts -- between ethnic Pashtun and Tajik, for example -- but it's rare to see such an explosion of religiously motivated violence. Kate Clark, with the Afghan Analysts Network in Kabul, described the attack as "a real shock." "Whatever else has happened in the past 30 years we haven't had this sort of sectarian attack aimed at killing lots of people," she told CNN by phone from the Afghan capital. The first claim of responsibility for the bombing in the Afghan capital has come from a militant Sunni group in Pakistan with a history of sectarian attacks against Shia. A man identifying himself as a spokesman for Lashkar-e-Janghvi al Almi, a group with links to al Qaeda and the Pakistan Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a call to Radio Mashaal, a Pashto-language station in Pakistan sponsored by the United States government. A similar call was reportedly made to the BBC's Urdu-language service. The group is an offshoot of the powerful Lashkar-e-Janghvi (LeJ), which has a record of high-profile suicide bombings in Pakistan, including the attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad in 2008. Al-Almi's most destructive attack to date was a double suicide bombing in northwest Pakistan last year. The bombers -- wearing burkas -- killed 42 people belonging to tribes that opposed the Pakistan Taliban, also known for its antipathy toward Shia. If the claim by Al-Almi proves valid, it would not surprise some Afghan Shia, who were quick to point the finger at some form of Pakistani involvement in the attacks Tuesday. LeJ has a long history of targeting the Hazara Shia community in Pakistan. The Hazara are numerous in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, and make up much of Afghanistan's Shia minority. They have endured decades of persecution in both countries, and Sunni militants have frequently painted then as collaborators with occupying powers. This year, apparently in retaliation for the killing of Osama bin Laden, LeJ gunned down several Hazara in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province and also home to the Afghan Taliban's political leadership. In a subsequent open letter, the LeJ warned: "We will rid Pakistan of [this] unclean people. Pakistan means land of the pure, and the Shias have no right to be here." In October, Sunni militants killed dozens more Hazara. In one instance, they stopped a bus of Shia pilgrims on their way to Iran from Pakistani Balochistan and shot dead 26 male passengers in front of their families. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi has not been obviously active in Afghanistan since it maintained training camps there during Taliban rule in the 1990s. But other Sunni militants -- especially factions among the Pakistani Taliban -- have established a presence in some Afghan border provinces. And regional analysts perceive fluid links, contacts and cross-fertilization between the myriad groups operating in the Afghan-Pakistan border region. The Taliban were quick to disown and condemn the attacks. Kate Clark says that while she is circumspect about the Taliban's denial, such an attack would be at odds with the Taliban leadership's claim to be a national movement -- and is not part of a pattern of such attacks by the group. Clark also points out that Mullah Omar in his Eid message last month urged Taliban fighters to "protect the lives, wealth and honor of ordinary people." That being said, 80 percent of all civilian deaths in Afghanistan are attributed to the armed opposition; and orders from the Quetta Shura, as the leadership is known, are only patchily enforced by field commanders. The Taliban are not a monolith, as one Afghan observer puts it, and it is possible that at local level there may have been collaboration between a Taliban operative and LeJ. The Taliban have not played the sectarian card since becoming an insurgency. But when in power in the 1990s they brutally persecuted Afghanistan's Hazara community. Human Rights Watch documented two massacres of Hazara in 2000 and 2001 by Taliban forces. And after capturing Mazar e Sharif in 1998, Taliban fighters killed hundreds of Hazara in retaliation for the mass execution of its own soldiers the previous year. Since the overthrow of the Taliban, Afghanistan's Hazara have prospered -- in higher education, the government and the military and they have embraced new democratic processes. The annual Ashura celebration in Kabul has become more elaborate. That may have been temptation enough for the Hazaras' enemies. If the bombings on Tuesday were an attempt to sow sectarian strife in Afghanistan, they most obviously imitate al Qaeda in Iraq, which when led by Abu Musab al Zarqawi tried to ignite a sectarian war between Sunnis and the country's Shi'ite majority in a series of attacks aimed at holy Shi'ite occasions and shrines. Read the latest on the attacks and the cancellation of Karzai's trip . Kate Clark of the Afghan Analysts Network believes that in Afghanistan restraint will prevail. Hazara leaders have already called on their community to remain calm and not to take the bait offered by these attacks. On all sides, Clark says, there is a realization that sectarian conflict is a no-win situation in which tit-for-tat attacks would claim hundreds of lives. | Shi'ite worshippers were attacked as they celebrated Ashura .
The attack harkens violent sectarian rivalries in Iraq, Pakistan .
This kind of sectarian aggression is rare in Afghanistan . |
029e143f914b3eeefa43e787c8a72328b8d12b54 | Three British grandmothers cheated death when a bullet shot at them by a masked gunman missed by inches. The armed robber fired from close range when one woman, a grandmother of 14, tried to grab his gun when he ambushed them outside their Spanish holiday home. One of the women said: 'The bullet was head height and hit a wall behind us. He was less than six feet away when he fired. We came very close to going home in a body bag.' It is thought the man mistook the trio, all in their 60s, for their friend who worked at a nearby bar in Malaga and had walked home with the night's takings. Armed robbery: The three British grandmothers had been in Malaga (pictured, file photo) for a few hours when they were shot at by a man in a balaclava . Self defence: The armed robber fired from close range when one woman tried to grab his gun when he ambushed them outside their Spanish holiday home (file photo) They had spent the evening with her only hours after arriving in Spain for a week's holiday in the village of Alcaucin, Malaga. A bar owner was shot and killed in nearby Colmar, apparently for drugs money, only an hour after the gunman fled. The dad-of-two's wallet had been stolen and £75 was missing from the bar's till. Spaniards Juan Montoya, 38, and Jose Mechine, 44, are being held in custody for the botched armed robbery and the murder of 56-year-old Tarek Nagib Botros. One of the trio, who asked not to be named, said: 'I thought at first it was someone playing a game when a man touched my friend on her shoulder and said in Spanish, "Money, money". 'When I turned round and saw a man with a Balaclava I had this sickening realisation he wasn't playing. 'I began to shout for help, reached for the gun to push it away from us and swore at him. It must have been the adrenalin rush. 'I took a step back when the gun came free and he took a step back and fired. I think it was out of anger at being frustrated by what he'd assumed would be a soft target. 'I had the impression he was aiming at me. The bullet was head height and hit a wall behind us. He was less than six feet away when he fired.' 'We knew there must be some connection when we heard a man had been shot dead nearby. 'We're just sorry someone had to die.' The Spanish pair in custody for both incidents used a car that one had bought on deposit from a gypsy in Malaga a few days earlier. Police suspect the buyer tried to frame him for the double crime by handing him the car back afterwards and telling him to keep the deposit. The two Spaniards blamed each other for the gun crimes when questioned by police. An investigating magistrate has remanded them in jail after quizzing them in a private court hearing and is expected to recommend formal charges after a short probe. | The three women, all in their 60s, had only been in Spain for a few hours .
Man wearing balaclava shot at them when one woman tried to grab his gun .
'We came close to going home in a body bag', one of the women recalled .
A local bar owner was killed in nearby Colmar an hour after gunman fled .
Spaniards Juan Montoya and Jose Mechine in custody for both incidents . |
029e659b2cbb8a7a46d83f1984efec378aec7c54 | New York (CNN) -- A New York City taxi driver is charged with keeping more than $28,000 that should have gone to the Metropolitan Transit Authority in E-Z Pass toll fees over the past two years. Rodolfo Sanchez, 69, of Long Island City has been sneaking through toll plazas on the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and Midtown Tunnel by "piggybacking," or tailgating cars directly in front of his cab, and slipping through the toll lane before the barrier came back down, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. The cabbie allegedly crossed two of the city's bridges and tunnels more than 4,000 times from August 2012 to April 2014. Sanchez was arraigned Thursday in Queens County Court. He is charged with grand larceny, theft of services and criminal possession of stolen property. "This type of behavior is egregiously unfair to the millions of honest motorists who pay tolls every day, and we will continue efforts to root out toll evaders and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," said Donald Look, MTA bridges and tunnels chief of security. MTA investigators discovered that a certain E-Z Pass tag was regularly crossing the RFK and Midtown Tunnel toll plazas without making payments. The E-Z Pass was tracked on the RFK bridge toll plaza 3,017 times and the Midtown Tunnel toll plaza 1,061 times, costing the MTA $28,242.50 in lost revenue, according to the district attorney. Sanchez told investigators that he knew there was no money on the E-Z Pass, and he dodged the tolls because he needed the money for his family, according to the attorney general. CNN efforts to reach Sanchez were unsuccessful. "There are cameras and video. We have active eyes on everything. We are actively going to pursue anyone evading paying toll," MTA spokeswoman Judy Glave told CNN. If convicted, Sanchez faces up to seven years in prison. "His (Taxi & Limousine Commission) license has been suspended and the matter is under investigation," TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg told CNN. CNN's Haimy Assefa contributed to this report. | DA says driver Rodolfo Sanchez "piggybacked" through toll gates behind other cars .
He made 4,000 trips over bridges and through tunnels without paying, DA says .
Sanchez faces grand larceny and other charges, could get seven years in prison . |
029ef16ef7a3288cb3ee71d01a17d3764753c243 | By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 17:53 EST, 31 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:18 EST, 1 January 2013 . Muhammed Rahim al-Afghani, who is being held with the most significant terrorism suspects in U.S. custody, has apparently gained extensive knowledge of western pop culture in Guantanamo's Camp 7 . An inmate who is imprisoned alongside 'high value' terrorism suspects in the most secretive of Guantanamo Bay camps has somehow learned about Gangnam Style, his lawyer has revealed. Mohammed Rahim al-Afghani, an Afghan man who became the last prisoner sent to Guantanamo after he was accused of helping Osama bin Laden elude capture five years ago, has written a series of letters to lawyer Carlos Warner, revealing a startling knowledge about western culture. Across the letters, he refers to Howard Stern, Fox News and the global video hit of South Korean singer PSY - hardly what you'd expect from a middle-age Afghan who has never been to the U.S. 'Dear Mr. Warner,' he wrote. 'I like . this new song Gangnam Style. I want to do the dance for you but cannot . because of my shackles.' In another letter, the multilingual Rahim . shows some familiarity with American slang. He tells his lawyer, most . likely in jest, that he has adopted a banana rat, a rodent commonly . spotted around the U.S. base in Cuba. 'Tell the guards to leave my . friend alone. They need to chillax.' South Korean rapper Psy has become a global phenomenon with his signature song and dance, 'Gangnam Style' The letters come as a surprise as little has been heard about Rahim since his capture. He was interrogated at an undisclosed location then locked away in Guantanamo's Camp 7, a prison unit shrouded in secrecy that holds about 15 men who have been designated 'high value' detainees. The letters suggest that the prisoners in Camp 7, a group that includes five charged with aiding and orchestrating the September 11 terror attack, are not completely isolated from the outside world. To Warner, a federal public defender for the Northern District of Ohio, the letters humanize a man who he contends has been demonized by U.S. authorities, who allege he worked as a translator and assistant to bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders. The lawyer says the letters demonstrate a surprising amount of resilience. 'It shows he's different and he's intelligent,' Warner said. 'Just think that he's doing this under all the restrictions that's he's under down there. He has an incredibly good sense of humor.' There have been letters released to the media in the past from other detainees at Guantanamo, often providing valuable information about the prison. Muhammed Rahim al-Afghan said that he cannot do Psy's signature moves because of his shackles . The Justice Department document says Rahim began helping the Taliban in the 1990s and that job morphed into working for al-Qaida. It cites two other prisoners and an undisclosed source identifying Rahim as a close associate of bin Laden. Rahim was captured in Pakistan in 2007 and turned over to the CIA, in whose custody he was subjected to prolonged sleep deprivation. He was transferred to Guantanamo in March 2008. In photos taken by the Red Cross at Camp 7, and obtained by the AP from the prisoner's family in Afghanistan, Rahim has a long flowing beard. In one, he smiles broadly at the camera. It is unclear how the prisoner learned so much of Western pop culture from Cell 7 in Guantanamo, located in Cuba . The first letters from Rahim released by Warner were in June, including one in which he disclosed that Majid Khan, a former Maryland resident who pleaded guilty to aiding al-Qaida, had acquired a cat at Camp 7, which AP reported at the time. The Pentagon and prison officials declined comment and said they could not discuss conditions of confinement for high-value detainees, although they added that prisoners are not permitted to have pets. Rahim al-Afghan was accused of helping the late Osama bin Laden go into hiding; here, bin Laden's house in Abbottabad, Pakistan . The rest of the letters came during or after subsequent visits by Warner, who had them cleared by the military before releasing them to the AP. None are more than a few sentences, and contain many typographical errors, which have been corrected for this story for the sake of clarity. In one, Rahim returns to the theme of his fellow prisoner's alleged cat. 'I want a dog,' he writes. 'I will train my dog to chase Majid Khan's cat.' Osama bin Laden was killed in his home on May 1, 2011 . In separate notes, he asks Warner to appeal for help from radio personality Howard Stern. 'If he is the 'King of All Media' he can help me.' In another, he criticizes Fox News' 'Fair and Balanced' slogan, writing that if that were true the channel 'would not have to say it every five minutes.' How he came by this information is not clear. A prison spokesman, Navy Capt. Robert Durand, won't discuss life in Camp 7 but he says that "where satellite television and radio is available for detainees," they have access to a wide variety of channels in Arabic, Farsi, English, Russian, Spanish and other languages. The line-up, however, apparently does not include Howard Stern or Fox. With no Internet access, he could have picked up such information from other shows or through Warner, who has spent hours with him and delivered magazines such as Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and The Economist. The U.S. military will not say when or if Rahim will be charged. His name does not appear on the list of detainees who have been cleared for release from Guantanamo and his name was not among those mentioned as possible candidates for an exchange with the Taliban as part of a peace deal. | Mohammed Rahim al-Afghani accused of helping Osama bin Laden elude capture and sent to Camp 7 of high-security Cuban prison .
Written series of letters to his lawyer describing his knowledge of Western pop culture . |
02a10e3adde1d51286218cfd3e3b8d3a7697b5a1 | (CNN) -- Unrest has spread across the Middle East and North Africa. Here's a look at what has happened -- and what is happening -- in various countries: . ALGERIA . Authorities in Algeria said Monday that they would lift a 20-year state of emergency in the "coming days." They acted after anti-government protesters chanting "change the power!" clashed with security forces in the capital over the weekend, witnesses said. The state of emergency was imposed in 1992 to quell a civil war that led to the deaths of what U.S. officials estimate to be more than 150,000 people. About 100 protesters were arrested during the protests in Algiers on Saturday, according to the opposition Algerian League for Human Rights. BAHRAIN . Protests were scheduled to take place Monday afternoon in the Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain, where at least three police officers and one demonstrator were injured in clashes Sunday, the state new agency reported. The injuries occurred during an attack on a police station during protests Sunday evening, the news agency said. After three officers were injured, police fired on protesters with rubber bullets, causing one injury, the news agency said. EGYPT . Unrest persisted in Egypt on Monday even after an 18-day revolution toppled longtime President Hosni Mubarak, who stepped down Friday. Egypt's banks remained closed Monday after protests by National Bank workers apparently drove out the head of the institution. The nation's stock market remained closed until further notice because of turmoil in the banking sector. In addition, current and former police officers continued a peaceful protest Monday in front of the Interior Ministry, saying they want higher pay, shorter hours, better benefits and more respect. And some police officers told reporters they were ordered to shoot protesters during demonstrations last week and threatened with prison if they did not. IRAN . Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched along Revolution Avenue in downtown Tehran on Monday, protesting the government of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, witnesses said. The wave of people remained largely silent as they walked toward the capital city's Azadi Square, though some clashes between security forces and demonstrators broke out in several parts of Tehran, according to witnesses. Security forces fired tear gas in some places and detained demonstrators in other areas of the city. The Iranian government rounded up activists last week after opposition leaders Mehdi Karrubi and Mir Hossein Moussavi called for supporters to gather at Azadi Square -- the site of mass protests by Iran's opposition movement after the disputed 2009 presidential elections. IRAQ . Thousands of people rallied this month in cities across the country, protesting rampant poverty, a 45% national unemployment rate and shortages of food, electricity and water. Most recently, hundreds of angry demonstrators took to the streets of Ramadi -- about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Baghdad -- to protest the government's inability to provide basic services. After the protests began, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced he would cut his salary in half amid the growing unrest over poor public services and water shortages. State television also reported this month that al-Maliki would not run for a third term when his current one expires in 2014. JORDAN . U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled over the weekend to Jordan, where King Abdullah II swore in a new government last week following anti-government protests in his country. The new government has a mandate for political reform and is headed by a former general, with several opposition and media figures among its ranks. The appointment of new Prime Minister Marouf al Bakhit was seen as an attempt to shore up support among Jordan's Bedouin tribes -- the bedrock of the monarchy. Jordan's economy has been hard-hit by the global economic downturn and rising commodity prices, and youth unemployment is high, as it is in Egypt. Officials close to the palace have told CNN that Abdullah is trying to turn a regional upheaval into an opportunity for reform. LIBYA . There were calls made through Facebook for a day of peaceful demonstrations in Libya on Monday. The protests come in the shadow of leader Moammar Gadhafi, who has ruled the country for almost 40 years and had expressed support for former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during the crisis there. It was not immediately clear Monday whether protests had taken place. PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES . Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's Cabinet submitted its resignations to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday, days after the announcement of new elections in September. The Palestinian Territories have not seen the same kind of demonstrations as in many Arab countries, but the government has been under criticism since Al-Jazeera published secret papers claiming to reveal some of the wide-ranging concessions Palestinian officials were prepared to make in negotiations with Israel. Negotiations have collapsed. Abbas' Palestinian Authority holds sway only over the West Bank. The militant Islamist movement Hamas controls Gaza. SYRIA . As protests heated up around the region, the Syrian government pulled back from a plan to withdraw some subsidies that keep the cost of living down in the country. President Bashar al-Assad also gave a rare interview to Western media, telling The Wall Street Journal for a January 31 article that he planned reforms that would allow for local elections and also included a new media law and more power for private organizations. A planned "Day of Rage" that was being organized on Facebook for February 5 failed to materialize, The New York Times reported. SUDAN . Demonstrators have clashed with authorities on several recent occasions in Sudan. Human Rights Watch has said that "authorities used excessive force during largely peaceful protests on January 30 and 31 in Khartoum and other northern cities to call for an end to the National Congress Party rule and government-imposed price increases." Witnesses said that security forces used pipes, sticks and tear gas to disperse protesters and that several were arrested, including 20 who remain missing. The Sudanese Embassy said that people in Sudan have the right to "demonstrate as they wish" but that "some opportunists capitalize" on incidents "to inspire chaos or smear Sudan's image." TUNISIA . The European Union's top foreign policy official, Catherine Ashton, met Monday with government and civil society leaders in Tunisia, the North African country where protests in December sparked unrest that has spread across North Africa and the Middle East. After weeks of demonstrations that started in December, longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country. Since then, Italy has complained about a wave of migrants from Tunisia coming into its territory. YEMEN . Clashes broke out between pro- and anti-government protesters in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, for at least the third day in a row Monday. About 200 anti-government protesters were confronted by about 300 counter-demonstrators, and the two sides threw rocks at each other and brandished daggers and knives. Several protesters were arrested. On Sunday, hundreds of anti-government protesters marched toward the presidential palace, but were blocked by security forces. Protesters attempted to reach the palace on side streets, and riot police reportedly used force in attempting to disperse them. Human rights group Amnesty International condemned the use of force in a statement issued Monday. Clashes also erupted Friday night and Saturday. Yemen's Embassy in Washington said the opposition coalition had announced its intention to hold a dialogue with the administration. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been in power for 32 years and has pledged not to run for re-election when his current term ends in 2013. | The winds of unrest have sailed through North Africa and the Middle East .
The demonstrations started in Tunisia in December .
The leaders of Tunisia and Egypt have resigned amid mass protests .
Protests happened Monday in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran and Yemen . |
02a27a18b0eed52ab39670f007b6b77da518b4ce | Ryanair has been caught fooling passengers with an online competition that's impossible to win. All three potential answers in the multiple-choice promotion – which offers free flights as prizes – were incorrect. Darren Coyle, 32, discovered the blunder after paying £3.50 to play the quiz while booking flights online. He was planning a holiday to Benidorm with his friend Chris Matthews, 31, and was swayed by the chance to enter a weekly draw to win back the value of his £330 tickets. Fooled: All three potential answers in the multiple-choice promotion (inset) – which offers free flights as prizes – were incorrect as Darren Coyle (pictured), 32, discovered . But after selecting a wrong answer to the quiz question, he later discovered that his chances of picking a correct one had been zero. Ryanair asked: 'Together with the recently purchased new Boeing aircraft, how many planes will Ryanair's fleet contain in 2024?' The possible answers offered were 380, 420 or 450. Mr Coyle guessed 420, which was deemed incorrect. But when he later typed the question into Google, he found a page on the airline's website revealing that the actual answer was 520. Feeling aggrieved that he had paid £3.50 to enter an impossible quiz, Mr Coyle complained to Ryanair's head office. Bosses replied with a shame-faced letter, admitting their mistake and refunding his entrance money. Mr Coyle, who works as a plant manager, said: 'They are Con-Air. If I'd not complained they would have kept it.' The married father-of-one, from Loanhead, near Edinburgh, added: 'They are chancers. How many other people have taken a chance and ended up £3.50 down and forgotten about it?' A spokesman for the budget airline said it was investigating how a promotion without a correct answer ended up on its website. Possible scam: A spokesman for the budget airline said it was investigating how a promotion without a correct answer ended up on its website (file photo) Ironically, the blunder comes just days before Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary is due to unveil its new 'passenger charter' in a bid to address its poor reputation. Pledging to improve customer service, he said: 'We were maybe a little bit cheap and nasty. We have spent a lot of time and effort trying to be cheap and a little bit better.' The airline has frequently been the subject of high-profile rumours about changes it might introduce, including reports that passengers could be charged to use the toilet during flights. | The budget airline offered online customers a chance to win a free flights .
But none of the answers to multiple choice question were the correct one .
Darren Coyle discovered the mistake after paying £3.50 to play the quiz .
It asked: How many planes will Ryanair's fleet contain by the year 2024? |
02a2af5abc2c9b140b8ded1f73daf85fb75ed1e0 | Alastair Cook will be 30 on Christmas Day and should be able to celebrate his landmark birthday as England's World Cup captain. After a 'hell of a year', though, he will be taking nothing for granted as the selectors consider - as they have promised - all aspects of England's 5-2 defeat in Sri Lanka as part of their scheduled series review, before announcing a 16-man tri-series squad on Saturday. Cook conceded after the margin of his fifth successive one-day international series defeat was confirmed on Tuesday as 5-2, by an 87-run trouncing at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium, that he has no 'divine right' to be selected to lead the team to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand early next year. Alastair Cook has endured a horrible series as England captain this winter in Sri Lanka . He can be encouraged, however, by England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton's strong hint that - despite his 'miserable' run of form - he is highly likely to retain the gig. For Cook, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - because however England fare down under, with or without him, it is hard to envisage him being back for much more with his sheet-anchor skills in a fast-developing format. Downton also described 2014 as a 'traumatic' 12 months as he reflected on his tenure - which began at the start of January, as England were completing their unexpected whitewash Ashes defeat. One crisis after another followed, the messy aftermath of the Ashes including the sacking of Kevin Pietersen and resignation of coach Andy Flower. As Cook and Flower's replacement, the returning Peter Moores, tried to forge a 'new era', the captain especially endured the most taxing of summers as calls for his resignation started to wane only once England turned round their Test fortunes en route to a 3-1 win over India. After Tillekaratne Dilshan's century had helped to inflict England's final defeat of 2014, Cook said: 'It's been a hell of a year. Cook has consistently failed with the bat at the top of the order in one-day internationals . 'We haven't won a lot of games, and there's been a big change in personnel. 'It's certainly been a year of transition - from 15 months ago, when we were winning the Ashes at home, to what's happened. 'It's been a year you wouldn't expect, but England have found some outstanding cricketers as well.' Among them, perhaps most prominent are Moeen Ali and Gary Ballance - the latter palpably unlucky to be omitted from England's ODI squad in Sri Lanka and, even now, a plausible outsider to make the final 15 for that World Cup. Others, such as pace-bowling pair Chris Woakes and Chris Jordan, have made late surges for central roles at the global tournament - while Joe Root alone excelled himself amid the inconsistency elsewhere from the tourists. Asked to identify where England struggled most, Cook said: 'One of the hardest things was taking wickets up front - so Sri Lanka, most of the time, had a good base to get going from. 'The one game we did take early wickets, we won. 'Also, batting at the right rate without losing wickets. 'We were scoring at a good rate, but we weren't good enough to do it and keep wickets in hand.' England are still searching for that successful ODI formula, with the bat especially, which others seem to have hit upon first. Suranga Lakmal celebrates as Sri Lanka enacted a humiliating series win against England . Many key figures within the game have called on England to call time on Cook's captaincy . Scoring at a winning tempo, without a damaging risk factor, is a balance they find difficult to strike. Cook, however, is not above learning from others and adapting to effect improvement. 'The way Sanga [Kumar Sangakkara] and Dilshan played in particular, they've obviously taken the right options - good enough to hit the boundaries, and stay in. 'We've been hitting the boundaries, and not staying in.' As for his own continued lack of productivity at the top of the order - 119 runs in six innings at an average of 19.83 and strike rate of 67.23 - he knows much, much better is required. He said: 'There's not many players who've been at the top of the game for long periods and haven't had tough moments. 'There's no one, I don't think... maybe Bradman is one. 'Everyone has really tough moments, as a batter particularly, because it's a hard game. 'You're playing against the best players in the world, week in week out, at the top of the order. 'It's very easy sitting watching... it's harder walking out and doing it.' | England lost against Sri Lanka in the ODI series this winter .
Alastair Cook has consistently failed with the bat at the top of the order .
But he looks set to keep hold of the captaincy before the World Cup . |
02a300f080fbcc72542d250b40220919af9d0c27 | Alex Salmond today conceded there are alternative . ‘options’ to the British pound as the crisis deepened over his plans for an . independent Scotland’s currency. The First Minister denied that he does not have a back-up . plan, signalling that he could go into this year’s referendum with a proposal . for a new Scottish currency. But Mr Salmond is coming under intense pressure to reveal . his chosen ‘plan B’, with the country’s top business leaders demanding answers. Under pressure: Alex Salmond said other options were presented by the Scottish Government's 'fiscal commission working group' ¿ which included a 'new Scottish currency' The row comes after Chancellor George Osborne, Shadow . Chancellor Ed Balls and LibDem Treasury chief Danny Alexander this week . comprehensively rejected any deal to share the pound in a ‘currency union’ with . a separate Scotland. The game-changing move has left the Nationalists in . disarray just seven months before Scotland’s future is decided on September 18. Mr Salmond said other options were presented by . the Scottish Government’s ‘fiscal commission working group’ – which included a . ‘new Scottish currency’, either with a fixed exchange rate to the pound or a . ‘floating’ exchange rate. A ‘Scottish pound’ could be pegged on a one-to-one basis . with the British pound, in the way the Irish pound was until 1979. There would . be a Scottish central bank to replace the Bank of England to ensure the . credibility of the currency, and there would need to be large reserve of . sterling. Mr Salmond’s fiscal commission found last year: ‘In the long . run, the creation of a new Scottish currency would represent a significant . increase in economic sovereignty.’ However, it would be a major challenge to decide how . contracts, savings, pensions and salaries would be converted at the start into . values in the new currency. 'Keeping millions of British pounds in reserve would . also limit Scottish ministers’ ability to invest in public services. And if the markets were unsure about a new Scottish . currency, a premium could be added to interest rates – forcing Scots to pay . more for loans and mortgages. Mr Osborne used a speech in Edinburgh to insist the currency was not like a CD collection to be divided up in the event of a 'messy divorce' During an exchange on BBC's Good Morning Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond was keen to stress there were alternatives to an independent Scotland keeping the pound: . BBC's Jim Naughtie: Does that mean in the event of a yes vote you go into negotiations without another option in your back pocket? Alex Salmond: Well let me say for the third time Jim that the fiscal commission working group set out all of the monetary policy options for an independent Scotland but recommended the best one was a sterling area and that’s the one that we’re going to be articulating and that’s what you’d expect us to do…. Naughtie: OK Alex Salmond says there is no alternative... Salmond: No I didn’t say that Jim, I said... Naughtie: I’m just checking... Salmond: Try again, I said the Fiscal Commission Working Group set out a range of monetary policy options for an independent Scotland. Other currency options include unilaterally choosing to use . the pound with no control over monetary policy – adopting a formula used by . Panama, East Timor and the Federated States of Micronesia. Yesterday, a graphic . appeared on Yes Scotland’s Facebook page which stated: ‘An independent Scotland . would not need Westminster’s permission to continue using the pound.’ Or a separate Scottish Government could try to persuade . European nations to let the country join the Euro – which was once Mr Salmond’s . favoured option. Mr Salmond was interviewed on BBC radio show Good Morning . Scotland, after spending much of Thursday at his Aberdeenshire home . and avoiding the TV cameras as his independence plans crumbled around him. The First Minister was asked by presented Jim Naughtie if he . would go into negotiations following a ‘Yes’ victory ‘without another option in . your back pocket’? ‘The fiscal commission working group set out all of the . monetary policy options for an independent Scotland but recommended the best . one was a sterling area, and that’s the one we’re proposing and that we’re . going to be articulating and that’s what you’d expect us to do,’ Mr Salmond . replied. ‘OK Alex Salmond says there is no alternative,’ Mr Naughie . continued, before the SNP leader interrupted him and said: ‘No I didn’t say . that Jim.’ Mr Naughtie then challenged the First Minister: ‘So there is . an alternative. What is it?’ ‘The fiscal commission working group set out a range of . options,’ Mr Salmond conceded. Asked if the options were ‘off the table’, the First . Minister added: ‘They’re in the fiscal commission working group. They’re there . and have been there for the past year.’ Mr Osborne said it is clear that as Chancellor he could not recommend that the UK could share the pound with an independent Scotland . Conservative Chancellor George Osborne: The . evidence shows it wouldn’t work. It would cost jobs and cost money and . wouldn’t provide economic security for Scotland or for the rest of the . UK. People need to know – that is not going to happen.' Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander: 'This isn't bluff, or bullying, it's a . statement of fact. The SNP's claims that an independent Scotland could . or should be able to share the pound are pure fiction.' Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls: . 'You’d be trying to negotiate a monetary union as Scotland is pulling . away from the UK. It won’t happen, I wouldn’t recommend it. Scotland . will not keep the pound if Scotland chooses independence.' Former Chancellor Alistair Darling said: ‘The . penny has dropped for Alex Salmond – he knows he cannot promise the pound. ‘Alex Salmond is offering us one of two options: a rush to . join the euro or a separate unproven currency. 'Both currency options would be . bad for jobs as every time we sold to our biggest customer, England, Scottish . firms would need to pay the costs of changing currency.’ Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: ‘The First . Minister has effectively conceded that the sterling currency with the UK will . not happen. ‘He pointed towards the options in his fiscal commission but . he needs to tell us which one he’d choose. 'Would it be the euro or a separate . Scottish currency? The clock is ticking.’ Owen Kelly, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise . – whose members include Lloyds Banking Group, RBS, Aviva and Standard Life – . added: ‘It is as clear as it can be at this stage, that a currency union is not . an option for an independent Scotland. ‘It would now be prudent for businesses to consider the . specific effects adopting remaining options could have on their business.’ | First Minister insists he has a back-up plan if voters back independence .
George Osborne ruled out currency union with an independent Scotland .
Labour's Ed Balls and Lib Dem Danny Alexander then supported the move .
Scottish government accused Westminster politicians of 'bullying' |
02a3ebc55777174ee7db6c5bcd0a5b2fb993444b | British households will throw away the equivalent of 4.2 million dinners on Christmas Day, according to research. The food we leave on our plates on December 25 adds up to to 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 Christmas puddings and 17.2 million Brussels sprouts across the UK, a study revealed. Figures show that nearly 10 per cent of every festive meal is thrown away, which equates to an incredible £64million of wasted food. Scroll down for video . Christmas wastage: Britons will throw away an incredible £64m in excess food on 25 December . The sprouts alone would fill 1,000 wheelie bins, while leftover carrots could reach from London to Munich, end-to-end. And unused gravy would fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. 17.2m Brussels sprouts . 11.9m carrots . 11.3m roast potatoes . 10.9m parsnips . 9.8m cups of gravy . 7.9m slices of turkey . 7.9m cups of stuffing . 7.5m mince pies . 7.4m slices of Christmas pudding . 7.1m pigs in blankets . The poll by Unilever showed that whoever hosts Christmas lunch spends on average £112 on food alone. Typically, there are six of us around the Christmas dinner table and we're each expected to eat £18.60 worth of food. But it would take the average family nearly four days to eat everything bought just for Christmas Day. The study also found a third of British diners admit to serving themselves an excessive Christmas dinner that they can't finish. More than a third (36 per cent) of adults cite 'getting caught up in the Christmas spirit' as their excuse for buying too much food for the day. Under-35s are the worst culprits: 15 per cent spend up to £200 on food but confess to discarding £27 worth each. One in five of us admit to buying traditional Christmas food we don't even like, the study revealed. The research was carried out as part of Unilever's Project Sunlight #ClearAPlate campaign, to show that food poverty is closer to home than many people think. Half a million meals will be provided to families in need through its partnership with Oxfam. Jon Goldstone, Unilever Foods Director, said: 'We were shocked to hear just how much food goes to waste at Christmas. 'The festive season is naturally a time when we indulge with our family and friends but throwing away 4.2 million perfectly good Christmas dinners is a staggering waste. 'Having seen these figures, this year I know I will be putting a little more thought into my Christmas shopping and through our #ClearAPlate campaign we're encouraging others to do the same.' The #ClearAPlate campaign pledges to provide an additional half a million meals to families in need through its partnership with Oxfam and calls on people to do their bit to address food waste in order to help fight hunger. People can show their support for the #ClearAPlate campaign through three simple steps: . • Clear their plate of food and take a photograph . • Upload the image on their social media using #ClearAPlate to raise awareness of the issue . • Visit projectsunlight.co.uk to find out other ways to support the campaign, including donating meals or time to Oxfam.There are also tips and advice on reducing food waste, and recipe ideas on the site. | The figures revealed 10% of every festive dinner is thrown away, .
Poll by Unilever showed we spend an average £112 hosting a meal .
Third of diners admit to serving themselves an excessive amount of food . |
02a3eeff8a17721bd8ec8ffa0a6c9bfd98a48ce7 | Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini had a familiar feeling as he . watched Sergio Aguero limp out of the clash with Nigeria. His striker was taken off before half-time with what looked like another muscle injury. Concern: Sergio Aguero receives treatment before being substituted against Nigeria . Aguero . suffered a succession of calf, hamstring and thigh injuries during . City's Premier League winning campaign so Pellegrini would have been . keeping his fingers crossed for some good news on Wednesday night. That's another fine Messi . Lionel Messi versus Neymar is turning out to be an interesting World Cup sub-plot. The brilliant Argentinian took his tally for the tournament to four, level with his Brazilian rival. First up: Lionel Messi's strike sails past Vincent Enyeama in the Nigeria goal for opening goal . Each player has his nation's hopes resting on his shoulders and neither is disappointing. Messi now has 24 goals from 23 internationals, so where is the evidence . for the accusation that he isn't as good for Argentina as he is for . Barcelona? Ezequiel . Lavezzi's nickname is unfortunate and unfair. The 29-year-old Paris St . Germain forward is known as 'El Pocho' - the Chubby One. Impressive: Nigeria's Ahmed Musa scored twice against Argentina on Wednesday . The lowdown on two-goal Musa . Ahmed Musa scored two fine goals in Nigeria's defeat by Argentina. We will see more of him in this tournament with Nigeria making it through to the last 16 and here Sportsmail tells you more about the surprise package. So, who is he? A 21-year-old forward playing for CSKA Moscow. The Russian club signed him in 2012 after an impressive spell in the Dutch Eredivisie. Clinical: Nigeria's Ahmed Musa scores his second goal against Argentina . Will I have ever seen him play? If you followed Manchester City's Champions League campaign last season, you would. Musa featured in both group games. At the Etihad Stadium, he thought he had scored a late equaliser before his effort was ruled out with one of his teammates fouling in the build-up. Is he any good then? Musa has been highly regarded by a number of European clubs for several years now. While in Holland, the VV Venlo chairman revealed that he had turned down a €10million bid for the then 18-year-old. A number of English clubs have been keeping an eye on him and after Wednesday's fine display, surely the interest will only grow. Number of the day - 5 . First time both sides have scored in first five minutes . | Aguero limped off in World Cup clash against Nigeria .
Lionel Messi and Neymar are carrying their nation's hopes .
Ahmed Musa double will alert Premier League clubs . |
02a44826ef0b55c6f772774890603178fcf8df3c | The boy at the center of the cyber bullying feud that drove a young girl to suicide after she was terrorized online for a year admitted last night his feelings for her may have been the cause of the torment. John Borgen was dating Florida teen Rebecca Sedwick, 12, who jumped to her death on September 10, before he started seeing Guadalupe Shaw. The 14-year-old was arrested on Monday in connection with her death along with Katelyn Roman, 12, and Borgen admitted last night his continued affection for Rebecca may have been the cause of much of her death. The 12-year-old was 'terrorized' by as many as . 15 girls who ganged up on her and picked on her for months through . online message boards and texts. Jealousy: John Borgen - pictured with Guadalupe Shaw, who has been arrested in connection with the death of Rebecca Sedwick - said he didn't know Rebecca was being bullied . Accused: Katelyn Roman, 12, left, and Guadalupe Shaw, 14, right, were arrested and charged with aggravated stalking in connection with the death of Rebecca Sedwick . Victim: Rebecca Sedwick jumped to her death on September 10. She would have been 13 this weekend . He had dated Sedwick when they were classmates at Crystal Lake Middle School in Lakeland, Florida, and had known her since she was eight-years-old. After they split up he began dating Shaw - but said she was consumed with jealously because he made no secret of his affection for Rebecca. 'Guadalupe did not like the fact that I still liked Rebecca,' said Borgen, whose cover photo on his Facebook page shows him holding Guadalupe. 'She was angry that I still liked Rebecca and that I'd talk about her. 'It shocked me, it made me mad because she should have just told somebody,' he told WTSP. He said of the tormentors: 'They need to take life seriously. Why do you need to be bullying somebody?' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said . Tuesday that Shaw allegedly posted this heartless message on Facebook: . 'Yes IK [I know] I bullied REBECCA nd [sic] she killed her self but . IDGAF [I don't give a f***].' Sheriff . Judd said that even though Shaw's parents say that she is nice and must . have been hacked since she would never do such a thing, he cannot . believe that they would allow her back online amid the controversy. 'This girl is back on Facebook after Rebecca dying? Can you believe parents would let their child do that?' he said. 'We will not tolerate that. If I can find something to charge her parents with - who are in total denial about this - I will. The apple does not fall far from the tree. 'Rebecca took the bullying to heart and we are not putting up with it. When I stood there at the base of that tower and saw that baby - that child - deceased on the ground it broke my heart and I know it would break the hearts of people all over the country if they were in my position. 'We want to send a message out to kids that anyone who cyber stalks or cyber bullies will be punished.' In the middle: John Borgen previously dated Rebecca and her alleged tormentor Guadalupe Shaw . Devastated: Rebecca Ann Sedwick, 12, pictured with her mother Tricia Norman, is said to have had a disturbing upbringing . Denial: Guadalupe Shaw's parents - who did not want to be pictured - said their daughter was loving and caring and would never write those terrible things . While Shaw's parents are still in denial about their daughter's supposed actions, the parents of the other accused girl- Katelyn Roman- concede that they could have done more. Katelyn's father told ABC: 'I feel horrible for the whole situation. It's my fault that maybe I don't know about that kind of stuff but I wish I did.' One parent who was left reeling even after the arrests was that of Rebecca's mom Tricia as her daughter's 13th birthday would have been this weekend if she had not died last month. After the arrests of her daughter's tormenters were announced, Tricia said: 'I felt like a big weight had been lifted. It was a mixture of tears, relief and sadness. Tragic loss: Rebecca with her sister Amy . Bullied: Rebecca was withdrawn from her . elementary school after being bullied and was home schooled by her mother Tricia (right) who says her daughter's death should be a warning to all parents to be vigilant . Tributes: Flowers, candles and messages are left out in memory of 12-year-old Rebecca . 'Nobody took Rebecca's complaints of . bullying seriously. They just said, "you need to toughen up - adapt to . new surroundings- develop a thicker skin."' Judd said they decided to arrest Shaw after she posted the 'reprehensible' message on Saturday. 'We decided that we can't leave her out there. Who else is she going to torment, who else is she going to harass?' he said. Roman . was Rebecca's former best friend, but Judd said the 14-year-old turned . her against Rebecca. Other girls also stopped being friends with her in . fear of being bullied, the sheriff said. Missed: Rebecca Sedwick took her own life after being relentlessly bullied . 'Several . students corroborated stories of both girls bullying Sedwick on . different occasions, through name-calling, intimidation, threats to beat . her up, and at least one actual physical fight,' the sheriff said . today. He warned parents in a . news conference yesterday: 'Watch what your children do online. Pay . attention to what your kids are doing. Quit being their best friend and . be their best parent.' Roman . and Shaw were arrested on Monday night and detained at the county's . juvenile center before being released to their parents, the Orlando . Sentinel reports. They were charged with felony aggravated stalking. | Rebecca Sedwick, 12, was bullied online by a gang of up to 15 school girls .
She threw herself off a tower on September 10 .
Katelyn Roman, 12, and Guadalupe Shaw, 14, were arrested and named yesterday by the local sheriff, both charged with aggravated stalking .
Shaw posted on Facebook: 'I know I bullied Rebecca and she killed herself but I don't give a f***'
The fight started over their mutual ex-boyfriend, who has now told the suspects to talk to the authorities and 'stop bullying' |
02a45f544dfdf4503dbb1c3b1fb374f978eb7237 | By . Janet Tappin Coelho In Rio De Janeiro . PUBLISHED: . 07:13 EST, 29 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:10 EST, 29 October 2013 . CCTV cameras have caught the moment a son apparently drags a suitcase containing the dismembered remains of his mother into the street for rubbish collectors to pick up. Two hours after Carlos Macchione de Sampaio, 39, dumped the suitcase in the street in Santos, São Paulo, a vagrant looking for valuables opened it and found the body of retired teacher Claudia Macchione, 74. Macchione has been arrested, suspected of killing his mother. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Filmed: Macchione was caught dragging the heavy suitcase out of the residential block . The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, October 26. Cameras in the building show a bulky shirtless man in shorts, heaving a suitcase into the lift a few minutes before 11pm. Moments later he lugs the case out of the front door depositing it on the pavement for refuse trucks to collect in the morning. The man does not appear to be concerned about a resident entering the building as he carries on regardless. According to police, Sampaio, who had been living with his mother, suffered from psychological problems and was known to be violent after having a drink. Suspicious: Macchione was then caught putting the suitcase out into the street, seemingly for refuse collectors to deal with it . Carlos Macchione has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He's pictured here moving the suitcase into a lift . He worked as an English translator after living in Canada with his mother, some years ago. Press reports claim Sampaio was involved in a serious car accident while abroad, which left him with head injuries, affecting his mental state. Nephew of the murdered woman, Fernando Casali, said his cousin used to live some 300 miles away in the state of São Paulo. ‘Carlos was living in Termas de Ibirá. But five months ago, when I came to see my aunt, I found him living with her,’ Casali recalled. Retired teacher teacher Claudia Macchione, whose body was found by a vagrant . ‘I don’t know what sort of psychological illness he suffered from but he was normally a very affectionate person. However, when he was under the influence of alcohol he became violent,’ the cousin revealed. The body of the retired teacher was found by homeless man, Henrique Camargo Miranda, on the pavement of Avenida Conselheiro Nébias, 50 metres from the beach. He alerted night porter, Almeida de Souza Pereira, in the ten-storey, 70 apartments building, who recognised the victim. Grim: The body of Claudia Macchione was found in this suitcase . According to a police report, when the suspect opened the door to his first floor apartment ‘he put his head in his hands claiming that he had been asleep and denied responsibility for the crime’. He did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs an investigator said. The murdered pensioner was described as a gentle and pleasant woman by neighbours. Building security guard, Rogério Lopes dos Santos said: ‘Claudia was an extremely polite and very quiet woman.’ But he labelled the son a ‘weirdo’ and a ‘recluse’. ‘Since he came to live here, almost a year ago, he didn’t talk to anyone just walked with his head down all the time. He would stay in the apartment night and day using his computers, laptops, and other devices,’ dos Santos said. Preliminary investigations reveal the pensioner died from head wounds. Police have launched an inquiry into the motive behind the crime. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Carlos Macchione, 39, allegedly killed his mother and put her body in a trunk .
He was filmed dragging the suitcase from his flat in Santos, Sao Paulo .
A vagrant discovered the body of his mother, Claudia, in the suitcase .
Macchione has been arrested on suspicion of murder . |
02a57307f50d595b1c01fa18688f51c6161de142 | If you're on the lookout for your next property venture then why not consult the 'islands for sale' list? Private islands are available from as nearby to the Isle of Man as Ireland, to as far away as Australia. The idea of owning your own private islands seems like a luxury most of us can only dream of, but some are actually more affordable than you might think, while some may well indeed remain a dream. Scroll down for video . Venice Island, in the lagoon of Venice, is our most expensive one on the list at £9.6 million ($15 million) King's Island outside Copenhagen, Denmark, is the largest artificial island in the world and will set you back £8 million ($12.5 million) Captain Willy`s Caye near to Belize is at the cheaper end of the scale of islands to buy at £226,386 ($355,000) Little Island, near Manitoulin Island, Ontario, is our cheapest offering of the world's for sale islands, at £62,624 ($98,000) Whether you’d want a quiet island to quickly escape to from the stressful city, a tropical island with white sandy beaches to relax on, somewhere to take the family on a fishing trip, or even an island big enough to turn into a holiday resort for others to enjoy here is an infographic of the very best private islands available to suit everybody’s dreams. Would you choose the island that John Lennon and Yoko Ono used to live on? Or how about the island with its very own fort? One island is Taiwan comes with its very own pair of volcanoes. Dumunpalit Island near Palawan, Philippines, is known as 'Turtle Island' as the volcanoes at either end look like turtle fins . Belden Island, Branford, Connecticut, at £2.56 million ($4 million) has its own sandy beach and 100-year-old farmhouse that adds character to the setting . The house on Belden Island looks like a new build and will offer unbeatable views out to sea . Dorinish Island in Mayo, Ireland, was once owned by Beatles legend John Lennon, and his wife Yoko Ono . CEO of Private Islands Inc. who market the list of 700 islands for sale and rent all over the world, Chris Krolow told MailOnline Travel: 'Our typical client is one who is looking for a project, and looking to put their own mark on an island. 'It is very rare to get people who say the islands is perfect as it is; they may want to redesign the buildings, repair the boathouse, make extra developments to make it their own. 'Our clients are not there to lay back and relax and enjoy it as it comes, they are there to work at it.' Mr Krolow, who founded the company 16 years ago, and who also runs Private Islands Magazine as well as hosts/produces Island Hunters for HGTV in the US added: 'Selling or buying an island is very different to doing the same with any property, the only thing the same is the paperwork. 'Most of our clients know what they want, say they've been boating around the Bahamas and they realise that they want that island they kept passing. 'But we would always say you can try before you buy; it is a unique lifestyle and not everybody is cut out for it. There are islands available to rent and it gives you a chance to work out all the logistics like travel, time spent there.' St Athanasios Island, near Itea, Greece is on the market for £1.2 million ($1.9 million) and comes with an abundance of olive trees . Dolphin Jump Key near Florida, US, is listed for £643,675, ($1 million) and is home to the only living coral reef in the States . The most expensive island on our list is Venice Island, located in the lagoon of Venice itself. It's on the market for a cool £9.6 million ($15 million). Only a short boat ride to Venice where you can enjoy luxury shopping and eating, the island boasts four buildings including an exquisite villa. 'For the right person, Venice Island is an absolute steal,' added Mr Krolow. 'It's a great opportunity as it's so close to Venice, and the fact that it already has existing structure is a huge factor as regulations in Italy are strict with this.' Visit www.privateislandsinc.com for more information on some of the islands for sale and rent and www.visitiom.co.uk/blog/private-islands for more. | Venice Island up for grabs at a cool £9.6m ($15m) with easy access to Venice and its luxurious lifestyles .
John Lennon used to own Dorinish Island, now known as 'Beatle Island' available for £240,290 ($376,000)
CEO of privateislands.com describes owning as a 'unique lifestyle that not everyone is cut out for' |
02a5f1a831b5daeb6b8ec60c083c99f6249b97ac | This is the moment a drinker got himself impaled on a metal spike after he tried to climb over a beer garden gate - even though the gate was open. The inebriated punter had been turned away by bouncers for being too drunk when he turned up at The Fiddlers pub in Northampton on Saturday night. But the man was so determined to get into the Christmas party he decided it would be a good idea to try and sneak in via the beer garden instead. Foolish: This is the moment a man impaled his leg on the gate of The Fiddlers pub in Wellingborough Road, Northampton after being refused entry. He tried to climb over the metal gate - even though it was open . Despite the back gate being wide open he still attempted to clamber over a pointed metal fence - but slipped and impaled his leg on a metal spike. Emergency services were called to the pub in Wellingborough Road at around 1.40am and found the man dangling upside down from the fence. Despite having pierced the lower part of his left leg the 30-year-old appeared to be in 'good spirits' and was so drunk he could not feel any pain. Fire crews worked for half an hour to cut the fence in seven places to release the reveller who was then taken to hospital. A spokesman for the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Somebody had their leg impaled on a metal fence in Wellingborough Road. 'They were released safely by us and then taken to Northampton General Hospital by the ambulance service.' Drama: Emergency services were called to The Fiddlers pub in Wellingborough Road at around 1.40am and found the man dangling . upside down from the fence . Rob Eastham, manager of The Fiddlers, said the man has been refused entry by the bouncers because of his 'inebriated condition'. He said: 'The bouncers came to his aid after he was calling out for some attention. He had been refused entry because he was so drunk. 'He tried to climb over the fence. Although the back gate was open and he could have just walked through it. 'They could not give him any pain relief as he had been upside down so long they could not find a vein. 'But he seemed fine and, maybe because of the drink, he did not seem to be feeling the pain.' One punter, who had been enjoying the night out on Saturday, said: 'Everybody found it hilarious the gate was open and had no need to climb over anyway. 'He seemed OK but it must have hurt a lot in the morning.' | Man was turned away for being too drunk at The Fiddlers pub, Northampton .
He then tried to sneak in by climbing over a spiked gate into the beer garden .
Slipped and impaled his leg on a metal spike and was hanging upside down .
He didn't realise the gate was open and was so drunk he didn't feel any pain . |
02a60291ec2f525279bb4e6bbb8f4be7fde40974 | By . Tara Brady . A new advertising campaign by UN Women has used Google searches to reveal the reality of widespread sexism on the internet. Based on searches on March 9, 2013, the adverts expose the negative attitudes ranging from stereotyping as well as a denial of women's rights. When the words 'women cannot' was typed into the search box, Google's predictive suggestions came up with 'women cannot drive', 'women cannot be bishops' 'women cannot be trusted' and 'women cannot speak in church'. The adverts expose the negative attitudes ranging from stereotyping as well as a denial of women's rights . When someone typed 'women shouldn't' into the search box, suggestions included 'women shouldn't have rights', 'women shouldn't vote', 'women shouldn't work' and 'women shouldn't box'. The text appears over the mouths of women as if to silence their voices. The adverts were designed for U.N. Women by Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai. Christopher Hunt, Ogilvy & Mather's art director, said: 'When we came across these searches, we were shocked by how negative they were and decided we had to do something with them.' Powerful: The text appears over the mouths of women portraits as if to silence their voices . Kareem Shuhaibar, copy writer, said: 'The ads are shocking because they show just how far we still have to go to achieve gender equality. 'They are a wake up call, and we hope that the message will travel far.' UN Women said it hopes the searches will confirm the urgent need to continue making the case for women's rights, empowerment and equality. The adverts were designed for U.N. Women by Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai . In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the UN Charter, U.N. Women, among other issues, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls and the empowerment of women. | Adverts expose negative attitudes ranging from stereotyping and denial of women's rights .
Google's auto-complete suggested 'women cannot drive' and 'women cannot be trusted'
Text appears over mouths of women portraits as if to silence their voices . |
02a609b00c6d7ca522b5ae7297eb3f673c16ab50 | Washington (CNN) -- Congressional approval ratings hovered at historic lows. Republican and Democrats hurled insults at each other and among themselves. The political circus in Washington even made its way to "Saturday Night Live: -- in a sketch featuring Miley Cyrus, at that. It seemed that nothing would break through the partisan stronghold that left Capitol Hill at a standstill in the weeks leading up to and during the partial government shutdown. But at the same time some lawmakers were loudly pledging to dig in and hold their ground, a bipartisan group of 14 senators was working behind the scenes, churning out a plan to get the country back on track and avoid a possible default. Seven Republicans, six Democrats and one independent came together after Sen. Susan Collins of Maine stormed to the Senate floor on October 5 -- a Saturday -- and urged the chamber to actually work together, to "stop fighting and start legislating." The three-term senator, who's up for re-election next year, got a call from two other Republicans that same day, Sens. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. From there, they got to work. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia became the first Democrat to sign up. He was followed by lawmakers from all corners of the country: Sens. Mark Pryor, D-Arkansas; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota; Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana; Heidi Heitkamp, D-North Dakota; Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire; and Angus King, I-Maine. Republican Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Mark Kirk of Illinois, and Jeff Flake of Arizona also hopped on board. A week later, with more members in their ranks, the group presented its plan to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid rejected it. Time to throw out my guy in Congress? But the Senate was not back to square one. Some of the plan's elements were roped into the final agreement reached by Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday, the eve of the deadline to avoid default. Like the new agreement, the Collins' framework reopened the government, moved the deadline, included income verification provisions to prevent fraud in Obamacare and called for a budget conference between the two chambers of commerce. Most importantly, the plan seemed to light a fire under Senate leaders, and signs of progress and talking finally began taking shape in the days following the rollout of Collins' plan. "Today is a big loss for blame-game politics," Pryor said Wednesday from the Senate floor, with his cohorts also on the floor. So who are these lawmakers? And why were they able to work together? Four of them joined the Senate this year. Six of them are women. Three face re-election in a year. One of them is retiring. All of them are considered moderates in their respective parties, with many coming from states with a mixed political climate. Republican Collins' home state of Maine, for example, has voted for a Democrat in the last six president elections. Manchin, Donnelly, Heitkamp, Shaheen and Pryor are from states with large swaths of conservative voters. Conservatives defiant in face of GOP troubles . For these senators, the political risk of lining up with "the other side" isn't so high. But with the country growing more polarized, lawmakers who find themselves in those situations are becoming a rare breed. As they stood together Wednesday, the group promised it was only the beginning. Their next battle? The era of brinkmanship. "This group of 14 people (is) committed to staying together to address other issues of importance," McCain said Wednesday. "This isn't the last crisis that we're going to go through. But I think we have the framework for the kind of bipartisanship that the American people need and want." While it certainly opens them up for criticism from some who don't like seeing their representatives mingle with the opposition, King said that's the price to be paid to get things done. "That's what leadership is. It's the willingness to bear criticism, to stick (one's) neck out," he said. In a subtle blow to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, Klobuchar said the definition of "courage" is working across the aisle. "It's not gonna just be standing here by yourself making a speech with no one out there." 9 things we missed during the shutdown . Cruz famously carried out a 21-hour talkathon on the Senate floor in the final days before the shutdown. Acknowledging that sports analogies are cliches, Murkowski nonetheless argued that moving the ball down the field is all about teamwork. "Just one person -- you don't get anywhere," she said. "We cannot work together as individuals and expect to accomplish the work that is needed ... we've got to be working together." Both the House and the Senate will have a chance to work side-by-side when select members go to conference to hammer out a long-term plan in the coming months. The question is whether they can invoke the same spirit demonstrated by the recent gang of 14 -- because if they fail, the circus starts all over again. Senate makes a shutdown deal: Now what? | A bipartisan group of 14 senators worked behind the scenes .
The group is seven Republicans, six Democrats and one independent .
McCain: "This group of 14 (is) committed to staying together" to work on other issues . |
02a62f4045100d558801373211f5ad410f963340 | Within two weeks of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the head of U.S. special forces issued orders that all photos of the body be either turned in or destroyed, a newly released document shows. In an e-mail dated May 13, 2011, then-Vice Adm. William McRaven wrote the following: "One particular item that I want to emphasize is photos; particularly UBLs remains. At this point -- all photos should have been turned over to the CIA; if you still have them destroy them immediately or get them to the [redacted.]" The e-mail was obtained by the conservative activist group Judicial Watch, which has called for the public release of photos of the raid in Pakistan that killed the al Qaeda leader. The e-mail, which was almost entirely redacted, was released under a Freedom of Information Act request. See a PDF of the redacted e-mail . Days before McRaven's instructions, Judicial Watch had filed a FOIA request for such photos, and hours before, they filed a lawsuit, according to the group's president, Tom Fitton. "Despite there being multiple requests for this information, and a lawsuit for this information, there was a directive that was sent out, to who knows who, to destroy records," he said. "It may have been in violation of the law," he said. It is not clear whether any photos of bin Laden's remains were actually destroyed. Through a spokesman, McRaven declined to comment. Retired Gen. James "Spider" Marks, a CNN military analyst, says if McRaven ordered photos deleted, he may have been trying to protect operational secrets, sources and methods and trying to make sure no commandos kept any photos or video of the covert raid that they were not authorized to keep. "It wouldn't be surprising if they shook them down, and they said 'OK, I want to make sure you don't have something that's hidden away someplace,' " he said. In the days after the raid, President Barack Obama said he would not authorize the release of any images of bin Laden's corpse, saying it would create a security risk. Osama bin Laden: The fast facts . "It is important for us to make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head are not floating around as an incitement to additional violence, as a propaganda tool," the president told CBS news magazine "60 Minutes." Former FBI Assistant Director Tom Fuentes said he would have similar concerns if photos of the terrorist's body were made public. "You would see those images forever on television," he said. "That could lead to more recruitment of future al Qaeda members, making him a martyr." Fitton is not persuaded by that argument. "Americans' right to know about what their government is up to should be circumscribed because we don't want to offend terrorists and their sympathizers? That to me is unbelievable," he said. "This is a historic raid. People have a right to this information." But so far, the courts have not sided with Judicial Watch on that question, and the Supreme Court declined to hear the organization's appeal. The U.S. raid on bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was conducted on May 2, 2011. What the U.S. planned if the raid in Pakistan had not worked . 'Nightmare' at home for SEAL who shot Osama bin Laden . | Then-Vice Adm. William McRaven sent an e-mail dated May 13, 2011 .
Concerns were high about the possible leak of photos of Osama bin Laden's corpse .
His orders: "If you still have them destroy them immediately or get them to the [redacted.]"
The conservative activist group Judicial Watch obtained the e-mails . |
02a6460c4793528eba2bb29aa5eac995edfad8e2 | Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to kill a controversial proposal pushed by Republicans that would have allowed employers to opt out of providing health care coverage they disagree with on moral grounds. By a 51-48 mostly party line vote, the motion by Democrats to table the amendment succeeded, effectively killing it. Three Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the tabling motion, while one Republican -- retiring moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine -- voted with Democrats in favor. The so-called "conscience" amendment, sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, was the Senate Republicans' response to the simmering controversy over a recent Obama administration decision to mandate the kind of health care coverage provided by religious employers. "This bill would just simply say that those health care providers don't have to follow that mandate if it violates their faith principles," stated an early February press release from Blunt. "This is about the First Amendment. It's about religious beliefs. It's not about any one issue." The specific potential impact of the amendment was a matter of debate. On his website, Blunt rejected complaints that it would have allowed anyone to deny coverage of anything for any reason. However, Senate Democrats insisted it would provide too much latitude for employers to impose their personal beliefs on the healthcare issues of their workers. "It would simply give every boss in America the right to make health care decisions for their workers and their families," argued Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington. She and other Democrats said that under the amendment, employers could have cited moral objections to cutting off coverage of immunizations, prenatal care for children of unmarried parents and other standard procedures. The American Civil Liberties Union applauded the Senate vote. "The Blunt Amendment and its supporters are out of touch with reality," said Sarah Lipton-Lubet, the ACLU policy counsel. "Overwhelmingly, women from every religious background use contraception to protect their health and plan their families and lives. The Senate did the right thing by American women today." While Blunt's amendment took a broad approach, the main issue involved whether religious employers should have to include coverage for contraception in health plans offered to employees at affiliated institutions, such as hospitals. Earlier this month, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius issued a directive that would have required all employers, including religious organizations, to include such coverage in health insurance offered to their employees. While churches were exempt, the mandate covered religious affiliated institutions. Representatives from many faiths opposed the decision, calling it a violation of their religious conscience. In response to the uproar, the White House backed off the directive and instead said that religious employers could opt out of offering coverage for birth control, but insurance companies would have to offer such coverage separately and at no charge. Some critics say the White House's changed position does not go far enough. Blunt's amendment stated the president's health care law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, imposes requirements that infringe on the rights and conscience of insurers and plan sponsors. While the law exempts some religious groups, it does not allow all those with religious or moral objections to decline providing coverage, the amendment says. Part of the uproar surrounded universities and hospitals affiliated with religions, which were not given the same exemptions as churches and other religious institutions. The Blunt amendment would have established that an entity refusing coverage on religious or moral grounds is not in violation of the law. It did not mention contraception specifically and included health insurance companies . To get a vote on the Blunt amendment, it was tacked onto a $109 billion transportation bill, raising complaints from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, that the proposal was not germane to the legislation. Because of the dispute, action stalled on the transportation bill, which is backed by both parties. Reid said Tuesday that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, insisted on a floor vote on the Blunt amendment "before we can move ahead with this jobs bill." "Once we have put this extreme and distracting proposal behind us, I hope my Republican colleagues will stop living in the past and join us this year, 2012, and help us create jobs," Reid said. Blunt welcomed the vote by tweeting, "Glad Sen. Reid is going to allow a vote on my bipartisan admt to protect religious freedom this Thursday. #HHSMandate." Voting on the amendment forced senators to take a stand on the controversial contraception decision. Though many Republicans have come out in support of the measure, Snowe told MSNBC the amendment is "much broader than I could support." Not all Democrats were united against the amendment, however. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, issued a statement Wednesday saying he would support it. "I am voting in favor of this measure to protect the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America," Manchin said in a statement. A CNN/ORC International poll earlier this month showed a partisan divide on the issue, with 70% of Democrats agreeing with the Obama administration policy while 85% of Republicans opposed it. Independents were statistically split. CNN's Josh Levs contributed to this report. | The ACLU hails the Senate vote .
The measure would have allowed employers to opt out of some health care coverage .
Sen. Roy Blunt defends his amendment as defending religious freedom .
Opponents say it gives employers too much power to deny coverage for workers . |
02a6c0932681500df92b1e49cac472ec671b0ea0 | A fitness expert and model who rubbed elbows with celebrities was struck and killed by a Metrolink train Burbank, California, while walking on the tracks Saturday afternoon, authorities said. Greg Plitt, 37, was dressed in all black and stumbled over the tracks with a video camera in his hand, according to one witness, as a friend says he was filming an ad for a protein shake. Andy Cohen of Bravo called Plitt, whose new series Friends to Lovers is set to premiere Monday, 'as nice as he was beautiful.' Scroll down for video . Killed: Tributes from celebrities and members of the fitness community came in for Greg Plitt, an actor and model who was struck and killed by a Metrolink train in Burbank on Saturday afternoon . 'We couldn't take our eyes off Greg Plitt after we cast him on "Work Out,"' the talk show host and former head of development at Bravo said in a tweet. Plitt 'seemed invincible, like Superman.' In addition to reality television, Plitt has starred on shows such as Days of Our Lives, movies like Grudge Match and 10,000 B.C., and flexed on the covers of more than 250 fitness magazines. Youtube videos mixing workout advice with inspirational speeces have racked up millions of views. Originally from the Baltimore suburb of Lutherville, The Mirror reports that Plitt trained at West Point, serving for five years as an officer in the Army Rangers. After his military career, he became a personal trainer and fitness model, eventually starring on Bravo's 'Work Out' and 'Work Out In The Zone.' Fitness model Jamie Eason said she was 'heart broken' over Plitt's death and said he was filming an ad for a protein shake when he was killed. Restricted: One witness described seeing a man in all black stumble over the tracks, while police said that Plitt was in an area where pedestrians were prohibited from crossing . Struck: A southbound Metrolink train hit Plitt, who was walking along the tracks, as a friend said he was filming an ad for a protein shake . Physique: Plitt was considered a model for aspiring bodybuilders and fitness junkies, racking up millions of views on his Youtube videos . Training: Previous workout videos featuring Plitt have shown him working out along train tracks next to rolling trains . 'He was always someone who would go the extra mile for his friends,' she added. CBS reports that shortly after 4pm, Plitt was walking with a group of friends along the tracks in a restricted area near downtown Burbank when he was hit by a southbound Metrolink train. Burbank police Sgt Scott Meadows told NBC Plitt was pronounced dead at the scene, saying the death 'was not clearly a suicide.' Ranger: Plitt trained at West Point, serving for five years as an officer in the Army Rangers, before becoming a personal trainer and fitness model . Actor: Plitt appeared as an actor on television and movies, from Days of Our Lives to Grudge Match, shown here in a behind-the-scenes still from Terminator: Salvation . Authorities stated Plitt was filming and photographing trains and said they were going through the recordings to see whether the incident was documented. 'He had on all black. The train went by. I saw him stumble over the tracks. He had a camcorder in his hand,' one Metrolink passenger Victor Crowell told KABC. The 180 passengers were unharmed and transferred to a bus to be taken to Union Station, while a return train was cancelled. | Greg Plitt, 37, was struck by a Metrolink train and pronounced dead on the scene .
A former Army Ranger, Plitt entered the fitness industry and went on to star in reality shows on Bravo .
One friend said Plitt was filming a protein shake ad when he was killed .
Tributes came in from celebrities and members of fitness industry . |
02a72ce1e1ddcf0b58d7c12c3dd4dcdab9f970ea | By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 12:02 EST, 23 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:08 EST, 23 February 2014 . A teenager was killed in a 115mph car crash just a month after being told she had survived cancer, an inquest heard. Jade Best, 19, was killed instantly when the high-powered car driven by Adam Ruthven, 27, lost control and skidded sideways into a hairdressing salon. Soldier Danny Hague, 32, who was sat in the passenger seat at the time, also died at the scene, as did the driver. An inquest in Bradford, West Yorkshire, heard just days before the accident, Miss Best had celebrated her 19th birthday. She had been given the all clear from cancer just a month before. Tragic: Cancer survivor Jade Best (right), who was killed in fatal car crash in Bradford. She is pictured here with her mother Karen . The teenager was described after her death as 'a strong character who got over her cancer', which she had received chemotherapy treatment for. Following the crash on the evening of September 16 last year, her parents said in a statement: 'Jade was a happy-go-lucky person and had a lovely outgoing personality that meant she embraced life to its fullest. 'She had recently been given the all-clear following a cancer diagnosis and had so much life left to live. We are devastated by her death and that she has been taken from us in such tragic circumstances.' The inquest on Friday heard the black Mitsubishi Evolution car was travelling at around 115mph in a 30mph zone when the driver lost control and narrowly missed another car before crashing. The car was travelling towards Bradford after the trio had been drinking in The Royal pub in the nearby village of Denholme. The inquest heard how one onlooker described the crash as being 'like an explosion'. Post mortem tests showed that married father-of-two Mr Ruthven and Mr Hague - a Lance Corporal who was on leave from serving in Iraq - were over the drink-drive limit, which may have contributed to Mr Ruthven's loss of control. Drink driver Adam Ruthven (left) who was killed in a car crash. He was driving at 115mph in a 30mph zone and killed who friends Danny Hague (right) and Jade Best . The scene where 19-year-old cancer survivor Jade Best was killed in fatal car crash in Bradford . Miss Best died instantly when a black Mitsubishi Evo she was travelling in the back of left the road and crashed into a hairdresser's salon . 'A happy-go-lucky person': Mourners place flowers at the scene where Jade Best was killed . The coroner was told CCTV suggested keen car enthusiast Mr Ruthven was driving no less than 100mph and possibly 'in excess of 115mph'. Minutes earlier, the Mitsubishi had overtaken a vehicle containing two people who commented that 'it was going to kill somebody'. Road traffic accident investigator Keith Rayner told the coroner that it was an 'unbelievable speed', and that residents had commented on the car's noise and speed earlier on in the evening. Paramedic Jodie Halls told the hearing: 'I arrived first at the scene and saw lots of people, with the car embedded into the building. 'There was someone giving CPR to the driver. When I opened the rear door on the driver's side I saw a young woman laid across the back seats. 'She had no pulse and wasn't breathing, I knew she was dead. The driver was also dead, we worked on the passenger giving him further CPR but he died soon after.' Coroner Tim Ratcliffe, recording verdicts of accidental death, said: 'Mr Ruthven knew the area well and was well aware of the speed limit. 'His speed was excessive and frightening to those who had seen the car that evening.' He told the families: 'You have lost loved ones at an early age, and for this I am very sorry.' | Jade Best, 19, died instantly when the car crashed into a building .
Soldier Danny Hague, 32, a passenger, also died at the scene .
High-powered Mitsubishi was driven by Adam Ruthven, 27 who also died .
Jade's parents, from West Yorks, paid tribute to their daughter . |
02a73fa6165efae4df3711a37c6beb0e328d8f86 | Paul Pogba is one of the hottest properties in world football at present, with headlines in European papers suggesting as many as four major clubs are after the Juventus midfielder. La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to start the bidding war, according to Spanish publications Marca and AS. The latter suggest that French compatriot Zinedine Zidane, currently the Real Madrid Castilla coach, is pushing hard for the hierarchy to sign the 21-year-old. POGBOOM! Barcelona and Real Madrid are leading the fight for Paul Pogba, according to Marca . AS say Zinedine Zidane will speak to the Juventus midfielder while also commenting on Toni Kroos' play-time . Marca claim he offers great value on the pitch and as a marketing image and at a price of around £72.5million and offer the headline 'PogBOOM'!'. Papers in Italy also believe Barca and Real are the frontrunners, but that PSG and Manchester United are also interested. Pogba is a former United youth international, but felt he didn't have enough first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson and left for Juventus on a free in 2012. Elsewhere, Toni Kroos' importance to Real Madrid this season has been stressed by AS. Pogba has built his reputation as one of the best midfielders in world football at a young age . The German midfielder has 'never played so much' having made an appearance in 38 of Real's 40 official games this season, and Carlo Ancelotti won't be giving him a rest against Villarreal. In the Italian press there are several previews ahead of the Serie A showdown between Juventus and Roma, as well as more news on Pogba. Tuttosport also claim that Jose Mourinho is pressuring Chelsea to sign Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi. The Italian press focus on Juventus vs Roma and Parma's demise, as well as a Chelsea transfer line . | Four major clubs after Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba according to papers .
Spanish press say Real Madrid and Barcelona are the front-runners .
Manchester United and PSG are interested in the French youngster, too .
Jose Mourinho wants Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi at Chelsea . |
02a7dafda52e2cf23e727a32bfb9752894858388 | Energy secretary Ed Davey claimed the green business interests of energy watchdog chief John Gummer were not conflict of interest . Energy Secretary Ed Davey has admitted he knew former Tory Minister John Selwyn Gummer had green business interests when he chose him to head the powerful government watchdog that sets targets for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. But he insisted they did not amount to a conflict of interest – on the grounds they only concerned ‘infrastructure’, not renewable power generation. Last night critics dismissed this view as ‘absurd’. The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this year that Mr Gummer, now Lord Deben, is chairman of both Veolia Water UK, which connects windfarms to the National Grid, and the Climate Change Committee. The committee’s stringent, binding targets are the main reason why the Grid is set to spend £25 billion on its network by 2020 – a big factor in soaring household energy bills. This newspaper’s disclosure about Veolia Water UK triggered a long correspondence – published last week after a Freedom of Information Act request – between MPs, Lord Deben and Mr Davey. The latter said in a letter in May that he knew about Veolia’s energy business, but there was no conflict of interest because the firm was ‘mainly involved in infrastructure projects’. Labour MP Graham Stringer, a prominent climate sceptic, was scathing about Mr Davey’s role: ‘The whole of our energy policy has been distorted by green lobbyists. To say there is no conflict because Veolia is only involved in energy infrastructure is patently absurd.’ Last night The Mail on Sunday asked Lord Deben how much Veolia is paying him and how he could avoid making Climate Committee decisions that might benefit the firm. He did not respond. Mr Gummer, pictured second from left with David Cameron, Wetlands Trust chief executive Martin Spray and MP Zac Goldsmith, is the chairman of Veolia Water UK, which connects wind farms to the National Grid . | John Selwyn Gummer is chairman of a firm which connects wind farms .
But he also leads a committee in charge of setting green energy targets .
Now Energy Secretary admits he knew - but insists there was no problem .
Labour climate sceptic Graham Stringer said that claim is 'patently absurd' |
02a801fd7eaf84885445d70e9b865abfbad74291 | (CNN) -- An explosion at a restaurant in downtown Djibouti killed three people and injured several more, according to a Ministry of Health official and a doctor at a local hospital. The two sources, who do not want to be named, confirmed three people died and an unknown number of others were wounded. The sources do not believe it was a suicide bombing. The Ministry of Health official confirmed that the restaurant where the attack occurred is La Chaumiere, a popular restaurant among Westerners who visit the small Horn of Africa nation. Both sources confirmed that foreigners were among the dead, but they would not give specifics on nationalities. The U.S. Embassy is Djibouti issued an alert to Americans following the attack at the busy restaurant. The alert advises citizens to "exercise heightened security measures." It also recommends Americans to "limit movements, avoid areas frequented by Westerners, implement additional personal security measures, and review personal crisis response plans." CNN's Shelby Lin Erdman contributed to this report . | Sources do not believe it was a suicide bombing .
A Ministry of Health official confirms foreigners are among the dead .
The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti issues a security alert . |
02a84f2af1daf4fae7e463adb186cfeb1877fc07 | While a close encounter with a shark strikes fear into the heart of any fishermen, the last thing these kayakers wanted to experience was a real life scene taken straight from the film Jaws. Shocking footage has emerged of two kayakers from the United States who got a bit too close for comfort when they dropped a GoPro into the water to film the hammerhead. Mark Naumovitz, from Port St. Lucie and Brian Nelli, from Palm Beach Gardens, were fishing off the shore of Palm Beach Florida when they spotted the four metre shark last Friday. Scroll down for video . Footage shows two kayakers coming into close contact with a hammerhead shark last Friday . ‘It's not really a huge thing to see sharks,’ Naumovitz told WPTV. ‘But when you have a dorsal fin trailing you like its Jaws, it's a different story.’ The pair was stalked relentlessly as they watched in horror while it circled the boat at least 30 times for more three kilometres. Mark Naumovitz and Brian Nelli were fishing off the shore of Palm Beach Florida when they spotted the shark . The pair was stalked relentlessly by a three metre hammerhead for more than three kilometres . The underwater camera captured the animal as it bumped into the plastic vessel more than once while the two fishermen desperately paddled their way back to shore. ‘It freaked me out a little,’ Nelli told WPTV. ‘I was reminding myself there was a shark in the water and not to fall out. Nelli told WPTV that he saw the shark inching toward the tail of his kayak when wind began to pick up, which made the water choppy. The pair was stalked relentlessly as they watched in horror while it circled the boat at least 30 times . The underwater camera captured the animal as it bumped into the plastic vessel more than once . The pair noticed the shark appearing after catching a Mahi, which is a common dolphinfish . The video was posted on Youtube on Tuesday and has received more than 75,000 views since . The pair noticed the shark appearing after catching a Mahi, which is a common dolphinfish. 'He may have picked up scent and followed us,' Naumovitz said. Despite the frightening encounter, the dreaded jaws was seen circling the boat before disappearing into the deep blue sea. The video was posted onto Youtube by user TCKayakFishing on Tuesday and has received more than 75,000 views since. | Footage shows two kayakers coming into close contact with a shark .
Mark Naumovitz and Brian Nelli were fishing in Palm Beach Florida .
The pair was stalked relentlessly by a three metre hammerhead .
But the dreaded jaws was seen circling the boat before swimming away . |
02a969f66b83ef0da3a960abde2f02e7bae01109 | As a professional dancer, Pasha Kovalev is used to pushing his body - and, apart from an occasional sniffle, it's served him well. 'I had a few colds, but nothing serious. I was always on the dancefloor, which kept me in good shape,' says the 33-year-old, who has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing since 2011, partnering celebrities such as singer Kimberley Walsh and, in the new series, Countdown's Rachel Riley. But it was this hard-working lifestyle, he believes, which led to a bout of illness so severe it could have cost him his life. In step: Strictly Come Dancing partners Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev . In 2006, Pasha was living in New York, where he came down with a sore throat - accompanied by fever, heavy limbs, trouble swallowing and extreme fatigue. 'I assumed it was just a common cold,' says Pasha, who is from Russia. But over the course of six days he became so ill his friend called an ambulance. After a battery of tests, he was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome. A complication of tonsillitis, it causes inflammation in the head or neck. The condition causes the bacteria infecting the throat to get into the jugular vein -– the main vein that runs through the neck and connects the head to the heart. This leads to the lining of the vessel becoming inflamed, disrupting the flow of blood and triggering the formation of a blood clot, which is infected with the bacteria. After a scan found Pasha had a blood clot, doctors told him there was a danger of it spreading into his brain, where it could result in a stroke. He was given antibiotics and blood-thinners to try to prevent it from getting bigger so his body could break it down. Another potential risk is of bacteria escaping into the bloodstream within broken pieces of clot or independently. This could lead to life-threatening blood poisoning, or septicaemia. Hooked up to drips and unable to eat solid food, Pasha lost 20lb in less than a fortnight and felt weak, but he stayed positive. 'I am quite chilled out and my attitude was: “If the blood clot moves, it moves, but for now I am still here.” ' Deceptive: Pasha thought he had a minor cold, but after a slew of tests he was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome, a complication of tonsillitis . Thankfully, Pasha's clot did dissolve and he was discharged from hospital within three weeks - but he was left with a weakened immune system for months. Though Lemierre's is rare, complications stemming from throat infections are not uncommon. 'Sore throats are more common than any other type of infection,' says Andrew McCombe, ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant and spokesman for ENT UK. 'Though the majority will be nothing to worry about, if it gets nasty, bacteria can get into the bloodstream, make you very sick and interfere with the function of organs. In exceptional circumstances, they can cause septicaemia, which can lead to death.' The three main structures of the throat that can feel sore are the larynx (voice box), pharynx (the throat) and tonsils. Inflammation of these areas are known as laryngitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis. The latter is the most common, with most children experiencing it at least once. Experts are warning that tonsillitis is on the rise, and this is causing an increase in a condition called quinsy. This is a complication of tonsillitis, and causes pus to develop between the tonsils and the back of the throat. 'Quinsy is common,' says Mr McCombe. 'We see two or three cases a week where I work, and there are 6,000 admissions for quinsy across the country every year. We're seeing more as we witness a reduction in the number of tonsillectomies.' As well as a painful abscess (up to the size of a walnut) and sore throat, patients with quinsy may have trouble swallowing, which can lead to drooling, bad breath and an earache. If the infection gets into the bloodstream, it could lead to rigors (shivering), though doctors are unsure why, says ENT surgeon George Murty, of University Hospitals Leicester. 'Cases have increased two to three times in the past few years compared to previously,' says Mr Murty. 'It's not just more common, it is also more severe. 'I see more complications, such as the pus spreading. If it gets to the spinal cord, it could potentially cause paralysis. 'In the past year I've seen three major complications of quinsy. When I started 25 years ago, you'd see it once every couple of years.' He puts the increase down to GPs prescribing fewer antibiotics for sore throats - due to concerns over antibiotic resistance - as well as fewer children having their tonsils removed. 'The Government is keen to reduce the costs of surgery. Previously, the decision on whether you'd benefit from a tonsillectomy was made by the GP,' says Mr Murty. 'Quinsy is common. We see two or three cases a week where I work, and there are 6,000 . admissions for quinsy across the country every year. We're seeing more . as we witness a reduction in the number of tonsillectomies.' 'Now it's increasingly more difficult for GPs to refer patients for tonsillectomies. You need to have many more episodes of tonsillitis - usually seven a year - before you have the operation.' But quinsy isn't the only complication of a sore throat. A quarter of children with throat infections will have a middle ear infection, or glue ear, where the fluid between the inner ear and eardrum becomes infected by bacteria. 'The bacteria can spread up the eustacian tube, which connects the back of the throat to the ear,' says Mr Murty. 'It can also happen when the tonsils and andenoids - lumps of tissue above the tonsils - swell up, blocking off this tube and meaning you can't ventilate it properly. This can lead to hearing loss. Fortunately, it's reversible.' Another potentially serious, but thankfully rare, complication arising from a throat infection is scarlet fever - characterised by a distinctive pinkish rash - and rheumatic fever, which leads to joint pain and swelling, and inflammation of the heart. These conditions develop in response to so-called 'strep throat' - a throat infection caused by streptococcal bacteria. Throat infections can also result in glomerulonephritis - an inflammation of the kidneys that can ultimately lead to renal failure. It can be caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue as a consequence of the infection. And research has even pointed to a link between throat infections caused by the streptococcal bacteria and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), characterised by anxious thoughts and repetitive behaviours such as handwashing. Pushy: Pasha, pictured with Kimberley Walsh, says 'Now if I push myself, I make sure I have time to recuperate' A 2009 study from Columbia University concluded some cases of OCD could be caused by the body's attempt to attack the bacteria. One theory is that antibodies made by the body to attack the bacteria react with parts of the brain. However, many experts are unconvinced of the link. Despite the potential complications of a sore throat, Mr McCombe stresses most are minor and unlikely to lead to a serious problem. 'If it's an isolated sore throat, I wouldn't be too stressed,' he says. 'But if you also have joint pain, which could indicate bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, muscle ache, a temperature, headache and you feel really rotten, give it up to 48 hours and do the sensible things, such as taking on fluids, painkillers and anti-inflammatories. 'But if you feel worse after 48 hours, consider seeing your GP.' After Pasha recovered from Lemierre's, he decided to stop putting himself through gruelling dance competitions and concentrate on performing in shows. This led him into the world of TV via the U.S. version of So You Think You Can Dance, where the Strictly producers spotted him. 'For most of us, if everything is going well, you take things for granted - and that includes your health,' says Pasha. 'Now if I push myself, I make sure I have time to recuperate. Strictly can be intense, so I go on holiday as soon as it's over.' Pasha: The Autobiography Of TV's Hottest Dance Star by Pasha Kovalev (John Blake, £14.99). To order a copy for £13.49 (P&P free), call 0844 472 4157. | Pasha's 'cold' was diagnosed as Lemierre's syndrome, a neck inflammation .
Difficulties stemming from throat infections are not uncommon .
Experts warn that tonsillitis is on the rise . |
02aa74a714235c99df4cd71b02065625d259b7c8 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Todd and Pam Gunter turned their son into police when they discovered a hit-list he'd made last year of school bullies he intended to harm. A year later, the couple is speaking out about the discovery of their teen son's hit list that rocked Rigby, Idaho and turned them into crusaders for more mental health resources and education in America's schools. 'The reason we tell our story isn't so that people will look differently on us. We were also looking for the solutions,' Todd recently told KSL. Horrified parents: Todd and Pam Gunter turned their son into police when they discovered a hit-list he'd made last year of school bullies he intended to harm . The Gunters believe the solution is in prevention through education and school-based mental health resources. After their son plot was uncovered by fellow parents, the Gunters were flabbergasted. 'My first reaction was the same as any parent would be — "you've got the wrong child,"' Todd recalled. 'It's our son, what would change our son, a kind, generous, friendly, child to do something so cruel and mean. And I couldn't understand at what point he would have had to have reached to have gone to those drastic measures,' said Pam Gunter told KIDK. When the disbelief wore off, they turned the boy in to authorities and sought out professional advice. It was then that a sociologist suggested that it was perhaps the couples' unwillingness to display any sort of confict in front of their children that led him to feel so helpless when faced with it at school. The popular boy who'd run for class president and always had lots of friends was turned to violence after just a week of taunting, it was later revealed. Snapped: After a week of bullying, the boy snapped because--according to mental health professionals--he didn't have the training at home or at school on how to deal with difficult people and circumstances . 'We do have disagreements, but we don't openly fight,' Pam told KSL. ‘This is a juvenile reacting to that bullying, trying to take matters into his own hands,’ said Robin Dunn, Jefferson County prosecutor. Police said bullying led to the fight started by the boy. Police found a bag containing guns, ammunition, and knives. Investigators believe no one else was involved in planning the possible attack. Keith Hammon, Rigby’s police chief, said a police officer was looking into reports of bullying at the school before the parents reported their concerns. ‘The officer felt that there was more to what was going on with this young man and decided he needed to be evaluated,’ Hammon said. The boy was held at the St. Anthony Five County Detention and Youth Rehabilitation Center, where he underwent mental health evaluations and treatment. Included were classes on how to deal with difficult people and situations. The Gunters now believe such classes should be included in curricula at schools everywhere. As their son settles into a new school, the Gunters have developed a pilot program for dealing with bullying. 'You can't go through an experience like this and close your eyes and walk away from it. You have to take it and you have to take it, take everything you've learned and do everything in your power and control to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else," said Pam Gunter told KIDK. Education: The boy no longer attends Rigby Middle, but his parents are pushing for his old school, and schools in general, to create anti-bullying education programs to prevent circumstances like the one they endured . | Idaho parents Todd and Pam Gunter's 13-year-old son was found with a list of classmates and authorities he wanted to harm, guns and ammo .
The unnamed boy was detained at a juvenile facility and underwent therapy and training for dealing with stressful situation sensibly .
The Gunters are speaking out in the hope of helping other parents deal with and prevent similar situations . |
02aafe38ea456f761cc0fd92e428a1d7b25a49ae | ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Attackers in a Taliban-controlled area of Pakistan shot and tried to behead a Pakistani journalist on Wednesday, according to his employer GEO TV. Mosa Khankhel was reporting for GEO TV when he was killed. The slain correspondent, Mosa Khankhel, had been covering the recent peace deal between the Pakistani government and Taliban militants in Swat Valley when he was killed, GEO TV managing director Azhar Abbas said. "He is the first martyr of this peace deal," Abbas said, adding that he believes it is unlikely the deal will end the campaign of violence that has centered in Swat. Khankhel was traveling in a caravan with Sufi Mohammed, who was leading the peace deal negotiations for the Taliban, when he went missing, Abbas said. His body was found about an hour later. He had been shot three times and his killers had attempted to cut off his head. Abbas called on Pakistan's government to fully investigate the killing of Khankhel, who was the network's correspondent based in North West Frontier Province as part of GEO TV's Peshawar bureau. His death comes a day after Pakistan's government recognized the Taliban's interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law, in the entire Malakand Division, which includes Swat and its surrounding district. Watch questions raised by Khankhel's death » . The agreement marked a major concession by Pakistan in its attempt to hold off Taliban militants who have terrorized the region with beheadings, kidnappings, death threats, and the destruction of girls' schools. The regional government in the Swat valley struck the deal to allow sharia law, in return the Taliban agreed to a 10-day cease fire. The Taliban control of Swat -- which is about 100 miles northwest of Islamabad -- is the deepest advance by militants into Pakistan's settled areas, which are located outside its federally administered tribal region along the border with Afghanistan. The peace deal is the latest attempt by Pakistan's civilian government -- which took power last year -- to achieve peace through diplomacy in areas where Taliban and al Qaeda leaders are believed to have free rein. But analysts as well as critics within the establishment have warned that Pakistan's previous dealings with the Taliban have only given the fundamentalist Islamic militia time to regroup and gain more ground. Khadim Hussain, a professor Bahria University in Islamabad who studies Pakistani politics, said the government has set the stage for two contradictory, parallel states in North West Frontier Province. "If you leave them like that and you give ... a semblance of peace in a particular area, what does that mean?" Hussain said. "It means you're capitulating. It means you're surrendering the state to them. It means your submitting the state authority to them because they are running a parallel state." He said the government's decision amounts to a marriage of convenience made under duress. Swat has been overrun by forces loyal to Maulana Fazlullah's banned hardline Islamic group, Tehreek Nifaz-e-Shariat Mohammadi (TNSM) which has allied itself with Taliban fighters. TNSM was once led by Sufi Mohammed, Fazlullah's father-in-law, who is leading the latest negotiations. Sufi Mohammed was released from jail last year by Pakistani authorities after he agreed to cooperate with the government. He was jailed in 2002 after recruiting thousands of fighters to battle U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Fazlullah took over TNSM during Sufi Mohammed's jail stint and vowed to continue his fight to impose fundamentalist Islamic law in the region. Last May, Pakistan's government announced it reached a peace deal with militants in Swat Valley. In the months that have followed, the Taliban have seized control of the region and carried out a violent campaign against government officials, including local politicians. The head of the secular Awami National Party -- which represents the region -- was forced to flee to Islamabad amid death threats from the Taliban. Pakistan is under enormous pressure to control the militants within its borders, blamed for launching attacks in neighboring Afghanistan where U.S. and NATO forces are fighting militants. The United States -- using unmanned drones -- has carried out several airstrikes inside Pakistan on suspected militant targets, including one on Monday that killed at least 15 people, Pakistani sources said. Such airstrikes, which sometimes result in civilian casualties, have aggravated tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan. Pakistan's military operation in the region is unpopular among Pakistanis, but efforts to deal diplomatically with militants have not worked in the past. Pakistan's previous leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, reached a cease-fire deal with militants in South Waziristan in 2006 which was widely blamed for giving al Qaeda and Taliban a stronger foothold in the region. CNN's Stan Grant contributed to this report . | Journalist for Pakistan's GEO TV killed in Taliban-area of the country .
GEO says Mosa Khankhel was shot and his attackers tried to behead him .
Khankhel was traveling with Taliban lead negotiator when he went missing .
Incident happened in Swat where Pakistan-Taliban agreed to allow sharia law . |
02ab1348b5217cc3df52a1c22430c97a34f38b8a | (Tribune Media Services) -- I remember a bleak time in Poland when the economy was so maddeningly out of touch with the needs of its people that anyone lucky enough to own a car would remove their windshield wipers at night and take them inside. In their command economy -- oblivious to the laws of supply and demand -- some official forgot to order wipers and consequently, they weren't for sale anywhere. Inspired by a hungry black market, thieves would work late into the night snapping them up. Krakow's main square is pleasant day or night. Many Americans remember Poland as bleak and rundown -- full of rusting factories and smoggy cities. I remember a time when the air was so polluted it turned my hanky black the day I entered the country. Glum locals used to stand patiently in line at a soda stand to sip a drink from the same tin cup tethered to the stand by a rusty chain. Of course, those days are long gone now and many American visitors are stunned speechless when they step into Krakow's vibrant main square, Gdansk's lively streets, or Warsaw's colorful Old Town. While a new affluence has arrived, visitors can still see a variety of Polands: Lively and cosmopolitan urban centers; breathtaking medieval cities showing off a dynamic history; grimy industrial zones still cleaning up the mess left by the Soviets; and hundreds of traditional farm villages in the countryside. As I'm more nostalgic for the humble old days than most locals, I'm sure to venture into the countryside. City dwellers often talk about the "simple people" of Poland -- those descended from generations of farmers, working the same plots for centuries and living an uncomplicated, traditional lifestyle. Spending time with this large contingent of old-fashioned, down-to-earth folks can be a great way to get a true sense of Poland's story. Sometimes my nostalgia for the old times confounds my Polish hosts. In Krakow, my friend, Kasia, wanted to treat me to a fine dinner and asked where I'd like to eat. I said a "milk bar." Kasia said her mother would never forgive her if I took her American friend to one of these bleak government-subsidized workers' diners. I begged, promising I'd never tell, and Kasia agreed. For me, eating at a "bar mleczny" -- or "milk bar" -- is an essential Polish sightseeing experience. These super-cheap cafeterias, which you'll see all over the country, are a dirt-cheap way to get a meal, and, with the right attitude, a fun cultural adventure. In the communist era, the government subsidized the food at milk bars. The idea: to allow lowly workers to afford a meal out. The tradition continues, and today Poland still foots the bill for most of your milk-bar meal. Prices remain astoundingly low -- my bill usually comes to about $3 -- and, while communist-era fare was less than lively, today's milk-bar cuisine is tastier. Milk bars offer many of Poland's traditional favorites. Common items are delicious soups, a variety of cabbage-based salads, fried pork chops, pierogi (ravioli with various fillings), and pancakes. At the milk bar, you'll often see glasses of watery juice and -- of course -- milk, but most milk bars also stock bottles of water and Coke. Try a Polish pastry, especially the classic paczki, a glazed jelly doughnut typically filled with a wild-rose jam. At milk bars, the service is aimed at locals. You're unlikely to find an English menu. If the milk-bar lady asks you any questions, you have three options: nod stupidly until she just gives you something; repeat one of the things she just said (assuming she's asked you to choose between two options, such as meat or cheese in your pierogi); or hope that a kindly English-speaking person in line will leap to your rescue. If nothing else, ordering at a milk bar is a fiesta of gestures. Smiling seems to slightly extend the patience of milk-bar staffers. Every milk bar is a little different, but here's the general procedure: Head to the counter, wait to be acknowledged, and point to what you want. Two handy words are "to" (sounds like "toe" and means "that") and "i" (pronounced "ee" and means "and"). My milk-bar dialogue usually goes like this: Milk Bar lady says "Prosze?" (Can I help you, please?). I say "to" (while pointing)... "i to" (pointing again) ... "i to" (pointing once more). It means, "That ... and that ... and that." It's not pretty, but it gets the job done. Chowing down with the locals you'll marvel at how you can still eat lunch for $3 while experiencing a little bit of nostalgia from Poland's communist days. E-mail to a friend . Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. E-mail him at [email protected], or write to him c/o P.O. Box 2009, Edmonds, Wash. 98020. Copyright 2009 RICK STEVES, DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. | Rick Steves produces 30 guidebooks on European travel .
Since 1973 he's spent 120 days a year in Europe .
His company, Europe Through the Back Door, conducts European tours . |
02abcd3931c8bf78a0531f6ce0d7f21f72bee963 | By . Rob Cooper . Last updated at 12:45 PM on 26th February 2012 . Tragedy: Schoolboy Laurence who drowned in a lake during his half-term holiday. His parents raised the alarm when he failed to return home with his grandmother . The parents of a six-year-old boy who drowned during an outing to feed the ducks with his grandmother have spoken for the first time of their heartbreak. Schoolboy Laurence Mullany-Mills and Dawn Mullany, 71, drowned in a freezing lake during a half-term day out together. Asmina Mullany-Mills and her husband Vaughan said the double tragedy had left 'a hole in our lives that can never be filled' as they spoke out for the first time. The couple raised the alarm when Laurence and his grandmother failed to return home. Police later found Mrs Mullany's house empty and her car left near the duck pond in Holywell, Lincolnshire. Their bodies were later pulled from the lake. Police believe that Laurence may have accidentally fallen into the water before his grandmother jumped in to help him. However, as no one witnessed the incident it will never be known what actually happened. Asmina and Vaughan, both 41, said in a statement: 'Dawn was adored by all. She was a great friend, a loving mother and above all, a doting and devoted grandmother. Her passion and affection for life will never be forgotten. 'Laurence was a gentle and caring brother to Nancy. He was a son with a wonderfully infectious smile who could warm the coldest place or light the darkest room. 'He had a limitless, bristling and bubbly enthusiasm for the new, and a burning curiosity to get involved with everything and anything, whether taking to the stage or the rugby field.' They added that their son - also known as Laurie - had a 'special relationship' with his grandmother who lived nearby. Dawn Mullany lived in Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire, two miles away from the lake where he drowned. She was due to take him back to his home in Ketton, Rutland, on Thursday last week, but they never made it. The . boy's parents added: 'Laurie and Dawn could not have been closer as . grandmother and grandson. At the core of their special relationship was a . shared love of fun and laughter. 'Their . death leaves a hole in our lives that can never be filled. We will all . have our own happy and special memories of the two of them, and we will . ensure these memories never fade but burn more brightly than ever . before. Loving grandmother: Dawn Mullany, 71, had a 'special relationship' with her grandson Laurence Mullany-Mills, six, his parents said . Tragedy: Laurence with his mother Asmina Mullany-Mills and young sister together . Family outing: Vaughan Mills with his son Laurence and young daughter on the London Eye during a recent trip to London . Tragedy: Laurence Mullany-Mills, six, who died in a freezing lake . 'We have been moved by the many tributes . and messages of kindness we have received and understand that our . tragedy has touched the lives of so many, including those outside our . family and circle of friends. 'We wish to express our most sincere gratitude and thanks to our family, friends and the community for, their gifts, their support and their love during this most testing of times. 'We, their family and friends are going to need time and above all space. Time and space will help us to take the small steps that will enable us to move forward as a family. These small steps will, over time, allow us to focus on the knowledge and love of what we had, and not what we have lost.' The couple also have a daughter who is 15 months old. Laurence was a pupil at Ketton Church of England Primary School. The family had recently returned from a holiday in New Zealand to spend Christmas with Vaughan's family. Mrs Mullany was described by her . neighbours as ‘a sweet, lovely lady’ who had lived in the village of . Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire, for around 30 years. They . told how she had suffered tragedy in her life, including the death of . her father in wartime action in 1943 when she was a baby. In 1977, her husband, Firozali, died aged just 35. A joint funeral for the boy and his grandmother is due to take place next week. The double death is not being treated as suspicious and the death is now being investigated by the coroner. Tragedy: Laurence and his grandmother, Dawn Mullany, died in this pond in Holywell, near Castle Bytham, Lincolnshire on Thursday last week . Tragedy: Asmina Mullany-Mills, 41, with her son Laurie who died in Holywell Lake while feeding the ducks with his grandmother during his half term holiday . Laurence lived in Castle Bytham and the tragedy happened at a pond in the nearby village of Holywell . | Laurence Mullany-Mills, 6, is thought to have fallen into water before grandmother Dawn Mullany, 71, dived in to help him .
Parents say tragedy has left 'a hole in our lives that can never be filled'
They say the schoolboy and his grandmother had a 'special relationship' |
02abf8300c2187cc1b810e501bbe5258e908c62b | (CNN) -- The LPGA Tour is seeking a new leader after controversial Commissioner Carolyn Bivens handed in her resignation following a display of player power. Commissioner Carolyn Bivens became increasingly unpopular with the LPGA Tour's playing members. It announced on Tuesday that Rear Admiral Marsha J. Evans, a member of the board of directors, would stand in until a replacement could be found. Retired former world No. 1 golfer Annika Sorenstam will be helping the board in its quest. "We'll soon have in place a Commissioner to lead us into 2010 and beyond, but until then, it's important that we immediately appoint an Acting Commissioner whom we know and trust," chairman Dawn Hudson said. "As a board of players and independent directors, we wanted an Acting Commissioner with experience leading large organization, one who appreciates and listens to our player members and tournament owners, understands sponsors and their challenges and needs, and has a track record that commands respect." Bivens stood down a day after the U.S. Women's Open was won by South Korea's Eun Hee Ji, with the build-up to the tournament having been largely overshadowed by the row. World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa had been among 15 leading players who a week earlier signed a letter to the tour's board of directors calling for Bivens to step down. The 56-year-old had been in charge since 2005, when she became the first woman to hold the role in the LPGA's 55-year history. The appointment was not popular, with seven high-ranking LPGA executives quitting in her first eight months in charge. She courted controversy last year when she announced an "English-only" speaking policy for players on the tour, which has become increasingly international with 45 players from South Korea alone -- and many have been claiming regular victories. The LPGA was forced to backtrack following storms of protest and bad publicity. In May, Bivens was criticized after being quoted as saying that players should use the social networking Web site Twitter during tournaments to keep fans updated with their progress. The LPGA quickly released a statement claiming she had been misquoted, but it raised the ire of the players. With difficult economic times, the tour has lost some key sponsors and tournaments -- there are only 10 events scheduled in the U.S. for next year. During Bivens' tenure, the LPGA acquired the developmental Duramed FUTURES Tour and ownership of two tournaments: the LPGA Championship and the ADT Championship, which this year was canceled due to its sponsors' financial problems. Bivens secured photo licensing rights in a deal with Getty Images and brokered TV rights contracts with two channels. | The LPGA Tour seeks new Commissioner after Carolyn Bivens stands down .
Bivens resigned after 15 top women's golfers demanded that she quit the role .
She had been the first woman in the role in the LPGA's 55-year history .
Bivens took charge in 2005 but has often been the center of controversy . |
02ac690764cdfa11cb24be085f3337552471f612 | By . Harriet Cooke . PUBLISHED: . 08:35 EST, 8 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:43 EST, 8 November 2012 . Stacey Perkins outside Trafford Magistrates' Court where she pleaded guilty to common assault . A feuding mother started a catfight with another mum in a school playground over the death of a 17-year-old in a car crash. Blonde Stacey Perkins, 23, 'ambushed' 24-year-old Jemma Collis as she waited to pick up her son at Partington Primary School, near Manchester. The assault took place last September after Miss Collis began dating Nathan Rowe, who was jailed in 2005 for killing Perkins' cousin . Robert Morris in a car crash. The then 19-year-old had driven at speeds of up to 70mph before losing control at the entrance to Dunham Massey Park, near Altrincham, and hitting a tree. Robert, who was with him at the time, was trapped in the burning car and died at the scene. Rowe admitted causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and insurance and failing to stop after an accident. He was sentenced to eight . and a half years in prison but was released after four. Trafford Magistrates' Court heard yesterday how the two women, . whose children go to different schools, had a series of 'altercations' which led to Perkins vowing to 'verbally have it out' with Miss Collis . during school pick up time. Perkins was said to have yanked Miss Collis' hair back, and yelled: 'You think you are going to smash my face in?' As other parents and pupils looked on in horror, Perkins pulled Miss Collis to the floor, punched her about the head and then stamped on her chest. The victim was only able to escape when the head teacher emerged from her study and pulled Perkins off, ordering her from the school yard. At the court in Sale, Greater Manchester, Perkins sobbed as she apologised for her conduct, saying: 'I'm really sorry for doing what I did and the fact it was in a school.' She pleaded guilty to common assault. Robert Morris (left) died in a car crash in 2004. Nathan Rowe (right) was convicted for causing his death . Prosecutor Eileen Rogers said Miss Collis had walked through the school gates with Mr Rowe, 26, and they were in the playground waiting to collect her six-year-old son. She added: 'Jemma immediately recognised a voice as that of Stacey Perkins saying "you think you are going to smash my face in?" 'A hand grabbed the back of Jemma's long hair and she looked up and saw Stacey Perkins. She started to punch her.' The court heard how Miss Collis tried to release herself from her petite attacker's grip but was continually being hit as Mr Rowe tried to separate them. 'Stacey used her foot and stamped on Jemma's chest,' Miss Rogers said. 'She was unable to stand up due to the continued punching to her body.' In a victim impact statement, Miss Collis said: 'I heard a booming voice I immediately recognised as Stacey and felt a hard ram to the back of me. 'The force was such that my head was forced forward and I hit the ground. I looked up and saw Stacey. Incident: Partington Primary School - the scene of the playground attack . 'I was shocked and terrified. She was holding me down I was really struggling to escape because I was being continually punched to the head and body. "I managed to get to my feet but I was still being held down by her. After around 60 seconds it stopped.' During the attack, Miss Collis sustained a two-inch scratch to her forehead and grazes to her knees, elbow and chest and Mr Rowe suffered a bruise to the back of his head. She added: 'I have been left feeling very sore, aching and I have visual injuries which I don't know how to explain to my son. 'I have been left emotionally upset at the fact it took place in a school playground. It was a total shock and unprovoked and I have been left in fear that it will happen again.' Tragic: Robert Morris died aged 17 . After the catfight Perkins wrote a letter to the school's head teacher apologising for her behaviour. She also printed 50 letters and asked that they be distributed to the school's parents. Perkins, from Partington, was ordered to complete a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work after she admitted common assault. Defending her, lawyer Paul . Shepherd said that his client had pleaded guilty and had co-operated . with the police. He . said: 'It does sound horrific and the Crown make out that Miss Collis . was an innocent party but there are always two sides to a story. 'Eight . years ago, Nathan Rowe was convicted of death by dangerous driving, the . victim was Stacey Perkins’ cousin. The Perkins’ family have put this . issue behind them. 'Since . this has happened he has started a relationship with a woman, Jemma. She . has been feeding information to him that the family have animosity . towards him.’ He added on . the day in question, Perkins had bumped into Miss Collis and Mr Rowe during . school drop off time and they began 'making gestures to her'. 'That . was the final straw for Miss Perkins, she dropped her son off at home . and went to the school with the intention to only verbally have it out . with her,' he said. 'She . accepts full responsibility and that she grabbed her hair and as she . has done that they both fell to the floor and it has gone on for 60 . seconds. It was "tit for tat" it wasn't that Miss Perkins had the . advantage.' Passing . sentence, magistrates chairman June Nelson said the fact there . were children present at the time made the incident more serious. School gates: Shocked witnesses watched the catfight as they collected their children . 'There . is a history of conflict between you and the victim. We have heard . about your remorse and writing of letters - you are obviously sorry,' she added. Two other women were arrested in connection with the incident, but were released without charge. At . the time of the incident, neighbourhood Inspector Bryan Hepburn . referring to Perkins said: 'These people have no sense of decorum at . all. 'They have carried out a dispute in front of children at school. It shows the mentality of the people involved here. 'They . have disregard for the school, the education authority and the children . who had to see such a thing, and lots of kids will have seen what . happened and will have been frightened to see it.' | Stacey Perkins 'ambushed' Jemma Collis, 24, in the playground during school pick up time .
Headteacher dashed out to break up the fight, witnessed by other children .
Feud had broken out after Perkins' cousin was killed in a car crash eight years ago by Collis' boyfriend .
Nathan Rowe served four years in prison for killing Robert Morris, 17, in 2004 by dangerous driving .
He was also injured in playground attack . |
02adb281396578efbc76766bb3c81143b07c196b | By . Leon Watson . These are China's boy racers, gathering for an illegal The Fast and the Furious-style car race. The drivers were caught in the city of Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang province after police found out about the event on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. The illegal street races popular in Asia were the inspiration for 2001 car racing movie starring Vin Diesel, and in the latest race busted by police the cars involved included top of the range sports cars. Police the city of Hangzhou in east China swooped to stop an illegal luxury car race when it drivers posted about it on Weibo. Pictured here are a BMW, two Audis and a Mercedes . Seized: Some of the luxury cars that were ready to participate in illegal car race in China, pictured here are BMWs and Audis . Police spokesman Bo Hsieh, 45, said: 'We found several Ferraris, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and BMW motor cars gathered on the road in Hangzhou. 'They were well organised and had hired security guards to simply block off the road to prevent anyone else coming on to it while they were racing. 'This in itself is completely illegal as well as speeding on a public road and all of those involved will be punished.' Police confirmed that by blocking the road none of the racers had been able to escape in the cars although several had escaped on foot. A red Ferrari, one of the luxury cars seized by police in China after their stopped an illegal race . Police confirmed none of the racers had been able to escape in the cars although several had escaped on foot . A four-wheel-drive Mercedes (left) was among the cars picture on Chinese social media site Weibo . The illegal street races popular in Asia were the inspiration for 2001 car racing movie The Fast and the Furious starring Vin Diesel (pictured here in an image from the film) Video Source YouKu . Bo Hsieh said: 'There were a lot of people there and although some quickly made off we were able to capture most of them.' He said that they had been tipped off by monitoring traffic on Weibo and had set up an operation to arrest those involved. He added: 'The organiser we believe is a millionaire who made his money with a car dealership. 'He also has a firm that deals in modifying high-performance cars and had worked on adapting a lot of the cars that were taking part in the race.' Police confirmed that they had applied to confiscate the seized cars many of which they alleged had undergone illegal adaptations that meant they were not fit to be driven on Chinese roads. | Chinese police managed to stop the race after finding out about it online .
Officers had been monitoring Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter .
They swooped to seize the luxury motors and arrest the drivers .
But several managed to escape on foot in the eastern Zhejiang province . |
02adb7a44a6ebbeccc564796c1dfa4c441ea0272 | As Apple's antitrust case enters its final stages, a former engineer has revealed the firm deliberately blocked rivals' music from its iPods (pictured) After just a few hours of deliberation, a jury in California has found in favour of Apple in a billion-dollar class-action lawsuit over the price of its iPod music players. The eight-member jury in U.S. District Court rejected a claim by attorneys for consumers and iPod resellers, who argued that Apple's use of restrictive software froze out competing makers of portable music players. Apple had argued that the software provided necessary security protection. However, the jury said Apple's iTunes 7.0, released in the fall of 2006, was a 'genuine product improvement,' meaning that new features were good for consumers . Attorneys for the plaintiffs said they plan to appeal. 'We're glad we got this to the jury,' said attorney Bonny Sweeney, who had argued on behalf of the estimated 8 million consumers who purchased iPods from 2006 to 2009. But she asserted that a ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, kept the jury from considering the full effect of the iTunes software update that was the focus of the trial. The case was filed nearly ten years ago and dates to a time when Apple used anti-piracy software that prevented its iPods from playing songs that were downloaded from online outlets that competed with Apple's iTunes stores. 'We thank the jury for their service and we applaud their verdict,' Apple said in a statement. 'We created iPod and iTunes to give our customers the world's best way to listen to music. 'Every time we've updated those products — and every Apple product over the years — we've done it to make the user experience even better.' As Apple's billion-dollar antitrust case entered its final stages, a former engineer earlier this week claimed the tech giant deliberately blocked rivals' music from its iPods. Rod Schultz, who worked as a senior software engineer at Apple between 2006 and 2008, said he worked on a project 'intended to block 100 per cent of non-iTunes clients.' The project was also set up to 'keep out third-party players' that competed with Apple's iPod, according to the Wall Street Journal. Mr Schultz was subpoenaed by the prosecution to prove Apple restricted rival music on its iPods, which ultimately pushed up the prices of the devices. Apple is accused of abusing its monopoly position in the digital music player market, and only earlier this month lawyers claimed the firm deliberately deleted rivals' song from iPods. The case went to trial in California last month, after being filed a decade ago. Plaintiffs are claiming Apple's restrictive software froze out competitors and allowed it to sell iPods at inflated prices. They are seeking $350 million (£224m) in damages, which could be tripled if the jury finds Apple broke federal anti-trust law. Apple stopped using the particular software in question in 2009, which means the lawsuit only covers iPod models bought between September 2006 and March 2009. Mr Schultz, who worked on Digital Rights Management (DRM), security and data encryption for iTunes and iPods during this time at the firm, said he was an 'unwilling witness' and was not happy about discussing his work, codenamed Candy. Apple, and Mr Schultz, claimed the aim of the project was to improve iTunes and protect its users from malware and other threats caused by downloading non-iTunes music. They added it was not the firm's intention to stifle competition. Earlier in the trial, the prosecution told the court that Apple deleted songs from iPods that had been bought from rival music stores. Each time an Apple user with non-iTunes music tried to sync their devices, between 2007 and 2009, the tech firm urged them to restore the players to factory settings. Apple is accused of abusing its monopoly position in the digital music player market, and only earlier this week lawyers claimed the firm deliberately deleted rivals' song from iPods. The case went to trial in California last month, after being filed a decade ago . Plaintiffs claim Apple's restrictive software froze out competitors and allowed to sell iPods at inflated prices. Apple stopped using the particular software in question in 2009, which means the lawsuit only covers iPod models bought between September 2006 and March 2009. A timeline of Apple releases is pictured . Apple is accused of abusing its monopoly position in the digital music player market, and only earlier this week lawyers claimed the firm deliberately deleted rivals' song from iPods. The case went to trial in California this month, after being filed a decade ago. Plaintiffs are claiming that Apple's restrictive software froze out competitors and allowed Apple to sell iPods at inflated prices. They are seeking $350 million (£224m) in damages, which could be tripled if the jury finds Apple broke federal anti-trust law. Apple stopped using the particular software in question in 2009, which means the lawsuit only covers iPod models bought between September 2006 and March 2009. Earlier in the trial, the prosecution told the court that Apple deleted songs from iPods that had been bought from rival music stores. Each time an Apple user with non-iTunes music tried to sync their devices, between 2007 and 2009, the tech firm urged them to restore the players to factory settings. And the lawyers claimed this was a deliberate move to wipe the rival files, and cause the users' music libraries to 'blow up.' But Apple insisted the move was a legitimate security measure. And the lawyers claimed this was a deliberate move to wipe the rival files, and cause the users' music libraries to 'blow up.' But Apple insisted the move was a legitimate security measure. The court case was almost dismissed earlier this month when the judge disqualified one of the claimants because her iPod wasn't bought during the time period detailed in the case. The other claimant withdrew her claims. But 65-year-old Massachusetts business consultant Barbara Bennet read about the floundering case online and volunteered to represent consumers in the suit. US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has repeatedly shown impatience with the attorneys for not doing a better job of vetting the original named claimant in the case, who are supposed to represent the 'class of affected consumers'. 'We shouldn't have been here in the first place,' Rogers said as attorneys on both sides debated how to proceed Tuesday morning. A video testimony of late Apple boss Steve Jobs was played earlier in the trial, filmed six months before his death in 2011. In the testimony, Mr Jobs defended the software and said: 'We were very scared' of the prospect that hackers could break Apple's security system. He added that this might jeopardise Apple's contracts with music recording companies that didn't want their songs to be pirated. 'We would get nasty emails from the labels,' he added. Judge Rogers said she plans to send the case to the jury for deliberations early next week. A video testimony of late Apple boss Steve Jobs (pictured) was played earlier in the trial. In the testimony, Mr Jobs defended the software and said: 'We were very scared' of the prospect hackers could break Apple's security system because it might jeopardise Apple's contracts with music recording companies . | Apple insists the move was a legitimate security measure to protect users .
Lawsuit was filed a decade ago and covers September 2006 to March 2009 .
Claimants are seeking $350 million (£223 million) in damages, which could be tripled under antitrust laws . |
02aec4b306fa659c7bb5f91b8c089002eb1a3b3c | By . Snejana Farberov . A New Mexico mother is facing a hate crime charge after police say she physically and sexually abused her 17-year-old daughter because she is lesbian. The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office said 40-year-old Magdo Haro, of Las Cruces, was arrested Tuesday on charges of second-degree criminal sexual penetration and third-degree child abuse. According to a criminal complaint, the 17-year-old girl told investigators she and Haro had been arguing about the girl’s sexual orientation for around a week. Grave charges: Magdo Haro, 40, from New Mexico, is accused of forcing her daughter to undress and touch herself, threatening to violate her with a stick and hitting her with a shoe for being gay . The complaint obtained by Las Cruses Sun-News states Haro threatened to insert the stick of a plunger and a hanger inside her daughter ‘so she would know what it was like to have sex with a woman.’ The mother eventually coerced her daughter into performing lewd sexual acts on herself. Magdo Haro was later released from Dona Ana County Jail on a $25,000 secured bond. Police say the dispute between the mother and daughter started last Saturday. According to the girl, who is not being named due to the nature of the crime, her mother was displeased seeing her in a baseball cap and allegedly ordered her daughter 'not to wear boy clothes anymore, only girl clothes.' The suspect also told the teen she would have to start going to church with her grandmother, according to the court filing. The young victim told investigators that things took a turn for the worse after Miss Haro found notes from the teen’s girlfriend. The complaint states that before the discovery, Miss Haro had given her daughter three chances to prove she was not gay, KFOX14 reported. The mother-daughter dispute culminated, according to court documents, with Haro forcing her daughter to take off her clothes so she could see that the teen was a woman and not a man, and then making the 17-year-old touch her privates. The child told police she complied because she was afraid her mother would sexually assault her. Miss Haro has denied the allegations of physical and sexual abuse but admitted to striking the teen with a shoe. Following Magdo Haro's arrest, her daughter was transferred into the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department. The hate crime charge against Haro means that she could face an additional year in prison if convicted of the abuse counts. | Magdo Haro, 40, from New Mexico, charged with criminal sexual penetration and child abuse .
Haro's 17-year-old daughter told police te woman became upset after finding notes from the teen's girlfriend .
The girl was allegedly forced to take off her clothes and touch herself in a sexual manner in front of her mother .
Miss Haro denied the allegations but admitted to hitting her daughter with a shoe . |
02aef53a8ae894b86d408fa90194ceaa1332ba5b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 5:08 PM on 3rd December 2011 . Country singer Mindy McCready was found hiding in a closet with her five-year-old son last night after defying a court order to return him to legal guardian. Police raided the Arkansas home of Ms McCready's boyfriend at around 8pm after tracking the pair down. The multi-platinum-selling recording artist has been accused of stealing the boy from her mother, who has had custody of him since 2007, during a recent visit to her Florida home. Found: Authorities have taken Mindy McCready's son Zander from her and into custody. The singer is seen here in a 2007 mugshot . Mindy lost custody of Zander, seen here in 2009, left, and in the arms of Rosie . O'Donnell in 2006 at three months old, after several run-ins with the law . A judge had signed an order for the singer's son, Zander, to be taken into custody if he was not returned to his legal guardian by 5pm on Thursday. Florida Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Terri Durdaller said that her agency was working with Arkansas state officials to bring the youngster back to his maternal grandmother in Florida. Officials say he's safe and in good health. Baby daddy: Ex-boyfriend Billy McKnight is the father of MCready's son . Gayle Inge, Zander's grandmother and McCready's mother, was tearful when she spoke about the news last night. 'I'm real excited that he's safe,' she said. 'But I can't explain what this is like. We feel for Mindy and we feel for Zander.' Mrs Inge said that her son - McCready's half-brother - texted McCready, who responded with a text which said her mother would never see her again. McNight was arrested after he tried to choke her in 2005 . 'I want to wrap my arms around her and tell her that I love her,' Mrs Inge said, adding that her daughter and grandson were found by authorities 'hiding in a closet.' The evening's developments capped a days-long struggle between McCready - who is seven months pregnant with twins - and child welfare authorities and her own mother. Authorities say McCready - who turned 36 on Wednesday - took the boy during a visit late last month to her father's Florida home, where she was allowed to visit the boy. McCready's parents are divorced. A Florida judge signed an order on Thursday telling authorities to take the boy into custody and return him. It's not yet clear whether the singer could face criminal charges. McCready said earlier in the week that she would not bring her son back from Tennessee, where she has a home, despite violating the custody arrangement. Troubles: Mindy has been arrested five times, here is another one of her mugshots in 2005 . She said that her son had suffered abuse at her mother's house, a claim that Mrs Inge vehemently denies. 'I'm doing all this to protect Zander, not stay out of trouble,' McCready wrote in an email to The Associated Press (AP) on Thursday. 'I don't think I should be in trouble for protecting my son in the first place.' Reality show: In 2009, McCready took part in reality TV . show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, which was aired the following year . in January and February . McCready told the AP on Wednesday night she was in Tennessee and could not travel because she is pregnant. The boy's father, Billy McKnight, told NBC's Today show on Friday that he spoke on the phone with McCready and their son after the judge's 5 p.m. Thursday deadline expired. 'He did sound healthy and ok. He wasn't crying or scared,' Mr McKnight said about their son. 'I think she believes she has a case and doesn't realise she's pushing her luck on this one,' he said. Speaking out: McCready appeared on The Dr. Oz show on U.S television last year, to discuss her troubles . McCready and her mother have had a long custody battle over the boy. McCready had provided a series of emails to the AP with Lee County Judge James Seals' ruling to return the boy. 'Mom has violated the court's custody order and we are simply restoring the child back into our custody,' the judge wrote. 'Nothing more. Nothing less. The court makes no judgment about whether Mom will or will not competently care for the child while in her custody. It only wants the child back where the court placed him.' McCready found fame in the mid-1990s when she moved to Nashville at the age of 18, armed with only her karaoke tapes. Her first album, 'Ten Thousand Angels,' sold two million copies. Her next four albums weren't as successful. Her personal troubles began encroaching on her professional success. According to her website, she suffers from severe depression. In August, she filed a libel suit against her mother and the National Enquirer's parent company, American Media Inc.,over a story published in the tabloid newspaper that quoted Inge. And in 2008, McCready was admitted to a hospital after police said she cut her wrists and took several pills in a suicide attempt. | Authorities working to take the youngster back to his maternal grandmother in Florida . |
02af8023a7ad56a5d1796263e5fb414554cd5e5b | A Mercedes left unlocked abandoned in a multi-storey car park has been towed away after gathering dust for three years. The car has been sitting idly in the Broadway Plaza car park in Birmingham after being deserted by its owner. After repeated failed attempts to have it collected, parking company APCOA towed the vehicle away this week. A Mercedes left unlocked in a city centre car park in Birmingham has been removed after sitting idle for around three years . The tax disc on the car's blackened windscreen expired in July 2012. Authorities were unable to track down its owner after numerous attempts . With spaces in the city-centre costing £13-a-day, the Mercedes C Class racked up £14,000 in unpaid fine over three years. For years drivers skirted around the black car which was propped up by a safety barrier. While the owner was traced through a log book left inside, they did not respond to any of the parking company's numerous attempts to make contact. And with the vehicle never having been reported as stolen, missing or involved in a crime, West Midlands Police saw no need to intervene. Birmingham City Council shrugged off responsibility for case too, with privately-owned APCOA forced to call in a third party to have it removed. 'The car in question has been in situ for years,' an APCOA spokesman said. The company which owns the car park made numerous failed attempts to contact its owner over the years . It was taken away by a third party brought in by APCOA after West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council failed to intervene . Such a long-term stay in the car park would have cost the owner £14,000 if they had returned to claim the car . 'The reason why the vehicle is effectively cordoned off is because one of the back wheels/axles is loose, and the car is propped up on one side for reasons of safety. 'West Midlands Police were made aware of the vehicle in the event that it may have been stolen. However, police records confirmed otherwise. 'The police recommended APCOA write to Birmingham City Council to request the removal of the abandoned vehicle.' While local authorities are at a loss as to where the car came from, other drivers at the car park offered up their own bizarre theories. 'What is it doing there? Why hasn’t it been moved? Is there a dead body in the trunk? Is it haunted? 'Thousands upon thousands of people must have driven past it over the years and thought similar things,' said one motorist. | The vehicle gathered dust in Birmingham car park for three years .
Its owner, who left it unlocked, has never responded to letters or fines .
West Midlands Police said the car had never been reported stolen .
Charges for the long-term stay would have been more than £14,000 .
The Mercedes C Class was removed by a private company this week . |
02b08807ee1c317289075a00c15a39b52c560b20 | By . Harriet Arkell . PUBLISHED: . 06:48 EST, 10 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:23 EST, 10 April 2013 . David Miliband went practically unnoticed on the New York City subway as he prepared for his new life in America. The former British Foreign Secretary and Labour MP for South Shields mingled with commuters on his journey on Tuesday with American wife Louise Shackelton and one of their adopted sons. Mr Miliband, 47, is moving to New York to start a new job at the helm of the International Rescue Committee charity, and may have been house-hunting when he was spotted by a photographer. Scroll down for video . Former British politician David Miliband, his American wife Louise Shackelton, and one of their adopted American sons ride the NYC subway on Tuesday . His wife and young son consulted a map to see where they were heading as Mr Miliband gazed into space in the crowded car. Mr Miliband quit British politics in a move said to be largely inspired by his professional violinist wife, who was angry at the way her husband's politician brother Ed Miliband 'betrayed' him by going for the Labour leadership in 2010. Sources said David Miliband's younger brother spent months trying to talk him out of the dramatic move, which triggered a by-election in his constituency, but to no avail. Their trip on the Subway would have cost them $2.50 (£1.63) each - something they could easily afford given the former politician's new salary. Mr Miliband, who adopted his two young sons in America, is due to take up his $460,000 (£300,000) job as President and CEO of the IRC in September. Keeping his head down: Mr Miliband, 47, has been criticised for leaving his South Shields constituency, which will hold a by-election in May . Mind the gap: Mr Miliband was spotted snoozing on the London Underground in January with his flies undone . The brainchild of Albert Einstein, the charity was set up in 1933 to help Germans suffering under Adolf Hitler's regime. With an annual income of almost . $400million (£260million), it employs 12,000 staff in 40 of the world’s poorest . countries and in 22 U.S. cities. Mr Miliband, whose Jewish father and grandfather fled to Britain to escape Nazi perseuction, said that joining the IRC charity will give him the opportunity to help some of the most desperate people in the world. 'The organisation was founded at the suggestion of Albert Einstein in the 1930s for those fleeing the Nazis, so given my own family history there is an additional personal motivation for me,' he said. It responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. | British ex-politician, 47, took subway with American wife, Louise, and son .
Moving to U.S. for lucrative post as CEO of International Rescue Committee .
Last month he quit British politics for 'dream job' and will start in September . |
02b2f9523b5d2e9bf07d36ed725aff453ebc9224 | By . Anna Edwards . A referee has been charged after FA computers were allegedly hacked. Dean Mohareb has been charged with perverting the course of justice and unauthorised access to computer data. Mohareb, a senior member of the Football Association’s referee department and a football league official, was due to take charge of Barnsley against Peterborough on Tuesday night. But the 29-year-old was stood down from the match following his arrest at home on Sunday. Referee Dean Mohareb has been charged with perverting the course of justice and unauthorised access to computer data . Mohareb was first arrested over allegations that he hacked into a colleague's email account in October last year. Police seized a number of electrical items from his home on that occasion. Mohareb was suspended by the FA in February. It is understood that the other two men are not FA employees. The FA has declined to comment on the matter while legal proceedings are going on. Liam Cliff, 18, of Manchester, and Vincent Rossi, 46, of Wilmslow have been charged with perverting the course of justice. They will appear at Stockport Magistrates' Court on December 5, Greater Manchester Police said. A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘On Sunday 30 September 2012 police seized a number of electrical items as part of an investigation into computer hacking and the dissemination of private information. ‘A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material/data, under section 1 of the Misuse of Computers Act 1990. 'The man has since been bailed until 26 November 2012.’ Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Mohareb was first arrested over allegations that he hacked into a colleague's email account in October last year . |
02b3f706a85cdf9b71a0f85c5ee8534d85e4a06f | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 04:16 EST, 13 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:07 EST, 13 January 2014 . A video has captured the moment three San Diego Charger fans punched and stomped on a Denver Broncos fan in San Diego. The altercation was caught on camera during a rally in National City to celebrate the Chargers season. As the fight broke out in the streets on Sunday the shocked crowd quickly parted. Scroll down for video . A video has captured the moment three San Diego Charger fans punched and stomped on a Denver Broncos fan in San Diego . The altercation was caught on camera during a rally in National City to celebrate the Chargers season . As the fight broke out in the streets on Sunday the shocked crowd quickly parted . At one point a man could be seen coweing on the ground as a kick was delivered to his chest. Police quickly ran to the scene and arrested three Chargers fans and a Broncos fan. It is not clear if anyone in custody was hospitalized after the fight. Police are now investigating the incident to determine who instigated the fight. Police quickly ran to the scene and arrested three Chargers fans and a Broncos fan . The men lie on the ground as they are handcuffed by the police . It is not clear if anyone in custody was hospitalized after the fight . Police are now investigating the incident to determine who instigated the fight . The person who posted the video online wrote: 'A bronco fan decided to run through the charger fans in San Diego national city like a dumba**.' During the commotton a photojournalist with a San Diego TV station was nipped by a police dog during the commotion. He was treated for minor injuries and continued to take video of the rally. After the unrest the event continued. Peyton Manning welcomed Wes Welker . back into the lineup with a touchdown toss and the Denver Broncos . narrowly avoided a repeat of their playoff slip from last year, . advancing to the AFC championship game with a 24-17 win over the San . Diego Chargers on Sunday. The . Broncos (14-3) controlled the game for 3½ quarters before Philip Rivers . capitalized on an injury to cornerback Chris Harris Jr. to stage a . comeback reminiscent of Baltimore's shocking win at Denver exactly a . year earlier. This time, . however, Manning rescued the Broncos from the brink of another crushing . collapse and sent them into the title game for the first time in eight . seasons. On course: The Denver Broncos moved into the AFC Championship Game after beating San Diego . Grasp: Denver's Demaryius Thomas catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter . Safe hands: Wes Welker doubles Denver's lead with another touchdown in the second quarter . They'll host the New England Patriots (13-4) on Sunday. Get ready for Brady vs. Manning once more. In . the most recent matchup of QBs with Hall of Fame credentials, Tom Brady . and the Patriots rallied past Manning and the visiting Broncos 34-31 in . overtime on Nov. 24. 'It's . the Broncos versus the Patriots and certainly Tom and I have played . against each other a lot,' Manning said after beating San Diego. 'But . when you get to the AFC championship, it's about two good teams that . have been through a lot to get there.' Manning, . in the playoffs for a record 13 seasons as a quarterback, ended a . personal three-game postseason skid in winning for the first time since . leading Indianapolis over the Jets 30-17 in the AFC championship game on . Jan. 24, 2010. Salute: The Denver Broncos cheerleaders perform for the crowd at Mile High . Manning . completed 25 of 36 passes for 230 yards and two TDs, numbers that . weren't quite up to the standards he set during a record-breaking . regular season when he established new benchmarks with 55 TD throws and . 5,447 yards through the air. But . it was windy and the Broncos were intent on establishing the run and . controlling the clock after San Diego had Manning and his high octane . offense cooling their cleats on the sideline for more than 38 minutes in . both of their meetings during the regular season. After . gaining just 18 yards on the ground against San Diego last month, the . Broncos ran for 133 yards, including 82 by Knowshon Moreno, whose 3-yard . TD run put them ahead 24-7 with 8:12 left. After that, things got interesting. The . Chargers got close, but Manning completed a pair of key third-down . passes in the final minutes to prevent San Diego from getting a final . chance. | Altercation between a lone Broncos fan and three Charger fans .
Four men were arrested on the street in National City . |
02b49af7785ec70782772c0d921e5ab286772f69 | (CNN) -- Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri calls on Afghans to rise up against Western troops -- especially American forces -- in their country and back the Taliban, according to a recent audio message posted on jihadist web forums Wednesday. The message, running more than 11 minutes in length, condemns the values of "crusader secular Western civilization" and follows a series of acts by American soldiers in Afghanistan that have been heavily publicized, including U.S. Marines urinating on the bodies of slain insurgents. "This act represents their values," al-Zawahiri says,"and this is their view toward other people in general and the Muslims in particular, and this is their way of treating us." Other events inflaming Muslim passions included the accidental burning of Qurans by U.S. troops and a shooting spree by an American soldier that left 16 Afghan civilians dead. The United States has apologized for the acts. "Honorable Afghans, the way is clear! It is either to stand by the banner of Islam to fight and support the Mujahideen using your hand, tongue, money and heart," the al Qaeda leader says. "Or you will be humiliated in this life and be punished in the hereafter." The message is the second in a week's time from al-Zawahiri. In a video released Friday, he called on Pakistanis to join the Arab Spring uprisings and revolt against their government, saying the country's leaders are "slaves of America." The comments refer to the Arab Spring, the pro-democracy movement that swept through North Africa and the Middle East in 2011, toppling longtime rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, and threatening President Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria. Al-Zawahiri, 60, was appointed the leader of al Qaeda in June, less than two months after a U.S. raid killed Osama bin Laden in his compound in Pakistan. | The message is the second in a week from the al Qaeda leader .
It runs more than 11 minutes long .
The message was posted to jihadist websites Wednesday . |
02b501f3302ea6a83449667e944eadf4e7c56992 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 7:15 PM on 14th July 2011 . A stripper who went on the run with her lesbian lover after the children she left home alone were killed in a fire has handed herself in. Police were hunting Kiaira Pollard, 27, whose sons KiDonn, seven, and KrisDon, four, perished in a blaze that tore through her Pittsburgh apartment while she was at work. They believed Pollard was with her 33-year-old girlfriend Dayna Kenney, who works as her personal security guard. At large: Stripper Kiaira Pollard, left, is on the run with her lesbian lover Dayna Kenney, right, after the children she left home alone were killed in a fire . But she surrendered to police on Wednesday with her attorney who said she is "anguished by the loss of her children". Pollard was was charged with two counts of homicide, child endangerment and tampering with a fire apparatus, with police saying she often left the boys at home in an apartment without a smoke alarm. Fireman found straight-A student KiDonn dead under a pile of clothes while KrisDon was discovered under a crib. Pollard became a fugitive on Tuesday, a day after police filed charges against her in connection with the June 30 tragedy. She handed herself in at 3.45pm on Wednesday. Pollard's attorney, Fred Rabner, said: 'This is a tragedy for all involved.' He added that his client had been too distraught to provide many facts about the case. Both boys were killed when the fire took hold of the flat in North Versailles. Brothers in arms: The boys were never far apart . When Pollard eventually arrived from work on the fateful night she told officers a babysitter must have left the children home alone. Pollard then frantically tried to call the sitter to no avail. Witnesses said when she arrived she shouted: 'That's my apartment! My babies! Where's the babysitter?' Police later checked Pollard's record and found she never made a call. Talented: KiDonn was a straight-A student . They were first at the scene but could not get through the locked front steel door, which fire fighters had to break down. Neighbours, interviewed at the time, said Pollard was an attentive mother who would never leave her boys at home on their own. But police thought otherwise charging her with homicide, endangering the welfare of . children and tampering with a smoke detector. A maintenance man told officers the smoke detector was missing during an annual inspection two days before . the fire but he had replaced it. He added that Pollard told him . she had previously disconnected the device because the alarm would go . off when she cooked. Before she handed herself in Allegheny County Police Lieutenant Andrew Schurman said Kenney and Pollard 'travel as a pair'. He added: 'She's (Pollard's) girlfriend, and they share a residence.' Investigators believe the blaze started accidentally at 2.30am next to an air conditioner in the apartment. A friend of Pollard's told police she drove her to work at 10 or 11pm the night before the fire and didn't see a babysitter. Pollard refused to give detectives contact information for the babysitter when they requested it on several occasions after the fire. The boys' funeral took place amid emotional scenes earlier this month. Pollard sobbed and leaned on others as she walked toward the lone white casket holding her sons. Relatives cried out when the casket was closed. KiDonn was expected to join a programme for gifted pupils. KrisDon was said to be fond of Power Rangers and was known as 'Fatty'. His father, Christopher Williams, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the boys were 'beautiful'. He added: 'They were best friends.' Grandmother Carmen Pollard said the boys were never apart. 'You take one,' she said, 'you've got to take the other.' Cousin Ashley Burchette told the same paper that Ms Pollard will forever suffer the loss of her sons and should not be charged. 'She's paid enough,' Ms Burchette said. 'She's paid the ultimate price.' | Kiaira Pollard left boys, aged four and seven, at house while she went to work .
Mother pretended to call phantom baby sitter at scene .
She handed herself in after a day on the run .
Smoke alarm at blaze house disconnected 'on purpose' |
02b52d880f20f464307855fa1171579f8470c78c | By . Emma Clark . PUBLISHED: . 06:16 EST, 1 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:14 EST, 1 October 2012 . A miniature donkey, born with a deformed leg, is thriving after being fitted with one of the first prosthetic limbs to be created by equine surgeons. The young foal named Emma had her hind leg amputated at just two days old because it stopped her from standing. But she is now enjoying a new lease of life after vets at Auburn University, Alabama, managed to create a special artificial leg for her, similar to those used by Paralympic athletes. Scroll down for video . Miniature donkey Emma, pictured with her owner Cece Smith, proudly displaying her prosthesis limb which allows her to stand . The leg needs to be replaced every few months until Emma is fully grown, but at five months old, she is able to run around with the rest of her herd. She is now on her second prosthesis and experts predict she will need about seven different legs before she reaches adulthood. Dr Fred Caldwell, an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and equine surgeon at the university, performed the procedure and is working with clinician Billy Fletcher from Hanger Clinic. The clinic is part of the same company which created a prosthetic tail for Winter, the amputee dolphin and star of the film ‘Dolphin Tale’, who lost her tail after she was caught in a crab trap off the coast of Florida. Thanks to the artificial limb Emma can run around and jump like the rest of the group . She was fitted with the pink prosthesis after surgeons amputated her severely deformed leg which stopped her from walking . Dolphin trainer Cammie Zodrow with Winter the dolphin, who was fitted with a prosthetic tail by the same company who fitted Emma the miniature donkey with an artificial limb . The two worked out a plan to allow Emma time to heal from the surgery and transition from her cast to the prosthesis. Dr . Caldwell said: ‘Once we proceeded with the surgery and amputated the . distal limb, he provided a small footplate to incorporate into the cast . to even out the length of her hind limbs so she could bear weight until . we could get the surgical site healed and have her fitted with a . prosthesis. ‘It has been a group effort on behalf of many caring individuals willing to go to great lengths to save her.’ Emma's case is providing a unique teaching opportunity for the clinicians involved, as the practice of using prostheses with large horses is relatively uncommon due to size and weight-bearing limitations. But because Emma is a miniature donkey, even as an adult she will only weigh approximately 350 pounds once fully grown. A team of doctors and surgeons from Auburn University, Alabama, carefully fit Emma with her latest prosthesis . The veterinary team are excited at Emma's progress since she was fitted with the prosthetuic limb - which could soon be an option for all horses . Dr Caldwell added: ‘She absolutely loved it from the start. It was a very impressive design and she did very well in it. A close-up of Emma's first prosthetic limb which has enabled her to run . ‘She has progressed to the second . iteration of her prosthesis, which doesn't incorporate as much of the . limb and allows her more range of motion. She is getting stronger; she's . growing and doing wonderfully.’ The . prosthesis is made of carbon fibre, Kevlar and fibreglass, materials . that are strong and extremely light, and the same as though used for . prostheses for Paralympic athletes. The first finished prosthesis weighed less than a pound and the most recent iteration, which is pink, is smaller, but weighs a little more to provide stability as she's grown taller and almost doubled her weight since surgery. Prosthesis expert Billy said: ‘The next step is trying to make sure we keep the prosthesis set up so she's ambulatory and she can run and play and do things uninhibited, but also, to keep the area of concern, the surgical site, offloaded so Dr Caldwell can do his job in keeping her completely healed. ‘As time goes by, we'll continue to provide a prosthesis that's going to allow for growth. ‘We want to provide her with full range of motion, but also give her the ability to use full strength.’ Dr Caldwell added: ‘It's been very educational for me as an equine surgeon to learn; this has certainly been my first case. ‘I think we have a long way to go before we get to this being a procedure that's routinely an option for our larger patients, but for a prosthetic limb to be an option in horses is something that's pretty exciting.’ Emma has no problem grazing alongside the other ponies and horses in the field following the efforts of her veterinary team . | Emma the miniature donkey was born with a deformed leg which had to be amputated .
The artificial leg is one of the first to be created by equine surgeons .
It could spark the start of prosthetic limbs becoming available for all horses . |
02b56fb7ef2386c54451fd7db6f3ab386e20b897 | By . Richard Shears . PUBLISHED: . 04:17 EST, 5 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:50 EST, 5 March 2013 . A court had heard that 29-year-old Gillian Meagher (also know as Jill) was raped three times before she died. Adrian Bayley, who was initially charged with murder and one count of rape, now faces a further two rape charges in relation to Mrs Meagher . Irish journalist Jill Meagher, who moved to Australia to start a new life, was raped three times before she was murdered and left in a shallow grave, a court was told today. Her accused killer, 41-year-old Adrian Bayley, who had initially been charged with murder and one count of rape, had the two rape charges added when he applied to the Melbourne court for a delay in his committal hearing, due to start next week. The two new charges relating to Mrs Meagher followed three other unrelated charges of rape in three Melbourne suburbs. Mrs Meagher's husband, Tom Meagher, was in court today when Bayley appeared via a video-link from prison. Defence lawyer Helen Spowart told the magistrates’ court that on January 19 this year, when Bayley appeared in court and indicated he would be fighting the initial murder and rape charges, police had charged him with two further counts of raping Miss Meagher. Miss Spowart said the evidence of a police forensic scientist who analysed the accused man’s DNA sample would be relevant to the further two rape charges. Miss Meagher, 29, moved with her husband from her home in County Louth, Ireland, three years ago and started a job as a journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Melbourne. At 1.33am on September 23 last year she left a bar in Melbourne after drinking with ABC colleagues and planned to walk home to the apartment she shared with her husband. Accused: A Facebook picture of Adrian Bayley. He allegedly took police to the place where her body was found in a shallow grave . Adrian Bayley, 41, pictured just after Australian homicide detectives charged him with the rape and murder of Jill Meagher in September. He also faces three charges of rape unrelated to Mrs Meagher . She never arrived and after intensive police work Bayley was arrested and allegedly took police to the place where her body was found in a shallow grave some 35 miles from Melbourne. Deputy chief magistrate Felicity Broughton refused to delay next week’s committal hearing, saying she was satisfied the defence experts would have enough time to inspect reports and clothing they required. The laying of two extra rape charges against Bayley involving Miss Meagher, she said, did not ‘particularly add anything in terms of the specific issues’. The court has been told that Bayley intends to plead not guilty to the charges relating to Miss Meagher. Following the discovery of Miss Meagher’s body in September, thousands of people marched through Melbourne in her memory and demanding greater safety in the streets. Tom Meagher, husband of Jill Meagher, leaves Melbourne Magistrate's Court after an earlier court hearing in September . The coroner removes the body of Mrs Meagher, which was found in Gisborne South, north of Melbourne, in September . Floral tributes were placed outside of 'Duchess Boutique' in Sydney Road, the last place Jill Meagher was seen alive via CCTV footage . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | The 29-year-old's accused killer faces two more rape charges in the case .
Adrian Bayley set to deny murder and three counts of rape .
Mrs Meagher's husband was in court as charges were added . |
02b6a9e383f0b5831f176a2a2045de9358082ca5 | Generally speaking, rugby is a young man's game. Unfortunately, no one seems to have told Vince Cable. The 71-year-old took a tumble as he joined in a training session with school children at Twickenham Academy yesterday. His visit, with party leader Nick Clegg, comes ahead of perhaps the biggest year yet for British rugby with the arrival of the World Cup. Scroll down for video . The Business Secretary crashes to the turf during a school rugby training session at Twickenham Academy . Undeterred, the MP for Twickenham played on in a pair of corduroy trousers and smart black shoes . Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg, gripping a Gilbert rugby ball, plots his line of attack . Under pressure: Dressed in a pair of chinos and black astroturf shoes, Mr Clegg tries to grasp the ball . Mr Clegg finds his path blocked as he tries to launch an attack during the session at Twickenham Academy . No way through: Mr Clegg tries to steer a pass through a crowded passage of budding rugby players . Marching on: The Lib Dem leader strides through a gap in the defence, casually carrying the ball in one hand . A confident Mr Clegg, dressed in a tracksuit with an English rose, trots along with the ball in his hand . Mr Cable, Lib Dem Business Secretary and MP for Twickenham, was unhurt in the fall and laughed it off with the young players. The MP for Twickenham later tweeted: 'Great fun seeing @EnglandRugby outreach work in Twickenham getting young people involved in rugby ahead of World Cup'. The visit came as the England rugby team are due to face Wales in the Six Nations on Friday. The Lib Dems are also celebrating the 2015 Rugby World Cup which will start in September and be hosted across 11 cities and 13 venues - from Brighton to Newcastle. The party says the global event will support 12,000 jobs, add £2.2 billion to the UK economy, and create a lasting legacy. Mr Clegg - who left the pitch unscathed - said: 'We all remember the incredible success of the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire. They both left a legacy that the whole country can be proud of. 'This year, we have the privilege of hosting the Rugby World Cup and it promises to the biggest ever for English rugby. 'Not only will it bring billions of pounds to our economy and create thousands of jobs but it will leave a lasting legacy, building on the work here at the Twickenham Academy, inspiring youngsters from every background to pick up a ball. 'I want to wish the England team the best of luck in the year ahead. Lets make 2015 another great sporting year for this country.' | Vince Cable hit the turf as he took part in a school rugby training session .
He visited the children at Twickenham Academy, along with Nick Clegg .
Liberal Democrats celebrating Rugby World Cup starting in September . |
02b75ca4e19495e413a88a3ee12741ce5fe4f784 | Bill Cosby has thanked actor Ben Vereen after he showed his support for him in the midst of ongoing rape allegations against the comedian. The Emmy-award winning star of the 1970s miniseries Roots said 'I love the man' when asked about the scandal on Thursday and added that he is 'praying for him'. It prompted the 77-year-old to respond on social media, saying: 'I heard you, @BenVereen. Thank you for speaking with great clarity.' Scroll down for video . Backing: Bill Cosby has thanked actor Ben Vereen after coming out in support of the comedian in the midst of ongoing rape allegations against the comedian . Support: The comedian said the star of Roots had spoken with 'great clarity' after he said people should 'pray for the those scandalizing' the 77-year-old . 'Pray for Bill Cosby. Pray for the ones who are scandalizing him, more so,' 68-year-old Vereen told Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet during the New York premiere of Chris Rock's comedy Top Five. 'I love the man. I support you, Bill. We're praying for you... aren't there more important things to talk about in this world?' Vereen added, 'I think the majority of people are praying for him.' Vereen isn't the only celebrity to come out in support of Cosby as the accusations continue to resurface. Singer Jill Scott defended Cosby on Twitter, saying, 'I'm respecting a man who has done more for the image of Brown people that almost anyone EVER. From Fat Albert to the Huxtables.' Star-studded: The 68-year-old made the comments during an appearance on the red carpet at the New York premiere of Chris Rock's new comedy Top Five . Social media: Cosby also thanked singer Jill Scott and The View's Whoopi Goldberg for their continued support as accusations against the comedian continue to resurface . On Wednesday, Cosby responded on social media, thanking Scott and 'The View's' Whoopi Goldberg for their support. On Thursday, Cosby's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been defaced with the word 'rapist' after mounting allegations of sexual assault. On Thursday night, the word was scrawled three times on the star on the storied Walk of Fame - the stretch of celebrity themed sidewalk visited by millions of tourists every year. 'When people are unhappy with one of our honorees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalize a California State landmark,' the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. 'The star is being cleaned up at this time.' Photographs taken on Friday showed workers scrubbing the stone. The incident comes after 20 women, including former super model Janice Dickinson, stepped forward to accuse the comedian of unwanted advances, including drugging and then raping them. In 2005, a Temple University employee accused him of an assault and - although 13 women who claimed they had similar experience were willing to testify in the case - it was settled out of court. Then two months ago, after comedian Hannibal Buress went on a rant about the comedian during a stand-up set, scores of women started coming forward to accuse Cosby of rape. Damage: A vandal scribbled rapist all over the star's Hollywood sign on Thursday, prompting cleaners to scrub the graffiti off . He has most recently been taken to court by a woman, Judy Huth, who claims she was just 15 when Cosby raped her at the Playboy Mansion in 1974. Cosby's lawyers have said she previously tried to extort him and have requested that the case is thrown out, saying the accusations are too old. As the allegations surfaced, NBC dropped a new project with the comedian, while Netflix also shelved a one-off comedy special planned for the day after Thanksgiving. He also resigned from Temple University's board of trustees, which he joined in 1982. Cosby has denied the allegations. | The 68-year-old star of 1970's Roots urged people to 'pray for the people scandalizing' Cosby .
Made message of support during appearance on the red carpet in New York .
Prompted the 77-year-old to say he had spoken with 'great clarity'
Cosby also thanked Whoopi Goldberg and singer Jill Scott for their backing . |
02b7e1b232341e46adce5287877f0f1c8fe0fbb1 | A British man has travelled 8,000 miles around the world refusing to use any motorised transport. Dave Cornthwaite is hoping to complete 25 expeditions of over 1,000 miles without using motorised transport - and has currently completed eight - breaking eight world records in the process. The 34-year-old, from Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, quit his graphic designer job at 25 and started adventuring the world in unconventional ways. On the open road: Dave used a skateboard to get from Perth to Brisbane. His trip was inspired when he started riding a skateboard around his town and saw the world in a completely different way . An active holiday: He swam the Lower Missouri River as part of his mission to keep his trip free from any motorised help . He was joined by paddle-boaters as he braved the Lower Muissouri . Pedal power: He used his bike car to travel from Memphis to Miami as part of his 8,000-mile long tour . Dave travels along the Mississippi River on his paddleboard. He now holds one world record for the longest journey by stand-up paddleboard . So far he has used a skateboard, kayak, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, sail boat, elliptical bicycle and travelled by simply swimming. Dave was inspired when he started riding a skateboard around his town and saw the world in a completely different way - he quit his job two weeks later. Dave said: 'Up until then I literally hadn't thought for a second about what I really wanted to do with my life and all of a sudden I woke up as a completely miserable twenty five year-old. 'I had a job I hated, a mortgage, and a long-term relationship - which wasn't working - and a cat. Dave kayaks around the Murray River, Australia. The adventurer now holds eight world records - including being the first person to skate the length of Britain . Taking a back seat! Dave used a tamden to cycle from Vancouver to Vegas as part of his global adventure . He used an Elliptigo to go around Western Europe, after leaving his old life behind at 25 . The adventurous spirit used a stand up paddleboard to navigate the Mississippi River . The 34-year-old quit his graphic designer job at 25 and started adventuring the world in unconventional ways . 'So from that moment I started . thinking about what I needed to do to start living according to my . passions, as opposed to expectations.' The . adventurer now holds eight world records including being the first . person to skate the length of Britain, the longest journey by skateboard . and the longest journey by stand-up paddleboard. This . year David will travel on a whike - a three-wheeled recumbent trike . with a sail - along the length of the Atacama Desert in Chile, cross . Europe on a form of transport voted for by social media and attempt to . coastal kitesurf in Brazil. So far he has used a skateboard, kayak, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, sail boat, elliptical bicycle and travelled by simply swimming . Dave kayaks the Murray River, Australia as part of his adventure. This year David will travel on a whike - a three-wheeled recumbent trike with a sail . Dave drags his kayak along the Murray River, Australia. After waking up one day as a 'completely miserable twenty five year-old', he decided ot make a big change in his life . Dave strives to live 'according to his passions, as opposed to expectations' and hopes he inspires people to make positive changes in their life . This year Dave plans to cross Europe on a form of transport voted for by social media and attempt to coastal kitesurf in Brazil . Dave . said: 'I just love saying yes and experiencing new things that stretch . me. My Expedition 1000 project gives me a great framework to search - so . every time I find a new way to travel without a motor I start thinking . about how I could travel a great distance with it. 'The . stand-up paddle boarding the length of the Mississippi will always be . one of my fondest challenges - it was such a formative journey, taught . me a great deal and I made so many new friends on the way down that . river. 'My motivations are . to make the most of my time so I don't look back with regrets, but the . most valuable thing that has come of this strange career of mine is that . my story has given other people the impetus to make changes in their . own lives.' Dave skateboarded from Perth to Brisbane as part of his global tour. He was the first person to skate the length of Britain . Dave says his motivations are to make the most of his time so so he doesn't look back with regrets . The sailing boat used to travel from Cabo, Mexico to Honolulu, Hawaii. The adventurous spirit has broken eight world records during his trip . Dave says his decision has given other people the impetus to make changes in their own lives . | Dave Cornthwaite is hoping to complete 25 expeditions of over 1,000 miles without using motorised transport .
Has used a skateboard, kayak, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, sail boat and elliptical bicycle .
Traveller was inspired when he rode a skateboard around his town and saw the world in a completely different way . |
02b80df4f96c33f13f97c762781f814052104301 | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 15:33 EST, 18 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:34 EST, 18 June 2013 . A grandfather-of-eight has been beaten to death after he accidentally backed into someone's car, police said. Robert Sabio, 70, died in hospital from blunt force trauma following the horrifying road rage attack in Irvington, New Jersey on Friday. Mr Sabio backed into another car at 11pm last Wednesday after driving a neighbor to Irvington as a favor. Beloved grandfather: Robert Sabio, 70, pictured with his eight grandchildren and wife, was killed in a road rage incident in New Jersey last week . Devastating: Robert Sabio, pictured with his daughter on her wedding day, was killed in a road rage attack in New Jersey . The other car did not suffer major damage, according to police but the driver and passengers viciously assaulted Mr Sabio. The 70-year-old, who is married and has eight grandchildren, was taken to University Hospital in Newark suffering from blunt-force trauma. He died two days later. Mr Sabio had offered to give his neighbor a lift after watching his grandson's Little League game, where he was a regular presence on the sidelines. His wife of 43 years Linda told nj.com that 'no was not in his vocabulary' when it came to helping loved ones and friends. Mr Sabio was also well known for playing Santa Claus at the Woodbridge and Short Hills malls over the holidays. On Sunday, his daughter Robin Sabio Giachetti posted a picture of herself on her wedding day with her proud father along with the caption: 'Happy Father's Day dad & a special fathers day wish to the detectives who are working hard today to bring us some justice.' He is survived by his wife, three daughters and eight grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Wednesday. Police have so far made no arrests in the case but the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force tips asked anyone with information to call 877-847-7432. Battered: The elderly man was beaten after he accidentally hit another car while parking . | Robert Sabio, 70, had been driving a neighbor as a favor in New Jersey . |
02b81fb9f6c2cdcc0e7cb7745f45bba275b950e2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 4:53 PM on 24th October 2011 . The discovery of a room-dividing screen decorated by Charles Dickens with 800 images of the great and the good of the day has stunned historians. It is believed to have been created in 1850 by Victorian novelist Dickens and his actor friend William Macready to educate the thespian's children and is a Who's Who of famous people from the 19th century. It includes images of the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon, Isaac Newton, Admiral Nelson, William Blake, Mozart, George III, Byron, John Swift, Samuel Butler, William Hogarth and George Washington. Scenes from Shakespeare plays like Henry VIII were also stuck onto the screen by the two friends who spent hours gluing etchings and prints to the 7ft tall divider at the actor's home . A burn hole caused by a candle shows how someone in the past had been closely looking at it during the night. The screen includes images of the Duke of Wellington, Napoleon, Isaac Newton, Admiral Nelson, William Blake, Mozart, George III, Byron, John Swift, Samuel Butler, William Hogarth and George Washington . Conservator Rebecca Donnan at work as she attempt to restore the screen after it was donated to Sherborne house in Dorset . Charles Dickens came into contact with several of society's most prominent figures during a career that saw him undertake several roles. The Great Expectations author once worked as a reporter, covering Parliamentary proceeding, where he interacted with several politicians. He later took up a post as editor of The Daily News in 1846. Dickens used that platform to encourage social transformation. Philanthropist Dickens, together with friend Charles West helped Great Ormond Street Hospital survive financial struggle. Dickens also held ties with several well known figures in America, Ralph Waldo Emerson who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Rebecca Donnan, the expert who is restoring the artefact, said: 'It really is a lovely thing and it is remarkable the difference when the surface grime is removed. 'It is a very complicated object with multiple layers. It has a timber frame with textile stretched across it with etchings and engravings on that. 'They have been stuck on with an animal or wheat starch glue and then varnished over. There have also been running repairs and it has aged and deteriorated and the wood has created acidity. 'The varnish has discloured and it has been in a room with coal fire and people smoking. 'I'm cleaning it with a special gel and also saliva. Saliva is viscous and has a special enzyme that helps remove dirt. 'It only works for a short time because it has to be at body temperature, but it lifts the dirt.' The descendents of Macready recently . gave the screen to the Friends of Sherborne House - Macready's old home . in Dorset. John Sutherland-Smith, chairman of the Friends of Sherborne House, said: "The screen was put together in the 1850s. 'Charles Dickens and William Macready were very close friends; Nicholas Nickleby was dedicated to Mcready. 'The family story is that Dickens would visit Macready and together they made the screen, probably to educate the children. A close up of images on the screen show The Duke of Wellington (left) who served as Commander-in-Chief of the British Army until his death and Lord Nelson (right) who died during the Battle of Trafalgar . On closer investigation, playwright William Shakespeare (left) is also seen as well as a portrait believed to be that of Henry VIII (right) who became King of England in 1509 . 'It is canvas on a wood frame and the pictures are probably from periodicals and have been stuck on with glue in a large collage. 'The pictures include the names of the day as well as Shakespeare and classical history - things Macready would want his children to know.' The 10ft wide screen was found among the possessions of Sir Neville Macready's late mother and was bequeathed to the Friends of Sherborne House. Sherborne House, was built in 1740, and is currently being sold by Dorset County Council which used to run it as a school. The screen is being restored having been left to gather dirt for a reported 160 years . The restoration is being completed with the unlikely use of saliva in order to remove the dirt that the screen has accumulated over time . | Images of Wellington, Napoleon, Nelson, Mozart and George Washington among the 800 pictures . |
02b840e0d53d83fbf885632ded4424b1683d32f8 | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 06:11 EST, 20 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:36 EST, 20 March 2013 . Former International Space Station commander Suni Williams has lifted the lid on how astronauts aboard go to the toilet in space. Personnel aboard the ISS often spend months at a time in space, so effective facilities for using the smallest room in zero gravity are essential. Captain Williams, who holds the record for the longest space flight by a woman at 195 days, revealed details of the 'orbital outhouse' in a video tour of the station. Stinky: Former International Space Station commander Suni Williams demonstrates the orbiter's smallest room in space in a Nasa video . Her tour of the £12.5million facilities showed that it is apparently all a case of docking and alignment when it comes to going to the toilet in space. The toilet, she explains, unsurprisingly 'serves for two functions' - number one and number two - with different colour-coded receptacles to accept each. Pointing out the number two loo, she says: 'You see it's pretty small and you have to have pretty good aim, and be ready to make sure things get let go in the right direction.' Pinching her nose, she adds: 'And it smells a little bit, so I'm closing it up.' This is for number ones... Captain Williams holds up the colour-coded tube where astronauts urinate . And this is for number two: Both units have suction 'to keep things going in the right direction', she revealed . 'Also there's a selection of paper,' she says, including a soft kind for U.S. astronauts and a coarser, rough variety preferred by Russian cosmonauts. Captain Williams, a U.S. Navy test pilot pilot who has over seven missions spend a total of almost 322 days in space, says the crew are provided with gloves, nappies and disinfectant wipes, 'in case things really get out of control'. 'The number one stuff can get really all over the place if you don't aim correctly,' she warns. Although, she adds, both toilets have a little bit of suction to keep things 'going in the right direction'. For that fresh feeling: Captain Williams points out the baby wipes made available for astronauts . A little privacy please... Captain Williams slides shut the folding door that preserves astronauts' modesty . Of course, that's assuming that all the high-tech components aboard the ISS keep working as designed. In 2009 there was a crisis aboard the station when its main toilet broke down with a record 13 people aboard. One of the pumps in the crew's main bathroom flooded, which is connected to the station's wastewater-recycling system. Astronauts were forced to don goggles, gloves and masks for some impromptu plumbing. They ripped apart the compartment, working well into the evening but failed to solve the problem until spare parts were sent from Earth. | Captain Sunita Williams hosts a video tour around the stations facilities .
Different receptacles are used for 'ones' and 'twos', she reveals .
She also reveals how Russians prefer coarser, rougher toilet paper .
The toilet is equipped with range of wipes 'in case things get out of control'
Current space station commander Chris Hadfield revealed in a Twitter Q&A last year that astronauts on space walks use special 'absorbent undergarments' if overcome by a call of nature during a space walk. |
02bb059892fba309ca11ad374b18ef0d8a7623ec | Once, her very presence struck fear into everyone from fellow world leaders to those ‘Tory wets’ she brutally purged from her Cabinet. Her political heyday may be long gone, but the same gravitas was instantly recognisable in Lady Thatcher during a rare public outing last week to enjoy the spring sunshine in a London park. Accompanied by Kate, her ever-faithful carer of the past ten years, the 86-year-old former prime minister sat contentedly watching a group of boys playing football. She was in remarkably good spirits, happy to chat with admirers who stopped to speak to her as she relaxed on a park bench. To the evident delight of Lady T, a young hound which had been sprinting around the park jumped up on to the bench. She didn’t hesitate to stroke the dog affectionately. Contented lady: Baroness Thatcher was immaculately dressed and in good spirits during a visit to a London park . As ever, Lady Thatcher was dressed immaculately, this time in her favourite long green overcoat with a lemon yellow scarf and mitten gloves. Her make-up was flawless. A hairdresser, who visits at least once a week, ensures those distinctive blonde tresses — though whiter than they once were — are never out of place. But it was the comfortable sandals, rather than elegant heels and padded shoulders — the signature of her days in Downing Street — which betrayed her advancing years and unsteadiness on her feet. A walking stick perched at the end of the bench was another indication. But, in typically Thatcherite fashion — refusing to accept any sign of weakness (particularly in others), she often stubbornly refuses to use the stick. Still fiercely proud, the woman who used to survive on four hours’ sleep a night makes few allowances for her own physical frailties. Firm friends: Baroness Thatcher seemed to delight in the company of a dog that bounded over to her . Lady Thatcher — who was Britain’s . longest-serving prime minister in more than a century and, of course, . the first and so far only woman to conquer the summit of British . political life — has suffered a series of strokes in recent years, which . triggered the onset of dementia. Her . mental frailty was the theme of the controversial recent film, The Iron . Lady, which focused on her twilight years. (Neither she nor her son and . daughter, Sir Mark and Carol, have seen the movie.) Nowadays, Lady Thatcher spends most of her time in her elegant four-storey home in Belgravia with Kate, a trained private nurse, who works full-time with the former PM. Kate also lives in, serving as Lady Thatcher’s cook, her dresser and, most importantly, devoted friend and companion. Another carer, a Yorkshire-born nurse called Anne, has also been employed in the past six months to share the responsibilities. And the police protection officers are never far away. Aside from the odd visit to the park, . there are also occasional lunches at Lady Thatcher’s favourite Goring . Hotel, also in Belgravia, where Kate Middleton and her family stayed . the night before the royal wedding. Only . two weeks ago, she was there with Mark Worthington, who was her . personal private secretary for almost 20 years. But, most days, she is . simply content to sit at home in her favourite armchair in the drawing . room, listening to classical music. She . skims the newspapers, watches the news on television — although her . favourite television programme is Songs Of Praise — and reads selected . mail. Hundreds of letters pour into her House of Lords office each week, . and she still signs books and photographs for well-wishers. A small but steady stream of visitors forms the devoted and highly protective inner-circle. Cynthia . Crawford, known as ‘Crawfie’, who was Lady Thatcher’s dresser, . confidante and travelling companion in Downing Street, comes to stay in . London for a week at a time. Sir Bernard Ingham, the curmudgeonly . Yorkshireman who was her Downing Street press secretary, is another . regular visitor, along with Alison Wakeham. Her . husband John, the former Cabinet minister, was badly injured in the IRA . bomb which killed his first wife, Roberta, at the Grand Hotel in . Brighton 1984. Alison had been his secretary at the time of the . terrorist attack. Dame Sue Tinson, a former boss at ITN, and Conor Burns, the MP for Bournemouth West, are also regulars. Sadly, . there are infrequent appearances from her children, as Mark lives in . Spain and Carol in Switzerland. Sir Mark’s two children, Michael, 22, . and Amanda, 18, from his first marriage to American-born Diane Burgdorf — . whom he divorced in 2005 — are only occasional visitors, since they . both live in Texas. After a . long day in Downing Street, Lady Thatcher used to kick off her shoes in . the flat upstairs and unwind with a stiff whisky. These days, it is a . weak gin and tonic before dinner. Because her short-term memory is . poor, she is now most comfortable in small groups of friends. She avoids . events with large crowds, and will be absent when the Queen attends a . ceremony in Parliament tomorrow to mark her Diamond Jubilee. Lady and the scamp: The dog entertains the former Prime Minister, her helper Kate (centre) and a woman park-goer . Formidable: Former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher in her heyday (left) and (right) the years are beginning to take their toll on The Iron Lady . A force to be reckoned with: Lady Thatcher with Geoffrey Howe... but these days she is simply content to sit at home in her favourite armchair in the drawing room, listening to classical music . ‘Lady Thatcher will watch it on the television at home,’ says a friend. ‘She is still very interested in what’s going on. And she still has very strong views — as you can imagine.’ There have also been a clutch of invitations to mark the 30th anniversary of victory in the Falklands War next month — one of the defining moments of her premiership. But she has declined them all. Her friends insist that she is comfortable and content. As one says: ‘There are flashes of the old Lady T, when you have to have your wits about you. And whenever you go round, she is always immaculately dressed as if she’s off to a night at the opera. But it’s a quiet life these days, and early to bed.’ Looking at her sitting on the park bench, however, there is one thing that is conspicuous by its absence: her famous handbag. As Prime Minister, she once declared women ‘are generally better at wielding the handbag than the bayonet’. Now, though, it seems Britain’s greatest-ever woman politician no longer has need to wield either. | Former Prime Minister spotted enjoying the spring sunshine in a London park . |
02bb6879a7a844062794e0244ad6ebaa35a4b714 | By . James Gordon . A Florida man who is accused of setting his dog on fire is in jail. Larry Wallace, 66, from Arcadia near Tampa was booked into the DeSoto County Jail on Monday. Wallace was apaprently surprised at his arrest and had owned the dog for less than a year. He now faces charges of arson and animal abuse, both felonies. Scroll down for video... Long recovery: A dog badly burned when its owner reportedly set it on fire is continuing her recovery at the BluePearl Veterinary specialty and emergency hospital in Tampa . Doctors are concerned about Hopes eyes. Her corneas nearly melted after being set on fire . Face of evil: Larry Wallace, 66, is accused of setting his Shar-Pei mix, Hope, on fire . Police say Wallace chained her to a shed and set her on fire. Police initially responded to Wallace's home on March 20th after reports that the dog had been set on fire. A child told investigators he saw Wallace throw water on the dog to stop the flames. Investigators said the dog's living area smelled of gasoline and Wallace was taken in for questioning, but he denied claims he started the fire, and was initially released. It is not clear what new details caused authorities to arrest Wallace on Monday. Veterinarians wrapped Hope in full-body, cow-print bandages on Tuesday . Hope showed signs of significant improvement as tender pink tissue crept back into her thick black fur coat . Hope has had six laser therapy treatments due to her injuries . His dog called Hope, has been recovering at Blue Pearl veterinary hospital in Tampa for the last month. The Shar-Pei mix puppy suffered severe scarring around her groin, burns in both corneas and lost a significant amount of weight and muscle. Half of her body was torched by third-degree burns. Vets have taken care to attempt to bring her back to health wrappiner her in full-body bandages. Doctors from BluePearl gave the dog an antiseptic wash Monday afternoon, which helped with the removal of dead skin and bad tissue. Hope has a a tremendous amount of dead skin and tissue removed and may have permanent eye damage . After months of medication and therapy, Hope is expected to make a full recovery . Hope, has been recovering at Blue Pearl veterinary hospital in Tampa since she was burned on March 20 . The Shar-Pei mix puppy suffered severe scarring around her groin, burns in both corneas and lost a significant amount of weight and muscle . In her first week at Blue Pearl, Hope got eye drops every hour around the clock due to concerns about both eyes rupturing . Hope is recovering from her severe burns at BluePearl Veterinary Partners . She was also given her sixth laser therapy treatment and remains in BluePearl's intensive care unit. The clinic also released a video showing the dog being cared for . It will take many months of medication and therapy, but Hope is expected to make a full recovery. When Hope was cruelly tortured, she had her corneas burned, they filled with fluid and began melting. She was given eye drops every hour around the clock due to concerns about both eyes rupturing. Her vision is still foggy but should improve well enough for her to chase toys and squirrels. Anyone interested in donating to Hope's care can make donations to the nonprofit Hardee Animal Rescue Team via its website, hardeeanimalrescueteam.weebly.com. Hope, a one-year-old mixed breed, has made significant progress from just a few weeks ago when she looked like this. She has been recovering in the intensive care unit of a Tampa animal hospital . While she has some scarring, Hope has made strides in her vision . Hope may be able to go home to her local vet in Arcadia as soon as next week . The Arcadia Police Department and the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office have now caught the man responsible for Hope's injuries . Anyone interested in donating to Hope's care can make donations to the nonprofit Hardee Animal Rescue Team via its website . | Larry Wallace, 66, is now in jail after setting his dog on fire .
He faces charges or arson and animal abuse .
Dog, Hope, has had multiple skin grafts and is being cared for round-the-clock . |
02bb8bf46b2ba5aec79ba570ea12bf502250dc07 | Older people have been warned about the dangers of excessive drinking after figures showed the number suffering alcohol-related mental-health problems has rocketed by 150 per cent in a decade. The latest research on the over-60s, published today, raises concerns that the baby-boomer generation is failing to acknowledge the damaging effects of long-term drinking. A new study found alcohol is causing a rise in the numbers diagnosed with dementia. Experts say the figures confirm an epidemic of late-onset drinking during retirement and following bereavement. The number of elderly people diagnosed with dementia caused by excessive alcohol consumption has soared in the last decade . And it appears the wealthiest are drinking the most. In London, the greatest number of hospital admissions are in some of the most affluent areas, including Kensington and Islington. Eric Appleby, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said those born between 1947 and 1964 had grown up with a more liberal approach to alcohol. He added: ‘This is a wake-up call – we’re drinking too much, too often and we’re paying the price for this with our mental and physical well-being.’ Alcohol concern say that the elderly need to be more aware of the dangers of alcohol after the number of those with mental disorders went up . The new study was carried out by Dr Tony Rao, a consultant psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and examined trends in hospital admissions in England for those aged between 60 and 74. He found the number of admissions for people with behavioural and mental disorders linked to alcohol use had gone from 3,247 in 2002 to 8,120 in 2012 – a 150 per cent rise. The cost of admissions linked to heavy drinking among 55 to 74-year-olds last year was more than £825 million, according to Alcohol Concern. That figure is ten times the cost of treating younger people. | The number of elderly patients with alcohol related dementia has soared .
The greatest number of admissions was in London's affluent areas .
Alcohol concern say that the baby-boomer generation has a more liberal approach to alcohol . |
02bcc64bbd846c06a29c4c4a149ccfef601ddbb3 | By . Nick Enoch . PUBLISHED: . 18:57 EST, 19 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:45 EST, 20 October 2012 . High in the sky over Tianmen Mountain in China, a host of daredevils threw caution to the wind... by throwing themselves off a 4,600ft-high (1,400m) ledge. This was the scene at the first World Wingsuit Championship in Hunan Province on Thursday. One by one, the eight finalists leapt from the cliff and negotiated a 1.2km-long obstacle course which involved whizzing across a valley, diving beneath a cable car, and other extreme acrobatics, before engaging their parachutes and landing on a red-carpeted mountain road. The rules were simple: the fastest flyer wins. Scroll down for video . This was the scene at the first World Wingsuit Championship in Hunan Province, China, on Thursday . One by one, the eight finalists leapt from Tianmen Mountain . The flyers had to negotiate a 1.2km-long obstacle course . The daredevils had to whizz across a valley, dive beneath a cable car and perform various other extreme acrobatics . The rules of the contest were simple: the fastest flyer wins . A flyer swoops beneath some cable cars . South African Julian Boulle took first place - setting the benchmark for the wingsuit flying record - with a time of 23.41 seconds. Mr Boulle has made more than 11,000 skydives and 1,600 wingsuit flights. Second place went to Norwegian ace Espen Fadnes, who finished the run in 23.55 seconds. And James Boole, from Britain, came in third, with 23.84 seconds. It was a remarkable achievement for Mr Boole, a professional sky diver - as in April 2009, he fell 6,000ft crashing into snow at 100mph after his parachute failed to open during a wingsuit flight over Kamchatka, Russia. He broke his back, cracked a rib, chipped several teeth and bruised a lung but amazingly, he lived to tell the tale. Forced to wear a body brace for three months, he never thought he would be able to jump again. Each wingsuit consists of fabric stretched between a skydiver's arms and legs - adding surface area to the human body . The contest was originally scheduled to start on October 12 but bad weather made flying conditions too dangerous. Above, a flyer prepares for take-off . Each wingsuit consists of fabric stretched between a skydiver's arms and legs - adding surface area to the human body. This allows them to travel horizontally, as well as slow their descent towards the ground. There are just 20 people in the world who are qualified to take part in such a competition. The contest was originally scheduled to start on October 12 but bad weather made flying conditions too dangerous. Tianmen Mountain is in Zhangjiajie, and the word Tianmen translates as 'gate in the sky' - a reference to the huge natural hole in the mountain. South African Julian Boulle (above) took first place - setting the benchmark for the wingsuit flying record with a time of 23.41 seconds . | The eight finalists hurled themselves off Tianmen Mountain in China . |
02bcf4a693c5d7ee6ca36f9a525978eaac91dcc1 | West Brom's £10million record signing Brown Ideye has hit back at his critics after admitting some are calling him 's***'. The Nigeria striker moved to the Hawthorns from Dynamo Kiev in the summer but has bagged just one goal - in the Capital One Cup - so far for his new club. Alan Irvine has even omitted Ideye from his West Brom squad for the last two Barclays Premier League matches and the 26-year-old admits he is getting a hard time. Brown Ideye (left) has scored just one goal for West Brom since his £10m transfer from Dynamo Kiev . Ideye (right) celebrated his goal and a 2-0 friendly victory on Wednesday with this picture alongside team-mate Silvestre Varela posted on Twitter . 'A lot of people are writing on my Instagram and Twitter page saying "you’re s***" or "you’re not worth the money",' said Ideye. 'You can’t criticise me, I’ve not been playing. How can you criticise somebody who has not been playing? 'I have found it difficult but people can’t criticise, pull me down or have a gun at my head for not playing. I don’t think that is fair. 'It makes me stronger and makes me want to bounce back as quickly as possible.' Ideye also insisted he will soon prove his class and blamed bad luck with injuries for his barren run in front of goal. The Baggies front man also hinted at turning round his form by scoring in a 2-0 friendly win against Leicester held behind closed doors on Wednesday. 'I just want to show the world and everybody what I can do,' he added. 'I have been doing it since the first club I played (for) in Europe and I have never been a flop. 'I am just unlucky, it was unfortunate I got injured and when I was out the team was doing very well.' | West Brom splashed out club record £10m on Brown Ideye in summer .
Nigeria striker has scored just once - and not at all in Premier League .
Ideye admits some fans are calling him 's***' and a waste of money .
But he did score in friendly against Leicester on Wednesday . |
02bd65e8783fe1a4f663b8dc744ad0496797810d | London, England (CNN) -- Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone took a "good whacking" when he and his girlfriend were violently mugged in London, he tells the Daily Express newspaper Saturday. "I'm feeling it now, bit painful, it was a good whacking," Ecclestone told the paper in the only interview he has given so far about the ordeal. The Express carried a picture of Ecclestone with a badly bruised right eye that was purple and swollen. The attack took place Wednesday night outside his offices in London's exclusive Knightsbridge neighborhood, after he had been to a restaurant with girlfriend Fabiana Flosi, the paper reported. The muggers punched the 80-year-old billionaire in the face several times and kicked him in the head as he lay on the ground, he said. They also ripped the earrings off his girlfriend's ears. London's Metropolitan Police confirmed to CNN that a man and woman were robbed of jewelry including two watches and a pair of earrings on Wednesday night. They said officers do not believe the man was targeted because of who he is and that it appeared to be an opportunistic incident." The man was taken to a hospital for treatment to a minor head injury, the police said. "I drove as I often do and we had just got out of the car when suddenly these guys laid into me," Ecclestone told the paper. "They said nothing to me, just went on the attack, so there was no chance to feel scared or react. "When I was on the ground I could hear Fabiana screaming for help and I took a kick or two in the head and went unconscious. "When I came to there was blood everywhere from my head wound but I was lucky. They weren't worried about taking my eye out or head injuries when they were kicking. "It was completely stupid and uncalled for. If they had confronted me and asked for everything we had, I would have handed over everything in my pockets, my wallet, anything." British news reports had said the stolen jewelry was worth several hundred thousand dollars, but Ecclestone denied it, saying, "They won't be going far on what they took off us." "I never carry much money or expensive jewelry," he said. "Most of Fabiana's stuff was just personal from Brazil and not worth much." The injuries forced Ecclestone to cancel a shooting trip with Spain's King Juan Carlos I this weekend, he said. Police were still searching for the suspects. | Ecclestone tells a British paper he took a "good whacking"
He and his girlfriend were robbed in London this week .
He is sporting a black eye after being punched and kicked . |
02bda97709c5810c96d5d75ffd1d532d7a5c7de3 | New York (CNN) -- Concealed weapon? Check. Concealed identity? Check. New York residents who hold pistol permits can now ask to have their names removed from public records -- an option included in the gun-control law passed after the December massacre at a school in neighboring Connecticut. Forms allowing handgun owners to request that their personal information be kept private are now posted on the New York State Police website. If approved, owners' names, addresses and permit numbers would be withheld from the public record and exempted from the state Freedom of Information Law. Opinion: If you back gun reform, write a check . Handgun owners will have to provide a reason for why they want their personal information withheld, particularly why their life or safety may be endangered or how they may be subjected to unwarranted harassment by the disclosure of their information. Law enforcement agencies would still have access to the records, but the general public wouldn't, State Police Sgt. James Sherman said. But "unless someone is lying on the form or has misrepresented their information in some way, their request will be granted," Sherman said. New York requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon or to keep a pistol in the home, and the exemption applies to both types of licenses. The privacy measure was part of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, which bans ammunition magazines that hold more than seven rounds and requires instant background checks for all ammunition purchases. Opinion: Obama needs a 'Plan B' on guns . It became law after The Journal News, a suburban New York newspaper, published an online, interactive map showing the names and addresses of all handgun permit-holders in Westchester and Rockland counties. The map, published in December, infuriated many readers and prompted a blogger to post the names and addresses of Journal News staffers in retaliation. The Journal News removed its online map 27 days later, stating that the removal was "not a concession to critics" but that the map had served its purpose. The paper's publisher, Janet Hasson, defended the decision to report the information. "One of our roles is to report publicly available information on timely issues, even when unpopular," Hasson said in a statement. "We knew publication of the database (as well as the accompanying article providing context) would be controversial, but we felt sharing information about gun permits in our area was important in the aftermath of the Newtown shootings." Pistol permit information is now exempt from the Freedom of Information Law until May 15. Permit holders have until then to submit privacy requests to keep that exemption. Forms filled out after May 15 will still be considered, but their information may be subject to FOIL in the meantime, and applications for new permits will have the option to keep their personal information under wraps as well. Complete coverage: The gun debate . | New York now lets pistol permit holders remove their names from public records .
It's part of a gun-control bill passed in January .
A newspaper published the names of handgun owners in two counties in December . |
02be886ce41a622931fbe24b2096546c925589f2 | Not for a second was Saido Berahino neglecting to celebrate this one. A goal late on to win a game that had been drifting to a stale draw against a relegation rival is enough to make even the most professional of strikers smile. Tony Pulis wants to keep hold of the England Under-21 international this window and little wonder. He was man of the match by a distance here, the only player on the pitch who bore a cutting edge. Twelve minutes from the end his razor finish brought Pulis victory on his first league match in charge of West Bromwich Albion. VIDEO Scroll down for Sportsmail's Big Match Stats: West Brom 1-0 Hull City . Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion (left) scores the winner against Hull on Saturday at The Hawthorns . Berahino (second left) celebrates after scoring the winner for West Brom against Hull at The Hawthornes on Saturday . West Brom (4-4-2): Foster 6; Wisdom 6.5, McAuley 6.5, Lescott 6.5, Baird 6.5; Brunt 6, Morrison 6, Yacob 6, Sessegnon 6 (Gardner 76mins); Berahino 7.5, Ideye 3 (Anichebe 73’ 5) Subs not used: Myhill, Pocognoli, Dorrans, Dawson, Samaras . Booked: Yacob . Hull (4-4-2): McGregor 6; Chester 6, Bruce 6, Davies 6, Figueroa 6; Elmohamady 5, Meyler 5, Livermore 6, Quinn 5 (Huddlestone 79’); Hernandez 4 (Ince 39’ 5), Jelavic 4 (Brady 33’ 6) Subs not used: Harper, Maguire, McShane, Dawson . Referee: Neil Swarbrick . Attendance: 24,818 . Saido Berahino's 77th-minute winner for West Brom. CLICK HERE for more from Sportsmail's brilliant Match Zone. Ahmed Elmohamady needlessly passed the ball back to goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who picked up instinctively. Referee Neil Swarbrick awarded an indirect free-kick eight yards out on the angle. Substitute Victor Anichebe touched the ball and despite four onrushing Hull players and two more on the line, Berahino’s low shot found the back of the net. Four times he declined to show delight when scoring against Gateshead last weekend. Not a bit of it here. Arms out wide, flapping gleefully, he ran to the corner to share the moment with Albion fans. West Brom are up to 14th with this win, Hull down to 17th, out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Pulis had emerged in customary tracksuit garb; navy baseball cap pulled over his head, gleaming white trainers on his feet. His clothing was no shock, but some names in his team raised eyebrows. Chris Baird, Claudio Yacob and Brown Ideye all started in a 4-4-2 formation. Stephane Sessegnon (left) of West Bromwich Albion holds off James Chester of Hull City off the ball . Tony Pulis watches on in his first Premier League match in charge of West Brom on Saturday at the Hawthorns . West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley (left) and Hull City's Abel Hernandez battle for the ball . Club-record signing Ideye produced another performance that made his £9million price tag beggar belief. There was the lack of pace to reach an early Chris Brunt pass, the absence of strength to hold up play. But worse came three minutes before the interval. Andre Wisdom fed Berahino, whose deft first-time touch released Ideye clean through. A glorious chance, he looked anything but confident, a rabbit in headlights, and scuffed his shot horribly wide. Pulis let out an agonised cry as he swirled away and adjusted his cap, resisting the temptation to throw it to the ground. By this point Hull’s attack had been decimated, Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez forced off within minutes of each other. Hernandez held his groin after stretching for the ball, Jelavic strapped ice to his knee when on the bench. Tom Ince and Robbie Brady were sent on by Steve Bruce, who now has an injury list of eight players, including forwards Sone Aluko and Gaston Ramirez. Had either of Bruce’s first-choice attackers been on you sense Hull may have snatched this. In the 73rd minute Brady delivered an excellent cross than Ince failed to meet with any conviction. Never been one for headers it must be said. Berahino was always the likeliest to break the deadlock. In the first half he sent a close-range shot wide, tested McGregor from further out, and wriggled his way into an opening before firing low to bring another save from the Hull goalkeeper. But, as he explained after the fallout from his glum reaction to that FA Cup haul, goals are his occupation. Twelve minutes from time it was job done. Jake Livermore (left) of Hull City battles with Berahino of West Bromwich Albion during the first half . Joleon Lescott (left) of West Bromwich Albion vies for possession with Nikica Jelevic of Hull City at The Hawthorns on Saturday . Hull City boss Steve Bruce (third left) gives instructions to midfielder David Meyler during a break in play . West Bromwich Albion's Andre Wisdom (left) battles for the ball with Hull City's Stephen Quinn . Hull manager Bruce (right) attempts to control the ball on the touchline while West Brom player Sessegnon watches on . Alex Bruce of Hull City jumps with Brown Ideye of West Bromwich Albion during the clash at The Hawthornes . Berahino celebrates after scoring the winner for West Brom alongside team-mate Victor Anichebe (right) | Saido Berahino scores 12 minutes from time to give West Brom a narrow victory over Hull .
Netted from an indirect free-kick after Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor picked up a backpass .
Tony Pulis steers the Baggies to victory in his first Premier League game in charge .
21-year-old Berahino the star player by a distance to prove his worth to Pulis and West Brom . |
02bf23600ea648a4fdc9d17a49925f45f380f257 | Lleyton Hewitt refused to be drawn on his future after his 19th consecutive Australian Open appearance came to a heartbreaking end against Germany's Benjamin Becker. Hewitt produced some inspired tennis to race through the opening two sets on Rod Laver Arena against a player who had never won a five-set match in his career. However, the former Wimbledon champion was unable to maintain that level and Becker - who admitted to kicking a door to let off some steam after leaving the court following the second set - roared back to secure a 2-6 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory in just over three hours. Veteran Lleyton Hewitt waves goodbye after crashing out of the Australian Open in Melbourne . The former Wimbledon champion would not confirm what his future now holds . Australian tennis fans cheer on their fading hero at Melbourne Park . Becker's win over Andre Agassi in the third round of the US Open in 2006 prompted Agassi to retire, but the 33-year-old German said: 'I hope it's not Lleyton's last match because then I get asked about it all the time. He is a great warrior, an unbelievable player, so I hope he continues.' Asked about his future plans, Hewitt - who won just one grand slam match in 2014 - said: 'I'll sit down and think about it. As I've said the whole time, I haven't thought about anything. 'But obviously the Davis Cup is the next main thing. Now that we've got some guys playing really good tennis at the moment, it's an exciting time. We have a good chance to possibly pull off an upset away (against the Czech Republic in Ostrava). That's the next focus.' Earlier in the day, top seed and four-time champion Novak Djokovic lost just five games as he cruised into the third round. World No 1 Djokovic thrashed Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 6-0 6-1 6-4 in an hour and 24 minutes, with all three singles matches on Rod Laver Arena in the afternoon completed so quickly that a men's doubles match was hastily added to the day schedule. The 33-year-old Australian raced to a two sets lead before blowing it against Benjamin Becker . Hewitt's wife Bec was in the stands to watch what may be her husband's final match at the Australian Open . Becker punches the air after completing a remarkable five set comeback . Djokovic won the first nine games against a hopelessly outclassed Kuznetsov, who received a sympathetic cheer when he finally troubled the scorers in the fourth game of the second set. The former Wimbledon boys' champion at least had the temerity to break Djokovic at the start of the third, but normal service was instantly resumed and Djokovic closed out the match in ruthless fashion. 'After my first-round match I was hoping to have this kind of performance, especially the opening two sets,' Djokovic said. 'Everything went as I planned and wished and hopefully I can stay on this path. '(Kuznetsov) is a very talented player. He's still young and he's of the generation of my younger brother (Marko) who knows him well, so I spoke to him because I had not seen Kuznetsov play a lot.' Djokovic has dropped just two sets over the first and second rounds since 2007, winning his first title at Melbourne Park in 2008 and lifting the trophy three years in succession from 2011. 'Generally this is my most successful grand slam and the tournament where over the years I've performed my best tennis,' the 27-year-old said. 'The reason? I think there is not one reason. A few reasons together. Andre Agassi cries as he announces his retirement after losing to Becker at the 2006 US Open . World No 1 Novak Djokovic breezed into the next round for the loss of just five games . Russian Andrey Kuznetsov could not cope with Djokovic's superiority on centre court . 'Probably the fact that I enjoy the conditions of play. Even though the last two years the courts have played faster, significantly faster than they were before, still I do enjoy being here in Australia. Some nice, positive, easy-going, sport-oriented energy going around. People appreciate the sport and make you feel good. 'Of course it's the beginning of the year. It's the first big tournament. Everybody comes fresh and motivated. I guess in this kind of package it's a combination of things that make me feel comfortable on the court here.' Defending champion Stan Wawrinka, who ended Djokovic's 25-match unbeaten run here in the quarter-finals last year, also safely reached the last 32, but needed two hours and 16 minutes to finally subdue the resistance of Romanian qualifier Marius Copil. The first two sets took longer to complete than Djokovic's entire match as they lasted an hour and 35 minutes, with Wawrinka winning both in tie-breaks before taking the third set 6-3. 'It was quite a tough match,' fourth seed Wawrinka said. 'I'm happy to get through, especially in three sets. Djokovic's coach and former Australian Open champ Boris Becker applauds his charge from the sidelines . Defending champion Stan Wawrinka was forced to work before coming through againstqualifier Marius Copil . 'The conditions weren't easy today. Quite hot. Really fast on the court. And he was playing great. He was serving big, putting lots of pressure. I wasn't playing my best tennis, but I'm happy the way I fight today and the way I did with the match. 'I'm happy with my game in general. To win the two first matches in three sets, it's great. I'm playing great tennis. As I say, if you want to get far in the tournament, it can be two long weeks. So you need to be ready to have some ups and downs. So far it's been good tennis. I'm happy.' Wawrinka will face Jarkko Nieminen in the third round after the Finn defeated German qualifier Matthias Bachinger in straight sets, with fifth seed Kei Nishikori taking on American Steve Johnson after coming from a set down to beat Croatia's Ivan Dodig. | Lleyton Hewitt lost to Benjamin Becker in five sets at the Australian Open .
The 33-year-old former Grand Slam winner wouldn't be drawn on his future .
Becker's win over Andre Agassi at 2006 US Open prompted his retirement . |
02bf37d6cb5e618b03c5e732a3bde9af81e47ef8 | Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- An elections board certified Kasim Reed on Saturday as the winner of the Atlanta mayoral runoff election by a margin of 620 votes. Barry Garner, director of Fulton County's elections board, told CNN on Saturday that former state senator Reed was declared the winner of last Tuesday's runoff election against City Councilwoman Mary Norwood. Garner said Reed received 42,348 votes compared with Norwood's 41,728. Norwood has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to request a recount, Garner said. He said if a recount is requested, it will begin Wednesday morning. In the initial vote among eight contenders, Norwood received 45 percent of the votes to Kasim Reed's 37 percent. Lisa Borders came in a distant third with 14 percent of the vote, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A candidate needs 50 percent plus one vote to avert a runoff. CNN's Greg Morrison contributed to this report. | Elections board: Kasim Reed is the winner of Atlanta mayoral runoff .
Reed defeated Mary Norwood by 620 votes, elections board director says .
Norwood has until 5 p.m. Tuesday to ask for a recount, elections official says . |
02bfe6e0e81ef1664ddf2d1deeb69b8939e4d3fc | New Delhi (CNN) -- Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari met with the Indian prime minister in New Delhi on Sunday -- the first visit to India by a Pakistani head of state in seven years. Both leaders described their brief meeting as satisfactory, with Zardari extending an invitation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singhfor a reciprocal visit. "I would be very happy to visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient date," Singh said after hosting Zardari at his official residence. Emerging out of their almost 30-minute meeting on Sunday, Singh and Zardari said their talks covered all bilateral issues between their countries. "I am very satisfied with the outcome of talks," Singh remarked as the Pakistani leader stood beside him. He said both nations were willing to find "practical and pragmatic" solutions to issues between them. Zardari echoed Singh's comments, saying their talks were "fruitful." "We would like to have better relations with India. Hoping to meet (prime minister Manmohan Singh) on Pakistani soil very soon," he added. Zardari's India visit came amid thawing relations between the two nuclear-armed nations. After his talks with Singh, the Pakistani leader travels to the shrine of a revered Sufi saint at Ajmer in Rajasthan state. The private tour comes in the wake of Pakistan's recent promise to grant India "most favored nation" trading status. The South Asian neighbors have fought three wars, two of them over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, since the 1947 partition of the subcontinent into Islamic Pakistan and Hindu-majority, secular India after independence from Britain. Last year, both nations pledged not to let their fragile peace process unravel again over the range of thorny issues that put them at odds. In 2004, the nations agreed to negotiations that cover eight issues, including Kashmir, terrorism and Pakistan's concerns over river dams on the Indian side of the border, which it sees as a threat to its water supplies. Since then, successive governments have held talks in an effort to end the historical acrimony. Singh and Zardari hailed results from the dialogue in September 2008 as the countries completed four rounds of diplomatic meetings. But engagements were suspended two months later in November 2008 after the terrorist assault on Mumbai, which left more than 160 people dead. Over the past two years, India and Pakistan have held a series of high-level meetings in their bid to put their peace dialogue back on track, a process considered crucial to regional stability ahead of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. In 2011, New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to resume talks. "It's a win-win situation when Pakistan and India are engaging in dialogue, are talking to each other, and are building better cooperation," Mark Toner, a deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said Thursday regarding Zardari's India visit. Observers say the Sunday lunch meeting between the Indian and Pakistani leaders was encouraging. "The lunch being hosted by the prime minister for a Pakistani president on a private visit is a welcome step," said Uday Bhaskar, a strategic analyst. | Singh and Zardari discuss bilateral issues in New Delhi .
Zardari is on a private trip to India .
His visit comes amid warming India-Pakistan ties . |
02c01b2a1b1721a8c86d243fb6386f4bb85f1dbe | (CNN) -- Brazil has confirmed 657 fatalities caused by the H1N1 flu, the highest number of deaths in the world, the nation's Health Ministry said. Brazil registered 7,569 new cases of the virus also known as swine flu from August 25 to 29, the Health Ministry said. However, new cases of the virus had dropped in the past three weeks. In terms of mortality rate -- which considers flu deaths in terms of a nation's population -- Brazil ranks sixth and the United States is 12th, the Brazilian Health Ministry said in a news release this week. Argentina ranked first per capita, Brazilian health officials said. | Brazil has 7,569 new cases of the virus from August 25 to 29, Health Ministry says .
However, new cases of the virus had dropped in the past three weeks .
In terms of mortality rate, Argentina ranks sixth, Brazil sixth and the U.S. is 12th . |
02c11d3ebc0556cbfc6557ea0b4dad9092aaca27 | (CNN) -- The iconic image of the neighborhood drugstore and wise and friendly pharmacist were once part of the American social fabric. The local pharmacy was where we went to pursue romance over an ice cream soda, share gossip with members of our community or acquire our most basic supplies. Pharmacists were our friends, our neighbors and those we looked to for help and aid. But increasingly, as the local pharmacy transformed into the large chain drug store, the analgesics and advice were joined by something quite different and deadly: tobacco products. Along with medicines, greeting cards and cosmetics, large retailers and pharmacies like Walmart, Rite Aid and Walgreens sell cigarettes and other tobacco products, despite the fact that we know they are harmful. But on Wednesday, CVS/Caremark stepped up and declared loud and clear: Cigarettes and health care cannot and should not coexist under the same roof. We applaud CVS for taking the bold and socially conscious step to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products effective October 1. More than 7,600 CVS stores across the nation will no longer sell these products -- impacting thousands of customers across the country and helping to promote longer, healthier lives. Despite intense competition in the industry, CVS had the vision and the conviction to do what is right for its customers. Each year in our country, more than 480,000 Americans lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases, including heart disease, cancers, emphysema and stroke. Tobacco use also takes a huge toll on our economy, from lost productivity to the medical care costs of treating sick smokers. But tobacco-related disease is wholly preventable. Proven tactics such as raising the price of tobacco products, clean indoor air laws, and effective public education campaigns can help drive smoking rates down. For years, these have been the tools of government and nonprofit organizations like Legacy Foundation. CVS brought a critical additional tool to bear -- limiting access to tobacco -- and issued a clarion call for retailers to join the fight to change the culture around tobacco use to make it less socially acceptable. Removing tobacco products from pharmacy shelves -- where they are often both an eye-level temptation for youth who are open to smoking and a trigger for smokers struggling to quit -- will help foster positive changes in our attitudes toward smoking. We challenge other large retailers to take the same step and put their customers' health and well-being ahead of their profit margins. CVS's decision shows that the for-profit sector can truly do good. Increasingly, America's pharmacies are positioning themselves as health care providers. Instead of a traditional visit to a doctor's office, many people may now visit their pharmacy -- like CVS's Minute Clinic -- for a quick assessment or diagnosis or to receive an on-the-spot prescription for whatever ails. To be seen as trusted health care providers, pharmacies must reconcile the inherent contradiction of offering those services while also selling lethal tobacco products to those very same customers. Providing medical services in one part of the store while offering harmful products at the cash register is a paradox that couldn't be clearer. CVS recognized that to be a true leader, you have to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. In a business climate with brutal competition and the persistent pressure to deliver short-term results, estimates are that this move by CVS could cost the nation's second largest drugstore chain about $2 billion in annual sales. But smart businesses look toward the big picture. By taking tobacco products off its shelves, CVS has an immediate opportunity to introduce other -- potentially profitable -- product lines to its customer base. With a new commitment to offering customers healthier choices, it has a longer-term opportunity to foster relationships with health care providers and medical staff -- all synched with CVS's vision to be a trusted neighborhood resource for short-term care. And CVS's act of social responsibility also has the potential to deepen existing customer relationships. Already, anecdotally, I've heard colleagues and friends who have been affected firsthand by the issue of tobacco use or lost a loved one to tobacco-related disease say to me, "CVS is now my pharmacy for life" -- based on the action it took this week. For that, the public health community and the chain's customers are cheering. We hope its peers quickly follow suit. Once they do, we will likely reach our bold goal to reduce smoking prevalence in the U.S. to under 10% in the next 10 years. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Robin Koval. | CVS/Caremark announced that it will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products .
Robin Koval: This is a bold and socially conscious move that helps customers .
She say more pharmacies want to serve as trusted health care providers .
Koval: It makes no sense to be health provider while selling harmful tobacco products . |
02c393f909e32dc3226bd3abdb59328ecd914860 | Explorers have recovered Apollo 11 engines from the Atlantic Ocean floor. First recovered in March, experts have now confirmed the rocket engines recovered from three miles below the ocean surface by Bezos Expeditions are Saturn V first stage F-1’s used by the rocket that put the first men on the moon. The announcement came one day before the 44th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on the lunar surface. Found!: Explorers confirmed they have recovered engines used to put Apollo 11 on it's historic voyage to the first lunar landing . The confirmation was made by conservators from the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, who confirmed the engines’ origin by scanning their surface with black lights designed to notice even the smallest markings. They were able to discern the serial number ‘2044’ stenciled on the side of one of the thrust chambers, according to Jeff Bezos. ‘2044 is the Rocketdyne serial number that correlates to NASA number 6044, which is the serial number for F-1 Engine #5 from Apollo 11,’ Bezos explained. Further sleuthing led the team to find ‘Unit No 2044’ stamped into the base of the thrust chamber, wrote Bezos, providing additional confirmation. The recovery was made using highly advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles designed to withstand the immense pressures brought by the extreme depths at which the engines were found. They were tethered to a vessel on the surface via fiber-optic cables used to transmit data and power, according to Bezos. Identified: The serial number 2044 from the Saturn V F-1 engines used by the Apollo 11 was found using black lights to scan the engine's surface . Remarkable discovery: More than 43 years of corrosion from being on the floor of the ocean made identifying the engines difficult . The team believes it has enough components to assemble two complete engines from the historic voyage. The recovered engines powered the Saturn V rocket for just over two minutes in actual flight time, according to Ars Technica, burning more than four and a half million pounds of fuel. Once empty, the engines detached and were returned to earth by retrorockets designed to pull them away from the climbing spacecraft and into the waters off the Florida coast. Historic: The confirmation that the engines are from Apollo 11 comes on the 44th anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's moon walk . Fixer upper: Bezos said it will take significant work to restore the engines to their original glory . Apollo 11’s celebrated flight to the moon took about four days from launch to landing, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Touching down July 20, 1969 on the moon’s surface at Tranquility Base, Neil Armstrong famously announced ‘the Eagle has landed.’ Bounding out of the spacecraft a few hours later, Armstrong famously said ‘that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ Buzz Aldrin soon joined Armstrong on his famous moonwalk as millions around the world watched in awe. Less than 24 hours after landing, the astronauts began their journey back to Earth, making a splash landing in the Pacific Ocean on July 24. We have liftoff: The Saturn V carrying the Apollo 11 launching from Kennedy Space Center July 16, 1969 . Thank you!: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos sponsored the hunt for the engines through his Bezos Expeditions . | The engines were recovered three miles below the ocean's surface .
The confirmation comes on the 44th anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 voyage .
Experts confirmed the engines' origin through serial numbers . |
02c413121f5f44798088ceeaa5e59eb3a919e2b1 | By . Daniel Martin . Proved wrong: Ed Miliband's entire election strategy hinges on the cost of living, which is now affordable, figures show . Ed Miliband faces a fresh crisis as his ‘cost of living card’ evaporates ahead of the election. Figures out later this week are expected to show that pay rises are now outstripping inflation for the first time in six years. This means Labour’s entire election strategy – to blame the Coalition for presiding over a ‘cost of living crisis’ – will effectively become redundant. At the weekend Chancellor George Osborne used a speech in the US to crow that Labour were ‘wrong about the past and they are wrong about the future’. And Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg used his monthly Press conference to lambast Labour for having created the squeeze on living standards in the first place by ‘crashing’ the economy. Mr Miliband faced further criticism yesterday from Alan Milburn, a former Labour health secretary, who called on the party to court business if it has any hope of winning the election. Writing in the Financial Times, Mr Milburn said Labour needed to ‘embrace an avowedly pro-business agenda and match it with a more pro-business tone’. Economic figures are expected to show that inflation has fallen from 1.7 per cent in February to 1.5 per cent in March; while growth in weekly earnings has risen from 1.4 per cent to 1.8 per cent. If it is confirmed that wages are rising faster than the cost of living, this will mean Britons will feel like they have more money in their pockets – and will be less likely to listen to Labour’s warnings. Mr Clegg said Labour had been proved wrong time and time again since the last election, and will have nothing left to say at the election if their ‘cost of living crisis’ line is proved wrong. ‘First they said making cuts and saving was not necessary – a remarkable thing to say when you had the largest peacetime deficit in this country ever and the largest structural deficit anywhere in the developed world,’ Mr Clegg said. ‘Then they said that by imposing savings, that was going to stop growth. Then they said that a million more people were going to be unemployed – every single one of those allegations by the Labour Party has fallen by the wayside and has proved to be wrong. It comes as Osborne told a US audience Labour was 'wrong about the past and is wrong about the future' ‘And if this latest suggestion from the Labour Party that somehow living standards will somehow never improve again also proves to be wrong, what on earth does the Labour Party have to say on the most central issue of the day – namely how we manage our economy, come May of next year.’ Mr Clegg said the reason why there had been a squeeze in living standards was that Britain had ‘suffered the largest cardiac arrest in our economy’ since the 1973 oil crisis. ‘I find it remarkable that in addition to denying any responsibility for the crash in the first place, they are denying any kind of maturity in accepting that you need to take difficult decisions to clean up the mess that was created by the Labour Party in the first place,’ he said. ‘The Labour Party have then gone on to somehow claim that the pressure on people’s living expenses had got nothing to do with them either. ‘I just think this consistent abdication of responsibility; this persistent refusal to apologise for having crashed the economy in the first place … shows a real paucity of credibility on the economy. ‘As people’s living standards improve and the pressure on living standards is eased, I wonder what is left for Labour.’ | Pay rises now outstripping inflation for first time in 6 years, figures show .
Means Ed Miliband's entire election strategy is effectively redundant .
Comes as Labour leader faces criticism from all parties for outlook .
Former Labour health secretary said leader is failing to court businesses . |
02c4bd643c56ba95d43934c2eb00bed5c6372a05 | By . Pa Reporter . Holland coach Guus Hiddink let rip at his players following their last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier. An awful defensive mistake from Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat gifted Vaclav Pilar an injury-time winner in Hiddink's first competitive match in charge. Janmaat headed Borek Dockal's cross against his own post and could only look on in horror as Pilar anticipated the rebound to convert from a couple of yards. Livid: Gus Hiddink was left fuming after Holland lost to Czech Republic in their oprning Euro 2016 qualifier . Howler: Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat's error led to a last minute winner from the Czech Republic . Czech mate: Vaclav Pilar (R) took advantage of Janmaat's terrible backpass to score the late winner . Holland had earlier got back on level terms thanks to Stefan de Vrij cancelling out Dockal's opener in Prague. 'I was livid,' Hiddink told the Dutch Football Association website. 'If you can't win, make sure you don't lose.' Janmaat admitted he felt like an idiot after the mistake. 'I wanted to head the ball back to (goalkeeper) Jasper (Cillessen), but I got it wrong,' he told www.telegraaf.nl. 'I feel very silly, but it was my fault.' Brand new world: Hiddink was playing his first competitive game after replacing Louis van Gaal as manager . | Holland were defeated 2-1 by Czech Republic in Euro 2016 qualifier .
Newcastle defender's mistake gifted Czech's a late winner .
New manager Gus Hiddink fuming after losing first game in charge . |
02c5c1df32e535dbbba7beb5fab9b96a636ae5d6 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . The worried daughter of missing radio personality Casey Kasem has vowed to do whatever it takes to get her father back, and is praying he's safe, wherever he is. Kerri Kasem, the 82-year-old's middle daughter, said Monday that she and her sister, Julie, had a 'wonderful' visit with their dad last Tuesday, just days before he was secretly moved from his out of a Santa Monica nursing home. She claims her estranged stepmom, Jean Kasem - Casey's current wife - is responsible for the disappearance, and that the woman moved him in the middle of the night without a court order or doctor's discharge. Scroll down for video . Casey Kasem, 82, suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, can no longer speak and has been in various medical facilities chosen by his wife, Jean Kasem . Worried: Kerri Kasem, pictured right in 2005 with her father and brother, Mike, left, said she was worried for her father's health . 'I will do whatever I need to do to get my dad back!' Kerri, 35, told Closer. 'I'm praying that he is somewhere safe. I'm praying to God that he’s being cared for and that he's not getting sicker and sicker by the day.' As of Tuesday afternoon, the 'American Top 40' host is labeled a missing person following the court's decision to grant Kerri conservatorship of her father's health. Kerri's May 6 visit was the first time she'd seen him in five months, after an attorney helped secure them access to his room. 'They let me and my sister in to see him and it was a wonderful visit,' Kerri said. 'My dad said, "I love you." 'Dad was animated. He was smiling. He moved his arms a little bit. He knew we were there,' she added to Closer. 'When we went to leave, we said, "Dad, we'll be back soon. We'll be back soon." That's when he looked up at us and was able to say the word, "When?" We said, "Dad, as soon as we can,"' she said. Speaking of Jean, one of Kerri's attorneys, Martha Patterson, told Closer she has no authority as a healthcare agent or Casey's wife to move him out of the facility without permission from a doctor. 'I cannot imagine someone in his condition being carried out without proper medical equipment,' she said. Kerri added tearfully that she's 'filled with an extreme amount of worry' for her father. Video courtesy of Extra TV . Daughter Kerri Kasem had sought a temporary conservator-ship and was appointed her father's temporary caretaker on Monday . Family: Radio Personality Casey Kasem, is seen with wife Jean Kasem, daughter Kerri Kasem, son Michael Kasem and daughter Julie Kasem on January 25, 1985. The children are from another marriage . The daughter's words come after a judge ordered an investigation into the whereabouts of the comedian after an attorney for the ailing man's wife said he had been removed from the country. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Daniel Murphy ordered a court investigator and adult protective services to find out where Casey Kasem is being treated and report back to the court. The elderly radio personality suffers from advanced Parkinson's disease, can no longer speak and has been in various medical facilities chosen by his Jean Kasem. Casey Kasem's children had earlier complained they had been unable to see their father in accordance with an agreement with their stepmother. Kerri had sought a temporary conservator-ship and was appointed her father's temporary caretaker on Monday. Her attorney, Troy Martin, said the family believes the entertainer has been taken to an Indian reservation in Washington state. Murphy's order came after Craig Marcus, an attorney who appeared on Jean Kasem's behalf at Monday's hearing, said he did not know where the radio personality was but knew that he had been removed from the country. 'I have no idea where he is,' Marcus said. The . revelation brought stunned protests from Murphy and two of Casey . Kasem's daughters, two of the entertainer's three children from a . previous marriage. Wife and husband: Casey and his wife Jean, shown in 2004 in Holllywood, California, have been married since 1980 . 'Your statements concern me even more,' the judge told Marcus, who declined to comment after the hearing. Marcus said in court that Jean Kasem had every right to move her husband as she saw fit. Murphy appointed a doctor to look into Casey Kasem's care and ordered a court-appointed attorney to find out his whereabouts as soon as possible. Casey Kasem gained fame with his radio music countdown shows, American Top 40 and Casey's Top 40, and was the voice of Shaggy in the cartoon Scooby Doo. As temporary conservator, Kerri Kasem will have access to her father's medical records and other reports that have previously been sealed by court order. Kerri Kasem's case is the second one opened by one of the former host's children to try to gain access to their father and have some oversight over his care. A previous case by daughter Julie Kasem was dismissed after she reached a settlement with her stepmother, but the daughter said on Monday that agreement has been breached. In a court filing last week, Kerri Kasem's attorneys wrote that the entertainer has been repeatedly moved without warning and his children have been unable to see him. The complaint accused Jean Kasem of elder abuse by isolating her husband from his family. 'We've been troubled for a long time,' Kerri Kasem said after Monday's court hearing. She said Murphy's orders will ensure that the truth about her father's care comes out. 'Justice has been served today,' she said. | A judge has ordered an investigation into the whereabouts of Casey Kasem .
Kasem, 82, suffers from advanced .
Parkinson's disease, can no longer speak and has been in various medical .
facilities chosen by his wife .
His children have complained that they have been unable to see their father in accordance with an agreement with their stepmother .
They believe he has been taken to an Indian reservation in Washington state . |
02c600858dcc92bf6b460ad67098f97e1c594f8f | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 00:59 EST, 7 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:48 EST, 7 October 2013 . New rules: Under planned legislation, doctors will have to check . that foreign patients are entitled to be in the UK before they are . allowed NHS treatment . Rigid restrictions on free access to health care for immigrants through the NHS are set to be introduced by the Government. Before they are allowed to see a GP or be admitted to a hospital ward, foreign patients will have to prove that they are legally entitled to be in the UK. Students from overseas will also have to pay a 'contribution' to the NHS, according to the Telegraph. A Government source told the newspaper that the restrictions are to be put in place in a bid to crack down on 'people who have no right to be here'. Under the rules, time-limited 'NHS numbers' will be issued to those who are not permanently entitled to stay in the UK, with doctors required to ask patients to prove they are in the UK legally before they can register as a patient. Students from countries outside of Europe will have to pay a £200 fee before they can be treated on the NHS. Hospital bosses will also be told that they must improve steps taken to recover the cost of treatments received by so-called 'health tourists' from abroad. The measures will be proposed in the Immigration Bill, which is due to be presented to Parliament within days. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told the Telegraph: 'We need to ensure that those residing or visiting the UK are contributing to the system, and that we do as much as possible to target illegal migration. 'We have a National Health Service not an international health service and I am determined to wipe out abuse in the system.' The legislation spans six Government departments, making it one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation to be drafted by the current Government. The bill will also see local authorities banned from giving social hosuing to those with no connection to the area, and hefty fines for landlords who do not carry out proper checks on potential tenants and empoyers who take on illegal workers. Crackdown: The Conservatives hope that the new legislation will redress some of Labour's migration rules and win voters back from UKIP . Foreign criminals will also be allowed to be deported immediately and not afforded a delay by the Human Rights Act - appeals will be heard abroad unless criminals can prove they are in danger of 'serious and irreversible harm' in their own country. The Conservatives hope that the legislation will not only go some way to redressing Labour's migration policy but also see off the challenge posed by UKIP. The Government is also expected to tighten rules regarding unemployement benefits in a separate move. | Foreign patients will have to prove they are legally in the UK before they can be treated .
Students from outside Europe will have to make a contribution to the NHS .
More efforts will be made to recover cost of treatment from 'health tourists' |
02c64d220ca0b7eafdb4a54028114599f83791a2 | By . Martin Robinson . and Andrew Levy . On the rolling greens of the genteel Aldeburgh golf club, the talk is usually of turf and tees. That is, until it was rocked by allegations of inappropriate behaviour between married members – and claims of an ‘Ayatollah’ at the helm. That is the damning judgment of an employment tribunal, which accused the club of conducting a ‘witch hunt’ against a well-regarded employee, and ordered it to pay £50,000 in compensation. Victim: Margaret Chadwick (left) was sacked . after raising concerns about the relationship between a golf club . secretary and a married female member. Bill Beckett (right) refutes allegations of inappropriate behaviour . It . labelled club secretary Bill Beckett an ‘overbearing and aggressive . . . . Ayatollah’, while former club captain Steve Beaumont was branded . ‘ignorant and naive’. The . trouble started when rumours swept the club that ‘something happened’ between Mr Beckett, 69, and a married member, Juliet Brereton, 73, at a . party. Days . later, assistant secretary Margaret Chadwick claimed to have seen Mrs . Brereton – who is married to Phil, 81 – pinching Mr Beckett’s bottom. Her submission stated that Mrs Brereton told him: ‘Bill, everyone loved . the barbecue and I loved squeezing your bottom. Let me squeeze it . again.’ Mrs . Chadwick, 58, quietly discussed the incident and its impact on the . 130-year-old Suffolk club with senior members. But when details leaked . out, she was escorted from the premises – and two months later, . dismissed. Mrs Chadwick, who was given the compensation for unfair . dismissal, yesterday said she was pleased at the outcome but had been . through a ‘terrible ordeal’. ‘I’m not jumping for joy – I would rather have kept my job. But here we are and at least justice has been done,’ she said. Mrs . Chadwick had worked at the club – England’s second oldest heath course – . since May 2008 and received no complaints until Mr Beckett took over in . April 2012. Within weeks she felt ‘criticised and bullied’, and in June 2012 was given a written warning to turn around her performance. She . went to then club captain Mr Beaumont and made a formal complaint. The . tribunal in Bury St Edmunds heard that he replied: ‘I do not regard Bill . Beckett’s behaviour to you as bullying and there has been no physical . violence.’ Scandal: Mrs Chadwick was escorted from Aldeburgh Golf Club in Suffolk and later sacked after she said she saw Bill Beckett have his bottom squeezed by a female member, a tribunal found . Mrs . Chadwick was later accused of making ‘unprofessional and unfounded . remarks’ and ‘escorted’ from the £1,000-a-year club. She was sacked in . October 2012. The tribunal heard Mr Beckett and Mrs Brereton ‘categorically, vehemently and consistently’ deny acting inappropriately. The . club accused Mrs Chadwick of spreading rumours to discredit her boss. But employment judge Robin Postle said its investigation was ‘one-sided’ and its findings ‘irrational and unreasonable’. It . was ‘not unreasonable’ for Mrs Chadwick, a mother of one who is married . to solicitor Richard, 68, to raise concerns about rumours of . inappropriate behaviour being ‘openly discussed within the club’ – . particularly as similar allegations had engulfed a previous secretary. Judge Postle added: ‘One cannot get away from the feeling that the . claimant was the victim of nothing short of a witch hunt.’ Mrs . Brereton, who runs a guest house in Aldeburgh, last night insisted the . claims were ‘made up’. She said: ‘A new club secretary arrived with a . new way of doing things and she didn’t like it. Her husband is involved . with the law and perhaps she saw a way to make some money.’ Mr . Beckett could not be contacted but the club said it had ‘full . confidence’ in him. Captain Tim Rowan-Robinson said the tribunal was . ‘disappointing’, adding: ‘The club refutes claims over secretary Bill . Beckett’s behaviour, which was fully investigated at the time.’ Hearing: A judge at a tribunal in Bury St Edmunds said that Mrs Chadwick had been the victim of a 'witch hunt' | Margaret Chadwick victim of 'witch hunt' at Aldeburgh Golf Club, Suffolk .
Told captain about Bill Beckett's alleged relationship with married woman .
Grandmother also claimed she saw him have his bottom squeezed in office .
Mrs Chadwick was escorted from premises and sacked two months later .
Employment tribunal finds in her favour and awards £50,000 compensation . |
02c70baf610fb3a66d4b00ab74dd907e848b56ce | (CNN) -- The anti-abortion group Live Action released Tuesday its latest undercover video aimed at discrediting Planned Parenthood. The edited video shows a Planned Parenthood staff member apparently counseling a woman about gender-selective abortion. "I see that you're saying that you want to terminate if it's a girl, so are you just wanting to continue the pregnancy in the meantime?" says a counselor, identified only as Rebecca, in a Planned Parenthood clinic in Austin, Texas. The woman, purported to be in the first trimester of her pregnancy, according to Live Action, says she does not know the gender of her fetus but wants to abort if it turns out to be female. "The abortion covers you up until 23 weeks," says Rebecca, "and usually at five months is usually (sic) when they detect, you know, whether or not it's a boy or a girl." The staffer recommends to the woman that she "just continue and try again" if her fetus turns out to be female. "Good luck, and I hope that you do get your boy," Rebecca says. In a statement, Planned Parenthood's vice president of education, Leslie Kantor, said the staffer was in an entry-level job and is no longer working for the organization. She "did not follow our protocol for providing information and guidance when presented with a highly unusual patient scenario," the statement says. The incident occurred six weeks ago and swift action was taken, Kantor adds. "Within three days of this patient interaction, the staff member's employment was ended and all staff members at this affiliate were immediately scheduled for retraining in managing unusual patient encounters." The statement continues, "Gender bias is contrary to everything our organization works for daily in communities across the country. Planned Parenthood opposes racism and sexism in all forms, and we work to advance equity and human rights in the delivery of health care. Planned Parenthood condemns sex selection motivated by gender bias, and urges leaders to challenge the underlying conditions that lead to these beliefs and practices, including addressing the social, legal, economic, and political conditions that promote gender bias and lead some to value one gender over the other." Last year, after the anti-abortion group released another undercover video that Live Action said showed staff willing to assist sex trafficking and exploitation of minors and young women, Planned Parenthood announced it would retrain more than 11,000 staff members at more than 800 centers across the United States. The secretly recorded video used a couple portraying themselves as a pimp and a prostitute who were seeking abortions for underage girls. Planned Parenthood said then that employees would be fired in cases of confirmed failure to comply with the group's procedures for situations involving endangered minors and with states' mandatory reporting laws for underage girls. After Live Action released undercover videos of four Planned Parenthood health centers in Virginia and one in New Jersey, Planned Parenthood officials fired a staff worker in the New Jersey office, but defended the others, saying they behaved professionally and appropriately reported the incidents to the U.S. Justice Department. | Video shows Planned Parenthood staffer apparently counseling a woman on gender-selective abortion .
"Just continue and try again" if the fetus turns out to be female, the counselor says .
Planned Parenthood says the counselor is no longer working for the organization .
She "did not follow our protocol," says the group's vice president for education . |
02c7c055138c9d1dabca7915b07ef8ae9e779c5c | (CNN) -- The oil spill on the Gulf Coast has states and visitors bureaus working hard to keep the public updated and reassure beach-bound travelers. Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster: . Northwest Florida . Oil has affected sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches, according to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Photos from the area showed patches of dark, syruplike oil on the white sand, but local officials said the situation is getting better. "Our beaches continue to improve hourly as the crews clean up," said Ed Schroeder, director of Visit Pensacola, in a statement on the bureau's website. On Thursday, yellow tape blocked about a quarter mile of the beach to public access, CNN affiliate WPMI-TV reported. Local officials said the temporary closure was put in place to speed up the cleanup process. Pensacola Beach is open, but the waters from the Park West recreation area to the area just west of Portofino are closed to all swimming and wading until further notice because of large quantities of emulsified oil in shore waters and along the shoreline, the visitors bureau said. "The shoreline and water along Santa Rosa Sound on the north side of the island is still clean, clear and open for swimming," according to the bureau's website. iReport: Share your photos of affected beaches . A no-swimming notice has been issued for Destin Beach because of the presence of "tar chips," according to the website of the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, which represents the destination. There were no reported oil impacts along beaches of south Walton County on Friday morning, the area's Tourist Development Council said on its website. The health advisory issued this week for a stretch of beach in the western end of the county has been lifted after two consecutive, clean high-tide cycles, the council said. Meanwhile, small scattered tar balls and oil patches have affected Panama City Beach, but the beaches are open and the swimming is still safe, the area's visitors bureau website said. "Our sugary white sand beaches are open for the enjoyment of our guests and, as of now, we are seeing only intermittent impact," according to the bureau. iReport: A slick trip to Perdido Key . Tar balls, tar patties and tar mousse -- a puddinglike oil-water mixture -- continue to be found in northwest Florida, with the heaviest impacts reported between Escambia and Walton counties, according to Visit Florida, the state's tourism corporation. All of the state's beaches remain open. Gulf Islands National Seashore . All of the Gulf Islands National Seashore sites, which are in Florida and Mississippi, are open, the National Park Service's website said. But several spots have been affected by the oil spill. A health advisory is in effect from Walkover 23 on Pensacola Beach, Florida, to the west tip of Santa Rosa Island including Fort Pickens. This advisory extends to the Perdido Key area, including Johnson Beach. "Because of significant quantities of oil in the water and coming ashore signage and flags advise visitors to not wade or swim in the water," according to the park. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have experienced significant oiling, according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The beaches are open and visitors are still welcome to sunbathe and walk the beach, but we strongly suggest they swim in a pool or enjoy our many off-beach activities," the site said. The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an advisory against swimming in waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, and in bay waters close to Fort Morgan, Bayou St. John, Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou and Old River. Grand Isle, Louisiana . The oil's biggest impact in Louisiana is on the portion of the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River extending east, according to a state emergency website. "Most of the Louisiana Gulf Coast, 70 percent, is unaffected by the oil spill and remains open for commercial and recreational fishing," according to the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau website. Grand Isle has closed its public beach, the site said. | NEW: A no-swimming notice has been issued for Destin Beach, Florida .
Oil affects sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches in Florida .
Some waters closed to swimming because of emulsified oil along the shoreline .
Health officials have issued advisory against swimming in Alabama Gulf waters . |
02c896288dab2e9bfb80e8668c81b2d2902006bb | By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 8:10 PM on 12th October 2011 . Almost 30 protesters were arrested in three demonstrations on Tuesday in Chicago and Washington D.C., as police continued a crackdown on unruly Occupy Wall Street protesters across the U.S. The arrests signal a hardening of the . position of both protesters and police as tension rise in demonstrations . away from where the movement first started in New York. Five women aged between 55 and 80 were arrested in Chicago last night for taking rubbish from a foreclosed home owned by Bank of America and dumping it at one of the company’s branches. Scroll down for video . Taken away: In Washington D.C. six people were arrested on Tuesday after 100 protesters unfurled upside-down flags - a symbol of distress - and anti-war banners in the atrium of a Senate office building . Chants: The group unfurled upside-down flags and anti-war banners in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building, which houses senators' personal offices and some committee rooms . Police presence: The protest had been planned for months by such anti-war groups as Veterans for Peace and Code Pink to mark the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan . They were taken away as 21 economic . protesters in total were arrested for trespassing in Illinois on Tuesday . and the Occupy Wall Street movement continued to gather pace in . America's major cities. In Washington D.C. six people were . arrested on Tuesday after 100 protesters unfurled upside-down flags - a . symbol of distress - and anti-war banners in the atrium of a Senate . office building. Bill Clinton has hailed the Occupy Wall Street protests for stirring a 'good positive debate'. The former president said the Occupy Wall . Street movement reminded him of the Tea Party’s early days, with . protesters saying: ‘There's something wrong with this country. This is . not working for me’. But . he added that the protesters must become more . organised and come up with a better programme in order to have a bigger . impact, reported the Chicago Tribune. But in New York, where the protests started last month, the relationship between police and protesters has improved since 700 were arrested for blocking the Brooklyn Bridge two weeks ago and complained of brutal treatment. Meanwhile the protests there have only got stronger, with the added celebrity backing of stars such as singer Kanye West this week. The Occupy Wall Street demonstrators marched to . the home of JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Tuesday - and today are gathering at the firm's headquarters in New York to protest. The arrests in Chicago came one day after thousands of people including teachers and religious leaders marched and snarled rush-hour traffic while protesting unemployment and economic woes. Those marches had appeared to target financial events in the city including a conference of the Mortgage Bankers Association, which was also subject to protesters' ire on Tuesday. Sixteen were arrested for misdemeanour . trespassing on Tuesday at a protest at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago . where the a Mortgage Bankers Association conference was . underway. Taken away: 21 economic protesters in total were arrested for trespassing in Chicago on Tuesday and the Occupy Wall Street movement continued to gather pace across the U.S. Handcuffed: Sixteen were arrested for misdemeanour trespassing on Tuesday at a protest at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago where the annual conference of the Mortgage Bankers Association was underway . Bins: Five women aged between 55 and 80 were arrested in Chicago last night for taking rubbish from a foreclosed home owned by Bank of America and dumping it at one of the company's branches . Demonstration: Action Now, a group of working families, said Bank of America had not properly shuttered the foreclosed home from which the group took the furniture and garbage . Separately, five women from the Action . Now group were arrested after taking rubbish from a foreclosed home . owned by Bank of America and dumping it at a branch, the group's website . said. 'Since Bank of America will not go to our . neighbourhoods and clean up their vacant properties, Action Now members . brought the neighbourhood to them' Action Now in Chicago . Action Now, a group of working families, said Bank of America had not properly shuttered the foreclosed home from which the group took the furniture and garbage. ‘Since Bank of America will not go to our neighbourhoods and clean up their vacant properties, Action Now members brought the neighbourhood to them,’ the group said on its website. Bank of America has not yet commented. Chicago has also seen several weeks of daily protests outside the Federal Reserve Bank by ‘Occupy Chicago,’ an echo of the larger Wall Street protests. Huge cheque: Protestors affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street protests chant outside the home of billionaire David Koch in New York on Tuesday . Placards: People representing Occupy Wall Street and other groups hold a march on the Upper East Side of Manhattan to protest policies they claim favour the super rich in New York . Beginnings: The Occupy Wall Street movement, which is protesting a wide variety of issues and started in September, is continuing in New York and is spreading to other cities around the country . Cardboard signs: Occupy Wall Street protestors stage a 'Millionaires March' in Manhattan's Upper East Side . Meanwhile in Washington D.C., six people were arrested on Tuesday during a protest in a Senate office building involving anti-war and Occupy DC demonstrators, police and participants said. The group unfurled upside-down flags and anti-war banners in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building, which houses senators' personal offices and some committee rooms. They chanted ‘We are the 99 per cent’ - reflecting their view that the country's wealthiest one per cent have too much and are too powerful - and ‘Stop the wars’ until Capitol police cleared the area. The protest had been planned for months by such anti-war groups as Veterans for Peace and Code Pink to mark the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. However the event drew participants as well from the Occupy DC protest, a local version of the anti-corporate Occupy Wall Street demonstrations that have spread nationwide. On the floor: This protestor was one of around 100 arrested early on Tuesday morning after police cracked down on an Occupy Boston camp . Grabbed: These protesters were taken away from a section of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Parkway . Force required: Many of the protesters refused to move from the camp and had to be forcibly removed by cops . Grounded: Protesters are arrested in Boston, after tensions boiled over on Tuesday morning when police arrested about 100 protesters from the Occupy Boston movement after the group expanded its camp . It comes after a huge crackdown on Occupy Boston’s second campsite that saw about 100 protesters arrested and their tents and personal belongings reportedly thrown into bins on Monday night. They were arrested on Monday morning around 1:30am after they ignored warnings to move from a downtown greenway near where they have been camped out for more than a week, police said. The protesters, part of the national Occupy Wall Street movement, had tried to expand from their original site in Dewey Square to a second site across the street, along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. A local conservancy group recently planted $150,000 worth of shrubs along the greenway and officials said they were concerned about damage. The arrests were mostly for trespassing. Police had warned protesters for hours they would have to return to Dewey Square, where a tent city has been steadily growing, and issued leaflets saying protesters could not occupy the greenway. See videos here . Demonstrators Arrested inside Senate Hart Office Building: MyFoxDC.com . | 21 protesters arrested by police in Chicago for trespassing on Tuesday .
Five of them were arrested for dumping rubbish in Bank of America branch .
Six protesters also arrested in D.C. for demonstrating in U.S. Senate office .
100 Occupy Boston demonstrators were arrested early on Tuesday morning .
New York protesters plan demonstration on Wednesday outside Chase HQ . |
02c8d13d4cee60210a9cb986afcb3262725c5984 | By . Associated Press . A pit bull that mauled a four-year-old boy earlier this year will spend the rest of its life in an animal shelter set up in an old jail instead of being put to death - after a man who styles himself as 'America's toughest sheriff' stepped in. Phoenix Municipal Court Judge Deborah Griffith said the dog named Mickey will be housed in the no-kill shelter opened in 2000 by Maricopa County's colorful sheriff Joe Arpaio, an animal lover who offered to take in the four-year-old pit bull. Griffith had declared the dog vicious at a hearing a month ago but declined to have him euthanized after animal-rights advocates came to its defense. Instead, she ordered Mickey to be neutered and defanged and gave the Lexus Project, a New York-based animal-rights group and the dog's trustee, 30 days to find a rehabilitation center or shelter to take him. The judge said the dog could not be put up for adoption. Mickey, a pit bull, attacked a four-year-old boy in February and will now spend the rest of his life in an animal shelter set up in an old jail by the sheriff for metropolitan Phoenix . Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio showed his soft side by taking the pit bull in himself . The Feb. 20 attack left 4-year-old Kevin Vicente with a broken eye socket and jaw, and the boy has months, if not years, of reconstructive surgery ahead of him. The case touched off a polarizing Internet debate on mercy, blame and animal violence, leading to candlelight vigils and riling up thousands of animal lovers on social media who placed blame with the dog's owners and child's baby sitter. Donations and gifts from around the world have flowed in for Kevin since the dog bit the boy in the face. Animal advocates say both the dog and boy are victims and a baby sitter watching the child was negligent in letting him play near the animal. They also argued the owner was fostering aggression by keeping the dog chained up. 'I expect to be the sheriff forever': Joe Arpaio is confident he'll be around to look after Mickey . The sheriff, who is known nationally for his immigration enforcement efforts and housing jail inmates in tents, testified that he was confident that Mickey would be housed at the shelter for the rest of the dog's life. Arpaio also said he didn't get involved in the case to get publicity. Later in the day, the sheriff will testify at a deposition in a civil rights lawsuit that the U.S. Justice Department filed against his office alleging racial profiling, retaliation against critics and other accusations. Arpaio denies those claims. At the dog's hearing, the question was raised of what would become of the animal if Arpaio is no longer sheriff. 'I expect to be the sheriff forever,' the 81-year-old sheriff quipped. The judge pressed Arpaio on what would happen to the animals in his shelter if a future sheriff were to end the shelter program. Arpaio answered that any sheriff who would close such a program wouldn't get re-elected. A supporter of the dog, Veronica Lee, said Mickey will be able to enjoy more freedoms in Arpaio's shelter than at another county facility where he's currently being held. 'Today, justice was served for Mickey,' she said. Griffith also denied a request from a lawyer representing the dog to rescind her order that Mickey be defanged. Attorney John Schill said it would make more sense to give the $2,500 the procedure costs to the injured child's family. Schill said the defanging wouldn't result in the dog losing his canine teeth, but rather they would be cut down and capped to match the height of the other teeth. 'Kevin's injuries are so vast and so devastating that $2,500 is really just a drop in the bucket,' Griffith said, adding that she doesn't want the dog to harm another person. | Four-year-old pit bull, Mickey, taken in by Sheriff Joe Arpaio .
Dog was set to be put to death after mauling a four-year-old boy .
Arpaio, 81, says he'll be sheriff long enough to care for Mickey . |
02c971cf94ad3b1696742544778f06cf8a2b1c23 | The owners of a $4million Cincinnati mansion that was destroyed in a massive fire a year ago are suing their insurance company for $60million for allegedly refusing to cover the blaze. Jeffrey Decker, who owns an Ohio home building company, and wife Maria claim that they still haven't been paid by Chubb National Insurance Co. for the January 8, 2014 fire that destroyed their home in Indian Hill, Ohio. Despite the family paying nearly $20,000 a year in premiums, the Deckers say that their insurance company breached their contract for coverage 'without reasonable justification,' WLWT reports. Even though the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a slew of local agencies have investigated the blaze, the cause still has not been determined more than a year later. This $4million, 22-room mansion outside Cincinnati, Ohio, burned to the ground in January 2014 . The cause of the blaze has still not been determined, despite the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigating - along with state and local authorities . Jeffery and Maria Decker are suing their homeowner's insurance company for $60million because the company has allegedly refused to pay their claim . The 10,000-square-foot, 22-room mansion was 90percent destroyed in the fire, which took crews more than seven hours to bring under control. No one was home at the time and there were no injuries. The Deckers are suing for $15million in damages for alleged breach of contract and asking for nearly $45million more in punitive damages. Chubb National has declined to comment on the lawsuit. The family estimated damages from the fire totaled about $5million - including the contents of the home. The Deckers carried a policy of about $8.8million on the home and $4.4million on the property inside. There were also riders for $208,400 in jewelry, $18,687 in furs and $5,705 in art. Four cars carried an insurance of value of $83,000. No one was home when the mansion caught fire . It took crews seven hours to extinguish the blaze, which caused an estimated $5million in damage . | Jeffrey Decker and wife Maria claim their insurance company, Chubb National, has refused to pay their claim .
Fire on January 8, 2014 caused more than $5million in damages .
Cause of blaze still has not been determined . |
02cda7baa5ffb66030294542e7372ed3d5742b22 | After the anxiety of the first day Andy Murray settled comfortably into the US Open with a cramp-free, drama-free passage into the third round. Under the glare the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights and in a gusting wind the former Wimbledon champion made light of a useful challenge from German qualifier Matthias Bachinger to win 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 46 minutes. It was a satisfactory evening all round for Murray as his first scheduled seeded opponent, powerful Spanish lefthander Fernando Verdasco, was knocked out 6-3 in the fifth set by Russian Andrey Kuznetsov, the world number 96. He and Murray have not played each other before. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic practice with each other . Eye on the ball: Andy Murray plays a backhand drop shot on his way to victory in the second round . On the run: Murray chases down a shot from his opponent as he eases through to the last 32 . Under the lights: Murray plays his US Open second round match at night on Arthur Ashe Stadium . Jamie Murray smashed his racket after match point when he and partner John Peers were beaten 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 by Scott Lipsky and Rajeev Ram in the first round of the men's doubles. Murray later bounced back, though, in his mixed doubles opener as he and Casey Dellacqua fought back to beat Elina Svitolina and Florin Mergea 3-6, 6-1, 13-11. Bouncing back: Jamie Murray got over his men's doubles exit with victory in the mixed doubles . The same could not be said of the Scot and Bachinger, who go back to the days of European junior tournaments, since when one has scaled the heights and the other carved out a journeyman’s living. Bachinger is a decent enough player to give Murray a good workout and very decent for a world number 235 but lacked a weapon with which to hurt him. Murray was too solid in the strong breeze on a cool evening in New York, and despite the wind his serve was considerably improved from what it was against Robin Haase, and there were no signs of the physical problems that sent him into spasm against the Dutchman. 'The start was tough in the conditions and we both struggled early on but we had some fun points in the second and third sets,' said Murray. 'It’s always special playing on this court, I’ve loved it since I first came her at 15. I struggled in my first match but I pulled up okay tonight. 'Kuznetsov is a very flat hitter and a big hitter and he’s dangerous, it will be a tough match.' Murray has had some big nights on Arthur Ashe but in truth this was not one of them, with much attention centred elsewhere on packed Court 17, where 15 year-old American Catherine Bellis was playing. Ab fab: Murray was back to his best beating Matthias Bachinger to reach the third round of the US Open . Support: Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears watches from the stands as her man books his place in the next round . Approval: Coach Amelie Mauresmo applauds as her charge Murray puts in an impressive performance . Tumble: Germany's Bachinger falls to the ground as he is knocked out of the US Open . The 2012 champion began with an ace, in contrast the double fault with which he kicked off on Monday, and from thereon put in a controlled performance with no angst-filled outbursts in any direction. His movement, always a barometer of his game’s overall health, was excellent. Bachinger held his own until the eighth game when two break points were created. The first was saved by a 131mph ace but on the second he hit a forehand long. Murray sealed the set after 27 minutes with a 128mph ace of his own. The Scot was cranking up his returns and that aggression brought an immediate break at the start of the second with the Bavarian, who was playing with no pressure and after winning four matches here, losing five games on the trot. A pleasing aspect of the Murray game was his ability to lob his onrushing opponent, and he went two sets up by clinching a second break at 5-3. The former Wimbledon champion briefly got into trouble at 2-2 in the third, when he saved three break points from 0-40 down. The German then saved six of his own in the eighth game, often with precision serving, but Murray made no mistake the next time and broke to love to seal his passage through. An evening devoid of much incident was doubtless exactly what he wanted. Popular: Murray's fans cheer for their man from the stands at Flushing Meadows . Sunset: Day turns into night in New York as the sun goes down over the Manhattan skyline . VIDEO US Open: Day four review . | Andy Murray wins 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 46 minutes against German qualifier Matthias Bachinger at Flushing Meadows .
There were no signs of any physical problems with Murray on Arthur Ashe Stadium .
The Brit takes on world No 96 Andrey Kuznetsov in the third round on Saturday . |
02ce5810b37842c00ae90b6c7b70dbf686cd865f | By . Leon Watson and Sebastian Lander . PUBLISHED: . 23:55 EST, 10 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:06 EST, 11 October 2012 . Package holidays are making a comeback with more families seeking value and financial security for when they travel abroad. Figures released by travel association ABTA show nearly half - 48 per cent - of Brits went on an overseas package deal in 2012. This is compared to 42 per cent in 2011 and 37 per cent in 2010. Figures show package holidays abroad are making a comeback as hard-pressed families seek value and financial security for their annual break in the sun . The figures emerged as it was revealed that hard-up Britons took fewer holidays in the last year, dropping from 3.82 in the 12 months to September 2011 to 3.5 holidays in the same period to September 2012. The 1970s were a heyday for package breaks as families jetted off to sunny destinations such as Spain but the arrival of the internet put an increasing dent in the market as holidaymakers went online to book their breaks. According to the Office for National Statistics, 56 per cent of European holidays in 2000 were packages which had dropped to 39 per cent by 2007. An ABTA spokesman said the figure in the 1970s was around the 60 per cent mark. The figures also showed that domestic holiday packages, such as coach tours and rail breaks, were on the up, increasing to 23 per cent in 2012 compared to 12 per cent in 2011 and 14 per cent in 2010. New figures released by travel association Abta showed 48 per cent of Brits booked a foreign package holiday this year, compared with 42 per cent in 2011 and 37 per cent in 2010 . In comparison to the findings, there has been a slight decrease in the number of people organising DIY holidays – where they book their travel and accommodation separately. A total of 39 per cent of those surveyed said they had booked a foreign trip themselves in 2012 which stood at 43 per cent in 2011. Victoria Bacon, head of communications for ABTA, said consumers valued the ‘security and cost effectiveness that package holidays provide’. She added: ‘At the same time the market has also evolved to offer greater choice to holidaymakers. It’s no longer just a week in Benidorm. ‘The market is now very sophisticated, with packages to cater for every taste and budget – whether you want two weeks all-inclusive in the sun, a cruise around Asia or an adventure holiday in South America.’ Ms Bacon also said holidaymakers had the choice of star ratings to tempt them, ‘plus an easy booking process and great value for money’. ABTA research showed that the number of people booking an overseas holiday through a high street travel agent rose marginally in 2012, with 27 per cent booking compared to 25 per cent in 2011. | Figures released by ABTA show Britons took fewer holidays in 2012 .
There has been a decrease in the number of people on DIY holidays .
Domestic holiday packages, such as coach tours, were also on the up . |
02cebc35c007eb63dc0a22f96de0541e4269793e | Mexico's government is trying to block the execution of a convicted cop killer in Texas this week, arguing that it would violate international law. The case of Mexican citizen Edgar Tamayo Arias is the latest battle in a dispute over the rights of the foreign-born on American death rows. And U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said it could put Americans abroad at risk. Tamayo, 46, was convicted in the 1994 murder of a Houston police officer, whom he shot three times in the back of the head, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. His attorneys are scheduled to present oral arguments Tuesday, calling for a preliminary injunction to stop the state's governor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles from considering Tamayo's clemency petition until the process is "adequate and fair," read a statement from his team. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said Sunday that going ahead with Arias' execution by injection, scheduled for Wednesday, would violate international law because Tamayo wasn't advised of his right to receive consular assistance. This isn't the first time Mexico has stepped in to try to stop the execution of one of its citizens. Mexican officials made similar arguments -- unsuccessfully -- before executions in 2008 and 2011. "The Mexican government is opposed to the death penalty and has decided to use the necessary resources to protect its citizens who are in danger of receiving this sentence," the ministry said. Kerry has also weighed in on Tamayo's case, arguing that setting an execution date is "extremely detrimental to the interests of the United States." "I want to be clear: I have no reason to doubt the facts of Mr. Tamayo's conviction, and as a former prosecutor, I have no sympathy for anyone who would murder a police officer," Kerry wrote. "This is a process issue I am raising because it could impact the way American citizens are treated in other countries." In a response to Kerry, Texas Deputy Attorney General Don Clemmer said he would meet with representatives from the Justice Department and the State Department over the matter. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2004 that the United States had violated the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the treaty that lays out rights of people detained in other nations, in the cases of dozens of Mexican nationals. The judges ordered the United States to provide "review and reconsideration" of the sentences and convictions of those Mexican prisoners as a result. Mexico's Foreign Ministry argues that hasn't happened in Tamayo's case. It's a case Tamayo's lawyer had made as well in attempts to stay his execution. "The Mexican Foreign minister, the U.S. Secretary of State, evangelical and Latino leaders, former Texas Gov. Mark White and legal and international organizations have called on the The Texas Board of Pardon and Paroles and Gov. (Rick) Perry to halt the execution of Mr. Tamayo based on the violation of his consular rights, yet the Texas Board of Pardons has refused to even meet to discuss Mr. Tamayo's clemency petition," attorney Sandra Babcock said in a statement. "Mr. Tamayo was never informed of his treaty rights at the time of his arrest, and no court has agreed to review that treaty violation and the consequences that it had for his conviction and sentence," she told CNN affiliate KTRK. Prosecutors have disputed that argument. "Since 1994, this case has gone to all the courts that it can possibly go to -- the state courts, the federal courts," Roe Wilson, assistant district attorney in Harris County, Texas, told KTRK. "It has been reviewed." | Defense attorneys are expected to present oral arguments Tuesday .
Edgar Tamayo Arias is scheduled to be executed in Texas on Wednesday .
Mexico's government says the execution would violate international law .
Tamayo was convicted in the 1994 killing of a Houston police officer . |
02d123388fbdf6da1466253313fe6641595c291c | By . Rob Cooper . Last updated at 5:05 PM on 24th January 2012 . It must be every car fans dream but they might not get much sleep with the engine noise in this superpowered 600bhp bunkbed. The unusual vehicle, which goes under the hammer next month, boasts a V8 engine, automatic transmission, disc brakes and super-wide Goodyear tyres. It can in theory be driven in comfort from either the top or bottom bunk. Superpowered bunkbed: The unusual car, which is fitted with a 600bhp engine, goes under the hammer in Weybridge, Surrey, next month . Auctioneers Historics at Brooklands, Surrey, expect offers in the region of £12,000 to £15,000 for the custom car. Also on the list for the February 18 auction at Mercedes-Benz World is the iconic ‘Bugaloos Buggy’ made famous by the children's television show in the 1970s. Broadcaster NBC commissioned George Barris to make the Bugaloo who made the original Batmobile and later versions of the KITT car in Knight Rider. Unorthodox car: The vehicle has been fitted with superwide Goodyear tyres, disc brakes and an automatic gearbox . Creator: George Barris made this bunkbed car which is going to be sold-off next month. He also made the original Batmobile and later versions of the KITT car in Knight Rider . Using a four-passenger fibreglass body mounted on a Volkswagen floorplan, the car was built to look like a bug - reflecting the programme’s characters who could fly and walk on water - with wings set on a T-shaped roll bar and oversized headlights designed to look like eyes. The car is fully street legal and also has a guide price of £12,000 to £15,000. Also going under the hammer is a 23-foot long multi-engined Snake Pit car which is fitted with six synchronised Ford Cobra V8 engines. For sale: A replica of the the iconic 'Bugaloos Buggy' made famous by the children's television show in the 1970s . The custom car took George Barris, Harry Bradley, Joe Bailon and Jay Ohrberg four years to build and has an estimated 2,000bhp,12 Holley four-barrel carburettors, 48 . exhausts, two Ford C-6 automatic transmissions and a pair of Pontiac . rear axles, the Snake Pit is all about extraordinary figures. Joe Bailon, a car customiser also famous for introducing the three part process used to create candy paint colours, added than 30 coats of lacquer to compliment the orange and pearl white paintwork. It has an estimated value of £65,000. Constructed on top of a VW: Bugaloos Buggy was built to look like a bug and mounted on a Volkswagen floorplan . | High-speed bed is fitted with a V8 600bhp engine and could sell for £15k .
Snake Pit car with SIX synchronised Ford Cobra V8 engines capable of 2,000bhp also going under the hammer . |
02d13195c2ac5c61415b40c45712c943d9290164 | Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers felt Everton's Gareth Barry was lucky to stay on the field at Anfield – and most neutral observers would agree with him. Barry was cautioned in the second-minute for a foul on Adam Lallana and then blocked Raheem Sterling's shot with his arm inside the penalty area after eight minutes. Referee Martin Atkinson waved away the penalty appeals and then spared Barry again after 10 minutes when he clipped Mario Balotelli. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has questioned Martin Atkinson's decision to not send off Gareth Barry . Barry was booked in the second minute after a reckless challenge on Liverpool's Adam Lallana . The Liverpool boss felt Barry should have been penalised for handling the ball inside the penalty area . The Liverpool playmaker looked in some pain after the challenge but was able to carry on playing . Barry raised his hand to block a shot from Liverpool's Raheem Sterling in the ninth minute . Rodgers said only half in jest: 'Gareth Barry grabbed it with both arms. It was nearly a save! And Martin (Atkinson) had a good look at it. 'For us it was a clear penalty. If the ball strikes your hand around the waste, that is one thing, but his arms were up above his head. If the penalty had been given, he (Barry) would have gone and maybe that was in the referee's mind.' Rodgers also praised Balotelli for refusing to react to some heavy Everton tackling. 'I think it is important for him to focus on his game. You only have a chance to win if you have 11 players on the field,' said the Reds manager. 'I thought his work rate was excellent.' | Everton ace Gareth Barry was lucky to escape a second yellow card .
Referee Martin Atkinson waved away Liverpool's penalty protests .
Barry kept his cool in the second half to finish the game at Anfield . |
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