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By . Richard Shears . PUBLISHED: . 18:35 EST, 18 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:38 EST, 18 August 2013 . Eight tribesmen from a remote part of Indonesia are feared drowned after a killer whale they harpooned pulled their boat down. Four of the 12 hunters on board the wooden boat managed to swim to the shore, but their companions went down with the flimsy vessel after the whale at first dragged the vessel along - before diving. Villagers said it was a mystery why the eight disappeared without trace because they were in an open boat when it was pulled under in the waters off the island of Lembata, in eastern Indonesia. One of few whaling villages: Lamalera village on the southern tip of Lembata, Indonesia . A major search by tribes people and marine police has failed to find any trace of the men, their boat or the whale, the Jakarta Globe reported today. Traditional whale hunters on Lembata usually hunt sperm whales, known locally as koteklema, but because they have become scare in recent years the villagers have turned their attention to orcas. ‘We’ve searched everywhere for the men,’ said Yoseph Daison, chief of the village of Lamalera. Hunters on Lembata usually hunt sperm whales, but because they have become scare in recent years villagers turned their attention to killer whales . ‘We hunt these whales only for food for . the village and it’s sad that we appear to have lost these people when . they were going about a necessary task.’ Lembata district chief Eliaser Sunur said he had asked the naval base in the regional capital, Kupang, to send ships to help in the search for the fishermen. Lamalera village, on the southern tip of Lembata, is one of only two traditional whaling communities on the island. Between them, they usually hunt about a dozen sperm whales a year. The incident has provoked varying views on social media, one writer comparing it to the fictional story of Captain Ahab who hunted the white whale, Moby Dick, in revenge for the boats it had sunk. But another writer emphasised that the hunters search for whales to provide just enough meat for their whole village and was a process filled with religious rites and taboos. | Four of 12 hunters swam to shore, but their companions went down . Search has failed to find any trace of the men, their boat or the whale . The incident compared to fictional story of the hunt for Moby Dick . | 68516e82f19aa1670414c6713d8fc2f5b7f9f22b |
(CNN)Six feet of snow in the last month and counting. Bostonians have had it up to their eyeballs with the winter of 2015. "I can't believe this is my neighborhood. It's wild," Amy McHugh of Weymouth, Massachusetts, told CNN affiliate WCVB-TV. "I keep telling the kids, 'You're going to be telling your kids about this.' It's unimaginable." Not only unimaginable, but record-setting. "It's only been 14 days, and we've gotten 70 to 80 inches of snow around the commonwealth," Gov. Charlie Baker said. "This is pretty much unprecedented. "If I've learned one thing over the course of the past two weeks, it's (that) Mother Nature makes the rules," Baker said. By Monday evening, the system had dumped an additional 22-plus inches on Boston, pushing it into the city's Top 5 for February snowstorms. The 30-day total is even more impressive. At a fraction under 72 inches, it set a record. In an average year, the city gets 47 inches of snow. Cesar Moya, 60, died after a plowing truck struck him Monday afternoon in Medford, Massachusetts, the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said. Moya was struck in a parking lot while leaving work after completing a shift at a market. He died from his injuries at a hospital. "The circumstances surrounding what occurred are still being examined," the district attorney's office said in a statement. "However, due to the unprecedented weather we are all experiencing, it bears saying that we all need to be mindful of public safety issues as we navigate sidewalks, parking lots, and roads." Even more snow could fall before the weekend. The National Weather Service is keeping close watch on a new storm that could bring between 3 and 6 additional inches of snow to the Boston area Thursday and Friday. "I'd welcome a 6-inch storm at this point," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh quipped. It's enough to drive some folks a bit stir crazy. One Boston resident used the hashtag #getmeoutofhere to describe his feelings. Tuesday's priority, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, was to assist cities with digging out. The state agency will help cities move snow to snow farms or, in some cases, into rivers, spokesman Peter Judge told CNN. "Everyone's been working full-bore for that last three weeks," Judge said, referring to the trucks removing as much snow as possible. Eastern Massachusetts is running out of places to put all the white stuff. There's so much snow that cities have been given permission to dump it in Boston Harbor, which is usually a no-no. The city is melting 430 tons of snow per hour, Walsh said. Schools in parts of the Northeast, including Boston, were closed again Tuesday. Walsh said students haven't had a full week of classes in three weeks. They'll run out of snow days soon if the weather doesn't let up. Schools in the Pentucket Regional School District, north of Boston, will remain closed the rest of the week. The superintendent cited the "frequency and intensity of recent storms, another potentially major storm brewing for Thursday and Friday, and the already high levels of snow on the roofs of schools" as factors. Boston remains under a snow emergency and parking ban. Cars left on city streets were being ticketed and towed to make room for snowplows. The string of storms is taking a toll on city coffers. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, known as the T, has suspended all rail services through the end of Tuesday. Limited bus service will be running. However, air travel across the Northeast should improve. Boston has already exceeded its $18.5 million snow removal budget, and spent about $30 million -- most of it in the last 17 days, Walsh said. More than 2,880 flights into and out of the United States were canceled Sunday and Monday, mostly because of the storm. By Tuesday afternoon, nearly 250 flights had been scrubbed, according to FlightAware.com. Boston's Logan International Airport remained open during the storm, but most flights were canceled Monday. The weather forced a couple of big Massachusetts trials to be delayed. The murder trial of former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez has been pushed back to Wednesday, and the same goes for jury selection in the trial of Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Folks in the Northeast are known for being tough, but three snowstorms in three weeks is wearing a bit thin. "It's kind of depressing sometimes," Jesus Cora of Nashua, New Hampshire, told CNN affiliate WMUR-TV. "It's really depressing, you know?" Boston University freshman Cameron Barkan said, expressing the same sentiment. "I'm tired of it," said Barkan, who has missed three days of class because of the storms. "I usually like snow, but this is just a little much." CNN's Ray Sanchez contributed to this report. | Thursday storm could bring another 3 to 6 inches of snow . "Mother Nature makes the rules," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says . Schools are closed again Tuesday in some areas, including Boston . | 78365feea1d5d41bae1498c9891ce7ef808c4687 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:31 EST, 4 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:50 EST, 4 April 2013 . A farmer has told of his miraculous escape after he fell into a 30ft deep pit of sludge and sank all the way up to his mouth in a harrowing four hour-long ordeal. Grateful Chan Lai has hailed firefighters muddy miracle workers after they finally pulled him alive from the pit of in southern China. Chan, 62, accidentally slipped into the mud it as he was leaving his fields in Neijing, Sichuan province, and began to sink fast. Miracle rescue: Chinese farmer Chan Lai's head pokes out of the mud as firefighters race to stop him sinking into the 30ft deep pit . And when villagers tried to pull him free he only slipped further under the surface. 'I was getting deeper and deeper. It was like quicksand sucking me down,' said Chan after the rescue. Firefighters first tried pumping out the mud but had to dig Chan out when the thick, clay-like earth choked their hoses. Effort: Rescue workers attach ropes to the stricken farmer as they attempt to pull him free from the sludge . The 62-year-old farmer accidentally slipped into the mud it as he was leaving his fields in Neijing, Sichuan province . They managed to dig a hole alongside the mud pit and then drained the mud from the first into the second. 'I was in there for four or five hours and sometimes my head was completely under the mud. 'I was already buried and I thought pretty soon I'd be dead,' said Chan. I'm very lucky to still be around,' he added. Lucky to be alive: The farmer is finally pulled free after his four-hour ordeal . | Chan Lai, 62, had fallen into the pit on his way back home from the fields . He sank up to his mouth during harrowing, four-hour long ordeal . Firefighters dug a hole alongside and drained the mud from the pit into it . | e529c000e7e2a026242200e4ddbfaf6bb6da1a32 |
The woman who posed for an incredibly realistic image painted on the back of a ute that shows herself being kidnapped has hit back at critics who say the artwork is in bad taste. The image shows Bree Benyon, from Townsville, lying down with her hands bound and mouth gagged and with a shovel lying on top of her. Incredibly, the image was painted by the model's sign-writer father and adorns her stepmother's ute. The image looks so real that some motorists thought there really was a woman being held hostage in the back of the vehicle. Model Bree Benyon has caused a storm of controversy over this lifelike image of her bound and gagged painted on the back of her stepmother's ute . Townsville's Bree Benyon told people against the image yesterday to 'live a little' and 'have a sense of humour' on Facebook . After receiving criticism on Facebook, she was forced to break her silence and told people to 'lighten up' about the image, which she insists is little more than a family joke. 'Live a little, have a sense of humour – obviously the picture got people's attention so the photo worked,' Benyon wrote on Facebook. Benyon's father is a professional sign-writer and painted it on the back of her stepmother’s ute, presumably in an effort to advertise his business. The image sparked controversy after it was published in the Townsville Bulletin yesterday. Some people thought the image was in poor taste, but others told people offended by it to 'get over it'. The model had just returned from a trip to the Gold Coast after she was selected to appear in Maxim magazine's 2015 bikini calendar. Ms Benyon was contacted for further comment. Bree Benyon (pictured in front) is a bikini model and has just returned from the Gold Coast after she was picked to pose for Maxim magazine's 2015 calendar. The image of her on the back of the ute has divided public opinion . | The image sparked outrage across Townsville, with some passing motorists believing the ute really held a kidnapped woman . Image was painted by the model's father on the back of stepmother's ute . Model Bree Banyon laughed off the controversy, taking to Facebook to tell her critics to get 'a sense of humour' | 14aa594b3cb4d846eb6ffe5bdfbeeba29df23ac6 |
Kyle Busch will miss Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 after breaking his leg during a support event accident. The 29-year-old is the younger brother of 2004 champion Kurt, who has lost his final appeal against his indefinite suspension after a judge said the former champion almost surely choked and beat his former girlfriend - who has previously referred to as an assassin. It means both drivers will miss the 57th edition of 'The Great American Race'. Kyle's Toyota slammed into an inside retaining wall at high speed late in Saturday's race and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Scroll down for video . Case: NASCAR driver Kurt Busch leaves the IMC building after an appeal hearing on Saturday. He lost and has been suspended from the circuit indefinitely . Ruled out: Kyle Busch's Toyota slammed into an inside retaining wall at high speed on the Daytona track late in Saturday's pre-event race and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment . He sustained a right lower leg compound fracture and left mid-foot fracture in the crash with eight laps remaining. His team Joe Gibbs Racing said he was undergoing surgery on his right leg. On Saturday, Kurt lost his last-ditch appeal, ending his already-slim hopes of racing in the season-opener. On Friday Family Court Commissioner David Jones concluded that Busch lilkeyabused Patricia Driscoll by 'manually strangling' her and smashing her head into a wall inside his motorhome at Dover International Speedway last September. He however has claimed she is an 'assassin' and a bad-ass, and once came home covered in blood. 'Kurt Busch and his Stewart-Haas Racing team are fully aware of our position and why this decision was made,' NASCAR said in a statement. Busch attorney Rusty Hardin said the driver will appeal, and NASCAR said it will be expedited. Still, SHR said Regan Smith will drive Busch's car in the Daytona 500 regardless of the appeal outcome. 'We assure everyone, including NASCAR, that this action against Mr. Busch will turn out to be a travesty of justice, apparent to all, as this story continues to unfold,' Hardin said in a statement. A judge concluded Busch likely abused Patricia Driscoll (pictured right) by 'manually strangling' her and smashing her head into a wall inside his motorhome at Dover International Speedway last September . 'It is important for everyone to remember that the Commissioner's report has to do with a civil, family law matter and no criminal charges have been filed against Mr. Busch.' Busch becomes the first driver suspended by NASCAR for domestic violence. Chairman Brian France had maintained the series would let the process play out before ruling on Busch's eligibility - and the series came down hard in finding that he committed actions detrimental to stock car racing and broke the series' behavioral rules. Travis Kvapil, who qualified second for Friday night's Truck Series race, was arrested and charged with assault of his wife in 2013. NASCAR took no action against Kvapil. Chevrolet immediately suspended its relationship with Busch. A short time later, on the glass outside of Busch's garage stall at Daytona, someone had scrawled in black marker '#41 Ray Rice,' a reference to the former Baltimore Ravens running back whose own case of domestic violence dominated much of last year. Busch drives the No. 41 Chevrolet. Procedures: Kyle (pictured just before the crash) sustained a right lower leg compound fracture and left mid-foot fracture in the crash with eight laps remaining. It means both of the brothers are out of the blockbuster season-opener . The 36-year-old Busch has denied the alleged assault, which is the subject of a separate criminal investigation, but the judge said Driscoll's version of the incident was more credible than Busch's. Driscoll said she was never motivated to have Busch punished by NASCAR. 'I reported a crime, just like anybody else who has been abused should do, because no one is above the law,' Driscoll said. 'I'm very encouraged that NASCAR is taking steps to recognize that domestic violence is a serious issue, and I hope that we see them develop a very clear policy on it.' She urged NASCAR to develop a confidential reporting mechanism that partners of drivers could use to report domestic abuse without fear of threats or reprisals for coming forward. 'NASCAR has made it very clear to our entire membership and the broader industry that any actions of abuse will not be tolerated in the industry,' NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said. 'I want to make it clear that any inference that there's a culture or a tolerance for this type of behavior is patently false.' Response: The 36-year-old Busch (pictured with Driscoll) has denied the alleged assault, which is the subject of a separate criminal investigation . Precedent: Busch becomes the first driver suspended by NASCAR for domestic violence . | Kyle's Toyota slammed into an inside retaining wall at high speed . The 29-year-old is the younger brother of 2004 champion Kurt . He lost a last-ditch appeal against his indefinite suspension on Saturday . A judge said the 36-year-old almost certainly beat his former girlfriend . Was also accused of smashing Patricia Drsicoll's head against a wall . He became NASCAR's first driver to be suspended for domestic violence . | 2082d17075605e8156ca82f9a4a1525573da3bbc |
By . Tracey Cox . Sex is an effort sometimes. There isn’t a long-term couple alive who hasn’t tossed up a romp in the bedroom versus a takeaway in front of the telly and gone for the latter. But if you’re thinking of permanently trading sex for snuggles, think again. Tracey says that couples who abstain from sex could be risking their mental and physical health . 'Oh, we stopped having sex long ago!', some couples cheerfully inform me. 'We’re passed all that now.' I understand why. The longer you’re with your partner, the less sex you have because of what’s called ‘habituation’: removal of the novelty factor. But there are very, very good reasons to fight this and keep getting physical with your partner.You might think it’s not that important but research shows if sex is non-existent, relationship dissatisfaction soars to 50 to 70 percent. And that’s not all that will go wrong for each of you…. You'll feel disconnected to your partner. You can remain physically connected by hugging, kissing and sleeping naked but for most people, sex is the most intimate act. For men, particularly, sex is a way of expressing love if they’re not great at articulating their emotions. Take sex off the table and you remove the most intense, effective, important way of showing affection. Love without sex is friendship. Tracey says that love without sex is inevitably just friendship . Sure, you’re each other’s best friends but is that really all you want to be? Friends? You'll be snappy and irritable. Don’t underestimate how sex acts as a buffer against the challenges you face in your relationship. If you’ve had great sex the night before, you’re far less likely to flip when you see the rubbish still sitting in the hall. You'll feel insecure. Knowing you’re desired and wanted by your partner, endorses your sense of self-worth. It makes you feel attractive, loved, special. Even if have both joked about the fact that you’re not having sex anymore, the closest couple are left with a nervous residue of uncertainty. Did they agree to abstinence because they really couldn’t care less about sex? Or because they want to please me? You'll increase the chances of an affair. Here’s the thing about sex: when you stop having it, you stop wanting it (which is how couples end up agreeing - openly or implied - to do without). But sex doesn’t go away. Sexual images are everywhere and sexy people are all around us. All it takes is a certain set of circumstances (all too often in the form of another person who’s attractive and does want to have sex with either us or our partner) and suddenly a desire for sex can come flooding back. What then? They know you aren’t interested or vice versa. What do you do with that resurgence of desire? No surprise that there’s a significant link between sexual dissatisfaction and infidelity. You'll lose your mind - literally. Sex is good for you, both physically and mentally. Sex makes us smarter: scientists found indulging regularly leads to better performance on learning and memory tests. It comes as no surprise that there's a significant link between sexual dissatisfaction and infidelity . You'll get more headaches and migraines. Orgasms release oxytocin and endorphins which can help relieve migraines, period pains and back pain. You'll die sooner. If you’re not already grabbing your partner and disappearing into the bedroom fast, this might do the job. Studies show the risk of death for middle-age men drops by 50 per cent for men who have orgasms at least twice a month. Sex twice a week also prevents heart disease in both sexes, reduces the risk of both breast and prostate cancer and boosts our immune system. Isn't it time you turned off the telly? Don’t want to end up in a sexless marriage? Tracey’s book Supersex for Life is a great sex guide for long-term partners. To read more from Tracey visit her Mail Online blog here. | Tracey says that by not having sex we put strain on our relationship . Not having sex increases chances of infidelity in relationships . Research shows that skipping sex can even have an effect on our life span . | 5382137707a9263f666ee2e4db2343510ddd4d59 |
By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 10:38 EST, 13 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:38 EST, 13 March 2013 . The world's largest 'flawless' diamond ever to put up for auction could sell for more than $20million. The pear-shaped diamond is one of only a handful in the world that to have been graded by experts to have both perfect colour and clarity. And at 101.73 carats it is more than twice the size of a similar 'flawless' diamond which recently sold for $9.4million. The world's largest 'flawless' diamond ever to go on sale took 21 months to polish . There are believed to be no more than . 600 flawless diamonds which are between one and two carats in existence, . and above ten carats even less. For a diamond to meet every criteria of perfection and be more than 100 carats is exceptionally rare, says auction house Christie's. The diamond was carved from a 236-carat . rough diamond that was found at the Jwaneng Mine in Botswana and took 21 . months to polish. It will be auctioned by Christie's at May 15 as part of the Magnificent Jewels . sale at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. At 101.73 carats the diamond is the largest 'flawless' gem of its kind ever to go on sale . Estimates are available on request, but a pear-shaped D colour, internally flawless diamond of 50.52 carats recently sold for over $9.4 million at auction. 'A perfect diamond is the result of . the skill and vision of a master cutter who is able to uncover beauty . from a rough gem,' said Rahul Kadakia, head of Jewellery, Christie’s . Switzerland and Americas. 'This diamond is in its scale, . quality and rarity one of the most beautiful ‘white’ diamonds Christie’s . has ever had the honor of offering for sale.' The successful buyer will also be given the privilege of naming the diamond. The Gemological Institute of America graded it with the best color, D, and the best clarity. Fewer than 2 percent of the world’s diamond meets the type IIA criteria for transparency and brilliance. The world’s most famous pear-shaped diamond is the Cullinan I, a colourless, Type IIA stone of 530.20 carats, which forms part of the British Crown Jewels. It is also the largest colourless diamond known. The diamond was carved from a 236-carat rough diamond found in Jwaneng Mine in Botswana . | Experts say exceptionally rare gem meets every criteria of perfection . Carved from 236-carat rough diamond found in Jwaneng Mine, Botswana . Twice size of similar 'flawless' diamond which recently sold for $9.4million . | ad64aaff9990dca87305fb8d213d9ad64c72a56d |
Children at a Christian school were asked by Ofsted inspectors if anyone there was gay, it emerged yesterday. It was just one of the ‘inappropriate’ questions posed to pupils when watchdogs visited Durham Free School, which is set to close after being branded ‘intolerant’. The youngsters, aged 11 to 13, were also asked whether they had met someone who was gay or bisexual and whether they had learned how to make a baby. Pupils at The Durham Free School reported being asked questions by a bald man who they thought was in charge, staff said . A follow-up question asked what they would do if someone who was gay or Muslim came to their school. Details of the questions emerged a day after it was revealed how children were branded bigots because one boy gave the wrong answer when asked what a Muslim was. His answer apparently included a reference to terrorism. Following the latest revelations, chairman of the board of governors John Denning blasted the ‘aggressive and intimidatory’ examination by watchdogs during the inspection last November . He said officials arrived ‘expecting to find evidence of religious extremism’ and that the pupils described how they had been quizzed by a ‘tall bald man’ who appeared to be in charge. ‘The trust believes that there is clear evidence that the inspectors were prejudiced by the allegations,’ he wrote. ‘Pupils were embarrassed by some questions from inspectors.’ Mr Denning said inspectors also asked how the school, which serves a prominently white British population, was raising awareness of female genital mutilation – an issue facing communities originating from Africa and the Middle East. He added: ‘Whilst important in some contexts, [it] was not a priority for 11 and 12-year-olds in the context of the characteristics of the communities served by the school.’ His eight-year-old daughter Naomi, a pupil at the school, has written an open letter to the Education Secretary criticising inspectors’ ‘searching questions’. It is the latest school to complain about being unfairly penalised by new rules forcing schools to teach British values such as tolerance – designed to combat extremism in the wake of the Trojan Horse scandal in Birmingham. Nearby Grindon Hall Christian School in Sunderland was put into special measures after children were branded intolerant. Durham Free, which has 94 pupils, was opened by parents and teachers in September 2013 but will now close at Easter after Ofsted failed it on a range of factors. Following the visit last year inspectors criticised its poor teaching, attainment and behaviour. But they also claimed some children were ‘discriminatory’, adding: ‘Leaders are failing to prepare students for life in modern Britain. Some students hold discriminatory views of other people who have different faiths, values or beliefs from themselves.’ However, teachers say the accusation is based on conversations held with a few confused pupils. The school’s acting headmaster Julian Eisner said parents were ‘disturbed’ about the questions and said children were left ‘distressed and upset’. Calling for Ofsted to review its approach with ‘age-appropriate’ questions, he added: ‘[Pupils] should never be asked questions that make them feel uncomfortable or caught out by the narrow agenda of the person asking the questions.’ Staff also claim teaching has improved under a new leadership team and say inspectors were ‘prejudiced’ by allegations made by a disgruntled former employee. The school, in County Durham, is preparing to mount a challenge against the Department for Education’s decision to withdraw its funding. Parents were told yesterday they had a week to decide on a new school for their children. But Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said Ofsted’s findings come after the Education Funding Agency identified ‘serious concerns about financial management, control and governance’, saying Durham Free had been a ‘troubled school’ for some time. New rules: Guidelines, introduced by the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan (pictured) last year, require schools actively to promote 'British values' including democracy, liberty and tolerance' Nearby Grindon Hall Christian School in Sunderland was put into special measures after children were branded intolerant . | Pupils at The Durham Free School were questioned by Ofsted inspector . Children were asked whether they had ever met gay or bisexual people . Boy branded a bigot for referring to terrorism when asked about Islam . Chairman of the board of governors branded questions 'aggressive' | e6134c3a18851144a37b32339f86dbeab99f1211 |
Jeremy Clarkson and his Top Gear crew may have broken the law by switching number plates on his Porsche during their controversial trip to Argentina. The TV show's presenters' convoy was attacked by locals armed with rocks, sticks and pickaxe handles amid claims the H982 FKL number plates were a reference to the 1982 Falklands war. Clarkson, 54, has insisted the plates' apparent reference to the conflict were an unfortunate coincidence and were changed as soon as it was noticed. But the scandal engulfing the show deepened today when it emerged that by attaching the vehicle's previous number plates, Clarkson and his crew may have broken the law. Scroll down for videos . Argentine officials and newspapers took offence to Clarkson's number plate, which they said was a 'provocation' and a 'very big offence'. They claimed it was a reference to the the 1982 Falklands conflict . Pictures from after the car was attacked show the controversial number plate - H982 FKL - had been changed to one previously registered to the vehicle - H1 VAE (shown, left) The Top Gear team (pictured during their trip to Argentina) including Richard Hammond (far left), Jeremy Clarkson (second left) and James May (far right) were forced to flee the country after being hounded by a mob . Clarkson was spotted in Chelsea, west London, today after flying home after flying home from Chile . Records show the car - which last changed hands in August, weeks before the ill-fated trip - was registered as H982 FKL to the Porsche 928 featured in the show in 1991. But it was later changed to H1 VAE - the registration plate later attached to the car in Argentina - by a previous owner in 2001, before being changed back. Records suggest that the H1 VAE plate is now registered to another car in a UK, a Porsche 911 Turbo, and has been since 2006. The DVLA today confirmed that it is an offence to drive a car 'in this country or abroad' under a plate assigned to a different vehicle. A spokesman said: 'The UK rules are clear – a vehicle can only display a registration mark that is currently assigned to that vehicle. 'Failure to comply with these rules can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and enforcement of this offence would be a matter for the police. 'We would always advise motorists planning on taking a vehicle abroad to check the vehicle registration rules of the individual registration authorities.' The BBC has said it is looking into the controversy but is unable to comment on the issue at present. It came as Clarkson claimed that Argentina allegedly told Chilean officials to stop the crew entering the country as they tried to flee from the angry mob. Clarkson said the number plate was a coincidence and was not meant as a reference to the Falklands War . The presenters' cars were left by the side of the road in Argentina before they fled across the border to Chile . The presenter said they faced difficulty crossing into Chile when the Argentinians ordered that they were stopped. He told The Sun: 'Their plan was to then arrest the crew for entering the country illegally. He added: ‘'Luckily for us, we’re really popular in Chile and they love the British so the official refused. In fact his direct quote was, “I told them, f*** you!”.’ Clarkson described the official as a ‘real hero’ and also praised the police officers who escorted the film crew safely into Chile. He also accused the Argentinians of taking advantage of their visit for 'political capital' and said the violent protest was 'state-organised'. ‘The more I think about this, the more I’m convinced we were set up by the local government,’ he added. The attack took place in Ushuaia, on the southern tip of Argentina. The crew later fled over the border to Chile . Jeremy Clarkson (pictured after landing at Heathrow) said the number plate was a complete coincidence . The drama unfolded when the Top Gear convoy was attacked with rocks, sticks and pickaxe handles as it made its way through the country during filming for a special edition of the BBC motoring show. Clarkson said he was forced to hide under a hotel room bed with his co-stars as an armed mob rampaged after them and shouted: ‘This is a mafia state, best you do as you're told'. They were eventually forced to flee Argentina under police escort – three days earlier than planned - as the furious thugs tried to 'kill' them. The controversial number plate is not likely to be a private one and was attached to the car when the BBC received it for filming, a spokesman for the show said. The H at the beginning of the plate represents the year in which it was produced - 1991. FKL, the last three letters, represent where the vehicle was first registered. The numbers in between these characters are chosen at random by the DVLA. Porsche confirmed today the car was not bought from them by producers at Top Gear, but from a private owner. Motorists cannot transfer a registration plate if it will make the new car look younger. They faced a gruelling six-hour journey to the Chilean border in a collection of hired 4x4s, trucks and the three 'star' cars that the crew had planned to use in the ‘car football match’ for the show. They eventually made it to a remote border post where there was not even a road, but a river, and boarded a tractor to cross the water into the neighbouring country. Earlier, Clarkson took to Twitter to confirm that he, along with the rest of the Top Gear team, had not meant to cause offence with H982 FKL plate. He wrote: 'The number plate WAS a coincidence when it was pointed out to us, we changed it. 'And these war veterans we upset. Mostly they were in their 20s. Do the maths. 'They threw us out for the political capital. Thousands chased crew to border. Someone could have been killed. 'This was not a jolly jape that went awry. For once, we did nothing wrong. 'We had planned a good ending for the show. But thanks to the government's foolishness, it's now even better.' Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman has told the Guardian: 'Top Gear production purchased three cars for a forthcoming programme,. 'To suggest that this car was either chosen for its number plate, or that an alternative number plate was substituted for the original is completely untrue.' Clarkson took to Twitter upon returning to the UK to clarify that no offence was intended to be caused . April 2007 - Referring to a car made in Malaysia, he said it was built by 'jungle people who wear leaves as shoes'. October 2009 - Claimed TV producers were obsessed with having 'black Muslim lesbians' on screen. January 2012 - He compared synchronised swimming to the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay in 2004. January 2012 - Clarkson mocked the clothing, trains and food in India, as he ridiculed the country's sanitation by driving a Jaguar fitted with a toilet through slums. The Indian High Commission in London formally complained to the BBC about the comments. March 2013 - The presenter joked that a bridge with an Asian walking across it had a 'slope on it'. The BBC later apologised but said it was not aware of the racist term at the time. In July, Ofcom ruled Clarkson had deliberately used racist language, but the BBC did not take action against him. April 2014 - He took to Twitter to introduce his new dog - a black terrier he named Didier Dogba after the Ivory Coast and Chelsea footballer, Didier Drogba. May 2014 - Clarkson was caught in a clip reciting the rhyme: 'Eeny, meeny, miny, moe' before mumbling what sounded like 'catch a n***** by his toe'. Clarkson initially denied the incident but then backed down and said he was 'mortified' and 'horrified' when he realised it 'did appear that I'd actually used the word I was trying to obscure'. | Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear crew hounded out of Argentina by a mob . Forced to abandon cars by side of road and leave country three days early . Clarkson's H982 FKL number plate was taken as reference to Falklands War . It later emerged that crew had changed the number plate after controversy . But new plate - H1VAE - appears to be registered to another Porsche in UK . Car was bought by unknown buyer in August, weeks before Argentina trip . | afccd3574ef4d723ebaaf2b4c2aef90222bbedbe |
Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- The suspected cyberattack that appeared to target South Korean banks and broadcasters Wednesday originated from an IP address in China, South Korea's Communications Committee said in a statement Thursday. The attack damaged 32,000 computers and servers of media and financial companies, the committee said. South Korean officials are analyzing the cause and are working to prevent any further damage, the committee said. The attack infected banks' and broadcasters' computer networks with a malicious program that slowed or shut systems down, officials and the semiofficial Yonhap News Agency said. Suspicion immediately fell on North Korea, which has recently renewed threats to go to war with the South amid rising tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and missile testing and international efforts to stop them. South Korea's military stepped up its cyberdefense efforts in response to the widespread outages, which hit nine companies, Yonhap reported, citing the National Police Agency. Government computer networks did not seem to be affected, Yonhap cited the National Computing and Information Agency as saying. A joint team from government, the military and private industry was responding, a presidential spokeswoman said, according to Yonhap. A South Korean official close to the investigation told CNN that malicious computer code spread through hacking caused the outages. How the hackers got in and spread the code remains under investigation, and analysts are examining the malware, the official said. U.S. flies B-52s over South Korea . Wednesday's attack is consistent with what North Korea has done in the past, said Adam Segal, a cybersecurity expert with the Council on Foreign Relations. "It's happened before in similar circumstances where there have been tensions on the peninsula," Segal said. South Korea has accused the North of similar hacking attacks before, including incidents in 2010 and 2012 that also targeted banks and media organizations. The outages come amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with the North angrily responding to a recent U.N. Security Council vote to impose tougher sanctions on Pyongyang after the country's latest nuclear test last month. Last week, North Korea invalidated its 60-year-old armistice with the South. It has threatened to attack its neighbor with nuclear weapons and has also threatened the United States. The armistice agreement, signed in 1953, ended the three-year war between North and South but left the two nations technically in a state of war. The saber-rattling prompted the United States to deploy B-52 bombers to conduct high-profile flyovers of its South Korean ally and announce that it would deploy new ground-based missile interceptors on its West Coast against the remote possibility that North Korea could strike the United States with long-range weapons. Under threat, South Koreans mull nuclear weapons . Last week, North Korea complained that it was the victim of "intensive and persistent virus attacks" from the United States and South Korea, according to KCNA, the official North Korean news agency. Yonhap said Wednesday's outages affected three broadcasters, four banks and two insurance companies. The three broadcasters -- KBS, MBC and YTN -- reported varying levels of trouble containing the virus. While the networks remained on the air, cable network YTN said editing equipment had been affected and it expected to experience broadcasting problems, Yonhap reported. Computer networks stopped working entirely at three banks -- Shinhan, Nonghyup and Jeju -- around 2 p.m. Wednesday, Yonhap reported, citing the National Police Agency. Another financial institution, Woori Bank in Seoul, reported it was able to fend off a hacking attack about the same time. The banks that were affected reported problems with a variety of systems, including Internet banking, ATMs and telecommunication services, and some branches stayed open late because of the slowdown, Yonhap said. CNN's K.J. Kwon reported from Seoul, Jethro Mullen reported from Hong Kong and Michael Pearson wrote from Atlanta. Judy Kwon and Hilary Whiteman in Hong Kong contributed to this report. | NEW: Attack traced to IP address in China, officials say . North Korea has staged similar attacks in the past, expert says . Banks, broadcasters targeted; government networks unaffected, Yonhap reports . South Korean military steps up its cyberdefense efforts in response . | cb66004526bc00a69bf2e5db30a66934e4652295 |
The blindfolded prisoners are brought into the dank gray room, one by one, and begin to tell us their stories. We're in a prison run by Kurdish militants here in northern Syria. The Kurds won't allow us to see the cells where the prisoners are being held. Their prisoners, they say, are members of ISIS. When the first detainee sits down, I ask the guard to please remove his blindfold. He blinks in the bright light and clearly looks surprised to see a foreigner sitting in front of him. The second prisoner who arrives trembled with fear when he was brought in. I introduce myself to each detainee as an American journalist. "You don't have to talk if you don't feel comfortable," I add. Each man speaks, though some cast darting glances at the prison guards who watch each interview. A man named Suleiman says he's from Syria, and claims that he was forced to join ISIS out of fears for his family's safety. He says he never traveled to ISIS-controlled territory, but confesses to being part of an ISIS cell that planted and detonated a remote control car bomb outside a Kurdish base in this Kurdish enclave. He believes the bomb killed his own nephew -- and says he received about $3,600 for the job. "They said they were fighting for Islam and justice," Suleiman tells us. "They were lying to us. They took advantage of our minds and our poverty." Read more: Everything you need to know about ISIS . ISIS has seized huge chunks of Syria and Iraq in recent months, beheading Western journalists and nonbelievers as it strives to establish an independent "Islamic State" in the region. The terror group has been locked in a battle with Kurdish forces in the northern Syrian border town of Kobani since mid-September. The United States and its allies are bombing ISIS positions there, but airstrikes have yet to pry Kobani from the group's hands. Read more: Former U.S. soldier battles ISIS . The next prisoner the guards bring out is barely a man. His name is Kareem, and he says he's 19 years old. Kareem tells me he was paid $2,000 to fight alongside ISIS on the Syrian frontlines for more than a year -- and he has the battle scars to prove it. Lifting up his shirt, he reveals a gruesome pink and brown scar on his stomach. "I was shot in the stomach three times," he says. He also has ugly scars on his right arm from another bullet wound. He claims ISIS drugged fighters before they went into battle. "They gave us drugs," Kareem says. "Hallucinogenic pills that would make you go to battle not caring if you live or die." Kareem says he fought for a year all across ISIS-controlled territory. He says other fighters he was with were promised wives by ISIS. Most of the fighters were foreigners, he says, and he had difficulty communicating with them because they didn't speak the local Syrian dialect of Arabic. Kareem says he even met a fighter from China at one point. Before his capture by the Kurds, Kareem claims he saw ISIS behead many of its prisoners. "Whenever ISIS goes into an area ... the people there who don't adhere to their Islamic law are apostates," he says. "Everything has to follow ISIS' way. Even women who don't cover their faces ... women would get their heads chopped off." The final prisoner was Jaber, a former teacher and father of two who also confessed to a car bombing. I ask Jaber what he would have done if he'd found me while he was on patrol with ISIS. "Your fate would be death," he tells me. "And there are different kinds of death -- they would torture you for sure, they might decapitate you, or cut off your hands. They will not simply shoot a bullet in your head." Read more: Hostage claims Kobani is in ISIS' hands . When we finished speaking, a guard draped Jaber's blindfold back around his head and led him out of the room. It's impossible for CNN to confirm whether anything the prisoners told us was true -- or whether these men had merely been coached on what to say by their captors. They also appeared to have little information about what was going on in the outside world. One of the men, Suleiman, looks shocked when I tell him that a U.S.-led coalition that includes Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is conducting an aerial campaign bombarding ISIS targets. "I hope they kill all of them," Suleiman says, with what appear to be tears welling in his eyes. All three men say it was a mistake to join ISIS. And they are begging their Kurdish captors for forgiveness. But the Kurdish guards running this prison say that if set free, every one of these men would likely go back and rejoin ISIS. | CNN's Ivan Watson speaks to ISIS fighters being held by Kurds in northern Syrian prison . One prisoner claims ISIS paid him $3,600 to plant a bomb that killed his nephew . Another prisoner, 19, says many fighters he met were foreigners, including one Chinese jihadi . CNN has no way to confirm if prisoners were telling the truth or being coached . | d62c3f7a02dfddbe249af3747a56450beee3df25 |
This amazing photograph shows the moment a daring diver got up close and personal to a giant sperm whale - to take a selfie. Freediver Amanda Cotton, 31, captured the unusual shot while swimming with the large mammals in Dominica, in the Caribbean. The endangered sperm whale can grow to 60ft (18 metres) in length and can weigh up to 40 tonnes. This amazing photograph shows the moment daring diver Amanda Cotton got up close and personal to a giant sperm whale - to take a selfie . The Floridian freediver captured the unusual shot while with the large mammals in Dominica, in the Caribbean earlier this month . The Floridian runs underwater photo tours to educate people on marine life and conservation. And when she got to within a close distance of one of the whales earlier this month, Ms Cotton couldn’t resist posing with the animal. ‘It is an incredibly humbling experience to be in the water with such a large animal, but these whales pose no threat to the divers,’ she said. ‘In fact they were quite curious at times of the divers, gently moving in closer to a better look at us.’ Ms Cotton runs underwater photo tours to educate people on marine life and conservation. She said: 'It is an incredibly humbling experience to be in the water with such a large animal, but these whales pose no threat to the divers. In fact they were quite curious at times of the divers, gently moving in closer to a better look at us’ When she got to within a close distance of a sperm whale earlier this month, as well as taking pictures of it, Ms Cotton couldn't resist posing with the animal . Ms Cotton admitted that it took several minutes for her to pluck up the courage but, realising the whale felt ‘quite comfortable’, she said ‘it seemed like the perfect opportunity to shoot a once in a lifetime selfie’. She said: ‘I just couldn’t resist.’ Speaking of her love from being in the ocean and seeing ‘amazing creatures’ like the sperm whale, Ms Cotton said: ‘By sharing the beauty of the ocean through imagery it is the hope of the photographers on this expedition to raise awareness of the need for protection and conservation of our marine animals and their habitats.’ The sperm whale, an endangered species, can grow up to 60ft (18 metres) in length and can weigh up to 40 tonnes . On her unusual photograph, Ms Cotton admitted that it took several minutes for her to pluck up the courage but, realising the whale felt 'quite comfortable', she said 'it seemed like the perfect opportunity to shoot a once in a lifetime selfie' | Amanda Cotton, 31, captured the unusual shot while swimming with sperm whales in Dominica, in the Caribbean . The Floridian freediver runs underwater photo tours in the area to educate people on marine life and conservation . The sperm whale, an endangered species, can grow up to 60ft in length and can weigh up to 40 tonnes . | e778416d94c82dcf8c62a6a3ce93826e0d34d6ed |
(CNN) -- Andy Murray's poor form going into the French Open continued as he lost to Richard Gasquet in the third round of the Rome Masters. After some initial stiff resistance, taking the first set after a tie break, Murray lost the next two 6-3, 6-2. He later revealed he has been suffering with a back injury all year and is now a doubt to play at Roland Garros. "(It was a) long match and sore back towards the end, but I was expecting that coming to the tournament," he told the ATP's official website. "I didn't take a break from training and playing a lot, but the muscles are more tired and fatigued." He later told AFP that he will have little chance to rest his back in the run up to the French Open. "I've felt it for some months, but I haven't had a chance to take a pause," he said. "I've tried not to make it any worse, but the muscles get tired from compensating ... I've got a lot of big events coming and there's not that much time to rest any niggles. Hopefully when the French comes, the goal is to be in peak condition." Defending champion and top seed Novak Djokovic was given a shock when Juan Monaco of Argentina won the first set of their third-round clash. The wind was causing the Serb some problems -- so much so that he destroyed his racket after the first set -- before coming back strongly winning the next two sets 6-2 6-3. "It was difficult to play in the wind, but it was the same for both of us," Djokovic conceded ahead of his quarterfinal against world No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Madrid semifinalist Juan Martin del Potro 6-4 6-1. After his problems on the blue clay of Madrid, Rafael Nadal was not in a generous mood beating Spaniard Marcel Granollers 6-1, 6-1. "Conditions were difficult and windy but I think I found rhythm and after third game I played very solid," Nadal said. He goes on to play Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals. Madrid champion Roger Federer also reached the last eight, digging deep to beat fellow former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6-2 5-7 6-1. Second-ranked Federer will next face Italy's Andreas Seppi, who beat his Swiss Davis Cup teammate Stanislas Wawrinka 6-7 . (1-7) 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (8-6). The women's draw was rocked by the withdrawal of world number one Victoria Azarenka after she injured her right shoulder. Second seed Maria Sharapova beat Ana Ivanovic 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 to set up a quarterfinal clash with another fellow former world No. 1 Venus Williams. The American, who has never played Sharapova on clay before, beat Australia's U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur 6-4 6-3. Her younger sister Serena, unbeaten on clay in 16 matches this season, will next face Italy's Flavia Pennetta after her 6-3 6-1 win over Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues. "I've played here for a long time and I've had a lot of memorable matches on Pietrangeli court," the 2002 Rome champion told the WTA's official website. "Today reminded me of when I was young." Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova beat Sorana Cirstea 6-2 5-7 6-2, and the Czech fourth seed will play fellow left-hander Angelique Kerber of Germany in the last eight. | Fourth seed Andy Murray is knocked out of the Rome Masters by Richard Gasquet . Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all reach quarterfinals . World number one Victoria Azarenka pulls out injured in women's event . Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Williams sisters all progress to last eight . | bdf57576ebad6ed5e9f14345acddca83bf6055e9 |
By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 11:59 EST, 11 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:33 EST, 11 January 2013 . Most fathers relegate the basement as home for the washing machine or maybe some garden tools. But self-confessed train geek Jason Shron decided to be a little more ambitious and turned his into an exact replica of a 1980s VIA rail carriage. It has taken the Canadian four-and-a-half years, cost around £6,300 and at least 2,500 hours of painstaking work to make his childhood dream come true. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . The 20-foot replica train carriage took four and a half years to build in Jason Shron's basement . Many of the original features in the carriage such as the chairs, garbage dispenser and seat numbers were taken from a VIA train that was due to be scrapped . The carriage has been built to look exactly as it would have in 1980 . Mr Shron estimates it has cost him around £6,300 to build the replica train carriage . And the labour of love is authentic down to the finest details including genuine seat numbers, chairs, timetable racks, coat hooks and the 1970s carpet. Mr Shron, who spent several years studying for a PhD in Birmingham, recovered many of the original parts from a VIA train which was due to be scrapped. But he also went to extraordinary lengths to make his train car feel realistic such as installing a photo mural at the end of the carriage so it appears as if it carries on into another car as well as playing a soundtrack of a train clicking along the tracks. Mr Shron has even salvaged a welcome to sign to greet visitors before they enter the train carriage . The chairs have all the original features including magazine racks and timetables from the 1980s . Mr Shron says it was his dream to build a replica train in his basement since he was a child . Mr Shron estimates the project cost him around 10,000 Canadian dollars - around £6,300 - and he had to scrap everything and start again at least three times. 'I've always wanted to have a VIA train in my basement since I was a kid,' said Mr Shron, from Vaughan, Ontario. 'In fact, when me and my wife were looking to buy a house I would say 'no' if the basement wasn't big enough for me to build it. 'I still have the letter from when I wrote to VIA in 1987 to ask them if they would sell me their seats in 1987. They said they couldn't. But then my friends and I find out about VIA train 5647 - it was going to be scrapped. 'So we got a hold of it before it was gone and took all these original parts.' Mr Shron began building the train in 2008 doing much of the work himself . The project took four and a half years and Mr Shron said he had to start from scratch at least three times . The train carriage has provided great entertainment for Mr Shron's three young children who he says love playing in it . The obsession with trains stems from Mr Shron's childhood and he now runs the largest model train business in Canada . Mr Shron (top centre) with friends who helped him salvage parts from a VIA train that was due to be scrapped . Mr Shron, who runs his own model train company Rapido Trains Inc. for a living, said the construction of the rail carriage has been a struggle, but worth it in the end. 'The train is where I feel most at home,' he said. 'It's where I feel most at peace. Especially when it's hurtling along at 85mph with the snow and rain pelting down outside - it's the perfect place to be. 'And my kids love it. My five-year old daughter Dalya will go up and down aisle serving people and my seven-year old son Boaz likes clipping tickets. 'I've also fun on the weekends to hang out there and play cards.' WATCH A VIDEO MADE BY JASON SHRON ABOUT THE TRAIN CARRIAGE IN HIS BASEMENT . | Father-of-three Jason Shron spent around £6,300 recreating cross-country train . Took four and a half years to build the carriage from scratch . 'It's where I'm most at peace,' says self-confessed train geek . | 134174f3cb40409b21384816622172ffc08edce6 |
Arsenal are showing interest in Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has been capped twice by Portugal. Guerreiro was named in the Ligue 2 team of the year while playing for Caen before earning a move to top tier Lorient in 2013. The 21-year-old has played himself into the first team at the French club as a defender but can also operate on the wing. Arsenal are showing interest in Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has been capped twice by Portugal . Guerreiro was named in the Ligue 2 team of the year while playing for Caen before earning a move to Lorient . Meanwhile, Bordeaux president Jean Louis Tiraud wants an answer from Arsenal in the next 24 hours about the future of Yaya Sanogo. Arsene Wenger wants Sanogo to go on loan to a Barclays Premier League club and Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Swansea, Stoke and Everton have shown an interest but Tiraud said: 'Sanogo wants to come on loan to Bordeaux, and he has told his manager Arsene Wenger that. 'We are working on bringing Sanogo to Bordeaux. We are going all in on this target. We have asked Arsenal to give us an answer on Tuesday or Wednesday latest.' Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo celebrating his goal in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund . The former Auxerre forward has only scored one goal for Arsenal this season, in the Champions League . | Arsenal are interested in signing Lorient defender Raphael Guerreiro . The 21-year-old full back has been capped twice by Portugal . Bordeaux president has set a deadline for the Yaya Sanogo loan deal . | 8bbdcf9e0513b1dbf238c45f4ca98e3c2d8cbc47 |
By . Ap Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:15 EST, 24 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:22 EST, 24 July 2013 . An out-of-control natural gas well 55 miles off the Louisiana continued to burn Wednesday, hours after a blowout that prompted the evacuation of 44 workers. Officials stressed that Tuesday's blowout wouldn't be close to as damaging as the 2010 BP oil spill, in which an oil rig, the Deepwater Horizon, exploded off the Louisiana coast killing 11 workers and spewing millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. No injuries were reported as a result of Tuesday night's fire, Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said. Scroll down for video . Fire: The Hercules 265 gas well caught fire 55 miles off the Louisiana coast late Tuesday, just hours after an explosion sent 44 unharmed workers fleeing for safety. The blaze continued, unabated, into Wednesday . She said it wasn't known what caused the gas to ignite. It also wasn't clear early Wednesday how and when crews would attempt to extinguish the blaze. BSEE said earlier Tuesday that a firefighting vessel with water and foam capabilities had been dispatched to the scene. Wild Well Control Inc. was hired to try to bring the well under control. Angelico said Wild Well personnel approached the well earlier Tuesday night, before the fire, but they determined it was unsafe to get closer when they were about 200 feet away from it. Continues: The well is located 55 miles off the coast of Louisiana. Though it continued to burn Wednesday, the accident is nowhere near as disastrous as the Deepwater Horizon spill, around 100 miles to the east . The gas blowout was reported Tuesday morning. The Coast Guard kept nautical traffic out of an area within 500 meters of the site throughout the day. The Federal Aviation Administration restricted aircraft up to 2,000 feet above the area. BSEE said inspectors flying over the site soon after the blowout saw a light sheen covering an area about a half-mile by 50 feet. However, it was dissipating quickly. Earlier this month, a gas well off the Louisiana coast flowed for several days before being sealed. Chris Roberts, a member of the Jefferson Parish Council in south Louisiana, said the travel restrictions might pose an inconvenience for participants in an upcoming deep sea fishing tournament. Worse spill: To the east of Hercules 265, the ill-fated Deepwater Horizon spill became the worst in U.S. history when it caught fire in 2010 and leaked 205 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico . ‘It could change some plans as to where some people plan to fish,’ he said. Tuesday's blowout occurred near an unmanned offshore gas platform that was not currently producing natural gas, said Angelico. The workers were aboard a portable drilling rig known as a jackup rig, owned by Hercules Offshore Inc., which was a contractor for exploration and production company Walter Oil & Gas Corp. Walter Oil & Gas reported to the BSEE that the rig was completing a ‘sidetrack well’ - a means of re-entering the original well bore, Angelico said. The purpose of the sidetrack well in this instance was not immediately clear. A spokesman for the corporation did not have the information Tuesday night. Industry websites say sidetrack wells are sometimes drilled to remedy a problem with the existing well bore. ‘It's a way to overcome an engineering problem with the original well,’ Ken Medlock, an energy expert at Rice University's Baker Institute said. ‘They're not drilled all the time, but it's not new.’ | No oil spills reported from Hercules 265 drilling rig after an explosion early Tuesday . Explosion occurred Tuesday night after rig was evacuated . No injuries were reported and the cause is unknown . Firefighter were dispatched but can't get close enough to snuff out the blaze . Rig is 55 miles off the coast of Louisiana . | eb06cb39efb2aa48f7eba2782b2e1a30b113da27 |
By . Sarah Griffiths . An British inventor has designed a new fridge that can keep live-saving vaccines cool for 35 days without power. The appliance is designed for use in the developing world where some remote areas have no electricity, power cuts can be frequent and vaccines are vital for healthy communities. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has donated a $1.4million (£836,000) to help fridge company Sure Chill further develop the potentially life-saving design. Scroll down for video . One cool idea: Inventor Ian Tansley (pictured left) developed the unique cooling technology . which uses water to keep supplies of vaccines cool in remote . medical centres (right). The Sure Chill fridges can keep its life-saving contents cool at a regular 4°C for up to 35 days - even if the temperature outside is as high as 43°C . At 4°C, water is at its heaviest and sinks. This explains why lakes can be frozen but fish can swim beneath the surface. The same concept is used to create the fridge that adapts its temperature naturally so it automatically cools to the optimum temperature - a constant 4°C even without power. Water surrounds a Sure Chill refrigeration compartment. When the fridge is hooked up to a power source, the water cools and forms ice around the compartment to leave only water at four degrees cooling the contents. However, when the power is turned off, the water warms and rises while the ice melts, so that only water at 4°C remains, cooling the contents of the compartment. Ian Tansley of The Sure Chill Company, based in Snowdonia, North Wales, developed the unique cooling technology which uses water to keep supplies of vaccines cool in remote medical centres. ‘The devices will allow vaccines to be stored safely in challenging environments with no power and ambient temperatures as high as 43°C,’ he said. ‘Conventional refrigeration technologies can put vaccines at risk of either freezing or getting too warm.’ ‘Our technology ensures that vaccines reach children in the best condition possible and has the potential to save the lives of countless children across the world.’ At 4°C water sinks and this scientific fact inspired Mr Tansley to create the new refrigeration system that adapts its temperature naturally so it automatically cools to the optimum temperature - a constant 4°C even without power. This temperature is perfect for storing food and vaccines. Changing lives: The $1.4million (£836,000) cash from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will enable the Welsh firm to start field trials in East and West Africa for the new coolers within the next year. Here, a different model is moved into place at a remote health centre . It works because water surrounds a Sure Chill refrigeration compartment. When the fridge is hooked up to a power source, the water cools and forms ice around the compartment to leave only water at 4°C, cooling the contents. However, when the power is turned off, the water warms and rises while the ice melts, so that still only water at 4°C remains cooling the contents of the compartment. The company said that its fridge has ‘its own internal and entirely natural energy store that maintains a completely steady temperature. The system can operate like this, without power, for days and weeks.’ The invention has received financial backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to transform people’s lives who are living in poverty without access to adequate healthcare. The $1.4million (£836,000) cash injection will enable the Welsh firm to start field trials in East and West Africa for the new coolers within the next year. The firm already has 10-day vaccine refrigerators operating in over 30 countries - and is recognised by the World Health Organisation. It shipped 200 devices to the Philippines at the beginning of this year to help Unicef in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Good things come in small packages: The firm already has 10-day vaccine refrigerators operating in over 30 countries - and is recognised by the World Health Organisation. It is also developing a small vaccine cooler (pictured) that is more portable and could be taken to remote areas in an emergency . | An inventor in Snowdonia, North Wales, has received $1.4million (£836,000) from Microsoft founder Bill Gates to develop his Sure Chill fridge . Appliance is designed for use in the developing world where power cuts can be frequent and some remote areas are without any electricity . Fridge can store vaccines at 4°C without power for up to 35 days . Technology is based on the fact that at 4°C water is at its heaviest and sinks . | 61f140a64626007c815b94e93726f1ca68da964c |
(CNN) -- The Ohio State University Marching Band, known for entertaining fans at sporting events with hypnotic formations choreographed to music, was also known among university insiders for a culture that facilitated sexual harassment, according to an investigative report. Marching band director Jonathan Waters was fired Thursday after the report's release, Ohio State University President Michael Drake said. Waters' lawyer said his client was a "convenient scapegoat" who tried to change a sexual climate that predated his tenure as director. Waters had known for years about the "sexualized" environment surrounding the band, in which members had to swear an oath of secrecy to protect its "objectionable traditions and customs," according to an investigation report released by the Office of University Compliance and Integrity. He failed to eliminate and prevent the recurrence of this climate, the report said. A parent of a marching band member alerted the office to the problem, the report said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," Drake said. "We expect every member of our community to live up to a common standard of decency and mutual respect and to adhere to university policies." The report described traditions such as the "midnight ramp," in which band members entered the stadium through a ramp wearing only their underwear. Staff members, including Waters, were present for the annual event, the report alleges. Nicknames, many sexually explicit, were given to new members each year by upperclassmen as well as a "trick," an act often simulating sexually explicit acts that usually corresponded with the nickname. These tricks were to be performed by members "on command or at their own volition," the report said. When Waters was asked by investigators about the offensive nicknames, he said "50%" were probably "questionable," according to the report. After being told that sexual nicknames were not appropriate, investigators asked Waters why he tolerated the practice. He responded, "good point," the report alleges. The tricks, however, were not performed in front of staff, according to several witnesses interviewed in the report. New band members also took part in "rookie introductions," where they stood at the front of a bus en route to games and answered sexual questions or told dirty jokes before walking to the back of the bus "while other students attempted to remove articles of clothing," the report said. Waters' lawyer, David Axelrod, said his client was named acting director in February 2013 but that the objectionable acts laid out in the report started many years before. Waters had previously served in other staff positions and was a sousaphone player in the band as a student from 1995 to 1999, the report said. The marching band, which calls itself "the best damn band in the land," consists of 225 members and garnered international attention in 2013 for its halftime show tribute to Michael Jackson, which has over 10 million views on YouTube. "During his time as director he did everything he could to stop this," Axelrod said. The university has appointed former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery to lead an independent task force to further investigate and ensure steps are taken to change the band culture, Drake said. It is unclear what steps Waters will take next, Axelrod said. "In one way or another Jon is going to fight to restore his name. Jon was Ohio State. He bleeds scarlet and gray," Axelrod said. "He won't let his beloved alma mater take away his good name." Read the university's statement on the Ohio State Marching Band culture . 2013: FAMU's "Marching 100" returns from suspension for hazing death . 55 colleges under investigation over handling of sexual violence complaints . | The Ohio State Marching Band facilitated a culture of "sexual harassment," a report says . The university president fired band director Jonathan Waters, a former band member . Waters' lawyer said his client tried to change a sexual climate that predated his tenure . | 17a5158a8783cc4f7a44134719f0385eb9f4fd4f |
Wes Morgan had a night to forget as Leicester remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League following a 3-1 loss at home to Liverpool on Tuesday night. Morgan endured a torrid display against the Reds' attack before being sent off for hauling down Rickie Lambert in the second half. In contrast, his opposing skipper Steven Gerrard put in fine performance as Liverpool's mini-revival continued. The 34-year-old gave his side a 2-1 lead with a trademark finish, to cap a brilliant display against the Premier League newcomers. Sportsmail's Sam Cunningham was at the King Power Stadium to provide his match ratings. LEICESTER (4-4-2) Kasper Schmeichel 5 . Glaring error for the third goal, and should have given a penalty away after bringing down Steven Gerrard. Ritchie De Laet 5 . Dealt well with Sterling, but final ball should have been better. Wes Morgan 4 . Sent off and looked sloppy all evening. Leicester captain Wes Morgan (right) was shown a straight red card for a second half foul on Rickie Lambert . Referee Lee Mason (centre) had no doubts in his mind that Morgan (right) was the last man after his foul . Marcin Wasilewski 5.5 . Stood up to Lambert and impressed with physicality. Paul Konchesky 5 . Solid but it’s no wonder his former employers let him go… . Riyad Mahrez (centre) was busy against Liverpool but lacked a killer ball in the final third to hurt their defence . Riyad Mahrez 5 . Cut in well from the right-hand side but again final ball was lacking. Esteban Cambiasso 5.5 . Classy in midfield and still possesses that engine. Matty James 5 . Good industry but Gerrard got away from him at times. Matty James (right) showed good industry at times in Leicester's midfield on Tuesday night against Liverpool . Jeffrey Schlupp 5 . Good pace down the left but wasn’t in the game enough. Jamie Vardy 5.5 . Ran his socks off and troubled Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure in behind. Leonardo Ulloa 6.5 . Great play for the opener and kept the defenders occupied. Leonardo Ulloa (right) was key in Leicester's opener and kept the visiting defenders on their toes throughout . Subs . Marc Albrighton 5 . Replaced Konchesky with 10 minutes to go but had little time to make an impact. LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1) Simon Mignolet 5.5 . Had another poor game, scoring an own goal and should have been punished by Esteban Cambiasso for a sloppy clearance prior to that. Simon Mignolet (bottom) scored an own goal to see Liverpool go 1-0 behind at King Power Stadium . Manquillo 5 . Failed to impress in the first half and was replaced at half-time by Alberto Moreno. Martin Skrtel 6 . Solid in defence overall but looked nervous when Leicester pressed for an equaliser. Kolo Toure 6 . A decent performance from the veteran defender who deserves to keep Dejan Lovren out of the team on current form. Glen Johnson 6 . Decent outlet going forward for the visitors, but lost possession that led to the hosts opener. Jordan Henderon (left) scored Liverpool's third goal in their 3-1 victory at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday . Jordan Henderson 7 . Industrious in midfield as always and took his goal well. Lucas 7 . Solid anchor in Liverpool's midfield which gave the defence extra stability. Adam Lallana 7 . Took his goal really well in what was arguably his best performance in a Reds shirt. Adam Lallana (centre) scored Liverpool's equaliser in the first half with a sweetly-struck left-footed strike . Steven Gerrard 8 - STAR MAN . Who says the Liverpool skipper is a fading force? Scored the goal to give Liverpool the lead with a trademark finish. Raheem Sterling 7 . Another good performance from the England winger who was involved in everything positive they did. Rickie Lambert 7 . Provided the knockdown for Lallana's goal. Seems to be growing more and more as a Liverpool player. Steven Gerrard celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal with a trademark finish . Subs . Alberto Moreno 5 . Came on at half-time for the ineffective Manquillo but failed to make a major impact. Joe Allen 5 . Replaced Lallana with 15 minutes remaining but was largely anonymous. Dejan Lovren . Came on in the 90th minute. Had no time to make any contribution. | Simon Mignolet scored an own goal to give the hosts an early lead . Adam Lallana, Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson all scored to seal visitors comeback win . Leicester captain Wes Morgan was shown a straight red for a last man challenge on Reds' striker Rickie Lambert . | 493aabee4147ffa8752fc0f7f90713a8fa391965 |
(CNN) -- Joel "Taz" DiGregorio, keyboardist and original member of The Charlie Daniels Band, died Wednesday night from injuries he suffered in a single car wreck in Cheatham County, Tennessee. He was 67. "I am in shock now, Taz was one of my best friends," Charlie Daniels said in a statement. "The CDB family has lost a great friend and musician." DiGregorio was a member of the band for more than 40 years and co-wrote its signature song,"The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Funeral arrangements are pending. DiGregorio was on his way to meet the band's tour bus when his car crashed near Nashville. Details about the wreck were not immediately available. Because of his death, the band canceled a Thursday night concert in Georgia and a show Saturday night in Connecticut. "We traveled many miles together and shared so many nights on the road. We're going to miss you buddy," Daniels said. "You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten." CNN's Ric Ward contributed to this report . | DiGregorio is an original member of the band . He co-wrote "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" | 6fc349fb27bfe09ae4bb13b3a45ad7a30b64a139 |
By . Ian Ladyman . Follow @@Ian_Ladyman_DM . Manchester United run the risk of alienating the Class of ’92 for good with their ongoing prevarications over the make-up of Louis van Gaal’s backroom staff. United have delayed the confirmation of Van Gaal’s appointment until next week while they continue to talk to Ryan Giggs about his role in the new set-up. The Welshman is still considering his response to Wednesday’s chats with Van Gaal in Amsterdam. Giggs is known to have reservations about how United have handled the whole affair since David Moyes was sacked last month. VIDEO: Scroll down to see Louis van Gaal name Holland's World Cup squad . On hold: Incoming boss Louis van Gaal's appointment has been delayed . Uncertain futures: Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville . His former team-mates Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt are said to be increasingly unhappy about being kept in the dark, too. The three United legends — who worked with Giggs during his spell as interim manager — thought they would receive phone calls from the club on Thursday but the trio were still waiting. An Old Trafford source said: ‘They just want to know one way or the other. If it’s bad news and they aren’t being kept on, then the least that should happen is they should be told. ‘To keep them hanging on, after the way they have served the club, is unfair.’ Talking tactics: Van gaal is preparing his Holland squad for Saturday's friendly with Ecuador . In limbo: Giggs and Scholes were at Old Trafford to watch the Under 21s on Wednesday . Waiting game: Paul Scholes, Neville, and Giggs have still not discovered their fate . Neville was told after last Sunday’s game at Southampton his future — and that of his colleagues — would become clear this week. United chief executive Ed Woodward had hoped to confirm Van Gaal as new manager on Thursday but it is understood Giggs, who wants to stay, is still considering the offer of a senior role. With Van Gaal in charge of the Dutch national team for their friendly against Ecuador in Amsterdam on Saturday, it is not expected that anything will now be finalised until after the weekend — even though United sources have stressed there is ‘no significant problem’ with the process. Meanwhile, Southampton’s England defender Luke Shaw has been telling friends this week that he is ‘definitely’ moving to Old Trafford, despite the fact that a fee has not been agreed between the clubs. Old Trafford bound? Southampton defender Luke Shaw has been tipped with a move to United . Woodward outlined the exact scale of the financial impact Moyes’ difficult eight-month reign had on the deposed Premier League champions. United finished seventh in the Premier League, meaning they will play no European football next season. In a conference call with investors on the day United’s latest quarterly accounts were released, Woodward revealed the cost of the failure as £30million. ‘Due to the television deals, we estimate our loss of European football will cost us in the mid-£30m region,’ said Woodward. Fronting up: Ed Woodward says missing out on European football will cost United £30million . ‘The club’s expectations are to absolutely get back into the Champions League and you will see that in the transfer market. ‘In the 2013-14 season we finished in a very disappointing seventh which means we will not play European football next season. ‘Be assured everyone at the club is working to ensure that next season is to the top standards of Manchester United. ‘We made a managerial change in April and are grateful to Ryan Giggs for holding the reins during the period and the exemplary manner he conducted the role,’ added Woodward. ‘We are now focused on bringing in a new manager and expect an announcement in due course.’ In terms of Van Gaal’s appointment, United are also aware of the need to be respectful towards the Dutch FA, whose plans for the World Cup in Brazil have been rather overshadowed by the saga. Partly because of this, United are not expected to announce anything on Friday, with Holland’s game against Ecuador so close. United announced January-March revenues of £115.5m — up 26 per cent. The three-quarter results also saw the club’s debt down 4.3per cent to £351.7m. United continue to blossom financially, with sponsorship and broadcasting income both making big leaps in the results. | Giggs is considering his options after talks with Dutchman on Wednesday . Neville, Butt and Scholes still waiting to discover their fate . United have put van Gaal's appointment on hold until next week . | 0838217a9e93e766389c4f232888bee941f0345a |
By . Ian Garland . PUBLISHED: . 06:02 EST, 23 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:13 EST, 23 May 2012 . A rare photograph of the Beatles that disproves a conspiracy theory about Sir Paul McCartney's 'death' has sold for £20,000 at auction. The photo shows the band walking in the 'wrong' direction across the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing - and more importantly shows McCartney wearing a pair of white leather sandals. For decades fans of the Fab Four have suggested the singer was killed in a car crash and replaced with a lookalike - pointing to his barefoot appearance on the Abbey Road album cover as proof. Iconic image: Taken at the same time as the famous Abbey Road album cover in 1969, this picture clearly shows Paul McCartney, third from left, wearing a pair of sandals . The photo on the album cover was in fact just one of ten taken during the same 1969 shoot by photographer Iain Macmillan . The outtake has been kept hidden away by a music memorabilia expert who put it up for sale at auctioneers Bloomsbury in London on Tuesday. The print had an estimate of £10,000 but it ended up selling for nearly twice that amount, to an anonymous private British collector who bid £19,600. Alive and well: Paul McCartney on stage in Mexico City last week . Sarah Wheeler, the music specialist at auctioneers Bloomsbury, said: 'Both we and the vendor are thrilled with the price it achieved. 'Although there were 25 chromogenic prints of frame two of the shoot made at the time, it is still very rare for one to come on the market. 'The market is also very strong for Beatles memorabilia and it is these two reasons why it did so well.' Macmillan, who died in 2006, was chosen for the shoot in North London because he was friends with Yoko Ono. It was staged in August 1969 and featured John Lennon leading the band over the zebra crossing next to the Abbey Road studios. The location has become something of a mecca for Beatles fans, and thousands of tourists have the photographs taken at the pedestrian crossing every year. In 2010 the crossing was given Grade II listed status so it can be preserved for the future. According to a theory at the time, McCartney died in an accident and was replaced with a lookalike. Conspiracy theorists believed the Abbey Road cover contained clues, as the band wanted to reveal the truth of their guilty secret. John Lennon, in white was seen as a preacher leading a funeral procession, Ringo Starr’s black outfit indicated he was an undertaker, while a denim-clad George Harrison was the grave-digger. This left McCartney as the corpse because he was barefoot and out of step with the rest of the band. Other so-called ‘clues’ include a car number plate relating to his age - 28 - if he had been alive, and the grouping of onlookers. It was also claimed that the fact left-handed McCartney had a cigarette in his right hand had significance. The theorists constructed a back-story that McCartney had been beheaded in a car crash earlier in the 1960s and the Beatles had continued with a replacement . The band, and Macmillan, always denied this. McCartney insisted he had merely kicked off his sandals because it was a hot summer’s day. On the day of the photoshoot, The Beatles were dressed in the suits of Tommy Nutter, Savile Row’s enfant terrible of the time – all except George Harrison, who insisted on wearing denims. Macca mecca: The road sign for Abbey Road, north London, which has become a pilgrimage site for fans who leave messages where the photo was taken . | Photo shows Paul McCartney wearing sandals - proving he didn't 'die' Hidden for 10 years, it's one of 25 prints in existence . Sold to an anonymous bidder for twice the estimated auction price . | 3c9f8198a9ef8e19352f9e244a86681abde432dc |
(CNN) -- After days of heavy fighting, forces loyal to Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo laid down their arms Tuesday, and the self-declared president was negotiating the terms of his surrender, his foreign minister said. Calm was reported Tuesday afternoon in Abidjan, the West African nation's largest city and the center of the battle between Gbagbo's military and those loyal to his rival, Alassane Ouattara, who is recognized internationally as the legitimate president. "We must now do what we can do to have lasting peace," said Alcide Djedje, the foreign minister, who participated in talks at the French ambassador's residence in Abidjan. Two of Gbagbo's generals were in "the process of negotiating a surrender," French Prime Minister Francois Fillon told parliament Tuesday. A U.N. official said that Gbagbo asked for U.N. protection for himself during the negotiations. Ouattara's camp said it was sticking to a demand it has made all along: that Gbagbo recognize Ouattara's victory at the polls, said spokesman Patrick Achi. "I think it is something very important," Achi said. "The military fight is almost over. As soon as he surrenders, all the fighting will stop." French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Ouattara wants Gbagbo to sign a letter saying he recognizes his rival as president. In a phone interview with French news channel LCI, a man claiming to be Gbagbo said he would not sign the paper because he does not acknowledge his rival's victory and that he demands "the truth of the ballot box." But, he said, he is willing to meet with Ouattara. He also said the French have inserted themselves into the war. "My problem is not to stay in a building or not," the man said. "My problem is that we find an exit from this crisis." A key question is whether Gbagbo will remain in the Ivory Coast, said Choi Young-jin, head of the U.N. mission in the country. "Gbagbo had many options after the election, but he squandered his opportunities," said Choi, who has been speaking with Ouattara as well as Gbagbo's advisers. "I don't know what options he has now." "I think he (Gbagbo) knows everything is over for him," said Youssoufou Bamba, Ivory Coast's ambassador to the United Nations. "His military forces have been defeated. He is alone now." Bamba said Gbagbo should go on trial "because he has committed so much crime" against civilian and peaceful demonstrators. But Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who served as the African Union's main negotiator in Ivory Coast, said Ouattara and others should consider allowing safe passage for Gbagbo to Angola, South Africa or another country. Choi said the combat is over and that only a few elements were out on the streets. An American resident of Abidjan, who did not want to be identified, said she could hear sporadic gunfire from her apartment but the heavy shelling and mortars had stopped. Choi said Gbagbo was hunkered down in the basement of his Abidjan residence with his family. He said there were still guards posted around the house, but not many. U.S. President Barack Obama called Tuesday for Gbagbo to "stand down immediately." "Tragically, the violence that we are seeing could have been averted had Laurent Gbagbo respected the results of last year's presidential election," Obama said. "To end this violence and prevent more bloodshed, former President Gbagbo must stand down immediately, and direct those who are fighting on his behalf to lay down their arms." Ouattara's forces entered Abidjan on Thursday after an offensive that swept across the country. When they arrived, the sporadic post-election violence that had plagued Abidjan for four months escalated into war. By Tuesday, they had surrounded the presidential palace. "We do not see why he shall not surrender," Achi said earlier, adding the new government may seek trial for Gbagbo in the International Court of Justice. An Abidjan resident said state-run television, which has served as a powerful mouthpiece for Gbagbo, went dark Monday, a sign that Ouattara's forces had overrun the building. Gbagbo's forces suffered a setback Monday when U.N. helicopters fired on one of its camps to prevent the use of heavy weapons against civilians and U.N. peacekeepers. Djedje, the foreign minister, said the U.N. attack prompted Gbagbo's forces to stop fighting. "Since there was no more ammunition and weapons, they decided to lay down the arms and negotiate a cease-fire," he said. U.N. peacekeeping director Alain Le Roy told reporters the United Nations was not taking sides in the conflict, but had to act after three days of fire from Gbagbo's forces left four U.N. peacekeepers seriously injured. "We are shooting at heavy weapons. We are not shooting at the presidency," Le Roy said. The political chaos and violence has claimed hundreds of lives in Ivory Coast. In one of the bloodiest incidents yet, the International Committee of the Red Cross reported the killings of 800 people last week in the western cocoa-producing town of Duekoue. | NEW: Man identified as Gbagbo tells station he won't recognize Ouattara win . Gbagbo's forces laid down their arms, his foreign minister says . A U.N. official says Laurent Gbagbo has asked for U.N. protection . The U.N. envoy to Ivory Coast says combat is over . | ada062214582615490ddc4108523ee54750e154b |
A German woman has died in a skydiving accident in Arizona where parachutists were attempting to set a world record. The woman, who has not been named, was jumping in Eloy at 7.30am on Thursday when her parachute malfunctioned, Jocelyn Bernatchez, spokeswoman for Skydive Arizona, said. 'The malfunctioning parachute was released too low to allow the reserve parachute to fully open,' she told the Arizona Daily Star. The skydiver was declared dead at the scene. Tragic: A person in the World Team has died while trying to break the world record for a formation jump. Pictured, the Team, a group of 222 skydivers from 28 nations, attempts to break the record on Tuesday . Drop: The woman died after her parachute malfunctioned as she fell through the sky with the other divers (pictured on Tuesday). She was unable to pull her reserve parachute in time . 'It had nothing to do with the size of the group or the aircraft,' World Team spokeswoman Gulcin Gilbert said. 'It was a malfunction of the parachute.' The accident occurred on Thursday during an attempt to break a world record for what is called a 'formation jump'. A group of 220 people from 28 countries free-fall from about 18,000 feet, then come together in a formation before separating and doing another formation before pulling their parachutes. The skydivers jumped at such a high . elevation that they needed oxygen masks in the airplane, and they . hurtled through the air at speeds of more than 100 mph. Attempt: A group of 220 people from about a dozen countries were part of the record attempts this week . Practice: Ahead of the attempts this week, the World Team practiced a dive on the ground, pictured . The group did not complete the formation and therefore did not set the record on Thursday. World Team organized the event at Skydive Arizona, one of the nation's top skydiving locations. Skydivers cried and hugged each other and prayed after they learned of the death. Skydive Arizona in Eloy has been the site of other skydiving deaths in recent months. Two skydivers - from Germany and the United Kingdom - died in November as their parachutes collapsed and they fell to their deaths during an attempt to set a jump record. The previous record was carried out in Florida with 110 people in November 2013, according to Skydive Mag. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | A German woman's parachute malfunctioned during the dive on Thursday and her reserve parachute did not have time to open . 220 people from 28 countries were attempting to break the world record for a 'formation jump', in which they fall together in a formation . They have not succeeded to break the record so far this week . | ab53d8548d048ef9ca16635d6254efc0c678ea48 |
James Rodriguez has given Real Madrid fans a boost that he is bouncing back to full-fitness from injury after posting an Instagram video on Thursday. The 23-year-old hasn't featured for the Spanish giants since breaking his fifth metatarsal in his right foot against Sevilla earlier this month. The Colombian was expected to be out for around eight weeks with the injury, but he appears to be making good progress judging by his social media upload. VIDEO Scroll down to see James Rodriguez working out in the gym . James Rodriguez uploaded an Instagram video on Thursday being put through his paces after injury . The Real Madrid star is currently out injured with a broken foot suffered earlier this month . Accompanied with the caption: 'Third week and feeling good, Stronger than ever', the midfielder can be seen going through plyometric exercises to enhance his athletic performance through speed and strength. Up until his injury, Rodriguez had played a pivotal role at Real following his summer arrival from AS Monaco. The £63million acquisition had scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 22 matches this season - helping Carlo Ancelotti's side to the European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in the process. Free from European duty this week, a well-rested Real heads into this weekend's La Liga matches looking to maintain its lead at the top of the table. The 10-time European champions, who hold a four-point lead over Barcelona, host Villarreal on Sunday. Ahead of that match Luka Modric could return to Real's match day squad after recovering from a hip injury he sustained while on international duty in November with Croatia. Rodriguez (right) picked up the injury in the first half of Madrid's game against Sevilla on February 4 . Rodriguez fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and had surgery to repair the damage . Prior to his injury the 23-year-old had proved a hit in Spain following his £63million summer move from Monaco . | James Rodriguez broke his right foot against Sevilla earlier this month . 23-year-old was expected to be out for around two months with the injury . Rodriguez has scored seven goals and provided seven assists this season . | 6c6b21f4204e84f682a2fa72a5ae79deacedb995 |
Google has done a U-turn on its plans to crack down on pornography, after bloggers complained that they need to publish explicit photographs in order to ‘express their identities’. Earlier this week the web search giant told people who publish explicit videos and images on its Blogger platform that it would hide their posts from public view if they didn’t clean up their act. It gave them a month to delete any offensive posts, or face having their accounts made ‘private’ so that they could only be viewed through the author’s own account. Google had previously announced changes to its Blogger platform banning graphic images from public view . The move was widely welcomed by campaigners who fear that pornography is too easily accessible on the internet, including by children. However, the American company rowed back on its promise just three days later following a backlash from bloggers. Many of the people who post explicit material said they needed to express themselves, and complained that Google would be erasing collections of explicit material that they had built up over the course of ten years. Google responded that it would revert to its previous policy, which allows bloggers to publish offensive sexual images and videos as long as they are placed behind a page warning viewers that it is adult content. But the American company rowed back on its promise just three days later following a backlash from bloggers . ‘We’ve had a ton of feedback, in particular about the introduction of a retroactive change (some people have had accounts for 10+ years), but also about the negative impact on individuals who post sexually explicit content to express their identities,’ the company said. ‘So rather than implement this change, we’ve decided to step up enforcement around our existing policy prohibiting commercial porn.’ The web search giant will only ban content that is illegal, or has been published without the consent of the people it features. It had never threatened to ban nude photographs that offered ‘substantial public benefit’ on artistic, educational or scientific grounds. The company’s Blogger platform does not account for every blog on the internet. However, it includes accounts ending in ‘blogspot.com’, a free service with millions of users. | Google had planned to hide pornographic material from public searches . Web search giant told bloggers to clean up their act or have posts hidden . But now the company has rowed back on its promise after facing backlash . | a30ba0611b8307ca823acf0945a97be107cb1705 |
(CNN) -- Malawi said it won't host an African Union summit next month because the organization wants Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese leader accused of war crimes in Darfur, to attend. Activists hailed the small and economically struggling southern African nation's stance, announced by Malawian Vice-President Khumbo Kachali on state radio Friday. Al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide, but he has eluded arrest. Malawi is one of many countries that ratified the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, and those nations are obliged to carry out the court's orders, including its arrest warrants. "While we have obligations to abide by decisions of the AU, we are also under obligation to other international agreements including the Rome Statutes," Kachali said. Kachali said the summit appears to be headed to the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, also the AU headquarters. Sudan asked the AU to move the meeting there after Malawi said al-Bashir would not be welcome. Undule Mwakasungula, director of the Malawi Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, is quoted in a Human Rights Watch news release Friday that "Malawi has done right by Darfur victims today." "Malawian President Joyce Banda took a strong stance in support of justice despite tough pressure from the African Union," he said . The AU, the organization of countries across the African continent, has said before that its members shouldn't cooperate with al-Bashir's arrest. Al-Bashir made trips abroad for meetings despite the ICC warrants against him crimes in the Darfur region, where rebels have fought government forces and allied militiamen such as the Janjaweed since 2003. Malawi welcomed al-Bashir last year for a regional trade meeting when the country was led by President Bingu wa Mutharika. The Human Rights Watch said Chad, Kenya and Djibouti have permitted him on their territory. But other countries have canceled visits or have said that the wanted president is unwelcome. "Malawi joins an increasing number of countries that have declined to welcome al-Bashir," said Alan Wallis, international justice lawyer at the Southern Africa Litigation Center, quoted by Human Rights Watch. "More states should follow Malawi's example." Banda became president in April after Mutharika died. After she took power, she said Malawi would host the summit but stressed that al-Bashir wouldn't be welcomed because of the arrest warrant. the Human Rights Watch said. Banda has said that Malawi would lose all-important donor support if it invited al-Bashir to the country. "Civil society groups across the African continent have repeatedly urged governments to arrest -- not host -- al-Bashir," said Elise Keppler, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch. "African activists have called for their governments to stand with victims, not with suspected war criminals." Journalist Gregory Gondwe in Lilongwe, Malawi and CNN's Joe Sterling in Atlanta contributed to this report . | Omar al-Bashir is wanted for crimes in Darfur . Malawi is a party to the Rome Statute that created the ICC . One activist praises the new president for a "strong stance" Under the former president, al-Bashir paid a visit to Malawi . | 17965357b6765d4216649fb605ddec94e25d4342 |
Formula One driver Jean-Eric Vergne has revealed he was admitted to hospital after the Australian Grand Prix due to an extreme weight-loss regime for the 2014 season. The 23-year-old driver has been on a strict diet regime to meet new weight regulations this season. Frenchman Vergne, who drives for Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso, says he needed hospital treatment after the season opener in Melbourne as a direct result of his dieting. Concern: Jean-Eric Vergne says he was admitted to hospital after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix . 'The weight difference between myself and my teammate was making me lose four tenths (per lap),' Vergne told French media. 'I did a diet this winter but you get to certain limits that the body can no longer take,' said Vergne. 'I was in hospital between the Grand Prix in Australia and Malaysia because of a lack of water and a little bit of lack of everything. I was very weak. On track: The Frenchman, who drives for Toro Rosso, described the weight regulations as 'stupid' Adrian Sutil, who is one of the . tallest, and subsequently heavier drivers on the grid, revealed he would race without a water bottle in yesterday's Bahrain Grand . Prix in a drastic bid to keep his weight to a minimum. Jensen Button: 12st . Nico Hulkenberg: 12st 8lbs . Adrian Sutil: 12st 8lbs . Lewis Hamilton: 11st 3lbs . Jean-Eric Vergne: 10st 8lbs . Kevin Magnussen: 10st 7lbs . Felipe Massa: 9st 2lbs . Vergne, who was came in 21st position on Sunday, admitted the issue has been discussed among his fellow . drivers, but a resolution is yet to be found. 'Frankly, the situation is stupid', added Vernge. 'Some lighter drivers want to keep their edge, and we have not reached a solution. 'Formula One cars are very difficult to drive and we need all of our skills. Being forced to lose weight is not good.' Vergne said that while the minimum car-plus-weight limit was raised by the FIA this season for the new turbo V6 rules, the 692-kg figure is still far too low. Out of juice: Adrian Sutil will race without a water bottle at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix . Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, said he is dieting and 'has eaten no sugar since early December' According to the rules cars are weighed with the driver in the cockpit and fellow F1 DRIVER Lewis Hamilton has previously spoken of the need . for drivers to slim down due to turbos and hybrid systems being heavier . than engineers expected. 'It’s hardcore what people are doing,' admitted Hamilton. 'I’m . OK but for the really heavy drivers, I can’t imagine how it is for . them. There’s a minimum they can physically get to without cutting their . arm off. 'You can go into qualifying a little bit dehydrated. I heard someone was doing that, exhausting themselves. Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the 2014 Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. He has spoken of the need for drivers to slim down due to turbos and hybrid systems being heavier than engineers expected . 'And then the next day they can drink some more because the race is different. It’s like jockeys do.' Mercedes' Nico Rosberg, said he is also dieting to reduce his weight. 'I had to make the sacrifice if I want to balance the car perfectly,' he said. 'The diet alone is easy, but training with little food is hell,' Rosberg told Germany's Bild am Sonntag. 'I have eaten no sugar since early December -- for my dream I'm living like a monk'. Clayton Green, Manager of the Human Performance Programme at McLaren previously told The Telegraph: 'The minimum weight limit of the car this year is 691kg. With the changes in technology, teams are struggling to get the cars down to the minimum limit - but they want to be as close to it as possible. 'Any extra weight equates to time per lap and they don’t want to give anything away to competitors. So we want everything as light as possible - including the driver.' | Racer, 23, has been on a strict diet regime to meet new weight regulations . Minimum limit of car and driver combined raised to 692 kilograms . 'I was very weak' he said speaking of his admission to hospital this winter . Vergne came in 21st position on Sunday at the Bahrain Grand Prix . | 8d8c76d6837b95532edde101e68b58f89817b001 |
(CNN) -- The eyes of the world are on the U.S. Congress this week and next. Unlike resolutions about naming a post office, honoring the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox or defunding Obamacare, members of Congress also take votes that test their consciences and prompt them to examine what they believe because the right vote might not be the one that is politically expedient or representative of the current public mood. Our elected representatives will vote on whether to authorize the president to use military force in Syria, where according to U.S. and British intelligence, the regime of Bashar al-Assad defied an international norm and used sarin gas to murder roughly 1,400 of its own citizens, including more than 400 children. The American people, weary from more than a decade of war, are rightfully skeptical of any plan to get involved in a civil war that already has claimed the lives of more than 100,000. At times like this, I think about the words of my former boss, Sen. Ted Kennedy, who 11 years ago this month on the precipice of the Iraq War said, "There is a difference between honest public dialogue and partisan appeals. There is a difference between questioning policy and questioning motives. "There are Republicans and Democrats who support the immediate use of force -- and Republicans and Democrats who have raised doubts and dissented. In this serious time for America and many American families, no one should poison the public square by attacking the patriotism of opponents, or by assailing proponents as more interested in the cause of politics than in the merits of their cause. I reject this, as should we all." Voting your conscience -- standing up for what you believe in -- is not only the safest way to ensure you can articulate a defense for your vote, but it's also your duty as an elected official. This crime committed by al-Assad's government, and belief that inaction could lead more countries to use chemical weapons and put our security in peril, has forced a president who said he "was elected to end wars" into the unlikely position of advocating for military action. By seeking the authorization of Congress, the president did his part to restore the power to the people, or, specifically, to their elected representatives. Like Kennedy, I, too, would like to reject the notion that Republicans or Democrats in Congress would seize upon this vote to tally political points or pad their campaign finances. Pacifist Democrats or libertarian Republicans may vote against the authorization because, after more than a decade of war, they don't think the United States should intervene. Others on both sides of the aisle will vote for it because they believe our country has a role to play in holding dictators accountable who use weapons of mass destruction in violation of a standard adhered to by 98% of the world's population. Both votes should be votes of conscience. Unfortunately, last week we saw a congressman accused of fundraising off his position switch, a presidential hopeful suspected of reversing his stance to please his party's base and remembrances of former presidential contenders who were tarnished by voting for a war. For those elected officials who are concerned about how his or her vote will impact their next election or their future presidential pursuits, I promise you two things: Voters will respect your decision if it is made out of duty of office, rather than personal ambition, and whatever you think the politics are today might not be the same politics a year from now, and will most certainly not be the politics three years from now. There is an eternity between now and the next presidential election, and the most important aspect you can retain between now and that first presidential primary vote is authenticity -- don't put your finger to the wind, vote out of spite for this president or overcorrect the lessons of the fateful vote in 2002 to authorize the Iraq War. Do what you think is right, and the politics will follow. On "Crossfire," in Congress and in the public discourse, I am looking forward to the thoughtful discussion about the stakes in Syria, and I am proud to live in a country where peaceful disagreements are part of our fabric. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Stephanie Cutter. | Stephanie Cutter: At times, members of Congress take votes based on conscience . Syria issue requires members to consider what is right, not what is expedient, she says . Cutter: This is a time for politics to be put aside and for thoughts of 2016 to take a back seat . She says members should act as they think is right and let the politics follow . | 7efac55c1b9762f954a373b65b314900beab1682 |
By . Jennifer Smith . PUBLISHED: . 12:22 EST, 15 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:05 EST, 15 October 2013 . Shoppers at a supermarket in Cambridge were left baffled to see fruit and vegetable signs written in Welsh. Customers at the Asda store at the Beehive Centre were confused to see the Celtic signs almost 200 miles away from Wales. Thankfully, the banners which signpost fruit and vegetable aisles were also written in English so local residents were able to find their way around. Lost in translation: Shoppers were baffled by the signs which give the Welsh names for fruit and vegetables . A spokesman for the store at the Beehive Centre in Cambridge said the signs were the result of a mix-up at the printers . 'I was really confused when I went into the shop to buy some apples and saw all the Welsh signs,' said Catherine Wade, 38. 'None of them make any sense to me and I'm sure there are very few Welsh speakers in the city,' the local resident said. 'It's rather strange having them up in a shop that is so far away from Wales.' A spokesman for the store said today the Welsh signs were put up as the result of a mix-up at the printers, leaving them no choice but to use what was available to them.. It is thought less than 20 per cent of the population in Wales is fluent in Welsh which is considered a minority language . One shopper expressed confusion at the signs, saying she was sure there were 'very few' local Welsh speakers . Staff at the store in Cambridge were reportedly joking with customers about the blunder, saying 'wps', the Welsh word for 'oops' He said: 'The signs that are up in our stores at the moment are a temporary measure whilst we get the correct ones ready for the store. 'In the mean time we invite all customers to have a go at brushing up on their Welsh.' Store staff were reportedly joking with customers about the blunder, saying 'wps', the Welsh word for 'oops'. Just 19 per cent of the population of Wales is fluent in Welsh which is considered a minority language. | Customers were baffled by the signs which are written in Welsh and English . The store in Cambridge is almost 200 miles from Wales . Asda spokesman says the signs were the result of mix-up at the printers . | 932ab47fba5e62a7fecd2f83af2eeb29c6f025bc |
(CNN) -- A fight over books depicting sex and homosexuality has riled up a small Wisconsin city, cost some library board members their positions and prompted a call for a public book burning. A washing machine was part of a July 4 parade float made by a group seeking changes at West Bend's library. The battle has stirred much of West Bend, a city of roughly 30,000 people about 35 miles north of Milwaukee. Residents have sparred for months on blogs, airwaves and at meetings, including one where a man told the city's library director he should be tarred and feathered. The row even spread to this year's Fourth of July parade, which included a float featuring a washing machine and a sign that read "keep our library clean." "If you told me we would be going through a book challenge of this nature, I'd think, 'Never in a million years,' " said Michael Tyree, director of the West Bend Community Memorial Library. The strife began in February when West Bend couple Jim and Ginny Maziarka objected to some of the content in the city library's young-adult section. They later petitioned the library board to move any sexually explicit books -- the definition of which would be debated -- from the young-adult section to the adult section and to label them as sexually explicit. Ginny Maziarka, 49, said the books in the section of the library aimed at children aged 12 to 18 included homosexual and heterosexual content she thought was inappropriate for youths. She and her husband also asked the library to obtain books about homosexuality that affirmed heterosexuality, such as titles written by "ex-gays," Maziarka said. "All the books in the young-adult zone that deal with homosexuality are gay-affirming. That's not balance," she said. The library did not agree with the Maziarkas' suggestions, and the couple appealed to the library board. Ginny Maziarka, a mother of four, began blogging about the issue and the local newspaper picked up the dispute, sparking the opposition. Maria Hanrahan, also a West Bend mom, set up a rival blog to argue the other side. "I'm against any other party telling me what's appropriate for my child and what isn't," said Hanrahan, 40, who also created a West Bend Parents for Free Speech group. "We don't mean to say these are appropriate for everyone, but we don't feel they should be set apart from other materials or restricted from the young-adult section." By this time, many more people had become caught up in the issue, which was generating heat. When Hanrahan appeared on a local radio, callers attacked her views, she said. "People were being very passionate on both sides of the issue. I think it divided the community a little bit," she said. With the debate raging, the city council voted in April against renewing the terms of four library board members, in part because council members thought the board was dragging its feet, library director Tyree said. The Maziarkas were still fighting to have books moved, having identified 82 questionable titles -- more than double their original list. Then they stopped targeting a list of books and circulated a petition that asked the board to label and move to the adult section any "youth-targeted pornographic books" -- including books that describe sex acts in a way unsuitable for minors. The books could still be checked out freely by anyone. "We're not talking about educational material. We're talking raunchy sex acts," Maziarka said. One book she objects to is "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," in which a fictional teenage boy tells about his freshman year in high school, including rape and homosexual and heterosexual sex between teens. Tyree said book excerpts found on Maziarka's blog had been taken out of context and, in the case of "Wallflower," the criticism missed some of the book's points. "In this book, there were consequences of ... rape, of indiscriminate sex. Those were not portrayed so glowingly," he said. By the time the library board met on June 2, each side had collected more than 1,000 signatures backing their position. Dozens of residents spoke at the meeting before the board -- still including the outgoing members -- unanimously voted to keep all policies the same. The demand to move the books was always going to be problematic because no authority has determined that any of the titles are pornographic or obscene, Tyree said. Book challenges aren't new. More than 500 were reported in the United States in 2008, mostly in schools and public libraries, Deborah Caldwell-Stone of the American Library Association said. But this one was attracting extra attention. Caldwell-Stone, who monitored the dispute, said moving any young-adult book to the adult section would have been a form of censorship, even if teens were free to check them out. "The whole intent was shelving books not on the basis of age or reading ability, but because they disapprove of the content with the intent of restricting access. That's a burden on First Amendment rights," Caldwell-Stone said. Outside West Bend, the fight caught the attention of Robert Braun, who, with three other Milwaukee-area men, filed a claim against West Bend calling for one of the library's books to be publicly burned, along with financial damages. The four plaintiffs -- who describe themselves as "elderly" in their complaint --- claim their "mental and emotional well-being was damaged by [the] book at the library." The claim, unconnected to the Maziarkas, says the book "Baby Be-bop" -- a fictional piece about a homosexual teenager -- is "explicitly vulgar, racial and anti-Christian." Braun, who says he is president of a Milwaukee group called the Christian Civil Liberties Union, said he singled out the book because it "goes way over the line" with offensive language and descriptions of sex acts. The call for burning the book showed his passion, Braun, 74, said. "I don't sit on the fence when I do these things. When I make a decision to speak up on something, I go for it." The ALA will help the library oppose the claim if it goes forward, Caldwell-Stone said, adding she felt that was unlikely because "it has very little basis in law." Back in West Bend, the Maziarkas and their supporters are gearing up for another go at the library, in part because the board now has its four new members. They do not want books burned, but they do want action. "We want parents to decide whether they want their children to have access to these books ... and we want the library's help in identifying [them through labeling and moving]," Maziarka said. "It's just common sense." | Wisconsin couple say some books too risque for library's young-adult section . Library refuses request to move some books to adult section, setting up showdown . Group not connected to couple files claim against city, seeks book burning . Issue sparks debate at meetings and on airwaves and blogs . | b6acd42e26b7a5ffe30fca0ee86c0fa3f098eda7 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:19 EST, 31 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:25 EST, 1 June 2013 . Many years may have passed since they last met, but the bonds of friendship among these women have clearly stood the test of time. But this is a reunion that, until recently, seemed impossible because three of these former schoolfriends have spent the past 30-plus years thinking one of their old gang was dead. They found out they were wrong when Christine Greenslade, now 66, decided to trace the chums she grew up with in Penzance, Cornwall. Together again: Christine Greenslade, 66 met her long-lost friends in a tearful reunion this week. Pictured left to right: Jane Woodall,Viv Allbright, Christine Greenslade and Linda Turney . Mistaken: The three schoolfriends were stunned to hear Christine Greenslade was alive after believing she had died 30 years ago . Memory lane: The women this week returned to this pub, where the last photo of them was taken. Pictured left to right Audrey Upton, Viv Allbright (standing) Jane Woodall, Christine and Linda Turney . When she got in touch, they were stunned to hear she was alive after reading of her ‘untimely’ death in a newspaper obituary in 1980. The mix-up happened when Mrs Greenslade’s mother, Pamela, died of cancer and her daughter wanted to let her former community know. The family had moved to Ipswich and Mrs Greenslade phoned the local newspaper in their native Cornwall to place an obituary. But the paper confused the women’s names and told readers that Christine had died aged 34. Botched: Christine Greenslade placed an obituary for her mother in Cornish newspaper in 1980 but the Cornishman accidentally printed Christine's name instead of her mother's . Mrs Greenslade, a painter who now lives in France, discovered the bungle after revisiting her first home and phoning friends from St Gertrude’s Convent. Four of the gang have now met up 50 years on from when they were last pictured together – in the same pub. The original photo showed Mrs Greenslade alongside Audrey Upton, Viv Albright, Jane Woodall (now Johnson) and Linda Turney. They met again at the Admiral Benbow pub after Mrs Greenslade invited them for a drink. Mrs Greenslade said: ‘It is obviously fantastic to see everyone. 'When I got in touch with Viv Albright she sounded very odd. She rang me back and said, “I’m terribly sorry, but we all thought you were dead”.’ Mrs Johnson, 66, from Ironbridge, Shropshire, said: ‘Chris is one of my oldest friends and to have lost her all those years because of a silly mix-up was terrible.’ The only one missing from the original line-up was Mrs Upton. Mrs Greenslade said: ‘We’d absolutely love to hear from her.’ | Christine Greenslade, 66, moved away with family from Cornish hometown . She placed an obituary for her mother in Cornish newspaper in 1980 . The Cornishman printed Christine's name instead of her mother's . Realised mistake when she contacted old friends from St Gertrude's convent . | 02e6d107b75368f37c97f6536aad2d63a15e966b |
(CNN) -- Chris Christie got to the point immediately. The embattled New Jersey governor, who's seriously considering a 2016 run for the White House, began his State of the State address on Tuesday by pledging to cooperate with multiple investigations into controversies that are threatening to complicate his political future. Opinion: We need the full truth from Chris Christie . He didn't specifically mention suggestions that top aides orchestrated traffic gridlock near the country's busiest bridge last year in an alleged case of political payback, but noted that "mistakes were clearly made." His usual swagger gone, Christie continued: "And as a result, we let down the people we are entrusted to serve. I know our citizens deserve better. Much better. I am the governor and I am ultimately responsible for all that happens on my watch - both good and bad." Christie: 'Mistakes were clearly made' A Republican in a state dominated by Democrats, Christie then moved on. He used the rest of the 45-minute address before state legislators in Trenton to push his legislative agenda and tout his accomplishments. He threaded through his entire speech pitches for his bipartisan efforts, making a plea for those efforts to continue. So, how'd he do? Addressing the controversy early was the right move, experts and analysts said. NJ Democrat lawmaker on traffic scandal: 'I do think laws have been broken' CNN Chief National Correspondent John King: "He did exactly what he needed to do by getting to it first. His trademark is being blunt and direct. His brand, his trademark, is damaged right now. He's trying to get the tarnish off it. This was a first page in the next chapter of Chris Christie. We don't know where that chapter is going." CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger: "He got it out of the way early, he said what he needed to say." But Borger also said she believes "a line of argument against Chris Christie has been established with the public. That he is petty, that his administration was vengeful. If he wants to reverse that narrative, he does have to get something done in a bipartisan way and he has to get this story over with and it doesn't look like it's going to end any time soon." Borger also observed Christie's turn-of-phrase. "He said that 'mistakes were made,' not that he made the mistakes." Borger added that Democrats in New Jersey "now believe they have an opening (against Christie) and they're going right through it." CNN Political Analyst John Avlon: "He needed to address the elephant in the room right off the top, and he did. He was contrite -- mistakes were made. Pay careful attention to the word 'appropriate' -- he'll cooperate with all 'appropriate' inquiries. I don't think he's going to try to turn over private e-mails." CNN Political Analyst Ana Navarro: "I think it was very smart of him to address it right off the bat. He knew all of us were watching those first few minutes. Then he could go on to talk about filling potholes in New Jersey. But he captured our attention with those first few sentences." But also in those first few sentences was a phrase that surprised CNN Political Commentator Ryan Lizza: "Mistakes were made." "Every politician, every pundit knows that that is a phrase, at the very least, from the Iran-Contra scandal, and it's basically been mocked as this passive voice and way of pretending to take responsibility for something when you're not," Lizza said. Feds investigate Christie's use of Sandy relief funds . CNN Chief National Correspondent Jake Tapper and CNN's Halimah Abdullah contributed to this report. | N.J. Gov. Chris Christie's State of the State address garnered national attention . Christie tackled head-on a controversy that suggests political payback by aides . John King: "He did exactly what he needed to do by getting to it first" Ryan Lizza: Christie used phrase associated with past scandal that has been mocked . | ad330b5b22f6dd86b670305ab08a729926af634a |
By . Peter Allen In Paris . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 6 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:47 EST, 6 March 2013 . Pompous: Former president Nicholas Sarkozy said he may be forced to return to government because of a sense of duty 'for France' Nicholas Sarkozy styled himself as a Charles de Gaulle figure today - saying he may be forced to return to government because of a sense of duty 'for France'. In one of the most high-minded interviews of his career, the 58-year-old former President said he does not want to return to politics, but 'may be obliged to' because of the failure of the Socialist government which replaced his. Mr Sarkozy, who has been out of power since May last year, told the current affairs magazine Valeurs Actuelles: 'There may unfortunately be a moment when the question is no longer "Do you feel like it?" but "Have you got a choice?" 'In this this case I can no longer tell myself: "I am happy, I take my daughter to school, and I take part in conferences around the world". 'In which case, certainly, I will be forced to return. Not because I feel like it. Because of duty. Solely because it is France.' Mr Sarkozy, a right wing conservative, has often tried to evoke the spirit of General De Gaulle, the legendary Second World War leader who went on to lead France right up until the late 1960s. De Gaulle was consumed by a sense of duty for his homeland, regularly sacrificing personal ambitions for the good of his nation. But the diminutive Mr Sarkozy, 5ft 5ins, has never been viewed with anything like the same reverence as De Gaulle, a towering figure of 6ft 4ins who dominated post-war Europe. Handover: Sarkozy, left, shakes hands with his successor Francois Hollande after the election in May last year . Stepping down: Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni leave the Elysee Palace as current president Francois Hollande and his partner Valerie Trierweiler look on . Not only is Mr Sarkozy facing a number of corruption enquiries which could eventually see him jailed, but he is deeply unpopular among huge sections of French society. Mr Sarkozy has often tried to evoke the spirit of General Charles De Gaulle, the legendary Second World War leader who went on to lead France right up until the late 1960s . Mr Sarkozy and his third wife, the . former supermodel Carla Bruni, currently live in central Paris with . their daughter Giulia, 17 months. This has made his claim that he now takes 'my daughter to school' sound an unlikely one. The Sarkozy's home was raided by anti-corruption police last year in connection with the so-called Bettencourt Affair. This has seen key Sarkozy lieutenants accused of accepting envelopes full of cash from Liliane Bettencourt, the I'Oreal heiress and France's richest women, in return for future tax breaks. Mr Sarkozy has denied any wrong doing, but has been made a 'material witness' in a criminal enquiry into the scandal. Other accusations include claims that he accepted millions of pounds worth of illegal cash from former Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi. Mr Sarkozy lost his presidential immunity from prosecution when beaten by Socialist Francois Hollande in elections last May. Mr Hollande is himself now a deeply unpopular president, and is being held responsible for the economic recession blighting the country. | 58-year-old former President styles himself as a Charles de Gaulle figure . Said he may be forced to return to government because of a sense of duty . He insisted he does not want to return to politics, but 'may be obliged to' | b2adaa5864176fd090ebd5b91c6872c0f7e359c1 |
Given how he divides opinion, there’s probably the same number of people who feel sorry for Arjen Robben as there are who believe the 2022 World Cup should be in Qatar. Notwithstanding that the Dutchman is the footballer with the closest skill-and-thrill set to those of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the fact that he is ruthlessly dedicated to persuading referees that any contact or attempted contact on him around the area is a penalty alienates many. However, anyone with an ounce of generosity, everyone who admires his fabulous combination of athleticism, pace, skill, technique and power should find it easy to generate some sympathy for the 30-year-old. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Robben score an incredible rabona in training . Arjen Robben trains with the Dutch squad at Katwijk ahead of their clash with Latvia . Guus Hiddink has promised to resign as Holland manager if his team are beaten by Latvia . Now that he has dominated his own physique, applying intelligence and research to avoiding being injured every four or five months, it is enormously frustrating to realise how much football he has missed. Instead of his reputation being given sheen by having been champion of every country in which he’s played (Holland, England, Spain and Germany), or having scored the winner in a Champions League final, the pall of blowing opportunities to achieve absolute greatness hangs stubbornly over him. Within five torrid weeks in spring 2012, he missed two penalties. First, against Borussia Dortmund, when a win would have put Bayern joint top of the Bundesliga but defeat doubled the existing three-point gap. In due course Jurgen Klopp’s team won the title. Robben has been with Bayern since 2009, where he has won three Bundesligas and the Champions League . The Dutch winger has won league titles in every country he has played, including two with Chelsea . Then, in that gut-wrenching, disastrous defeat at Bayern’s own stadium in the Champions League Final against Chelsea, Petr Cech easily saved Robben’s extra-time penalty at a time when Bayern were motoring and the Blues, frankly, didn’t look like they had another goal in them. Add that to the one-on-one miss against Iker Casillas in the 2010 World Cup Final against Spain. His career may be in full bloom but through Robben’s 21-trophy time line there emerges a thread of pain, disappointment, failure and ill-fortune. Just as he reaches the absolute peak of his form and fitness, the Dutch national team have become immensely idiosyncratic. They reached that World Cup final four years ago, but contested it like bar brawlers. Euro 2012 was horrific, but they ended Brazil 2014 in third place and just millimetres short of a place in the final, shredding Spain en route. Robben scores the winning goal against Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League final at Wembley . Robben gets his hands on the Champions League trophy after Bayern's win over Dortmund . Thus far, the post-World Cup era is nothing short of a botch-up — five defeats in the last seven matches, including a classic pratfall in Reykjavik against Iceland. Guus Hiddink has promised to quit should Holland lose to Latvia. Robben is an immense footballer yet, when the Ballon d’Or is awarded in January you can take it that he won’t be in the top three with Ronaldo (winner) and Messi (second). Bayern team-mates like Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm and Real’s Toni Kroos might be, while Gareth Bale is a decent bet to finish above Robben. The winger’s best finish is eighth. He says: ‘2013 was a brilliant year in terms of trophies. I won the Treble with Bayern. But in terms of my own professional development and sheer intensity, 2014 has been outstanding. The best yet. I’ve played all year without any major injuries and was on superb form physically during the World Cup.’ Robben sees a penalty against Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final saved by Petr Cech . The Dutchman looked dejected after watching the Champions League slip away in Munich . Holland had a tough time at Euro 2012 as they lost all three games against Germany, Portugal and Denmark . Beyond ending his reputation of being made of crystal, physiologically, Robben has also shown steely fortitude mentally. ‘Spring and summer 2012 was a very difficult period. There were those penalties I missed and then, after the Champions League final defeat to Chelsea, we came back to a Holland friendly days later to suffer jeers and whistles in the Allianz Arena, our own stadium. ‘Then catastrophic games in Poland/Ukraine 2012 when Holland was knocked out in the first round. It was like living a nightmare. ‘Getting the decisive goal in the Champions League Final against Dortmund was such a liberating moment.’ And, compared to the threat of Latvia robbing Robben of another international manager, his club career at Bayern — good candidates for a second Treble in three years — could not be better. The Dutchman is in thrall to his club coach and admits Pep Guardiola has made him a better player. Developments for which Hiddink will be deeply grateful. | Dutch winger has stayed injury free and is playing some of his best football . Robben has won league titles in every country he has played . 30-year-old scored winner in 2013 Champions League final . Dutchman has also spurned opportunities that would have redefined his career, such as the 2010 World Cup final against Spain . | ced4ba47a6c09a7a352b045c8d42a9a7776de4a4 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:42 EST, 5 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:14 EST, 6 June 2013 . The latest episode of Game of Thrones shocked viewers with the brutal slaughter of multiple characters - but the creator of the series has insisted that the bloodbath was in fact based on historical events. Fans of the HBO series were horrified to see some of their favourites murdered at a wedding, and some have accused writer George R.R. Martin of going over the top with the extraordinary scenes. However Martin, author of the books on which the series is based, has revealed that the 'Red Wedding' was intended to reflect historical reality. It was based on two tragic moments in Scottish history when feasts turned into fights - one of which was the Black Dinner of 1440 at Edinburgh Castle, when the host killed his own guest after serving him with the ominous head of a black bull. Scroll down for video . Bad manners: The Black Dinner of 1440, shown in this archival rendering, saw the serving of a bull's head to the King of Scotland's dinner guest. A slaughter ensued . True story?: A still from the 'Red Wedding' episode of 'Game of Thrones.' The show's creator says the bloody scene came from historical fact . For diehard viewers of Game of Thrones, one of the most shocking elements of last Sunday's episode was seeing the 'hospitality laws' broken when the Frey family turned against their guests, the Starks. These laws state that once people have broken bread with one another, they are forbidden from harming each other - and this custom was not invented by Martin himself. ‘It was stolen from history,’ he said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. ‘Hospitality laws were real in Dark Ages society. A host and guest were . not allowed to harm each other even if they were enemies. By violating . that law, the phrase is, they “condemn themselves for all time.”’ 'Edinburgh Castle, toune and towre,God grant thou sink for sin!And that e'en for the black dinnerEarl Douglas gat therein.' The 'Red Wedding' scene in Game of Thrones, which even shows the slaughter of a pregnant queen, may seem to be a particularly violent example of this type of treachery, but Martin copied it from the medieval past. ‘The Red Wedding is based on a couple real events from Scottish history,’ Martin explained. At the Black Dinner, in November 1440, the 16-year-old Earl of Douglas was invited to Edinburgh Castle by Sir William Crichton, who as Chancellor of Scotland was a leading member of the court of 10-year-old King James II. Crichton feared the brothers Douglas and their allies were becoming too powerful. So he brought in the men to eat and drink until the king's men began ominously pounding drums. Shameful past: Unlike the Black Dinner, it was the guests who killed the hosts in 'The game of Thrones' Red Wedding. But the fictional and historical violence remains the same . Gory: The bloody scene of treachery shocked many fans . The head of a black bull or boar was served - a sign that death is near. The king's men then dragged the Earl and . his followers out of the castle into the courtyard. After a mock trial . that found them guilty of high treason, they were beheaded. Martin says he also based his equally loathed and beloved scene on another, more widely known instance of Middle Ages brutality. ‘The larger instance was the Glencoe Massacre,’ he explained, where one Scottish clan slaughtered another. New history: Edinburgh Castle was the site of a gruesome and treacherous slaughter that has now become part of popular culture via 'Game of Thrones' Half crazy: But George R.R. Martin says the carnage came from Scottish history, not just his imagination . As The Week tells it, the MacDonalds . had until a prescribed date to swear allegiance to the new king, William . of Orange. But the letter they sent to do so, due to bureaucratic . mishandling and a secretary of state who had a bone to pick against . the clan, didn't make it in time. The Campbells, under the command of Captain Robert Campbell visited the MacDonalds at Glencoe in 1692. Clan Campbell, Martin explained, stayed with Clan MacDonald, so the laws of hospitality were supposed to apply but were quickly - and murderously - ignored. The clans played cards together and . then the MacDonalds fell asleep. As they dozed, the vengeful Campbells . killed 38 of them in their beds. Some 40 women and children escaped, . only to perish in the blizzard that raged that night. Though . Martin has said the ‘Red Wedding’ scene lost him a great many readers . and that even he had trouble watching it in television form, he has defended the bloodshed by insisting that he is only reflected the dark side of human nature, as recorded throughout history. ‘No matter how much I make up,’ he said, ‘there’s stuff in history that’s just as bad, or worse.’ | TV viewers shocked by horrific slaughter in latest episode of fantasy series . Creator George R.R. Martin says massacre was based on historical event . Host of Edinburgh Castle's 'Black Dinner' of 1440 butchered his guests . | 40ca6a1a982decef3c82b7a849208120f4411cac |
A hapless team of Muslim cyber terrorists whose aim is to hack websites belonging to the world's biggest governments and businesses have mistakenly hijacked Bristol's online bus timetable. A group calling themselves Darkshadow - an 'Arab Security Team' - took over the TravelWest website and replaced it with a sinister Islamic State-style homepage. It is believed the gang though it was an influential site used by millions to book travel around the Western world - not a West Country journey planner. Blunder: A gang of Muslim hackers, believed to be based in Tunisia, hacked a West Country bus timetable site believing it was an influential journey planner used across the Western world . Its users were shocked on New Year's Day when they tried to find out the latest bus and rail times but were met with a black Islamic banner with the message 'hacked by darkshadow', 'Muslum (sic) hackers'. However, rather than bringing the West to the brink of meltdown, it briefly deprived users of travel and congestion information in the Bristol area. Arabic music often used on propaganda films used by groups like ISIS also blasted out of their speakers. The small-scale attack was roundly mocked by bus and rail users via the group’s Facebook page. Several people began contacting the hackers asking them for travel advice in and around Bristol but are yet to get a response. The site is now back in the hands of TravelWest after bus and train travellers were unable to access the timetables throughout New Year's Day. The 'darkshadow' group's Facebook page claims they have previously successfully infiltrated webpages belonging to Philippine Airlines and the El Salvador government. But their latest botched attack has been mocked by people via their Facebook page. Spot the difference: West Country travel bosses have since managed to wrestle back control of the TravelWest site . Upset: People wanting to find out the best way around Bristol on New Year's Day were shocked to see an Islamic black flag when they tried to log on . Warning: When users Google TravelWest they still get the message that it has been hacked . Facebook user Richard Moore wrote: ‘These idiots are the laughing stock of the world. Are the buses running today?’ Another called Saki Piranha commented: ‘Can you fix this little error on the TravelWest site? Nice music by the way.’ One person asked: 'Hi. Can you tell me which bus to get from the station to travel to the city centre? It seems as though you're now giving travel information'. One person wrote: 'Oh dear, can't tell the difference between a local bus company and travel site! Pathetic.' Jenny Johnson added: 'It's a bus timetable website. Too hard to hack something big.' The TravelWest website usually provides locals with information about train and bus times in and around Bristol. The Facebook page left on the jammed site says the hackers are based in the Tunisian capital of Tunis in North Africa. They appear to target two or three global travel websites all over the world every day. As well as posting their triumphs, the group also upload a series of posts praising Allah. One said: 'Swear to god but Allah is the Almighty God and his prophets is Muhamad.' | 'Arab Security Team' Darkshadow's aim is to disrupt major websites . Confused 'West' in TravelWest for Western world rather than West Country . Users trying to find Bristol bus times were met with Islamic black flag . Cyber gang's Facebook page inundated with requests for travel information . TravelWest down on New Year's Day but now back in hands of business . | bf918b63f6b89f2d7c8c2c7a3c62e9c050561125 |
By . Ashley Clements . Follow @@Ashley_Clements . Trevor Francis has slammed Liverpool's summer transfer activity and claims spending just £4million on a replacement for Luis Suarez won't be enough for the Reds next season. Brendan Rodgers has forked out £100million on new players so far, but Francis believes the Liverpool squad still lacks balance. He told Sky Sports: 'There’s £100million spent and only £4million put aside for a striker, that being Rickie Lambert. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Brendan Rodgers say Liverpool will not do a Tottenham . Not enough? Trevor Francis believes Liverpool new a '£30million striker' to compete next season . Missing: Liverpool have lost star striker Luis Suarez to La Liga giants Barcelona . 'I just think that somewhere along the line the balance is not right. He (Rodgers) needed a £30million striker. 'Ultimately it might come back to bite him. Whatever he’s going to do, he has got to be positive and I believe he’s got to do it before the transfer window closes at the end of August.' The former England international also believes 32-year-old striker Lambert is struggling to settle into his new team. Francis added: 'I’ve watched him in three or four games and in one game he was taken off at half-time and today he struggled throughout. He didn't look comfortable playing in those surroundings.' Struggling: Rickie Lambert has struggled in a Liverpool shirt, according to Francis . | Trevor Francis believes Liverpool haven't spent money in the right areas . Former England international claims Rodgers needs a '£30m striker' Francis has also questioned whether Rickie Lambert can fit in at Liverpool . | 36da1e8b93fe93b8e874efe6d85ed883df6b222b |
In court: Rihanna has won a two-year multi-million pound legal battle with Topshop who unlawfully used her image on a popular T-shirt . Rihanna has won a two-year multi-million pound legal battle with Topshop after they unlawfully used her image on a popular T-shirt sold to thousands of fans. The pop star sued Topshop's parent company Arcadia for £3.3million ($5.5million) over the clothing, which featured a photo taken during a video shoot for her hit 'We Found Love' in 2011. In 2013 her legal team successfully argued her fans, who saw her as a fashion icon, would have falsely thought she had endorsed the garment sold by the high street fashion store. In their first legal skirmish the courts banned the store selling a Rihanna 'tank' sleeveless T-shirt without her permission - but the fashion chain then tried to overturn the initial ruling. Today the Court of Appeal upheld the ban agreeing that marketing the clothing without the 26-year-old singer's approval amounts to 'passing off,' a term used to enforce unregistered trademark rights. It also found the image was similar to the one used on her 2011 Talk that Talk album and fans could be misled. The legal battle threat came despite the What's My Name singer having dined with Sir Philip and music mogul Simon Cowell while on her Christmas break to Barbados in 2010. The star, who in 2012 signed a deal worth a rumoured £800,000 to design a range with High Street rival River Island, tweeted about the Boxing Day meal they had together, saying: 'Just had dinner w/ Simon Cowell Philip Green @ Sandy Lane! Great night!' She has also spent time with Sir Philip's daughter Chloe while holidaying at the same time in the Caribbean two years ago. Today Lord Justice David Kitchin said: 'People could be deceived into buying the t-shirt perhaps believing it was authorised by Rihanna. 'Topshop sold the t-shirt without Rihanna's approval and this amounted to passing off.' In the appeal, heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in November last year, Topshop lawyer Geoffrey Hobbs QC, who was trying to overturn the previous ruling, argued there was a tradition of merchandising star images over the decades, including those of Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix and Prince. However, Rihanna's legal team said the image was from an unauthorised photograph taken while she was filming a music video in Northern Ireland and Topshop should be banned from exploiting it. It was this view that was endorsed by today's judgement. Row: Rihanna and Topshop owner Sir Philip Green are good friends, left, but his business has fought to use the picture taken during a music video, right, on its clothing but has failed at the High Court today . Chat: Sir Philip's daughter Chloe sits with Rihanna on Barbados over Christmas 2011 . Lord Justice Kitcin added: 'In the present case I am entirely satisfied that the judge did have a proper regard to the distinction between endorsement and general character merchandising. 'The judge considered the use of this image would in all the circumstances of the case, indicate that the t-shirt had been authorised and approved by Rihanna, many of her fans regard her endorsement as important for she is their style icon, and would buy the t-shirt thinking she had approved an authorised it. 'In short the judge found that the sale of the t-shirt bearing this image amounted to a representation that Rihanna had endorsed it. In my judgement the reasoning of the judge discloses no error of principle.' He added though Rihanna knew she had no right in English law to prevent any use of her image, this did not rule out the judge finding Topshop had been guilty of 'misrepresentation'. He added: 'The vice in the impugned activities lay not in the use of Rihanna's image but in using it in such a way as to cause misrepresentation. 'Topshop is in effect contending not for the image right but rather for a positive right to market goods bearing an image even if the use of that image in particular circumstances to particular customers gives rise to a misrepresentation. 'To accede to that submission would be to sanction a trade which results in in the deception of the public.' Demands: Rihanna instructed a British law firm to deal with the case with Topshop on her behalf, as she says they should pay to use her image - and judges agree . He added the judge was right to find Topshop was 'recognizing and seeking to take advantage' of Rihanna's public perception as a style icon. Lord Justice Kitchin also added the judge was right to find the 'striking' with Rihanna posing facing the camera with her hair up in a scarf looked similar to images from the recent Talk that Talk album. He said this meant there was a danger it could be taken to be an 'authorised' publicity shot from the single, which it was not. A legal expert has said today's ruling should be a warning to businesses who use celebrities images without their permission, as it will allow others to bring similar cases to court. Mike Gardner, a partner and head of intellectual property at Wedlake Bell, said: 'Rihanna was forced to rely on the English common law right of passing off because in the UK, unlike certain other countries, there is no 'image rights' law to help celebrities to control the commercial use of their image. 'This ruling, in what was seen as a finely balanced case, may encourage other celebrities to make similar claims in the future. 'Retailers will have to be extra careful in how they sell items bearing celebrity images. 'They will need to learn lessons from what happened with Topshop. 'Anything that is seen as wrongly suggesting an official tie-up or endorsement by the celebrity could lead to legal action.' | Rihanna was in £3m battle with Topshop over image on T-shirt since 2012 . Pop star won a ban on sale in the UK but High Street giant then appealed . Today a High Court judge has agreed that Rihanna's face cannot be used . Chain 'might have deceived her fans into thinking she endorsed T-shirt' | 73f9c17e3ef79a2c6e1c545bf6405bb027336e5f |
By . John Hall . Accused: Anthony McGraw, 40, allegedly poured a large amount of hot grease over his girlfriend . A woman has been left permanently disfigured after her boyfriend allegedly poured boiling fat on her face while she slept. Anthony McGraw, 40, fled the couple's home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama after pouring a large amount of hot grease over his girlfriend, 39, while upset over the state of their relationship, according to police. He was later found hiding in a nearby abandoned building, and now faces a charge of first-degree domestic violence assault, while the unidentified victim is thought likely to require cosmetic surgery. The incident happened at the couple's home in west of the city at around 4am on Sunday. McGraw had apparently been cooking before deciding to use the oil as a weapon, according to Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit's Lieutenant Kip Hart. 'He was cooking a meal and she was asleep on the couch when he came across some information that made him upset enough to do this... Based on what we know, we don’t think it was premeditated,' he told Tuscaloosa News. It is believed the victim had two children at the property at the time of the attack, including a teenager to which McGraw is the father. The victim was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where she is being treated for severe but non life-threatening burns to her face and arms. 'My understanding is her injuries are quite severe as far as she'll probably need cosmetic surgery,' Lieutenant Hart said. Scene: The incident happened at the couple's home (pictured) in west of the city at around 4am on Sunday. The victim was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, with severe burns to her face and arms . According to a police report, the victim claims she awoke to see McGraw standing over her pouring the boiling fat onto her face. McGraw had left the scene by the time police arrived, but he was later found cowering in a nearby abandoned building at around 7pm the following evening. He has been charged with first degree assault - a crime described as an attack 'with intent to disfigure another person seriously and permanently' - and is held on a $60,000 bond. A judge . revoked his probation on a 2009 felony marijuana possession charge and a . 2006 drug distribution charge. He is being held with no bond set in . those cases. The couple's relationship problems are thought to date back at least until last August when the victim told police that McGraw had threatened her. A subsequent restraining order against McGraw was dismissed a month later. | Anthony McGraw, 40, allegedly poured boiling fat over sleeping girlfriend . He is understood to have been unhappy about state of their relationship . McGraw fled scene but was found in an abandoned building the next day . He has now been charged with first-degree domestic violence assault . Unidentified victim, 39, is being treated for severe burns to face and arms . | db47cba9d6034b7225727e4b00e15e64c7aca60c |
At the start of the season two teams dominated most predictions for the Premier League. Yet one of them has probably surpassed expectations and is shaping up to be one of the great Premier League sides, the other is well below par. I am, of course, referring to Chelsea and Manchester City and last week’s action in the Champions League provided a summary of their domestic form. Chelsea were superb but it is the team that impresses. City just got there in the end but only Sergio Aguero is really delivering. When you analyse where it is going wrong for City, there are some obvious areas. Yaya Toure clearly isn’t the player he was last season, for whatever reason. We can’t know for sure but it might have been the loss of his brother, who tragically died in the summer. It certainly seems to have gone downhill ever since there was that silly row about his birthday after the summer trip to Abu Dhabi. Only now are some people realising quite how important he was to the whole team. Chelsea have been hugely impressive in the Premier League this season, and are still unbeaten . But Premier League champions Manchester City, and particularly Yaya Toure, have been disappointing . David Silva was also in sensational form last season but he’s been injured of late and hasn’t quite hit the heights of last season. For me, those two were the heart of the midfield; exceptional players who, with Aguero in front of them, made the difference. Jesus Navas and Samri Nasri look like players who come alive when the rest of the team are playing well. Up front, Edin Dzeko has missed some games through injury and hasn’t shared the scoring burden, with only two goals in the Premier League and don’t forget they haven’t got Alvaro Negredo. They let him go after his form tailed off in the closing months of last season but by this stage last year he had already scored 12 goals for City; seven in the League. Last week they were very fortunate to stay in the Champions League with CSKA Moscow’s last-minute goal and Bayern going down to 10 men. A lot of things happened to keep them in the frame. It won’t be like that if they make the last 16 — they will have to earn wins the hard way. Pellegrini won both the league and League Cup in his first season but looks unlikely to repeat that feat . Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best sides in European football . It’s going to be difficult for City to spend their way out of this downturn, as they have in the past. It looks as though they have been caught out a little by the severity with which UEFA imposed their Financial Fair Play rules. Possibly there was a feeling that if they did stumble a little bit, they could go out to buy somebody. Now the rules have changed so that is a difficulty. Of course, they still have an incredible squad and resources so I wouldn’t feel too sorry for them but they have to watch what they spend in January or at least balance the books. Chelsea did that magnificently in the summer, even making a profit on their dealings. For me, the biggest change there is that you can see Jose Mourinho’s hand in all the transfers. There was a suspicion in the past that it wasn’t necessarily football people making the decisions about who should be bought, certainly not when Fernando Torres came in. Chelsea's 5-0 demolition of German side Schalke shows they have what it takes to win the Champions League . Sergio Aguero celebrates the third goal of his stunning hat-trick against Bayern Munich . But all the major transfers since Mourinho has arrived have brought balance to the team and added quality. The players who have made the difference this season have been Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic, who was signed in January, and Thibaut Courtois, who returned from his loan in Spain. All that was done by the manager. He’s moulded the team into what he wanted. Reading between the lines, it seems as though Jose appreciated what the owner, Roman Abramovich, wanted in terms of more stylish football, while the owner appreciates what Mourinho brings to the side. Their partnership fits hand in glove. Chelsea can be sensational to watch even if, like at Sunderland, they can also be quite tight and just take what’s on offer. Their work ethic allows individuality to thrive. You can’t see this Chelsea side not winning the Premier League title, only injuries to key players might stop them. What will be intriguing is how they fare when the Champions League resumes in February. I know they won the tournament in 2012 playing on the counter-attack but in reality we haven’t really had a team in England in recent years who could genuinely go toe-to-toe with Europe’s very best. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are certainly the strongest at the moment. If Chelsea can maintain this kind of form, they might just be the team to challenge those giants. | Chelsea have been hugely impressive in the Premier League this season . But Manchester City have failed to find their rhythm . Jose Mourinho's signings appeared to have his hallmark on them . City may have to replace Yaya Toure soon, but must be careful with money . | 5ecf9aa9a7403e2af3d82b860f2ebb60d2160144 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . An NHS worker stole £650,000 from a cancer hospital’s drugs fund and blew it on her wedding and designer handbags. Stacey Tipler, 32, siphoned off the cash while working in the accounts department of the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, transferring it into accounts controlled by a gang recruited by her fiancé, Scott Chaplin, 33. The funds were then quickly withdrawn and split, with Tipler using her share to go shopping for Gucci handbags and pay for her nuptials, which were planned for May 2013. Theft: Stacey Tipler, 32, siphoned off £650,000 while working at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, transferring it into accounts controlled by a gang recruited by her fiance . She also splashed out on a model helicopter and cleared £30,000 debts, Southwark Crown Court heard. But she was arrested a year before her big day, after suspicious staff at suppliers Alliance Healthcare notified the NHS that the company had received two remittance slips with no accompanying payment. Investigators have only been able to claw back around half of the stolen cash. Tipler and Chaplin, of Carshalton, Surrey, face jail after being found guilty of conspiracy to defraud after a two-week trial. They will be sentenced at a later date. Chaplin was also found guilty of money laundering by the jury. Tipler sobbed as Judge Anthony Leonard QC warned her: ‘I appreciate there are children involved in this case but you must also appreciate what the likely sentence will be.’ Co-defendants Aiden Butcher, 38, Steven Rico, 22 and Danielle Flynn, 35, were cleared of money laundering. Clinton Woolery, 35, Thomas Quinlan, 26, William Flynn, 37, Russell Baker, 32, Roy Harriott, 26, and Adrian Horan, 42, had earlier admitted money laundering. Horan also admitted his part in the conspiracy to defraud alongside Tipler and Chaplin. Hospital: Stacey Tipler had worked in the accounts department of the Royal Marsden Hospital (pictured) Stephen Hopper, prosecuting, said: . ‘The defendants spent money that should have gone on cancer drugs on . model helicopters and Gucci. ‘This . is a very straightforward case. Stacey Tipler exploited her access to . the Trust’s computerised payment system, Agressos, in order to divert . funds. ‘She achieved this . simply by removing the bank details on the Agressos system for a number . of the Trust’s suppliers and replacing those details, temporarily, with . the bank account details of one of the other defendants. ‘In . this way a total of £642,827.98 was diverted to six different accounts . controlled by people known either to her or her partner.’ | Stacey Tipler exploited her role at Royal Marsden Hospital in London . She used her position in accounts department to alter invoices . She diverting funds to a gang recruited by her fiance Scott Chaplin . Money was paid into other accounts and withdrawn in laundering scam . Tipler spent her money on designer handbags and paying for her wedding . | cf8d19851523be1e6704aa26449662fb410b409e |
By . Mia De Graaf . PUBLISHED: . 14:00 EST, 28 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 18:05 EST, 28 February 2014 . Menace: John Worboys attacked numerous women between 2002 and 2008 as Scotland Yard's bungled investigation failed to track him down . More than 100 victims of 'black cab rapist' John Worboys could sue Scotland Yard over its botched investigation into the menace after two women won a landmark case. The anonymous victims, attacked in 2003 and 2007, successfully claimed their human rights had been breached by the Metropolitan Police for failing to catch Worboys during his six year rampage across London. Worboys, a former porn actor and stripper, attacked numerous women during a five-year period between 2002 and 2008. The 53-year-old offered the women cheap lifts home after nights out but spiked their drinks before carrying out the assaults. Police also found a 'rape kit' in the back of his taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms and gloves. Worboys, who called himself Terry the Minder, was jailed indefinitely in April 2009 with a minimum tariff of eight years. But today, the two women - referred to as DSD and NBV - were awarded a High Court order for . compensation from the Metropolitan Police under Article 3 of the Human Rights Act, . which relates to inhuman treatment. Mr . Justice Green at London’s High Court ruled that the Met was liable to hundreds of women for failures in its investigation and poor treatment of victims. DSD told the court she suffered from depression as a result of her . treatment by officers during the 2003 investigation. NBV claimed . that she suffered serious distress, anxiety, guilt and an exacerbation . of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after her experience of the investigation in 2007. Speaking on behalf of other victims, they accused the Met of allowing Worboys to run free and reoffend for an unacceptable amount of time. Mr Justice Green said: 'In this case I have identified a series of . systemic failings which went to the heart of the failure of the police . to apprehend Worboys and cut short his five- to six-year spree of . violent attacks.' He berated senior officers for failing to train . relevant officers in the intricacies of drug-facilitated sexual assaults and failing to supervise junior detectives. He also attacked detectives for not making use of intelligence sources to find links between the cases. Other . failures included losing the confidence of victims and not creating an environment where victims felt comfortable to express their ordeals. Landmark ruling: The High Court ruled in favour of the women who will now receive compensation and pave the way for more than 100 more victims to make claims . The judge said Worboys was clinical and conniving and the effect upon the women was profound. 'In . the cases of DSD and NBV, I received evidence about the trauma they . experienced at the time and subsequently, and have read the psychiatric . reports upon them,' he said. 'I have learned that the effects of the . assaults have stayed with them in a variety of ways over the ensuing . years, manifesting themselves in depression, feelings of guilt, anxiety, . and an inability to sustain relationships, including sexual . relationships. 'That trauma has to be multiplied one hundred fold, . and more, to begin to have a sense of the pain and suffering that . Worboys’ serial predatory behaviour exerted upon his many victims. 'But . their feelings are not the end of this circle of misery because, as was . evident from the psychiatric and other evidence, the effects rippled . throughout the victims’ families and their respective circles of . friends.' He said the Met was liable to both women for breach of the . Human Rights Act in relation to the period between 2003 - which . coincided with the first complaint to police - and 2009, when Worboys . was tried. Attacks: This is an image, released by Metropolitan Police, of the taxi he used to drug and attack the women . In a statement, the Metropolitan . Police Service said: 'The MPS has previously apologised for mistakes . made in the investigation of rapes committed by Worboys. 'The . judge acknowledged that the failings in this case were very much . historic; a recognition that in the interim we have made important and . significant changes to the way we investigate rape, which remains one of . the most challenging and complex policing issues. We are committed to . providing the best possible service to victims, ensuring that they are . at the heart of every investigation. 'We will now take time to consider the judgment in full.' DSD . said later: 'After 11 years of living with guilt, I can now finally . start to put it all behind me and move on with my life. I have always . felt responsible for what happened to Worboys’ other victims but I now . know this was not my fault. 'What I am now responsible for, and am extremely proud of, is making the Met finally accept they have a duty towards victims.' NBV . added: 'The experience of being disbelieved by the police was almost . worse than the rape itself. It’s been unbearably hard to bring this case . and spend years going over the same events. 'I am so relieved that our efforts have finally resulted in justice.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | High Court ruled victims had been severely damaged by their treatment . Mr Justice Green berated detectives for failing to make victims feel at ease . And 'bungled investigation let Worboys run free for unacceptable period' Worboys, jailed for life in 2009, raped 100 women between 2002 and 2007 . | 5224ba59ab14ea4deb0be786267c6daaf11b37e7 |
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- America faces an economic calamity. Trouble brews in faraway lands. Superman #14, cover art. Artist: Fred Ray. (c) 1941 DC Comics. All rights reserved. Sound familiar? More than 70 years ago, the very first superheroes debuted in the dire times of the Great Depression and the early years of World War II. Their names became legend -- Superman, Batman (or, as he was then known, the Bat-Man), Wonder Woman, Captain America -- and they're still with us today. A new exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles celebrates these icons from the Golden Age of Comic Books. Through a collection of rare original artwork and comics, the exhibit explores how a group of mostly Jewish artists created the costumed heroes who came to symbolize the hopes of a beleaguered nation. "In the 1930s, the American Dream had become a nightmare, and I think comic books and superheroes in particular provided an escapist form of entertainment that allowed the American public to go into a fantasy world where all the ills of the world were righted by these larger-than-life heroes," says Erin Clancy, a curator at the Skirball. Watch a tour of the exhibit » . Guest curator Jerry Robinson not only organized the exhibit, he's a part of it. The comic book pioneer created Batman's arch-enemy, The Joker, and named the caped crusader's sidekick Robin. (Success has many fathers, of course: Bob Kane, credited with creating Batman, has long disputed elements of Robinson's creation stories.) "We were just emerging from the Depression," Robinson recalls. "Superman started in 1938. Batman started in 1939. So, we were just recovering." Robinson says the villains changed with the times. "The first villains in the comic books were hijackers, embezzlers, bank robbers. It was the era of Pretty Boy Floyd and so forth. Once the war came along, we felt a need for more patriotic heroes to fight Hitler. "In fact," he adds, "Hitler banned American comics, at least Superman and superheroes. He said they were Jewish. Little did he know that the creators were actually Jewish. ... Hitler banned American comics, except one: Mickey Mouse, which was his favorite." One of the highlights of the collection is Robinson's original sketch for The Joker. "My first thought was that a villain who had a sense of humor would be different and memorable," he says. "So, I'm thinking of a name for a villain that has a sense of humor. I thought of 'The Joker' as a name, and as soon as I thought that, I associate it with the playing card, as my family had a tradition of champion playing; my brother was a contract champion bridge player. There were always cards around the house. "So I searched, and luckily it had the typical image of the joker, which came out of a tradition in Europe. This was an important element. Throughout history, we had court jesters, clowns, and so this was an iconic image that was also very useful." In our own times, the public is turning to costumed heroes again in record numbers. Movies based on comic books are box office leaders; comic books themselves remain a strong and growing industry. "I think the comic book superhero came out of a context in which the political, social and economic realties were a little tough," Clancy says, "and we can certainly relate to those realities now in our own day. I think the resurgence of popularity of superheroes can be attributed to that." Last year, audiences made "The Dark Knight" the second-highest grossing film of all time. The late Heath Ledger, who won a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance as The Joker in that film, spoke with Robinson before he died. "I was flattered to hear from him that he based the whole concept of The Joker's persona and rationale on our first concept of The Joker," Robinson says. With the box office success of "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man" -- plus comic book-inspired films like "The First Avenger: Captain America," "The Avengers" and "Thor" in development -- it looks like superheroes will continue to inspire. "I think heroes are back," Robinson says. "I think you can almost chart it. The times are not so good -- we're looking for heroes." All images and characters copyright DC Comics. DC Comics, like CNN, is a unit of Time Warner. | Superman, Batman, others born during Great Depression, early World War II years . New exhibit shows "golden age" of superhero characters . Artist Jerry Robinson, who created The Joker: "We're looking for heroes" | 53103ae81e67cc54714e376d55d5382a480d1c1f |
By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 11:00 EST, 10 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:10 EST, 10 August 2012 . Scientists say they are now '99% certain' the Sun is surrounded by dark matter, a phenomenon first proposed in the 1930s by a Swiss astronomer. Fritz Zwicky, who came up with the theory decades ago, believes that clusters of galaxies were filled with a mysterious dark matter that kept them from flying apart. At nearly the same time, Jan Oort in the Netherlands discovered that the density of matter near the Sun was nearly twice what could be explained by the presence of stars and gas alone. Yet even today, mystery surrounds whether dark matter actually exists at all, let alone where it is. The team in Zurich created a high resolution simulation of the milky way to test their theory, and found that large quantities of dark matter existed around the sun. However, an international team led by researchers of the University of Zürich have developed a new theory - and built a state-of-the-art simulation of the Milky Way to test their mass-measuring method before applying it to real data. They found that techniques used over the past twenty years were biased, always tending to underestimate the amount of dark matter in the universe. The researchers then developed a new unbiased technique that recovered the correct answer from the simulated data. Applying their technique to the positions and velocities of thousands of orange K dwarf stars near the Sun, they obtained a new measure of the local dark matter density. The high resolution simulation measured the amount of mass in the galaxy to predict where dark matter was . 'We are 99% confident that there is dark matter near the Sun," says the lead author Silvia Garbari. In fact, if anything, the authors' favoured dark matter density is a little high: they find more dark matter than expected at 90% confidence. There is a 10% chance that this is merely a statistical fluke, but if future data confirms this high value the implications are exciting as Silvia explains: . 'This could be the first evidence for a "disc" of dark matter in our Galaxy, as recently predicted by theory and numerical simulations of galaxy formation, or it could mean that the dark matter halo of our galaxy is squashed, boosting the local dark matter density.' Co-author Prof. George Lake said: 'If dark matter is a fundamental particle, billions of these particles will have passed through your body by the time your finish reading this article . 'Experimental physicists hope to capture just a few of these particles each year in experiments like XENON and CDMS currently in operation. 'Knowing the local properties of dark matter is the key to revealing just what kind of particle it consists of.' | Researchers recreated the Milky Way inside a computer to try and find signs of dark matter . Believe the amount of dark matter has been underestimated . Theory of dark matter first proposed in the 1930s . | c80f59b5a13bf3b7a72a483e3d30d991cda72cef |
Ah, Cliven Bundy -- poster boy for the anti-government, rugged-individualist crowd. The Marlboro Man for the conservative fantasy world. Or not. Cliven Bundy is so bizarre he leaves late night comedians spluttering. (Just check out one of Jon Stewart's riffs.) His comments about race were so embarrassing that Sean Hannity, who had called Bundy "a friend and frequent guest of the show," had to do a "protest too much" denouncement. Yes, Hannity called Bundy's words "beyond repugnant" -- but only after first promoting him as a patriot par excellence. Republican office-holders, such as Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nevada, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, who had been cheerleading Bundy and his rabble also had to distance themselves, many of them fumbling with their rhetorical pom-poms in the process. Here's the basic background: Bundy is a wealthy Nevada rancher who believes he has "beneficial use" claim to grazing lands owned by the federal government. Ownership of the land is not a matter of dispute. Bundy has been in and out of protracted court battles for decades, and he's lost every time. In 1993, Bundy stopped paying the grazing fees for using federal Bureau of Land Management land. His fees accumulated to $1 million. Finally, after two courts ruled in the bureau's favor, it moved to seize Bundy's cattle, planning to sell them at auction to pay for the 20 years' worth of grazing fees. On April 5, the bureau brought in armed federal agents and began removing Bundy's cattle. Bundy's son Dave was arrested for refusing to leave. That night, Bundy sent a message: "They have my cattle and now they have one of my boys. Range War begins tomorrow." Visions of the Wild West, anyone? Frontier justice? Or not. Bundy's supporters rallied around him, traveling from out of state. That's when the bizarre started. Richard Mack, a former Arizona sheriff, said, "We're actually strategizing to put all the women up at the front. If they are going to start shooting, it's going to be women that are going to be televised all across the world getting shot by these rogue federal officers." How's that for a jaw-dropper? The standoff lasted a week, until the bureau announced on April 12 that it would return the seized cattle because of its "grave concern about the safety of employees and members of the public." Conservatives and Republicans cheered. Well, not all of them. You see, Bundy based his claim that he did not have to pay the grazing fees because -- well, here are his words: "I believe this is a sovereign state of Nevada. And I abide by all Nevada state laws. But I don't recognize the United States government as even existing." Or not. You see, Bundy is violating the Constitution of Nevada, and therefore the state's laws. Article 1, Section 2 of that state's constitution reads, in part: "...the Paramount Allegiance of every citizen is due to the Federal ...and no power exists in the people of this or any other State of the Federal Union to dissolve their connection therewith..." Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer told Fox News: "This is a man who said that he doesn't recognize the authority of the United States of America. That makes him a patriot? I love this country, I love the Constitution, and it is the Constitution that established a government that all of us have to recognize. And for him to reject it was the beginning of all of this. And now what he said today is just the end of this." That's the point. We can disagree about policies and politics, and even whether baseball or football is "America's sport." Hopefully we'll again get to a place in our civic discourse where we can be civil and compromise for the common good, to move toward that "more perfect Union" the Constitution mentions. But denying the very existence of the United States? Still, that's not what had other Republicans and conservative pontificators going, "oops." It was Bundy's obscene, racist remarks: "And because they [Blacks] were basically on government subsidy, so now what do they do? They abort their young children, they put their young men in jail, because they never learned how to pick cotton. And I've often wondered, are they better off as slaves, picking cotton and having a family life and doing things, or are they better off under government subsidy? They didn't get no more freedom. They got less freedom." That's why Republicans are distancing themselves from Bundy. Because Bundy's words destroy their argument that we shouldn't talk about race. Bundy's remarks, following so closely on the Supreme Court's Schuette decision, refute Chief Justice John Roberts' misguided insistence that "racism will end when we stop helping minorities" and prove Justice Sonia Sotomayor right when she says that the act of ignoring pervasive structural racism is an abdication of judicial responsibility. Thanks to the federal government and men and women of valor who fought for those words written in our Constitution, we can have this debate. And it is that same Constitution that gives even a racist idiot like Bundy freedom to spew his lunacy while riding his horse and waving his American flag, even if some Republicans now pretend they've never heard of the guy. Or not. Join us on Facebook.com/CNNOpinion. | Donna Brazile looks at the furor around Bundy and wonders if Republicans are in denial . Bundy has been in a dispute over grazing fees he owes to the federal government . Bundy made comments recently saying that blacks were better off as slaves "picking cotton" | 372bb9ed7f027f9b752e4aba161772c3a06e0088 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 12:30 EST, 28 June 2011 . A woman found a DVD in her boyfriend's briefcase - and was stunned to watch a secret film of his female colleagues using their office toilet. Shocked Rachel Jones, 27, from Swansea, South Wales, then texted his workmates to warn them about the camera hidden in the toilets of the education offices. A court heard it was 'every woman's nightmare' when Ms Jones, a shopworker, discovered her live-in boyfriend, Matthew Hopkins, 29, was a secret Peeping Tom. Caught: Matthew Hopkins (right) admitted to filming his female colleagues in the toilet, after his girlfriend Rachel Jones (left) found footage on a DVD in his briefcase . But the court heard she wanted to protect the 14 women colleagues from Hopkins. She grabbed his phone to text the women: 'I have something distressing to tell you. He has been filming you at work. 'I am sorry to tell you this - he is disgusting.' Hopkins yesterday escaped with a three-year community order after being found guilty of filming 14 different women in the education department of Swansea council in South Wales. Prosecutor Natasha Morgan said: 'Hopkins purchased a covert camera from eBay and set it up in the toilets concealed behind a partition. 'The camera was sound activated and would start up when someone came into the room. 'His voyeurism was exposed by his ex-partner Rachel Jones after she found a disc in his bag, that disc had files showing various women using the toilet. 'Rachel identified one of the women as a work colleague she knew from his Facebook and decided to confront Hopkins. 'He admitted recording the women to her and said he would watch the tapes when she was out at work for sexual gratification. 'Rachel then sent a text to various contacts on Hopkins' phone telling them of what he had done. Swansea Crown Court heard the 14 different victims felt 'violated, shocked and distressed'. Administration officer Hopkins was confronted by women workers - but denied making the DVD and said his girlfriend was 'causing trouble.' CCTV footage at the council offices revealed Hopkins going into work at 6.30am the next day - and he is believed to have dismantled the camera. Ms Jones then searched their flat to find a second disc and recognised another of Hopkins' colleagues from the spy film. Miss Morgan said: 'Rachel sent the woman a message on Facebook and informed her of the disc. 'Rachel agreed to hand it over to the woman, who intended to hand it over to the Human Resources department at the council.' The court heard Hopkins was sacked and his bosses called in police. Ms Jones had been sharing a flat in Mount Pleasant, Swansea, with Hopkins but the pair have split - and he has moved back to his mother. Hopkins, now of Brecon, Powys, admitted 14 counts of voyeurism of 'recording other persons during a private act for the purpose of sexual gratification, knowing they did not consent.' Defending, Simon Howell said: 'He made a full and frank admission. 'The consequences are far-reaching; the inevitable loss of employment and future employment prospects are seriously hampered by this, as well as the serious social stigma attached to offences of this kind.' Hopkins was ordered to attend a sex offenders' rehabilitation programme and told to register as a sex offender for five years. He was put under a restraining order preventing him from contacting or approaching his 14 victims. Judge Keith Thomas said: 'This was a grossly offensive breach of their right to privacy by you for your sexual gratification. 'It was also a gross breach of trust to spy on people who you work with. 'They feel embarrassed and humiliated that their privacy has been violated by a Peeping Tom.' Judge Thomas said he had a choice to jail Hopkins or put him on a course to protect women from his deviant sexual behaviour. Ms Jones declined to comment after the case but a friend said: 'It was a terrible shock to find that the man you are living with is a secret pervert. 'She just couldn't let it carry on and had to tell his colleagues what he was doing. She is moving on and rebuilding her life.' | Matthew Hopkins ordered to attend sex offenders' rehabilitation programme and register as sex offender . | 5de7aa20c572ac8c3d02e3f4b2afef574cd3d6e1 |
Among the targets of U.S. strikes across Syria early Tuesday was the Khorasan Group -- a collection of senior al Qaeda members who have moved into Syria. President Obama called them "seasoned al Qaeda operatives." "Once again, it must be clear to anyone who would plot against America and try to do Americans harm that we will not tolerate safe havens for terrorists who threaten our people," Obama said. The strikes targeted "training camps, an explosives and munitions production facility, a communication building and command and control facilities," the military said in a statement. The group was actively plotting against a U.S. homeland target and Western targets, a senior U.S. official told CNN on Tuesday. The United States hoped to surprise the group by mixing strikes against it with strikes against ISIS targets. The official said the group posed an "imminent" threat. Another U.S. official later said the threat was not imminent in the sense that there were no known targets or attacks expected in the next few weeks. The plots were believed to be in an advanced stage, the second U.S. official said. There were indications that the militants had obtained materials and were working on new improvised explosive devices that would be hard to detect, including common hand-held electronic devices and airplane carry-on items such as toiletries. The intelligence community discovered Khorasan plots against the United States within the past week, an intelligence source with knowledge of the matter told CNN. The intelligence source did not give an intended target but said the plots potentially involved a bomb made of a nonmetallic device like a toothpaste container or clothes dipped in explosive material. A plot involving concealed bombs on airplanes "was just one option they were looking at" a U.S. official briefed on the matter told CNN's Pamela Brown. Social media video posted Tuesday purported to show the aftermath of strikes in the small town of Kafr Deryan, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Aleppo, in an area controlled by Jabhat al Nusra, the al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. 'Yet another threat to the homeland' Khorasan's existence was publicly acknowledged only last week, when U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said it was operating in Iraq and Syria, with a focus on exporting terror to the West. "There is potentially yet another threat to the homeland, yes," he told an intelligence conference in Washington. CENTCOM's statement spoke of "action to disrupt the imminent attack plotting against the United States and Western interests" by al Qaeda veterans in Khorasan, who had "established a safe haven in Syria to develop external attacks, construct and test improvised explosive devices and recruit Westerners to conduct operations." One of those veterans is believed to be Muhsin al Fadhli, a short and slight Kuwaiti who is 33 years old. A security source in the Middle East tells CNN that al Fadhli arrived in Syria in April 2013 and began working with Jabhat al Nusra. Nine months later, Clapper sounded the first warning about al Nusra's goals beyond Syria, saying it "does have aspirations for attacks on the homeland." At some point, al Fadhli appears to have parted company with al Nusra -- perhaps, according to the source, because it saw him as in league with Iran, where he had been based as al Qaeda's senior representative. The source says al Fadhli's new focus on "external operations" was revealed by one of his bodyguards, named as Abu Rama, who was recently arrested by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Train abroad, take the terror back home . The source says al Fadhli is trying to emulate the success of ISIS in using social media to recruit Westerners -- people who could be trained and then sent home to launch terror attacks. To this end, al Fadhli has been able to recruit a member of ISIS' media team to help with recruitment for Khorasan. Another key figure in Khorasan appears to be a Saudi national: Abd Al-Rahman Muhammad al Juhni. Soon after al Fadhli arrived in Syria, so did al Juhni -- "accompanied by several individuals to participate in the fighting there," according to a U.S. Treasury Department designation. He was described as "part of a group of senior al Qaeda members in Syria formed to conduct external operations against Western targets." Al Juhni is also experienced at moving funds and had a senior position in al Qaeda in Pakistan, running its communications courier network. According to his U.S. designation, al Juhni later became al Qaeda's chief of security responsible for counterintelligence. Now on Saudi Arabia's list of its 47 most wanted terror suspects, al Juhni's skill set would be well-suited to Khorasan's purported goals. U.S. intelligence officials are concerned that the Khorasan cell may include operatives who have learned from Ibrahim al Asiri, the master bombmaker of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, who has twice come close to bringing down Western airliners with ingeniously devised bombs. Counterterrorism sources have frequently told CNN in recent years of their fears that al Asiri has passed on his skills to apprentice bombmakers. Troubling ties on the Arabian Peninsula . U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has also described Khorasan as "forward-deployed al Qaeda operatives who were engaging with al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to develop a terror plot to bring down airplanes." AQAP is based in Yemen, where al Fadhli has had contacts in the past. When he was scarcely 20, according to U.S. officials, he was involved in financing a suicide attack in October 2002 against on an oil tanker, the MV Limburg, in the Red Sea, an attack carried out by Yemenis from the city of Taiz. He also plotted an attack on a hotel in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, where American officials were known to stay. Before that, he had fought as a teenager with the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan and was also "reported to have been among the few trusted al Qaeda operatives who received advance notification" of the 9/11 attacks, according to his designation by the U.S. Treasury Department. Al Fadhli was designated as a terrorist by the United States in 2005 as "a major facilitator" for al Qaeda and Abu Musab al Zarqawi, then terrorizing Iraq. He had access to plenty of money from private donors in Kuwait. According to court testimony, he had been involved in a group called the Peninsula Lions in Kuwait and had experimented with explosives while planning an attack on U.S. troops at the Arifjan Camp in Kuwait. Al Fadhli escaped. Wanted in Saudi Arabia and convicted in absentia in Kuwait, he vanished for a while before resurfacing in Iran as al Qaeda's most senior representative there. In 2012, the U.S. State Department said al Fadhli was moving fighters and money through Turkey to Syria, leveraging his extensive network of Kuwaiti jihadist donors. He also gained what may prove to be invaluable experience "moving multiple operatives from Pakistan via Iran and Turkey to destinations in Europe, North Africa, and Syria," the State Department said. Just why he left Iran last year is unclear, but about the same time, other al Qaeda figures, including Osama bin Laden's son-in-law, Suleiman Abu Ghaith, also began leaving Iran -- perhaps not entirely willingly. A good way for al Qaeda to counter ISIS . For al Qaeda, locked in a battle with ISIS for the crown of leading global jihad, the creation of Khorasan makes perfect sense. Just last week, a spokesman for al Qaeda confronted the group's critics in an audio message. "So how then can al Qaeda have shrunken greatly and lost many of its senior leaders at a time when it is expanding horizontally and opening new fronts dependent on it?" asked spokesman Hossam Abdul Raouf. He also quoted a U.S. terror analyst, Katherine Zimmerman: "Al Qaeda affiliates have evolved and now threaten the United States as much as (if not more than) the core group; they can no longer be dismissed as mere local al Qaeda franchises." Now -- with extensive contacts throughout the region and experience in raising funds and moving people -- al Fadhli and al Juhni have embarked on the next phase of their careers in terrorism, one that may be the most dangerous to the West. The U.S. Central Command's use of the phrase "imminent attack planning" may explain why the group was a first wave target. The Middle Eastern security source told CNN Sunday that al Fadhli was believed to be operating near the town of Binnish in Idlib province -- which would have put him in the general area of the airstrikes. Still unknown: whether al Fadhli and al Juhni survived to continue that planning. | Official: Khorasan plot involving concealed bombs on airplanes "was just one option" The threat from the Khorasan Group was not imminent, a U.S. official says . One feared operative is Muhsin al Fadhli, a Kuwaiti with a disturbing resume . A source says al Fadhli and Khorasan are taking cues from the recruiting success of ISIS . | a7c458e6965b65022aa47a3eae6cb13ebb70ef77 |
Roberto Martinez insists he has had no falling out with defender Sylvain Distin. The Everton manager reportedly had a disagreement with the French defender following the Capital One Cup defeat by Swansea City last month and Distin was understood to have been given two weeks off as a result. The 36-year-old missed games against Liverpool, Krasnodar and Manchester United and Martinez admits the centre half was available for selection in the latter two games. Sylvain Distin is set to return for Everton against Aston Villa having been frozen out of the first-team . Distin was a regular last season but had replaced by John Stones until the youngster's injury . However, the long-term injury to John Stones means Distin is back in the fold to face Aston Villa this weekend and Martinez said: ‘You will always get rumours, but the reality was that he picked up a knock after the Swansea game and obviously at that period I considered it was right for him to have a bit of break and rejuvenate. ‘But sometimes he is such a professional he works too hard. He is someone who is not just happy with what he does with the team, he has his individual programmes and he works too much. ‘I felt that he needed a bit of a break but now he has come back refreshed and ready to fight for his place. Sylvain is training well and is fully refreshed and is ready to fight for his place. Roberto Martinez on Thursday insisted he has not fallen out with Distin despite dropping the defender . ‘Sylvain’s experience is quite unique and it’s a great sign to see him enjoying his football, enjoying his training and it’s a great opportunity to have him in the squad. It’s great to see him around the place with that energy and the desire to help the team.’ Martinez, who said Distin had suffered a dead leg in his right thigh against Swansea, added: ‘He could have played the last game against Manchester United and maybe Krasnodar, but the little knock that he had stopped him from being available for Liverpool and from that point on it was just making sure he could recover. ‘You need players fully fit and ready to perform and Sylvain is ready, he has been training really well the whole week. Distin celebrates Everton's second goal against Leicester on the opening day of the season . ‘I think every player wants to play and the moment you lose that desire you’re not going to last. As a player you want to play every minute and that’s how it should be.’ Ross Barkley is also nearing a return to full fitness but Martinez says that it’s too early to tell if he’ll be ready for Saturday’s game. ‘Sometimes you forget what a sensational footballer he is. It’s too early to tell if he’s going to be involved on Saturday but I don’t see him being to far away. ‘James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman and Steven Pienaar are also very close. If it’s not the weekend I expect them to be available for the Europa League game.’ Influential midfielder James McCarthy is nearing a return to action for the Toffees . | Sylvain Distin has missed Everton's last three games . French veteran had been given two weeks off after defeat by Swansea . John Stones came in to partner Phil Jagielka in defence for Everton . Stones now ruled out until the New Year with Distin set to return . Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists he never fell out with Distin . | 3eca7ac825527cb6b868be5f3e458da48b0a8c98 |
By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 08:51 EST, 18 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:33 EST, 18 March 2013 . An artistic mother rediscovered her passion for painting by using her children’s faces as her canvas, turning them into monsters and zombies. Christy Lewis has her daughters squealing with delight as she transforms them into everything from giraffes to superheroes. Kiera, seven and Maddi, five, has to sit still for more than two hours in order to go from cherub-cheeked children into cave trolls, E.T. or The Hulk. Enviable talent: Christy Lewis has painted one of her daughters as Avengers hero Incredible Hulk . Christy, who lives in Wellington New . Zealand with her family always had a passion for art, but found that she no longer had the time to paint when she had her daughters and nine-month-old son Fletcher. This changed when she discovered a pack of face paints buried in a cupboard and began sketching a design on her daughter. Christy, who also offers belly . painting to pregnant women, decided to combine her hobby with motherhood . and her face painting skills were soon in high demand. Her designs proved so popular in her . community that she started her own face painting business - Daizy Design . Face Painting - with husband Mark. Together, they have turned hundreds of . boys and girls into zombies, animals and even The Incredible Hulk and . skull masks in celebration of Dia De Muertos. Mexican madness: Maddi Lewis, five, has been painted as a traditional Dia De Muertos skull . What are you looking at: The adorable little girl has been transformed into a scary looking cave troll . Living canvas: Oldest daughter Keira, seven, with an award-winning peacock design . Back from the dead: Christy's arty face paintings, such as this one where she has turned one of her children into a scary zombie, saw her set up her own face painting business . Christy, from Wellington, New Zealand, said: ‘What greater canvas is there than one that smiles back at you? ‘My favourite reactions are those of the shyest children who see themselves for the first time in the mirror. ‘They suddenly light up and run around roaring at everybody.’ As well as nailing famous faces such as Super Mario and E.T., Christy has won awards for her blue peacock and giraffe designs. Her work has grown in demand and she . has been invited to teach classes at the Face and Body Art International . Convention in Florida, in May. Phone home: Maddi's smile is almost impossible to distinguish behind her E.T. face painting . Fun and computer games: Christy doesn't just turn her daughters into beautiful fantasy creatures and scary monsters - a mustachioed Italian plumber with a passion for mushrooms is equally popular . No-gaffe-giraffe: Kiera models her mother's prize winning giraffe design . Inspiring: Christy's talent for face painting has seen her receive an invitation to share her skills as a teacher at the Face and Body Art International Convention in Florida this spring . Painting the nest: Mrs Lewis also uses her talents to paint pregnant women's bellies, such as this one which has been decorated with a swan and its cygnet . | New Zealand artist uses her children as her canvas . Christy Lewis turns daughters into monsters, animals and super heroes . | 6203a37b8e23f2e1e7eb7a8b239a33fd0fbbfc62 |
Upheaval must suit Wasps. They were braced for mass protests at Adams Park on Sunday, after announcing a mid-season relocation to Coventry, but there was euphoria rather than anger as Bath were beaten. In the build-up to this Aviva Premiership match, there had been talk of demonstrations following the confirmation that Wasps will be based at the Ricoh Arena from December. Yet, any groundswell of angst was well disguised. There was one banner describing the nomadic club as a ‘franchise’, but even that had vanished by the second-half as Dai Young’s team stormed into a commanding lead. Ultimately, Wasps had to withstand a late Bath rear-guard action as the visitors recovered from 29-0 down to earn a losing bonus point, but there was a collective desperation among the home players to end a turbulent week on a high, which they duly did. Their feat was all the more remarkable as the controversy surrounding their imminent move was not the only disruption. Wasps captain James Haskell (right) celebrates his side's 29-22 victory over Bath on Sunday . Andy Goode kicks a penalty for Wasps during their win at Adams Park - he scored 16 points in total . Sailosi Tagicakibau slides and stretches out of the tackle from Anthony Watson to score for Wasps . Wasps celebrate after Sailosi Tagicakibau scores a try during their impressive victory over Bath . WASPS: Masi; Tagicakibau, Daly, Leiua (Bell, 61), Wade; Goode (Miller, 72), Simpson; Mullan, Festuccia, Cittadini (Cooper-Woolley, 61); Gaskell, Davies (Jones, 66); Johnson (Jackson, 70), Hughes, Haskell (capt). Tries: Penalty, Tagicakibau. Cons: Goode (2). Pens: Goode (4), Daly. BATH: Henson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Eastmond, Watson; Ford, Cook (Young, 45); James (Catt, 45), Webber (Batty, 49), Wilson (Thomas, 56); Hooper (capt. Day, 52), Attwood; Fa’osiliva, Houston, Mercer (Thomas, 46-56; Sisi, 65). Tries: Joseph, Young, Sisi. Cons: Ford (2). Pen: Ford. Yellow cards: Houston, Wilson, Young. REFEREE: JP Doyle. ATTENDANCE: 7,397. England lock Joe Launchbury was withdrawn from the team on Sunday morning after being involved in a car crash - just as his team-mate, Christian Wade, was last month. Young, the Wasps’ director of rugby, said: ‘There’s never a dull moment here. ‘Joe is fine. Him and his girlfriend were involved in car accident on the way to the game. They were a little bit shaken up. They went to hospital for a check-up and they’re both fine.’ So the last-minute loss of a key forward was a setback for Wasps, but they were glad to avoid the spectre of off-field unrest among their supporters. If anything, the announcement that they are off to the West Midlands seemed to have unexpectedly positive consequences - as they were vociferously backed by their biggest home attendance of the season. Captain James Haskell was evidently delighted by the reception accorded to he and his team-mates, saying: ‘I don’t know about protests - that’s the biggest crowd we’ve had this season. 'Perhaps we should say we’re moving somewhere else next week and we’ll get another big crowd.’ A Wasps fan holds a flag protesting against their move from Adams Park to Coventry's Ricoh Arena . Wasps supporters hold up a banner before the match against Bath at Adams Park on Saturday . Christian Wade (right) chases the ball for the line but is taken out by Micky Young, who was carded . England star Joe Launchbury missed Wasps' victory over Bath after he and his pregnant partner were involved in a car crash. Launchbury tweeted: 'Great win Wasps Rugby today. Gutted to have missed out. Thanks for all your messages of concern. 'Had to go to hospital and check all was ok with my pregnant partner and baby after someone crashed into us. Luckily all is good!' Young added: ‘I totally understood the frustrations of the supporters early in the week, but once we explained everything properly, I saw a real change in their attitude to the move. It was a tough week for them but they got behind the team today and they should be commended and thanked for that.’ If Wasps’ early matches in Coventry are as entertaining as this, they may soon attract decent crowds to the Ricoh Arena. They routed Bath at the scrum as Matt Mullan turned the screw on England’s current first-choice tighthead prop, David Wilson, and from that platform they surged into a 15-0 lead courtesy of four Andy Goode penalties and one long-range shot from Elliot Daly. The visitors were all at sea in the set piece and they were in deeper disarray when three of their players were sent to the sin bin - Leroy Houston, Wilson and Micky Young. The latter man’s off-the-ball tackle on Wade as he chased through a kick by Daly led to a penalty try for Wasps in the 47th minute and left Bath down to 13 men. Moments later, Haskell released the outstanding Ashley Johnson from the back of a lineout on halfway and the flanker's superb off-load sent Sailosi Tagicakibau through a gap and he tore away to score by the posts. Goode converted again and any prospect of protests had been blown away as Wasps seized a 29-0 lead. Kyle Eastmond jumps over the line to score a try for Bath's but they ultimately lost the game at Adams Park . Tempers flare early on in the game as the forwards get into a fight during the match at Adams Park . But Bath have spirit to go with their attacking artistry and they rallied impressively. Kyle Eastmond’s pass picked out Jonathan Joseph on the left and the in-form centre fended off James Gaskell to touch down. Sixteen minutes from time, the deficit was down to 17 points as Young swerved over from close range and George Ford converted. The West Country side kept coming - sensing a way back from a seemingly hopeless position - and after another thunderous drive by Houston, David Sisi scored. Again, Ford added the extras and he followed that up with a 76th-minute penalty, but Wasps held firm to deny their rivals a draw. Young was relieved, saying: ‘That’s pretty much us all over - we either start really poorly and come back, or we end poorly, like we did today. We’re still searching for an 80-minute performance, but for 65 minutes we were outstanding.’ Bath’s head coach, Mike Ford, added: ‘We were just a bit off today - we didn’t have that edge. Our scrum wasn’t as good as it has been for the last two years. They wanted it more than us.’ Bath's Leroy Houston drops Wasps' Joe Simpson past the horizontal and is sin binned as a result . Wasps' Andrea Masi (centre) gets sandwiched by Dave Atrwood (left) and Stuart Hooper (right) in a tackle . Bath's Alafoti Fa'osilva (left) hands off Wasps winger Wade as he tries to evade his tackle . Micky Young goes over to score for Bath as they added a burst of points during the second half . Wasps' Alapati Leiua is stopped by George Ford (left) and Semesa Rokoduguni (right) during the match . Wasps fans wave flags and sing the name of their club as they celebrate a try at Adams Park on Sunday . Wasps fans arrive at Adams Park before the match with Bath, one of the last before they most to Coventry . | Wasps ensured they ended a difficult week with a 29-22 victory over Bath . Their decision to relocate to Coventry caused some fan protests this week . But Andy Goode scored 16 points with the boot in win at Adams Park . Sailosi Tagicakibau scored try, Elliot Daly a penalty, as well as a penalty try . Jonathan Joseph, Micky Young and David Sisi scored tries for Bath . Bath shown three yellow cards to Young, David Wilson and Leroy Houston . | 3c58c3c54a3680259c1ebcea7bc216d406fbd4e4 |
Wilfried Zaha's Manchester United career took another turn for the worse on Tuesday night as the £15million forward was an unused substitute as Louis van Gaal's side crashed out of the Capital One Cup with a humiliating 4-0 defeat against MK Dons. The 21-year-old, who is still yet to start a Premier League for United since arriving from Crystal Palace in January 2013, was a noticeable inclusion on the bench at stadium:mk but failed to get any minutes on the pitch as Van Gaal opted for other alternatives. Zaha wouldn't have made the greatest first impression on the new United boss earlier this summer as he opted not to turn up to an 'optional' training session on the third day of pre-season - attended by every other available squad member. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Wilfried Zaha's Ice Bucket Challenge . Watching brief: Wilfried Zaha sits behind Louis van Gaal on the United bench - and stayed there . Hold off: Zaha has failed to stake a claim for a first-team spot under Van Gaal after a quiet pre-season . Disappointing: Zaha has failed to impress in the Premier League so far with Manchester United and Cardiff . With first-team football hard to come by at Old Trafford, it appears Zaha's international career is being hindered as a result, with England Under 21 boss Gareth Southgate set to leave the winger out of the squad for theEuro 2015 qualifiers against Lithuania and Moldova. Zaha, who earlier this week was sanctioned for speeding in his £188,000 Lamborghini Gallardo in Surrey, withdrew from the last U21 squad in May due to a minor injury. And Southgate has insisted that attitude and application is key if players such as the United forward want to make it to the top. Out of favour: Zaha has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils since joining over a year ago . Key asset: Zaha celebrates play-off success at Wembley with former side Crystal Palace in 2013 . He said earlier this week: 'The door will always be open for lads to work their way back in. 'But we want to be world champions and to get there it is going to take a certain mindset. We have a group of players who have that mindset.' The likes of former side Crystal Palace, QPR and Newcastle have all been mooted as possible destinations for the wide-man to go out on loan as he looks to get his career back on track, with high-flying Championship side Nottingham Forest also linked with the former Cardiff loanee. Like our dedicated Manchester United Facebook page. VIDEO Van Gaal blames injuries, errors and luck . | Zaha was an unused sub as United crashed out of the Capital One Cup . The 21-year-old is well out of favour under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford . Zaha is set to miss out on a spot in England's latest under-21 squad . | 2dd2ba40edf331801279662b5e19088c175b53cd |
By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 08:21 EST, 2 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:38 EST, 3 October 2012 . Vandals staged a sick tribute to a man accused of murdering two policewomen by spraying graffiti at the funeral of one of his alleged victims. The words 'Dale Cregan is a God' were scrawled on the walls of the church as mourners were due to arrive for the burial service of Dave Short, 46, who was shot dead outside his home in August. Cregan, 29, is awaiting trial accused of the murders of Mr Short, and his son Mark, 23, as well as policewomen Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes . The risk of the day descending into further gang violence in the Droylsden area forced Greater Manchester Police to close 'all licensed premises' from 9am this morning. The unprecedented step includes 27 outlets serving alcohol, including the town's football and cricket clubs, as well as the catholic and Conservative clubs. Sick tribute: The yobs painted the message on the walls of the church as mourners were due to arrive for the burial service . Out of sight: Police managed to cover up the graffiti with a sheet and the paint was removed by council workmen before the service took place at St Willibrords Catholic Church in Clayton, Manchester . Make-shift cover: A white sheet was taped to the brick tape using duct tape . Accused: Dale Cregan who is awaiting trial . Ch Supt Nick Adderley said the 'potential for crime between feuding groups is such that this is necessary.' The graffiti was covered . with a sheet by police and the paint was removed by council workmen before the . service took place at St Willibrords Catholic Church in Clayton, . Manchester. The . two policewomen were killed in a gun and grenade attack as they . answered an apparently routine call last month in Hattersley. In . the the run up to today's funeral for Short, the dead man’s widow . Michelle issued a statement through an internet messaging service . saying: 'Everyone who knew David are more than welcome to attend the . service and the wake. 'I . want to say a big thank you to those people that had nice words to say . about my son Mark and my husband David on these sad times for myself and . the family. 'In times like these you know who your friends and enemies are.' Police initially stood guard at the door of the church and warned onlookers it was a 'private family affair.' Afterwards . they patrolled the area and a police helicopter flew overhead as over . 100 people lined the street to pay respect to Mr Short, whose coffin was taken to . the church by a horse-drawn hearse. Victims: David Short, with his son Mark, who died in May. Mark died after being shot, while David was the target of a grenade attack . The Buxton pub in Droylsden, one of dozens of pubs which were ordered to close . Shut down: The Church Hotel in Droylsden, which has been closed down for 24 hours - along with all other pubs in the area - for fears of gangland reprisals in the wake of David Short's funeral . Closure: Police won permission from the local magistrates' court to shut all 27 pubs in the locality for the day . The Kings Head pub in Droylsden was also shut like many other pubs in the local area . Empty: Droylsden pub, The Beehive was ordered to close its doors for 24 hours . The Halfway House pub was not open today, with a court order from Tameside Magistrates' Court on the door . Shut down: The Cotton Tree pub in Droylsden, which has been permanently closed down following the murders of Mark and David Short in the area . Floral . wreaths coloured in Short’s favourite Manchester City blue and white . colours spelt the words husband, dad, David and No1BRO in the . windows of the hearse. The black . horses donned Manchester City scarfs and blue feathered head pieces. Six . black Mercedes limos parked up outside and out poured family and . friends who embraced each other under colourful brollies. Tragic: PCs Fiona Bone, left, and Nicola Hughes, right, were gunned down after being called to a burglary . A black hearse carried more flowers, spelling words brother, uncle and Grandad. Red and black flowers in the shape of boxing gloves also lay in the hearse. One tribute from Short’s wife said, ‘I will miss you always David, memories that will last a lifetime. Love Michelle.’ Commemoration: A horse-drawn carriage pulled the coffin to the church. A floral tribute reading Husband adorned the glass . Mourners follow the coffin from the church clutching a photo of Mr Short . A black hearse carried more flowers, spelling words brother, uncle and Grandad. Red and black flowers in the shape of boxing gloves also lay in the hearse . And another, ‘To uncle David, I have no words to write down so here goes. ‘It doesn’t seem real that you have gone, taken so suddenly when least expected. I love you so much miss you forever.' A third said: 'You are too fearless to be forgotten.' Grief: Widow Michelle Short, with her daughter Stacey on her left and her nephew John in a silver suit . Police stood by as mounters filed into the church holding flowers . Community: Locals turned up to watch the funeral procession despite the wet weather . Last . week council licensing bosses closed down the Cotton Tree Inn in . Droylsden where Short’s son Mark was gunned down and killed in May. It was thought that relatives of Short had hoped to hold the wake in one of the pubs closed down today. Chief Supt Nick Adderley, of Tameside Police, said: 'It is unprecedented to shut all the licensed premises in . a town, but we still believe that the potential for crime and disorder . between feuding gangs is such that this is a necessary precaution. 'Residents are still feeling vulnerable following recent events and this is also an important step towards reassuring them. Police presence: Police were among the crowds outside St Willibrord's Catholic Church Clayton . Removed: The graffiti was washed off the wall by a council worker . 'This . is part of our ongoing work to make sure organised crime and fear of . crime is eradicated from these communities. We appreciate the . co-operation of the licensees.' The funerals of the two policewomen will take place at Manchester Cathedral this week. A police spokesman said of the graffiti: 'Shortly after 7am on Tuesday, 2 October 2012, police received a report of criminal damage at a church on North Road, Clayton. 'The damage relates to graffiti spray-painted onto the side of the church. The graffiti was swiftly removed by council staff.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Yobs painted on the walls of the church as mourners were due to arrive for the burial service of Dave Short . Police covered up the graffiti with a sheet and the paint was removed . Mr Short, 46, was shot dead outside his home in August . Police shut all 27 pubs in the area for the day amid fears of further violence from feuding gangs . | 4341f1529fb8ce2acfcd82a80bf6baba59c0eaf8 |
By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 03:58 EST, 14 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:01 EST, 14 September 2012 . Gold bars stolen in a £1 million bullion snatch involving the stepfather of The Only Way Is Essex stars Sam and Billie Faiers were found hidden inside a woman’s bra, a court heard today. The alleged gang used an ‘inside man’ to steal the gold in a fake lorry hi-jacking in Belgium before trying to smuggle it back to the UK and convert it into cash. Sheron Mancini, 53, was later caught with two ingots inside her underwear when she was stopped by Belgian police in a car with her husband David Gale a week after the snatch, the Old Bailey heard. Accused: Sheron Mancini was discovered with bars of gold in her bra, a jury was told . ‘She could provide no sensible explanation for the discovery of this gold concealed in her underwear,’ said prosecutor John Price QC. ‘For in truth, there could be none.’ Gale, 55, who has already admitted his part in the plot, was caught with grains of silver stolen in the same raid inside his travel bag at the same time. Also among the six who have pleaded guilty to the conspiracy is David Chatwood, 58, who is married to the Faiers sisters’ mother Sue Wells and shares a home with them in Brentwood. Mancini is on trial alongside John . Corley, 52, Kyriacos Nicolas, 30, and his father Andreas Nicolas, 50, . over their alleged involvement. Jurors in the trial have been told the Faiers sisters will be called as witnesses during the case. Belgian . police discovered lorry driver Brian Mulcahy, 46, seemingly locked . inside the trailer of his vehicle at a service station near Wetteren . last October 4, jurors have been told. He . had been transporting a consigment of 25kg of gold bullion and 150kg of . silver grain from Vilvoorde, near Brussels, back to the UK. 'Organised plot': John Corley is accused of being been instrumental in the heist . In the dock: Nicolas Kyriacos denies the charges made against him . Mulcahy, who has admitted his part in the crime, told officers he had been hijacked and gunpoint and his cargo stolen before he was locked inside the trailer. But his account was ‘pure fiction’, said Mr Price. ‘Mr Mulcahy had not been the victim of a robbery,’ he added. ‘No violence or threat or violence was used against him. ‘It hadn’t been necessary for anyone to do so because in this instance the driver of the lorry was one of the thieves.’ But the plan was ‘doomed to fail’, said the prosecutor, because several key players were under surveillance by UK police. Corley is said to have been instrumental in the plot, travelling to the continent on several occasions and attending regular meetings with other conspirators. TOWIE: Sam and Billie Faiers will be called as witness, the jury was told . Jurors have been told he will not dispute he was present, but will claim he did not realise the nature of the plan. Corley, of Biggin Hill, Kent; and Kyriacos Nicolas, of Winchmore Hill, north London, deny alternative counts of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property. Mancini, of Roydon, Harlow, Essex; and Andreas Nicolas, of Duxford, Cambridgeshire, deny conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property. Mancini was cleared of conspiracy to steal on the directions of the judge after prosecutors offered no evidence shortly after a jury was sworn in to try her. Stanely Rose, 75, Gary Cummings, 51, and Matthew Middleton, 42, along with Chatwood, Mulcahy and Gale, have already admitted their part in the plot. Chatwood, of Brentwood, Essex; Mulcahy, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex; Middleton, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex; Rose, of Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwoodand; Cummings, of Ilford, Essex; Middleton, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, all admitted conspiracy to steal. The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | TOWIE's Faiers sisters will be called as witnesses in case involving their stepfather . Accused gang used 'inside man' to steal gold in a fake lorry hi-jacking . 'Plot was doomed to fail' it is alleged . | d62aff7a07c82d87cb2d87065fb00e1e6317d05a |
With its promise of forbidden sex and themes of submission and control, it already has millions of cinema-goers in a lather of anticipation. Yet there has been another steamy drama going on behind the cameras on the set of Fifty Shades Of Grey. Because author E. L. James and director Sam Taylor-Johnson have been scrapping over how realistic the sex scenes should be – and it is James who has emerged very much the dominant partner. But this should be no surprise. Because the woman who is, by her own admission, a ‘rather ordinary’ housewife from less-than-fashionable Brentford in West London has become a Hollywood sensation. And she wields a staggering degree of control over the movie, insisting on an authentic rather than an artistic depiction of the graphic scenes made famous by her books. It is, say sources close to her, an ‘obsession’. Scroll down for video . Author E. L. James was at loggerheads with director Sam Taylor-Wood over the sex scenes in the screen adaptation of her best-selling book - but the writer got the realistic sex scenes she wanted in the end . The film is to be released on Valentine’s Day, and stars Irish actor Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey, the tycoon with a taste for kinky sex, and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, his submissive virgin lover. Insiders say James has ended up with one of the most all-encompassing deals in Hollywood history, with final approval over the script, actors and director – even having control over the costumes, set and merchandising tie-ins. And she had approval over the sex scenes which, according to one film insider, ‘push the boundaries of a mainstream movie in a way they’ve never been pushed before’. When James first created the characters of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele and their extreme fantasy world of bondage and sadomasochistic sex, it was, she admits, ‘purely a fulfilment of my own fantasies’. But today it has made her a fortune. James is thought to have earned around £50million in the past year alone, a sum which could be increased by the extraordinary range of merchandising now on offer. The books have sold a staggering 100million copies worldwide and Hollywood made her a £3.5million offer for the rights to them, resulting in a £27million big screen version of Fifty Shades which is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. The £27million movie, starring Jamie Dornan, pictured, is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year - making James one of the most powerful players in Hollywood at the moment . Today, home in LA is the famed Chateau Marmont hotel, where she stays in the £1,500-a-night bungalow where Blues Brothers star John Belushi overdosed on a ‘speedball’ cocktail of heroin and cocaine. One insider said: ‘It’s her home away from home. You see her most nights in the hotel garden, sipping her favourite chablis. ‘People come up to her all night, industry types and the odd celebrity, paying homage. She is loving it. ‘She is a real power player in Hollywood, although everything depends on the movie opening now, of course. ‘If it becomes a phenomenon, she’ll remain everyone’s darling. If it bombs, she’ll become a pariah.’ James' book tells the tale of a tycoon with a taste for kinky sex, and his submissive virgin lover . In the UK, E. L. James drives an Audi, in LA it’s a chauffeur-driven Maybach limo – not to mention the journeys by private jet around America. During her regular visits to Hollywood over the past two years, she has mingled with Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal, Katy Perry and Robert Pattinson who, allegedly, was her first choice for the role of Christian Grey but turned it down because it was too similar to his part in Twilight. James’s attention to detail – and that of her colleagues – has been extraordinary. Dornan, best known until now for his role in BBC drama The Fall, went to Vancouver sex clubs to make sure his interpretation tied in with James’s vision. Reports of in-fighting between James and Taylor-Johnson over the sex scenes became so rife the pair posted a cheeky Instagram photograph together posing cheek to cheek with both raising their fists accompanied by the caption ‘the gloves are off’. Now the rumours have been confirmed in an astonishing series of interviews by Taylor-Johnson, who admitted she and James, 51 (real name Erika Leonard) were at loggerheads for much of the shoot, with sex the biggest bone of contention. Taylor-Johnson told Vanity Fair magazine: ‘We battled all the way through. She’d say the same. There were tough times and revelatory times. There were sparring contests. It was definitely not an easy process.’ James authorised a friend of hers to confirm the rift saying: ‘There’s an Erika who is fun, fancy-free and enjoying her success a lot, and the Erika who is obsessively controlling the property. ‘She truly believes she has to control it because of the fans, because she’s the only one they trust.’ James herself said: ‘I was always concerned how the sex would be handled in the film. I think we got there in the end.’ While Taylor-Johnson fought for a more ‘subtle’ interpretation of some of the book’s raunchiest sequences, James insisted on being on the closed set for the lovemaking scenes – including inside Christian’s notorious ‘Red Room Of Pain’. ‘Sam was for the less is more approach but Erika wanted more,’ says a source. ‘Her vision ultimately won out because, after all, she created the books. There were numerous run-ins on set. E. L. James has even got final approval over the merchandise being sold to accompany the film, including underwear (left) and a suited teddy bear, complete with handcuffs and mask (right) E. L. James stands to add to her fortune with a range of products tied in to the movie. These include mugs, jewellery (featuring tiny handcuffs and whips), keychains, a themed CD, a coffee table book and a range of lingerie and T-shirts. James says she hopes that fans will be able to ‘live the experience’ of the characters in her books by dressing in the lingerie, listening to the music and sipping Anastasia’s favourite wines. There is a range of silver and grey nail polish with names such as Embrace The Grey and Dark Side Of The Mood. Make-up giant Sephora is selling a Tease Me make-up line along with Desire Me brushes. James personally approved the blending of two wines – Red Satin and White Silk – travelling to Northern California wine country to taste dozens of varieties. There is even a Fifty Shades tie, such as Christian used to tie up Anastasia, and teddy bears with handcuffs and a mask. James is so fastidious, she insists on approving every product, often running them past her millions of fans on Twitter and Instagram. ‘Erika stayed up late night after night at the bar in the hotel reworking scenes and putting sex back in. We were working for two masters, Sam and Erika, but Erika won most of the time. This is her baby – whips, chains and all.’ It is a long way from 2009 when James, then a low-ranking TV executive, created the characters on a Twilight fan blog, writing under the pseudonym ‘Snowqueens Icedragon’ so that none of her friends would know the ‘Mummy porn’ was written by her. The stories quickly took on a life of their own and were shared and reshared by mothers from London to Long Island until publisher Random House came calling, and the rest is history. For James – who is set to walk the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere with husband Niall, an Irish author who described himself as ‘the least romantic fecker that ever lived’ – the next few weeks will be all-consuming. Taylor-Johnson, an artist whose last film was the low-budget John Lennon biography Nowhere Boy, remained in her LA editing suite last week putting the finishing touches to the film. And if the movie is a success, there will be two further releases – based on James’ follow-up books Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. | Director Sam Taylor-Wood admitted they were at 'loggerheads' over film . But 'rather ordinary' housewife James emerged as the dominant partner . Londoner is currently one of the most powerful players in Hollywood . Top industry execs said to visit James at her villa to pay 'homage' to author . £27million film, starring Jamie Dornan, will be released on Valentine's Day . | 42177e077d065a55b09a4028700fc43a2bb1066d |
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for the ex-husband of a former swimsuit model whose nude body was found over the weekend, Orange County police said Thursday. An arrest warrant has been issued for Ryan Alexander Jenkins, wanted in the death of ex-wife Jasmine Fiore. The body of Jasmine Fiore, 28, was found Saturday stuffed into a suitcase inside a Dumpster behind an apartment complex in Buena Park, just outside Anaheim in Orange County. Her teeth had been extracted and her fingers removed. Fiore lived in Los Angeles and was last seen alive Friday in San Diego at a poker game with her ex-husband, Ryan Alexander Jenkins, a reality TV contestant. "We believe he has crossed into Canada," U.S. Marshals Chief Inspector Thomas Hession told reporters. "He needs to understand that he is now officially wanted. We won't stop looking for him." Watch why cops are looking to Canada » . Prosecutors requested bail be set at $10 million. Wednesday night, officers from the Blaine Police Department in northern Washington recovered a black 2003 BMW X5 SUV outfitted with a boat trailer and a boat belonging to Jenkins in Point Roberts, just south of the Canadian border, said Buena Park, California, Chief of Police Tom Monson. "It's now our belief that he has now crossed the border on foot," he said, adding that authorities were working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to find him. Monson appealed to the public for help in locating a white 2007 Mercedes Benz CLS550 with paper license tags also linked to the suspect. Hession cautioned anyone who might be considering helping the suspect flee that doing so would leave them open to charges of aiding and abetting a fugitive. "Ryan Jenkins is an animal," said Robert Hasman, a family friend who said Fiore had been his girlfriend for 2 1/2 years. Watch Hasman speak out » . "What he has done to Jasmine is unspeakable. It's just not right." He described her as "a beautiful person who was a very caring individual and a lot of the information that you are seeing in the news is not true." He would not specify to what he was referring. Buena Park Police Lt. Steve Holliday said Fiore's fingers and teeth had been removed. Asked whether that was done to keep her body from being identified, he said, "It can be inferred that way." "It appears to be a gruesome attempt to conceal her identity," concurred Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas in an interview with CNN's "Larry King Live." Jenkins is the sole suspect in the killing, authorities said. "There is no indication that anybody else might be involved," he said. Jenkins is believed to be armed, Rackauckas said. "There's a handgun missing from his apartment, which is the last place he was before he fled," he said. Jenkins matched the description of a man seen driving a boat Wednesday in Blaine Marina off northwest Washington, the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said. Blaine, Washington, borders Canada. Authorities searched the area and found Jenkins' black SUV with an empty boat trailer at the Blaine Marina, police said. Jenkins reported Fiore missing Saturday night to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, authorities said. The body was identified as Fiore on Monday. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, a preliminary coroner's report indicates she was strangled. Jenkins and Fiore reportedly had been married a few weeks before getting the union annulled. According to court records in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jenkins was charged in June with battery for allegedly striking Fiore in the arm with his fist. And in 2007, Jenkins pleaded guilty in Calgary, Alberta, to assault in a separate case. He was sentenced to 15 months probation, ordered to undergo counseling for domestic violence and sex addiction and to stay away from the person involved, according to court records. Jenkins, who appeared on VH1 shows, "Megan Wants a Millionaire" and "I Love Money 3," is from Calgary. 51 Minds, the production company of "Megan Wants a Millionaire," said Thursday in a written statement that it "was not aware of Ryan Jenkins' record when it cast him. "The company did have in place what it thought was a thorough vetting process that involved complete background checks by an outside company for all contestants on its shows," it said. "Clearly, the process did not work properly in this case. 51 Minds is investigating what went wrong and taking steps to ensure that this sort of lapse never occurs again." In a statement, VH1 said it has postponed any airings of "Megan Wants a Millionaire" because of the "tragic situation." | Body of Jasmine Fiore, 28, found Saturday stuffed into a suitcase inside a Dumpster . Ryan Alexander Jenkins, a reality TV contestant, is sought in her slaying . Authorities believe Jenkins has crossed into Canada from Washington . Fiore's teeth had been extracted and her fingers removed . | 7a6d2cb05e5b409ae9dc49fdb2e6e50559883447 |
(CNN) -- A North Carolina judge set aside the death sentence of a convicted killer after concluding Friday that race played a role in the case, a landmark ruling that may call into question a number of death row cases in the state. The ruling by Cumberland County Superior Court Judge Gregory Weeks, the first under the state's controversial Racial Justice Act, means that 38-year-old Marcus Robinson now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Robinson, who is black, was convicted of first-degree murder in 1994. At the center of the judge's ruling is a finding that prosecutors across the state participated in the practice of excluding potential black jurors. "Robinson introduced a wealth of evidence showing the persistent, pervasive and distorting role of race in jury selection throughout North Carolina," Weeks wrote in his ruling. "The evidence, largely unrebutted by the State, requires relief in his case and should serve as a clear signal of the need for reform in capital jury selection proceedings in the future." Weeks did not question whether the crime was committed by Robinson, who was convicted of killing a white, 17-year-old teen -- Erik Tornblom. Passed by the state Legislature and signed into law in 2009, the Racial Justice Act states "no person shall be subject to or given a sentence of death, or shall be executed pursuant to any judgment that was sought or obtained on the basis of race." Under the law, those with death sentences can appeal by using statistical analysis to prove race played a role in how their case was handled. The cornerstone of Robinson's appeal is a Michigan State University study of jury selection in North Carolina in 1994, the time during which Robinson was sentenced, that found prosecutors struck blacks from juries at a rate of more than 2-to-1 compared with whites. In the ruling, Weeks found that not only did prosecutors across the state intentionally use the race of a potential juror as a significant factor in decisions to exercise preemptory challenges -- the practice of striking somebody from a jury without explanation, but that the practice occurred in Robinson's case. The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys strongly disputed that race had anything to do with death sentences in effect across the state. "While we respectfully disagree with Judge Weeks, we are not surprised by his ruling," the group said in a written statement. The group has been opposed to the Racial Justice Act, saying that cases should not be decided by generalized statistics presented years after a conviction. "Capital cases reflect the most brutal and heinous offenders in our society. Whether the death penalty is an appropriate sentence for murderers should be addressed by our lawmakers in the General Assembly, not masked as claims (of) racism in our courts," the statement said. Robinson is among 157 death row inmates -- 83 blacks, 63 whites and 12 other ethnicities -- who filed appeals under the Racial Justice Act, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The NAACP in North Carolina, meanwhile, expressed their sympathies to the family of Robinson's victim, while lauding the ruling. "We take this moment to remind prosecutors and their staffs that the Racial Justice Act mentions the idea of training program, to help weed out racial bias as they exercise their broad discretion in capital cases," said the Rev. William J. Barber II, president of the NAACP in North Carolina. "We encourage the Association of District Attorneys to take advantage of such training to drain some of the unconscious and conscious racial bias out of our courthouses." After Friday's ruling, Robinson's mother Shirley Burnes told CNN affiliate WTVD that her son expected Friday's decision "because it was true facts, and that's it." She said she understood that the ruling could make way for other such successful appeals in North Carolina. "This has been a hard long journey," Burnes said. "And there are others out there who will be affected by this." CNN's Joe Sutton contributed to this report. | Marcus Robinson was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder in 1994 . A judge calls race "a significant factor" in his death sentence and vacates it . The Racial Justice Act bars executions "sought or obtained on the basis of race" District attorneys blast actions against the death penalty "masked as claims racism" | b8a5cead070d2c9932a0757691643aa58d31eee0 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 10:45 AM on 21st July 2011 . Two drunk men who broke into a police van to fool around were arrested - when they got locked inside. Real-life 'Dumb and Dumber' Jeffrey Olson, 22, and Ryan Letchford, 21, had been at a party on Friday night when they spotted the empty patrol vehicle. The pair decided to climb inside and began to play with the equipment and take pictures of each other pretending to be arrested. Dumb and Dumber: Jeffrey Olson, 22, and Ryan Letchford, 21, were arrested after breaking into a police van, the authorities said . But disaster struck for the pair when they really did end up in handcuffs when they became locked inside. Police arrived at the vehicle in South Jersey, Philadelphia, in the early hours of the morning and arrested the criminals. The two men were charged with attempted theft of a motor vehicle, public drunkenness and criminal mischief, police said. 'It was un-freaking-believable,' Constable Mike Connor, whose van the men are said to have burgled, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. The pair hatched the bizarre plan after getting drunk at a nearby party at a condominium in Radnor. It is understood that a door of the vehicle had been left unlocked and the men entered through that. Once inside the police vehicle they began smoking cigarettes and there was also evidence that they had spat on the ground. They also used their cameras to take pictures of each other pretending that they were being arrested. Letchford and Olson soon realised they were stuck inside and tried to kick through the metal cage that separates the rear of the vehicle from the driver's compartment, police said. A friend who became worried when the pair did not return to the party wondered outside and noticed the pair were inside the van. He wasn't able to open the door, which is understood to have had an automatic locking mechanism, called police at 3:57 a.m. Connor was woken up by the authorities and he attended his van , promptly arresting the two men inside. Police said that inside the van officers found cigarette butts and 'a large amount of saliva'. | Ryan Letchford and Jeffrey Olson took pictures of each other pretending to get arrested . | 816f545f0029ced89f49243280b7e63856d0184a |
(CNN) -- Dear Girls of the World, . We are under attack. We are denied education. We are bought and sold like cattle. We are threatened and killed for voicing our dreams. We are all suffering. When one girl in the world suffers for being born female, every girl in the world is made vulnerable. Gender-based hate in the most remote corner of the Earth threatens the very core of our dignity. How can any of us be free while our sisters are slaves in this very instant? To turn a blind eye to a single girl living in sub-human status is to accept that status for each and every one of us. If the girls of the world stay silent, we will protect hate. Only our collective voice can carry our stories far and wide enough to drive out the oppression of girls everywhere. Until the day we all have the opportunity to speak up for ourselves, we have to bear witness for one another. Lift your voice for those who can't! Write an open letter about what girls' education means to you. - America Ferrera . More: CNN's "Girl Rising" Open letter from Christiane Amanpour: It's time to power the world . Open letter from Queen Rania of Jordan: More than tiaras and cupcakes . Photos: The girls' stories from "Girl Rising" How to help | Take action with 10x10 . | Actress America Ferrera writes an open letter to girls of the world . | a55b8b66a834c96c9a64af8f82b3b23f94aa01dc |
Ajdabiya, Libya (CNN) -- Outside the Libyan city of Ajdabiya, tents have sprouted in the rolling desert, where the sands blow and farmers grow figs and grapes. In the city, a fierce fight rages for control between the Libyan opposition and forces loyal to strongman Moammar Gadhafi, whose tanks lob shells to push their foes back. At night, coalition planes roar overhead, pounding Gadhafi's positions. Early Friday, British jets pounded Libyan armored vehicles. But they have not been able to stop the battle on the ground, and residents are escaping to safer ground. "I couldn't even begin to describe to you the horror that I have seen," one man said. "Leaving Ajdabiya, we saw dead bodies in the street. No one would ever dare go to recover them." He fled his hometown with his six children this week. One of his sons, maybe about 10, cradles his head as his father talks. He cries quietly. Other children gather around. When an oil tanker barrels down the road, they freeze and then scatter in fear. The people here have nothing: no change of clothes, not even water. They sleep on thin sheets of plastic and think they will keep themselves warm at night with firewood in a tin box that is only 1 foot in diameter. They keep hoping that when the next morning comes, they will be able to trek back through the barren land to their homes. But every morning brings more of the same. Two trucks arrive from Benghazi to the north. They bring rice, sugar, powdered milk for babies. The people say the aid materialized from the goodwill of their compatriots in Benghazi. Relief, however little. As the Libyan war goes on, humanitarian agencies report increasing numbers of Libyans displaced from their homes. The International Medical Corps estimates that 20,000 people have taken refuge in a small town east of Ajdabiya. The Libyan Red Crescent says another 5,000 are displaced in the coastal town of Derna. The United Nations refugee agency says it has sent two medical convoys to Benghazi and also shipments of blankets, sleeping mats and other basic items. But delivering aid is an issue. The agency does not have access to places other than Benghazi, the nation's second-largest city that is in the hands of the opposition. Reports like these are not uncommon in war. For its victims, life's only focus becomes survival. One man says Gadhafi's tanks roared down Ajdabiya's streets, firing into houses. What choice did they have but to flee? He says the troops were searching house to house. They took away five young men from his neighbor's place. He doesn't know what happened to them or whether he will ever see them again. CNN's Moni Basu contributed to this report. | Tents have sprouted in the rolling desert . People fleeing Ajdabiya have nothing with them . The situation is dire for Libya's war displaced . | e8a2d1296c42e0d9fa668799937c4a1894f03208 |
(CNN)Police on Friday arrested Dustin Diamond, better known as "Screech" in the early 1990s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," in a stabbing incident at a bar in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Diamond, 37, of Port Washington, was charged with three misdemeanors: second-degree recklessly endangering safety; carrying a concealed weapon; and disorderly conduct, use of a dangerous weapon, according to a press release from the police. He was being held Friday in lieu of $10,000 bond. According to an arrest report released Friday afternoon, the stabbing took place late Thursday night during an argument in the Grand Avenue Saloon. Diamond said he and his girlfriend, Amanda Schutz, 27, were inside the bar when a group of intoxicated people started behaving in a rude and insulting manner, leading him to believe "there was going to be a brawl," the report said. He said he turned to close his account and get their coats, but when he looked back, his girlfriend was bleeding and two men were holding her hair, the report said. Diamond said he moved toward his girlfriend when a man grabbed him, the report said. Diamond said he he might have stabbed the man with a pen used to sign a credit card receipt, but later conceded he was armed with the knife, the report said. "Diamond stated that he did not intentionally stab the individual in the bar but that chaos broke out and people were grabbing at him and that he swung his arms to break free," the report stated. Diamond and Schutz drove away from the bar and were stopped by police, who said they found a "stiletto folding knife with a 3.75-inch blade, which uses a thumb stud and assisted opening mechanism." Police said the tip of the knife was moist. The man identified as the stabbing victim told police he didn't see a knife or initially feel being cut. Police said the wound was not life threatening. Other people in the bar said the fracas started when women started shoving each other, the police report said.. One witness told police a woman was upset because people were taking pictures of her and her boyfriend. Schutz was charged with disorderly conduct and released, police said. Port Washington is north of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. Diamond appeared on "Saved by the Bell" as awkward nerd Samuel "Screech" Powers from 1989 to 1993 and later appeared in various spinoffs of the hit show. In September, Lifetime aired a movie about life on the set loosely based on a book written by Diamond. The book garnered negative criticism for Diamond from castmates, who said it was inaccurate. In 2013, Diamond distanced himself from the book, telling OWN that the book had been written by a ghostwriter and was a "disappointment" to him. 'Saved by the Bell' movie: What we learned . CNN's Chuck Johnston contributed to this report. | Diamond said he was acting to protect his girlfriend . Actor said he didn't intentionally stab anybody . Police said they found a knife in Diamond's vehicle . | 70a6807077cfedbd8fba55e9891eed8970c3b685 |
(CNN) -- You know a club is exclusive when they won't even let the Queen in. For almost 200 years Britain's Royal Yacht Squadron has had a strict men-only policy, meaning even its patron, Queen Elizabeth II, was denied entry. But it seems the tide has finally turned for the world's most prestigious sailing club, after it voted in favor of allowing women to become members for the first time in its history. The elite club, based in the dramatic 16th century Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in southern Britain, unanimously voted for the new rules this week. Of its 475 members, 150 attended the meeting -- all agreeing to introduce the rules from Spring next year. The membership changes require no further vote, but still need to be ratified by all members. Founded in 1815, the yacht club has an illustrious place in British history, launching the first ever America's Cup -- so named after the New York Yacht Club beat their English rivals in their boat "America." In 1826, the club also started the annual Cowes Week sailing regatta, which kicked off on Monday and features more than 8,000 sailors from across the world. The squadron's grand castle marks the start line for Cowes Week races, firing cannons over the water. While the prestigious club is currently open to "gentlemen actively interested in yachting," in reality usually people of the upper classes are invited to join. To become a member, you must still be voted in through another member. The Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, is the club's Admiral, while Queen Elizabeth II herself is a patron -- though not officially a member. British sailor Dee Caffari, the only woman to have circumnavigated the globe three times, said the change in rules could encourage more women to join the sport. "Making such bold changes to clubs with strong traditions and heritage takes time -- we've seen it take place at Lords in cricket, we have recently discussed female club members at Muirfield during the Golf Open and now we are seeing a change at the Royal Yacht Squadron," she told CNN. "Many yachts have women amongst the team members so this now allows the club to better reflect the sport of sailing. It also highlights the uniqueness of our sport that it is one of the few sports that allow men and women to compete on a level playing field." In the early 1960s, the club did allow Lady Associate Members, who were allowed to use facilities. | Britain's Royal Yacht Squadron to admit female members . First time in nearly 200 years women allowed in prestigious sailing club . Queen Elizabeth II patron, but until now not a member . Elite club launched America's Cup and Cowes Week, which started Monday . | 89c084966620f2b6cca45eb0c8c80d7fb2bcbaf5 |
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who was forced to hand over his uniform after he smoked medical marijuana for PTSD while wearing it has taken his own life. Corporal Ronald Francis, a father-of-four and 21-year veteran of the force in New Brunswick, died on Monday afternoon. His cause of death has not been released. Last year, he had appeared in an interview with CBC and smoked marijuana while wearing his red serge uniform, explaining that it helped the post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his job. 'I get up in the morning, have my coffee and the marijuana. I go at lunchtime, have a marijuana joint, and then again in the evening. That would be my medical regime,' he said. Scroll down for video . Suicide: Corporal Ronald Francis, 43, took his life on Monday. He is pictured in an interview with CBC News last year, in which he smoked medical marijuana which had been prescribed for his work-related PTSD . Reliant: He smoked upto 15 joints a day - but his bosses said he could not do it while wearing his uniform . 'I'm still functional, but your nervous system is relaxed, and that makes a big difference.' In the interview, he explained that every time he saw a black mat on the ground it would trigger flashbacks of him returning after a gruesome job and wiping brains from his boots. Francis said he was first prescribed anti-depressants by doctors when he developed signs of mental stress but noted no improvement. After being prescribed the marijuana, the corporal smoked three grams - or up to 15 joints - a day. But his bosses said smoking in his uniform sent mixed messages to the public about drug use. Recreational marijuana is illegal in Canada. RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gilles Moreau said officers with a medical marijuana prescription could take their medication but he said they shouldn't use it while in uniform in public. Emotional: After sparking the public debate, the 21-year veteran of the force returned his red serge uniform . Upset: He sobbed as he was filmed handing over the uniform. He was still on leave at the time of his death . Francis was put on restricted duties while on the drug and was not allowed to carry a firearm or drive a patrol car. Francis countered that he wanted employers to better understand the importance of medical marijuana. He argued that it was a PTSD issue rather than about taking drugs. 'I'm trying to draw attention to the fact that the RCMP fails to have a program in place for proper [PTSD] screening for their members and proper information for their families,' he told the National Post at the time. 'People are dying, they're committing suicide because there's no proper backup.' Francis was eventually ordered to turn in his uniforms. He was captured sobbing on camera as he arrived to hand them over. In December 6 last year, he allegedly punched and shoved two RCMP officers who had confronted him in an effort to take him to hospital for a mental-health assessment. A few weeks later, he allegedly assaulted two other officers in Oromocto after they arrested him for breaching the terms of his probation by drinking alcohol, the National Post reported. He was later charged with assault and breaching an undertaking to not possess or consume alcohol and non-prescription drugs. He pleaded guilty to three counts before his trial was to begin and the other charges were dropped. His sentencing was scheduled for November 3. Concerns: In an interview after he was put on leave, Corporal Francis said he feared for his health . He was still on medical leave from the RCMP at the time of his death. He was 43. Chief Gabriel Atwin of Kingsclear First Nation spoke about the loss on Monday night, CBC reported. 'It's a tragic, tragic event,' he said. 'Tragic loss to our community. Ron was not only a good friend of mine, and a great community member, but also a family member of mine. It's a tragic event.' A Facebook group, Families of the RCMP for PTSD Awareness, posted a tribute to Francis. 'Our hearts go out to Ron, who struggled for so long, his family who journeyed with him, and all those who knew, worked with and loved him, all of whom are struggling to deal with the aftermath of suicide,' it read. 'Please know that we at Families of the RCMP for PTSD Awareness are devastated and we are working tirelessly to do all we can to stop these tragedies from occurring.' For confidential support in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-825. In Canada, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention or call 204-784-4073. In the U.K., contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details. See below for video . | Corporal Ronald Francis was found dead on Monday afternoon - nearly a year after he was first prescribed medical marijuana for PTSD . But his bosses banned him from smoking while in his uniform, saying it gave the public mixed messages about drug use . The 21-year veteran of the force protested the rules, saying employers did not understand the importance of medical marijuana or PTSD . In an emotional display, he was eventually forced to hand over his uniform . He was later arrested for assaulting officers who were trying to help him secure treatment and he was due to be sentenced next month . | 19b1ffb8e8accfd5cfd98c9c5ec319b4e45c2b41 |
(CNN) -- In Juanga, India, a village of less than 3,000 inhabitants, the adults typically work as farmers on small plots of land earning less than $2 a day. They live in extended families in two or three roomed bamboo thatched mud huts, surviving on rice and dahl. Unable to see the value of education, the parents typically take their children out of school before they turn 16 to earn money. Women frequently deny themselves trips to health clinics and they lack knowledge of basic preventative healthcare measures. They also lack basics such as drinking water, electricity, food, healthcare and infrastructure, but cell phone towers are often ubiquitous. One American non-profit organization is using this proliferation of phone masts to bring empowering mobile technology to these destitute villagers. mPowering, headquartered in San Francisco, has joined forces with Citta, a charity working in Orissa, one of the poorest states in India, which has a population of 37 million, roughly the same size as California. According to UNICEF, Orissa has the most people living below the poverty line of any state in India and one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates of all the states in India. Many people are from illiterate tribal communities and the region is also frequently hit by droughts, floods and cyclones. Nearly half the children leave school at 14 years and are not vaccinated against common childhood diseases. Read related: Phone journalism gives a voice to India's rural poor . mPowering is exploiting the large number of cell towers, low cost of WiFi and GSM connectivity, falling rates of mobile subscriptions and of phones in India to bring generations out of poverty. Read related: Rise of 'nomophobia': More people fear loss of mobile contact . Citta, a charity registered in the U.S. and UK, built a school in Juanga in 2001 and a hospital in 1996. It also runs a women's center which provides pre- and postnatal healthcare and gives seminars to mothers on nutrition and hygiene. The school began with 140 pupils and now has about 400. The hospital, which has five doctors and 10 nurses, is currently the only hospital in the region, serving a community of approximately 100,000 people within a 15 mile (25km) radius. According to mPowering, 46 per cent of people in Juanga live below the poverty line and 41 per cent of children suffer from malnutrition. Read related: In India, more cell phones than toilets . mPowering started working with Citta in 2010, handing 56 families in Juanga a smartphone loaded with culturally customized mobile apps and location analytics (similar to Foursquare) built around the concept of rewards and incentives. Despite some of the villagers having never used a phone, they quickly learned how it worked. Sharing one smartphone per family, the children earn points for attending school and mothers for attending preventative healthcare classes. The families then pool the points and redeem them for food, clothing and medicine each month. Local Indians scan the barcodes on their smartphones when they attend the classes. mPowering has provided phone chargers at schools since many families do not have electricity. Jeff Martin, who founded the non-profit, spent ten years as a senior executive at Apple, six of which he was head of music, entertainment, and marketing, reporting directly to Steve Jobs. He is also the Founder and CEO of Tribal Brands and of Tribal Technologies and has used the technology from those companies at mPowering. He traveled to India extensively during his career at Apple, he says. "I chose Orissa because it is where the poorest of the poor live. The best way to improve lives in rural areas and change centuries' old traditions is using mobile technology and rewarding people," he said. His next plan is to track the art work of the children. "Through the art work we will be able to see if they are becoming more optimistic," he said. "Fundamentally we are showing connections. We always knew that if kids ate well their grades would improve." But now he is able to prove it. Donors will be able to see realtime the impact of their donations -- pictures of the children's art work or their grades could be sent to the donors' mobiles for example. Read related: How mobile broadband can transform Africa . A future plan is to give points to mothers when they take their children to health clinics which can be redeemed for medicines. He also aims to give out Lifestraws (portable water filters) to villagers if they watch videos installed on their smartphones about contamination of water, since most water supplies are polluted by the villagers. "We want more charities to use us," Martin said. "Charities don't currently have a way to measure their own results. But we believe in measurement. No one makes money in Silicon Valley without measurement. I have got various funders behind me and a lot of them feel like I do, that charities need to be measured and mobile analytics is the answer. "I am not a big believer in micro loans as they create a pressure to pay back a loan. Many people don't want to give money to charities if they don't know how it is being spent. We can actually prove we are changing behaviors." "Tribal does the same thing but commercially -- such as changing the way people buy music on their mobile phones and giving them rewards," he said. The project has had a measurable impact, mPowering says. The number of reported diseases in the village has reduced from 119 last year down to 52. There were 125 clinic visits this year compared to 98 last year, according to their figures. Seventy-one per cent of children attend school, compared to 52 per cent last year. "This year every student in the middle school passed the state level exams we were very excited to say the least," said Michael Daube, founder and executive director of Citta. "We have monitored the progress from the start of the project and find almost a 25 per cent increase in enrolment because of the mPowering initiative," Daube said. "mPowering's mission is the perfect extension to increase more efficient support to any poverty-stricken region," he added. | In parts of India, people lack basics such as food and water but cell phone towers are often everywhere . Parents typically take their children out of school before they turn 16 to earn money . One American non-profit organization is exploiting mobile technology to empower destitute villagers . | 5a700fe158242c3ec349488bbd3041cc0a7882dc |
A district judge faces up to seven years in jail after allegedly . dismissing traffic tickets against her that included expired registration on . her BMW. Kelly Ballentine, 43, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was hit with two parking tickets and a third for the registration - totalling $268.50, . prosecutors said. She failed to pay the November 2010 tickets on time, but then allegedly . accessed the online court system and dismissed her summonses. Charged: Kelly Ballentine, 43, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was hit with two parking tickets and a third for the registration which totalled $268.50, prosecutors said . Ballentine has been arraigned and released on $25,000 bail. She . faces conflict of interest, public records tampering and obstruction charges. The violations were allegedly within her magisterial district . and handled by staff in her office. She did not pay within the 30-day . limit, prosecutors said. Court summonses were then sent to her, but she . allegedly accessed the Pennsylvania Magisterial District Judicial system and dismissed . them. Each of the three counts of conflict of interest and six of public . records tampering could see her jailed for up to seven years if convicted. Work: Kelly Ballentine is a district judge at Lancaster County court. She faces conflict of interest, public records tampering and obstruction charges . The three obstruction charges are punishable by up to two . years in prison, Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly said in a press release. 'I have issued an order that she be placed on indefinite administrative leave until all criminal charges are resolved' Lancaster County President Judge Joseph Madenspacher . She was arraigned in court on Monday before District Judge . William Benner. A preliminary hearing will take place in front of the same judge next . Thursday. Ballentine, who was elected as a district judge in 2006, is being . represented by lawyer Royce Leon Morris of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has been put on paid leave while the charges are resolved, . Lancaster County President Judge Joseph Madenspacher told Lancaster Online. Judge Madenspacher added that he will contact the Supreme Court . about the charges and they can decide if they want to further discipline her. | Lancaster District Judge Kelly Ballentine suspended . 'Failed to pay three November 2010 tickets on time' 43-year-old faces seven years in prison if convicted . | 56d40de20eb6c7a772123da5fd94e1b55d3e603a |
Dressed in drab red jumpers, two children climb to the top of a rubbish heap a dozen times taller than them. The shocking scene is typical of Buenos Aires' Matanza-Riachuelo river basin, one of the ten most polluted places in the world. A list of ten filthy sites, from Russia to Indonesia to Ghana, has been amassed by the global environmental group The Blacksmith Institute - which says 200 million people are endangered daily in the top ten places alone. 1: Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin, Buenos Aires. It is just 37 miles long but its banks are packed with 15,000 industries spewing chemicals like zinc, lead, copper, nickel and chromium into the filthy water . Filthy: Some parts of the river basin look normal, but 60% of its homes are deemed unfit for human habitation. Residents suffer diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and cancer as there are few sources of safe drinking water . Some governments are working to make life better but in others, the damage has already been done. On the list is the former Soviet nuclear plant Chernobyl, which suffered a massive meltdown in 1986 in what is widely known as the worst nuclear disaster in history. Others, though, few people have heard of. Deep in the wastes of Siberia is the industrial city of Norislk. Founded by Stalin in 1935 to provide forced labour for the gulags, it was for decades the largest heavy metals mine in the world. It has leaked millions of tons of copper oxide, nickel oxide and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere, causing lung diseases and cancers of the digestive tract. The report - which says six of the sites are new to the list since it was last compiled in 2006 - said symptoms of people suffering from pollution include organ damage, diahrroea, eye damage, vomiting, lung diseases, cancers and premature birth. 2: Norilsk, Siberia. Once the largest heavy metals smelting complex in the world, Stalin built it and forced gulag prisoners to work there. Life expectancy for factory workers is 10 years below the Russian average . Smog: High levels of copper and nickel have been found in the soil 'nearly everywhere' within 40 miles of Norilsk, Russia, where 130,000 people live. Children get sick one and a half times more often than those nearby . Ominous: Norilsk, Russia, pictured in 1993. Two million tons of sulphur dioxide pour into the air every year . The lack of good medical care in poorer countries means they are particularly vulnerable - explaining, in part, why many of the worst places are in what was traditionally called the Third World. The report said: 'The shortage of adequate resources in many low-and middle-income countries increases the severity of health impacts from toxic pollution while simultaneously marginalizing those who need help the most. 'An objective of the work of Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland and one goal of this report is to enhance understanding and funding for this crucial area of public health.' 3: Citarum River Basin, Indonesia. Some nine million people live along its banks and it provides 80% of Jakarta's drinking water - but scientists have found lead at more than 1,000 times the recommended level . Horrifying: But the report said the Indonesian government is trying to solve the river's huge health risks . The most densely-populated area, Indonesia's Citarum River Basin, is home to some nine million people but also countless factories and industrial sites. Despite providing 80% of Jakarta's drinking water it has lead at more than 1,000 times the recommended level and manganese at four times the recommended level. Meanwhile Hazaribagh in Bangladesh has a more unexpected source of pollution - it is teeming with almost 300 tanneries to make leather. Toxic world: Eight of the ten most polluted places named in a report by the Blacksmith Institute . 4: Kabwe, Zambia's second-biggest city, once held one of the world's largest lead mines. Children have up to ten times the recommended level of lead in their blood. The government did not tackle the problem for 90 years . The process of making leather uses dangerous amounts of the chemical hexavalent chromium, which was made famous as a water pollutant in the Hollywood film Erin Brockovich. The chemical causes cancer and is almost universally banned throughout Europe, but it is among the 22,000 cubic litres of toxic waste dumped into Hazaribagh's water supply every day. Tannery workers' homes are built next to contaminated streams, ponds and canals and they suffer horrifying symptoms including skin rashes, acid burns, dizziness and nausea. 5: Hazaribagh, Bangladesh, is home to 270 tanneries for making leather - which together dump 22,000 cubic litres of toxic waste every day including the cancer-causing chemical hexavalent chromium . Dangerous: Hexavalent chromium was made famous by the film Erin Brockovich, which documented the story of an American junior lawyer and single mother who campaigned to expose water pollution . In Kalimantan, Indonesia, a long history of gold mining is to blame. The process uses large quantities of the toxic chemical mercury - causing decades of health problems for its residents. The Western world has a big part to play in the levels of pollution in these countries, the report said. Dr Jack Caravanos, assistant director of research at the Blacksmith Institute, told the Earth Island Journal: '[In the United States,] your whole body is covered with products whose fundamental chemical ingredients have likely come from other countries. The contamination stayed in those countries.' 6: Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a world centre of gold mining - which uses the dangerous chemical mercury and releases 1,000 tons of it a year. Pictured: A coal mine in East Kalimantan province . People in Kalimantan eat fish containing up to double the recommended levels of mercury . 7: Pripyat, Ukraine, played host to the massive meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986. It is deserted, a ghost town which has become an eerie haunt only for investigators and photographers of its crumbling homes . Toxic: The Chernobyl nuclear reactor 26 years after the meltdown which killed thousands. It is now cased in concrete, but there are still dangerous levels of radioactive particles in the soil for miles around . The report said several governments, especially in Indonesia, are doing their best to tackle the problems. Others have been taken off the 'worst ten' list since 2006, including sites in Peru, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, India and Azerbaijan. But the report admits there will inevitably be pollution scandals waiting to be uncovered. It said: 'These listings, as explicitly acknowledged in the reports, were based on limited information and data. 'This was only to be expected, since pollution by its nature shuns the spotlight.' To find out more visit worstpolluted.org. 8: The Niger River Delta, Nigeria, is home to some of the world's biggest petrochemical plants and saw almost 7,000 spills from 1976 to 2001 where the oil was never recovered. A quarter of children are starving . Toxic: The Niger delta is also home to crime - pictured is a boat which was burned by authorities after being loaded with stolen oil. An average of 240,000 barrels of crude oil are spilt every year in the area . 9: Dzershinsk, Russia, a Soviet industrial city where 300,000 tons of chemical waste were put into unsafe forms of landfill - many of them seeping into groundwater. Three of the worst ten are in former Soviet states . Entry prohibited! A sign warns people away from the Sibur-Neftekhim sludge reservoir near Dzershinsk . 10: The Agbogbloshie Dumpsite in Accra, Ghana, is where many western computers end up without the resources to process them properly. Styrofoam packaging and rubber-sheathed cables are all burned . | Horrifying list compiled by environmental body The Blacksmith Institute . Sites include mines, factories, landfills and the Chernobyl nuclear plant . The top ten alone put more than 200 million people in danger every day . | c1adcc1ee360a6e2b8fc49c4e1b56d3bd925dfc0 |
By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 6:26 PM on 23rd January 2012 . Garth Brooks has tearfully claimed how he doesn't understand receiving nothing for a $500,000 gift to a hospital in honour of his late mother. The country music star is suing Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in his hometown of Yukon, Oklahoma, for allegedly going back on a promise. He claims they went back on a pledge to build a women's health centre and name it after his mother Colleen, who died of cancer in 1999. Country star: Garth Brooks is suing Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in his hometown of Yukon, Oklahoma, at the Rogers County Courthouse for allegedly going back on a promise . ‘How this thing went wrong, I don't know,’ he told a court in Claremore, Oklahoma. ‘I'm the last of six kids. I was her favourite. She was my buddy. I was her biggest fan. ‘She was a pistol. All of the parties were at her house. She was just a doll. If anybody met her, (they) would have gotten to love her.’ The centre was never built - and Brooks, who said he had a ‘done deal’ with the centre and president James Moore, wants his money back plus damages. Brooks, 50, said Moore initially suggested putting his mother's name on an intensive care unit then later said they could put it on a women's centre instead. Reaction: Garth Brooks claims the hospital went back on a pledge to build a women's health centre and name it after his mother Colleen, who died of cancer in 1999 . ‘I jumped all over it,’ Brooks said. ‘It's my mom. My mom was pregnant as a teenager. She had a rough start. She wanted to help every kid out there.’ 'She was a pistol. All of the parties were at her house. She was just a doll. If anybody met her, (they) would have gotten to love her' Garth Brooks . Brooks said he gave $500,000 to the hospital anonymously, which he said was his custom when giving to charities. The singer said he, his family and the hospital wanted to keep things quiet until a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the centre. He was shown architectural drawings of a proposed centre bearing his mother's name. ‘That's why I thought it was a win-win for everybody,’ he said. Top-selling star: Garth Brooks, left, is pictured in 2011. His mother Colleen and father Troy are seen right in 1995 . But nothing happened and the centre was never built. His mother's name was never attached to anything at the hospital. 'My mom was pregnant as a teenager. She had a rough start. She wanted to help every kid out there' Garth Brooks . Moore told the court a women's centre was not in the hospital's plans, but Brooks said Moore never told him that before he donated the money in 2005. Three years later, he exchanged emails with Moore after he was told the money would be used to help fund new construction, Brooks said. ‘As nicely as I can, I'm trying to give him an opportunity to say why he's spending the money and there's no women's centre going up,’ he testified. Brooks said he sent his accountant to investigate what happened, but nothing came from the ongoing correspondence. Lawsuit: James Moore, left, president and CEO of Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital, right, arrives for the civil trial at the Rogers County Courthouse in Claremore, Oklahoma . By March 2009 he had asked the hospital to either refund his money or give it to another charity. Then he sued them in September 2009. 'I thought this was going to be mom's chance to bring a women's centre to my hometown' Garth Brooks . ‘I thought this was going to be mom's chance to bring a women's centre to my hometown,’ Brooks testified. Brooks's accountant, Cheryl Harris, testified on Friday that she wasn't aware of any conditions on his donation, which was listed as a tax deduction. Asked by Integris lawyer Terry Thomas how she believed the money would be used, she said: ‘He didn't receive anything physical.’ Brooks is the top-selling solo artist in U.S. history, with at least 128 million albums sold. His testimony is expected to resume on Monday. | Country star suing Integris Canadian Valley Regional Hospital in Oklahoma . Claims hospital went back on promise to build women's health centre . Brooks donated $500,000 and wanted it named after late mother Colleen . | 0444b14b7fbbe49df5d83fea162d6a6e2d8ed769 |
Eight people were killed on Thursday in shootings and bombings across Iraq, police in Tikrit said. Two car bombs exploded in Tuz Khurmatu, an ethnically tense city in the northern province of Salaheddin, and killed three people. The bombs, which exploded in a Turkmen residential area, also wounded 27 people. The city also has significant Kurdish and Arab populations. Gunmen in Baghdad shot dead three people, Baghdad police said. Two men were shot and killed in the northern city of Mosul, police there said. Suicide bombings claim more lives in Iraq . Violence has been on the upswing in Iraq since spring as tensions have grown, particularly between the country's Shiite majority and its Sunni minority. More than 6,000 people have been killed this year, including more than 350 this month. Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is Shiite, touched on the violence in a New York Times op-ed column this week. "Imagine how Americans would react if you had a terrorist organization operating on your own soil that killed dozens and maimed hundreds every week. For Iraqis, that isn't a hypothetical question; Al Qaeda in Iraq and its affiliates are conducting a terrorist campaign against our people," he wrote. Al-Maliki is in the United States for a meeting with President Barack Obama to plan "a deeper security relationship" with Washington to fight terrorism and deal with regional security issues. Car bombs rattle Baghdad, Mosul; 44 dead . | The incidents took place in Tuz Khurmatu, Baghdad and Mosul . Iraq has been beset by violence in recent months . PM Nuri al-Maliki is visiting the United States . | 16bad8166270327da0635b3b883ade48f182e0a5 |
A probe hurtling towards Pluto has captured the dwarf planet locked in a mesmerising dance with its largest moon, Charon. The New Horizons spacecraft took the footage as it raced through space to rendezvous with the dwarf planet in 2015. The 12 images that make up the animation were taken from a distance ranging from 267 million to 262 million miles (429 million to 422 million km). Scroll down for animation . A probe hurtling towards Pluto has captured the dwarf planet locked in a dance with its largest moon . Put together, the footage covers Pluto and almost one full rotation of its largest moon, Charon, which orbits 11,200 miles (about 18,000km) above the dwarf planet's surface. Charon is almost half the size of Pluto. The moon is so big that Pluto and Charon are sometimes referred to as a double dwarf planet system. The mission team are now using the footage - which focuses on Pluto's position against a backdrop of stars – to fine-tune the distance that New Horizons will fly past Pluto and its moons. Pluto's four smaller satellites are too faint to be seen in these distant images, but will begin to appear in images taken next year as the spacecraft speeds closer to its target. The mission team are now using the footage - which focuses on Pluto's position against a backdrop of stars – to fine-tune the distance that New Horizons will fly past Pluto and its moons . There remain many unanswered questions about Pluto. The New Horizons probe (artist's impression pictured) hopes to provide some answers when it flies by the dwarf planet on July 15, 2015 . The artist's concept shows the Pluto system from the surface of one of the smaller moons. Pluto is the large dwarf planet at centre, right. Charon, the system's largest moon, is the smaller body to the right of Pluto . 'The image sequence showing Charon revolving around Pluto set a record for close range imaging of Pluto - they were taken from 10 times closer to the planet than the Earth is,' says New Horizons mission Principal Investigator Alan Stern, of the Southwest Research Institute. Charon is almost half the size of Pluto. The moon is so big that Pluto and Charon are sometimes referred to as a double dwarf planet system. The distance between them is 12,200 miles (19,640 km). Charon's orbit around Pluto takes 6.4 Earth days, and one Pluto day takes 6.4 Earth days. Charon neither rises nor sets, but hovers over the same spot on Pluto's surface. The same side of Charon always faces Pluto -- this is called tidal locking. Compared with most of the planets and moons, the Pluto-Charon system is tipped on its side. 'But we'll smash that record again and again, starting in January, as approach operations begin. 'We are really excited to see our target and its biggest satellite in motion from our own perch,' he adds, 'less than a year from the historic encounter ahead.' New Horizons is near the end of its final pre-Pluto annual systems checkout and instrument calibration before Pluto arrival. The New Horizons mission operations team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, will put the spacecraft back into hibernation on August 29 - just four days after New Horizons crosses the orbit of Neptune on August 25. That final 'rest' lasts only until December 6, when New Horizons will stay wake for two years of Pluto encounter preparations, flyby operations, and data downlinks. There remain many unanswered questions about Pluto. The New Horizons probe hopes to provide some answers when it flies by the dwarf planet on July 15, 2015. Pictured here is a scale comparison of Earth and its moon (left and top right) and Pluto and Charon (bottom right). Charon, the dwarf planet's largest moon, is almost half the size of Pluto . | Footage was taken from a distance of more than 250 million miles . It was captured by New Horizons probe which will fly by Pluto next year . Animation shows Pluto and almost one full rotation of its largest moon . Charon orbits 11,200 miles (18,000km) above the dwarf planet's surface . | 5e6e9361800afdbc7a6cbea1867bbfe8d822928b |
The first 100 days of a Ukip government are to be imagined in a spoof documentary to be aired by Channel 4 before the election. Producers claim they want to explore the effects of the Eurosceptic party's policies on Britain ahead of polling day, when Ukip is planning to target 100 seats across the country. The programme will follow a new Ukip MP as she arrives in Westminster with the aim of taking the UK out of the European Union but one question is as yet unanswered: Who will play Nigel Farage? Scroll down for video . The spoof documentary will examine the impact of Nigel Farage taking the keys of Number 10 as Prime Minister in a Ukip government after May's general election . The decision to commission the programme is further recognition of the extraordinary rise in support for Ukip. One poll this week put Mr Farage's party on 19 per cent, a record high and well above the 3 per cent secured at the 2010 election. The party gained its first MP - Douglas Carswell - in a by-election this month, and is expected to be joined by Mark Reckless, another Tory defector, on November 20. Mr Farage has upped his ambitions, and Ukip's biggest donor has promised to target 100 seats at the next election. Such a move could secure several more Ukip MPs, and deprive Tory MPs of a majority. Even Mr Farage admits the prospect of him becoming Prime Minister is a distant one. But it will be the central premise of the Channel 4 programme, 100 Days of Ukip. The one-off 'What-If' drama will examine the impact of Ukip actually winning the general election in May 2015. 100 Days of Ukip will be broadcast in the spring, ahead of polling day. But there are as yet no details of the cast, and no hint about who will play Mr Farage. Today Mr Farage said he had been told about the programme, but asked by MailOnline who he would like to play him in the drama, replied: 'No comment.' A surge in support for Ukip has put Mr Farage at the centre of the media spotlight, and under more intense scrutiny . Ukip has jumped four points to 19 per cent - one point above their previous highest rating in a ComRes telephone poll in June . Raw TV, which is producing the show, said it will be 'set in a possible future where Nigel Farage's party has continued its exponential rise to power, the film projects what could actually happen if UKIP were to gain power in next year's election'. The programme will use both members of the public and actors to film scripted scenes which will be woven together with real-life archive from news programmes. Channel 4 Head of Documentaries Nick Mirsky said: 'This is a very exciting commission from a team known for brave and thought-provoking television.' In recent days Ukip has been bolstered by the huge row over the demand that Britain pays an extra £1.7billion to the EU by December 1, rising to 19 per cent in a ComRes survey for The Independent. Executive producer Richard Bond said: 'With support for Ukip growing in the polls, this is timely exploration of the effect their policies might have on Britain.' Twitter spoof account @GeneralBoles was quick to mock up Ray Winston in a pinstripe suit with a purple rosette . With Channel 4 yet to cast its Ukip spoof documentary, speculation has mounted about who will play Nigel Farage. The Ukip insists he has not given it any thought. But Twitter spoof account @GeneralBoles was quick to mock up Ray Winston in a pinstripe suit with a purple rosette. Bookies, meanwhile, have installed Michael Sheen as 3/1 favourite, after successfully playing Tony Blair three times, including in the 2006 film The Queen. By contrast Brad Pitt is on 500,/1, Russell Brand 100/1 and Eddie Izzard 100/1. Matthew Shaddick of Ladbrokes said: 'Sheen fits the bill perfectly but if they want a hapless Prime Ministerial performance, Hugh Grant has some form at 33/1. 'We suspect Brad Pitt might have more suitable projects lined up, so needless to say he's the rank outsider.' Michael Sheen has played Tony Blair three times . Latest Ladbrokes odds on who might play Nigel Farage: . 3/1 Michael Sheen . 5/1 John Hanna . 10/1 Martin Clunes . 10/1 David Morrissey . 16/1 David Tennant . 16/1 Hugh Bonneville . 25/1 Benedict Cumberbatch . 25/1 Colin Firth . 33/1 Stephen Fry . 33/1 Hugh Grant . 50/1 Martin Freeman . 50/1 Nigel Harman . 50/1 Simon Pegg . 50/1 Steve Coogan . 66/1 Kenneth Branagh . 66/1 Nicholas Lyndhurst . 100/1 Eddie Izzard . 100/1 Russell Brand . 500/1 Brad Pitt . | Mock documentary will examine impact of Ukip winning the election . Will follow a Ukip MP as she adjusts to life in a party of power . Channel 4 confirms it will be broadcast before May 7 general election . | a65012b64ed91921905884261cada6ea296cd016 |
(CNN) -- Election night could be a long one. Many of the polls continue to show a tight race with the candidates remaining in a dead heat in the swing states. Whoever wins the election, it might not be by much. Close elections have produced challenges for the victor once he starts his term in the White House. If voters don't provide a clear mandate, presidents often find that they have added challenges when dealing with Congress, as legislators have far less fear about the commander in chief. In 1916, for example, President Woodrow Wilson won reelection against former Supreme Court Justice Charles Evan Hughes by 23 electoral votes and 3.1 percent of the popular vote. The victory, which depended on Wilson's assurances to keep the U.S. out of war, hardened the lines of partisan battle. Republicans returned to Washington angry about how he had used the potential for war against them, even as he ushered the nation into World War I soon after the election. During the war, and especially during the fight over the peace treaty that followed, Wilson found little cooperation from Republicans who felt confident that they could take him on in the home front. Opinion: Media's pointless speculation over election outcome . When Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy defeated Vice President Richard Nixon in 1960 by 84 electoral votes and only 0.2 percent of the popular vote, the conservative coalition of Southern Democrats and Republicans in Congress read the close outcome as evidence that the young senator did not have a popular mandate. The fact that Democrats didn't enjoy any coattails from his victory even made liberals and moderates nervous about going out too far on a limb for the president. On domestic policy, Kennedy found most of his legislation stifled in congressional committees through the time of his assassination. Opinion: Both parties have a huge race problem . When former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter squeaked out victory against President Gerald Ford in 1976, the same pattern recurred. Though Carter had excited many Democrats during the primary by promising voters that they could trust him in the aftermath of Watergate, he won by only 2.1 percent of the popular vote and 57 electoral votes. The nation was "hopeful, sort of," quipped Time. During his first two years, Carter struggled to win support from his own party on issues like energy conservation, while Republicans such as Ronald Reagan felt emboldened to take him on over issues such as tax cuts and foreign policy. From the moment he entered office, the fragility of his election victory motivated Democratic and Republican opponents, who both played a role in his defeat in 1980. Texas Gov. George W. Bush came under fire in 2000 when the Supreme Court ordered an end to a recount in Florida, resulting in his winning the presidency against Vice President Al Gore by five electoral votes. Bush lost the popular vote to Gore by 0.5 percent. Many Democrats felt that the election had been stolen from them. Bush was not deterred and governed as if he had a mandate, pushing through a massive tax cut in 2001. His political standing was helped by the fact that the attacks of September 11, 2001, created a sense of national emergency and inspired a "rally around the leader" effect. But stalemate soon set in, as Democrats had little appetite to help him. Opinion: What's really at stake in election 2012 . The 2004 election, which Bush won by 35 electoral votes and 2.4 percent of the popular vote, also generated controversy as some Democrats felt that there had been voter suppression and rigged voting machines in the crucial state of Ohio by Republican-supporting groups. Republicans claimed there had been voter fraud in other states, like Pennsylvania. Bush never received the political capital he expected from his reelection victory and saw most of his domestic legislative proposals languish. Opinion: Cool Obama vs. square Romney . In today's political era, every president -- even those who enjoy landslide victories -- faces immense challenges working in the current congressional environment. Partisan polarization, interest-group politics and the 24-hour media make legislating difficult. But narrow elections only make things worse, and this would be the case for either a second term for President Barack Obama or a first term for Mitt Romney. The situation would be even worse if certain states are contested, as occurred in 2000, and if the chaos from Hurricane Sandy results in logistical problems in parts of the East Coast. The winner would walk into a toxic Washington environment with the perception that their mandate is thin. Added to all of this is the fact that the winner of the electoral college vote might not be the winner of the popular vote, as has occurred a handful of other times in U.S. history. Of course, the polls could be off and we might be heading to another Truman defeats Dewey moment, such as occurred in 1948 when the president proved the pollsters wrong and enjoyed a comfortable reelection victory. But since that's probably not the case, we'll be heading toward some rough times on Capitol Hill in the years ahead. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Julian Zelizer. | Close elections often produce challenges for presidents, says Julian Zelizer . JFK found most of his legislation stifled in congressional committees, Zelizer says . Jimmy Carter struggled to win support from his own party on many issues, he says . Zelizer: After 2004, George W. Bush saw most of his domestic legislative proposals languish . | 7dc90ceccf2fd855c656797fd1addabf3ac89a4c |
London (CNN) -- With her lashings of butter and flirtations with the camera, celebrity chef Nigella Lawson has charmed her many fans by turning everyday cooking into a more sensual experience. Her licking of her fingers as she talks viewers through her recipes have earned her nicknames such as "domestic goddess" and the "queen of food porn" in the British media. But her successful cooking career has not been mirrored in her personal life lately. Her 10-year marriage to millionaire art collector Charles Saatchi has collapsed since photos of the couple having an argument at a restaurant emerged in June. In the photos -- which were splashed across the front pages of national newspapers at the time -- Saatchi is seen with his hand around Lawson's throat. Saatchi accepted a police caution for assault, and the couple announced they would divorce soon after. Now Saatchi is set to take the stand in the trial of the couple's two former personal assistants, who are accused of defrauding them of hundreds of thousands of pounds. They deny the charge. In a pre-trial hearing, the defense read an e-mail from Saatchi to Lawson about the allegedly embezzled money, saying that the assistants would "get off" because, he wrote, Lawson was using cocaine and marijuana on a daily basis and "allowed the sisters to spend whatever they liked." Representatives for Lawson declined to comment on the allegations, citing the ongoing court proceedings. Born in London, Lawson, 53, is the daughter of a former Conservative Party British Chancellor of the Exchequer -- or finance minister -- Nigel Lawson. Her brother Dominic was formerly editor of The Spectator, a British conservative political magazine. Before she married him, Saatchi ran Saatchi & Saatchi, a leading global advertising agency, with his brother in the 1980s. Its campaigns included the promotion of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher. After studying at Oxford University, the celebrity chef began her career in publishing before moving into media, writing restaurant columns. She met her first husband, John Diamond, while working at the Sunday Times newspaper. The couple had two children. In 2001, Diamond died after a battle with throat cancer. Lawson went on to contribute to various UK newspapers before writing books. In 1998, she brought out "How to Eat," in which she stated how food was an early love. "I am not a chef. I am not even a trained or professional cook. My qualification is as an eater," she wrote. Her second book -- "How to be a Domestic Goddess," in which she taught readers how to feel just like that while baking muffins or cakes -- came out two years later and won her the British Book Award for Author of the Year. Lawson went on to release a string of other successful cookbooks as well as host numerous cooking television shows, such as "Nigella Bites" in Britain. In the United States, she's been a judge on the ABC show "The Taste" -- due to air its second season from January. She also launched a successful kitchenware range and once oversaw a lunch menu for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former U.S. President George W. Bush. Lawson lists her recipes on her website and posts them on her Twitter account. | Lawson fans call her the "domestic goddess" Her marriage with millionaire Charles Saatchi ended this year . Saatchi claimed in an e-mail the celebrity chef abused drugs . | 54a2f51d51d235f502035c53b27ec6b9d9f1ecb6 |
Yesterday, I washed down the turkey with a glass of donkey milk. After all, it’s a perfect festive drink — no Nativity scene is complete without a donkey looking over Jesus in his manger. And the flavour was surprisingly pleasant, although I expected more of a kick. It was reassuringly odourless, and looked and tasted just like skimmed cow’s milk, although a tad sweeter. But the real reason I downed the stuff is that, to some, it’s a veritable elixir. Hailed by the ancients as a cure for a variety of ailments and an anti-ageing skin tonic, donkey milk is enjoying a revival. And its popularity is likely only to grow further after Pope Francis this month revealed he was fed it as a baby in Argentina to supplement his mother’s milk. Flawless: Elizabeth Taylor, as Cleopatra, bathing in asses' milk . Pieris Georgiadis is already a convert to its benefits. As the owner of Cyprus’s biggest farm producing the milk, he drinks it daily in its fresh, unpasteurised form. At 54, he’s only a year younger than me, but looks stronger and more youthful. ‘Donkey’s milk is a serious product,’ he assures me. Certainly, scientists are becoming increasingly interested in it. The milk’s medicinal virtues were first heralded by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who recommended it to combat a host of bodily woes, including liver problems, fevers, infectious diseases, poisoning, joint pains and nose bleeds. The Romans later added constipation to that list. The use of donkey milk as a moisturiser in cosmetics is even more fabled, thanks to Cleopatra. The Egyptian queen took a daily bath in it, with a steady stream of milk supplied by more than 700 lactating asses. The stuff ‘erases facial wrinkles, makes the skin more delicate and maintains the whiteness’, enthused Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman know-it-all. Of course, people have drunk it as part of their daily diet, too: fresh donkey milk was widely available in 19th-century London as an alternative to the highly adulterated cows’ milk sold by dairies. Now, with more and more people looking to avoid cow’s milk products because of dairy allergies, interest in alternatives is growing. Could donkey milk repeat the success of goat and sheep milk and, more recently, camel milk? As it’s rich in lactose — a type of sugar — and low in fat, donkey milk is the closest animal milk to the human variety. Its nutritional properties may make it more suitable for the ‘2 to 6 per cent of the population’ who are allergic to cow milk, according to a UN study. D onkey milk is also vitamin-rich and contains anti-bacterial proteins and anti-allergens — substances that regulate the immune system, countering allergic reactions — reputed to alleviate skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as asthma and bronchitis. I first learned of the milk’s reputation last month when, amused to see bars of donkey milk soap, liqueur, chocolate and cosmetics in a Cypriot gift shop, I asked if they were meant as joke presents. The assistant soon set me straight. I was particularly intrigued by her account of a Dutch customer who snapped up 15 bars of the soap, declaring they were the best relief for his psoriasis, an irritating skin condition. Pope Francis, pictured as he is presented two young donkey foals and some donkey milk at the maternity unit at the Vatican's paediatric hospital, revealed he was fed donkey milk as a baby . Every few months for the past 15 years the skin under my beard and eyebrows has become red, itchy and flaky. I suspect it’s psoriasis but have never had it properly diagnosed — I usually manage to get rid of it in a few days with a cream applied topically. This year, though, the itchiness has returned more aggressively. The shop assistant directed me to her supplier: Pieris at his Golden Donkeys Farm in the hilly village of Skarinou. Home to 200 of the animals, the farm is proving a hit with both health-conscious holidaymakers and locals, many of whom remember their grandmother’s tales about the benefits of supping donkey milk. I see two elderly but sprightly-looking nuns sporting sunglasses in the farm’s gift shop snapping up several bottles of fresh donkey milk (but, God bless them, no donkey milk liqueur). They’re regulars, according to Pieris, getting the weekly supply for their community. ‘Drinking the milk is the best way to get the benefits of its antibiotic properties,’ he says. And he’s not asking people to take him on faith. To get a scientific stamp of approval, he has called the Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol to oversee his work. Dr Photis Papademas, a lecturer in dairy science, has been interviewing people who’ve been drinking milk from the farm regularly over a period of two to three months. ‘From what they say, they’ve had some remarkable results, especially children with asthma or coughs and for some with eczema and psoriasis,’ says Dr Papademas. ‘Now we’ll try to get a clinical study going on the adults to see if this milk really is as promising as it looks. We know already that traditionally it was used by people just a few generations ago to treat whooping cough in young children.’ The science behind the milk’s therapeutic properties does seem intriguing. Like humans, donkeys have a single stomach. Yet we mostly drink the milk of multi-stomached animals such as cows and goats, which use a lot of bacteria to digest their food through a complicated fermentation process. Donkey milk is not only very close to human milk in composition but contains protective anti-bacterial agents — one of which ‘seems to be maybe 200 times more active than in cow’s milk’, says Dr Papademas. This might explain why donkey’s milk appears to be particularly free of germs. ‘As a scientist I’m always cautious, but this milk looks promising,’ he says. So, why aren’t we all drinking donkey milk already? At €24 (£19) a litre in Cyprus it doesn’t come cheap, and the average price in other countries is twice that. In Europe, it’s produced in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Holland, Serbia and Bosnia; far more is produced in Latin American countries. Two years ago, there were reports tennis ace Novak Djokovic had bought up his country’s entire supply of donkey milk for a chain of restaurants he’d opened in Serbia . The problem is a jenny — a female donkey — produces just a litre of milk a day for six to seven months a year, while a cow can deliver 30 times as much. Also, a donkey won’t produce milk unless it’s stimulated by the presence of its foal, and milking has to be done manually. But only a little is needed to feel the benefits, according to Pieris, He recommends drinking just 60ml a day — ‘all you need to protect your body’. He also uses donkey milk to make an unusual liqueur, which looks and tastes like Baileys Irish Cream, but isn’t quite as creamy. British aficionados can buy donkey milk and products such as soaps, moisturisers, creams, shower gels and body lotions online. Eurolactis, the company that recently gave the Pope a couple of donkeys, is one supplier (eurolactis.com). And a Swiss chef is already testing recipes with donkey cheese. ‘When you add in sugar and chocolate, in particular, the taste is amazing,’ Jean-Michel Evequoz told Modern Farmer magazine. He’s working on an ‘emulsion of donkey’s milk and wild flowers to complement a poached lobster’. Pieris has no intention of turning his precious milk to cheese, however. ‘Donkey milk has virtually no fat —just 0.5 per cent — so you’d need 100 kilos of it to make one kilo of cheese,’ he explains. ‘Imagine how much you’d have to sell it for. In Serbia it costs €1,000 (£800) a kilo.’ Indeed, the crumbly white cheese is a coveted Serbian delicacy, known as pule. Two years ago, there were reports that tennis ace Novak Djokovic had bought up his country’s entire supply for a chain of restaurants he’d opened in his homeland. He denied the claims, but it’s nice to think donkey milk might be the secret of his sporting success. Andy Murray should give it a try. Back in Skarinou, Pieris loads with me presents: a bottle of the donkey milk liqueur, a tin of his extra virgin olive oil, which contains aromatic basil grown on the farm, and some delicious chocolate containing pasteurised donkey milk that tastes like Bournville. But I’m most chuffed by the two bars of donkey milk soap that he pops in my gift bag. Back home I lather it on — the itchiness under my beard goes within an hour. Three weeks on there’s no recurrence. The milk’s benefits may not yet be clinically proven, but I’m a convert. My brother, a fellow sceptic, is also braying with delight. The eczema on his hands has cleared up after a week. ‘This soap seems to be doing the trick,’ he says. ‘Is it coincidence? I’ll keep using it to see.’ I just hope those nuns don’t buy up the entire stock. | Hailed as an ancient cure for various ailments and an anti-ageing skin tonic . Medicinal virtues first heralded by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates . He recommended it to combat liver problems, fevers, infectious diseases, poisoning, joint pains and nose bleeds . Pope Francis revealed he was fed it as a baby to supplement his mother's milk . | e6fa9b25b542bb6fac7ab613c7d6cd1965cd0497 |
(CNN) -- Pop star Justin Bieber was arrested Thursday and was charged with drunken driving, resisting arrest and driving without a valid license after police spotted him street racing early Thursday morning. Here's what we know about elements of the case: . 1. Bieber "made some statements that he had consumed some alcohol, and that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication," said Miami Beach Police Chief Raymond Martinez. How did Bieber, who's just 19, get the alcohol, marijuana and pills? An excellent question, and one that has no certain answer. Bieber may be 19 but he had "an entourage of about 15 people," says CNN's John Couwels. In Miami Beach that included Bieber's father, Jeremy Bieber, 38. Given money, fame and willing pals, Bieber conceivably had access to whatever he desired. Justin Bieber arrested on drunken driving, resisting arrest charges . 2. Bieber was driving a yellow Lamborghini. Again, given his age, how did he rent it? Lou La Vie, the exotic-auto rental establishment from which Bieber rented the Lambo, posted a blog entry and a series of pictures about the return of the vehicle and another on Thursday. "For everyone that was concerned with the news, the cars are back safe and sound! Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear," the firm wrote. According to Lou La Vie's rental policy, "LLV requires driver to be 25 years of age and older to rent a vehicle. In certain cases, we may be able to rent to drivers between the ages of 21-25." The Lamborghinis rent for between $600 and $1,800 a day, and require a deposit of between $5,000 and $12,000. The person who made the rental for Bieber hasn't been revealed. Rob Ferretti, the COO of Gotham Dream Cars, which has a Miami location, says his company requires both a valid driver's license and valid insurance and will not rent to people under 21. Gotham also runs a license check to make sure there aren't any surprises in the driver's background, Ferretti says. However, he observed, those policies aren't uniform in the rental-car world. The Smoking Tire's Matt Farah told Jalopnik.com that the onus is on the rental company, not the renter. "The law varies by state but technically anyone under 21 shouldn't be driving even if someone of age signs for the car," he said. "It would be the burden of the rental company to prosecute that, though; as long as the car isn't stolen the cops wouldn't care." 3. Bieber is a Canadian citizen. Could this arrest lead to his deportation? It's too early to say. First of all, Bieber has not been convicted of a crime. Second, the charges thus far are misdemeanors. The state attorney's office told CNN that it could take several weeks to determine what type of charges may be added -- if there are charges added at all. U.S. immigration law says people can be deported if they're convicted of what's called an "aggravated felony" or a "crime of moral turpitude." HLN's Vinnie Politan, a former prosecutor, points out, "DUI is not an aggravated felony. However, 'aggravated DUI' can be considered a crime of moral turpitude. An aggravated DUI in Florida is generally charged for repeat offenders or in cases where an accident has occurred resulting in serious injury or death." However, Politan says he believes Bieber would not likely face deportation as a result of these charges. 4. Could the police file more charges in the Bieber case? Maybe. The state attorney's office told CNN it is looking at a variety of sources, including social media accounts, and will decide if other charges are warranted, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor or street racing. Bieber and his cohort, R&B singer Khalil, were doing up to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, according to the police report. 5. Was Bieber given preferential treatment? There aren't any reports of the Miami Beach Police treating Bieber any differently than other people they've arrested. However, three officers in nearby Opa-Locka have been suspended in connection with allegations that they escorted Bieber's caravan in the Miami area without authorization this week. CNN's John Couwels and Tory Dunnan contributed to this report. | Justin Bieber's arrest Thursday raises several questions . Bieber, 19, told police he had been drinking, smoking pot . Bieber is a Canadian citizen; could arrest hurt his U.S. status? | bba053bd4ccfa8a4732c390ee5d8a033e17dc3e9 |
By . Meghan Keneally . The first openly gay college basketball player Derrick Gordon has publicly debuted his relationship with an actor more than twice his age. Gordon, 22, attended the GLAAD media awards on Saturday with 47-year-old Gerald McCullouch who is best known for his role on CSI. The two men walked the red carpet together and posted multiple photos of their evening onto their widely-followed Twitter accounts. Scroll down for video . Going public: Gerald McCullouch (left) and Derrick Gordon (right) walked the red carpet together at the Saturday evening GLAAD media awards in New York City, making their debut as a couple . 'A night that I will never forget and a night that I didnt want to end.....@glaad #betrue #loveislove,' Gordon wrote, tagging McCullouch's handle @ItsAHardG. Gordon later called McCullouch 'handsome' in response to a different Tweet. 'Unforgettable event last night....THANK YOU GLAAD...@ItsAHardG ..@glaad #Betrue #beyourself #loveislove,' he wrote in a later post. Gordon also posted a photo from inside the event while posing with McCullouch and Wilson Cruz, the spokesman for GLAAD. '22 years old now...4 years ago I wouldnt have never imagine my life changing so much and being at the GLAAD AWARDS...IM TRULY BLESSED!!!!' he wrote on Sunday. Making the message clear: Gordon shared a number of pictures of the night with a few important hashtags . Big night: The awards capped off a big few weeks for Gordon as he came out in early April . 'Living it up!' Gordon shared this picture of himself with McCullouch and Wilson Cruz, the GLAAD spokesman . Gordon, a sophomore guard on the UMass team, made the announcement about his sexuality via an interview with ESPN in early April and was met with resounding praise. 'It's a lot of weight lifted off my shoulders. I can finally breathe now and live life happily,' he said. Their joint appearance was the first time that the two men have been spotted together since Gordon came out earlier this month. During that interview, Gordon mentioned an earlier boyfriend but did not say his name and it was implied that they had broken up. McCullouch has long been open about his sexuality and has starred in a number of gay-themed films and television shows. Groundbreaking: Gordon, a UMass-Amherst sophomore, is the first openly gay college basketball player in Division 1 . Most recently, he has been promoting a web series that he is starring in called Husling, which follows the lives of a group of sex workers. McCulloch was not the only one that Gordon was happy to see at the GLAAD event, however, as he posted about how Kylie Minogue danced on their table and they were seated alongside Naomi Watts, George Michael and George Takei. The weekend of support didn't end when the GLAAD awards came to a close. Two days later, Gordon posted that he had a good chat with Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, and Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, calling them his 'big brothers'. Neither were able to make it to the Saturday night ceremony. | Derrick Gordon walked the red carpet with Gerald McCullouch and their loving tweets hinted at a relationship . Gordon plays for the University of Massachusetts-Amherst basketball team . Came out in early April, making him the first openly gay Division I college basketball player . McCullouch is best known for his role in CSI but has also starred in a number of gay-themed television shows . | 54a99caccb1c969cd34a475e2cccc6ed61ae66df |
Stewart Downing believes West Ham have a stronger squad this season as the challenge of juggling league and cup football beckons. Sam Allardyce's side reached the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup last season and start their tilt at the trophy with a home game against Sheffield United on Tuesday evening. Weigh them up: Downing is confident West Ham can balance the Premier League and cup competitions . The Hammers were in the midst of a mid-season injury crisis as they lost 9-0 on aggregate to the eventual winners Manchester City in January - with Barclays Premier League survival the main concern. With a number of first-team players missing at the time, Allardyce was forced to field an inexperienced side in both legs - but Downing, who scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, reckons the summer recruit drive at Upton Park will help significantly on that front. 'I think all the new signings have settled in well and those who have played have made good starts,' said the England winger. 'We have a bit of a stronger squad this season which I think helps the manager. Last season the team had to literally pick itself at times because of injuries. 'We have a lot more options now and can change it around a bit if needed.' Of the seven new acquisitions, Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have made an instant impact - with the latter opening the scoring at Selhurst Park with a spectacular volley. Balance: West Ham lost in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup to Manchester City last season . Strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are still working on their fitness, while Carl Jenkinson is injured and young midfielder Diego Poyet has played just eight minutes. With a deeper squad at his disposal, Allardyce is likely to give Poyet - as well as Valencia and Sakho - a chance to work their way into his thinking against the Blades. Downing will also want to be involved against the Sky Bet League One side as he looks to add to his goal on Saturday, which equalled the solitary strike he managed throughout the whole of last season. 'Obviously I am eager as is the manager for me to get more goals this season,' he added. 'To get off the mark second game in, is nice. I want to shoot more, get in the positions I need to be in. With the goal, I had it in my head what I wanted to do and hit it where I wanted to and it worked.' It will be the first meeting of the two sides since West Ham agreed an out-of-court settlement for a fee reported to be in excess of £20million to be paid as compensation to the Blades. Victory: West Ham beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Saturday, after an opening day defeat to Tottenham . The argument stemmed following Sheffield United's relegation from the Barclays Premier League in 2007 - with West Ham surviving thanks largely to the goals of Carlos Tevez. It was later discovered that Tevez, as well as fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano, were partially owned by Media Sports Investment, a company run by Kia Joorabchian. The Premier League fined West Ham £5.5million and, after United unsuccessfully appealed to be reinstated to the league with West Ham relegated instead, a two-year legal wrangle ended with the settlement. With plenty of ill-feeling between the two sets of fans, Allardyce insisted on Saturday he would do his utmost to appease West Ham's supporters by winning the fixture. 'I think the reaction is to get a team out there that wins,' he said. 'I'm not so sure how guilty Sheffield United were on it but that's nothing do with me. It's about making sure the fans are happy when I go on Tuesday because they feel aggrieved at what Sheffield United did and if I can do that for them, then great.' | Stewart Downing insists West Ham have a stronger squad this season . Sam Allardyce's side won their first game of the campaign against Crystal Palace on Saturday, with Downing scoring . West Ham reached the semi-final of the Capital One Cup last season . They face Sheffield United in the second round on Tuesday evening . | e310f7297738fa52f2a24267d6a560d37f872ed4 |
New York (CNN) -- For Kenny Ortega, Travis Payne and Michael Bearden, "It" is a bittersweet feeling. The three men expected to be spending their time this summer and fall working on Michael Jackson's concert engagement at London's O2 Arena, which was scheduled to begin in July. Instead, they are talking about Jackson's last days and the new movie about that time, "This Is It." In an interview, they described "This Is It," the movie that they've made from rehearsal and backstage footage of Jackson, shot just before he died June 25. The film, which has been dominating advance ticket sale outlets, opens wide on Wednesday. The full movie wasn't screened for critics, with only 12 minutes of footage available to the media before the interviews. But as director Ortega describes it, the film tries to blend backstage footage with the performance to give an inside glimpse of those last days at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The scenes show the superstar working on his dance moves, figuring out choreography, practicing on stage and running the show. From the clips, there's no question that Jackson was in charge. His physicality is vibrant: At one point, he dances with a troupe of top-notch hoofers and keeps up with all of them. There's no indication of the infirmities that would ultimately take his life. All three men -- Payne was the show's choreographer and Bearden its music supervisor -- stressed how they wanted this movie to represent the Jackson they knew. "It was an honor project," Bearden said. According to Ortega, the film is for the fans. He said he was inundated with e-mails from fans wanting to know just what Jackson had planned for the concerts he would never give. Above all, they said they were concerned about Jackson's three children. They said that they wanted to make a film that his kids -- Prince Michael, Paris and "Blanket" -- would be able to see in years to come that would make them proud of their father. Though the men acknowledged a heavy responsibility, there were light moments during the interviews. Payne and Bearden both smiled as they talked about working for the King of Pop and how he'd try to tell people what he wanted. "I know you mean well, but ...," Jackson would say as he corrected colleagues, they recalled. But all of them talked about he emotional toll that making this film has taken on them. There were "a lot of tissue moments on this film," Bearden said. Watch a former Jackson guitarist reflect on his career . Ortega added that he didn't know whether he could handle the emotional stress involved in making this movie so quickly. Ultimately, according to Ortega, the movie proved to be cathartic. "I thought I'd collapse," Ortega said. "I thought I'll never get through it, it's too hard, it's too soon, but in fact it was healing and helpful." He hopes Jackson's fans will feel the same way. | "This Is It," Michael Jackson concert film, is dominating advance ticket sales . Film was tough to make, musician's colleagues say . Production was for the fans but especially for Jackson's children . "American Morning" looks at the value of Michael Jackson's estate Monday 6 a.m. ET . | c597c85e1e122518bfcc6a1a61943bed5735cb54 |
By . Emily Allen . PUBLISHED: . 11:38 EST, 16 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:18 EST, 17 May 2012 . A 15-year-old youth is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of stabbing a student to death in a row over conkers. The youth was found guilty at the Old Bailey of murdering architecture student Steven Grisales, 21. Mr Grisales died after he went over to remonstrate with three boys throwing conkers still in their spiky husks on August 31 last year. Senseless: Steven Grisales died after he went over to remonstrate with three boys throwing conkers still in their spiky husks . He was walking to Silver Street station, Edmonton, north London, when he was attacked in College Close. The youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was remanded in custody to be sentenced next month. After the verdict, Detective Inspector Richard Beadle said: 'Steven did no more than stand up to unruly youths and for that he has lost his life. 'But for the courageous intervention of a local resident, I am convinced the attack would have continued. 'He placed himself in front of Steven whilst the youth continued to try to stab him. 'The defendant’s arrogance and contempt for others belies his age.' Steven’s mother Jasmid said in a statement: 'Steven was always loved by every person who had the privilege of knowing him.' Andrew Edis, QC, prosecuting, told the trial: 'This was a sudden, unnecessary killing as a response to a confrontation which took place in the street, which was about nothing very much. 'It was about throwing some conkers. Horse chestnut trees in north London shedding their conkers, people picking them up and throwing them about.' The Old Bailey had heard the boys had been throwing conkers at two female friends before Steven was nearly struck by a flying chestnut hurled by one of the men, triggering the row. Murder scene: College Close, Edmonton where Mr Grisales was stabbed. The accused blamed another youth but was identified from his clothing on CCTV . The promising student was walking along College Close when the argument escalated and he was attacked by the 15-year-old. The accused blamed another youth for the stabbing, but was identified from his distinctive clothing on CCTV. He claimed Mr Grisales had over-reacted and tried to hit him with a skateboard. Neighbour Mandy Addy said she was looking out of her window and saw one of the youths lunge at Mr Grisales. She said she had earlier seen three people sitting on a wall in front of her house and then heard the sound of shouting. 'It was a very excited, that kind of voice,' she told the Old Bailey. 'I looked out the window. The person who got stabbed was facing towards me. He was gesturing with his hands. 'He had his arms up and was trying to placate him.' She then saw the youth who was confronting Mr Grisales swing his arm at the victim. 'He seemed to make contact with the victim’s left side. The two other people who were with him seemed to be shouting,' Ms Addy said. The victim went down on one knee, but managed to lift himself up to his feet. 'There was a second blow. It landed in the same place. The victim was shouting. He went down a second time. 'He got up. He tried to make it down the road to the train station. He quickly changed his mind and ran across the road and into the garden of another house.' Ms Addy said two other neighbours ran to try and help Mr Grisales and she called the police. Mr Grisales collapsed in the garden and was taken to hospital for emergency surgery but died the following day. Jurors heard the 15-year-old boy was later picked out from CCTV images of the three men by one of the neighbours, who also recognised the youth's street name. The teenager handed himself in at Edmonton Police station on September 5, 2011, and gave a prepared statement blaming one of his friends. He claimed that he and one of his friends started 'throwing spiky objects' at two girls they knew. 'We did this recklessly and one of the spiky objects went close to a man who was walking in the street,' the statement read. 'This man started shouting and swearing at me. It was aggressive and abusive. He was very angry. 'I was close to him and the man crossed the road and picked up a skateboard. He hit me on the head twice. 'I punched him in the face. I did so in self-defence while I was being attacked.' The teenager said he heard one of the girls telling one of his friends to 'take the knife.' His statement continued. 'I saw my friend appear to punch [Steven Grisales] in the chest. I saw blood on his t-shirt. I ran away down the close.' Jurors heard that the teenager wrote his street name on his mattress in his cell along with the words 'NPK. Riding the Big Bird. Innocent on Remand.' Police also found a knife scabbard under his bed at his home in Enfield, it is claimed. | Accused blamed another youth but was identified on CCTV from his distinctive clothing . | d9145b47fd0a59961f786cdea0ba6bbcc1017e91 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:49 EST, 1 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:49 EST, 1 April 2013 . New priority: Cambridge city councillor Sarah Brown wants to focus on Class A drugs . Cannabis use in parts of Cambridge is so rife that police should turn a blind eye to it, a local councillor has suggested. Sarah Brown said the drug is ‘omnipresent’ in some areas of the historic university city. And she wants police to stop targeting cannabis use and focus on more serious drugs. She told a meeting of Cambridge City . Council last week: ‘It’s pretty much impossible to walk more than 100 . metres in Petersfield and Romsey [areas popular with academics and . students] without smelling it. ‘The wards are more or less awash . with it. 'I wonder if it’s a good use of resources to go after this. 'It’s . more or less omnipresent.’ After the meeting she wrote on . Twitter: ‘It seems obvious that public opinion on cannabis, at least in . my ward, is at odds with the law. 'Resolving the disconnect is a national . issue.’ She added: ‘If you want a councillor . who thinks the police should ruthlessly target recreational cannabis . users, don’t vote for me.’ Sgt Colin Norden, from Cambridgeshire . Constabulary, told the meeting his officers would challenge anyone . spotted with the drug, but said his priority was Class A drugs. ‘If we . get reports in, particularly of dealing, we will deal with that,’ he . added. Cannabis is a class B drug, but thousands are given a written warning each year for possession. Wasting time: Councillor Brown said some parts of Cambridge is so awash with cannabis, going after users may not be the best way to utilise police resources . | Councillor Sarah Brown says cannabis is 'omnipresent' in Cambridge . Lib-dem Brown questioned if battling the drug is a 'good use of resources' | 2461126fbc907d03b322519f0699339bc94e5d0d |
By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 05:18 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:26 EST, 4 October 2012 . Recycling your waste has been taken to a new level by one London designer who has made a whole collection from waste food. Hoyan Ip reuses leftovers, dubbed 'bio-trimmings' everything from handbags to belt buckles. The collection is made by drying the food and coating it with a clear substance. A handbag made from waste foods. Its designer has worked on a whole range of products from buttons to belt buckles. Hoyan tried dozens of different foods, and found those high in carbohydrates worked best. Food was dried, the crushed. It was then recombined with a binder, and placed into moulds of the required shape, where is was dried for a second time. The designer is now developing a waterproof coating for the material. 'They are made out of wasted food, anything from leftover dinners to junk food,' 26 year old Ip told MailOnline. 'There was a lot of experimentation of foods to find out what worst best - but I'm keeping the exact recipes to myself.' The food was selected and dried. It was then crushed, and moulded into the required shape as it dried. 'There is no smell, but at the moment the products aren't machine washable,' said Ip. She is currently developing a coating to protect them from the wet. 'I'm hoping to develop backing to sell them, but the main thing is to promote starvation and other global issues. 'Sustainability is a key theme for the fashion.' Buttons created by the designer can be used in existing designs such as jeans . 'I propose to identify the relationship between food waste and waste . produced from the fashion industry,' she wrote on her web site. 'It can be argued that nothing is new anymore in terms of fashion . clothing as similar trends are re-interpreted season by season and it is . worthwhile to preserve what we already have in our wardrobe ready for . it to be a current trend again.' 'As there are more and more designers emerging, there is very little we . can do to dispose of the unwanted clothes ethically especially when you . realize such sensitivity and though has gone into making a garment. 'The solution is to re-use the clothes, de-brand them, repair them and wear them.” Ip tested dozens of different foods, but has kept the exact recipe secret. The designer has also created clothing, including shirts, trousers and even a bow tie using the 'bio-trimmings' material. | London designer hopes the collection will raise awareness of food waste . Collection includes buttons, shirt collars and belt buckles . | e643620c25bec25bccc2f45fe5d16ed2d26afbba |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:21 EST, 27 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:59 EST, 27 February 2014 . A legally blind resident of a Florida nudist colony is suing the resort association, claiming she is being harassed and intimidated because her guide dog weighs more than it should. Sharon Fowler, 43, filed a civil rights lawsuit against Paradise Lakes Resort last year after the association allegedly told her to get rid of the dog or move out. The mother, who suffers from a rare autoimmune disease that has taken her sight and soon her hearing, claims association members and residents repeatedly asked her to prove her disability, yelled at her in the street and said her service dog exceeded the community's weight limit. 'I felt demeaned, and I felt degraded,' Fowler told The Tampa Bay Times. 'I've never felt so degraded.' Angry: Sharon Fowler, 43, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Paradise Lakes Resort after the association allegedly told her to get rid of her guide dog Laura or move out . Reliant: Sharon Fowler has relied on her guide dog since she was diagnosed with Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis several years ago . Fowler was diagnosed with Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, about four years ago. Her . veins and capillaries began breaking down before her vision was affected. She's had 13 surgeries and takes 15 . medications a day. Laura her four-year-old guide dog has been by her side for two-and-a-half years. 'She helps me to get around curbs and . obstacles,' Fowler said. 'She's 100 percent necessary to me. She's my lifeline.' Fowler said that when she moved with her family into the clothing optional-resort several years ago, her tenancy application specified that her guide dog weighed more than the association's 25-pound weight limit for pets. The application was approved. According to the website, Paradise Lakes Resort is 'a private, clothing optional hotel and resort' where 'you are welcome to be yourself in a tropical, fun filled setting.' 'If you are new to the world of clothing free or clothing optional way of life, you will find our policy of 'take off as much as you are comfortable with' to make the initial visits stress free,' the website adds. Dismayed: Fowler said she had lived peacefully at the resort for several months before the tone changed in August 2012 . Standing up for her rights: Sharon Fowler says she loves living at the nudist colony and doesn't want to move . Fowler said she lived peacefully at the resort for several months before the tone changed. In August 2012, the association sent her landlord a letter saying they needed to address the issue of the dog 'immediately'. They allegedly demanded that Fowler provide documentation proving her disability. Fowler said Paradise Lakes Condominium Association president, Lisa Caruso, allegedly told her she could only walk the dog in specific . areas and that it must move out of the way of pedestrians. She also claimed people yelled at her, saying her dog was badly behaved and that she didn't clean up after Laura. 'My dog is a highly trained service animal,' Fowler said. 'She is not out of control.' Caruso has consistently declined to comment to various media outlets, citing pending litigation. Home: Fowler rents a condo at Florida's Paradise Lakes Resort which describes itself as 'a private, clothing optional hotel and resort' where 'you are welcome to be yourself in a tropical, fun filled setting' However, for Fowler, moving out of Paradise Lakes Resort is not an option. She loves the location and sometimes, when her children aren't around, she likes to walk around nude, The Tampa Bay Times reported. Fowler and her attorney plan to re-file the lawsuit under the Federal Fair Housing Act, seeking an undisclosed amount of money for mental anguish, according to WTSP.com. 'I don't want anyone who has a service dog to ever be treated the way I've been treated. Someone has to stand up and say enough is enough,' Fowler said. | Sharon Fowler, 43, is legally blind and has a black guide dog . She has lived at nudist colony Paradise Lakes Resort in Florida with her family for several years . Fowler is suing the resort association claiming she is being harassed because her dog exceeds the community's 25-pound limit . She said the resort knew about her dog's size when they approved her tenancy application . Nudity is optional at the colony, but Fowler sometimes gets naked when her children aren't around . | 32297beecb9cb591a4a8491dbbea66605be806ee |
Miracle: Dave Watson, from Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, is a triple amputee but managed to pass his driving test first time . A war hero who lost both legs and his right arm in a bomb blast is celebrating after passing his driving test at the first attempt. Triple amputee Dave Watson, 26, was moments from death when he stepped on an improvised explosive device on foot patrol. But this week the former Guardsman tore up his 'L' plates after passing his test at the first time of asking - with just three 'minors'. Mr Watson, of Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, had 38 lessons in a three month period in his specially modified Range Rover Sport and has now got a full driving licence. He said: 'I can go wherever I want. It means I will be more independent.' The specially modified car has a special box on the driver's door where Mr Watson puts his right arm. He pushes forward to brake and pulls backwards to accelerate. And there is small handle on the steering wheel for him to hold on to for steering, which also has buttons indicators, wipers and lights. Currently waiting for another operation on his prosthetic, Mr Watson has to have someone with him while he is driving but will be able to go out on his own after the surgery. Mr Watson said he picked up the skill quite quickly. 'I am one of those people, I'm no good at sitting there and reading but I can do the practical stuff,' he said. 'I went out when I got back from the test after sorting the insurance out and drove to my grandma's, took my brother to his mate's then I went to my mate's house to see him before he leaves for Australia.' The next step for Dave is to have some more motorway lessons. War hero Mr Watson not only passed despite missing three limbs but did so with just three 'minors' | War hero Dave Watson, 26, from Walton-le-Dale, Lancs, gets just three minors . | 187c478bb58ba0ea0d5892ec775ea78f8a0b1047 |
By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 19:00 EST, 6 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:30 EST, 7 March 2014 . Forget your local Tesco, you'll be transported directly to the vibrant streets of Rio thanks to F&F's new menswear collection. Inspired by the colourful street art of the city's Santa Marta area, the eclectic SS14 menswear collection is full of Aztec motif swimwear, printed shorts and bright tees. The entire range is modelled by Karl Lagerfeld's favourite Jon K - who you may recognise from the brand's last campaign, as well as back-to-back Tom Ford adverts. He's back! Jon K, the famed male model who has worked for the likes of Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld, is back for another season with F&F . The range offers cool casual wear via striped tees and washed cotton chinos in fresh shades of pink and aqua - hot for the season. Blue chambray suits, priced at £60, are teamed with floral shirts and printed ties, while hooded jackets come in earthy tones of khaki, rust and yellow. F&F describes the new collection as the . 'biggest and most comprehensive' menswear range it has ever delivered . and it's gone to great lengths to showcase it in all its glory. Cool casualwear: The range offers stripe tees and washed cotton chinos in fresh colour shades of pink (jumper, £16, shorts, £14) Life's a beach: Jon K shows off the brand's Aztec printed swimming trunks (£10) on the beach themed shoot and, right, outerwear (Jacket, £30, T-shirt, £8, shorts, £14) Suited and booted: Blue chambray coloured suits, priced at £60, are teamed with casual hoodies in the campaign . Making friends: Jon K gets to know the locals in his tropical beachwear shoot . Day to night: From casual daywear, jumpers and denim shorts (left) to lightweight suits (right), F&F hope to have every man's summer wardrobe covered . F&F collections are currently available in over 850 stores in the UK and over 2000 globally. | Inspired by the colourful street art of Rio . SS14 menswear collection is full of Aztec motif swimwear . | d1a638330022a43b29a8ed33888fd507bc20151c |
A 2,700 year-old silver chalice may be a new token of friendship between the United States and Iran, at least that's the way Iran's cultural heritage chief sees it. Whatever the case, Mohammad-Ali Najafi was palpably delighted Friday to see the ancient Persian artifact return to its homeland. The ceremonial drinking vessel -- or rhyton -- had gotten snagged in a U.S. customs warehouse for years, held up by bad diplomatic relations. It had been in New York since 2003, when an art dealer smuggled it into the country from Iran. Customs officials have long wanted to return the rhyton to Iran, according to a New York Post report. But decades of frigid relations between Washington and Tehran kept it frozen in bureaucratic limbo. Winning hearts . President Obama broke that ice Friday with a historic phone chat with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, as the Islamic republic's leader was just about to leave the United States. It was the first time a U.S. president has spoken to his Iranian counterpart since 1979. The thaw may have been enough to free up the rhyton, which takes the shape of a mythical beast with the body of a lion and the head of a bird of prey. It was fashioned in the Achaemenid era, the early Persian Empire, around 700 BC. The State Department announced in a tweet that the United States returned it this week. U.S. officials handed it off directly to Najafi's delegation, he said. "We are taking this as America's souvenir to the Iranian people," Najafi told CNN. A souvenir from abroad is something Iranians don't take as trivial. It has a special place of warmth in Persian culture. He will present it Saturday to the nation after he lands in Tehran. "I believe this will have a very positive affect on the Iranians," he said. And what wins Najafi's heart has a good chance of pleasing Iran's new president. Hassan Rouhani recently appointed Najafi as one of a dozen vice presidents, making him the guardian of the country's most important museums and cultural institutions. Najafi, himself a progressive reform politician, who has run for office in the past, accompanied Rouhani to New York, where the Iranian president spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. Cultural charm offensive . In their phone conversation, the two presidents spoke about Tehran's nuclear program, Obama said. "Resolving this issue, obviously, could also serve as a major step forward in a new relationship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran." It will be a long path to restored relations, the president said, but it could lead to the end of crippling economic sanctions against Iran, which could help "the Iranian people fulfill their potential." If Najafi has his way that potential will include the exchange with the United States of a lot of art, artifacts and archeology -- set to classical music. "I adamantly believe in cultural diplomacy, and I believe the thing that could improve relations between US and Iran after the years and softens the harshness of this relationship is cultural diplomacy," he said. He appears to have already kicked off a cultural charm offensive towards the United States in his short time in office. Najafi has met with officials from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art about potential exhibitions of Iranian artifacts, he said. He has parlayed with academics from the near Eastern studies program of University of Chicago. "We agreed to have a joint program in future studies and research on these artifacts." As far as Najafi is concerned, the times of extreme tension between the countries are over. "Mr. Rouhani, in an event held for Iranians last night (Thursday) specifically said that 'the ice between Iran and US has been melted,' and I think if this is accurate, which I'm certain that it is, we will have no problems in the areas of education, sciences and culture in the next few months." Najafi is also interested in seeing the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra play next year in Tehran. If they can pull it off, he said, the concert would mark the 50th anniversary of the last time the orchestra played there. If the diplomatic tone makes the music, Najafi seems eager to strike up the orchestra. | A 2,700 year-old silver chalice may be a new token of friendship between the United States and Iran . It had been in New York since 2003, when an art dealer smuggled it to New York . Iran's cultural heritage chief hopes its return will mark a lively cultural exchange with the U.S. Mohammad-Ali Najafi says the ice between Washington and Tehran has thawed . | 48dcff652bdfb3116c5675bc0b7fe1ebce3d3aee |
By . Reuters . An Illinois judge on Friday ordered a disobedient patient with infectious tuberculosis to wear an ankle bracelet and stay home alone or be taken into custody. Christian Mbemba Ibanda, who is in his 20s, of Champaign, Illinois, failed to appear at a hearing for which Judge Chase Leonhard and his entire courtroom had been fitted with protective masks to guard against the highly contagious disease. In Ibanda's absence the masks were not worn in the courtroom, but were taken along by a team of officials who headed out to Ibanda's apartment to carry out the judge's order. One team member, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Administrator Julie Pryde, who sought the order, said Ibanda refused to come to the hearing and told her he was staying home. Judgement: Judge Chase Leonhard, left, looks at state attorney David DeThorne while signing a order for home isolation for Christian Ibanda on Friday . Deep breath! Carrie Storrs, Illinois Department of Public Health, left, instructs Champaign County court reporter Melissa Clagg, with her disposable respirator prior to Friday's hearing . But when the team arrived at Ibanda's apartment in Champaign, about 140 miles south of Chicago, it was vacant. Pryde slapped a sign on the door reading 'Quarantine. Contagious Disease. Keep Out.' She said the team would keep searching for him. Ibanda was diagnosed in March with active pulmonary tuberculosis, and was ordered to stay home on his own and await a nurse's daily visit to administer medication, Pryde said. 'We go and he's not there,' she said before the hearing. On previous occasions, when health workers contacted Ibanda by phone, he had said he was out shopping and 'basically told us he has things to do,' Pryde said. Another time, he was found to be home with a woman and a 5-year-old girl, both sleeping in the house and neither wearing masks, she said. Pulmonary tuberclosis, which Ibanda has, responds to drug therapy. If treated, it's possible he could be noninfectious in five weeks and cured in 6 months to a year . Ibanda was not immediately reachable for comment. Pryde said it was not immediately clear whether Ibanda would face consequences for failing to show up at Friday's proceeding. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious, potentially deadly disease with symptoms including night sweats and extreme exhaustion and is spread through sneezing or coughing. Unlike some forms of multi-drug resistant TB, active pulmonary tuberculosis responds to drug therapy. If Ibanda was compliant, he could be rendered noninfectious in five weeks and cured in six months to a year, Pryde said. It is not known how Ibanda contracted the disease. In a similar case in 2009, another Champaign TB patient was in court-ordered isolation for about six weeks and, after a year of therapy, he was cured of TB, Pryde said. | Christian Mbemba Ibanda failed to appear at a hearing on Friday . Team of officials went to Ibanda's apartment in Champaign and found it vacant . Left sign that reads 'Quarantine. Contagious Disease. Keep Out' Ibanda was diagnosed in March with active . pulmonary tuberculosis, and was ordered to stay home on his own and . await a nurse's daily visit . If Ibanda was compliant, he could be noninfectious in five weeks and cured in six months to a year . | 67cfb20cff763700d01ce89c30fab4d36f3b79be |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:18 EST, 8 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:33 EST, 8 June 2012 . Three men found dead in a BMW parked near Columbia University’s campus in Manhattan were known for robbing drug dealers and their murders may have been a retaliation, police said. Amaury Rodriguez, 31, Heriberto Suazo, 26, and Luis Catalan, 25, were shot in the skull execution-style by a gunman police believe was sitting inside the car during the shootings at the Morningside Heights neighbourhood. The men, discovered on Thursday evening near the Ivy League college, all had lengthy criminal records as they switched between robbing drug dealers or getting robbed by them. Killed: Amaury Rodriguez (left) and Heriberto Suazo (right) were two of three men shot dead in a BMW near Columbia University in what may have been a retaliation as they were known for robbing drug dealers . The $88,000 car was parked near the intersection of W. 122nd Street and Claremont Avenue, between the Union Theological Seminary and Riverside Church, DNAInfo reported. Authorities said they believe a gunman used a revolver to shoot the victims because no shell casings were found. Police said they believe the gunman first killed Catalan, sitting on the right, back seat, by shooting him in the left temple and side, the New York Post reported. Then driver Rodriguez died next followed by Suazo, who was sitting in the front passenger seat as they were both shot behind the ears. Bloody scene: Three men were found dead in a brand new BMW near Columbia University and the Manhattan School of Music . Sources said that the shooter was likely sitting behind the driver when he unloaded his rounds. Police believe the car had been parked for a maximum of an hour when it was discovered. The high-end vehicle had temporary registration stickers and appeared to be stolen, according to the New York Daily News. Catalan had been arrested at least 10 times for charges ranging from marijuana possession and driving without a license, the Daily News reported. Suazo was arrested late last year for having 12 pounds of marijuana and loaded guns. Rodriguez served two years in state prison for gun charges, according to the Daily News. No 911 calls were made to report any shootings and no students at the university claimed to hear any gunfire. 'This was a classic triple assassination,' said one source to the New York Post.’ 'The shooter had to be a cool customer to kill three men so close to him. He was quick and deadly.' Keeping vigilant: Two NYPD officers stand watch over the crime scene; all three victims were shot in the skull . One source told the Post that the attack, which happened during the day, was ‘a very bloody scene. 'Shooting three people in a car is extremely loud and the shooter may . have used a silencer,' said a police source. And 'he may have plugged . his ears.' Hours later, it was reported that 'blood was still dripping' from the car as it sat outside the university's Knox Hall. Police blocked off a wide area around the triple homicide after the bodies were found. ‘Both men in the front seat were wearing white T-shirts, both drenched in blood,’ said a police spokesman. Disturbing the peace: The three men were found on W. 122nd Street near Claremont Avenue, a generally quiet area within Morningside Heights . Addressing: NYPD Deputy Commissioner speaks to reporters about the bloody crime . The police were alerted around 6.30pm by a man walking by the scene who saw the two men in the front seat of the car appeared to be dead. Sources told the Post that they weren’t believed to have been students of the music school or at Columbia. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told reporters that authorities will go through surveillance video in hopes of putting the pieces together. Students in the area were badly shaken by the incident. The area, which is full of students from several of the schools and universities around, is generally considered a very safe area of Manhattan. | Police identified the three dead as Amaury Rodriguez, 31, Heriberto Suazo, 26, and Luis Catalan, 25, inside the dark grey BMW . Authorities say the men were known for robbing drug dealers . The victims found soaked in blood were killed execution-style in a possible retaliation . | ac80a37e88756cc010f0549d708e819232e328d0 |
By . Dan Ripley . Follow @@Ripley_77 . After confirming the use of the vanishing spray seen at the World Cup, the Premier League has reportedly ordered 2,000 cans for referees to use for the next season, according to the Daily Telegraph. Even then, officials are hoping they will last the season, with the spray poised to mark 10 yards for defensive walls as well as initial positioning of a free-kick. Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: ‘We are open to developments that enhance the competition and it was clear from watching the World Cup that vanishing spray benefited referees, players, and all of those who watched the matches.’ New: The Premier League have confirmed that referees will use vanishing spray this season . Innovation:The Premier League have ordered 2,000 cans for referees to use in the top flight next term . The spray will also be used in the Champions League and Europa League, but the Football League will trial it for one season in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.The FA, meanwhile, are expected to submit a proposal to the FA Cup committee for its use in the competition. The spray will make its Premier League debut when Manchester United take on Swansea City on August 16. The Premier League’s announcement over Twitter that it will be used this season was their most retweeted message to date, with over 10,000 retweets. Clever: The 'magic spray' is used to mark free-kicks and prevent player encroachment and will be used in the Champions League as well as the Europa League . | Premier League confirmed last week it would use vanishing spray . The top flight have ordered 2,000 cans ahead of 2014-15 campaign . Spray, a success at the World Cup, will also be used by Champions League and Europa League . | 09019ac3ca1d28220a226e6dd0dd57249941c1cc |
By . Aaron Sharp . PUBLISHED: . 11:14 EST, 26 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:04 EST, 27 October 2013 . French football clubs are threatening to cancel games over the government's plan to impose a 75 per cent super-tax on the country's richest clubs. President Francois Hollande has pledged to push through the levy which will see giant of the country's game like Paris St Germain have to pay out on wages over €1m per year. He told reporters at the European Union summit that 'the law must be the same for all' suggesting stand by the controversial policy, despite the threat of abandoned matches. Big earner: The tax will effect clubs like Paris St Germain who are reported to be paying Zlatan Ibrahimovic, above, 14m euros per year . The law would affect clubs rather than the players as it is geared toward making employers bear the tax burden. It means, for example, that PSG would have to pay a 75 per cent tax on any wages over €1m that they pay to their superstars. Their highest paid player is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who ears a reported €14m per year. Jean-Pierre Louvel, president of the Union of Professional Football Clubs, says the law would be 'the death of French football' if it is pushed through. His union has threatened to boycott the round of league games scheduled for November 29 through to December 2. Mr Hollande said he was willing to meet the clubs next week to address their difficulties but said he would not budge on their main complaint. Once the plan is voted into law, Mr Hollande said, 'it will be the same for all companies, whatever they may be'. Unmoved: Hollande says he will stand by the levy, despite the threat of strike action and postponed fixtures . The last time games were boycotted in the French league was in 1972, but that was at the initiative of the players. The tax was a campaign promise from Mr Hollande, who pledged to rein in what he said was excessive executive pay out of line with the struggling economy. The tax designed to be in place for two years, starting retroactively this year, and the government expects it to net 420 million euros, around £360 million. It would cost clubs 44 million euros, or £37 million, over that period. Pledge: Hollande sailed to victory in the 2012 general election on the promise of a super tax, which was hugely popular with voter. He has insisted he will see the promise through, saying the law 'must be the same for all' The proposal for such a tax hike was the most memorable promise of his campaign, and polls have shown it was widely popular, even if it generated heavy criticism from business leaders and sports organisations. Mr Hollande's initial proposal called for individuals,in the case of football, the players to pay a 75 per cent tax on all income over a million euros. That tax was rejected by a court this year and the budget before parliament would instead put in place a fifty per cent tax, paid by the employer. | Hollande wants to impose 75 per cent levy on earnings over €1m per year . He was told tax on players would be illegal, so clubs will foot the bill . Union of Professional Football Clubs say it will be 'death of French football' | 86998aafa25b98e7d00f309bff1b88c77cc012f7 |
Russian President Vladimir Putin could be about to offer missile systems and a second nuclear reactor to Iran by renewing an old deal. The offer will reportedly be put to President Hassan Rowhani, the new Iranian premier, when the two meet for the first time on Friday. If it goes ahead Iran will be supplied with five advanced S-300 surface-to-air missiles, capable of taking down aircraft or guided missiles, valued at $800million (£500million). Five S-300 missile systems, capable of shooting down aircraft and cruise missiles, could be supplied to Iran . A Kremlin source said that the offer could be made when Putin meets Iran's new President Hassan Rowhani for the first time on Friday . The deal, revealed by a Kremlin source to Russia's Kommersant newspaper, would include Russia building a second reactor at Iran's only nuclear plant in Bushehr. The source told Kommersant that Russia's offer would depend on Iran's withdrawing a $4billion lawsuit that it has lodged at an international court in Geneva against Russia's arms export agency. Also speaking in Kommersant, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin and Rowhani were expected to discuss 'working together in the nuclear energy sphere' and 'questions of military technical cooperation' at the summit in Bishkek. The renewed deal will anger both America and Israel who forced Russia to drop it in 2010 . The move will anger America and Israel who, in 2010, forced Russia's then-President Dimitry Medvedev to cancel the arms deal following heavy diplomatic pressure. Russia risks straining relations with the US having just assuaged America over the Syrian crisis following a tense meeting at the G20 summit in Moscow. Iran is a staunch ally of Syria and President Bashar Al Assad and has taken its diplomatic lead from Russia during the crisis in calling for a halt to talk of military action and insisting on a diplomatic solution. However, Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quods fighting unit, has said that Iran would support Syria 'until the end' in the face of military action. Russia will also expect international condemnation if it starts construction on a second nuclear reactor at Bushehr. A second nuclear reactor could be built in Iran if the deal goes ahead . Iran's only working nuclear facility was completed by Russia and began operating in 2011 after a series of setbacks and sabotages, most notably the American Stuxnet virus which was thought to have shut it down for several months. Despite repeated assurances from Tehran that the facility is only for peaceful power generation, Western countries remain deeply sceptical. | Renewed 2010 deal could see five missiles worth $800million sold to Iran . Rumors that Russia will also build second nuclear reactor inside country . Kremlin source called the deal 'not particularly profitable... but rather political.' | cf13beb79327b0be240f9a1536e58938240cdb64 |
By . Laura Silver for MailOnline . More than 80,000 bats circled above a town in Australia, turning the sky black and frightening residents. Josh Ryder, who shot the bizarre footage, said the creatures were driving the Townsville locals batty. He said: 'They have been destroying the park and making the surrounding area hard to live in.' The bats live in the gardens but occasionally come out during daylight hours and take over the neighbourhood as they hunt for insects. Crowds gathered to watch the mammals circling overhead in search of prey. Bats usually hunt during the night so they are less vulnerable to predatory birds, but by grouping together like this, they make it harder for one of their own to be selected for dinner. Spotting bats during daylight hours is rare. They hunt in the darkness by emitting noises which echo off their surroundings so they know where they are going. These bats were lucky to be flapping around the sky at all. Around the same time this footage was taken, hundreds of thousands of Australian bats in Queensland died and fell from the sky during a heat wave that saw temperatures in the region soar as high as 50C. Clouding over: The sky above Queensland darkens as a huge swarm of bats emerges from the trees . | More than 80,000 bats turn the sky black when they emerge during the day . Local residents say they are driving them batty by destroying the park . One third of Australia's bats are in Queensland where the footage was filmed . | 82f49f250255efdafd72e0c2349d7dbb5dc90c09 |
By . Kieran Corcoran . Delta airlines was hit with an outpouring of ridicule yesterday after it celebrated the U.S. World Cup victory over Ghana with a photo of a giraffe - despite there being no giraffes in Ghana. The airline published a picture captioned 'congrats team #USA!', accompanied by a picture spelling out the 2-1 victory. To represent the two U.S. goals - scored by Clint Dempsey and John Brooks - the airline used an image of the Statue of Liberty. And to depict Ghana it used a picture of a giraffe, which Twitter users were quick to point out do not live in the country at all. Blunder: The airline attempted to celebrate the U.S. World Cup win over Ghana by tweeting this image - which was attacked for being 'ignorant' About turn: After being informed that there are no giraffes in Ghana, the airline deleted its tweet and apologised . 'Shaking my head': Users attacked the 'ignorant' airline for assuming the African country was full of giraffes . Fact check: Some helpful tweeters suggested more appropriate choices to depict Ghana . 'Ignorant' Delta was relentlessly mocked for the blunder, with one tweeter pointing out that 'checking Wikipedia for three seconds' would have made clear that giraffes are not native to Ghana. The offending tweet was swiftly deleted from Delta's account, and followed by an apology. The company - which runs flights to Ghana - said: 'We're sorry for our choice of photo in our previous tweet. Best of luck to all teams.' Ribbed: Tweeters hurled mocking messages at the airline - which operates flights to Ghana . The social media blunder followed a rare victory over Ghana for the U.S. - which has twice been knocked out of the World Cup by the African side. Clint Dempsey set a national record by scoring after just 32 seconds - the fastest an American has ever scored a World Cup goal. The U.S. and Germany are now level-pegging at the top of Group G with one win each, while Ghana and Portugal are at the bottom. Ghana dominated much the rest of the game, making a total of 21 shots, but only scored one goal when Andre Ayew leveled in the 82nd minute. Just four minutes later, Brooks - a 21-year-old who came on at halftime because Matt Besler was injured — scored off a corner from Graham Zusi. It was the first time an American sub had ever scored in the World Cup. Dempsey's goal made him the first U.S. player to score in three different World Cups and was the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament. Dempsey's goal showed the kind of technical flair seldom seen from a squad that typically scores through set pieces. Brooks' game winner came in the waning minutes as the Americans were desperately trying to survive waves of attacks from Ghana. DaMarcus . Beasley, who became the first American to play in four World Cups, . started the buildup to Dempsey's goal with a pass to Jermaine Jones, who . fed it to Dempsey inside the penalty area. With . a nifty move to split defenders John Boye and Sulley Muntari, Dempsey . sent the left-footed shot past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey, where the ball . bounced off the post and in. That was quick: Clint Dempsey scored 32 seconds into the U.S. World Cup team's game against Ghana on Monday . Speed run: Dempsey, pictured, scored his opening goal in just 32 seconds . Party time: U.S. soccer fans in Brazil cheer in the moments leading up to Monday's game . U.S.A.: Beating Ghana was a welcome revenge for the U.S. team, after Ghana has knocked the Americans out of the last two World Cups . Already ahead after the game had barely started, the Americans looked well on their way to erasing eight years of frustration caused by Ghana. Ghana regrouped at halftime and the U.S. looked punchless on the attack after losing striker Jozy Altidore to an apparent hamstring injury in the 21st minute. Ghana applied relentless pressure on U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard and finally drew even when captain Asamoah Gyan flicked a backheel pass to Ayew, who used the outside of his left foot for a powerful shot. Ghana was still pressing for a winner Brooks delivered the header. He appeared shocked to have scored, raising his hands to his head before falling to the ground to be mobbed by his teammates. Meanwhile, fans across the U.S. - and across the globe - are celebrating the win over the team that dashed their World Cup hopes in the previous two tournaments. Super fan: Former Secretary of State - and noted sports fan - Condoleezza Rice also has her own jersey . Special message: President Barack Obama posted a video on Twitter prior to Monday's game wishing the team luck . Vice President Joe Biden was on hand at the stadium in Natal to cheer on the U.S. team. The vice president even had his own jersey made, with the name '@VP' stitched into the back above the number 14. Earlier in the day, President Barack Obama 'tweeted' a video of himself giving some words of encouragment to the U.S. team. 'Go team USA,' the president says in the video. 'Show the world what we're made of.' | The company attempted to tweet celebration of 2-1 U.S. victory . Used the Statue of Liberty to represent America - but a giraffe for Ghana . Tweeters told 'ignorant' airline that Ghana has no giraffe population . Airline then apologised for the blunder and deleted its original message . U.S., alongside Germany, are now at the top of qualifying group G . | 40b1f9e661e302b911c1524a5f56b8e646d8b0ee |
(CNN) -- If you are like a lot of people, you've probably thought about trying to find out more about your family history some day. How did your parents first meet? Where did your grandparents come from? What were the family secrets that no one ever discussed? Two years ago, I set out to do just that. Mine was a story with some superficial details that had always made for good dinner party conversation: My parents were an interracial couple who met in the mid-1950s, when "miscegenation" was still illegal in most states in America. My father was an undergraduate at Swarthmore College, the only black male student on campus. My mother was a white French professor who cast him in a student play. When they fell in love, they had to meet in secret for a year and a half until he graduated, after which they immediately married. They both came from fascinating backgrounds: He was the son of black undertakers from Pittsburgh, who had grown up in a world that was a cross between an August Wilson play and "Six Feet Under." She had come to America from France as a teenage refugee with five of her seven sisters while their father, a Huguenot pastor, stayed behind to organize the small mountain village where he preached to hide thousands of Jews from the Nazis. Read an excerpt from "My Long Trip Home" But as intriguing as those facts were, I knew that my family story didn't end there. It also included what happened after my parents divorced seven years later: My mother struggled with depression and financial hardship as she was forced to support my younger brother and me on her own. My father plummeted into an alcoholic spiral that destroyed his promising career as an Africa scholar. I battled loneliness and obesity and teenage fury as I coped with feelings of abandonment. I knew I couldn't revisit the romantic aspects of the story without also reliving the tragic parts, and for most of my adult life I had no desire to do that. Then, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving 2009, a year to the day after my father died, I woke up in the middle of the night with an urgent epiphany: I was finally ready to write my family's story. I got out of bed and started recording memories on my laptop computer. But I quickly realized how much I didn't know, or wasn't certain I recalled correctly. So I decided to tackle the project as a reporter, applying all the skills I had acquired in 35 years as a journalist. And for anyone who has thought about embarking on a similar journey, here are some of the lessons I learned: . Don't take "I don't remember" for an answer. Many of the "sources" for my story -- my mother and her friends, my father's older sister, his other wives and mistresses -- were now in their 70s or 80s. At first, they all insisted that they had forgotten most of what happened. But I asked to speak with them anyway, always arranging to meet them early enough in the day that they weren't tired and to make sure that they had all afternoon and evening free if necessary, so that we wouldn't be cut short. Luckily, their mental faculties were still intact. Once they got started, one memory led to another, and I ended up talking with them for hours and filling notebook after notebook. Their recall became particularly sharp when they were telling me why something I thought I knew was wrong. The urge to correct the record, I discovered, is a powerful aide-memoire. Look for every written document you can find. I asked all of my interview subjects to give me whatever they had on paper from the time: diaries, letters, academic notes and reports. Some of it no longer had relevance, but the prospecting yielded many nuggets of gold. My mother found a diary that her father had written as a missionary in Africa in the 1930s, dreaming of returning to Europe to help battle Hitler. Longtime friends gave me a series of letters that my mother had written in the happy early years of her marriage, when I was a toddler and my parents took me with them to England and Africa while they did field research. There was another batch from the ugliest days of their divorce, when we were living in Los Angeles and she was on the verge of losing her mind. My father's brother-in-law searched through a drawer and found a 12-page testimonial that my black granddad dictated to an attendant in a nursing home on his 75th birthday. His "autobiography," as he called it, recorded how he grew up on a tenant farm in Texas, the son of a sharecropper who was born a slave, and how he made his way north as a teenager to work in the Pittsburgh steel plants and then became one of the city's first black funeral home owners. Explore the surrounding history. With the help of interlibrary lending and the Internet, I tracked down archives and out-of-print books and court records that helped paint a larger picture of the worlds that my parents and grandparents inhabited. Thanks to Google Maps' Street View, I was able to look at pictures of some of the many homes where I lived as a child, some remarkably the same as I remembered, others sadly gone or condemned. And like any good investigative reporter, I used the details I discovered in the written documents to question my sources again. These later interviews often elicited secrets that hadn't emerged before -- like the grounds for my parents' divorce, or the legal battle my father fought after being fired from one of his university jobs, or the details of the hard-core rehab facility where he stayed for six months to finally stop drinking. Not everyone who reports their family story will be obsessed enough to write a book about it, as I have done. But you are bound to discover things that will surprise, amuse and even shock you. And if you're like me, you will find it enlightening to start seeing your family members not just as forces in your life, but as characters in a drama -- shaped by historical time and geographical place and their own personal angels and demons, like protagonists in a novel. "Was it therapeutic?" people ask me, and the answer is yes, but in a different way from conventional treatment. Call it "contextual therapy": the placement of your own story in a wider human narrative, where every family story is utterly unique yet entirely universal. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Mark Whitaker. | Mark Whitaker set out to tell the story of his family, a year after his father died . His parents were an interracial couple who braved prejudice and faced many struggles . To tell your family's story, act like a reporter, interview your older relatives, Whitaker says . Search for any documents that could help and explore surrounding history . | 6242a4a1daa866518b29e94bb0fd1f967585a04b |
A passenger plane with a suspected flat tyre was forced to circle over Norway for nearly three hours before making an emergency landing at the capital's main airport. The plane circled the skies to burn off fuel before attempting the landing at Oslo Airport in Gardermoen. The Novair Airbus A321 was carrying almost 200 passengers and crew when it landed safely on Sunday night. A Novair Airbus A321 with a suspected punctured tyre makes an emergency landing at Oslo Airport . A tyre may have been punctured when the plane was taking off while en route to Chania on the Greek island of Crete. The flight crew declared an emergency and the airport activated a full alert, The Local reported. The plane was carrying mostly Norwegian citizens who were heading to Greece for their holidays. After the plane landed, Lasse André Vangstein, press officer at Oslo airport, told the Norwegian News Agency (NTB): 'It went very well. The plane landed normally without any indications of any errors. 'It is too early to say whether there really was a puncture or just an [instrument] indication of a puncture.' Emergency: The Novair Airbus A321 is believed to have suffered a punctured tyre upon take-off . The plane's flight crew declared an emergency and circled over Norway for almost three hours to burn off fuel . Worried mother Jane Andersen, whose 11-year-old son, Magnus, was on the plane with his father, rushed to the airport when she learned of the emergency landing. She heard the plane landed safely while she was en route to see him: 'It was a relief. Now the only thing I want to do is just give [Magnus] a hug.' The passengers were offered hotel rooms and were scheduled to make the four-hour flight to Chania on Monday morning. | Novair Airbus A321 landed safely at Oslo's main airport on Sunday night . A tyre may have been punctured when the plane was taking off . Plane was filled with holidaymakers en route to Greek island of Crete . | 30b0d17684aef0e2cf17a0bff7b7b55012f02149 |
By . Meghan Keneally . Anderson Cooper has revealed that he will not be inheriting any money from his wealthy mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. The heiress-turned-jeans designer and perfume developer is the great-great-great-granddaughter of the railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. Gloria, who is now 90-years-old, has an estimated personal wealth of about $200million but her youngest son Anderson is not expecting to get any of that when she dies. Cool mom: Anderson Cooper said that his mother Gloria is 'the coolest person I know' and he is totally accepting of her plans not to leave him any of her fortune as an inheritance (seen together in 2010) 'My mom's made clear to me that there's no trust fund. There's none of that,' the CNN anchor told Howard Stern on his radio show. 'I don't believe in inheriting money... I think it's an initiative sucker. I think it's a curse. 'Who's inherited a lot of money that has gone on to do things in their own life? From the time I was growing up, if I felt that there was some pot of gold waiting for me, I don't know that I would've been so motivated.' The 46-year-old journalist makes a reported $11million per year as a result of his CNN contract. He lives in a multi-million dollar converted firehouse in New York City's Greenwich Village and also has two neighboring Hamptons homes. Moving away from wealth: Gloria inherited money from her family's railroad fortune but Anderson (seen right with his mother, now-deceased brother Carter and father Wyatt in 1972) said that he chose to pay more attention to his father's humble beginnings . 'I'm doing fine on my own, I don't need any,' he said. During the radio interview with Stern, cooper maintained that he was totally accepting of the deal with his mother, telling the incredulous host that he has no idea what she will do with her money. Gloria has struggled with her finances in the past, and sued her lawyer for $1.5million after he swindled money from her in 1993. She had to sell her seven-bedroom mansion in the wealthy resort town of Southampton as well as her five-story Manhattan townhouse in 1995 in order to pay off backtaxes. She moved in with Anderson at that point, when he was living in a two-bedroom apartment. Her fortune quickly returned in 2002 when she formally sold her company, Gloria Vanderbilt Apparel Corp, to Jones Apparel Group for $138million in 2002. She has also written three books since the mid-1990s and continues to run gallery openings and create her own artwork. In the Howard Stern interview, Anderson went on to say that he does not know how much is in his own personal savings account, but he tried to stay humble growing up by focusing more on his father's family than his mother's. Money earner: Cooper, 46, said that he makes enough money on his own that he is not concerned about an inheritance . 'I've never paid attention to it honestly like my dad grew up really poor in Mississippi- I paid attention to that because i thought thats a healthier thing to pay attention to than like some statute of a great great great grandfather who has no connection to my life,' he said. Anderson's father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, was Gloria's fourth husband and he died in 1978 from a heart attack when Anderson was just 9-years-old. Wyatt was 50 at the time of his death, and Anderson said that the looming big birthday is a fear of his, prompting him to start eating better. 'Yeah I think I have like three years left,' the 46-year-old said. Stern went on to bring up the controversy surrounding Alec Baldwin and his use of homophobic language last year which prompted a reprimand from Cooper via Twitter. In subsequent interviews, Baldwin blamed part of the backlash on Cooper saying that the openly gay journalist was ‘the self-appointed Jack Valenti of gay media culture’ but Cooper used the radio interview as a chance to both stand by his earlier assertions and support the scandal-trodden actor. ‘I like Alec Baldwin, I think he’s incredibly talented, I think he’s incredibly smart,’ Cooper said while clearly taking a nervous term. ‘When he called the person a cocksucker, and then said he didn't know “c*******er” was an anti-gay — I mean, what adult does not know calling a guy a “c*******er” (is an insult). ‘The worst thing you can possibly think of to say, which is what this situation was, to talk about a sexual act between two guys as being the worst thing you can possibly think of. That seems to indicate— but I never said he was homophobic. I have no idea what's in his head.’ | The CNN host's mother Gloria Vanderbilt inherited millions from her relative's development of the American railroad system . Anderson revealed that 'she's made it clear' that he will not be getting any of that money when she dies . He agrees with the move, calling inheritances 'incentive suckers' Cooper, 46, has an estimated $11million annual contract with CNN . | fe24a100081b22fea13a54cc0bf70423251b170e |
Manchester United are wasting no time in rebuilding their squad to launch a fresh assault on the Premier League under the leadership of Louis van Gaal. They have already splashed on teenage sensation Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera, with more deals in the pipeline as Van Gaal looks to haul his new side from the wreckage of last season. Old Trafford could have a Chilean feel next year with midfielder Arturo Vidal and Barcelona's wing star Alexis Sanchez both on Van Gaal's wanted list. VIDEO Scroll down for United target Daley Blind scores a 30 yard beauty against Utrecht . Laying down the law: Louis van Gaal, taking Holland training, will rebuild United's squad . Re-United: Van Gaal will make Robin van Persie his undisputed No 9 up front . Teen star: England's Luke Shaw has already been signed to fill the left-back role . Stalwart: But there may be no room in Manchester United's new line-up for midfielder Michael Carrick . The boss could look closer to home to revamp his back line. Right-back Daryl Janmaat and powerful centre-half Bruno Martins Indi could both be picked up, with both playing in Van Gaal's Holland World Cup side - as does undisputed No 9 Robin van Persie. Other Dutch stars to be linked with Old Trafford moves include Nigel de Jong and former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt. It means there's no room for current Old Trafford charges Rafael or Phil Jones, while the midfield revamp sees Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini ousted. Here, Sportsmail looks at a potential starting XI for next season, and some other targets Van Gaal will have in mind. Theatre of dreams: Could this be Manchester United's new line-up for next season? United's possible XI for next season (4-3-3): De Gea; Janmaat, Smalling, Martins Indi, Shaw; Vidal, Herrera, Mata; Sanchez, Rooney, Van Persie . And here's Van Gaal's shopping list, including some alternative names that could be lining up at Old Trafford next season. ARTURO VIDAL Juventus . Chile midfielder rated one of the best in the world was wanted by David Moyes but Juventus would not sell. Real Madrid have discussed £32m offer but it won't be enough. In action: Arturo Vidal, battling Brazil's Marcelo, is one of the most sought-after midfielders in the world . THOMAS VERMAELEN Arsenal . Belgian has been short on form and confidence but United hope a change of scenery can rediscover the defender of old. Arsenal not keen to sell to United for less than £12million. Aerial threat: Thomas Vermaelen (right), battling Russia's Alexander Samedov, is wanted by United . DARYL JANMAAT Feyenoord . Exciting right-back. The 24-year-old has been watched by Arsenal closely and was the subject of interest from Tottenham, Napoli and Leicester but Louis van Gaal is a fan. Home comforts: Van Gaal make look to his Dutch side for right-back Daryl Janmaat . DALEY BLIND Ajax . Luke Shaw and Patrice Evra may be at left-back but Blind is a decent defensive midfielder too. His displays in Brazil will hike up his £12m price but would be an astute addition. See you next year? Daley Blind (left), tackling Alexis Sanchez, could be a utility man for United . BRUNO MARTINS INDI and STEFAN De VRIJ Feyenoord . Bruno Martins Indi and de Vrij are both ready to leave and 22-year-old de Vrij has been poised to join Lazio. Left-side Indi may offer better balance for United's defence. Powerful: Bruno Martins Indi (right), iun action against Tim Cahill, may be the answer for United at the back . ALEXIS SANCHEZ Barcelona . Fleet-footed forward can play comfortably in a 4-3-3, was a United fan as a boy is also wanted by Juventus and Liverpool among others. Barca want around £30million. World star: Barcelona and Chile's Alexis Sanchez, holding off David Luiz, would be key to a new United attack . KEVIN STROOTMAN Roma . Firm favourite of Van Gaal. Lacks pace but dictates game with strong left foot. His cruciate injury may prompt United to revive interest in Real Madrid's Sami Khedira though. Midfield maestro: Kevin Strootman (left), in action against Fredy Guarin, is a long-term United target . | United have already bought Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw . Louis van Gaal looking to revamp Old Trafford squad . Dutch stars like Bruno Martins Indi and Daryl Janmaat could arrive . Chilean duo Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez being watched . There could be no room for Rafael, Michael Carrick or Marouane Fellaini . | 2e3fc329494c1cfea1aa4ab1e84340a3ae8ecf3b |
By . Jack Doyle . An illegal immigrant who feared her sham marriage was about to be exposed deliberately became pregnant to try to stay in Britain, a judge said yesterday. Zambian Leya Mtonga made a ‘conscious decision’ to conceive after she was arrested by Home Office immigration officials, a court heard. Yesterday she was accused of a ‘selfish and cynical’ act as she was jailed for two years for her involvement in a sham marriage ring – and faces being deported from Britain. Zambian Leya Mtonga, 39, entered into a sham marriage with co-conspirator, Portuguese national, Nuno Moriera, 29 . The 39-year-old wed Portuguese national Nuno Moriera, 29, in Nottingham in 2009. She wanted to use the marriage to get the right to live in the UK. He was paid to join in with the pretence. The couple were pictured smiling together in photographs seized by investigators. But the marriage was exposed as part of a wider probe into a mass immigration scam, involving a dozen sham weddings in the city. Mtonga was arrested in June last year and the court heard she then set out to get pregnant to prove her relationship was real. She is due to give birth in nine days. Zambian woman Leya Mtonga, 39 signing the marriage register with Portuguese national, Nuno Moriera, 29 . Home Office Immigration inspector Andy . Radcliffe said: ‘We do not know who the father of Mtonga’s baby is, but . she insists it is Moriera. If this is the case then it is our belief . that they sought to have a child together in a deliberate attempt to . make their sham marriage appear credible. ‘It is hard to think of a more selfish and cynical act.’ Sentencing . Mtonga and her husband to two years’ imprisonment yesterday, Judge . Philip Head refused her lawyer’s plea that she should avoid jail because . she is due to give birth, the Nottingham Post reported. The judge said: ‘I’m driven to the conclusion that it was a conscious and deliberate decision to try to bolster your claim to a genuine marriage. Happy couple: The pair pictured on their wedding day in 2009 . ‘For the avoidance of doubt, I refer to Mtonga’s pregnancy. It is my judgement it was a deliberate manoeuvre on your part. Custodial facilities exist that are more than capable of meeting your needs.’ Mtonga, 39, came to Britain on a student visa to train as a dental nurse, but never went home. As . her visa was due to expire she turned to HCI Consultants in Nottingham, . a firm which claimed to offer ‘immigration advice and services’ but was . allegedly at the centre of a string of sham weddings. The couple were married in Nottingham Register Office in October 2009. Pictures from the day suggest they looked every inch the happy couple. But a three-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court heard theirs was one of a number of sham weddings in the city. Police and immigration officials are still searching for the alleged ringleader, Nigerian Eustace Okere, who was arrested in October 2009 but jumped bail. He is accused of providing fake references for European nationals designed to show they were living and working in the UK – so their new spouses could obtain visas. Home Office officials insisted they were still determined to kick Mtonga and her child out after she gives birth. However, she could use Article 8 of the Human Rights Act – the right to a family life – to try and launch an appeal. Two other immigrants, Duke Okorie and Michael Eke, both 39 and Nigerian, were also jailed for two years for sham weddings. Three other members of the conspiracy, from Nigeria, Zambia and Trinidad, were jailed at earlier hearings and have been deported. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Zambian Leya Mtonga made a 'conscious decision' to conceive . Wed Portuguese national in 2009 to get the right to live in the UK . | dcd4c56cbd3179f278b13ab1e71466d30e7d9580 |
(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal failed to clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking for the third time in his career after suffering a shock defeat at the Paris Masters on Saturday. The form player of the men's tennis season after coming back from long-term knee problems, Nadal could have added to his 2008 and 2010 feats by beating David Ferrer and reaching the final of the penultimate tournament on the calendar. However, he lost 6-3 7-5 to his third-ranked compatriot, who will defend his title in Sunday's final against Novak Djokovic. The Serbian earlier kept alive his hopes of being year-end No. 1 for the third successive year by beating 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer in Saturday's opening semifinal. "I played maybe my best match this season," Ferrer said after ending a nine-match losing run to Nadal. "Paris is very special for me. I made my first final of a grand slam in Roland Garros; last year I won my first Masters 1000 title; now I'm in the final again in Paris." Second-ranked Djokovic had to come from behind to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 against the veteran Swiss, who is showing signs of improved form. Both matches were dress rehearsals for the ATP World Tour Finals in London next week, where Nadal and Ferrer will be in Group A along with Tomas Berdych and debutant Stanislas Wawrinka. Defending champion Djokovic and six-time winner Federer will be in Group B with Juan Martin del Potro and Richard Gasquet. "I was pretty happy with my level of play," said Federer, who will equal Ivan Lendl's record 12 consecutive appearances at the season-ending event. "I wish I could have kept it up for a bit longer and put him under pressure, but Novak battled well to stay in the match in the second set and the third set. "I had my chances in the second and third sets. Disappointed right now, but overall it was a good week for me." On Friday, Federer avenged his Swiss Indoors final defeat by Del Potro -- and the Argentine's week got even worse when he was robbed at Paris' Gare du Nord train station en route to Britain. His confidence will be shaken after losing his most prized possession -- a rosary that was blessed by the Pope in Rome this year, which was in a briefcase stolen as he checked in. "My Rosary blessed by Pope Francis, I carried it everywhere," the 25-year-old told the ATP Tour website. "That's what matters most to me. I was finishing the check-in and was asked for an autograph. I turned around to sign it and, within 20 seconds, it was stolen." Meanwhile, the Italian women's team took a big step towards a fourth Fed Cup title after winning both singles matches on the opening day of the final against an under-strength Russia Saturday. Italy, whose last title came in 2010, saw its top-ranked player Sara Errani thrash Irina Khromacheva 6-1 6-4 after Roberta Vinci battled to a 5-7 7-5 8-6 win against Alexandra Panova. Both Russians were making their debut in the largest team tournament in women's international sport, which featured 97 nations this year, as the country's top 11 players were unavailable. The final clashes with the WTA Tour's Tournament of Champions in Bulgaria, a second-tier end-of-season event where Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova lost to Sam Stosur in Saturday's semis and Romania's Simona Halep beat Serbian Ana Ivanovic. The International Tennis Federation, which plans to move the Fed Cup final back a week next season, announced Saturday that Tunisia will be banned from the men's 2014 Davis Cup tournament after refusing to allow one of its players to compete against an Israeli. Malek Jaziri had been due to play Amir Weintraub at last month's Tashkent Challenger. "There is no room for prejudice of any kind in sport or in society," ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said. "The ITF board decided to send a strong message to the Tunisian Tennis Federation that this kind of action will not be tolerated by any of our members. "The board felt that suspension from Davis Cup, a competition that was founded 113 years ago to encourage better understanding through sport, would provide a good lesson for the federation and a fitting penalty for their unfortunate action." | World No. 2 Novak Djokovic will play David Ferrer in Sunday's Paris Masters final . Djokovic comes from behind to beat Roger Federer in Saturday's opening semifinal . ATP World Tour Finalist Juan Martin del Potro is robbed of prized rosary in Paris . Italy takes 2-0 lead in Fed Cup final against under-strength Russian women's team . | c964618fb743aab28f84a81ab1ff62a3e22a7b2f |
BBC Sport will receive a hammer blow on Monday, the morning after their flagship Sports Personality of the Year show, with news they have lost Football League highlights rights to Channel 5. The Football League are due to announce a three-year deal with C5 for all their divisions plus the Capital One Cup, starting next season. C5 won the contract with an estimated offer of £2million a year, which was marginally better than the BBC’s, and a pledge to screen their show at 9pm on Saturday. The BBC will receive a hammer blow with news they have lost Football League highlights rights to Channel 5 . C5 won the bidding with a contract of £2million a year (pictured Patrick Bamford scoring for Middlesbrough) Match of the Day may be limited to FA Cup highlights . This was seen by the Football League as a far better way to promote their product than being put in the graveyard slot after Match of the Day, even if there is more cache in having the Beeb as rights-holders. And certainly Saturday prime-time for the Football League will not bring the derogatory chants of ‘Thursday nights, Channel 5’ that greeted teams dropping out of the Champions League into the C5-screened Europa League. Meanwhile, the nightmare scenario facing the BBC is that the loss of their Football League contract will be followed next February with ITV outbidding them for their prized Premier League highlights. That is the likely outcome, with ITV having money to spend on football after losing the Champions League and the FA Cup, but not enough for live Premier League packages. Gary Lineker and Co would then be left with only the FA Cup and the major tournaments they share with ITV. BBC Sports Personality showed its great pulling power on Sunday night when Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold, one of the 10 athletes short-listed for the top prize, made a three-flight journey from Lake Placid in the USA to be in Glasgow, despite her slim chance of winning. Other awards ceremonies struggle to attract sports stars across London unless they have been guaranteed a gong. Lizzy Yarnold made a three-flight journey from Lake Placid, USA, to make the BBC SPOTY awards . Gary Neville leading the Manchester United counter to City’s £200m state-of-the art training centre, saying academies are about people rather than buildings, isn’t necessarily supported by his brother and Class of 92 team-mate Phil. He sent his son to the City academy before the grand opening, as did Robin van Persie, Darren Fletcher and United ambassador Andy Cole. Bearing in mind how paranoid Sky Sports are about the challenge from BT, and Isleworth staff going off message on social media, Sky Sports News reporter James Cole might find himself in trouble even for tweeting: ‘Happy to hear Dover v Crystal Palace will be televised. Great news for the non-League club.’ BT are broadcasting the match. Phil Neville sent his son to the Man City academy before the grand opening of their £200m training centre . The IAAF blame game . International athletics chiefs have only themselves to blame for the list of 150 competitors with suspicious blood readings from 2006-08 — which includes a famous Briton — continuing to be a major talking point. The document, seen by Sports Agenda, is simply a list of names and was being shown to media attending the IOC Congress by German TV station ARD. So IAAF communications chief Nick Davies, rather than moan about the reporting three days later, should have been briefing journalists in Monaco as to why the list in isolation is a long way from doping evidence. The saga has also deflected attention from the more serious allegations on German TV about a systematic doping regime in Russia. World Cup dates for Qatar 2022 will be discussed at the FIFA ExCo meeting in Morocco this week. November and December, despite Premier League opposition, now looks the only viable option. January-February — suggested by FIFA’s task force — will not happen. IOC president Thomas Bach was adamant at the IOC Congress that FIFA president Sepp Blatter had promised the World Cup would not interfere with the 2022 Winter Olympics. With all the scrutiny on top referees, it seemed odd that Professional Game Match Officials technical director Howard Webb was sent to referee an Under 12 tournament in Ypres as part of the First World War anniversary events rather than keep a close eye on the weekend’s Premier League performances. A PL spokesman said Webb was their ambassador at the event. Howard Webb officiated at the Under 12 tournament in Ypres over the weekend . | Football League due to announce three-year deal with Channel 5 . C5 won the contract with estimated offer of £2million a year . Nightmare for BBC is if they lose Premier League rights to ITV too . Lizzy Yarnold made long flight to BBC SPOTY awards from Lake Placid . Howard Webb officiated at Ypres Under 12 tournament over the weekend . | 3adf32616e1117275ef388feefb54915ae5abd43 |
When angelic looking J-J falls into his mum Bobbi's embrace, the nine-year-old from Southampton seems like any other loving son, but the truth behind their relationship is far more disturbing. In reality, moments of affection are few and far between because Bobbi suffers from child-on-parent violence, an extraordinary type of abuse victims are often too ashamed to come clean about. Nine-year-old J-J constantly launches violent attacks on his mother -- punching and kicking her, throwing objects at her head and viciously pulling her hair. On one occasion he even tried to stab her and has plotted to kill her. Scroll down for video . Bobbi from Southampton suffers from child-on-parent violence where her nine-year-old son viciously attacks her on a daily basis . And Bobbi is not alone. According to a new Channel Five documentary, My Violent Child, which is hoping to lift the lid on this taboo topic, helplines receive 11,000 calls a year about child-on-parent abuse. Despite being trapped in an abusive relationship in her own home, Bobbi is dedicated to helping J-J, who also lives with step-dad Lee and his two older sisters, overcome his bouts of uncontrollable violence. 'J-J has got the most awful temper. He's so normal looking, but inside his head there's so much going on,' she says. Dangerous: Bobbi has had to remove all sharp objects from her home for the safety of herself and her family . Growing problem: Helplines receive 11,000 calls a year from parents who feel under threat from their children . 'We've had incidents when he's wrecked . the bedroom and barricaded himself in. He's hit everybody punched me, . kicked me and pulled my hair. 'He's tried stabbing me and plotted to kill me in the middle of the night.' 'But I've put up with this type of behaviour from J-J for so long, I've become immune to it.' In an interview with The Mirror Bobbi admitted, 'We had to take away all the knives, scissors, anything that was sharp.' 'He told his sister he wanted her to get a knife, and said when I was asleep that night he was going to stab me. 'She was distraught and came to tell me but I told her he couldn’t because there was nothing in the house to do it with.' J-J has had various differing diagnoses -- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Not-so angelic: Bobbi's son J-J regularly attacks his mother and has even plotted to kill her . But whatever syndrome he may suffer from, J-J knows he's not like most other children. 'My mum would probably describe me as quite a strange child,' he says. 'Sometimes I shout at people and call . them mean names. And also I can really hurt people. Sometimes when I'm . really angry mum calls me the Incredible Hulk.' For step-father Lee, coping with J-J's outbursts is a constant battle. 'It's . horrendous. I don't think there are many kids like this. I've had so . many experiences with him. The worst one I think can of is when he . sprayed air freshener in my eyes,' he says. Video footage from Bobbi's phone aired during the documentary gives a distressing glimpse of one of J-J's rages. He launches at his mother with full force first punching and kicking her then grabbing her hair whilst screeching, 'I hate you'. Bobbi . struggles to set herself free, then restrains him in his duvet before . putting him out of the house into the garden. But then J-J starts thrashing . at the glass with a garden spade and smashing his scooter against the . patio. J-J says his mum would probably describe him as 'quite a strange child' Super strength: Bobbi refers to her son as The Incredible Hulk . 'You can't get him back down from where he's gone. It's as if something switches off in his brain and you can't say, "Lets talk about this",' she says. J-J's violence also flared up at school, which has led to him being expelled. 'The worst thing I've ever done is put a . teacher in hospital because I broke her wrist and put another teacher in . hospital because I almost detached her retina,' he explains. 'The school didn't handle him very well. The teachers didn't understand him very well, which made his behaviour even more challenging,' says Bobbi. Bobbi started noticing J-J's violent behavior from when he was a baby, but the aggression got gradually worse. 'The worst thing I've ever done is put a . teacher in hospital because I broke her wrist and put another teacher in . hospital because I almost detached her retina' J-J . Along with the violence, getting J-J to do the simplest tasks like put his coat or shoes is an immense challenge. On a good day it will take Bobbi two hours. After six months of being home schooled, Bobbi managed to get J-J a place at a new school. And with the help parenting practitioners Islay Downey and Angela Bates at Southampton Council she's also made progress with J-J's behaviour. Bobbi has given J-J more independence and freedom, while implementing firm house rules. J-J is still prone to outbursts but is slowly learning to control his aggression. 'J-J was a miracle baby - we never . expected to have a boy. I was told I had a genetic disorder which would . mean a boy wouldn't survive,' says Bobbi. 'I . know it sounds odd but I'm lucky that I'm the one calming him down. At . the moment, I'm the only one who can calm him down and that makes me . feel special.' Luckily for Bobbi, she has a willing partner to combat the abusive cycle. 'I just like to be me,' says J-J. 'But I'd rather be me and not kick-off. I don't really like being naughty. It doesn't make me feel good.' My Violent Child is on Channel 5 , tomorrow at 9pm . | Bobbi from Southampton suffers from child-on-parent violence . Nine-year-old . J-J constantly launches violent attacks on his mother -- punching and . kicking her, throwing objects at her head and viciously pulling her . hair . He has also caused two teachers to need hospital treatment . According to a new Channel Five documentary, My . Violent Child, . helplines receive 11,000 calls a year about this type of abuse . | 33c2f83ec1f959644640642867d77b022e850dd3 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:19 EST, 4 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:00 EST, 4 January 2013 . More than two months after Superstorm Sandy struck, the House and Senate Friday approved $9.7 billion to pay flood insurance claims for the many home and business owners flooded out by the storm. Friday morning, the House voted 354 - 67 for the bill, just days after Republicans erupted over House Speaker John Boehner's decision to delay a vote earlier in the week; all of the no votes were cast by Republicans. The Senate was passed the bill Friday afternoon. 'It's the right step,' said Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-N.J., a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Scroll down for video . More than two months after Superstorm Sandy struck, the House and Senate Friday approved $9.7 billion to pay flood insurance claims. The vote came days after Republicans erupted over House Speaker John Boehner's decision to delay the vote . A worker uses a bulldozer to push debris from Superstorm Sandy into a large pile in Lavallette N.J. Friday, Jan. 4, 2012, shortly before Congress voted to approve aid for storm victims . A beach front home that was severely damaged two months ago by Superstorm Sandy rests in the sand in Bay Head, New Jersey . The bill gives more borrowing . authority to the National Flood Insurance Program to pay about 115,000 . pending Sandy-related claims as well as about 5,000 claims unrelated to . Sandy. Northeast lawmakers say the money is . urgently needed for victims of one of the worst storms ever to strike . the region. The Federal Emergency Management Agency had warned that the . National Flood Insurance Program would run out of money next week if . Congress didn't provide additional borrowing authority to pay out . claims. Congress created the FEMA-run program in 1968 because few . private insurers cover flood damage. The flood insurance measure is the . first phase of a proposed Sandy aid package. Boehner agreed to Friday's . vote after the controversy over delaying House action on a broader Sandy . aid package. Under Boehner's new schedule, the House will vote January 15 . on an additional $51 billion in recovery money. Clouds roll over destroyed homes two months after superstorm Sandy all but leveled homes in Breezy Point in Queens . A couple looks over the devastation in Breezy Point, Queens in New York . The frustration, however, continued on both sides of the . aisle on Friday, as lawmakers said the flood insurance infusion would . do little to help the bulk of those suffering more than two months after . the devastating October 29 storm. FEMA's disaster relief fund still has about $4.3billion, enough to . pay for recovery efforts into early spring, according to officials. The . unspent FEMA money can only be used for emergency services. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, . District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire, . Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are receiving . federal FEMA aid. Sandy was blamed for at least 120 . deaths and battered coastline areas from North Carolina to Maine. New . York, New Jersey and Connecticut were the hardest hit states and . suffered high winds, flooding and storm surges. The storm damaged or destroyed more . than 72,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey. In New York, 305,000 . housing units were damaged or destroyed and more than 265,000 businesses . were affected. 'It . took only 10 days after Katrina for President Bush to sign $60 billion . in Katrina aid,' said New Jersey Democratic Representative Bill . Pascrell, referring to the 2005 hurricane that devastated the Gulf . Coast. 'How dare you come to this floor and make people think everything . is OK.' Senate action on that measure is expected the following week; financially strapped local governments are awaiting the money. Northeast lawmakers say the money is . urgently needed for storm victims awaiting claim checks from the late . October storm, which was one of the worst ever to strike the Northeast, . ravaging the coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the most severe . flooding occurring in Atlantic City, N.J., New York City and Long Island . and along the Connecticut coastline. 'People are waiting to be paid,' said . Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., whose district includes Atlantic City and . many other coastal communities hard hit by the storm. 'They're sleeping . in rented rooms on cots somewhere, and they're not happy. They want to . get their lives back on track, and it's cold outside. They see no . prospect of relief.' As with past natural disasters, the . Sandy aid proposals do not provide for offsetting spending cuts. Some . tea party House Republicans and other fiscal conservatives favor cutting . other federal programs to pay for some or all disaster costs. The supports for the boardwalk that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy can still be seen on the beach in the Rockaways . The Club For Growth, a conservative . group, on Friday urged lawmakers to oppose the bill, saying that . Congress should only approve Sandy aid in installments to make sure the . money is wisely spent and that any new Sandy aid should be offset with . spending cuts elsewhere. 'Congress should not allow the . federal government to be involved in the flood insurance industry in the . first place, let alone expand the national flood insurance program's . authority,' the group said in a statement. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., a fiscal . conservative who voted against the flood bill, said he was among those . with concerns about the budget deficit. 'We have to talk seriously about . offsets,' Huelskamp said. 'We can't take $60 billion off budget, that's . my problem with it.' Boats and docks damaged by Hurricane Sandy are seen on Staten Island, New York . The current debate over Sandy aid . comes barely a year after Congress and the White House set up a new . system to budget help for victims of hurricanes, tornadoes and floods . before they occur. The new disaster funding scheme permits aid money to . be added to the budget in line with amounts budgeted in recent years. The idea was to avoid battling and uncertainty over disaster funding. Damage from Sandy, however, was so extensive that it's swamping the $12 billion disaster aid budget cap for the current year. A halloween decoration with "FEMA" written on it is displayed in Queens, New York. FEMA is being criticised for taking to long to fill flood claims . Boehner, of Ohio, had promised a . House vote on Friday after his decision to delay an action on a broader . Sandy relief package provoked outrage from Northeast Republicans, . including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who said he'd lost trust in . GOP leaders in Congress after being promised a vote earlier this week. New York Republican lawmakers who met . with Boehner after the uproar said he explained that after the . contentious vote Tuesday to avoid major tax increases and spending cuts . called the 'fiscal cliff,' he didn't think it was right to schedule the . vote before the previous Congress ended on Thursday. Piles of debris surround a hotel in Toms River New Jersey . About 140,000 Sandy-related flood . insurance claims have been filed, FEMA officials said, and there are . about 115,000 pending claims. Many flood victims have only received . partial payments on their claims. Sandy was the most costly natural . disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was blamed for at least 120 . deaths. Northeast lawmakers have complained that it took just 10 days . for Congress to approve about $50 billion in aid for Katrina but that it . hasn't provided aid for Sandy relief in more than two months. A family sift through the destruction after Superstorm Sandy hit the Oakwood Beach area of Staten Island, New York . The storm damaged or destroyed more . than 72,000 homes and businesses in New Jersey. In New York, 305,000 . housing units were damaged or destroyed and more than 265,000 businesses . were affected. 'States and local communities need to . know the money will be there before they can give a green light to . start rebuilding,' said LoBiondo. More than $2 billion in federal money . has been spent so far on relief efforts for 11 states and the District . of Columbia struck by the storm. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, West . Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Delaware, Rhode Island, . Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia are receiving . FEMA aid. | More than two months after Superstorm . Sandy struck, House approves $9.7 billion for flood insurance claims . Vote comes days after Republicans erupted over House Speaker John Boehner's decision to delay a vote . House expected to vote January 15 . on an additional $51 billion in recovery money . | 2001ac32dad243363bda5197c40851e08a044d72 |
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