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(CNN) -- Valentine's Day is about spending quality time with that special someone who floats your boat. And what better way to show your love is deeper than the ocean than by treating your sweetheart to a romantic sea-themed excursion? But if you thought watching sunsets over water was going to cut it, think again. From staying on the Beatles' famous yellow submarine in Liverpool to pearl diving in the Persian Gulf, CNN takes a look at the top seven dates for adventurous aquatic-lovers. All you need is love on a yellow submarine . The Beatles may have sung "You can't buy me love," but that doesn't mean you can't buy a romantic getaway on the Fab Four's yellow submarine. Inspired by the submarine that featured in the band's 1968 animated film of the same name, the floating hotel is moored in the pop idols' hometown of Liverpool. The converted narrowboat features a psychedelic lounge adorned with gold Beatles records and the original mod scooter from the 1979 British rock film "Quadrophenia." Film buffs will have extra reason to twist and shout -- the narrowboat also featured in the 1990 Sean Connery thriller "The Hunt for Red October," before its current reincarnation. Chocolate-making cruise . From the time of the ancient Aztecs, chocolate has been sending us into raptures of aphrodisiac bliss. But the process of cooking sweet treats can be just as sensual as eating them -- particularly when you're puttering down the Thames in a vintage 1960's boat. Alan Whatley, former chef at London's prestigious Savoy restaurant, shows guests the fine art of creating sumptuous chocolate desserts -- all while meandering through the south England countryside on a 12 meter wooden vessel. Setting sail from Henley-on-Thames, the picturesque three-hour journey offers views quite literally fit for a Queen -- Her Majesty's official home, Windsor Castle, backs on to the river. "It's something a bit different from your standard chocolate in a box," charter manager, Daisy O'Halloran said. "You can learn a new skill but you've also got the romance of the river." Persian Gulf pearl diving . For hundreds of years, the Persian Gulf has been a rich source of the world's pearls, with divers plunging up to 40 meters below the water to get their hands on the "jewels of the sea." Now adventurous couples can also try their luck, with Bahrain's Al Dar Island offering day trips on traditional wooden sailboats, called dhows. After an onboard history lesson and demonstration, guests use a weighted rope to navigate down to the shallow seabed in search of riches. Once back on deck, they can admire their haul over a lunch of freshly prepared middle eastern dishes. Lighthouse love-in . "Love has no age, no limit, no death," said 1932 Nobel Prize winning English writer, John Galsworthy. If you want to show your love is forever, the thousand-year-long musical piece playing from London's only lighthouse comes pretty close. Lovebirds can take in glittering views of the city from the lighthouse on the Thames, while listening to a unique composition of ancient Tibetan singing bells. The haunting music, played from loudspeakers, began in 1999 and aims to continue without repetition until 2999. "It's incredibly romantic," said administrator, Victoria Burns. "You can daydream together whilst enjoying magnificent views of the City through diamond-leaded windows." World's most romantic islands . Arctic hot tub adventure . Scented candles, a hot tub and breathtaking views of the northern lights -- it's not a honeymoon suite, but a unique floating hotel in the Arctic. Introducing Vulkana, a 1950s fishing trawler converted into a luxury spa moored in northern Norway. The 23 meter vessel offers safaris along the dramatic Arctic coastline and boasts a wood-fire sauna, saltwater hot tub and seven-meter diving board for the more adventurous. When not marveling at the snow-capped views from the comfort of a steaming spa, sweethearts can take part in winter activities, inclduing reindeer-sledding and skiing. "There's something spiritual about the boat itself," co-owner Erlend Larsson said. "It's had a long life, and many different owners, and all of them have said how safe and calm everybody feels onboard." Painting the Turkish Riviera . Roman general Mark Antony was supposedly so taken with the stunning south coast of Turkey -- known as the "Turkish Riveria" -- he gave it to Egyptian Queen Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Boasting dramatic cliffs perched over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, it's easy to see why. Hundreds of years later, creative couples can also capture the scenes that so besotted Anthony -- in an island-hopping painting course. Setting sail from the small fishing town of Kas in south west Turkey, the tour winds past sun drenched islands before arriving at the ancient sunken city of Kekova. There, artistic lovebirds can sketch the 2nd Century ruins from the comfort of their wooden sailboat. Tropical underwater photography . It's the enduring problem of holidayers: the photos never quite live up to the reality. And if you're going to take your beloved on an expensive tropical getaway, you may as well capture it properly. Thailand island Koh Lanta, on the south west coast, offers vibrant coral reefs, thriving marine life and sparkling clear waters. And perhaps the best way to capture this spectacular underwater world is with a deep sea photography or video course. Divers are quipped with specialist underwater cameras and taught everything from spotting unusual aquatic animals to creating a dramatic composition. Anatomy of a romantic hotel room . | This Valentine's Day, ditch the chocolates and try a unique nautical excursion . CNN brings you the top 7 dates for adventurous aquatic-lovers . Includes chocolate-making cruises and pearl diving courses . Beatles fans can stay on converted yellow submarine hotel . | d11085959c5720b7c0c366256e05f34cfc1159c9 |
(CNN) -- Several Israeli government websites appeared to crash as anti-Israeli hackers launched cyberattacks Sunday, but Israeli hackers also claimed their own victory. The website that promoted the "OpIsrael" cyberattacks was itself hacked. Instead of anti-Israeli messages, it was playing Israel's national anthem, "Hatikvah." A group calling itself Anonymous Arab said in a YouTube video posted last week its cyberattack plan would come in three phases. "Step one will be initiated after the release of this message and will be comprised of systematically removing the Zionist entity from the Internet," a speaker said in Arabic. The video shows a masked person appearing to read. "Step two, we will discover your future plans and show your crimes against humanity to the whole world," the speaker said. ""And as for step three, well think of this one as a present from Anonymous to you." It concluded: "We are Anonymous. We are legion. We do not forgive. Expect us." The websites for Israel's Knesset and elections agency appeared to be down Sunday. Yitzhak Ben Yisrael, the head of the Israel's National Cyber Directorate, downplayed the effects of the cyberattacks in an interview Sunday with Israel Radio. "As was expected, up until now there has been no real damage, and the hackers don't have the tools to cause damage to the vital infrastructures," Yisrael said. CNN's Michael Schwarz and Amir Ahmed contributed to this report. | Websites for Israel's Knesset and elections agency appeared to be down Sunday . Cyberattackers' own website was itself hacked; it played Israel's national anthem . Hackers can do "no real damage," Israeli cyberchief says . Group called Anonymous Arab announced attack plan last week . | 66a663735d0a4fe44083192eed2fe8f0d690a786 |
By . Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 09:07 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:07 EST, 31 October 2013 . 'Throw open the doors': Mr Murdoch said Australia needed more immigrants to be competitive. His speech in Sydney broke his support for the government . Australia should throw open its doors to immigrants to make the country more competitive, media mogul Rupert Murdoch has said. In contrast to his backing for the new government's tough policy on asylum seekers, Mr Murdoch said immigration would help the country become more competitive. The diversity created by immigration, and the ties it brings with other nations, particularly in Asia, would help give Australia a leg-up as it seeks trade relationships, the head of News Corp explained. 'Australia is on its way to becoming . what may be the world's most diverse nation,' Mr Murdoch said in a . speech to the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney. 'This is an . incredible political advantage.' Mr Murdoch compared Australia with . the United States, which he said was being 'racked by self-defeating . debate over immigration policy'. The steady flow of refugee boats is a . hot political issue in Australia, polarising voters, while stoking . tension with neighbours like Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The new conservative, Liberal-led . coalition government came to power partly on the back of a tough . campaign against asylum seekers, following a relaxation of border . policies by the former Labor government that resulted in a rise in the . number of boats. But its hardline border security policies have been criticised by the United Nations. News Corp's media outlets in Australia were staunch supporters of Prime Minister Tony Abbott, with his best-selling Daily Telegraph tabloid urging readers to 'Kick This Mob Out' over a photo of former Labor leader Kevin Rudd. Mr Murdoch's support for immigration did . come with a caveat. Newcomers, he said, should abide by Australia's . values, institutions and way of life. Refugee boats: The issue polarises voters in Australia. Pictured is residents and police trying to rescue refugees from a boat on Christmas Island . 'There is still a strand among some parts of Australian society who seem to value every culture except our own,' he said. Revelations about phone-hacking engulfed News Corp during the summer of 2011, forcing Murdoch to close the 168-year-old News of the World. Rebekah Brooks, Murdoch's former British newspaper chief, and others went on trial in London this week accused of conspiring to illegally access voicemail messages on mobile phones. News of the World ex-chief correspondent Neville Thurlbeck, former assistant news editor James Weatherup, and ex-news editor Greg Miskiw pleaded guilty to conspiracy to intercept communications at earlier hearings. | Head of News Corp spoke in Sydney - breaking support for government . Mr Murdoch compared Australia with the US and said . Refugee boats from nearby countries have polarised voters . | a100af0682a266adaea3e6f121882250ca3394b4 |
A murder investigation was under way yesterday after the body of a young woman was found on the Queen’s estate at Sandringham. The remains were discovered in a copse close to where senior members of the Royal Family had gathered to enjoy their Boxing Day shoot. A dog walker stumbled across the body at 4pm on New Year’s Day. Sandringham house where the Queen resides, and circled, wherwe the woman's body was found . Detectives said it had been lying on the Norfolk estate for up to four months. They confirmed the woman was ‘probably . the victim of a murder’ but would not reveal how she might have been . killed or if she was clothed. Officers are sifting through missing . person reports in the north Norfolk area. If this does not produce a . match they will examine cold cases nationwide. The Queen spent the festive period at . Sandringham and is still in residence. She is thought to have been . briefed by police about the investigation. Grim discovery: Police guard the entrance to woods where a body was found on the Sandringham estate . Police say the circumstances suggest that the woman was murdered and are now looking at cold case files across the country . The 30ft-wide copse where the body was . found sits between two fields and is 200 yards along a farm track. It . is one mile from the entrance to Sandringham House and half a mile from . the Sandringham Stud where the Queen breeds racehorses. The Royal Family are thought to have been shooting in a field of sugar beet next to the copse last week. Prince Philip, 90, normally leads . shooting parties on the estate and has previously been seen with his gun . in the field next to the wooded area. However, he missed the Boxing Day . shoot because he spent four days in Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire, . where he had a stent inserted in an artery after suffering chest pains. He has been recovering at Sandringham since last Tuesday. A villager said: ‘Prince Philip loves shooting in the field because it is a brilliant spot to bag birds. ‘The beaters walk through the woods to . scare the birds so they fly towards the guns. The copse is quite wide . so often a lot of pheasants gather there so it means there is no . shortage of birds flying out. ‘It is incredible to think that the Royals . were just yards away from where this poor woman lay dead.’ The remains were found by a dog-walker in woods at the village of Anmer . The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were in residence at Sandringham when the body was discovered . Macabre discovery: Alisa's remains were found on the Queen's estate at Sandringham less than a mile from where the Royal family gathered for Christmas (bottom left) Sandringham is the private country estate of Her Majesty the Queen. It is the property of the British royal family and not part of the Crown Estate. In 1862, Sandringham hall was purchased by Queen Victoria at the request of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII). But the Prince decide it was too small and had it knocked down and the current house built on the site. King George VI was born at York Cottage on the estate and died in 1952 at the house. Since then Queen Elizabeth spends the anniversary of her father's death and her own Accession privately with her family at the house. It is her official base until February each year and she is joined by the rest of the Royal family over Christmas. The house was first opened to the public in 1977, and there is a museum with displays of Royal life and Estate history. A shoot took place on the estate yesterday. It is not known if Prince Philip took part. The track leading to the copse remained cordoned off as officers searched for clues. Last night Norfolk Police said the young victim had been lying on the Sandringham estate for between one and four months. A spokesman said: ‘The pathologist believes it is highly unlikely the death was through natural causes. ‘There is no evidence of accidental . injury, damage due to firearms or bladed weapon.’ Earlier, Detective . Chief Inspector Jes Fry had described the case as ‘challenging’. He said: ‘The body has been in situ . for some time. The body is female and the circumstances indicate that . she is probably the victim of a murder. ‘We will be continuing our inquiries . over the next few days and weeks to establish who she is and how she . came to be here. 'Members of the public were walking around, but unless . someone went into that wooded area, they would not have found her.’ Mr Fry added: ‘It is early days, but . on the face of things, it could be a challenging investigation. We will . be looking at missing persons across the UK as well as locally. ‘We will also be using fingerprints . and DNA to help identify the victim.’ Mr Fry said that one of the . missing persons cases being looked at would be that of Latvian-born . teenager Alisa Dmitrijeva, who disappeared shortly after midnight in . King’s Lynn on August 31. The 17-year-old from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, was reported missing by a relative in September. A £5,000 reward has been offered for information that helps officers find her. The Queen marked the start of her Diamond Jubilee year with a ride in the grounds of Sandringham House yesterday morning . | Discovery close to Royal Stud where Queen oversees racehorse breeding . Police are looking at missing persons reports and cold cases files . DNA profile expected within the next 24 hours . | 09729030413d8bc75778c328aaab581c0e0b0d60 |
Reader's Digest seems to be on life support, filing for bankruptcy protection this week for the second time in four years. But at one time, what's now seen as grandma's magazine was an influential and powerful force in politics and culture. When I began my book on the Reader's Digest, people were incredulous. "But no one takes that seriously," they'd say. "People only read it when they're waiting to see the dentist." Yet, those who dismiss the magazine as trivial underestimate the Digest's impact on millions of Americans' view of the world. From its humble beginnings in 1922, Reader's Digest became the highest circulating general interest magazine in the United States, reaching more than 16 million readers a month. From 1938 on, the Digest could be read in 17 languages. In the U.S., Reader's Digest had the highest subscription rate of any magazine except TV Guide. Reader's Digest started life not long after the emergence of the USSR. Initially, the magazine was sympathetic to the Russian revolution, seeing it as a movement against what it regarded as undemocratic, aristocratic European society. By the 1930s, however, it had identified the USSR with communism. Later, it began to publish stories that portrayed the Soviet state as the primary danger to post-World War II America. The Digest presented the U.S. and USSR as polar opposites. As well as running clearly political articles that explained international relations and threats to peace, the magazine's ostensibly apolitical stories reinforced this image of two incompatible societies. Descriptions of everyday life in America and the Soviet Union detailed how different Americans were from Russians, how different Russians' music was, their food, their sense of humor -- even Russian sex lives were different. At the extreme, in 1981 a story about an American in Siberia seemed to suggest biological differences when it reported the American's body rejected a Russian blood transfusion. These types of stories earned the Digest a reputation as a leading voice in anti-communism. As it gained prominence, Reader's Digest drew criticism. Despite the publication's determination to celebrate individual freedoms, it was accused of being nothing more than state propaganda. There were claims of CIA funding and editorial control, especially in its foreign editions in Latin America. Whether these accusations were true or not, the magazine's influence in popular culture could perhaps be seen as even more powerful and pernicious. As a digest, the magazine sought not to reflect the immediate news but issues and ideas of "lasting interest." Famously, Ronald Reagan was said to have a box full of Digest articles that he had collected for reference. Reader's Digest meant to provide readers with all of the information they needed to know about what was important in the world, what America's role in the world should be and what they, as good citizens, should do to preserve the American way. It became a trusted source of news. In the days before electronic communication, it was perhaps the only source that many people, particularly those in rural areas, could access regularly. Reader's Digest presented itself as a guardian of American morality and values. In June 1960, a Reader's Digest advertisement quoted President Dwight D. Eisenhower as saying, "Our magazines are a leading force for moral and cultural growth in our country and one of the surest guarantees of an informed public." Exactly what the relationship was between Reader's Digest and state foreign policy is unclear, but its role in encouraging American readers to think about and actively engage in world affairs is beyond doubt. In the February 1969 issue, apparently fearing a lack of support for the Vietnam War, Reader's Digest launched a "Fly this Flag Proudly" campaign, inserting flag decals into the 18 million copies of the magazine. A follow-up survey indicated that 78% of readers had detached the flag, and half of those people had put it to use. A few years earlier, an article on how Brazil resisted a communist takeover was deemed to contain such "vital, useful information for every nation menaced by communist subversion" that readers were encouraged to send it -- and free reprints -- to friends abroad, or to place it into "the hands of concerned people [whom readers] may meet" on vacation. When relations with the USSR began to thaw, the Digest feared that Americans were overlooking the danger presented by the Soviets. During detente and the beginnings of the end of the Cold War, articles warned readers not to trust those who suggested that the Soviets could change. The fall of the Berlin Wall heralded a collapse of the Digest's moral certainty about the difference between America and its old enemy. Perhaps the decline of Reader's Digest's fortunes was inevitable with the longer-term social and political influences of 60s counterculture, the failure of general interest magazines, the rise of global media targeted at specific niches and the advent of the internet. But of equal importance was the end of the Soviet threat: With the fall of its arch enemy, the Evil Empire, there was no mirror against which it could present an alternative image of America and its historic mission. | Joanne Sharp: Reader's Digest once had a huge role in shaping opinion . Sharp: Digest propagated Cold War view that USSR was a primary danger to American way . Reader's Digest was hugely popular, she says, but critics called it state propaganda . Sharp: It declined with the end of general interest magazines and fear of the Evil Empire . | 283a889f9ed9c6daaedea2cdd742e24747dc51ec |
The 11-year-old boy walked free from court today after pleading guilty to eight crimes . A one boy crime wave blamed for a fifth of all crime in is home town has walked free from court at the age of 11 after telling magistrates he wants to be a bank manager. The child, accused of exposing himself in a Carphone Warehouse and abusing customers with foul language in Costa Coffee, appeared before Yeovil Magistrates in Somerset today. After being told to pay attention and take his hands out of his pockets, the schoolboy said he wanted to work in a bank as he was good at maths. Having arrived with his grandfather, the court was adjourned for two hours while police officers looked for his mother. Upon his return he entered the court grinning to hear accusations of exposing himself to a girl in public and using profane language towards mothers and children in a coffee shop in Shepton Mallet. On his own, he caused a soar in the number of crimes reported in the sleepy rural village, said police. Describing the latest offences, Judith Morris, prosecuting, said: 'The offences took place on the 11 November last year at around 3.30 pm at the Townsend retail park in Shepton Mallet. '[He] was there, he walked into Costa Coffee and shouted various swear words when inside. 'In the store was mostly mums with children or elderly people. They were alarmed and distressed. 'After running out, a few minutes later he was outside a Carphone Warehouse. An 11-year-old girl was there. 'He called to get her attention and then he pulled down his trousers and pants exposing his genitals. She went home and told her mother.' But the court heard how the child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had 'impressed' his solicitor as a 'nice, well behaved boy'. The trouble, his grandfather said, stemmed from the fact he had recently contacted his father to whom he had not spoken in the past. After pleading guilty to eight charges including threatening behaviour, violence against a person, and arson, the 11-year-old was told he could put his crimes 'behind him'. The child was accompanied in court by his grandfather, but proceedings were halted for two hours while officers searched for his mother . Yeovil Magistrates Court (pictured) heard how the child wanted to become a bank manager as an adult . Sentencing, Chair David Phillips said: 'I’m sure now it has all taken place you can appreciate how frightened people were. You realise that is wrong. 'We have heard consistently you are an intelligent boy. In terms of age, you are. You will now be given and opportunity to put this behind you.' Later, his mother said his bad behaviour was down to a lack of support at school. 'For me as a mother this stress is awful. There’s no anger management, no counselling. It has been awful. 'There’s limited school support. That’s why it’s taken so long - lack of funding.' | The 11-year-old boy pleaded guilty to eight charges including arson . He is blamed for a fifth of one month's crime in Shepton Mallet, Somerset . In court he was told to pay attention and take his hands out of his pockets . Magistrates allowed the 'intelligent' child to 'put his crimes behind him' His mother said his bad behaviour was because of 'lack of school funding' | 92064e8d1149d216b74c9f2d0e39c3572962cc60 |
By . Victoria Woollaston . Climate change has been blamed for many things - from melting ice caps to extreme storms - but it’s now threatening a British staple. The Tocklai tea station has been recording daily weather and tea production data for more than a century and has found a rise in temperature, coupled with erratic rainfall, is damaging tea leaves globally. For example, ambient temperatures in Assam, India have risen from 35°C to upwards of 50°C and after 48°C, tea leaves stop breathing and are destroyed. India produces a third of the world's tea and the Assam region, including the tea fields near Kaziranga National Park, pictured, produces more than half of it. According to the Tea Research Association, global temperatures are inching upwards globally, due to climate change, and all the tea-producing belts are affected . Lack of rainwater and droughts affect how much tea is produced, while floods destroy anything that does grow. In Assam, in particular, the ambient temperature has increased from 35°C to upwards of 50°C out of the shade. Between . 35°C and 39°C photosynthesis slows down, and when temperatures reach . 48°C, the tea leaves stop breathing and are destroyed. In . addition, the use of pesticide is regulated in tea regions . meaning when pests do infest the estates, they’re damage is more . significant. India produces a third of the world’s tea and the Assam region produces more than half of it. Kenya, Sri Lanka and China are also major exporters of tea and the regions sit on what’s known as the tea-belt. According to the Tea Research Association, global temperatures are inching upwards globally, and all the tea-producing belts are affected. The Tocklai tea station, in particular, found the minimum temperature across the belts has risen by 1.5°C, while the annual rainfall has dropped by 200mm. This not only affects the amount of tea that is produced, but also increases how much production costs. The Tocklai tea station, pictured, has been recording daily weather and tea production data for more than a century. It found the minimum temperature across the tea regions has risen by 1.5°C, while the annual rainfall has dropped by 200 millimetres . Although the overall annual rainfall has dropped, the region is also subject to erratic storms, followed by droughts. Manish Bargaria, who owns a tea estate in northern Assam told the BBC: ‘What we have been noticing over the decade is we get a lot of rainfall in one particular month or a couple of months and that erodes the topsoil of the tea garden. Endangered? Tufts University is examining how climate change affects the concentration of chemical compounds found in tea . ‘While that already affects our production, the dry spell makes our bushes prone to pests, for which we have to use more pesticides and that means higher costs.’ In Assam, in particular, the ambient temperature has increased to upwards of 50°C in the sunshine. Aside from the changing weather, other conditions needed to produce the tea are affected. Between 35°C and 39°C, for example, photosynthesis slows down, and when temperatures reach 48°C, the tea leaves are ruined. In addition, the use of pesticide is regulated in tea regions meaning when pests do infest the estates, they’re damage is more significant. Due to this fluctuating weather, the quality of the tea leaves that do grow is also affected. Biologists from Tufts University have embarked on a study that will examine how climate change affects the concentration of chemical compounds found in tea, including their health benefits. 'Since the quality of tea is determined by a range of secondary chemicals that depend on climatic conditions, climate change can have significant consequences for tea markets," said lead Colin researcher Orians. 'People buy and drink tea for certain qualities. If those qualities are not there, then they may not buy the tea.' Orians said that the team hopes to be able to work out exactly how climate change is affecting tea production in order to develop ways of adapting to the changes. | India produces a third of the world’s tea and Assam accounts for over half . The minimum temperature in the region has risen by 1.5°C in 100 years . Ambient temperatures used to be below 35°C and can now reach over 50°C . After 48°C, tea leaves stop breathing and are destroyed, claim experts . Reports have also found the annual rainfall has fallen by 200 millimetres and the region is subject to erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts . | 3cf56ce3533c47e97b010f8c11d7eba25e337eb8 |
By . Chris Parsons . Last updated at 4:47 PM on 25th August 2011 . Shot: Supporters of Jeremy Hill say he was 'protecting his children' when he shot the bear which had wandered on to his property (file picture) Dozens of supporters have turned out in court to show their outrage after a man was charged with killing a grizzly bear which had wandered into his back yard where his children were playing. Jeremy Hill has been charged with unlawfully taking a federally protected species after allegedly shooting the bear when it ambled on to his rural home in Porthill, Idaho, near the Canadian border. Supporters of the father-of-six say Mr Hill, 33, was doing nothing more than 'protecting his children' when the bear, accompanied by two other bears, wandered on to his property on May 8. It is thought the bear was shot with a bolt-action rifle after approaching an enclosure where Mr Hill's children had been raising pigs. At a hearing in the U.S. District Court in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the crowd was so big that the magistrate judge had to move the case to another courtroom. A jury trial has been set for Oct. 4. If convicted, Hill could face penalties of up to one year in prison and fines up to $50,000. Following the hearing, Mr Hill's father, Mike Hill, told CDAPress.com, 'This whole thing is a waste of taxpayer money.' Mr Hill Snr said at least five of his son's six children were at home when the three bears approached his property. Support: Mr Hill's court hearing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho was attended by so many people it had to be moved to a different courtroom . The Endangered Species Act classifies the grizzly bear as a threatened species in the lower 48 states, and it is protected by federal law. Hill and his wife have six children, and their home is between two federal grizzly bear recovery zones - the Selkirk zone to the west and Cabinet-Yaak zone to the east. Biologists estimate that 100 grizzlies inhabit the zones that include parts of Idaho, British Columbia and Montana. | Jeremy Hill 'killed bear with shotgun' when it wandered on to his property . | 080170ba2c098f213606d0a533b25a28692e8c89 |
By . Margot Peppers . Diane von Furstenberg has designed a new collection of fashionable frames and shades for Google Glass. The American designer's 13 creations include rainbow-lensed glasses with a powder blue camera, simple brown square frames, and black tinted Aviator-style shades. The accessories, which cost $1,620 per pair (the original Google Glass is priced at $1,500), will be available through the Google Glass website and Net-a-Porter starting on June 23. Geek to chic: Diane von Furstenberg has desinged a new collection of frames and shades for Google Glass, to be launched through Net-a-Porter and the Google Glass website starting June 23 . Some of the DVF Made for Glass designs have prescriptive lenses, with subtle frames in black, brown or translucent pink. And the sunglasses come in sleek polarized rainbow or black, with the DVF logo in the corner of the frames. Ms von Furstenberg, 68, has long been a fan of the Google gadgets; she even had her models wear Glass down the runway during her spring 2013 fashion show. She explains her fascination with the high-tech accessories in a video on Elle.com, saying: 'I'm old enough to have danced in Studio 54, and young enough not to have missed the digital revolution.' High-tech: The frames and shades, which cost $1,620 per pair (the original Google Glass is priced at $1,500), will be available through the Google Glass website and Net-a-Porter . Wearable technology: Some of the DVF Made for Glass designs have prescriptive lenses, with subtle frames in black, brown or translucent pink . Futuristic fashion: Ms von Furstenberg, 68, has long been a fan of the Google gadgets; she even had her models wear Glass down the runway during her spring 2013 fashion show . She added that the ability to multitask while wearing Google Glass adds to its appeal. 'You can be driving and watching a movie,' she told WWD. '[I know] I probably shouldn't say that. The point is that you can be filming things while you're doing them.' The collaboration marks the first time Google Glass has teamed up with a high-end designer. Shades: The sunglasses come in sleek polarized rainbow or black, with the DVF logo in the corner of the frames . Up-to-date: She says of her fascination with the high-tech accessories: 'I'm old enough to have danced in Studio 54, and young enough not to have missed the digital revolution' But it's not Google's first attempt at injecting some much-needed fashion into the wearable technology. In March, the company announced a collaboration with Italian fashion giant Luxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley, to design and develop a new style of eyewear. Astro Teller, Google vice president, said in a statement: 'We are thrilled to be partnering with them as we look to push Glass and the broader industry forward into the emerging smart eyewear market.' Close pals: Ms von Furstenberg sat next to Google founder Sergey Brin at her spring 2013 show in New York . Walking advertisements: During the show, she had her models walk down the runway wearing Google Glass . | The accessories, which come in sunglasses or prescription lenses, cost $1,620 per pair . Diane von Furstenberg follows in the footsteps of Ray-Ban and Oakley, which are also developing new eyewear designs for Google Glass . The designer had models walk down the runway of her spring 2013 show wearing Google Glass, and it's believed she is being paid an undisclosed amount to tout the technology . | c7909b88f2311cc03d8c23698ed5dcd877935ecd |
By . Simon Jones for MailOnline . Paul Hartley has emerged as a shock contender to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of Cardiff City. The 37-year-old former Scotland international midfielder has been a success as manager at Dundee but only took over in January. He led them to the Scottish Championship title and promotion to the Scottish Premiership and has lost just three games while in charge. Paul Hartley has emerged as a shock contender to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of Cardiff City . Hartley, who had a spell with Bristol City as a player, was previously manager of Alloa Athletic. His appointment at Cardiff would be a huge surprise but he has been identified as a young manager with great potential. Cardiff, who were discussing a mutual agreement package with Solskjaer last night, have considered Tony Pulis but it is understood he would prefer to wait for another Premier League job. Solskjaer’s departure is expected to be announced on Thursday morning. Former Manchester United man Solskjaer’s departure is expected to be announced on Thursday morning . Tony Pulis was considered for the job but he preferred to wait for a Premier League club . | Paul Hartley could replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Cardiff City manager . Former Scotland international currently in charge of Dundee . Hartey led Dundee to Scottish Championship title . Tony Pulis also considered but he would prefer Premier League club . | 5f3d6de0776dbe33a4932a7e87ffda34f8087a00 |
(CNN) -- Refugees at a settlement in southwestern Uganda have barricaded all roads into the camp to protest a food-aid disruption they say has caused the deaths of several children, refugee leaders said Tuesday. "We have spent three months without any food supplies from government nor from any food relief or humanitarian agency," Congolese refugee leader Serugendo Sekalinda said by telephone. The protest began Tuesday after the deaths of three children Monday night, refugees said. Those were the latest of dozens of children who have died in the past two weeks due to hunger, refugee leaders said. But Needa Jehu Hoyah, a spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, known as the UNHCR, told CNN by telephone from the Ugandan capital, Kampala, that no children have died in the Nakivale settlement, which has tens of thousands of refugees. "We have a malnutrition program [in Nakivale] for children, [but] no children have died of hunger there," she said. The UNHCR, along with the U.N.'s World Food Program and the Ugandan government, will deliver a food shipment to the settlement Wednesday, Hoyah said. Uganda's disaster preparedness and refugees minister, professor Tarsis Kabwejyere, told CNN that the refugees living in that camp -- most of whom fled fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo -- would have their full rations Wednesday. For a time they've been getting half rations, he said. "By tomorrow there will be no food crisis at that settlement," Kabwejyere said. "We do our best to make sure humanity survives, even in the hardships in refugee settlements, so people have a reasonable existence." The food shortage came about as a result of a disruption in the food supply chain and a shortage of money for food, the minister said. Hoyah agreed that there "were issues with the food pipeline." Protesters at the Nakivale settlement, about 400 kilometers (248 miles) southwest of Kampala and 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the Ugandan border with Tanzania, gathered at the homes where the most recent deaths of children have occurred, Sekalinda said. "We are demanding to be relocated to another country where we can be protected from death caused by hunger," he said. While the settlement's population is composed mainly of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, it also houses refugees from conflicts in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and Kenya. Nakivale is the largest and oldest of the five refugee settlements in Uganda, having opened more than two decades ago. People living there are provided small plots of land on which to grow crops, and they often build huts made of mud, water and thatched grass. As many as 155,000 refugees live in all the camps in Uganda, according to the UNHCR. As of January of this year, there were also an estimated 853,000 internally displaced persons, or IDPs, the UNHCR says on its Web site. The IDPs were forced from their villages in the past decade by attacks from the Lord's Resistance Army, which wants to create a democratic government in Uganda based on the Bible's Ten Commandments. Last week, an African Union summit in Kampala endorsed a declaration to end the forceful displacement of people in all of Africa. Delegates to the poorly attended summit also pledged to aid refugees and IDPs by training them in vocational skills so they could find work during and after their forced displacement. Journalist Samson Ntale in Kampala, Uganda, contributed to this report . | Lack of food causing deaths of children, refugees at Ugandan settlement say . Protest began after three children died Monday, refugee leader says . United Nations refugee agency denies any child has died of hunger at Nakivale . But agency acknowledges supply problem, says food coming Wednesday . | fa8d41eacd49716df89d2c94430e0eecbb4db139 |
Jerusalem (CNN) -- Palestinian leaders privately agreed to accept a very limited return of the 6 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants to previous homes in what is now Israel, leaked documents showed Tuesday. The leaked documents dealing with the sensitive issue of the "right of return" for Palestinian refugees comes a day after the Arab news network Al-Jazeera began releasing documents revealing details of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. The leaks have prompted protests and outrage in the West Bank and Gaza. According to the minutes of a meeting in January 2010 Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erakat told U.S. State department official David Hale that the Palestinians had accepted a "symbolic number" of refugees returning to Israel. In minutes from a meeting the year before with his own negotiating team Erakat said that the former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had accepted the return of a 1,000 refugees annually for a period of ten years. Speaking to negotiators in 2009 Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said, "On numbers of refugees it is illogical to ask Israel to take 5 million or indeed 1 million -- that would mean the end of Israel." The "right of return" is a highly sensitive topic for both Palestinians and Israelis and remains one of the core sticking points in achieving a peace deal. Any concession on the issue of refugees by either side poses huge difficulties with their political constituencies. For most Palestinians the eventual return to their former homes in what is now Israel remains a fundamental requirement while Israelis argue that the large-scale return of refugees would spell the end of the Jewish majority state. Complicating matters for the Palestinian Authority in dealing with the issue of refugees return are comments attributed to Erakat from the minutes of a 2007 meeting with the Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht in which the chief Palestinian negotiator suggested that refugees would not have the right to vote on a peace deal. "I never said the Diaspora will vote. It's not going to happen. The referendum will be for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Can't do it in Lebanon. Can't do it in Jordan." In a statement Monday, Erakat said that "a number of reports have surfaced regarding our positions in our negotiations with Israel, many of which have misrepresented our positions, taking statements and facts out of context. Other allegations circulated in the media have been patently false." He added, "Our position has been the same for the past 19 years of negotiations: We seek to establish a sovereign and independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and to reach a just solution to the refugee issue based on their international legal rights", adding any proposed agreement "would have to gain popular support through a national referendum." Other revelations from the second day of leaked document include: . -- The suggestion by then Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a 2008 tri-lateral meeting with Israeli and Palestinian officials that refugees could be sent to outside countries such as Chile and Argentina; . -- the suggestion in 2008 meetings by then Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni that future land swaps should include Israeli Arab villages; . -- the refusal of the Obama White House to accept a Bush administration decision to use 1967 borders as a baseline for negotiations between Israeli and Palestinians about any proposed land swap agreement. On Sunday Al-Jazeera began its release of over 1,600 documents dubbed "The Palestine Papers." The first release of papers suggested that Palestinian negotiators offered to give up large swaths of East Jerusalem to Israel during negotiations dating back to 2008 and that they had been willing to offer much larger concessions in private than they were acknowledging public. The leaked papers brought a furious reaction form Palestinian Authority officials with President Abbas calling the release "shameful." "The report aired by Al-Jazeera is an intentional mixing between the many Israeli proposals and the Palestinian positions," Abbas said in Cairo, Egypt, in comments published by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Yasser Abed Rabbo, a senior Abbas adviser went further, accusing Al-Jazeera of a "smear campaign." "What happened is a manipulation of the documents and a misrepresentation of the facts and a true distortion, just for mockery and defiance," Abed Rabbo told reporters. Contacted by CNN, al-Jazeera declined to comment on the criticisms from the Palestinian Authority. Dozens of Palestinians gathered Monday in central Ramallah, burning banners for Al-Jazeera and holding posters comparing the channel to Israel. Several demonstrators also attempted to storm the offices of the al-Jazeera office but were turned back by Palestinian police personnel. U.S. State department spokesman P.J. Crowley refused to comment on any of the specific documents, but told reporters that their release complicated the efforts to get Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table. "We don't deny that this release will, at least for a time, make the situation more difficult than it already was," Crowley said. "We continue to believe that a framework agreement is both possible and necessary." The papers, some of which were posted on the Al-Jazeera network's website, shed new light on the details of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from 1999 through last year. CNN could not immediately verifiy the documents. | New documents show Palestinian leaders agreed to accept a "symbolic" return of Palestinian refugees to Israel . The "right of return" is a very sensitive issue for Palestinians . The leaked documents, which have prompted outrage, cover negotiations over a number of years . | 9cc7255af1b4e665176543af75cb19120a2b7745 |
By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 20:34 EST, 30 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 23:43 EST, 30 January 2013 . Bonnie: Gail Castle allegedly robbed a Bank of America, and used an old man as her unwitting accomplice . An elderly man who was only trying to sell his car unwittingly became her getaway car driver after the woman taking it on a test drive tried to rob a bank. Gail Castle, 51, had asked if the 83-year-old man, who declined to be identified, would mind her taking the car out for a drive before she bought the 1994 Chrysler 5th Avenue. But after making a pit stop at a Bank of America branch in Sacramento, the man knew something was wrong when he heard sirens behind them. Castle was attempting to buy the man’s decades old car for around $2,200. The man told KTXL that she asked to go for a short drive and needed to stop at the bank before purchasing his vehicle. He drove her to the Bank of America branch in Manteca, California. The bank was quite full, so the man was shocked to see Castle reappear a short time later with dozens of bills in her purse. Thinking nothing of it, the man began driving back to his house to complete the sale. But that’s when he heard sirens. The Manteca Bulletin snapped a picture of the would-be Bonnie Parker as she was arrested by police. Castle allegedly stole more than $2,000 from the bank, KTXL reported. Arrested: Castle, center, was tasered and arrested by police; the 1994 5th Avenue can be seen, left . Sale: The man, who wished not to be identified, was selling his 1994 Chrysler 5th Avenue . According to the Manteca Bulletin, Castle showed the teller a note that read: ‘This is a robbery and I don’t want anybody to get hurt.’ Six police units followed the car, which has only 64,000 miles on the odometer, and ordered the two passengers to get out of the car. The man was handcuffed and taken to a squad car. But Castle wasn’t going to give up without a fight. The Bulletin reports that the petite 51-year-old woman attempted to flee and was shot by a taser. The bulb imbedded itself in her left breast. She was later charged with bank robbery, resisting arrest, and elder abuse, according to police. Hold up: She allegedly stole money from this Bank of America branch in Manteca, California . | Gail Castle, 51, allegedly used elderly man as accomplice in bank robbery . Man, 83, was trying to sell his 1994 Chrysler 5th Avenue . | 724a1a67a5e7a9d7d263fd4a364f505ce6c1e926 |
By . Harriet Arkell . A council crippled by cuts has paid out nearly £1million in health and safety claims to teachers, pupils and school visitors in just five years. One teacher was given £113,905 after they were hurt breaking up a playground brawl, while a school caretaker got £40,000 after trapping his thumb in a window, and a dinner lady was paid £1,500 for injuries caused by a 'defective saucepan lid'. Birmingham City Council, which is to axe 1,000 jobs to help it save £822million by 2018, refused to answer questions about the circumstances in which the employee who was given the six-figure sum of public money was injured during the playground fight. But the Labour-run council was criticised today for spending an 'extraordinary sum' on claims described as 'frivolous by any stretch of the imagination'. Birmingham City Council, which must save £822million, spent nearly £1m on school health and safety payouts . Other examples of the council's payouts include £1,750 to a cleaner who was hurt by 'a defective mop', £34,539 to a worker who tripped in a store cupboard, and £5,513 to a child who fell over in a sandpit. Meanwhile a student who was hit in the face by a ball received £18,316, a pupil who suffered a chemical burn to their hand in a science lesson received £17,250, and another who suffered 'debility contracted during a camping trip' was paid £19,288. The figures, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that council employees received £546,753 in compensation, while compensation and costs claims by pupils and visitors amounted to £364,775 between 2009-2014. Today campaigners said the claims, which totalled £911,538, were an example of Britain's 'out of control' compensation culture. Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: 'An extraordinary sum of taxpayers' money has been paid out in playground compensation claims, some of which appear frivolous by any stretch of the imagination. 'Legal fees on top of this will only add to the bill landing on residents' doorsteps. 'This is further evidence of a compensation culture out of control that councils and ministers must do a better job of counteracting.' There to learn: But vast sums have been paid out for accidents at schools in Birmingham (file picture) One deputy headteacher, who works at a state school in Birmingham but did not wish to be named, added: 'Schools feel like they are treading on eggshells with children and staff these days. 'We are living in a blame culture, and . thousands of pounds are being spent on settling these sort of claims . rather than being invested in children's education.' 'Thousands of pounds are being spent on settling these sort of claims rather than being invested in children's education' Anonymous Birmingham teacher . A spokesman for Birmingham City Council said that health and safety of pupils and staff was 'a paramount consideration' but admitted there was 'always room for improvements'. 'When accidents do occur, appropriate reviews are undertaken, safety policy is revised as required and lessons learned to ensure we continue to maintain high standards of safety', the spokesman said. Chris Keates, general secretary of teaching union NASUWT, said: 'It is a myth that compensation is easy to obtain; in reality, the hurdles and barriers facing claimants are extremely high. 'While compensation is important, it can never make up for the fact that many of these teachers suffer permanent physical and mental injury and often cannot continue in their chosen career.' Pupil climbed on to pencil-shaped wooden stumps and fell: £11,100 . Injury to hand and wrist while moving a computer: £12,835 . Fire door slammed shut jamming thumb: £13,945 . Stacked tables fell down and metal hinge caught foot: £11,716 . Fell off bike in playground causing laceration to right calf: £15,266 . Injury while doing gymnastics during PE lesson: £3,874 . Member of staff slipped on food on floor: £6,000 . Pupil hit by blind which fell from window as they were sitting in a lesson: £1,032 . | Birmingham City Council paid £911,538 for school health and safety claims . Unidentified teacher who was injured breaking up fight was paid £113,905 . A caretaker who hurt their thumb in a school window was paid £40,000 . And a worker who tripped in a school store cupboard was given £34,539 . Labour-run council is to axe 1,000 jobs to make cuts of £822million by 2018 . Spokesman refuses to comment on the six-figure payout of public money . | f900f9af0174bf960bd4d5e7dc907115f8c4f99e |
By . Jennifer Smith . PUBLISHED: . 06:01 EST, 28 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:21 EST, 28 October 2013 . An aspiring wildlife photographer has put together an astonishing collection of photographs which reveal the close similarities between humans and primates. Joshua Arlington, 22, took the pictures on a visit to his local zoo in Erie, Pennsylvania. Joshua, who was born in Germany, began the project as an investigation into anthropomorphism, the tendency to find human traits in animals. But after spending the last year in such close proximity to the animals, he has forged some close friendships. Twenty-two-year-old Joshua Arlington, an aspiring wildlife photographer, captured the animals at his local zoo in Erie, Pennsylvania . The former psychology student said he started the project as an investigation into anthropomorphism in which animals display human traits such as emotion . Joshua's close up images of orangutans Joe (left) and Dasa (right) reveal their facial expressions are perhaps more human-like than expected . Two of the animals with which he has developed strong bonds are 28-year-old orangutan Joe and his two-year-old son, Ollie. 'It's amazing really,' said Joshua. 'I started this project to see how people attribute their own personality in these animals, only to find they are sometimes better at expressing their emotions than we are. 'That, I think, is what has been the most fascinating part of this whole experience - really coming to understand these animals do in fact have individual personalities and traits. 'Their body language and reactions to various stimuli, if paid attention to, really defines each one as a unique individual.' However, despite their growing connection, the photographer is all-too-aware that the gap between him and the animals can never be fully overcome. 'I am absolutely fascinated with my growing relationship with each individual, but I also realise that there will always be a barrier between us, and one not made of reinforced glass and metal bars,' Joshua added. 'I would give anything to have a conversation with them, to truly understand how they think and feel and cope with a life so estranged from nature.' After spending significant amounts of time with the animals however Joshua began to develop strong bonds, like with Ollie, the two-year-old orangutan . 'They are sometimes better at expressing emotions than we are' said Joshue upon reflection of the project which he has been working on over the past year . Posing primates: Aspiring photographer Joshua said he would love to be able to have a conversation with the animals to truly know what they were feeling . Two of the animals with which Joshua bonded were orangutans, two-year-old Ollie, pictured here resting, and his 28-year-old father Joe . 28-year-old orangutan Joe (left) stares down the camera's lens as Dasa, a female orangutan (right) sits quietly at the zoo . After being diagnosed with chronic cluster headaches, Joshua gave up his psychology course at the Rochester Institute of Technology to purse his passion for photography. Born in Bitburg, Germany, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Air Force, he has dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer. 'Living in the city in America, I'm not exactly close to any rainforests, my wildlife experience is usually limited to the unlucky deer on the side of the road,' he said. 'The zoo is a place where I can escape for a few hours and, if only for a moment, live my dream'. Joshua is hopeful his images of captive primates will help animal conservation efforts. 'The . palm oil industry is wiping their habitat off the face of the earth, . and it hurts me to think that in a generation or two, someone with a . dream similar to mine will have no choice but to photograph these . amazing animals behind glass and brick,' said the photographer. 'I . would give anything to be able to photograph them in the wild someday, . and it scares me that I may never have that opportunity.' Dasa the female orangutan peers out from beneath a sheet at the zoo. Joshua is hopeful his project will help raise awareness for animal conservation initiatives . A Geoffroy's tamarin sticks its tongue out while another stares angrily to the ground. Joshua decided to put the collection together after being diagnosed with cluster headaches and dropping out of a psychology course . Joshua is grateful for the local zoo which allows him a rare glimpse into animals' emotions as, living in the city, he cannot see them in their natural habitat . | Joshua Arlington began project as an investigation into animals displaying human traits . The 22-year-old captured human-like facial expressions of primates at local zoo . The aspiring wildlife photographer hopes the collection will help conservation efforts . | 10d4c9c60ba64ee53a74cafffb196a940d07ecf0 |
By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 06:34 EST, 3 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:40 EST, 3 June 2013 . Victim: Cameron Smithies, 15, fell to 80ft to his death while standing near the cliff edge at Slains Castle . A 15-year-old boy fell 80 feet to his death from a cliff face near a ruined Scottish castle that is thought to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Cameron Smithies is believed to have lost his footing while standing close to the edge at Slains Castle, Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. An RAF rescue helicopter was scrambled to the scene and the teenager was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but he died around 24 hours later. Cameron, who would have turned 16 this Thursday, fell on Saturday afternoon. Police said the death is believed to have been a tragic accident. Squadron Leader David Webster, . from the Search and Rescue Squadron of RAF Lossiemouth, said that they winched the teenager to safety, although he later died. He said: 'The crew were called to . reports of a 15-year-old male cliff-faller and were told that coastguard . teams, paramedics and a lifeboat crew were already in attendance. 'Reports indicated that the casualty . had fallen 80ft followed by another shorter fall into a gully - . sustaining significant injuries. 'Due to the nature of where he had . ended up, coastguard crew and paramedics abseiled into the gully and our . winchman used 160ft of cable to reach them. 'The winchman assessed the casualty and put him on a stretcher, before he was extracted and flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.' A Police Scotland spokesman . said: ‘Cameron Smithies, 15, has died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary . following a fall from Slaines Castle, Cruden Bay, Peterhead at around 5pm on Saturday. 'Investigations are continuing into this accident and a report . will be submitted in due course to the Procurator Fiscal.’ As Cameron's family and friends began paying . tribute, his auntie Caroline wrote on Facebook: 'RIP Cameron Scott . Smithies you were the best nephew and taken . from us far to soon rest easy now xxxx.' Death: Cameron, 15, was walking near the cliff face at Slains Castle which overlooks the North Sea when he fell to his death (file picture) Peterhead Canoe Club chairman Daryn Hubbucks said that Cameron, a keen canoeist, from Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, had a 'zest for life'. He said: 'I had the sad news today that Cameron Smithies died of his injuries after falling off cliffs at Slains Castle. 'Cameron was a cheeky wee monkey . with a big heart and zest for life, he was just starting out in life and . getting his kayak feet, Cameron was just well up for anything.' Victim: Cameron Smithies, 15, fell at around 5pm on Saturday afternoon and died 24 hours later after being taken to hospital . Overlooking the North Sea, the 16th century Slain Castle is thought to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. The author wrote some of the famous novel while staying at Crookit Lum Cottage in nearby Cruden Bay in 1895. It is thought he visited the castle during that time as a guest of William Hay, 19th Earl of Errol. Although Dracula is based in a castle in Transylvania, Romania, the Scottish ruin is thought to have provided the author with some of his inspiration. Despite its literary links, there were plans to turn the abandoned castle into flats in 2007. However, they were abandoned in 2009 following a property downturn. Bran Castle, in Romania, is marketed as 'Dracula's Castle'. However, there is no evidence that Stoker ever knew it existed - although it has appeared in Dracula films. One canoeist, Malcolm Brown, wrote: 'This . is really devastating sad news. He was a likeable friendly guy and fun . to have along on the river trips. Sorry for the loss of such a young . star.' Friends and schoolmates also paid tribute to Cameron. Jemma Mckenzie added: 'RIP Cameron, can’t believe it, you’ll be missed. 'Actually still can’t get my head . round that your gone, horrible to think how we were speaking the other . day and never going to speak again. 'Heaven certainly has gained another angel, rest in peace.' Just two weeks ago a lifeboat crew . from Peterhead were called out to Slains Castle, which overlooks the North Sea, when a pet dog fell . 60ft down nearby cliffs and later died from its injuries. Constable Matthew Roger of the Buchan . local policing team warned parents to make sure their children stay away . from the dangerous cliffs. He said: 'Whilst a popular attraction . to many, I would like to highlight the particularly hazardous nature of . the ruins at Slains Castle. 'Members of the public are encouraged . to take great care at this site and parents are asked to ensure they are . aware and take efforts to prevent their children playing here . unsupervised.' Fall: Cameron Smithies is believed to have been standing too close to the edge at Slains Castle when he slipped and fell. He was airlifted to hospital but died 24 hours later . | Cameron Smithies died after falling at Slains Castle, Aberdeenshire . RAF rescue helicopter airlifted him to hospital but he died 24 hours later . Teenager is believed to have been standing too close to the edge when he fell accidentally . He is described as a keen canoeist with a 'zest for life' as friends pay tribute . | d42214a310df22c8526cf5b8feca5caa29a397ce |
A driver got wedged into the back of a lorry and dragged for more than six miles as the truck driver thought honking motorists were telling him to speed up. The run-in between an articulated truck and the car - thought to be a £100,000 Porsche Cayenne - was caught on film on a busy highway in China's Jiangxi Province. Car driver Zhen Yin, 32, was reportedly a drug user who had fallen unconscious - and when police investigated they were said to have found his boot 'full of cocaine'. Scroll down for video . Hitching a ride: This run-in between a car and an articulated truck went on for six miles on a busy Chinese road . Oblivious: The truck driver said he thought fellow motorists were telling him to speed up, so he did . Oblivious to what was happening, lorry driver Xiong Feng, 45, carried on for six and a half miles before being flagged down by another trucker. 'The first I became aware of anything was when I heard some loud honking beside me,' he said. 'He had his window down and was shouting something but I couldn't hear him, and then he started pointing at the back of my truck. 'But I thought he was telling me to speed up, so I did.' He added: 'Eventually I pulled over and it was only then that I saw the car stuck on the back.' Witness Jian Yeh, 45, said: 'We were coming up behind the Porsche and I remember thinking that it was very close to the back of the lorry. 'To my astonishment I realised it was actually stuck to the back of it. One witness said: 'The driver was clearly unconscious and I didn't know if he was dead or just asleep' Police are said to have arrested the car driver, an alleged drug dealer, after finding his boot was 'full of cocaine' Costly: Porsche Cayennes cost around £50,000 in Britain but fetch double that price at Chinese dealerships . 'The driver was clearly unconscious and I didn't know if he was dead or just asleep, so I started beeping my horn to try and either wake him up and alert the lorry driver.' German-made Porsche Cayennes cost around £50,000 in Britain but fetch around double that price at Chinese dealerships, partly due to the lure of Western technology. According to the Central European news agency, police said the car driver was a known cocaine dealer with a boot stuffed with drugs. 'When officers arrived they not only found a drug dealer we've been hunting a long time, but his boot was full of cocaine too,' a police spokesman said. They are holding him in a prison hospital because they found 'several hundred red pills' and bags of a crystal-like substance, reported as methamphetamine, as well as cocaine. If he is convicted of serious drug offences Zhen could face the death penalty. | £100,000 Porsche Cayenne wedged into truck in China's Jiangxi Province . Witness honked at the truck to stop but the confused driver kept going . Police reportedly arrested the driver after finding his boot 'full of cocaine' | ec4ef6355d2798db515befb8bb429016cd4935b0 |
(CNN) -- The Foo Fighters have made the most of their week-long residency on "The Late Show with David Letterman" -- and they've even moved the host to the verge of tears. On Wednesday's after-show (which is available online), Letterman told the story of how the Foos' "Miracle" provided the soundtrack for one of his most significant moments as a father: learning to ski with his then-4-year-old son, Harry. As Letterman tells it, he was hoping to find a bonding experience as the 60-something father of a young child and decided to try skiing. After several days of skiing, the instructor concluded his lessons by taking a video of the pair coming down a mountain in Montana's Madison Range. Letterman said he forgot about the video until three weeks later, when a package arrived in the mail. "Lo and behold, it's me and it's Harry coming down this mountain," Letterman said, his voice clouding with emotion. "The video is stunning because the kid couldn't be cuter ... and the music the guy chose to put underneath the ski video is the song you're going to hear now from the Foo Fighters." After the performance concluded, Letterman added, "You see what I mean? That's pretty good!" The Foo Fighters have been dazzling all week long. On Monday, they brought out Zac Brown for a version of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs." Tuesday found them collaborating with Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson on "Kick It Out." And on Wednesday's show, singer-songwriter Tony Joe White joined the band for a bluesy version of his biggest hit, "Polk Salad Annie." The group and Letterman have a history. After his heart surgery in 2000, the host requested that the group appear on "Late Show" and play "Everlong." "Ever since that day, we've been in love. I don't know how many times we've played that show, but every time we do and I stand in the Ed Sullivan Theater, I never take that for granted," frontman Dave Grohl told the Orange County Register. The band's latest album, "Sonic Highways," is due November 10. A companion TV series will air on HBO (which, like CNN, is a unit of Time Warner). | Foo Fighters fill David Letterman with emotion by playing "Miracle" Song has special meaning for host, who associates it with fatherhood . Foo Fighters have been in residence all week on "Late Show" | d4ec01f4eca79d7d03d45b9852ad38b4c7a64f55 |
By . Jennifer Newton . Angry mothers staged a mass breastfeeding protest today in a Sports Direct store that asked a woman who was feeding her child to leave because it was against company policy. Around 70 women descended on the shop in Nottingham city centre to show support for 25-year-old Wioletta Komar, who claimed she was kicked out of the premises earlier this year for breastfeeding her three-month-old son. Mrs Komar had been sitting on a bench inside the store waiting for her father Edward Morawiec, 63, who was trying on a T-shirts. Scroll down for video . Mothers and their babies gather outside the Sports Direct store in Nottingham as a show of solidarity . But she claims a member of staff suddenly marched over and told her that breastfeeding mothers were not welcome because of 'company policy'. The sales assistant then told her that the store had no facilities for her and suggested she should go to McDonald's which had a baby and mother room. Other customers then took pity on the mother-of-two and helped her to push her buggy outside so she could continue feeding Daniel. Mrs Komar claims she has complained to the store five times since the incident in January but has had no response, although it is believed the firm has now issued her with an apology. New mothers, from left, Lindsay Billsborrow, Ruth Knowles, Catherine Didit and Laura Armitage breastfeed their babies in Sports Direct . A mother discreetly breastfeeds her baby in Sports Direct, as part of a protest . Wioletta Komar, who inspired today's protest with her children Wicotr aged two, and five-month-old Daniel . But other mothers, who wanted to show solidarity with Mrs Komar, went to the Sports Direct store today and said they were defending their right to breastfeed in public places. Organiser of the protest Leah Gibson said: ' We’re here today to stand up for breastfeeding women and their right to feed their children in public without being asked to leave places. 'The turn-out has been fantastic, probably more than I expected. It’s been really peaceful and calm, which is exactly what we wanted. 'We just wanted to show everyone that we can feed in peace, without showing everyone our boobs. 'It’s shocking that we’ve still got this sexual ‘thing’ about boobs. 'Breasts were made to feed a child and to nourish. Only 1 per cent of the population can’t physically feed their child this way so when you look at it like that, it shows you what they are for. Gabriela Burgess, 38, breastfeeds 11-month-old daughter Klaudia in Sports Direct, left, while right, Renee Haddow breastfeeds nine day old son Dylan . 'Some mothers say "oh I don’t want to feed my baby because my boobs are for my partner". No, they aren’t - they’re for your child.' The group spent around 15 minutes in the shop and organisers confirmed there were no issues with Sports Direct staff on this occasion. Mrs Komar lives in Boston, Lincolnshire, with her husband Zbigniew, 33, and their sons Wictor, two, and Daniel, who is now five-months-old. She had travelled to Nottingham for a weekend shopping with Daniel and her father Edward as a Christmas present from her husband when they visited Sports Direct. Speaking at the time she said: 'Midwives and doctors say that it (breastfeeding) is best for the child but I feel so upset and frustrated about what has happened. 'I can't understand why a baby has to be punished for being hungry and why I need to feel like a criminal when I just want to feed my baby son.' Heather Vaughan, 29, who was told off for breastfeeding her baby daughter - in a creche . Mrs Komar also received support from other mothers including Laura Whatton - who was ejected from the John Carroll Leisure Centre in Nottingham in 2009. Mrs Whatton, reacted by saying: 'I'm not surprised really. 'Everyone is prudish toward it, even though it's the most natural thing in the world.' Patti Rundall, policy director for Baby Milk Action, explained: 'All mothers have a legally-protected right to breastfeed in public. 'It is important, it's their right and we will do what we can to support them.' Mrs Komar's experience is the latest in a number of incidents where mothers have been told to stop breastfeeding in public. In March, Heather Vaughan, 29, told how she was reduced to tears when staff at a naval museum ordered her to stop feeding her baby in its creche, telling her 'we don’t do that here'. The mother-of-two said she felt victimised and humiliated at the museum in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Bosses apologised, saying it had simply been an 'error of judgment'. Sophie Howes, who was told to stop breastfeeding in her local swimming pool. She is pictured with her eight-month old daughter Connie and mum Virginia Howes . Last . October, a midwife spoke out after she was told to stop breastfeeding in . a public swimming pool because the lifeguard thought it was . 'offensive'. Sophie . Howes was sat on the steps of the learner pool with her eight-month-old . daughter Connie at a leisure centre in Ashford, Kent, when she was . ordered to move. The manager of the centre claims that CCTV footage shows Ms Howes breastfeeding Connie while the baby's head was level with the water in the pool. But the mother said: 'It is irrelevant whether I was in the water or not because that is not what the staff member said to me to begin with. 'She didn't mention health and safety issues, she just said one of her colleagues had been offended by me breastfeeding.' She has now won an undisclosed pay out from the Ashford Leisure Trust, who run the leisure centre, after they agreed an out of court settlement. The Equality Act 2010 states that it is discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding. The act protects women who want to do so in shops or other public places. | Around 70 women staged protest at Sports Direct in Nottingham city centre . Some started to breastfeed their children inside the shop . Mothers said they were defending their right to breastfeed in public . Wioletta Komar claims she was kicked out of store earlier this year for feeding her son . It is now thought she has had an apology from Sports Direct . | eed2332a9afcd13c2238d3265f24c24daeb70862 |
Liverpool have agreed to let defender Sebastian Coates join Sunderland on a season-long loan to link up with fellow Uruguayan Gus Poyet. Sunderland have sorted out terms for the 23-year-old central defender who faced England at last summer’s World Cup and the move is to be confirmed officially on deadline day. Coates becomes the fourth defender allowed to leave Anfield this summer following Daniel Agger, Martin Kelly and Jack Robinson, with manager Brendan Rodgers pinning his faith in Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure at the heart of the defence. Loan ranger: Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates will join Sunderland on a season-long loan deal . Fellow countryman: Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has agreed a deal with Liverpool to sign his compatriot . The blonde defender was signed by Kenny Dalglish in 2011 who said ‘we are looking for him to have a long career here’. But he has made just six Premier League starts in three seasons. With Sunderland willing to pay a loan fee and grant him regular first-team experience, Liverpool have been happy to sanction his departure. He is the second Uruguayan to leave Anfield this window following Luis Suarez's high-profile move to Barcelona. Ironically, Coates replaced Suarez soon after the striker had scored what turned out to be the winning goal against England in Uruguay’s 2-1 World Cup victory in Sao Paulo. Poyet, who had also been linked with Manchester City defender Micah Richards, was anxious to shore up Sunderland's defence after failing to win any of their first three league games this season. But it means Reds striker Fabio Borini can not return to Sunderland for a second loan spell. Premier League rules prohibit clubs taking more than one player on loan from another team. Wanted man: Fabio Borini will not be allowed to return to the Stadium of Light on a temporary deal . | Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Sebastian Coates from Liverpool . Coates becomes the fourth defender allowed to leave Anfield this summer . Fabio Borini can not return to Sunderland for a second loan spell . Premier League rules prohibit clubs taking more than one player on loan from another team . | 0cd557e8c067628037e2522b0b4b0c257ab43bb8 |
Lufti claims she shaved head to beat hair strand drug test . Her parents contend he crushed up tablets and put them in her food . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:55 EST, 18 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:50 EST, 19 October 2012 . Civil case: Sam Lufti alleged Britney Spears, pictured last week was once addicted to amphetamine . Britney Spears' former bodyguard has revealed explosive revelations about the singer, claiming she was once hooked on prescription drugs, downing up to 30 a day, and was in such a grip of addiction she shaved her head to beat a drugs test. Joe Schleimer, lawyer for Spears' former manager Sam Lutfi made the bombshell claim in opening statements at Los Angeles Superior Court. Lutfi is suing Spears, her mother Lynne and father Jamie for defamation, breach of contract and libel. 'She liked to use amphetamines. Mostly everything that went wrong was because of this drug,' Mr Schleimer told the jury on Thursday, alleging that Mr Lutfi was made a scapegoat for the singer's mental breakdown back in 2008. Schleimer told the jury that Spears had a 'prescription for amphetamines, and overdosed on them' before being put in the involuntary 5150 hold. Lutfi felt that Spears should not perform at the 2007 MTV Awards as she was still overweight and did not rehearse. However 'Britney wouldn't hear it.' The star's subsequent lacklustre performance at the ceremony was roundly criticised . Schleimer added that Lutfi was trying to help the singer but lost control in a series of events that led to her being hospitalised and placed under a court-ordered conservator. Lutfi is also seeking a share of the singer's fortunes, claiming he had an agreement to serve as her manager in exchange for 15 percent of her earnings. Schleimer conceded the case would be a complicated one. His opening statements included flashing photos of Spears with a shaved head and striking an SUV with an umbrella back in 2007 during a period of her life which he described as a 'complete shambles.' He said one of Lutfi's first actions after being hired as manager was having drug-sniffing dogs search the singer's hilltop home. He claimed Spears favoured . amphetamines and that the dogs turned up a substance the Grammy-award winner . told Lutfi was probably crystal meth. Turned sour: Lutfi, pictured with Spears in 2008,was once an integral part of the singer's camp but is now suing his former client and her parents for defamation and breach of contract . But Jurors are unlikely to hear directly . from the singer, who remains under a conservatorship overseen by a judge . who has ordered her not to appear for trial or a deposition. Superior Court Judge Susan Bruguera told Schleimer during a break in . proceedings that all the accusations he raised during his opening . statement should be supported by evidence to be presented at trial. Schleimer said he would prove them through either 'testimony or documentary evidence.' Attorneys for Spears' parents and conservators will have their own opportunity to present opening remarks to jurors. Lutfi and Spears' parents, Jamie and Lynne, were all in court as Schleimer made his opening statements to the panel of eight women and four men; Britney's parents took notes throughout. Jamie Spears did not look up at the photos of his daughter that Schleimer displayed. Lacklustre: Lutfi claims he did not want Spears taking part in the 2007 MTV awards but she 'wouldn't hear it' Lutfi is seeking millions of dollars from Spears and her family, claiming her mother's Lynne's 2008 book: Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World, lied about him drugging and isolating the pop superstar. He is also seeking a portion of the singer's profits, claiming he was a key player in her 2007 album Blackout and had the right to serve as her manager for years. The case is the culmination of years of acrimony between Lutfi and Spears' family and conservators, who successfully obtained a restraining order against him to keep him from contacting the singer or trying to intervene in her life. The order has expired, but conservatorship attorneys are seeking repayment for more than $93,000 in legal fees - a judgement Lutfi is appealing. Lutfi sued back in February 2009, roughly a year after Spears was hospitalised and placed under the conservatorship to take control of her health and finances. The move by Jamie Spears came after months of erratic behaviour by his daughter, including shaving her head, speaking in a British accent and other bizarre incidents that also led to her losing custody of her two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Lutfi was a constant presence around Spears during this tumultuous period of her life, her parents accused of him of crushing tablets into her food. It's also been claimed that Britney was going broke during her time with Lufti. With no source of income, the star - who was worth $32 million - was spending $700 a month, paying huge legal bills in her custody case with ex-Kevin Federline and renting luxury mansions, one of which she spent just three nights in. In his court case he maintains that he was trying to help her, though her parents say Lutfi cut her phone line, hid her cellphones and used the paparazzi as 'henchmen.' He also said that Britney shaved her hair to avoid the courts finding drug residue - which can remain in the strands for months after use. Turned life around: Britney now has a role as a U.S. X Factor judge and plans to wed agent Jason Trawick . Schleimer claimed Lutfi befriended . the paparazzi so that they would treat Spears with more respect and . claims he tried to assemble top talent agents to jumpstart her career. 'Sam was trying to find top notch people to work with Britney,' he told the court. Lufti is also planning to call Lourdes Torres to testify that Britney is being controlled by her parents via the conservatorship. 'Lulu ended up quitting her job because she was so disturbed by what she saw was happening to Britney…Lulu’s testimony could have significant impact on the jury because she spent a great deal of time with Britney and her parents after the conservatorship was put in place. Lulu isn’t after money, she just wants the truth to come out and it will be shocking,' a source told Radar. Many of the claims about Lufti were included in court filings used to obtain the conservatorship, but Lynne Spears also included them in her book. Lutfi . is suing for libel based on three chapters in the book that describe . him as a 'general' to the paparazzi and portray him as a man trying to . manipulate not only the singer, but also her mother. Although she is still under conservatorship, Spears is now firmly back on track with a role as a judge on X Factor USA. She is also now preparing to . marry long-term love Jason Trawick. The court case resumes tomorrow. | Lufti claims she shaved head to beat hair strand drug test . Her parents contend he crushed up tablets and put them in her food . Former nanny 'will testify to parents' emotional manipulation' of the star through her conservatorship . Britney will NOT take the stand . | 3c003f5ba5511fd74e76bb11156c56d1b4275a14 |
An elderly shopper has died after tumbling to the bottom of an escalator at House of Fraser during a family shopping trip. The freak accident took place while the 87-year-old was on a day trip to Cardiff on Christmas Eve. The incident is believed to have occurred when another shopper tripped near the top of the escalator at the department store, knocking into another woman who was stood below. An 87-year-old shopper has died after tumbling to the bottom of an escalator at the House of Fraser department store in Cardiff, also known as Howells, on Christmas Eve . That woman then fell into the pensioner, who was third in line on the moving stairway. All three women - believed to be known to one another - fell down the escalator at the busy city centre store and were taken to hospital. The pensioner died more than two weeks later from her injuries. Shopper Julian Rice, 48, described how panic unfolded in the busy department store - known as Howells - but that everybody involved 'did everything possible'. He said: 'Myself and my partner happened to be the first at the scene that day and it's bothered us all over the Christmas and New Year. 'There were three women together who were on a day trip from Manchester, the poor lady that died was very badly hurt. 'I did not know her but I have to say that everybody involved that day did everything possible.' The department store's first aider Rachel Dyer, who treated the injured shopper, added: 'I can safely say it was the worst day I've ever known. Something we will never forget. The pensioner was taken to University of Wales Hospital (pictured) along with two other women. She died more than two weeks later from her injures . 'But I've never felt prouder to be a part of a team who pulled together to do everything we could. I just wish the ending had been different.' After the incident, engineers were urgently called to check the escalator, but it was found to be in working order. Police are now compiling a report for Cardiff coroner Christopher Woolley and an inquest may be held. A House of Fraser spokeswoman said: 'It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of the woman who was involved in an incident in our Cardiff store on Christmas Eve. 'Our thoughts are with her family and friends. 'We would like to thank our staff for their initial first aid response and care administered to the customer and also the paramedics for their quick response. A Welsh Ambulance spokesman said: 'We were called to reports of three people falling down the escalator at the store. The three people were taken to the University of Wales Hospital.' | Woman, from Manchester, was on a day trip to Cardiff on Christmas Eve . Another shopper tripped on moving stairwell, knocking the pensioner over . She was taken to hospital with two other shoppers but died two weeks later . Store's first aider Rachel Dyer said: 'It was the worst day I've ever known' | a1194b653f7b9bd54929d24553fe24ade72cee08 |
By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 16:08 EST, 27 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:25 EST, 28 February 2013 . For Zaida Saleh, like for many observant Muslim women, manicures have long posed a religious problem. With prayers five times a day, and a pre-prayer ritual that requires washing the hands and arms, traditional fingernail polish has been mostly off limits because it prevents water from making contact with the nails. A new 'breathable' nail polish by a Polish company, Inglot, is changing that. The company and some Muslims say the polish is the first of its kind because it lets air and moisture pass through to the nail. A craze has built up around it with Muslim women in recent months after an Islamic scholar in the United States tested its permeability and published an article saying that, in his view, it complies with Muslim law. Manicures for all! A craze has built up around O2M nail polish after an Islamic scholar in the U.S. tested its permeability and published an article saying that, in his view, it complies with Muslim law . 'It's huge,' said Saleh, a 35-year-old who hadn't polished her nails in many years but immediately went out and bought the product in five colors, including a bright pink, a burgundy and a mauve. 'I am excited. I feel more feminine — and I just love it.' The news of Inglot's breathable polish has in recent months spread quickly from woman to woman and over the Internet. It also has given Inglot a boost in sales of the product, called O2M, for oxygen and moisture. The nail polish now stands as one of the final life achievements of Wojciech Inglot, a Polish chemist and entrepreneur who developed it to create what he billed as a healthier alternative to traditional nail enamels, which block the passage of moisture and oxygen to the nail. He died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 57 after suffering internal hemorrhaging, and is being laid to rest on Wednesday in his hometown of Przemysl. Inspired idea: Wojciech Inglot, late founder of the Polish cosmetics company Inglot, who died on Saturday, invented 'breathable' nail polish . Inglot has been the recipient of several business leadership awards for taking an enterprise that he started in 1983, when Poland was still under communist rule, and turning it into an international success. A Polish award he received last year praised him for 'proving that Poland is a country where innovative technologies go hand-in-hand with beauty.' Today his company has shops in almost 50 countries, including one at Times Square in New York City and boutiques in malls from Moscow to Istanbul to Dubai. Though the Muslim holy book, the . Quran, does not specifically address the issue of nail polish, some . Islamic scholars have said that water must touch the surface of the nail . for the washing ritual to be done correctly. Some . Muslim women might put nail polish on after finishing the last prayer . of the day before going out, and then take it off again before dawn . prayers. They can also wear it during their periods, when they are . excused from the prayers, but some find it embarrassing to do so because . it could signal they are menstruating. Some simply don't want to take . the trouble of getting a manicure that won't last long. 'It . was a big headache for me to put it on only for five days, so I didn't . wear it for a long time,' said Saleh, who was born in Sri Lanka but now . lives in Anaheim, California, where she is a teacher of preschool and . kindergarten level children. 'This was a huge breakthrough for me. We . are supposed to cover up, but nowhere does it say "don't be . fashionable."' Nobody was more surprised by the splash it made with Muslims than Inglot himself. 'I don't think there is a single Muslim living here,' Inglot said in an interview with The Associated Press nine days before his death at his factory in Przemysl, near the border with Ukraine. 'We didn't even think about this.' Inglot began about four years ago to develop the formula for the breathable enamel, which uses a polymer similar to that in the newest generation of contact lenses. Word-of-mouth success: The news of Inglot's breathable polish has in recent months spread quickly from woman to woman and over the Internet . Inglot said the chemical formula is 'tricky' and 'quite expensive' to produce, and that the profit margin on O2M is not high. However, he said he was determined to develop a breathable polish knowing that consumers are ever more focused on health and expecting them to welcome a varnish that would let the nail breathe. Low profit margin: Inglot said the chemical formula is 'tricky' and 'quite expensive' to produce . He said the enthusiastic Muslim reaction to the product began after an Islamic scholar, Mustafa Umar, published an article on his blog in November declaring it permissible. The result was a 'serious increase in the sale' of O2M. Inglot said the company was unable to immediately meet all requests for orders, but that the phenomenon was so fresh that he didn't yet have any figures on sales. 'But it looks very promising,' Inglot said. 'We were very surprised and very happy with that.' Umar, director of education and outreach with the Islamic Institute of Orange County in California, said he decided to study the matter because Muslim women had already been discussing the product in online forums. There was uncertainty over whether it would be ritually compliant, and they weren't getting any answers. 'So I decided to go ahead and write an article on this because I know how important it is for Muslim women around the world,' Umar said. The research involved putting the O2M polish and a standard polish on coffee filters, letting them both dry, and then putting water drops on top of each and seeing if the moisture seeped through. In the case of the traditional nail polish it did not, but it went through the O2M polish and even wet a second filter below. Umar said he has gotten an enthusiastic reception to his opinion from women — not only because they are reveling in the chance to accessorize with colorful varnishes. 'Usually when men give a religious ruling or verdict, they tell women that something is not allowed,' Umar, 31, said. 'They felt so good that someone was finally telling them "you are allowed to do this."' New possibilities: Muslim women are reveling in the chance to accessorize with colorful varnishes . There are still some outstanding questions, however, about how breathable the nail polish will be if multiple coats are used — say a clear bottom coat, two layers of color plus a top coat, as is common. Before his death, Inglot was working to answer this question and gather other data on the product. The company's other managers are deep in mourning over losing Inglot but plan to continue that effort. Inglot had insisted on having more data before he felt he could responsibly promote the varnish as being compliant with Islamic law. Islam has multiple schools of thought and no universally agreed-upon figure — such as the pope of the Roman Catholic church — to issue final rulings on religious legal interpretation. So it's not clear if all Islamic scholars would agree on O2M's permissibility, or on whether wearing nail polish at all is compatible with Muslim notions of modesty. | The nail polish now stands as one of the final life achievements of Wojciech Inglot, who died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 57 . | 24f3665a405d45aaa47333ad88f24f17d575d70c |
New York (CNN) -- A gun law passed by the New Jersey legislature more than a decade ago may be set into motion as tech savvy gun makers get closer to being able to sell so-called smart guns in the United States. The idea behind this firearms technology is to create "personalized" guns that only fire in the right hands -- whether by recognizing a certain signal from a watch, a ring or even just the right grip. The New Jersey law is the only one of its kind in the United States. It requires that within three years of the technology being available, only smart guns be sold in the state. The new technology has become one more point of contention in the gun debate, with gun-control supporters expecting it to lead to fewer injuries and deaths and the pro-gun side arguing that it will take away options from gun owners. "The problem is you have an industry that is totally reluctant to embrace any changes to make their products safer," said Ladd Everitt, communications director of the Washington D.C.-based Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. "The benefits of this technology should be obvious to anyone," he said. "The key is implementation. It is going to take some political will. Will you have a state government in New Jersey with the political will to see this through?" The country's largest gun advocacy organization, the National Rifle Association, did not respond to requests for comment. "New Jersey's smart-gun law is as dumb as it gets," said Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, a group affiliated with the NRA. "It forces you to use an unproven technology to defend your life, and then exempts the state from liability when the gun goes 'click' instead of 'bang,'" he said. "If it's such a great idea, then law enforcement shouldn't be exempt, and the free market should be allowed to determine its viability." One Germany-based company, Armatix, which already sells personalized guns in Europe, expects to have its Armatix iP1 digital pistol available on the nation's shelves "within weeks," according to Belinda Padilla, president and CEO. Armatix uses radio frequency technology in its .22-caliber digital pistol, which unlocks with a digital watch and a PIN. If someone who isn't wearing the watch grabs the gun, it immediately deactivates. "Our digital pistol is the first of its kind and has gone through rigorous testing in Germany -- some of the highest standards -- and in the U.S," Padilla told CNN. "Anybody who picks up the handgun, whether it's a child or it's actively stolen, they can't activate the watch." Another firm, Kodiak Industries of Utah, markets an "Intelligun," which uses a fingerprint-based locking system. Bill Gentry, president of Kodiak, said the company began taking preorders in January. The personalized weapon will be in full production by the end of December. Armatix, Kodiak and other smart-gun makers are poised to force acting New Jersey Attorney General John Jay Hoffman, a Republican, to decide how to implement the law. ATF tests show 3-D guns lethal as metal detection law expires . For more than a decade, researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology have been working on a grip-recognizing gun that measures the pressure applied and the size and shape of the hand holding the gun. Triggersmart, which was founded by Irish entrepreneur Robert McNamara, also uses radio frequency technology to enable -- and disable -- guns. The chip that activates the gun can be placed in a ring, bracelet or potentially even embedded in the owner's hand. So what does this mean for the law? The state Attorney General's office declined to comment. Under the law, Hoffman must determine whether the smart guns meet industry standards and are available for retail sale. The law says "personalized handguns shall be deemed to be available for retail sales purposes if at least one manufacturer has delivered at least one model of a personalized handgun to a registered or licensed wholesale or retail dealer in New Jersey or any other state." UK police raise spector of 3-D printer-made guns . The New Jersey State Police then will issue a list of firearms that meet the technological standard. Within three years of the guns hitting the market, they will be the only kinds of firearms sold in New Jersey. In New Jersey, 2013 firearms background checks -- needed to obtain permits required to purchase handguns -- increased by more than 50% through October, compared with the same period in 2012, according to the FBI. In the first 10 months of 2013, 100,922 background checks were conducted, compared to 66,912 during the same period the year before. According to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics, there were 456 firearm related deaths in New Jersey in 2010. In August, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would ban certain long-range rifles and sent several gun-related bills back to the state legislature for changes, according to his office. | New Jersey law could take hold with new smart gun technology . "Personalized" guns only fire with signal from watch, ring or the right grip . The law, the only one of its kind, has become part of national gun debate . | 2775319e8a63182d9480093f8d7e3c8b9bacfe4f |
New York (CNN) -- A car careens onto a sidewalk, bowls over a 17-year-old woman and crushes the stroller holding her 8-month-old daughter. The mother immediately jumps up and frantically begins trying to pull the baby out from under the car. Within seconds she has her. Both are taken to a hospital, but neither is badly hurt. "God helped us," mother Alondra Gervacio told CNN on Wednesday as she held her daughter. The incident was caught on a surveillance camera overlooking a Bronx sidewalk just before 1 p.m. Tuesday. Police say a 68-year-old driver lost consciousness behind the wheel of a livery cab, or a car for hire. The Lincoln Town Car struck one vehicle stopped at a red light and another vacant parked car, and then sped down the sidewalk directly at Gervacio and her infant. The surveillance video shows Gervacio, start to go to her left, then pull the stroller back to the right, barely managing to get it out of the way of the front of the car. But both are struck by the side of the car. The woman is sent sprawling but the stroller is pulled underneath the vehicle, just in front of the rear tire. The impact happened just as the car hit a storefront and came to a skidding halt. The video then shows the woman rush to the car, fall to her knees and begin tugging at the crumpled stroller. She pulls the child out and quickly carries her away. "I didn't stop for my pain or nothing," Gervacio said. "I just wanted to look for her and she was under the taxi." The baby was not wedged under the car, but was lying sideways. Both the mother and child were taken to Lincoln Medical Center, according to the police report. The unconscious driver of the livery cab was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Police said he had suffered a heart attack, CNN affiliate WABC reported. The stopped vehicle that the Town Car first struck had two passengers inside, but neither requested medical attention, according to police. George Martinez, the livery owner, told WABC-TV the car's driver was "a nice responsible driver ... always responsible." Gervacio said she went to church after she got out of the hospital. Her daughter spent the night at the hospital for observation. Her cousin, Vanessa Sanchez, recalled seeing the surveillance tape. "She really got lucky," Sanchez said. "If she wouldn't have pulled back in time that could have been their lives." CNN's Jesse Solomon and Gary Carter contributed to this report . | NEW: "God helped us," mother says of harrowing incident . A car careens out of control, striking a woman and trapping her child under it . Surveillance video shows the young mother immediately trying to free her daughter . Neither is seriously hurt . | cc4b6ade96f7d50ecbfec14f8c6bc284222418fe |
A young Indian mother has been burned to death along with her infant daughter by her husband and in-laws for failing to pay dowry. Police in eastern Indian state of Jharkhand said 22-year-old Annu Devi was set ablaze while she was breastfeeding her daughter. They have now arrested her husband, Gunjan Masat, who allegedly poured fuel over Devi and her baby daughter before setting them on fire. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT . Annu Devi, 22, (far right) was burned to death in India by her husband and in-laws in a dispute over dowry which started when she gave birth to a girl . Gunjan Masat, Devi's husband, allegedly poured kerosene over her while she was breastfeeding her baby daughter before setting the pair alight. They were taken to hospital (pictured) but died on arrival . According to Raghuni Rana, Devi's father, the couple were happily married for more than a year, but problems started after Ms Devi gave birth to a baby girl. Devi's mother-in-law holds the body of her grand-daughter who was also burned to death in the attack . Mr Rana told police: 'They wanted a son, but didn’t realize that giving birth to a girl was not Devi’s fault. 'They started harassing and torturing her till things reached this pass when they decided to end her life.' Mr Rana added: 'Now they were demanding a TV set and a motorcycle. I had already given them two bighas (1.6 acres) of land in dowry.' To pass off her murder as an accident, the accused made the badly burned Devi sit beside a fireplace and placed a water container over it. Early in the morning on January 30, a local spotted Ms Devi and her daughter lying in a courtyard at the house, still alive despite suffering 90 per cent burns. The mother-daughter duo were rushed to the nearest hospital but the doctors declared them dead on arrival. Devi's brother-in-law, who has also been accused in the police complaint, is still at large. Calling . it a heinous crime, Superintendent of Police, Nirmal Kumar Mishra, . said: 'All the accused will be arrested and prosecuted according to the . law.' Dowry is one of the reasons why boys are preferred over girls in Indian culture. Thousands of girls are aborted every year after ultrasound scans reveal the sex of the foetus. Masat allegedly set Devi alight in the courtyard of this house, before allegedly placing her still-living body next to a fireplace to make it look like an accident . Gunjan Masat has been arrested, while his father Mahendra Basat (pictured), was interrogated. His other son has also been named on the police complaint but is on the run . A woman is killed over dowry ‘every hour’ in India, according to the data released by the country’s National Crime Records Bureau. '8,233 young women, many of them new brides, were killed in so-called 'dowry deaths' in 2012,' the report said last year. Domestic violence largely motivated by dowry demands is very common in the area, but killing of Ms Devi along with her baby girl has shocked the locals. | Annu Devi, 22, burned to death while breastfeeding her daughter . Husband Gunjan Masat poured fuel over the pair before lighting it . Masat then allegedly moved the still-living Devi close to a fire to make it look like she had accidentally set herself on fire . Mother and baby were discovered the next morning with 90 per cent burns . They were taken to hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival . Devi's father claims in-laws became angry when she gave birth to a girl . | db6a0cbeeecff09378cfd47c32ae249f464621c9 |
The unprecedented scale of the Conservative operation which failed to hold back the Ukip tide in Rochester and Strood can be laid bare today. Leaked emails sent by the party’s Whips’ Office show that in the 54 days since MP Mark Reckless’s defection to Ukip, there were around 100 separate visits to the constituency by Cabinet ministers, including five by the Prime Minister. Some 246 Conservative MPs – 80 per cent of the total – hit the campaign trail, with so many there that they were asked to sit in offices stuffing envelopes rather than knocking doors, amid reports voters were sick and tired of constant canvassing. Scroll down for video . On October 16, David Cameron introduced the Conservative Party's candidates Anna Firth and Kelly Tolhurst at the Wainscott Memorial Hall in Rochester . On October 24, Mr Cameron attended a community forum in Chatham, Kent, as he campaigns for the Conservative party in the Rochester and Strood by-election with candidate Kelly Tolhurst (second right) In the early days of the campaign, David Cameron was quoted as saying privately he wanted to kick Mr Reckless’s ‘fat a*** out of the Commons’ and insisting he would ‘throw the kitchen sink’ at winning the seat. Ukip’s triumph – its second by-election win in weeks – shook all three main parties. Nigel Farage declared there were now no no-go areas for his party and neither the Conservatives nor Labour could hope to win next year’s General Election outright. But Tory jitters were limited by the smaller-than-expected majority, with senior Eurosceptics, including John Redwood and John Baron, speaking supportively. Ukip had forecast a win by 15 percentage points or more just days ago, but Mr Reckless won by 2,900 votes, or just 7 points. ‘It isn’t big enough,’ said one MP sceptical about the party leadership of Mr Reckless’s majority. ‘If you’re an MP flirting with defection and you look at those numbers in a by-election when people want to kick the Government, you have to be thinking you wouldn’t hold on to your seat at the General Election.’ On November 4, Mr Cameron (centre) with Kelly Tolhurst (left), the new Conservative candidate for Rochester and Strood, were shown around the Crossrail site in Chatham, Kent . On November 11, Mr Cameron spoke to pupils of Strood Academy in Rochester, Kent . And on November 18, Mr Cameron and Ms Tolhurst, visited a company in Rochester . Mr Cameron said: ‘I’m absolutely determined to win this seat back at the next General Election. Because anything other than a Conservative government will put our recovery at risk and mean Ed Miliband in Downing Street.’ Bookmakers have installed the Conservatives as favourites to retake the seat in May’s election. Emails prepared by the Whips’ Office show that at least 100 visits were made to Rochester by Cabinet ministers, with each member asked to go five times, and MPs to make three visits at their own expense. The emails reveal that 246 MPs made at least one visit, and most had made several. Mr Cameron said he would ‘lead from the front’ by doing the same, but his final two visits to local businesses, as Ukip surged in the polls, were notably low-key. Ukip and Labour believe the Tories must also have come close to the spending limit for a by-election – of £100,000 – after holding an expensive open primary vote of residents to choose their candidate. The party also hired no fewer than four shops in the constituency to act as bases. Every Saturday, buses full of young activists – so-called Team 2015, who were used to great effect in the Newark by-election the Tories won earlier this year – arrived to pound the streets. One minister was quoted at the start of the campaign as saying it would be ‘like Newark on crack cocaine’. The Tories’ operation to try to secure the seat for their candidate, marine surveyor Kelly Tolhurst, reached fever pitch on polling day as hundreds of activists, including MPs, went canvassing. Miss Tolhurst had used a public meeting to appeal to voters from the Labour, Lib Dems and Greens to vote tactically for the Tories in order to keep Ukip out. And on the final day, thousands of glossy personalised leaflets – bearing the name of each voter – were sent to likely Tory voters, encouraging them to go to the polls. One MP, who is on the Right of the party, said they and several colleagues were ‘incandescent’ about a letter Miss Tolhurst sent to voters, approved by Tory HQ. Despite not once mentioning she was a Conservative, it mentioned Ukip twice. It also mentioned ‘uncontrolled immigration’ and the fact some local people felt unsafe on their high street due to crime, in a way that critics said made it appear the issues were linked. Miss Tolhurst denied she had intended a link. The MP said: ‘A lot of us thought it was deeply unpleasant.’ Patrick Brione, director of research at pollster Survation, said: ‘All MPs were instructed to visit the constituency at least three times and over a hundred MPs did so on multiple occasions; David Cameron himself made five visits. The party had shipped in activists from across the country to bombard the constituency with canvassing – their resources extended as far as being able to pull off a logistically impressive 6am mail drop to households across the seat on the morning of the vote. ‘Despite all of this, the party failed to retain a seat with a 10,000-vote majority, against an opposition party which had not even fielded a candidate at the previous election. The implications for the Conservatives are potentially dire.’ Michael Gove accused Mair of playing a game of 'political snakes and ladders' on Radio 4 . Michael Gove today accused the BBC of ‘political game-playing’ after he was repeatedly asked about the Prime Minister’s failure at the ballot box. In a hostile exchange on Radio 4’s PM, the Chief Whip told presenter Eddie Mair he was playing a game of ‘political snakes and ladders’ rather than asking about issues of substance. After Mr Mair accused Mr Gove of dodging a question about whether he should resign if there are more defections to Ukip, the former education secretary seemed to become frustrated. ‘Your question was, if I may say so, the type of political game-playing that puts people off BBC interviewers because of instead of asking about policy you’re asking about position,’ he told Mr Mair. ‘One of the things people dislike about politics is the way that commentators instead of talking about issues of substance, such as employment or inflation, play a game of snakes and ladders, and who is up and who is down.’ Mr Gove said the Conservatives were on course for victory in May’s general election despite suffering a second drubbing at the ballot box in just six weeks. When repeatedly pressed to explain why Mr Cameron ‘can’t win’, Mr Gove insisted he ‘secured a bigger swing than any leader since 1930s’ at the last general election and is ‘winning the economic argument’. He added that ‘there is no one to match David Cameron in terms of the strengths of leadership’ among current politicians. Asked if he would resign as Chief Whip if another Tory defects to Ukip, he told the programme: ‘I’m convinced that nobody will so the matter doesn’t arise.’ Mr Gove has previously said that there are not too many immigrants in Britain – a key Ukip claim – but he refused to repeat the comments in an interview with Channel 4 News last night. Queue of others waiting to defect gloats Farage . Nigel Farage today predicted that more MPs would defect to Ukip next year. Arch Conservative eurosceptic Philip Hollobone flanked Tory defector Mark Reckless as he was sworn in as Ukip’s second MP, raising speculation he may be next to jump ship. Ukip leader Mr Farage suggested Tory MPs facing a threat from Labour in northern constituencies would be the most likely to see their future in his party, and mentioned a list of five of the most likely. Some have ‘no chance of winning on a blue rosette but might do on a purple rosette’ at the general election, he said. Asked who he was thinking of, he gave no names but referred to a list drawn up by academic Matthew Goodwin of the five most likely Tories to defect to cling on to their seats. Winner and loser: Ukip leaderNigel Farage, right, and Prime Minister David Cameron, left, today . It includes Chris Kelly, MP for Dudley South, who is already quitting in May, David Nuttall in Bury North, Martin Vickers in Cleethorpes and Nigel Mills in the Amber Valley. All have denied they will defect. The fifth, Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron, said recently that ‘you should never say never in politics’. Another who has denied he will defect is Adam Holloway, Tory MP for Gravesham in Kent, who Mr Farage said he had spoken to but would not say when, or what they discussed. Mr Farage did not expect more MPs to join Ukip straightaway, but expected some to reach a decision over Christmas. He said: ‘I would be very surprised if there weren’t defections of MPs between now and the general election.’ He had spoken to Labour figures, but they were more scared of a voter backlash. | Scale of operation which failed to hold back Ukip in Rochester and Strood can be laid bare . In 54 days since MP Mark Reckless's defection, there were around 100 visits to the constituency by Cabinet ministers . More than 200 Conservative MPs hit the campaign trail amid reports voters were sick and tired of constant canvassing . | 51cbb517cfb7f79d5e27952099a26727ddfe3278 |
Beijing (CNN) -- Although the United States narrowly avoided an unprecedented default following congressional approval of a last-minute compromise plan to raise the debt ceiling, China's leading credit rating agency Wednesday downgraded U.S. sovereign debt after putting it on negative watch last month. The Dagong Global Credit Rating Company, which lowered the United States to A+ last November after the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to continue loosening its monetary policy, announced a further downgrade to A, indicating heightened doubts over Washington's long-term ability to repay its debts. It said the gloomy assessment -- much lower than the AAA ratings given by the so-called "big three" Western agencies Moody's, Fitch, and Standard and Poor's -- was inevitable given the level of market concern generated by the stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over the debt ceiling. "The squabbling between the two political parties on raising the U.S. debt ceiling reflected an irreversible trend on the United States' declining ability to repay its debts," Dagong Chairman Guan Jianzhong told CNN. "The two parties acted in a very irresponsible way and their actions greatly exposed the negative impact of the U.S. political system on its economic fundamentals," he said. Ironically, Dagong's move could hurt not just the United States but also China, the largest foreign owner of U.S. debt with holdings worth almost $1.2 trillion. "Our downgrade simply reflects reality," Guan said. "Our rating didn't cause China to lose any money --- it was the inappropriately high ratings for the U.S. by Western agencies that had led China to make risky investments in U.S. debt." Observers say China, whose foreign exchange reserves now stand at $3.2 trillion, has had little choice but to buy U.S. Treasury bonds. "There aren't that many other markets that are as deep or as liquid as treasuries," said Patrick Chovanec, an economic analyst with Tsinghua University in Beijing. "When they accumulate reserves, this is the only place they can put them." The privately held Dagong, founded in 1994 to rate Chinese companies, attracted worldwide attention last July when it published its first sovereign credit ratings and, citing growing deficits in the developed world, ranked China higher than the United States and Japan. Dagong now rates 67 countries and aims to more than double the number by the end of this year. Its ambition to become an alternative to the "big three" suffered a setback, however, when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission refused to recognize its rating because of the commission's inability to supervise the Beijing-based agency. Guan, who worked as a civil servant and a Wall Street accountant before taking the helm at Dagong, is quick to defend his firm's independence and objectivity. He points to what he calls Western agencies' "double standard" in rating the U.S. and European economies to underscore the global need for a newcomer like Dagong. "People are used to credit ratings issued by the 'big three,' but the financial crisis has clearly proved them wrong," Guan said. "They can no longer shoulder the responsibility of rating the world." "That's the role we are striving to play," he added. | Grade of A is much lower than those of "big three" Western agencies . Dagong chairman says both Democrats, Republicans were irresponsible . "Our downgrade simply reflects reality" Privately held agency was founded in 1994 . | 8f40c2396e14514c8c8818082a4c85340e082b9d |
Crystal Palace have got their mojo back. A club that has been on an upward trajectory for the past four-and-half years was seeing all that hard work beginning to disintegrate with the acrimonious departure of Tony Pulis and the unimaginative appointment of Neil Warnock. Palace know they will never be able to compete with the biggest sides in the land, but the Eagles thrive on being the cool kid in the Premier League playground. Neil Warnock rues a missed opportunity against Burnley as Crystal Palace fans watch on . Impressing neutrals with their guts, passion and eccentricities is in this club's fibre, and those attributes have all been sadly lacking since August, having been so proudly prominent last season. But now, with the impending appointment of Alan Pardew, Palace are back in the limelight. Make no mistake, there's plenty for Pardew to do if Palace are to stay up, but the news of his impending appointment alone has already breathed oxygen in to an atmosphere that was becoming toxic. Pardew is no Pep Guardiola, he's no Pulis either, but Eagles fans know he's one of them - and his managerial record isn't bad. LMA manager of the year in 2012 with Newcastle, Palace supporters could not have hoped for any better given the situation they currently find themselves in. Crystal Palace players react after conceding against Manchester City earlier this month . Alan Pardew is set to leave Newcastle United to take over as Crystal Palace manager . Pardew's appointment will restore fans' faith in Steve Parish and the club's board, too. While CPFC 2010 - who saved Palace from liquidation that year - will always be universally popular among the Selhurst Park faithful, their decision-making regarding the departure of Pulis and the appointment of Warnock has come in for serious criticism in some quarters. With the transfer window opening this week, Pardew's presence should be enough in itself to attract the players capable of keeping Palace in the top flight. At any rate, major surgery is not required. This, after all, is a squad that finished 11th last season and was significantly improved upon in the summer - hence the frustration with how things were going under Warnock. Warnock was doing nothing for Palace's street-cred, which hit its highest point in the early 1990s when Pardew was a player. Pardew's winner against Liverpool in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final is well documented but their performance that year was not a flash in the pan. The following season, with him in midfield, Palace finished third in the old First Division. Pardew celebrates his winner against Liverpool in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park . No one is expecting Palace to be able to do that again any time soon but with one of their own in charge - a man who just so happens to be one of the most experienced and proven Premier League managers around - pride can start coursing through those red and blue veins again. The silence at what proved to be Warnock's final game against Southampton on Boxing Day was deafening. However this reunion between club and cult hero goes, the decibel level will be off the scale when Tottenham visit on January 10 for Pardew's return to Selhurst Park. | Alan Pardew set to leave Newcastle United to take over at Crystal Palace . Cult hero Pardew played for Crystal Palace from 1987 to 1991 . Palace finished 11th last year but are currently 18th in Premier League . | 1e76feb3de886da4726ec7ea1ebb5ad23a351b23 |
(CNN) -- A Nevada man is accused of providing support to terrorism groups in India and Pakistan, authorities said Wednesday. Balwinder Singh, 39, is charged with one count of conspiracy to murder, kidnap, and maim persons in a foreign country; one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists; one count of making a false statement on an immigration document; two counts of use of an immigration document procured by fraud; and one count of unlawful production of an identification document. He was arrested in Reno on Tuesday. Singh is accused of belonging to two terrorist organizations -- Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) -- whose members seek to create an independent Sikh state in the Punjab region of India, read the indictment. "After an extensive investigation, the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) of Northern Nevada has disrupted an individual's involvement in facilitation activities in support of a foreign terrorist organization, targeting an ally of the United States," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Laura A. Bucheit. "We will continue to work with our international partners to prevent acts of terrorism on U.S. soil or, as in this case, on that of an ally." According to the indictment, Singh was a citizen of India and fled to the United States where he claimed asylum. He eventually obtained a permanent resident card. He is accused of using a false identity and obtaining false documents in the United States so that he could travel to India without being apprehended by authorities there. Singh sent money from the United States to co-conspirators in India, the indictment read. He is also accused of providing advice on how to carry out acts of terrorism and traveling to Pakistan, India and other countries to meet with co-conspirators. If convicted, Singh faces up to life in prison. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday. | NEW: He could face up to life in prison if convicted . Balwinder Singh, 39, was arrested in Reno on Tuesday . He is charged with conspiracy to murder, kidnap, and maim persons in a foreign country . Singh is accused of belonging to two terrorist organizations . | 1fe7d1602da1975b3f33c00fbb8deb50d6de53b0 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:33 EST, 27 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:33 EST, 27 August 2012 . Sixteen Amish men and women accused of cutting people's hair and beards are set to go on trial this week over the alleged hate crime. As jury selection began at a court in Cleveland on Monday, the defendants were supported by a dozen women from the community, all dressed nearly identically in traditional outfits. The accused, most of whom are related to one another, are charged in three separate attacks on nine people, including the parents of some of the suspects. Support: Amish women attending the start of the trial of 16 people accused of beard-cutting hate crime attacks . Jury selection: Monday saw the opening of the trial, whose charges date back to last autumn . The series of crimes rocked the normally quiet, pacifist Amish community in southeast Ohio. The assaults were considered especially egregious because the beard is a symbol of a man's identity among the Amish, and women in the community do not cut their hair for biblical reasons. Federal prosecutors say the attacks were revenge for a dispute between Samuel Mullet Sr and other Amish bishops after those bishops disputed the excommunication of eight families from Mullet's breakaway group. Authorities accused Mullet, 66, of being the ringleader of the assaults, although they say he was not present during any of them. Unprecedented: The Amish usually sort out their disputes within the community rather than involving goverment officials . Charges: If found guilty of a hate crime, the 16 defendants could face many years in prison . Officials said conversations recorded in jail before federal charges were brought revealed that he was planning more attacks. Mullet and the others face 10 counts, including obstruction, conspiracy and a federal hate crime, 'for willfully causing bodily injury because of actual and perceived religion'. Two defendants, Mullet and Lester Miller, have filed motions arguing that the hate crime statute, which carries a possible life sentence, does not apply to intra-religious disputes and is a violation of the separation of powers. Seven defendants, including Mullet, have been in custody since their arrest in October. Unusual: The defendants are said by some to belong to a breakaway cult hostile to other Amish . Defiant: Those accused have repeatedly rejected plea deals with prosecutors . Last week, judge Dan Polster ruled that prosecutors are not permitted to refer to Mullet's community using terms that may be derogatory, like 'cult' or 'sect,' but they will be able to present evidence of Mullet's sexual 'counselling' of female members of his group even though he has not been charged with a sex crime. Another earlier ruling allows the defence to argue that the cutting of a person's hair or beard does not constitute bodily harm even though the Amish believe married men and women must abstain from cutting their hair. Members of the Amish community will not be required to be sworn in before testifying because oath-taking is considered a violation of their religion. The judge has banned cameras and blogging from the courtroom during the trial. Leader: Samuel Mullet is accused of orchestrating the alleged attacks with members of his family . Accused: The defendants in court at a plea hearing last October . | Breakaway sect accused of cutting hair and beards of other Amish . Could face heavy prison sentences if found guilty of hate crime . | aedcc85d8d6a64d50e3790edc22d218420a8d475 |
By . Eleanor Harding . UPDATED: . 03:24 EST, 8 March 2012 . Middle class retired people could be £1,000 better off every year under proposals to exempt them from paying income tax on their state pensions. The Treasury’s tax advisers have suggested scrapping the levy because many pensioners consider it unfair. The Office for Tax Simplification made the proposal in a report that condemned the current tax rules for retired people as 'confusing’. Better off? Current tax rules for retired people were condemned in a report as being 'confusing' According to HM Revenue and Customs estimates, almost 5.6million people receiving the basic state pension pay income tax. Often, they do so because private pension payments and savings interest take their total income above the tax threshold. More than 1.5 million of them have to fill in a self-assessment form. The report to Treasury ministers pointed out there was a ‘patchwork of allowances and rules which many in their later years find very confusing’. It added that making people pay tax on the basic state pension made the system significantly more complex. Official figures show that less than 50 per cent of all retired people are even aware that their state pension income is subject to tax. Almost 5.6million people receiving the basic state pension pay income tax - and more than 1.5million of them have to fill in a self-assessment form (pictured) The report states: ‘Many of those who do understand that it is taxable feel that this is unjust, given that they have contributed through the national insurance system through their working life.’ And among the options considered in the report is: ‘exempt the state pension from tax altogether’. Quantitative easing has increased the shortfalls in corporate pensions, industry experts have warned. In an attempt to drive down interest rates the Bank of England resumed its gilt purchases in October. But the move has added £90billion to pensions shortfalls, according to the National Association of Pension Funds. 'Businesses running final salary pensions are being clouted,' said Joanne Segars, chief executive of NAPF. 'Deficits that were already big now look even bigger because of [QE's] artificial distortions.' She added that while NAPF was in favour of measures to stimulate the economy, QE had wreaked havoc on both personal and company pension schemes. A full basic state pension is worth £5,311 a year, so pensioners would be £1,060 better off without paying the 20 per cent income tax on it. The report stressed the advisers, an independent body set up by the Chancellor, George Osborne, had not yet reached a conclusion on the issue. They will now study the implications of full tax exemption before producing recommendations for ministers in a second report expected later this year. Another option they are considering is making all state pension payments through the PAYE system, so that they are taxed at source. This could reduce the number of older people who suddenly find themselves burdened with self-assessment. The report adds: ‘For some, the arrival of a combination of their state pension and a limited income from their savings and investment can mean for the first time that they need to complete a self-assessment tax return, just when they thought that life was getting easier.’ The Revenue and the Department for Work and Pensions could also do more to explain pension tax rules to the public, it added. A Treasury spokesman said that ministers would respond to the report in the Budget later this month, but did not expect formal recommendations until later this year. | Treasury's tax advisers suggested scrapping the levy because pensioners consider it unfair . Almost 5.6 million people receiving basic state pension pay income tax . | a17c31050875f12313fe0a0919c9b7971e9b5237 |
Alexander Gustafsson was devastated to miss out on a rematch with Jon Jones – but believes a homecoming in front of 30,000 fans comes a close second. The Swede takes on Anthony Johnson in Stockholm on January 24 after injury scuppered his chances a second shot at the light-heavyweight title. And he knows he can't underestimate a rejuvenated Johnson who has seized his second chance in the UFC with both hands. Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony Johnson face off in Sweden on November 25 . The Tele2 Arena, the venue for Gustafsson and Johnson's fight, can hold 30,000 people . Gustafsson takes part in an open training session in Stockholm, Sweden . 'It's been tough,' he admitted to Sportsmail. 'It sucked but that's in the past now. It felt bad for a short moment but I knew that I had to let that go and start again and get ready for new opportunities. 'I've only fought once this year and with the injury but now I'm back and feeling great. 'A lot of good things have happened too; I'm fighting in my hometown and it's going to be packed and a great night. 'But from not fighting Jon Jones to fighting Anthony Johnson in this venue that is huge, 30,000 seats is not bad and I can't complain.' Johnson has impressed since his return to the organisation with victories over Phil Davis and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. And Gustafsson knows he will have to be at his best to keep his title hopes alive. Gustafsson wraps up his hands and poses for pictures before he starts training . Gustafsson has been struggling with injury this year but is looking forward to returning to the ring . Gustafsson talks to the press ahead of his homecoming fight against Johnson . 'He's a great guy and he'll be a tough opponent,' he added. 'He's a hard hitter and very explosive so I have to be ready. 'I'll train for him and his skills to be ready for what he throws and by the time of the fight, I'll know him from every situation. 'He's been in and out and cutting weight so I didn't actually think I'd see him in my division but now he is and he's been destroying guys so he's a force I cant underestimate. 'It's going to be a great fight,we're both great strikers and its a great opportunity for me to show the world I have what it takes and to show my skills. Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs Johnson will be available from Friday, November 28 via AXS.com/UFC . | Alexander Gustafsson takes on Anthony Johnson in front of 30,000 fans in Stockholm in January . Injury ruled the Swedish star out of a rematch with light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones . Gustafsson pushed Jones all the way in their first fight in Toronto last year . Johnson has won his first two fights since returning to the UFC earlier this year . | fca1983ce847d66b4efcec497723c017612bc0a5 |
Deadly: Alethea Parker, 51, almost died and lost both her legs and one hand after inhaling the deadly bacteria while in Tuscany in Italy . When Alethea Parker arrived at her rented Tuscan farmhouse for a holiday with her husband and friends, it seemed the dream destination. But, unbeknown to the holidaymakers, the house harboured a life-threatening bacteria: legionella. Their planned happy week in Italy was to leave Alethea in intensive care for months – and cause her to lose most of her limbs. For while, to many people, legionnaire’s disease has an almost mythical status, considered little more than scare stories about toxic water in taps, it remains a very real danger. Although she can’t be sure, legionella thrives in water systems and it is most likely Alethea was infected whilst showering. Just . last week, Public Health England issued an urgent alert after a newborn . child was admitted to intensive care with the illness, thought to have . been contracted from a contaminated home birthing pool. Up . to 15 per cent of people who contract the pneumonia-type lung . infection, caused by breathing in droplets of water contaminated with . the aggressive bacteria, will die. And those who survive can be left . with lifelong disabilities, like Alethea. Although . cases of UK infection have dropped, those contracted abroad have . remained steady, accounting for more than half of the 235 instances in . 2011, when the last statistics are available. Yet . most of us, like Alethea, barely register the risks. The 51-year-old . retail manager from Farnborough, Hampshire, arrived in Italy in July . 2010 as the final destination of a two-week driving holiday around . Europe with her husband Barry, now 66, a retired warehouse manager, and . another couple. But Alethea soon started feeling very unwell. ‘I . developed a headache and became constantly thirsty. I felt lethargic . but assumed it was lingering work stress. Then, towards the end of the . holiday, I started being sick. We thought it was food poisoning.’ Back in Britain, her condition worsened and she began slurring her words, then fainted in the shower. ‘Barry rang our doctor. When he relayed my symptoms, they told him to call an ambulance,’ says Alethea. When paramedics arrived, Alethea was struggling to breathe. She was taken to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, where she was so unwell that doctors put her into an induced coma while they carried out checks. Barry, along with Alethea’s mother, brother and two sisters, were told that she was very seriously ill with legionnaire’s disease. ‘I’d heard of it but had no idea how serious it was,’ he says. ‘We all burst into tears as the doctor told us she could die.’ The consultant said the only treatment was an ECMO (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation) machine at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. This complex equipment works like an artificial lung, taking blood from the lungs, removing carbon dioxide and then oxygenating it, before returning it to the body. Alethea was moved to Leicester, but things didn’t improve. ‘The doctors tried different types of antibiotics but nothing helped. Then, in the second week, her hands and feet started dying – they were shrivelling and becoming hard and locked,’ says Barry. The drug given to keep her alive – noradrenaline, injected into her heart to reduce the size of the blood vessels so it is easier for the heart to pump – can cause blood vessels in hands and feet to shut off. Life-threatening: Legionella bacteria thrives in water systems and it is most likely Alethea was infected whilst showering . In the second week, Alethea was taken off ECMO, transferred back to intensive care at Frimley and slowly brought out of the coma. She says: ‘It was like a weird dream – even seeing my hands and legs in such a bad way. I kept telling Barry to explain my absence to work.’ As Alethea slowly recovered, doctors said they would need to amputate her left hand, both legs just below the knee, as they had gangrene, and some fingers on her right hand. ‘My left hand was so painful and useless that I knew I couldn’t keep it, but I was really upset as I didn’t know how I’d work again. I coped because I never dwell on things. I had to go forwards and do the best I could.’ Barry says: ‘Alethea cried for about 20 seconds then said, “Right, I’m not going to cry any more, let’s get on with it.” She had this strength of character that seemed able to deal with it and not crumble – the rest of us took strength from that. ‘Removing the legs required a four-hour operation, yet she was still quite chirpy afterwards. When I arrived in recovery, she was having a cup of tea and said, “You do realise you’re married to someone disabled?” I said I’d always wanted a blue badge for parking.’ Alethea returned home in February 2011 for the first time since her collapse in the shower the summer before. She is now able to drive thanks to a special handle on her car’s steering wheel and has regained her licence from the DVLA. She still visits a rehabilitation unit for maintenance on her prosthetic legs and hand but is now medically well, with no lasting problems with her organs. ‘You get used to it,’ she says. ‘It gets on my nerves needing someone with me all the time. Barry has to come on our girls’ weekends away now but I wanted life back to as normal as possible and that’s what we used to do every year. ‘I still think, “Gosh, this really has happened to me.” It feels surreal. But I’m adapting. People don’t realise how serious legionnaire’s is. When I hear about an outbreak now it sends shivers down my spine.’ | Alethea Parker, 51, was diagnosed with legionnaire's disease . It is likely she caught bacteria from the shower in Tuscany, Italy . Alethea lost both legs and one hand to the illness . | 2655440235a0a69babeb3ebcadb8d68239ab6503 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:01 EST, 21 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:01 EST, 21 June 2012 . South Africa's polygamist president Jacob Zuma could lose the £1.2 million he receives from the taxpayer to fund his four wives, it has been reported. Members of the 70-year-old president's own ANC party have suggested the spousal support allowance he currently receives, which is almost double that of his predecessors, should be restricted to one wife. While Mr Zuma's wives are not taking their turn accompaning him on his travels, they stay in individual, luxury thatched huts in his rural homestead or homes in cities. Ladies in waiting: South Africa's polygamist president Jacob Zuma could lose the £1.2 million he receives from the taxpayer to fund his four wives, it has been reported . South Africa's Times newspaper reported that members of Mr Zuma's own ruling party the African National Congress planned to raise the issue next week at a policy meeting. The publication said unnamed ANC officials had told its sister newspaper the Daily Dispatch they felt angry about the apparent waste of public funds. One delegate due to attend the party's policy conference said some activists believed Mr Zuma should pay for his extra spouses himself. He said: 'What was made clear during the discussions was that, as taxpayers, we cannot afford to continue financing so many wives. 'Only wife number one should get benefits from the state. 'Our understanding is that when you decide to have more than one wife, you are able to support the others. Then deal with it.' The Times reported that the possible showdown on Mr Zuma's spouses followed discussions about the president's private life by ANC conference delegates from South Africa's Eastern Cape province. President Zuma poses with three of his four wives (L-R) Sizakele Khumalo, Nompumelo Ntuli and Thobeka Mabhija in 2010 . The group of activists met on Monday to discuss possible policy changes ahead of the ruling party's key conference next week. It was reported that members of the organisation's Eastern Capre provincial economic transformation commission backed a proposal that taxpayers should pay for only one presidential wife. Party sources said the proposed new policy would be discussed again by the provincial members on Friday. If the Eastern Cape delegates agreed to take the issue further, the matter could then be tabled for discussion next week at the ANC's national policy conference in Johannesburg. Mr Zuma, South Africa's first polygamist president is a member of the country's Zulu tribe and permitted to take multiple spouses by law. He has been married a total of six times and has four current wives. The country's first ladies are currently looked after by the office of the Presidency, where they share official first lady duties on a rota. However the use of public funds for the presidential spouses has been a contentious issue since Mr Zuma's election as national leader in 2009. The Presidency stated earlier this year that the department's budget for 'spousal support' was around £1.2m for the 2010/11 financial year. Local media reported that sum was around double the amount spent by Mr Zuma's presidential predecessors Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, who both have just one wife. The controversy was heightened last year following reports the government had budgeted around £60,000 to have a fleet of luxury hire cars on standby across the country for Mr Zuma's spouses. Tribesman: President Jacob Zuma at his traditional Zulu wedding to Nompumelelo Ntuli in 2008 and (right) his most recent bride Tobeka Madiba arrives for her wedding in 2010 . And in April the Presidency was forced to make a statement on the spousal budget following fresh negative media reports ahead of Mr Zuma's latest nuptials. A spokesman for the statesman said the taxpayer would not face any extra bills following the president's marriage to Gloria Bongekile Ngema. However it confirmed that was because Ms Ngema, a businesswoman and graduate, had previously already qualified for support as a fiancee of the president. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj later said the taxpayer only funded the first ladies when they were on official duty. He said: 'The spouses pay their own living or household expenses, be it food, mortgages, lights, water and so forth. 'Nothing is paid for by the state in the spouses' four households. They live in private homes. 'There are, however, expectations that spouses will provide support to the president in the execution of his duties, and specifically so at state and official functions. 'The Presidency therefore provides reasonable administrative, logistical and other support .' Mr Zuma, who is believed to have fathered more than 20 children, wed his long-standing first wife Sizakele Khumalo, 69, in 1973. He married Nompumelelo Ntuli, 37, in 2008 and wed third current wife Thobeka Madiba, 39, in 2010. His traditional wedding to Ms Ngema in April has left him with four current spouses. The six-times married statesman has previously wed two other women. He divorced from South African cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in 1999 and another wife, Kate Mantsho-Zuma, committed suicide in 2000. The president's four wives live in separate quarters at his rural home in the country's KwaZulu-Natal province. They each take turns to support their husband during official engagements and overseas trips. The fresh questions over Mr Zuma's private life comes as the president prepares to seek re-election as party leader. ANC members will consider the leadership in December at the organisation's five-yearly national conference. Local media has buzzed with speculation senior figures could be preparing to challenge Mr Zuma's leadership, although nobody has yet formally declared their intention to do so. | Members of his own ANC party say taxpayer-funded spousal support should be limited to just one wife . | 4a5ae4163dad4f774c17ac9d2cc83e04cf3c61c7 |
A woman who disappeared in Idaho last week has been found 2,000 miles away disoriented in the small Mississippi town where her father was once a minister in the 1960s. Cynthia Adams, 52, was reported missing by her husband on Tuesday when she didn't return from a doctor's appointment near her home in Boise. She told police in fits and starts she didn't know how she traveled the 2,160 miles to a home deep in the woods outside Clara, Mississippi. Found: Cynthia Adams, 52, was found on Saturday in Clara, Mississippi, more than 2,000 miles from her home in Boise, Idaho, after she went missing on Tuesday. She doesn't remember how she got there . Adams, who has no history of memory problems, could not remember her family in Idaho, police said. Detectives discovered she made three cash withdrawals along the way, one in Idaho and two in Wyoming, according to Stan Niccolls of the Boise Police Department. On Saturday, she appeared at the home of a woman she grew up with in Clara. Wayne County, Mississippi, sheriff's deputy Michael Patton said Adams is lucky the same people lived at the house as in the 1960s. Adams' husband told the Idaho Statesman newspaper he had no reason to believe Cynthia would simply disappear. The couple hadn't fought, and though she had health problems and a guide dog, she didn't have issues with her memory. On Thursday, she was officially a missing person. On Friday, there was no update. But when Tina Brewer opened the Clara Grocery on Saturday morning, Adams was her first customer. 'She told us that she had got in at 1 o'clock in the morning and slept in her truck the night before,' Brewer said. 'She looked like somebody who'd been up all night. It was kinda strange.' She started listing names, Brewer said, and though Brewer didn't know the people she was talking about, older men in the store did. 'She kinda knew everybody they knew, she'd say first names and they'd say last names,' Brewer said. She asked for the McCarty girls. One man asked her, 'do you mean Bug?' She did indeed mean Bug, the nickname of Elizabeth McCarty, who married and became Elizabeth Singleton. Journey: Police said Adams made cash withdrawals in Idaho and Wyoming before appearing in Mississippi . Memory loss? Adams could not remember her husband in Idaho but knew people from her childhood . Adams then went straight to Singleton's home, deep in the woods outside of Clara, which is on the Pine Belt on the edge of the DeSoto National Forest, 20 miles west of the Alabama state line. Singleton said: 'She told me, these are the only clothes I've got. I said, well, honey, come on in.' Adams couldn't remember her family in Idaho, but she did remember the people she grew up with. She said she had slept in the parking lot of her father's church on Friday night. The pastor's home used to be on the same property, along with a small religious school. 'She kept saying, "My home is gone and the school is burned,''' Singleton said. 'I didn't understand. I asked her, were you in a tornado?' Then she went to Adams' Facebook page and saw the notices about her missing. She called police. Wayne County Deputy Michael Patton pulled up to Singleton's house on Saturday afternoon. 'I didn't want to scare her,' Patton said. 'She appeared a little confused. She was dressed OK, normal. But I got her name, and then saw she was the lady that was missing from Idaho.' Patton called an ambulance and watched them load her inside. Police reached her husband, who told the Idaho Statesman he planned to fly in as soon as he could. Staff at Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro, Mississippi, declined to identify themselves or say whether Adams was a patient, citing federal privacy laws. For the residents of Clara, word of the stranger in town was just beginning to get around after church on Sunday afternoon. Niccolls, of the Boise police, said that since Adams has been found safe, the investigation is over and no criminal charges are pending. 'Really,' Niccolls said, 'it's up to her now what she does.' Singleton is still reeling from Adams' surprise visit. 'It was really crazy,' Singleton said. 'I'm hoping she'll get help. She's welcome to drop back by.' | Cynthia Adams, 52, reported missing in Boise, Idaho, on Tuesday . She arrived on doorstep of a home in Clara, Mississippi, on Saturday . Told police in fits and starts she doesn't know how she got there . Couldn't remember her husband in Idaho, never had memory issues . Police said she made cash withdrawals in Idaho and Wyoming . | 334fa87ad896a5e7ae227e873a3f38f3d33f8596 |
By . Mail Online Reporter . Florida authorities are on the hunt for a 6-foot-long alligator after it attacked a canoeing woman and bit into her leg. Andrea Reese, 20, of Uniontown, Ohio, was attacked seemingly without provocation Thursday and though she declined interviews hospital staff at Tampa General say she is in good condition. A search is now on for the animal which authorities say must be put down as it has proven itself a danger. Andrea Reese, 20, of Uniontown, Ohio, was bitten by an alligator without provocation Thursday during a canoe trip in Florida . Authorities say that although the attack appears to have been without cause they must now euthanize the alligator (not pictured) The Tampa Bay Times reports the woman had no food, small animals, or anything else that could attract an alligator. She sustained bites to her left thigh and calf. One other woman in the canoe, Morgan Fusselman, 20, was not injured. The women rented the canoe from Canoe Escape on the 23-acre park of Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and had been boating about 45 minutes downriver when the attack occurred. 'It's the last thing you want to hear. You know it's a possibility, . but the probability is just not there,' Canoe Escape manager Michael Cole told The Tampa Bay Times. 'But in the outdoors, . anything is possible and freakish accidents can occur.' Cole said himself and three paramedics took three canoes to travel out to the women and transport them back to safety and medical attention. Warning signs were posted throughout the area that alligators were present . Cole, 23, said such an incident had not occurred in at least two decades. Vernon Yates, director of Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Seminole, said it's possible someone could bump into an alligator in the water without seeing it. 'You don't know what happened to the alligator five minutes before she came up on it,' he said. However trappers are now attempting to euthanize the animal. "It's uncommon, specifically because as we know so far it was . unprovoked," Baryl Martin, spokesman for the Florida Wildlife and . Conservation Commission, told USA Today. | Andrea Reese, 20, of Ohio was 45 minutes into a canoe trip when the alligator struck without provocation . Reese was bitten on left thigh and calf . Authorities now hunting the alligator down to euthanize it . | 5dc09823620ca5e3cc38a5d14916c70716c9f007 |
Council bosses have been accused of 'vandalising' one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Britain by ripping up its cobbled streets and replacing them with mass-produced paving stones. The historic paths are considered iconic in the village of Dunster in Somerset, which is featured in the Domesday Book and may date back to the Iron Age. But residents are furious after the cobbles - said to be a danger to pedestrians - were removed in favour of a dull grey pavement, which some say looks like 'a new housing estate'. Transformation: The cobbled streets of Dunster, left, have been replaced with bland paving stones, right . Fury: Local residents say the renovations are out of character with their historic surroundings . Although the centre of the roads have long been paved with tarmac to allow cars to drive on them, their edges were until recently made from historic cobblestones. Following complaints about pedestrians slipping on the uneven surfaces, the councils responsible for the village decided to replace them with a smoother pavement. But even those locals who supported the removal of the cobbles say that the new surface is completely inappropriate for its picturesque context. Arthur Ell, who has lived in the village his whole life, said: 'They look like concrete, nothing like the red sandstone that the whole village is built from, and they're machine cut with no history.' The 70-year-old added: 'The understanding was that it would be like what was done in the High Street, which has weathered down and looks fine. 'These are very different stones and everyone in the street is up in arms, we are really upset, it looks like a path on a new housing estate.' Works: The cobbles are being ripped out after pedestrians complained that they were dangerous . Controversy: In 2011, another set of cobbles, left, were replaced by new paving stones, right - but locals say the new project is even worse . Shop owner Jeni Fender called the move 'an act of deliberate vandalism,' adding: 'Dunster is a national treasure and this is a national disgrace.' The village attracts hundreds of visitors every year because it is so well preserved, as well as being home to a 400-year-old castle. In 2011, the local council sparked a national outcry when it replaced the cobbles flanking Dunster's High Street with paving stones imported from China. However, residents say that the new project - centred around the older West Street - is even worse than the previous controversy, as the stones are more homogenous than those used four years ago. Shop owner Jeni Fender said: 'Dunster is probably England's largest and most intact medieval village,' she said. 'It is a national treasure and as such we are unique. 'We don't want the more expensive, perfectly cut stone which just doesn't fit with our charming and quirky village.' Picturesque: The village, shown here in the 1990s, is considered one of the best-preserved in Britain . Christine Oliver, chairman of the parish council, said that the issue would be debated at a forthcoming meeting. Because of the village's historic status, English Heritage has to be consulted over many major planning decisions - prompting many villagers to blame the conservation body for the botched renovations. But a spokesman for the organisation insisted that it was only consulted on matters required planning permission, and had therefore not been asked to weigh in on the project. Jenny Chesher of English Heritage said: 'We have only just become aware of the replacement of cobbles to pavements in West Street, Dunster and had not received any request for our advice on the works from the local authority. 'We have therefore expressed no opinion on either the principle of the works or the detail of how they would be undertaken, including the selection of stone.' The scheme was apparently proposed by the Dunster Working Group, which includes West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Exmoor National Park Authority and the local parish council. A spokesman for the county council said: 'We are fully aware of the historical importance of Dunster and the decision to replace some of the cobbles is in response to local concerns over safety and accessibility. 'The materials being used are locally sourced and fully approved by conservation officers, and the appearance of the stone will change as it weathers.' Dunster is located near the site of two Iron Age hill forts, Bat's Castle and Black Ball Camp - their exact age is unknown, but they could be as much as 3,000 years old. The village itself was first recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, the first ever thorough land survey of England, and was originally known as 'Torre', meaning 'hill'. It is thought to have gained its full name thanks to a link with a local Anglo-Saxon landowner named Dunn, but after the Norman Conquest it passed into the hands of powerful noble William de Moyon. The Norman landlord built the original Dunster Castle on an outcrop overlooking the village, but it was largely rebuilt in the 17th century as a Jacobean-style manor house, and thoroughly renovated in the Victorian period. Dunster was for centuries a major centre for the wool trade, making its own variety of the material which is particularly thick. The importance of the trade in village life is shown by the Yarn Market, above right, a distinctive 400-year-old building standing in the centre of Dunster. | Historic village of Dunster has kept its cobbled-lined streets for centuries . But council has decided they are a danger to pedestrians and must be removed in favour of grey paving stones . Residents say the new pavements are ugly and unsuitable for the village . | 511fa83bb011d148708ddb2d2cd72d61df5639c7 |
Venezuela's President says his country has arrested three air force generals accused of plotting a coup. "Last night we captured three generals, who we had been investigating...three generals who were trying to turn the air force against the legitimately constituted government," President Nicolas Maduro said in remarks broadcast Tuesday on state-run VTV. "They were organizing a coup. This captured group has direct ties with sectors of the opposition, and they said that this week was the decisive week." The generals, whom he did not name, will be charged in military court, he said. Maduro revealed the arrests as he spoke to a commission of South American foreign ministers who are visiting his country as part of efforts to facilitate dialogue as political tensions mount. Weeks of clashes between opposition protesters and government forces have left at least 36 people dead, authorities say. Protesters and government officials trade blame for the violence. Last week, opposition leader Henrique Capriles Radonski blamed Maduro for fueling tensions. "Nicolas threw gas on the fire. He and he alone will be responsible for how the situation develops," he said in a Twitter post. In an exclusive interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour this month, Maduro was unapologetic about his government's response to opposition protesters. Think about what the U.S. government would do if a political group laid out a road map for overthrowing President Barack Obama, Maduro said. "What would happen in the United States if a group said they were going to start something in the United States so that President Obama leaves, resigns, to change the constitutional government of the United States?" Maduro said. "Surely, the state would react, would use all the force that the law gives it to re-establish order and to put those who are against the Constitution where they belong." | Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says three generals were arrested . Maduro says the generals were plotting a coup . The arrests come after weeks of unrest and protests in Venezuela . | c558e75974d43b6b31b01778b04d16a7972a986d |
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Australia's new prime minister assured Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday that his country's troops intend to be in Afghanistan "for the long haul." French President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, shakes hands with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul. Kevin Rudd and French President Nicolas Sarkozy flew into the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Saturday to meet with Karzai and visit their respective country's troops participating in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. In a morning meeting, Sarkozy "assured President Karzai of his government's long term political and military support with the people of Afghanistan," according to a statement from the Afghan president's office. Rudd, who was elected in a landslide victory Nov. 24, appeared with Karzai at a news conference, where he repeatedly said that the Australian commitment to Afghanistan is strong. "We will be, as I said before, in this country, Afghanistan, for the long haul. It's important for us to be here in partnership with NATO countries," Rudd said. "On the question of the broader security policy challenges faced within Afghanistan, of course they are significant, they are real. But we are confident that in partnership with our friends in the Afghan government and with our other allies, particularly in NATO, that we can continue to achieve real progress in the long-term security of this country," he added. Australia's new defense minister, however, warned U.S. and NATO allies recently that they risk losing the war in Afghanistan without a sharp shift in military and reconstruction efforts there. Joel Fitzgibbon, who took office with Rudd allies during a conference in Scotland earlier this month, said that more work needs to be done to win the "hearts and minds" of the people of Afghanistan in the 6-year-old war against the country's former Taliban rulers and their al Qaeda allies. Karzai wished those at the news conference a merry Christmas, then thanked Australia, France and other countries for their help and support. More than 1,900 French troops are in Afghanistan, serving both the ISAF and the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom. Australia is the largest non-NATO contributor to the war in Afghanistan, with nearly 1,000 troops stationed mostly in the southern province of Oruzgan. Sarkozy, elected to lead France last May, told the U.S. Congress during a visit last month that France would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the United States on the war in Afghanistan. "Let me tell you solemnly today: France will remain engaged in Afghanistan as long as it takes, because what's at stake in that country is the future of our values and that of the Atlantic Alliance," he said. Rudd made a surprise visit Friday to Iraq, where he promised continued Australian aid, despite a decision to withdraw all 550 Australian troops in Iraq by mid-2008 -- an effort his predecessor, John Howard, staunchly opposed. Rudd had said he would start a phased withdrawal of Australian forces from Iraq if his Labor Party won the vote. E-mail to a friend . Journalist Farhad Peikar in Kabul contributed to this report. | French and Australian leaders arrive in Afghanistan . Both leaders expected to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai . Both will visit with their respective country's troops . | 0620ff5fa324a35b4be54bbd2de49b42bdd0d7c0 |
(CNN) -- Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters are expected to join a march on Pakistan's capital as the country celebrates its independence. The protest was called by former Pakistan cricket captain and leader of the Tehreek-e-insaaf (PTI) political party, Imran Khan, who declared it a "march of independence." He has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif amid claims of vote rigging during last year's election. Another prominent opponent of the government, outspoken cleric Tahir ul Qadri, also called on his supporters to join what he described as a "revolution march," sparking fresh security fears. Last week, at least five of his supporters were killed during clashes with security forces in the country's northwestern Punjab province. Qadri, who led protests against Pakistan's government last year that brought the capital to a standstill, has accused the Sharif government of corruption. Qadri has previously called for the military to be involved in the electoral process, causing alarm in a country with a history of coups. Critics accuse the cleric, who was until recently based in Canada, of working on behalf of the military -- an allegation he denies. He maintains that he is working only to ensure a corruption-free electoral process. Security operation . Thousands of security personnel have been deployed along the planned route from the city of Lahore to Islamabad, while massive shipping containers and reels of barbed wire have been used to seal off many roads. Cell phone coverage has also been temporarily suspended across some areas. Under Section 144 of Pakistan's penal code, the authorities have prohibited "all kinds of gatherings of five or more persons, processions/rallies and demonstrations at any public place," while control of Islamabad's security has been handed to the army. Representatives of opposition leader Khan told CNN that they planned to arrive in the capital at 6 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) on Thursday, where they will rally in the city's "red zone," a tightly controlled area containing many government buildings. Pakistan's Dawn News reported that an agreement has been struck between authorities and protest organizers to permit the rally on the condition participants remain in Islamabad for one day only. CNN could not confirm this. Government response . On Wednesday, in a rare address to the country, Prime Minister Sharif refuted accusations of electoral rigging and stressed that Pakistan has moved forward over the past 14 months in terms of "currency value, foreign investment and economic growth." In an apparent attempt to appease Khan's demands for an investigation into electoral fraud last year, Sharif offered to form a commission consisting of three Supreme Court judges to investigate the claims. But at a press conference shortly after the prime minister's address, Khan said the government's response had arrived too late in the day and that he was now officially calling for the resignation of Sharif. Protest leaders are expecting around 100,000 people to join the march during what is a national holiday to mark Pakistan's independence following British rule in 1947. Pakistan, so often a nation in crisis, is currently involved in a costly military campaign against militants in its restive northwestern tribal region. But the air and ground offensive has displaced an estimated 500,000 people -- including 180,000 children according to the United Nations -- from their homes in North Waziristan. 7 killed in Pakistan drone strike, sources say . | Opposition leader and former cricketer Imran Khan organized march from Lahore to capital . Has called for the resignation of PM amid allegations of vote rigging in 2013 election . Prominent cleric Tahir ul Qadri has called on his supporters to join the march . Supporters of Qadri died during recent clashes with security forces . | 16ec8892e8eb61ff2c27e437cd3f3276cca1c1b6 |
By . Sarah Griffiths . A narrow three-wheeled electric vehicle could offer commuters the freedom to squeeze through traffic jams as if were driving a motorbike, while offering the stability and safety of being inside a car. Toyota's i-ROAD personal mobility vehicle is designed for negotiating busy city streets and is no wider than a standard motorbike, but can be driven like a car thanks to intelligent front wheels that automatically adjust to suit the driver's actions. The trike uses 'Active Lean' technology that allows its wheels to move up and down to calculate the best position for going round tight corners, or weaving in and out of traffic. Scroll down for video . Toyota's i-ROAD personal mobility vehicle is designed for negotiating busy city streets and is no wider than a standard motorbike, but can be driven like a car thanks to intelligent front wheels that automatically adjust to suit the driver's actions . The trike uses 'Active Lean' technology that allows its wheels to move up and down to calculate the best position for going round tight corners, or weaving in and out of traffic . This makes the vehicle lean a little like a motorbike, yet the driver can operate the vehicle without noticing the automated technology to drive the vehicle like a normal car. The i-ROAD could be the answer for people who like the idea of cutting through traffic on a motorbike, but like the creature comforts of their car. It seats two people under cover, is 'intuitive' to drive' and there is no need for a helmet, according to the company. The Active Lean technology is the key to the vehicle's stability, safety and comfort,Toyota told Mail Online, as it offers a stable ride without the driver having to maintain the balance of the vehicle. The i-ROAD could be the answer for people who like the idea of cutting through traffic on a motorbike, but like the creature comforts of their car. It seats two people under cover, is 'intuitive' to drive' and there is no need for a helmet, according to the company . Part of Toyota's eco range, the i-ROAD prototype is electric and has a range of 30 miles on a single charge . The . system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front . suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels. An engine control unit calculates the required degree of lean based on steering . angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information, with the system . automatically moving the wheels up and down in opposite directions, . applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering. The system also operates when the vehicle is . being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces, the actuator . automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body . level. This means that if a driver tries to park the trike and rides up on a kerb, it will stay level. A spokesman told MailOnline that anyone who can drive a car can 'jump in and drive the i-ROAD as there is nothing special to learn - you don't have to know how to drive a motorbike' Part of Toyota's eco range, the prototype is electric and has a range of 30 miles on a single charge, which may not be a long distance, but the company believes this type of vehicle could serve as the main mode of transport for short urban journeys in the future. The vehicle's speed can be limited to suit road laws for its class of vehicles. It can typically travel at up to 45km per hour (28 mph) but has a maximum speed of 60kph (37mph). A spokesman told MailOnline that anyone who can drive a car can 'jump in and drive the i-ROAD as there is nothing special to learn - you don't have to know how to drive a motorbike' as the leaning motion happens automatically and while the driver experiences a 'different sensation' to driving a car, it is no different to operate. He also said that the driver and passengers so not 'heave to one side' of the vehicle like when a car takes a corner a little too quickly. Despite the vehicle being narrow, its smart, moveable wheels mean that drivers do not need to stabilise the vehicle when it is stationary - like motorcyclists putting their feet on the road surface at traffic lights. Toyota believes its concept trike could play a role in reducing traffic jams and pollution in cities and is going to roll out its vehicles in Tokyo's Ha:mo urban transport system . The . system uses a lean actuator and gearing mounted above the front . suspension member, linked via a yoke to the left and right front wheels. An engine control unit calculates the required degree of lean based on steering . angle, gyro-sensor and vehicle speed information, with the system . automatically moving the wheels up and down in opposite directions, . applying lean angle to counteract the centrifugal force of cornering. The system also operates when the PMV is . being driven in a straight line over stepped surfaces, the actuator . automatically compensating for changes in the road to keep the body . level. Because of this, the vehicle has a closed body with creature comforts such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth. Toyota said: 'People using this kind of vehicle want . something that is more comfortable, offers better weather protection and . is safer than a two-wheeler such as a scooter or motorcycle, but has . similar benefits of low running costs, easy parking and around-town . manoeuvrability.' The i-ROAD is 2.35 metres long, 1.45 metres high but just 85 centimetres wide - similar to a motorbike - which Toyota said is handy for manoeuvring through congested traffic and allows four of the vehicles to be parked in a single parking bay. The trike uses a lithium-ion battery to power its two 2kW motors mounted on the front wheels and emits no emissions. Toyota believes its concept trike could play a role in reducing traffic jams and pollution in cities and is going to roll out its vehicles in Tokyo's Ha:mo urban transport system, which will combine different forms of public and private transport including electric car sharing and traffic routing in a large-scale trial. Despite the vehicle being narrow, its moveable wheels mean that drivers do not need to stabilise the vehicle when it is stationary - like motorcyclists putting their feet on the road surface at traffic lights . The vehicle has a closed body with creature comforts such as lighting, heating, audio and Bluetooth . | The i-ROAD personal mobility vehicle . is designed for negotiating busy city streets and is no wider than a . standard motorbike . The trike uses 'Active Lean' technology . that allows its wheels to move up and down to calculate the best . position for going round tight corners . Part of Toyota's eco range, the prototype is electric and has a range of 30 miles on a single charge . Toyota has not said if or when the vehicle will go on sale but it will be used in a futuristic trial transport scheme in Japan next year . | 02eea89a562adc34db64874327c77476968ba09a |
(CNN) -- Vacationers at Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks this summer should make extra efforts to wash their hands, the National Park Service urged Wednesday, after noting a spike in sicknesses among visitors so far. In a news release, the park service noted "greater than normal reports of gastrointestinal illness" among those visiting the park in northwestern Wyoming as well as areas in Montana outside the two parks. That includes an incident June 7, when members of a tour group visiting Mammoth Hot Springs -- a part of Yellowstone that's located on the Montana/Wyoming border -- began complaining of stomach and other issues. Park employees who had been in contact with this group reported similar symptoms within 48 hours. Subsequent tests indicated that they were suffering from norovirus, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes is "a very contagious virus that (can be contracted) from an infected person, contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces." In addition to visitors, there have been more than 100 suspected cases of norovirus among Yellowstone employees and another 50 suspected cases among Grand Teton workers, the National Park Service said in a press release. The park service and businesses servicing visitors are taking special steps given the surge in illness, including more frequent cleaning and disinfection of public areas. As part of these measures, park employees showing signs of infection must be symptom-free for 72 hours before returning to work. News of the spate of norovirus cases spurred a wide range of comments on Yellowstone's Facebook page, including some offering appreciation for the update and others expressing concern to hear of the illness before their planned trip to the park. One woman said she was among the visitors who got sick around June 7, calling it "the worst pain I have ever had." "I'm going this weekend and will be washing my hands like crazy, not to mention using disinfecting wipes after leaving public areas," another woman wrote. "This sounds like a quick way to ruin a trip hope everyone is ok!" This isn't the first time that illnesses have plagued national parks out west. Last summer, at least eight visitors to Yosemite National Park contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Three of them died. Another Yosemite camper dies in hantavirus outbreak . Officials at that park, which receives about 4 million visitors a year, reached out to all people who stayed between mid-June and the end of August at the "signature tent cabins" that quickly became the epicenter of the investigation. Rare but serious, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has symptoms that mimic a cold or the flu and can be spread through contact with the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents, primarily deer mice. This year, national parks are saddled with another problem: $113 million in budget cuts tied to the federal government "sequester." But there's been no indication lower funding will have any impact on how officials from Yosemite and Grand Teton parks tackle the rise in norovirus cases. | NEW: Some commenters on Yellowstone's Facebook are concerned; others are thankful . The National Park Service notes "greater than normal reports of gastrointestinal illness" They have occurred in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and other areas . A group visiting Mammoth Hot Springs showed symptoms this month . | f31ac4e8d879de968a1342eb07b8e4384f60be9b |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . The mother a six-year-old Louisiana boy who was killed by his school bus when he bent down to tie his shoes says she forgives the driver and doesn't blame her for the horrible accident. Brenden Houston stopped in front of his school bus after getting off last Thursday afternoon and knelt down to tie his shoes in North Shreveport, Louisiana. Bus driver Debra Stevens didn't see him and hit the boy with the bus. He later died at a local hospital. Scroll down for video . Forgiveness: Jennifer Houston, Brenden's mother, says she forgives the bush driver who killed her son - and says the driver is grieving, too . Tragic: Brendan Houston, 6, was killed in Shreveport on Thursday after being struck down and killed by the school bus that dropped him home . Horrific: Brenden died shortly after being struck by this school bus on Thursday. He wore tie shoes to school instead of Velcro . 'He wasn't paying attention because he was in his own world. That's how he lived. He didn't cause it, the bus driver didn't cause it, all the things surrounding it didn't cause it,' heartbroken mother Jennifer Houston told KTAL-TV. 'It happened, it was an accident, and we'll never get him back, but he'll be in our hearts forever.' The community has responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of support for the Houston family. Brenden had seven brothers and sisters - including a twin sister. Handwritten cards from Brenden's classmates have showed up at the Houston family's door. More than 20 teachers from Brenden's school came to his bedside at the hospital to pray for him. But Mrs Houston spoke out the day after her son's death to support Ms Stevens, the 59-year-old driver who has been suspended pending a police investigation. 'People just need to understand, things line up like that sometimes and there's nothing we can do about it,' she said. Brendan Houston, who has a twin sister, was described as a child who was 'always smiling' 'It doesn't make it hurt any less. But blaming somebody that's in as much pain as we are.... Two people are victims here. She is one of them. She's a grandmother and she loves those kids. Brenden was one of her favorites; he sat behind her everyday.' Brenden's grandfather repeated those sentiments at a memorial service for him on Monday. 'We certainly want to extend to her our love and support and total forgiveness,' Randy Riley told KSLA-TV. 'We have absolutely no animosity toward her. It's just what you call an accident and if the Lord allows it, we'll learn to deal with it if that's what his will is going to be. We're OK.' A roadside memorial has been created in Louisiana at the spot where a six-year-old boy was killed by his own school bus on Thursday afternoon. Witnesses say that Brendan Houston, a first-grade student at Herndon Magnet School, had alighted the bus in North Highland, a suburb of Shreveport, when he realized his shoe laces had been tied together. A local emergency worker is overcome at the scene . He stopped to fix the laces, but the bus driver, Debra Stevens, didn't see him and pulled out. Brendan was rushed to University Health in Shreveport, where he died of his injuries. 'I heard somebody say, ''Uh oh, oh, oh, oh,'' like that,' Sara Ward, whose house is near where the accident occurred on Winter Garden Drive, told KSLA.'Somebody was laying in the road. I thought maybe a child had passed out, or got knocked down.' It then became clear it was much more serious. 'His shoe laces had been tied together and when he got off, you know, he was shuffling and he reached down in front of the bus to untie his shoe laces. She did not see him,' Ward said. Ward added: 'The bus driver was out here (on the grass), right here next to my little bridge just in hysterics, in hysterics.' Shreveport Police say Stevens was taken to the hospital for routine toxicology tests, but that impairment is not suspected. Flowers and a stuffed animal have been left there near the intersection. Friends, classmates and neighbors are struggling to comprehend the sudden and tragic loss of the little boy, who was said to be 'always smiling'. Caddo Parish School Board spokesman Victor Mainiero said additional counselors were on hand to help students and staff. | Brenden Houston was killed by his school bus after getting off Thursday . Driver Debra Stevens, 58, has been suspended pending an investigation . Brenden's mother Jennifer says the bus driver is not to blame - and she is a victim of the tragedy, too . | 0daed63ca26593711b0bcce2b644e2dc7afb119a |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- They are the tales of two very different people. Director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire" shines a stark light on poverty in India. One an amoral businessman pouring out his life story to the Chinese Premier, the other a lovelorn teenager appearing on "Kaun Banega Crorepati," the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" But if their protagonists are polar opposites, both stories -- one as told in Aravind Adiga's best-selling novel "The White Tiger," the other in "Slumdog Millionaire," the new movie from "Trainspotting" director Danny Boyle -- have much in common. Both are based in modern day India, both feature characters who succeed against all the odds, and both have garnered considerable critical acclaim, with "Slumdog Millionaire" recently awarded the three top prizes at the British Independent Film Awards. "Slumdog," which is set in Mumbai, has also assumed a particularly poignant resonance in light of the recent terror attacks that left 174 people dead. Above all, both narratives shine a stark light on poverty -- an aspect of Indian society that has increasingly been pushed into the background by a decade and more of upbeat headlines about the country's dramatic economic growth. "The growth aspect has tended to receive much more attention than the darker side of the Indian story," Professor Babu Mathew, Country Director of Action Aid India, told CNN, "More and more the poverty goes unnoticed, and there is less and less of a voice for the excluded peoples." The breadth of the divide between what Aravind Adiga calls the "India of Light," and the "India of Darkness," is both dramatic and shocking. Since 1991 when "neo-liberal" market reforms were introduced, India's economy has ballooned. From 1991 to 2004, the world's largest democracy grew at 6.5 percent annually, a figure which increased to over 9 percent between 2005 and 2007. The result has been a massive explosion of wealth creation among the middle and upper echelons of Indian society, with Indian billionaires now occupying four of the top eight slots on the annual Forbes rich list. While growth has benefited one section of society, it has left a vast swathe of the population lagging far behind. "People in urban areas, the rich, the middle classes, the educated -- all of these have benefited from economic growth," Dr Arun Kumar of Development Alternatives Group, a sustainable development organization based in Delhi, told CNN, "Those who have not benefited are the small farmers, the rural poor, the artisans -- for these their situation has worsened." Nisha Agrawal, CEO of Oxfam India, agrees. "Economic growth has been primarily focused on manufacturing and services and largely in urban areas," she told CNN, "Rural agriculture has not received the kind of attention it deserves. And since the bulk of poor people derive their incomes from agriculture, that has left us with two Indias, one rich, one impoverished." Even a cursory glance at the statistics reveals a problem on a huge scale. According to World Bank estimates, 456 million people -- just over 40 percent of India's population of 1.2 billion -- now live on less than $1.25 per day, a sum recognized as the international poverty line. Almost half of India's children are malnourished; 1000 die every day from diarrhea; hundreds of millions have no access to proper sanitation. These figures provide a grim counterpoint to the glitzy high-rises and designer shopping malls that have sprung up throughout the country's major cities. How to narrow this gulf between the haves and the have-nots is a fiendishly complex issue and one that has no quick or easy solutions. More investment in basic infrastructure is seen as crucial, as is a reform of international trade agreements. "Import and energy prices have increased for farmers, but global markets are not opening up for Indian agricultural products," Agrawal told CNN, "That needs to change." Greater access to institutional finance, the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities, and the spread of information technology all have a major role to play. "We already have small pockets of improvement," says Arun Kumar, "But these involve limited numbers in limited geographies. "We need to scale everything up. It is a huge challenge." The global economic problems have not bypassed India. Inflation is now running close to 12 percent and the Mumbai Stock Exchange has almost halved in value from a peak in January 2008. Sensex -- the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index -- has not registered any significant drop as a result of the recent Mumbai attacks, and it remains to be seen what the longer term effect will be on the Indian economy. Nonetheless, these difficult and uncertain times may make the challenge of poverty reduction an even harder one. Will India be able to successfully reduce the gap between rich and poor? Leave your comments in the SoundOff box below . Both Kumar and Agrawal remain hopeful that change is coming to India, albeit slowly. "We are eternal optimists," says Kumar, "I do believe things are changing." "The government recognizes that people don't just want a high level of growth," adds Agrawal, "But also growth that is more equalizing. We need to bring the two Indias together, and I believe we can do it." Despite their optimism, the problems remain vast, and the darkness intense. For the foreseeable future it seems likely the question most on the minds of India's 456 million poor will be less "Who wants to be a millionaire?" than "Will I be able to feed myself and my family today?" | Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" shines a light on slum-dwellers in India . Huge growth means four of top eight billionaires on Forbes rich list are Indian . But the new wealth has bypassed India's 456 million poor . Nisha Agrawal of Oxfam says there are: "two Indias, one rich, one impoverished" | b12adac40778c83108f0e2941b0a63a7565e6bf9 |
(CNN) -- Egypt's antiquities minister, Zahi Hawass, said Friday he plans to step down to protest police inaction as the country's ancient treasures are being looted and vandalized. "The police cannot do enough, or anything to protect Egypt's antiquities and treasures, and I can't stand by while that happens," he said. "It is a protest really, that not enough can be done now to protect these sites and treasures." Hawass said two dozen sites have been looted or vandalized since the uprising that led to the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak. Hawass said he has not resigned yet but will if asked by new Prime Minister Essam Sharaf. Sharaf, a former transport minister tapped to be the post this week, is in the process of forming a new Cabinet. Hawass said he does not intend to be a part of it. "I have no interest in doing that at all," he said. Hawass, former secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, was appointed to the post of the antiquities minister on January 30 under Mubarak. | Hawass: The police cannot do enough to protect Egypt's treasures . He says two dozen sites have been looted or vandalized in recent days . "I have no interest" in joining the new Cabinet, he says . He was appointed to the post by Mubarak . | e9b2ace1ac6edbc15a670070c4f2d6c6874c8918 |
Kevin Pietersen's autobiography has seemed to be an endless stream of sad score-settling. But while the former England batsman’s claims of a bullying culture are certainly worthy of investigation, it’s KP’s mass of contradictions that leap off the page. Here’s the best (or worst) of them… . England's James Anderson (left) reacts with team-mates Kevin Pietersen (centre) and Graeme Swann after he takes a wicket against India during a Test at Lord's in 2011 . Skating on thing ice . After the removal of Peter Moores and Pietersen’s demotion from the captaincy, England travelled to the West Indies in early 2009. Pietersen relates that he ‘gave it my best’ upon being back in the ranks. ‘I had come to the Caribbean and gone out of my way to make things as smooth as possible for Straussy,’ he insists. Yet within a week of arriving, he was agitating to be allowed home between the third and fourth Tests. The reason: his wife Jessica had chosen to appear in the Dancing On Ice television programme rather than joining other families on tour. Strauss and Flower understandably declined his request. Pietersen in talks with England coach Peter Moores during his first stint in charge in 2008 . Pietersen with his wife Jessica Taylor on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain awards on Sunday night . Who bullies a bully? One of Pietersen’s central claims is that a culture of bullying existed in the England dressing room, particularly among the clique of Matt Prior, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann. Yet in his book Pietersen is relentless in his contemptuous attitude towards Prior, assassinating his character and constantly ridiculing him with references to his moniker of ‘Cheese’ or ‘Big Cheese’, having a go at everything from his on-field attitude to his cycling obsession. The scale of abuse he directs at Prior appears to be of a persecuting nature itself. How about Pietersen sitting with his mouthpiece Piers Morgan at Lord’s this summer while the broadcaster tweeted about Alastair Cook: ‘We’re watching you captain weasel.’ Is that not bullying? What about Pietersen’s criticism of batsman James Taylor on his debut at Headingley? He did this both to Andy Flower and his team-mates. He also criticised Michael Carberry, a supposed friend, in Sydney as England plunged to a 5-0 defeat. He asked Jonny Bairstow, in front of the team: ‘Is there not anybody better than this bloke in county cricket?’ Pietersen and Matt Prior celebrate winning the Ashes down under in January 2011 . Pietersen (right) in the stands at Lord's earlier this year with his friend Piers Morgan (centre) Petals flowered . The other main target of vitriol is coach Andy Flower, for whom KP makes no secret of his contempt. He also outlines how he was in two minds about his one-day career and wanted to give it up to achieve a better work-life balance and make his career more manageable. Yet in 2011, at the height of all this discussion, he sent an over-friendly email to Flower opening with the line ‘Howsit Petals?’ — the nickname Flower used to have in Zimbabwe, one only really used by southern Africans. In the nauseating email he declared an ambition to be one-day captain but only if Flower stayed on as coach so that they could work together — in contrast to his claim in the book that the pair had not get on ‘ever since 2009’. Pietersen also calls Flower’s coaching into question. He writes: ‘I know you are a dreadful coach not by how you won but by how you lost. Your methods created an environment where people became terrified of failing.’ Yet the facts do not support the idea that Flower was a bad coach, however poor that last tour of Australia. He took England to No 1 in the world in three forms of the game, winning three Ashes series, one of them away, and achieved an away series win in India, admittedly with Pietersen playing his part. Pietersen with former England coach Andy Flower in the nets at Melbourne in December last year . You’d Swann off, too . This week, at one of his public appearances, Pietersen attacked Graeme Swann for quitting the disastrous Ashes tour last winter (but did not do so in his book). According to the batsman ‘a lot of the players felt aggrieved by him jumping ship in the middle of the series. He let the team down. If it was his elbow, fine, but he could have held on for another couple of weeks’. Yet the document about Pietersen’s behaviour compiled by the ECB, which was leaked this week, suggests that he told a member of the medical staff that if the third Test was lost he would use his knee condition as an excuse to go home. Pietersen denies this, although in 2011 he left the World Cup with a hernia problem that tour staff felt was manageable. Soon after returning to London he was spotted in a nightclub. Pietersen and Swann celebrate at the end of the fourth test against Australia in Melbourne in December 2010 . Tempted by IPl riches . Pietersen has repeatedly said that he did not wish to prioritise the lucrative Indian Premier League at the expense of his England career, while espousing the IPL’s virtues in his cricket development. He has always said that England was his main concern. Yet he asked to fly to India to play in the IPL semi-finals right in the middle of back-to-back Tests against the West Indies at Lord’s and Trent Bridge in 2012. Dressing room tales . In a press conference at the start of the Ashes tour last summer, KP declared that the England camp was a place full of harmony, a united place. ‘We’re all having so much fun. I think we’ll stay friends after cricket,’ he said. ‘We’ve all grown up and the environment now is absolutely fantastic — I’m not lying, I’m being dead straight.’ Yet in the book he says quite the opposite: ‘The dressing room had been awful for years. There were wins and star players, but the dressing room was sick all along.’ First-class puzzle . Pietersen still maintains that it is his wish to play international cricket again and that he hopes certain changes of personnel at the top might help him. ‘If I was offered the opportunity to play Test cricket again for England I would jump at the chance. I dream of playing for England again,’ he says in the book. Yet this summer, when he was contracted to Surrey, he failed to play a single day’s first-class cricket for the county, apparently disappointing his old mentor Graeme Ford. It was a strange way to push the case that he fervently wanted to play Test cricket again. Kevin Pietersen always claimed that England were his main concern rather than the riches of the IPL . Pietersen celebrates with captain Alastair Cook during their Ashes win over Australia last summer . But their relationship turned sour after Pietersen was sacked from the England team last winter . Tweet and sour . KP made much of how the spoof Twitter account @KPGenius upset him and how it led to him breaking down in tears in front of Flower, of all people. Yet Pietersen received requests to stop Piers Morgan tweeting abuse about players, in particular Alastair Cook, to Morgan’s huge audience. When these approaches were made he told his colleagues that they needed a thicker skin. Memory failure . In his book Pietersen insists that he cannot remember the wording of the texts he sent about Andrew Strauss in the episode known as ‘Textgate’. He says he sent them to a friend in the South African team and they were just part of ongoing banter with an old mate. Yet he details conversations that were had with others stretching back several years, including quotes in conversations. Pietersen shares a joke with former England captain Andrew Strauss during the India series in 2011 . A negative image . At the end of his autobiography Pietersen asks: ‘Am I bitter?’ and answers: ‘No, and no again’, insisting (correctly) that he has much to be proud of. Yet his account of his latter years with England focuses heavily on spats with fellow players and is full of justification for his arguments, giving it an almost joyless tone despite it covering a period when England — and he himself — enjoyed plenty of success. Sadly, he dwells on the negative aspects of what happened towards the end of his international career and almost skims over many of his fine achievements. Pietersen's autobiography has rocked the world of cricket with various revelations . | Kevin Pietersen's autobiography has been an endless stream of score-settling since its release in the past week . His book has mass contradictions throughout that leap off the pages . Former England man targets ex-team-mates and coaches with Matt Prior and Andy Flower among those on the receiving end . | 2c76cc3dc8635918c1e55111dc88dbf6513defff |
Ryanair has found a new way to squeeze more cash out of its flights thanks to the purchase of 100 ‘game-changer’ Boeing aircrafts. The no-frills airline announced the £13.6bn deal at a press conference in New York today. The new Boeing 737 Max 200 has the capacity to hold 200 passengers but Ryanair plans to fit the planes with 197 seats, eight more than the airline’s current 189-seater Boeing fleet. Scroll down for video . New era: Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair (left) and Ray Conner, President and CEO of The Boeing Company, shake hands after signing a contract announcing the first sales of Boeing's new 737 Max 200 . Ryanair predicted that the additional seats would be worth £62,000 per plane a year. Having 197 seats instead of 200 will help the airline reduce costs further as one flight attendant is required for every 50 passengers. Boeing claims the aircraft will also reduce the company's normal fuel consumption by 18 per cent because it is so efficient, along with reducing noise emissions by 40 per cent. Ryanair's Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said the company's operating costs would be around 20 per cent lower and said the savings would be passed on to its customers via lower fares. Speaking at a press conference in New York where he and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Ray Conner signed the deal, Mr O'Leary said the new aircraft would usher in a 'new era' of price wars in Europe. He said: 'I feel like a child who has woken up on Christmas morning unwrapping his presents and finding out that Santa Claus has given him exactly what he has asked for. ‘This is the aircraft we have been waiting for in Ryanair for probably 10 years now. It is going to mark a step change in improving Ryanair's efficiency. 'It means that we're going to expand and grow very strongly in Europe, both in new markets and in going in and taking traffic away from incumbent carriers. 'I hope it will hasten in an era of a new price war in Europe over the next 10 years, which like all the old price wars, Ryanair will win.' 'Gamechanger': Boeing claims its 737 Max 200 will reduce the company's normal fuel consumption by 18 per cent, along with reducing noise emissions by 40 per cent . Despite the increased capacity, passengers are being promised more leg room - growing from the current 29 inches to 30 inches. But, in return, the aircraft's toilets and galley will be smaller and the seats will be slimmer. The planes will also feature two additional doors and a Boeing Sky Interior, which features sculpted sidewalls, LED lighting that 'enhances the sense of spaciousness' and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins. Ryanair is the aircraft's first customer and has the option to buy another 100 planes. The airline will this week take delivery of the first of 180 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, set to take its fleet size from 304 to 420 by 2019. Expansion: Michael O'Leary said the deal would reduce Ryanair's operating costs by 20 per cent and would lead to cheaper air fares for passengers . Taking on the new Boeing 737 Max 200 will help Ryanair expand its fleet to 520 by 2024, nearly doubling its annual passengers from 82m to 150m. Ryanair already is the largest airline in Europe, and Mr O'Leary said the new Boeing planes will further cut Ryanair's operating costs, allowing it to take market share from legacy carriers such as Lufthansa, SAS, British Airways and Alitalia. It also hopes to increase the destinations it serves, expanding beyond Europe to North Africa, Israel and the Gulf States. Mr O’Leary said that he expects the company to create 3000 jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers across Europe as it expands. ‘As many of Europe’s flag carriers cut capacity on short haul routes, Ryanair looks forward to using these new Boeing 737 Max 200 aircraft to grow at many more of Europe’s primary airports', he said. Mr Conner said: ‘The 737 MAX 200 is the perfect fit for Ryanair, providing improved efficiencies, 20 per cent lower emissions, increased revenues and a high level of passenger comfort.’ | Airline announced the £13.6bn deal at a press conference in New York today . Boeing 737 Max 200 holds eight extra seats worth £62,000 per plane a year . Aircraft will also reduce airline's fuel consumption and noise emissions . Michael O'Leary claimed aircraft would usher in a 'new era' of price wars . He said: 'I feel like a child who has woken up on Christmas morning’ | f077ac65626a2e8937bf33d6dbc0e7f45e0d4e66 |
Jose Mourinho and Chelsea can feel hard done by after contentious decisions contributed to Burnley grabbing a point at Stamford Bridge, according to Alan Shearer. The Blues boss spoke made reference to four key incidents which he believed changed the course of the 1-1 draw in his post-match interviews - citing a foul on Branislav Ivanovic, two penalty appeals and the sending off Nemanja Matic. Match of the Day pundit Shearer, who was backed-up by Robbie Savage, agreed with Mourinho and claimed that referee Martin Atkinson was at fault on each occasion. Jose Mourinho identified four key incidents which he believes shaped his side's draw with Burnley . Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer (left) and Robbie Savage agreed with Mourinho's points . Nemanja Matic was sent off after pushing Burnley's Ashley Barnes to the ground in the second half . Speaking about an Ashley Barnes challenge on Ivanovic which went unpunished in the 30th minute, Shearer said: 'I think Martin Atkinson has had a terrible game today. 'Ashley Barnes goes up for the header with Ivanovic, he leads with his foot and he's very fortunate. You can see he kicks out, studs into the back of his hamstring and that should be a yellow card.' Former Leicester midfielder Savage added: 'Definite yellow card there. Ivanovic's reaction is quite poor, he rolls over and gets up but I agree – a yellow card for Ashley Barnes.' The second incident - a Chelsea penalty appeal which was turned down in the 33rd minute - also drew criticism from Shearer and Savage. 'This is blatant handball,' said Shearer of Michael Kightly's successful attempt to block a shot from Ivanovic. 'The referee has got a brilliant view of it, he's about 10 yards away. He turns his back, sticks his arm out and that has to be a penalty.' 30 - Ashley Barnes sends Branislav Ivanovic crashing to the ground in an aerial challenge after a knee in the back. Ivanovic rolls over twice before leaping up in anger when he realises no action is being taken. Verdict: Should have been a free-kick and could have been a yellow card. for Barnes. Barnes catches Branislav Ivanovic with his right boot during an aerial challenge in the 30th minute . 33 - Ivanovic fires a shot at goal but Michael Kightly diverts it with an outstretched arm, as he turns his back to goal. Martin Atkinson waves play on. Verdict: Should have been a Chelsea penalty. Ivanovic fires a shot at goal but his effort was blocked by the raised arms of Michael Kightly . 43 - Diego Costa tumbles to the ground after Burnley captain Jason Shackell leans into him with an oustretched arm. Atkinson waves play on. Verdict: Could have been a Chelsea penalty but would have been very soft. Diego Costa vents his frustration after being shoved inside the box by Jason Shackell . 69 - Barnes misses the ball and almost snaps Nemanja Matic's left shin with his studs but Atkinson waves play on. An enraged Matic leaps up and pushes Barnes over violently. Atkinson sends off Matic and books Ivanovic for trying to take red card out of his hand. Verdict:Shocking tackle merited a red card for Barnes and a Chelsea free-kick. Referee Martin Atkinson shows Matic a straight red card after his altercation with Barnes in the second half . Speaking about an Ashley Barnes challenge on Ivanovic which went unpunished in the 30th minute, Shearer said: 'I think Martin Atkinson has had a terrible game today. 'Ashley Barnes goes up for the header with Ivanovic, he leads with his foot and he's very fortunate. You can see he kicks out, studs into the back of his hamstring and that should be a yellow card. Former Leicester midfielder Savage added: 'Definite yellow card there. Ivanovic's reaction is quite poor, he rolls over and gets up but I agree – a yellow card for Ashley Barnes.' The second incident - a Chelsea penalty appeal which was turned down in the 33rd minute - also drew criticism from Shearer and Savage. 'This is blatant handball,' said Shearer of Michael Kightly's successful attempt to block a shot from Ivanovic. Shearer believes Chelsea and Mourinho can feel hard done by after Martin Atkinson's performance . Ivanovic screams in pain after being fouled by Barnes but the striker avoided a yellow card . 'The referee has got a brilliant view of it, he's about 10 yards away. He turns his back, sticks his arm out and that has to be a penalty.' 'He's made himself bigger,' added Savage. 'His arm is in an unnatural position. It's a definite penalty.' The Premier League leaders had another strong appeal for a spot-kick turned down 10 minutes later when Diego Costa went down under a challenge from Jason Shackell. Shearer said: 'He shoves him, he gets his legs caught up in his and it's a shove. You can see from Costa's reaction what he thinks of it. I've got to agree with Jose – it should be a penalty.' Savage added: 'Martin Atkinson was in a great position once again but he wasn't having it. Mourinho's right – he and his team have been hard done by today.' The most controversial incident occurred in the second half when Nemanja Matic was shown a straight red card after pushing Barnes to the floor following a dangerous tackle from the Burnley man. This tackle from Barnes infuriated Matic, with Savage claiming the midfielder was lucky not to break his leg . Costa looks bemused after Martin Atkinson refused to award him a penalty after a tussle with Shackell . The ex-Brighton man escaped without a card but Matic will miss next Sunday's Capital One Cup final through suspension. Once again Shearer and Savage agreed with Mourinho, although the Serb's sending off was justified. 'It's a horrific tackle, it really is,' said Shearer. 'It's dangerous, it's naughty. I understand that reaction. It's not right but I understand it because he could have easily broken his leg there. 'For that Matic will miss the cup final next week and that's a disaster for him and for Chelsea. He (Barnes) doesn't even get a yellow card.' 'Ashley Barnes should've been booked in the first half and that should have been a straight red,' added Savage. 'He's (Matic) lucky he's not out for six, seven, eight months. Mourinho's right today. They've been hard done by.' | Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw against Burnley at Stamford Bridge . Nemanja Matic was sent off after reacting to a poor tackle . Jose Mourinho felt his side deserved two penalties in the first half . The Chelsea boss spoke about four key incidents after the match . Alan Shearer and Robbie Savage both agreed with Mourinho's views . | ff8dbf71a05c826e6931aec0a21a97d3fbed5d6d |
By . Jennifer Newton for MailOnline . Fears of a massive volcanic eruption in Iceland have been fuelled by yet another earthquake which has shifted 50million cubic metres of molten rock towards another volcano. It has been reported that a magnitude 4.5 quake hit a volcanic system close to the Bardarbunga volcano in the early hours of this morning with experts warning it could link up with the Askja volcanic system and cause a huge eruption. It comes after an earthquake reached a magnitude of 5.7 yesterday, potentially leading Iceland to yet again bring the warning code to red level. Scroll down for video . Shaken: Another earthquake has hit Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano, shifting 50million cubic metres of molten rock . The intense seismic activity at Iceland's largest volcano system has raised worries that an eruption could cause another ash cloud like that from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in 2010 that shut down much of Europe's airspace for six days. Experts say it is difficult to predict if volcanoes will erupt, however they say 50million cubic metres of molten rock has moved over the last 24 hours. Professor Bob White, from the University of Cambridge told BBC News: 'We know there is a lot of molten rock sitting under the ground beneath Askja, which is a major volcanic system. If this molten rock hits that, we know it is likely to trigger it to erupt. 'But who knows, it may just stop. It is still at five kilometres depth, and it is possible it could freeze there and not a lot more will happen. That is perfectly plausible. 'If it keeps going north, it keeps feeding molten rock and it hits the Askja system and triggers that - then goodness knows what will happen. It could make a lot of disruptive ash all over Iceland.' On Sunday, Iceland lowered its warning code for possible volcanic disruption to the aviation industry to orange from red, the highest level on the country's five-point alert system, after concluding that seismic activity had not led to a volcanic eruption under the glacier. Trembling times: Although the earthquake has not caused an eruption, there are fears of a repeat scenario of the Eyjafjallajokull ash cloud in 2010 . Bad boom: The 2010 eruption of a volcano under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, pictured, severely disrupted European air travel for several weeks after ash spewed into the atmosphere . Red alert indicates an eruption is imminent or underway with a significant emission of ash likely. Met Office scientists believe the earthquakes are a result of magma flowing out from under the crater of the volcano, causing a change in pressure. ‘We still can't say whether it will cease, continue like this for a while or erupt. It's impossible to say,’ Palni Erlendsson, a geologist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office said. There have been thousands of smaller quakes over the past week at Bardarbunga, and areas around the volcano, in the centre of the North Atlantic island nation, have been evacuated. However, before an eruption air travel will not be affected, a spokesman for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said last week. 'The (UK) Met Office will be monitoring what's occurring. They will be sending out forecasts about the atmosphere and any ash in the air,' he said. 'If the eruption does occur we will issue what's called a notice to airmen informing them of the conditions. It's then up to the airlines with their safety teams and experts whether to fly.' | Yet another earthquake hits close to the Bardarbunga volcano in Iceland . Quake has caused 50million cubic metres of underground magma to move . Raised fears it could link up with another volcano causing a huge eruption . Warning code currently on orange level but could be brought to red . It is feared an eruption could lead to a repeat of the 2010 ash cloud chaos . The Eyjafjallajokull eruption disrupted around 100,000 international flights . | 1a86fbae03dde0beb82813e5f041ceb937852073 |
(CNN) -- For more than a decade of my life, I struggled with debilitating anxiety, panic attacks and depression. And, like millions of people around the world, I longed to discover a magic pill to cure my ills and promise me nirvana. But, despite taking many medications, ongoing psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECTs), hospitalizations and failed suicide attempts, wellness remained a distant dream. The anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants worsened my symptoms, and made me more agitated, depressed and suicidal. And I was utterly confused why the medications that were supposed to alleviate my symptoms exacerbated them instead. Staring out of the fifth-floor hospital window one day after yet another failed suicide attempt, I promised to take charge of my life and create a life of wellness. I was sick and tired of being a chronically mentally ill patient. I just wanted to be well. Most of all, I wanted to be able to take my little girl to school, play with her in the park, and tuck her to bed at night with her favorite story. Somewhere deep in my soul, I was convinced that the medications were making me sicker instead of helping me heal. So, despite my fears and those of my family, I decided to listen to my inner wisdom and wean myself off all medications under the supervision of my psychiatrist and explore holistic pathways to health and wellness. Transcendental meditation . When a medical resident at the hospital suggested I try transcendental meditation to manage my anxiety and depression, I did. Ironically, it was an American teacher, Pat, who taught me this life-affirming practice that had originated in India, my country of birth. I still remember sitting cross-legged on a Persian carpet across from Pat, in the dining-room-turned-shrine in her home. While Pat sat still, Buddha-like, eyes closed, breath steady, body relaxed, face serene, my breath was erratic, my eyelids fluttered like the wings of a hummingbird, and my "monkey mind" ran amok. But, one day, one breath at a time, I learned how to sit still. Despite my mind's tendency to wander, like a mother lovingly guiding her wayward child back to its task I learned to gently guide my mind back to its still center. There, I discovered an oasis of energy, creativity, and restful calm. In time, meditation offered me a sacred space to reflect on my life, and taught me to become an observer of my thoughts and emotions instead of getting entangled in them. Eventually, the daily practice of meditation helped me regulate my emotions and live each moment with mindfulness. Ultimately, meditation set me free from the limitations of my suffering, and awakened me to a life filled with eternal possibilities. Exercise . During a visit, my psychiatrist recommended I start exercising, and educated me about the benefits of exercise in managing my anxiety and depression and promoting overall well-being. I joined a health club and started working out three times a week, attended aerobics and yoga classes and trained with free weights. I fell in love with my yoga classes. They relaxed and rejuvenated my mind, body, and spirit. Having never been athletic, I was surprised to find that exercise energized me and elevated my mood. It also provided a much-needed reprieve from my duties as a mother and homemaker, and helped me create a social network outside of my family. Cognitive behavioral therapy . Although I was highly skeptical about how talking with a therapist could help me heal, it transformed my life. For the first time in my life, Dr. Lin, my therapist, explained how our thoughts, feelings, moods and behavior were interwoven, and taught me how to identify negative, self-defeating thoughts and replace them with positive, life-affirming thoughts. She also taught me how to regulate my breathing to manage my anxiety, and self-talk to break through the vicious cycle of depressive ruminations and suicidal ideation. She recommended I read "Feeling Good" by Dr. David Burns, which further reinforced the skills she taught, and served as a workbook for my life. Difficult at first, with practice the cognitive behavioral skills gradually became autonomous as breathing. Albert Einstein once said, "The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking." The tools of cognitive behavioral therapy, in essence, helped change my thinking, and, therefore, my world. Over the past 24 years, I have learned that wellness does not come encapsulated in a pill; rather, it encompasses the way I live. The consistent practice of transcendental meditation, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy have helped me thrive in life despite recurrent bouts of anxiety and depression. Depression is no longer a demon I fear, it is a teacher whose wisdom I seek. The opinions expressed are solely those of Gayathri Ramprasad. | Gayathri Ramprasad "was sick and tired of being a chronically mentally ill patient" She says medications were exacerbating her depression and anxiety . Depression is "no longer a demon I fear," Ramprasad says . | 16f22f2a94a42f5e90e76690b24a45940c5bd653 |
By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 10:50 EST, 3 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:58 EST, 5 April 2013 . From Elijah Wood to Max Greenfield, the creative brains behind fashion e-tailer Mr Porter appear to have a penchant for actors-turned-model. And the latest Hollywood hottie to star in a Mr Porter campaign is none other than Life of Pi star, Suraj Sharma. Last seen tackling 30 foot waves with a tiger in tow, the 20-year-old New Delhi native looked picture perfect in the shots released by the e-tailer. Polished: Sharma's new look is very different from the rags worn by Life of Pi character, Piscine Patel . Healthy: Sharma, who lost lots of weight to play Piscine Patel, now looks back on top form . Sporting a range of looks, including a sharp suit teamed with acid yellow trainers and a navy blue sporty jacket, the actor looked every inch the model. Sharma's turn as Piscine Patel in the Oscar winning film was his debut Hollywood role and he admits that he was terrified when he first met director, Ang Lee. 'I had seen his movies, his movies had been a part of my life,' he revealed to the Guardian. '[At the audition] I was so nervous I forgot my lines. 'I thought, "OK, now I've lost it". [Lee] gave me another chance. He talked to me, directed me. Suave: Sharma is dapper in a chic taupe suit styled with neat tan brogues and pattered shirt . Cool: As you'd expect, the ultra fashionable Mr Porter team has done a top notch job of styling Sharma . 'In less than five minutes – I don't even know how – it's just the way he looks at you and how he talks, it becomes very real. The second time, I read my piece and I started crying.' But Sharma certainly isn't the first up-and-coming actor to have appeared in a Mr Porter campaign. Along with Wood and Greenfield, the e-tailer has worked with Logan Plant, 32, son of Led Zeppelin frontman, Robert. Last year's campaign also featured Marlon Brando's grandson, Tuki, 22, and Ethan Peck, 26, grandson of late actor, Gregory Peck. Life Of Pi is available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD from April 29 and on digital platforms from April 15 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Adrift: In Life of Pi, Sharma plays a boy adrift for 255 days with just a hungry Bengal tiger for company . Hollywood royalty: Up-and-coming actor Ethan Peck starred in last year's Mr Porter campaign . | Sharma is best known for playing Piscine Patel in Ang Lee's Life of Pi . Mr Porter has made a habit of using up-and-coming actors as models . Previous stars include Elijah Wood, Max Greenfield and Ethan Peck . | 13dcb145d6ef60cf05b96b8c981c8d99b3c9787e |
By . Claire Bates . PUBLISHED: . 10:18 EST, 3 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:18 EST, 3 October 2012 . Natasha Keeling was told to give her daughter Georgia Tamiflu . A two-year-old girl who died after she was wrongly diagnosed with swine flu was failed by emergency services, a coroner has said. Georgia Keeling, from Norwich, died from a meningitis-like infection following the incorrect diagnosis at the height of the 2009 national pandemic. The inquest in Norwich heard that paramedic Patricia Perfect had examined her at home but sent an ambulance away because it was 'another case of swine flu'. Four hours later, following a second 999 call, the toddler was rushed to hospital where she died. Returning a narrative verdict today, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong ruled Georgia died following an 'erroneous diagnosis' and the fact she was not immediately admitted to hospital reduced her chances of survival and contributed to her death. He said: 'She died from a condition that was previously undiagnosed and the examination by Miss Perfect was inadequate and deficient and there was a failure to recognise the severity of her condition. 'Is is possible Miss Perfect was over-influenced by the fact there was at the time a prevalence of swine flu? 'There is no doubt at all that Georgia should have been sent to hospital immediately and she would have had a better chance of survival.' A fantastic girl: Georgia was misdiagnosed with swine flu when she was suffering from meningitis . Georgia's parents (pictured left) Paul Sewell and Natasha Keeling have spoken out to highlight a catalogue of failings that led to the death of their daughter Georgia (pictured right) He added that the East of England Ambulance Trust had already taken action to reduce the likelihood of future tragedies. Earlier in the hearing it was suggested Georgia’s death on August 4, 2009 was the result of meningitis. Today, pathologist Xenia Tyler said a . post-mortem showed she died from a group A streptococcal infection, a . rare form of blood poisoning which can develop into meningitis. Georgia was first seen by Miss Perfect at about midday on August 4, 2009 following a 999 call. Her mother, Natasha Keeling, said she . had initially felt relieved that she had been diagnosed and given the . swine flu medication Tamiflu. Georgia’s father, Paul Sewell, said he had been reassured it was not life-threatening. But her condition continued to . deteriorate and Ms Keeling again dialled 999 shortly before 4pm. Georgia . was pronounced dead at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at . 4.24pm. Georgia was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival . Meningitis symptoms to look out for . Professor John Kroll told the inquest . that, on the balance of probabilities, it was likely Georgia would have . survived if she had been taken to hospital sooner. He added: 'The diagnosis of swine flu was clearly inappropriate. The circumstances here go far outside . what any clinician would diagnose as swine flu. If it was swine flu, it . was swine flu with complications.' Dr Jeffrey Perrin, a paediatric and . intensive care consultant who examined the circumstances around her . death, said “red flag” warning signs were missed. Paramedic Patricia Perfect said she visited the family's home and made the swine flu diagnosis after a 45-minute examination . He added: 'I would not necessarily . have expected an emergency care practitioner to have diagnosed the . illness but it is more important to recognise the severity of the . condition. 'The failure of an emergency care . practitioner to recognise the severity of Georgia’s illness resulted in . her having a reduced chance of surviving the illness.' Miss Perfect yesterday told the . hearing she regretted the incorrect diagnosis but said “most clinicians” would have made the same mistake given the unprecedented circumstances. She described how medics had been 'distracted' by the pandemic. 'Swine flu was at the forefront of . everybody’s mind. Had that not been a factor I would have been looking . at other reasons,' she said. Speaking outside the inquest, Mr Sewell said the last three years had been like "going through hell". But he said the family accepted that the ambulance service had learnt from the mistake. He added: 'We were failed by one person and we can't blame the whole NHS for that.' He and Ms Keeling issued a statement saying: 'Nobody knows a child like their parents and we are saddened that despite our best instincts the ambulance service failed to provide adequate care to Georgia. 'We are pleased the ambulance service has apologised for the failings of its emergency care practitioner - we are only sorry that it has taken three years.' Speaking after the inquest, Dr Pamela Chrispin, medical director and deputy chief executive at the East of England Ambulance Service, offered her "deepest condolences" to Georgia's family. She added many children with fever and a rash are safely seen, treated and left at home. Dr Chrispin said the ambulance service had apologised for the shortcomings and was pleased the coroner had acknowledged the progress that had been made. 'In Georgia's case we accept that, although the paramedic carried out an assessment and followed national guidance, she could have identified the potential for Georgia to become more seriously ill and arranged urgent admission to hospital,' Dr Chrispin said. 'She has since undergone a period of retraining and evaluation and has returned to frontline duties. 'This is a difficult area for all healthcare professionals involved in the assessment of children in the community and, as in this case, sadly there is occasionally a tragic outcome. 'Since Georgia's death the East of England Ambulance Service have taken additional steps to help our staff recognise and manage seriously ill children. 'We are the leading ambulance service in the UK to work with the international Surviving Sepsis campaign, which promotes the early identification and treatment of sepsis.' | Coroner returned a narrative verdict and ruled Georgia died following an 'erroneous diagnosis' Georgia's mother called for an ambulance after she was told by swine flu hotline it was unlikely to be swine flu. But paramedic sent ambulance away and gave her Tamiflu . Second ambulance called out four hours later after Georgia stopped breathing. She was pronounced dead when she got to hospital . | 149b110e3819d4ec933aeba4515ca2f1b243d708 |
Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) -- Breathlessly, they came, carrying suitcases, plastic bags and just about anything that would hold the few belongings they still had. Thousands of Haitian people, most of them homeless, have flooded the port, hoping for a ticket to hope, on board a ferry, being paid for by the Haitian government. This ferry, the Trois Rivieres, is headed for Port Jeremie on Haiti's far western tip, far away from the hopelessness that has become Port-au-Prince. "The government gave us 1500 gallons of fuel to go back to Jeremie to evacuate more people," said Roger Rouzier, director general of Marinetec, the ferry boat owner. Anaika Clement has been here three days with her mother and her friend. Their homes have been destroyed. She and the others wait at a filthy wharf, littered with garbage and human feces, with cracks in the ground, from the day the earth moved in Haiti, last week. In creole, Anaika told CNN's Ivan Watson that they came here after Wednesday morning's 5.9 aftershock. "I don't know how many days we're going to stay here," said Anaika. Wednesday's seismic rattle appeared to have pushed desperate people into action. For some, it didn't matter where the ferry would take them, as long as it left Port-au-Prince. With the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship in sight of them, mothers, fathers, children, infants, and their belongings, packed themselves into small, overcrowded row boats. Latest updates l Full coverage l Twitter . In the words of one man, "All of our hopes are with the international community. We are not able to sustain ourselves," he said. Many of the rowboats sat with too many people, too low in the water, and had the look of a potentially new tragedy. They would row about a mile, to the Trois Rivieres ferry, which was docked at the other end of the port. The owner docked it far away so that people could not board it, while it sat awaiting fuel from the government. iReport: Search list for missing and found . "First of all I have to put fuel on board. And I would prefer to put fuel on board before the people get in," said Roger Rouzier, the ferry boat owner. "It's a little bit dangerous while you are refueling to have people on board," he said. Seeing the ferry boat, the people used the row boats to make their way out to the ferry, to board themselves. Once there, they climbed up the side of the boat, and designed their own assembly line of people to help pass luggage, and children, from one person to the other, on board the ferryboat. CNN witnessed one infant passed up along a sea of hands from their dinghy all the way to the top of the ferryboat. iReport: Are you there? "No one is helping us with crowd control here. No one. We don't have any help from no one. Even from the government," said ferry owner, Roger Rouzier. "The government gave us fuel and told us to evacuate people to Jeremie and that's it," he said. CNN watched as one lone Haitian coast guard vessel tried to approach the ferryboat to curtail the rowboaters, but they were quickly overpowered by the sea of people fleeing. The ferry's owner told CNN his ferry is licensed to carry 600 people, but on the last trip to Port Jeremie, there were over 3000 onboard. With no serious crowd control and no lifeboats on board, Rouzier's only option to stop the crowds, is to leave. "They'll do anything to get on the boat. And then it becomes very, very dangerous," he said. CNN took their own rowboat onto the Trois Rivieres, and saw a boat, slowly filling with the desperate refugees. They all appeared to relax once onboard. Perhaps, now they can begin to have hope about tomorrow. | Thousands of Haitians try to board government ship to Port Jeremie on Haiti's far western tip . Families packing themselves into small, overcrowded row boats to try and reach offshore ship . People climbed up sides of boat, passing belongings, children up the side . Ferry owner on desperate Haitians: "They'll do anything to get on the boat" | 4b2108a665d67642b6f688c47ad54539a4e98e45 |
By . Dan Bloom . Two onlookers threw themselves into the sea to rescue a dog walker who became trapped trying to save his stricken Labrador. The 55-year-old was battered against a sea wall for 15 minutes in Hartlepool after his black Labrador was washed into the churning waves from a concrete slipway. The two men put their own lives at risk to drag out the man, who had tied up his three other dogs next to the Headland promenade before diving into the sea. Drama: A 55-year-old dog walker (circled) was rescued by two onlookers today after he tried to rescue his Labrador from the sea in Hartlepool. The dog - pictured in the foreground - was also saved . Heroes: Two men (centre) jumped into the water to rescue the man, putting their own lives at risk . One of the men, a fisherman, ran a quarter of a mile to fetch a life ring in an attempt to save the dog owner. Eventually they managed to drag the visibly distressed man out of the water where he was assisted by Hartlepool Coastguard, police and paramedics. The dog was also saved. The man was treated at the scene for up to an hour before being taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in nearby Stockton. A spokesperson for Humber Coastguard said it had tasked colleagues in Hartlepool to deal with the emergency. 'Hartlepool Police called us at 2:15pm to say they had taken a call from a member of the public to say a man had entered the water to rescue one of his dogs,' he said. Rescue: Hartlepool Coastguard, police and paramedics were called and the man was taken to hospital . Fierce: The rescue on the Headland in Hartlepool (pictured) happened on a day when Britain was battered by more severe Spring weather, with parts of the country still covered in snow and experiencing thunderstorms . 'Two passers-by had also entered the water to assist the man. 'The police then called again at 2:19pm to say the man was now out of the water and that an ambulance was at the scene to assist if required.' A North East Ambulance Service spokesman added: 'We were called to treat a man who had gone into the water to rescue a dog and was struggling to get out of the sea. 'There were no injuries that we know of but he was taken to hospital to be checked over for possible shock and hypothermia.' The rescue came on another day of freak spring weather, with parts of Britain covered with snow and fierce thunderstorms in Kent. Despite the winds and rain, forecasters say spring will return tomorrow with temperatures rising as high as 21C - hotter than parts of Spain. | Man, 55, became the centre of a rescue mission on the coast of Hartlepool . Two other men put their lives at risk to save man from churning waves . One ran a quarter of a mile to fetch life ring - and the dog was saved too . | 35666e51830274d5bd64f6067eaabcac6bccff3e |
By . Mail Online Reporter . A South Carolina dog that had its head trapped in an air conditioning duct pipe for up to a week was finally freed yesterday. The male stray dog, named Piper by animal rescuers, was caught by Oconee County animal officials with traps and tranquilizer guns after days of trying to catch the pooch. Piper was unable to eat or drink while having the tube stuck over its entire head but is now doing well in recovery. Scroll down for video . Free at last: Piper the dog was finally caught and freed from the metal pipe and is recovering well . Stranded: This feral dog was first spotted Monday running around Oconee County, South Carolina, with his head lodged firmly inside a metal duct pipe . The dog is undergoing an evaluation by a veterinarian today and will then be released to the owner of the property, Charles Williams, where Piper was first seen, WYFF reported. Despite being a stray dog, Charles Williams has been friendly with Piper for around a year. The dog will also be neutered while in veterinarian care and receive shots. Upstate . Animal Rescue spokesman Kelly Blair said last week that the dog . couldn't eat or drink with the metal tube clamped tightly around his . head. According to Blair, . the pup refused to let anyone get near to help, so she hoped someone . who is trained to use a tranquilizer gun would come to his aide. Blair said people frequently abandon their pets with no food or water in the area where the dog was found. The black-and-white pooch was discovered last Monday in Oconee County, stuck in the pipe which may have occurred while Piper was chasing a small critter. Being a feral animal, the pooch did not allow anyone to come near him. Running scared: Being a feral animal, the pup ran away every time someone attempted to go near him for help . Ruff life: The pooch likely was abandoned as a puppy and has been living on the streets for a year, relying on the kindness of neighbors . Neighbor Charles Williams told the station Fox Carolina that volunteer rescuers had come out to try and catch the dog, but he bolted and went into hiding. The dog has been living on the streets . for a year. On Upstate Animal Rescue Foundation's Facebook page, Kelly . Blair wrote that local residents have been feeding the animal. On Friday, animal control officials set up a large trap in hopes of capturing the poor, frightened animal, but it wasn't until Monday that Piper was caught. Upstate Animal Rescue officials said this was a first for the organization, which has been around for 30 years. The group needed donations to help with the pup's medical bills. FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports . | Piper the stray dog was caught by animal officials with traps and tranquilizer guns . The dog was unable to eat or drink for up to a week while stuck but is now doing well in veterinary care . Piper will be neutered and receive shots while in care . | 51fba1640bdd03c086f7ae80255b592da85ae796 |
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (CNN) -- In the latest shake-up following weeks of popular unrest and sporadic violence, the top two political figures in Burkina Faso announced on the state-run media outlet that they'd fired 24 Cabinet ministers and formed a new, smaller government. President Blaise Compaore and newly appointed Prime Minister Luc-Adolphe Tiao said Thursday night on Radio Television of Burkina that there will be 29 people in the new Cabinet, down from the 38 in place previously. The full rationale for the shuffling wasn't immediately made clear. Tiao is expected to take questions from the press in the coming days. Besides ousting 24 ministers, the two men also said they have brought 15 different individuals into the administration. In addition, Compaore will serve as defense minister as well as president. Djibril Bassole will become the landlocked West African nation's foreign affairs minister -- a position he'd earlier held, before being tapped as the joint United Nations-African Union mediator for the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. The country's sitting foreign minister, Bedouma Alain Yoda, was among those left out in the new arrangement. The ministers for culture and tourism, infrastructure, health, education, environment, youth, social action and animal resources also have not been retained, according to Compaore and Tiao. The new government combines several Cabinet branches. Among those, the telecommunication ministry joins with that of transportation, security comes into the ministry of administration, and the human rights ministry becomes part of the justice ministry. This news came two days after Compaore tapped Tiao, Burkina Faso's former ambassador to France, as prime minister -- a report also broadcast on the national radio and television network. All these moves follow several recent breakouts of popular discord and violence in the African nation. Student protests have been ongoing in the nation since February, according to local media reports. These demonstrations came after a student reportedly died in jail. On March 30, protests erupted over a court case. According to media reports, a man sued a group of five soldiers, claiming they forced him to take off his clothes and walk home because he had dated a soldier's girlfriend. The court found in favor of the man. During the violence that ensued, the defense minister said, his home was attacked. A small group of presidential security guards revolted April 14over a disputed housing allowance that they said the president had promised them. They fired shots inside the presidential compound and took to the streets, shooting guns, stealing cars and robbing people, according to defense ministry officials. Two children of a defense official were shot at in the melee and were hospitalized, officials said. The defense ministry issued a statement the following day saying the soldiers had been paid. And Moussa Ag Abdoulaye, a spokesman for a group of security guards, said on state-run TV that its members remained committed to Compaore and called for a cease-fire. Still the protests continued, during which buildings in the capital city, Ouagadougou, were set on fire. The president also reportedly replaced the head of the nation's army amid the violence. The president was at the palace when the demonstrations began and left briefly under heavy security, but he later returned. In recent days, a curfew was imposed, and sources in the city of Po said violence was also taking place there. | Burkina Faso's president and prime minister announce a new government on state-run TV . The new Cabinet will include 29 ministers, nine fewer than in the previous administration . 24 Cabinet members were fired; 15 new ones will step in . Burkina Faso has been the site of unrest and sporadic violence in recent weeks . | b83d4f985543969f993f17c9c32d8475899810b9 |
(CNN) -- Two leading Jewish watchdog groups are denouncing a prominent cartoonist's illustration about Israel's offensive in Gaza, saying it uses anti-Semitic imagery. The cartoon was published Wednesday in newspapers and on the Internet. The Anti-Defamation League, which has been fighting anti-Semitism since it was founded in 1913, called the syndicated cartoon by Pulitzer Prize-winning Pat Oliphant "hideously anti-Semitic." The Simon Wiesenthal Center, which, among other things, fights anti-Semitism and educates people about the Holocaust, said "the cartoon mimics the venomous anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazi and Soviet eras." Published Wednesday in newspapers and on the Internet, the cartoon shows the small figure of a woman, labeled Gaza, carrying a child. She is being pursued by a headless, jackbooted figure wielding a sword, marching in an apparent goose-step and pushing a fanged Jewish star on a wheel. The Anti-Defamation League said the cartoon used "Nazi-like imagery" and a "hateful evocation of the Star of David." Abraham H. Foxman, the ADL's national director, said the cartoon's "outlandish and offensive use of the Star of David in combination with Nazi-like imagery is hideously anti-Semitic." "It employs Nazi imagery by portraying Israel as a jack-booted, goose-stepping headless apparition," Foxman said. "The implication is of an Israeli policy without a head or a heart. Israel's defensive military operation to protect the lives of its men, women and children who are being continuously bombarded by Hamas rocket attacks has been turned on its head to show the victims as heartless, headless aggressors." The Wiesenthal Center, which also issued its statement Wednesday, said it urged The New York Times Web site and other Web sites to remove the cartoon. "There is nothing about Oliphant's cartoon not meant to denigrate and demonize the Jewish state, from the headless goose-stepping soldier to the horrific depiction of the Star of David about to devour a cowering innocent Gazan woman holding a baby," Rabbi Marvin Hier, the group's dean, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the group's associate dean, said in a joint statement. "The imagery in this cartoon mimics the venomous anti-Semitic propaganda of the Nazi and Soviet eras. It is cartoons like this that inspired millions of people to hate in the 1930's and help set the stage for the Nazi genocide," the statement said. A spokeswoman for Universal Press Syndicate, which distributes Oliphant's work, issued a statement defending him, saying he, "like all editorial cartoonists, uses his art to comment on important issues of the day widely reported in the worldwide media -- in this case, the conflict over Gaza. That his cartoons sometimes spark intense debate is a testament to his talent." Universal said no media outlet had informed the syndicate that it removed the cartoon, but "Oliphant's clients are not contractually bound to inform us." A New York Times spokeswoman said, "We did not run the cartoon in the newspaper, nor do we plan to do so." She said NYTimes.com has, by contract with uclick.com, an "Oliphant" button on the cartoons page. "Yesterday, those who clicked on it saw the cartoon you mentioned, which is now relegated to the Oliphant archive," she said. Imagery and rhetoric comparing Israel to Nazis have been deployed by Israel's persistent critics, who decry the Jewish state's treatment of Palestinians as oppressive and brutal. Israel and its supporters defend the state as humane and say it has properly defended itself against attacks. There has been sharp criticism of Israel's offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza who launched rockets into southern Israeli towns. Human Rights Watch said Wednesday the Israeli military's firing of white phosphorus shells over densely populated areas during the offensive "was indiscriminate and is evidence of war crimes," a claim denied by Israel. Israel has said that Hamas militants situated themselves among civilians during the offensive. Oliphant, who won the Pulitzer in 1967, has been a dominant figure in the editorial cartoon world. His work has been distributed since 1980 by Universal Press Syndicate, which calls the Australian native one of the "sharpest, most daring practitioners" among editorial cartoonists. He has received many honors, and his cartoons have been exhibited across the world. "In 1998, the Library of Congress commemorated the acquisition of 60 of his works with a special exhibition at the Library's Great Hall," according to an Oliphant biography on the Universal Web site. This isn't the first time Oliphant's cartoons have drawn criticism. The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in 2005 "wrote to the San Francisco Chronicle and Universal Press Syndicate to communicate concern over racist depictions of Arabs," according to the group's Web site, and the Asian American Journalists Association criticized offensive stereotypes in cartoons in 1999, 2001 and 2007. Debates over offensive editorial cartoons are not uncommon. Keith Woods, dean of faculty at the Poynter Institute, a journalism school in St. Petersburg, Florida, was asked to comment on the reaction to the cartoon, whether the cartoon was improper, and at what point in the editorial process an editor can say a product has gone too far. He said he understands the positions the Jewish groups and Israeli policy critics bring to the table. He said he believes Oliphant is saying that "Israel is behaving toward the Palestinians the way the Nazis behaved toward the Jews" and that he is stating an opinion shared by many in the Middle East and the world. "I believe that like the caricatures they are, editorial cartoons by their nature exaggerate their messages, so I don't think Oliphant is suggesting a one-to-one comparison. So I get the message, instead, that Israel is acting brutally toward the Palestinians." He also believes the ADL and the Wiesenthal Center "are saying that the cartoon is at least doing unintentional harm (if not more calculated harm)." "I see their point. There are symbols -- and the Nazi extermination of the Jews is surely one of them -- that can only truly be analogized to their equals. Unadulterated evil compared with unadulterated evil. Israel's ongoing battles with its Arab neighbors may be many things, but it is not The Final Solution." As for the question of how news organizations should handle and discuss such a cartoon, Woods said that "Oliphant clearly has the right to provoke or offend. The question for him is: Do you truly wish to conflate a complex, historic conflict with one of the most evil acts in history? And for the newspapers that carry the cartoon -- and their behavior here is equally open to critique -- do you wish to perpetuate such a comparison?" | NEW: Cartoon's distributor defends cartoonist, cites his talent to stir debate . Work by Pulitzer-winning cartoonist shows jack-booted figure, Jewish star with fangs . Anti-Defamation League, Simon Wiesenthal Center say it uses anti-Semitic imagery . Critics compare Israeli actions to Nazi aggression; Israel says it must defended itself . | 01e9f168bef2efb6ed4200a8eaf1c89df48042c5 |
A doctor has appeared in court accused of offering an abortion based on an unborn child's gender in a private prosecution launched by a pro-life campaigner. Dr Prabha Sivaraman, 46, appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court yesterday in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the UK. At an appointment in February 2012, Dr Silvaraman is alleged to have offered an abortion to a woman who said she wanted it due to her baby's gender. Dr Prabha Sivaraman, left, who is accused of offering an abortion based on an unborn child's gender. It is being brought by pro-life campaigner Aisling Hubert, right . The 46-year-old is accused of conspiracy to procure poison to be used with intent to procure abortion. The prosecution is being brought privately by Aisling Hubert, a pro-life campaigner, who is being supported by anti-abortion groups Christian Concern and Abort 67. It comes after the Crown Prosecution Service decided to drop their prosecution against Dr Sivaraman and instead referring her to the General Medical Council. Following the decision, Miss Hubert, aged 21, from Brighton, instructed solicitors to bring a private prosecution. She is said to have sought expert legal and medical opinion, with some medical professionals offering to give evidence in court. The private prosecution was heard at Manchester Magistrates Court, pictured, after the CPS decided not to pursue the case . Miss Hubert was represented by prosecutor Michael Phillips during yesterday's hearing and it was heard by District Judge Khalid Qureshi. Dr Sivaraman, wearing a white coat, purple blazer and patterned blouse, did not appear in the dock but sat in the public seating area at the back of the courtroom. Represented by defence Jonathan Barnard, she did not speak but stood only to hear details of the date of the next hearing. The case was committed to Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing and it will next be heard at Manchester Crown Square on January 15 next year. Although almost all criminal cases in England and Wales are brought to court by the Crown Prosecution Service, any individual or group with evidence that a crime has been committed can present evidence to a court to initiate a private prosecution. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Dr Prabha Sivaraman accused of offering an abortion due to baby's gender . The 46-year-old appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court yesterday . Thought to be the first case of its kind to be brought in the UK . Case is a private prosecution brought by a pro-life campaigner . Aisling Hubert, 21, has brought prosecution after it was dropped by CPS . Case continues and has been committed to Manchester Crown Court . | d8c925f283216521073497659088f4ba707311c9 |
By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 06:20 EST, 3 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:29 EST, 3 April 2013 . The current cold spell gripping the UK must be particularly uncomfortable for cyclists enduring cold air whipping past their necks as they navigate the roads. So they could do with replicating the achievement of Philadelphia cycle courier Rudi Saldia, who has taught his cat to snuggle round his neck as he makes deliveries. The fearless feline, named Mary Jane, accompanies the elaborately moustachioed Mr Saldia as he rides all around the Pennsylvania city, dropping off parcels and important documents. Give us a nuzzle! Mary Jane the cat rubs her whiskers against her owner, bike courier Rudi Saldia - who boasts some rather impressive whiskers of his own - as they ride together around the streets of Philadelphia . Born in a closet drawer in Mr Saldia's bedroom on April Fools, Mary Jane had an unusual start in life. And after Mr Saldia discovered her favourite spot to rest was his shoulders he decided to train her to accompany him to work. Now the pair are a regular sight on Philadelphia's streets, with Mary Jane so comfortable on her perch that she doesn't even need to use her claws to keep a grip. Day-long hugs aside, she keeps her owner happy with an occasional nuzzle and looks about to see if there are any dangers nearby - although she bravely keeps her spot amid the heaviest traffic. As with most cats, her night-time activities are unknown. But the way she shrinks behind Mr Saldia's shoulders when a police siren is heard suggests that she gets up to her fair share of mischief. Life less ordinary: Born in a drawer in Mr Saldia's bedroom on April Fools, Mary Jane had an unusual start in life . On the look out: Day-long hugs aside, she keeps her owner happy with an occasional nuzzle and looks about to see if there are any dangers nearby - although she bravely keeps her spot amid the heaviest traffic . The most recent video of the pair was shot as a promotion for GoPro, which market a range of rugged video cameras and mounts to allow users to document their activities. The company has enlisted a host of extreme sportsmen - and curious characters like Mr Saldia and Mary Jane - to make videos about their activities for the GoPro YouTube channel. Mr Saldia, a courier for IDS, said last year: ‘MJ is my first cat and a friend said I could train her - so I got her to sit on my shoulder. ‘The first day we managed one block. The next day we managed two blocks and now we can do around 25 miles with her on my shoulder. ‘MJ enjoys the wind rushing through her fur and she moves around from shoulder to shoulder.’ Unusual animal: The pair are a regular sight on Philadelphia's streets, with Mary Jane so comfortable on her perch that she doesn't even need to use her claws to keep a grip . Alert to danger: Mr Saldia says Mary Jane enjoys the sensation of the wind rushing through her fur and she moves from shoulder to shoulder as he cycles furiously around the streets of Philadelphia . Watch out for the cops: Mary Jane shrinks behind Mr Saldia's shoulder after she hears a siren on a passing emergency vehicle . Not satisfied with a mere 25 miles, Mr Saldia hopes that he will be able to do 100 miles with MJ by next September. ‘People don't know what to make of it - they always do a double-take,' he told Sydney's Telegraph newspaper. ‘I don't get to see most reactions. When I do hear people yell, I typically hear "Oh my God, he has a cat on his shoulder! That's so cute". ‘People always come up and want to pet her and are blown away by the fact she arrived via bicycle. ‘MJ is so comfortable on my shoulder she never uses her claws. My shoulder and back are scratch free.’ | Rudi Saldia takes cat Mary Jane along with him as he works as a cycle courier in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . | 6e92696fae65f1e2c05f3af636982ad5242216f4 |
(CNN) -- From Woodstock and a man on the moon to the Manson murders and the Stonewall riots, the summer of 1969 was a tumultuous and eventful time. Listed below are a few of the historic and memorable moments from that summer. April 23 | Sirhan Sirhan sentenced Sirhan Sirhan, convicted of murdering New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign, is sentenced to death a week after being found guilty. Three years later, his sentence is commuted to life in prison after California abolishes the death penalty. May 18 | Apollo 10 The Apollo 10 mission is a dress rehearsal for the lunar landing module. This mission tested "all aspects of the lunar landing mission exactly as it would be performed, except for the actual landing," according to NASA. It also transmitted the first color pictures of Earth from space. May 23 | The Who releases "Tommy" The Who, a key band of the 1960s British Invasion, releases the rock opera "Tommy." The double album features songs like "Pinball Wizard" and "Tommy, Can You Hear Me?" May 24 | Beatles' "Get Back" is No. 1 "Get Back" by the Beatles becomes the top song on Billboard's list and stays there for five weeks. Released as a single, the song later appeared on the "Let it be" album. "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine in" by the Fifth Dimension was the second song on the list for that week. May 25 | "Midnight Cowboy" released John Schlesinger's "Midnight Cowboy," starring Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, is released with an X rating, the first ever in wide release. The film received seven Academy Award nominations and won three, including best picture. Other notable movies released during that year include "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Easy Rider" and "True Grit." June 3 | Last episode of 'Star Trek' airs The last episode of the original "Star Trek" airs on NBC. During the episode, titled "Turnabout Intruder," one of Captain Kirk's former lovers steals his body. June 6 | Joe Namath briefly retires Joe Namath, the star New York Jets quarterback who famously guaranteed a Super Bowl victory, briefly retires from the National Football League over a conflict with league Commissioner Pete Rozelle. June 8 | Nixon and Vietnam President Nixon, after being elected on a campaign pledge to pull troops out of Southeast Asia, announces the withdrawal of 25,000 U.S. troops from Vietnam. June 9 / June 23 | Burger becomes chief justice Appointed by President Nixon, Warren Burger is confirmed as the chief justice of the Supreme Court on June 9, succeeding Earl Warren. Two weeks later, he is sworn in. In 1973, Burger votes with the majority in the landmark Roe v. Wade case, establishing a woman's right to an abortion. June 28 | Stonewall riots A confrontation between gay rights activists and police outside the Stonewall Inn -- a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City -- escalates into a riot. Over the next four decades, the riots act as a symbolic force for the burgeoning gay rights movement. July 25 | Sen. Kennedy and Chappaquiddick Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy receives a two-month suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Mary Jo Kopechne, once a campaign worker for Sen. Robert Kennedy, drowned in the July 18 accident in Chappaquiddick, Massachusetts. July 20 | Moon landing Apollo 11, carrying three U.S. astronauts, lands on the moon. Mission commander Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon; crewmate Buzz Aldrin also walked on the moon. The third man on the mission was Michael Collins. Six lunar landings followed. July 24 | Muhammad Ali convicted Boxing champion Muhammad Ali is convicted of evading the draft after he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army. Two years earlier, Ali applied for an exemption as a conscientious objector but was denied. He was stripped of his fighting license and title. He returned to the ring in 1970, and his conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971. August 9-10 | The Manson murders During a two-night rampage, pregnant actress Sharon Tate and seven others are killed by Charles Manson and his "Family." Manson and four others -- Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, Charles "Tex" Watson and Leslie Van Houten -- were later convicted of murder and other charges. Their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment in 1972. August 14 | British troops sent to Northern Ireland More than 300 British troops are ordered into a Londonderry neighborhood in Northern Ireland after three nights of clashes between police and Catholic residents. The troops were supposed to stay for days, but the conflict lasted decades. The number of British troops stationed in Northern Ireland peaked at 30,000 in the early 1970s. August 14 | The Miracle Mets The New York Mets fall nine games behind the Chicago Cubs in the National League race but, led by future Hall of Fame pitchers Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver, stage a comeback in the months that followed to capture the pennant. They went on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles for the Word Series title. August 15-18 | Woodstock Nearly 400,000 people show up at a farm in Bethel, New York, for a music festival that features legendary acts Jimi Hendrix, the Who, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Sly and the Family Stone. The event would help define an era. August 17 | Hurricane Camille More than 250 people are killed in Mississippi and Louisiana when Hurricane Camille strikes the United States mainland. At its peak, Camille was a Category 5 storm, packing winds stronger than 200 mph and leaving tides measuring higher than 20 feet in its wake. September 1 | Gadhafi assumes power Moammar Gadhafi, a military captain at the time, deposes King Idris and assumes control of Libya. He remains in power to this day. September 24 | The "Chicago 8" trial begins A trial gets under way for eight people -- known as the "Chicago 8" -- who were indicted on charges connected with protests at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. After a long, raucous trial, two were acquitted, and the others were convicted on various charges. Eight police officers were also indicted in connection with the disorder in Chicago. | Man lands on the moon on July 20 with Apollo 11 mission . A new Supreme Court justice and withdrawal of troops in Vietnam grab headlines . In the world of sports, The Mets, Muhammad Ali and Joe Nameth make news . For more, go to In Depth: Summer of 1969 . | 65acd546716201bd11b4034705cdcb13b07a26e0 |
Pumwani, Kenya (CNN) -- Asha Mohamed sits in her cramped room in Pumwani slum clutching a tiny photo of her son, Harun. He's dressed in a blue-striped tie framed by a crisp white T-shirt -- a typical 15-year-old Kenyan high school student. But in September he vanished. "Harun woke up very early and asked his sister "what time is it?" says Asha. He kept on asking her again and again. Then, at four in the morning, he left the house." In her heart, Asha knew where he had gone, but the text messages later confirmed it. Harun left his school and home in Kenya to fight for al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab. "It started when he was 14. He came to me many times and said "mom, I am going to Somalia to fight Jihad." I thought he was just playing." For years, Al Shabaab has targeted Somalis abroad to fight in their campaign to overthrown the weak transitional government. Now Kenyans, with no ethnic link to Somalia, are joining the Jihad. According to a recent U.N. report, there are "extensive Kenyan networks linked to Al-Shabaab, which not only recruit and raise funds for the organization, but also conduct orientation and training events." Many of those events centered on Pumwani, a largely Muslim slum in Nairobi. Here, residents and religious leaders speak of a charismatic young Kenyan Sheikh that arrived from Mombasa. They say he bravely stood up to corruption, promoted the Quran, and generously handed out scholarships to young men. And he stoked their passion for Al Shabaab. The man is Sheikh Ahmad Iman Ali -- now the leader of Al Shabaab's Kenya cell. He is remembered fondly at the Maratib Islamic Center in Pumwani. "He was fearless and, at the same time, kind," says Abdullah Kilume, the administrator of the center. "The majority think he was a good man, he did a lot of good, they saw what he did." Sheikh Iman would conduct lengthy sermons at the center's mosque, says the U.N. report. The sermons were called 'Jihad Training sessions' and many of them are posted on the internet. According to the U.N's investigations, training sessions included classroom based lectures about 'Islamic Struggles' in Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen. Many of the children wore "Jihad is our Religion" T-shirts. Kilume remembers Sheikh Iman's teachings well. He said that he appealed to the Kenyan youth of Pumwani. "It reached the youth. I personally know that some of them wanted to go to Somalia." But while parents in this area supported the Sheikh's war on graft and welcomed his financial help in this grindingly poor place, they felt differently when their children started to vanish. "I went to that mosque and caused havoc, but they didn't care," says Asha. "Somalia, that is not his war, I don't even know why they are fighting, so why should he leave here and go fight in something he doesn't even understand." But increasingly, it seems, these Kenyan youth do see it as their fight too. Six of Harun's school friends who attended the center also vanished, she says. Local authorities wouldn't comment specifically on the case, but they acknowledged that a problem exists. The youth, who fled face the prospect of fighting Kenyan soldiers, many of them Muslim, who are engaged in an incursion deep into Somalia to stamp out Al Shabaab. Kilumi, the Muslim Center administrator, says he can accept it if these Kenyan recruits to Al Shaabab end up killing Kenyan soldiers. "Like every other Muslim, I would like the Sharia law to be implemented and that is what they want to do in that part of Somalia," he says. "Muslims first, Kenyans second." Sheikh Iman's recruiting and fundraising drive has apparently been so successful that he has been rapidly promoted through the ranks of Al Shabaab. In 2009 he moved his base to Somalia, where it's believed that he commands a force of between 300 and 500 Kenyan fighters. In January a video of the sheikh was posted on jihadi websites. It's not known when the video was recorded. It shows him seated cross-legged in battle fatigues. Sheikh Iman called again for Kenya's youth to cross over the border to fight. And if they couldn¹t, he gave them a simple message. "Raise your sword against the enemy that is closest to you. Jihad should now be waged inside Kenya." | Mom tells how her teen son living in a Kenyan slum was one of at least six persuaded to join al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab . One mom said: "Why should he leave here and go fight in something he doesn't even understand" Kenyan Muslims say a charismatic iman taught the poverty-stricken kids about 'Islamic Struggles' But the iman is remembered fondly by others at the Kenyan Muslim center where he groomed children for jihad . | 63b8c4066cc74fff49bc51f0c3ab8546276d4f99 |
By . Kate Lyons for Daily Mail Australia . A Porsche worth $250,000 was destroyed last night after it spun out of control through a wall from a freeway and fell three metres into a casino car park. The incident occurred when the driver of the 2010 Porsche Panamera lost control of the vehicle while driving on Bolton Avenue Burwood, in Western Australia at 9.55pm Thursday. The car smashed through a retaining wall, fell three metres from the road before crashing onto the carpark. Scroll down for video . The car was damaged when it ploughed through a dividing fence of a road and fell three metres to a car park below . The driver fled the scene before police arrived. A passenger had been in the car at the time of the incident and was not injured. Debris from the crash flew metres from the crash site, parts of it damaged the side of a silver Mazda 2B hatchback that was in the car park. The driver and passenger of the Mazda were unharmed. Fire rescue services also attended the scene and reported that the car was written off and towed. The Porsche is estimated to be worth $250,000. Police are continuing investigations into the cause of the crash yesterday. The driver of the Porsche fled the scene and police investigations into the incident are continuing today . Fire rescue officers who attended the scene said the car, estimated to be worth $250,000, was written off and had to be towed . Police are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred just before 10pm last night . | The driver of a 2010 Porsche Panamera is believed to have lost control of the vehicle . The car was written off after it crashed through a wall and fell three metres . The driver fled the scene and the passenger was unharmed . | 147cc30b9bcf31b4c23c10c8e2cf2070509f816a |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Wearing a floaty, flowery dress doesn't convey the traditional image of power, yet when it's designed by Diane von Furstenberg, somehow, inexplicably, it does. It's not just about dresses. Diane von Furstenberg aims to empower women with confidence. The Belgian designer, now long-time New Yorker, was peddling her own brand of 'girl power' long before Posh, Baby and Sporty, et. al. were spicing up anything. Diane Halfin was 22 when she arrived in the United States. It was 1969. She was young, pregnant, devoid of any real design experience and yet to sell a single dress. On paper, it sounds like a hard-luck story. In reality, she was the beautiful daughter of wealthy parents, the product of boarding schools in Lausanne, Switzerland and Oxford, England, followed by a year studying Spanish at the University of Madrid. She was well-connected, hugely ambitious and soon to be married to a prince. Egon von Furstenberg was a Swiss-born aristocrat whose name opened doors. Their marriage lasted just three years. Watch Revealed: Diane von Furstenberg » . "Yes, of course the fact that I was a woman in my early 20s and that I looked cute and that I had a lot of drive and that on top of it all, I was a princess, all of that helped," Diane von Furstenberg told CNN from her office in New York, her face repeated on authentic Andy Warhol prints behind her on the wall. "But none of these ingredients alone would have been enough," she continued. "What really made me very successful is that I had created a product that women wanted, and that made sense, and that was in demand." That product was the wrap dress, a simple stretch of jersey fabric that ties around the waist. Diane von Furstenberg sold her first dress during New York Fashion Week in 1970. By 1975, she was making 15,000 dresses a week and millions of dollars in sales. It wasn't just the wrap dress Diane von Furstenberg was selling; her image and lifestyle came as part of the package, first by accident, then by design. "The first time I took a picture of myself for my first ad was because I had no money for hiring a model," Von Furstenberg said. "I sat on a white cube and a friend of mine took a picture, and then I looked at the picture and thought 'oh the cube is too white' and I wrote on it 'Feel like a woman, wear a dress' and that photograph stayed with me for decades." Emboldened by her success in fashion, Diane von Furstenberg launched a perfume "Tatiana," and then a range of cosmetics. Her name and image became so synonymous with style and strong sales that she signed a number of licensing deals that saw the DVF brand stamped on everything from sheets and towels to curtains and rugs. Diane Von Furstenberg's golden touch hasn't always been foolproof. In 1978 she sold her entire inventory of wrap dresses after steep discounting at New York retailers prompted fashion bible "Women's Wear Daily" to declare that the trend for wrap dresses was over. Reluctantly, Von Furstenberg sold her remaining inventory to pay off her debts and focused on expanding her other ventures. By 1980, DVF had seventeen licenses. "Everything was a license," Von Furstenberg told CNN. "Different companies were handling things and the spirit of the brand disappeared." "I was very frustrated because I had originally created something wonderful that I was very proud of. [But] it had disappeared and I realized that a lot of my own identity had gone with it. So I became very insecure. And I don't like feeling insecure, it's not a fun thing." For a woman who's passionate about empowering women, an admission of insecurity from Diane von Furstenberg is surprising, and one guesses quite rare. She's a strong woman, a fighter, who's staged successive comebacks after knocks in her professional and personal life. Fourteen years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. The source was traced back to tiny cancerous cells at the base of her tongue and soft palate. "I was shocked, but I had to deal with it," Von Furstenberg said. "Parallel to the [radiation] treatment I did a lot of yoga. I was very lucky, I was extremely lucky because it went away." "I think that in life you just have to deal with what you have to deal with, and you take it straight on and you do what you have to do and you have no choice," she added. A few years later, in 1997, almost 20 years after she sold her first dress, Von Furstenberg noticed that the wrap dress was slowly reappearing. Like most out-of-favor fashion trends, the clothes were coming out of the closet and back onto the street. It was the green light for Diane von Furstenberg to resume production of the dress that catapulted her to worldwide fame in the 1970s. She's resigned to the fact that she'll always be regarded first and the foremost as the designer of the wrap dress, despite the varied nature of her collections. See video of the launch of DVF's "La Petite Valise" collection in Florence » . "I mean the wrap dress is a tiny part of what I do, but yet, it will always be part of what I do," Von Furstenberg said. Along with her work as a fashion designer, Von Furstenberg is also President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a position she accepted in 2006. She also campaigns for the empowerment of women through the non-governmental organization Vital Voices, and last month took her message to the Women's Forum, a global meeting modeled on the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "If I have any mission in life as a designer, or even as a woman, or as a mother, as a friend, it is to empower women. To make women feel confident, so that they trust themselves, their judgment, their power, their capacity." By the end of the year, there'll be 29 Diane von Furstenberg boutiques in major city centers around the world, with the three newest set to open before the end of year. "I'm very happy with where the brand is now," Von Furstenberg told CNN. "There's a spirit behind the brand and that is really something that I'm so proud of and that I really want to capture." "So in a sense I have begun now, the new moment, the period of my life where I'm really kind of preparing the legacy so that maybe the spirit of the brand and the brand will last after me." Cue a cheer from the legions of DVF fans around the world. Are you one of them? If so, we want to hear from you. Why did you buy your dress and what does it mean to you? "Sound off" below or Email us a picture or go to CNN's facebook page -- facebook.com/cnnintl . | Young and pregnant Belgian designer Diane Halfin moved to New York in 1969 . She married Egon von Furstenberg and launched her famous wrap dress . Millions were sold and soon the DVF brand appeared on perfume, home wares . DVF says: "If I have any mission in life... it is to empower women" | a84f5f960d8b5323db89650db3ecbc0411c1ab17 |
Kirsty Heslewood, 23, from Hertfordshire suffered from selective mutism . Known in her school as 'the girl who wouldn't speak', Kirsty didn't utter a word outside of her home . Her silence was finally broken when her mother sent a video of her talking to be shown in her school assembly. 'I felt my secret was out,' she says . By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 05:04 EST, 18 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:53 EST, 18 May 2012 . A woman who suffered from selective mutism has overcome her shyness to become a contender for the Miss England crown. Kirsty Heslewood, 23, was once so shy she wouldn't speak to anyone outside her home and was known at her school in Hertfordshire as 'the girl who wouldn't speak'. It wasn't until the age of seven that she began speaking at school and she gradually became more outspoken as she grew up. But it wasn't until she got into modelling as a teenager that she really found her confidence and she's now a contender for the Miss England crown after being named Miss Hertfordshire. Blossomed: Kirsty has overcome her shyness to become a contender for the Miss England crown . Kirsty, from Bishops Stortford, said: 'Looking back I can’t believe the little girl who suffered from mutism was even me. 'My confidence has grown so much since those days, particularly over the past few years and nowadays I am certainly no wall flower. 'I guess it just shows that if you are determined, nurtured and encouraged, you can overcome anything.' Kirsty would speak at home with her family as a child but when she started nursery at the age of four, she became crippled by an inability to speak. Silence in class: Kirsty didn't speak at school from her first day at nursery until the age of seven . She recalls: 'It started the day I went to nursery school, I remember holding onto my Mum's legs whilst she tried to untie me. I wasn't crying, just holding on tight. I didn't want her to leave me and was shocked that I had to stay. I remember just wanting to cry and go home with my little brother. The nursery teachers were trying their best to cheer me up or make me talk to them or the other children. 'I was so shy and scared that I couldn't bring myself to speak even though I wanted to. Every morning when I was at the nursery, I didn't speak once.' Kirsty's silence continued when she started primary school where she wouldn't speak to her friends or even answer the register. She only responded to questions by making signs like nodding her head. While the other children were intrigued by her inability to talk and nicknamed her 'the girl who wouldn't speak', Kirsty's teachers tried various attempts to get her to find her voice, initially without success. 'All the teachers knew that I didn't speak; some would try to get a sentence out of me, others would just accept it. I remember one teacher shouting at me saying, "you must answer the register in case there is a fire", which just made me cry. 'The school didn't understand what was wrong. They didn't know if it was just a bad case of someone suffering from anxiety or shyness or if I just couldn't talk. Selective mutism wasn't known then.' Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child cannot speak in most social situations despite being able to. It usually begins in children under the age of five but often only becomes noticeable when they start school. An estimated one in 150 children suffer from selective mutism in Britain. The causes of the problem are varied but can be prompted by a specific phobia, an inherited predisposition to anxiety, or if a child has problems processing sensory information. It can also occur in children who have suffered abuse or trauma. Come a long way: Today, the beauty queen can't believe she was the little girl who suffered with selective mutism . For Kirsty, the problem developed from her anxiety at starting nursery, but then her silence at school became a habit she couldn't break, even though she wanted to. 'I actually really wanted to be able to talk and play like everyone else, but I felt like it had gone to far to break the silence,' she said. 'Finding that courage to say just one word was the hardest thing and I just couldn't do it.' Teachers tried visiting Kirsty at her home, where she was a chatty child among her siblings and cousins, but she would freeze up when they were present. Childhood disorder: An estimated one in 150 children suffer from selective mutism in Britain like Kirsty did . Kirsty's mother Kerry said it was an anxious time for her to as she couldn't fathom why her confident daughter disappeared outside their home. 'Kirsty was a very lively and outward going girl at home but when she got in public she just withdrew completely and became the shadow of herself,' she said. 'Looking at her now it is hard to believe she was so shy but at the time it was very worrying as the disorder was not recognised or identified.' Some people doubted whether Kirsty could speak at all so Kerry decided to prove her daughter had a voice by sending the school a video of Kirsty playing at home, where she was talking freely and making voices for a puppet show. Kirsty was stunned when the video was shown to her teachers and classmates in an assembly - but it gave her the release she needed to break her silence. She explains: 'I was in a line, ready to walk into a class assembly, the TV was in there, all the teachers, headmaster, deputy head, helpers, cleaners, dinner ladies and anyone else who needed to see this piece of evidence. 'I had no idea what I was about to watch, I thought it would just be a casual afternoon watching a film. 'Then they turned the TV on and up I popped playing with Sooty and Sweep talking properly and making voices for my puppets. 'I was so surprised "why am I on the TV?" I thought to myself, then I saw everyone else's reactions. The children were shouting "Kirsty can speak" whilst the teachers just smiled. 'My friends were so surprised and shocked to hear me speak, they started asking questions and talking to me, and eventually I started answering back. Once everyone knew my secret I felt I was allowed to talk.' On the catwalk: Kirsty, left, recently joined Amy Childs to help model the TOWIE star's fashion range . Progress was slow, but Kirsty gradually began to talk more and more at school. She continued to be shy when she was at secondary school but gained in confidence when she took her A Levels and when her good looks were noticed by modelling agents. She said: 'I started gaining confidence when studying for my A Levels as I had to read out aloud in class, do presentations and be confident enough to ask questions. Gaining good grades took priority and in the end I felt being shy wouldn't allow me to do as well. 'I also started getting modelling agencies approach me and doing some modelling work, which also helped my confidence.' Since taking up modelling, Kirsty has worked with The Only Way is Essex's Amy Childs, modelling her fashion range, and as well as having success in beauty pageants. Found her voice: Studying for A Levels and becoming a model helped Kirsty grow in confidence . In March, she impressed the judges to be crowned Miss Hertfordshire, giving her a place in the Miss England final later this year. Kirsty said is delighted to be taking part in the competition and her success is testament to how far she has come since being that little girl at school who wouldn't speak a word. 'I can't wait for the Miss England grand final', she said. 'Obviously I would love to win but even if I don’t, the whole experience has been amazing. Not only have I made some great friends, but I have increased my confidence, self-esteem and ability to speak.' | Kirsty Heslewood, 23, from Hertfordshire suffered from selective mutism . Known in her school as 'the girl who wouldn't speak', Kirsty didn't utter a word outside of her home . Her silence was finally broken when her mother sent a video of her talking to be shown in her school assembly. 'I felt my secret was out,' she says . | b1eab1a3335dad44ba167d010d6f0d8b14d310c1 |
By . Mia De Graaf . This is the terrifying moment a climber hung from a wall of ice inches away from a powerful waterfall. Defying the elements, Will Gadd hiked himself up 460 feet of icicles at Helmcken Falls in British Columbia, Canada. The stunning climb is believed to be the toughest mixed route in the world. Perilous: Will Gadd, 47, was hauling himself up a wall of icicles for eight hours in Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada, after three weeks of planning . Hanging next to a waterfall, Mr Gadd, a prolific climber from Alberta, Canada, had to use all his strength to keep on track - but broke his index finger in the process . After three weeks of planning, it took prolific climber Will Gadd more than eight hours to complete. Temperatures dropped to as low as -35C during the climb, which would be regarded as severe in Antarctica. But the region is notorious for fluctuating conditions, and Mr Gadd, 47, spent the entire expedition in fear of the icicles melting.[related] . During the extreme climb, he broke his index finger, and one of the three other members in his team dislocated her rib. Had it been any other climb in the world, he would have stopped for safety reasons. Will, from Alberta, Canada, said: 'Even for experienced ice and mixed climbers, Helmcken Falls is really off the charts - it's a new frontier. Precarious: As the area is notorious for fluctuating conditions, Mr Gadd spent the expedition in fear of the icicles melting . The waterfall is so powerful it has formed a dent in the ground, and snow continued to fall throughout the trip . During the trip, one of Mr Gadd's three teammates dislocated her rib. But they ploughed through as this climb is 'a new frontier' The climb is widely regarded as the hardest mixed-terrain trek. Mr Gadd said it was the climb of his life and the team managed to do it safely . 'Every new frontier in sports is exciting and often dangerous. Helmcken is certainly both. 'One of the unique problems at Helmcken Falls is that it sits right on the border between the ocean air mass and the interior air mass, so the temperatures can either be frigid, or warm up well above freezing in a matter of hours. 'For me, it was the climb of my life, and I'm really happy my team and I did it safely. Helmcken Falls sits on the border between land and ocean, meaning the temperatures can rise or drop within a matter of hours . Temperatures dropped to -35C, which would be regarded as severe in Antarctica. Mr Gadd admitted he wouldn't do the climb again . At the top: When he reached the top, Mr Gadd had a well-earned rest in the Helmcken Falls lodge . 'One of the really cool things about Helmcken is that you can see it clearly from a visitor's viewpoint. 'It's one of the most amazing places in the world, and yet you can sleep in a real bed at the Helmcken Falls Lodge at night. 'I just don't want to climb there anymore - it's never good to trust your luck too much.' Using a couple of wires, a pick and an axe, these daredevils threw caution to the wind by heaving themselves up perilous cliffs of ice. Albert Leichtfried and Benedikt Purner beamed at cameras as their feet dangled hundreds of feet above a life-threatening drop. The usually fast-flowing waterfalls in the Dolomites in Italy and the far north of Norway were frozen solid when temperatures in those areas plummeted below -20C. Jaw-dropping: Using very basic pickaxes, these two men fearlessly hauled their way up an ice cliff in Norway . With life-threatening rocks below, Albert Leichtfried (left) led the way and Bededikt Purner followed up climb in Norway for their Men On Wire project here and in Italy . The climbers had to dodge deadly hanging ice curtains made of dagger-like icicles as they ascended. They hiked up icefalls ranging from 300ft to 659ft tall. The highest frozen waterfall the pair climbed was Storfossen in Norway which is taller than London’s iconic Gherkin skyscraper. Most of the waterfalls climbed by the pair were categorised ‘grade five’, meaning they were near-vertical, requiring sustained climbing and offering little rest. The climbers had to dodge deadly hanging ice curtains made of dagger-like icicles as they ascended . The highest frozen waterfall the pair climbed was Storfossen in Norway which is taller than London’s iconic Gherkin skyscraper . Most of the waterfalls climbed by the pair were categorised ‘grade five’, meaning they were near-vertical, requiring sustained climbing and offering little rest . Mr Leichtfried, 37, of Innsbruck, Austria said: 'Climbing on frozen water must appear quite mad to someone who is not an experienced climber. But I have been ice climbing for 20 years so it seems normal to me. 'Ice climbing carries with it more risks than climbing indoors or even up rocks. Climbing in cold weather is more dangerous as there are different alpine risks, like avalanches. 'With ice you can tell when it is dangerous by the colour. If it is bright white then it is safe to climb, but a blue colour indicates the ice is less stable.' 'Climbing on frozen water must appear quite mad to someone who is not an experienced climber. But I have been ice climbing for 20 years so it seems normal to me,' Mr Leitchfeld said. Klaus Kranebitter, who was taking photos of their expedition, said they were concentrating intently but had a lot of fun wildly hanging of cliffs . Mountain guide Klaus Kranebitter, 40, took photographs of the pair during their daring ascent. He said: 'Albert and Benedikt have a lot of respect for the ice. They knew the risks. 'They were concentrating deeply and a little bit nervous, which helped keep them aware of the dangers.' The team have been on several climbing expeditions since January 2013. | Will Gadd, 47, spent eight hours climbing up hundreds of feet of icicles at Helmcken Falls, British Columbia, Canada . Temperatures dropped to -35C but he trekked in fear of ice melting as region is notorious for varying conditions . He broke his index finger and one of 3 teammates dislocated her rib as they avoided the force of the nearby waterfall . | c4a518eee800fa0f868e5ca1cbc41dc69d2e91a9 |
Manchester City head into a last-day title decider, with their opponents aiming for one last twist in a remarkable Premier League season. City manager Manuel Pellegrini insists his players will not buckle as they face West Ham at home knowing one point will clinch the title at the expense of Liverpool. Pellegrini said: ‘I expect to win. We are thinking not of winning one point but of winning the match, and the best way to do it is to play the way we always do. Knew it all along: Manuel Pellegrini expects Man City to beat Liverpool to the title with a win against West Ham . Blues brothers: Manchester City are on the brink of winning their second league title in three years . ‘I am not complacent because I talk with the players every day about what we must do. They are good players with lots of experience and they agree we must not change anything and try to win the game.’ But West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is determined to spoil City’s title party if only to fulfil his wish to see Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard win his first Premier League title. King maker: Sam Allardyce could produce one final twist if his West Ham side beat City at the Etihad . Red leader: Allardyce would like to win to fulfil his wish of seeing Steven Gerrard lift the trophy . Allardyce said: ‘From a neutral’s point of view, everybody would like to see Liverpool win it. From a personal point of view I’d like to see Steven Gerrard win it. 'City’s goal record is fantastic and they’ve got great players. But every West Ham player can give his best because we know we’re safe in the Premier League, so let’s go and spoil City’s party.’ City’s hopes have been further boosted by striker Sergio Aguero’s recovery from a groin injury.Nevertheless, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, whose side are at home to Newcastle, is determined to fight to the finish. He said: ‘The expectancy is that Manchester City will win. But West Ham will want to finish on a high. Come Sunday, we will fight to the very end. Raise a glass: Brendan Rodgers has praised Liverpool's season even if they do finish second to big-spending City . ‘To come second to the richest team in the history of sport is an incredible achievement.’ Win or lose, Rodgers is targeting up to five quality additions to his squad. Liverpool did not sign anyone in January but they have identified a number of targets, including Adam Lallana of Southampton and Cardiff defender Steven Caulker. Rodgers said: ‘The work has been going on for a little while now, especially since we consolidated a place in the Champions League. ‘I think we’re a really attractive proposition to players through Europe. ‘We are right on the football map.’ Incoming? Rodgers wants to make five new signings with Adam Lallana (L) and Steven Caulker on his radar . | Manuel Pellegrini expects Manchester City to win the Premier League after their final game against West Ham . Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is planning an upset to fulfil his wish of seeing Steven Gerrard lift the trophy . Brendan Rodgers has praised Liverpool's performance this season, even if they finish second to 'the richest team in the history of sport' Reds manager wants to bring five new players to Anfield, including Adam Lallana and Steven Caulker . | 8be8a4b3336c826eee30ca85d395e88acdbcf346 |
Today, Mars's surface is an arid desert - but the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft has returned strong evidence for an ocean once covering part of the red planet's surface. Using radar, the orbiter has detected sediments reminiscent of an ocean floor within the boundaries of areas previously picked out as ancient shorelines on Mars. The ocean would have covered the northern plains billions of years ago. The radar detected sediments reminiscent of an ocean floor inside previously identified, ancient shorelines on the red planet . The Mars Express spacecraft found evidence of sediment on the surface - possibly from earlier oceans . Jérémie Mouginot of University of California, Irvine, and colleagues have analyzed more than two years of data and found that the northern plains are covered in low-density material. 'We interpret these as sedimentary deposits, maybe ice-rich,' says Dr. Mouginot. 'It is a strong new indication that there was once an ocean here. The existence of oceans on ancient Mars has been suspected before - and spacecraft have previously identified 'shores'. The sediment deposits are further evidence of Mars's watery past - with researchers saying oceans might have covered the planet twice, once four billion years ago, when warmer conditions prevailed, and also the billion years ago when subsurface ice melted following a large impact. The orbiter's MARSIS radar scans the subsurface, and revealed tell-tale sediment that could have come from an ancient ocean . The scientists say that the most recent ocean on Mars, three billion years ago, would have dried too quickly to play host to life - but the older ocean could have contained life . 'Our radar penetrates deep into the ground, revealing the first 60-80 meters of the planet’s subsurface,t says Wlodek Kofman, leader of the radar team. 'Throughout all of this depth, we see the evidence for sedimentary material and ice.' The sediments revealed by MARSIS are areas of low radar reflectivity . Such sediments are typically low-density granular materials that have been eroded away by water and carried to their final destination. The second ocean, three billion years ago, would however have been temporary. Within a million years or less, Dr. Mouginot estimates, the water would have either frozen back in place and been preserved underground again, or turned into vapor and lifted gradually into the atmosphere. 'I don’t think it could have stayed as an ocean long enough for life to form.' In order to find evidence of life, astrobiologists will have to look even further back in Mars’ history when liquid water existed for much longer periods. 'Previous Mars Express results about water on Mars came from the study of images and mineralogical data, as well as atmospheric measurements. Now we have the view from the subsurface radar,' says Olivier Witasse, ESA’s Mars Express Project Scientist. 'This adds new pieces of information to the puzzle but the questionremains: where did all the water go?' | Oceans across north pole of planet . Identified by radar scan of surface from Mars orbiter . 'Oceans' fall within boundaries of 'shores' previously seen by space scans . Area covered by oceans twice - last time three billion years ago . | 6a29e4c337a4b052015b76d3b1eef62b7b34d75c |
By . Stephanie Linning . A teenager with a nut allergy died after eating ribs from a Chinese takeaway, an inquest heard. William Luckett, 15, was unaware that the BBQ sauce was prepared with peanut butter. After a few bites he began struggling to breathe, the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court heard. William was taken to hospital by ambulance but died shortly after. His father Steve Luckett, 45, told the court how he 'cradled' his son as he lay dying. William Luckett, pictured, began to struggle to breathe after taking a few bites of the BBQ ribs . 'He . kept saying, "sorry, sorry" as if he thought he had done something . wrong,' he said. 'I reassured him and told him everything would soon be . fine. 'I tried to keep him conscious but he stopped breathing. He was really white. 'The ambulance arrived soon after. I picked him up and cradled him I told him how sorry I was that this had happened.' The inquest heard how William, of Newent, Gloucester, often ordered BBQ ribs and had never suffered a reaction from them in the past. William (pictured) was first diagnosed with a nut allergy aged six but had never needed to use his Epi pen . He was staying with his father on the Isle of Wight in December 2012 when they ordered a meal from the local restaurant, the Hong Kong Exress. While the restaurant’s menu included a general warning that its food may contain nuts, no specific warning was made to the dish. William’s mother Helen Stiles said her son was first diagnosed with the allergy aged six but had never needed to use his Epi pen, which is used to treat anaphylaxis. Isle of Wight Coroner's Court, where William's father recalled his son's final moments . Senior coroner Caroline Sumeray said while an Epi pen may not have saved William’s life, the case highlighted the need for emergency medication to be carried at all times by those with allergies. She went on to describe the teenager as a 'wonderful son' who was much loved by his family. A conclusion of death by anaphylaxis caused by a peanut allergy was recorded by the coroner, with traces of peanut butter found in the sauce. | William Luckett, 15, was first diagnosed with nut allergy aged six . He had never needed his Epi pen, used to treat anaphylaxis . The teenager and his father ordered the meal from local takeaway, which carried a nut warning on its menu . | b3d94e9e7ba2610f86a7c3762ae3eae295db7d87 |
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says he’s not worried about the club’s transfer ban and there was an indication of why on Tuesday night as the kids beat Huesca 8-1 in the Copa del Rey. Local press lauded the performance as if it were against one of Europe's big guns and not a side from Spain’s third tier who were already 4-0 down from the first leg, but all the same 45,000 in the Nou Camp will still have taken huge encouragement from the display. Here’s Sportsmail’s lowdown on Barca’s next generation, with our prediction on their chances of making it to the first team. Barcelona youngsters (from left to right) Munir El Haddadi, Marc Bartra, Sandro Ramirez, Rafinha, Jordi Masip, Sergi Roberto, Adama Traore, Sergi Samper, Diawandou Diagne, Martin Montoya along with Pedro . Jordi Masip . Age 25 . Played in goal on Tuesday night but couldn’t keep a clean sheet and it could have been two when Juan Esnaider hit the frame of the goal with a header. Good back-up for Luis Enrique if both his goalkeepers get injured but with Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen ahead of him the path to the first team looks permanently blocked. Chances of breaking through: 4 . Jordi Masip's route to the first team looks permanently blocked with two top class goalkeepers in front of him . Martin Montoya . Age 23 . Picked by Vicente del Bosque for the senior squad four years ago but has since stagnated and has not seen eye to eye with Luis Enrique this season. Got a rare start against Huesca and played well. Wants first team football but despite limited options at right back Barca don’t seem to want to give him the chance. Will leave in January. Chances of breaking through 5 (9 once he’s gone to another club) Martin Montoya will leave in January and has the quality to succeed elsewhere at right back . Sergi Samper . Age 19 . The next Sergio Busquets. Could play the position in his sleep and has already made his Champions League debut. Ran the game on Tuesday against Huesca and will crave more chances in the second half of the season. Having Busquets ahead of him makes things tough but he has the quality to succeed at the Nou Camp without question. Chances of breaking through 9 . Sergi Samper looks set to be the next Sergio Busquets - he could play the holding position in his sleep . Sergi Roberto . Age 22 . Scored and assisted on Tuesday night making the most of a rare start. There is no shortage of opportunity for him at the Nou Camp because Barca have so few options playing in his midfield position. Pep Guardiola was a big fan but he has stood still in the last couple of seasons and is no longer young enough to be able to accept playing so few games. It’s telling that when scouts come to watch Barcelona’s youngsters these days they come for Samper not Roberto. Chances of breaking through 6 . Sergi Roberto has a chance because of the postition he operates in but Samper is also highly rated . Munir El Haddadi . Age 19 . Has shot up through the ranks and looked at home in the first team at the start of the season while Barcelona were waiting for Luis Suarez to finish his ban. Frustrated not to score on Tuesday night but was instrumental in most of Barca's best football. No questioning his quality. Del Bosque has already used him to ensure he plays for Spain not Morocco (the country of his father). Only the wealth of attacking riches already in the Barcelona first team will stop him making it. Ajax wanted him on loan this season. Other clubs may ask in January but are likely to be turned down. Chances of breaking through 8 . Munir El Haddadi shot up the ranks this season and was unfortunate not to score against Huesca . Sandro . Age 19 . Most of what can be said about Munir applies to Sandro. He scored on Tuesday night in a fine second-half display and has already found the net for the first team getting the goal that saw off Villarreal earlier in the season. Is also in that queue behind Messi, Neymar, Suarez and Pedro so other clubs are watching his progress closely. Chances of breaking through 8 . Sandro Ramirez has had a similar breakthrough to Munir but could struggle for first team opportunities . Douglas . Age 24 . Made his first start at the Camp Nou on Tuesday after a £4.4m move from Sao Paolo in the summer. Looks a million miles from the level needed to be a Barcelona full back. Always chooses the safe option when in possession and lacks the ability and confidence to overlap with any purpose, even against third-tier opposition as was the case on Tuesday. Chances of breaking through 3 . Douglas looks a million miles from the level needed to be a Barcelona full-back . Adama Traore . Age 18 . In terms of raw talent it’s all there: the speed, the power, the aggression, the audacity. His goal summed up what a prospect he is. Time will tell, whether, when surrounded by better players he also has the decision-making skills to reach his potential but everyone at Barcelona is very excited. Barca's only problem is that their four best youngsters (Samper, Munir, Sandro and Adama) play in positions already well covered. Chances of breaking through 9 . Adama Traore's raw talent was obvious for everyone to see at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night . | Barcelona beat third-tier side Huesca 8-1 at the Nou Camp on Tuesday . Sandro, Munir, Adama Traore and Sergi Samper among those to impress . But will they rise to the top from La Masia like Lionel Messi . | fc7ae474286368f3e77eb9b44cb49c0372ea5c7c |
The brave efforts of a small dog is being credited with saving the lives of two Oscoda County, Colorado men. A 4lb dachshund named Bradley died of wounds suffered while standing up to a 400 lb black bear and fought it off so it wouldn't attack his human friends. 'I believe honestly the outcome would've been different if Brad had not been with him,' John Force, Bradley's owner said. 'If the bear had attacked Brad, It certainly would've attacked the men who were bigger than Brad.' Scroll down for video . Bradley(pictured) the 4lb dachshund who stood up to a 400lb black bear in order to save his owner's life . Saturday afternoon, a group of friends visiting the Force residence ventured into the woods and took Bradley along for the ride. 'They came across the mama and her cubs on the trail and they were a bit surprised, none of them had ever seen a bear before,'Force said. The large bear stared the men down. They instantly knew they were in trouble. But they didn't realize they already had protection by their side. 'Brad jumped off the golf cart and attacked the big bear, they got into a scuffle,' Force said. After the bear released Bradley, he ran . back to the men. Unfortunately, the bite wounds were too severe and an . hour later Bradley died. 'He was only four to five pounds, but in his mind I think he thought he was 100 lbs,' said Bradley's owner, Lisa Force. John Force(pictured left), Bradley(pictured right), and one of the Force's two large Rottweilers(pictured front) Lisa Force (pictured) referred to her dog Bradley as 'a little fighter' and said, 'I would expect him to protect me before the rottweilers probably' 'The force family says this small . wiener dog had a history of being fearless and even though they have . two dogs that are much larger than Bradley. 'I would expect him to protect me before the rottweilers probably,' Lisa Force said. They are glad he was the one tasked with saving their friends lives. 'I think he would went out the way he wanted to go out you know he was a little fighter a little scrapper and he didn't think twice about attacking a bear I guarantee you, he would have did it again,' John Force said. | Brad the 4lb wiener dog jumped off a golf cart and attacked the 400lb bear . Brad was rushed to an animal hospital and died an hour later . 'In his mind he thought he was 100 lbs,' said Bradley's owner . | 6f3c0d19b0e041ec4640538c9bca4b3899d92471 |
Martin Olsson lost his head, while Dave Edwards used his as Wolves suggested this season in the Championship will be happier than their last. Sweden defender Olsson was sent off for a second bookable offence after pulling down Rajiv van La Parra and then pushed referee Simon Hooper in the chest as he raised the red card. It could mean an extended ban for the left back, who kicked a water bottle as he stormed down the tunnel to complete a hat-trick of stupid moves. Flashpoint: Olsson attempted to stop referee Simon Hooper producing his red card on the hour mark . Decisive: David Edwards glances a brilliant header past John Ruddy to put Wolves ahead on Sunday . Delighted: Edwards celebrates scoring the opening goal after being set up by Rajiv van la Parra . Match-winner: David Edwards, centre, is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring only goal of the game . Wolves (4-5-1): Ikeme; Doherty, Batth, Stearman, Golbourne; McDonald, Evans, Van La Parra (Henry 86), Edwards, Sako (Jacobs 81); Dicko (Clarke 87) Subs not used: McCarey, Ricketts, Price, Ebanks-Landell . Goal: Edwards 64 . Norwich (4-1-2-1-2): Ruddy; Whittaker (Lafferty 73), Martin, Turner, Olsson; Johnson; E Bennett, Surman (Tettey 65); Hoolahan (Garrido 63); Redmond, Grabban . Subs not used: Rudd, Loza, Josh Murphy, R Bennett . Booked: Hoolahan 54, Garrido 82, Martin 90+1 . Red card: Olsson 60 . Four minutes after his dismissal Wolves scored the only goal of the game as Van La Parra sent over a cross from the space vacated by Olsson and Edwards rose higher than Russell Martin to nod into the far corner beyond John Ruddy. The last match Wolves had at this level was a watershed 2-0 loss to Brighton that confirmed a second successive drop and sparked angry scenes between fans and players. Manager Kenny Jackett detoxified the atmosphere by casting aside the expensive flops and installing a hungry, young team and yesterday entrusted the same group to make the step up. Van La Parra was the only debutant in Jackett’s selection and he already looks like a bargain find. Signed free from Heerenveen, the 23-year-old winger troubled Norwich time and again with his pace and delivery and he easily outstripped Olsson as the pair raced for a long ball in the 60th minute, provoking the defender’s desperate action when he angled his run towards the area. Olsson had already been booked for mistiming a sliding tackle on Nouha Dicko in the first half. Marching orders: Martin Olsson, far right, is dismissed during Norwich's 1-0 defeat at Molineux . Dejected: Martin Olsson bows his head as he trudges off after being sent off by referee Simon Hooper . Soon after Van La Parra showed his crossing ability with a ball that met Edwards’ dart from deep perfectly, sending Molineux delirious. Norwich had been in the ascendancy at that stage, with Andrew Surman and Lewis Grabban going close, but with 10 men they were always chasing and Wolves could have extended their lead. Had Dicko been smarter on a breakaway Bakary Sako would have had a simple finish but the pass was slow and Ruddy made the stop. Winning start: Wolves grabbed three points on their return to the Championship following last year's promotion . Support: The club put flags on seats at Molineux which said: This is our love and it knows no division . Norwich boss Neil Adams said he did not see Olsson put his hands on the referee but did question his defending for the foul. ‘You think could he have made a better decision to avoid getting into that situation,’ he said. For Jackett, it was an 11th game without defeat. ‘To get a win on the first day is a big thing for us coming into a new division,’ he said. ‘It was an excellent goal that won the game, a late run and a very, very good header into the corner.’ Meanwhile, Norwich confirmed on Sunday night they are investigating allegations of racist abuse coming from their own fans at Wolves. Travelling fans: Norwich board member Delia Smith points on to the pitch as the game unfolds . Not happy: Norwich boss Neil Adams looks far from pleased during his team's 1-0 opening day defeat . | David Edwards netted midway through the second half to win the game . Norwich defender Martin Olsson had been sent off on the hour-mark for a second bookable offence . Wolves secured their place in the Championship by winning League One . Norwich dropped down from the Premier League after finishing 18th . Canaries named summer signing Lewis Grabban in attack at Molineux . The home side started a debutant of their own, midfielder Rajiv van la Parra . | 43b4d768ab6f17e0aab01e63f6b23946441e514c |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Americans who support the death penalty would rather see states bring back the hangman's noose, the electric chair, the gas chamber, the firing squad - or even the guillotine - than stop executions if lethal injection is no longer available. A new NBC News poll found 59percent of Americans support the death penalty for people convicted of murder. The findings reveal that the botched execution of Oklahoma murderer Clayton Lockett on April 29 has not dampened public support for capital punishment. No change: The botched execution of Oklahoma inmate Clayton Lockett hasn't dampened public enthusiasm for execution . Should the U.S. bring back other execution techniques if lethal injection is not available? If anything, it's made Americans believe more primitive methods of execution are more humane than lethal injection. All 35 states with the death penalty use either a cocktail of drugs or a single drug for executions. Those drugs have become harder to get in recent years as drug makers stop production - either for financial reasons or because they don't want to be associated with executions. NBC News found large support for other means of execution. Some 20percent say they would favor bringing back the gas chamber, 18percent would favor a return of the electric chair, 12 percent the firing squad and eight percent say hanging should be an option. The results of NBC's poll of 800 Americans reveals: . 'The lethal injection is someone’s very gross interpretation of killing someone humanely,' Frisco, Texas-native Kuni Beasley, 58, told NBC. He called for return of the hanging gallows. 'It's very quick. You don't have to worry about drugs and it's very efficient. Better than a firing squad - a firing squad is messy. There is no such thing as killing someone humanely. 'But if hanging is done properly, it's more humane than lethal injection because there are fewer things that can go wrong.' Afterall, Mr Beasley said, 'that's how they killed Saddam Hussein.' Gladys Pringle, an 82-year-old from Port Royal, Pennsylvania, thinks the U.S. should look even farther back in history to find execution methods. 'It would be quick and with a firing squad no one knows whose bullet actually killed the person, so it’s easier on them,' she said. 'The most humane way is the guillotine but I can’t see that coming back.' The NBC poll asked questions of 800 registered voters between May 7 and 10. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.46percent. | 59percent of Americans support the death penalty . Of those, about 66percent think executions should continue even if lethal injection drugs are no longer available . About 20percent say they favor the gas chamber, 18percent say they would bring back the electric chair . About 12percent favor the firing squad and 8percent would bring back hanging . | 51b2ef7ea34b7217e79db1307756bcd6dffff4ea |
LONDON, England (CNN) -- They are the tales of two very different people. Director Danny Boyle's film "Slumdog Millionaire" shines a stark light on poverty in India. One an amoral businessman pouring out his life story to the Chinese Premier, the other a lovelorn teenager appearing on "Kaun Banega Crorepati," the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" But if their protagonists are polar opposites, both stories -- one as told in Aravind Adiga's best-selling novel "The White Tiger," the other in "Slumdog Millionaire," the new movie from "Trainspotting" director Danny Boyle -- have much in common. Both are based in modern day India, both feature characters who succeed against all the odds, and both have garnered considerable critical acclaim, with "Slumdog Millionaire" recently awarded the three top prizes at the British Independent Film Awards. "Slumdog," which is set in Mumbai, has also assumed a particularly poignant resonance in light of the recent terror attacks that left 174 people dead. Above all, both narratives shine a stark light on poverty -- an aspect of Indian society that has increasingly been pushed into the background by a decade and more of upbeat headlines about the country's dramatic economic growth. "The growth aspect has tended to receive much more attention than the darker side of the Indian story," Professor Babu Mathew, Country Director of Action Aid India, told CNN, "More and more the poverty goes unnoticed, and there is less and less of a voice for the excluded peoples." The breadth of the divide between what Aravind Adiga calls the "India of Light," and the "India of Darkness," is both dramatic and shocking. Since 1991 when "neo-liberal" market reforms were introduced, India's economy has ballooned. From 1991 to 2004, the world's largest democracy grew at 6.5 percent annually, a figure which increased to over 9 percent between 2005 and 2007. The result has been a massive explosion of wealth creation among the middle and upper echelons of Indian society, with Indian billionaires now occupying four of the top eight slots on the annual Forbes rich list. While growth has benefited one section of society, it has left a vast swathe of the population lagging far behind. "People in urban areas, the rich, the middle classes, the educated -- all of these have benefited from economic growth," Dr Arun Kumar of Development Alternatives Group, a sustainable development organization based in Delhi, told CNN, "Those who have not benefited are the small farmers, the rural poor, the artisans -- for these their situation has worsened." Nisha Agrawal, CEO of Oxfam India, agrees. "Economic growth has been primarily focused on manufacturing and services and largely in urban areas," she told CNN, "Rural agriculture has not received the kind of attention it deserves. And since the bulk of poor people derive their incomes from agriculture, that has left us with two Indias, one rich, one impoverished." Even a cursory glance at the statistics reveals a problem on a huge scale. According to World Bank estimates, 456 million people -- just over 40 percent of India's population of 1.2 billion -- now live on less than $1.25 per day, a sum recognized as the international poverty line. Almost half of India's children are malnourished; 1000 die every day from diarrhea; hundreds of millions have no access to proper sanitation. These figures provide a grim counterpoint to the glitzy high-rises and designer shopping malls that have sprung up throughout the country's major cities. How to narrow this gulf between the haves and the have-nots is a fiendishly complex issue and one that has no quick or easy solutions. More investment in basic infrastructure is seen as crucial, as is a reform of international trade agreements. "Import and energy prices have increased for farmers, but global markets are not opening up for Indian agricultural products," Agrawal told CNN, "That needs to change." Greater access to institutional finance, the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities, and the spread of information technology all have a major role to play. "We already have small pockets of improvement," says Arun Kumar, "But these involve limited numbers in limited geographies. "We need to scale everything up. It is a huge challenge." The global economic problems have not bypassed India. Inflation is now running close to 12 percent and the Mumbai Stock Exchange has almost halved in value from a peak in January 2008. Sensex -- the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index -- has not registered any significant drop as a result of the recent Mumbai attacks, and it remains to be seen what the longer term effect will be on the Indian economy. Nonetheless, these difficult and uncertain times may make the challenge of poverty reduction an even harder one. Will India be able to successfully reduce the gap between rich and poor? Leave your comments in the SoundOff box below . Both Kumar and Agrawal remain hopeful that change is coming to India, albeit slowly. "We are eternal optimists," says Kumar, "I do believe things are changing." "The government recognizes that people don't just want a high level of growth," adds Agrawal, "But also growth that is more equalizing. We need to bring the two Indias together, and I believe we can do it." Despite their optimism, the problems remain vast, and the darkness intense. For the foreseeable future it seems likely the question most on the minds of India's 456 million poor will be less "Who wants to be a millionaire?" than "Will I be able to feed myself and my family today?" | Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" shines a light on slum-dwellers in India . Huge growth means four of top eight billionaires on Forbes rich list are Indian . But the new wealth has bypassed India's 456 million poor . Nisha Agrawal of Oxfam says there are: "two Indias, one rich, one impoverished" | e965f967060e537610191f1e5d1d6a77561d9910 |
The New York Police Department has procured two pair of Google Glass specs, the experimental head-mounted computers, to determine possible applications to police work, the department said in a statement. The technology feeds information directly to the eye-line of the wearer, potentially saving officers time from having to stop what they're doing in order to reach for a radio, smartphone, tablet or computer. "As part of an ongoing interest in the advancements in the field of technology, the NYPD regularly conducts reviews of various equipment, devices, programs and other consumer products for their potential application or utility in the area of policing," Deputy Commissioner Stephen Davis said in a statement. "In December of 2013, the Department obtained two pairs of Google Glass and has been evaluating these devices in an attempt to determine any possible useful applications," he said. "The devices have not been deployed in any actual field or patrol operations, but rather are being assessed as to how they may be appropriately utilized or incorporated into any existing technology-based functions." The devices are already being used in other areas of public safety. Patrick Jackson, a computer-savvy firefighter in North Carolina, has developed a Google Glass app that he hopes to expand to include useful data such as information on specific buildings -- blueprints, potential building hazards and contact information for owners. A firefighter might be able to say an address out loud or simply look at a building with the Glass camera to retrieve information. Other fire departments across the United States have expressed interest in Jackson's app. One hopes to link a thermal imaging camera to Glass customized to work with oxygen masks, giving firefighters partial vision through smoke and darkness. Glass can also record the first video when fire crews arrive in order to assist in investigations. Similarly, the device could potentially provide law enforcement officers instant information about suspects or be used to record audio and video of interactions with the public. The ability of Google Glass to snap photos and record video and audio has raised privacy concerns. Google Glass, worn like regular glasses, has a high-resolution display and lets wearers use voice commands to access features like e-mail, text messaging, Google Maps, Google search and a handful of other apps. The high-tech specs are not on the market yet and are available only through the Google's Glass Explorer Program, which allows organizations or individuals to test the glasses for $1,500, according to Google's website. | NYPD experiments with two pair of Google Glass specs . The head-mounted computers feed information directly to the eye-line of the wearer . A North Carolina firefighter has developed a Google Glass app . | 84443bd3e0b3915682c9728c29668358e7d32c43 |
(CNN) -- Motivational speaker and author Zig Ziglar died Wednesday in Dallas "after a short bout with pneumonia," his spokesman said. He was 86. The self-described "Undisputed King of Motivation" was known for his seminars, which grew into large gatherings held in packed arenas. Ziglar wrote more than two dozen books on salesmanship and motivation over five decades. He spread his message of positive attitude, motivation and success through stories punctuated with short quotes that became legendary among his followers, such as: . • "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." • "Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have." • "Of course motivation is not permanent. But then, neither is bathing; but it is something you should do on a regular basis." After suffering injuries in a fall in 2007, Ziglar continued his tour schedule with fewer events and help from his daughter onstage. He was born Hilary Hinton Ziglar in Coffee County, Alabama. His family moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi, and later to New York City. In his autobiography, Ziglar described a challenging childhood that taught him to connect with people. Ziglar was 'simply the best' He began speaking in public as a salesman in the 1950s, although his professional speaking career did not start until the 1970s. A collection of Ziglar quotes pulled from social media users is displayed at the top of this story. If you are unable to see the quotes, please click here. | Self-described "Undisputed King of Motivation" was known for his seminars . He wrote more than two dozen books on salesmanship and motivation . "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street" is one of many famous Ziglar quotes . | 8361e41845378bbbd0a007370841884b342daab7 |
Denial of guilt: Brock Allen Turner, 19, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault in connection to the January 17 incident . A former Stanford University swim star accused of raping a woman has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault. Brock Turner was arrested January 18 after being caught on top of an unconscious and half-naked woman outside a fraternity party both had attended. He was not a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and the woman was not a Stanford student. The 19-year-old Turner, a three-time All-American high school swimmer from Dayton, Ohio, entered the plea Monday morning. Turner was released on $150,000 bail following his arrest. He has since dropped out of Stanford and is banned from campus. Police say Turner ran away but was caught by two men riding bikes on campus and held until police arrived. In court Monday, Turner was seen sitting next to his attorney and father, dressed in a neat dark suit and vigorously chewing a piece of gum, reported NBC Bay Area. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky approved a prosecution request for a protective order requiring Turner to stay at least 100 yards away from the woman for one year, a spokesman for the District Attorney's Office said. The judge also denied a request from Turner’s attorney, Michael Armstrong, that Turner not have to appear personally at some upcoming court appearances to avoid costs of traveling from Ohio. Turner, who has withdrawn from Stanford, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The charges against him include rape, rape of an intoxicated person, rape of an unconscious person and assault. Scroll down for video . The 19-year-old former Stanford student arrived in Palo Alto court with his father by his side Monday morning . Turner, pictured next to his attorney, was seen chewing gum in court during his arraignment . Brock Turner has reportedly told police he met the woman at the party and they were kissing outside after he downed nine whiskey and beer drinks. He said he took off the woman's underwear, penetrated her with his hands and touched her breasts, but never took off his pants. According to Turner, the woman appeared to be enjoying herself as she rubbed his back. He added that his 'intentions were not to try and rape the girl without her consent' but to '"hook up" with a girl,' the report said. The alleged victim gave a statement saying she drank four whiskey shots two hours before arriving at the Kappa Alpha party on January 17. She then 'blacked out' 30 minutes later after two shots of vodka and stepping outside with her sister, her statement continues. Turner was detained on January 18 after allegedly being spotted by two cyclists then trying to flee. The pair managed to tackle him while a third man called the police, Santa Clara County prosecutors say. After his arrest he was released on $150,000 bail. The Ohio-born teenager has been charged with five counts of sexual assault, including rape of an unconscious woman, rape of an intoxicated woman and two charges of sexual assault with a foreign object. The alleged victim was not enrolled at Stanford and was visiting the campus for a party, according to the district attorney's office . 'She was lying on the ground unconscious, not moving,' said Deputy District Attorney Alaleh Kianerci of the alleged victim. 'She's recovering,' Kianerci added. The woman was taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries. If convicted Turner, who raced in the London 2012 U.S. Olympic trials, could face up to 10 years in prison. He voluntarily withdrew from the university yesterday, Stanford spokeswoman Lisa Lapin told the LA Times. Turner is also no longer practicing with his swim team. Turner last swam for the university in a January 10 meet against Pacific, finishing third in the 1,000-yard freestyle and second in the 200-yard backstroke. Heavy.com reports that Turner, originally from Ohio, swam for the Dayton Raiders before being recruited for Stanford and was a three-time All-American high school swimmer at Oakwood High School. Some accomplishments include breaking the Ohio record for fastest time by a male 18 and under in the 800-meter freestyle, winning high school state titles in the 200 and 500 freestyle, and making the U.S. Junior National team. Stanford isn't letting Turner's athletic excellence obfuscate his alleged criminal behavior. 'This is something that the University takes very seriously, and the University took immediate action,' said Lapin to The Stanford Daily. The former first year student is not allowed to re-register for classes and is barred from setting foot on campus, according to Lapin. The alleged attack took place near some student housing and the Kappa Alpha fraternity house, but there is no indication the fraternity is involved in the investigation, she said. The alleged attack took place on Stanford University's campus in Santa Clara County . Turner is expected to appear in court to enter a plea on Monday. SFGate reports that Stanford is among the Universities criticized for having relaxed policies on sexual assault. A law professor at the university, Michele Landis Dauber, has urged the school to make serious changes in their policies towards sexual assault. Only four of the 175 reported sexual assaults at Stanford between 1997 and 2009 were properly investigated. Dauber has called the statistics 'appalling.' Dauber said that despite some improvement by the school in investigating sexual assault cases and acting for welcoming to victims, there is still room for improvement. The school commended the cyclists who stepped in to save the alleged rape victim. 'Several students, both graduates and undergraduates, were upstanders in this situation,' Catherine Criswell, the University's Title IX Coordinator, told the Stanford News Report. 'They made the courageous decision to intervene and provide assistance. That is exactly the type of leadership and caring we attempt to cultivate in our community, and we commend those students on their courage and quick response.' | Brock Allen Turner, 19, says he removed the woman's underwear, penetrated her with his hands and touched her breasts but denies rape . Alleged victim said she 'blacked out' after drinking two whiskey shots, two vodka shots, and stepping outside the frat house with her sister . Turner told police he had total of nine whiskey and beer drinks at the party . He was apprehended by two men on bicycles in early hours of Jan 18 . They allegedly spotted him on top of the victim and stopped him fleeing . Former U.S. Olympic trialist is charged with 5 counts of sex assault . He has voluntarily withdrawn from university and is barred from campus . | 204c6aed7d8a5ce151441f03d79fa887d333aae8 |
By . Hugo Gye and Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 11:13 EST, 13 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:26 EST, 14 March 2013 . A couple who found their son after he was abandoned as a baby in a New York subway station have described the chance encounter that brought the family together as their 'destiny'. Danny Stewart was returning home to his partner Peter Mercurio in August 2000 when he saw what he thought was a doll lying in the corner of the 14th Street A/C/E subway station in Manhattan. When he glanced back, he saw the little legs wriggling and realized it was a baby boy wrapped in a sweatshirt. Scroll down for video . Miracle: Danny Stewart (left) and Peter Mercurio (right) adopted the baby boy that Mr Stewart found abandoned in a Manhattan subway station in August 2000 . Meant to be: The fathers say that their son, who is now a teenager, is a 'gift' who was brought into their life by chance . The social worker immediately called the . police and then made a panicked phone call to his partner, saying: 'I found a baby! I called 911, but I don't think they believed . me.' Mr Mercurio rushed to the scene where authorities had already taken charge of the day-old child who had his umbilical cord still attached. For several months there was wall-to-wall media coverage as authorities searched for the mother of the boy, who had been named baby Daniel 'ACE' Doe. When after four months no one had come forward to claim the child, Mr Stewart was asked to appear in court to testify as to how he found the child. At the December proceedings, the judge suddenly asked if the couple would be interested in adopting the little boy. Thirteen years later, reflecting on that fateful moment, Mr Stewart told NBC: 'I thought, ''Maybe . this is destiny, maybe this is divine intervention. This is a gift . we're given and how can we say no to a gift?''' Happy family: The couple and their son Kevin who has now grown into a 'great kid', the fathers say . Adorable: Mr Stewart rides the NY subway with his son Kevin months after he found the boy abandoned near the turnstiles in a Chelsea station . When they were first allowed to hold the baby, the couple knew they could hardly bear to be apart from him again. The pair were unexpectedly given custody of the boy with just 36 hours' notice, and started their life together that Christmas. The judge later offered the couple the opportunity to adopt the little boy - at a time when it was difficult for gay partners to do so and more than a decade before same-sex marriage became legal in New York. Their new son was re-named Kevin. The couple have kept their son's identity a secret to protect him but said his presence in their lives made them 'better people'. And 12 years later, they were reunited with the judge who brought their family together when she presided at their wedding. Life-changing: The couple said that the chance discovery of the baby boy was the best thing that has ever happened to them . The family had no contact with the . judge who had brought them together until 2011, when they decided to wed . after gay marriage was legalised in New York. Kevin . suggested that they should ask the same judge to officiate their . wedding, so they contacted her through the court service and she said . that she would be delighted to meet them again. When . they walked in to the court room, Kevin held out his hand to greet the . woman who had given him his parents - but she insisted on hugging him . instead. Mr Mercurio . wrote in the Times that they were all enjoying their catch-up so much . they almost forgot to conduct the actual wedding ceremony. The playwright has now turned his family's experiences into a film, entitled Found. | Danny Stewart found day-old baby boy in New York station in August 2000 . Judge asked if he and partner Peter Mercurio wanted to adopt the child four months later . 12 years later, the couple were married by the same judge . | 89d346c1391a0b876c7f4ac506f60e00a2ff4124 |
A mystery woman is yet to be identified almost three months after she was hit by a car. The woman, who police are calling ‘Jane Doe,’ was struck by a car as she walked with a shopping cart through a busy intersection in Santa Ana, Los Angeles on October 15. She was taken to Western Medical Center in a very critical condition and has not been able to communicate with staff since her admission. Jane Doe: This woman is yet to be identified almost three months after she was critically injured in a road accident in Santa Ana . Two and a half months on from the collision, she remains totally dependent on hospital staff. The woman was hit at the intersection of 4th and Lacy streets and her shopping cart contained many belongings, suggesting she may be homeless the Santa Ana Police said. According to the Los Angeles Times, police spokesman Cpl Anthony Bertagna said: ‘But until we find out who she is, we will not know that.’ No trace: The woman's fingerprints did not return a match on local, state or federal databases and her description did not match missing persons reports . Her fingerprints did not return any . matches on the local, state or federal databases and she did not match . any missing persons reports in the area. Police do believe that she lived close to the intersection where the collision occurred. Investigators are now appealing for anyone who recognizes the woman to come forward with any information. In a separate case, a woman who was found abandoned in a hospital waiting room in Alabama was identified after three years with no identification. In August this year, the woman was unable to speak and was found wearing only an adult diaper and hospital gown. A tip off finally led authorities to discover that she was Edith Allen. Now her carer Cathy Jean Thomas, of Douglasville, Gerogia faces charges of claiming more than $25,000 in Ms Allen’s social security checks over the past three years. Because Ms Allen, who was named Sally by the medical staff who have cared for her since she was found in August 2010, did not have an identity she was unable to qualify for Medicaid. The 68-year-old woman, who had a urinary tract infection, and was dehydrated and malnourished when she was found, has built up medical bills of $200,000 in the past three years. Critical condition: The woman was taken to the Western Medical Center (pictured) and remains totally dependent on staff . | The woman was hit by a car at a busy intersection in Santa Ana . Her shopping cart contained belongings, suggesting she is homeless . She was taken to hospital in an extremely critical condition . Police say she cannot communicate and fingerprints did not show up on any databases . Investigators are appealing to the public for any information on her ID . | ac87a8d66eb7a81356d8e29cb28faf33d40679f5 |
(CNN) -- Sarah Murnaghan, the 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl whose struggle for a life-saving lung transplant became a national issue, actually had to undergo two transplants days apart, her family revealed Friday. In some of their first comments since the girl went into an operating room on June 12, the family released a statement detailing the necessity of the second transplant -- and explaining that the second set of lungs "were high-risk because they were infected with pneumonia. "They were Sarah's best and only hope," the statement added, as the girl remained on a ventilator Friday and unable to breathe independently yet. The original transplant on June 12 at Chilldren's Hospital of Philadelphia reportedly went smoothly but that evening "... an emergency code blue was announced. Sarah's vital signs had begun descending rapidly as her new lungs started to fail," the family's statement said. The girl underwent surgery immediately and was transitioned to a bypass machine that took over the function of her heart and lungs, the statement continued. She remained on the bypass machine -- "... her doctors prepared us for the probability that Sarah would die, either before a second surgery could take place or on the operating table," the family said Friday -- until June 15, when new lungs became available and a second transplant took place. Although the donated lungs were infected with pneumonia, "Each day since (the second transplant), her lungs have improved on x-ray and have continued to work better and better," the statement continued. Her family expressed cautious optimism as they wait for the new lungs to work independently. "This week our family fully expected to celebrate the event we've been waiting 19 months for -- our daughter Sarah's first independent breaths with her new donor lungs," the family said. Her last two chest tubes were removed Friday as doctors prepare to remove her intubation tube. "We're not out of the woods, but Sarah's health is trending in the right direction," her family said. "The important thing to us is that sweet little girl is back with us and is very much alive." Murnaghan, 10, suffers from cystic fibrosis and has been in and out of hospitals her entire life. 'Excruciating day' after girl's transplant . Her family fought to allow children to compete with adults waiting for lungs based on sickness in a case that has sparked a public debate. She received her first new lungs after a six-hour surgery that included resizing lungs from an adult. | NEW: Sarah Murnaghan underwent two lung transplants, her family reveals . NEW: Her lungs failed after the first operation; she was put on a bypass machine . NEW: She underwent a second transplant 3 days . Family: "We're not out of the woods, but Sarah's health is trending in the right direction" | 2007c5da4924f04c67a3df00274316e8d4108733 |
By . Michael Zennie . PUBLISHED: . 19:56 EST, 29 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:48 EST, 30 May 2013 . Nearly half of the nation is under threat of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms this evening as more ominous weather bears down on the Heartland Wednesday and Thursday. Oklahoma City and its suburbs - still reeling from the massive storm that flattened Moore, Oklahoma and killed 24 people last week - is in the bulls-eye once again. The National Weather Service is predicting a 10percent chance of massive EF2 to EF5 tornadoes striking in a large swath from the Texas Panhandle to central Kansas. More than 59million Americans are at risk of tornado touchdowns tonight. Experts warn that urban sprawl - which has concentrated tens of millions of people in the suburbs in storm-prone Tornado Alley - means deadly twister strikes in populated areas are likely to become more common. Devastated: This home was completely destroyed when four tornadoes touches down in Fenton Township, Michigan, near Flint, on Tuesday . Under threat: Half the nation was in danger of severe weather on Wednesday. The green area shows a chance of severe thunderstorms. The Yellow area shows a slight chance of tornadoes . Funnel clouds have already been reported in Nebraska. Tornado watches, which means conditions are right for funnel clouds to form and touch down, stretch from south central Texas, through most of Oklahoma, into Kansas, Nebraska and parts of South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. Severe thunderstorm watches are in effect for most of New York and Connecticut, as well as parts of Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Wider storm threats cover nearly half of the continental United States - ranging from Wyoming and Colorado to Florida, most of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. On Tuesday, Kansas and Michigan became the latest sites of severe storm damage. In Gensese County, Michigan, four tornadoes - including two EF2s with winds up to 135 mph, tore swaths of destruction across the county. Inside-out: A roof was entirely blown off this Michigan home and several walls collapsed . Heartbreak: Tom Mahaffy, left, reaches out to console his wife Ashlee Mahaffy, as they walk through their home, which was utterly destroyed by a tornado . Crews worked to clean up the day after the tornadoes. Seen here, is a business in Mt Morris Township, Michigan . Numerous homes were badly damaged, but no serious injuries were reported. At least one tornado also touched down in north-central Kansas, flattening a pig farm and several other homes. None of the storms had anywhere left anywhere near the devastation wrought by a massive twister that killed 24 people and injured another 375 when it hit the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore. Bill Hooke, director of the American Meteorological Society, told NBC News mass-casualty twister strikes are likely to become more common in the coming years, thanks to the population growth patterns in large cities in Tornado Alley. He said fast-growing sprawling suburbs are becoming larger and denser as people leave small towns. Danger: Oklahoma City is in the bulls-eye of the newest storm systems to threaten Oklahoma with tornadoes . Battleship: Scientists say more disasters like what happened in Moore, Oklahoma, pictured, are likely because of urban sprawl . He compared the chances of a twister touching down in a populated area to a game of Battleship. 'Think of the Midwest as a blank sheet of graph paper with the towns and cities being the ships,' he said. 'When you keep adding people, and more urban sprawl, and farms turn into housing developments, tornadoes are much more likely to hit something. 'With that added into the picture, you’re exchanging many smaller encounters for fewer bigger ones. You have fewer events, fewer collisions, but when they do happen (the area) will be more populated and the damage will be greater.' For example, Cleveland County, Oklahoma - home to Moore - grew at a rate of 23percent in the last decade, nearly three times as fast as the state as a whole. One to two decades ago, the EF5 twister might have flattened several homes, but there would not have been the development in place for it to cause $2billion in damage and injury hundreds, Hooke added. | 59million Americans are at risk of tornado touchdowns Wednesday . Bill Hooke, director of the American Meteorological Society, says mass-casualty twisters will become more common in the coming years . Hooke compared development in Tornado Alley to a game of 'Battleship' | 492ef7907e67cea06155b688716423e328c5c4f7 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . A New Hampshire man has lost his life savings on a carnival game, and he walked away with a massive stuffed banana with dreadlocks to show for it. Henry Gribbohm bet a total of $2,600 on the game, called Tubs of Fun, during a day out at the Manchester carnival on Saturday. The touring carnival is run by New Hampshire-based Fiesta Shows. But the 30-year-old father now claims the game was rigged and has filed a police report with Manchester Police Department, which is now investigating the incident for potential fraud. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . 'Rigged': Henry Gribbohm bet a total of $2,600 on the game, Tubs of Fun, during a day out at the Manchester carnival run by New Hampshire-based Fiesta Shows on Saturday . 'You're expecting the kids to win a few things, let the kids have a good time,' Gribbohm told WBZ-TV. 'It just didn't turn out that way.' The man said he was hoping to win an Xbox Kinect on the game, which requires contestants to toss balls into a tub. He says the game was simple when he practiced, but when he started playing for the prize something changed and the balls kept popping out of the tubs. Xbox: The 30-year-old said he was hoping to win an Xbox Kinect on the game, which requires contestants to toss balls into a tub, but all he got was this banana . Banana: The New Hampshire man lost his life savings on a carnival game and walked away with a dreadlocked stuffed banana, pictured, to show for it . 'It's not possible that it wasn't rigged,' he insists. The Epsom-based father told WBZ-TV he kept trying to win back his money by going double or nothing on the same game but instead he lost $300 in just a few minutes. Then he went home to get $2,300 more - the rest of the money to his name - and soon lost all of that as well. 'You just get caught up in the whole "I've got to win my money back,"' he told WBZ-TV. Game: The Epsom father told WBZ-TV he kept trying to win back his money by going double or nothing on the game, similar to that pictured, but instead he lost $300 in just a few minutes and then went home to get more cash . Life savings: The incident happened during a day out at the Manchester carnival run by New Hampshire-based Fiesta Shows on Saturday. It is now setting up in Derry . He says he went back the following day and complained and the game operator game him $600 but he then filed a report with the local police. According to Fiesta Shows, Tubs of Fun is run by an independent contractor who has worked for the carnival company for years. Fiesta told WBZ-TV it is interviewing the contractor to 'get to the bottom of what happened.' The game is not being set up at the upcoming carnival in Derry, New Hampshire. Gribbohm admits he 'fell for it' but says he never expected such a thing to happen at a kids' carnival. 'For once in my life, I became that sucker,' he says. | Henry Gribbohm bet a total of $2,600 on . the game, Tubs of Fun, during a day out at the Manchester carnival in New Hampshire on Saturday . | b719ea356158b4a66dd05b1c17d0f0f625a00a18 |
Former Rangers defender John Brown has warned the Ibrox support that the club's woes will not end with Ally McCoist's resignation. The Gers board finally confirmed that McCoist had given 12 months' notice of his intention to quit on Monday morning after a weekend of speculation. The club issued a 7am statement to the London Stock Exchange in which they said they now planned to hold talks with McCoist. They also confirmed the manager's salary would rise to £750,000 for his final year of employment. Rangers boss Ally McCoist handed in his resignation at the club on Monday morning . McCoist (left) will serve out a 12-month notice at Ibrox before his departure at the club . Reports over the weekend suggested the 52-year-old was quitting in a bid to shift the focus away from his performance as boss and back on to the way the Glasgow giants are being run. But Brown - who was in the same Rangers team as McCoist which won nine successive titles - insists the club will continue to suffer so long as the likes of Sandy Easdale and Mike Ashley are calling the shots behind the scenes. The former Dundee boss said: 'Ally McCoist has given fans so many happy memories over the seasons as a player and in the recent times where he has given them back-to-back promotions. 'He's had to put up with so much. He's had no support. The Easdales and others should hold their heads in shame. 'But I honestly couldn't care what the fans are thinking about performances. Their club has a cancer in it and it needs to get cut out. 'People need to wise up. Changing the manager is not going to change the situation. Until the Rangers fans realise that, their club is going to be in a sorry, sorry position.' Ex-Rangers defender John Brown (right) has criticised the way the club is currently be handled by its owners . Some of the financial figures since the club was reformed in 2012 have been astonishing. It was announced earlier this year that almost £70million had been spent in the first two years following the club's liquidation meltdown. This year's accounts, released last month, show another £8.3m loss and that the club requires a similar sum just to survive until the end of the financial year. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley - who also holds a nine per cent stake in the Light Blues - has given the club a £3m loan but Brown is alarmed at the way the money is being spent. This year's accounts show that former chief executive Graham Wallace earned £378,000 from the day he joined the company on November 20, 2013, until the end of June, almost half of which was a bonus. Wallace also earned a £100,000 pay-off when he quit in October. Former finance director Brian Stockbridge, who left halfway through the season, earned £218,000 and had a £216,000 severance package. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who hold a nine per cent stake at Rangers, has given them a £3million loan . Another former chief executive, Craig Mather, received a £350,000 severance deal while ex-director Philip Nash made £131,412 in consultancy fees in the first six months of this year. Meanwhile, around 10 backroom employees were made redundant last month. Brown said: 'Ashley has upped his shareholding in recent weeks and brought people in. But then we have seen people with a long service at Rangers, 40 years and more, being shown the door. 'All the players know who these folk are - they were part of the family. So when you see that happening so know that things are ultimately just going to end in tears again. 'It's soul-destroying. These folk who have left were not on big money but you have got so many people in the boardroom looking after their pals and handing out golden handshakes. It's disgusting.' | Ally McCoist announced his resignation as Rangers manager on Monday . 52-year-old will serve out a 12-month notice period at Ibrox . Scottish giants had almost spent £70million in the first two years following their liquidation meltdown . Rangers' accounts released last month showed a £8.3million loss this year . | 9b0346a95ddbace30c948a206514310b809b9b4d |
Carl Froch's dream of a career-defining night in Las Vegas against Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr is closer to becoming a reality. The super middleweight world champion, who last fought in May when he knocked out George Groves at Wembley, has long craved a fight in Sin City. And his promoter Eddie Hearn is confident a deal can be reached for him to take on Chavez in March after productive talks with the Mexican's advisor Al Haymon. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Eddie Hearn talk about Carl Froch vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr . Carl Froch has been out of action since knocking out George Groves at Wembley in May . Froch defended his WBA and IBF titles with his ninth-round win over his British rival at the home of football . 'I'm more hopeful than ever that the fight will happen, hopefully at the end of March,' he told Sportsmail. 'There's a dispute between Chavez and Top Rank but the kid's got to fight. Sooner or later that will be resolved and when it does, I believe Froch-Chavez will be made.' Froch has until December 31 to decide he wants to vacate his IBF title or face mandatory challenger James DeGale. 'We have to make a decision and Froch can either ask for an exemption, fight DeGale or vacate,' Hearn added. Chavez (left) is in dispute with his promoter but Eddie Hearn is confident the fight can be made for next year . Chavez is an icon in Mexico and would ensure Froch gets his big night in Las Vegas before he retires . 'As far as Carl is concerned, he's not phoning me up every day asking me if it's done. I phoned him last night and told him to get his running shoes ready just incase. 'He's ready to go, he's been studying Chavez and he's walking around 10lb over the limit already. 'The only time scale comes from the pressure from the IBF and the fact we represent James. 'We will be transparent with them and Carl will too. He doesn't need to hold on to belts. 'I think you'll see something being delivered in the next few weeks.' | Carl Froch is desperate to fight in Las Vegas before his career ends . The world champion could face Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr . Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the fight could happen in March . Froch must decide by December 31 if he wants to vacate his IBF title . | 5005443f99ba8bf30646cec171b176a3d252c850 |
By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 14:58 EST, 22 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:43 EST, 22 January 2014 . Two men have been charged with drugs offences following the death of 16-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from a suspected overdose. Nicqueel Pitrora, 18, from Croydon, and Ryan Kirk, 20, from Beckenham, both in South London, are accused of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. They appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court today and are next due at Isleworth Crown Court on February 5. Following the death of Daniel Spargo-Mabbs (right), Nicqueel Pitrora, 18, from Croydon, and Ryan Kirk (left), 20, from Beckenham, both in South London, are accused of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs . The pair, along with another . 19-year-old man who has been bailed until March, were arrested after . Daniel died from a suspected drugs overdose after going to an illegal . rave. It is believed the teenager fell unconscious after taking ecstasy at the party at an industrial site in Hayes, West London. Paramedics were called at around 4am on Saturday and he was taken to hospital and put on life support, but died on Monday. His father, who along with his wife is a devoted Christian, warned yesterday: ‘It could happen to anyone.’ Speaking at the family home in Croydon, Tim Spargo-Mabbs, 50, described his son as ‘a lovely, mercurial kid’. He said: ‘He was up for adventure. He was a really normal kid. He spent a bunch of his spare time with his girlfriend and played a lot on his Xbox. ‘This was the first time he’d taken anything and if it could happen to him it could happen to anyone. We very much want to get that message across.’ Mr Spargo-Mabbs added that Daniel’s girlfriend, a fellow pupil at Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School in Croydon, was ‘traumatised’ by his death. Final words: The schoolboy, pictured left, told his mother, pictured right, 'I love you, I promise I won't die' as he left home on Friday night - just hours before he was taken to hospital suffering from a drugs overdose . His mother Fiona said she would always hug and kiss her two sons, Daniel and his brother Jacob, before they left the house. She . told reporters: ‘Danny always used to say, “I love you too mum, I . promise I won’t die”. And that’s exactly what he said when he went out . on Friday.’ They were the . last words he ever said to her. The next time his parents saw him he was . in intensive care after taking ecstasy for the first time at an illegal . rave. The 16-year-old had suffered a massive heart attack and died two days later. His . Oxford-educated mother Fiona, 46, who works as a manager in adult . education at Croydon Council, said Daniel had never taken drugs before . and had been lectured by his parents and school about the scourge of . ecstasy. On Friday night . the bright student, who attended Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England . School in Croydon, which is known for its high academic standards, . persuaded his mother to let him go to a party in Clapham, South London, . saying: ‘Come on, Mum, I hardly ever go to parties and I am sensible and . responsible.’ But instead of the party he went to an illegal rave on an industrial estate in Hayes, West London. Aid: Daniel was taken to hospital on Saturday believed to be suffering from the effects of a drugs overdose . In a warehouse, owned . by a commercial cleaning firm and said to be packed with 3,000 . revellers, his parents believe he experimented with ecstasy for the . first time. Shortly . afterwards the youngster collapsed and was taken to hospital. His . reaction to the drug sent his temperature rocketing to 42C (107.6F), . causing a massive heart attack. Mrs Spargo-Mabbs recalled how she had kissed her son goodbye for the last time hours before he took the substance. ‘A . few years ago I heard a talk by murder victim Jimmy Mizen’s mum and she . said that something that comforted her was that she had told Jimmy she . loved him and had given him a hug and a kiss before he had left the . house,’ she said. Place of education: Daniel was a pupil at Archbishop Tenison's Church of England High School in Croydon . ‘After that I always did the same . with my boys and it became an in-joke. Danny always used to say “I love . you too, Mum. I promise I won’t die.” ‘And that’s exactly what he said when he went out on Friday. He didn’t keep that promise.’ Speaking . at the family’s home in Croydon, South London, which she shares with . her husband Tim, 50, and son Jacob, 18, she added: ‘I woke up early on . Saturday morning and when I saw he wasn’t back I started to worry. ‘Then at about 5.30am there was a knock on the door. It was the police. It was completely my worst nightmare coming true.’ The . family rushed to Hillingdon Hospital where Daniel was in intensive . care. He was transferred to a specialist liver unit at King’s College . Hospital for emergency surgery but he died on Monday. 'We grieve together': Daniel was praised by his headteacher as a 'bright, articulate and talented' boy . Deaths involving ecstasy have increased almost four-fold in recent years. In 2012 there were 31 deaths linked to the class A drug, up from eight in 2010. There . was also a large increase in the number of death certificates . mentioning PMA or PMMA, strong psychedelic stimulants usually found in . ecstasy pills. The . substances, which can cause severe overheating of the body, were linked . to only one death in 2011, but in 2012 they were involved in 20 . fatalities. Campaigners believe many people may be ingesting PMA or PMMA in the belief they are taking ecstasy tablets. According . to government estimates, around 2.8million Britons have tried ecstasy . at least once and 179,000 people take it at least once a month. It is usually sold as tablets but the powder form, MDMA, has become more common. | Nicqueel Pitrora, 18, from Croydon, and Ryan Kirk, 20, from Beckenham, are accused of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs . They appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court today and are next due at Isleworth Crown Court on February 5 . A third 19-year-old man has been bailed until March after being arrested . Daniel Spargo-Mabbs, 16, died from a suspected overdose at illegal rave . | b0a7b1b446c76af726de658abd73e2f670f36efc |
(CNN) -- The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Tuesday that seeks to stop the state of Florida from purging voters from registration rolls. Attorney General Eric Holder said the Florida program clearly violated voter registration laws. "We have done all that we can to try and reason with the people in Florida," Holder told a Senate committee at a hearing Tuesday in explaining why the lawsuit would be filed. Florida's Republican governor, Rick Scott, argued earlier Tuesday that removing non-U.S. citizens from lists of registered voters was a legal necessity. Appearing on CNN's "Starting Point," Scott said the state had identified "almost 100 individuals" who had registered to vote but weren't U.S. citizens. "Over 50 of them have voted in our elections," Scott said. "I have an obligation to enforce the laws of our land. You don't get to vote in Florida if you're a non-U.S. citizen." The lawsuit comes after the department began questioning the legality of the state's so-called voter purge program, which would remove names from Florida's voter rolls months before the 2012 presidential election. Florida is considered a key battleground state in the race between President Barack Obama and certain Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Using information from Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state identified more than 100,000 names of non-eligible voters that could potentially be on the lists illegally. The Justice Department contends the Florida program improperly uses the information collected from old driver's license applications, saying the data could be outdated. "A number of persons will subsequently have become citizens and lawfully registered to vote," the department said in a letter Monday. Critics say the plan unfairly targets minorities and paint it as an attempt to dissuade typically Democratic voters from going to the polls. Scott said Tuesday that claim was bogus. "This is not a partisan issue," he said on CNN. "This is not Republican or Democrat or independent issue. This is an issue that I want, all of us want, everyone wants every U.S. citizen to go and register to vote. Participate in elections. But non-U.S. citizens shouldn't be doing that." Florida, which itself is suing the Department of Homeland Security for access to a citizenship database, was within its legal rights in moving ahead with the purge, Scott said. In 2008, Obama won Florida with 51% of the vote, and the state is classified as a "toss up" on CNN's Electoral Map in 2012. There are 29 electoral votes at stake. | Attorney General Holder says Florida is violating federal voter registration laws . Florida Gov. Scott says the goal is to prevent illegal aliens from voting . Scott says "almost 100" non-citizens who registered to vote have been identified . Critics say the program uses outdated information and intimidates minority voters . | 721fb70a5f19f5afdd4d6aaa35b4a1b54244a931 |
By . Ben Endley . PUBLISHED: . 07:19 EST, 13 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:39 EST, 13 February 2014 . The Prince of Wales is urging world leaders to target organised poaching gangs directly and take back their 'ill-gotten gains'. Charles made the comments in a major speech to the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London - gathered to tackle the threat to endangered animals like tigers, elephants and rhinos. Joined by his sons the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the future king told the summit that the scale of the poaching crisis had reached 'unimaginable heights' in certain countries, and there was 'not a moment to lose' to safeguard threatened species. Scroll down for video . Charles made the comments in a major speech to the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London . The Prince of Wales with his sons, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, arrive at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference . Prince Harry, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales join other delegates for a family photo at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference at Lancaster House . Prince William listens to speeches during the conference . Before the day-long conference began Charles, William and Harry were shown a display of seized animal parts, from a tiger head and skin and rhino horn to bear bile and the skin of a Nile crocodile . Prince Charles said Asia's wildlife was also being 'decimated' but steps had been taken to tackle this . The Prince's speech comes as David . Beckham, The Duke of Cambridge and basketball star Yao Ming released a . video message urging people around the world not to support the trade in . rhino horn. The trio are filmed walking on the pitch at London’s Wembley Stadium surrounded by computer-generated rhinos. The . WildAid campaign video tells viewers that the world’s entire rhino . population could fit inside the stadium, but their numbers could be . increased by stopping the demand for rhino horn. Yao Ming, The Duke of Cambridge, and David Beckham are helping to promote the cause . Actor Jackie Chan also appeared in a separate video for the charity . In a separate video, actor Jackie Chan warns viewers that buying rhino horn supports the dark side of the trade. “You’re paying for guns, bullets, poisoned arrows, chainsaws, axes, and machetes to hack off the face of the rhino. And you are paying for the life of a beautiful creature,” he says. Charles, a long-term campaigner on wildlife conservation, praised the leaders and foreign government ministers for meeting at Lancaster House in London to address the issue. He said: 'Today, if I may say so, you . are breaking new ground by coming together and committing - at high . levels never before seen at a conference on this topic - to take urgent . action to put a stop to this trade, which has become a grave threat not . only to the wildlife and the people who protect them, but also to the . security of nations. 'Next . month, I hope it will be possible to convene a meeting to encourage . governments, banks, accounting firms, security agencies and others to . make greater use of financial tools to tackle organised crime engaged in . the illegal wildlife trade. Basketball player Yao Ming and a poached elephant . 'As . many experts are telling us, if we 'follow the money' and take back . organised crime's ill-gotten gains - now done of course to combat . trafficking in drugs, weapons and people - we can send a strong message . to criminals that there are serious consequences when they kill . endangered wildlife for profit.' Charles told the delegates he played a . part in helping to bring them together after a group of African . leaders, including president Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, who is . attending the conference, contacted him for help. He . said: 'The situation they described was indeed dire. The scale of the . poaching crisis their countries were facing had reached unimaginable . heights. 'Organised gangs, . terrorist groups and militia were slaughtering ever greater numbers of . elephants for their ivory and rhinoceros for their horns. Most . threatened of all, they said, is the elephant - an integral part of the . ecological and social fabric of the African continent and a keystone . species.' Prince Charles said Asia’s wildlife . was also being decimated but he gave an example of how successful . anti-poaching campaigns could have results. He said: 'Late in the last decade, an . aggressive public campaign led by WildAid and Chinese athlete Yao Ming - . combined with government bans on the use of shark fin soup at . government functions - caused a dramatic drop in public demand for the . product.' The Prince of Wales (right) and the Duke of Cambridge (second left) are given a tour of an exhibition about wildlife poaching . Foreign Secretary William Hague (right) listens to the Prince of Wales give a speech . The Duke of Cambridge (left) and the Prince of Wales listen to speeches by foreign leaders . Foreign Secretary William Hague (left) greets Prince Harry (centre left), the Prince of Wales (centre right) and the Duke of Cambridge (right) Prince's William and Harry discussed the illegal wildlife trade with dignitaries from African, Asian and European countries . The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge arrive at Lancaster House . Prince William discussed the issue with actor Jackie Chan on Wednesday evening . Dressed in dark suits Prince's William and Harry stand with dignitaries from African, Asian and European delegates during the conference . Campaigners warn the ivory trade helps pay for 'guns, bullets, poisoned arrows, chainsaws, axes, and machetes to hack off the face of the rhino' Prince Charles urged world leaders to target organised poaching gangs directly and take back their 'ill-gotten gains' The Prince concluded by saying: 'There is not a moment to lose if we are to save species whose loss will not only diminish us all, but also expose their abandoned habitat to ever greater risk of destruction, with dire consequences for humanity.' Organised gangs, terrorist groups and militia were slaughtering ever greater numbers of elephants for their ivory and rhinoceros for their horns. Before the day-long conference began . Charles, William and Harry were shown a display of seized animal parts, . from a tiger head and skin and rhino horn to bear bile and the skin of a . Nile crocodile. Grant Miller, a senior officer with the UK Border Agency, told the royal party about a recent seizure of ivory hidden in . ball bearing parts and 12 live San Salvador rock iguanas from the . Bahamas found in the luggage of two passengers stopped at Heathrow . Airport. Prime Minister David Cameron was due to speak at the conference but his attendance was cut short so he could focus on the flooding in southern England. Mr Cameron dropped in at the summit but did not pose with the delegates and the royals for a 'family photo', and met leaders behind the scenes. It is hoped that the nations will sign a declaration that will commit them to a range of goals to combat poaching and illegal trade in animal parts. In a short address Foreign Secretary William Hague outlined the steps the conference would agree to take to tackle the 'unprecedented crisis'. He said there was 'some evidence to show how insurgent or terrorist groups can benefit from the trade' in endangered species, but the conference would result in a 'powerful declaration that will demonstrate to the world that we will not tolerate this abhorrent trade'. Mr Hague said the countries represented would 'commit ourselves to treat poaching and trafficking as a serious, organised crime in the same category as drugs, arms or people trafficking'. He said: 'Poachers think they can act with impunity. We will show them they are wrong.'There should be no weak link, we will all seek out those who commit these atrocious acts and use the full force of our national and international laws to break these criminal empires.' Prince William’s appearance at the summit comes days after he was photographed hunting - a decision described by animal rights campaigners as ‘unfortunate’. The prince spent the weekend at a Spanish hunting lodge owned by one of the richest men in the country, the Duke of Westminster, shooting wild boar and stag. William Hague (left) and David Cameron (right) both attended although the Prime Minister cut his visit short to focus on flooding in southern England . He and his brother Harry flew out last Thursday, along with a group of friends including Jecca Craig, whom Prince William is rumoured to have dated in the past. While the prince’s passion for saving rhinos, elephants and tigers from extinction was praised yesterday, his weekend activities had not escaped the attention of fellow campaigners. Dame Jane Goodall, a leading British primatologist, said she agreed the prince’s timing was unfortunate, but added: ‘The involvement of Prince William and Prince Charles has brought so much attention and it’s so important, because some of these species are actually vanishing.’ | Future king addresses meeting of world leaders and foreign ministers . Charles warns the poaching crisis had reached 'unimaginable heights' Tells delegates he was contacted by African leaders asking for his help . David Beckham, Yao Ming and Jackie Chan all appear in WildAid video campaign . | d4a775595e276d5ffa5fc2136332d02843fcffbf |
Trials of video technology will not be coming to football any time soon after lawmakers rejected the idea for at least the next 12 months. The Dutch FA had wanted to use its system in the Dutch Cup next season but the International FA Board meeting in Belfast wants more information before giving the green light. FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke described the introduction of video technology as the 'biggest decision which would come out of this IFAB ever' and said that while future discussions were possible, they would not be rushed. Football's lawmakers have rejected the idea of using video technology for 12 months at an IFAB meeting . FIFA President Sepp Blatter was among those present at the 129th Annual General Meeting of the IFAB . Valcke described the decision to bring in video technology as the 'biggest ever' and it won't be rushed . Football Association chairman Greg Dyke had been keen to push forward live trials but other delegates were more cautious which means it will be at least another year before the go-ahead can be given. The Dutch FA presented their data on the top to the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish FAs but not to FIFA. While the reception was generally good, Welsh FA chief executive Jonathan Ford said: 'We shouldn’t as IFAB just allow experiments to be conducted willy-nilly.' However, a move to change the 'triple punishment' has been agreed in principle, so that a player who is sent off for a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring chance when conceding a penalty is no longer suspended for the following match. FA Chairman Greg Dyke was a supporter of bringing in the trials for video technology straight away . Home Nation Chief Executives and FIFA representatives answer questions from the media in Belfast . Blatter talks with FIFA secretary general Valcke (centre) and IFA president Jim Shaw (right) Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said that the 'triple punishment' rules are currently too harsh . Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson said: 'IFAB did agree that this punishment is too harsh and that we must find a solution to the matter. IFAB has tasked FIFA to look into the feasibility of implementing this on a global level.' Proposals to allow a fourth substitute in extra-time, which had been put forward by FIFA, were rejected. 'IFAB remains of the view that three substitutions is adequate,' said Nelson, but the issue has been referred back to its technical panels for further analysis.' Goal-line technology has already been successfully brought in but it won't be joined by video replays...yet . | Video technology's introduction is delayed by the International FA Board . FA Chairman Greg Dyke had been keen to give the trials the go-ahead . FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said discussions will not be rushed . | 48211b6399ce7d9566cc1fe49835f77b5f276902 |
By . Emma Glanfield . A man was allegedly slashed across the face with a scythe during a ‘shocking’ brawl between rivalling gipsy families outside a plush four-star hotel in a ‘peaceful and tranquil area’. A group of travellers had been drinking inside the Hilton Treetops Hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland, when the bitter row broke out on Saturday. One of the men was allegedly slashed with a scythe after the argument spilled outside into the car park of the hotel. The travellers had been drinking inside the Hilton Treetops Hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland, pictured, when the bitter row broke out on Saturday . The 34-year-old was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collar bone and multiple other injuries following the brawl. One witness, who did not want to be named, said terrified hotel staff had to call in the police to break up the fight. The local resident said the victim was attacked with what appeared to be a garden scythe. Police confirmed officers were called to an assault at around 6.45pm on Saturday at the hotel in the city's Springfield Road. A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘On Saturday evening we were called to reports of a disturbance on the street. Police confirmed officers were called to an assault at around 6.45pm on Saturday at the hotel in the city's Springfield Road . Councillor Martin Greig said the Hilton Treetops is in a quiet area of town and said it was shocking that such an incident had taken place . ‘A 34-year-old male sustained a number . of injuries to his face and to his legs. He had cuts to the head and . bruising to his legs. ‘We are looking into an allegation a bladed weapon was used.’ One of the men was allegedly slashed with a scythe, pictured, during the brawl (file picture) The 34-year-old man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment following the incident. Hotel staff had to call the police in order to split the opposing parties up as other guests watched the scuffle unfold in shock. A spokesman for the hotel said: ‘We can confirm police were called by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops following an incident in the hotel car park involving individuals who had visited the bar. ‘On becoming aware of the situation, hotel team members acted swiftly and the matter was dealt with by the authorities, with whom we continue to liaise.’ Councillor Martin Greig said the Hilton Treetops is in a quiet area of town and said it was shocking that such an incident had taken place. He said: ‘This is a peaceful and tranquil area and to hear of such a shocking crime it is extremely upsetting. ‘The hotel is much respected business. ‘This is mainly a residential area and the community enjoys relatively low levels of crime.’ Aberdeen City Council has had a number of problems with illegal travellers’ camps and is looking to set up a by-law to combat the problem. | Man, 34, suffers face and leg injuries following assault outside Hilton hotel . Travellers had been drinking inside hotel bar before bitter row broke out . Police investigating brawl outside hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland on Saturday . | 4d257cc85e77ac84790647279446caf3c218ac8a |
New York (CNN) -- A Broadway actor injured when he fell more than 20 feet while performing a stunt in the "Spider-Man" musical is set to be released from a rehabilitation center this week, his father told CNN Sunday. Christopher Tierney, 31, was moved into the center after being discharged from New York's Bellevue Hospital on December 28. His father, Tim Tierney, said he isn't sure when his son will arrive at his Portsmouth, New Hampshire, home, but said he is scheduled to be released from the facility Wednesday. Christopher Tierney suffered four broken ribs; a hairline skull fracture; a broken scapula, or shoulder blade; a bruised lung; three cracked vertebrae; and broken bones below his elbow in the December 20 fall, the elder Tierney has said. Tim Tierney said his son is improving. "He is up," he said. "He is walking and just doing very well." He said Christopher Tierney cannot wait to return to the show, "Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark." Several of the shows were canceled following Tierney's fall, and new safety precautions were put in place before they resumed following a meeting between the show's company, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the New York State Department of Labor. The show, with music and lyrics by U2's Bono and Howell (aka The Edge), is the most expensive in Broadway history, but production has been beset by cast injuries and technical problems. Once Christopher Tierney is home, his family plans a belated Christmas celebration, Tim Tierney said. Jonathan Dealwis, a tourist from New Zealand, said he saw Tierney fall. "Spider-Man was on a bridge, and Mary Jane was dangling from it," he said. "I think he was meant to sort of swoop over there, but he just fell off ... the harness, you could see it just flick off his back and fly backward." CNN's Ashley Vaughan contributed to this report. | His father says the family plans a belated Christmas celebration . Christopher Tierney cannot wait to return to the Broadway show, his father says . He says his son is up and walking . | 8d3ebd0aca578b5ddf7509630a031b683fdf769c |
(CNN) -- Bacon and eggs. Motherhood and apple pie. Block and tackle. Image memes and Impact. Yes, like those other great combinations, there's something about a photo of Grumpy Cat complemented by a caption in the forceful sans-serif font that -- to borrow from Steve Jobs, who most assuredly was not talking about the subject -- just works. Oh, you know what I'm talking about. Every time you open Facebook, every time you check Tumblr, there they are: photos of newsmakers and animals, Willy Wonka and Buzz Lightyear, accompanied by a few sardonic words in glorious, white-on-black, lightly bordered Impact. Well, why Impact? Why not Arial or Copperplate or Futura? How did this particular typeface become the default? Part of it is simple convenience, says Anthony Rotolo, a professor at Syracuse University who studies social media. Impact, which was initially created in 1965, was one of the fonts included in early Microsoft Windows operating systems. In those kludgy 1990s days, Microsoft only included a relative handful of typefaces, and Impact was "the big, bold font people had, by default, in their Windows computers," says Rotolo. Given the dominance of Windows systems and the freeware Microsoft included -- MS Paint and the like -- it was a typeface shared by millions of Windows users at a time Windows had more than 90% of the PC market. Moreover, adds design consultant Sam Berlow of the Boston-based Font Bureau, it was "Web-safe," compatible across the then-young World Wide Web. Microsoft had a set of "core fonts," which also included Georgia, Times New Roman and the much-derided Comic Sans, which would look similar regardless of the computer you were using. All of these details led to Impact's widespread use. Boosting Impact . It wasn't long before image macros -- the graphic jokes initially passed around on bulletin boards or on e-mail -- started incorporating Impact. Richard "Lowtax" Kyanka, founder of the SomethingAwful.com humor site, which KnowYourMeme.com credits for coining the term "image macro," remembers a distinct progression to the current look. "Originally, people would just post images and then, in the forums, type the text beneath it (usually because they didn't have Photoshop)," he says via e-mail. "After more and more people started obtaining Photoshop is when the image macros really began." That was in 2000. Initially, image macro creators used Arial or Comic Sans ("usually to insult another poster directly," says Kyanka) but at some point Impact came into play. "I believe the first time the font face changed to Impact was when somebody posted an image of a very obese black woman wearing a spandex superhero outfit, and the text just said 'DAAAAMN.' After that, everybody seemed to use Impact," says Kyanka. Fast-forward to 2007. Software developer Eric Nakagawa was having a bad day and put out a request for funny photos. In response, a friend sent him a picture of a goofy cat from a Russian cat food commercial that had been making the rounds since at least 2003. The caption, in Impact, read, "I can has cheezburger?" That photo started the I Can Has Cheezburger empire -- and probably helped cement the usage of Impact, says Nakagawa, who has since moved on to other projects as an adviser. (Ben Huh now owns Cheezburger.) "When I did Cheezburger, I'm sure we helped Impact's case," he says. It wasn't just the sheer popularity of that single meme, he says, though that didn't hurt. It was also by showing what didn't work. Nakagawa mentions that he followed ICanHasCheezburger.com with IHasAHotdog.com, intended to be the dog version of the cat-centric Cheezburger. IHasAHotdog initially used a wider font -- and wasn't as successful. (Of course, it also could have been the dogs.) On the other hand, FAILBlog, devoted to images of poor signage and general obliviousness, routinely used the word "FAIL" in all-caps Impact -- and worked. "There are all these little nuanced things," says Nakagawa. "And it's interesting how each meme has a certain look and feel. It all has to work. When we see a funny joke, there are millions of (others) that have died." 'It's like overkill' Why Impact works is a debatable question, but the Font Bureau's Berlow points out that typefaces aren't neutral. They have personalities, he says. Sometimes they're obvious: The rounded, bulbous font used by Dunkin' Donuts suggests cheerfulness (and doughnuts), for example. Comic Sans, as Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert learned to his dismay, signifies cutesiness (at best). On the other hand, Helvetica is a subtle font, often used by brands "to make them feel like they are the standard-bearer of simple," says Berlow. Impact, on its face, suggests boldness, loudness and yelling, especially in all-caps -- "it's like overkill," says Henry Hongmin Kim, a graphic design professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Combine that with photos of cats or Willy Wonka, and the contrast provokes at least a smile. (Indeed, Impact is even more effective with a 1-pixel outline or drop shadow, says Nakagawa.) The look has now become an established template, with such sites as Imgflip.com, Memegenerator.net and Cheezburger's Builder making such memes automatic. Just find an image, add a punchy phrase in Impact and you're there. The look helps us recognize the whole package as a meme, says Syracuse's Rotolo. It's a shorthand for comedy, which is useful, because the impact -- pardon the pun -- is ephemeral, he adds. "Memes are about being in the moment," he says. "Making a meme has to be fast and has to be pertinent." Whether Impact lasts for memes is anybody's guess. Berlow observes that the requirements that once made it obligatory -- its convenience and commonality -- are fading, now that anybody with a font editing application can create their very own looks. His own company has created several fonts that have the same metrics as Impact. But, for now, it's not going anywhere. "For the most part the template will stick," says Rotolo. "There will certainly be new types of memes and there will certainly be new templates that will come from new apps that make image-sharing easier. But I think what most people are looking for is the content and the context, so the meme template is going to prevail for some time." | Most image memes use the font Impact . Impact was one of Windows' "Web-safe" fonts, easily accessed in Web's early days . Its forcefulness gives irony to goofy pictures, provides instant comedy . | ef0201c78ab8f7818cf3823ba2db3ac535fdb204 |
When I was in Rotherham recently talking to victims of sex abuse, I heard a terrifying story. If it is to be believed — and after the events of this week it seems increasingly credible — it speaks volumes about how corruption and cover-up in the town reached right to the heart of the council. I was told that a girl in her late teens was at home one evening when the door-bell rang. It was in the run-up to the local elections last year, and people were canvassing for votes. She opened the door of her family’s house — and found herself staring into the face of a man she recognised. He had been part of a gang who had sexually abused her time and again when she was a child, between the ages of 12 and 14. Scroll down for video . New report says Rotherham council and many of its staff remain in denial over the sex abuse scandal . He was also, as the girl discovered that night, involved in local politics. She screamed with horror, slammed the door and ran upstairs, leaving him on the step. ‘I thought he had come to find me and that the rapes would start all over again,’ she later told her friends. This girl, and hundreds of others like her, were not believed or listened to when they related accounts of sex abuse to authorities in the town at the centre of one of Britain’s biggest-ever child exploitation scandals. Now, with every passing month, the stench of a cover-up grows stronger. Files from an independent youth group which counselled the victims — because no one else in officialdom seemed to care — were taken away by Rotherham Council staff, then they mysteriously disappeared and the organisation was shut down. In another incident, a council worker writing a report for the Home Office on how to stop grooming gangs in the area had her documents stolen from a locked office. Even today, 17 years after the start of the shameful scandal which led to so many girls being abducted, beaten, threatened and forced to witness other rapes, a new report says that Rotherham Council and many of its employees remain in denial over the abuse. Louise Casey (pictured) was asked to inspect Rotherham Council after the child abuse scandal emerged last year and said it is 'not fit for purpose' Yet the truth, however, uncomfortable, is irrefut-able. When I took an early victim of the sex abuse gangs into Rotherham town centre one night last year, she was able within a few minutes to point out by name men who had systematically raped her as a 13-year-old schoolgirl. They were free, on the streets, driving their flashy cars around, and — as the girl told me — almost certainly still picking up young girls to abuse. The young woman herself is now a counsellor to abused girls. She claimed she knew some young mothers in Rotherham who have five illegitimate children apiece. They are the product of rapes by the gang members who groomed, attacked and pimped them with total impunity. ‘These children are going to school now. Everyone knows where they came from,’ she told me. ‘As for their abused mothers, they will have thought that gang rape was just a normal part of growing up here.’ I first warned in the Mail five years ago of young girls being traded in provincial towns as sex slaves. I was accused by social workers, police, councillors and even faith organisations of making it up. In fact, I had learned the truth from parents who rang or emailed me in desperation, saying that no one was heeding their warnings. Later, I heard it from the girls themselves. Yet when I wrote about the scandal, I was branded racist. The reason? I dared mention the truth: that most of the victims were white or of mixed race, while all too often the perpetrators were of British-Pakistani heritage. Vindication came in a major report last year by Professor Alexis Jay, who confirmed that the greatest number of abusers were from this community. Of course the vast, decent majority of Muslims must, surely, be as disgusted as the rest of us at the abuse. But this racial element remains an uncomfortable aspect of these obnoxious crimes, which was confirmed again yesterday. And so we reach the crux of the problem. I believe the crimes were not tackled — and, indeed, were covered up in Rotherham — because the racial make-up of the sex gangs made the whole issue taboo for politically correct politicians, social workers and police. In modern Britain — so ultra-sensitive on matters of race — the authorities were terrified of being accused of racism if they targeted the culprits. Rotherham Borough Council (pictured) faces new elections and new management after the latest damning report over the town's child abuse scandal . Time and again, the authorities which should have been protecting the girls blamed them for being out of control, wilful youngsters who consented to sex with men old enough, in some cases, to be their fathers in exchange for a ‘good time’ — alcohol, free food and a ride around in a flash car. Lies were leaked to the media: that the girls were from dysfunctional families, had been put into care to protect them, and could not be persuaded by social workers or police to stop their wild sexual behaviour. This was far from the reality. Virtually all of the victims of child grooming I’ve interviewed — whether it be in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford or Derby, all places where these predators have operated — are from caring families. It has taken nearly two decades for the truth to emerge, but only now are we discovering the chilling extent of the abuse, and the level of cover-up. | Sue Reid warned of girls being traded as sex slaves in provincial towns . Said she was accused by social workers, police and councillors of lying . New report says Rotherham council remains in denial over the sex abuse . | 875f37e994c36558902eb10b5df22dd60df1c78f |
By . Daily Mail Reporters . PUBLISHED: . 14:06 EST, 12 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:27 EST, 12 November 2013 . A family is mourning the loss of a second twin daughter struck by an allegedly drunk driver who had an Alcoholics Anonymous leaflet on his back seat. Janesah Goheen, 17, passed away on Monday - 11 days after her identical twin, Janeah, was killed in the crash in Oak Hill, Washington as the girls drove with a friend to visit a haunted house. In a heartbreaking twist, it is the third tragedy for the family, who lost another daughter - 23-year-old Jessica Goheen Thorn - in May 2008 to a car wreck. Janesah had been driving their 1993 Acura at 5pm on Halloween when it was hit head-on by a Ford Mustang driven by 53-year-old Ira Blackstock and was rushed to hospital in serious condition. Killed: Janesah Goheen, left, has died from her injuries 11 days after her twin sister Janeah, right, died in a car crash. The girls were with another friend when their car was struck by a 'drunk' driver . Her progress had given her family hope, KIRO-TV, reported, but she succumbed to her injuries on Monday at Harborview Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. The twins' pastor, Russell Schlecht, told the station there was some comfort in the death. 'This is the longest they've been apart,' he said. 'One being taken . instantly, one enduring as long as she could. 'As awful as it is, I'm glad they're together right now. There's a beauty to it. A sense there this needed to happen.' Family tragedy: Their deaths come five years after their big sister Jessica, pictured, was killed in a car crash . The family had planned to hold a memorial for Janeah on Saturday and will now be remembering Janesah there too. Troopers said Blackstock had crossed the centerline on Highway 20 in his Mustang and . slammed into their car. Police say Blackstock appears to have been accelerating at the time of impact. The damage was so severe that the girls had to be cut from their vehicle. Janeah, who was seated in the back of car, was killed in the . accident while the twins' close friend Alysha Pickler, 18, was sitting in the front passenger seat and suffered a concussion. When authorities arrived on the scene, Blackstock allegedly showed signs of impairment and a blood sample was taken to test his blood alcohol level. Horror crash: The three teenaged girls had to be cut out of the wreck of the 1993 Acura they were traveling in . Impaired: Toxicology are pending but officers say Blackstock appeared impaired and found this flier in the back of his car . Police . are awaiting the toxicology results but Blackstock is likely to face . charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. He is being held on . $70,000 bail. An Alcoholics Anonymous brochure and a Bible were found in . the backseat of his car. Blackstock suffered minor injuries and was arrested after his release from hospital. According to KING 5, the twins sang in perfect harmony at their local church and often finished each other's sentences. Oak Harbor School District communications officer Kellie Tormey told the Skagit Valley Herald: 'It's a shocking tragedy for us.' Injured: Janesah is pictured with her friend Alysha Pickler, who suffered a concussion in the crash . A life together: Twins Janesah and Janeah Goheen were close, often finishing each others sentences . Tormey said the Goheen twins had attended Oak Harbor High School and HomeConnections, the home-school program. They . had many friends at the school and Tormey said a crisis response team . was at the school and will return to help students and staff deal with the losses. The Goheen family has two other surviving daughters. | Three teenage girls including Janesah and Janeah Goheen, 17, were hit head-on by another car on October 31 . Janeah was killed instantly and Janesah was in serious condition but she passed away in hospital on Monday . It is the third daughter the Goheens have lost a car crash; another daughter, 23-year-old Jessica, was killed in a crash in 2008 . The driver of the other car in this latest incident was driven by Ira L Blackstock, 53, who troopers said seemed 'impaired' at the scene . | 1281f804774b50b7622341828ff0059b3a278f24 |
Chris Ramsey has been appointed Queens Park Rangers manager until the end of the season. Players have been thoroughly impressed by Ramsey's coaching sessions since he assumed control of first team matters last Tuesday. QPR currently lie 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation zone by virtue of their superior goal difference. Chris Ramsey has been given the QPR manager's job until the end of the season . Ramsey and Kevin Bond took charge for the 2-0 defeat of Sunderland in their previous outing . The QPR players have been impressed with the quality of Ramsey's training sessions . Bobby Zamora scores QPR's second goal as they beat Sunderland for their first away win of the season . Zamora celebrates with his team-mates as Ramsey won his one and only game as caretaker manager . Hull (A) Arsenal (H) Tottenham (H) Crystal Palace (A) Everton (H) West Brom (A) Chelsea (H) Aston Villa (A) West Ham (H) Liverpool (A) Man City (A) Newcastle (H) Leicester (A) The caretaker boss did his chances no harm with victory over Sunderland on Tuesday night - with the 2-0 win seeing QPR record their first away triumph of the season. Ramsey takes over from Harry Redknapp who resigned due to problems with his knees. Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes had tweeted on Tuesday that he thought he had secured his 'dream manager' which led to a flurry of bets on Michael Laudrup. But the ex-Swansea boss was ruled out the following day when he told associates in Denmark that he planned to see out his contract with Qatari club Lekhwiya. Captain Joey Barton was the first to tweet his congratulations, saying: 'Good news also on Chris Ramsey. V good since he has come in. Got group back on track. Lots for us all to do now to keep club in the league.' QPR took on MLS side Chicago Fire in a friendly on Thursday with Quincy Amarikwa's first-strike the only goal of the game. Adel Taarabt, Mauro Zarate and Sandro all started for the home side. Caretaker boss Ramsey watches on as his side play a friendly against Chicago Fire . QPR midfielder Sandro tackles Shaun Maloney of Chicago Fire during a friendly match on Thursday . Former Lyon, West Ham and Marseille midfielder Alou Diarra dribbles away from Adel Taarabt . Mauro Zarate dribbles with the ball while being hounded by Chicago Fire players . Former France international Diarra tries to block a pass made by Taarabt on Thursday . Quincy Amarikwa of Chicago Fire rounds the keeper to make it 1-0 to the MLS side . Ararikwa celebrates the goal with his team-mates on Thursday afternoon . QPR chairman Tony Fernandes will appoint Chris Ramsey as Rangers boss until the end of the season. Here Sportsmail look at five key issues he needs to address to ensure they beat the drop. AWAY FORM . Despite picking up their first win on the road against Sunderland last time out, the previous 11 matches did not yield a single point for Rangers. With Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea still to come to Loftus Road, their away form could be the key to ensuring their Premier League survival. LEAKY DEFENCE . Rangers have the joint worst defensive record in the league and, with goals also at a premium, tightening up at the back is a must. Harry Redknapp failed to identify his preferred central defensive partnership so finding a system that gets the best out of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker could make the difference. SHARE THE GOALS . Charlie Austin has contributed 50 per cent of QPR's goals in the Premier League and that form has rightly led to talk of a potential England call-up. But Ramsey will be looking for someone else to help shoulder the scoring burden, especially with the former Burnley man not having scored in open play since the December win over West Brom. CALM JOEY BARTON DOWN . This may be easier said than done, with the combative midfielder becoming the first player in Premier League history to be cautioned in seven consecutive matches. Barton's leadership qualities and never-say-die attitude are far more beneficial on the field than off it, so avoiding suspensions is crucial. INTEGRATE A SQUAD OF EGOS . Barton, Adel Taarabt, Ferdinand. None of the three are afraid to speak their minds and they are not the only squad members with chequered pasts. Sandro and Mauro Zarate have also had high-profile disagreements with managers and Ramsey will need to forge a team ethos to stand any chance of survival. | Chris Ramsey has been named as successor to Harry Redknapp . The QPR players have been impressed with the quality of his coaching . Ramsey led the club to their first away win of the season at Sunderland . QPR are 17th in the Premier League table, just outside the relegation zone . CLICK HERE for all the latest Queens Park Rangers news . | bae36f1f58446d18cfd2e1560dd4393f5272cebd |
(CNN) -- Gary Coleman's parents grieve "more and more" every day since their son died four weeks ago, but they said they hold no anger toward the actor's ex-wife over how she handled his death. Shannon Price, 24, ordered doctors to end Coleman's life support just a day after he fell into a coma, despite his living will's direction that he be kept alive at least 15 days. Sue and Willie Coleman appeared on HLN's "The Joy Behar Show" on Tuesday to talk about their son's life and the controversy surrounding his sudden death. "We're not holding any animosity towards her because, like my wife said, she was young and inexperienced," Willie Coleman told Behar. Price, whom they never met, did not call Coleman's parents after he suffered a brain hemorrhage from a fall in his home May 26 or before he was removed from life support two days later, the Colemans said. His parents said they felt like they were robbed of a chance to say a last goodbye to their son. "I hurt more and more every day," Willie Coleman said. "More and more." The Colemans spoke sadly about their estrangement from their son, who they adopted when he was four days old. The estrangement began when he became a legal adult. "When Gary turned 18 years old, you know how you do a horse?" Willie said. "We were put out to pasture." Willie Coleman said his son told him then that "I just feel that you were holding me in prison." "He wanted to be his own man, do things his own way, so we tried to encourage him the best we could, we tried to guide him as much as we could, but it was his life," Sue Coleman said. The Colemans, who had helped guide the child actor's career to that point, left California and returned to the middle-class lives they had left behind in Chicago a decade earlier. "Gary took on a whole new branch of individuals that wanted to manage his career and also manage his money," his father said. Although Gary Coleman sued his parents for mismanaging his money, resulting in a $1 million judgment for him in 1993, there was always love between them, they said. Willie Coleman said he has a handful of letters from his son that offer him comfort. "Every once and a while, I pull those letters out and read," he said. "In each of those letters is ended with 'Hey, guys. I love you guys and I know you love me too.'" His father wants Coleman to be remembered by fans as "the sweet little gentle boy that we raised." The parents are staying out of the bitter legal fight that is brewing over Coleman's estate. A Provo, Utah, lawyer was named temporary special administrator to control the estate while a Utah judge decides a will dispute between ex-wife Shannon Price and former business associate Anna Gray. | No one called parents before ending actor's life support, they say . Dad: No anger toward Coleman's ex-wife . Old letters give comfort to parents . | 9e9511f0b8fb8b7255ed36aa0e3a1a0548f05f65 |
Hong Kong (CNN) -- Eight months ago, the international community stifled a snigger when North Korea's hyped rocket launch ended with a fizzle. At the time, Pyongyang surprised just about everyone by actually admitting its failure, a departure from previous efforts to project success at all costs. But this time, they've succeeded. No one is laughing now. Object seen in orbit after launch . "The world is not falling apart, like some would say, but at the same time this is not a joke. There was a lot of pre-media coverage that said that North Korea was not good at missile technology and were sort of ridiculing them," said Philip Yun, executive director of the Ploughshare Fund and a former adviser to the U.S. government. "Are we that much less secure right now?" he asked. "Marginally, but at the same time, this is something that we have to worry about." What we know is that just before 10 a.m. local time, North Korea launched the long-range Unha-3 rocket carrying "the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3" from the Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County in the country's west. It soared over Okinawa, dropping debris into the sea off the Korean Peninsula, the East China Sea and waters near the Philippines, according to the Japanese government, which slammed the launch as "unacceptable." "The success of the launch -- which most analysts assume is a clandestine missile test -- brings North Korea one step closer to demonstrating a viable and reliable long-range delivery vehicle for a nuclear warhead," said Benjamin Habib, lecturer in Politics and International Relations School of Social Sciences at La Trobe University. "If the missile technology is mastered, the last technical hurdle remaining is miniaturization of a nuclear warhead that can be deployed on the Unha-3 rocket." Yun says that's still some way off. "There's still a lot of work that needs to be done if they're actually going to mount a nuclear device or a weapon on a rocket," he said. "The good news is we have a fair amount of time. The bad news is that if we're not proactive, and if we don't figure out a way to curtail North Korea's actions, they're going to continue to develop and learn more and over the long term we're going to have to deal with it in a much more difficult situation," he said. Read more: The cost of the launch . In the short term, one analyst said that Wednesday's successful test was likely to encourage Pyongyang to attempt another nuclear test. "We don't know if the one in 2009 was a nuclear device rather than a weapon itself. They might need additional refinement and testing of a weaponised as well as a miniaturized version that can fit on a warhead," said Bruce Klingner, Senior Research Fellow for Northeast Asia in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation. "More concerning would be an explosion that used a uranium-based warhead because the plutonium program is largely capped. "We don't think they have any more available plutonium but the uranium path is really wide open. So if they have a uranium-based explosion, that will cause a great deal of concern in the U.S. and its allies that there is an uncapped nuclear weapons program," he said. Read more: North Korea shouts 'look at me' with rocket . The missile that North Korea fired Wednesday appeared to be a four-stage rocket based on old Soviet technology, much less advanced than the rockets being used across the border in China, said Homer Hickam, a former NASA engineer and the author of "Rocket Boys." "What the North Koreans have done is taken the technology the Russians developed 50 years ago and upgraded it a little bit and they're trying to use that old technology to cause a splash in the international scene and to get paid attention to," he said. It seems to have worked. International condemnation has been building since the launch, which came just days after North Korea admitted that technical problems could cause a delay. Multiple theories have been given for the launch's timing, but most analysts agree that a combination of domestic and international pressures and priorities came into play. After the humiliation of the failed April launch, leader Kim Jong Un was desperate to assert his leadership credentials, some analysts say. A rocket launch was also seen as a fitting tribute to mark the first anniversary of the death of his father, former leader Kim Jong Il. Analysts have also pointed to the curious timing of the launch, which came just days before national elections in Japan and South Korea, where the candidates' stance on North Korea is dominating debate in the final days of campaigning. Chung Min Lee, a professor of international relations at Yonsei University, says the launch was also designed to send a message to the United States and China. "Kim Jong Un has told President Obama and Xi Jinping, 'I am not going to do business as usual. I'll go down this particular path, come what may.' This sends a very negative signal and puts the Chinese into a box. Xi Jinping must react either way. I believe that the Chinese will be a lot stronger on North Korea this time than on any other previous occasions," he said. It's not a view shared by Dean Cheng, research fellow in Chinese Political and Security Affairs at The Heritage Foundation. Why did North Korea launch a rocket? "Frankly, I don't expect very much from Xi," he said. "This new Chinese leadership looks to be extraordinarily weak, in part because of the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee. Five of them will have to retire by 2017, which means that the jockeying is already under way for the next succession." He said the government is likely to take a "wait-and-see" attitude while the rest of the international community seeks to exert pressure on North Korea through the United Nations Security Council. "If North Korea develops longer-range ballistic missiles, China doesn't think that they'll be aimed at Beijing. So from China's perspective, it has very little interest or need to come down very hard on North Korea until the U.S., Japan and South Korea make it clear to China that allowing North Korea to do this is going to be more costly than cracking down on them," Cheng said. In a statement Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed regret about the launch. "China has always insisted on bringing peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula through multilateral dialogue. We hope relevant parties stay calm in order to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," he said. China has traditionally been a stumbling block in efforts by the international community to pressure North Korea with sanctions imposed through the U.N. Security Council, Klingner said. "When the U.S. and South Korea went to the U.N. working group after the April launch with a proposed 40 additional entities, China rejected all but three," he said. He added that the U.S.'s ability to convince Beijing to back its efforts on North Korea will be a real test of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice and the Obama administration's policy toward China. Timeline: North Korea's rocket-fueled obsession . | Successful North Korean launch is cause for concern, analysts say . The launch brings Pyongyang closer to the capability to launch a nuclear warhead . There are fears the next step could be another nuclear test . Urgent action is needed through the U.N. Security Council, analysts say . | e33c68002b5226313e0c67452daa80c1cc72aeda |
(CNN) -- Sandwiched between Hong Kong and Shenzhen -- two of the world's busiest metropolises -- lies a Cold War-era anomaly: a 26 square kilometer green zone that is home to isolated villages, fishponds and flocks of migratory birds. Little more than 50m to the north, beyond the mesh fence and barbed wire that mark the border between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the skyscrapers of Shenzhen loom incongruously over the wetlands and vegetable patches of the Frontier Closed Area. Established in 1951 after the Korean War placed colonial Hong Kong in the frontline of a U.N. embargo against the People's Republic of China, the buffer zone was created to stop illegal immigrants, smugglers and spies. Sixty years later and the Frontier Closed Area has long since passed its useful life, leaving behind a natural habitat largely untouched by humans and some of the most valuable undeveloped real estate in the world. Last month, the Hong Kong government launched the first stage of a large-scale reduction in the area of the zone, allowing public access to 740 hectares of the 2,800 hectare cordon. Previously, tourists and non-residents needed permits to enter the zone and the estimated 9,500 people living inside the area were required to flash special passes to take transport into the frontier area. While the move represents a further step in the integration of Hong Kong -- until 1997 a British colony -- with mainland China, at a local level a spat is brewing over the future use of the valuable stretch of land. Villagers from Lin Ma Hang, a hamlet of little more than 150 people which will remain within the closed area until 2015, claim the government's plan to turn the area into a "green buffer" will interfere with their right to develop property they have owned for generations. While the rest of Hong Kong is riding a boom, property prices in the Frontier Closed Area have been depressed for decades. As the temperature of the debate ramps up, Lin Ma Hang residents have told Hong Kong government meetings they will fight land use plans for the Frontier Closed Area in the same way they fought and resisted the Japanese during the war. Lin Ma Hang village chief Yip Wah-ching told local media the residents of the zone are not against plans for a green heritage zone, but he believed there should be plenty of room for tourism-related projects. "After our section of the FCA is fully opened to the public, we hope the government will step forward and give us the necessary support for tourism and agricultural development," he told China Daily. Under a feasibility study undertaken by the Hong Kong Planning Department, with the help of global engineering giants ARUP, the government envisages a public-private partnership to create a combined conservation and eco-tourism zone involving low-density private residential and passive recreation development. While the study does not envisage large-scale development in the zone, it does not rule it out in the future depending on Hong Kong's population and economic pressures. Already conservationists have expressed concern over the fate of wetlands in the zone which make up part of the East Asian-Australasian flyway -- a corridor for migratory birds. As many as 10 species of globally endangered birds use this wetlands, according to conservation group Birdlife International. While half the wetlands fall within the protected area of the Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay nature reserve, the other half is in part of the Frontier Closed Area that could be earmarked for development. Ecologists fear that if the integrity of the continuous habitat is interrupted, the whole system could be under threat. Conservation manager at the World Wildlife Fund, Alan Leung, says the pressure from land-hungry Hong Kong -- which has some of the highest land and property prices in the world -- means any conservation programs for the area would need to be strongly policed. In the past, Hong Kong developers have used illegal tactics such as tree-felling, landfill and land excavation to degrade land, later lodging development applications that claim the area had little or no conservation value. "Our biggest concern is unauthorized development," Leung told CNN. "Much of this area is out of sight of the general public. It's very difficult for the government to monitor it." | Hong Kong's border with China includes a 26sq km land zone, the Frontier Closed Area . The Cold War-era zone has been largely untouched by humans since the 1950s . The Hong Kong government has recently opened up a portion of the closed area to the public . Conservationists fear developers could encroach on the zone which is home to migratory birds . | 61634007002d8dfd83e4940981dfd390c96ca04a |
(CNN) -- Hong Kong is well suited to providing a quick hit of urban thrills and retail therapy, but time-pressed visitors can also get a glimpse of another side of the city away from the shopping malls and neon-lit streets. It's not hard to find things to do or places to go at any time of day or night. A trip to The Peak is a good point from which to begin the day. Home to some of Hong Kong's most expensive properties, it's also the place for an unbeatable view, smog and weather permitting. Catch a tram there from next to the tranquil Hong Kong Park -- where early risers practice their tai chi -- or take a cheap taxi ride, which can whisk you there in a few minutes. A clear morning will reveal the city's high-rise buildings and skyscrapers unfurled below, with Kowloon and the green and mountainous New Territories in the middle distance. The pay-to-enter Peak Tower will also give you a view of the southern side of Hong Kong Island and the South China Sea, although a short walk round Lugard Road is a more rewarding way to take in the city below and work up an appetite. Hong Kong is a restaurant city and dim sum, which refers to a variety of light dishes like dumplings, is a city staple that can be enjoyed at any time in this 24-hour city. It's most commonly taken as a mid-morning meal. Image gallery: Hong Kong highlights » . Head back down towards Hong Kong's Central district, center of the city's finance and banking industry that funded the striking skyscrapers. The Luk Yu Tea House on Stanley Street is an oak-paneled gem that retains its charm despite its popularity: it's a fine spot for tea and dim sum. For even more local flavor, pull up a plastic stool at a "dai pai dong," or street restaurant, situated further along Stanley Street, for cheap, quick, tasty eats. If you're in the city on Sunday, Maxim's in Wan Chai is one of the few places where dim sum is still served by aging trolley dollies. Flag them down as they trundle past; point, eat and enjoy. You can't book a table but it's worth a visit for the atmosphere and harbor backdrop as much as the food. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on the planet, but its bustling streets are easy to navigate, helped by the affordable and plentiful taxis and an efficient public transport system. The city's skinny trams are a throwback to a different era and worth jumping on for a short journey just to watch the city go by: consider it a good chance to digest lunch. While the city is generally unsentimental when it comes to preserving its old architecture, Sheung Wan, well within walking distance from Central, can give you a better feel of the city away from the shiny malls and new office buildings. From Queens Road, jump on the escalator (yes, escalator) all the way up to Caine Road and wind your way back down the hill. The Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum and some incense-burning temples are nestled among the evocative streets, where you'll also find galleries and independent shops. The area is subject to increasing gentrification, so stroll down Gage Street while you still can: its market will soon disappear as part of the area's redevelopment. Head towards the piers to catch the Star Ferry to Kowloon. Take one of the vintage green tugs -- as iconic as the city's skyscrapers -- from Central Pier to Tsim Sa Tsui (commonly referred to as TST) on the other side of the harbor. As shopping is more of a way of life than a pastime for many Hong Kongers, you'll find you're never far from luxury brand outlets. TST offers just as many consumer delights as anywhere in the city. Away from the air-conditioned glitz of TST's Harbour City shopping plaza, or the boutiques around Granville Terrace, the streets to the north of Yau Ma Tei have a more visceral feel where shopping is no less popular and goes on until late at night, especially at the bargain-paradise for watches and bags, the "ladies night market" on Tung Choi Street. Even if shopping isn't on the agenda it's a great place for people watching and getting a sense of the energy of the city. From the throng to a bit of flash: early evening cocktails at Felix or Aqua bar should revive any weary spirits. The swank factor here is high, but there are killer views. They are also great vantage points for the lights and laser show that illuminates the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island every night at 8pm. On the island side, Sevva's balcony is next to the HSBC building, where you can feel closer to the lights and laser action while enjoying some well-mixed cocktails. Horse racing, like shopping, is another Hong Kong passion and if you're in town on a Wednesday race night, losing a few dollars at Happy Valley racetrack is great entertainment, as well as a glimpse into the expat social scene. Finding a place to eat dinner is never a problem, but for a night on the town head to Central's Soho (here it means South of Hollywood Road). Lan Kwai Fong is the main honey-pot for the bar crowd, but there's better to be had around Peel Street, Staunton Street and -- for extra posing potential -- Wyndham Terrace, where the bars and restaurants stay open late, late enough at least until the clubs open their doors. What are your tips for getting the most out of the city? Use the Sound Off box below and have your say. | Take a morning walk round the Peak for stunning views before diving into the city . Sample some of the world's best dim sum and indulge in some retail therapy . Cocktail bars with a view of Hong Kong Island should play some part in your evening . Tell us about your favorite places in Hong Kong using the Sound Off box, below . | 455991b2456c39e09923ffd69d218c3e9b434aba |
(CNN) -- Rebecca Sedwick should be 13 now. She should be enjoying the birthday cupcakes and ice cream her mom planned for her. But Rebecca will never know what it's like to be a teenager. She killed herself last month, jumping off a silo after she was tormented by bullying. Her mother, Tricia Norman, posted a birthday message to Rebecca on Facebook on what would have been her 13th birthday Saturday. "I remember so clearly the moment you were born. I knew I was gifted with a precious life and every moment since, I did my very best to protect you and now I feel like I failed that very important job that God gave me because He took you from me way too soon," Norman wrote. "I am doing my very best to make sure that other parents are made aware of how serious of a problem bullying is and I hope you are proud of me and satisfied with my progress. I am also working hard to make sure those that wronged you pay the price for what they did to you!!" A day after a class on bullying, a suicide . Over a boy? Rebecca and one of her alleged bullies were once friends, but they both had feelings for the same boy, police said. It soured their relationship. In November 2012, the bullying began, Judd said, and it expanded beyond the initial tensions between the two girls. Police arrested a second suspect accused of intensely bullying Rebecca, and they also confiscated the laptops and cell phones of 15 girls at Crystal Lake Middle School, which Rebecca had attended. They found a barrage of horrible messages: . "nobody cares about u" "i hate u" "you seriously deserve to die" Rebecca apparently gave up on herself, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Rebecca wasn't attacking back. She appeared to be beat down." But Rebecca's suffering was no secret at her school. Teachers saw her in tears. In December, she was hospitalized after slitting her wrists. Her school started a campaign against bullying, giving talks before the student body to discourage it. The night before her deadly plunge, she sent a message to a boy she met on Facebook: "I'm jumping. I can't take it anymore." Should parents be criminally liable for kids' cyberbullying? A suspect's defense . Two girls have been charged with aggravated stalking in Rebecca's case: 14-year-old Guadalupe Shaw and 12-year-old Kaitlyn Roman. CNN does not typically identify minors who are charged as juveniles, but the network is doing so in this case because their identities have been publicized by law enforcement and have received extensive publicity in their local media. Weeks after Rebecca leaped to her death, a potentially incriminating message appeared on Guadalupe's Facebook page: . "Yes IK I bullied REBECCA nd she killed her self but IDGAF," the message read. Judd said the online vernacular meant: "I don't give a (expletive)." The sheriff called in Guadalupe and her family about the post. Police arrested the daughter. Mother of girl accused of bullying Florida teen arrested on unrelated charges . But Guadalupe's father, Jose, told CNN's "New Day" last week that his daughter couldn't have been the one to post that message. The father had just finished watching the news on TV when he found her asleep and sent her to bed. It was about that time that the message landed on Facebook, he said. "I grabbed the computer and took it to my room, and the only other thing she could have used to send this message was my cell phone, and my cell phone is always with me," he said. He said he suspects someone hacked her account. But the sheriff said he doubts that. Judd said investigators don't believe the teen's Facebook account was compromised, Judd said. Sheriff: Taunting post leads to arrests in bullying death . Mother of teen suspect arrested . Not long after Guadalupe's arrest, her mother was arrested on suspicion of child abuse and child neglect, authorities said Friday. Judd said 30-year-old Vivian Vosburg was arrested Friday afternoon. The sheriff emphasized that Vosburg's charges are not related to those of her daughter and the other young suspect in Rebecca's case. Vosburg's arrest came after authorities received tips from residents that she might have been involved in beating children, Judd said. A minute-long video clip Judd played at a Friday press conference showed a woman, whom he identified as Vosburg, punching two boys with her fist while shouting profanities. Join us October 29 for a Google Hangout on bullying . Judd said the mother first argued the beating was an accident but then said it "got out of hand" partly because she was having a bad day. The video had been posted to the Internet and has since been taken down. It wasn't immediately clear who took the video or when and where it was taken. Boy asks Santa to make kids stop bullying his sister . CNN's Kim Segal, John Couwels and Ben Brumfield contributed to this report. | "I did my very best to protect you and now I feel like I failed," Rebecca Sedwick's mother says . Rebecca, 12, jumped off a silo last month after she was bullied by schoolmates . Rebecca's mom promises her that she will teach other parents about how serious bullying is . The father of a teen suspect says his daughter didn't post a nasty message on Facebook . | 59a3a531a5ab4990a67c27020da1798f586bc8e2 |
Rohit Sharma scored the highest ever individual score in a one-day international and became the first player to score two career double centuries in a 50-over match with 264 against Sri Lanka. The sensational innings on a batsman-friendly Kolkata came off 173 balls with 33 fours and nine sixes, and only ended on the last ball of India's innings as Sharma holed out in the deep. Sharma said he was 'ready to bat another 50 overs' after walking off the Eden Gardens with his side on a formidable 404 for five after winning the toss and batting first. His score alone would have won the match by 13 runs after the visitors were all out in the 44th over for 251. India's Rohit Sharma hit 264 from 173 balls against Sri Lanka for the highest ever ODI score on Thursday . Sri Lanka were made to pay for dropping the destructive 27-year-old in the fifth over with his tally just four runs at the time. Sharma's innings demolishes Virender Sehwag's previous record of a 149-ball 219 against the West Indies in 2011. Sharma also has the third top score in ODIs with his 209 off 158 balls against Australia in November last year. Sharma's knock got off to a modest start with the opener reaching his hundred in even time, with his first 50 off 72 balls and his second 50 in a swift 28 deliveries. From then it was a procession for the right-hander. His third 50 took 25 balls and the 50 up to his 200 took just 26 deliveries. With the end in sight, and Sharma looking to cash in knowing 350 is an achievable target at this ground, he reached 250 in a further 15 balls. 1) ROHIT SHARMA (India) 264 (173 balls) v Sri Lanka, November 13, 2014 . 2) VIRENDER SEHWAG (India) 219 (149 ball) v West Indies, December 8, 2011 . 3) ROHIT SHARMA (India) 209 (158 balls) v Australia, November 2, 2013 . 4) SACHIN TENDULKAR (India) 200* (147 balls) v South Africa, February 24, 2010 . 5) CHARLES COVENTRY (Zimbabwe) 194* (156 balls) v Bangladesh, August 16, 2009 . 6) SAEED ANWAR (Pakistan) 194 (146 balls) v India, May 21, 1997 . 7) VIV RICHARDS (West Indies) 189* (170 balls) v England, May 31, 1984 . 8) MARTIN GUPTILL (New Zealand) 189* (155 balls) v England, June 2, 2013 . 9) SANATH JAYASURIYA (Sri Lanka) 189 (161 balls) v India, October 29, 2000 . 10) GARY KIRSTEN (South Africa) 188* (159 balls) v UAE February 16, 1996 . 'Once I got to 50 I knew I had to make a century because it was a good batting wicket and we knew 350 was easily chaseable. That made me stay there as long as possible,' Sharma said on Sky Sports 2. 'It is important to look at the team score as that is how you build an innings.' Had opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekara been given his full allocation of 10 overs he could have made a century of his own after going for 89 runs off nine overs at a rate of 9.88. His only consolation was that it was off his bowling that Sharma's wicket fell, with the rampant 27-year-old finding the safe hands of Mahela Jayawardene instead of the middle of his bat. Coming into this match, Sharma had scored 142 for an India A side ina warm-up against the Sri Lankans - his last knock before that was in August against England in Cardiff where he injured his hand. Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are the only other players to have reached 200 in an ODI. One record Sharma fell short of was for the highest score for a limited-overs match, falling a single shot along the ground short of Alistair Brown's 268 for Surrey in 2002. India got off to the perfect start with the ball, removing Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera without scoring with the third ball of their first over. Despite a mid-innings fightback from Angelo Mathews (75) and Lahiru Thiramine (59) the target proved a task too great and India took a 4-0 series lead with one match remaining. We are unable to carry live pictures from this match due to a dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and international news organisations. The BCCI has refused access to venues to established picture agencies Getty Images and Action Images and other Indian photographic agencies. MailOnline consider this action to be a strike against press freedom and supports the action to boycott BCCI imagery. | Rohit Sharma is the first player to score two ODI double centuries . His 264 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, came off just 173 balls . The innings overtakes Virender Sehwag's 219 against West Indies . India set Sri Lanka 405 for victory at 8.10 an over to win their fourth ODI . Sharma's score alone beat the 251 Sri Lanka managed before being all out . | 915a212fc7204a33f2ad3ccb3beaae12a2e89901 |
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