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Shaun Wright has been thrown off a Home Office taskforce to tackle sexual violence against children and vulnerable people . Embattled crime supremo Shaun Wright has been thrown off a Home Office taskforce to tackle sexual violence against children and vulnerable people, it emerged last night. The man at the centre of the Rotherham sex abuse scandal will no longer represent the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners on the panel. Mr Wright, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, has also been blocked from sitting on any other crime-fighting bodies on behalf of the association. The revelation that Mr Wright was still on the taskforce was embarrassing for the Government after a damning report into the horrifying scale of child rape in the town. It revealed that at least 1,400 girls were abused for years by gangs of sexual predators, mainly of Pakistani origin. Before being elected South Yorkshire PCC in 2012, Mr Wright was Rotherham’s councillor in charge of children’s services for five years. The department repeatedly turned a blind eye to evidence that girls had fallen into the clutches of paedophiles from 1997 to last year. But despite the outrage, Mr Wright has refused to resign from his £85,000-a-year post. Current rules do not allow for his removal. In the face of mounting anger, the APCC yesterday announced the shamed commissioner would no longer represent it on eight newly-created standing groups on crime to be introduced on September 25. This means he will be ordered to relinquish his spot on the Home Office panel. In a statement, national PCC chairman Nick Alston said: ‘The APCC will strive to ensure that victims of crime and all members of the public have confidence in the work of PCCs across the country to support the vulnerable and keep communities safe.’ | Shaun Wright has also been blocked from sitting on any other crime-fighting bodies as part of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners . His role was embarrassing for the Government after a damning report into the horrifying scale of child rape in Rotherham . Mr Wright has refused to resign from his £85,000-a-year post . | 6b748f428553c5e78e3157118f7e5882128d53ce |
(CNN) -- Japan's national football team will not play at the prestigious Copa America tournament in July due to the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastation in the island nation last month. The 2011 Asian Cup champions had been one of two countries invited to take part as guests at the 12-team South American event, due to be held in Argentina from July 1-24. But Japan Football Association president Junji Ogura traveled to Paraguay on Monday to meet his South American counterparts and ask that the "Samurai Blue" not participate alongside Mexico. "He believes the priority now is to try to save lives and reconstruction," CONMEBOL spokesman Nestor Benitez said in a statement on Monday. "On top of that, the Japanese FA has organizational problems due to damage to infrastructure." Marvelous Mourinho record falls -- but will it ever be beaten? Japan's J-League has been suspended for five rounds until April 23 to save the electricity used to stage night matches, as the country tries to rebuild with more than 11,000 people killed and over 15,000 missing -- while problems still remain at a crippled nuclear power plant. Japan had been due to play in Group A with Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia, but a team from the Central American region such as Honduras or Costa Rica may now be invited. "We had asked to be invited to the South American championship, first of all. Therefore, it is not for us to make a decision unilaterally," Ogura told Japanese media before heading to Asuncion. The Mexico team have been regular participants at the Copa since 1993, while the U.S. have been invited to take part three times. | Japanese FA asks to pull national team out of South American tournament . Samurai Blue had been invited as a guest entry team along with Mexico . JFA president traveled to Paraguay to have talks with CONMEBOL officials . Japan's domestic league has been suspended since last month's natural disasters . | eca6937c92715b399cbf6d303e53a5dd74a696d3 |
By . Alex Lazcano for Daily Mail Australia . A guitar collector has had $30,000 worth of guitars signed by some of the world's biggest rock legends stolen from his back shed. Fourteen celebrity autographed guitars were stolen some time between Thursday night and Tuesday morning from the collector's shed on Berrimilla Street, Manly West in Queensland. It is believed that the guitars signed by some of the best musicians in the world had a cumulative value of about $30,000. The $30,000 collection of autographed guitars stolen last week was the collector's prized possession. Police are investigating the crime . Queensland Police are seeking public assistance to locate the collector items signed by some of the best musical acts of the 80s and 90s. It has not been clarified by police if the instruments were electric or acoustic guitars or if they have any leads on the case. The valuable items were signed by Aussie greats such as Jimmy Barnes, The Screaming Jets, Richard Clapton, The Choir Boys, Ian Moss, Normie Rowe and Diesel. Some of the biggest international names scrawled onto the collector's guitars include KISS, The Eagles and John Mellencamp. The KISS guitar signed by Paul Stanley features his face painted onto the headstock with KISS logos and other detailing on the guitar. Signed by KISS's Paul Stanley this was one of the most valuable items stolen from the collection . Signed by rock's biggest names, the $30,000 guitar collection was stolen from a shed just outside of Brisbane . Other international acts who signed the guitars include: Phil Emmanuel,Ted Nugent, Peter Frampton, Jon Stevens and Chubby Checker. A spokesperson for Queensland Police has told Daily Mail Australia that it is not yet known whether the crime was committed at random or if the criminal knew where the guitars were kept. Police urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area, or who know of the whereabouts of any of the guitars, to contact Crime Stoppers or Policelink. One of the autographed guitars stolen from a guitar collector's shed . | 14 guitars have been stolen from a property in Manly West, Queensland . The stolen goods are thought to be valued at a total of $30,000 . Signed by The Eagles, Paul Stanley of KISS, Diesel and Jimmy Barnes . | 2b7d728656299c0c11ca5313c4778fa37df08617 |
Washington (CNN) -- The State Department is using cutting-edge data gathering technology to help keep the peace in some areas and keep violence from flaring in others, saving both physical and fiscal costs of conflict. "We are about breaking and interrupting, stopping and preventing atrocities and destabilizing violence, for the good of the people in the countries where we work, as well as the good of the American people," said Jerry White, deputy assistant secretary for partnerships and learning in state's newly formed Conflict and Stabilization Operation (CSO) office. White, a Nobel laureate, encountered first-hand consequences of miscalculated foreign policy decisions, violence, and instability, when he lost a leg to a land mine during a hike in Israel in 1984. That led him to co-found Survivor Corps, which is the first international network of survivors helping survivors to recover from war, rebuild their communities, and break cycles of violence. CSO analyzes "large data sets" as well as "civil society" generated data -- essentially the sum of patterns, human behaviors, electronic signals, social media elements and everything tangible that creates masses of technological and non-technological data. "As observers of patterns, data, and focal points, we look at violence as an epidemic that can ultimately spread," White said. "As interrupters of violence, by using the nuances such as data analytics we now have the technology to prevent, interrupt and break these cycles of violence." Iraq and Afghanistan . State Department officials said they didn't want to speculate the "should have, could have, would haves," but Mark Abdollahian, a political-scientist and co-creator of "Senturion", a "large data" predictive analysis tool, says otherwise. In conjunction with the National Defense University, Abdollahian ran a forecast using big data analytics during the run-up to the war in Iraq, which was a fairly accurate preview of where the conflict would go. Abdollahian's model anticipated what the Iraqi and international political support would look like if the United States went into Iraq with and without the United Nations support. It found very early on that if the United States entered Iraq on its own, "it would be the ultimate source of Iraqi sectarian and domestic violence." It also predicted "the situation in Iraq would worsen throughout 2003 and 2004 in terms of Iraqi attitudes toward the U.S. presence as well as insurgent activity," said Abdollahian, whose Senturion model is now used by White and his team at CSO. The model produced very specific predictions about the behavior of factions and accurately predicted the timing of defections as well as the potential support from unexpected allies -- such as the specific behavior of Shia leaders after Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed — to the point of even accurate sequencing of defections among different factions. "When we published our findings with NDU, everyone was asking how we did this -- questioning whether or not we had inside deals. And we simply responded by saying we only looked at patterns, behaviors, and ran data -- yet everyone was shocked," Abdollahian recalled. An alternative to 'top-down' approach . Both White and Abdollahian believe that this "large data analytic technology" provides a "focal point" and identifies the players in what Abdollahian calls a political "tug of war." Software allows analysts to map "different people, players, stakeholders, and people with interests, in various targeted political landscapes." Then the computer chip tracks interactions among these elements -- Abdollahian's "tug of war" -- and therefore "anticipates if people are going to agree, and if so, what are the compromises, and if not, what are the potential outcomes." The technology allows U.S. policymakers to frame responses in a timely manner and avoid conflicts that might require the introduction of military forces, reducing the cost in both money and casualties by identifying innovative courses of action that may have not been spotted without the use of this new technology. White suggests the data-driven approach is somewhat contrary to the conventional "top-down" wisdom, since "many believe that it take decades to get into conflicts and consequently it would take the same amount to come out." Amir Bagherpour, a senior analyst at CSO and former student of Abdollahian, suggests "mixing new technologies with conventional methods of developing policy strategies, creates "pockets of hope that allow advanced planning around the patterns of violence for the future." AB Paul, cyber strategist and former policy adviser at the Pentagon and the U.S. Central Command, believes that people's emotions are a pivotal element in data analysis and capturing these human elements are a huge challenge. "If you could apply human judgments, it's wonderful, otherwise substituting human judgment and talent with computing analytics does not work," Paul said. Paul's argument is central to what White and Bagherpour regard as pivotal element in their work at the CSO. "The key to success is to combine this nuance and technology with the invaluable talent, knowledge and human power of our diplomats and civilian responders through a comprehensive team effort," Bagherpour said. Decoding Syria . One of the main areas of focus for the year-old agency is Syria, which is similar to many less-developed countries that lack cyber data availability. Gary Shiffman, a former chief of staff of customs and border protection at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said "you want data to allow you to see" life's normal patterns. "So this model can work as effective both in developed countries as well as undeveloped countries," said Shiffman, who is now president of Giant Oaks, a consulting firm that provides big data analytics for national and homeland security interests. Shiffman suggests useful data in less developed countries can be found in "economic data -- what people are buying in stores, what cars are they driving, what kind of phones are they using, refugee flows, the direction of their move, mobile use." Both Shiffman and White believe traditional data and civil society patterns can be as valuable for data analytic forecasts as cyber data that's more prevalent in developed countries. "In the case of Syria, we look at trends, where the business leaders gather, what they talk about, where are the religious leaders; we follow sermons, political and religious statements, public meetings, statements in commerce and business areas," White said, suggesting that through this accumulation of information, they see connections in Damascus, Turkey and elsewhere and can project connections within the region. CSO's analysis of large data and civil society enabled the Syrian opposition to build mass-communications and improve internal and external communications networks and develop civilian leadership capacity for if there's a change in government. Introducing new narratives . In a post-Gadhafi Libya, White said the United States and its allies were under the impression that "militias" were one of the big problems in that country. As a result, White and his team "dug down and looked at who are these militias? Where are they located? And how is the pattern of violence manifested?" through the study of human patterns and civil-society data-gathering. "Libyan streets became our study ground, as did civil society and social media," White said. By using large data analysis in a strategic effort to advance stability in Libya, "it was not your typical police, but rather the Libyan civil society that was the antidote to the militia violence," White said. By looking at social networking, open sources and the civil society, analysts got a better picture of Libyans' attitude toward Americans, which helped "understand trend lines against Americans — that potentially led us to learn that Libyans were simply horrified -- Libyans were actually horrified -- by the killing of Ambassador Chris Stevens," White said of the U.S. diplomat who was killed in a terror attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi last September. Moving forward, White suggests that by looking at these reactions, instead of a military and counter terrorism approach, we can build-up "myth-busters" and thus introduce new narratives that can help prevent violence, not just in only Libya, but the region at large. Thousands of miles away from where the Arab Spring bloomed, CSO is applying similar methods in Kenya, where more than 1,000 people were killed and 350,000 displaced after the 2007 elections. Last year White and his team integrated similar patterns of large data analysis to help Kenyans prevent violence during last month's elections. North Korea is another conflicted area that remains a pivotal threat not only for the United States but also for the rest of the world. Both Abdollahian and Raphael Carland, director of partnerships and communication at CSO, say the area lacks readily available "information clouds" that make up the first layer of large data analysis. But by using its analytical tools, it's possible to fill in data gaps by correlating conditions in comparable environments. Preventing another Boston . There is also strong potential in using large data analytics in the United States to help forecast terror attacks like the bombing at the Boston Marathon two weeks ago. "Absolutely we can make this work domestically in the U.S., however the challenge is that people guard their privacy from the government very closely, so then we might face privacy-issue challenges when running human patterns and large data in the States," Shiffman said. | Analyzing human behavior, social media, other data points a State Department tool . Modeling looked at Iraq, Syria, Libya, North Korea and other hot spots . Data-driven approach is contrary to conventional "top-down" wisdom . Potential to use data analytics in the United States to help forecast terror attacks . | 828ca9fcfb29d764f6984b9b523b5cf256b13bc8 |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Michael Jackson has officially become the most popular person on Facebook, with more than 7 million fans on the social networking site. The Michael Jackson Facebook page is now the most popular on the social networking site. Previously, the most popular person on Facebook, with just over 6 million fans, was U.S. President Obama. Over the past week, Jackson's page has grown from 80,000 fans to just over 7 million, generating the largest response on a Facebook page, the social networking site says. He has continued to gain about 20 fans per second and even more during peak traffic hours, said social media commentator Nick O'Neill, founder of the Social Times Web site. By comparison, actor Ashton Kutcher recently entered a race to beat CNN's Larry King to 1 million followers on Twitter. Kutcher won and remains the most popular person on Twitter -- but still has only 2.6 million followers. During his memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, all 10 trending topics on Twitter.com were Jackson-related. Jackson's popularity and the viral nature of Facebook fan pages are the primary reasons for the huge fan base, O'Neill explained. He said, "It's simply his popularity. Also, as users become fans, the page gets recommended to others, driving the viral growth of the page. "Michael Jackson is simply the largest celebrity in the world. While he was a controversial figure, he clearly attracts the attention of the global media," he continued. The Facebook page has become an online memorial to Jackson, with thousands of comments from around the world; dozens appear every minute. Free virtual versions of Jackson's famous glove are the most popular gift on the site, with more than 800,000 sent to members. The huge following leaves the singer's heirs (and his record label) with a massive network to communicate with fans and continue the massive resurgence of interest in Jackson's music, O'Neill said. "While Sony has not heavily engaged the fan base on Michael Jackson's page, they at least have a presence. If your fans are there, you should be there. "This also provided an ongoing promotional channel for any future products that are released. It's simply not an option and will become a component of all marketing strategies." There have been 2.6 million downloads of Jackson's music since his death. He has the top two albums on iTunes, as well as three of the top 10 singles. In the United Kingdom, Jackson held 11 of the top 200 album positions and 43 of the top 200 singles, based on sales monitored by the Official Charts Co. for the week ended June 27. His "Number Ones" album topped the OCC album chart after selling 46,400 physical copies and 10,000 downloads. The surge for demand in Jackson's music looks likely to continue for several months: The fan page has a music player with some of Jackson's hits and an option to buy them through Amazon. | Michael Jackson is most popular person on Facebook with nearly 7 million fans . Previously, U.S. President Obama had the most fans . Experts say Jackson's fan base gaining more than 20 fans per second . | 6b44f1411c7da297a98b7ae14e4289c035432274 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 1:57 PM on 25th September 2011 . A British schoolgirl has become one of the youngest drag racers in the world - just a day after turning eight. Petite Belle Wheeler, whose favourite colours are pink and purple, qualified for today's UK National Finals less than 24 hours after taking her drag racing driving test. She will be competing against youngsters more than twice her age. Need for speed: Belle Wheeler, pictured with her 15ft dragster, cruised through her driving test a day after turning eight . She is still nine years away from the UK's road-driving age limit, but in the meantime the tiny blonde can speed down tracks as the minimum legal age to get behind the wheel is eight. Her 15-foot dragster, which was made in America, has been specially adapted for her small 4ft 4in frame and can accelerate to 50mph in just 12 seconds. Until she turned eight, she had never driven a dragster, but after just an hour's tuition she sped through her test. 'It was amazing to get in the car and drive it all on my own,' said Belle, who has to wear specially made fireproof overalls when she races. 'I was really scared because at the end of the track you have to turn a corner and if you go too fast the car can tip over. 'It was quite hard to steer at first and keep the dragster going straight, but I soon got used to it. 'I love going really fast and all my friends are very jealous. They can't believe I get to go racing.' Belle is following in the footsteps of older sister Paige, who began racing 18 months ago when she was 11. 'I love going really fast': Belle's car, which can accelerate to 50mph in 12 seconds, has been adapted so her tiny legs can reach the pedals . The girls, who also enjoy cheerleading, became interested in the high-speed motor sport three years ago when the family moved to Wellingborough in Northamptonshire - just 10 minutes drive from the famous Santa Pod track. The family went to a fireworks display at the track, but it was the racing the girls enjoyed and soon they were dragging their dad Andy there every weekend to watch. Andy and his wife Dionne, 32, bought Paige a second-hand car on her 11th birthday and months later she won the FIA European Finals Event. Now Belle hopes she will be equally successful. Pint-sized racer: Belle brings her dragster back to the pits at the Santa Pod track in Northamptonshire . 'I don't know where the girls get it from as no one else in the family races and until now I haven't been into it,' said Andy, 38, a senior manager. 'I never dreamed that with two young girls I would be spending my weekends at the race track. 'It is not what I expected them to be interested in, but they are obsessed by the sport so I want to support them. 'Belle has been looking forward to this moment for the last 18 months and recently she's been sitting in her car and we've been pushing her around. 'I am worried about them racing such fast cars, but we reluctantly agreed for Paige to do it so we've got to give Belle a chance too. 'It is nerve-racking to watch them and doesn't get any easier.' Belle is using Paige's old car, which has been specially adapted so her legs can reach the pedals. Rising star: Belle was due to compete in the UK National Finals today at the Santa Pod raceway against competitors twice her age . She had to do three observed runs in front of race directors at Santa Pod in order to pass her driving test and get her licence. 'Belle has been helping to clean Paige's car and checking the tyre-pressure, so she couldn't wait to actually get in and drive it,' added Andy. 'I took her go-karting last week to get used to the steering, but she had never actually driven a dragster before. 'Her reaction time was 0.02 seconds which would put her in the top five in a competition.' Amazingly Belle succeeded in qualifying for the UK National Finals, which are being held today at Santa Pod. Race officials said she was the youngest ever junior dragster to compete in a UK national event. After the race the girls will put away their cars until the season begins again next March. Next year they plan to compete in the UK, Sweden, Germany and the USA, which will cost around £25,000, including travel. The family hopes sponsorship deals will cover around £15,000 of this. 'They are very lucky girls. My first car cost £250 and I had to save for three years to buy it,' said Andy. | Belle Wheeler cruised through drag racing driving test after just an hour's tuition . Has qualified for UK National Finals against youngsters twice her age . Car is adapted so her legs can reach the pedals . She has a reaction time of 0.02 seconds and 'loves going really fast' Dad says watching is 'nerve-wracking' | 82add09abdd2836ce40cad650355184f622c5452 |
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has praised Roy Keane's influence on him at Old Trafford, even though he thought the Irishman was 'nuts' during one of his first training sessions. Ferdinand joined the Red Devils from Leeds in 2002 and spent over three years playing alongside Keane, winning the Premier League title in his first season with the club. And although Ferdinand credits Keane with helping him become a success in Manchester, the QPR centre back admits that he was unsure of the midfielder early on. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he thought Roy Keane was 'crazy' when they met . Ferdinand (centre) celebrates winning the Premier League title at Goodison Park in 2003 with Keane (right) Keane left Manchester United in 2005 and is now assistant manager at Aston Villa . Appearances: 453 . Goals: 8 . Honours: Premier League (2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013), FA Cup (2004), League Cup (2006, 2009), Champions League (2008) Speaking on the sports stage of a web summit in Dublin on Wednesday, Ferdinand said: 'One of my first training sessions after joining (Manchester United), I got the ball, passed it to Gary Neville, and in any world that was a great ball, but Keano turned around and started screaming at me, "Pass it forward, take a risk, you're not at Leeds or West Ham, you're at Man United." And I stood there and thought "This guy is crazy, man, I passed it to a team-mate."' Despite his initial shock at Keane's reaction, the 35-year-old quickly realised that his new team-mate was only trying to help him get into the mindset of a United player. He added: 'I went home and thought 'This guy is nuts, how am I going to deal with him on a daily basis.' But then I realised what he said, you've got to start taking risks. He was aggressive in that sense, but I liked that stuff.' Keane and Ferdinand celebrate together after a goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy against Lyon in November 2004 . Ferdinand is now at QPR after ending his 12-year spell at Manchester United at the end of last season . | Rio Ferdinand was speaking at a web summit in Dublin on Wednesday . The QPR defender admits he originally thought Roy Keane was 'nuts' Ferdinand credits the Irishman with helping him at Manchester United . The pair spent over three years playing together at Old Trafford . | 14dddd28eca3b3ccd4c9b57d47683d1045922a81 |
BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) -- Amid high emotions and tight security, thousands lined the streets of Beirut Friday to honor Antoine Ghanem, the anti-Syrian Lebanese MP killed in a powerful bomb blast along with four others. Amin Gemayel (R), Phalange party head, carries the coffin of assassinated deputy Antoine Ghamen. Against an atmosphere of intense political and patriotic fervor, the flag-draped coffins of the politician and two bodyguards also killed in Wednesday's rush hour blast made its way through the city's Christian district to the Sacred Heart church on what the government had declared as a day of national mourning. The procession was accompanied by thousands waving flags, as well as a brass band playing the anthem of Ghanem's Phalange Party, The Associated Press reported . TV pictures showed distraught mourners crowding and reaching out to the coffins as they were carried aloft. Several people were seen to collapse and had to be carried away. Mourners also carried photographs, threw rose petals and unfurled banners, some of which read "We Won't Kneel," AP said. The coffins were greeted at the Christian Maronite church with applause from the gathered mourners, the agency said, including majority leaders and the Lebanese cabinet as well as Ghanem's family and friends. Ghanem was later buried in the city's Christian district. Ghanem's death is the latest in a series of attacks targeting prominent anti-Syrian figures, with the most notorious being the February 2005 assassination in Beirut of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, which sparked widespread protests that led to the ouster of Syrian forces from Lebanon. Hariri also died in a massive explosion. The incident threatens to cast the country into political uncertainty ahead of a key presidential vote in a tightly divided parliament, almost evenly split between anti- and pro-Syrian camps. Watch how Ghanem's death disrupts Lebanese politics » . CNN's Beirut bureau chief Brent Sadler said that many Lebanese now feared for the future, especially given other events in the region including the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, recent political differences in Iraq and Iran's bid to become a super power. "There continues to be among a great deal of people here a sense of foreboding that perhaps the worst is yet to come," he said. U.S. President George W. Bush, in a written statement, joined other world leaders in condemning the "horrific assassination." "Since October 2004, there has been a tragic pattern of political assassinations and attempted assassinations designed to silence those Lebanese who courageously defend their vision of an independent and democratic Lebanon," Bush said Wednesday. Also in a written statement, a spokesperson for Ban Ki-moon said the U.N. secretary-general "condemns in the strongest terms this terrorist attack." "The secretary general urges all Lebanese to exercise utmost calm and restraint at this very critical time and to allow judicial procedures to take their course," the spokesperson said. Bush's statement added: "The United States opposes any attempts to intimidate the Lebanese people as they seek to exercise their democratic right to select a president without foreign interference. We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Lebanese people as they resist attempts by the Syrian and Iranian regimes and their allies to destabilize Lebanon and undermine its sovereignty." The U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued a statement saying: "It is not a coincidence that these attacks target those figures who have been working to secure Lebanon's independence from renewed Syrian hegemony. We note with concern that many Lebanese politicians allied with Syria have in fact warned that murder and violence would be the results of any effort to exercise genuine parliamentary democracy." And U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in a written statement, said: "The bombing that claimed these lives was another act in a campaign of terror by those who want to turn back the clock on Lebanon's hard-won democratic gains." "The world should speak with one voice in calling for an end to violence in Lebanon intended to subvert democratic processes in that country," Rice said. "Lebanese elections, scheduled to begin in just days, must proceed, in accordance with the Constitution, without threats of foreign interference and the violence that accompanies such obstruction." E-mail to a friend . | Thousands lined Beirut streets to honor anti-Syrian MP, killed in car bomb blast . Noted parliamentarian killed along with four others during Wednesday rush hour . Flag-draped coffin paraded through streets before burial in Christian district . Day of national mourning called, with schools, universities, public offices shut . | addda21620885e1019305bce0cbf308b421dc0ba |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . A Suncor employee has been mauled to death by a black bear at an oil sands site in Canada, as her helpless co-workers watched in horror. Lorna Weafer, 36, was dragged from her seven colleagues and brutally attacked yesterday while she was doing electrical work at the remote Fort McMurray, Alberta site. Her work mates, who weren't carrying bear spray, blasted air horns to scare the animal away, but couldn't save the instrument technician. 'People tried to stop it and do . everything they could,' union spokesman Scott Doherty told CBC News. 'Obviously, they are fairly horrified . at what they saw and witnessed.' Tragic: Suncor employee Lorna Weafer, 36, was mauled to death by a black bear at an oil sands site in Canada on Wednesday . Tragic: A black bear dragged Lorna Weafer, 36 (pictured left and right) from her co-workers and mauled her to death on Wednesday afternoon . Responding police officers shot dead an aggressive bear prowling around the work site. CTV News reported tests are underway to determine whether it was the same bear that killed Weafer. 'There are a lot of people on these sites, so we had to take the safety of those people into account,' Ft. McMurray RCMP spokesman Cpl. George Cameron told Global News. 'That’s probably the main reason why the bear was shot. We didn’t want this unfortunate incident to happen again.' A wildlife officer investigating the tragic incident said the attack was 'predatory' and there were no 'non-natural attractants' at the remote site. Bear behavior expert Stephen Herrero said such attacks are 'exceedingly rare', with the last black bear attack in Alberta occurring about 13 years ago. 'Something in the bear says 'Maybe this is something I can capture kill and eat',' Herrero, from the University of Calgary, told Global News. Scene: Suncor employee Lorna Weafer, 36, was killed by a bear at Fort McMurray, Alberta oil sands site (pictured) Meanwhile, Suncor has promised to investigate the incident and extended their condolences to Weafer's loved ones. 'This is an absolutely tragic event,' Suncor spokesperson Sneh Seetal said. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families.' Seetal said workers are regularly trained on how to interact with wildlife. Union spokesman Scott Doherty said the union plans to conduct a full review into the incident, which is the third third work fatality in four months at the Suncor site. 'If there needs to be a revision or some additional procedures and policies in place to ensure the safety of workers from wildlife attacks, we are definitely going to do that,' he said. | Black bear mauled to death instrument technician Lorna Weafer yesterday . Witnesses said the bear dragged Weafer away from her co-workers and no-one could stop him . Officials shot a bear at the scene, but are testing to see if he was the killer bear . Animal experts said such bear attacks are rare . | 92879c313e81f4b5be9088dbae6604f771dcf7d6 |
London (CNN) -- It is 6am and Sue Biggs is surveying the preparations for the 100th anniversary of the Chelsea Flower Show. A team of 800 people has spent three weeks converting 11 acres of playing fields into the world's most prestigious horticulture show, as famous for attracting royalty and celebrities as garden enthusiasts. Over five days each May, 157,000 visitors troop into the Royal Hospital Chelsea in west London to see 550 exhibitors displaying magnificent show gardens, new plants and new trends in gardening. Watch: Royal visit to flower show . After 30 years in the travel industry, Biggs became director general of the Royal Horticultural Society -- the charity behind Chelsea Flower Show -- in 2010, and has already attracted a record number of members to the organization. "I was here at 6 o'clock this morning and the excitement is fantastic," says Biggs. "There's something very magical about Chelsea. If you love gardening, as I have since I was seven years old, Chelsea is the absolute pinnacle. I have to pinch myself that I'm seeing it take shape. "This has been going on for 100 years, you are very aware of the heritage, the past that's gone before and the great people who have walked this showground, whether royalty, celebrities or great gardeners. "Whether you love the tiny detail of a plant or the great vistas of an elaborate garden, there's always something you'll find eye-wateringly beautiful." Chelsea Flower Show takes between 15 and 18 months to prepare, so even as the final touches are being added to this year, a team is well into planning for the 2014 show. Extravagant displays at Chelsea in the past two years have included an 80ft "Magical Tower Garden" and a "Sky Garden" with a suspended "flying boat", both by the Irish garden designer and television personality Diarmuid Gavin. This year Gavin is not exhibiting, and Biggs says the focus is more on plantmanship, although she has promised at least one surprise. Biggs, 57, began gardening at the age of seven when her mother gave her a packet of seeds and her own piece of garden for her birthday. "I was smitten the minute the seeds came into flower," she says. "It takes you into another world, an oasis, it's a great wind-down for me." However, she was not trained in horticulture and had never worked in the industry until three years ago. Instead, Biggs went into the travel industry where she worked for 25 years for the upmarket operator Kuoni, rising to become managing director. In 1999, when she joined the board of Kuoni, she became the youngest ever director, the first female director and the first non-Swiss director. "I went to Zurich for a celebratory weekend with the board, and they presented me with a card saying 'Congratulations Sue, finally we have someone to iron our shirts'. They'd be shot for that now, but at the time I found it funny." Biggs, a longtime member of the Royal Horticultural Society, became its director general in 2010 after her husband spotted an advertisement in a Sunday newspaper and suggested a change of career. "I laughed at him at first, but he said 'you love gardening, you'd love it,' she says. "I decided to apply and by some miracle they chose me." Biggs has worked on ridding the 209-year-old society of its exclusive image, promoting its charity work and has pushed membership numbers over 400,000 for the first time. "It was never intentional, but it was seen as a gardening club for posh people. We have tried to be much more open and engage people. It's helped us to achieve a record number of members," she says. She has overseen the sale of one of the society's properties in London and used the money to invest in charity work, from promoting horticulture as a career option and funding plant research to opening an urban garden. "It's one of my frustrations that people don't know the RHS is a charity," she says. "We need to make people aware of the scientific research, the work in schools, prisons and communities that we do. All of that work is funded by the success of shows like Chelsea." Back at Chelsea, Biggs is preparing for another busy day from media interviews to overseeing the start of planting once all the structures, from pavilions and marquees to rocks, boulders and hedges are in place. She is wary of treading a fine line between tradition and innovation. "Chelsea is the most successful flower show in the world, but it needs to always have something to surprise and delight people." Chelsea Flower Show runs from May 21-25 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. | Sue Biggs became head of Royal Horticultural Society in 2010 . She has tried to change the image from "gardening club for posh people" to promote the society's charity work . Chelsea Flower Show celebrates its 100th anniversary this year . | c77ba4b6a6693bd2c0a1b0ce89dea1b447862403 |
By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 11:46 EST, 14 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:03 EST, 15 February 2013 . His party may be down in the polls, but Silvio Berlusconi still looks like the cat who got the cream as he enjoys a romantic meal with his young fiancee. The 76-year-old politician - who is seeking a return to power at the end of the month - can be seen grinning from ear to ear as his 27-year-old partner Francesca Pascale kisses him on the cheek. The pair - who have an age gap close to 50 years - were pictured enjoying a pre-Valentine's day meal at the exclusive Capricci Sicilliani restaurant in Rome last night. Cat that got the cream: Silvio Berlusconi grins from ear to ear as his young fiancee Francesca Pascale kisses his cheek during a romantic dinner at the Capricci Sicilliani restaurant in Rome . Age gap: Silvio Berlusconi, at 76, is nearly 50 years older than his 27-year-old partner Francesca Pascale . It comes as polls suggest Berlusconi returning to power won't happen, despite his party's revival from near-death last year. The most probable outcome remains a victory of the centre-left coalition led by Pier Luigi Bersani's Democratic Party (PD) in the lower house. But Berlusconi and his future wife - who is nearly a third his age - looked far from worried last night. Ms Pascale - a member of Berlusconi's People of Liberty party - can be seen whispering into the former Italian Prime Minister's ear and nuzzling his next. Wedding bells: Berlusconi announced that he got engaged to Miss Pascale - a member of his People of Liberty party - in December . Optimistic: The couple were enjoying a pre-Valentine's Day meal despite Berlusconi's party being down in the polls . The couple appear to be eating a meal with friends but don't let that stop them from performing some very public displays of affection. Miss Pascale, a former shop assistant from Naples, served as a provincial councillor in his centre-Right PDL party before stepping down in July. A founding member of a support group called 'Silvio, we miss you', she has previously said the three most important things in her life are her family, politics and Mr Berlusconi. Tactile: The couple appeared to be dining with friends but didn't let that stop them from making public displays of affection . Number one fan: Miss Pascale founded a fan group for Berlusconi called 'Silvio, we miss you' It is said she is jealous of the other women in his inner circle, including a glamour model Mara Carfagna whom he appointed equal opportunities minister during his last term as Prime Minister. The billionaire confirmed their relationship on television, calling her 'beautiful on the inside and the outside'. 'Finally I feel less lonely,' Mr Berlusconi said. 'I am engaged to a Neapolitan, it’s official.' Berlusconi has been married twice and has five children. In 1965, he married Carla Elvira Dall'Oglio, and they had two children. He later had three more children with his second wife, the actress Veronica Lario, from whom he is separated. Next First Lady? Silvio Berlusconi is making another bid for power in Italian elections being held at the end of the month . Joint cause: Miss Pascale served as a provincial councillor in the PDL party before stepping down last July . Funnyman: Miss Pascale appeared to be having a good time while on her dinner date with Berlusconi . Berlusconi has since been ordered to pay Lario £29 million a year in a divorce settlement - which works out as £82,000 a day. That's four times the average annual salary for an ordinary Italian but small change to Mr Berlusconi, who has a personal fortune of more than £5 billion. Over the years, Mr Berlusconi has been linked with a string of glamorous young women, including models, actors, showgirls and prostitutes who attended his notorious 'bunga bunga' sex parties at his mansions. In July last year, the former Prime Minister was forced to deny allegations by a model who claimed that she was pregnant with his sixth child. Controversial: Berlusconi has been linked with a string of young women - including models, showgirls and prostitutes - over the years . Divorce settlement: Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, right, has been ordered to pay his ex-wife Veronica Lario, left, £29 million a year . Sabina Began - who earned her nickname 'Queen Bee' for her alleged lead role in the infamous Buna Bunga parties - claimed she was expecting the controversial politician's baby but has since lost it. The 38-year-old German model and actress told Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano she was sure it was his child as she had 'only slept with him'. Berlusconi is also accused of paying Karima el-Mahroug - known as 'Ruby the heartstealer' for sex when she was just 17 during his bunga bunga parties, and using his office to cover it up. Both deny the accusations. Trials and accusations: Mr Berlusconi, now 76, . is accused in another trial of paying to have sex with Karima El-Mahroug . in 2010 when she was 17 . Forced into denial: German model Sabina Began pictured at the Vertu Global Launch Of The 'Constellation' at Palazzo Serbelloni claimed in July that she was expecting Berlusconi's child . | Silvio Berlusconi and fiancee Francesca Pascale shared pre-Valentine's Day meal at the Capricci Sicilliani restaurant in Rome last night . Couple made several public displays of affection during their dinner . | 83bb56b95361346bdcc477c688e12685b52d6b62 |
By . Sarah Dean . and Aap . and Daniel Mills . Police have recovered the body of second missing snowboarder, Martie Buckland, 33, a day after friend Daniel Kerr was found buried under 4.5 metres of snow at Mount Bogong in Victoria. Inspector Dave Ryan from Wangaratta police said Mr Buckland was found 60 metres up the same slope from where Mr Kerr's body was recovered on Monday, and it appears he was buried under the same dump of snow which claimed his friend. 'They unfortunately have both been caught up in the one avalanche,' he said. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said Mr Buckland was discovered at about 10.30am on Tuesday buried underneath snow 'quite close' to where Mr Kerr's body was located on Monday. The men, described as experienced skiers, had been missing three days before the body of Mr Kerr was found some 400 metres down a slope in the Eskdale Spur area of Mount Bogong. Buckland from Yarra Junction, Victoria, and Kerr from Hawthorn, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, hadn't been seen since Thursday after failing to return from their snowboarding trip to Eskdale Spur. Scroll down for video . Martie Buckland (right), 33, from Yarra Junction, Victoria, and Daniel Kerr (left), 32, from Hawthorn, Melbourne, (seen here with two friends) hadn't been seen since Thursday after failing to return from their snowboarding trip to the Eskdale Spur area of Mount Bogong . Inspector Ryan said both families had been notified on Monday of the snowboarders' death, but spoke again to the family of Mr Buckland this morning. He said both the wife and father were distraught, but relieved that the 33-year-old had been found. 'That extra day of waiting would have added a lot of pressure,' he said. He said failing weather conditions will hamper the rescue effort to bring Mr Buckland more than three kilometres down the mountain, admitting that it could take up to five six hours. 'We can't use a helicopter because of the snow which is falling at about 1640 metres.' Both bodies will now be sent to the coroner in Melbourne. Somber scene: A journalist tweeted a photo of the police chopper carrying down the body of one snowboarder from where it was found on Mount Bogong . Inspector Dave Ryan from Wangaratta police said the man's body was dug out of the snow about 400 metres down a slope on Eskdale Spur . 'They have been in the area on a number of occasions and they've been caught out,' a Victoria Police officer said. 'While you may be a good snowboarder or skier, there are so many other things you have to worry about.' The search for the experienced snowboarders resumed at first light on Monday morning. Mrs Buckland said in a joint statement with Mr Kerr's parents, Marg and Phil Kerr, on Sunday that her husband knew the mountain 'like the back of his hand,' The Age reports. 'We are absolutely devastated by the news of Martie and Daniel's disappearance and hope with every passing minute that we are told they have been found safe,' the statement said. The snowboarders had been friends since Year 7 at school. 'Our families want to stress how experienced and prepared Martie and Daniel were for this trip, keenly aware of both the risks and the unpredictable nature the outdoors offer,' the statement continued. 'Their local knowledge of Mt Bogong and the surrounds, combined with their equipment and experience just adds to the frustration of dealing with their disappearance.' A local expert said the men were in 'some of the most exciting and extreme and potentially dangerous terrain' in Victoria. 'Devastated': Martie Buckland, left, is one of the two snowboarders who died. His wife Sally Buckland, right, released a statement saying he knew Mount Bogong like the 'back of his hand' Rescue teams searched the back country for the two snowboarders, who failed to return from a trip to Mount Bogong in Victoria on Saturday . Police said the men signed a trip intention book on Wednesday which indicated their plans to stay at Michell Hut and then camp on Eskdale spur, before returning on Saturday. After making contact with family members on Thursday via mobile phone, the men had not been heard from since. A group of walkers found their abandoned tent containing sleeping bags and other equipment. 'It appears that no-one has been at the campsite since the last snow fall which was approximately 18 hours ago,' Victorian police said in a statement on Sunday morning. After making contact with family members on Thursday via mobile phone, the men were never heard from again. The volunteers participating in the search were made up of members of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club, Bush Search and Rescue, State Emergency Services as well as a number of off duty ski patrollers from Falls Creek. Their campsite at Mitchell hut was found abandoned by a group of walkers at around 6am on Sunday, causing police to be concerned that the men had not been at the campsite since the last snow fall, 18 hours earlier . It's not the first of such incidents occurring at Mount Bogong, where extreme weather conditions led to a bush-walker requiring rescuing on Wednesday after he became stranded on the mountain's summit. A Search and rescue team found the man in a disoriented state but were not able to descend the mountain due to the 100k/h winds and the -10deg wind-chill. Instead, they were forced to put up two tents and wait for a break in the weather conditions. Search and Rescue Sergeant Vic Velthuis said the area was subject to extreme weather and sudden condition changes. 'There are a number of factors that hikers should consider before setting off into the high country. Planning, knowing your limitations and appropriate clothing being at the forefront,' she said. 'If you do get disorientated, stay calm and stay where you are in a sheltered dry spot and remember that it could take some time for rescuers to get to you.' | Martie Buckland, 33, from Yarra Junction was found on Tuesday morning . Police said the body was found close to where friend Daniel Kerr was located buried beneath snow on Monday . Mr Buckland, and Daniel Kerr, 32, from Hawthorn, Melbourne, failed to return from a snowboarding trip on Saturday . They last made contact with family members on Thursday . Their campsite was found abandoned by a group of walkers on Sunday . The body of one of the men was found under 4.5 metres of snow . Police say he was killed in an avalanche . | 09bbfe69cbf854f92d65156fd1a6cb768928de0a |
Secret celebrity crushes revealed with three quarters of Brits admitting they're attracted to non-traditionally good looking celebrities . Natalie Cassidy and Piers Morgan amongst secret crushes . By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 06:15 EST, 21 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:17 EST, 21 September 2012 . Secret celebrity crushes are a secret no more after a new survey revealed the nation's most coveted fancies. Topping the list for the men were the formidable Dragon's Den star Deborah Meadon, followed by Vicar Of Dibley star Dawn French, with Princess Beatrice third and Former This Morning host Fern Britton fourth. Curvy Ex-EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy came fifth and as for the women, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, funny men James Corden and David Mitchell topped the polls. Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden and TV funny woman Dawn French topped the list as men's secret celebrity guilty pleasure . Controversial television host Piers Morgan was fourth and Eddie Izzard was fifth. Yesterday, a spokesman for Iphone app Celebalike, who carried out the research, said: 'We're flooded with images of people that conform to traditional "Hollywood" notions of beauty, but it isn't always about looks. 'The results show many Brits have a secret celebrity crush that they would be less keen to voice or feel others wouldn't agree with them about. 'That shows that there's more to attraction and it seems a strong personality or authority plays a part, with Deborah Meaden and Gordon Ramsay proving popular.' The Celebalike app works using a complex algorithm through a computer program that performs high-performance face identification and facial feature recognition. And it means men may be able to find their own Deborah Meaden - the dragon has been matched nearly 80,000 times since the app launched. As for the women, it was celebrity foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay who took the crown and James Corden was also a favourite . While, according to the app results, there are also 73,527 James Corden look-alikes out there and 24,444 Piers Morgan doppelgangers. Three quarters of Brits admit that they are attracted to a celebrity that wouldn't really be classed as good-looking in the traditional sense. And six in ten people have a crush on a celebrity that they think other people wouldn't be able to understand. In fact, a quarter of Brits have been attracted to a celebrity without really knowing what it is about them that they like so much. Of course the Brads and Angelinas of this world are always going to be held up as sex symbols, but many people have a soft spot for people who don't conform to the traditional stereotypes, said a spokesperson . The Celebalike spokesman added: 'Of course the Brads and Angelinas of this world are always going to be held up as sex symbols, but many people have a soft spot for people who don't conform to the traditional stereotypes. 'It's reassuring to see that we aren't always consumed by the perfect images of celebrity and that those people that are a bit more 'real' are still able to win our hearts. 'Unfortunately for most of us, we can't emulate the standard of beauty shown to us in the media, but the celebrities on this list are a lot more down to earth in their appearance, and that's reflected by the number of Celebalike matches people like Deborah Meaden have.' 1. Deborah Meaden . 2. Dawn French . 3. Princess Beatrice . 4. Fern Britton . 5. Natalie Cassidy . 6. Anne Robinson . 7. Delia Smith . 8. Ann Widdecombe . 9. Camilla Parker Bowles . 10. Susan Boyle . 1. Gordon Ramsay . 2. James Corden . 3. David Mitchell . 4. Piers Morgan . 5. Eddie Izzard . 6. James May . 7. Rupert Grint . 8. Chris Moyles . 9. Boris Johnson . 10. Justin Lee Collins . | Secret celebrity crushes revealed with three quarters of Brits admitting they're attracted to non-traditionally good looking celebrities . Natalie Cassidy and Piers Morgan amongst secret crushes . | 7a6645d68ffa9c23977869090f887e1291555059 |
(CNN) -- "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is already making critics cheer. The follow-up to 2011's surprise hit "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" won't open until July 11, but early reviews and strong box office predictions are setting it up for a splashy debut. As the sequel to "Rise," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" takes place 10 years following the events of that 2011 movie. In this future existence, the apes, led by Andy Serkis' Caesar, have built a functioning society in the woods of California's Bay Area, while humans have suffered a severe blow from a global virus. When the survivors stumble upon the apes' community, there's an initial attempt to keep the peace, but it isn't long before the dawn of a war. In addition to Serkis, who received plenty of praise for his work in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Dawn" also stars Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman and Keri Russell. Interestingly, it's not the human cast that's really driven critics bananas. "Few blockbusters this summer are likely to provide an image as stirring as an angry chimp on horseback, leaping through a wall of fire with a machine gun blazing in each hand -- in 3D," The Guardian's review begins. "Both the forest settings and post-apocalyptic San Francisco are rich in detail and atmosphere, the action sequences are thrilling without being flashy, and the apes themselves are uncannily expressive, particularly their eyes. ... We've arrived at the stage where the soulful expression on the face of a virtual chimp can conjure more sympathy than a real, emoting human." HitFix's Drew McWeeny goes as far as to call "Dawn" one of the best movies of 2014, thanks to its combination of digital expertise and talented direction from Matt Reeves. While McWeeny entered his screening just wanting "a solid and respectful follow-up," what he got instead was "a film that digs deep, that challenges not only the notion of what a studio blockbuster looks like but also how sequels are supposed to work in a commercial world, a movie about real ideas with a spectacular sense of character and mood. 'Dawn' is not just a good genre movie or a good summer movie. It's a great science-fiction film, full-stop." And the effort to make the apes as realistic as possible "pushed performance into a whole new realm," McWeeny continues. "It's one thing to pull off one or two characters like this, but ... to bring to life dozens of characters, and to have them all register as fully as they do here, is a remarkable accomplishment. Add to that the idea that so much of this was shot outside, on real locations, and you end up with something that destroys any boundaries in terms of what can or can't be done at this point." To put it another way, "'Dawn' is to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' what 'The Empire Strikes Back' was to 'Star Wars' — it's that much better," says The Hollywood Reporter. "[D]irector Matt Reeves' synthesis of brains and brawn kicks it over the goalposts and out of the stadium ... Whatever anyone might think about the film as a whole, there is no question that Andy Serkis gives the most expressive, soulful, deeply felt performance of a non-human character the big screen has ever offered as the mature Caesar." With praise like that, it's no wonder box office prognosticators are imagining huge returns when "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" opens on July 11. According to Variety, many observers believe "Dawn" will easily grab a $54.8 million opening, with BoxOffice.com placing its bets that "Dawn's" first weekend will land close to $70 million. | "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" has strong early reviews . The movie is the sequel to 2011's surprise hit "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" Critics praise the performances, direction and digital work . The movie opens July 11 . | db1765ba1a4f727e3b1572672fe4e91ded876c2a |
(Mashable) -- Beginning today, Starbucks customers who use the free Wi-Fi at more than 6,800 U.S. company-operated stores will be greeted with the Starbucks Digital Network (SDN) -- an exclusive content network curated by the company and designed to enhance the customer's in-store experience. Starbucks has been teasing SDN for months, but now that the network is about to go live we have a much clearer idea about the type of content provided and the purpose behind the digital endeavor. Starbucks's Vice President of Digital Ventures Adam Brotman sat down with Mashable in advance of the October 20 launch day for a complete tour. "The vision," he says, "is for Starbucks Digital Network to be a digital version of the community cork board that's in all of our stores." We've known for some time that SDN would offer unfettered access to The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA Today, but that's just scratching the surface. Starbucks has manufactured a rich experience around each of its six channels: News, Entertainment, Wellness, Business and Careers, My Neighborhood and the customer-personalized Starbucks channel. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of each channel: . News: This section of SDN is comprised of Starbucks media partners offering premium or exclusive content to customers. The New York Times has opened up access to its Reader 2.0 subscription-based service for free, all content from the The Wall Street Journal is available minus the paywall and the exact replica of the USA Today newspaper is accessible to users on the network. Newly signed content partner GOOD is providing early access to its infographics, so Starbucks customers can view them before anyone else. Entertainment: Starbucks has populated the entertainment portion of its network with music, apps and books from Apple's iTunes, full access to a selection of books picked by Starbucks and provided by the Bookish Reading Club (via an HTML5 reader), business e-books courtesy of New Word City, a kid-rich experience powered by Nick Jr. Boost and handpicked documentary films provided by SnagFilms. Wellness: Health and fitness publisher Rodale is the primary content provider for this SDN channel. Customers have access to specialized content -- not available to anyone other than Starbucks customers -- from Men's Health, Women's Health, Runner's World, Bicycling, Prevention, Organic Gardening and Eat This, Not That!, along with a custom built "Map my Ride, Map my Run" application. Business and Careers: Professional social networking site LinkedIn is making exclusive video and blog content available to WiFi users in this channel. The network also provides LinkedIn job search and suggestions, and offers users a 30-day free trial for the premium account. My Neighborhood: Starbucks is adamant about creating a localized experience to connect customers with the community around the store. The company delivers on this objective by serving up content to users based on the exact whereabouts of the store where the user is accessing the free Wi-Fi. Community fare includes local news from Patch, and a look at nearby DonorsChoose.org classroom projects that could benefit from small contributions. Foursquare users can check in via the web from Starbucks stores, and Zagat makes available full ratings for restaurants in the surrounding area for free. Starbucks: This channel provides a personalized customer experience for Starbucks account/card management, and also amasses all of Starbucks social (Twitter/Facebook/MyStarbucksIdea) and digital properties under one umbrella. We may be kicking a gift horse in the mouth, but one thing that struck us about SDN is that there's almost too much content to go around. In some aspects the experience seems saturated and overwhelming, so customer's may not know where to start and partners providing premium content may find some of it gets overlooked. We broached the subject with Brotman who explained that Starbucks will be tracking user activity via web analytics to get a sense of what users respond to. The network is designed to feel fresh each time you come back and the three promo tiles on the home page rotate to engineer more than 40 unique experiences. It's a priority for Starbucks to ensure that customers have easy access to content, and "that all the content partners are feeling like they have an equal shot," Brotman says. A premium mobile experience . SDN certainly packs in a variety of content that makes for interesting material to explore on a laptop, but the network was also designed with the mobile user in mind. Users accessing the network via mobile devices and tablets will benefit from the HTML5 smartphone-optimized network. SDN for mobile is also touchscreen-friendly, offering a hands-on, swipe-able experience. More than 50% of users logging on to the free Wi-Fi are doing so from mobile devices, so the company was motivated by usage behaviors to build a mobile web experience just as good, if not better than, the standard web experience. Content was also designed to be "snackable," so the mobile user can get value even while waiting in line, says Brotman. Where Yahoo fits in . While SDN is cloaked in the Starbucks brand name, Yahoo actually plays a pivotal role in the behind-the-scenes network experience. Yahoo is the coffee retailer's technology partner on the initiative, so it not only developed the site at Starbucks's behest, but it's hosting the network, powering the search experience and providing content as well. Yahoo will also serve as a promotional partner for SDN, and market SDN on its site in the form of banner ads. The two partners hooked up after Starbucks approached Yahoo about the initiative. "They're so strong in the three areas we knew we needed help with -- technology, content and search," says Brotman, "so we came to them ... and they were eager." "They seemed excited by the local and unique nature of the Starbucks Digital Network," explains Brotman on why Yahoo was eager to work with the trendy coffee retailer. The bottom line is choice . One would assume, correctly so, that Starbucks has not gone to trouble of providing free Wi-Fi and a premium digital network without thinking about how it could profit by these pricey additions. If we didn't know better, we'd presume that Starbucks was charging its partners for placement. Instead, as we've disclosed before, there's no money changing hands -- unless SDN users make purchases from partners, in which case there is a revenue share. What it comes down is a matter of choice. Coffee and tea drinkers have a myriad of options, so for Starbucks it's about motivating the customer to choose its stores, and its digital network content partners by association. SDN is designed with two key objectives in mind, says Brotman: enhancing the customer's experience and better engaging customers while they're in the store. "Tens of millions of customers are coming in to our stores and logging in to our WiFI on a monthly basis anyways. They're coming in because we provide this great experience -- good music overhead, quality food and coffee and the opportunity to connect with your friends or the baristas ... What we hope is that this is a nice complement to that experience." The engagement piece is centered around what Starbucks can do with location, and perhaps reveals a bit more about Yahoo's motivation to participate. "We're really excited about the fact that we can leverage the location-based nature of the site to connect our customers with the communities around the stores," he says. © 2010 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | Starbucks has manufactured a rich experience around six channels . Channels include news, entertainment, wellness, business and careers, my neighborhood . Yahoo plays a pivotal role in the behind-the-scenes network experience . | fc64d2cf5082c7c8b742719404c7b714e3a5550c |
(CNN) -- At least 10 people were killed and more than 100 wounded following a pair of bombings Saturday in the southern Thai city of Yala, Thai media reported. The two blasts were the result of bombs stashed in stolen trucks, Police Lt. Gen. Paitoon Chuchaiya told CNN affiliate MCOT. Video from the scene showed damage to buildings, cars and motorcycles on the street. The blasts set fires to nearby vehicles, including a van, which itself exploded, leading to initial reports of a third bomb, Chuchaiya said. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she has been informed of the Yala bombings and has instructed national police chief Gen. Prewpan Dhamapong to investigate the crime scene immediately, according to MCOT. Police investigators believe suspected insurgents are behind the attacks, MCOT said. Last month, a series of bombs detonated in Bangkok. No one was killed in those blasts, and an Iranian suspect was arrested in connection with the incident. | Police: Two apparent car bombs exploded in the city of Yala . At least 10 people were killed and more than 100 injured . Bangkok was hit by a series of bombings last month . | 0d4c926435cada1a8d792541076bf4a36464897a |
Prince Charles has arrived in the Middle East for a six-day tour that starts in Jordan - a country still in shock following the shocking murder of one of its pilots. The Prince of Wales stepped from his chartered jet looking relaxed and was greeted by a small entourage that included Britain's ambassador to Jordan, Peter Millett. Jordan as a nation is grieving after the brutal killing of 26-year-old Moaz al Kasasbeh by the Islamic State (ISIS) group. In gruesome footage, the terrorist group filmed the Jordanian pilot being burnt alive. Scroll down for video . Prince Charles has arrived in Jordan for a six-day tour of the Middle East - he will meet with King Abdullah II . The Prince of Wales talks to Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad after arriving in Jordan, a country still in shock following the gruesome killing of one of its pilots . The Prince goes to grip the hand of Prince Ghazi Bin Al-Muhammad as he embarks on a six-day tour . The Prince is presented with a tray of baklava tied in a red ribbon after touching down in Jordan . The Prince entertains a group of Iraqi Christians who sought refuge in Jordan having fled their home country . Following the sickening murder, Jordan's ruler King Abdullah II vowed to wage a 'harsh' war against ISIS and fighter jets carried out fresh attacks on ISIS on Thursday. More than 600,000 Syrian refugees have fled to Jordan to escape the civil war in their homeland, and in the past year large numbers of Syrian Christians have arrived following religious persecution by ISIS fighters. When Charles stepped on to the tarmac at Marka airport, he was greeted by the king's religious adviser Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad and the two men walked along a red carpet that led from the plane to the Prince of Wales's waiting limousine. Their path was flanked by a ceremonial guard of honour which earlier had saluted the royal visitor. Charles then met Iraqi Christian refugees at the British ambassador's residence in Amman. The prince has been raising the plight of Orthodox Christians forced to flee their homes in Iraq and Syria by visiting, over the past year, those who have sought refuge in the UK. One of the refugees gave a speech about their plight telling Charles: 'This is the seventh month that we are away from our homes and we don't find any reason to return back. 'Moreover we don't want to do that because it is impossible to live with the people who destroyed our homes and destroyed our church. 'Those people were our neighbours whom we lived together many years ago but when Daesh (Islamic State) came, they directly became our enemy. And they deprived us of everything. So how can we return back and co exist with such people?' The Prince of Wales told the group of around ten people he met: 'This is what I think must be the worst of horrors when all the people you lived with, side by side and have always been friendly, suddenly totally change.' Charles will be joined in Jordan by International Development secretary Justine Greening as her department has provided financial aid to the country. The Prince will also hold talks with the king tomorrow, with the civil war in Syria likely to be one of the topics under discussion. Surrounded by trays of nibbles, the Prince holds talks with Peter Millett, Britain's ambassador to Jordan . Charles pictured with the group of Iraqi Christians who have sought refuge in Jordan after fleeing Iraq . Charles will be joined in Jordan by International Development secretary Justine Greening . Amnesty International UK has appealed to Charles to use his influence and 'pass on a few well chosen words' as he tours the Gulf, and raise the case of jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi, who faces a decade behind bars and 1,000 lashes. Kate Allen, Amnesty International UK director, said: 'We don't expect Prince Charles to give up the red carpets and state banquets and become a human rights campaigner, but as a man who knows the Middle East well we hope that he will use this visit to pass on a few well-chosen words to his royal hosts. 'We know that freedom of religion is an issue close to the Prince's heart, and in Saudi Arabia he will surely want to raise the outrageous case of Raif Badawi, the blogger jailed and flogged for discussing politics and religion on his website. 'We still need the UK government to do more on Raif's case, but Charles' diplomatic intercession could help secure this man's freedom.' The Prince's tour of the Middle East will see him travel to Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates after Jordan. Depraved: Charles's visit to Jordan comes after ISIS burned Jordanian pilot Moath al-Kasasba . Brutal: The footage, which is titled 'Healing the Believers Chests' shows the captured airman wearing an orange jumpsuit as a trail of petrol leading up to the cage is seen being set alight . | Prince of Wales arrived in Middle East for six-day tour starting in Jordan . Jordan is grieving after brutal killing of one of its pilots by ISIS . Following murder, Jordan's ruler vowed to wage a 'harsh' war against ISIS . Prince Charles will hold talks with King Abdullah II tomorrow . | 8cbe996de98474c7b904b03aa7aea325315a93e6 |
By . Harriet Arkell . Food stamps will be handed to the poorest and neediest when cash handouts are scrapped in favour of vouchers next week. Many local authorities are expected to take part in the scheme under which vouchers will be issued to the most vulnerable, rather than cash grants or loans. They will be issued to help tide people over in times of financial crisis, and recipients will be able to exchange the vouchers for food, nappies and other essentials, but not alcohol or cigarettes. Thousands of the most vulnerable people will be given vouchers redeemable for food and essentials from April . The voucher scheme is being introduced from 1 April under changes to benefits outlined in last year's Welfare Reform Act. The food stamps will replace the discretionary part of the government-run Social Fund, which issued immediate, small cash grants and loans to people on low or no incomes who needed help urgently. Now, instead of the money being handed out by central government, it is being devolved to local authorities in England and devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales. The current budget of £178.2m will be handed down to a local level, plus start-up costs of £72m, for councils to spend as they see fit. A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the move was not about cost-cutting, as there was no reduction in budget, but rather was intended to ensure the money was spent where it was most needed. He said: 'We’re reforming the Social Fund because it is complex, over-centralised and poorly targeted, and replacing it with local provision to ensure this money goes to those most in need. Vouchers will be issued to those most at need at a local level in England, Wales and Scotland (file image) 'We will transfer the current annual funding for crisis loans and community care grants to local authorities in England and the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland. 'They will receive the full programme budget of £178.2 million a year in addition to administration and start-up costs of over £72 million which represents a fair settlement.' The vouchers will be adopted in the wake of the abolition of the Social Fund's discretionary scheme, under which the needy were given crisis loans, repayable out of their benefits, or community care grants. Local authorities may offer vouchers redeemable at supermarkets, food banks, or those that may be exchanged for hot meals . The Social Fund's regulated scheme, which governs cold weather payments, Sure Start maternity grants, funeral expenses and the Winter Fuel Grant, will be unaffected, the DWP says. It will be up to the local authorities how they spend the money, but many of those in England are said to have confirmed their plans to issue one-off, single-use vouchers to those who apply for emergency assistance. Some authorities are planning to hand . out food parcels, and will divert extra funds to local food banks to . enable them to buy more supplies and take on more staff to help. And others may issue the money as repayable loans, similar to the crisis loans available under the previous system. Bath and North East Somerset council is one authority planning to offer vouchers, and a spokesman told MailOnline the council intends to use their allocation to offer a mixture of vouchers and discretionary payments. Spokesman James Hinchcliffe said: 'These may be supermarket vouchers or electricity or gas vouchers, or they may be Discretionary Support payments, for example to help with housing payments or essential household items.' A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said it was also planning to offer a mixture of clothing and fuel vouchers, food parcels, and emergency travel costs. Critics said the scheme may stigmatise those already in trouble, but the Government insists the plans, which will enable local authorities to set their own eligibility criteria, will mean the money will go where it is needed most. | Vouchers will be redeemable for food, nappies and other essentials . They will be offered to needy by councils after crisis funds devolved locally . The stamps will replace Social Fund's discretionary loans and grants . | f924199bbc98b9f4d08d41184cde2bc8f992e682 |
A kamikaze driver who downed sleeping pills and booze before smashing his car into a listed house in a bid to kill himself has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Grant Bond, 23, even called the Samaritans before he aimed his car at the former toll house at 5.30am on August 15 last year. Pensioner Barry Lea and wife Irene were in the house with their daughter when the Silver Ford Fiesta crashed through the front wall of their home, causing £80,000 worth of damage. Astonishingly all four of them survived, Bond was left with a 'catalogue' of serious injuries including a broken pelvis. The crash caused £80,000 worth of damage to the Grade-II listed Toll House at Weethley Gate . Last week Bond, from Alcester, Warkwickshire, was jailed at Warwick Crown Court after admitting causing damage being reckless whether life was endangered and dangerous driving. The court heard that Bond aimed the car at the wall of the Grade-II listed South Lodge Old Toll House in Weethley, Warkwickshire. Bond smashed into the dining room of the listed building, injuring the owner's daughter and leaving her with whiplash injuries and suffering from flashbacks. Caging him Judge Richard Griffith-Jones described Bond as 'wicked' and told him he had put others' lives at risk. He said: 'It was a wicked thing to do. In the terrible circumstances of intending to take your own life, the way you did it was to risk the lives of others. 'His history is a sad and tortured one. The problem is that if someone in that awful position decides to kill themselves by risking other people's lives, it is a very serious crime. 'I have been able to see material about your personal history. I am not going to recite it in public, but you have had serious difficulties in your life. 'By August last year it is obvious that you had become desperate and determined to kill yourself, which is an awful position for anyone to be in. 'I don't want you to think that when I described your behaviour as wicked I am ignoring the degree of desperation you had reached, nor is it a case where you were so clear-thinking that you identified someone's house and decided you were going to drive into it, not caring about who may also lose their life. 'Without really giving proper consideration to what it was you were driving at you drove straight at that lodge. Repairs to the building to return it to the state it was in before the crash are almost completed . 'It was a wicked thing to do.' Mr Lea told police he heard a noise like a low flying bomber just seconds before the Fiesta slammed through the wall. He looked out of the kitchen window to see the car careering towards him at breakneck speed. The court heard that Bond had called police in the hours before the smash, telling them he was suicidal, but did not want to be arrested. In interview after the incident he said he had little memory of it, but could recall sobbing before slamming into the side of what he thought was an unused shop. Bond and the Lea family did not know each other. Geoffrey Dann, defending, said Bond was at an 'extremely low ebb' and that prison would just compound the problems. He added that Bond had struggled since the death of his father when he was just 15. Speaking after the hearing a spokesperson for the Lea family said: 'What is done is done, but this has had a real impact on Mr and Mrs Lea, who are in their 70s and lived at the house for 30 years. 'It is a listed building and the repairs have only just been completed. 'People say, living on a corner, the house must have been hit by cars many times but this was the first.' The building was built in the early 19th Century as a toll house . Bond's Ford Fiesta was left barely recognisable and firefighters were forced to cut off the doors in order to free the suicidal driver. The toll house is currently being restored to the condition it was in, but remains covered in fences and a protective sheet. Speaking yesterday, the Lea's daughter Jackie Hannon said the family were just looking to move on from the incident. She said: 'I don't want to say too much but the man was local to here so should have known it was an occupied house. 'But we obviously can't say what was going through his mind at the time. We all just want to move on from it now. 'The house has been rebuilt to how it was before the crash.' | Driver downed sleeping pills and booze before driving car into listed house . Grant Bond, 23, caused £80,000 worth of damage to the Grade-II building . South Lodge Old Toll House owners' daughter suffers from flashbacks . Bond was sentenced to jail for two-and-a-half years for dangerous driving . | cb61cce6059ae4e2fc2486257218bf3ea86063ed |
(CNN) -- A new service from Twitter allows government agencies and non-governmental organizations to send emergency messages directly to users' phones during natural disasters or times of crisis, the company announced Wednesday. Users that sign up for the service called Twitter Alerts will receive "critical information" via a text message or push notification when an organization marks a tweet as an "alert," according to the Twitter Alerts website. "Twitter Alerts[...] brings us one step closer to helping users get important and accurate information from credible organizations during emergencies, natural disasters or moments when other communications services aren't accessible," Gaby Peña, a product manager at Twitter, said on the company's blog where the service was announced. More than 60 organizations have signed up for the new system, including the emergency management departments of Louisiana, Florida, New York and Colorado as well as the American Red Cross and FEMA, said Twitter. International organizations such as The World Health Organization and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department have signed up. Users can customize which organizations they receive alerts from through the service's setup menu. The alert system comes on the heels of Twitter being used by government agencies and news organizations to communicate with the public during recent crises such as Superstorm Sandy and the Boston Marathon bombings. | Company announces Twitter Alerts service . Emergency messages will go directly to phones . | 1a42c402dade7eaf3502484c47763375ff50ea0e |
A 14-year-old high school football star has killed himself after reportedly getting in trouble for throwing a party. Reagan Beene, a ninth grade student at Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, committed suicide on Saturday. Messages on social media suggested he shot himself before his older sister found his body, but authorities have not yet confirmed this. Other friends suggested that Beene, who lived with his family in Alpharetta, committed suicide after throwing a party, the Hinterland Gazette reported. Loss: Fourteen-year-old Reagan Beene, right, a high school football player in Milton, Georgia, has taken his life. He is pictured with one of his sisters Anderson . Cambridge High School principal Dr Edward Spurka confirmed the death in a statement. 'It is with great sadness that I send this . message to our community,' he wrote. 'Today, Cambridge High School mourns the loss . of one of our beloved 9th graders, Reagan Beene. 'We express our . deepest sympathy to the Beene family; our thoughts and prayers are with . them in this time of grief.' Dr Spurka added that counseling staff would be available at the school on Monday for students. A memorial is also being held at Stonecreek church, where staff will be available, on Tuesday. Fellow students have taken to social media to express their grief, agreeing to wear blue as a tribute to Beene at school on Monday. Others scrawled '15' - his jersey number - on their arms. Missed: There was an outpouring of grief on social media websites as news of the teen's death spread . Home: Beene lived with his family in Alpharetta, Georgia and was found by relatives after taking his life . Many expressed their shock that Beene had been unhappy and said that he was a positive, popular student who loved playing football and golf. 'Reagan Beene was a friend, a follower, and a child of the most high. He will be dearly missed,' one friend wrote. Another added: 'You inspire. Your legacy will live bud and you left your mark on this world. Heaven gained a beautiful angel this weekend. We wont let you become a memory.' One friend wrote: 'Reagan Beene loved to party and he spent his last day doing what he loved.' MailOnline has requested more information from Alpharetta Police Department regarding his death. Grieving: Beene was a student at Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia, pictured. Staff expressed their condolences to his family and said counselors would be on hand to speak with students . Reagan is survived by his parents, Jeffry . and Britt, his sisters, Anderson and Mallory, and a brother, Travis. Many uploaded pictures of Beene to Facebook, where friends expressed their sympathies. His death came just one day after Karl Pierson, a student at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado, shot a fellow student and then committed suicide inside the school. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and need someone to talk to: . In the UK contact The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. In the U.S., call 1 (800) 273-TALK for help . | Reagan Beene 'shot himself on Saturday and was found by his sister' Friends and family shared their grief online following the death of the popular and outgoing ninth grade student from Alpharetta, Georgia . | bedc127c1fa8e0c915d8f9960d7b509e97946fa9 |
The five-man panel brought in by owner Shahid Khan to pick the next Fulham manager is in danger of becoming redundant after Kit Symons orchestrated a thrashing against Bolton. The man in temporary charge led the club to three consecutive wins for the first time since March 2012 by annihilating their opponents. That kind of form got them to the top flight in the first place and ensured they stayed there for 13 years. Fulham's caretaker manager Kit Symons applauds the home fans after the win against Bolton . Tim Hoogland celebrates wrapping up the victory with the fourth at Craven Cottage . Ross McCormack and Dan Burn walk of the pitch... things are finally looking up for Fulham . FULHAM (4-1-2-1-2): Bettinelli 5; Hoogland 6, Bodurov 5, Burn 6, Amorebieta 6.5; Parker 6 (Williams 72min, 5); Christensen 6, Stafylidis 5.5; Ruiz 6; McCormack 6 (Roberts 82), Rodallega 7 (Woodrow 81). Subs not used: Kiraly, Kavanagh, Hyndman, Smith. Scorers: Rodallega 9, Amorebieta 45, Christensen 67, Hoogland 79. BOLTON (4-2-3-1): Lonergan 5; Herd 5, Mills 4 (M Davies 52, 5), Dervite 5, Moxey 5; Spearing 5, Ream 5; Feeney 5.5, Pratley 5.5 (Mason 53, 5), Danns 5; C Davies 5 (Beckford 52, 5). Subs not used: Kenny, Garvan, Medo, Chung-Yong. Booked: Herd, M Davies. Man of the match: Hugo Rodallega. Referee: Stuart Attwell 8. MOTM: Rodallega . Attendance: 14,496 . They followed up victories against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup and Birmingham at the weekend with this resounding result. According to club sources only one of the panel, Fulham fan and Nike director David Daly, was at Craven Cottage for the match. ‘That performance certainly won’t do me any harm,’ Symons said afterwards, when asked about his chances. ‘The two things I set out to do when I came in were galvanise the club and start winning games. On both counts it’s going well.’ Symons revealed he has changed a lot around the club and their Motspur Park training ground since former manager Felix Magath was sacked in mid-September. He added: ‘I sent an email out to our scouts because the information they’ve given us about opponents that we’ve passed on to the team is spot on. It gives the players belief.’ In the ninth minute they opened the scoring when centre-back Matt Mills slipped and the mistake allowed Hugo Rodallega to take a touch before burying the ball under goalkeeper Andy Lonergan. They made it two in first-half stoppage time when Bryan Ruiz sent in a free kick and Fernando Amorebieta rose to head home. Bolton keeper Andrew Lonergan makes a save against Fulham on Wednesday night . Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega opens the scoring against Bolton in Sky Bet Championship clash . It was three on 67 minutes when Rodallega broke down the right and carried the ball into the box before squaring to Lasse Vigen Christensen, who finished first time. And the game was over when Tim Hoogland fired a fourth into the bottom corner in the 79th minute. By the time it went in, Fulham fans were chanting Symons’ name. ‘That was a brilliant feeling,’ Symons said. ‘I’ve had stadiums full booing me before when I was a player, so it was a nice.’ Dorian Dervite of Bolton sees his header blocked by Fulham's Fernando Amorebieta . Bolton manager Dougie Freedman has won just once all season, but vowed to fight on. ‘I feel very confident I can do the job,’ he insisted. Former Norwich boss Chris Hughton, Steve Clarke who was let go by West Bromwich Albion, Tim Sherwood who left Tottenham in the summer and ex-Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray are all rivalling Symons for the Fulham job. Khan’s panel consists of former players Danny Murphy and Brian McBride, ex-Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn, academy director Huw Jenkins and Daly. At the moment, there is only one name leaping out at them. Pressure is mounting on Bolton manager Dougie Freedman after only one win in 10 matches . | Fulham owner Shahid Khan has picked a five-man panel to help select the club's new manager . Caretaker Kit Symons led the club to three consecutive wins for the first time since March 2012 . Fulham followed up victories against Doncaster and Birmingham by thrashing Bolton . Bolton have won just once in last 10 matches to pile the pressure on boss Dougie Freedman . | aa20f837615b9278d566e5903951e94cf67ea148 |
It was a farce that would lead to a goalkeeper given a red card, a team red with anger... and the Dutch FA red-faced after reversing the ref's decision. The trouble began when a drunk hooligan ran on to the field to . attack AZ Alkmaar's No.1 during the first half of their Cup match with . former European champions Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena last night. To everyone's surprise, Costa Rican goalie Esteban Alvarado . then launched a kung fu kick at the teenage . thug, sending him crashing to the floor - and landed a few more kicks before security guards dragged the invader away. And when referee Bas Nijhuis red-carded the goalkeeper, Alkmaar coach Gertjan . Verbeek ordered his side to walk off in protest. Now, however, the red card has been rescinded by the Dutch FA (KNVB). Scroll down for video... Kung fu fighting: AZ Alkmaar's goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado spots an Ajax fan charging at him just in time . Attacked turned attacker: Alvarado turns the tables on the hooligan by kicking him on the ground . A . statement read: 'The keeper was attacked unexpectedly and therefore the . prosecutor judged that his mood caused his response against his . attacker.' At the time, Nijhuis said: 'I understand that Esteban was defending himself, but he walked to him (the supporter) and kicked him multiple times. He could also have walked away.' Ajax were leading the round-of-16 match 1-0 after a goal by Gregory van der Wiel when the incident happened 36 minutes in. Attempts to convince Alkmaar to continue were fruitless. Alkmaar club director Toon Gerbrands said his players 'didn't feel safe any more in this situation'. Down and out: The hooligan winces in pain as Alvarado launches a series of kicks at him . Calming down: Stewards rushed on to the pitch to intervene following the attack . Ajax apologised for the security lapse and said the supporter, who was aged 19, would receive a lifetime ban from games. Dutch Football Association director Bert van Oostveen said his organisation was considering the incident, but is not certain whether or not the game will be replayed. Ajax coach Frank de Boer, a renowned former defender for the Netherlands' national team, said of Alvarado's reaction: 'Maybe I would have done the same thing, maybe not. But emotionally I do understand it.' Chaos: AZ Alkmaar players protest after referee Bas Nijhuis red carded their goalkeeper . You're coming with us: The pitch invader is led away by security staff after disrupting Ajax against AZ Alkmaar . It is not the first time a player has attacked a fan. In 1995, Manchester United's then star Eric Cantona famously lashed out at an abusive supporter who was sitting in the front row during the team's clash with Crystal Palace. Cantona was fined £20,000, banned for nine months and stripped of his French captaincy after the incident. He claimed the fan shouted racial insults and threw a missile at him as he walked off the pitch after being given a red card for kicking another player during a tackle. Anger: AZ Alkmaar players cannot believe their eyes as referee Bas Nijhuis shows a red card to their goalkeeper following the incident . Game over: AZ boss Gert Jan Verbeek orders his team to leave the field in protest at Esteban's sending off . Nothing to do: Ajax players are forced to walk off after AZ refuse to play on following Esteban's red card . | AZ Alkmaar were playing at Ajax in the Dutch Cup . Esteban Alvarado dismissed after kicking the supporter twice . His Alkmaar team-mates walked off the pitch in protest at his red card . 'He could have walked away', said referee . | 1986dd85a91d9042a5f36dfb7242c62d6c8deea6 |
(CNN) -- A humanitarian watchdog group on Wednesday raised concerns over the U.S. military's handling of juvenile detainees in Iraq, saying "some children have been detained for more than a year without charge or trial." U.S. soldiers count juvenile detainees after a restroom break at Camp Cropper in Iraq in September 2007. Human Rights Watch alleges that children in U.S. custody in Iraq are being "held without due process." The New York-based group called on the military to release children detained for more than a year and to provide child detainees timely judicial reviews and "prompt access to independent legal assistance and family visits." "In conflicts where it was not directly involved, the U.S. has been a leader in helping child soldiers re-enter society," Clarisa Bencomo, a children's rights researcher on the Middle East at Human Rights Watch, is quoted in the report. "That kind of leadership is unfortunately missing in Iraq." Bencomo said, "The vast majority of children detained in Iraq languish for months in U.S. military custody. The U.S. should provide these children with immediate access to lawyers and an independent judicial review of their detention." A Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman for detainee operations defended the practices of the U.S.-led coalition and denied aspects of the report. In several instances, Maj. Matthew Morgan said that Human Rights Watch is calling upon coalition forces "to do something that is already a matter of practice in Iraq." However, he concurred with the report's statement that the "arrest and detention of a child must be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time." "We could not agree more," Morgan said. "Detention is a last resort, and it is carried out judiciously." Insurgents reportedly have used some children to conduct attacks in Iraq. The Human Rights Watch paper said American military authorities were detaining 513 Iraqi children as "imperative threats to security" as of May 12, and has detained around 2,400 children in Iraq since 2003 -- some as young as 10. Morgan estimated the youngest detainees now are eight children who all are believed to be around age 13. "Although specific age determinations are impossible, the remainder of the juvenile population ranges from 14 through 17," he added. Morgan also said the number of juvenile detainees is fewer than 500 at the moment, down from nearly 1,000 in summer 2007. Most child detainees are held at the Camp Cropper detention facility in Baghdad, where a 17-year-old boy was strangled to death by another child detainee, the report said. Others are detained at Camp Bucca near the southern city of Basra, Human Rights Watch said. As of February, the paper said, "The reported average length of detention for children was more than 130 days, and some children have been detained for more than a year without charge or trial, in violation of the Coalition Provisional Authority memorandum on criminal procedures." Human Rights Watch noted the memo on the security detainee process says "any person under the age of 18 interned at any time shall in all cases be released not later than 12 months after the initial date of internment." Morgan characterized the call for the release of children who have been detained for more than a year a "hollow demand based on an inaccurate claim." "There are no juveniles in coalition force custody who have been detained for more than a year," he said. "All juveniles are required to be released within one year; the majority are released in fewer than six months." The report also listed other "due process" concerns: . • The military might interrogate child detainees for days or weeks before transferring them to main detention facilities, and "they have no real opportunity to challenge their detention." • Military advocates assigned by the U.S. to each child at a mandatory six-month detention review have "no training in juvenile justice or child development." • American officials allegedly said that "children are not provided with lawyers and do not attend the one-week or one-month detention reviews after their transfer to Camp Cropper." • The children have "limited contact" with their families. Morgan said that juvenile detainees do have access to family visitation, including those held in Baghdad, "in part to make them more accessible to families and service providers." He also said those charged under Iraqi law do have access to legal counsel, but "those who are not referred to the Iraqi criminal courts do not have legal counsel because they are not charged with a crime." All detainees' cases are reviewed by independent attorneys within seven days of internment, Morgan said. "Those referred to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq are reviewed in accordance with Iraqi law. Those not referred to CCCI are reviewed in accordance with international humanitarian law," he added. Human Rights Watch also criticized the U.S. military for sending 200 to 300 of the 513 child detainees to Dar al-Hikmah, or House of Wisdom. The juvenile detainee education facility was opened at Camp Cropper in August 2007 with the "stated intention to provide 600 detainees, ranging in age from 11 to 17, with educational services pending release or transfer to Iraqi custody." Morgan said juveniles "are given access to some of the highest quality schooling available in Iraq" at Dar al-Hikmah. The report said an "unknown number" of youths have been transferred to Iraqi custody, and it made reference to a U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq report that said children under Iraqi custody "are at risk of physical abuse." "Like adults, children transferred to Iraqi custody are at risk of abuse and poor conditions of confinement. A U.S. military official in Baghdad told Human Rights Watch this month that the U.S. was delaying the transfer of 130 child detainees to Iraq's al-Tobchi juvenile detention facility because of conditions there," the report said. Morgan said the coalition has refrained from "transferring physical custody of children to Iraqi authorities pending trial when there is reason to believe they will be at risk of abuse" and that the military does separate juveniles from the greater population. "Those with special needs such as the mentally infirm are provided medical care and placed in separate housing where appropriate for their individual case," he said. Other developments . • The chief security officer for the Iraqi Transportation Ministry was gunned down Wednesday on a highway in eastern Baghdad, an official with the Iraqi Interior Ministry said. Col. Abdul Karim Muhsan was killed when at least four gunmen in two cars intercepted his vehicle and shot him, the official said. • Four people were killed and 12 were wounded in two car bomb attacks Wednesday in the capital, an Interior Ministry official said. The bombings occurred within an hour of each other in different parts of western Baghdad, the official said. CNN's Joe Sterling and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report. | Children in U.S. custody denied rights, Human Rights Watch report says . Young detainees don't have access to legal help, families, group says . Military spokesman says all detainees treated in accordance with law . Group, military disagree on number, status of detainees . | 2cba0f87de6327f1e04c30a4a64895555be6774d |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:02 EST, 11 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:20 EST, 11 July 2012 . Admitted: MacLeod pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court to five counts of engaging in 'sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker' A nurse in her 50s has admitted having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old patient at a secure mental health unit. Jeanette MacLeod had an illicit affair with the teenage boy at the NHS facility in the West Midlands where she had worked for five years. Married MacLeod, who lives in Erdington, Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday to five counts of engaging in 'sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker'. She will be sentenced at the same court in early September. The . 52-year-old was accused of engaging in sexual activity with the teenage . patient at the unit, run by Birmingham And Solihull Mental Health NHS . Foundation Trust. Married MacLeod has been a registered nurse for 22 years and had worked at the unit for the past five years. It is understood the case centred on allegations that she had sexual contact with the alleged victim while he was a patient. The unit was opened in 2003 as one of only a small number of adolescent forensic units in Britain and houses some of the country’s most mentally disturbed teenagers, as well as mentally ill women. When asked about the allegations before yesterday’s hearing, MacLeod had said: 'There’s two sides to every story. It wasn’t just me.' Case: MacLeod will be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court the week beginning September 3 . Frances Allcock, executive director for organisational development and performance improvement at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, declined to comment on the case. She said: 'While the defendant has pleaded guilty, this case is still in progress and as such it would be inappropriate for us to comment further until after sentencing.' | Jeanette MacLeod pleaded guilty to five counts of engaging in 'sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker' When previously asked about the allegations, MacLeod said: 'There's two sides to every story. It wasn't just me.' | 16865351d208bccc2ed863dc6f013f29d4325139 |
Looking at these photos, they could easily be from a film reel salvaged from 60 years ago. But these images were actually taken this weekend at holiday camp in Norfolk during the Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender. Devotees of the 1950s' revival packed their vintage clothes into their Cadillacs and descended on the Seacroft Holiday Camp for the biannual event. Twice a year, fans of rock 'n' roll, . rockabilly, rockin' blues of the 1950s and Americana gather at the . sleepy resort of Hemsby to dress up in period clothing and re-live the . era over four days. All dolled up: Rock and Roll devotees dance the night away in clothing typical of the 1940s and 50s at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Rocking out: Classic cars line up for a cruise to Great Yarmouth during the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Popular: The biannual festival, which has now been going for 25 years, celebrated its 50th event this weekend . Rock around the clock: A couple hit the dance floor to practice moves of the era such as hop, bop, jive and Rock 'n' Roll . A festival-goer smokes a cigarette in a classic car ahead of a rally to Great Yarmouth at the biannual festival . Lori Barker, pictured left, poses at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender which transforms the seaside resort twice a year . Going all out: A reveller with an impressive quiff chalks his cue as he plays pool in a bar designed in a 1950s theme . Riding in style: A vintage 1940s Chrysler Dodge parked outside a seaside casino in Norfolk during the Hemsby Rock n' Roll Weekender . In the driver's seat: A festival-goer in an old transit van at the Rock and Roll festival which attracts nostalgia fans from all over the UK . Bands play music of the era and devotees hit the dance floor to hop, bop, jive and rock 'n' roll. The event has been running since 1988 - making this Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender the festival's 50th. Rockabilly, which emerged from the Southern United States in the early 1950s, is thought to be one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music. The term came from rock 'n' roll and hillbilly, the latter being a reference to the country music that contributed strongly to the style's development. The popularity of the style waned in the 1960s but it is thought to have enjoyed a major revival in the late 1970s and early 1980s that has lasted to the present day, often within a rockabilly subculture. Live performance: A musical act performs at the Rock n' Roll festival at Seacroft Holiday Camp in Hemsby . Turning back time: Lori Barker wears her red hair in a retro 1950s style to match her dress and earrings . Setting the scene: The setting sun is reflected in the wing mirror of a classic American car covered in rain in Hemsby during the festival . Miss Outerlimitz: A Miss Hemsby contestant takes to the stage during a beauty pageant at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Classic motorbike: Two Rock and Roll fans ride a Triumph motorbike, which were first made in 1902, to the festival in Hemsby . Something for all tastes: Fans brought classic cars dating between the 1940s and the 1950s to the biannual event . Young talent: Rock and Roll pianist and singer Lewis Jordan Brown, aged 11, entertains festival-goers at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . In for the long haul: The event lasts four days with many of the attendees staying in retro chalets in the seaside resort . Go Grease Lightning, go: A car enthusiast checks under the bonnet of a classic car at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Collectors item: A classic Triumph motorcycle parks up during the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Old school glamour: Perfectly groomed hair, red lips and eye-liner were the order of the day at the retro weekend festival . Ready to rock: Groups of festival-goers dressed in retro leather jackets and motorcycle gear for the festival . In costume: Rock and Roll devotees Lori Barker, pictured left, and Yvette Hillebrandt, pictured right, pose at the 50th Hemsby Rock 'n' Roll Weekender . Back in time: Two gentlemen drive towards the Seacroft Holiday Camp in Hemsby to re-live the 1940's and 50's for the weekend . | Hundreds of 1950s' revival fans attend the biannual event at Seacroft Holiday Camp in Norfolk every year . | 50386168959282e9f6df1fe8fc9583a5887c5a0c |
Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. military is updating plans to potentially evacuate U.S. Embassy personnel from Yemen in the wake of rising violence and uncertainty about the security situation in that country, CNN has learned. Any military involvement in an evacuation would come only after the U.S. ambassador requests help, something which has not yet happened. However, this week, defense and State Department officials confirmed there have been a series of conversations between the Pentagon and State Department about how long U.S. diplomats can safely stay in Yemen. "We are poised to act if it becomes necessary to get people out," the defense official said. "If you ask me do I think it's more likely now, the answer is yes." A State Department official said there is always planning in place, "but no decisions have been made." "The situation could change tomorrow or the next day, so I don't want to say we never will, but for now it is not in the cards," the State Department official said. A U.S. defense official with direct knowledge of the planning confirmed the details to CNN but declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. While the Pentagon has been keeping a close eye on the deteriorating security situation in Yemen for weeks, several defense officials tell CNN that in the last few days, concern has grown. Al Qaeda member killed in Yemen strike, official says . General threats . Terrorists have made general threats against the U.S. Embassy and personnel in Yemen, including the ambassador, but the United States does not have any actionable information about a specific or credible threat, State Department officials said Tuesday. Last weekend, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) claimed it planted two explosive devices at the residence of Yemen's President to target U.S. Ambassador Matthew Tueller who was expected there for a meeting, according to an online statement posted by the terror group and unearthed by SITE Intelligence Group. The explosives were discovered before detonation. But defense and State Department officials said they have no indication so far there was an attack truly aimed at the ambassador. "There are threats against everybody," a senior State Department official said. "The U.S. Embassy, the ambassador, all of our employees. But there is nothing actionable." The State Department officials described the threats "aspirational in nature," rather than a specific or credible plan to attack U.S. facilities or personnel. "We get a lot of these threats," another official said. "We look, check and decide whether there is something actionable. If there were some time to act upon we would. But there is nothing." Embassy staff reductions . The State Department has at times this year ordered a reduction in the number of embassy personnel. One State Department official said the reduction of staff was "marginal," with less than a quarter of the personnel sent to other countries in the region until the situation in Yemen improved. The ambassador is still in the country, and several dozen heavily armed Marines continue to guard the embassy. "There is a lot of turmoil there, so we took a few people out and made adjustments -- but this is nowhere near a major reduction," the State Department official said. The major concern for the military is whether the violence has grown to the point that the embassy personnel cannot safely stay, and that there may be only limited ways of getting them out of Yemen. There have been clashes between rebel groups and Yemen government forces around the airport in the capital, Sanaa. Contingency plans . The updated evacuation plans could include the use of U.S. Marines and helicopters stationed on the amphibious warship USS Makin Island off the coast of Yemen. If an evacuation was ordered, and there was continued fighting around the airport in Sanaa that would make it impossible for diplomats to leave on commercial planes, the Marines could be called in, a defense official said. The defense officials who spoke with CNN acknowledge that as part of the discussions about whether and how long the diplomats can safely remain in Yemen, there is also internal discussion about the key issue of trying to keep a U.S. presence even after an evacuation that can continue to work with the Yemeni government and military on fighting AQAP, the al Qaeda affiliate in Yemen. If the United States were forced to even temporarily shutter the embassy there, its ability to monitor and conduct counterterrorism efforts would be significantly reduced, one of the defense officials said. | Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula said it planted devices at Yemen President's home . The U.S. ambassador was expected for a meeting there . U.S. military is concerned about clashes near the airport in Sanaa . | 6a50a8950cd63d6adb44a368c29bfe83bb9efe57 |
Kerry, a green-eyed, crimson-lipped beauty with suspiciously smooth skin and a full bust, looks like a woman with something to hide. And she is: Kerry is actually a 52-year-old heterosexual man wearing a latex mask and full bodysuit to emulate a woman. Kerry is part of a subculture known as 'female masking' that until very recently has remained relatively unheard of, even among dedicated cross-dressers. Male enthusiasts don elaborate latex or silicone masks and bodysuits complete with breasts to become glamorous female alter-egos. Scroll down for video . Behind the mask: A masker for decades, Kerry's unmasked life is that of a married man . Married man Kerry, from Seattle, has been . fascinated by masks ever since he saw an episode of Mission: Impossible . in 1970 depicting actresses wearing masks to impersonate other . characters. At 15, he tells The Atlantic, he began wearing female masks, at first from local costume shops, and later self-made latex creations. 'It'd be one thing to disguise myself as a guy, but I'd still be a guy,' he told the Atlantic of his initial desire to wear a mask. 'But if I could disguise myself as a woman that would be a total transformation.' With the advent of the internet, Kerry found a community of like-minded female maskers and realized he wasn't alone. Finding other female maskers not only provided Kerry with a community, it launched a whole new career. Lady in red: Kerry says that many men enjoy female masking but that it's a taboo even among the cross-dressing community . Plastic fantastic: The 'Jessica' full head and torso silicone mask with foam breast inserts costs $600 . He began selling his realistic masks to other men, and became so successful that he was able to leave his day job as a printer and create his own business in mask-making. For about $500, a mask and body suit including foam-stuffed breasts can be purchased from Kerry's website. His wife of 12 years, he says, thinks his obsession is 'weird.' 'She doesn't have anything to do with it. Once in a while she might help me with something but it's not really her thing,' he told the Atlantic. And while his masking has a sexual element to it, he says that his wife is not into it, and he is OK with that. 'It's one of those things where we all sort of have fantasies, scenarios we'd like to do but I think the reality would be really, really disappointing. So probably better not to try that,' he said. Write caption here . 'In a way I don't want to fetishize my wife. You know, I have sex with my wife because I love her. And I don't want to turn her into a sex object, if that makes any sense at all. Because the mask is a fetish object, that's the only thing it really exists for.' Female masking, while taboo even among the cross-dressing community, has managed to reach the edges of popular culture. Photographer Steven Meisel even shot model Carolyn Murphy in a mask of Italian Vogue in 2012 after stumbling across the fetish online. A British documentary called Secrets of the Living Dolls that screened earlier this year featured female maskers from all walks of life. Unlike transgender people, ‘maskers’, or ‘rubber dollers’ as they’re also known, do not feel born in the wrong body. For them, dressing up as a member of the opposite sex is a simply a way to have fun. A new Channel 4 documentary, Secrets of the Living Dolls, will reveal the lives of 'maskers' - men dressed in an elaborate body suit designed to make them look like the glamorous women they are not . ‘They’re not freaky people, they’re not weird, they’re just like you and me,’ explains Barbie Ramos, the owner of Femskin, a company that makes the $850 (approximately £518) custom-made silicone outfits worn by maskers. ‘They’re just like what they call “vanilla people” - that’s you and me - except for at night or on special occasions, they like to put on a mask. Why not?’ Her son Adam, who also works at Femskin, adds: ‘I don't think it would be fair to call them gay or even attracted to other men.’ ‘It's about fun. A lot of men have fun by pretending to be women. Not all of them even want to be hot. Some want to be nasty hags.’ Unlike transgender people, 'maskers' do not feel born in the wrong body - it's just their way of having fun . One masker who has no interest in being a nasty hag is Robert, who following a painful divorce, has spent the last 12 years dressing up as Sherry, a 40-ish buxom blonde. Robert . is one of a growing number of men for whom time off means time spent . dressed in an elaborate body suit, complete with breasts and a vagina, . designed to make them look like the glamorous women they are not. But while many of the maskers who appear in Channel 4 documentary say it’s all about having fun; for 70-year-old Robert, matters don’t appear quite so simple. 'That's why I do this,’ he breathes as he pouts at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, ‘because I think I look amazing. ‘I just can't believe that's a 70-year-old man in the mirror and that's why I do this,’ he continues. ‘If I saw a 70-year-old man in the mirror I would quit this tomorrow. ‘ . Asked what he sees when he looks at his dolled up reflection, he replies: 'An exciting looking female,’ adding: ‘If I saw a woman like this and she asked me to go hang out, I'd say yeah. ‘ . For him, the appeal of Sherry seems to lie partly in the fact that for him, dating real women has been something of a disappointment. ‘You see, after all, I'm 70 years old and I've tried dating, and when I'm dating, the women I meet are generally 55 to well up into their 60s,’ he explains. ‘Some of them are in really good shape for their age but they don't look anything like this and it's very difficult to date when you have this to come home to.’ But not every masker has a troubled love life. For Joel, a British bartender who lives with his girlfriend, Mel, dressing up is all about escapism. Robert, finds that the appeal of dressing as Sherry seems to lie partly in the fact that for him, dating real women has been something of a disappointment . Joel, a British bartender who lives with his girlfriend and goes by the female name of 'Jessie' dresses up for escapism . ‘I get enjoyment out of it, I get a sense of escapism out of it,’ he reveals. ‘I'm just out to have fun. It's like the extension of another persona within me that just wants to go out and have fun. ‘The conundrum is people ask: “What do you do when you get dressed up?” And the answer is: not much. ‘Sometimes I just take photos to put up on masking websites, other times it just happens to be who I want to be that day.’ Secrets of the Living Dolls will air tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 . But Joel’s masking career hasn’t always gone smoothly. While girlfriend Mel is happy to accept his alter-ego Jessie, he spent 15 years hiding her from his parents – and from his neighbors. ‘I wouldn't walk 20 steps down the road dressed as a doll because I know general society in the area we live in would be very, very against it,’ he explains. ‘Who knows what could happen?’ One masker who is far less reticent about his hobby is Jon, a Minneapolis father-of-six who works as a forklift driver in a warehouse. According to Jon, not only does masking make him feel good, it also helps him to bond with his daughters. ‘I try to find ways to fit in and be involved with the daughters, and that sometimes means make-up and fingernails and things like that as well,’ he explains. ‘You don't have to have your guard up and necessarily be afraid of other people if you want to dress in a way that makes you feel really good. ‘One guy in particular that I trust at work - he knows that I put on the boobies!’ But not everyone is quite so understanding. Jon’s wife Sunny is his second, met and wed after his first marriage broke up because of his penchant for rubber dolling. ‘This does affect my relationships because I make my priorities and sometimes other people are not happy about my choices,’ he admits. So is it all worth it? Jon’s friend ‘Vanessa’, a 56-year-old who is also father of six, thinks it is. ‘When I'm in my male mode, I go out in public and I just blend in,’ he confesses. ‘When I walk down the street, people don't pay any attention to me. ‘But when I dress up, put this mask on and the wig, it's like being a beautiful woman walking down the street. ‘You become one of the beautiful people and you draw a lot of attention, and attention is not something I've had a lot of.’ | A subculture known as 'female masking' is thriving online . Men wear latex or silicone masks and torsos to make themselves look like women . The result is a largely immobile face, giving the impression of a doll or mannequin . A British Channel 4 documentary, Secrets of the Living Dolls, screened earlier this year . Unlike transgenders, ‘rubber dollers’ don't feel born in the wrong body . Dressing up as a member of opposite sex is way to have fun or explore sexuality . Many who practice are married heterosexual men . | 477e3d139fd812cb228a9cbf469a3a675110eeaa |
(CNN) -- All 21 people aboard a military plane that went missing off Chile's Pacific coast, near the Juan Fernandez islands, are dead, Defense Minister Andres Allamand said Saturday. According to preliminary information, the passengers died instantly on impact, according to Allamand. At least four bodies were found earlier Saturday, one day after the plane went missing. Two of the bodies recovered were female and two were male, government spokesman Andres Chadwick told reporters. The four bodies were flown to the capital, Santiago, where authorities identified the victims. An emergency beacon originally believed to be from the plane was also found Saturday, but is now thought to have belonged to a fishing boat, CNN Chile reported. Gen. Maximiliano Larraechea, secretary general of the air force, earlier told Chile's state-run broadcaster TVN that one of the plane's locator devices had been found. TVN quoted him as saying he was almost certain the plane had crashed because of the number of items recovered. The plane tried to land twice before losing contact, Allamand told reporters Friday. Chile's TVN Executive Director Mauro Valdes said five of the passengers were employees of the television station, including Felipe Camiroaga, a well-known and popular TV personality. The country's president, Sebastian Pinera, vowed to investigate the circumstances of the crash. "This is a tough blow to our country, but it is precisely these moments of anguish and uncertainty that require the unity and solidarity of all Chileans," CNN Chile reported the president said Friday. CNN's Mariano Castillo and Umaro Djau contributed to this report. | NEW: Four bodies -- two male and two female -- are identified in Santiago, an official says . The passengers likely died instantly on impact, the defense minister says . The plane disappeared near the Juan Fernandez islands Friday . Felipe Camiroaga, a popular TV personality, was among the passengers . | c60e2bcf051f103f7b24d1deefd63cae798726a2 |
By . Katy Winter . Born Grant, Jessica Gillien, 20, always felt as though he was trapped in the wrong body. Making the brave decision to live as a woman Jessica has had to endure taunts, stalkers and even death threats. After doing a modelling shoot with a friend, Jessica, from Scotland, found it boosted her confidence and feeling of femininity hugely and that it also offered her a platform to champion the rights of transgendered people. Jessica only began modelling six months ago when a friend asked her to pose in a shoot for her . Even as a child (left) Jessica felt she was trapped in a male body, and by age 14 (right) was experimenting with make-up and dressing as a woman . 'Ever since I was young I wanted to dress up in girls' clothes and I remember aged three my favourite toy was a Barbie doll. By the time I was 14 I was experimenting with new looks and ways I could look like a girl so that I could be myself and not be judged for being trans. ‘I went to a celeb lookalike party as a woman and everyone said how great i looked and from then on I decided I wanted to be a woman when I was older. ‘At the age of 15 I told my mum that I wanted to be a female. She was supportive but apprehensive and scared for me as I made the decision at such a young age. 'We agreed to wait until I was older before I made any changes or started taking hormones and looking into surgery, but by the age 17 I couldn't wait any longer.' Jessica has faced stalking, abuse and even death threats for being transgender . ‘I felt like a woman, I dressed like a woman, and deep down I knew I was always meant to be a woman. I started to dress like a girl and went to the doctors to speak about hormones and how to get the ball rolling. My friends and family were supportive but it’s not been easy. ‘I've had stalkers and death threats, even hate crimes but the worst of these ones were settled in court. ‘I haven't undergone any surgery yet but have been taking steroids for over a year now and I love the way I look. ‘I may consider surgery in the future but at the moment nobody thinks I’m a man so I may stay natural. Jessica began modelling six months ago when a friend asked her to pose in a shoot for her. ‘It was amazing, I felt empowered, sexy. It was the most like a woman I'd ever felt. ‘A . photographer from London asked if he could shoot me and I said yes, to . this day I think he thinks I’m a girl. Well, I am… but you know what I . mean!! ‘Since then I’ve done more and more shoots and it’s my mission to become the first ever published Trans glamour model. ‘Being trans gives you a larger sense of . achievement when you do things like this as its proving everyone wrong, . it’s been so hard over the years and all the changes I’ve gone through . both mentally and physically but I look in the mirror and it’s all been . worth it. Jessica says in front of a camera is where she feels her most confident and sexy . ‘I look the best I’ve ever looked and all my friends and family are behind me so I’m going to do this. I won’t stop until Trans is fully accepted in our culture today - it’s my mission and I WILL make it happen! ‘I’d love to help any other confused girls and boys out there who are trans and scared to be themselves. Nobody should be ashamed to be who they want to be.’ | Jessica began experimenting with make-up and dressing as woman age 14 . By age 17 she started living as a woman and is taking hormones . Began modelling six months ago and says it makes her feel empowered . Determined to be the first transgender glamour model . Says it's her mission to make being transgender totally accepted in society . | f338a49ed39fa7a572d44e8a83bf2d632b5129fb |
By . John Stevens . Hundreds of migrants desperate to get to Britain are living in squalid conditions in a growing camp in Calais that it is feared is becoming the new Sangatte. More than 600 refugees are now living in the French town with most living just yards from the port in the camp, which has poor sanitation and where men fight for food. The camp is a reminder of the Red Cross camp at Sangatte where as many as 2,000 immigrants were gathered before it was shut down in 2002 after sparking a British immigration crisis. Scroll down for video . A new refugee camp has been set up on the outskirts of Calais where men wait for the opportunity to stow away on a lorry for a trip over the Channel to the UK . The camp is a reminder of the Red Cross camp at Sangatte where as many as 2,000 immigrants were gathered before it was shut down in 2002 . More than 600 refugees are now living in the French town with most living just yards from the port in the camp, which has poor sanitation and where men fight for food . After the closure, Britain accepted hundreds of migrants in a deal with the French government and the number of asylum seekers living in Calais fell to just 100 by 2012. But in the last two years the number has increased six-fold and French charities are now warning they are struggling to feed them all. At the main camp on a disused railway line next to the perimeter of the main port where ferries go to Dover there are now 135 tents. Most are occupied more two or more people and there are further smaller camps nearby. The migrants, who round the clock take turns to try and jump on UK-bound lorries on the roads leading to the port, huddle around camp fires during the evening. The camp is littered with bits of rubbish and many of the tents are in poor condition. The hundreds of migrants have had to share just three portable toilets next to the site since a toilet block was torched. The door to one of the toilets has been torn off. Dreaming of England: A refugee's makeshift home at the new camp in Calais which resembles Sangatte . End of the line: A man climbs over the port fence in Calais in the hope of successfully making his way from France to Britain . Peril: Man scales port fence at the camp in Calais which is being dubbed the new Sangatte . At the main camp on a disused railway line next to the perimeter of the main port where ferries go to Dover there are now 135 tents . There are no showers so the men have to wash themselves with bottles of water. The barbed-wire fence that separates the camp from the busy port is used as a washing line to dry clothes. Each evening, French charity workers come to serve pasta, rice and vegetables, which have been donated, but food is scarce. Mahade Katab, 28, who lives at the camp, said: ‘I have seen men fighting each other for food. Sometimes they just fight out of boredom. It is horrible.’ Last week, the Mail revealed how four migrants trying to get to Britain from Calais had died in just one week earlier this month. An Albanian man was killed on the motorway outside Calais on 9 March in the first of the deaths. Three days later, an Ethiopian named as Mesfin Germa was hit by a lorry as he walked along the main road to the port. More than 600 refugees are now living in the French town with most living just yards from the port in the camp, which has poor sanitation and where men fight for food . Ready for the crossing: Migrants camp yards from the port of Calais where they intend to hitch a ride to Britain. Food is scarce and hundreds share three portable toilets . At the main camp on a disused railway line next to the perimeter of the main port where ferries go to Dover there are now 135 tents. Most are occupied more two or more people and there are further smaller camps nearby . On 14 March the dead body of a 25-year-old Ethiopian man called Senay Berthay was found in the Batellerie dock at the port. The emergency services were called after his head was spotted bobbing on top of the water. The next day another Ethiopian man in his 20s died while hiding on a car transporter. It is thought he had been among a group of three men who got on the truck and then realised it was going in the wrong direction. Migrants boasted about how the lack of police meant they were certain they would get to England and told how even if they were caught they would just be released immediately able to try again. The Mail witnessed as gangs of migrants gathered in two locations in daylight and used extremely desperate and dangerous methods to get into lorries without any police intervention. After the closure, Britain accepted hundreds of migrants in a deal with the French government and the number of asylum seekers living in Calais fell to just 100 by 2012 . The hundreds of migrants have had to share just three portable toilets next to the site since a toilet block was torched. The door to one of the toilets has been torn off . Migrants boasted about how the lack of police meant they were certain they would get to England and told how even if they were caught they would just be released immediately able to try again . Children eat food at the camp which is being called the new Sangatte. The camp is a reminder of the Red Cross camp at Sangatte where as many as 2,000 immigrants were gathered before it was shut down in 2002 . Migrants boasted about how the lack of police meant they were certain they would get to England and told how even if they were caught they would just be released immediately able to try again . The migrants, who round the clock take turns to try and jump on UK-bound lorries on the roads leading to the port, huddle around camp fires during the evening . A man photographed at the camp in Calais where migrants desperate to get to Britain are living in squalid conditions . A migrant who is living at the camp in Calais in the hope of boarding a lorry which will take him across the Channel to the UK . Squalid: The camp is littered with bits of rubbish and many of the tents are in poor condition . British lorry drivers said ¿extremely light-touch¿ policing by the French meant that they were ¿sitting ducks¿ for illegal migrants wanting to smuggle themselves across the Channel . A family walk together in Calais near to the camp which is just yards from the port. There is poor sanitation and men fight for food . But in the last two years the number of migrants has increased six-fold and French charities are now warning they are struggling to feed them all . British lorry drivers said ¿extremely light-touch¿ policing by the French meant that they were ¿sitting ducks¿ for illegal migrants wanting to smuggle themselves across the Channel . The hundreds of migrants have had to share just three portable toilets next to the site since a toilet block was torched . British lorry drivers said ¿extremely light-touch¿ policing by the French meant that they were ¿sitting ducks¿ for illegal migrants wanting to smuggle themselves across the Channel . End of the line: Migrants wait to jump into the back of a lorry in the hope it will cary them across the Channel to the UK . The deputy mayor of Calais, Philippe Mignonet, said he believes an average of between 10 and 30 people make it across the border from the town each day . The deputy mayor of Calais is calling for the British to contribute towards increasing the number of police in the area . A mother and child eat food at the camp in Calais which is dubbed the new Sangatte. The camp is littered with bits of rubbish and many of the tents are in poor condition . A man inspects underneath a lorry at the port in Calais which has been dubbed the new Sangatte . British lorry drivers said ‘extremely light-touch’ policing by the French meant that they were ‘sitting ducks’ for illegal migrants wanting to smuggle themselves across the Channel. The deputy mayor of Calais, Philippe Mignonet, said he believes an average of between 10 and 30 people make it across the border from the town each day. He is calling for the British to contribute towards increasing the number of police in the area. He told the Mail: ‘It’s a difficult situation. We know why these people are in Calais, they want to go to England. They get into vehicles parked on their rest or stopped on the roads when traffic is high. ‘When immigrants are caught most are released by the police unless they are recognised as part of mafia gangs. ‘I’d really like to be able to work with England. There needs to be better co-operation and there needs to be an increase in the number of police in Calais.’ | More than 600 refugees are now living in the French town with most living just yards from the port in the camp . It is a reminder of the Red Cross camp at Sangatte which was shut down in 2002 . After the closure, Britain accepted hundreds of migrants in a deal with the French government . In the last two years number has increased six-fold and French charities warn they are struggling to feed them all . | 610394df740c0eec20ef32bd66f28c2971dc7277 |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Making great wine is like making a great film, according to director Francis Ford Coppola -- it's defying the impossible. During his 70 years, he has done both. Francis Ford Coppola is the movie-making talent behind some of the greatest films ever made -- he is also a successful winemaker. Coppola is the filmmaking talent behind some of the most highly-regarded films ever made -- "The Godfather," "The Conversation," "Apocalypse Now" -- a fact his stash of five Academy Awards attests to. "He's able to infuse a certain reality into the films that he's doing," director and long-time collaborator, George Lucas told CNN. "Human touches that take [them] beyond just a cardboard cut-out movie." He is also a cut above the rest as a winemaker. At his vineyard in California's verdant winegrowing region Napa Valley, the Italian-American has established a reputation as an outstanding vintner -- albeit accidentally. "As a six-year-old, my father drank wine at the table and the uncles and grandparents, they all drank wine and even the kids were given a little wine. It was just one of the good things of life like food," said Coppola. "I never thought it could be a business." But, 25 years after stumbling upon his vineyard (now known as the Rubicon Valley Winery) during the search for a family summer home, the wine business has become a lucrative day job for Coppola. With a bottle of Rubicon '79, his sought-after first vintage, selling for $200, Coppola realized he could use the profits to self-fund feature films. "I said, 'Maybe I'm wealthy enough that I could finance my own little films,'" Coppola told CNN in the garden of his refurbished Victorian estate mansion. Watch CNN Revealed: Francis Ford Coppola » . His latest "little film," "Tetro," starring Vincent Gallo, is a family drama that tells the story of a man who goes to Buenos Aires to find his long-disappeared poet brother. When he finds him, they try to come to terms with the rivalry that has driven their successful, creative family apart. It is clearly very autobiographical: Francis' father, Carmine, was a composer and many members of his family throughout the generations are well-known actors, directors and musicians. Francis Ford Coppola's Hollywood Family Tree » . "You know, some of the stuff in the movie is not untrue. The family always had these siblings in the same field... there was a lot of rivalry." According to Coppola, it's a film that would never have been made if he had needed a big budget or funding from a studio. "If you're making a film that will open all over the world then it has to appeal to the common denominator of all those people. "Unless you put the money up yourself, you can't do what you want, and that's why I always end up doing it. It just seems so much easier than to have to beg someone to make your film." Coppola has ample experience of studio-controlled filmmaking. He spent much of the 1990s working as a hired gun on films like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "The Rainmaker." Coppola started his career making low budget films as the protege of "King of the Bs" Roger Corman. His career moved up a gear after the success of "The Godfather" in 1972, which became one of the highest-grossing films in history. "When I was young I wanted to write and direct little personal films," he told CNN. "I was offered a project that was from a book that turned out to be 'The Godfather' and that project changed my career to something very different from what I would have imagined. "I never would have imagined myself as a Hollywood or industry director. I mean, not at that level of success." One of the 1970s group of Hollywood film directors including George Lucas and Martin Scorsese known as the "movie brats," Coppola broke new ground in the "The Godfather," showing the ruthless Corleone gangster's family values, casting them in a sympathetic light. Who is the greatest American film director of the era? Coppola, Scorsese, Lucas, Spielberg? Tell us below in the Sound Off box . Coppola's wife, Eleanor, thinks his Italian-American background was fundamental. "'The Godfather' was a raw example of his experience at weddings, with family and he just took his experiences and viewed those characters with the familiar aspects that he had known from his uncles and his family," she told CNN. In 1979, perhaps his most infamous film, "Apocalypse Now," followed. It is considered by many to be the quintessential film about the nightmare of the Vietnam war. But the film that defined a generation almost ruined Coppola's career. Filming, which started in 1976 took almost three years to complete and ran into financial trouble almost immediately. "'Apocalypse Now' almost broke me because it was so expensive," Coppola remembers. "I had every nickel that I owned riding on a movie that was going rampantly over-budget and I was going to end up with the bill. In other words, I was going to end up owing somebody $30 million." Famously, what could go wrong did. A typhoon destroyed the film set, lead actor Martin Sheen had a heart attack aged 39, and Marlon Brando turned up on set grossly overweight and under prepared. "There's stuff I can't tell you, but it was pretty crazy," says actor Robert Duvall who played napalm-loving Lt. Colonel Kilgore. Robert Duvall: Francis Ford Coppola made my career . "Sometimes we'd get one shot in a day, if that. Everything was in disarray." Coppola was also battling the screenplay, which which proved to be an epic journey not unlike the one in the film. "I found myself making a film that was more and more surrealistic and psychedelic, and as I took that trip going up the river making the movie it got weirder and weirder. I couldn't figure out how I was going to end it." He successfully solved the puzzle and the film and went on to win the coveted Palme D'Or at Cannes film festival and a place in movie history. Today, Coppola seems like a man at peace with himself and his career -- "I'm in an extremely interesting place." He has not tired in his pursuit of making great movies and all his experiences have taught him some important lessons. "There are great films and great wines so it is possible. What is it when the impossible becomes possible? What does it take to do that? It takes incredible, fanatical devotion. Willingness to go through anything." Although, right now, sitting in the greenery of his Napa Valley estate, Coppola isn't enduring too many hardships. "I'm sitting here in paradise ready to write something new." | Master movie-maker Francis Ford Coppola on his other love: Winemaking . How his "day job" has helped to revitalize his film career, plus latest film "Tetro" Coppola is still writing and directing at 70: "I'm in an extremely interesting place" CNN's Revealed talks exclusively to the director at his Napa Valley winery . | b89e454390252dbf77851f6e735b8ce79f466c40 |
By . Ian Parkes . One of West Brom's sponsors that threatened to withdraw its support during the Nicolas Anelka "quenelle" saga earlier this year has signed a new deal with the club. Jack Wolfskin, an outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment specialist, considered ending their sponsorship of Albion 'as one option' as the debate rumbled on during January over a controversial gesture made by Anelka during a Barclays Premier League game at West Ham in December. Anelka was handed a five-game ban and fined £80,000 following an independent regulatory commission hearing, following which Albion immediately suspended the striker. Controversial: Nicolas Anelka performed the "quenelle" gesture during December's match at West Ham . In March, after Anelka announced on his Twitter account he would tear up his West Brom contract, the club then issued a subsequent statement saying the 35-year-old had been sacked for 'gross misconduct'. With the matter now laid to rest, Jack Wolfskin has agreed to a one-year extension of an agreement that started at the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign. Albion's head of corporate sales Ian Wain said on the club's official website: 'We are delighted to extend our partnership to a second year. 'These are exciting times as the club prepares for a fifth successive season of Barclays Premier League football and it is great to have an internationally-renowned brand such as Jack Wolfskin on board.' Jack Wolfskin CMO Elke Stein said: 'We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Albion which will continue to increase our brand recognition in the UK alongside our other club partnerships and LED presence across the Premier League.' Punished: Anelka was fined £80,000 and banned for five games for his celebration by a commission hearing . | Jack Wolfskin have extended their sponsorship deal with West Brom . The sponsor considered ending their deal after Nicolas Anelka's "quenelle" gesture at West Ham in December . Anelka was given a five-game ban and fined £80,000 for the gesture . | 06f6489b30fee6ea3a54ca2c20e5a2e94a3de8d6 |
(CNN) -- It's almost over. The slow-moving storm system that brought deadly tornadoes to the Plains and the Deep South, and flooding from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast could pop off a few more storms before sliding out to sea, forecasters said Thursday. But, thankfully, the system doesn't appear to have enough left to be much more than an annoyance. Saying the heaviest rains appeared over, forecasters dropped flood watches and warnings in many places while still warning of the potential for continued minor flooding in some -- such as parts of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island. On Wednesday, the storm brought a taste of its mayhem to the mid-Altantic states and the Northeast, with flooding covering some roads in the region and delaying some New York City-area train service, CNN affiliate WUSA reported. Bob Bonenberger found himself cut off at every pass Wednesday trying to get to his Skippack, Pennsylvania, home. "It's just terrible," Bonenberger told affiliate KYW. "The flooding is everywhere." Fears concerning a dam in Laurel, Maryland, receded on Thursday. City authorities lifted their evacuation order after the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission said it had stabilized the situation, lowered the flow of water and determined the dam is sound. Residents from an apartment complex, a senior center and a hotel had been moved to a community center after the commission opened the dam's gates to relieve pressure, causing some flooding. Florida sets rain record . In coastal Alabama and Florida, residents continued to struggle with the aftermath of flooding that washed out roads, chewed up parts of some buildings and caused at least $100 million in damage in Pensacola, Florida, alone, according to the city's mayor. A 67-year-old woman drowned after she was swept into a drainage ditch in Escambia County, a county spokeswoman said. Mayor Ashton Hayward described the damage on one street overrun by retention ponds near the city airport. "It was an old riverbed, you know, over 100 years ago, so the water just completely blew out," he told CNN's "New Day." "The asphalt blew out, the sewer blew out, the gas blew out. It devastated homes right there. It was really almost -- it was surreal," he said. Pictures from Thursday posted to Facebook by the Walton County Sheriff's office showed roads turned into waterfalls, cars sitting abandoned and half-submerged in front of tourist condominiums, and damaged buildings. "Obviously we're prepared for hurricanes but when you talk about flooding, Pensacola has never had this kind of flooding," Ashton said. Pensacola got an estimated 20.47 inches of rain over the two days of the storm, the National Weather Service said Thursday. On Tuesday alone, at the airport in Pensacola, an estimated 15.55 inches of rain fell -- the largest amount in a single calendar day since officials started keeping track in 1879, the weather service said. The area around Orange Beach, Alabama, got even more -- a staggering 22 inches to 26 inches in less than 24 hours, the agency said. Water rushed in so fast that residents climbed on top of furniture and waited on rooftops to be rescued, said Reggie Chitwood, deputy director of emergency management in Baldwin County. "The waters rose at a historical level. ... People had to scramble," Chitwood said. CNN iReporter Randy Hamilton described the scene Thursday as similar to that of the aftermath of a hurricane, with "abandoned and flooded cars just littering the streets." "Debris from trees everywhere. Standing water all around, gray skies, and wind gusts that make you fear something will blow down on you," he said. There was one drowning death tied to the flooding, Florida officials said. The victim, a 67-year-old woman, drove or was swept into a drainage ditch Tuesday night, Escambia County spokeswoman Kathleen Castro said. 'People have lost everything' Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency. "It's unbelievable the amount of flooding we've had. We've have roads torn up, water clear through homes. I went to one home where the foundation was gone. ... You saw cars just thrown down a road, pushed down upside down," Scott said. "People have lost everything, and they didn't buy flood insurance because they didn't think they were in a flood area," he said. Arkansas tornado was EF-4 . The storms were part of the same system that has spawned tornadoes and other severe storms since Sunday, claiming at least 39 lives in Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida. In addition to the Florida flooding death, police in Athens, Georgia, said a driver was killed Wednesday when storm winds toppled a tree onto a car. On Thursday, authorities in Mississippi confirmed another death from storms that struck three days earlier, bringing its statewide total to 14. State emergency spokesman Brett Carr said that the body of a missing boy was found in Winston County. Officials revealed new details Wednesday about the powerful tornado that struck the Arkansas towns of Mayflower and Vilonia. The twister was rated an EF-4 on the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Damage scale, with an estimated peak wind speed between 180 and 190 mph, the National Weather Service said. It was on the ground for 41.3 miles on Sunday and was responsible for 15 deaths, officials said. CNN's Tina Burnside, Wolf Blitzer, Martin Savidge, Chad Myers, Tina Burnside, Jill Martin, John Helton, Sean Morris, Christina Zdanowicz, Suzanne Presto, Lisa Desjardins, Dave Stewart, Carma Hassan and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. | NEW: The overall death toll rises to 39, after a boy's body is found in Mississippi . Flood warnings remain, but storm starts to dissipate as it heads out to sea . Alabama community got a staggering 22-26 inches of rain, weather service says . Weather service says devastating Arkansas tornado was powerful EF-4 . | 2d40a49785a3d4417bf1c3d1ac10b3b73f122936 |
Roy Hodgson can afford himself a smug smile of satisfaction knowing that right now he can confidently claim that four of the Premier League's best five goalkeepers on current form are English. It must be years since any England manager could have looked at the top flight and been able to make that boast. Unfortunately the best isn't available to Hodgson, but remarkably he isn't a regular for his own national team. Here's my top five in reverse order: . England goalkeepers (from left to right) Fraser Forster, Ben Foster and Joe Hart train at St George's Park . 5 Robert Green (QPR) – He has made some outstanding stops for Rangers this season and has reduced the errors that used to raise so many doubts about his ability at the very top level. He's unfortunate to be returning to such good form at a time when England already have three goalkeepers unlikely to lose their place in the squad any time soon, injuries permitting. QPR are bottom of the league but that's not because of Green, who's been excellent. Robert Green jumps to gather the ball under pressure during QPR's defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday . 4 Ben Foster (West Brom) – Far from the perfect keeper, indeed he sometimes makes me look technically gifted when the ball is at his feet. But for breathtaking shot-stopping there are few better. His tip over from Ayoze Perez against Newcastle at The Hawthorns earlier this month was the best save of the season so far in my opinion. West Brom goalkeeper Foster dives to make a save during his side's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea . 3 Fraser Forster (Southampton) – He's the clean-sheet king but that isn't always because the goalkeeper is brilliant. However, in this case, closer inspection of the action shows Forster has made a huge contribution to Southampton's success this season. A big, commanding presence was something Saints needed and his confidence is infectious – as is the case with most keepers. An eyebrow-raising price tag hasn't affected him and although he is capable of calamity – he was at fault for Aston Villa's goal on Monday night - there are definitely strengths in his game that contribute more to his growing reputation. Forster made a mistake against Aston Villa but he has been key for Southampton this season . 2 Joe Hart (Manchester City) – It's only when you watch Hart live at a match that you fully appreciate what he brings. He's a leader, he has presence in the box, and he is confident and assertive in his decision-making. When people barked and ranted about his 'mistake' against Stoke earlier this season at the Etihad, it was because he is normally so good in one-on-one situations. I watched him on Saturday and with a less-than-rock-solid defence in front of him Hart made himself big and hard to beat several times in the second half with Swansea looking for an equaliser. His form for England has been excellent this season as well. Is he fault-free? No, but then not many are and that's what he is aiming for I'm sure. His confidence is sometimes interpreted as cockiness which is why some don't like him. I prefer to judge him on his goalkeeping. Is he the best in the Premier League? No, but he's not far off. Manchester City goalkeeper Hart dives to punch the ball clear against Swansea on Saturday . 1 David de Gea (Manchester United) – He's gone from blunder-full to wonderful in his time at Old Trafford. He is now virtually a one-man defence for Manchester United – and boy have they needed him this season. His masterclass against Everton earlier this season was stunning, and his save from Jack Wilshere at Arsenal on Saturday was one of the best we've seen in this campaign. Surely it's only a matter of time before he takes over from Iker Casillas for Spain. And maybe even for Real Madrid. Of course there will be fans reading this and crying that their keeper isn't acknowledged (obviously not Liverpool fans). Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea (right) pulls off a fine save in his side's 2-1 win against Arsenal . De Gea, pictured at the Emirates, has been in outstanding form for Louis van Gaal's side this season . Julian Speroni of Crystal Palace is particularly unfortunate not to make the top five. Brad Guzan is capable of the spectacular for Villa – witness his display in the goalless draw at West Ham. Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois is an excellent keeper but he has so little to do at the moment it's hard to judge him. Lukas Fabianski at Swansea and Burnley's Tom Heaton have also surprised me with their level of performance this season as well. There are some good keepers around the Premier League that's for sure and quite a few of them are English. | Four of the Premier League's top five goalkeepers are English . Joe Hart, Fraser Forster, Ben Foster and Rob Green are all in form . But Manchester United's David de Gea has been superb this season . Thibaut Courtois and Julian Speroni unlucky not to make top five . | c79822a3116102f134229ff3060266b6205eaaa4 |
By . Jessica Jerreat . The emotional moment a U.S. Air Force captain, who had been serving in Afghanistan for six months, surprised his wife by sneaking up on her while wearing scuba gear, has been captured on film. The woman had been filming a video message for her husband, who she believed she would have to wait another three weeks to see. But, as Bethany Bronson and her children recorded messages for Captain Hyrum Bronson while they snorkeled near their home in Okinawa, Japan, yesterday, she had no idea she was standing just a few feet away from him. Watch Captain Bronson surprise his family: . Reporting for husband duty: Captain Hyrum Bronson surprises his wife and children by arriving home three weeks early . Family time: Bethany Bronson and her children had been recording messages to send to her husband, who was serving in Afghanistan . Unexpected visitor: Bethany is playing with her daughter Celeste as her husband sneaks up behind her . The air force physician, who had been away . for six months, had put on scuba gear so he could sneak up on his family . and surprise them during a family day out, after returning home three weeks early. Just before he made his unexpected entrance, which was filmed and posted on LiveLeak, a family friend filming Mrs Bronson and her children, had asked her children to record a message to send to their daddy in Afghanistan. Daughter Charity had said: 'I will love him for always,' before the cameraman turned to Mrs Bronson and asked what she would like to tell her husband. 'I love you and miss you,' she answered, before joking 'I want your body.' As she continued to swim with her . youngest daughter, her husband, wearing camouflage uniform and scuba . gear, suddenly emerged from the water behind her. Shock: Bethany cries as she realizes her husband has returned safely from Afghanistan . Reunion: Bethany and Hyrum Bronson hug after his surprise homecoming . Homecoming: Captain Bronson and his wife embrace in the water, near their home on an air base in Japan . 'Mrs Bronson, your husband's here, reporting for duty,' he said, as their children rushed to hug him. At first his wife was so shocked she stayed where she was in the water, crying, before finally giving her husband a hug and kissing him. Captain Bronson, who serves on Kadena Air Base in Japan, had been away from his family for about six months. Home sick: Captain Hyrum Bronson, a physician with the U.S. Air Force, at his Afghan air base . Married bliss: Captain Hyrum Bronson and his wife Bethany, before he was sent to Afghanistan . | Captain Hyrum Bronson uses scuba gear for surprise homecoming . Air Force physician had been away from wife and children for six months . | 6061918c95fd32b6d8bd73e9b916b1176f6b3cf0 |
By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 10:14 EST, 12 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:38 EST, 12 November 2013 . You’ve settled into your fancy hotel room – pillows fluffed, complimentary chocolates eaten, room service on order. There’s just one problem. The room is absolutely freezing. You attempt to crank up the heat as far as the hotel will allow it to go- but it still isn’t warm enough. Scroll down for video... The trick allows you to get into the VIP mode on an INNCOM thermostat which overrides its temperature range and turns off the motion sensor . If you’re like most people, you’ll grab a jumper and a hot drink and make do. But one cunning traveller has found a way to get around the problem using a technique that overrides the hotel’s thermostat. The Points, Miles and Martinis blog describes a code that works for all INNCOM thermostats. INNCOM systems, created by heating controls group Honeywell, are installed in more than 1,000,000 hotel rooms worldwide including Hilton hotels. To override the thermostat hold down the ‘display’ button and at the same time press the ‘off’ key. Release off while continuing to hold down display, and press the ‘up’ arrow button. Then release all the buttons. If the screen shows ‘VIP’ you have successfully overridden the thermostat. The VIP mode turns off the motion sensor and allows a lower and higher range of the thermostat. Now you can kick back, enjoy room service and be as toasty or as cool as you want. To override the thermostat hold down the 'display' button and at the same time press the ¿off¿ key. Release off while continuing to hold down display, and press the 'up' arrow button. Then release all the buttons . | The trick allows you to get into the VIP mode on an INNCOM thermostat . This overrides its temperature range and turns off the motion sensor . INNCOM systems are installed in more than 1,000,000 hotel rooms worldwide . | 939f74366e0e7d26b6c5cd09e4007dae94fc397e |
By . Amy Oliver . PUBLISHED: . 11:16 EST, 17 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:16 EST, 17 September 2012 . A gay executive has won a six-figure insurance payout after his boyfriend was cleared of torching his home in the throes of a childish 'hissy fit'. Tony Howe admitted his tendency to what his lover, Jonathan Smyth, affectionately called 'Tony Bear Tantrums', and described one episode in which he had lain on the floor of a Marks & Spencer branch because he couldn’t get his own way about a bacon sandwich. However, Judge John Randall QC today exonerated Mr Howe, ruling that the fire that gutted the couple’s then home in Brighton, was probably caused by a cigarette end carelessly discarded or dislodged by a housemate. Cleared: Jonathan Smyth (left) has won a six-figure payout after his boyfriend Tony Howe, 41, (right) was cleared of deliberately setting his house . on fire in the throes of a childish 'hissy fit' Mr Smyth returned home from work on . the evening of Tuesday, January 22, 2008, to find his house alight and . firefighters battling to put the blaze out. The fire, which started in a . basement bedroom, caused huge damage and killed three pet cats. An . information security manager with Direct Line, Mr Smyth, in his . forties, shared the four-storey house with 41-year-old Mr Howe and two . others and made a claim for £200,000 against his policy with St Andrews . Insurance Plc. But the . company refused to pay up, asserting that Mr Howe had 'set the fire' when ‘intoxicated' and having what Mr Smyth described in court as 'a . Tony Bear tantrum'. Today, . Judge Randall ordered St Andrews to honour the policy after ruling that . it was 'more likely than not' that the blaze was sparked by a . smouldering cigarette, carelessly discarded or accidentally dislodged by . the couple’s house mate, Rebecca Alexander. Damage: The fire started in a basement bedroom of Mr Smyth's former home in Brighton and made it uninhabitable. Three pet cats were also killed in the blaze . In . contrast to the fiercely house-proud Mr Howe, who did the cleaning . whilst his boyfriend was at work, the judge said Miss Alexander, 35, was . a 'messy person' who smoked in her bedroom and annoyed him with her . untidy habits. Admitting she . didn’t tidy her room 'out of sheer laziness', Miss Alexander, from . Birmingham, discarded flammable material - including used make-up . removal tissues - around her bedroom and the state of her room was 'a . serious fire hazard', the judge said. Mr . Howe had given his evidence calmly and consistently, whereas Miss . Alexander was 'to put it at its kindest an overly defensive witness' who . had given 'at least slanted information' to the police after the fire, . leading to Mr Howe’s arrest. The . judge said the most plausible explanation was that the 'naturally . careless' children’s home care worker had discarded or dislodged a . burning cigarette whilst in a tired, anxious and agitated mood following . a 'shouting match' with Mr Howe. Cause: Judge Randall ruled that the blaze was 'more likely than not' sparked by a smouldering cigarette, carelessly discarded or accidentally dislodged by the couple's house mate, Rebecca Alexander . Housemate: The judge said Rebecca Alexander, 35, was a 'messy person' who smoked in her bedroom and annoyed Mr Howe with her untidy habits . The . court earlier heard the housemates had a 'history' of rows 'about . tidiness' in the house. Mr Smyth, now of Stirling, Scotland, had . received a text from Miss Alexander while on his way home from work, . saying that Mr Howe had gone into a 'big fat Tony Tantrum' and that the . pair had fallen out. The . fire was discovered and the house evacuated whilst Miss Alexander, at . the foot of whose bed the heart of the blaze was found, was out. She . subsequently made 'accusations of arson' against Mr Howe. He was . arrested, but later released without charge after a police officer . described his account as 'very credible'. Mr . Smyth, in the witness box, admitted his boyfriend was 'rather prone to . having hissy fits' but denied that he would have done anything to damage . the house or harm any of its occupants . 'Tony . had tantrums yes, hissy fits,' he said. 'I called them Tony Bear . tantrums - it was like watching a five-year-old stamping and shouting,' he added. 'The tantrums . varied. Sometimes it was just a moan, a complaint. On much rarer . occasions it was a full stomp the feet and shout. Generally it was a . hissy fit, not a full-on shouting match, a complaint, a bit of attention . seeking,' he went on. 'What I call a Tony Bear tantrum covered a wide spectrum from the full blown row to a little "look at me" attention seeking.' Defending . his boyfriend from the accusation that he would have set the house on . fire in a 'rage', Mr Smyth said: 'Tony is soft - he wouldn’t lift a . finger - it’s not in his nature.' Mr . Howe admitted that the descriptions of 'Tony Tantrums' were accurate. 'I do have other types of Tony Tantrum. I have lain on the floor in . Marks & Spencer completely sober and made everybody laugh because I . couldn’t get my own way about a bacon sandwich,' he said. Mr . Howe admitted that he had been drinking in pubs on the night of the . blaze to celebrate his birthday and was 'merry' before returning home . and rowing with Miss Alexander about the state of the kitchen. He . said that he yelled swearwords at Miss Alexander as she left the house . and that the row had been 'on the bad end of the Tony Bear tantrum . spectrum.' Judge Randall’s . ruling that Mr Howe did not set the property on fire means . St Andrew’s must honour Mr Smyth’s insurance policy and pay out for the . damage caused by the accidental blaze. | Fire started in a basement bedroom, made house uninhabitable and killed three cats in January 2008 . Jonathan Smyth told court his boyfriend Tony Howe - nicknamed Tony Bear - was prone to 'hissy fits' but would not have started fire . Insurance company believed Mr Howe did start fire because he was angry following an argument with another housemate over 'tidiness' Judge rules fire was 'more likely than not' sparked by smouldering cigarette, carelessly . discarded or accidentally dislodged by couple's housemate . | 10c9d11c5bba21af0fb67b0960194f97108cf4be |
While the rest of Europe keeps its toes dry, elevated and toasty by the nearest fire place, the football season goes on in the Premier League with the traditional Boxing Day fixtures. It's the start of a typically and traditionally packed fixture list for teams up and down the land but it is also a time for Christmas crackers as Sportsmail looks at the finest top flight clashes from December 26 over the years. 10. Sheffield Wednesday 3-3 Manchester United, 1992 . It wasn’t just at Old Trafford where Sheffield Wednesday could implode while leading against Manchester United (see 1993) – they could do it at Hillsborough too. David Hirst, Mark Bright and John Sheridan had the Owls cruising just after the hour mark, before Brian McCLair scored twice in 13 minutes to set up a tense finale for the final 10. A combination of comical Wednesday defending and fine attacking instinct ensured United an equaliser with six minutes left, as former Wednesday trialist Eric Cantona bundled home from close range. Arguably the first of many amazing United comebacks in the Premier League era. 9. Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal, 2008 . This Villa Park clash was crucial at the top of the table with Arsenal having eyes on the league title, while Aston Villa were well in the hunt for Champions League football. The Gunners took control with goals before and after half-time from Denilson and Abou Diaby but Martin O’Neill’s side were far from finished. Gareth Barry netted a 65th minute penalty following William Gallas’s foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor, before Zat Knight clinched a dramatic draw after turning home Stiliyan Petrov’s cross in stoppage time. Gareth Barry fires home a 65th minute penalty to send Aston Villa on their way to a 2-2 draw against Arsenal . Zat Knight clinched a dramatic draw after turning home Stiliyan Petrov’s cross in stoppage time . 8. Manchester City 5-1 Hull, 2008 . While Villa were rescuing draws against Arsenal, Hull boss Phil Brown was busy giving one of the more unorthodox team-talks seen in recent times. With the Tigers 4-0 down at City thanks to doubles from Felipe Caicedo and Robinho, Brown held a three-minute team-talk at the break in front of the Hull supporters as he publicly gave his team a verbal lashing at the Etihad Stadium. It brought his team a consolation strike in the second half through Craig Fagan, only for Stephen Ireland to restore City’s four-goal advantage just two minutes later in the 82nd minute. Phil Brown berates his Hull City team during at half-time after they went 4-0 down by half-time . 7. Bolton 4-3 Newcastle, 2002 . It was the year in which defensive coaches were given Christmas off at Bolton and Newcastle with this game seeing three goals inside the first 10 minutes, with an Alan Shearer equaliser sandwiched between Jay-Jay Okocha and Ricardo Gardner goals for Bolton. The real shock here though wasn’t that Bolton would go on to win just their second home game of the season, but that Michael Ricketts (post England debut) would find the back of the net twice in the victory. His final league goals for the Trotters were enough to seal the points despite 71st and 79th minute strikes from Shola Ameobi and Shearer to set up a close finish. Michael Ricketts found the net twice as Bolton enjoyed a 4-3 win against Newcastle in 2002 . 6. Everton 2-6 Manchester United, 1977 . Back in 1977, Everton were the team going for the title and they were huge favourites at home to a United side languishing in 14th place in the old First Division table. Martin Dobson and Bob Latchford scored for Gordon Lee’s side. But goals from Lou Macari (2), Steve Coppell, Jimmy Greenhoff, Gordon Hill and Sammy McIlroy gave United a stunning win in front of nearly 50,000 at Goodison Park. Everton would go on to finish a distant third behind title winners Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, while United wound up in tenth at the end of the season. 5. Coventry 3-2 Arsenal, 1999 . The football world would be stunned if Coventry defeated Arsenal on home turf today, but even back in 1999 it was a big surprise when Gordon Strachan’s team turned over the Premier League title challengers on Boxing Day. Goals from Gary McAllister and Mustapha Hadji had given the Sky Blues a 2-0 lead at the break, and while Freddie Ljungberg pulled a goal back in the 67th minute for Arsenal, Robbie Keane restored the two-goal advantage five minutes later. A rare league strike away from home for Davor Suker set up a tense final four minutes but Coventry held on for what is to date their last win against the Gunners. Former Coventry striker Robbie Keane helped his side to a 3-2 festive period victory against Arsenal . 4. Oldham 3-6 Manchester United, 1991 . Remember when players would celebrate after scoring against former clubs? Well Dennis Irwin didn’t just do it once, he did it twice, after netting a brace on first return to Boundary Park since leaving Oldham for Manchester United – and gesturing wildly with his arms on both occasions. United gave youth a chance in this clash, and Oldham fans should have known better than to chant ‘donkey’ at Bryan Robson’s half-time replacement, as Ryan Giggs soon silenced his critics with a fine burst of pace on the way to scoring United’s sixth goal. 3. Charlton 4-2 Chelsea, 2003 . It was the first year of Chelsea under Roman Abramovich but it would be a miserable first Christmas under the Russian owner as it took Charlton just 42 seconds to get stuck into Claudio Ranieri’s turkeys. John Terry had levelled following Hermann Hreidarsson’s first minute opener, but Matt Holland nodded the Addicks back in front 11 minutes before the break. Charlton extended their lead to in incredible 4-1 margin after half-time through Jonatan Johansson and Jason Euell, with Eidur Gudjohnsen’s 72nd minute reply for the big spending Blues nothing more than scant consolation at the Valley. Matt Holland celebrates putting Charlton into a 2-1 lead against Chelsea in 2003 . Claudio Ranieri (left) and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink look dejected during the defeat . 2. Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa, 2007 . A year before rescuing a draw against Arsenal, Villa were involved in another Christmas cracker as they severely dented Chelsea’s title aspirations at Stamford Bridge. A Shaun Maloney double gave Villa a 2-0 lead, only for Zat Knight to receive a red card which paved the way for Andriy Shevchenko to grab a rare brace and equalise in the 50th minute for Chelsea. Villa looked finished when Alex put the Blues ahead, only for Martin Laursen to equalise at 3-3 with 18 minutes left. Chelsea 4-4 Aston Villa saw eight goals, two penalties and three red cards . Michael Ballack wheels away in celebration of his second half free-kick at Stamford Bridge . Ricardo Carvalho was one of two Chelsea players to be sent off by referee Phil Dowd . Ricardo Carvalho’s red card evened up the numbers, but Chelsea seemed to have stolen victory two minutes from time through Michael Ballack’s free-kick. But Ashley Cole saw red having handled the ball to deny Villa a goal in the final minute, allowing Gareth Barry to rescue a point for O’Neill’s outfit from the penalty spot. 1. Derby 4-4 Manchester United, 1970 . A relic from a bygone era in football. The legends read off like any other big clash, Denis Law, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Dave Mackay and Archie Gemmill among the big hitters. The game was pretty decent too, with Law scoring twice along with Best to help United come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 at Derby. The Rams hit back to lead 4-3 only for Brian Kidd to equalise for United. But there is an old school winter feel to this game which will never be seen again. Snow covered pitches added a different challenge to players rather than a cause for complaint at the nearest snowflake. Check out the packed out Baseball Ground too. They sure don’t make stadiums like that any more. It is games like this which prove you don't need perfect under-soil heated stadiums or tika-taka passing to have a superb game of football or a Boxing Day classic. | Sportsmail reveals the top 10 Boxing Day clashes . Top 10 list features festive clash between Coventry and Arsenal in 1999 . Aston Villa's 4-4 draw with Chelsea saw three red cards and two penalties . Manchester United, Bolton and Charlton all feature . | 6bcd731d908637c8ed43730dbd6ff82edd6ab65b |
(CNN) -- A police officer arrested Friday in Will County, Illinois, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder in connection with a two-state rural shooting rampage that left one man dead, authorities said. Brian E. Dorian, 37, an officer with the Lynwood Police Department, will probably face other charges, said Will County State's Attorney James W. Glasgow. In addition to the fatality, three people were wounded in the spree, which occurred south of Chicago. At a news conference Friday, authorities declined to provide a possible motive for the shootings, which occurred Tuesday. Dorian's first court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. He is being held on a probable cause warrant, and bail was set at $2.5 million, said Charles Pelkie, a spokesman for the Will County state's attorney's office. "It's always law enforcement's worst nightmare when someone in the law enforcement community chooses to break the law," Glasgow said. "It's critical that we act no differently in investigating a policeman than we would any lay person. No professional courtesies. No special treatment." Dorian's father adamantly denied his son was involved. "My son would never do that. They don't have the shooter. The shooter is still out there," John Dorian told CNN affiliate WLS in Chicago. Dorian, who WLS said has been on medical leave for an injured shoulder the past year, was taken into custody at his residence, said authorities, who added that evidence is being analyzed. A woman left the residence before the arrest. Dorian had four pit bulls with him when he was arrested, said Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas. The shootings began about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at a construction site near Beecher, Illinois. The gunman killed one worker at the site and wounded two others, police have said. An hour later and about 10 miles away in Lowell, Indiana, authorities believe the same gunman opened fire again -- this time on a local farmer. Keith Dahl was shot in the left shoulder, arm and elbow, and then was robbed. Dahl told Lake County (Indiana) Sheriff's Detective Robert Martinez that the gunman approached him on his farm and started a conversation about bees before beginning to shoot. The gunman was believed to be using a revolver -- possibly a Colt .38 caliber or .357 Magnum -- because no shell casings were found at either scene, Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez said earlier. CNN's Kara Devlin contributed to this report. | Officer is charged with first-degree murder . The suspect is identified as an Illinois police officer; bail is set at $2.5 million . His father says the suspect was not the shooter . | 5cec2012022d28ba5124ae40832a2894ae1f2955 |
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Tottenham's home clash with West Ham... Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United (White Hart Lane) Team news . Tottenham . Harry Kane is expected to return to Tottenham's starting line-up for Sunday's visit of West Ham in the Barclays Premier League. Kane was rested along with Ryan Mason and Mousa Dembele for Thursday night's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in the Europa League, but all three are likely to come back in against the Hammers. Harry Kane, Tottenham's leading goalscorer this season, was rested against Fiorentina, but should return . Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino has no injury concerns as his side embark on their second of six games in 17 days. Provisional squad: Lloris, Vorm, Walker, Rose, Davies, Fazio, Kaboul, Dier, Vertonghen, Chiriches, Dembele, Bentaleb, Paulinho, Mason, Stambouli, Capoue, Townsend, Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela, Kane, Soldado, Adebayor. West Ham . West Ham will welcome both Winston Reid and James Collins back into their squad for their London derby at Tottenham on Sunday. The defensive duo have been missing with hamstring problems but are both back in training - as are Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate, who is available despite suffering a minor arm injury earlier in the week. Brazilian striker Nene signed for West Ham this week, but is not yet fit enough to play . Morgan Amalfitano is suspended and Nene, who was signed earlier in the week after Andy Carroll (knee) had been ruled out for the season, will also miss out as he is not yet match fit. Provisional squad: Adrian, Jaaskelainen, Cresswell, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, Noble, Poyet, Song, Kouyate, Nolan, Downing, Jarvis, Cole, Sakho, Valencia. Kick-off: Sunday, midday- BT Sport 1 . Odds (subject to change): . Tottenham 8/11 . Draw 11/4 . West Ham 7/2 . Referee: Jonathan Moss . Managers: Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham), Sam Allardyce (West Ham) Head-to-head league record: Tottenham wins 51, draws 30, West Ham wins 42 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Harry Kane has scored 11 goals in his last 10 Premier League matches for Tottenham. There have been three red cards in the last two Premier League meetings between West Ham and Spurs. Prior to West Ham’s win at White Hart Lane last season, Tottenham had won seven and lost none of the previous 11 home games against the Hammers. Tottenham have conceded 497 goals in Premier League history at White Hart Lane. Eight of Spurs’ last 10 Premier League victories have been by a 2-1 scoreline. Eric Dier scored a last gasp winner for Spurs as they beat West Ham 1-0 on the opening day of the season . Tottenham Hotspur have conceded more penalties than any other Premier League side this season (7). Spurs have recovered the joint-most points from losing positions of any team in the Premier League (15 along with Palace). West Ham have scored more headed goals (14) than any other Premier League team this season, also accounting for a divisional high 39 per cent of total scored. The Hammers have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches (W1 D4 L3). Injured striker Andy Carroll has scored in two of his three Premier League games for West Ham against Tottenham. | Harry Kane set to return after being rested against Fiorentina . Spurs have no injury problems ahead of serious fixture congestion . Winston Reid and James Collins return for Hammers, Nene not yet fit . | bcd95b16e8899f65823f08022fff1afe84329f8a |
While the country enjoys warm weather with temperatures hitting 22C and no sign of snow, councils have been criticised for putting hundreds of gritters and staff on duty. West Sussex County Council had 25 gritting lorries - almost its entire 28-strong fleet – driving around the county on practice runs this week as part of 'Operation Snowflake' and leaving sunbathers gobsmacked. In Cumbria, the council's 33 gritters have also been out on priority roads for their own dummy runs. Local authorities across Scotland have followed suit by putting 500 staff and 160 vehicles on standby, while councils like Cornwall, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have launched their annual winter plans. Scroll down for video . Despite the fine weather, around 25 gritters, like this one in Cumbria, have been sent out by West Sussex County Council as part of a rehearsal for the winter dubbed 'Operation Snowflake' People out punting on the river Cam in Cambridge have enjoyed a beautiful sunny start to October as temperatures stay in the high teens to low 20s . A woman relaxes by the river Cam in Cambridge with her pet dog, one of thousands who are taking time out to enjoy the great autumn weather while it lasts . It has been a great day to laze about by the river across the country as the fine weather continues into October with temperatures set to stay mild for the coming days . But critics have hit out at the costs involved, with gritting schemes estimated to cost around £160million nationally each year between October and April – an average of £23million per month. While the council preparations continue, the Met Office said there is no sign of snow or ice in the 30-day outlook period ahead, with highs of 22C predicted. Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: 'There's no strong signal in the outlook for things turning noticeably colder with snow or ice.' According to the Met Office, last month saw the warmest September since 2006, and in the last 100 years only three were warmer, two had the same mean temperature, while 95 were cooler. And Weather Services International has forecast a warmer than average October, November and December across the UK. Beautiful sight: A kaleidoscope of colour as the trees get their autumn leaves and a Virginia Creeper turns red at Stourhead in Wiltshire today . Nature in motion: As the warm weather continues today, a small copper butterfly feeds on asters in Stourhead, Wiltshire . John O'Connell, director of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: 'It's hard to see what good can come from this exaggerated exercise. 'Gritting does not strike us as something that needs a huge amount of rehearsal. It's not the cheapest to keep the roads free of ice, so they shouldn't be wasting money when it's frankly unnecessary.' Surprised Twitter user John Muir, who spotted one of the gritting lorries, complained: 'Seen a gritter on the A1. Where's the frost? Councils don't waste our money, do they?' West Sussex County Council, which has stockpiled 10,500 tonnes of salt, said practice runs were to record road alterations, check for faster routes and re-familiarise drivers with roads. In time for Halloween: Lenny Seager, of Draycott, Somerset, stands among 800 pumpkins - after the dry September produced a bumper crop . Record haul: Farmer Chris Seager, of Draycott, Somerset, has around 800 pumpkins ready to harvest and they're bigger than ever. He said: 'It's my best ever crop - they're beauties.' Mr Seager, holding two prize specimens from his large crop of pumpkins, said the impressive harvest was all down to the country's warmest September since 2006 . Autumn fruit: Jenny Mowbray (left) picks apples with gardener Mark Pethullis (right) from the walled garden at Beningbrough Hall in North Yorkshire today . Fruit: From Saturday, visitors will be able to pick, taste and even crush apples during the annual apple celebrations in the grounds of the 18th century Georgian mansion . Pick of the bunch: The National Trust-run property Beningbrough Hall has more than 35 varieties of apple growing in its grounds for visitors to pick and taste this weekend . Boost for gardeners: The Met Office has said this September was one of the driest since records began in 1910, with exceptionally low rainfall for many parts of the country . Pieter Montyn, the council's cabinet member for highways, said: 'There are road changes to consider every year. The rehearsal was vital preparation.' Nottinghamshire County Council has put its gritting fleet and 23 permanent night shift drivers on duty, with 46 more drivers on standby. Councillor Kevin Greaves, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council's transport and highways committee, commented: 'Our preparations mean that we will be ready to act as soon as any bad weather arrives. 'Like most people we keep our fingers crossed and hope that the coming winter won't be too severe, but we have to be realistic and plan for the worst.' A Local Government Association spokesman said: 'There's no room for complacency - which is why councils are already out testing gritting routes and equipment, stockpiling salt and filling grit bins. 'Whatever surprises the weather may have in store this winter, residents can count on councils being as prepared as ever.' There have been some spectacular sunrises across the country, not least in Somerset, where this image was captured from the village of Milverton . Another beautiful sight as horses in Somerset grazed on the grass while a stunning sunrise took place behind them this morning . Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said the good weather is set to continue, saying: 'There's no strong signal in the outlook for things turning noticeably colder with snow or ice.' The Met Office has predicted highs of 22C in some parts of the country, coming after one of the driest and warmest Septembers for years . The Met Office said there is no sign of snow or ice in the 30-day outlook period ahead, with highs of 22C predicted, as the UK marks the the warmest September since 2006 . John O'Connell, director of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: 'It's not the cheapest to keep the roads free of ice, so they shouldn't be wasting money when it's frankly unnecessary." Despite the heat, West Sussex County Council has defended its rehearsal operation as 'vital preparation' with the Local Government Association saying there is no room for complacency . | Gritters and staff seen on roads across the country despite no snow being forecast for at least the next 30 days . West Sussex County Council sent 25 gritters out on the roads for winter plan 'Operation Snowflake' Scottish authorities put 160 gritters on duty as Cornwall, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire launched winter plans . Critics hit out at snow rehearsal operations as 'frankly unnecessary waste of money' and an 'exaggerated exercise' Local authorities spending £160million nationally each year on winter schemes, averaging £23million per month . Councils insist sending gritters out now is 'vital preparation' for winter to test routes, equipment and grit bins . | bf322ee85f3ba3fe6b03acb44716367156860277 |
New York (CNN) -- Seven decades after Nazi forces looted the National Museum in Warsaw during World War II, two paintings by treasured Polish artist Julian Falat were repatriated in a ceremony Thursday night, according to a statement from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The cultural artifacts were returned to Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski during the event at the Polish Consulate in New York City. Komorowski presented the Presidential Medal to ICE Special Agent Lennis Barrois and retired Special Agent Bonnie Goldblatt in honor of their investigative work leading to the paintings' repatriation. The president said, "Behind every person who is here, we can find a very difficult history ... very difficult ties, tangled Polish-American ties. "It is so good in difficult histories we were able to develop very good, strong relations between our nations. I want to thank you for your good actions, for everything you have done." The oil-on-panels by Falat (1853-1929), both winter scenes, "are two magnificent and very important pieces of art," said Bogdan Zdrojewski, minister of culture and national heritage, in an official statement. "Off to the Hunt" which features bundled hunters against a snowy woods backdrop, was originally displayed at the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts in Warsaw November 1901 before it was sold to a private owner, given back to the society, and then transferred to the Polish National Museum in December 1939, the ICE news release stated. "The Hunt," a wintry panorama with a sun-kissed glaze, was originally owned by Ludwik Norblin before it was endowed to the same fine arts society, and later moved to the national museum, the ICE news release stated. Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, and during the occupation of Warsaw the paintings were taken. The paintings were missing until 2006, when they were discovered by Polish officials at an auction in New York, according to the ICE press release. A complaint filed in federal court last December claimed they were taken from the national museum by Benne Von Arent, an SS lieutenant colonel, in 1944, according to press release from Manhattan U.S Attorney's office. "No one can ever provide just compensation to the victims of the Nazis' atrocities, but it is very gratifying for our office to play a role in returning the art that they looted during World War II to its rightful owners," New York U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement. Since 2007, the U.S. customs agency has repatriated more than 2,500 items to more than 22 countries. | NEW: Polish president praises ICE agents "for everything you have done" Paintings by Julian Falat were stolen by the Nazis during occupation of Poland . The works are returned in a ceremony at the Polish Consulate in NYC . | 71a7839207af6a4b7d971d74111eab565b963f9d |
By . Daniel Martin and Jenny Hope . PUBLISHED: . 19:37 EST, 8 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:37 EST, 8 January 2013 . Not consulted: Fiona Bruce said she was told 'almost casually' by a nurse that life-saving treatment had been removed from her 83-year-old father . An MP told movingly yesterday how she saved her father from the Liverpool Care Pathway, two years after her mother endured an ‘agonising’ death on the system. Fiona Bruce said she was told ‘almost casually’ by a nurse that doctors had decided to remove life-saving treatment from her 83-year-old father, despite not having consulted relatives. She moved him into a nursing home where, six months on, he is thriving. Her mother died after she was placed on the controversial system following a brain tumour operation. Mrs Bruce spoke out during a Parliamentary debate on the pathway, in which MP after MP criticised the way it is being implemented in hospitals. In a separate development, senior doctors conceded the LCP has become a ‘euphemism for death’, with families ‘frightened’ about their relatives going on it. Dr Bee Wee, president of the Association for Palliative Medicine, said the checklist for LCP patients was sometimes used unthinkingly by staff. ‘We know that training deficiencies exist,’ she said. ‘If people are getting bad care, we need to get to the bottom of it.’ In the Commons debate, one MP claimed patients were being killed with ‘machine-like efficiency’ with fewer than 5 per cent of patients placed on the LCP ever taken off it. Another said failure to inform a family that a patient was being put on the scheme was tantamount to ‘murder’ and that doctors who did so should ‘face the legal consequences’. Care Services Minister Norman Lamb, . who following a Daily Mail campaign ordered an independent inquiry into . the pathway which will report by the summer, said he had been . ‘personally horrified’ by accounts of food and drink being . inappropriately withdrawn. Concern: Care Services Minister Norman Lamb ordered an independent inquiry into the pathway which will report by the summer. He said he had been 'personally horrified' by accounts of food and drink being inappropriately withdrawn . It was ‘non-negotiable’ that relatives should always be consulted, he said. Every year, 130,000 people die on the pathway, under which doctors remove life-saving treatment. In December it emerged that almost half are never told that treatment is being removed. Mrs Bruce, vice chairman of the parliamentary Dying Well group, said that in her mother’s case ‘it took her weeks to pass away, which was agonising for her, and heart-rending for her family. There was no discussion, no consultation with the daughter.’ Last summer, her father was taken to hospital feeling unwell, she told MPs. Doctors could not diagnose any illness, although he was very frail. After a few days, Mrs Bruce asked a nurse how he was doing. The MP for Congleton recalled: ‘“Oh,” said the nurse, almost casually, “he’s not very well at all. He has not long to live; we’re putting him on the Liverpool Care Pathway.” No discussion, no explanation, no consultation; just an announcement. Surely there should be more formality about this, more dignity.’ A day later, he was moved to a nursing home. ‘There, his needs were attended to in a positive and caring way,’ Mrs Bruce said. ‘There he didn’t die. In fact, he got better. Now, well over six months later, that elderly man is very much alive, still being cared for: eating well, enjoying visits from his family. It’s not a fantastic quality of life – but it is a life.’ | Fiona Bruce said treatment was withdrawn from father without consultation . 83-year-old was moved into nursing home where he is now thriving . Spoke out during Parliamentary debate on the controversial pathway . Senior doctors conceded that LCP has become a 'euphemism for death' | 4914bce9198c61907ec7380407fe5f30cc847b27 |
(CNN) -- The Philippine military said it killed a man who is on the FBI most-wanted terror list and two other senior militants Thursday in a predawn airstrike on a remote southern island. About 15 militants died in the early morning airstrike on the island province of Sulu, part of the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, according to a spokesman for the Philippines armed forces. The dead included two senior figures in Jemaah Islamiyah and members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf, said Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, the spokesman. U.S. officials had a $5 million reward for the capture of Jemaah Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Abdul Hir, according to the FBI website. The Malaysian, also known as Marwan, was on the FBI most-wanted list for "providing material support to terrorists, conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists" and contributing "goods and services" to a global terror network. Another Jemaah Islamiyah member Mohammad Ali, also known as Muawiyah, and Abu Sayyaf leader Gumbahali Jumdail were also among those killed, according to the spokesman. The airstrike was a joint effort between the army, air force, the navy and the police, and was "very brief but precise," Burgos said. The Philippine police are at the scene helping identify the bodies, Burgos said, but added that DNA tests had been conducted. In the past, Philippine officials made premature announcements about the capture and deaths of Indonesian fugitives Dulmatin, who turned up in Indonesia in 2010, and Umar Patek, who was captured in Pakistan last year. Both had fled to the southern Philippines and were reported captured or killed in Mindanao. The Mindanao group of islands includes a Muslim autonomous region set up in the 1990s to quell armed uprisings by people seeking an independent Muslim homeland in the Philippines, a predominantly Christian country. The Jemaah Islamiyah terror group first came to international attention when the Bali bombings of October 2002 provided a stark warning of the group's abilities and its deadly ambitions. Active across much of Southeast Asia, it has close ties with Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network. | U.S. officials had a $5 million bounty for a Jemaah Islamiyah leader killed in the airstrike . The Malaysian was on the FBI most-wanted list for "providing material support to terrorists" In the past, Philippine officials have made premature announcements about the deaths of fugitives . | 7370c7111bc14b692e452940cb4eb427a5c7a8a6 |
(CNN) -- The distance between the Maidan in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, and the WhatsApp headquarters in downtown Mountain View, California, is 6,139 miles. This quite long distance, however, is bridged by another figure: the number 19. On February 19, after months of protests in Kiev's center spiraled out of control, a de facto state of emergency took effect in Ukraine, eventually leading to the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych. In Silicon Valley, February 19 marked a turning point for WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, who signed a $19 billion deal to sell his company to Facebook. For Ukraine, that same $19 billion would be the answer to its short-term bond debt and gas bills. Though a mere coincidence, the fact that one country's economic lifeline could be equal in cost to the purchase of a mobile messaging app in another exemplifies that the real distance between the Maidan and Mountain View is not geographic. Before Jan Koum was a billionaire and long before he was a Silicon Valley technology executive, he was Ukrainian. Koum, born in a village outside of Kiev, emigrated from a politically unstable Ukraine as a teenager. At the turn of the 20th century, my very own Kiev-born great-grandfather made a similar choice. Disillusioned with authoritarianism, he became an anarchist at a time when anarchism was not a meme for punk rockers and skateboarders, but an actual political movement. He eventually made his way to Chicago, where he started a small business. There are others like my grandfather and Koum in Ukraine. I've seen first-hand the potential and technological savvy of the Ukrainian people. I was blown away by Enable Talk -- a project from four Ukrainian student developers who created gloves that translate sign language into speech. Enable Talk took home the first prize at the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition in 2012, and Time magazine named it one of the best inventions of the year. 'We were trapped': Eyewitness to the massacre in Kiev . According to the Central and Eastern European Outsourcing Association, Ukraine is the No. 1 outsourcing destination in the region for information-technology services. Tech companies in Silicon Valley, London and Berlin are teeming with Ukrainian engineers -- Ukraine's hackers-for-hire are some of the best in the world. But such burgeoning innovators, held back by dysfunctional governance in their country, have not been able to enjoy the kind of success that WhatsApp is realizing today. At the very moment Koum and Mark Zuckerberg were finalizing their deal, female entrepreneurs in Ukraine were preparing for an event called Startup Weekend Kyiv, meant to take place in the capital last weekend. The group's website now reads: "Due to political turmoil this event has been postponed." Mired in corruption, kleptocracy and authoritarianism, Ukraine has not nurtured the Koums of its future. A long history of scientific and technological excellence shows that Ukraine-born talent usually realizes its full potential after leaving Ukraine's political environment behind. Nearly 100 years ago, Kiev-born Igor Sikorsky immigrated to the United States following the Bolshevik Revolution. He founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, where he built the first successful helicopter. Seventy years later, Max Levchin's family, also hailing from Kiev, sought political asylum in Chicago. In 1998, Levchin founded a company we all know well -- PayPal. In Ukraine, the hope is that the days of fleeing political turmoil are coming to an end and that the possibility of new leadership will be a move toward a more functional democracy, less corruption, and more realized potential. But whatever early promise there is in Kiev can quickly be lost if unrest in Crimea spreads. There will be a new wave of emigration out of the Crimea region if it becomes the staging ground of a proxy conflict between Russia and the West. Whatever happens, for Americans, Koum's Ukrainian roots should also serve as a reminder that we live in a nation of immigrants, that a continual wave of immigration is what fuels our economy. When Koum and his mother immigrated to Mountain View in 1992, they subsisted on food stamps and welfare. Koum barely graduated from high school and dropped out of college. He taught himself computer networking from used book store manuals and created WhatsApp in 2009. In 20 years, Koum went from food stamps to billionaire, epitomizing the American dream, yet he is exactly the type of immigrant that opponents of immigration reform say they do not want in America. As our nation continues to tackle the important issue of immigration reform, we need to remember that successful companies are not always founded by the immigrants with a master's degree in hand. Symbolically, Koum signed his $19 billion deal last week at the site where he once stood in line to collect food stamps. Like WhatsApp, 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. In March 2013, Koum tweeted about his adoptive homeland: "WhatsApp Messenger: Made in USA. Land of the free and the home of the brave." Ukraine's new leaders would do well to recognize that it can be home to multibillion-dollar breakouts if it creates a functional environment for its innovators. America would do well to remember that it needs to welcome more families like the Koums if it is going to remain the global center of innovation. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Alec Ross. | Alec Ross notes that price paid to Ukraine-born Jan Koum equals Ukraine's past due bills . He says there's long tradition of entrepreneurial success for Ukraine emigres to U.S. New regime in Ukraine could create an environment of opportunity, he says . Ross: U.S. should recognize how vital immigrant entrepreneurs are to its future . | e8641840419d81b5a9190cfc6d4553c381131b99 |
By . Lauren Paxman . Last updated at 5:18 PM on 20th January 2012 . A father who was so fat he used to drive his car almost horizontal so he could fit behind the wheel has lost nearly half his body weight. Marc Soulsby, who weighed more than 41 stone, used to gorge on pork pie sandwiches every night as well as packets of biscuits and takeaways. But when he eventually broke the seat of his car, his sisters confronted Marc and persuaded him to stop eating himself to death. Marc, who used to stuff himself with pork pie sandwiches has has lost 16 stone (and hopes to lose a few more) Before going on a diet, the 39-year-old was too ashamed to leave the house and couldn't walk anywhere without becoming breathless. Now - after shedding 16 stone, the weight of a baby elephant - Marc, from Gateshead says he no longer recognises himself. He said: 'If you had seen me two years ago to what I am now, you would think I was two different people. 'I used to drive almost lying down just so my belly could fit behind the wheel. Nobody could fit behind me either. 'The day the seat broke was pretty bad, although I can laugh about it now.' Mark, who is dad to 15-year-old Connor, admits he 'has always been big' but says that his weight spiralled after he lost his job as a call centre trainer in 2005. With nothing to do, Mark would sleep from 6am until 2pm, skip breakfast and lunch before devouring a takeaway at around 9pm with half a loaf of bread on the side. He said: 'I was really lazy. My mam would try and give me recipes but I just couldn't be bothered with it. It was so much easier to phone up for a takeaway.' As Marc began to pile on the pounds he became reclusive, too scared to even go into his garden after a group of boys taunted him about his size. Very happy family: Marc pictured with hi sisters Donna (left) and Lisa who persuaded him to loose weight . He said: 'It was like a spiral, your . confidence is knocked, you're not going out as much and you just find . yourself comfort eating. 'Anytime my friends would call or ask me to go out, I'd say I was busy and make excuses. 'I used to have a lot of friends but I cut them out because of the way I felt about myself.' The only time Marc would venture outside was to drive his grandmother - who has asthma and a knee replacement - to the shops or to pick up his 15-year-old son Connor from school. He said: 'Crowds used to really scare me. And when I picked my son up he used to ask me to stay in the car. 'It could have just been that age where it is not cool for your dad to come for you, but then I always thought he might be embarrassed about my weight too.' One day his sister Lisa persuaded him to go for a walk, but Marc said: 'I got out the car and I must have walked for 50ft when I had to stop because my knees and my back were hurting so much.' Despite the warning signs Marc didn't face the facts until his sisters, Donna and Lisa, staged an intervention. They contacted their brother's doctor who sent over a crisis team of nurses. Lisa said: 'We talked for months about what we could do because we were worried sick about him. Our nana used to cry herself to sleep thinking she'd find him dead.' Donna said: 'We did not want to invade his privacy but in the end we had to because if anything happened to him we would always be thinking "why didn't we do anything"? 'At the time I felt bad but it was the best thing we have ever done.' Although Marc had a panic attack when the nursing team arrived, he agreed to visit his GP. He said: 'He gave me three choices: I could die, I could have a gastric band or I could try to lose weight myself. 'The gastric band was not an option as both my dad and grandad had died in hospital and I was scared of surgery.' So Marc plucked up the courage to join his local Slimming World in Dunston, Gateshead. He was delighted to lose a stone in the first month and continued to lose a stone a month. He said: 'One of the scariest things I have ever done was walk through that door at Slimming World. 'It seemed like there were about 1,000 people there and as I opened the door everyone looked. It's been a breeze since then!' Now slimmed down to a more healthy 25 stone, Marc has a new lease of life. He's swapped the pork pie sandwiches for fruit throughout the day and has home-cooked pasta, curry or chilli in the evening. Now no longer housebound, Marc loves walking everywhere. Last year he was able to take Connor for a birthday weekend in Northumberland for the first time since 2006. He said: 'Before I had heard about things being built but was stuck in the house so I never saw them. I thought "I live in this area but I do not know it anymore". 'So I took up photography and I go all over the place taking photographs.' The super-slimmer says he still wants to lose another six stone but isn't worried about suffering from loose skin. He said: 'At 6ft 4ins the doctor said I should be just over 14st 2lbs. But I don't think I would look right so I'd be happy at just under 20 stone. 'My attitude might change when I have lost more weight but for now I am happy to tuck any loose skin into my pants!' | Marc became too ashamed to leave his house because of his size . | 1b6f67c7386e5579aa1fa2cad5cb19d83330876a |
A woman whose husband accidentally sold her $23,000 wedding ring for just $10 revealed today that it has now been returned. Racquel Cloutier, 31, from Laguna Niguel, California, . had been recovering in hospital after welcoming her fifth child when her husband, . Eric, sold some seemingly unused items from their home at a . community garage sale on June 1st. Unbeknown to him, though, she had hidden her precious ring in an old watch box, which ended up being among the items for sale. Scroll down for video . Relieved: Racquel Cloutier has had her $23,000 diamond wedding ring returned after her husband Eric accidentally sold it in a garage sale for $10 . Valuable: Mrs Cloutier's diamond wedding ring is worth a staggering $23,000 . Luckily, Alyssa Lossau . who had been given the box by her mother, the buyer, happened to see a . news story about the lost ring, and promptly emailed the couple to let . them know it had been found. By Thursday, Mrs Coutier's ring was firmly back on her finger, and her husband was no doubt breathing a sigh of relief. Explaining why she had removed the ring in the first place, Mrs Cloutier told GMA: 'Whenever you're pregnant, your fingers start to swell so I thought it'd be a good idea to take it off. . . Charitable effort: While his wife was recovering in hospital though, Mr Cloutier had been searching for some items that he and their older children could contribute to the sale . Recovering: Mrs Cloutier had been in hospital after welcoming her fifth child when her ring was sold . Out of reach: Mrs Cloutier had been worried that her two-year-old twins would get their hands on her jewelry . 'Before I went to the hospital, I put my ring in . that box. I wanted the ring to be in a safe place and out of reach from . my two-year-old twins.' While she was recovering in hospital . though, her husband had been searching for some items that he and their . older children could contribute to the sale. 'I saw the box and said, "Oh, this could be something nice. We don't use that,"' Mr Cloutier said. Community effort: Two of the younger members of the Cloutier family helping sell unused items from their home at the now-infamous garage sale . Honest: Alyssa Lossau (right) who had been given the box by her mother, happened to see a news story about the lost ring, and promptly emailed the Cloutiers . Mrs Cloutier told ABC News that she realized her ring was missing when she came home from hospital on June 5th. 'I go into my husband’s closet, can’t find the box, and then he tells me . he sold it,' she recalled. 'I said, "You sold it? What do you mean you sold it?" I . immediately started crying.' Mr Cloutier, who felt 'really terrible,' said the box was purchased by a blonde woman (Mrs Lossau's mother) who had been mulling over whether to buy it or not. Grateful: The two women embrace as Mrs Lossau returns the missing ring . Staying firmly in place: Mrs Cloutier says she won't be removing her ring again for a long time . The Cloutiers were understandably very grateful to Mrs Lossau and her husband for returning the ring, and have offered to make a donation to the charity of their choice as a mark or their gratitude. 'You just can't ask for a better ending . to a story,' Mrs Cloutier, said. 'I . don't think I'll be taking it off anytime soon.' | Racquel Cloutier, 31, from Laguna Niguel, California, . had hidden the ring in an old watch box, out of reach of her young children . Husband Eric sold the seemingly empty box at a community garage sale . | 00966157375e6e658a72031a2ef7f8ab1c1208ac |
Ahead of the final Premier League action of 2014, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for QPR's home clash with Crystal Palace... Queens Park Rangers vs Crystal Palace (Loftus Road) Team news . QPR . QPR midfielder Joey Barton could return for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Loftus Road. Barton missed the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal with a hamstring problem but may feature, while midfielder Leroy Fer will start after QPR opted to rest him against the Gunners due to being on four yellow cards. Joey Barton, who missed the trip to Arsenal through injury, could be back to face Crystal Palace . Long-term injury casualties Sandro and Alejandro Faurlin (both knee) are definitely out. Provisional squad: Green, McCarthy, Murphy, Traore, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Dunne, Caulker, Hill, Henry, Barton, Fer, Mutch, Phillips, Kranjcar, Hoilett, Austin, Zamora. Crystal Palace . Crystal Palace could be without Yannick Bolasie for the trip to QPR as the winger's wife is due to give birth. The 25-year-old's partner is overdue and Neil Warnock, who was sacked as manager on Saturday, explained he was brought off against Southampton to save his legs for the Loftus Road encounter as he was already tired. Yannick Bolasie is a doubt for Crystal Palace, with his wife heavily pregnant and due to give birth . Marouane Chamakh is sidelined with a hamstring complaint but Warnock said there are no fresh doubts after the Boxing Day loss, with Fraizer Campbell only withdrawn on Boxing Day as a precaution. Provisional squad: Speroni, Hennessey, Kelly, Ward, Fryers, Delaney, Mariappa, Dann, Hangeland, Jedinak, Bannan, McArthur, Bolasie, Puncheon, Zaha, Thomas, Gayle, Campbell, Doyle. Kick-off: Sunday, 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . QPR 5/4 . Draw 9/4 . Crystal Palace 11/5 . Referee: Mike Jones . Managers: Harry Redknapp (QPR), Keith Millen (Crystal Palace - caretaker) Head-to-head league record: QPR wins 33, draws 26, Crystal Palace wins 29 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) Queens Park Rangers are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Crystal Palace (W3 D3). There have been three penalties scored in the last two meetings between these clubs at Loftus Road. Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 15 Premier League London derbies away from home (W1 D4 L10). QPR have lost just one of their last eight Premier League matches at Loftus Road (W5 D2 L1). Charlie Austin has scored in each of the last five Premier League games at Loftus Road, bagging eight goals in total in that run. Of the last 13 goals QPR have scored at Loftus Road, Austin has netted eight, Leroy Fer two and there have been three own goals netted in their favour. Palace have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games away from home (W1 D5 L4). The Eagles have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League away games. Palace have only scored three goals in their last six Premier League away matches and two of those were from the penalty spot. Harry Redknapp had managed 16 home games between Christmas and New Year, conceding just five goals before taking over at QPR. The same number his side has shipped in his two festive period games as Rangers’ boss. | Crystal Palace travel to Loftus Road to face QPR at 3pm on Sunday . Palace sacked manager Neil Warnock on Saturday . Keith Millen will be in charge as caretaker manager for QPR clash . | 142c1215c95b7d40a1b884a94c1be08ac2802957 |
Tim Vine has cleaned up with a one-liner about a vacuum to win a funniest joke contest at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the second time. His gag, ‘I decided to sell my Hoover… well, it was just collecting dust’, received nearly a fifth of the votes in the competition run by television channel Dave. Comedian Tim Vine with his award for the 2014 Funniest Joke of the Fringe . Punslinger: . Comedian Tim Vine's gag about vacuum cleaners has won an award for the . Edinburgh Fringe's funniest joke, the second time he has taken the award . Vine, 47, clearly saw the funny side of becoming the first to win the contest twice. ‘I’m a little bit surprised but very delighted,’ he said. ‘This is the second time I’ve won this award but I guess nobody loves a repeat more than Dave.’ Second place in the competition, which has been running for seven years, went to Masai Graham with: ‘I’ve written a joke about a fat badger, but I couldn’t fit it into my set.’ Mark Watson came third with: ‘Always leave them wanting more, my uncle used to say to me. Which is why he lost his job in disaster relief.’ In contrast to last year, when men filled all the places, three women performers made the top ten this time. Highest placed was Bec Hill, who came fourth with: ‘I was given some Sudoku toilet paper. It didn’t work. You could only fill it in with number 1s and number 2s.’ Tim Vine won the award for the funniest joke - but also featured on the worst gags list . 1. 'I’ve decided to sell my hoover... well, it was just collecting dust.' – Tim Vine . 2. 'I've written a joke about a fat badger, but I couldn't fit it into my set.' – Masai Graham . 3. 'Always leave them wanting more, my uncle used to say to me. Which is why he lost his job in disaster relief.' – Mark Watson . 4. 'I was given some Sudoku toilet paper. It didn't work. You could only fill it in with number 1s and number 2s.' – Bec Hill . 5. 'I wanted to do a show about feminism. But my husband wouldn't let me.' – Ria Lina . 6. 'Money can't buy you happiness? Well, check this out, I bought myself a Happy Meal.' – Paul F Taylor . 7. 'Scotland had oil, but it's running out thanks to all that deep frying.' – Scott Capurro . =8. 'I forgot my inflatable Michael Gove, which is a shame 'cause halfway through he disappears up his own arsehole.' – Kevin Day . =8. 'I've been married for 10 years, I haven't made a decision for seven.' – Jason Cook . 10. 'This show is about perception and perspective. But it depends how you look at it.' – Felicity Ward . HONOURABLE MENTIONS: . 'I go to the kebab shop so much that when they call me boss in there it's less a term of affection, more an economic reality.' – Ed Gamble . 'Leadership looks fun, but it's stressful. Just look at someone leading a conga.' – James Acaster . 'I bought myself some glasses. My observational comedy improved.' – Sara Pascoe . 'I wanted to do a show about feminism. But my husband wouldn't let me' - Ria Lina's joke came in at five . 'My mate sat on my pumpkin. He butternut squash it.' - Leo Kearse . 'I had a friend call Iain. Two 'i's... to go with the face.' - John Kearns . 'I'm lazy - my childhood ambition was to be an injured footballer.' - Mike Shephard . 'This vodka is drunk by the rapper Sean Combs. P Diddy? Only when he drank a whole bottle.' - Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham . 'I tried to Google endangered species. They were hard to find.' - Suns of Fred . 'I'd like to start with the chimney jokes - I've got a stack of them. The first one is on the house.' - Tim Vine . Ria Lina came fifth with: ‘I wanted to do a show about feminism. But my husband wouldn’t let me.’ And Felicity Ward was tenth with: ‘This show is about perception and perspective. But it depends how you look at it.’ The organisers said the appearance of three female stand-ups in the top ten reflected a reported 62 per cent rise in the number of women performing at this year’s Fringe compared with last year. A panel of ten judges scoured the Edinburgh Fringe’s venues for a week before each nominating their three favourite jokes. The shortlist was then put to the public vote, with 2,000 people choosing the ten they found funniest. Vine, the . younger brother of Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine, is perhaps best known to . most people for his appearances in the BBC sitcom Not Going Out. He . first won the Fringe award in 2010, with the joke: ‘I’ve just been on a . once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I’ll tell you what, never again.’ But . Vine also had one of his jokes voted among the most unpopular this . year: ‘I’d like to start with the chimney jokes – I’ve got a stack of . them. The first one is on the house.’ Jeremy Paxman last night continued to attract heckles in his stand up show Paxo at the Edinburgh fringe . | It is the second time comedian, Tim Vine, 47, has won the best joke award at the festival . He won in 2010 with: 'I've just been on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I'll tell you what, never again' Organisers collect jokes and then put them to public, with Vine's gag receiving a fifth of votes . Ria Lina came fifth: 'I wanted to do a show about feminism. But my husband wouldn't let me.' | 6e2aa2b274badf77d2e3f8ade5127cea67ed39c0 |
By . Ashley Collman . Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy has come out along with actor Liam Neeson to support keeping New York City's famous horse-drawn carriages as Mayor Bill De Blasio seeks to ban the industry. Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni took their young daughter Giulia in one of the carriages for a ride through Central Park on Wednesday. When asked if he thinks the carriages should stay, Sarkozy offered up an enthusiastic 'yes', the New York Daily News reports. Family time: Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy (left) took a ride in one of New York City's horse-drawn carriages Wednesday with wife Carla Bruni (middle) and their daughter Giulia (right) Making a stance: The Sarkozy family's Central Park ride comes at a politically tense moment for the carriage industry, since Mayor Bill De Blasio is trying to get them banned and replaced with vintage cars . Sarkozy's support: When asked Wednesday if he thinks the horse-drawn carriages should stay in New York City, Sarkozy said 'yes' The Sarkozys are in town to support singer-songwriter Bruni who is set to perform at The Town Hall Thursday night. At the end of the ride, Sarkozy chatted for a bit before whisking Giulia away for a shopping spree at FAO Schwartz. They were joined by more than 900 horse-lovers at the park yesterday where the Daily News was handing out 'Save Our Horses' buttons. Guilia's day: After the ride, Sarkozy chatted for a bit before whisking his daughter off to FAO Schwartz for some toys . Performance: Sarkozy is in town to support singer-songwriter Bruni, who is set to play at The Town Hall Thursday night . Apple of their eyes: The proud parents doted on little Giulia throughout the ride . Political past: Bruni became the first lady of France in 2008 when she married the then-President Sarkozy. He was elected out of office in May 2012 . So far more than 20,000 have signed a petition launched by the newspaper, asking De Blasio not to ban the horses. Support: Actor Liam Neeson has said carriage horses should stay in the city . While De Blasio wasn't passionate about the cause when he was a member of City Council in 2007, he became the face of a horse-free park in 2011 when he said it was time to pursue 'more humane alternatives to the horse-drawn carriages'. That statement seems to have helped the mayor when he was running for office last year, and anti-carriage groups funded a serious ad campaign against Christine Quinn - his main Democrat rival. Actor Liam Neeson, who starred in Shindler's List and Taken, has become one of the horse-drawn carriage industry's main supporters after recently touring a stables where they are housed. 'It has been my experience, always, that horses, much like humans, are at their happiest and healthiest when working,' Neeson wrote in an April 14 editorial in The New York Times. Neeson believes the horse-carriage business is 'humane' and 'well regulated'. While four horses have been killed in collisions with motor vechiles, Neeson said that is a remarkably safe record for New York's traffic. Human rights activists protested outside of Neeson's apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan last Saturday, many holding signs reading 'Liam Neeson: Stop Supporting Cruelty!' and 'Worked to Death!' Mayor De Blasio plans to replace the carriages with electric vintage-style cars. Gathering: Protesters waited outside Neeson's Manhattan home on Saturday after the actor said he did not back the proposed ban . Horseless carriage: The electric car, designed to look like a classic motor, is being offered as an alternative to horses in Central Park . | The ex-French President was in New York to support his wife who is set to perform Thursday night at The Town Hall . Sarkozy, Bruni and their little daughter Giulia took a ride through Central Park on one of the horse-drawn carriages Wednesday . When asked if he supports keeping the carriage business in New York, Sarkozy gave an enthusiastic 'yes' New York Mayor Bill De Blasio is currently seeking to ban the horses and replace them with vintage cars . Actor Liam Neeson has spoken out against De Blasio's plan calling the carriages a New York institution . | c3fc3f73c0810b60a2e03b6d3d31a4c6e6518f51 |
Balancing on a tightrope 450ft above a canyon Emily Sukiennik briefly locked eyes with her husband-to-be as he hurtled past her. Her fiancé Mark Solper had just thrown himself off the top of the rocky outcrop and the ground was racing up to meet him. But after the briefest of loving glances she continued with her death-defying 65ft-long wire walk above the gorge. The look of love: Emily Sukiennik briefly locked eyes with husband-to-be Mark Solper as he hurtled past her . Balancing precariously 450ft in the sky Miss Sukiennik stole the briefest of glances as Mr Solper sped past . Thrill-seeker Mr Solper yelled and screamed with enjoyment as he sailed through the air . With her focus returned Miss Sukiennik was able to return her attention to crossing the 65ft long wire . The couple decided to organise the unusual photoshoot because it combined things they were both good at . The pair, who have been together two years, orchestrated the daredevil duel stunt to keep the spark alive in their relationship. Mr Solper is a keen BASE jumper and skydive instructor, while Miss Suiennik has walked more than 100 tightropes in various locations around the U.S. They performed the simultaneous BASE jump and high-line tightrope walk in Utah to capture these stunning photographs on their anniversary. To get the best shots the pair completed the hair-raising stunt a number of times, including at sunrise and sunset. 'We decided to do this together because it combines both what I am good at and what he is good at,' she said. Miss Sukiennik said it took a lot of planning and execution to get the eye-watering pictures perfect . She described the adrenaline-fuelled experience that they shared as 'absolutely incredible' 'We thought the photos would be spectacular. It took a lot of planning and execution to get the right shots. 'We did a sunrise shoot and a sunset shoot to get the best lighting. 'I had to be in the perfect location on the highline for the photos and had to focus and stand there while I waited for Mark to make the jump. 'We tried to make eye contact when he jumped passed me and it was absolutely incredible. 'I could hear him yelling and screaming on the way down, he was so excited.' Adrenaline junkie: Mr Solper is a keen BASE jumper and skydive instructor . The couple, who have been together two years, organised the breathtaking stunt to mark their relationship . Love in the fast lane: The devote couple share a passion for their adrenaline-fuelled adventures . | Emily Sukiennik and fiance Mark Solper perform eye-watering stunt . She completed a 65ft-long tightrope walk 450ft above Utah canyon . Simultaneously he completed a BASE jump from the top of the outcrop . Pair locked eyes for a brief second as they completed daredevil activity . | 5c190886d9f260ab7b4f948d54bdf1e5ff14993b |
(CNN) -- Batman had Robin, Holmes had Watson, Han Solo had Chewbacca; iconic heroes have iconic sidekicks who keep their main man sane and humanized, while providing the audience with a proxy. But whereas the Lone Ranger only had one Tonto, "The Doctor" from 50-year-old British series "Doctor Who" goes through a lot of "Companions" -- so much so that new arrivals are met with fan anticipation and anxiety. Enter Jenna-Louise Coleman, the 26-year-old actress who officially steps into the role of sci-fi sidekick on the popular BBC America show's Christmas Special. Known to American audiences from the April 2012 ABC miniseries "Titanic," and for a brief role in 2010's "Captain America: The First Avenger," she joins "Doctor Who" as Clara/Oswin, a companion to The Doctor, a mysterious, human-looking "Time Lord." Played by Matt Smith, he journeys through "Time And Relative Dimension In Space" in his aptly-named ship, the TARDIS -- which looks like a blue British police call box on the outside, and is as iconographic a vehicle as the U.S.S. Enterprise, Millennium Falcon or DeLorean. Launched in 1963, change and evolution is part of the show's DNA. When a lead actor steps down, The Doctor essentially dies and is regenerated into a new body, but as the same character with a new actor portraying him. Smith is the 11th to do so. However, over five decades, more than the 30 companions have been unique characters with their own back-story. The Doctor invites them on adventures across the "time vortex" to face monsters and save worlds. As they retire or die, fresh ones are needed to keep the him company. Although she is only the latest of companions, Coleman's debut comes during a unique moment during "Doctor Who."
Gracing the covers of TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly as a fan favorite, garnering a cover mention in "Rolling Stone" as a best fall show, ranking as iTunes' most downloaded TV show in the U.S., packing the house at San Diego Comic-Con International, Coleman arrives as the global brand has become a bona fide hit in America -- and immediately following the death of popular predecessors Amy Pond and Rory (played by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill), Smith's first companions. Coleman played a surprise role in last September's season premiere -- as Oswin, a different character from Clara, but one connected to her -- and takes on full companion duties in "The Snowmen" Christmas episode, airing December 25 at 9 p.m. ET. A mysterious woman with a secret, Clara is a feisty, flirty foil to a grief-stricken, apathetic Doctor. "We see him having just lost the Ponds, and he's not in a great place," said Smith. "He's lost his mojo a bit, and his sense of adventure, and I think this season certainly looks at him rediscovering that fire with Clara." Smith added he is excited for fans to see the developing chemistry between him and Coleman, as well as the "real intrigue" behind the mystery of Clara's identity. And just as the nature of "Doctor Who" is change, Smith said fans will also embrace Coleman's Clara. For her part, Jenna-Louise Coleman has already embraced her role as a companion. During a recent interview at BBC America's Manhattan offices, she offered insight about her character and her relationship with The Doctor, and weighed in on Clara's soufflé obsession, driving a spaceship, her Bond Girl moment and Christmas traditions. Can you share a moment when you felt the enormity of stepping into this popular world? You see "it" everywhere and you're used to it, like I was used to seeing Matt's face all over the place. But, when I was auditioning, being sat on the Tube and you see the posters, and it was always like he was pointing at me . ... (But) there's not very much time to analyze as you go. It is only now that I feel like I've just been playing with all my mates for the last couple of months, and then suddenly, I'm like, "but people are going to see this," you know? What would you like to add to the legacy of the show as Oswin/Clara? I like that it's not plain sailing. Like (executive producer Steven Moffat) was saying, it's not very interesting if you come in and it's like this friendship straight away. He's been very clever in creating a mystery, because, no matter what, it's always going to be hard to bring in somebody else into the show, when Matt, Karen and Arthur started out together, and you're used to seeing them on screen together. How would you define your character's relationship with The Doctor? I like that she holds her own. You know, The Doctor's this amazing man, and she's like, "You know, cool. I think you're amazing, but so am I." So, it's a nice double act. Has Karen offered advice on joining the show? She's been really supportive. ... She came to the screening in New York City with Matt, and when Oswin was on screen, she texted me saying it was great. (But) from interviews I've seen of Karen, she was saying she didn't want to, because she wanted me to have my own experience. I did want to be like, "What do I need to know? Tell me everything!" But she's been really cool about it. There was never a realized romance between The Doctor and Karen's Amy, but your character gets flirtatious straight away, right? It's been interesting how it's changed Matt's Doctor. There is a natural bounce between them, and a flirtation, and attraction. But, again, they've always got this friction because they're a bit magnetic and drawn to each other, but she can't quite figure him out. He's got loads of secrets and he's always looking at her, trying to figure her out. Can you tell me about the first meeting between you and Matt? He's with the same agency as me, so my agent said, "You're going to be reading with Matt and he's lovely. He'll take care of you." I walked into the room and he's just like, "Heeeeyyyyy," and gave me a big hug. He really helped me out in the audition. I've read with other actors in auditions before, but Matt really got involved so it was like we were both auditioning together almost. This is an iconic franchise, but are there other big franchises you'd want to step into? Totally! I'd love to be a Bond Girl. I did have my Bond Girl moment -- well, what I thought was going to be, but it was very much a "Doctor Who" version. Like being on the back of a motorbike, but then we've got the goggles and the hat, so it was like "Doctor Who's" take on James Bond. Have you played with any cool sci-fi gadgets on the show, like the TARDIS? There are certain parts of the TARDIS which I love. We've got these new kind-of rolly balls, which is my favorite. But my character got to drive the TARDIS at one point! In the long list of "Doctor Who" monsters, what's your favorite? The Weeping Angels. It's the concept (that they only move when you aren't looking at them). But there's one at the end of this season -- it's a new monster, and I'd say you have to wait and see that. That one is my favorite, so far. One of the things we know about your character is her love of soufflé. Have you tried making one? I had to be baking one in a scene recently. So I got the Google up and tried to figure out exactly how to do it, take it kind of really seriously to make sure I've got, like, the whisking right. But maybe that's what I should do over Christmas. Is it odd returning to a "normal" world after living in The Doctor's? "This" life is so exciting on a daily basis. Everything's so dramatic every day, and it's the end of the world every week. You're either running or there's a snow machine or rain machine, or you're in a harness and you're on wires. ... On an off day, I find that I get bored quickly, like, "Where's the Cybermen?" The "Doctor Who Christmas Special" is something of a tradition -- do you have others you'll keep? There are 13 of my family going to a cottage, so we'll be there watching. It's one of my grandmum's favorite shows, so it's big for her. But normally I get home from London and I haven't seen my family for a little while, and me and my mum always wrap the presents the night before with a glass of Bailey's. That's my favorite tradition at Christmastime. What did your grandmother say when she learned you got this role? I auditioned for Amy's best mate in it, and was pretty close to getting the part, and my grandma was absolutely devastated I didn't. So, we came back around, and I don't think she can believe it, actually. It is quite surreal for her, and she's quite looking forward to meeting Matt. What do you anticipate that encounter being like? My grandma's going to mess up his hair. She's going to be patting him and hugging him, and Matt's going to have really messy hair for the rest of the night. | The "Doctor Who" doctor goes through a lot of companions on the series . Jenna-Louise Coleman, 26, steps into the role of Clara Oswin on "Doctor Who" Matt Smith said he's excited for fans to see the chemistry between him and Coleman . | a526d8acf59ad54561bddacb9a19a5eed6ab91d9 |
(CNN) -- Jenni-Lynn Watson's shorthand while sending text messages came back to haunt the young man who pleaded guilty Tuesday in Syracuse, New York, to killing the college student, a prosecutor said. Although the 20-year-old victim's cell phone was never found, investigators were able to review call and text messages made by Watson and Steven Pieper, the man she was breaking up with, Onondaga County District William Fitzpatrick told CNN. After dumping Watson's body, Pieper, 21, tried to cover up by texting a mutual friend of theirs, pretending to be Watson, Fitzpatrick said. Using the letters "GTG" apparently did him in. Police looked at Pieper's phone, which was left November 19, 2010, at Watson's home in the Syracuse suburb of Liverpool, and pored over records, Fitzpatrick said. That shorthand for "got to go" was a term used by Pieper, not Watson, the prosecutor said. Pieper pleaded guilty in Onondaga County Court to second-degree murder in the strangling of Watson. Rather than 25 years to life, a plea agreement calls for him to receive a sentence of 23 years to life at the March 8 sentencing, Fitzpatrick said, adding Pieper must serve 23 years before he gets a parole hearing. "Steven made it clear that he did not want to put the Watson family or his family through a trial in this matter, from the very beginning," defense attorney Scott Brenneck told CNN affiliate YNN. "So after a review of the case, it was an appropriate way to resolve it." CNN left messages for Brenneck on Tuesday. In late November, a massive search for Watson, a dance major, ended with the discovery of her remains at Clay Central Park in North Syracuse, the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office said. Watson and Pieper had dated on and off for 18 months and Pieper went over to Watson's home the morning of Nov. 19, authorities said. "I don't think he went over there with the intent to kill her," said Fitzpatrick, adding Pieper was there about two hours. At some point the young woman told Pieper she wanted to have other relationships and he became angry and killed her, the district attorney said. The suspect allegedly placed Watson's body in her car and drove off, only to be stopped several minutes later because there was no front license plate on his vehicle, Fitzpatrick said. Pieper, who received a warning, decided then to dump the body, he said. "He didn't have a long-term plan," the prosecutor said. "On that particular day he was consumed with evil and he killed that poor little girl than no other reason than she wanted to move on with her life," Fitzpatrick told reporters after the hearing. Pieper initially denied involvement, Fitzpatrick said. The case against Pieper was "strong" and Watson's family supported the plea, he said. Watson was last seen at her family's home. She was on Thanksgiving break from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. CNN's Phil Gast contributed to this report. | Man pleads guilty to strangling girlfriend who was breaking up with him . Jenni-Lynn Watson, a college student, had disappeared during Thanksgiving break . She was last seen at her family's home in Liverpool, New York . | 52c572f5e33e597b417c8a1c7cc6cfe21c682585 |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- All retired Gurkha soldiers who served in the British Army will be allowed to settle in Britain, the British government announced Thursday, marking a victory for campaigners and a major shift in official policy. Former Gurkha solider Tulbahadur Pun was awarded Britain's highest honor for bravery, the Victoria Cross. The new rules announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith apply to about 36,000 retired Gurkhas who have served more than four years in the U.K. armed forces. Gurkhas will also be allowed to settle in Britain with their spouses and any children younger than 18, she said. Smith said she would instruct the U.K. Border Agency to speed up the processing of their applications. "I'm delighted that we have now been able to agree across government, across the house and with the Gurkhas' representatives new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well so highly deserve," Smith told the Commons. Campaigners listening to Smith's announcement from outside Parliament cheered the news, which comes after years of pushing for greater rights for the Nepalese brigade. "Today, a great injustice has been righted," said actress Joanna Lumley, who has been a fierce campaigner for Gurkhas' rights. Watch Gurkhas salute the victory » . Gurkhas are Nepalese soldiers who have been part of the British Army for nearly 200 years. They have fought alongside the British Armed Forces in every conflict in that period, including both world wars, and are known for their ferocity and pride. Despite their centuries of service, Gurkhas were not given the right to settle in the United Kingdom until 2004. And even then the order applied only to those discharged after the British handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, when the Gurkhas Brigade moved from Hong Kong to Britain. Last month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced new rules under which those who retired before 1997 would be allowed to live in the United Kingdom, but Lumley and others complained the rules were too restrictive and would only allow about 4,000 of the soldiers to make the move. Lumley, whose father served in the Gurkhas while she was a girl, said the new criteria could not be met by the average Gurkha. Less than a week after announcing the new rules, however, Brown suffered a stinging defeat in Parliament over the new rules. Even some members of his own Labor Party broke with Brown and voted to give all Gurkhas the equal right to live in Britain. "What could be greater than for us to be able to open our arms and say, 'The Gurkhas are coming!'" Lumley said. "I am a daughter of the regiment and this is a proud day," she said. Lumley, who met with Brown in the morning, before the announcement, said the prime minister assured her there were "no sneaky paragraphs" or fine print in the legislation. The Gurkha brigade originated in the 19th century with Nepalese soldiers, who impressed the British imperial troops with their ferocity and military ability. The first Gurkha units were formed in 1815. They saw action in both world wars and were fundamental to the British military maintaining control of India in the 1800s. Today there are 3,400 troops in the Gurkha brigade, operating from bases in Britain. Most recently, Gurkha troops were used in the Persian Gulf War and the Balkan conflicts. | British government to allow Gurkha troops to settle in the UK . Gurkhas are Nepalese fighters who are part of the British Army . First Gurkha units formed in 1815 and they have fought in every campaign since . | 8311b0403fa5979ee56312f24ed4a73c5fff690f |
By . Sophie Jane Evans . Going back to work after a relaxing weekend, you could be forgiven for drifting off at the end of a tiring Monday for a quick cat nap. And this kitten appears to agree as it contemplates whether to fall asleep or stay awake. The animal, named Oscar, was captured repeatedly dozing off on its owner's lap at a house in Scotland. Scroll down for video . Time for a cat nap? Oscar has clearly had enough of what has clearly been a very long day as he nuzzles up in his owner's lap . It could be seen closing its eyes and drifting off to sleep, before waking up with a start just seconds later. The adorable moment was filmed and posted on YouTube by one of Oscar's owners. Footage shows the ginger-coloured kitten narrowing its eyes, before closing them completely. It then slowly tips its head backwards until it is nearly resting on the arm of its owner, who appears to be sending a message on his phone. Should I stay or should I go? Oscar begins to narrow his eyes as his owner fails to pay attention to him, instead sending a message on his phone . I'll just rest my eyes for a minute: Oscar seems to have decided that there's nothing wrong with 40 winks, catching up on his beauty sleep . Purr-fect: He slowly tips his head backwards until resting on the leg of his owner . The cat's whiskers: Seemingly undecided as to whether to fall asleep - he abruptly wakes up, with his eyes shooting open. Not for long though . But seemingly undecided as to whether to fall asleep or not, the kitten then abruptly wakes up - its eyes shooting open and its arm flailing around. However, it is not long before the animal starts to drift off once more. Since being posted on YouTube, the video has received dozens of comments from animal lovers across the world. One user, Joyce Danahue, wrote: 'Awww - cute overload warning! It's definitely time for bed for this little guy, but he just doesn't want to miss anything.' Meanwhile, Nicole Baresi said: 'This is adorable. I must immediately go and buy a kitten.' And another user, using the name 'jp tab', wrote: 'What a sweetheart, keeps waking up to see what was missed... animals are so wonderful.' | Kitten, named Oscar, captured repeatedly falling asleep on owner's lap . Could be seen closing its eyes and drifting off, before waking with start . Adorable moment was filmed and posted on YouTube by animal's owner . | a79dd7ad8c31832e52cf6e8445dc249ccdf6a9aa |
By . Tom Leonard . PUBLISHED: . 19:01 EST, 31 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:45 EST, 1 August 2013 . Lounging on the studio sofa of ‘shock jock’ radio DJ Howard Stern, the pouting young woman didn’t exactly hold back on the electoral appeal of the man who, until a few days ago, was set to become New York’s next mayor. Sydney Leathers observed this week that the controversial politician Anthony Weiner was simply too distracted enjoying the company of girls like herself on the internet to do anything for the city. Only she didn’t quite couch it in language suitable for a family newspaper. But she should know what she is talking about. In an expletive-laden interview about her online exchanges with the married father and already scandal-hit Democrat politician, the 23-year-old student revealed how an innocent communication on the web led to a sordid relationship. Anthony Weiner (pictured with his wife Huma Abedin) has pledged to keep fighting in the mayoral race . She related how Weiner — sometimes using the pseudonym Carlos Danger — detailed his sexual fantasies, including sex in the shower. He also sent her naked pictures of himself during their six-month relationship, which began in July 2012. ‘He could have 12 girls talking to him [on the net] . . . and that wouldn’t be enough,’ she observed. His conversations, either by phone or via the web, would start with small talk which suddenly ended as he told her to take off her clothes. A few minutes of torrid sex talk later, he’d awkwardly thank her and hang up. When Miss Leathers started to cool over their unpleasant trysts last year, he would pester her with phone calls, insisting — though they had never met — he was madly in love with her. Making Boris look like a monk: Weiner could teach London¿s mayor a lesson or two about debauched behaviour and utter shamelessness . ‘There were times he’d talk to me multiple times a day. He was like this needy girlfriend or something,’ she laughed, before revealing to Howard Stern that, yes, the rumours were true that she is considering milking her new-found fame further with a career in pornography. Her manager — naturally, she already has one — has promised to get her some ‘new big boobs’. Yesterday, a scandal that has enthralled America for days after Leathers went public showed no signs of abating as Weiner pledged to keep fighting in the mayoral race. At the same time, it emerged that his communications director had delivered a foul-mouthed diatribe — including the words ‘slutbag’, ‘t***’ and ‘c***’ — at an intern who had dared to criticise the Weiner campaign. Classy it ain’t, but then Americans have come to expect nothing less from the implausibly named Weiner (which is by an appalling coincidence U.S. slang for the male organ), a man who makes Boris Johnson look like a monk. For the priapic Weiner — at 48 just a year younger than Boris — could teach London’s mayor a lesson or two about debauched behaviour and utter shamelessness. New York politicians have never let infamy get in the way of a comeback, but Weiner is testing voters to the very limit. As for the rest of America, it doesn’t know whether to cry at the sheer awfulness of it all, or simply laugh at Weiner’s bare-faced cheek in refusing to give up his campaign. Through his high-powered wife Huma Abedin’s status as a top aide and confidante to Hillary Clinton, the scandal is now threatening the course of the next presidential election. According to reports, the Clinton camp believes a continuing Weiner scandal could well damage Mrs Clinton’s election hopes if she runs for President in 2016. To describe Anthony Weiner as a . repeat offender is putting it mildly. Two years ago, he was forced to . resign as a U.S. congressman after admitting that he had been exchanging . lewd photos and messages with at least six young women who followed him . on Twitter. After days . of feeble half-denials, the workaholic, brash and hugely ambitious . Weiner was forced to own up: he had indeed sent a picture of his private . parts to a 21-year-old woman in Seattle. Sydney Leathers, left, has said Anthony Weiner was too distracted enjoying the company of girls like herself on the internet to do anything for New York. The women Weiner communicated with online turned out to included a 28-year-old porn star calling herself Ginger Lee (pictured right) Unfortunately, he also mistakenly sent it to all 45,000 of his Twitter followers. (Worse, his confession came only after he had spent £30,000 hiring a private security firm to investigate if his Twitter account had been hacked, when he knew it hadn’t.) The women he communicated with online turned out to include a 40-year-old blackjack dealer from Las Vegas, a 35-year-old cheerleading coach, and a 28-year-old porn star calling herself Ginger Lee. Although he had never met any of them, Weiner said he was ‘deeply ashamed’ of his ‘terrible judgment and actions’, which he called ‘very dumb’. Others instead wondered about the judgment of his glamorous wife, after Weiner revealed she was standing by him as they prepared to have their first child, (now 17 months old). Ms Abedin — a 37-year-old Muslim American of Indian and Pakistani parents — was Mrs Clinton’s deputy chief of staff when she was U.S. Secretary of State and is one of her longest-serving aides. Weiner’s wife, who earns a £165,000 salary, first met her future husband at a party convention in 2001, and they started going out together in 2008. Numerous sordid jokes — and worse, pictures — of ‘Weiner’s weiner’ would have caused less ambitious politicians to retreat under a stone and never emerge again, but Weiner’s ego, to say nothing of his sexual urges, were not to be kept in check for long. In May this year, he announced via a YouTube video that he would be standing for New York mayor, seeking to replace the billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg. By then, he and his wife had had their son, a ‘sparkling wonder’ they named Jordan Zain Weiner. Announcing the birth to friends by . email, he gushed: ‘Did I mention his mom is amazing?’ That’s one way of . describing her. She has so far stuck by his side with a limpet-like . doggedness that has split opinion among women. In . a magazine profile, the couple portrayed themselves as the perfect . happily married proud parents — he, a dutiful father who had sought . counselling for his sexual proclivities, and generally learnt the error . of his ways. But is . Weiner’s wife guilty only of love and loyalty — perhaps of gullibility, . too — or is she indulging in Machiavellian scheming aimed at fostering . her own political ambitions by making herself look positively saintly? Numerous sordid jokes - and worse, pictures - of 'Weiner's weiner' would have caused less ambitious politicians to retreat under a stone and never emerge again . Some commentators have already suggested she should be the one running for mayor, not Weiner. Last week, after the latest scandal broke, Ms Abedin told a New York press conference: ‘I love him, I have forgiven him, I believe in him. Anthony’s made some horrible mistakes, both before he resigned from Congress and after. But I do believe that is between us, and our marriage.’ And in an article for the latest edition . of Harper’s Bazaar, written before the latest scandal, she enthused: . ‘Anthony has always been a smart, caring, and dedicated person, and . while he’s the same public servant who wants what’s best for the people . he represents, he is now something else — a better man. New Yorkers will . have to decide for themselves whether or not to give him a second . chance.’ In May this year, Weiner announced via a YouTube video that he would be standing for New York mayor, seeking to replace the billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg . So far it looks as if those voters have decided — and the omens are not good. Weiner has slipped from front runner to fourth place in the polls among Democratic candidates in the race. Ominously, he says he doesn’t know how many more compromising emails and pictures are out there. Certainly, as one of the women he has been communicating with so graphically on the internet, Sydney Leathers couldn’t have done more damage this week. Voicing sentiments even the most pro-Weiner voter must share, she told Howard Stern: ‘What p****d me off was him on the campaign trail saying “Oh, I’ve changed”, and trying to act like he has this perfect marriage now and everything’s just peachy . . . I’m proof [he] has not changed.’ She says Weiner ‘lured’ her into their online affair after she wrote to him — as a Democratic supporter — on Facebook to express her disappointment in his previous sexual shenanigans. A year later, she said, he responded on Facebook and apologised for letting her down. Almost at once, however, he began pursuing her. ‘That’s what really got me,’ she told Stern. ‘That he’s supposedly getting help, but in reality he’s flirting with me. He talked to me more about his two cats than he did about his child or his wife.’ Although TV cameras caught Weiner off-guard this week looking hollow-eyed, he is struggling on. In a new advert yesterday on his campaign website — in which his wife didn’t appear — Weiner vowed to keep running for mayor, because quitting ‘isn’t the way we roll in New York’. With jaw-dropping nerve, he added: ‘This isn’t about me. This is about helping New Yorkers.’ It’s difficult to see those voters taking him up on his generous offer. | Student Sydney Leathers revealed online exchanges with Anthony Weiner . When she started to cool he pestered her with phone calls . Weiner has pledged to keep fighting in the New York mayoral race . | cec3a95b77934f40195d87dbe118db392a4f65d6 |
Film made in 1901, 31 years after Dickens' death . Thought to have been inspired by Dickens' novel Bleak House . By . Rachel Rickard Straus . PUBLISHED: . 06:09 EST, 9 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:04 EST, 9 March 2012 . The oldest surviving film based on the works of Charles Dickens has been discovered. The Death Of Poor Joe, inspired by Bleak House, dates back to March 1901 but lay unnoticed in an archive for decades. The minute-long clip, made by British film pioneer G.A. Smith, was given to the British Film Institute in 1954 by a collector, but was catalogued under the wrong name and date. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . The death of Poor Joe: Joe the sweeper collapses in the arms of a watchman in the film thought to have been inspired by Dickens' Bleak House . BFI curator Bryony Dixon found it last month – 200 years after Dickens’s birth and 111 years after the film was made, 31 years after Dickens died. ‘It’s wonderful to have discovered . such a rare film so close to Dickens’s bicentennial,’ she said. ‘Not . only does it survive, but it is the world’s earliest Dickensian film. It . looks beautiful and is in excellent condition. 'This really is the icing on the cake of our current celebration of Dickens on Screen.' The film beats the previous record . holder, Scrooge; or, Marley’s Ghost, by several months. It depicts the . crossing-sweeper from Bleak House – played by Smith’s wife Laura Bayley – . being found by a nightwatchman as she freezes to death in the winter . snow. Discovered film: The severe-looking watchman appears to shoo Joe away as the snow falls around them . Suffering from the cold: Ragged-looking Joe collapses and is caught just in time by the watchman . Tragic death: As he takes his final breaths, Joe holds his hands up in prayer to heaven . Landmark year: Across the world people are marking the bicentenary of Charles Dickens . The snow is falling heavily at night as Jo appears in tattered clothes against a churchyard wall, struggling against the cold. A . watchman shoos him on, but then captures the boy just as he falls to . the ground dying. The watchman holds Jo as the boy puts his hands . together in prayer before taking his final breath. In Bleak House, Jo did not die in the snow, but rather died of pneumonia . and was led in prayer before his death by a character called Woodcourt. However, the name 'poor Jo' would have been recognisable to English . audiences as he was such a popular character among readers from the time of the . novel's publication in 1853 and so it is thought likely the Dickensian . character was the inspiration for the film. Crossing sweepers were a common sight in London and other large cities throughout much of the nineteenth century. Their . job was to sweep a path through the often dirty streets ahead of people . – particularly the more affluent – for a small fee. Dickens describes Jo as a homeless boy who ‘fights it out at his crossing among the mud and wheels, the horses, whips, and umbrellas, and gets but a scanty sum’. The film will be screened as a special late addition to the programme of Dickens: Pre-1914 Short Films this month at the BFI Southbank in London. | Film made in 1901, 31 years after Dickens' death . Thought to have been inspired by Dickens' novel Bleak House . | 350e03c5797c30db93ade33f4623e4b7d066dd3c |
By . Leon Watson . Lisa Snowdon's actor boyfriend has admitted attacking her in the street, it was revealed today. Adereti Monney, 38, was accused of pushing the radio and TV star up against a wall in Camden, north London, The Sun on Sunday reported. Miss Snowdon, 42, reportedly did not press charges and has stuck by him. But the February attack was witnessed by a police officer who reported it. Argument: Lisa Snowdon was reportedly assaulted in a London street in the early hours by her boyfriend Adereti Monney (pictured together last week) Monney - also known as Tim Wade - later appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court and admitted 'assault by beating'. He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100. A spokesman told the MailOnline: 'They . had had an argument which led to a very minor scuffle in the street. 'At no . point did Lisa press charges or indeed wish to press charges and the couple . have moved on from the incident.' Guilty: The actor later admitted 'assault by beating' after pushing the radio star, out on Friday, up against a wall in Camden, The Sun on Sunday has revealed . The Capital FM DJ is thought to have started dating Andereti - who has appeared in films Knife Edge and Rollin' With the Nines - in January and the incident is said to have happened a month later. The couple were last pictured together on Tuesday of last week when they attended a private view of Marc Chagall: Exhibition of Masterpieces at the capital's Opera Gallery. Dating since January: 'They were on their way home when they got into an argument. He pushed her against a wall and was seen doing so by a policeman,' a source said . Miss Snowdon and Monney were coordinated in matching white tops, with the former looking chic in a blazer and pale, flared jeans. The Weekend Kitchen host opened up about her life and dating will.i.am's communications manager last month, telling the Sunday Express: 'My weekend begins on a Friday afternoon with a massage. It’s great to get myself realigned after a busy week. Afterwards, I head home and get ready to go out with my girlfriends. 'We usually have champagne or cocktails first and then eat at Coya on Piccadilly. Sometimes we finish the evening off at Shoreditch House or dancing at Cirque le Soir in Soho.' Monney is also head of communications and lifestyle at will.i.am's fashion and technology brand i.am+. Moving on: The Capital FM DJ is thought to have started dating Andereti - who has appeared in films Knife Edge and Rollin' With the Nines - in January and the incident is said to have happened a month later . | Adereti Monney, 38, was accused of pushing the radio and TV star . He later appeared in court and admitted 'assault by beating' Miss Snowdon, 42, did not press charges and has stuck by him . | dae5171c87c9f8424f09471a2dd6eff9b32733fe |
(CNN) -- World number one Rafael Nadal has been drawn to play Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Andy Roddick in the group stage of the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The Spaniard was selected in Group A in the season-ending event, which sees the top eight players in the world compete against each other. World number two Roger Federer, from Switzerland, has been drawn in Group B alongside Sweden's Robin Soderling, Briton Andy Murray and David Ferrer, of Spain. Murray will open the tournament against Soderling on Sunday at 1400 GMT with Federer taking on Ferrer at 2000 GMT. The following day Djokovic, from Serbia, will play Berdych, from the Czech Republic, at 1400 GMT, with Nadal taking on American Roddick in the evening. In rankings released on Monday, Soderling climbed to fourth after his victory at the Paris Masters on Sunday, and despite Murray slipping to fifth he is hoping home advantage can inspire him in London. He told his website: "It's an incredible atmosphere, a huge arena and it's one of the biggest competitions in tennis behind the Grand Slams, so I'm really looking forward to it. "The last couple of weeks weren't as good as I'd have liked, although I actually won my first doubles competition with my brother, which was cool, but playing in front of a home crowd is always great. It would be a big one psychologically to win, so I'll give it my best shot." Federer has also targeted victory at the World Tour Finals after his surprising defeat at the semifinal stage in Paris by Frenchman Gael Montfils. But Federer has an excellent record at the season finale with 29 wins and seven defeats since his first appearance in 2002. "I feel good. I'm playing well. I think I have good chances maybe in London for winning," Federer told the ATP Tour's official website. "I feel good physically. In a way it is a relief that I was able to finish the tournament [in Paris] in good physical health. "I'm fresh mentally, too. This is the most important thing. Victories are important, but when you're not fit and when you're injured, it's bad. So I think I'm going to recover quite fast after that loss. "It was not a bad match [against Monfils]. I'm happy with my performance. Clearly with a victory I would have had big chances of winning the tournament. This is not the case, so now I have to look at the future. I'm going to prepare for London." | Groupings for season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London announced . Tournament sees top eight players in the world compete against each other . Rafael Nadal has been drawn to play Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Andy Roddick . Roger Federer to face Robin Soderling, Andy Murray and David Ferrer . | 89fb249f511dd705dfccbdca78a507e8dda39b67 |
By . Michael Zennie . PUBLISHED: . 18:25 EST, 15 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:31 EST, 15 October 2013 . Thousands of women across the country are turning their bodies into ATMs, selling their hair, eggs and even their breast milk to make ends meet as the economic recovery fails to bring wages and job opportunities back to pre-recession levels. Many of the women who are auctioning off pieces of themselves are middle-class mothers who are struggling to maintain the same standard of living for their children five years after the biggest economic crash since the Great Depression. Online market places have sprung up, making it easy for women to make up to $1,500 selling their locks and $5 an ounce for breast milk. Online marketplaces like Only the Breast have sprung up to allow women to sell their breast milk for up to $5 an ounce . The site buyandsellhair.com features hundreds of women, and a few men, who want to sell their locks . Selling eggs, which is a much more complicated and intrusive process, can net up to $8,000 per donation. Bloomberg reports that since 2011, the top Google auto-completion results for 'I want to sell my...' have included 'hair,' 'eggs' and 'kidney.' Google's fill-in results reflect the most popular searches by Google users. 'The fact that people even explore it indicates that there are still a lot of people worried about their financial outlook,' Nicholas Colas, who tracks economic indicators for ConvergEx Group, told Bloomberg. 'This is very much unlike every other recovery that we’ve had. It’s going to be a slow-grinding, very frustrating recovery.' Selling kidneys is illegal in the United States, though evidence suggests that black market organ sales exist. A University of Chicago study suggested that kidneys could be worth more than $15,200 each, if sales were legalized. Egg donation, which is much more complicated and requires several trips to donation clinics, can bring $8,000 per donation . April Hare, a 35-year-old mother of two who has been out of work for two years, resorted to selling 18 inches of her auburn hair to help support her family. She told Bloomberg she cut off her long locks and posted them on the website buyandsellhair.com for $1,000. She had several responses within hours. Hare, who has a four-month-old son and a seven-year-old daughter, said she is also looking into selling her breast milk. A similar site, onlythebreast.com, allows mothers to list their milk for sale online. It can go for up to $5 an ounce. 'These are tough times. The rich are getting richer and everybody else is losing their jobs and their homes. It’s just terrible,' she said. She previously worked as a sales manager before losing her job in 2011. Bridie MacDonald, from the wealthy Detroit suburb of Farmington Hills, Michigan, cut off her red locks and posted them online for $1,500 after she lost her job last month. | The top Google results for 'I want to sell my...' have been 'kidney,' 'eggs' and 'hair' since 2011 . Websites have sprung up that allow women to post their hair and breast milk for sale online . Long locks of hair can fetch up to $1,500 . Breast milk can sell for $5 an ounce online . Egg donations nets up to $8,000 . | 801d26b6fe34b664f05e9fd827b790baa1639ae1 |
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital Friday after her doctor diagnosed her with "a massive blood clot," her publicist said. Gabor's left leg was "swollen like hell" and she had an infection in her right leg, her husband, Prince Frederic Von Anhalt, said Friday evening, as his wife was being treated in the emergency room at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. She had "no blood flow to her leg," Von Anhalt said. Gabor "was complaining about her leg swelling and hurting her" Friday morning, so a doctor was called to her Bel Air, California, home, publicist John Blanchette said. The doctor diagnosed Gabor with a "massive blood clot," which he feared could move from her leg to her heart, Blanchette said. Paramedics took Gabor, 93, to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where she had undergone hip replacement surgery in July, he said. She spent several weeks in the hospital over the summer. She has been frail and "pretty much confined to a wheelchair" since a 2002 car accident, Von Anhalt said. The crash happened when the car in which she was riding with her hairdresser slammed into a light pole on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The glamorous Hungarian-born actress, the second of the three celebrated Gabor sisters, is most famous for her many marriages. Among her husbands was Oscar-winning actor George Sanders. Her more prominent films include John Huston's 1952 Toulouse-Lautrec biopic, "Moulin Rouge;" "The Story of Three Loves" in 1953; "The Girl in the Kremlin" in 1957; and Orson Welles' 1958 classic, "Touch of Evil." | NEW: Gabor's left leg is "swollen like hell," her husband says . The actress was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Friday . Gabor, 93, underwent hip replacement surgery last summer . | 320f1b81fa1f38ea46927c77abe038a9745d1b98 |
By . Ryan Gorman . and Associated Press Reporter . Chicago police are searching for two men believed to have beaten a 64-year-old woman and robbed eight others during a brazen Wednesday train heist just before the afternoon rush hour. The two assailants were caught on surveillance video shortly before boarding the downtown-bound Orange Line train, pulled out guns and robbed passengers of their wallets, phones and jewelry as it rolled towards "The Loop" just after 4.00 p.m. 'I was the only one they struck,' Romelia Garcia told the Chicago Tribune. 'Incredible. Incredible that this happens in plain day.' Pistol-whipped: Romelia Garcia, 64, was the only person on the train willing to stand up to the thieves, and she paid a price for it . Wanted: These two men are the primary suspects in the brazen daytime robbery . One of two: Police are asking for the public's help to track down this man and his hat-wearing accomplice . Garcia was assaulted when she stood up to the robbers and refused the hand over her purse, authorities said. One of the thieves responded by whacking her in the head with his handgun before bolting off at the next stop, said police. Garcia fortunately suffered only a bruise to head and was able to be treated on the scene while being questioned by police. Investigators have since released security stills they believe are the two men responsible for the heist, which happened after train left Midway International Airport on the city's gritty South Side. They are both black men and believed to be in their 20s, authorities said. One was black and had a neatly trimmed goatee, but other details are scarce at the moment. The photographs show the men leaving the Roosevelt station near the time of a robbery that occurred on the Orange Line between the Halsted and Roosevelt stations. Lt. Ozzie Valdez said Thursday that . some video and interviews with witnesses have led authorities to believe . the two men boarded the train just southwest of downtown Chicago, . brandished their weapons and loudly announced that they were robbing the . people on the train, before going from person to person. Valdez, who called the robbery an 'isolated incident,' said he is confident that the release of the photographs will help . police quickly arrest the suspects, though none have been identified . yet. Caught on camera: This combination of surveillance photos taken July 16, 2014 and released by the Chicago Police Department shows two men on a Chicago Transit Authority train platform that Chicago police are looking for who they say robbed multiple passengers on an Orange Line train at gunpoint . More footage: Police are asking for the public's help in identifying both men . On the run: Both suspects dart out of the Orange Line Roosevelt Station . He also said detectives were still reviewing surveillance video from the train and the platforms for further help identifying the crooks. Miguel Fuentes, the national director of the volunteer-based community patrol group, Guardian Angels, said he also believes arrests will be made because somebody will recognize the suspects. And, he said, that will put commuters, nervous about the brazenness of the robbery, at ease. 'It's completely scary that for two people at 4 o'clock, on a train heading into the city pulling out guns and rob them like they're Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or something.' He also suggested the robbers would strike again if they were not captured. 'To do it at 4 in the afternoon on a train coming in from Midway Airport into the hub of Chicago… they have no respect for anybody, and if we don’t catch them, and we don’t turn them in, they’re going to do it again,' he told WBBM. Where it happened: The two thieves boarded at Halstead Station and made a run for it at Roosevelt Station, the next stop on the train, authorities said . On the lookout: Guardian Angels are patrolling the city's famed elevated trains handing out wanted fliers in an effort to help capture the two suspects . Another Guardian Angel patrolling the Orange Line in the wake of the frightening thefts told WGN that it is not wise to resist a thief once a gun is brandished. 'Your life is more important than anything you can hold,' he added. The robbery comes as the city deals with a surge in gun violence and has only further frazzled the nerves of the city's millions of people who rely on mass transit. 'I feel like maybe there should be more security now… especially with all the phones people carry now,' a rider told WBBM. 'It’s just really dangerous.' 'We pay our money for the CTA and you have all these cameras, you're charging us extra money and I mean, where was the security at,' Chicagoan Tracy Tucker asked WFLD. Robberies on the CTA have dropped significantly in the last year, the agency said. In the first three months of 2014, nearly 100 people were arrested as a result of images pulled from the CTA cameras, it said. Crime on the city's transit system has also been on a downward this year, the Tribune noted. Thefts between January and March declined 23 per cent when compared to the first quarter of 2013, according to agency statistics. Police have yet to identify the suspects or acknowledge there have been any solid tips leading them closer to any arrests. The investigation remains ongoing. | Romelia Garcia, 64, bravely stood up to the thieves but was pistol-whipped by one of them, police said . She suffered only a bruise in the callous attack . A total of eight people were robbed of wallets, smartphones, jewelry and other valuables . The train was headed from Midway Airport to Chicago's downtown area known as 'The Loop' | 5ed4a3e64b924525405ffc519fbbb57317938592 |
(CNN) -- Widely considered Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto is one of the country's top travel destinations among domestic and, increasingly, international tourists. Drawing 50 million visitors a year, it's the place to learn to whip up a cup of matcha green tea, admire the craftsmanship of a geisha's kimono and study the art of the zen garden in an ancient temple before sitting down for a $500 kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) dinner. Readers of "Travel+Leisure" magazine even voted it world's best city this year, citing its "emerging style scene that's cutting edge." Yet despite Kyoto's obvious allure, until earlier this year there was one glaring absence from the city's travel scene -- a top tier, super-luxury hotel brand. Ritz-Carlton ended that drought in February with the opening of its fourth Japan property, located close to popular downtown areas like Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city's retail and entertainment district. "It is actually quite odd that there have not been international ultra-luxe hotel brands in Kyoto until recently, considering the fact that Kyoto is an extremely popular tourist destination," says Catherine Heald, CEO of luxury travel planner Remote Lands. "Kyoto's Hyatt Regency is very nice and it has sufficed, but it is not a Park Hyatt which is more in line with Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. The most sumptuous accommodations to date have actually been Hoshinoya [by Japanese brand Hoshino Resorts], which is what I call a Japanese hybrid ryokan (a cross between a ryokan and a hotel), very little known outside Japan. " The decision to open in Kyoto was a matter of catering to demand, says Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto general manager Yuji Tanaka. "The Ritz-Carlton is constantly listening to its loyal guests and a constant theme for us is to build hotels where our guests want us to be and Kyoto was high on the list," he says. "Bringing the brand to Kyoto is a major milestone -- a global iconic city, a window to Japan while being sensitive to centuries of tradition. We were fortunate to be able to work with like-minded partners in a rare location." Billing itself a modern international luxury ryokan, the property has 134 rooms and suites and faces the Kamogawa River and the Higashiyama Mountains in the distance. What's inside . It's difficult not to dismiss the "luxury ryokan" term as marketing fluff. A ryoken is, after all, a basic Japanese inn and the Ritz-Carlton brand hardly conjures images of elderly kimono-clad women bringing you a pot of green tea once you awake from a night on a futon. But during a recent visit we found there's some merit to the claim, given the intense attention to detail and subtle touches, like tatami suites, where guests can enjoy a classic futon experience -- albeit while covered in 600-thread-count linens. The architects and designers infused the character of a traditional Meiji house and courtyard into the architectural structure of the building, while blending in modern design elements. This includes the use of patterned motifs created by local artists and the incorporation of zen gardens (karesansui) and water features, such as a stunning three-story waterfall positioned in the heart of the hotel that stretches down to the basement swimming pool. "Each Ritz-Carlton is designed with a strong sense of place," says Tanaka. "This property carries the heart and soul of Ritz-Carlton service while staying true to the community in which it is located. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto was designed very much as a peaceful sanctuary and with the principles of miyabi -- or Japanese aesthetic concepts -- in mind." The hotel's Mizuki Japanese restaurant is already gaining a reputation among locals for its incredible kaiseki expertise -- the world's most beautiful multi-course feast -- and also serves sushi, teppanyaki and tempura. Even the Italian restaurant pays respect to Japan's history. Inside the beautifully decorated venue they've reassembled a townhouse once owned by Kyoto magnate Denzaburi Fujitia and turned it into a private dining room. More luxury on the way . Though big brands are notably absent, luxury seekers in Kyoto have hardly been neglected through the years. There are a handful of top-end ryokans, but they fill quickly during popular travel times -- particularly cherry blossom season in spring and the changing of the leaves in fall. Tawaraya, for instance, has been described as the top ryokan in not just Kyoto, but all of Japan. "Most of our clients do two-week trips to Japan including three nights each in Tokyo and Kyoto, plus three or four other destinations," says Remove Land's Catherine Heald. "They typically want a mix of hotels and ryokans -- and I strongly urge all clients to do at least one ryokan. "Traditional ryokans include elaborate 12-plus-course kaiseki dinners every night, which are absolutely heavenly in my opinion, but they can be over the top for many Western travelers to have every single night, so it is nice to have variety and a mix of cuisines." The arrival of a branded super-luxury hotel is welcome news for high-end travelers who want the full amenities and service that come with a global brand -- or can't live without their bacon and egg breakfast -- yet also want to experience the finer details of Japanese culture. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto isn't alone in recognizing this. Competition is on the way, with the Four Seasons due to arrive in 2016. "I think travel to Kyoto will inevitably increase with two new five-star world-class brands," says Heald. "In the past it has been very difficult to get rooms in springtime during cherry blossom season, so that situation should change a lot with hundreds of new rooms available." Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; +81 75 746 5555; rooms from 53,000 yen ($510) CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy. | Kyoto is one of Japan's top travel destinations, yet branded hotels are few . Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is the luxury brand's fourth Japan hotel . Four Seasons Kyoto due to open in 2016 . "Travel will inevitably increase with two new five-star world-class brands," says luxury travel CEO . | 64f8e864e535f56226724d165d89269ec08667d4 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:52 EST, 28 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:10 EST, 28 February 2014 . You would expect cardiac rehabilitation sessions to deal in matters of the heart, but one couple took things further - and ended up getting married. Tracey Caine, 50, and 56-year-old husband Trevor had both suffered heart attacks within days of each other last June and were sent to weekly exercise and information classes at Royal Bolton Hospital in greater Manchester. As the months went by their love blossomed and this week the got married. Tracey (left) and Trevor Caine (right) met after they both suffered heart attacks within weeks of each other . The pair smile and exchange a kiss on their wedding day. The pair said they were glad the rain held off . Mrs Caine said: 'Now two hearts beat as one. Our lives are just beginning after they both nearly came to an end. 'My husband died 10 years ago on Valentine's Day of a heart attack. 'I always said I would never get married again. I wasn't looking for anybody.' The ceremony took place in front of friends and family at Mere Hall Register Office in Halliwell. Mrs Caine said the couple's hearts now beat as one following the wedding . Mr Caine said the fact they had both had heart attacks spurred them on to marry sooner . Mrs Caine, who arrived at the venue in a white Bentley wedding car, wore a dress dotted with sparkling diamantes and topped the outfit with a tiara and a bouquet of white and purple flowers. The mother of two, who works as a healthcare assistant in the delivery suite of the hospital where the couple met, said: 'It was a lovely ceremony. I'm feeling happy.' Mr Caine hugged and kissed his new wife as they posed for photographs on the steps of Mere Hall, as guests clapped and cheered. The couple hit it off after meeting at the Royal Bolton Hospital where Mrs Caine works . The happy couple are now looking forward to starting their life together as husband and wife . The father of three said: 'It was the best thing that ever happened to me, as daft as it sounds. 'I couldn't be happier. She never stops laughing. It's everything about her, she's just fantastic. 'It's like we've been together for years. We didn't see why we should wait. 'We've both had heart attacks, why wait 18 months, two years?' The pair celebrated the marriage at Smiths Restaurant in Eccles and spent their first night together as man and wife at the luxury Hilton Hotel in Manchester. | Trevor and Tracey Caine both had heart attacks within days of each other . They met in rehab sessions at Royal Bolton Hospital in greater Manchester . This week the pair got married in a ceremony in front of friends and family . Mrs Caine said the couple's hearts now 'beat as one' after the wedding . | 7f0eb3dc1ca62afc01744e29784bf32deffaa453 |
An Oklahoma man has been charged in his aunt's shooting death, telling investigators that he killed the woman to put an end to their incestuous sexual relationship. Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed said the body of Verna Sarten, 50, was found around 1am Monday by deputies responding to a report of a woman not breathing at the house. Deputies later pulled over the victim's nephew and roommate, 37-year-old Jeremy Sappington, who was driving her pickup truck, and took him into custody. He is now facing a first-degree murder charge. Scroll down for video . Troubled family: Jeremy Sappington (left) has been charged with first-degree murder after confessing that he killed his aunt, Verna Sarten (right), 50, because he no longer wanted to have sex with her . Grisly crime scene: A sheriff's deputy discovered Sarten's body bloodied and naked from the waist down lying on the floor of her home in Chouteau, Oklahoma . According to prosecutors, Sappington shot Sarten in the head with a .22 caliber revolver at her home in the 1400 block of East Jones Street in Chouteau, and then burned a stack of papers with the apparent intent to start a fire before fleeing, Tulsa World reported. When an officer responded to a call from Sarten's relative asking to check up on her just before 1am, he walked inside the house and immediately discovered the woman's bloodied body on the floor next to the couch. Court documents stated that Sarten’s pajama pants and underwear were cast aside on the floor, and there was blood on her face and the carpet. The oven was on with its door ajar and the central heating system was also switched on, according to the affidavit. Jeremy Sappington was initially arrested on suspicion of public intoxication when sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a disturbance on West 590th Street. Damning evidence: Sappington, 37, was pulled over driving the victim's pickup truck, where officers found the alleged murder weapon and a spent shell . Living arrangements: Sarten, pictured with her daughter-in-law, Fonda Thompson, invited her nephew to stay with her and her boyfriend after his divorce . When police searched the Dodge pickup Sappington was driving, they discovered an H & R .22 caliber revolver and a spent shell under the driver's seat. It was later determined that the vehicle belonged to Verna Sarten's boyfriend, Gerald Howard, who was out of town at the time of the killing. During questioning Monday, Sappington allegedly confessed to the murder, telling deputies that he was having sex with Sarten, his mother's sister, in exchange for housing. Matriarch: Verna Sarten (far right) was the sister of Sappington's mother, Veta, who passed away in 1984; the 50-year-old woman leaves behind four grown children and seven grandchildren . The 37-year-old suspect told the deputies that he wanted to break things off with his aunt, so he grabbed a gun that Sarten had been hiding under her mattress, walked up behind her and fired a shot at her head. According to her obituary, Miss Sarten, a certified nursing assistant and avid gardener, is survived by four grown children and seven grandchildren. Sarten's niece - and Sappington's sister - Susan Austin Kerr, who lives in Georgia, told Tulsa World that she and her brother had a rough upbringing, and things only got worse after the passing of their mother, Veta, in 1984. As a teenager, Sappington often got in trouble and was in and out of juvenile detention centers. Pryor Daily Times reported that Sappington moved in with his aunt and her boyfriend after his divorce. Assistant District Attorney Marny Hill said that after Sarten’s shooting, her nephew headed over to his ex-wife’s house, banging on the doors and windows. Sappington is being held without bond due to his extensive criminal record, which includes drug possession, armed robbery, assault, domestic assault and battery, and multiple auto theft charges, according to the station News On 6. He had been sentenced to seven years in prison for attempted larceny of an automobile. | Jeremy Sappington, 37, charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of Verna Sarten, 50 . Deputies found Sarten's bloodied body naked from the waist down lying on the floor of her Chouteau, Oklahoma, home . Nephew and aunt lived together with the woman's boyfriend since Sappington's divorce . | 15e747c61253463869c3f469c7c4c473f361a0bc |
By . Richard Spillett . A 42-year-old man who posted abusive Twitter messages about the murder of school teacher Ann Maguire has been pictured for the first time. Robert Riley, of Port Talbot, South Wales, appeared before magistrates in Leeds yesterday where he admitted sending a grossly offensive, abusive or malicious message. Wearing a tracksuit top over a grey T-shirt and a pair of jogging bottoms, Riley was brought into court after being detained overnight for his own safety due to anger about his shocking messages. Troll: Robert Riley posted offensive messages about the death of teacher Ann Maguire online . Court: He admitted posting the tweets in before magistrates yesterday and will be sentenced later this week . The messages were not read out in court but the bench heard that some of them related to the murder of Mrs Maguire, 61, at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds a week ago. The magistrates were told that Riley needed to be sentenced where the messages were sent and agreed to transfer the case to Swansea Magistrates' Court. Riley, of Dan Y Coed, Cwmavon, Port Talbot, was given bail on condition that he does not use social networking sites or the internet generally between now and his next court appearance on Thursday. During the 10-minute hearing his solicitor Michael Walsh said: 'He is mortified by his own behaviour and he apologises for any upset that may have been caused to everybody.' Mr Walsh asked the magistrates to free his client on bail, telling them the only reason he had been held overnight was for his own safety. He suggested that Riley may be in more danger in a Leeds prison than he would be walking the streets. Shame: Riley hid his face with his tracksuit hood as he left court yesterday . Tragedy: Teacher Ann Maguire was killed while she taught a class at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds last week . Earlier, Sandra White, prosecuting, told the court that Riley had posted a number of offensive tweets, only some of which related to the murder of Mrs Maguire. She said the offence had come to the attention of West Yorkshire Police because of the latest incident, but told the bench that it should properly have been charged in South Wales. Riley is the second person to be charged with sending a 'malicious communication' in the wake of the death of Mrs Maguire, who was stabbed to death in her classroom. Jake Newsome, 21, from the Harehills area of Leeds, was released on bail after being charged over alleged abuse, police have said. He is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates' Court on Wednesday May 14. Mrs Maguire died after she was attacked during a Spanish lesson at the school where she had taught for more than 40 years. She was due to retire in September. The . killing is thought to be the first time a teacher has been stabbed to . death in a British classroom and the first murder of a teacher in a . school since the 1996 Dunblane massacre. Scene: Corpus Christi has been rocked by the death of a woman called 'the mother of the school' Heartbroken: Mrs Maguire's husband of 37 years, Donald, and their two daughters Kerry, 32, and Emma, 30, view the wall of floral tributes placed outside the school . Prayers were said for Mrs Maguire and her family on Sunday. Deacon Sean Quigley included the family of the 15-year-old boy charged with murdering the 61-year-old in his homily at Corpus Christi Church in Leeds which is attached to the school. Mr Quigley, a retired teacher at the college who knows the Maguire family, told the congregation: 'The school, staff and pupils have been consoled by messages from around the world and by many gifts of flowers, and also of food and books. 'The family of the young man involved also have been consoled in their great distress by the messages of love they have received.' A 100m-long wall of floral tributes now runs from the church to the school gates. A book of condolence has also been opened for those who want to express their sympathies. A 15-year-old boy appeared in court last week charged with mother-of-two Mrs Maguire's murder and was remanded in custody. | Robert Riley wrote offensive messages about teacher's death on Twitter . He admits offence before magistrates after being detained for own safety . After appearance yesterday, he'll be sentenced in South Wales this week . He was behind a number of other incidents of online trolling, court hears . | 94ec9f59b59d52020e490026f7bb529cdc3a4605 |
JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has temporarily banned YouTube to block access to a video that many Muslims consider anti-Islamic. Protesters demonstrate against an anti-Islamic film in front of the Dutch embassy in Jakarta. Indonesia's Communications and Information Minister sent a letter to all Internet providers ordering them to block the video-sharing Web site until further notice, a ministry spokesman said Tuesday. The minister has asked YouTube to remove the 15-minute movie "Fitna," but has not received a reply from the company, the spokesman said. "Fitna," which is the work of Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, features disturbing images of terrorist acts juxtaposed over verses from the Quran to paint Islam as a threat to Western society. It has been posted on several Web sites, including Google Video and YouTube. Last week, about 50 Indonesia students broke into a Dutch consulate compound to protest the movie. They tore off the gate of the embassy in the city of Medan and ripped down a flag, said a Dutch Embassy spokeswoman. Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkanende has said his government is worried that Geert Wilders' film could provoke a violent backlash. The film has also prompted protests in other parts of the Muslim world. Soon after its release last month, hundreds of angry Muslims rallied in Pakistan, where the government temporarily blocked access to YouTube because of a trailer for Wilders' film. The protesters burned the Dutch flag and called on Pakistan to cut ties with the Netherlands. The Dutch government and others, including the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, have rejected the film. The OIC has 57 member states across four continents and claims on its Web site to be the second largest inter-governmental organization, after the United Nations. In its statement, it urged the international community to condemn the showing of the film and asked the Dutch government to prosecute the author of the documentary under Dutch law. But Wilders has stood by his project. "My intention was not to offend in any way, but to show the truth -- at least the truth as I see it," Wilders told CNN. "And if the truth hurts and could be offensive, well, this of course is not my problem." Watch interview with Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilder. » . Wilders is a member of the Dutch parliament from the conservative Party for Freedom and an outspoken critic of Islam. He said he has "big problems" with Islam's Prophet Mohammed, the Quran and "everything that is stated inside this terrible book." The title, "Fitna," translates in Arabic to "strife" or "conflict" of the type that occurs within families or any other homogenous group. The film opens with passages from the Quran, interspersed with graphic images of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States . The video also includes disturbing images of other terror attacks -- bloodied victims; beheadings of hostages; executions of women in hijab, the traditional Muslim attire; and footage, with subtitles, of Islamic leaders preaching inflammatory sermons against Jews and Christians. E-mail to a friend . CNN's Kathy Quiano in Jakarta contributed to this report . | Indonesia temporarily bans YouTube to block video many say is anti-Islamic . Govt. asks YouTube to remove "Fitna," by Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders . Film, which juxtaposes terrorism and verses from the Quran, has sparked protests . Last week students broke into Dutch consulate compound in Jakarta to demonstrate . | 660b30e9554d7c4135900ca0b44800f04bf25e3e |
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Taliban gunmen executed a young couple for trying to elope in rural Afghanistan, a local police chief told CNN Tuesday. The woman was forced by her parents to become engaged to a man she did not like, said Police Chief Gabar Furdali, and decided to leave home with another man. Local Taliban commanders found out and set out to punish them, said the police officer in the village of Man De Khe in the Kash Rud district of Nimruz province, a remote southwestern province that borders on Iran and Pakistan. The Taliban gathered residents of Kash Rud to watch the execution of the two. The man, Abdul Aziz, and the woman, who was not named, were shot to death, the police officer said. He did not say when the killings took place. NATO troops who patrol the country have "limited presence in that particular area," a spokesman told CNN. The killings were not "within our area of responsibility, but we are aware of the reports" said the spokesman for the NATO mission who declined to be named, in line with policy. There is a tradition of "honor killings" in the region that long predates the Taliban, said Barnett Rubin, an Afghanistan expert at New York University. Journalist Tawab Qurayshi contributed to this report . | Police chief says couple were killed for planning to elope . He says woman wanted to get away from forced engagement to another man . Incident happened in Nimruz province, a remote area that borders Iran and Pakistan . NATO aware of the reports but said it was not their area of responsibility . | ef8171573c008b3ae4afc5c0e1cf5de0bd2b20d9 |
PUBLISHED: . 19:53 EST, 1 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:55 EST, 1 April 2013 . Waiting: Seven-year-old Sienna Singleton needs heart surgery . A girl of seven faces an agonising wait for heart surgery after operations were suspended at a scandal-hit hospital. Sienna Singleton was expecting an ‘imminent’ admission to Leeds General Infirmary. But its paediatric unit has been shut since Thursday night after it emerged that its mortality rate may be twice the national average. Sienna, who needs a third major operation to treat a congenital heart defect, must wait to find out if the unit will reopen or if space must be found at a specialist hospital elsewhere. Her mother Kerry, 33, from Doncaster, said: ‘Sienna has been telling everyone that she cannot wait to have her heart surgery. ‘She comes home from school every day and says “Has the hospital rung yet?”. She knows it will make her better. ‘We are worried about the future. Sienna loves the infirmary, she knows the staff and the hospital and she feels safe there. We don’t want to travel to Newcastle or Liverpool and be treated somewhere unfamiliar. It must be even worse for those children who had dates for surgery this week.’ Like many others, Sienna’s parents now face an agonising wait to find out if the unit will re-open or if space must be found at one of the other specialist hospitals across the UK, including London and Birmingham. Mrs Singleton, 33, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, said: ‘We are worried about the future. Sienna loves the infirmary, she knows the staff and the hospital and she feels safe there. ‘We don’t want to travel to Newcastle or Liverpool and be treated somewhere unfamiliar. ‘It must be even worse for those children who had dates for surgery this week, only for it to be cancelled. ‘To take such drastic action with no contact with myself or others is disgusting.’ It comes amid shocking allegations from other parents of botched operations and poor treatment at the hospital’s cardiac unit. There were also concerns that relatively junior surgeons had been left in charge of the unit after a senior surgeon was banned from operating on children while ‘aspects of his practice’ were investigated. Poorly: Sienna Singleton aged two after she underwent heart surgery . Allegations have been made from other parents of botched operations and poor treatment at the hospital¿s cardiac unit . But MPs and some parents have claimed the decision to suspend surgery at the unit was politically-motivated and ‘suspicious’ timing. Yesterday, a spokesman for the hospital said: ‘I would love to say that no operations will be delayed but, inevitably, when you are being transferred between centres, it is likely that some operations will be carried out later than scheduled.’ A meeting between the unit’s clinicians, NHS specialists and the hospital is scheduled for today. Worried: Concerned mother Kerry Singleton whose seven-year-old daughter Sienna was due heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary . | Sienna Singleton was expecting admission to the hospital . But its paediatric unit has been shut after it emerged its mortality rate may be twice the national average . | d6e44b77071c14aa70a89f079fb4bcb2f60e3a8d |
By . Daily Mail . Two distinguished authors — arguably the most celebrated in their fields — will take centre stage at our autumn literary lunch. Dickie Arbiter served as Press Secretary to Queen Elizabeth and media manager for Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. He is the only royal commentator to have been present at the Queen’s Coronation and her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees. As well as his duties as a royal spokesman, he media managed all the Queen’s major ceremonial engagements as well as the arrangements for royal funerals, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales. Guest speakers: Former Queen's press secretary Dickie Arbiter (left) and historian Sir Max Hastings (right) He is considered one of the most knowledgeable commentators on the British monarchy, and broadcasts extensively on royal matters both in Britain and abroad. His new book, On Duty With The Queen, is his frank account of life with the Royal Family, told with the wit and insight of a seasoned raconteur. We are proud to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War I with eminent historian and Daily Mail journalist Sir Max Hastings. The prize-winning and best-selling author of numerous books on both World Wars, his latest — Catastrophe: Europe Goes To War 1914 — is a passionate defence of why this was a conflict in which Britain had to fight and a brilliant description of the early theatre of war from Ypres to Serbia, Prussia and Galicia. Catastrophe has been praised by the critics for its depth of knowledge and empathy for its subjects. As one wrote: ‘This is a magnificent and deeply moving book. With Max Hastings as our guide we are in the hands of a master.’ In the chair once more is Gyles Brandreth, our genial master of ceremonies, whose books include diaries, biographies, the popular Oscar Wilde detective series (‘very entertaining’ with ‘rattlingly elegant dialogue’) and his inspirational The 7 Secrets Of Happiness, now also a one-man show. HOW TO BOOK . Our lunch is held at the four-star Lancaster London Hotel, West London, overlooking Hyde Park, on Friday, September 26, from noon. There will be a three-course lunch with wine preceded by a reception with cash bar at which guests can meet the authors. There will also be book signings after lunch. Tickets cost £75 per person. Please send cheques, payable to the Lancaster London Hotel, with the name(s) of your guest(s) if any for the table plan, to: Caroline Hamilton Fleming, 27 Baalbec Road, London N5 1QN. Tickets will be sent out during the week beginning September 15 and cheques will be returned to unsuccessful applicants. | Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, and eminent historian Sir Max Hastings will be at the Daily Mail Literary Lunch this year . | e52167a3b465c733bbff3f7952c06371a535846f |
By . Laura Clark . PUBLISHED: . 08:57 EST, 18 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:57 EST, 18 October 2012 . If you imagine spies are recruited with a discreet tap on the shoulder in the colleges of Oxford or Cambridge, think again. For the first time, the secret services are looking to recruit dozens of school-leavers for apprenticeships. Bosses are looking for as many as 100 recruits as young as 18 to take a ‘degree in spying’ instead of going to university. The first spy apprentices will arrive at GCHQ on the west of Cheltenham this autumn to learn how to protect Britain from the threat of cyber terrorists . Young spies: Actors Alexa Vega (lef) and Daryl Sabara (right) in a scene from 2002 adventure comedy film Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams . They say they are keen to dispel the . ‘myth’ that a career in the intelligence services is ‘the preserve of . privately educated men’. The Foreign Office said it wanted to . harness the talents of the ‘XBox generation’ who have grown up with . social networking sites, global internet connections and interactive . gaming. Recruits will be mainly based at GCHQ, the electronic communications agency. But some will work for MI6 or MI5. Web-savvy teenagers, described by the Foreign Office as being part of the 'X-box generation' are being urged to consider a career in code-breaking instead of going to university . The Foreign Office has given £480,000 to unlock £5million in funding to secure the future of Bletchley Park House in Buckinghamshire, which was home to the Enigma codebreakers during World War Two . They will be paid an unspecified salary as well as earning a foundation degree as they train. William Hague unveiled the scheme yesterday during a visit to Bletchley Park – GCHQ’s Second World War predecessor. The Foreign Secretary compared the . role of the new recruits to that of the Buckinghamshire base’s famous . ‘code-breakers’, who cracked the Enigma codes used by the Nazis. He said cyber-warfare was ‘one of the . greatest challenges of our time’ and that he wanted to find the ‘young . innovators’ who would be able to help confront it. Candidates need three A-levels or . equivalent qualification, including at least two C grades in a science, . technology or maths subject. They will embark on a two-year training programme which will include desk-based study as well as work placements. They will earn a foundation degree . course in communications, security and engineering at De Montfort . University in Leicester as well as a level diploma in IT. Foreign Secretary William Hague announced the apprenticeship plans at Bletchley Park, where he was presented with an Enigma machine which will be displayed in the Foreign Office . Computing machines were used to read Nazi codes at Bletchley Park, England, during World War Two. Now a new generation of maths and computing experts are being recruited by the intelligence agencies . A GCHQ spokesman said: ‘Candidates . won’t just be working with the very latest technology, they will be . involved in creating it.’ During his visit to Bletchley Park Mr Hague also announced funding to secure the future of the estate. A £480,000 grant from the Foreign . Office will release a further £5million of Heritage Lottery Funding to . help Bletchley carry out vital restorations and create a . state-of-the-art visitor centre and exhibitions. | Foreign Secretary says young codebreakers are needed to protect Britain . School leavers are urged to train as spooks instead of going to university . Government grant helps to secure £5million restoration of Bletchley Park . It's where experts cracked the Nazi's Enigma code during World War Two . | 0ae5a393cb21f9dec88b6ab5d8e49c5cc961d94d |
Poignant footage of First World War soldiers will be projected on to Stonehenge as part of a new exhibition telling the story of how one million men trained on Salisbury Plains during the conflict. The footage of the soldiers marching is being beamed onto the ancient stones for a memorial service marking the opening of the Soldiers At Stonehenge project. Although it is usually associated with more ancient history, Stonehenge stood at the centre of what was between 1914 and 1918 the world's largest military training camp. Poignant: Footage of First World War soldiers will be projected on to Stonehenge as part of a new exhibition telling the story of how one million men trained on Salisbury Plains during the conflict . Troops: During the conflict, some 180,000 men were stationed on Salisbury Plain at any one time, coming from across the Commonwealth to prepare for battle . During the conflict, some 180,000 men were stationed there at any one time, coming from across the Commonwealth to prepare for battle. The exhibition, which opens tomorrow at the Stonehenge Visitors Centre, aims to explore the untold story of Stonehenge, the Salisbury Plains and those who trained for war around the iconic site. Visitors to the centre will be able to learn what life was like for the men who trained on Salisbury Plaine, though stories, photographs and historical artifacts. The exhibition, which will run for six months, will also show how reminders of their presence can still be seen across the wider Stonehenge landscape, with Salisbury Plain still used by the military for training purposes today. 'Troops from across the British Empire travelled to the Salisbury Plains to prepare for war starting with Canadian soldiers in 1914, followed by men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) in 1916,' said Robert Campbell, Head of Interpretation at English Heritage. 'The task of the men training on Salisbury Plain was to overcome the horrific stalemate of trench warfare. 'To replicate conditions on the Western Front, soldiers dug intricate networks of trenches which were then pounded by shellfire. Innovative but deadly new technology pioneered in the training camps and secret establishments created in Wiltshire during 1914 - 1918 resulted in major developments in aviation, artillery and chemical warfare.' Items on show include medals awarded to Lieutenant Edmund Antrobus, the heir to Stonehenge, who was killed in action, and original artwork of The Better 'Ole - one of the most famous war cartoons of all time which was developed by Bruce Bairnsfather on Salisbury Plain. Soldiers: Drummer Jacob Bruce and Lance Corporal Owein O'Brien from the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment Fusiliers, based at nearby Tidworth, practice the 'Last Post' as they prepare for a memorial service marking the opening of the exhibition tomorrow . History: Although it is usually associated with more ancient history, Stonehenge stood at the centre of what was between 1914 and 1918 the world's largest military training camp . The humorist and cartoonist had been posted to the 34th Division headquarters on Salisbury Plain, after serving at the front and being hospitalised with shellshock following the Second Battle of Ypres. It was while he was on Salisbury Plan that he developed his humorous series of cartoons about life in the trenches, with The Better 'Ole, depicting two soldiers in a muddy shell hole, one of the best remembered. Bairnsfather went on to invent Old Bill, an old soldier with a trademark walrus moustache and balaclava. His cartoons achieved immense popularity because they expressed the views of the ordinary soldier in the trenches. Lieutenant Antrobus, whose father Sir Edmund had also been a soldier, was killed in action just seventeen days after arriving at the front. Sir Edmund, who served in the 1880s Sudan Campaign, inherited Stonehenge as part of the Amesbury Abbey estate in 1899. His son and heir landed in Belgium in 1914 and was killed in action at Ypres in October 1914. Sir Edmund died in February 1915, it was said, of a broken heart. After their deaths the grieving Lady Florence Antrobus placed the war medals of both her husband and son within an ornate cabinet along with a portrait of her son which she had painted herself. The loss of both the owner and heir to Stonehenge lead in part to the monument being put up for sale at auction in 1915. Although there were calls for the Nation to purchase Stonehenge, it was Cecil Chubb, a locally born Barrister, who was the successful purchaser and it was he who was the last person to privately own Stonehenge. Also on show are a number of archaeological finds including cap badges, rifle cartridges, aircraft parts and highly personal items such as a spoon and even part of a bottle of Australian hair tonic. The special exhibition, Soldiers at Stonehenge - Salisbury Plain And The Journey To The First World War opens on November 5 at the Stonehenge exhibition and visitor centre. Admission is included in the entry price for Stonehenge. | Footage of soldiers marching being beamed onto the ancient stones during Soldiers At Stonehenge exhibition . During WW1, Salisbury Plain was world's largest military training camp, with 180,000 stationed there at any one time . Soldiers from across the Commonwealth would dig trenches to replicate those on the Western Front . Technology developed nearby led to developments in aviation, artillery and chemical warfare . | d73543c70343d50a606eed4edcc7e19805fb771d |
By . Sam Webb . Protesters gathered in London today to call for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza as the conflict in the troubled region shows no sign of abating. Pro-Palestine supporters carried placards with the messages 'Freedom for Palestine' and 'End Israel's attacks on Gaza' outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington, west London. One of the protestors was Susan Jhafouri, a 19-year-old student who has Afghan and Slovakian heritage. Scroll down for video . Growing anger: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators stage a rally outside the Israeli embassy in London today . One placard carried by a demonstrator bore images comparing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler . She said: 'It's inhuman to kill innocent children. I think the fight is between two presidents, not between the civilians. I think Israel should stop the bombing campaign and explain what they want from Palestine and then negotiate.' There are growing concerns about the anti-Semitic nature of some of the protests. One placard carried by a demonstrator bore images comparing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler, whose Nazi regime killed millions of Jews in the Holocaust. Mark Gardner, of the UK-based Jewish Community Trust, told The Jerusalem Post that the anger in anti-Israel demonstrations 'risks getting out of hand.' He added: 'We are already seeing examples of intimidation and anti-Semitic abuse from groups of demonstrators. There is no excuse for this, but it comes as no surprise. 'The organisers of these demonstrations, whether Islamist groups or their far Left allies are playing with fire; and we have made the Metropolitan Police fully aware of this specific concern.' The Israeli embassy also saw protests from those who support Palestine on Saturday, while on Sunday pro-Israeli protestors waving flags bearing the Star of David were at the site. Today, Israeli airstrikes continued to pummel a wide range of locations in Gaza and diplomatic efforts intensified to end the fighting that has killed at least 609 Palestinians and 29 Israelis - 27 soldiers and two civilians. At least 609 Palestinians and 29 Israelis - 27 soldiers and two civilians - have died sinve violence once again flared in the strife-hit region . Pro-Palestine supporters carried placards with the messages 'Freedom for Palestine' and 'End Israel's attacks on Gaza' The U.N. office of humanitarian affairs estimates that at least 75 per cent of the Palestinian deaths were civilians, including dozens of children. The fate of another Israeli soldier who went missing following a deadly battle in the Gaza Strip remained unknown, a defense official said earlier today. It was not immediately known if the missing soldier was alive or dead, the Israeli defense official told The Associated Press. The disappearance raised the possibility that he had been captured by Hamas - a nightmare scenario for Israel. In the past, Israel has paid a heavy price in lopsided prisoner swaps to retrieve captured soldiers or remains held by its enemies. Masked man: A protestor with an 'Anonymous' mask outside the Israeli embassy . Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Italy on Tuesday condemned the rise in anti-Semitic protests and violence over the conflict in Gaza, saying they will do everything possible to combat it in their countries. 'Anti-Semitic rhetoric and hostility against Jews, attacks on people of Jewish belief and synagogues have no place in our societies,' German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, France's Laurent Fabius and Italy's Federica Mogherini said in a joint statement issued in Brussels. The three said that while they respect demonstrators' freedom of speech and right to assemble, they will also do everything possible to fight 'acts and statements that cross the line to anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia.' Since the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hamas, participants at anti-Israel demonstrations across Germany have frequently used anti-Semitic slogans and also called for Jews to be gassed - a reference to the killing of Jews by the Nazis in the Holocaust. In Berlin on Tuesday afternoon, about 500 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched from the city's Potsdamer Platz to the landmark Brandenburg Gate, chanting slogans like 'Israel is murder' and 'Israel bombs, Germany finances.' The most direct route for the march would have taken the protesters directly to Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, but police in riot gear steered them well around the monument to the 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany. Police had to separate Berlin resident Bernd Wierer from a group of young male protesters after he started arguing with them about their chant: 'Israel is fascist.' The 70-year-old said he was neither Jewish nor had any connections to Israel, but that Germany's Nazi past made it necessary for the country to be particularly vigilant about anti-Semitic slogans. 'They can demonstrate here, I support that, but you can't say those things in Germany,' he said. Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Al Shejaeiya neighbourhood during a military operation in eastern Gaza City today . In France, pro-Palestinian youths have clashed repeatedly with police, and on Sunday set fire to cars, pillaged stores and attacked two synagogues in the Paris suburbs. Italy has also seen nonviolent pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Jewish groups have expressed shock and disgust about the growing anti-Semitism in Germany and other European countries with strong Muslim communities. 'We have reached a new level of hatred and violence in all of Europe that cannot even be compared to the anti-Semitism seen during previous conflicts in Israel,' said Stephan Kramer, director of the European office on anti-Semitism of the American Jewish Committee in Brussels. | Demonstrators massed outside embassy in Kensington to vent fury . One protestor said: 'It's inhuman to kill innocent children' So far 609 Palestinians and 29 Israelis have died in fighting . UK Jews are becoming concerned about growing anti-Semitism in protests . | 1368a704857b1c9cc795f07dd2b29b57fe421543 |
By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 11:38 EST, 5 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:59 EST, 5 June 2013 . Fraudster: Lee Tyers was jailed for two weeks by Teesside magistrates after planting his own pubic hair to avoid paying a restaurant bill . A fraudster has been jailed after planting his own pubic hair in a restaurant meal to try and getaway with not paying. Lee Tyers, 40, ate his entire curry dinner before telling staff he found a hair in his food and wouldn't pay the £39.55 bill. But staff at Jamal's Indian restaurant in Middlesbrough knew Tyers was lying and caught him on CCTV putting his hand down his trousers before he made the false claim. Tyers denied the charge of fraud by false representation but was found guilty by Teesside magistrates and jailed for two weeks. Eatery owner Jamal Chowdhury told the court that Tyers had been a customer for around 18 years and already owed him £110 for previous unpaid meals. But Mr Chowdhury told Tyers he would ignore the debt so long as he paid for that evening's meal. Tyers assured the owner he had the cash to pay, before he and a friend ordered two lamb bhunas plus pilau rice, naan bread, drinks, a chapati and a shish . kebab. The pair ate their meals - then Tyers called over a waiter to complain about the hair in his food. After some discussion, the pair left the restaurant without paying. Mr Chowdhury said: 'I told him all the staff have black hair and this is brown - it's not our hair. 'I told him if you pay for the meal now I will look at the CCTV video and if I find there's something wrong I will pay him back. 'I told him "If you don't pay, I'll call the police". I said "You're trying to ruin my business".' Evidence: Staff at Jamal's restaurant in Middlesbrough, where Tyers already owed £110 in unpaid food bills, caught the defendant putting his hands down his trousers at the table . Speaking to the court as a witness in his own defence, Tyers, from Yarm, claimed his friend was the one paying the bill that night, and that Mr Chowdhury would not accept the payment and was insisting on the full amount owed from Tyers' previous visits. He denied the incident over the hair took place. Tyers' friend, also giving evidence to the court, backed up his claim, saying he 'tried to pay three times' but it was declined. He said: 'He (Mr Chowdhury) said he wanted a-hundred-and-something pounds, and I said "that's nowt to do with me".' Alex Bousfield, defending, said there was no physical evidence of the hair as the plate was not kept for police. Following his arrest two days after the incident, Tyers answered all the questions put to him by police with 'no response'. Prosecutor David Ward said Mr Chowdhury was a 'nice man' whose good nature had been taken advantage of. He added: 'If Mr Chowdhury was offered £39.55, why wouldn't he take it? There's nothing on the CCTV that shows anybody trying to pay.' Tyers was sentenced to two weeks' in jail and was ordered to pay £39.55 compensation. | Lee Tyers claimed he found hair during meal at Jamal's Indian restaurant . But he was caught on CCTV putting his hand down his trousers at the table . Tyers already owed the Middlesbrough restaurant £110 in unpaid food bills . Tyers found guilty of fraud by false representation by Teesside magistrates . | 223253ea5a3f7eece9a49dc51b4d7b89d1a32ce7 |
By . John Stevens . Last updated at 9:57 AM on 8th November 2011 . Bitter battle: Jennifer Grubb, 55, outside London's Appeal Court after she won her fight to hang on to a £4.4m divorce package . A divorcee has won her battle to hold on to a £4.4million slice of her ex-husband's ancestral fortune despite contributing nothing to their shared wealth. Jennifer Grubb, 55, was awarded a £2million nine-bedroom country house set in 40 acres of parkland, £75,000 a year for child maintenance, a £1.65million lump sum to meet her 'reasonable needs' and other assets after splitting with Anthony Arbuthnot Watkins Grubb in July 2009. A High Court judge agreed on the division of the couple's £12million estate in August, after describing the couple's wealth as 'not the product of the endeavours' of either of them. Mr Grubb, 61, a chartered surveyor, yesterday challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal, claiming he had 'arguably contributed 100 per cent' to the fortune – most of which has been in his family for years. However, yesterday the court upheld the original judgment. The ruling comes amid claims that courts have lost touch with the idea of 'reasonable needs' for wives in big-money divorce cases. Lord Justice Thorpe, sitting with Lady Justice Hallett and Sir Stephen Sedley, heard that Mrs Grubb was given Damerel, the couple's former home in North Chailey, East Sussex – and £75,000 for renovations – following the original High Court hearing. The house, set over three storeys, was described as having 'large gardens, woodlands, lakes, a tennis court and swimming pool'. The couple, who married in 1985, raised their five children there before moving to the £2million Mayes House in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Jonathan Southgate, representing Mr Grubb, attacked Mrs Grubb's award as 'exorbitant'. He described the house as 'enormous' and far beyond her 'reasonable needs' now that most of the former couple's children, aged between 15 and 30, have flown the nest. 'The word “needs” has been hollowed out and we have lost connection with it,' the barrister said. 'A nine-bedroom property of this stature was clearly over and beyond her needs.' However, Richard Anelay QC, for Mrs Grubb, argued that her ex-husband should count himself lucky to have only lost about a third of his ancestral wealth. Happier times: Anthony Arbuthnot Watkins Grubb with Jennifer and their five children (from left) Ruaraidh, Georgia, Arabella, Lucy and Kitty . Aerial view of the East Grinstead home the couple moved to after leaving their nine-bedroom house in North Chailey, East Sussex. It is the North Chailey home which Mrs Grubb can hold on to following the ruling. After the hearing Mr Grubb said: 'It's a funny old system, but there you go' 'The wife's award represented less . than 50 per cent of the assets,' he told the court. 'Although Damerel is . described as nine-bedroomed, three of the rooms are very small, or . tiny.' Lord Justice Thorpe said: 'You can say . the property was so large or valuable that the judge was plainly wrong . to give it to her. That is easy to understand but difficult to succeed . on in an appeal, because it is a matter of discretion. I can see no . trace of error, or the slightest chance of succeeding on an appeal.' After the hearing, Mr Grubb said: . 'It's a funny old system, but there you go.' He inherited a vast . fortune, including several farms, a substantial shares portfolio and a . shooting estate, following the death of his father. The source of the Grubbs' wealth was a large manufacturing business, which was floated in the 1950s and sold in the 1980s. The legal costs of Mr and Mrs Grubb's divorce have been estimated at almost £700,000. | After hearing, Anthony Arbuthnot Watkins Grubb said: 'It's a funny old system, but there you go' | 5fd2c35115ac55e03aba5b2b7bab8a415b4c8c56 |
By . Chris Brooke and Claire Ellicott . UPDATED: . 05:27 EST, 22 December 2011 . Posing happily together for the camera a few weeks ago, this is the family whose lives ended in cold-blooded slaughter in their home. Richard Smith stabbed his wife and two young children on the marital bed before starting a fire that killed him. Detectives are probing the possibility that he had been having an affair and that this was a key factor behind the appalling multiple murders. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Family: Richard Smith, pictured, killed his wife Clair, also pictured and children Ben, nine, and Aaron, one, (centre) at the family home in Pudsey, West Yorkshire. Their bodies were found on Sunday afternoon . Smith, 37, is believed to have killed . his family in the early hours of Saturday after they all attended a . function at the local cricket club. He murdered wife Clair, 36, and 13-month-old Aaron with a single stab wound to the chest. His other son Ben, nine, was also . stabbed once in the chest but died from suffocation, possibly through a . pillow being held to his face. Smith stayed in the house for another 24 hours – even washing his car on Sunday morning – before taking his own life. Tragic: Ben Smith, nine, was pictured in his local paper a month ago dressed up in a Pudsey Bear outift as part of a charity day alongside his classmates at Greenside Primary School in Pudsey, West Yorks . Friends lay flowers and read tributes next to a police cordon at the scene while Det Supt Paul Taylor, of West . Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, right, addresses the media this morning . Members of the public look at the tributes left at the police cordon in Pudsey, Leeds, where the four were found dead on Sunday afternoon . He put a mattress up against the . window of the room in which he had killed his family, blocked the door . and started a fire. He died from smoke inhalation, a post-mortem . examination showed. A neighbour raised the alarm after spotting the blackened bedroom window and phoned Smith’s brother Matthew. They called the police and, accompanied by three officers, broke into the house and found the bodies at 5.30pm on Sunday. Detective Superintendent Paul Taylor, . who is leading the investigation, refused to speculate on the motive, . saying: ‘It will all come out in the fullness of time. ‘As we have previously stated we are . not looking for anyone else in connection with this enquiry and our role . is to now establish the facts leading up to the tragic event that has . ended the lives of four people and a seemingly happy family. Distraught: Cheryl Heights (left) and Sara Turnbull bring flowers to lay at the street in Pudsey, Leeds, where the family of four was found . Tributes: The bouquets were laid outside the house which was cordoned off with police tape. The note on flowers is from friends Sara and Dean Turnbull . Family friend Sarah Wilson and an unidentified youth leave after placing flowers near the house . ‘That information is then passed to the coroner, who will make a decision around the circumstances of the deaths.’ He said his thoughts were with family . and friends of the family, adding: ‘I cannot begin to imagine what they . have been through during the last 48 hours.’ Friends said the Smiths appeared to . have had no problems. They moved to their £180,000 house in Pudsey, West . Yorkshire, last May, had no money issues and appeared happy after 13 . years of married life. Investigation: Forensic teams work at the house today after the family was found in a bedroom on Sunday . Cul-de-sac: Police initially sealed off the house fearing a chemical leak . Smith was a designer for a shopfitting firm and his wife worked part-time as an accounts manager. He was also the coach of the local . under-nines football team that Ben played for and the whole family were . at the team’s Christmas party on Friday evening. Police have established there was no . row or incident at the event, attended by 35 adults and 31 children at . the Pudsey St Lawrence cricket ground. The Smiths left by taxi at 11pm – . the last time they were all seen alive. Tragedy: Neighbours described Smith as a 'great guy' who appeared to have had no problems . Tragedy: The bodies of two adults and two boys were found in the property . The fact that Ben’s advent calendar had not been opened on Saturday was another sign as to when the murders happened. Mr Taylor said: ‘We believe something . has happened overnight on Friday into the early hours of Saturday. If . anyone else has any other information that contradicts that we very much . want to hear from them.’ Sealed off: Emergency workers in protective clothing prepare to enter the houseon Sunday night. Officers initially thought the family might have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning . Under watch: An officer guards the property in the aftermath of the grim discovery . The bodies were discovered at a property near the centre of Pudsey on the outskirts of Leeds . He said no note to explain the crime . had been left in the house. Police are already focusing on Smith’s . personal life to establish the motive. Mrs Smith’s parents Alan and Norma Robinson paid tribute to their daughter in a statement. It said: ‘Clair was an exceptional . person, loving and caring to everyone. She was a loving mum, her . children were her life, and everything centred around her family and . home. ‘She was our daughter and our best . pal. We cannot imagine what caused this tragedy.’ The Smiths suffered . the heartbreak of losing a baby four years ago through a miscarriage at . 21 weeks. But their sadness turned to joy when Aaron was born in November last year and they moved to a bigger house as a result. Shelley Robson, 43, was Aaron’s . childminder and had helped look after him since he was a young baby. She . said: ‘My heart has been ripped out by this. They were such a lovely . family. ‘I know Richard and I don’t know what . has happened to make him flip and do that, to be honest I really feel . for him. Something must have gone really wrong.’ | Richard Smith stabbed his wife and sons Ben, nine, and Aaron, one . He died of smoke inhalation after setting fire to a bedroom where the bodies were found . Police believe family died in the early hours of Saturday morning . Nobody is being sought in connection with the deaths . | c71afbb6b262cc8012ba95c668a4e6642dfec676 |
Britain has a higher proportion of single parent families than any other country in Western Europe, official figures show. An analysis across the EU showed that nearly one in five British families are headed by a single adult. And while 18.4 per cent of families in this country have a solo parent, numbers come to just 12.7 per cent in Germany, 14.4 per cent in France and 10.6 per cent in the Netherlands. Britain has a higher proportion of single parent families than any other country in Western Europe . In Belgium – long considered the closest continental comparison to Britain for single parents – the share is 16.1 per cent. In Ireland, it is 18.1 per cent. The proportion of single parents is higher only in the former communist countries of Eastern Europe, which have suffered a lack of state support for the family unit and high levels of social problems such as alcoholism. The figures, published by the EU statistics arm Eurostat, are fresh evidence of the decline of family stability in Britain. Last week it emerged that 16-year-olds in this country are more likely to have a smartphone (62 per cent) than live with both parents (57 per cent). Family researcher and author Patricia Morgan said: ‘It is deplorable that we now find ourselves in the same situation as Eastern European countries.’ The figures are fresh evidence of the decline of family stability in Britain (picture posed by model) Despite children from two parent families being more likely to do well at school and have good health, the UK accounts for five of the top 20 cities in Europe for single parenting. According to the latest EU analysis, these include Belfast, where 34.6 per cent of families are lone parent; Liverpool has 31.5 per cent; Glasgow 31 per cent; the Inner London East zone 30.7 per cent; and Birmingham 26.9 per cent. All other cities and regions that make the top 20 are either in Eastern Europe or France’s overseas departments in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. The figures, which are based on the 2011 UK census, come at a time of deepening controversy over the role of co-habitation in generating single parent families. While divorce rates have been falling in recent years, rates of break-up among cohabiting parents remain four times higher than those for married couples. Several judges are in favour of more legal rights for partners who live together, and Lib Dem peer Lord Marks has launched a Bill to bring in a law for cohabitees. But critics believe that giving legal status to cohabiting couples would encourage parents not to marry and lead to even more family breakdown. In 2013, the Office for National Statistics estimated there are 1.9million lone parent families in England and Wales whose children are school age or younger. It said around a quarter of all families with dependent children are led by solo parents. And one in three British couples raising children have a child from a previous relationship in their family unit, according to a report by Aviva last year. | Britain has highest proportion of single parent families in Western Europe . Nearly one in five families are headed by a singled adult, figures show . 18.4% of UK families have a solo parent, compared to 12.7% in Germany . The figures are fresh evidence of the decline of family stability in Britain . | 94f5dd34f3948f280a0b25788f2dbf9e92b9ecce |
Guilty: Roy Hattersley's pet Buster (right) once killed a Royal goose - but he says the new law has flaws . There are no bad dogs —only bad owners. That was what I was brought up to believe. And I believe it still. And that is why I welcomed, with great enthusiasm, the Government’s decision to introduce a new Dangerous Dogs Act and replace the foolish attempt to identify bad dogs with a sensible policy of rooting out bad owners. The purpose of the new Act — which we should all applaud — is to protect the public against dogs which are taught to fight and kill, dogs which are driven wild by neglect, dogs which are taught to intimidate and dogs which so lack training and discipline that they are completely out of control. But the bureaucrats of Whitehall possess a remarkable ability to make even the most sensible policy seem ridiculous. Under the law, which came into force this week, dog owners who simply let their animals growl at strangers or bark in gardens could be ordered to control their pets or face fines of up to £2,500. What’s more, Whitehall has issued a 31-page ‘manual’ entitled Anti-Social Behaviour: Control And Welfare Of Dogs, which describes how the new Act works and includes an incomprehensible ‘flow chart’. The truth is that the document shows every sign of having been written by a civil servant who has never owned a dog and, in consequence, has not the slightest idea about how dogs think and behave. Of course, it was right to change the law in a way that made it possible to prosecute the owner of a dangerous dog, whether the animal attacks its victim on private property or the open road. And the manual, naturally, makes much of the need to protect postal workers. But neither the Post Office itself nor the postal workers’ union has improved its popularity and reputation by behaving as if every dog is a threat and the delivery of every letter is an act of conspicuous gallantry. Indeed, the postman I know best is embarrassed by what he calls ‘all this dog fuss’ and stopped me in the road to say so — stroking my dog at the same time. But the real complaint against the manual is its promotion of so-called Community Protection Orders — a name which might have been taken straight out of George Orwell’s 1984. Police, council officers and social housing landlords can now issue these notices that force an owner to take action, such as attending dog behavioural classes, keeping an animal on a lead, muzzling it or having it neutered. Scroll down for video . Roy (left) says some parts of the manual might have been taken straight out of George Orwell’s 1984 . Examples of the sort of canine behaviour from which the public must be protected, and for which the dog-owner must be punished, lead only to one conclusion: the vast majority of the country’s eight million dog owners are at risk daily of being slapped with a Community Protection Order. For it seems that these orders were invented as part of a doomed attempt to stop dog behaving . . . like dogs. I would certainly qualify for one. As readers with long memories will recall, 18 years ago, my then dog, Buster, when he was young and reckless, killed one of the Queen’s geese in London’s St James’s Park. Natural born killer? Buster would have been slapped with a penalty for killing a Royal goose (pictured) As for my current dog, he spends many a sunny afternoon in what he thinks of as his garden, barking at the dog on the other side of the hedge. That normal behaviour — believe it or not — is now classified as anti-social conduct! I never thought I would complain of becoming a victim of the ‘nanny state’. Not only are my neighbours sensible and civilised people. Their dog barks back at mine. If ever we were both to be prosecuted, one of us would give the other a lift to the courthouse door and the case would undoubtedly collapse. Under the new law, Community Protection Orders are also to be issued when a dog’s behaviour is ‘having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the community’. Yet I fear that this law — which has so little relationship with the real word — is open to abuse by local busybodies. For, we are told, an order could simply be issued if a dog is ‘showing signs of problematic behaviour, such as non-responsive to calls’. We should disregard this nonsense about ‘problematic behaviour’ as nothing more than Civil Service gobbledegook. But the idea that a dog which is ‘non-responsive to calls’ imperils the stability of the community is simply crazy. Most dogs come when they are called — but not always the first or second time. Whenever I walk in the hills behind my house, the shouts and whistles of impatient owners will echo off the bracken. Yet my village remains peaceful and secure. The next time I take a walk, I shall examine the condition of the village green. For the new dangerous dogs manual is particularly severe on anyone who allows their dog to ‘damage flower-beds and benches’ and I assume that publicly-owned grass, mowed at local residents’ expense, qualifies for similar protection. If I see any signs of canine carnage, I shall not take the manual’s advice and provide local officials with details of the destruction ‘through photographic evidence and witness statements’. You may think me lacking in public spirit. But I want to avoid the rest of the village seeing me collect the damning data and making the reasonable assumption that I have lost my senses. There are more examples of normal canine conduct which apparently must be stamped out. Danger dogs: The law was meant to punish owners who force dogs such as Staffies (pictured) to fight . Readers of the manual are invited to imagine that neighbours of a dog-owning family ‘are concerned at the distress and safety of their cats’. They may have noticed that they are chased by the dogs and ‘fear that their chasing is not playful’. No doubt, they are right. For it is in a dog’s nature to chase cats, just as it is a cat’s nature to chase birds and, in turn, a bird’s nature to chase insects. In my experience, the cat almost always escapes. Nor does it show any signs of distress. It sits in a tree or on a nearby wall — a car bonnet will do — and hisses defiance at its pursuer. And all the characters in the little dog-cat drama — up to now without the assistance of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Home Office — live happily ever after. But the example of the definition of ‘bad behaviour’ which riles me most — provoking anger rather than derision — is ‘a dog running loose in the park’ which approaches ‘a group of young children’ or ‘other dogs being walked on leads’ before it returns to its owner. To regard that as an offence is worse than ridiculous. Dogs are pack animals and enjoy — indeed need — company. The other dogs almost certainly welcome their attention. And it is positively wicked — wicked — to encourage children to believe that a dog is something to fear. One of the blessings of my childhood was the lesson, gladly learned, that dogs are man’s natural friend. The child who has not learned that lesson is missing one of the joys of life. Dogs should be, and often are, a delight to young and old. For thousands of sick, elderly and lonely people they provide comfort, consolation and companionship. The last thing they need is the nagging fear that if their dog chases a cat or barks too loudly, some officious individual from the local council will knock on their door and warn them to change its ways or face prosecution. Of course, the bureaucrats will tell us: ‘It won’t work like that.’ But if that is so, why have the powers ‘to work like that’ been created? And why not abandon them here and now? In the meantime, I am worried that thousands — perhaps millions — of dog-owners will feel, at best, uneasy about this foolish new Dangerous Dogs Act. What’s more, the nation needs their support for the part of the legislation which really matters. It is imperative that we track down — and rescue — all those dogs which have been bred to fight. We must prosecute the men who strut around the streets with dogs which they treat as offensive weapons. Bad owners — not bad dogs — are the proper target. But they have to be identified with common sense. Otherwise the whole operation will be dismissed as nonsense. | Aim of Dangerous Dogs Act is to protect public from pets taught to fight . But it reads as though none of the civil servants own a dog themselves . Dog owners who let their pets growl at strangers could face £2,500 fines . And that's by ex-MP ROY HATTERSLEY - whose pet killed Queen's goose . | 85aff089cd395265716091d518ca14c0d7de5d82 |
(PEOPLE.com) -- There's another baby on the way for Lisa Loeb! The singer/author, 43, and husband Roey Hershkovitz will welcome their second child in June, her rep confirms to PEOPLE exclusively. "I grew up with a big family, so I'm excited for Lyla to have a sibling!" Loeb tells PEOPLE. The couple, who wed in 2009, are already parents to daughter Lyla Rose, 2. Loeb can now be seen on tour for her children's song book, "Lisa Loeb's Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs." "It's a little bit of a challenge to try to balance my work with my family, but my family comes first," says Loeb, who also designs frames for her eyewear collection. "My daughter is so beautiful and sweet and funny." See the full article at PEOPLE.com. © 2011 People and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Lisa Loeb will welcome their second child in June . "I'm excited for Lyla to have a sibling" Loeb tells PEOPLE . Loeb also designs frames for her eyewear collection . | cf85f7d85c898ff879ea30c300e08bbee727faa5 |
(CNN)Hollywood's leading women want to be treated with a little more respect as they parade the red carpet on Oscar night this Sunday. And it's not hard to sympathize with them. Female nominees, it seems, are tired of simply engaging in the same old small talk about the make of their gowns, the jewels they are wearing, or the footwear they're flaunting (not to mention the intimate secrets of their personal beautification process). So they have been pushing back in the form of #AskHerMore, a campaign launched last year that's being waged by women in Hollywood wanting to broaden the scope of their pre-telecast conversations beyond fashion. Whether it be Cate Blanchett's pointed question to a cameraman at last year's SAG Awards, or contenders refusing to raise their hands for E! Entertainment's "Mani-Cam," actresses are starting to speak out about some of the more sexist treatment they face. So, can we expect a red carpet rebellion at this year's Academy Awards? Far from it. Posing like a supermodel and discussing couture delivers a big payoff -- a lucrative contract representing a luxury brand of cosmetics, watches, automobiles or even bottled water and automobiles. Such contracts give stars an extra income, allowing them to refrain, if they choose, from making B-list movies or popcorn blockbusters. Plus, fronting a glossy campaign can also create a sophisticated aura around the star in question. And this award season has felt even longer than usual. Instead of kicking off with January's Golden Globes, it started two months early, in November 2014, with the Hollywood Film Awards. Purists lampooned the telecast, which despite proclaiming itself the "Official Launch of the Awards Season" has seemed barely known to much of the public beyond Hollywood. Yet that didn't stop the talent considered a shoo-in for the big prizes from being out in force at the ceremony, gamely fielding pre-telecast questions from film and fashion reporters. And this week, the Oscar front-runners are still talking fashion, despite the word on the ground here in Los Angeles being that some nominees are nursing colds, while others already have blisters from walking miles of red carpet in their borrowed designer stilettos. For some, it seems, the thinking is #AskHerMore be damned! It didn't used to be like this. Serious actors -- especially those intent on winning an Oscar -- once refrained from the "grubby" work of advertising. Cher's decision to promote health clubs in a series of TV commercials, for example, was seen by many as scuttling her shot as best actress for the 1985 film "Mask." If an actor did decide to promote a brand, he or she would generally do so on the sly, in Japan, and pocket big money out of sight of Western audiences (much easier in the pre-YouTube era). Today there is no such stigma. Last year's red carpet star Lupita Nyong'o, who secured a statuette for "12 Years A Slave," got an early jump on the Oscar buzz-generating action at the Telluride Film Festival in August before embarking on a six-month stretch of appearances in which she seemed to divide her time between film industry functions (which allow for networking opportunities with Academy voters) and fashion goings-on. On the day her Golden Globe nomination was announced, for example, Nyong'o was attending the Paris couture shows. A month after Nyong'o claimed the best supporting actress Oscar, Lancôme Paris announced she would be one of its brand ambassadors. This is all a far cry from the days when the shoe was on the other foot, and it was old Hollywood's leading women who felt honored to be associated with their stylists. Golden age stars like Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn were proud of their associations with style gurus like Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy -- and they also paid for their clothes -- while Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Janet Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor relied on Edith Head, the head of the costume department at Paramount Pictures, to prep them for awards-season premieres and the Oscars. Similarly, on her way to winning the best actress prize for "Caberet" in 1973, Liza Minnelli sought out the services of design legend Halston, reportedly to ensure that she would have an image that would keep her out of the shadow of her legendary mother, Judy Garland. Halston's reported advice? Minnelli should purchase a set of Louis Vuitton luggage, which he then filled with clothes, footwear and jewels all made to measure for her. Still, for a time, the demise of the studio system and feminist ideals started to put paid to women prettifying themselves (too much) for awards season. Indeed, a slew of late 1970s and '80s winners sported pantsuits and cocktail attire at the Golden Globes and the Oscars. But Sharon Stone's reasoning that "If you are going to the Oscars, you might as well go to the Oscars" may have marked a resurgence of glamor. Onetime model Stone liked fashion and understood how to wear fine jewelry. And today, her successors on the nominations list, actresses like Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore -- respected both for their style and talent -- carry her torch. And increasingly, male leads seem interested in getting in on the act. Eddie Redmayne, up for best actor for "The Theory of Everything," has been a regular presence at events on TV. And although he hasn't been nominated for an Academy Award, Ellar Coltrane of "Boyhood" has been working the style angle, becoming a red carpet star and the face of Richard Linklater's coming-of-age epic. And like Nyong'o, whose claim to fame prior to "12 Years a Slave" was an MTV Base show, Coltrane has shot to overnight stardom . Clad in sharp Armani tuxedos and plush velvet Isaia suits, he has gamely chatted his way through E! pre-telecasts. So if you tune in on Sunday, don't expect the stars to be camera-shy, even if they are cringing inside at the questions they are being asked. After all, while some of them will be collecting awards for work already completed, the Oscar pre-show is also a chance for many of them to be auditioning for some more work -- whether it's on the silver screen or a magazine cover. And for that reason alone, the red carpet circus isn't going anywhere. | Academy Awards ceremony takes place this Sunday . Bronwyn Cosgrave: Posing like a supermodel delivers a big payoff . | cee39e264e1d7c695dd015b022bce4eec8323aa2 |
By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 07:51 EST, 21 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:36 EST, 21 October 2013 . From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the crumbling Mayan step-pyramids at Tikal, some of the most precious heritage sites around the globe are at risk from forces of nature and humans. But now scientists are using advanced 3D scanning technology to digitally document much-loved landmarks in a bid to preserve them on computers for generations to come. A new organisation intends to preserve 500 cultural sites digitally over the next five years and build a 3D-digital library of the world's most important monuments. Scientists are using advanced 3D scanning technology to digitally document much-loved landmarks including Mount Rushmore (pictured) in a bid to preserve them on computers for generations to come . Unlike precious artefacts that are carefully preserved in museums, sites such as the Mayan pyramids, Mount Rushmore and the ruins of Pompeii, are open to the elements and are being slowly eroded. Increasing numbers of tourists visiting the famous sites can also accidentally cause damage to them, leading a new charitable organisation to try and preserve selected locations. Launched today at the Tower of London, CyArk's '500 Challenge' is a mission to save cultural heritage sites across the globe before they are ravaged by war or terrorism, affected by climate change, earthquakes or floods or fall victim to sprawling cities. Mapping the sites is a laborious process. Here, abseilers map Mount Rushmore, which forms one of the 40 heritage sites mapped and collected by the organisation so far . CyArk intends to preserve 500 cultural sites digitally over the next five years and build a 3D-digital library of the world's most important sites. This is a scan of Chichen Itza in Mexico that dates from 600 AD. The precious pyramid is visited by 1.2 million tourists every year . The project uses 3D laser scanning and other reality-capture technologies to create digital models of sites, such as this ancient Stabiae in Pompeii, that are accurate to just two to six millimeters. This level of detail preserves delicate works of art such as mosaic floor (pictured) Ben Kacyra, co-founder of CyArk, based in Edinburgh, said: 'Our mission is to create a 3D-digital library of the world’s most important heritage sites. 'While there isn’t enough time or money to save all these sites physically, we have the technology to digitally preserve them. 'By . doing so, we will ensure that these treasures are available for . appreciation and study for years to come. It’s not an option; it’s our . responsibility. CyArk's '500 Challenge' is a mission to save cultural heritage sites across the globe before they are ravaged by war or terrorism, affected by climate change, earthquakes or floods or fall victim to sprawling cities. Pictured is the scan of the remarkable Kasubi Tombs in Uganda . 'Otherwise, we will lose our shared history and an important piece of our cultural identity.' CyArk has already mapped 40 sites, including Babylon, the Titanic, the Sydney Opera House and the Tower of London. The project uses 3D laser scanning and other reality-capture technologies to create digital models of the sites that are accurate to just two to six millimeters, enabling details to be captured that could otherwise be damaged by weathering. This scan of the Leaning Tower of Pisa shows just how precarious the monument is. The organisation is scanning 500 landmarks to make sure they are available to study for years to come and sees its as a responsibility . In each mapping exercise, experts capture billions of data points and as much as 10 terbytes of information. Using . the data collected, CyArk develops tools to help conservators in . managing and preserving locations, that can be a magnet for tourists, as . well as letting researchers and members of the public have access to the . maps via its website. The data collected from each project is stored in an underground bunker in western Pennsylvania by a company called Iron Mountain, alongside other priceless collections including musical recordings from Capitol/Universal Music musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley and films like E.T and Jaws from Universal Studios. The organisation today launched the CyArk 500 Fund to enable governments and individuals to nominate sites for preservation and donate money to support the cause. Sites worthy of scanning will be chosen by a council of international heritage experts, chaired by Gustavo Araoz, president of the International Council of Monuments and Sites. He said: 'The first task of the Advisory Council was to develop criteria for selecting the 500. 'While the risk factor will be a chief criterion in selecting sites, we want to use the technology beyond mere documentation to promote capacity building in all regions, and to assist management in periodic monitoring, interpretation, public awareness, and promotion of visitation.' In each mapping exercise, such as this colonnade in Pompeii, experts capture billions of data points and as much as 10 terbytes of information . | CyArk wants to preserve 500 cultural sites digitally over the next five years . Scientists are using advanced 3D scanning technology to digitally document monuments that are chosen by an international committee . CyArk has already mapped 40 sites, including Babylon, the Titanic, the Sydney Opera House and the Tower of London . | 2915af1006172251721d421eb21df6fbfbe7c49e |
By . Associated Press . and Zoe Szathmary . An Albuquerque father allegedly left his 11-year-old daughter with a loaded .22 caliber gun while he went to get a tattoo. Father John Ruiz was arrested this week shortly after a neighbor spotted his daughter with the firearm at an apartment complex swimming pool, KOB-TV reports. Scroll down for video . Father: John Ruiz, pictured, allegedly left his daughter with a loaded gun for protection . Ruiz faces a child endangerment charge. Authorities say the girl didn't threaten anyone with the gun. John Ruiz allegedly leaves the gun with his young daughter 'when he goes to school or runs errands for protection in case someone breaks in or something,' police said. Ruiz has been released from jail on a $15,000 bond. In court: Ruiz faces a child endangerment charge and has been released on a $15,000 bond . Scene: A neighbor spotted Ruiz's daughter with the gun at this Albuquerque swimming pool . Ruiz did not say much to a KOB-TV reporter after he appeared in front of a judge. 'Liars,' he said. 'You guys don’t know anything about harassment by the neighbors or anything else.' Ruiz did not elaborate on the 'harassment,' and told the reporter he 'did nothing wrong.' 'I made a mistake,' he said. 'That's it.' When asked what the mistake was, Ruiz said 'That [...] I left a weapon unlocked, and my daughter - and they twisted everything around.' A request for comment to Albuquerque police from MailOnline was not immediately returned. | John Ruiz allegedly left his 11-year-old daughter with a loaded .22 caliber gun while he went to get a tattoo . Police said Ruiz's daughter claimed her . father 'leaves the firearm with her when he goes to school or runs . errands for protection in case someone breaks in or something' Ruiz faces a child endangerment charge and has been released on $15,000 bail . | 69547f39af0d40952b2c04760c1adbb3240fc623 |
(CNN) -- March 2012 will go down as the warmest March in the United States since record-keeping began in 1895, NOAA said Monday. In addition, the three-month period of January, February and March was the warmest first quarter ever recorded in the Lower 48 states. The average was 42 degrees Fahrenheit, a whopping 6 degrees above the long-term average. A staggering 15,292 warm temperature records were broken, (7,755 record highs and 7,517 record high overnight lows), according to Chris Vaccaro, spokesperson for NOAA. "That's tremendously excessive. The scope and the scale of warmth was really unprecedented, Vaccaro said. A persistent weather pattern during the month of March led to 25 states east of the Rockies having their warmest March on record, NOAA said. That same pattern was responsible for cooler-than-average conditions in the West Coast states of Washington, Oregon and California, they said. The warm temperatures also contributed to conditions that were favorable for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. There were 223 preliminary tornado reports during March, a month that averages 80 tornadoes, according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center. The majority of these tornadoes occurred during a severe weather outbreak across the Ohio River Valley and Southeast in early March. The outbreak caused 40 deaths and total losses of $1.5 billion, making it the first billion-dollar disaster of 2012. Short-term weather patterns such as the one that affected the United States are poor indicators of global climate trends, however. Parts of the world, most notably Eastern Europe, experienced below-average to extreme cold temperatures this winter. CNN's Jake Carpenter contributed to this report. | January-February-March also was warmest first quarter on record, NOAA reports . NOAA: More than 7,700 record highs were recorded during the month . March also saw more than 7,500 all-time high overnight lows, weather agency reports . Preliminary tornado reports for the month were almost four times the average . | adc438d9c668dbb767a7406530d753e9f1fa90c2 |
Newcastle summer signing Remy Cabella claimed Alan Pardew made the right choice by dropping him for recent matches, admitting he has struggled with the Premier League's physicality. The 24-year-old France international finally arrived on Tyneside from Montpellier in July, almost seven months after the Magpies initially targeted him in the wake of Yohan Cabaye's January departure for Paris St Germain. However, the £7million man has found the pace and power of the Barclays Premier League a challenge and having started the first six league games, was taken out of the firing line for the trip to Swansea on October 4. Remy Cabella celebrates with Sammy Ameobi after the striker scored Newcastle's opener against Tottenham . But he returned as a half-time substitute at Tottenham on Sunday and provided the cross from which Ayoze Perez headed Pardew's men to a second successive victory, and he is now hoping that will provide him with a springboard to show what he can do on a sustained basis. Cabella told L'Equipe: 'It's logical. The coach had been starting me in the first two months, but I had not scored or had an assist. 'Dropping me to the bench, and indeed not playing me at all at Swansea, hurt my pride. But I have not eased off, I have worked more. Steven Taylor congratulates Cabella after the Frenchman provided the assist for Newcastle's second goal . 'He [Pardew] trusted me to play the second half [against Tottenham]. I got my first assist and it is good for the confidence. 'Alan Pardew wants me to be decisive, to score goals. Up to now, I have not done that. That is why I am not playing. 'Now I am only thinking about scoring. But I don't feel any pressure, that would be pointless. I am just here to play football, it is the best job.' Cabella said Alan Pardew was right to drop him for the trip to Tottenham as his form had been poor . Cabella freely admits the physicality of the Premier League came as a surprise, but insists he is gradually coming to terms with it. He said: 'I like England, it's another universe. It is another challenge in a new league, so of course it takes time to adapt. The rhythm and intensity of the game have surprised me. 'For 90 minutes, you attack, you defend, the referee doesn't whistle for anything. But after 90 minutes, you are dead! I didn't have the preparation I needed so I have to work twice as hard, and I am getting there bit by bit.' The former Montpellier man admitted he has struggled with the Physical demands of the Premier League . | Newcastle beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane . Remy Cabella was dropped by Alan Pardew for the match . Cabella said his form had been poor and Pardew made the right choice . The Frenchman came on as a sub and got his first assist for the club . | 09ded7c33877c30c6b3db4ac9c3f7c8decef2e63 |
Jerusalem (CNN) -- A racially charged demonstration against the Israeli government's handling of immigration from Africa turned violent Wednesday night as protesters attacked foreign workers, shattered car windows and vandalized a shop owned by a Sudanese migrant. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said 17 men were arrested in the event and brought to a Tel Aviv court Thursday morning. They are charged with attacking residents and Israeli police and damaging property. The demonstrators carried signs with the slogans "Infiltrators get out of our houses" and "Tel Aviv -- a refugee camp." They were accompanied by three members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Miri Regev, a Knesset member from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, referred to illegal immigrants as "a cancer in our society" and promised to do anything possible to send them back to their home countries. But Netanyahu denounced the attacks in a special statement Thursday. "The problem of infiltrators must be resolved, and we will resolve it," he said. "We will complete the construction of the security fence in several months and soon will start the process of sending the migrants back to their home countries. "Yet, I would like to stress that the expressions and acts that we have viewed last night are unacceptable," he continued. "We will solve the problem and will do so responsibly." And Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin criticized the members who took part in the march, saying politicians must help restrain public anger and come up with solutions rather than fan racially-charged flames. "We must not be dragged into incitement and the language used by anti-Semites against Jewish people," Rivlin said. The migrants and security problems in the Sinai Peninsula has prompted Israel to step up construction of a steel fence that will run the 260-kilometer (162-mile) border with Egypt. An estimated 60,000 Africans have crossed illegally into Israel thorough its southern border with Egypt in recent years -- about 700 a week, according to Israeli police. Tensions between local residents of Tel Aviv's working class neighborhoods and illegal African immigrants have seen new highs this month following a couple of highly publicized cases in which Sudanese migrants were arrested on charges of sexual assault against young Israeli women. Sigal Rosen, a spokeswoman for a hotline for migrant workers, says she can't understand the demonstrators' actions -- "but I certainly understand their hysteria." "Objectively, they are right," Rosen said. "The load on the infrastructures is intolerable, and the city does nothing to improve their condition." But Rosen blames a government that refuses to legalize their status and allow them to work freely across the country. "The only way to prevent these immigrants from coming here is by physically shooting at them as they cross the border, as is done by the Egyptians," she said. "It is clear to me that Israel would not do such a thing and therefore nothing would prevent them from continuing to arrive. Even imprisonment is better than what they experience in their home country." | Protesters smashed windows and attacked foreign workers during the protest . Netanyahu condemned the attacks and said he'd fight illegal immigration "responsibly" Knesset speaker blasts members who took part in the demonstration . | e98b95ce584b90d54e06f0d2c17471eede77659f |
By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 12:15 EST, 18 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:58 EST, 18 October 2013 . Former House Speaker Tom Foley has died at the age of 84, according to House Democratic sources. Foley was a Washington state lawmaker who became the first speaker since the Civil War who failed to win re-election in his home district. The courtly politician lost his seat in . the 'Republican Revolution' of 1994. The Democrat had never served a . single day in the minority. Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tom Foley speaks after receiving the Medal of Merit during ceremonies in 2003. He died today aged 84, according to Democratic sources in Washington . He was defeated by Republican Spokane lawyer . George Nethercutt. Foley served as U.S. ambassador to Japan for four years during the Clinton administration. But he spent the most time in the House, serving 30 years including more than five as speaker. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement honoring former House Foley. Boehner said: 'Today the House mourns the loss of our beloved former colleague, Thomas S. Foley from the state of Washington. Born and raised in Spokane, Tom was elected to the House in 1964 from Washington’s Fifth Congressional District. Over the course of 15 terms and countless accomplishments, he rose to become chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Majority Whip, Majority Leader, and on June 6, 1989, the 57th Speaker of the House. U.S. House Speaker Tom Foley waves goodbye to supporters at his election headquarters immediately after the polls closed in Spokane, Washington in this November 7, 1994 file photo . 'It was a natural sequence for a natural leader. Forthright and warmhearted, Tom Foley endeared himself not only to the wheat farmers back home but also colleagues on both sides of the aisle. That had a lot to do with his solid sense of fairness, which remains a model for any Speaker or representative. 'Take it from the great Henry Hyde, who used to say of Tom: ''I wish he were a Republican.'' With his passing, the House loses one of its most devoted servants and the country loses a great statesman. 'The whole House extends its heartfelt sympathy to Tom’s wife, Heather, a longtime friend of this institution. We will keep her and all of Tom’s friends and loved ones in our prayers. He will be dearly missed.' U.S. President Clinton is applauded by Vice President Al Gore (left) and House Speaker Tom Foley as he addresses a joint session of Congress in 1993 . | Tom Foley, a Washington state lawmaker, was honored by both sides today . House speak John Boehner said: 'Forthright and warmhearted, Tom Foley . endeared himself not only to the wheat farmers back home but also . colleagues on both sides of the aisle' | bc97857ec96110b240e83b2c002e3f654a2bb869 |
(CNN) -- Robert Plant has called reports of a Led Zeppelin tour "rubbish," and now Richard Branson is doing the same. On his blog Wednesday, the Virgin Group founder said he's "dazed and confused" by rumors that he offered an $800 million (£500 million) contract to see Led Zeppelin re-form for a reunion tour. "As much as I love the band, there is absolutely no truth to the story," Branson said. And despite what you may have heard, Virgin Atlantic isn't going to rename a plane "and include a stairway to heaven" in Led Zeppelin's honor, Branson added. "However nice an idea, this is also completely untrue." The report that Branson was involved in a Led Zeppelin reunion appeared in The Daily Mirror this week and claimed that Branson was eager to cart the band around in one of his jets as part of a tour that would hit London, Berlin and New Jersey. It was said that Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones were all in for the deal along with Jason Bonham, the son of the band's late drummer, John Bonham. The holdout, the Daily Mirror reported, was lead singer Robert Plant. "Jimmy, John and Jason signed up immediately," a source told the paper. "It was a no-brainer for them but Robert asked for 48 hours to think about it. When he said no and ripped up the paperwork he had been given, there was an enormous sense of shock. There is no way they can go ahead without him." "Rubbish," was Plant's publicist's response to the story, which appears to have been removed from The Daily Mirror's website. Branson is taking it a step further. Not only is it untrue, he says in his blog post, but it diminishes the band members' current careers. "Making up this story is very disrespectful to how wonderful (Robert Plant's) solo career with the Sensational Space Shifters is going," Branson said. "He is setting out on a sold out tour today and they released a brilliant album last year. ... Robert told me he is very proud of his history and the band's past, and has always had great respect and love for his work throughout his career. However, he really believes he must move on with his life and career today." Legends like Led Zeppelin are once-in-a-lifetime creators, but that doesn't mean they should be restricted to simply rehashing their old stuff; Page and Jones also have their own projects in the works, Branson pointed out. "I'm proud of how so many artists from my generation, whether it is Led Zeppelin, Mike Oldfield or Peter Gabriel, are still being so creative and inventive," Branson said. "As Robert told me: 'Look Richard, I just do things because I love them and I want to do more new things that I love.' I couldn't agree more." CNN's Todd Leopold contributed to this report. | Richard Branson says reports of his financing a Led Zeppelin reunion are false . The Virgin chairman was said to have offered an $800 million contract for a reunion . Branson says that making up the story is disrespectful to the band members' careers . | 9bde354637994789b44604d03386350bd8b4699d |
Palaces, yachts, white gold watches and a £47,000 toilet on his plane are just a few of the . presidential perks Vladimir Putin enjoys, according to a damning new report. In 2008 the reinstalled Russian President famously compared his life in office to a 'galley slave' during a press conference. But now a lavish list of luxuries at his disposal have been revealed by Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister turned Putin critic. Nemtsov estimated that the maintenance of Putin's . residences, jets and cars alone costs £1.6 billion a year. Life of luxury: Palaces, yachts, white gold watches, and a $75,000 toilet on his plane are just a few of the presidential perks Vladmir Putin enjoys, according to a new report . The 32 page document listed 58 planes . and helicopters and 20 homes with opulent fittings worthy of the tsars, . not to mention 11 watches which alone are worth several times Putin's . annual salary. Published . under the ironic title 'The Life of a Galley Slave', it denounced the . lavish spending as an affront to millions of Russians living in dire . poverty. Among the 32-page report, eye-catching details included: . 20 palace and villas: with opulent fittings worthy of the tsars . 15 helicopters . 43 aircraft available include: an Airbus, two Dassault Falcon executive jets and an Ilyushin Il-96 airliner that features an $11 million cabin fitted out by jewelers -and that toilet which, the report says, cost close to £47,000 . 53.7-metre yacht: with a designer interior, a spa pool, waterfall and wine cellar . 11 luxury watches . Five-decked yacht: with a jacuzzi, barbecue, a maple wood colonnade and a huge bathroom faced in marble . 'One of the most serious reasons . prompting V. Putin to hold on to power is the atmosphere of wealth and . luxury to which he has become accustomed,' wrote the authors. 'One of the most serious reasons . prompting V. Putin to hold on to power is the atmosphere of wealth and . luxury to which he has become accustomed,' wrote the authors. 'In a country where more than 20 million people barely make ends meet, . the luxurious life of the president is a blatant and cynical challenge . to society. We absolutely cannot put up with this.' The Kremlin . fleet of luxury yachts may draw comparisons to the lifestyles of . Russia's high-profile business tycoons, the 'oligarchs'. One 53.7-metre yacht with a designer interior, a spa pool, waterfall and wine cellar is relegated to second best, it said. 'The real diamond of the Kremlin . flotilla,' the authors judged, is a five-decked yacht with a jacuzzi, . barbecue, a maple wood colonnade and a huge bathroom faced in marble. The authors also identified from . photographs a total of 11 luxury timepieces on the wrist of the head of . state and calculated their total value at some £400,000, while noting . Putin had declared an annual income less than £700,000. The text was accompanied by . photographs of luxurious homes, jets, helicopters, cars and watches, . complete with footnotes citing Russian media as sources for many of the . items. Nine new residences had been added to the list available to the . president since Putin first became head of state in 2000, it said. Homes he could retreat to across the . country, ranged from seaside palaces to a ski lodge, and boasted . everything from saunas and billiard rooms to a 'presidential church'. While not addressing Putin's personal . wealth directly - the president once dismissed talk of him being a . billionaire as 'snot' from the noses of Western reporters and smeared on . paper - it challenged his self-portrayal as 'your humble servant' to . paint him as a callous, Nero-like figure ignoring the corruption and . poverty that has hobbled the economy and blighted lives. Lavish lifestyle: Putin has a pick of 20 palaces to spend time in - on the island in Lake Valdai there is a cinema, two restaurants and a bowling alley . Opulent time-keeping: The 32 page document, left, listed 11 watches which alone are worth several times Putin's annual salary . It juxtaposed Putin's latest declared . annual income and his account of . owning only three old cars with a description of some of the 700 . automobiles at the disposal of the presidential administration. The president has long denied rumors . that he has built up a vast personal fortune. The report did not address . that but it illustrated in 32 pages how the former KGB spy has expanded . the trappings of office since he rose to power in 2000. Despite . a wave of massive protests this winter that followed Russia's . fraud-tainted parliamentary and presidential votes, Putin remains . popular among average Russians, largely thanks to government-controlled . television networks that critics compare to Soviet propaganda. High-flyer: The report listed 58 aircraft that Putin had access to, including a $75,000 toilet . Eye-watering: The president's Ilyushin-96 airliner was reported to have cost $18m to be fitted out by jewellers and have a toilet that costs $75,000 . The Kremlin, which has long portrayed . the 59-year-old president as a man of simple tastes with a liking for . popular sports and active outdoor pastimes, did not immediately comment. Intended . to foster faint stirrings of opposition to Putin's recent re-election . for a further six years, the report may struggle for attention. In . a mark of the reluctance of Russians to challenge the Kremlin, Nemtsov . said he had struggled to find a printer willing to produce the booklet. And after publication, it was largely ignored by the country's major media outlets. Many . ordinary Russians seemed indifferent to opponents who reveled in . eye-catching details, such as the $75,000 toilet on a presidential jet. High maintenance: Nemtsov estimated that the maintenance of Putin's residences, jets and cars alone costs £1.6 billion a year . Tales of extravagance in the . leadership, though familiar to Russians throughout their history from . tsars to commissars, come at a potentially awkward time for Putin after . the biggest protests of his 12-year rule, mostly from middle-class urban . liberals who are now trying to fire up indignation more widely. 'I hope that after this report the . numbers of people believing that Putin and his allies are swindlers and . thieves will approach 70 percent,' Nemtsov said, using the labels for . the ruling elite which have become a slogan for the opposition. 'After that, I think we will be able to free the country of them,' he said at an event to launch the pamphlet. Though . Putin may have little leisure time Putin to enjoy the assets at his . disposal, and he can point to fellow world leaders enjoying special . transport and country retreats - such as the U.S. president's Air Force . One and Camp David - the report was scathing of the expense lavished on . Kremlin facilities. Speaking out: Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov (left) speaks as he presents the report in Moscow . Nemtsov, . a deputy prime minister in the 1990s, has become one of Putin's . fiercest critics and was among the leaders of a series of protests in . the past nine months. But . the president remains popular for bringing order after the chaos that . followed the collapse of communism in 1991, even if a recent opinion . survey found a majority would prefer a new leader come 2018. But the responses of the likes of . Moscow pensioner Yelena Nikitichna suggested it might be an uphill . battle to turn any dismay over Putin's perks into a boost for the . protest movement. 'It's obviously too much, way beyond . what is needed to do the job,' she said. 'But of course that is no . surprise to me. I've lived here for 70 years. It's always been like . that.' Among the young, too, many did not share Nemtsov's anger: . 'Russian authorities and leaders have . always been famous for their rather luxurious ways. This is a . historical pattern and he is not the first to live a fairly luxurious . life,' said Yelena Malmova, a first-year university student in the . capital. 'Personally, I don't care,' she said. 'For me, how well he does his job is most important.' Putin's press service was not immediately available for comment but his spokesman had earlier words on the report. 'All of this is government property and Putin uses it all legally as an elected president,' Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the RBK daily yesterday after parts of the report had appeared online. | He has access to 20 palaces and villas, a fleet of 58 aircraft and 4 yachts . Former deputy prime minister, estimated that the maintenance of Putin's residences, jets and cars alone costs £1.6billion . Ilyushin Il-96 airliner that features an £11.3million cabin fitted out by jewelers . | 19fa8fefc81728fd10f5535ff136eb4a36465daa |
(Wired) -- Film is an exceedingly delicate material. It's highly flammable, can't always go through TSA checkpoints, and, as it turns out, can be easily destroyed by fungus. A few years ago South Korean artist Seung-Hwan Oh read a BBC article about this fungus problem affecting film archives. He realized they were right: "I noticed that mold on badly stored film can eat away and destroy its contents," he says. "And then I realized that I may deliver the idea of impermanence of matter applying this natural disaster into my work." It's a heady notion, but when Oh talks about 'impermanence' he's talking about the "idea that all the matter, including all the life forms, collapse in the spatial-temporal dimension we belong to." It's his inspiration in this series, and it's based on the second law of thermodynamics, which states that as usable energy in the universe gets used—to power life, and grow organisms—unusable energy increases and creates a state of growing randomness and chaos. Put differently, Oh started letting mold grow on his film. Rather than worrying about fungus, he embraced it. To do that Oh had to set up a micro-fungus farm in his studio. Film gets stashed away in a warm, wet environment where fungus can grow. Oh will sometimes take mold that grows naturally on bread and rice and paste it into the prints, but that's about as much control as he can exercise over the outcome. For such a gnarly material, the results often look like the cosmos, splashed across a photograph. At times the prints are haunting for their ability to distort a portrait into a ghostly scene—as if the subjects are vampires that can't be caught on camera. But it's also a painstaking medium to work in: "To put thing in perspective, only one out of 500 frames of medium format color reversal film comes out properly and I only have 15 of them so far since I started the project in 2010." American schools are training kids for a world that doesn't exist . The murderous, sometimes sexy history of the mermaid . Apple and Facebook pay for female employees to freeze eggs . The most beautiful products for unwinding after your work is done . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT! Click here! Copyright 2011 Wired.com. | South Korean artist Seung-Hwan Oh creates beautiful portraits by letting mold grow on film . To get the colorful effect, he covers the film with mold and then stashes it away in a warm, wet place . Oh is inspired by the idea of impermanence . | 7473d83b9b91f4f58653bfb62020bd1c359ca3d0 |
London (CNN) -- A bill to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales is now law, though the unions aren't expected to take place until 2014. Queen Elizabeth II has given her assent to the landmark bill, which the British House of Commons passed Tuesday, the house's speaker, John Bercow, said Wednesday. The first same-sex wedding could be held as early as next summer. The law does not come into force immediately because government departments need time to make changes. New processes must be drawn up for registrars, and new forms will also have to be drawn up. The government expects to announce a more formal timetable for the implementation of the law in the fall. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill cleared the House of Lords and the House of Commons this week, just before the summer recess. The monarch's assent -- a formality in the United Kingdom -- makes the measure official. What you need to know about same-sex marriages in the U.S. and worldwide . The bill had the backing of British Prime Minister David Cameron, but his commitment to it put him at odds with many in his Conservative Party and its grass-roots supporters. The Conservatives govern in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The bill was also opposed by religious groups, including the Church of England. The Catholic Church in England and Wales said that the law's passage "marks a watershed in English law and heralds a profound social change," and that it regretted that the bill had been "rushed though" Parliament. "With this new legislation, marriage has now become an institution in which openness to children, and with it the responsibility on fathers and mothers to remain together to care for children born into their family unit, are no longer central. That is why we were opposed to this legislation on principle," a statement said. 'Go forth and propose' The debate over the legislation became heated at times in the House of Commons, where the issue exposed divisions within Cameron's party. Conservative MP Gerald Howarth angered many when he referred to "the aggressive homosexual community" that would "see this is as but a stepping stone to something even further." Responding to the news that the law had passed, Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant tweeted: "The Queen has given Royal Assent to Same Sex Marriage. Aggressive homosexuals, please note. Go forth and propose." The new law will allow same-sex couples to marry in civil or religious ceremonies. However, religious organizations must explicitly "opt in" if they want to perform such ceremonies, and the religious minister conducting the ceremony must also agree. The law also protects religious organizations and their representatives who don't wish to conduct marriages of same-sex couples from being challenged in the courts. It will allow couples in civil partnerships to convert to marriage if they wish. The new law also allows married men or women who wish to change their gender to do so without ending their marriage. A law recognizing civil partnerships in England and Wales was passed in 2004. The issue of same-sex marriage has also divided other nations. A law that allows same-sex couples to marry and adopt was passed by France this year, despite large street protests and vocal opposition from religious groups. The move made it the ninth country in Europe to allow same-sex marriage. In the United States, two landmark rulings by the Supreme Court last month gave the gay and lesbian rights movement huge political and legal momentum. By the numbers: Same-sex marriage . The justices said legally married same-sex couples will now enjoy the same federal benefits as heterosexual couples, striking down a key provision in the Defense of Marriage Act. And although not granting a sweeping right of gays and lesbians to marry nationwide, a separate high court ruling effectively allows same-sex marriage to resume in California, the nation's most populous state. CNN's Saskya Vandoorne contributed to this report. | The new law allows same-sex couples to marry in civil or religious ceremonies . The first same-sex weddings could take place as early as next summer . The law was backed by PM David Cameron but divided his Conservative Party . Religious organizations have to "opt in" if they want to perform same-sex marriages . | 4bf59901d05081a0868cac2f30bfa0952a784f3e |
As the 2014 World Cup gets underway, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture in Brazil from team news and key battles to betting odds and Opta stats... beginning with the opening game between Brazil and Croatia. Click here to follow the Brazil vs Croatia World Cup action live . Venue: Arena Corinthians, Sao PauloKick-off: 9pm (5pm, Brazil time)TV coverage: ITV1, from 7pmOdds: Brazil 1/3, Draw 4/1, Croatia 8/1Referee: Yuichi Nishimura, Japan . Let the games begin! Hosts Brazil kick off the 2014 World Cup against Croatia in Sao Paulo . Managers: . Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil) Niko Kovac (Croatia)Team news: Neymar has recovered from a training ground knock that left an entire nation holding its breath and is likely to start on the left in Scolari's typical 4-2-3-1 formation with Hulk on the opposite side and Fred playing as a lone striker. Scolari is set to keep faith with Chelsea playmaker Oscar in the No 10 playmaker position, although if his inconsistent form continues he could turn to his club teammate Willian. Croatia will be without their most potent forward, Mario Mandzukic, who is suspended following his red card in the play-off game against Iceland in November. That means that Eduardo is likely to lead their attack against the country of his birth - with the striker recently admitting he might sing both national anthems. Key clash: Neymar v Vedran Corluka . In his prime Vedran Corluka was a decent centre-back but his mobility has taken a drastic turn for the worse in recent years, which makes the prospect of facing Neymar, one of the most skilful players all the planet, all the more daunting. Good luck with that! Vedran Corluka (R) will be tasked with stopping World Cup poster boy Neymar (L) One to watch: Mateo Kovacic (Croatia) Dubbed ‘Little Mozart’ by the Italian press for the manner in which he has controlled games at times for Inter Milan this season, the 19-year-old was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive qualifying win over Serbia and could start as a No 10 against Brazil. Head-to-head record: Played 2 Brazil Wins 1 Draws 1 . Little Mozart: Mateo Kovacic (R) is likely to provide creative inspiration for Croatia in the No 10 playmaking role . Predicted line-up: Brazil v Croatia . • The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers.• Brazil’s one previous tournament as hosts saw them defeat fellow 2014 Group A members Mexico 4-0 in their opening game (1950).• Eight of the last 12 opening matches at World Cups have produced one goal or less.• Brazil are taking part in their 20th World Cup. They are the only team to have taken part in every single tournament - winning it a record five times.• A Selecao have won the most games (67) and scored the most goals (210) at the World Cup. * Brazil have won eight of their last nine World Cup games in the group stages (1 draw). Their last defeat dates back to 23 June 1998 against Norway (1-2).• Croatia have only conceded 11 goals in 13 World Cup games (0.85/game). It’s the best ratio among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.• Croatia’s last nine World Cup games have produced six red cards.• Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day. Come in No 6? Brazil have won a record five World Cups - the last inspired by Ronaldo (C) in 2002 . | Brazil play Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup . Group A also features Mexico and Cameroon . Croatia defender will be tasked with stopping Brazil poster boy Neymar . Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, the last in 2002 . | 4b6996b973d95e160af066d56c39db608ce5c2e7 |
Roger Federer had a 10-minute row with rival Stan Wawrinka after Federer's wife 'heckled' him from the sidelines during their match. Federer won the match 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 at the O2 in London on Saturday but his victory has been overshadowed by the fallout. It is understood that one of the reasons the Swiss compatriots fell out at their ATP Tour Finals semi-final was because Federer's wife Mirka heckled Wawrinka. Stan Wawrinka (left) and Roger Federer pose together before their ATP World Tour Finals semi-final at the O2 . Wawrinka trained in Lille ahead of next weekend's Davis Cup final, where he will play alongside Federer . The Swiss No 2 sweeps the court after the session, but the controversy has overshadowed his preparation . Neither Federer or Wawrinka has responded to the spat yet, although they are expected to play together . Wawrinka, arriving in Lille, will be key if Federer is to pick up the last title he has not yet earned in his career . Federer announced his withdrawal from the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday after arguing with Wawrinka . Federer's wife Mirka is alleged to have questioned whether Wawrinka could beat her husband in the semis . Wawrinka was left unhappy after overhearing comments from Federer's wife Mirka on Saturday night . Federer (second left) poses with his first Wimbledon trophy in 2003 alongside then-girlfriend Mirka (right) Born in Bojnice, Czechoslovakia in 1978, Mirka Vavrinec began her own tennis career at a young age and turned professional when she was 20. She won three ITF titles during her career and reached a highest ranking of No 76 in the world in September 2001, but a persistent foot injury forced her to quit the game a year later. She met Federer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and married him in 2009. The couple have two sets of twins - identical twin girls Myla Rose and Charlene Riva (born July 23, 2009) and twin boys Leo and Lennart (born May 6, 2014). As well as looking after her children, Mirka often follows her husband on tour and is said to be a major factor in the huge success he has experienced over the last 11 years. In an interview with Inside Tennis earlier this year, Federer said of his wife: 'I think every wife is important. Mine is no different. She's [always] been involved to some degree, but [she was more] involved, midway through our relationship. She came to every practice, every match, spent breakfast, lunch, and dinner together for years. 'It's still very intense today, but we have kids and she's seen 900 matches, I guess. She's OK missing one once in a while and not coming to practices any more. She's been very important in my life, not just as a tennis player, but overall.' Among Wawrinka's complaints is that she made audible comments from his supporters' box – which is at ground level – questioning in French whether he would have the guts to close the match. According to several eyewitnesses, a vociferous argument developed between the pair in the backstage area. Tour officials decided that the best thing was to push them alone into a private room that had been converted into a gym area, as there is no communal locker room at the arena. While the dispute is not believed to have become physical, a heated 10-minute row ensued in which both aired their grievances against the other. In what had been an unusually feisty and high quality semi-final, Wawrinka had four match points and served for the match at 5-4. According to French television, Wawrinka was picked up saying: 'She did the same thing at Wimbledon.' John McEnroe spoke of the dispute on American television, but he seemed unaware of the extent to which it has escalated, according to those Sportsmail has spoken to. Another cause of tension in matches between the two is said to be the presence in Federer's box of Swiss Davis Cup captain Severin Luthi, who coaches the world No 2 along with Stefan Edberg. Although doing his best to stay impartial in these encounters, it is not hard to see why Wawrinka might resent his team competition captain siding with his rival when it comes to their head-to-head combat. Ultimately the Swiss No 2 was unable to finish the job off and was denied a place in the final of the prestigious year-end championships, with well-placed sources saying he was furious at the intervention of Mrs Federer. Mirka and Roger, who first met in 2000 and married in 2009, have two sets of twins together . Wawrinka (left) and Federer hug after their ATP World Tour Finals semi-final at the O2 Arena in London . John McEnroe spoke of the dispute between Wawrinka and Federer on American television . Federer, pictured during his semi-final win against Wawrinka, cited a back injury as his reason for pulling out . Federer and Mirka, pictured at Doha airport in January 2006, met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics . Next up for Swiss duo Federer and Wawrinka is the Davis Cup final against France. The three-day team event, which begins on Friday, could see the pair joining forces in a doubles match at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer are the other members of the Switzerland team. There was no comment from the Federer camp on Monday morning, but the situation is especially delicate because on Friday the two men, who have got on well in the past, are playing for Switzerland in the Davis Cup final against France. It is the only major prize in tennis to have eluded the 17-time Grand Slam champion, and he will be relying on his long-time colleague to help him achieve that last ambition, particularly if they are paired together for a doubles match. They were leaving for Lille on Monday morning where the match will be played inside the city's football stadium. While the undoubted row between the two men is a distraction, it was not the main cause of Federer pulling out of Sunday night's final, although the tension it caused is unlikely to have helped. The Swiss master, drained by the physically and mentally exhausting match against Wawrinka, sustained a pull in his back and clearly did not wish to risk it ahead of the Davis Cup final. Federer usually manages to avoid controversy and his wife says little in public, despite playing a major role in her 33 year-old husband's phenomenal career. Mirka Federer was a tennis player herself but she now supports her husband's career and follows him on tour . Federer, pictured with Mirka at the Laureus World Sports Awards, says his wife has seen over 900 matches . Mirka watches her husband in action at Wimbledon in 2012 with twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva . Those who know her speak of someone quietly formidable and determined who behind the scenes helps organise the incredibly busy life of her spouse, with whom she now has two sets of twins. A former player herself, when she was known as Miroslava Vavrinec, she reached a career high singles ranking of 76 and met the soon-to-be superstar at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. However, she had to retire from the sport with a persistent foot injury and has since channelled her energies into helping her husband become the global icon that he now is. Aside from maintaining his fitness and training regime and having four young children, Federer also has a large portfolio of sponsorships and has his own personal charitable foundation that he attends to. Mirka, who married him in 2009, is said to be a key component in making his life run like a Swiss clock to keep the success going. She is also known to have steely side, and it seems that is what has led to the fallout with Wawrinka that could be a threat to Switzerland's Davis Cup dreams. Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. | Roger Federer pulled out of the ATP Tour Finals final on Sunday . Winner Novak Djokovic was left to face Andy Murray in an exhibition . Federer argued with Stan Wawrinka backstage after their semi-final . The pair had a 10-minute row in a room which was being used as a gym . Wawrinka was angry about comments made by Federer's wife Mirka . The Swiss duo will represent their country in the Davis Cup final this week . | b3d5174d616906d88a28a8e63e2befeae1bb42cb |
By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 10:31 EST, 2 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:36 EST, 2 November 2013 . After years cooped up indoors, you might think it's time for your teddy to get out and experience the world around them. And now, thanks to a Japanese company, that's possible. Staff at Unagi Travel take groups of up to ten toys on tours around the country - showing them several popular tourist attractions, including hot springs and temples. Wish you were here? A travel company in Japan provides package holidays for stuffed animals. One city tour on offer sees the toys visit the iconic Tokyo Tower, pictured . Smile for the camera! A group of toys visit the The Asahi 'flame' building in central Tokyo . For $45 dollars the toys may embark on the Tokyo tour, stopping at five major sightseeing stops in the city. They will first visit the fashion mecca of Japanese teens, Shibuya, before the Asakusa district and finally soaking up a beautiful view of the city from the Tokyo Tower. Or if a city break doesn't take their fancy, perhaps a tour of the hot springs - known as Onsen - would be more suitable for $55. A day and a half tour to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of the country, is also on offer for $95 - where the toys are taken to sites such as old temples and shrines. Let's fly away: One teddy on a 'mystery tour' looks out a plane window over spectacular views of Mount Fuji . Nice view! Two twinned teddies soak up the view of the Tokyo Skytree tower . Cultural: Two teddy tourists, with what appear to be make-shift hats on, visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura . For the really adventurous toy out there, there is a $35 mystery tour - which can include a trip on a plane. Throughout the tours, the toys sample some of the delicious Japanese cuisine including noodle soups and sushi. Owners of the stuffed toys will be able to enjoy the experience too, as tour guides make sure every moment is captured on video and through photo. Soak up the sights! A monkey visits Tokyo's replica of the Statue of Liberty on the island of Odaiba . River cruise: One stylish pup enjoys the sun while cruising down Tokyo Bay towards the Rainbow Bridge . Tranquility: Four toys enjoy a trip to a shrine for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken . All toys must be less than 250g. Owners must pay their toy's airfare to Tokyo, but on their return they get a free coach-class ticket. The company usually targets people who, for some reason, cannot visit the iconic places themselves. Unagi is not the only company catering for toys with itchy feet. If your inanimate friend is really stressed out and you want to send it to a relaxing retreat, a travel agency in the Czech Republic offer similar services - but offer massages, aromatherapy and even picnics for an additional cost. Inspired by the 2001 French hit movie, Amelie, Toy Traveling offer people the chance to send their favorite toys on a memorable journey through Prague. A bit of history: Two teddies pose in front of a statue of 14th-century samurai Kusunoki Masashige . Hungry work: Two toys tuck in to a bowl of Kenchin vegetable soup noodles . For an extra 60 euros on top of a 90-euro fee, toys can have a massage, aromatherapy and even a picnic. But perhaps the most adventurous toy of all is Curious George - the teddy who has been travelling for five years. Curious George has travelled around the world with its owner, visiting Sydney to Singapore, London and all across America. He has been snapped hanging out at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, drinking beer in Germany, posing for pictures on the River Thames and in the cat cafes of Tokyo. Local delicacy: Three new friends pose next to three pieces of homemade sushi . | Unagi Travel take toys around popular tourist attractions, including city sights such as the Tokyo Tower and cultural Great Buddha of Kamakura . Option for toys to embark on a 'mystery tour' which includes trip on airplane . Teddies also go shopping and sample cuisine on trips that start at $35 . Staff at the company take pictures and videos for the toy's owners to enjoy when their beloved friends return home . | 2a4e57277d59d36a2a1d15cc0dfe96c9c84d86da |
Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- The Pakistani government has reversed a recent hike in fuel prices, an effort that could help shore up the country's crumbling governing coalition. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the move on Thursday in the National Assembly. It comes days after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement quit the government over fuel price increases and other complaints -- a move that cost Gilani's Pakistan People's Party its majority in the assembly. Gilani called for the establishment of a team that would devise a strategy to combat fluctuation in world petroleum prices and avoid harsh measures, such as the fuel price increase. The government crisis comes at a turbulent time. The U.S. military has been counting on the government to do a robust job of taking on militants in the Pakistani tribal region, but the loss of support is putting Gilani's government on shaky ground. The MQM is one of the largest and most liberal parties in Pakistan, with its stronghold in the southern city of Karachi. Its exit follows December's withdrawal of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal ur Rehman, a leading religious party. Muhammad Anwar, a senior coordinator for the MQM, told CNN that the last straw for the party was the fuel price increases that took effect Saturday. Pakistan's government had raised gasoline prices by 9.2% and increased kerosene prices by nearly 6%, blaming higher crude oil costs for the move. Anwar also said the government had failed to crack down on "rampant" corruption and maintain law and order -- particularly in Karachi and the surrounding southern province of Sindh. Businessmen in Karachi "are virtually hostage" to extortion and kidnapping rings, he said. MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said Sunday that the PPP-led government also has imposed unfair taxes on the poor and allowed an energy crisis to fester. The Pakistan Muslim League, another political party, said Wednesday said it will not support the government in its quest to regain a majority. Gilani said recently the ruling PPP would be able to function without a majority in the National Assembly. | One party quit governing coalition over fuel price hikes and other issues . MQM's move cost the prime minister's party its majority in the assembly . Another party withdrew in December . Prime minister wants to develop a strategy to combat price fluctuation . | f733dd6b3bdf57fbcf13e5c6038be661a826c546 |
Mark Hughes and Sir Alex Ferguson never saw eye to eye during their spell together at Manchester United, however the Stoke boss turned to his former manager for reassurance that sparked his management career back into life. Hughes, who takes his Stoke side to Blackburn where his management career began on Saturday in the FA Cup fifth-round, endured a turbulent spell in charge of free-spending Queens Park Rangers before being sacked in 2012 after just 11 months in charge. As a result Hughes turned to Ferguson, who he played under between 1988-95 at Old Trafford, and points to a 90 minute chat with the Scot that reinvigorated his desire to take charge of a side again. Mark Hughes has impressed as manager of Stoke since a torrid spell at the helm of Queens Park Rangers . ‘As a player I didn’t ask too much of Sir Alex, really. I didn’t need to have a relationship with him to be honest,’ Hughes told the Sun. ‘I talked to him just before he retired. I went to see him after the QPR thing just because I had never done it before. I asked his advice, we talked football. I thought it was something I would regret If I didn’t do it because I was never the kind of player that would knock on his door and say “Can I have a word, boss?”’ Hughes was grateful Ferguson gave him so much time and hailed it as a turning point: ‘Sometimes you just need a bit of reassurance,’ added Hughes. ‘ . 'He assured me in terms of where my standing was in the game and that was good, he’s a huge influence. It was something I needed to do and I’m glad I did it.’ Hughes, pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, played under the Scot from 1988-95 . Hughes and Ferguson, on the touchline together before the Scot retired, rarely saw eye to eye at Old Trafford . | Mark Hughes' Stoke side take on Blackburn in the FA Cup fifth-round . A chat with Sir Alex Ferguson helped reinvigorate his management career . Hughes endured a torrid spell as Queens Park Rangers manager in 2012 . The Welshman has since rebuilt his management career at Stoke . Mark Hughes left Blackburn to become Manchester City manager in 2008 . | 84eda3010403fe2f23999087405a33e8ee83ba71 |
(CNN) -- Ever since we saw him pop up on "The Walking Dead" last season, we've been wondering: Does Eugene really have the cure for the show's "walker virus"? Sunday night's episode gave us a definitive answer to this burning question: Eugene is a fraud; he's not a scientist and doesn't actually know how to cure the plague. We spoke to Josh McDermitt, who plays Eugene, about his time on "The Walking Dead" and what might be next for the character (that is, assuming he's OK after being beaten up by Michael Cudlitz's Abraham). Also, we talked mullets: . CNN: Were you surprised at the truth about Eugene, or were you told ahead of time? Josh McDermitt: When I booked the role, I knew that Eugene wasn't a scientist, but I didn't know it was gonna come this season. When I sat down with (executive producer) Scott Gimple at the start of the season, we started to detail everything in vague terms about what's gonna happen for the character and the season. He said, "In episode five, we'll find out he's not a scientist." I was like, wow, I didn't expect it to come that quick. I thought it would play out over the season. For it to happen that quickly, it will be fun to see where Eugene heads next -- if he's alive! CNN: What do you think of Eugene's true motivation? McDermitt: I think we'd all be scared in this apocalypse. Some people have the strength and agility to rise to the top, and then there's people like Eugene who have to improvise and figure out a different way to survive. Abraham says it's to the point where everyone still alive is really strong, and either they help you or you kill them. Eugene looks at himself as not having anything to offer to the group. It's a scary place. I will defend the guy in terms of wanting to survive. I don't know if I would lie like that, but I'm just happy I didn't get Daryl killed or anything -- then everyone would hate Eugene for sure. Now they're just upset the hope is gone. CNN: What can you tell us about his current relationship with Abraham after this huge fight? McDermitt: It's not just that, it's the relationship he has with Rosita and Tara. He and Tara feel like outsiders, and she's trying to work her way back into the group. I think that's where Eugene will want to go: "How do I get back into this group? How do I patch up the damage I've done and figure out where my place is in this group?" There's a little bit of hope for Eugene, but at this point he's a broken man, starting over. CNN: How much did you know about "The Walking Dead" going in? McDermitt: I knew the comic but hadn't read it. Once I found out who it was I was playing, I went back and quickly caught up. It was very informative to see the choices (creator Robert) Kirkman made that they didn't necessarily go with (on) the show. I was able to bring some of that from the comics into the character and that brings something to what we're doing. I had to put it down for a while, because I was afraid I would influence it too much. I was a giant fan of the show and didn't want to be the one that ruined it. (laughs) CNN: So we have to ask: How do you like having a mullet? McDermitt: In the audition they're very secretive; they won't tell you the character name. The character they had me reading had a mohawk. I got so excited that I might have a mohawk. Then when I found out it was a mullet, I was like this is the only haircut I could get better. To be able to go on TV and be instantly recognizable as this guy representing so many lost souls in our country. I don't think we've had a good mullet on TV since Uncle Jesse from "Full House," so I'm glad to bring it back. CNN: What is next for Abraham's army? McDermitt: At this moment, they're still together. We're not gonna flash-forward six months or anything. We'll see how the damage is repaired, and it's not pretty, I'll tell you that. | 'The Walking Dead's' biggest mystery: Does Eugene hold the key to curing the "walker virus"? Eugene (played by Josh McDermitt) had a big episode Sunday night . McDermitt describes what's up with his character as well as his infamous mullet . | 11adf0472f74bef19445583ce782f258e7f916b8 |
Rome, Italy (CNN) -- The Italian government said it would halt the construction of a controversial landfill near Naples, but the assurance was not enough for protesters who clashed with police Saturday night, injuring six police officers. Residents were protesting not only the building of a new landfill, but the conditions of an existing landfill, which they said pose an environmental and health hazard. Guido Bertolaso, the chief of Italy's civil protection agency, was named by the government to deal with the issue. He told reporters that the government would put the second landfill on hold and the current landfill will be analyzed for any dangers to people or natural resources. But protesters were wary of the government's word, and continued their demonstration. Some 500 protesters were blocking the road that leads to the landfill, though police estimated that only 20 or 30 people were involved in the clashes with police. Some speculated that those involved were not even involved in the protest, but were hooligans looking to start trouble. Protesters hurled rocks, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails at police. Bertolaso met Sunday with the mayors of the towns in the landfill area in Naples to restate the governments position. But the mayors have not agreed to Bertolaso's proposed compromise. Another meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday. "We are going to continue these battles and I believe that we'll obtain what we want," said Domenico Auricchio, mayor of Terzigno. "I only ask my citizens to have faith in the local institutions. We'll continue to battle to the end, but now I ask that these acts of vandalism stop because they don't bring any thing good to any one." Another nearby mayor, Gennaro Langella of Boscoreale, said, "Our citizens have asked for a bigger guarantee that a second landfill would not be open. It has not been possible to obtain that and therefore we don't think we can sign the document." Despite the lack of agreement, Bertolaso said the government will move forward unilaterally with its proposals. He also said that garbage in Naples, which has been piling up on streets, will be cleared within four days. Last week, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi promised that "within 10 days, the situation should be brought to normality." He said the current landfill poses no risk to the residents. | The Italian government promised to halt a second landfill near Naples . It also said it would analyze any hazards from a current landfill . Protesters continued their demonstrations . Six police officers were injured . | e93faf3db84eae68f048baab834d2c66a1222bdc |
How brave is Arsene Wenger? He’s seemingly immune from the sack at Arsenal so he’s under no pressure in his job whatsoever. So when does this manager show courage in his work? Having faith in Yaya Sanogo at the start of this season? Was that brave? No, it was just bad management. So after three draws and a scrappy win, Arsenal find themselves a point ahead of Manchester United in the early table. For a manager who has no pressure of the sack, 18 years at the helm, and money to spend, Wenger better pull his finger out soon. But is he brave enough to make big decisions? Mesut Ozil has become a lazy player for Arsenal yet his place in the starting line-up seems secure . Arsene Wenger seems incapable of dropping his £42m midfielder despite his poor level of performance . Mesut Ozil rues his penalty miss in Arsenal's Champions League last 16 tie with Bayern Munich last season . Has Arsene Wenger been cruising along like a lottery winner, safe in the knowledge he doesn't have to do anything extra special to keep his job? Fourth place will do apparently. And Arsenal don’t even have to make it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League these days. Arsene Wenger has the safest job in football. He has starved a club of success to the point where the fans now believe the FA Cup is the definition of success for a big club. I guess what I’m really asking is this: has Arsene Wenger got the bottle to drop Mesut Ozil? He’s paid £42million for a skilful footballer, but one who was always keen on clocking off mid-season. Bringing him to the Premier League where there is no winter break was always risky. Mesut Ozil smiles in training ahead of Arsenal's Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday . Despite his lazy performances, there seems no danger of Mesut Ozil being relegated to the subs' bench as in this match at Stoke City last season . But Ozil is being carried in the Arsenal team, just as his German colleagues carried him for most of the World Cup. He picked up a winner’s medal in Brazil by default. Arsenal’s full-backs go forward, they need protection. There’s more chance of Joey Barton refusing to talk about himself than there is of Ozil tracking back. His mid-season lull now lasts from August to May, with the odd glimpse of brilliance. And in some ways I feel sorry for him. Was he ever cut out for the speed and passion of the Premier League? Signing Mesut Ozil is simple, recognising that he isn’t the player you need would have been brilliant insight. Mesut Ozil showed only occasional glimpses of his brilliance last season . Alexis Sanchez, by contrast, has been in excellent form so far this season and scored against Man City . So as Wenger has dithered about making big signings and spending money in the past, now he is becoming a specialist in dithering over team selection. Ozil seems undroppable, even when his contribution to the Arsenal team cause is minimal. I suspect it’s because Arsene Wenger refuses to see what the rest of us can all see (nothing new there then!). While Ozil strolls around, Alexis Sanchez puts a shift in – with more quality than the German as well. The contrast between the two is breathtaking. Meantime others watch from the bench wondering why they are being left out in favour of a talented but lazy footballer. It’s because Wenger spent a fortune on him, and he hasn’t got the balls to drop him. | Mesut Ozil produces lazy performances on a regular basis for Arsenal . The German is notorious for fading during the second half of the season . But now Ozil's lull lasts from August until May . Arsene Wenger doesn't have the bottle to take the £42m out the side . Alexis Sanchez, by contrast, works hard and has more quality . | 41e4e684dec7f03209b4b9b762d8d4c9633a8b93 |
By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:39 EST, 30 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:41 EST, 30 January 2013 . A jury on Wednesday convicted a priest and teacher in a pivotal church-abuse case that rocked the Philadelphia archdiocese and sent a church official to prison for child endangerment. The verdict supports accounts by a 24-year-old policeman's son that he was sexually abused by the Rev. Charles Engelhardt and sixth-grade teacher Bernard Shero in about 1999, when he was 10 years old. The accuser's 2009 complaint describing abuse by two priests and the teacher led to Monsignor William Lynn's landmark conviction last year for endangerment. Lynn is serving three to six years in prison for his role transferring an admitted pedophile priest to the accuser's parish in northeast Philadelphia. Former teacher Bernard Shero walks from the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. A jury on Wednesday convicted Shero of rape, indecent sexual assault and other charges . The young man said the abuse started after Engelhardt caught him drinking altar wine in fifth grade. He said Engelhardt told fellow priest Edward Avery about their 'session,' prompting Avery to twice sexually assault the boy. And he said Shero raped him in a car a year later, after driving him home after detention. The jury convicted Shero of rape, indecent sexual assault and other charges, and Engelhardt of indecent assault of a child under 13, corruption of a minor and conspiracy with Avery. The jury deadlocked on one count, an indecent sexual assault count against Engelhardt. Defense lawyers argued that details of his story defied belief, and said the troubled young man was simply looking for a payout from his pending civil suit against the archdiocese. 'OK, so he sued the archdiocese,' Assistant District Attorney Mark Cipolletti argued to jurors Friday. 'Who can blame him? ... No dollar amount could fix this, and never could.' Defense lawyers attacked the credibility of the accuser, who has battled a heroin addiction since his teens, and gave varying accounts of where and how the alleged abuse occurred. The alleged victim said the abuse started after Rev. Engelhardt (left) caught him drinking altar wine. He said Engelhardt told fellow priest Edward Avery (right) about their 'session,' prompting Avery to assault him twice . He told the social worker he'd been raped for five hours by Engelhardt after Mass; beaten and tied with sashes by defrocked priest Edward Avery; and raped by Shero at school. '(He) is the walking, talking personification of reasonable doubt,' argued defense lawyer Michael McGovern, who represents Engelhardt, a 66-year-old Oblate of St. Francis. The accuser's account got a boost when Avery entered a surprise guilty plea last year. But Avery startled the courtroom this month when he testified that he never touched the accuser, saying he took the plea to avoid a longer sentence at trial. The young man said Shero raped him in a car for five hours after driving him home after detention . A lawyer for Shero, 49, described his visually impaired client as an easy target who had been taunted by classmates growing up and by students as an adult. That portrait led Cipolletti to wonder aloud why he went into teaching. Reminding jurors of the big picture, McGovern urged jurors to resist the 'groundswell presumption of guilt throughout this country' when priests are accused of molesting children. Thousands of people have accused priests around the country of abuse, but the complaints were routinely locked in secret archives. Several states, including Pennsylvania, then extended the time limit for child sex-abuse victims to pursue criminal or civil action, although victim advocates want to see additional reforms. Philadelphia prosecutors saw their chance to renew their exhaustive, but stalled, investigation into priest abuse with the policeman's son, whose claims were viable under the new statutes. District Attorney Seth Williams decided to charge Monsignor William Lynn, the former secretary for clergy at the archdiocese, with child endangerment because Avery had been transferred to the boy's parish even though he admitted to church officials that he had abused a boy previously. Lynn was convicted in the landmark case in June, and is serving three to six years in prison. He is appealing his conviction. In September, Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn was convicted of a misdemeanor for failing to report a priest known to possess child pornography. The victims' advocacy group Bishopaccountability.org recently began posting the secret church documents aired at the Lynn trial. And the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was forced to make many of their secret archives public. 'The Philadelphia archive will show why statutes of limitations must be reformed in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and why Lynn and Finn will not be the last church officials to be held accountable,' Bishopaccountability officials said. | Rev. Charles Englehardt was convicted of indecent assault of a child under 13, corruption of a minor and conspiracy . Teacher Bernard Shero was convicted of rape and indecent sexual assault . The accuser, who is now 24 years old, claimed he was assaulted by Englehardt for five hours after Mass and that Shero raped him in a car . | 8ac763cfa1a0671867818ede389c0d85f974dd46 |
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