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With his World Championships race just hours away, he is undoubtedly feeling the pressure. But on Tuesday, Olympic ski champion Bode Miller's pregnant wife and two-year-old son - who has a different mother - helped to take any worries away as they joined him at a men's training session. Bode's spouse, Morgan Beck-Miller, who is six months' pregnant with her first child, was pictured donning a designer jacket, sunglasses and a striped top at the event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. She was also sporting a noticeable baby bump under her top as she carried Bode's young son, Sam - whom he had with ex-girlfriend, Sara McKenna - across the snow to watch his father train. Scroll down for video . Support: On Tuesday, Olympic ski star Bode Miller (center) was joined by his pregnant wife, Morgan Beck-Miller (right), and son, Sam (left) - who has a different mother - at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships . Wife and son: Bode's spouse, Morgan Beck-Miller (pictured with Sam), who is six months' pregnant with her first child, was pictured donning a designer jacket, sunglasses and a striped top at the event in Colorado . Baby bump: She was also sporting a noticeable baby bump (pictured) under her top as she carried Bode's young son, Sam - whom he had with ex-girlfriend, Sara McKenna - across the snow to watch his father train . Father and son: The adorable youngster (pictured with Bode) was seen beaming and clutching a teddy bear as he took in the exciting atmosphere at men's downhill training ahead of the Super-G race on Wednesday . The adorable youngster was seen beaming and clutching a teddy bear as he took in the exciting atmosphere at the men's downhill training event ahead of the Super-G race on Wednesday. At one point, Morgan, a 27-year-old professional volleyball player and model, was seen kissing her husband, who recently cleared himself for the race after suffering from back problems, on the lips. The trio were joined at the slopes by Tiger Woods, who was cheering on his girlfriend Lindsey Vonn in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Women's Super G, which took place on Tuesday. Woods, donning a black jacket, shades and a black hat, lost his tooth the last time he watched his partner compete in a race after a photographer apparently hit him with a camera in Italy. Olympic champion: At one point, Morgan, a 27-year-old professional volleyball player and model, was seen kissing her husband (pictured competing in Tuesday's training event, in which he placed 12th) on the lips . Another spectator: Bode, Morgan and Sam were joined at the slopes by Tiger Woods (pictured), who was cheering on his girlfriend Lindsey Vonn in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships Women's Super G . Professional golfer: Woods (left), donning a black jacket, shades and a black hat, lost his tooth the last time he watched his partner compete in a race after a photographer apparently hit him with a camera in Italy . Skiing her way to victory: But this time, the professional golfer remained uninjured as he watched 30-year-old Vonn (above) scoop bronze in the race, finishing .15 seconds behind the Austrian winner, Anna Fenninger . Bronze medal: Vonn stands on the podium after finishing third in the Ladies' Super-G in Red Tail Stadium . But this time, the professional golfer remained uninjured as he watched 30-year-old Vonn scoop bronze in the race, finishing .15 seconds behind the Austrian winner, Anna Fenninger. In this year's World Championships, Bode, a six-time Olympic medalist, may also compete in the super-combined event. However, US men's coach Sasha Rearick has not yet confirmed this. On Tuesday, Bode, who also has a six-year-old daughter with ex-girlfriend Chanel Johnson, clocked the 12th fastest time during the downhill training event at the Birds of Prey racecourse. Speaking to reporters, the 37-year-old athlete said: 'I am going to start in Super-G tomorrow. The first training run you keep your eyes open and see where there is potential to make up more speed. Success: (l-r) Tina Maze of Slovenia, Anna Fenninger of Austria, and Vonn are pictured on the podium . In good spirits: Vonn (center) and Fenninger (right) grin following their great performances at Beaver Creek . Boyfriend: Woods is pictured chatting with other spectators as his girlfriend took to the slopes on Tuesday . Smiling: The golfer poses for a photo alongside two women at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships . 'A couple of little mistakes that are easy to clean up. My body felt fine.' The event will be Bode's first competitive race since last March, when he failed to finish the second leg of a slalom contest in Switzerland. Last month, Morgan shared a photo of her growing baby bump on the social media platform Instagram, alongside the caption: '6 months, 28 lbs and an amazing appetite. This isn't so bad.' In the comments section, she added she and Bode have decided not to find out the sex of the baby before it is born. 'It's going to be a surprise!' she wrote. 'It's so hard for me not knowing though.' Press conference: In this year's World Championships, Bode (pictured on Monday), a six-time Olympic medalist, may also compete in the super-combined event. However, Sasha Rearick has not confirmed this . Expecting: Last month, Morgan shared a photo of her growing baby bump on Instagram (left), alongside the caption: '6 months, 28 lbs and an amazing appetite. Right, she is pictured during Tuesday's training event . Morgan (pictured with her husband) has revealed that she and Bode have decided not to find out the sex of the baby before it is born. 'It's going to be a surprise!' she wrote. 'It's so hard for me not knowing though' The post came just weeks after Morgan suggested that Sara became pregnant with Bode's son by 'taking a condom out of the trash'. In an anonymous November post on TheBump.com, she wrote: 'Girls do crazy things for money... including taking condoms out of trash cans and locking themselves in a bathroom.' But when readers became aware of her identity, the image and posts were promptly removed. Sara and Bode were involved in litigation over custody of their young son since his birth, with the case only being settled at the end of last year, though details have not been made public. Drama: In November, Morgan accused Bode's ex Sara McKenna (left) of getting pregnant with their son (pictured with Morgan, right) by taking a 'condom out of the trash'. Sara has dismissed Morgan's claims . Sara dismissed Morgan's claims about how she got pregnant, saying: 'Sam was conceived the old fashioned way while we were on vacation in Florida.' She later added: #'This Morgan thing has been getting a little out of control and downright scary and I would like it to stop.' Morgan and Bode met in 2012 just months after he began dating Sara, and were married in October 2012. In early 2013, Beck suffered a miscarriage, just one month before Sara gave birth. | Bode Miller joined by wife Morgan and son, Sam, in Colorado on Tuesday . Morgan, who is six months' pregnant, had a noticeable bump under shirt . She was pictured carrying around Sam and giving skier husband a kiss . The family was joined at the World Ski Championships by Tiger Woods . Golfer cheered on his girlfriend, Linsey Vonn, who came 3rd in Super-G . Bode, who achieved 12th fastest time at training, will race Wednesday . Olympic champion had two-year-old son with ex-partner, Sara McKenna . | 56d5268999d24dcf5399537719197be33b26fa2d |
By . Mail Online Reporter . A San Diego man was busted after biting off the tip of a man's finger at a Beyonce-Jay Z concert. The fight between the two men broke out in the audience at Pasadena's Rose Bowl Stadium after Roberto Alcaraz Garnica, 25, groped the unnamed man's girlfriend. The pair then began physically attacking each other, ending in Garnica biting off a chunk of the man's finger. Roberto Alcaraz Garnica, 25, bit a man's finger off during a Beyonce-Jay Z show at Pasadena's Rose Bowl Stadium . CBS Los Angeles reports Garnica has been charged with mayhem but could still face further charges. He is being held on $100,000 bond. The victim, who is in his 20s, was taken to the hospital. The incident took place as the husband-and-wife musical powerhouses started the first show of their two-night 'On the Run' tour. In total there were 11 arrests at the show, ranging from public intoxication to scalping . While this incident may have been the most bizarre altercation requiring police attention at the show it was far from alone. Consequence of Sound reports a total of 11 people were arrested at the show. Most of the arrests were related to public intoxication or ticket scalping. | Police say Roberto Alcaraz Garnica got into an altercation with an unidentified man after groping his girlfriend . Garnica bit the tip of the man's finger off during the fight . Total of 11 arrests took place during the show . | 85a8eadf6441d566d4ca68bae8c75669e9b1d8aa |
By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 04:27 EST, 12 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:28 EST, 12 September 2013 . South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield City Council and the Football Association could all be charged with manslaughter, 24 years after the Hillsborough tragedy happened. All four organisation are being investigated for possible for possible gross negligence manslaughter over the disaster at the stadium in Sheffield on April 15 1989. The disclosure was made by Jon Stoddart, former chief constable of the Durham force, who is leading the new investigation called 'Operation Resolve' into the tragedy. Horror: Fans try to get away from the crush of the crowd as they pour into the ground . Fans were badly injured in the 1989 match, and one was carried on an advertising board used as a stretcher. The disaster is now at the centre of the biggest ever inquiry into police conduct in the UK . He told the Guardian newspaper: 'We are exploring all . liability, both public and individual. We are looking at unlawful . killing; who is responsible for the deaths.' He said more was being looked at than command and control of the crowd, including an investigation into the logistics and planning around the game beforehand. He said: 'It . is about the safety of the stadium, certification, the planning and . preparation, the engineering and design that went into the Leppings Lane . end (where the people died),' the Guardian reported. Sheffield Wednesday football club offered to host the match despite serial breaches of the Home . Office guide to ground safety and a safety certificate 10 years out of . date, the newspaper reported. Sheffield city council was statutorily responsible . for licensing the stadium as safe, and the FA commissioned the ground . for the FA Cup semi final despite Hillsborough's safety breaches and . previous crushes at semi finals there in 1981, 1987 and 1988. Supporters were crushed against the barrier in the disastrous match. four organisations are being investigated for possible gross negligence manslaughter . Trying to escape: Fans climb onto the pitch to get away from the over crowding on the terraces . A FA spokesman said: 'The FA maintains their stance that since the inquiry was announced it will co-operate fully with the investigation.' A Sheffield City Council spokesman said: 'Sheffield City Council is committed to fully cooperating with the Stoddart enquiry. 'It would be inappropriate to comment about the likelihood or otherwise of prosecution at this stage. 'We are trusting to the processes (including the new inquests) and are fully engaged with them.' Sheffield Wednesday Football Club declined to comment and South Yorkshire Police has been contacted by the Mail Online for a response. Meanwhile, . it has emerged that more than 90 police pocket notebooks that could . contain crucial new information about the disaster have been recovered . by investigators. The . Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which revealed last . month that it was looking for the notebooks, said 90 had been handed in . to South Yorkshire Police by retired and serving officers. Liverpool fans called for justice into the disaster at the memorial to Hillsborough at Anfield . Supporters hold scarves at the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in Liverpool. Operation Resolve is now investigating the tragedy . The . force has also found boxes of notebooks and other documents that cover . the period of the disaster, which could contain vital details. Deputy . chairwoman of the IPCC, Deborah Glass said: 'This is an ongoing . criminal investigation the like of which has never been seen before in . this country. Already we are uncovering more about the disaster and its . aftermath. 'Hillsborough has . had a history of inquiries by the police and others, many completed . quickly, coming to flawed conclusions. Our investigations need to . deliver the last, definitive account.' Last . month the IPCC revealed that at least at one officer made a note of . what happened that day, against instructions, and that none of the . previous inquiries into the tragedy had recovered any such notebooks. The disaster is now at the centre of the biggest ever inquiry into police conduct in the UK. The . IPCC said it has uncovered evidence to suggest that the statements of . 74 more officers might have been changed, and that fans' witness . accounts could also have been altered. Investigators . are set to appeal for witnesses next week in relation to how West . Midlands Police ran their inquiry into the handling of the disaster by . South Yorkshire Police. Around 12,000 people spoke to West Midlands Police during the inquiry. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Wednesday football club, Sheffield City Council and the Football Association are being investigated . Jon Stoddart, former chief constable leading Operation Resolve, said all four are being investigated for possible gross negligence manslaughter . | 7749c7b9f703fa357debb56eca2986f629314b05 |
By . Daniel Miller . PUBLISHED: . 07:19 EST, 14 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:41 EST, 14 February 2013 . A Belgium enthusiast has created one of the world's weirdest and most wonderful hotels where you can spend the night inside a Trojan horse or even sleep with a mermaid. La Balade Des Gnomes, near the picturesque town of Durbuy, in Belgium, offers guests a unique experience where they can unwind in an imaginary world. The . fairytale resort is comprised of extraordinarily unique bedrooms from a . spaceship in a lunar landscape to a troll's habitat complete with . running stream and goldfish. Mythical: The 'Cheval de Troie' (Trojan Horse) suite at the magical La Balade Des Gnomes hotel in Belgium . You can even share a room with a mermaid floating in a pool on a yacht. The owner Dominique Noel took inspiration from the four corners of the world and created the innovative abode an unassuming farmhouse. Mr Noel, an architect, said: 'The hotel was created by people who have a strong interest in nature. 'It is built from completely natural materials and celebrates the simplicity of modern times. Accommodation: The interior of the Trojan Horse offers a unique mix of comfort and craziness . Mod cons: It might be based on a Greek myth but you can still unwind in a wooden jacuzzi bath . The hotel's owner Dominique Noel says he took inspiration from the four corners of the world to create the magical resort . Decor: (left) Enjoy a glass of wine in a troll's lair and (right) one of the hotel's unusual bathroom's . 'I wanted the hotel to be almost imaginary, with a youthful essence and work harmoniously with nature.' La Balade Des Gnomes was built to compliment Mr Noel's restaurant, La Gargouille, which is conveniently placed next door. Mr Noel charges between £50 - £125 a night for the rooms which he believes excite guests and offer them a unique staying experience. Cosy: Gnarled wood and rustic fittings create a magical experience . La Balade Des Gnomes, near the picturesque town of Durbuy, in Belgium, offers guests a unique experience where they can unwind in an imaginary world . Kipping on the moon: The 'Sur un quartier de Lune' suite offers guests the chance to sleep in outer space . Lap of luxury: The bedroom in the lunar suite . La Balade Des Gnomes was built to compliment the owner's restaurant, La . Gargouille, which is conveniently situated directly next door . Fairytale: Another of the hotel's brilliant bathrooms . Charms: Mr Noel charges between £50 - £125 a night for the rooms which he believes excite his guests and offer them a unique experience . Inspiration: Architect and visionary hotelier Dominique Noel said he 'wanted the hotel to be almost imaginary, with a youthful essence and work harmoniously with nature' An aerial view of one of the rooms at La Balade Des Gnomes . | Belgium hotel offers guests a chance to unwind in an imaginary world . | dee12762eecb33f61796d4bc86c1af9557ebb5d0 |
Scott Tony Smith, 23, has been jailed after driving erratically with a child in the back seat . A banned driver has been jailed after he flipped his car over a hedge with a four-year-old boy in the back seat during a 97mph police chase. Scott Tony Smith, 23, was spotted driving erratically through his home town of Stanley in County Durham and attempted to embark on a reckless escape after being pursued by officers. But a terrifying video taken on the police car's on-board camera, which was played at Durham Crown Court during the trial, showed how he sped through country lanes before landing in a field. During the sentencing it emerged that the boy was only strapped in with an adult's seatbelt, not a child safety seat. Also with Smith in the MG ZT was a woman who told police she had begged him to stop, saying: 'The bairn's in the car' but he replied "I know, I'm sorry." Police began following Smith at around lunchtime on October 29 when he immediately sped up, ignoring the blue lights and sirens, and careered through residential streets. He weaved in and out of traffic, through the villages of The Middles and Craghead, before ignoring temporary traffic lights on red and mounted the kerb as he tried to get away. As the pursuit moved into country lanes, Smith tried desperately to keep ahead of the police car. But after narrowly passing a van at about 80mph on a country lane, his car failed to steady and Smith was unable to negotiate a T-junction, sending the MG through a hedge and flipping it over. The police on-board camera showed the patrol car had to reach 97mph to keep up with the MG and a source said the police driver was stunned that no-one was badly hurt. After releasing the footage last month, Durham Police insisted that the pursuit would have been called off if the officer had known a child was on board. Chase: The chase started after the car, driven by Scott Tony Smith, was seen speeding through County Durham. Officers reached speeds of almost 100mph in their pursuit of the vehicle, an MG ZT . Dangerous: During the sentencing it emerged that the boy was only strapped in with an adult's seatbelt, not a child safety seat . Flipped: After narrowly passing a van at about 80mph on a country lane, his car failed to steady and Smith was unable to negotiate a T-junction, sending the MG through a hedge and flipping it over . Last month Smith admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and a child cruelty offence relating to exposing the boy to such risk. Judge Robert Adams told Smith: 'You could have killed somebody - it is a miracle you did not.' He said the speed of more than 90mph in 30mph zones 'grossly' exceeded the limit. 'The vehicle only came to a halt when you lost control, unable to take a left-hand turn as a result of the speed you were travelling at,' he told Smith. 'It is a miracle nobody was seriously hurt.' Rural: After chasing Smith through a number of County Durham villages, police follow the car on to more rural roads . Reckless: Smith, who was banned from driving, was caught on police dashboard-cam as he weaved in and out of residential streets . Smith fractured a vertebra in the crash but walked unaided in and out of court for cigarettes, keeping his face covered by a hooded jacket. Joanne Kidd, prosecuting, said: 'When the officer approached Mr Smith and arrested him for dangerous driving Mr Smith responded 'It's your fault for putting pressure on me'. 'He was subsequently taken to the police station and when he was cautioned he said 'I will go to jail for this'.' Smith, pictured smoking outside court, was jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for two years . Tom Finch, defending, said Smith, who had been banned from driving in March, made an error of judgment when he set out to the shops and that escalated into the appalling driving shown in court. He suffered from mental health problems and 'is a young man who has limitations', his barrister said. Smith has never had a job and had dyslexia and dyspraxia, the court heard. Mr Finch said: 'He does not have the malice that other individuals that appear before this court with serious driving offences have.' Judge Adams told Smith: 'This is the first time you will lose your liberty. I hope it emphasises the risks you posed to other people.' He jailed him for 12 months and banned him from driving for two years. Outside court, Temporary Sergeant Sam Turner said: 'It was a miracle that no-one was injured in that collision, with the vehicle leaving the road at that speed, somersaulting into the field. 'All three occupants walked away with minor injuries. 'At the time of the police pursuit, the pursuing officer was unaware of the small child in the rear of the vehicle. Had the officer been aware, it is very likely the officer would have pulled back and monitored from a safer distance.' | Scott Tony Smith, 23, was seen driving erratically through his hometown . When he spotted police following him he sped up through country lanes . Terrifying chase was captured on video by police car's on-board camera . It emerged boy was only strapped in with an adult's seatbelt - not child seat . Judge jailed him for 12 months and banned him for driving for two years . | 25f305884212076afca4b4035bbcd5b4c9ddc198 |
By . Dan Bloom . Former French First Lady Carla Bruni has waded into the row over Francois Hollande's affair by saying he had no right to privacy because public money was involved. The wife of former leader Nicolas Sarkozy complained privacy laws in France were the strictest in the world - and the liaison would have been exposed by foreign media anyway. Actress Julie Gayet won £12,400 in damages from the French magazine Closer last month after it published photos which it said were of President Hollande leaving her Paris flat. No right to privacy: Former First Lady Carla Bruni (left) has waded into the row over current President Francois Hollande's affair with Julie Gayet (right), saying he had no right to privacy because public funds were involved . Scandal: The revelations prompted Hollande (left) to split from long-term partner Valerie Trierweiler (right) The story caused a national scandal in France and saw Hollande's long-term partner Valerie Trierweiler move out of the Elysee Palace. She publicly blamed 'low blows' and 'betrayals' for the break-up in January, adding it had been ‘like being hit by a high speed train', and checked herself into a public hospital for eight days suffering from stress. The incident sparked outcry in some quarters of France, which has some of the strictest privacy laws in the world. But in an interview with the New York Post this week, Italian-born former model Ms Bruni, 46, said: 'You must understand that France has a law that is supposed to protect privacy. But nowhere else in the world does such a law exist. 'This is public money, right? So . it can’t be private. If the French magazine won’t publish this kind of . story, the Belgian one will, and it comes out everywhere.' Outspoken: Italian-born Ms Bruni (left with her husband Nicolas Sarkozy) told the New York Post: 'This is public money, right? So it can’t be private. If the French magazine won’t publish this kind of story, the Belgian one will' Ms Bruni said: 'France has a law...to protect privacy. Nowhere else in the world does such a law exist' Earlier this year 41-year-old Ms Gayet . launched a criminal claim for breach of privacy against the magazine for . using the photos, which showed the man it claimed was the President . with his face concealed inside a motorcycle helmet. He was identified using his shoes and the VIP bodyguards around him. She . demanded £40,000, but was awarded just £12,000 after the magazine . argued it was covering a security risk to the president about which the public . needed to know. | Former First Lady said 'nowhere in the world' had privacy laws like France . 'This is public money', she added, and story would have come out anyway . French magazine was made to pay £12,400 damages to actress Julie Gayet . Closer had published shock photos of 'Hollande leaving her apartment' | 5c91e3f938fbb1ca3731bb89b3bb4249af2cf294 |
(CNN) -- Last month, a British company launched the world's first dog-holiday package. For $70,000, your pampered pooch will get a run along a beach with an Olympic sprinter, a private screening of "Lassie," a Louis Vuitton dog collar, counseling sessions and a stay at England's Paw Seasons dog hotel. It's the latest and one of the more extravagant ways pet lovers can treat their animals. Best Western Fallsview Hotel, Niagara Falls, Canada . At the Best Western Niagara Falls, dogs checking in will be invited to dip their paws into the reception area's canine cookie jars before being presented with a travel bag filled with treats, a water bottle and pet waste bags. The hotel is just a few meters away from Queen Victoria Park and Niagara Park and the hotel's guest services staff will happily walk your dog. Best Western Fallsview Hotel, 6289 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; +1 905 356 0551; from $85 per room per night, $23 per night per dog . Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, California . Upon checking in at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, dogs are presented with their own bed, bowls and treats. Dog-sitting and walking services are available. The hotel has teamed up with a Santa Monica pet store and grooming parlor, The Healthy Spot. Guests get 10% off dog toys and The Healthy Spot's dog-friendly spa treatments, which include pedicures (pawdicures?) and blueberry facials. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California; +1 310 576 7777; from $329 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . Lamb and Lion Inn, Cape Cod, Massachusetts . Cape Cod is an ideal destination for four-legged vacationers. The Lamb and Lion Inn is surrounded by dog-friendly beaches and miles of hiking trails and the area is filled with dog-friendly restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The Inn's owners love dogs and have five of their own, including an adorable Yorkshire terrier named Cosmos. Lamb and Lion Inn, 2504 Route 6A, Barnstable, Massachusetts; +1 508 362 6823; from $179 per room per night, $25 per dog, per night . Le Meurice, Paris . In 1907, workers building the hotel adopted a stray dog that had been living on site. It became the hotel's mascot and inspired its emblem -- a silhouette of a pair of greyhounds. Guests's four-legged friends get a dog basket, a personalized name tag and their own menu. The hotel can also arrange for a food bowl to be engraved the with dogs' names prior to their visit and staff will walk dogs in nearby Tuileries Garden. Le Meurice, 228 rue de Rivoli, Paris; +33 (0)1 44 58 10 10; from $823 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . Loews Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis, Maryland . Annapolis was recently ranked the third-most dog-friendly city in the United States by "Dog Fancy" magazine -- the city's 39,000 residents own 20,000 dogs -- and the Loews Annapolis Hotel is one of the reasons. VIPs (Very Important Pets) staying at the hotel get a pet place mat, water bowl, Fiji spring water and a room service menu offering everything from vegetarian dog treats to a tasty tennis ball. In summer months, the hotel hosts regular Canines and Cocktails evenings -- dogs are welcome -- to raise money for local charities. Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 W. St., Annapolis, Maryland; +1 410 263 7777; from $159 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs to the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. -- they can even sign up for the Puppy Love package. The package includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe guestroom and a luxury dog bed, along with a menu that includes treats such as Perfect Pooch Pasta and Tail-Waggin' Turkey. Mandarin Oriental Washington DC, 1330 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 554 8588; from $315 per room per night, $100 charge per dog, plus $50 per dog per night . Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn, Vermont . Guests and their dogs can choose from the Green Mountain Suite, the Bulldog Suite, the Terrier Suite or the Honeymoon Suite. They can even treat their dogs to the Deluxe Dog Spa package, which includes use of a luxury dog bed, bag of deluxe doggie treats and use of the hotel's dog-walking service. Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn, 195 Main St., Montgomery Center, Vermont; +1 802 326 4306; from $159 per room per night, first dog stays free, $25 per stay per additional dog . The Boat Hotel, Aviemore, Scotland . Most dogs love nothing more than chasing sticks and getting wet, and the Boat Hotel's location, on the edge of stunning Loch Garten, is perfect for doing just that. Dogs get an organic pet treat and a door hanger to notify staff of their presence and the hotel's concierge can organize dog-sitting services or appointments at nearby grooming parlors. The Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, Scotland; +44 (0)1479 831258; rooms start from $58 per room per night, $22 per dog per night . The Hughenden, Sydney . This dog-friendly Sydney hotel has spacious gardens and dog-walking and sitting services. Dogs can enjoy a range of pampering treatments -- including highlights, pedicures and basic grooming -- in the comfort of their room. The hotel is located across the road from Centennial Parklands, one of the city's largest dog-friendly parks. The Hughenden, 14 Queen St., Woollahra NSW, Australia; +61 (0)2 9363 4863; from $188 per room per night, $18 per dog per stay . The Milestone Hotel, London . Dogs checking into the Milestone Hotel in London get a welcome hamper containing dog treats, toys, a Milestone dog tag and pooper scooper bags. The hotel's dog-friendly rooms are kitted out with "Do not disturb -- pet sleeping" door tags and food and water bowls. Dogs (or their owners) can choose from a range of dog duvets, cushions and sleeping mats. There's even a doggie turn-down service, and staff can whip up a special cake if it's your furry friend's special day. The Milestone Hotel, 1 Kensington Court, London; +44 (0) 20 7917 1000; from $511 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . The Muse Hotel, New York . Your dog may not have the capacity to appreciate being welcomed by name, but he'll definitely appreciate the plush bed, food bowls and bottled water. Owners meanwhile receive complimentary plastic bags, a list of dog-friendly restaurants and parks in the vicinity and a personal welcome from the director of pet relations -- a rather fluffy teacup Pomeranian named Ginger. The Muse Hotel, 130 W. 46th St., New York; +1 212 485 2400; from $249 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . Yufuin Garden Hotel, ÅŒita, Japan . Hot springs aren't just for humans. At the Yufuin Garden Hotel, canine guests get their own exercise paddock and indoor exercise area, but the beautifully landscaped gardens have also been designed with dogs in mind, with streams and an outdoor shower. There's a hot spring bathing area for dogs, who also get their own celebration cake if their visit takes place on a birthday. Yufuin Garden Hotel, Oita Prefecture, Yufuincho Nakagawa, Japan; +81 0977 28 2008; from $130 per room per night, no extra charge for dogs . | Many dog-friendly hotels offer special menus and treats for the pooch . Fiji spring water and vegetarian menus for dogs? The Loews Annapolis Hotel offers them . United States a leader in dog-friendly hotels . | bf92a2e7f84797793d2e82959715bf16177735e5 |
By . Paul Thompson . PUBLISHED: . 15:03 EST, 12 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:08 EST, 12 September 2013 . A fake TV producer who boasted of friendships with Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez is alleged to have cheated businesses out of thousands of dollars to fund a lavish lifestyle. Jessie Alexander, of Miami, Florida, told business owners in Palm Beach that she worked for FOX 29 and was making a TV special that would get them publicity for a one time fee of $3,500. The 41-year-old allegedly spent the cash she raised on spa treatments, staying in luxury hotels and shopping sprees. Jessie Alexander (left) pictured with Ben Affleck and a girlfriend at the Beverly Hills Hotel in January . She was arrested on Tuesday and charged with fraud but was released from jail on Wednesday. Alexander has previously faced charges including burglary, prostitution and battery, dating back to 1990, according to the Sun Sentinel newspaper . Investigators said Alexander claimed she was making a show called Best of Palm Beaches to air in May 2013 - but no such program ever aired on TV. On her LinkedIn page Alexander claims to have worked on national TV shows with actors such as Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez. None of the claims could be verified by police who arrested her after complaints from several business owners. Jessie posted pictures of herself with Bradley Cooper (left) and Mel Gibson (right) on her Facebook page . THe 41-year-old is from Miami, Florida, but conducted her alleged scam in Palm Beach . Police said the scheme was unusual and elaborate. 'This was not a low-caliber scam,' said Palm Beach police spokesman Fred Hess. 'This was somebody who was going after the big bucks.' According to police Alexander, who uses other aliases, claimed she was a producer from the local Fox 29 TV station and working for a PR company. Jessie, 41, was arrested and charged with fraud but released from jail (mugshot pictured) She charged businesses $3,500 to appear in her TV special. At least eight companies paid the money, and although short videos appeared on YouTube, none were featured on TV. When they approached Alexander for a refund they were told the TV shot had been pushed back due to scheduling conflicts. One woman who contacted the PR firm she claimed to work for, Love PR, was told more time was needed. Police began investigating after complaints from business owners. Fox TV confirmed Alexander did not work for them. A review of Alexander's bank account showed the money had been spent on spas, shopping sprees and hotels. Alexander has refused to comment after being released from jail having been charged with fraud. Police believe there could be other victims who hare too embarrassed to admit they have been conned. Jessie has previous records of prostitution, burglary and battery . | Jessie Alexander, of Miami, claimed she worked for FOX 29 . She was arrested for fraud but released from jail . She has past charges for prostitution, burglary and batter from the '90s . | bf40daeddb0b86f8b80fcfaa743523827f82fe9e |
American rugby fans may not have known understood was going on when the All Blacks played the US Eagles but they loved what they saw all the same. The Kiwis smashed the U.S team 74 - 6 at the Soldier's Field in Chicago on Saturday in a test match in front of 60,000 excited fans. Despite the annihilation, most American supporters took to Twitter expressing their new-found love of the Rugby Union game while conceding they had no knowledge of the game's rules. Scroll down for video . Americans loved the All Blacks vs US Eagles match but found it hard to follow the rules . American fans were in awe of the tough Rugby Union game . Some American fans were simply in awe of the game that is Rugby Union. 'Rugby is pretty wild,' Dylan Jones posted. While Dylan Jones added that: 'rugby is crazy'. Others confessed that they loved watching the match despite not understanding the tactics of the game. Patrick McDonald was curious what the TV ratings were when the match aired as the stadium was packed. 'While I had no idea what the hell was going on, enjoyed it.' 'Know absolutely nothing about Rugby,' Eddie Mannix posted. 'But The All Blacks beat the living daylights out of the USA.' Patrick admits to loving the game despite not understanding the game . Another fan who pleads ignorance when New Zealand played America on Saturday night . Sonny Bill Williams playing at Soldier's Field in Chicago on Saturday in a test match in front of 60,000 fans . Jay wants to see more after watching his first-ever rugby match . Yet another tweet expressing no knowledge of what a game of rugby involves . While Rugby Schedule expressed relief that NBC was filling viewers on how the game works. 'We're so glad @nbc are explaining the rules for us.' Anthony G suggested America would have a better chance of winning if they played baseball against New Zealand instead. 'I don't know Rugby but I see USA lost 74-6 vs All Blacks. I do know one thing. Thats a blow out. Now New Zealand should play us in baseball.' Jay Pedro wants to see more rugby on the TV screens in the U.S. 'More on rugby on TV please that was awesome to watch. I have never watched a rugby game before but I will watch them now.' And of course the mega famous ritual of the team performing the Haka impressed the American fans no end. 'Hands up who thought they'd see that in there [sic] lifetime?' The mega famous ritual of the team performing the Haka impressed the American fans no end . The All Blacks performing the haka to the US Eagles before trouncing the American side . | All Blacks beat US Eagles 74 - 6 at Soldier's Field in Chicago . American fans expressed their love for the game on Saturday . But many supporters admitted to knowing very little about Rugby Union . Twitter followers want to see more of the game they don't understand . | 5503ab8e110deb02b5fe26ef89ed0a47926d0315 |
A major hunt is underway to find Britain's most prolific petrol thief who has been driving off without paying for fuel for two years after escaping detectives by donning fake number plates and wigs. Officers have linked the thief to 29 separate incidents in Devon and Cornwall and said the con-artist has made off with thousands of pounds worth of fuel during the spree. However, thanks to an array of disguises including woolly hats, hoodies and wigs, officers have been unable to identify the offender and aren't even certain if they are a man, a woman or a transvestite. Officers have linked the thief to 29 separate incidents in Devon and Cornwall and said the con artist has made off with thousands of pounds worth of fuel during her spree. The thief is pictured here wearing a blonde wig . Police have so far been unable to identify the suspect due to the varying disguises used in each offence. Officers said the offender has regularly used fake number plates and swaps them before and after the crime . Devon and Cornwall Police said witnesses have described the suspect as female in 19 offences, male in seven cases, and 'indistinguishable' in the remaining three. The only firm lead the force has is the silver Vauxhall Zafira that has been picked up repeatedly on CCTV despite the fraudster using a variety of cloned plates. The scammer's spree began in September 2012 when the mystery suspect refuelled at an Esso garage in Plymouth, Devon. Over the following two years, the same offender targeted petrol stations across the South West including at Texaco, Esso and Morrisons and each time made off with between £55 and £85 of free fuel. Police said the suspect is most likely a woman, but said they can't rule out a male transvestite either. Detective Constable Zara Payne, who is leading the investigation, said: 'The most frequent report is of a woman, sometimes in long blonde wig, or a short bob-cut wig, or wearing a beanie hat or hoody. In some cases the suspect dons a wig, while in others they put on a beanie hat or shield their face with a hoody . Police have released CCTV of the offender in the hope of identifying the thief who started the spree in 2012 . 'But while the same car has been reported at each of the 29 incidents on a few occasions the victim says they think the driver was a man. 'We're keeping an open mind and seeing as this woman appears to go to great lengths to disguise herself, it may well be her impersonating a man. 'What is very clear is over the past two or more years, this woman has stolen thousands of pounds worth of fuel. 'It's quite possible she hasn't paid a penny for her fuel in the last couple of years. 'She's very brazen about it, sometimes returning to the same location two or three times within a few months. Police said 29 incidents have been reported, with 19 witnesses describing the thief as a woman, seven describing them as a man and three suggesting the sex is 'indistinguishable' In each theft, police said the thief takes between £55 and £85 worth of fuel before driving off without paying . 'These thefts are not spur of the moment. We know she is going prepared, with a set of disguises which she carries with her in the car. 'We also know she is using cloned number plates, which we believe she is changing shortly before and after each of these thefts. Police have now released these CCTV images of the suspect in the hope someone will be able to help police in identifying them. Det. Con Payne added: 'Someone out there knows this woman. She may be boasting about her actions, or they have seen her disguises in a car matching the silver Vauxhall Zafira. 'She clearly has no intention of paying for her fuel, seeing it as something only other people have to do.' Police have managed to link each of the 29 offences due to the car - a Vauxhall Zafira - being used by the thief . The thief started the spree in Plymouth, Devon, and has since targeted petrol stations across the South West . | Nationwide hunt underway for thief linked to 29 separate fuel theft offences . Thief began spree in 2012 and has stolen thousands of pounds worth of fuel . Devon and Cornwall Police unsure if the thief is male, female or transvestite . Confusion over sex due to the disguises used including wigs and fake plates . Witnesses reported suspect as female 19 times and as male in seven cases . In three offences, witnesses were unable to distinguish the offender's sex . | c5e184a8c9868f3ff7526f7f490541d446d41db1 |
Wigan manager Malky Mackay is attempting to sign South Korea winger Kim Bo-kyung, who was released by Cardiff last month. Kim worked with Mackay at the South Wales club before the manager was sacked by Malaysian owner Vincent Tan in December 2013 amid a storm of racist, sexist, anti-semitic and homophobic text messages in which he was implicated. The Football Association are still investigating the messages retrieved when files were seized from Iain Moody, Cardiff’s former sporting director, who resigned from his position at Crystal Palace when Sportsmail revealed the scandal in April 2014. Wigan manager Malky Mackay is attempting to sign South Korea winger Kim Bo-kyung . Kim worked with Mackay at the South Wales club before the manager was sacked by owner Vincent Tan . Among them were the use of the term ‘chinkys’ — in direct reference to the arrival of Kim — and a joke about Koreans eating dogs. The situation got worse when Wigan chairman Dave Whelan spoke about ‘chingalings’ as he defended his decision to appoint Mackay back in November. Whelan, 78, was banned from football for six weeks and fined £50,000 by the FA after accepting a misconduct charge over his comments about Chinese and Jewish people, but did not carry out his threat to quit the game after the disciplinary commission were satisfied that he was not a racist. Mackay came in for heavy criticism last year when the League Managers’ Association issued a statement describing the text messages as ‘friendly banter’, but the 42-year-old Scot later issued a full and unreserved apology. It was reported last week that he is likely to be cleared by the FA, who are believed to have a policy of not being able to act on communications sent privately between two individuals. Kim in action for Cardiff City during their Capital One Cup clash against Coventry City . Dave Whelan (left) and Mackay during the manager's unveiling at Wigan Athletic . Wigan, deep in the Championship’s relegation zone, sold Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney, Adam Forshaw and Callum McManaman during the January transfer window, which closed on Monday night. Mackay signed Leon Clarke on loan from Wolves and Sheyi Ojo on loan from Liverpool, and also snapped up the Cameroon defender Gaeten Bong on a short-term deal. Kim, though, is available as a free agent. He joined Cardiff in 2012 from Cerezo Osaka in Japan and quickly established himself under Mackay as the Bluebirds won promotion to the Premier League at the end of his first season. Kim scored his first top-flight goal in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in November 2013, but has appeared only twice in the Championship this season and had his contract cancelled by mutual consent on January 24. The 25-year-old has won 30 caps for his country and was handed the No 7 shirt following the retirement of South Korea legend Park Ji-sung, but missed out on a place in the squad for the recent Asia Cup, in which they lost a thrilling final 2-1 to Australia in Sydney. Brighton boss Chris Hughton has appointed Colin Calderwood as his assistant. The 50-year-old former Scotland defender was previously assistant to Hughton at Newcastle, Birmingham and Norwich. ‘We wanted to bring someone in of Colin’s experience,’ said Hughton. Wigan Athletic manager Mackay during a training session earlier in the season . Ben Watson, who scored the only goal in Wigan's FA Cup final win in 2013, is among the players to have left . | Malky Mackay is trying to sign Kim Bo-kyung for Wigan Athletic . Mackay allegedly racially abused the Korean while at Cardiff . Wigan chairman Dave Whelan recently spoke about 'chingalings' while defending his choice to hire Mackay . | 82ab567b78dc09029135bee7cccc9dc50a416642 |
Meet Milly the Chihuahua who has just been crowned the world's smallest dog at just 3.8 inches high. The micro mutt who lives with her Argentine owners in the north east Puerto Rican town of Vega Alta, was so small when she was born back in December 2011 she had to be fed with an eye dropper and could fit in a teaspoon. And despite being fed almost entirely on gourmet food, she failed to grow much larger than the size of an ordinary Chihuahua puppy, now weighing around a pound. Scroll down for video . Paws for applause: 3.8in high Milly the chihuahua has been crowned the world's smallest living dog by Guinness World Record officials . Milly is constantly accompanied by Ms Eizzil or by her owner, . Argentinian Vanessa Semler, who is dedicated to rearing chihuahuas in . Puerto Rico. Ms . Semler says caring for Milly takes effort, but explains that she and . her husband, Edwin Davila, have no children so they have the time to . focus their energies on their pet project. Delighted owner Vanessa Semler said: 'We have to be really careful with Milly because she is too small so she . can be easily lost. 'When people see Milly they are really surprised because she is so small but they really love her because she ís so adorable.' Little and large: Tiny Milly is dwarfed by her Great Dane pal . Noteworthy: Little Milly was had to be fed using an eyedropper as a puppy and was so small she could fit on a teaspoon . Smallest bar none: Milly measures up against a Hershey's bar. She replaces previous record holder Boo Boo the chihuahua who had held the top dog spot since February 2008 . Milly, who sleeps in a baby's crib, beat previous title-holder Boo Boo, a . long-haired female Chihuahua, owned by Lana Elswick of Raceland, . Kentucky, who at 4.2inches towers . over the new record holder. Pocket-sized . pets remain one of the most fascinating areas of the Guinness World . Records database, with petite dogs arguably the most popular of all our . animal records. Born in . December 2011, she weighs roughly 1 pound (half a kilogram) and is known . for often sticking out her tiny tongue when someone takes her picture. 'She knows how to pose,' says Vanesa. Dog-eared: The owners of Milly the chihuahua said they were delighted at the news . Pocket pedigree: Weighing only a single pound, the chihuahua from Puerto Rico requires special care . 'People are amazed when they see her because she is so small, and she has a big personality. People love her.' When . she was born, Miracle Milly weighed less than an ounce and fit in a . teaspoon, Semler said. Her mouth was too tiny to nurse from her mother, . so Semler gave her milk every two hours through an eyedropper. Chihuahuas originated from the state of Mexico that carries same name and they usually reach a height of between 15cm and 25cm. Puppy love: Despite being fed entirely on gourmet human-cooked food Milly fhas failed to grow any larger than the average Chihuahua puppy . Dog fight: Boo Boo, a long-haired, female chihuahua was the former . holder of the title of World's Smallest Dog. She measures 10.16cm tall . and is owned by Lana Elswick of Raceland, Kentucky . | Micro Mutt weighs was born in December 2011 but has failed to grow any larger than an average Chihuahua puppy . She replaces former record holder Boo Boo from Kentucky in the U.S. who towers over her at 4.2 inches . | c348e4beb25fec1a79654cf3c90ba3befdfaf4a9 |
By . Ellie Buchdahl . PUBLISHED: . 14:26 EST, 22 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:22 EST, 23 August 2013 . They say you should never smile at a crocodile - and you certainly can't get friendly with one. But this leopard proved otherwise as he joined one of the huge reptiles for a chow-down on an impala. Seemingly undaunted by the scaly creature's massive, bone-crushing jaws, the big cat got stuck into the blood-stained carcass - and amazingly, the croc seemed happy to share its kill. Scroll down for video . Spotted: The young male leopard catches sight of a tasty morsel from his vantage point in the trees of South Luangwa National Park . Dinner for one: This giant Nile crocodile has no idea that another animal has its eye on his catch . Table for two: The leopard slinks out of the bushes, drawn by the promise of fresh impala meat . Room for one more: The leopard approaches the crocodile, which turns to face its challenger . Fresh impala meat was clearly too much for the young male leopard to resist, as it leapt down from its tree and approached the crocodile at the side of the road. After a few cautious sniffs, it apparently decided this was a dinner date for two, and took a big bite - inches from the croc's jaws. Crocodiles have been known to kill leopards, but this easy-going animal simply continued to gnaw on its prey with nothing but a brief - though disgruntled - glance at the big cat. But some meals are best left to one and after a few minutes, the crocodile gathered up its now considerably smaller impala and headed off down the road. The leopard - now joined by another of his species, who clearly wanted to see what the fuss was about - had apparently had his fill, and watched the croc lumber off into the distance. The amazing sight of the two animals . devouring the slaughtered impala together was captured by photographers . who were taking part in a Bushcamp Company tour in South Luangwa . National Park, Mfuwe, Zambia. L'entree: The leopard inches ever closer to the carcass to take his first bite... while the crocodile turns its bloodstained head to face the big cat . Sharing platter: The daring leopard delves in for a bite of the grizzly flesh, undaunted by the razor-sharp crocodile jaws just inches away . Plat du jour: The two animals now seem content to share the carcass by the side of the road in the nature reserve in Mfuwe, Zambia . Cordon bleu: Now both smeared with impala blood, the animals continue to enjoy their meal, seemingly oblivious to photographers . Park . rangers have identified ten different leopards in and around the camps . in the park, which boasts one of the greatest concentrations of animal life in Africa. Sightings of more than 200 crocodiles on hunts or . basking in the sun have been reported. Impala are the most numerous animal in the park, which also boasts 14 different antelope species. The park is also home to 60 different species of animals including hippo, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and waterbuck, and close to 400 bird species. Munch bunch: Nile crocodiles are usually between 11 and 17ft long - although some 22ft specimens have been reported - but this doesn't seem to bother a hungry leopard . Easy pickings: Leopards are extremely agile, stealthy hunters, but scavenging often provides them with a ready-made meal . Three's a crowd: A second leopard is too late for the feast as the crocodile finally makes off with the remnants of its kill . Lethal: The Luangwa River boasts an extraordinary number of Nile crocodiles, with hundreds gathering at a time to hunt or bask in the sun . | Leopard spotted coming within inches of Nile crocodile's jaws . South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, home to hundreds of crocodile . Crocodiles known in past to kill leopards . | 167f44f47d329b897272c35c6468de20103fd05c |
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will point out it has not been helpful for 'liberal commentators' to say concern about immigration is 'irrational' Labour will today attack 'liberal commentators' who are too quick to dismiss the public's 'genuine' concerns about mass immigration. Ed Miliband's party has repeatedly come under fire for trying to close down debate about immigration by labelling its opponents 'bigots'. But in a speech today, the Shadow Home Secretary will say there is a need for a frank and honest discussion. In particular, Yvette Cooper will point out that it has not been helpful for 'liberal commentators and business advocates' to say concern about immigration is 'irrational'. She will go on to say: 'Too often the debate about immigration becomes polarised and unhealthy. On the one hand we now have an arms race of rhetoric involving the Tories and Ukip over immigration. Ukip are exploiting people's fears, fuelling anxiety and division, and David Cameron is racing to catch up. 'On the other hand some people seem to think talking about immigration at all is a problem and they dismiss people's genuine concerns.' Mrs Cooper will also promise that, under a Labour government, 1,000 extra immigration staff would be recruited to protect Britain's porous borders. Controversially, they would be paid for by imposing a £10 visa waiver charge on visitors from overseas. Labour said the charge would apply to people coming from countries such as the 'US, Oman and the United Arab Emirates' who are trusted to return home at the end of a holiday or a short business trip. Last night Labour insisted the policy could work, pointing out that America imposes a $14 charge on visitors to America, including Britons. It costs the US around $4 to process each application and the additional $10 is used to fund government programmes. A Labour spokesman said: 'This reform was not beyond the wit of the American civil service, so the Tories really need to examine their basic competence and ambitions for reform.' However Tory officials claimed the scheme would cost 'more to operate than it would recover in fees' – and said the charge would pay for only 59 extra staff. Scroll down for video . They also accused Labour of sitting on secret plans to slash the Home Office budget if they come to power. Home Secretary Theresa May said: 'Labour would take Britain backwards and risk a surge in both legal and illegal immigration. This disastrous policy launch shows Labour aren't remotely ready for the responsibility of government.' Mrs Cooper's speech is likely to be seen as an attempt by Labour to regain some credibility on immigration amid alarm at the way Ukip is eating into its core vote. Following Ukip coming within 617 votes of taking Heywood and Middleton from Labour, senior politicians have been speaking more openly about mass immigration. Last week Ed Miliband declared: 'It isn't prejudiced to worry about the effects of immigration.' Mrs Cooper will also promise that, under a Labour government, 1,000 extra immigration staff would be recruited to protect Britain's porous borders . | Yvette Cooper will say debate about immigration has become unhealthy . Shadow Home Secretary claims Ukip has been fuelling anxiety and division . She will promise 1,000 extra immigration staff to protect Britain's borders . They would be paid for by imposing a £10 visa waiver charge on visitors . | aa296d630c83dc2bb090657c86438b4eefb02a63 |
A country is suffering from a deep recession, unemployment is increasing, and the government deficit looms larger by the day. Part of the problem comes from an overvalued, fixed exchange rate. Anti-government demonstrations are a common occurrence, and riots are increasingly frequent. The country seems engulfed by a rising wave of chaos. The International Monetary Fund is administering an aid package. The government is duly passing austerity package after austerity package, at the behest of foreign creditors, while ignoring the population's wishes and representatives. The country in question? Greece in 2011? No, it's Argentina in 2001. While not every part of the puzzle falls into place, many of the similarities are striking. It all started so well. For a while, after Argentina introduced a currency board -- a rigid link with the U.S.-dollar -- inflation came down, and consumption and growth surged. Asset prices ballooned, wages went up, and the new prosperity was everywhere -- in swanky restaurants, in the form of gleaming new cars, and in massive public building projects. Then, suddenly, the dream fell apart overnight. In Greece, joining the euro -- effectively a way of fixing Greece's exchange rate vis-à-vis its European partners -- also caused a drastic reduction in inflationary expectations. Lower interest rates fueled a consumption and housing binge; growth looked good for a few years, and so did tax receipts. Everyone was spending: firms, consumers and the government. In both cases, the rigid exchange rate went hand-in-hand with a dramatic loss in competitiveness. Both Argentina and Greece continued to import much more than they exported; for a while, the high life continued, fueled by foreign borrowing that paid for the gap. In both Greece and Argentina, there were fudged numbers in the public accounts. While the Greek case is well known, Argentina's debt/GDP ratio increased by more than 10% in four years, from 1994 to 1998. At the same time, official central government accounts showed deficits of 1.7% to 2.2% -- in an economy that was growing by up to 8% per year, the debt/GDP ratio should actually have been falling. In both cases, the ability to raise taxes was very small, with the government raising no more than 20%-30% of GDP. When the crisis came, with interest rates moving up sharply in the secondary market for government bonds, the first reaction was denial; then a wave of austerity measures. Argentina brought back Domingo Cavallo, the architect of its Houdini-like escape from hyperinflation half a decade earlier. The Greeks voted in a new, reforming government under George Papandreou, which promptly found so many skeletons in the cupboard that it had to go cap in hand to its European partners soon after. In both cases, the IMF (in the Greek case, together with the European Union) kept on lending long after it became clear that the country was insolvent. The political pressure was just too great not to do so; until the end, lenders hoped that the risk premium might one day start to fall, and that a combination of austerity and cheap loans from international institutions would make the problem go away. The increasingly hectic political moves over the last week in Greece are also reminding many veterans of emerging market crises of the Argentine case. The Greek government will surely fall if it loses the referendum; Argentina's cabinet became a revolving door for ministers before finally defaulting in chaotic fashion. Greece shows that all of the eurozone is now potentially subject to wrenching debt crises of the type that were once the prerogative of emerging markets. The cause of the problem is often similar -- a pegged exchange rate at an artificial rate, combined with massive debts issued in a foreign currency. Once the peg failed, Argentina's banking system imploded; Argentines could not touch their savings for years, and the economy collapsed, before rebounding sharply. For the Republic by the Rio de la Plata, a commodity boom eventually helped to turn the economy around. No similar positive shock from foreign demand is going to save the Greeks -- they simply do not produce enough of a range of goods to benefit. Whether Greece can avoid the wholesale destruction of its banking system is unclear, especially if a "no" vote arrives. Perhaps Papandreou should make sure there is a helicopter on standby, to rescue him from the presidential palace should he be forced to flee from angry protesters -- as Argentine President Fernando de la Rue was in December 2001. | Hans-Joachim Voth believes Greece in 2011 is similar to Argentina in 2001 . In both cases, the exchange rate went hand-in-hand with lost competitiveness . The IMF continued lending long after it became clear that each country was insolvent . Whether Greece can avoid the wholesale destruction of its banking system is unclear . | 6ff1acaac4c0ca2cf2991a00770988f0c40ecf1f |
The distance from the Grosvenor Hotel to the Dorchester Hotel is less than half a mile. The last time we met for dinner, Harry Redknapp had to get a taxi. He started off with the best intentions for a short stroll, but retired hurt no more than 50 yards down Park Lane. This was before his left knee went, too. Back then, it was just the right that had him in agony. His condition has deteriorated greatly. Harry Redknapp quit QPR on Tuesday with the club second bottom of the Premier League . Redknapp says his knee problem was the main reason why he had to quit QPR as he could no longer walk . Redknapp outside his home in Dorset . On several occasions over the last two years, Redknapp has considered resigning from football management. He misses the hands-on engagement of coaching, he misses getting out onto the training field as he used to. He still scouts games, but it's a chore. He has to make plans for staircases, for distant car parks; if he's on the wrong side of the stadium, it can take him 20 minutes to get to his seat. Sooner or later, something had to give. He quit Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, after being told he would need replacements for both right and left knees. Unable to walk even 100 yards, he accepted he was not the man to lead Rangers into their relegation fight. And he called owner Tony Fernandes in the small hours to deliver the news, shortly before sharing the decision with his son, Jamie. 'I was awake all night, thinking about it,' Redknapp told me. 'I'm struggling so badly now. I can't walk, I can barely stand and watch. I'm in pain all the time. I've been putting it off, and putting it off, but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job. 'I booked a ticket for Fulham's FA Cup game with Sunderland on Tuesday night, but my first thought was, "how am I going to get to the ground?" Even if I get a car park pass there is going to be some walking. I can't walk around Craven Cottage anymore, I can't walk down the street – that's how bad it has got. 'I went to see my grandson play football at the weekend, and after five minutes had to go back to the car. I couldn't even stand up. What sort of life is it if you can't watch the kids play? That sort of made my mind up. 'I went to bed thinking I would sleep on it, but then I couldn't sleep a wink. That's when I decided to call Tony. It must have been 5.30am. I just told him he needed someone who could properly coach and manage the team in the next ten weeks. It's such an important time. They need someone who can give it everything.' Redknapp says he had a good relationship with QPR owner Tony Fernandes . Harry Redknapp guided QPR back to the Premier League at the first attempt via the play-offs . Redknapp says Emmanuel Adebayor was his only transfer target on deadline day - but he was too expensive . Redknapp's resignation immediately brought speculation that he had become frustrated at a lack of activity in the transfer window. Rangers face financial fair play restrictions, and a huge fine, and have been working to cut budgets. Yet he insisted this was not the case. 'I haven't got the hump, we haven't had a row,' said Redknapp. 'I knew some while ago that we were not going to be able to get much done in January. 'We had one real target on the last day, Emmanuel Adebayor, because we are short upfront. But he was too much money. I accept that. There are no hard feelings on my part – I've not had a problem with Tony Fernandes in all my time there. 'I even went to training this [Tuesday] morning because it was my intention to say goodbye to the lads. I went to sort out some bits and pieces with the club and by the time I had finished they were gone. It's been that quick. I just made my mind up because events were piling up. Being told I needed both knees replaced was a huge blow. It would put me out of the game for months because you can't have them done together. 'Steve McClaren called me when he heard the news and we were talking about our time together at Rangers last year. He reminded me that I was on crutches for 10 weeks back then. It's been a problem for too long now. 'I know what people think - that I've been sacked, or stormed off because we couldn't get the players in. 'My son Jamie said that my timing has to be the worst in the world. When I look back on my career, it certainly isn't my strong point - but I can't control what people think. I feel positive about the future at Rangers - Sandro is back at the weekend and he will make a huge difference. We've got other players coming back from injury, too - if I could get out and coach them like I could five years ago, I'd be optimistic. But I can't.' Redknapp and QPR have not won a single point away from home this season . His wife, Sandra, broke a knee cap too, before Christmas, stumbling over the vacuum cleaner. He regrets not being at home more to tend to her and you can sense a desire to be closer to home. 'I was totally honest with Tony. I told him he needed someone who could commit to every aspect of the job in the next ten weeks, and that's not me. I still don't think I'm finished with football. When I've had the operations, I'll be looking for work again, I know that. I can't imagine my life without it. But right now, I've got to make my health the priority. 'I can't even walk the dogs. I stand watching the team play, and I'm struggling. It's reached a point where I can't ignore it any longer. It's not a decision I would take lightly. I've thought about it a few times this season, but have always decided to give it one last go. 'The last week has been the tipping point. I can barely move and I'm not enjoying my life. I need to get this done as quickly as I can and try to move on. Nigel Pearson at Leicester City told me had a knee replacement and was ready to go again after six weeks. I'm not sure I'll be hopping about in that time, but I'll talk to Andy Williams, my surgeon, and we'll work out a plan.' Redknapp's final game in charge of QPR was the 3-1 defeat at Stoke on Saturday afternoon . | Harry Redknapp resigned as Queens Park Rangers manager on Tuesday . Redknapp says he needs knee replacements and was unable to continue . Ex-Spurs boss will undergo knee replacement surgery in coming weeks . Redknapp rang Tony Fernandes at 5.30am to tell him of his decision . Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey are now in temporary charge at QPR . Tim Sherwood is the early favourite to replace Redknapp on full-time basis . | 8f4d278bd86f5ad4dc97333ec90ffd74d2b7aba8 |
(CNN) -- It's logical -- especially when it has the support of Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock. Residents of Earth and other planets have until Monday to weigh in on new names for two of Pluto's moons, by voting on a website set up by the SETI Institute. Based on those votes, the Northern California scientific research organization will then propose names to the International Astronomical Union, which makes the final call. And the runaway top pick, as of Friday evening, is Vulcan. Roman mythology aficionados may see that as a tribute to the god of fire. But for others -- most notably, for legions of Star Trek fans -- it is better known as the home planet of Spock, the ever rational, ever loyal member of the starship Enterprise. None other than Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the long-running Star Trek television series and string of movies, endorsed as "logical" the idea of naming one of the moons Vulcan. Spock's former captain has been even more relentless. Kirk -- or more accurately his human facsimile, William Shatner -- started his effort by urging Trekkies to write the SETI Institute to get Vulcan added as an option. "It apparently made a difference as they now have added it as an official name," Shatner wrote on his Facebook page on February 13. "Isn't that wonderful." Since being added as one of 21 alternatives -- and with the help of regular online proddings by Shatner, urging fans to vote Vulcan -- Spock's home has rocketed up the official online vote tally. It had about 140,000 votes by 6:30 p.m. ET Friday, far ahead of its next two closest competitors, Cerberus and Styx, both of which had about 80,000 votes each. There's not much time for them to catch up, as the balloting ends at noon on February 25. But the second-place finisher has a nice consolation prize, since the SETI Institute will be proposing two names. Whatever happens, the moons that until now were only known as P4 and P5 are already lavishing in unprecedented attention -- as evidenced by the volume of votes and the shout-outs from sci-fi legends like Shatner and Nimoy. Earthlings didn't even know about the two orbiting spheres until 2011 and 2012, thanks to images from the Hubble Space Telescope. Naming one of Pluto's moons Vulcan isn't entirely out there. As the SETI Institute notes, Pluto's moons have long been derived from terms from Greek and Roman mythology and stories about Hades and the Underworld. Hence the inclusion of contenders such as Acheron and Sisyphus. That said, Spock and his fellow Vulcans could use a new home. In a 2009 Star Trek film, after all, Vulcan was obliterated by a villain named Nero. Absent another such calamity, though, Vulcan may once again be circulating in the heavens. That would give it a timelessness beyond the two hours or so of any such Star Trek film, allowing the beloved sci-fi franchise's fans to rest easy knowing that Vulcan itself might "live long and prosper" for centuries, if not eons to come. More space and science news from CNN Light Years . CNN's Dave Alsup contributed to this report. | The SETI Institute sets up an online vote to name two of Pluto's moons . It will use the vote in proposing names to the International Astronomical Union . Vulcan -- the Roman god of fire and home planet of Spock, of Star Trek fame -- is winning . William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have urged Trekkies to vote for the Vulcan name . | 71a0629f16afce80726ce2bbbe25784feba139f8 |
(CNN) -- Researchers at Qatar University's engineering school have come up with a novel way to cool the stadiums ahead of the 2022 World Cup... giant flying saucers! Actually, they have announced plans to develop giant artificial remotely controlled "clouds" made up of high-tech materials that will be positioned between the blistering sun and the still-to-be-built football stadiums in the Gulf emirate. Dr. Saud Ghani, head of a Mechanical and Industrial Engineering group at Qatar University, tells CNN that the artificial robotic cloud could potentially drop the temperatures on the pitch by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. That's a big deal in a country where temperatures in summer regularly soar into triple-digits Fahrenheit -- the very time the 2022 tournament is expected to take place. Ghani says that the design has passed the initial engineering phase and his team plan to make a 4-by-3 meter prototype by the end of this year to test the concept. The finished product would be a rectangle made up of carbon fiber and solar panels the size of a jumbo jet. It would use sophisticated monitoring gear to track the transit of the sun and would use four electric powered engines to maneuver to the precisely the right position to drop a cool shade across the stadiums. Ghani believes that the technology could also be useful in security and communications. Radio and camera transmitters could help facilitate wireless communication and provide an eye-in-the-sky for broadcasters or security forces. His team eventually hopes to construct the helium-filled devices in Qatar, and the final price for each unit could be as low as $500,000, Ghani predicted. | World Cup comes to Qatar in 2022 . Saud Ghani of Qatar University said he plans to make a prototype of the robot cloud . The robot cloud will be used to create shade . | 7f7f13dff3711d6a3c01bf38b60cc40e6369d8a3 |
By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 03:24 EST, 19 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:24 EST, 19 April 2013 . Financier: Mark Hawtin, who is hoping to add ti his property in Notting Hill, west London, is a director at investment management firm GAM . A wealthy financier’s plan to build a huge extension for a gym and kitchen in his £8million home by digging under a public road have been rejected after a campaign by neighbours including Ruby Wax. Mark Hawtin wanted to add a second basement level to his five-storey house in Notting Hill, west London, by digging 5ft 9in out below a road - but neighbours called it an ‘unauthorised land grab’. Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel joined U.S. comedian Miss Wax in protesting at the expansion and 25 residents signed a petition for the council to reject the application, reported the Evening Standard. Neighbours feared it could cause . flooding and that construction work would blight the area for months - . and a planning committee turned down the proposals because of . ‘inappropriate’ designs. But . this was in reference to the basement’s upper floor, which has led . residents to raise concerns that a renewed bid from 50-year-old Mr . Hawtin is still possible, reported the Evening Standard. Ms . Johnson said she was ‘very pleased’ and that the planning committee . ‘refused the application on the grounds that they could refuse it on, . but not on a lot of the other objections that were raised’. Solicitor . James Mackay, 51, spoke against the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, and . told the Evening Standard that the residents are concerned about where . building under roads 'could all end'. Plans: Mark Hawtin wanted to add a second basement level to his five-storey house (pictured) in Notting Hill, west London, by digging 5ft 9in out below a road - but neighbours called it an 'unauthorised land grab' Objecting: Neighbours to Mr Hawtin in Notting Hill include comedian Ruby Wax (left) and Rachel Johnson (right) Stella Reed, 67, who is the next-door neighbour to Mr Hawtin, said: ‘We are all worried about a new application, but we just have to wait and see.’ 'We are all worried about a new application, but we just have to wait and see' Stella Reed, 67, neighbour . Thomas Croft Architects, which is behind the plans, said the application was not rejected because of ‘subsidence or anything to do with the pavement’ and that no decision has yet been taken on an appeal or resubmission. Mr Hawtin is a director at investment management firm GAM and currently lives in nearby South Kensington, central London. His wife said the family was unavailable for comment. | Mark Hawtin wanted to add a second basement level to five-storey house . Hoped to dig 5ft 9in out below road - but neighbours called it 'land grab' Local residents include Boris Johnson's sister Rachel and Ruby Wax . Some 25 residents signed petition for council over plans in Notting Hill . | e2673dbcfb01a4aa36b1bc76ca80b68e4439012e |
A 10ft Burmese python was found crushed to death under a tree blown down in high winds. RSPCA officials are investigating the death of the snake, found in a park in Northfleet, Kent, on Wednesday by alarmed dog walkers. The reptile had a head injury - but it remains unclear if the wound was suffered before being hit by the tree. Crushed to death: RSPCA officials are now investigating the death of the 10ft snake in Northfleet, Kent . Officers say it is possible the snake was killed and then left at the scene by a cruel owner. An RSPCA spokesman said: ‘Somebody will be missing a 10ft Burmese python and we want to find out who. ‘Further examination of the snake has led to some question as to whether the crush injury it sustained to the head was a result of the tree or whether the injury took place prior to being placed under the tree.’ Nobody has yet come forward to claim ownership of the snake. Average Burmese pythons grow to between 12 and 13ft - although some can reach 25ft and females are usually larger than males. The snakes are normally found in the marshlands, swamps, grasslands and woodland of southern and south-east Asia, and can prove deadly. Location: The snake was found in this park (file picture) in Northfleet, Kent, on Wednesday by dog walkers . The RSPCA spokesman added: ‘A snake of . this size could easily crush a child. A fully-grown one would have the . capability of seriously injuring or even killing a fully grown adult. ‘It’s their crush instinct that’s particularly dangerous.’ Burmese pythons are a brown colour with distinctive black, green and tan markings. 'Somebody will be missing a 10ft Burmese python and we want to find out who' RSPCA spokesman . Despite the potential danger, the creatures - which eat birds, small mammals and rodents - are popular as pets because of their appearance and normally docile manner. They can live for 20 years or more. The largest Burmese pythons can weigh as much as 250lbs. The Guinness World Record for the largest snake in captivity was awarded in 2011 to Medusa, a reticulated python measuring 25ft 2in in length - which was a pet in Kansas City, United States. The 10-year-old snake required 15 men to hold her at full length in order for her record measurement to be taken. The sub-tropical species is one of the five largest in the world and normally found in south-east Asia - but has become a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts in the UK. | RSPCA officials are investigating death of the snake in Northfleet, Kent . It's unclear if reptile suffered a head injury before being hit by the tree . Officers say it's possible the snake was killed and then left at the scene . | 44f259202d6964411caaf2e6f55582f058fd49c6 |
Los Angeles (CNN) -- California authorities are investigating the death of a worker in an oven at a Los Angeles-area tuna processing plant. The victim, Jose Melena, was cooked to death in a steam oven at the Bumble Bee Foods plant in Santa Fe Springs on Thursday, said Erika Monterroza, a spokeswoman for the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Melena was a six-year veteran of the plant, which was shut down until Monday, the company said. "The entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family," the company said. Monterroza said she could not disclose further details. Worker fatality investigations typically take three to four months to complete. The plant is about 18 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. It processes and cans tuna loin. Melena's job involved pushing baskets of sealed cans into a pressure cooker, and he was considered a skilled and knowledgeable employee, Pat Menke, the company's vice president for human resources, told CNN. The process sterilizes the canned tuna, which is then cooled, dried, labeled and inspected before being shipped to stores, Menke said. CNN's Stella Chan and Irving Last contributed to this report. | NEW: Jose Melena's job was to push baskets of canned tuna into a pressure cooker . Melena was a 6-year veteran of the Santa Fe Springs plant . California's state worker safety agency is investigating the fatality . | dc07a6aa65bb54bdc9060d9642294cab2da27648 |
By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 12:29 EST, 15 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:29 EST, 15 March 2013 . It's only 27 days into Lent but today is when many Brits will give in to temptation and indulge themselves in the guilty pleasure they promised to sacrifice for 40 days. A survey carried out by supermarket chain Asda of 2,000 shoppers found that 34 per cent will end their abstinence today. The majority of respondents (41 per cent) cited a bad week at work as the main reason for succumbing to temptation followed by peer pressure from friends and family who aren't giving anything up (35 per cent). Giving in: Those who gave up coffee and social networking for Lent were most likely to cave in first . For a fifth, the thought that they had almost lasted a month was enough to make them feel less guilty about giving up before the end of Lent. Chocolate is a common sacrifice at Lent but many can't go the full 40 days without it . Regardless of religious inclination, three quarters of Brits still use Lent as an opportunity to give up bad habits. The most common things to forgo for the 40-day period were food-related or social networks. Carbs (19 per cent) was the most popular food type to avoid followed by chocolate (16 per cent). More people said they would give up Twitter (17 per cent) than Facebook (12 per cent) while avoiding swearing also made the top five sacrifices. It seems what you decide to give up . determines how long you'll last. Those who gave up coffee and social . networking sites were more likely to fail sooner than those who gave up . carbs and chocolate - perhaps because the latter were able to see . almost immediate results from their sacrifices. Asda nutritionist . Hayley Marson said: 'Giving up anything entirely for a long period of . time can be tough, so it’s easy to see why people crack before the 40 . days is up. 'It’s . interesting to see that those who gave up sugary or fatty foods were . most likely to stick to it; probably because of the obvious health . benefits associated with a reduced calorie diet, such as weight loss. 'The thought of devouring a delicious chocolate Easter egg as a reward at the end of it probably helps too!' Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter and is a Christian tradition marking the Biblical story of when Jesus when into the desert and was tempted by the devil. | On the 27th day of Lent, 34 per cent will indulge in what they vowed to sacrifice . Nearly half blame their lack of self-discipline on 'a bad week at work' Those who gave up coffee and social networking were the most likely to give in first . | e37901c6a765e4b175a51f73920c30c3ee0faae7 |
(CNN) -- The Boston Marathon bombing investigation made use of crowdsourcing to collect photos and video from cell phones and surveillance cameras at an unprecedented level. These pictures were made public a little more than 72 hours after the explosions and the second suspect was arrested 29 hours later. Forensics is the use of scientific or technical information to answer questions in a court of law. Digital forensics is the branch that focuses on the identification, acquisition and analysis of information found on digital devices: computers, cell phones, digital cameras or any computer-based system. The concept of law enforcement posting photos of wanted individuals in a public place and asking for assistance is hardly new; walk into any post office and you will still see the FBI Most Wanted poster. Why the post office? Because it used to be the social center of a town, a place where the government and the people regularly came together. Fast forward to 2013 and we have thousands of people taking pictures and videos of what everyone expected to be an every day event. Law enforcement agencies were able to use these images to observe the comings and goings of hundreds of people at a certain site at a certain time in order to detect a pattern of behavior with which to identify the two suspects. And most of this imagery came from private citizens. Personal computers have been around for nearly 30 years. The Internet has been commercially available for 20 years. Mobile phones have been pervasive for more than 10 years and smartphones, in particular, for more than five. Computers, networks and cell phones have increasingly become the record keeper, instrument or target of criminal activity over the last few decades. Smartphones are everywhere and offer the equivalent of a portable Internet terminal. Not only do cell phones contain a phone book, call history and text messages, but also Web browser history, email, Global Positioning System and other location information. And surprisingly high-quality pictures and video. All of this information will be of value to investigators. They will want to know who the suspects might have been communicating with in the immediate aftermath of the bombings and, again, in the aftermath of their pictures being posted in the media. The larger investigation will undoubtedly examine their text and email messages, social media postings, Web sites visited and calls made over the last few months and years. This digital forensic evidence will help piece together patterns of behavior that could provide insights into the suspects' thoughts and deeds, and even provide new leads. What does this mean for privacy rights? Consider that when a municipality wants to put up a new camera at an intersection, or purchase a drone, there is often a public outcry. Is the camera an invasion of privacy? Where will it be looking? How will the government use the data? How long will the data be kept? Will it be used to track my movements? At some level, these are good and important questions because this kind of discourse is necessary to frame our Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. Yet, in Boston, a lot of the images came not from public-sector cameras but from private-sector cameras: our fellow citizens. Fellow citizens who voluntarily shared their information so that law enforcement could do its job. Were these people violating the rights of others by sharing their pictures? Well, no, considering that the Bill of Rights was intended to protect us against a tyrannical government rather than from each other. Indeed, it is not clear that the government could have compelled these citizens to turn over their pictures just in case they might be useful; imagine persuading a judge to sign a search warrant on such pure speculation. Yet, citizens stepped forward to offer their help, a clear sign of a community willing to work together for a greater good and one that does not distrust the government. Although some might claim that these people were surrendering their rights for an element of security, it was the same instinct that made some people run toward the carnage so that they could provide assistance and comfort to friends, family and strangers. They were not surrendering their rights when they helped law enforcement but were empowering themselves as a community. The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly offer citizens a right of privacy, although many court decisions certainly support such an ideal. Indeed, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis is well known for his observation, "The right to be left alone -- the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by a free people." Your personal privacy has more to fear from the likes of Facebook and Google than from the government. Commercial entities such as social media sites offer free services and yet make money. How? We, our information, have become their commodity. They have more money, motivation and resources to use our collected information for their own purposes than the government does. We, as users of social media, self-exploit; we post our information voluntarily. Yet, once posted, we usually lose exclusive ownership of the information and always lose control over it. Although the use of the crowdsourcing metaphor may be new as it applies to a criminal investigation, it is almost certain we will see more of this in the future. And it is sure to renew questions about how we all are invading each other's privacy and personal space. It also points to the incredible resiliency of the U.S. Constitution and its ability to guide us in a modern era, yet why it needs constant interpretation. As technologies evolve that the Founders could not have possibly anticipated -- from fully automatic weapons and thermal imagers to satellites and digital technologies -- we have to figure out how to balance our rights as individuals and needs as a society. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Gary Kessler. | Gary Kessler: Boston bombing used public's photos, videos at unprecedented rate . Criminal cases will rely more on public as thousands take pictures and videos, he says . Unmindful of privacy, he says, a community worked together for a greater good . Kessler: Crowdsourcing in criminal investigation will happen more and more . | 6ad06c95d1846bd14a86938502ead779ffcfc9ab |
By . Emily Allen . PUBLISHED: . 11:00 EST, 28 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:07 EST, 28 August 2012 . It sounds like a job for Larry the Downing Street cat - or maybe not. Just two days after reports of a lion on the loose in Essex, commuters at one London Underground station have been warned about a gang of rampaging mice which have apparently been 'attacking' their feet as they wait for trains. The problem has got so bad that a message appeared on a whiteboard at Farringdon Station yesterday urging passengers to 'tuck the bottom of their trousers into their socks'. The sign, handwritten on a whiteboard in black pen, informed passengers of the 'attacks' and said they should 'avoid being a victim'. Warning: TfL says the sign was not written by any of its staff and it's believed to be a joke by a member of the public urging passengers to 'avoid being a victim' It comes as David Cameron's cat Larry caught his first ever rodent today - more than a year . after the five-year-old moggie was brought into help curb the mouse . problem at No 10. The reluctant mouser was finally spotted playing . with the dead mouse this morning before . he proudly dumped its body on the grass. However, the problem at Farringdon station could be too big a challenge for Larry, who, like his owner, is known to enjoy long periods of time 'chill-axing' instead of stalking the corridors of power for vermin. Amusing: Mystery surrounds who is responsible for the sign which has been seen by thousands of people on Twitter today . This afternoon Transport for London, which is in charge of the station, denied any of its staff wrote the note. A spokesman said: 'It wasn't a TfL message, it's been removed and we don't believe it was written by a member of TfL staff. 'We are not aware of any mice at the station.' The spokesman said the sign was removed overnight. No worries: Transport for London said it was not aware of any problems with mice at Farringdon Station (pictured) However, . it still raised a few eyebrows among passengers who spotted the sign and posted pictures of it on Twitter. It has now been . viewed by thousands of people. Twitter . user @alfredcamp wrote: 'First the #EssexLion brought fear, then the . #FarringdonMice wreaked havoc, but now a new terror has been unleashed!' Meanwhile, . @AlexKammAndSons said: 'I am not passing through Farringdon without a . packet of mini cheddars as mouse bait #Farringdonmice' Another Twitter user said: 'Hey, it would be worse. There could be a lion on the loose.' | The sign has been seen by thousands of commuters and people on Twitter . | 97efc2d3c3e44f477a7a67a65deeecf2a7ae26d4 |
(RollingStone.com) -- By now, Miranda Lambert is certainly accustomed to being the belle of the country ball, but she tries not to show it. The country queen took home three trophies at Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards, including a record fifth straight win as Female Vocalist of the Year. "I cannot believe this; I really didn't expect it," said the denim-clad singer upon besting Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood for the Female Vocalist honor. "I was just hanging out with Trisha Yearwood back there -- holy crap! And I was standing next to Sheryl Crow, a complete and utter rock star. Kacey Musgraves, she wrote the Single of the Year. Carrie Underwood's my buddy; she's a phenomenon." RS: Taylor Swift in Wonderland . That Musgraves-penned, Lambert-delivered Single of the Year is the musical spitfire, "Mama's Broken Heart." Keith Urban shares the country singer's third win of the evening, Vocal Event of the Year, for their duet, "We Were Us." He also shares bragging rights as the night's top winner, as he collects two trophies for "We Were Us," as artist and producer of the song, along with Video of the Year for "Highway Don't Care," his catchy collaboration with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift. While Urban and Lambert led in numbers, it was George Strait who took home the night's top trophy, Entertainer of the Year. This follows the King of Country's victory in the same category at the CMAs last November -- both sweet sentimental wins in that the 61-year-old music icon is retiring from touring after his current Cowboy Rides Away trek. RS: Miranda Lambert's best revenge songs . "I've always said I have the best fans in the world, and I heard this was a fan-voted thing, so I rest my case," quipped the legendary singer from the ACM's Las Vegas stage. The only other fan-voted award of the night was perhaps the night's only controversial moment. The 2014 ACM New Artist of the Year is Justin Moore, a singer who first hit the country airwaves in 2008. With three albums now under his belt, including two gold-sellers, the Arkansas native actually does not qualify for the New Artist title under the ACM's rules that "any solo artist that has sold 500,000 copies of a previously released album ... [is] not eligible for this category." The Academy explained that, in some cases, there are exceptions to the rule. A grateful Moore, who stands about 5'6", made light of the situation in his acceptance speech, joking, "I was beginning to think there might be a height requirement for this award." George Strait to record five new albums . Jason Aldean stands tall with his second win in a row for Male Vocalist of the Year, while Vocal Group of the Year went to first-time winners, The Band Perry. Predictable victories included Florida Georgia Line for Vocal Duo of the Year and critic darling Kacey Musgraves for Album of the Year. Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary -- the songwriters behind Lee Brice's "I Drive Your Truck" -- took home Song of the Year honors. To mark the ACM's 50th anniversary, the awards show will next year broadcast live from AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys. See the original story at RollingStone.com. Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone. | Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the fifth year in a row . Keith Urban was also a big winner thanks to their duet, "We Were Us" George Strait was awarded the night's top trophy, Entertainer of the Year . | 277f6b8e9f855fdd12c35d332a12ed0320ec99f3 |
Holed up in the football academy he runs for the Craig Bellamy Foundation in Sierra Leone as fear and suspicion spreads throughout Africa, Johnny McKinstry is standing firm. When he was sacked as manager of the national team last month, his worried parents urged him to come home to Northern Ireland. But even though more than 1,200 people have been killed by Ebola in Sierra Leone and his former players are being treated like ‘fugitives’, the academy in the capital Freetown is now a sanctuary from the devastating disease and 29-year-old McKinstry has vowed to stay on. ‘We are like an extended family here and that’s what I told my parents,’ says McKinstry, as he sits in his spartan office in the middle of the 15-acre complex. An Ivory Coast fan holds a placard reading 'Stop Ebola' during 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier . ‘There are 27 boys here and, before each enrolled, I went to meet his parents. The first thing I always said was, “I’ll look after your son”. I meant it and can’t go back on that now. If I was just doing this job for myself, I’d probably have gone home but people are relying on me and I have to stay.’ No one is allowed in or out of the academy, which was founded in 2007 and is funded by Bellamy, the only exception being McKinstry’s forays into town once a fortnight to pick up supplies. If anything, the dedication and enthusiasm of the youngsters, who range in age from 12 to 17, has actually improved in recent weeks. ‘I’ve been immensely impressed with the kids,’ says McKinstry. ‘Their strength and focus has just bowled me over.’ The Sierra Leone national team that McKinstry used to coach have become football’s lepers, chased out of every country they visit because of a disease they do not even have. Last month they were banned from playing at home following the outbreak. All their games have become away fixtures and to say they are unwelcome guests is something of an understatement. In the last eight days they played Cameroon home and away. Johnny McKinstry with the kids he has promised to look after at the academy in Sierra Leone . Sierra Leone defender Mustapha Dumbuya, who grew up in Tottenham and plays for Notts County in League One, says: ‘When we arrived in Cameroon, we checked into our hotel and everything seemed fine. ‘Then we were told it was fully booked and that we had to leave immediately. We went to another hotel and it was empty. We were literally the only residents there.’ It turned out that the Cameroon government had asked for the visiting delegation to be quarantined. Dumbuya and a couple of his team-mates ventured out onto the streets and received a by-now-familiar response from the locals. ‘As soon as people saw our training tops, the shouts of, “Ebola, Ebola” started,’ he says. ‘I’m getting used to it to be honest.’ Things first started to change with the Africa Cup of Nations pre-qualifier in the Seychelles in August. The team were refused entry to the country and were held in transit in Nairobi, Kenya, for two days. Full-back Michael Lahoud, who plays for Philadelphia Union in the MLS, says: ‘We felt like fugitives. ‘We were on the run, only we were fleeing from something we didn’t know anything about.’ Eventually the Seychelles forfeited the match, so worried were they about Ebola entering their idyll and ruining the lucrative tourism industry. Nore than 1,200 people have been killed by Ebola in Sierra Leone . This was only the start of Sierra Leone’s problems though. They were banned from playing any matches at home by the Confederation of African Football, meaning all their games were now away fixtures. Ivory Coast wanted to ban them from entering last month and the match was confirmed so late that the Sierra Leone players had to buy their own plane tickets. ‘They tried to ban us from coming, yhen the opposition didn’t want to shake our hands or swap shirts with us,’ said Lahoud. ‘South Africa is the latest country to close its borders to Leone nationals and I can’t help feeling like we have become the scapegoats and face of this disease.’ Things reached their nadir with the fixture against DR Congo in Kinshasa. There was the customary nightmare journey, followed by hostility on the streets. Then came the match in the Mazembe Stadium. Dumbuya says: ‘Before kick-off, Johnny walked out on to the pitch, as he always used to do. ‘He looked a little shaken when he came back into the dressing room and said, “This isn’t going to be easy lads”. He wasn’t wrong. When we walked out of the tunnel the whole place just erupted and we were hit by this deafening noise. Notts County defender Mustapha Dumbuya (left) has vowed to continue playing for Sierra Leone . ‘It didn’t take long to work out what they were chanting — ‘E-BO-LA! E-BO-LA!’ It seemed everyone in the crowd was chanting it.’ Lahoud, who was born in Sierra Leone before moving to Washington DC at the age of five, says he will never forget that day. ‘It stung me and hurt deep inside,’ he says. ‘How could another African country — itself dealing with the disease — react like that?’ Sierra Leone lost the match 2-0 and suddenly their great form under McKinstry had evaporated. These experiences will not deter Dumbuya from representing his country though. ‘All the boys in our squad are so passionate about playing for Sierra Leone,’ he says. ‘That applies more now than ever. We feel like we are representing the country in a positive light and giving the people something to be proud of. I’m in this for the long haul.’ The same, it appears, goes for McKinstry. ‘This is a wonderful country that has only just recovered from a terrible civil war and is now having to contend with another crisis,’ he says. ‘The least I can do is stick around and do a little bit to help.’ | The Craig Bellamy Foundation in Sierra Leone is now a sanctuary . More than 1,200 people have been killed by Ebola in Sierra Leone . No one is allowed in or out of the academy, which was founded in 2007 . | 79d6ba168eac30c8f84430ad6a3333470dadfd38 |
By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 14:09 EST, 27 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:47 EST, 27 December 2012 . Drivers who peer across motorway lanes to observe the aftermath of crashes are to be thwarted in a bid to prevent traffic jams. The Government has bought more than 3,000 special crash site screens to stop drivers 'rubbernecking’ when passing motorway accidents. The new partitions will be put up to deter drivers who slow down to look at crashes on the opposite carriageway and therefore slow down the traffic behind. Partition: 3,000 screens, measuring 2.1m by 2m, have been purchased by the Government to prevent motorists from slowing down to stare at motorway accident scenes, therefore causing traffic jams . The screens have cost the Government £2.3 million - with each set priced at £22,000. The Highways Agency will have access to 105 sets of 30 screens, forming part of the Department for Transport’s ‘CLEAR’ initiative. The scheme aims to improve accident clear-up times, with ministers promising that the screens will help ‘keep the motorways flowing’. The CLEAR scheme – an acronym that stands for Collision, Lead, Evaluate, Act and Reopen - was launched last year to help ensure motorways and roads reopen quickly following major accidents. As part of this scheme, 105 sets of incident screens will be made available for use by the Highways Agency next year. Each set can be loaded onto purpose-built trailers that can screen up to 75 metres if used end-to-end. The individual screens measure 2.1m by 2m high. The Government estimates that the scheme will save the UK economy ‘tens of millions of pounds' every year. Congestion: It is hoped the screens will ease congestion following accidents on motorways. The screens cost £2.3 million . A DfT spokesman said: ’The planned roll out of incident screens shields collisions and prevents rubber necking. Time savings associated with screens alone can be up to several hundred thousand pounds per incident.' A well as the screens, the DfT has helped fund funded 38 3-D laser scanners that allow police forces to capture evidence quickly following collisions by mapping out where vehicles and wreckage lies in the road after a smash. Other initiatives include the launch of a new hands-free smart phone app that notifies users of incidents and congestion. The Government hopes the measures will reduce the estimated £750m cost to the economy that caused by traffic incidents on England's roads every year. Roads minister Stephen Hammond said: ‘This will be another great advantage to hopefully clearing up collisions but also getting the roads moving rather more quickly afterwards. Cost: It is estimated that traffic incidents on England's roads cost the economy £750 million every year . ‘People will recognise these screens, recognise that something's happening behind it, but actually realise it won't impact on their motorway - there's nothing to see, and we want to keep the motorways flowing.’ Assistant Chief Constable Sean White, who takes the lead on collision investigations for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said: ‘This equipment allows police to manage critical events in a more efficient way and present the most accurate and detailed evidence to criminal, civil and coroners' courts.’ RAC Foundation director, Stephen Glaister, said the use of the screens should be welcomed, noting: ’Incident screens reduce disruption to traffic following an incident and assist the emergency services. ‘Ensuring that motorists not involved in an incident complete their journeys safely and on time is important. The economy relies on an efficient road network. Traffic jams following incidents increase frustration and the risk of low speed collisions.’ | Government purchased 3,000 screens measuring two metres in height . Screens cost £2.3 million and form part of DfT's CLEAR initiative . Scheme aims to improve accident clear-up times . £750 million cost to economy due to traffic incidents in England every year . | c4f53fe186e44a3b4cc8c464b7800a1549666b1e |
By . Nick Enoch . PUBLISHED: . 10:44 EST, 23 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:06 EST, 24 October 2012 . Scroll down for video . It was once a grand 18th century canal - the hub of a thriving salt trade which brought wealth to the townsfolk of Droitwich in Worcestershire. But by 1939, unable to compete with the rise of railways, it lay abandoned and gradually became overgrown and silted up. Now, a team of volunteers who restored the waterway after removing 300,000 tons of mud have won an English Heritage Angels award for their efforts. From silted-up sorrow... Droitwich Canal, once a bustling 18th century waterway trading in salt, lay in ruin since 1939. Pictured above is one of its twisted and broken locks . ... now restored to glory . During a 38-year project, a team of volunteers restored the waterway after removing 300,000 tons of mud. Campaigner Max Sinclair received an English Heritage Angels award in honour of their achievement . The annual competition celebrates . the work of local people striving to save England's heritage and is sponsored by . Andrew Lloyd Webber. Max Sinclair, who began a campaign to restore the Droitwich Canals in 1963, was presented with the prize for Best Rescue of a Historic Industrial Building or Site at the Palace Theatre in London yesterday. This year's judging panel included Melvyn Bragg and historian Bettany Hughes, the Daily Telegraph reported. The Droitwich Barge Canal opened in 1771, linking Droitwich Spa to the River Severn. In 1854, the Droitwich Junction Canal - a narrow waterway linking to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal - was opened. The Barge section was initially a commercial success. 1771: Barge Canal section of Droitwich waterway opens. 1854: Second section, Junction Canal opens. 1939: Decline in economic viability leads to canals' abandonment. 1963: Max Sinclair begins his restoration campaign . 1973: Droitwich Canals Trust established; volunteer work begins . 2000: Three locks on Junction Canal completed . By 2011: Droitwich Canals finally reopen . However, by 1830, business began to decline when a source of brine was found at Stoke Prior, to the north-east of Droitwich. Much of the salt was transported more economically overland towards the north. In 1973, Mr Sinclair's lobbying led to the creation of the Droitwich Canals Trust. Since then, thousands of volunteers from the trust have undertaken management of the channel and towpath and raised funds for the restoration. In 2000, the first three locks on the Junction Canal were fully completed. Further funding, including £12.7million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, saw the restoration of nine broad locks, the building of a new bridge, just over half a mile of new canal and four new locks. In addition, five miles of canal were dredged, and a 5.5 hectare reed bed was made. Finally, after 38 years of restoration, the Droitwich Canals were opened in July 2011. The canals form part of a navigable 27-mile ring passing through Worcester and Droitwich. More than 3,000 boats have used the canal and there has been a 30 per cent increase in towpath users and 50 per cent in visitors to the local tourist information centre. It is predicted that the fruits of the restoration scheme will attract a further 330,000 visitors to the area within five years. Speaking in 2003, James Thompson, . British Waterways' Droitwich then project manager, said: 'This is one of . our flagship restoration projects, demonstrating the active role that . canals can play in helping boost the local economy and regenerate . surrounding areas. 'This . scheme will make Droitwich the fifth most visited tourist attraction in . Worcestershire, helping to place the town at the forefront of the . region's growing tourist economy.' The Droitwich Barge Canal opened in 1771, linking Droitwich Spa to the River Severn. Above, the restoration scheme in action . More than 3,000 boats have used the canal and there has been a 30 per cent increase in towpath users and 50 per cent in visitors to the local tourist information centre . | Droitwich Canal, which opened in 1771, in Worcestershire, fell into disuse by 1939 . Campaigner Max Sinclair, who set up a trust for the canal in 1973, receives English Heritage Angel Award for Best Rescue of a Historic Industrial Building or Site . Seven miles of waterways finally re-opened last summer . | 1270f1c5f5bed0bb27d07585be18965a359dc335 |
Manchester United will rebuff any attempt by Real Madrid to sign Adnan Januzaj. The European champions have added the young Belgian to their summer shopping list but United insist the 19-year-old is not for sale at any price after signing him to a long-term contract last winter. It was a breakthrough season for Januzaj at Old Trafford, having debuted for the side in September and making himself a key member of the first team. Wanted: Adnan Januzaj is reportedly a target for Real Madrid this summer . On duty: The young Belgian is currently away with his national team at the World Cup . He is currently away on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup, where he was capped for the first time in their final warm-up game Tunisia in June. And the youngster was an unused substitute during their 2-1 victory over Algeria in the first game of the competition. He will be hoping to return to Old Trafford and continue his progression under new boss Louis van Gaal next campaign. Breakthrough: It's been a superb season for the 19-year-old after making his debut in September . Red Devils: Januzaj in training with club and international team-mate Marouane Fellaini . | Man Utd insist Adnan Januzaj is not for sale at any price . Real Madrid reportedly targeting the 19-year-old this summer . The young Belgian is currently on international duty at the World Cup . Will be hoping to impress new Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal . | 1ad5d254c52f3b6873c253d18f7a416e2ef6a6e1 |
By . Eleanor Harding, Andy Dolan and Nick Fagge . PUBLISHED: . 18:34 EST, 11 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:42 EST, 12 July 2012 . Laura Barker claims her career was ruined by her former chief-executive Steven Holliday . With her sunglasses perched on her head and a bright smile for the camera, this is the glamorous executive at the centre of a sex row involving a married energy firm boss. Laura Barker, 32, was last night revealed as the woman who allegedly had her career ruined because she could not meet the ‘sexual demands’ of Steven Holliday. She worked for Mr Holliday as the vice- president of marketing at the US wing of National Grid, where he is chief executive. Her parents claim the 55-year-old pursued her for sex and then sabotaged her career when she began to reject his advances. Now, after quitting her lucrative job at the energy company, they say she is unemployed and fears she will never find work again. Last night, her father Keith spoke out to tell the Daily Mail that Mr Holliday, who is also a non-executive director of Marks & Spencer, had ruined his daughter’s future. He said: ‘Mr Holliday is trying to save his career. But he’s got no respect. She was a high-flier. She worked in Boston and New York. She’s not working now and she can’t get a position. She has no career, no future. ‘I’ve seen through the last two years what she has gone through trying to resurrect her career. ‘And all the way through there have been problems with the company Mr Holliday is head of.’ Mr Barker, 63, said he and his estranged wife Brigid decided to confront Mr Holliday ‘of their own volition’ and are still discussing the incident with their daughter. Mrs Barker interrupted the M&S annual general meeting at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday to accuse Mr Holliday of ‘breaching his own code of ethics’ in front of 2,000 stunned shareholders. Allegations: Steven Holliday has not made any comments in regards to being accused of making sexual advances on Miss Barker and then 'ruined her career' when she could not meet them . The pair were escorted out after Mrs Barker claimed he had pursued their daughter and then ‘destroyed her career when she could no longer meet his sexual demands’. She did not state her name when she made the allegations, but was happy to reveal her identity after the meeting. Mr Barker added: ‘We wouldn’t have stood up and said what we said if we didn’t feel strongly. We can see how it’s devastated her.’ Miss Barker spent eight years at National Grid, three of which were in Boston, as director and then vice-president of marketing. She began her career at ExxonMobil, where Mr Holliday also spent 19 years – although they did not work together there. From yesterday's Daily Mail . When she left National Grid in 2010, she was appointed as marketing director at Imperial College London, but left six months ago and has not worked since. It is understood she recently applied for another high-level position but was rejected. She lives in London with her mother while her father, an engineer, still lives at the family’s £270,000 four-bedroom detached house in Solihull, West Midlands. National Grid has said it launched an investigation into the allegations in 2010 but they were found to be ‘without foundation’. Mr Holliday declined to comment. | Laura Barker, 32, claims she is unable to find employment since leaving energy firm National Grid . Chief-executive Steven Holliday allegedly 'ruined her career' when she spurned his sexual advances . Her parents spoke to the Daily Mail yesterday and blames Mr Holliday for their daughters situation . | ac2310af60efeb90e752855b77a93b9191d4b4d3 |
There is something about Anfield’s atmosphere on European nights that could prove really significant when the Champions League starts again this week. Liverpool are back for the first time since they were knocked out in the group stages in 2009. Many would say they are back where they belong because of the incredible history of those European Cup-winning sides of the Seventies and Eighties — and that truly extraordinary night in Istanbul in 2005. It is a tournament that is in the DNA of the club and some European teams will leave Liverpool this season having had the shock of their lives, playing in front of that crowd in a Champions League night game. Brendan Rodgers (right) is preparing Liverpool for their Champions League return after five years away . On those evenings, there are few stadiums that can compare. And although Liverpool are back for the first time in five years, the other English clubs — Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal — cannot come close to Liverpool in terms of tradition in this tournament. Of the current players, only Steven Gerrard has helped to create that history but sometimes that does not matter because many fans watching will have seen Liverpool in the Seventies and Eighties and would have been in Istanbul. There is something about the energy that a crowd can give you that can make the difference on these occasions. Steven Gerrard celebrates on a dramatic night at Anfield where Liverpool beat Olympiakos to advance . Steven Gerrard fires home arguably his most famous goal ever to see Liverpool past Olympiakos . Saturday evening was a good example of the difference Europe makes — the atmosphere was flat in the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. I’m sure it will be different on Tuesday night. Liverpool have given their squad depth and can be scintillating in attack. They are also well disciplined and drilled tactically. Put all that together with an emotional Anfield crowd and many teams will come away wondering what has happened to them. Liverpool can get out of their group against Real Madrid, Basle, and Ludogorets. On their day, they could even give Real a shock and I have them down to make the quarter- or semi-finals. In contrast, Manchester City have the squad size and the quality to win the Champions League, but at times they have played like novices in the tournament. It does not make any sense, because they have players who have now played in World Cup or Champions League finals and who have plenty of experience on the European stage. Liverpool fans at the famous Kop end come alive on Champions League nights at Anfield . Liverpool parade the Champions League on an open-top bus outside Anfield after winning it in 2005 . Luis Garcia punches the air after scoring against Anderlecht at Anfield in 2005 . But, somehow, that doesn’t translate on the pitch. Maybe as a club they need to build up some belief that will transmit itself to the players. It is almost as if those players, with all their experience, still have a psychological hurdle to overcome because the club are so new to the tournament. That said, tactics have also played a part in City’s struggles, especially last year when Manuel Pellegrini played two strikers against the best teams. They ended up getting battered against Bayern Munich at home last season and it will be fascinating to see whether he does the same when they take on Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Champions League games need a different plan from Premier League matches. Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson realised that. At the start of his career he was faithful to his 4-4-2 formation, but to win the Champions League he modified it to ensure he had an extra man in midfield. Liverpool suffered a domestic setback on Saturday when Gabby Agbonlahor sealed victory for Aston Villa . With their spending, it is clear that City’s owners expect to win the Champions League — and soon — but I don’t believe this will be their year. Arsenal will have their moments and impress going forward. But I still feel they will be found out defensively. I was surprised they didn’t sign another holding midfielder or a centre-half. Chelsea are probably the best- placed English team to win it. What I like about their squad is the balance. That back four doesn’t look like it’s going to let in goals, their midfield is considerably stronger than last season with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic, and they have added Diego Costa up front. What I feel will cost them is a sustained challenge for the Premier League. It is harder for English clubs to compete in Europe because there are more domestic games against strong rivals compared to Spain and Germany. And matches against lower-placed sides have more intensity, too. Chelsea have a superb core of 14 players, but they will struggle in Europe if they pick up injuries. Manchester City are yet to seriously challenge for the Champions League during their short European history . Bayern Munich will be first up for Manchester City at the Allianz Arena when they kick off their 2014 campaign . That’s why I think the most likely winner will come from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Barcelona have added Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen but new coach Luis Enrique will be keen to ensure they are blooding youngsters from the academy. So much will depend on Lionel Messi. He didn’t look himself at the World Cup but if he can return to his best, then they can beat any team. Holders Real Madrid have great options in attack, especially having signed James Rodridguez, but I wonder about the balance. Arsenal scraped past Besiktas in the play-off round to make it into the group stages of the Champions League . Diego Costa scored a hat-trick against Swansea to continue his blistering start at Chelsea . The fact that Sami Khedira is injured and they sold Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich reminds me of when president Florentino Perez sold Claude Makelele to Chelsea in 2003. Up to that point, Real were winning league titles and won the Champions League. After Makelele left they didn’t win the Champions League until this year and went four years before they won the league again. That is what happens when presidents sign players. As for Bayern, signing Alonso might be really significant, especially as Javi Martinez and Thiago are injured. He brings balance to any team. They are full of World Cup winners in Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller and up front they have added Robert Lewandowski. Perhaps that makes Bayern marginal favourites. It would be nice if it were an English team, but I just don’t see it. Barcelona have added Luis Suarez (centre) to a squad already filled with superstars . Defending champions Real Madrid have been drawn in the same group as Liverpool this season . Talk is cheap and if we really want English sides to do well in the Champions League we should ensure they receive the best help. Jose Mourinho has often brought up the fact that the Premier League scheduling does our teams no favours, whereas Spanish sides often play on a Friday night to allow more preparation time. The Premier League should do the same, or at least start at 12.45pm on Saturdays. Our teams are playing in a more competitive league than their rivals and we need to make sure they are not at a disadvantage. | Champions League returns this week as group stage begins . Liverpool back in the tournament after a five-year absence . The Anfield atmosphere on a big European night will inspire them . Liverpool have won the Champions League five times, the last in 2005 . Manchester City yet to fulfil potential on Champions League stage . Arsenal are flaky, and Chelsea could have problems with a couple injuries . | c58d3ede907ed79a6ef159095483dd1df5a6f30a |
This is the moment the blue and gold braided beard on the burial mask of famed pharaoh Tutankhamun was hastily glued back on with the wrong adhesive, damaging the relic after it was knocked during cleaning. The 3,300-year-old golden treasure was broken while its case was being cleaned at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. However, rather than calling in the experts, a curator phoned her husband who decided to do the repair himself using a glue bought in a DIY store. Things went from bad to worse when the adhesive leaked onto the boy king’s chin and had to be scratched off – causing further damage. The botch job has also left a gap between the face and beard. Scroll down for video . This is the moment the blue and gold braided beard on the burial mask of famed pharaoh Tutankhamun was hastily glued back on with the wrong adhesive, damaging the relic after it was knocked off during cleaning . The 3,300-year-old golden treasure was broken while its case was being cleaned at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The repair job has left the burial mask permanently damaged, with a gap between the face and beard . Museum staff have since agreed that the glue was totally unsuited to the job, which was rushed in order to get it quickly back on display. Lights in the exhibition room have now been dimmed to disguise the damage to the mask – which has long been associated with a curse. The Egyptian Museum is one of the city's main tourist sites and Tutankhamun's mask and other contents of his tomb are the museum's top exhibits. Three of the museum's curators reached by telephone gave differing accounts of how the burial mask came off last year. They also could not agree whether the beard was knocked off by accident while the mask's case was being cleaned or if was removed because it was loose. They did agree, however, that orders came from above to fix it quickly and that an inappropriate adhesive was used. All spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of professional reprisals. 'Unfortunately he used a very irreversible material - epoxy has a very high property for attaching and is used on metal or stone but I think it wasn't suitable for an outstanding object like Tutankhamun's golden mask,' one curator said. The golden mask of Tutankhamun (pictured) has been left permanently damaged after its 'beard' was stuck on with epoxy. The ancient mask and other contents of Tutankhamun's tomb are the museum's top exhibits . 'The mask should have been taken to the conservation lab but they were in a rush to get it displayed quickly again and used this quick drying, irreversible material,' they added. The curator said that the mask now shows a gap between the face and the beard, whereas before it was directly attached: 'Now you can see a layer of transparent yellow.' Another museum curator, who was present at the time of the repair, said that epoxy had dried on the face of the boy king's mask and that a colleague used a spatula to remove it, leaving scratches. The first curator, who inspects the artifact regularly, confirmed the scratches and said it was clear that they had been made by a tool used to scrape off the epoxy. Egypt's tourist industry, once a pillar of the economy, has yet to recover from three years of tumult following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. Museums and the opening of new tombs are part of plans to revive the industry. But authorities have made no significant improvements to the Egyptian Museum since its construction in 1902, and plans to move the Tutankhamun exhibit to its new home in the Grand Egyptian Museum scheduled to open in 2018 have yet to be divulged. The burial mask is kept in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (above), which is one of the city's main tourist sites . Neither the Antiquities Ministry nor the museum administration could be reached for comment on Wednesday evening. One of the curators said an investigation was underway and that a meeting had been held on the subject earlier in the day. The burial mask, discovered by British archeologists Howard Carter and George Herbert in 1922, triggered worldwide interest in archaeology and ancient Egypt when it was unearthed along with Tutankhamun's nearly intact tomb. 'From the photos circulating among restorers I can see that the mask has been repaired, but you can't tell with what,' Egyptologist Tom Hardwick said. 'Everything of that age needs a bit more attention, so such a repair will be highly scrutinised.' The mummified and embalmed face of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, pictured on display in a climate controlled case in his tomb at the Valley of the Kings . Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled from 1332BC - 1323BC after taking the throne at the age of nine or ten. The son of Akhenaten, when he became king, he married his half-sister, Ankhesenpaaten. However, his reign was short-lived; he died at the age of 19 and is believed to have suffered from scoliosis, a condition which means the spine is curved. He remains one of the best known pharaohs and there has been widespread research about his life and health following the discovery of his tomb. In 1907, Lord Carnarvon George Herbert asked English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter to supervise excavations in the Valley of the Kings. On 4 November 1922, Carter's group found steps that led to Tutankhamun's tomb, which would eventually lead to what was the most complete ancient Egyptian tomb ever discovered. He spent several months cataloguing the antechamber before opening the burial chamber and discovering the sarcophagus in February the following year. | The braided gold beard on Tutankhamun has been permanently damaged . Curator used glue to stick it back on after it was damaged during cleaning . However, museum staff have confirmed it was the wrong type of adhesive . The famous death mask now shows a gap between the face and beard . Dry epoxy on the mask was scraped off, leaving permanent scratch marks . | 8f50158a5bbf74ddad1470e8e30178a8b0e2ef32 |
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, last night called for the introduction of state-run food banks after being 'shocked' by the hungry in Britain . The Archbishop of Canterbury was warned not to become a ‘political pawn’ last night after calling for state-backed food banks. The Most Reverend Justin Welby said he had been left more shocked by the plight of Britain’s hunger-stricken poor than those suffering in African refugee camps. His comments came before the publication of a wide-ranging report, backed by the Archbishop, that calls for the Government to do more to eradicate hunger. But yesterday senior Tories criticised the clergyman for supporting the ‘nationalisation’ of food banks. In addition, the MPs’ study found that families’ lack of money was not the only problem. The all-party Commons group on hunger warned that some parents spend far too much money on cigarettes, alcohol, takeaways and other ‘non-essential items of expenditure’ because they lack basic budgeting skills. Many more cannot cook even the simplest meals for their children – leaving them to go hungry. The MPs call upon teachers to do more to report parents from chaotic households so they can receive help from ‘troubled families’ units. However, they conclude: ‘We should not leave the duty resting with schools. Parents have duties, and these duties are not abated by the chaos resulting from their lifestyle.’ The report, Feeding Britain, is released today. Chaired by Labour MP Frank Field, the all-party group calls for: . The Archbishop wrote in the Mail on Sunday how hunger ‘stalks large parts’ of the country. He added that he found the plight of a British family who resorted to using a food bank ‘more shocking’ than terrible suffering in Africa because it was so unexpected. Last night former Cabinet minister David Mellor said: ‘He’s fully entitled to make points about food banks. Where they get it wrong is talking about the Government having to do food banks. A report into hunger in Britain found that families' lack of money was not the only barrier to buying food, and that many spent money on alcohol and cigarettes instead (pictured, a woman works in a food bank) ‘My understanding of religion ... is it’s about religious responsibility. 'I don’t remember any part of the Gospel where people were told to queue up outside Pontius Pilate’s office and tell him to give more money to the poor. [The Archbishop] should allow himself to be aware that he shouldn’t be used as a pawn in a political game.’ Tory business minister Matt Hancock stressed that food bank dependency had risen under the Coalition in part due to greater awareness. ‘Before we came to power, food banks were not allowed to advertise their existence,’ he said. ‘One of the reasons for the increase in use is because more people know about them.’ David Mellor said the Archbishop risked becoming a 'political pawn' after he called for the state to intervene and run food banks . Damian Green, the former immigration minister, said: ‘We have a welfare state now, but what they’re saying is the welfare state should take over food banks, should nationalise food banks.’ The all-party report also discloses the ‘unpleasant truth’ that some children are hungry when they get to school because of the ‘chaotic conditions in their homes’. ‘A large proportion of primary schools that submitted evidence to the inquiry said they had witnessed children arriving at school hungry because their parents could not, or would not, wake them up to make them breakfast, or bring them to the school breakfast club,’ the report says. Another factor behind parental poverty is the addictions that many families face. ‘Budgeting support is terribly important, but ... is often not enough to equip families to kick their addictive habits when addiction is being fed and defended by some very powerful lobbies,’ it warns. The report says some parents are so tempted by cheap alcohol in supermarkets, and the plethora of betting shops on high streets, that they spend money on these rather than food for their children. ‘A family earning £21,000 a year, for example, where both parents smoke 20 cigarettes a day will spend a quarter of their income on tobacco,’ it adds. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg backed the report, saying he agreed with introducing ‘yellow cards’ for benefit claimants. | Justin Welby last night called for state to take over running food banks . Former minister David Mellor warned him against becoming 'political pawn' UK hunger report found poor buying drink and cigarettes instead of food . A new publicly funded body, also to be called Feeding Britain, to work towards a ‘hunger-free’ UK with the help of eight Cabinet ministers; . Bigger food banks to distribute more free food, and advise how to claim benefits and make ends meet; . A rise in the minimum wage, and the provision of free school meals to children even during school holidays; . New measures to make it harder to withhold benefits, including ‘yellow cards’ instead of outright bans; and . A request from the Government for food bank funding from Brussels. | eb5955786bda212571827e3606d5a8a390ed4beb |
Alex Younger has been appointed as successor to Sir John Sawers as Britain's top spy . The former secret service chief in Afghanistan Alex Younger has become Britain's top spy after being appointed the new head of MI6. Mr Younger has taken over Sir John Sawers as 'C' of the Secret Intelligence Service - otherwise known as MI6. The former army officer, who has for last two years been overseeing MI6's global spy network, will take on the role made famous in Ian Fleming's James Bond as 'M' - most recently played by Judi Dench in Skyfall. Mr Younger, who is married with children, has had overseas postings in Europe and the Middle East and was the senior MI6 officer in Afghanistan. He has also filled a range of operational roles in London, including leading the Service's work on counter terrorism in the three years running up to the Olympic Games. Outside of SIS, the economics graduate is said to enjoy music, sailing and mountaineering. Mr Younger's appointment comes after a turbulent period for Britain's intelligence services following disclosures made by fugitive former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. Mr Snowden's revelations triggered an unprecedented hearing of the Intelligence and Security Committee, in which the heads of MI6, the Security Service MI5 and listening post GCHQ appeared together in public for the first time. Mr Snowden supporters believe the release of top-secret documents exposed an abuse of powers among the security and intelligence services in the UK and US. But the secret services said the revelations made life easier for terrorists. Scroll down for video . Mr Younger said: ‘I am delighted and honoured to become chief of SIS and lead one of the best intelligence agencies in the world. ‘Our dedicated staff work tirelessly against an array of threats that this country faces. They do so in close partnership with both MI5 and GCHQ with whom I am looking forward to co-operating closely. ‘I would like to pay tribute to John Sawers for his lifetime's dedication to the country and particularly to his time as C. ‘He brought us into a new era, and I am determined to build on this and bring my ideas for a modern service to life.’ Mr Younger has taken over Sir John Sawers as 'C' of the Secret Intelligence Service - known in the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, as 'M' and played by Dame Judi Dench . Mr Younger takes over John Sawers, the former head of M16, pictured here (centre) with Andrew Parker, the head of MI5 (left) and Iain Lobban, the GCHQ director (right) John Sawers was left embarrassed when he was appointed after pictures of his family was appointed - including his wife Shelley Sawers (left) and daughter Corinne Sawers . Sir John said: ‘I'm delighted that my colleague and friend is taking over from me. ‘He has played a vital part alongside me in modernising SIS and ensuring that the Service is in the best possible shape to play our part in defending the country's security and our values.’ Mr Younger has been an intelligence officer since the end of the Cold War in 1991, after studying economics and serving as a British army officer. | Mr Younger has been overseeing MI6's global spy network for last two years . Married father and former army officer was Britain's top spy in Afghanistan . He becomes 'C' of the Secret Intelligence Services, taking over John Sawers . Role made famous by Ian Fleming as 'M', most recently played by Judi Dench . | e82aafe303d7475d5b10290e0aa2382eefe08c29 |
New York (CNN) -- The nurses involved in a maternity ward scuffle with Douglas Kennedy should be investigated and disciplined, Kennedy's lawyers say. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy's son, was arrested and faces misdemeanor charges over the melee at a New York hospital last month in which he knocked down a nurse while he was holding his newborn son. "The only issue is the aggressive and unprofessional conduct of two nurses," attorney Robert Gottlieb said in a letter sent this week to the hospital. Gottlieb said the Kennedys have asked that a "thorough investigation be undertaken immediately of the nurses involved in this disgraceful incident and that appropriate disciplinary action taken against them." Kennedy was arraigned last week on harassment and child endangerment charges, attorneys for both sides have said. Kennedy -- a Fox News contributor -- was trying to take his newborn son for a walk "to get fresh air" outside Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco on January 7 when two nurses intervened to prevent him from leaving, they said. Kennedy, who was accompanied by a hospital doctor, allegedly twisted the arm of one nurse to move her away from a door and kicked another after she approached him, according to Elliot Taub, the attorney for both nurses. The doctor who accompanied Kennedy, Timothy Haydock, who is a longtime family friend, said the nurses had initially agreed to let Kennedy take the baby outside. "The nurses were the only aggressors," Haydock said in a statement delivered by Kennedy's attorney. But Taub said neither nurse recognized Kennedy as the child's father and intended to protect the baby, who apparently had not been discharged. They were trying to enforce hospital rules, Taub said. Northern Westchester Hospital issued a statement Monday in support of the nurses. "At Northern Westchester Hospital, patient safety is our priority and we completely support the actions of our nursing staff in this case as they were clearly acting out of concern for the safety of a newborn baby." Kennedy has denied the allegations, saying that "the nurse had no right to grab our child out of his father's arms." The late Robert F. Kennedy was the younger brother of slain President John F. Kennedy and had served as U.S. attorney general and U.S. senator. He was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. CNN's Susan Candiotti contributed to this report. | Douglas Kennedy was arraigned last week on misdemeanor charges . He knocked down a nurse while he was holding his newborn son, attorneys say . Kennedy wanted to take his son out for some "fresh air," attorneys say . Douglas Kennedy is the son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy . | 1a6ffc4cae1958d75f295844b1ef04d9eae425d0 |
By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 06:50 EST, 17 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:23 EST, 17 December 2012 . Americans were united in their grief last night as they attended vigils to remember the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Many people lit candles as they stood in the dark clutching candles while silently reflecting on the tragic events of last Friday. Paper lanterns were released into the night sky during a vigil in Omaha, Nebraska. Scroll down for video . Packed house: Sharon Bertrand, center, listens with her daughter Daysha, 13, left, and son Juan, to a memorial service over a loudspeaker outside Newtown High School . Memories: New London, Connecticut resident Rachel Pullen, center, kisses her son Landon DeCecco at a memorial . Pausing to reflect: A 3-year-old girl is accompanied by her father while lighting a candle outside of Newton High School while President Obama spoke at the memorial service . United: Members of the Sikh community hold a candlelight vigil before Mr Obama's arrival . Remembrance: Attendees release paper lanterns during a vigil for victims of the Sandy Hook School shooting yesterday in Omaha, Nebraska . Last night hundreds of people huddled in a miserable drizzle as they waited in line at Newtown High School to see President Barack Obama preside over an interfaith worship vigil. Families lined up started as early as 3.30pm or 4pm, even though President Obama did not take the stage until shortly before 8pm. Several members of the audience clutched red cross blankets around their shoulders as they huddled together, many of them breaking down in tears throughout the service. The same blankets were handed out while the attendees waited in the long line that wrapped around the building and snaked through the parking lot before heading inside to get settled for the service. Vigil: Kate Suba, left, Jaden Albrecht, center, and Simran Chand pay their respects at one of the makeshift memorials . Devastated: Mourners react as they stand in front of a memorial for the victims . Remembrance: A mourner places joss sticks at a memorial for victims . You are not alone in your grief. Our world too has been torn apart,' President Obama said. 'All across this land our world too . has been torn apart. All across this land we wept with you and pulled . our children tight. Newtown, you are not alone.' In one of the most religious speeches . of his presidency, Mr Obama talked about how the ultimate goal for a . society is to protect their children. Tragic: Flowers and gifts left at the makeshift memorial outside the location of the interfaith vigil . All one: Americans were united in their grief last night as they attended vigils to remember the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook shooting . 'If we don't get that right, we don't . get anything right. By that measure, can we truly say as a nation that . we are doing our obligations?' he said. A particularly poignant moment came . in the speech when Mr Obama read the first names of all 20 children who . died in the shooting. 'We can't accept events like this as . routine. Are we really prepared to say that we're powerless in the face . of such carnage?' he said, referring to the four other mass shootings . that have taken place since Mr Obama was elected. Comfort: Mourners place candles and stuffed toy animals at a spot of remembrance . Support: Women embrace at a vigil held at Newtown High School for families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims . Poignant: A young boy places a candle with others at the base of a flagpole outside Newtown High School before the interfaith vigil . Deep sobs and sniffles filled the . room throughout the service - but tears did not truly begin until Jason . Graves took the podium to offer a Muslim prayer on behalf of the Al . Hedeya Islamic Center of Newtown. Mr Graves' voice choked and crackled as he assured the mourners that God's love was there for anyone asked for it. Adults and children sitting in the . audience, who initially turned their faces away as a prayer was recited . in Arabic, were reduced to deep sorrowful cries. Reflection: With tears in his eyes, 11-year-old David Clarence leans on his aunt, Jennifer Walton, as they stand in silent reflection . Just three days after the young . children were gunned down in their classrooms, a half-dozen of their . bodies are now being prepared for coffins as the first funerals will be . held today. The first funeral today is that of Noah Pozner, the youngest of the 16 six-year-old victims. The funeral for his friend Jack Pinto . will be held at the same time at a Newtown facility, and a wake will be . held for James Mattioli, also 6-years-old, later this afternoon. Grief: A woman cries at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School . Respect: A woman lights candles at a makeshift memorial near Sandy Hook Elementary School, where the mass shooting took place . James and fellow Catholic student . Jessica Rekos will both have funeral services at St. Rose of Lima . Church on Tuesday, and Rachel D'Avino is going to be buried in . neighboring Watertown that same day. The first adult victim's funeral will . take place on Wednesday when the 27-year-old heroic teacher Victoria . Soto has her service. Student Daniel Barden will have his funeral on the . same day. Those are just six of the 20 funerals . for the student victims that the town's clergy need to coordinate and . host in the coming week, a task so daunting that 100 funeral directors . from across the state have volunteered to help the process. Some have donated use of their . hearses and time, while coffin manufacturers have given . heart-wrenchingly small child-sized caskets for the victims. Warmth in cold times: The Red Cross provided blankets for attendees to wrap around themselves and stuffed animals for many of the children who were in the audience . Attention: Mourners listen to a memorial service over a loudspeaker outside Newtown High School . | Paper lanterns were released into sky at a vigil in Omaha, Nebraska . Hundreds attended Newtown High School to see President Barack Obama preside over an interfaith worship vigil . | d6840dc0b4776ed4f3b3ba2770c9bb91c041d129 |
By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 09:44 EST, 18 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:41 EST, 18 May 2013 . Lord Andrew Feldman has said it is completely untrue that he made the remarks describing grassroots party activists as 'swivel-eyed loons' David Cameron has given his backing to Tory co-chairman Lord Feldman after he denied being responsible for alleged comments describing grassroots party activists as 'swivel-eyed loons'. Lord Feldman said it was 'completely untrue' that he made the remarks, which several newspapers reported as being made by an unnamed member of Mr Cameron's inner circle. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister supports Lord Feldman's position.' The spokesman added: 'It is categorically untrue that anyone in Downing Street made the comments about the Conservative Party Associations and activists reported in the Times and the Telegraph.' Reports claimed a senior ally of Mr Cameron made the comments accusing MPs of being forced to take hardline views on issues such as Europe because of pressure from their local associations. The senior figure reportedly said: 'There's really no problem. The MPs just have to do it because the associations tell them to, and the associations are all mad swivel-eyed loons.' The comments were allegedly made at a private dinner by a figure with 'strong social connections' to the Prime Minister, The Times and Daily Telegraph reported. In a statement Lord Feldman, a friend of Mr Cameron's from Oxford University, said: 'There is speculation on the internet and on Twitter that the senior Conservative Party figure claimed to have made derogatory comments by the Times and the Telegraph is me. 'This is completely untrue. I would like to make it quite clear that I did not nor have ever described our associations in this way or in any similar manner. Nor do these alleged comments represent my view of our activists. 'On the contrary in the last eight years of working for the party, I have found them to be hard working, committed and reasonable people. They are without question the backbone of the party. 'I am taking legal advice.' Tory Peter Bone (left), one of the sponsors of the amendment to the Queen's Speech, and MP Tracey Crouch . The dinner party remarks came after . some 114 Tories, plus two Conservative tellers, expressed 'regret' that . the Government's legislative programme did not contain a bill paving the . way for the in/out referendum on EU membership before 2017 promised by . Mr Cameron. Tory Peter Bone, one of the sponsors . of the amendment to the Queen's Speech, said: 'Clearly anyone who takes . these views could not possibly want to remain a member of the . Conservative Party, even less still want to advise the Prime Minister.' He said if the reports were true the . person responsible, who has not been identified, would 'remove . themselves' from their position. Tory MP Tracey Crouch wrote on . Twitter: 'I wonder if this 'aide' has ever been a member of an . association, delivered a single leaflet, packed an envelope or knocked . on a door? 'My activists are far from being . '"swivel eyed loons". They are hard working people who care passionately . about local area & future of country.' Headache: David Cameron faces trouble in the party as the rift over gay marriage widens . Nadine Dorries, who has criticised the . 'chumocracy' of old friends surrounding Mr Cameron, wrote: 'If an MP . described activists as mad swivel eyed loons they would be all over the . Media. Why don't we know the name of the No10 aide?' The Tory, who had the party whip . restored earlier this month after her unauthorised appearance on I'm a . Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, tweeted that in her Mid Bedfordshire . seat 'membership numbers increasing, activists are hard working, solid, . decent, people AND truly representative of electorate'. Relations between the party leadership . and grassroots traditionalists have been strained by Mr Cameron's . support for gay marriage and over the thorny issue of Europe. Many Tories are concerned by the rise . of the United Kingdom Independence Party, which made spectacular gains . at this month's local elections campaigning on issues which many . Conservative traditionalists identify with. The reports were instantly seized on . by Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who wrote on Twitter: 'If you are a . Conservative supporter who believes in Ukip ideas then your party hates . you. Come and join us.' Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said there was 'real sense of anger' about plans for gay marriage . Mr Cameron's authority could be dealt a . further blow next week as the same-sex marriage legislation returns to . the Commons, with Tory MPs given a free vote and able to oppose it if . they wish. Tory Defence Secretary Philip Hammond . hit out at the Government's focus on gay marriage, saying there was a . 'real sense of anger' about it. He said: 'There was no huge demand for . this and we didn't need to spend a lot of parliamentary time and upset . vast numbers of people in order to do this.' | Lord Feldman has said it is 'completely untrue' that he made the remarks . Reports claimed a senior ally of Mr Cameron described grassroots party activists as 'swivel-eyed loons' Lord Feldman says he is now seeking legal advice . | 35e9a263031f204f9f4869b06eee015d43f21f60 |
In most communities around the world, goddesses are symbolic of a spiritual world. But in Nepal, these sacred females live and breathe. Handpicked from birth, these pre-pubescent girls are known as Kumaris and are believed to be incarnations of . the Hindu Goddess of Power, Kali. From the moment they are chosen for their role, and pass a rigorous 32-stage test, these living goddesses are propelled to immortal-like status, deemed to be protectors from evil by thousands of adoring Hindus and Buddhists. But for these girls, it is not just a name and status that they are given - their whole life changes. Kumaris - which means virgin in Nepalese - are forced to leave their homes and are hidden away in temples as a living deity, only able to leave when they are required at festivals and processions as the subject of worship. These Kumaris are even considered too special to walk, instead being carried in chariots, thrones and other people's arms - sometimes meaning they do not learn to walk until they retire. And the girls are banned from going to school or taking part in day-to-day society, only appearing outside their homes or temples up to 13 times a year. But once they reach puberty, everything changes for these Kumaris. After menstruation starts, the girls are put through a 12-day 'Gufa' ritual, after which their life as a Kumari ends - and they return to an ordinary life that they have never known. Kumaris are chosen as infants in Nepal to become living goddesses, who are then worshipped by thousands of Hindus and Buddhists until they reach puberty. Here, one Kumari, Samita Bajracharya, is worshipped by a devotee at a festival . during one of her nine public appearances throughout the year . Once the Kumaris start menstruating, they retire from their goddess-like status. After a 12-day 'Gufa' ritual, the Kumari will go to a nearby river, untie her hair and wash off a third eye which has been painted on her forehead. She then returns to normal life, just as shown here with Kumari Samita Bajracharya . The Gufu ceremony is a grand occasion and marks the start of a time when the child can go to school, return to their families and live in public, after years of being unable to do all those things. Here, Purna Shova, left, unties the hair of her daughter, Kumari Samita Bajracharya, . at Bagmati river in . Patan, Nepal . The goddesses live in temples and other enclosed areas and cannot be seen in public, apart from during ceremonies and festivities. Here, Kumari Samita Bajracharya prepares to take part in a procession at . Kumari Ghar in Patan, Nepal. She appears outside . of her residence during different jatras nine times a year . Kumaris, which means virgin in Nepalese, are carried their entire lives because they are considered too special for their feet to touch the ground. Samita Bajracharya, shown here with her family in . Kathmandu, Nepal, was so accustomed to be carried that she could not walk properly after she . retired . Once she retired, Samita Bajracharya was able to go back to everyday life. She started playing an Indian classic music instrument called Sarod . in her room in Patan, Nepal, although it took several months for her to be able to find the confidence to interact . Samita . Bajracharya looks ahead as her mother loosens her hair, to mark the end of her 12-day 'Gufa' ritual at Bagmati . river in Patan, Nepal . Purna Shova Bajracharya and her daughter cover Samita . Bajracharya's face with a cloth as she is brought outside wearing a traditional wedding dress to worship the Sun . during the 'Gufa' ceremony . After the Gufa, Kumari Samita Bajracharya's life with her father Kul Ratna . Bajracharya, left, mother Purna Shova, far right, and elder brother Sabin, right, will revert to the life of any other ordinary young girl - a life she has never known . During her time as a Kumari, Samita Bajrachary could not go to school as she was not allowed to be seen in public. Here, she is tutored by a teacher from St. Xavior School at her home in Patan, Nepal, a school which provides a full scholarship to educate the living goddess during her reign . The Kumaris spend their public appearances sitting in front of devotees or their offering. This ceremony was a special puja at Kumari Ghar in Patan, Nepal . After becoming a . Kumari, Samita was restricted from going out from her residence, only appearing . outside when she was required for worship . During the year, the Kumaris are placed on traditional thrones as worshippers take part in festivals to pay their respects to the living goddesses . After life as a Kumari stopped, she was able to play with her friends and attend school. She had to pass a 32-stage test before she was permitted to be a Kumari . Kumaris are painted in traditional artwork before they are worshipped at different events and processions throughout the year . During the 12-day 'Gufa' ceremony, the Kumari will be kept in a closed room, where female friends and relatives are allowed to visit, as shown above . The Kumaris are carried by their families to the different ceremonies but are never allowed to walk themselves - often leading to them having weak legs when they retire . Samita Bajracharya, a Kumari, is shown sitting on the traditional throne as she waits for visitors during a traditional Matya festival . Kumari Samita Bajracharya is dressed in traditional attire for her appearances and is often dressed by her family as a sign of respect . Samita Bajracharya, a former Kumari, can now attend classes after retiring from her goddess life . | The 'living goddesses' are chosen as infants and adored by thousands of Hindus and Buddhists until menstruation . The Kumaris are an incarnation of the goddess Kali and are seen as protectors from evil and a bestower of good luck . The young girls are sheltered away - and cannot go to school - until they are required at festivals and processions . | ef66f27179dd0003af742b9a96efbb6813a37f55 |
By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 13:55 EST, 21 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:01 EST, 21 August 2013 . Navlet Anderson, 50, claimed her shoes got stuck under the pedals of her car before it crashed into a takeaway in Bristol . A mother who drove into a kebab shop injuring four people including a close friend has been jailed after trying to blame the crash on her flip flops. Navlet Anderson, 50, claimed her shoes got stuck under the pedals of her car before it crashed into Antalya kebab shop in Bristol. She drove her Vauxhall Corsa into Stephen Brothwood before crashing straight through the front windows of the shop and hitting another bystander on April 28. Despite Mr Brothwood being described as a 'dear friend' and neighbour, the mother-of-two reversed over him as she tried to escape. Anderson abandoned her car on top of her injured victim who suffered a punctured lung, fractured ribs and legs. Three other people were hurt and the shop suffered thousands of pounds of damage. She was cleared yesterday of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. It is thought she is one of the first people to be found guilty of the new charge after legislation brought it into law last year. Judge Geoffrey Mercer QC jailed her for three years at Bristol Crown Court and told her it was a matter of 'pure fortune' no-one was killed. He said: 'I have not the slightest doubt you were driving in anger. Your anger may have been directed specifically at someone other than those who had the misfortune to be there and be struck by the car. 'But the reality is you drove in such a way in your anger that you had no regard as to who might be in you way. 'Four people were hurt, one seriously, Mr Brothwood, described as a friend, but he was seriously hurt and I have no doubt the injuries he sustained have had, and will continue to have, a significant effect on his life. Emergency services at the scene where Navlet Anderson drove into a kebab shop injuring four people . 'It will be obvious to anybody that has heard the evidence that it is a matter of pure fortune that the injuries were not worse and that somebody was not killed.' Anderson was also disqualified from driving for five years and will need to pass an extended test. The court heard Anderson, from Redfield, Bristol, told police the sole of her right flip-flop jammed underneath the accelerator. She told officers: 'My flip-flop got caught. The accelerator pedal was between my toe and the base of my shoe. 'The flip-flop was underneath the accelerator pedal. It was a sandwich and I was not able to brake. Navlet Anderson claimed her shoes got stuck under the pedals of her car before it crashed . Despite describing Mr Anderson as a 'dear friend', the mother-of-two reversed over him as she tried to escape . 'The car went through the kebab shop window. I did not see anyone in front of me.' Anderson said she threw the right flip-flop out of the car window and reversed in shock. She then pulled the car forward and saw Mr Brothwood on the ground. She said: 'I wondered what he was doing there. I thought the glass fell on him. I know him very well. He is a neighbour, a dear friend.' Anderson recalled how she momentarily went to her home nearby 'in a daze' before police arrived and arrested her. Anderson said she threw the right flip-flop out of the car window and reversed in shock . Chester Beyts, defending Anderson, said: 'She has always been remorseful and apologetic for her actions once she realised the gravity of what had occurred.' Anderson was also handed a three month prison sentence to run alongside after she pleaded guilty to assault by beating. In a statement DC Simon Atyeo said: 'The victims are still coming to terms with what happened that day, and some are still dealing with the injuries they suffered during this incident, so we are pleased with today’s verdict and hope it will go some way towards helping them with their healing process, and assist them with their recovery.' | Navlet Anderson drove her Vauxhall Corsa into Stephen Brothwood before crashing into the shop and hitting another bystander . Despite Mr Brothwood being a friend of the mother-of-two she reversed over him as she tried to escape . The 50-year-old abandoned her car on top of the injured victim in Bristol . | ed5f531ddb77256add59149f7c0ba982a22a606a |
(CNN Student News) -- April 17, 2014 . Covered this Thursday: A ferry with hundreds aboard capsizes off the coast of South Korea, the fossils of a Tyrannosaurus rex arrive at the Smithsonian, and Major League Baseball remembers its first African-American player. We also look at an NCAA decision concerning unlimited food for many college athletes. On this page you will find today's show Transcript, the Daily Curriculum, and a place for you to leave feedback. TRANSCRIPT . Click here to access the transcript of today's CNN Student News program. Please note that there may be a delay between the time when the video is available and when the transcript is published. DAILY CURRICULUM . Click for a printable version of the Daily Curriculum (PDF). Media Literacy Question of the Day: . What different events might you include in a documentary on the history of baseball in the U.S.? Why would you choose these events? Key Concepts: Identify or explain these subjects you heard about in today's show: . 1. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) 2. Smithsonian Institution . 3. Jackie Robinson . Fast Facts: How well were you listening to today's program? 1. What happened to a ferry headed for a resort island yesterday in South Korea? How many passengers were on board? What were the passengers initially told not to do? What happened within two hours? 2. Why is a video out of Yemen especially concerning to the Central Intelligence Agency and the Pentagon? What is al Qaeda? What is its leader encouraging the group's members to do? How have U.S. officials responded to the video? 3. What fossilized discovery did a rancher make in Montana in 1988? Where was this discovery recently sent? How did it travel there? Where will it eventually be on display? How old are these bones believed to be? 4. Who was Jackie Robinson? What number did he wear on his jersey? Why did Major League Baseball players wear his number on Tuesday? What else has Major League Baseball done to honor Robinson? 5. What proposal did the NCAA approve this week regarding college athletes and meals? Under this proposal, who would get unlimited meals and snacks? What brought this issue to public attention? Who must still approve the new meal proposal? Discussion Questions: . 1. What do you think U.S. officials do to monitor terrorist activities? What skills and knowledge do you think would be valuable in a career centered on anti-terrorism? If you were interested in a career in this field, what courses would you want to take? Why? 2. What do you think were some of the personal sacrifices that Jackie Robinson had to make in order to play in the Major Leagues in 1947? What impact do you think his achievement has had on the lives of others in sports and in other fields? What do you think others can learn from his story? CNN Student News is created by a team of journalists and educators who consider the Common Core State Standards, national standards in different subject areas, and state standards when producing the show and curriculum. We hope you use our free daily materials along with the program, and we welcome your feedback on them. FEEDBACK . We're looking for your feedback about CNN Student News. Please use this page to leave us comments about today's program, including what you think about our stories and our resources. Also, feel free to tell us how you use them in your classroom. The educators on our staff will monitor this page and may respond to your comments as well. Thank you for using CNN Student News! Click here to submit your Roll Call request. | This page includes the show Transcript and the Daily Curriculum . Use the Transcript to help students with reading comprehension and vocabulary . The Daily Curriculum offers the Media Literacy Question of the Day, Key Concepts, Fast Facts and Discussion Questions . At the bottom of the page, please share your feedback about our show and curriculum . | 1263c238fcdcebdf3149bcbb32e4290ba5c3dc8b |
A defiant President Obama used his sixth State of the Union address to offer a litany of Democratic priorities that centered on tax increases on the wealthy intended to fund new social programs benefiting everyone else. Unconcerned that he was addressing a Congress under full Republican control for the first time, the president danced around the outlines of his tax plan, dubbed a 'Robin Hood' approach by outraged Republicans that amounts to 'class warfare'. Obama said: 'As Americans, we don’t mind paying our fair share of taxes, as long as everybody else does, too. But for far too long, lobbyists have rigged the tax code with loopholes that let some corporations pay nothing while others pay full freight. Scroll down for video . Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner (right), won't warm to Obama's plan to raise $320billion in new taxes to redistribute to poorer Americans . Obama launched his tax-grab plan in an address to a Congress under full Republican control for the first time . 'They've riddled it with giveaways the super-rich don't need, denying a break to middle-class families who do. 'Let's close the loopholes that lead to inequality by allowing the top one per cent to avoid paying taxes on their accumulated wealth,' the president demanded. 'We can use that money to help more families pay for childcare and send their kids to college. 'Will we accept an economy where only a few of us do spectacularly well?' he asked later in his address, 'or will we commit ourselves to an economy that generates rising incomes and chances for everyone who makes the effort?' Obama first wants to hike the capital gains rate on couples making more than $500,000 annually, from 20 to 28 per cent. The White House has tried to sell the plan to the American people - and the Republicans - by pointing out that GOP standard-bearer Ronald Reagan once accepted the same tax rate for capital gains. But Obama neglected to add that the deal Reagan struck with congressional Democrats during the 1980s also set the top marginal income tax rate at 28 per cent. The top rate today in the United States is 39.8 per cent – a rate Republicans have long sought to bring down by arguing that lower tax rates encourage investment and job creation. The president also wants to change the way taxes are calculated when an investor dies and bequeaths stocks to someone. Under current law, anyone who inherits stock is liable for taxes based on its original cost - not what it was worth when the original investor died. That, Obama's economic advisers insist, should change. The difference could be devastating for the children of America's smartest and most patient investors. Stock bought decades ago for $10,000 and worth $200,000 at the time of death, for instance, would create a capital gains tax liability that's 20 times bigger under Obama's proposal – and heirs have to pay that tax when they inherit the stock. The White House's plan also slaps a one-time fee on about 100 large U.S. investment banks and other giant financial firms with assets of $50billion or more. The suggested fee on big banks is meant to discourage financial institutions from engaging in the risky behaviors that led to the 2008 crash, the White House says. Obama hopes the new tax plans will raise $320 billion over 10 years – and wants to spend it right away. His social program agenda includes a new $500 tax credit for many two-income households, an expanded tax credit for families who pay for child care, and an ambitious plan to pay for community college tuition in its entirety. That plank of Obama's platform alone could cost $60 billion in its first decade, but some analysts claim the cost but even higher since community colleges could raise tuition fees as more government money enters the system. Republican lawmakers sat on their hands as the president proposed a massive tax hike on investors and other wealthy Americans . Republicans declared the tax plan dead on arrival before Tuesday night's speech, even though it won't have a formal unveiling until the president's budget hits their desk on February 2. 'This is not a serious proposal,' Brendan Buck, a spokesman for the House Ways and Means Committee chairman Paul Ryan, told the Washington Post. 'We lift families up and grow the economy with a simpler, flatter tax code, not big tax increases to pay for more Washington spending.' Wisconsin Republican Ryan slammed Obama on Fox News, accusing him of using 'class warfare rhetoric'. 'That's not presidential,' he said. Virginia Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock told DailyMail.com that Obama's tax proposals will go nowhere. 'I think it's pretty clear that that’s a non-starter, and I think the president knows that,' Comstock said. 'Those kind of tax increases would just be devastating to the economy. And you know we still have a very fragile economy.' In a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, also levelled the 'class warfare' charge at the president. Hatch has set his sights on reforming the tax code in a different way. Obama's plan 'appears to be more about redistribution,' he said, which 'is unfortunate, because we’re going to need real leadership from the White House – not just liberal talking points – if tax reform is going to be successful.' House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan slammed Obama afterwards for 'class warfare rhetoric' Sen. Ted Cruz said Obama's 'more taxes' mantra was reminiscent of the Saturday Night Live 'More Cowbell' sketch featuring Christopher Walken . Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee and former Massachusetts governor who is weighing up a third run for the White House, slammed the president for 'ignoring the fact that the country has elected a Congress that favors smaller government and lower taxes'. Romney's main competitor for Republican front-runner status, former Florida governor Jeb Bush, vented on Facebook. 'It’s unfortunate President Obama wants to use the tax code to divide us – instead of proposing reforms to create economic opportunity for every American,' he said. 'We can do better.' Former secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, the leading Democrat in line for Obama's job after 2016, tweeted that he had 'pointed way to an economy that works for all. Now we need to step up & deliver for the middle class.' But Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz had mockery in mind. He said on Fox News that Obama's reliance on the expansion of government social programs – and the tax hikes that go with them – was a modern political version of the classic Saturday Night Live sketch that featured actor Christopher Walken demanding 'more cowbell' as a solution to every problem faced by a rock band. 'For President Obama, "More cowbell" is "More taxes, more government; more taxes, more government",' Cruz said. | President aims to raise $320 billion over a decade for new social programs including universally free community college tuition . Wants to raise capital gains tax rate for wealthy couples from 20 to 28 per cent . Argues that this is the same rate Republican President Ronald Reagan accepted in the 1980s . White House wants to tax inherited stocks based on their current value instead of their original cost . President Obama also aims to slap a fee on America's largest banks . Republicans call it a 'Robin Hood' tax package and complain that Obama is using 'class warfare' rhetoric . With the GOP in charge of both houses of Congress, the proposals are 'dead on arrival' but could stir the pot in advance of the 2016 elections . | f637c02029c6c6339ef60707bfaa1591f34cf3a8 |
By . Sarah Michael . Australians have been warned to avoid all demonstrations and large-scale gatherings in Thailand and to monitor developments that might affect their safety after Thailand's army declared martial law before dawn on Tuesday. The surprise announcement in Bangkok intensifies the turbulent nation's deepening political crisis. The military, however, deny a coup d'etat is underway. Troops are patrolling the streets of Bangkok and Thai army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha appeared on all Thailand's TV channels in the middle of the night to order police off the streets of the nation's capital. Scroll down for video . Thai soldiers take up position on a street outside the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order after soldiers were sent in to seize the centre on Tuesday in Bangkok . Pedestrians stroll past armed Thai soldiers in Bangkok on Tuesday after Thailand's army declared martial law . The army said in a statement that the military had taken the action to 'keep peace and order' and soldiers entered several private television stations in the capital. The military statement was signed by army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha. It cited a 1914 law that gives it authority to intervene during times of crisis, and said it had taken the action because on-going mass rallies between political rivals 'could impact the country's security and safety of the lives and properties of the public.' THAILAND IN POLITICAL CRISIS . The move came after a six-month political stalemate, which has involved widespread anti-government demonstrations. Analysts have warned Thailand is on the brink of civil war and 28 people have been killed in clashes across the country. Thailand has been without a sitting parliament since December last year, when then-premier Yingluck Shinawatra refused to bow to pressure to step down but called an election for February in an attempt to ease unrest. Thai soldiers occupy the foyer of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand television station in Bangkok . Thai soldiers use sand bags to fortify their position in the middle of a main intersection in Bangkok's shopping district . The February elections were sabotaged by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by Suthep Thaugsuban. Election officials were unable to schedule a new poll before Yingluck was removed on May 7, after a court found her and nine of her ministers guilty of abuse of power. Thailand's acting prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan insisted on Monday that his government will not resign, resisting pressure from a group of senators who are seeking ways to settle the country's political crisis, and from anti-government protesters who are demanding an appointed prime minister. TOURISTS WARNED ABOUT TERROR THREAT . A statement on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website posted on Tuesday warns tourists: 'We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack. You should pay close attention to your personal security at all times.' A spokesman for DFAT said the department understands the country's caretaker government is still in office. Thai soldiers in Bangkok's shopping district. Thailand's army declared martial law on Tuesday to restore order after six months of anti-government protests . Thailand's army declared martial law to restore order after six months of anti-government protests which have left the country without a functioning government . 'We are following these events closely and encourage all parties to resolve their political differences through peaceful democratic processes,' he said. 'The Department will continue to assess the implications of this development for Australian travellers and will update the travel advice accordingly.' Do not travel warnings have been issued for the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla. SENATORS CALL FOR POLITICAL REFORMS . A group of about 70 senators, most of whom are seen as siding with the anti-government protesters, proposed a framework on Friday that calls for a government with full power to conduct political reforms. Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan and Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri met with two representatives of the Senate in an undisclosed location Monday to avoid disruption from the protesters. Thai soldiers take their positions in the middle of a main intersection in Bangkok's shopping district . Thai soldiers walk outside the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) building . In a statement following the meeting, Niwattumrong said the Cabinet cannot resign because 'it will be negligence of duty and against the constitution,' and insisted he 'can carry out duties and has full authority' as prime minister. The Cabinet has operated in a caretaker capacity with limited power since Yingluck dissolved the lower house in December in a failed bid to ease the political crisis. A new government cannot normally be named until there are elections, which anti-government demonstrators have vowed to block unless political reforms occur first. The Senate, the only functioning legislative body in the country, was seen as the last resort of the anti-government protesters, who are calling for an interim, unelected prime minister to be chosen. A Royal Thai Army soldier stands guard on an overpass outside a major shopping center in downtown Bangkok . WHY YINGLUCK WAS REMOVED . Earlier this month, the Constitutional Court removed Yingluck for nepotism along with nine Cabinet members in a case that many viewed as politically motivated. Protesters said her removal is not enough because she was replaced by an acting prime minister from the ruling party, Niwattumrong. Anti-government protesters say they are making their final push to oust the government and install an unelected prime minister and government. They have promised to call off their rallies if they are not successful by May 26, following six months of street demonstrations in which 28 people have died and hundreds of others have been injured. Thai anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is greeted by his supporters during a march in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday . The protesters on Monday began searching for members of the Cabinet at their residences to pressure them to resign, but did not find any. Labor unions representing about 20 state-owned enterprises vowed to go on strike Thursday to support the anti-government protesters, although several companies, including Thai Airways and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, said Monday that they would operate normally. CRISIS STARTED IN 2006 . Thailand's political crisis began in 2006, when Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled by a military coup after being accused of corruption, abuse of power and disrespect for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thaksin, a former telecommunications billionaire, remains highly popular among the poor in the north and northeast, and parties controlled by him have won every national election since 2001. The anti-government protesters, who are aligned with the opposition Democrat Party and backed by the country's traditional elites, say they want to remove all traces of his political machine from politics. Thaksin's supporters, known as the Red Shirts, have staged a rally in Bangkok's western outskirts since May 10, raising concerns about possible clashes between them and the anti-government protesters. An anti-government protester waves a Thai national flag during a march through streets in Bangkok on Monday . Thai anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Thailand's army chief declared martial law before dawn on Tuesday . The military denies that a coup d'etat is underway . Troops are patrolling Bangkok and police have been ordered off the streets . Announcement comes after widespread anti-government demonstrations . Tourists warned about possible civil unrest and threat of terrorist attack . | 5156cd25e57f5da07cf00e3db26c9916aa210d9b |
Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla claims that Radamel Falcao’s relationship with Louis van Gaal is ‘broken’ and his compatriot will leave Manchester United when his loan from Monaco runs out at the end of the season. Falcao was said to be stunned when he was axed from United’s 18-man squad to face Southampton on Sunday after starting the previous five games, and held talks with Van Gaal at Carrington on Monday. It has raised serious doubts over United’s intention to go through with a permanent £52million deal, with Falcao’s agent Jorge Mendes admitting that the 28-year-old might have to go elsewhere for regular first-team football. Radamel Falcao has struggled at Man United and there are doubts the striker will remain at Old Trafford . Faustino Asprilla claims Falcao's relationship with Van Gaal is broken . Asprilla, who had an eventful two-year stay at Newcastle in the 90s, has blamed Van Gaal over his treatment of Falcao and accused him of driving the player out of Old Trafford. ‘If Van Gaal continues he will leave,’ Asprilla told IB Times UK. ‘I think it is a relationship that has already been broken. Falcao understands that the coach does not want him. ‘I remember when I went to Newcastle Kevin Keegan wanted me. He supported me a lot and here it is obvious that Van Gaal does not trust Falcao. Falcao, pictured against Yeovil in the FA Cup, has only scored three goals since his move to United . Colombian Asprilla spent two eventful seasons playing in the Premier League with Newcastle . ‘It is sad to see how he is treating Falcao. The problem is not Falcao, but the coach. Falcao had an injury earlier in the season, but after he proved that he is still the same top scorer he used to be. ‘He played five games and scored goals. But this is all about giving him confidence. After playing well some games it is inexplicable that he suddenly stops playing. ‘The truth is that I do not know what Van Gaal is trying to do at United. And I think both players and fans are also confused. He does many changes without reasons.’ | Radamel Falcao is currently on a season-long loan at Manchester United . The Colombia international striker has struggled since joining Old Trafford . Faustino Asprilla has criticised Louis van Gaal's treatment of Falcao . | d8318d7e5d991de61a9021fe439b728dc61a0cf1 |
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis is expected to be out for at least six months after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung, the National Hockey League team announced on Wednesday. 'Pascal had a blood clot in his leg that traveled to his lung,' said Pittsburgh team doctor Dharmesh Vyas. 'In medical terms, that is a deep vein thrombosis resulting in a pulmonary embolism.' This is not the first time the 35-year-old Canadian has been diagnosed with blood clot problems. In January, Dupuis was treated for a blood clot following knee surgery. Pascal Dupuis of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates a goal against the Calgary Flames during their game on December 21, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ©Justin K. Aller (Getty/AFP/File) Doctors put him on blood thinners at the time and will continue with that treatment for his latest problem. 'This is the second such incident that we know of for Pascal,' Vyas said. 'The treatment is at least six months of blood thinners, during which time he will not be able to play hockey. Other than that, his condition is stable.' The news comes less than a week after Dupuis delivered one of his best games of the season, scoring two goals on eight shots in the Penguins 2-1 win over Toronto. The Penguins said the clot was discovered Monday after Dupuis had complained of chest pain. Dupuis has six goals and five assists in 16 games this season. He missed the majority of the 2013-14 season after tearing his ACL. | Pittsburgh Penguins forward Pascal Dupuis, 35, is suffering his second blood clot - his first was in January . In medical terms, it is a deep vein thrombosis resulting in a pulmonary embolism . | 5efea8f06ccd80b6995efbcf674640cdca7b38d5 |
By . Daniel Mills . Bali Nine drug mule Scott Rush has proposed to a successful London banker whom he met for just one day in 2005 before his dramatic arrest for trying to struggle heroin. During a prison visit this month Rush dropped to one knee and asked 38-year-old mother-of-two Nikki Butler to marry him, more than nine years after they met for just a few hours before he was stopped with 1.3kg of the drug strapped to his body. Ms Butler had lost touch with the 28-year-old drug smuggler during his years of incarceration, but reunited with him in April after she recognised an image of him on British TV which referenced the Bali Nine. Scroll down for video . Bali nine inmate Scott Rush has proposed to successful London banker, Nikki Butler, who has agreed to marry him . Rush and Ms Butler spent just one day together when they met briefly close to 10 years ago . The 28-year-old, one of nine Australians jailed for attempting to traffick drugs from the Indonesian island in 2005, has battled drug problems since he was sentenced. 'Nikki, I love you and you love me. I think we can have a happy ending. Will you marry me?' he said according to The Sunday Telegraph. Ms Butler was on holiday in Bali when she met Rush for just one day before his arrest at Denpasar airport. The pair then parted ways before she recognised an image of the drug criminal on British TV and contacted him in January last year. She flew to Indonesia to visit him in April and again this month when Rush proposed to her. Ms Butler said the marriage 'feels like the right thing to do,' provided that former addict Rush can turn his life around. Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph from London she said she feels convinced that the 28-year-old has been punished enough for the crime he committed as a teenager. 'I love him. I know the person Scott really is and he is really, really beautiful person,' she said. At just 19 years of age Rush was committed to stand trial and sentenced to life in prison after his arrest at a Denpasar airport with 1.8 kg of heroin concealed on his body. More... 'We never crossed the border': Mexican officials deny helicopter flew into Arizona and blame shooting on drug smugglers . Australian sentenced to death in Vietnam for smuggling heroin in his luggage, state media reports . After an appeal he was given the death penalty - which was later overturned back to a life in 2011. The couple hope that sentence will be reduced to between 15 and 20 years. Scott Rush was just 19 when he was arrested and convicted on drug smuggling charges . Earlier this year he became the second of the Bali nine drug couriers to be moved out of Kerobokan Prison, moving to Karangasem in Bali’s far east. Kerobokan prison is awash with drugs, particularly crystal methamphetamine and heroin, with the trade controlled by local gangs. The other Australians serving life sentences in Kerobokan prison are Martin Stephens, Matthew Norman, Si Yi Chen, Tan Duc Than Nguyen and Michael Czugaj. The group's ring leaders, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, still remain on death row. Scott Rush was moved from his Kerobokan jail cell, where drugs are rife, to Karangasem prison earlier this year . Seven of the Bali nine drug traffickers after their arrest in 2005 . | Nikki Butler met Rush briefly in 2005, before Rush's arrest at a Bali airport . Butler, 38, made contact with Rush for the first time since in January 2013 . The pair met in April and again this month when Rush proposed from Jail . Rush is serving a life sentence for trafficking 1.3kg of heroin . Both hope his sentence will be reduced to 15-20 years . | 7f22ac6af9cd2b1c3c9f0740d78d6a12c916daf7 |
Plans for an exclusive £30m hotel and golf course development on the estate that was home to press baron Lord Beaverbrook have been given the green light after a lengthy legal battle. The proposals for Cherkley Court near Leatherhead, Surrey, were scrapped when a High Court judge quashed planning permission in August. Now the Court of Appeal has ruled that plans to turn the historic greenbelt estate into a golf resort can go ahead after all. Grandeur: Cherkley Court near Leatherhead in Surrey, will now become a luxury golf resort after a High Court decision was overturned on appeal. It is the former estate of media baron and politician Lord Beaverbrook . An artist's impression of the clubhouse at the Cherkley Court development . Mr Justice Haddon-Cave found Mole Valley District Council's decision to grant planning permission on such an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was perverse, and that the council had 'erred in law'. But Law Lords yesterday overturned his judgement after an appeal by the council and developer Longshot Cherkley Court. Lord Beaverbrook, owner of the Express Newspaper Group and minister during both World Wars, bought the property after a single viewing in 1911. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, to whom he acted as a confidante, is said to have had his own room because he spent so much time there. Canadian-born Lord Beaverbrook revolutionised the media in the UK . In 2010 the historic country house closed to the public and was put up for sale after the Beaverbrook Foundation decided it could no longer be profitable. The project, which is expected to create 200 jobs, includes an 18-hole golf course which is being co-designed by golfer Tom Watson. Local campaigners, backed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), argued the project would blight precious chalk grassland habitat. They said ecological and water surveys should have been carried out. Ian Todd, director of developers Longshot Cherkley Court, said: 'From our point of view the Court of Appeal judgement and the overwhelming support from the local community have only strengthened our resolve to deliver a project, of which Mole Valley residents can be justifiably proud.' Yvonne Rees, chief executive of Mole Valley District Council, said: 'The appeal raised a number of important planning principles which are of significant interest to other planning authorities across the country. 'Such a decision reinforces the validity of the decision-making process that MVDC undertook.' Shaun Spiers, chief executive of Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: 'This is a good day for millionaire golfers, and a very bad day for the countryside. 'CPRE Surrey and the Cherkley Campaign have fought a magnificent battle against the suburbanisation of some outstanding open countryside. It is a huge shame that on this occasion they have outgunned by the big battalions.' In his judgement in the High Court, Mr Justice Haddon-Cave ruled that 'very exclusive private demand' was contrary to public need and highlighted the number of golf facilities already in the area. Plush: How the swimming pool at the £30million resort might look . Palatial: Lord Beaverbrook, owner of the Express Newspaper Group and a minister during both World Wars, bought the property after a single viewing in 1911 . In a statement today, Longshot Cherkley Court said: 'Lord . Justices Richards, Underhill and Floyd unanimously agreed that Mr . Justice Haddon-Cave’s quashing order and costs order should be set . aside. 'The planning permission for the transformation of Cherkley Court has now been reinstated. 'LCC, having bought the site three years ago, looks forward to pressing ahead with its implementation, thereby enabling them to fully preserve and transform this precious site of historic and environmental importance.' Local campaigners, backed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), argued the project would blight precious chalk grassland habitat . The project, which is expected to create 200 jobs, includes a 18-hole golf course which is being co-designed by Tom Watson . Cherkley Court is located in Surrey, near Leatherhead . It added: 'Working closely with the local community, they are confident that Cherkley has an exciting future which will honour the building’s history, protects the precious landscape and ensures that this unique location is enjoyed by many people for many generations to come. 'The project will create up to 200 jobs across all the estate’s facilities and they will be looking to recruit at operational and management levels for the hotel, spa, health club, gardens, golf course and club house. 'Having already awarded the construction contract to the local company Wates, LCC will also be seeking where possible to employ local Mole Valley residents.' Sir Winston Churchill pictured chatting with his friend Lord Beaverbrook at Beaverbrook's 83rd Birthday celebrations. Churchill is said to have had his own room at the estate because he spent so much time there . Lord Beaverbrook was an influential press baron, owning The Daily Express, the Sunday Express and the London Evening Standard. He was also a powerful politician, serving as a government minister during both World Wars. Born Max Aitken in Maple, Ontario, Canada in 1879, he set up his first newspaper at the age of 13. The shrewd businessman made his fortune as a young man in Halifax and moved to Britain in 1910. He quickly turned to politics and found candidacy as a Conservative, and then election, in Ashton-under-Lyme, in Manchester. From 1911 he made overtures to buy the Daily Express in London, slowly increasing his stake in the newspaper from that year onwards. By 1916 he owned the paper outright. It is widely believed he was a key player in the ousting of wartime Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and the rise of his replacement Lloyd George in 1916. Later that year he was offered a peerage and chose the title Beaverbrook. After resigning as Minister of Information, the 1920s and 1930s established Beaverbrook's reputation as a brilliant exponent of crusader politics. In 1919, the Daily Express sold 400,000 copies a day. By 1938 it sold 2,329,000 and by 1960, 4,300,000. He attracted criticism in the run up to the Second World War for his isolationist stance and defence of Russian leader Josef Stalin, but when he became minister of aircraft production by Winston Churchill, fighter and bomber production were immeasurably increased. 'This was his hour,' Churchill later declared. After the war he travelled, wrote and engaged in charity work. He died in June 1964. Source: The Beaverbrook Foundation . | The plans for Surrey's Cherkley Court were thrown out by judge last year . But appeal has secured permission for the historic greenbelt estate . It used to belong to press baron and wartime minister Lord Beaverbrook . | bfad8bf0d4a53f6cdfef8501095cdde6f1a05ace |
(CNN) -- More state restrictions on fishing in the Gulf of Mexico were lifted Monday as the fall shrimping season began, but efforts to permanently plug the ruptured BP oil well were delayed again. The worst oil spill in U.S. history has hobbled fishermen across the Gulf as federal and state authorities put much of its waters off-limits due to safety concerns. With the well capped on a temporary basis for a month, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the Gulf states have begun lifting those restrictions -- but Louisiana shrimpers like Anthony Bourgeoif say more needs to be done, and soon. "It's open down over here with small shrimp, where it should be open over there where the big shrimp are," Bourgeoif told CNN. "Can't make no money with no little shrimp, man." Bourgeoif said he planned to go out, because "I ain't made nothing since the BP spill." But he was concerned that inspectors might find signs of oil in his catch and make him dump it. "So why go out there and catch it if they're just going to be dumped, and I ain't going to make no money off it?" he asked. "I've got to make money. I've got four grandkids I'm raising, man." Deborah Long, a spokeswoman for the Southern Shrimp Alliance, said it will likely take days to assess what impact the spill has had on the Gulf catch. And while some shrimpers are eager to get back out, many are still working for the well's owner, BP, which has hired many boats to skim oil off the surface and lay protective booms along the shorelines. And concerns about the long-term impact of the spill persisted with a new report from researchers at the University of South Florida, who reported that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill may have settled to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico further east than previously suspected -- and at levels toxic to marine life. Initial findings from a new survey of the Gulf conclude that dispersants may have sent droplets of crude to the ocean floor, where it has turned up at the bottom of an undersea canyon within 40 miles of the Florida Panhandle. The results are scheduled to be released Tuesday, but CNN obtained a summary of the initial conclusions Monday night. Plankton and other organisms at the base of the food chain showed a "strong toxic response" to the crude, and the oil could well up onto the continental shelf and resurface later, according to researchers. "The dispersant is moving the oil down out of the surface and into the deeper waters, where it can affect phytoplankton and other marine life," said John Paul, a marine microbiologist at USF. The spill erupted April 20 with an explosion that sank the offshore drilling platform Deepwater Horizon. The blast killed 11 men and uncapped an undersea gusher that spewed an estimated 205 million gallons of oil into the Gulf before it was temporarily shut in July 15. Thad Allen, the federal government's point man in the Gulf, said Monday that attempts to permanently seal the well won't start until the latest potential problem is evaluated. Allen said engineers are now concerned about how to manage the risk of pressure in the annulus, a ring that surrounds the casing pipe at the center of the well shaft. The "timelines won't be known until we get a recommendation on the course of action," Allen said. Scientists began new pressure tests last week to gauge the effects of the mud and cement poured into the well from above during the "static kill" procedure that started August 3. From those pressure readings, they believe that either some of the cement breached the casing pipe and leaked into the annulus, or cement came up into the annulus from the bottom. The scientists believe that process may have trapped some oil between the cement and the top of the well, inside the annulus. Now, given that new variable, they're trying to figure out how to safely maintain the pressure within the well before launching the "bottom kill," a procedure aimed at sealing the well from below. Allen told reporters that when it comes to giving a green light to the "bottom kill" of the well through the nearby relief well, "nobody wants to make that declaration any more than I do." But the process "will not start until we figure out how to manage the risk of pressure in the annulus." "We're using an overabundance of caution," he said. Allen said crews could remove the capping stack that sealed the oil in the well on July 15, then replace the well's blowout preventer with a new one stored on the nearby Development Driller II in the Gulf. Allen said a new blowout preventer would be "rated at much higher pressure levels than the annulus." The other option would require BP to devise a pressure-relief device for the current capping stack. Once crews get their marching orders, it will take them about 96 hours to prepare, drill the final 50 feet of a relief well and intercept the main well. Then, the bottom kill process of plugging the well from below would begin. BP acknowledged Monday that the disruption the oil spill has caused to lives across the Gulf coast has built up tension among residents. In response, the company announced Monday it is providing a total of $52 million to five behavioral health support and outreach programs. BP released a statement saying it would give the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration $10 million; the Florida Department of Children and Families, $3 million; the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, $15 million; and the departments of mental health in Mississippi and Alabama, $12 million each. "We appreciate that there is a great deal of stress and anxiety across the region, and as part of our determination to make things right for the people of the region, we are providing this assistance now to help make sure individuals who need help know where to turn," said Lamar McKay, president of BP America and incoming leader of BP's Gulf Coast Restoration Organization. CNN's Vivian Kuo, Reynolds Wolf, Ed Lavandera, Rich Phillips, Matt Smith and Chris Turner contributed to this report. | NEW: "Can't make no money with no little shrimp" NEW: Oil traces said to spread east on sea floor . No timeline set for bottom kill as scientists study well pressure . BP pledges $52 million to behavioral health support . | 24d99b0f5d330ff7e983c734f8e05ac8a3447152 |
Boris Johnson has urged people to take a taxi to hospital - instead of calling an ambulance. The London Mayor said those with minor fractures or sprains should take themselves to A&E to keep ambulances for emergencies. Mr Johnson’s remarks come amid growing pressure on accident and emergency wards even before the expected surge of alcohol-fuelled injuries over Christmas and New Year. London Mayor Boris Johnson said people with minor fractures or sprains should take themselves to A&E to keep ambulances for emergencies . The London mayor told the Evening Standard: ‘The message is simple - celebrate responsibly and only call an ambulance in a genuine emergency.’ Emergency call-outs in the capital are already 16 per cent higher this month than in December 2013. Some ambulances are being held up waiting to offload sick patients at overstretched A&Es, which are struggling to cope with the increasing number of people dialling 999 for help rather than waiting to see their family doctor. Mr Johnson said: ‘The London Ambulance Service is doing an incredible job responding to Londoners at an increasingly busy time of year. ‘That demand puts huge pressure on the men and women in the front line, emergency service operators, paramedics, ambulance technicians, police officers, firefighters and staff on our public transport network. ‘Over the festive period and across the winter I know the public will heed the emergency services calls for restraint when it comes to calling an ambulance.’ Labour said Mr Johnson’s call reflected an underlying crisis in the NHS. Labour said Mr Johnson’s call reflected an underlying crisis in the NHS . Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: ‘People should be responsible but London’s ambulance service needs more help than this from senior Tories. ‘This is a crisis of their making and it is no good trying to blame the public. ‘All year, ambulances in the capital have failed to get to the most critical calls in time and the service is struggling without enough paramedics.’ Mr Burnham's remarks come amid warnings A&E departments face being overwhelmed at Christmas by lonely, elderly people, Britain’s most senior casualty doctor said last night. The warning from Professor Keith Willett came as Care Minister Norman Lamb urged Britons to care for isolated neighbours to prevent the UK becoming a ‘neglectful society’. Professor Willett, the director for acute care for NHS England, said the impact of loneliness on older people could cause a major spike in admissions to A&E. Studies show sick people left alone over the festive period are more likely to go to casualty with worse problems. He urged any who are ill to call their pharmacist, GP or the NHS 111 helpline for advice, adding: ‘Don’t end up in A&E please.’ A&E departments are in crisis. Fewer than 90 per cent of patients were seen within four hours at casualty in the week up to December 14 – the worst week on record. Last night, the charity Age UK warned that nearly 400,000 people aged at least 65 were worried about being lonely this Christmas. In England, 51 per cent of all people over 75 live alone and 5million older people say the television is their main companion. Recent town hall cuts mean more councils are only sending carers round for 15-minute visits, even though this is often a pensioner’s only contact in a week. Research shows loneliness and social isolation are harmful to physical health. Studies indicate that lack of social connections is as likely to cause early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. | The London Mayor said people with minor fractures should call a cab . Remarks come amid growing pressure on accident and emergency wards . Emergency call-outs in the capital are already 16% higher than last year . | e1edea16195a97bad62003b6ed5f20bd2d2168f4 |
A dedicated dog owner had to be rescued from a muddy bog after he dived into a harbour to try and rescue his blind animal who had walked off the end of a pier. Simon O'Brien found himself stuck in thick silt and mud after he jumped in at Whitstable Harbour in Kent. His beloved pet Skippy, a 12-year-old border collie who is half blind, had accidentally walked off the harbour edge and plummeted 20ft into the thick mud. Simon O'Brien (right) dived into thick mud to rescue his dog Skippy after the half-blind animal strolled off the end of Whitstable Harbour pier and fell 20ft into thick mud and silt, both dog and owner had to be rescued . Mr O'Brien climbed down a ladder and dived into the mud to save Skippy. He managed to get the dog onto the stern of a moored fishing boat but then realised he needed help himself. Police officers helped pull him free from the harbour. The Coastguard Rescue Team then hoisted Skippy, who was caked in mud and silt, to safety. Tim Judge, a member of the rescue team, climbed down onto the boat before placing the dog in a bag and hauling him back to the top of the quay. Mr O'Brien managed to get Skippy into the stern of a boat before getting stuck in the mud himself . Coastguards were called to the scene and decided to climb down to rescue the 12-year-old border collie . Tim Judge climbed down to rescue Skippy and put him into a bag so he could be winched clear to safety . Skippy the dog was left stranded on the stern of the boat, which was moored in the thick muddy bog . Skippy was covered in mud and was later tested for hypothermia but was found to be in good health . Neither of the pair were injured or suffering from hypothermia after the incident. A Maritime and Coastguard Agency Spokesperson said: 'We're pleased that Skippy is now back safe with his owner and that this has a happy ending. 'We would like to remind the public not to attempt a rescue unless trained and equipped to do so to avoid getting in trouble yourself.' | Simon O'Brien was walking his half-blind dog Skippy at Whitstable Harbour . But the 12-year-old dog accidentally walked off the end of the Kent pier . Dog plunged 20ft down into thick mud and silt and was soon stuck fast . Mr O'Brien clambered down steps and dived into mud to save his pet . He got Skippy onto stern of a moored boat but was then stuck himself . Police and coastguard winched Mr O'Brien and border collie to safety . | 064eba7c2c62ae96b64a1f20562d6a3955579431 |
By . Lucy Crossley . With space at a premium and skyrocketing rents, one family have found an unusual solution to the housing shortage in one of China's largest cities - by setting up home in a converted male toilet. When Zeng Lingjun moved to Shenyang to find work, the enterprising 33-year-old decided that instead of his house-hunting mission becoming a busted flush, he would rent out the unused hotel bathroom. Shoe repairer Mr Zeng moved into the 20 square metre male toilet in 2006 and when he married wife Wang Zhixia in 2010 she joined him, with their baby son Devi born a year later. Round the U-bend: Zeng Lingjun, his wife Wang Zhixia and their baby Devi have set up home in a converted men's toilet . Enterprising: Mr Zeng created a bed by placing wooden planks on top of one toilet and has transformed two unused stalls into wardrobes . Despite his family's unusual living arrangements, Mr Zeng decribes his home - still fitted with urinals - as 'small but complete', and says they are used to the lingering odour. And he is so content with his lot that he even called his baby 'Devi' which means satisfying one's desire. Originally from a poor family living in the village of Fumin in Jilin Province, Mr Zeng won a place at the Heilongjiang Institute of Science and Technology in 1999. However, he was unable to attend the university as he did not have the money to pay his tuition fees so instead moved to Shenyang, in Liaoning province, to make money, with just 50 yuan, worth around £5.25, in his pocket. After moving into the toilet Mr Zeng quickly set about making alterations, placing planks over one toilet to make a bed - which faces a small television set up on a table nestled between two urinals. Two other stalls were converted into wardrobes. Homemaker: Wife Wang Zhixia cooks outside the entrance to the family home. She said the living arrangement was not 'convenient for cooking', but that she is used to it . Upbeat: Mr Zeng decribes his home - still fitted with urinals - as 'small but complete', and called his baby 'Devi', which means satisfying one's desire . On the opposite wall he has put up a red paper cut-out of the Chinese character "xi", or happiness -- a Chinese tradition to court good luck. 'I am satisfied with what I have now, said Mr Zeng told news website Englishnews.cn. 'Life actually is better here than where I used to rough it out.' Outside the 'bedroom', in what used to be a washbasin, is their . kitchen and Mr Zeng's workshop. Hard working: Mr Zeng set up his workshop for his cobbling business inside his toilet home . 'It's not convenient for cooking, but I'm . used to it,' former cleaner Ms Wang told China Daily.com. Mr Zeng pays out around 8,000 yuan a year, roughly £830, to rent the toilet from the hotel, and was given a space in front of the building for free where he polishes shoes for 10 yuan a pair. He takes home 2,000 yuan a month from his job as a shoeshine, cobbler and locksmith, which is nearly double the minimum wage set by the government of Shenyang. Despite his enthusiasm, Mr Zeng admits his home is not the most comfortable and says he has to flush the toilet regularly to wash away any odours that come down the pipes from the in-use lavatory block on the floor above his home. Long-term exposure to the humid atmosphere has left his child, now aged three, with eczema. When . he married his wife in 2010 he could not scrape together . enough money for a real honeymoon, but as he was determined to give his . wife a taste of luxury he took out 500 yuan from his savings and rented . a . 900-square-feet apartment in a high-end neighborhood. They lived there . for six days before they came back to start their new life together in the toilet. Although . he would like to find a better paying job and move his family into a . more conventional home he still has to send money to his aging parents, . and soon must find enough cash to send Devi to school. China's 240 million rural migrant workers in cities and factory towns form a vital cog in China's booming economy. However, many of them live in undesirable conditions, with limited access to health care and education. Mr . Zeng has applied for low-rent housing in Shenyang, but because his . registered residence status is still in his home province of . Heilongjiang, it is difficult for him to get his application approved. However, he is determined to remain positive. 'Take it easy. We are still young. Life will be better as long as we work hard', he said. Wedded bliss: Ms Wang shows her son the couple's wedding photograph. Mr Zeng could not scrape together enough money for a real honeymoon, but took out 500 yuan from his savings and rented a 900-square-feet apartment in a high-end neighborhood . Lingering: Although the family say they are satisfied with their home they have to flush the toilet regularly to wash away any odours from the in-use lavatory block on the floor above . | Zeng Lingjun lives in a male toilet with his wife Wang Zhixia and baby Devi . The 33-year-old rents the block from a hotel for around £830 a year . Mr Zeng describes his home as 'small but complete' Family must flush regularly to keep smell at bay . | aa02c896527f8d74f4e1cc63797115357abe988c |
When she was robbed of £10,000 worth of jewels, Loretta Smith was left traumatised. But in an extraordinary act of forgiveness the 75-year-old victim has sent one of the burglars £20 to help him turn his life around. The generous act came after career criminal Kevin Derbyshire wrote her a letter apologising for his crime. Loretta Smith said she hoped that by giving the burglar the money, it would help 'bring him to his senses' Apology: Kevin Derbyshire (left) wrote a letter to Mrs Smith while he was awaiting sentencing for the burglary, which took place in August last year . The pensioner wrote back to the 24-year-old, accepting his apology – and enclosed a £20 postal order. She explained: ‘He just said he was very, very sorry. ‘His writing was appalling [with] really bad spelling. He said he was really sorry for what had happened and he had been under the influence of valium.’ She continued: ‘I felt sorry for him. He obviously wasn’t very bright. I answered his letter and said thank you for your letter and that I hoped he understood the trauma he’d caused me.’ It appears Derbyshire’s partner in crime had also realised the trouble the pair had caused by their actions. During the raid on Mrs Smith’s home last August Derbyshire and Graham Llewellyn, also 24, grabbed £10,000 worth of gems including several rings and watches. But after CCTV pictures of them committing the burglary where broadcast, Llewellyn bundled some of the stolen property into a black bin bag and left it outside Mrs Smith’s home. The release of the CCTV pictures led to their arrest. Llewellyn has also written to Mrs Smith – but has so far not had a response. Speaking about her letter to Derbyshire, Mrs Smith said: ‘I made it very short and sweet, thanking him for the letter and said I was sure that he had not only upset me. He must have upset his partner or wife both financially and emotionally. ‘I thought at first I’d send him some stamps so he could send letters to loved ones – but I sent him £20.’ After he was arrested for burgling Mrs Smith’s home, a repentant Derbyshire wrote to his victim. Here is his letter (with spelling mistakes corrected) To the victims of my really horrible crime that I’ve committed, I just want to say that I’m really sorry for my stupid actions. I can assure you that I’m not a bad person, and I do not do things like this. I feel really bad, and I know I should. Things like this shouldn’t happen at all, and I didn’t even know what I was doing at the time. It was only when I went on Facebook and read all the horrible messages about me that it clicked what I had done. After the 75-year-old replied, sending him £20, he wrote back: . Dear Mr and Mrs Smith, . I just wanted to say thank you ever so much for your kindness towards me and replying to my letter. I really can’t say how much that letter meant to me in words, but I can assure you that it made me feel a lot better. Thank you so much for taking your spare time out of your way to write back to me. And if there’s anything I can do for you when I am released, I will not hesitate to do unpaid work and also, when I’m released, I will drop you a bunch of flowers and a bottle of good wine. I am so sorry for my silly actions. Her gift came despite Derbyshire and his accomplice leaving Mrs Smith with a £500 bill to repair the broken window at her home in Bolton and several stolen items not being returned. Mrs Smith added: ‘If people think I’m silly then hey ho.’ ‘I thought his letter came from the heart but maybe I’m just gullible. I’m hoping it will bring him to his senses and make him realise he has to go out and work.’ She added: ‘He did say when he comes out of prison he is going to buy me a bunch of flowers and the best bottle of wine he can afford.’ Details of Derbyshire’s written apology emerged at court, where the two men were jailed for 32 months each after admitting burglary. In Bolton Crown Court Derbyshire’s lawyer Nicholas Ross said his client was ‘remorseful’ and said of Mrs Smith’s gift: ‘It was out of remarkable sympathy, and I might say, in an almost saintly way, a token of her generosity.’ Revelation: Details of the apology emerged at Bolton Crown Court (pictured) where Derbyshire's lawyer used it to help with his plea for mitigation. Mrs Smith said that she thought the letter 'came from the heart' | Kevin Derbyshire, 24, stole £10,000 worth of jewellery from Loretta Smith . He was caught after footage of the raid on her Bolton home was put online . Derbyshire wrote a letter apologising and said he would buy her flowers . Mrs Smith, 75, felt bad and said it was 'normal' to send him money in jail . | 636082862d4e1243a7e43ec047377f28cd0aa784 |
By . Sean O'hare . PUBLISHED: . 12:03 EST, 7 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:34 EST, 7 January 2013 . The world's biggest collection of Jaguar model cars is being sold off by an ex-football club chairman who has spent a lifetime collecting them. Ken Chapman, former boss of Swindon Town, built up a collection of more than 1,000 models of his favourite car but now has nowhere to keep them. Mr Chapman, who lives in Lincolnshire, is moving to a smaller house and has decided it is time to let other collectors enjoy them. Toy car expert John Morgan with some of the many boxes of cars that make up Ken Chapman's model Jaguar collection, soon to be auctioned at a Sheffield Auction . Green racing Jaguars belonging to Ken Chapman. Some of the cars are worth £20, others run into several hundred pounds . Another collection of identical Jaguars in various colours which will form part of the auction on March 15 . In the 1950s a Dinky Toy craze hit the UK with childrern and adults wanting replicas of their favourite cars. Most of the models were in a scale of approximately 1:48 (but ranged from 1:8 to 1:2000*), which blended in with O scale railway sets. Larger models (Dinky Super Toys) were not scaled down, and started to come with more action features. In 1954, the Dinky line was reorganized: cars were sold in individual boxes and a separate line of models were made abroad. Both English and French Dinky Toys were exported to the United States. As a result of stiff competition and a change in the way children played English Dinky started to experience problems in the 1970s before closing and later becoming part of Matchbox International. The collection covers contemporary to tinplate manufacturers including Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Autoart and some of the more unusual like Tekno, Solido, Nicky and Norevover. They range in size and value, with some valued at £20 and the more expensive ones at several hundred pounds. The 12 boxes of cars are being sold by John Morgan of Sheffield Auction Gallery on March 15. They include rare 1950s models by Indian firm Nicky which bought the old Dinky toy moulds in the Sixties. Said Mr Morgan: 'It's impossible to give an accurate estimate of what the collection will make but some of the cars are extremely rare. 'The Nicky cars are are quite poor quality compared to the Dinkys but because of their rarity they are worth more. 'The collection is extremely eclectic and in amassing such such a huge collection Mr Chapman has managed to come by some real gems prized by toy connoisseurs.' 'Mr Chapman's particular favourite is a model XK120. 'I have seen large collections of toy cars before but never such a massive collection of one single marque. We have high hopes for it at the auction.' For more details on the sale, on Friday March 15, visit Sheffield Auction Gallery . 'I have seen large collections of toy . cars before but never such a massive collection of one single marque,' said Mr Morgan . | Cars will sell for between £20 and hundreds of pounds each . Ex-Swindon Town chairman has more than 1,000 models . He is downsizing and wants other collectors to enjoy them . Rare 1950s models by Indian firm Nicky included in collection . | f9ce5721a3e34c4fe2ac0df3311d45a157326cf1 |
New Delhi (CNN) -- Part of a residential building collapsed in central Mumbai on Monday evening, killing four people and injuring six, and rescuers continued to search for others who might be trapped Tuesday morning, officials said. Municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte told CNN Tuesday that four people have died and six have been rescued with injuries. He said one wing of a two- or three-story apartment building collapsed in the Mahim district of central Mumbai. "We are estimating that three to four people are still trapped inside the building," he said. Fire brigades rushed to the scene, and video showed dozens of rescuers working to clear rubble. Indian media reported that the collapse happened after heavy monsoon rains. Just last week, a vacant building was being torn down in downtown Philadelphia when a four-story wall collapsed onto an adjacent Salvation Army thrift store. The incident left six people dead and 13 others injured. In April, the nine-story Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1,130 people and injuring more than 2,400. Bangladesh building collapse: An end to recovery efforts, a promise of a new start . Harmeet Singh reported from New Delhi; Sumnima Udas reported from Atlanta. | Collapse of a Mumbai apartment building kills 4, hurts at least 6 . Rescue crews are still searching for people trapped in the rubble, official says . The collapse occurred after heavy monsoon rains, Indian media reported . | b14cd4352bbf6df4c4d65e5dfca34e341dc6aab3 |
(CNN) -- A Chinese man captured by federal agents in 2011 has pleaded guilty in a federal court for pirating copyrighted software worth more than $100 million, officials of ICE announced Tuesday. Xiang Li, 36, of Chengdu will be sentenced May 3, by a judge in Wilmington, Delaware, and could receive a sentence of up to 25 years. Authorities last April disclosed that Li had been captured by agents of Homeland Security Investigations in Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. "Li mistakenly thought he was safe ... hiding halfway around the world in cyberspace anonymity," ICE Director John Morton said Tuesday. An alleged co-conspirator, Chun Yan Li, remains a fugitive and is believed to be in Chengdu, ICE says. Officials say the men were indicted by a Delaware grand jury on charges of software piracy and illegally exporting technology to China. Li admitted to selling the pirated materials through his website Crack99 which authorities say harmed more than 150 U.S. companies. They were sold to thousands of customers in 28 states and 60 foreign countries. The software covered a wide range of applications used in manufacturing, engineering, space exploration, storm water management, explosives simulation and manufacturing plant design. One of their largest customers was a former electronics engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, who pleaded guilty to copyright infringement last April. Officials said Cosburn Wedderburn had purchased more than $1 million in pirated software from the Chinese conspirators. | Xiang Li was charged with pirating software worth more than $100 million . He faces sentencing in May and could receive up to 25 years in prison . An alleged co-conspirator is believed to be in Chengdu, China . NASA electronics engineer . | 039fd7e41087fd9b2a05a9e013e8ebfb0f7d2073 |
By . MailOnline Reporter . A ten-year-old boy in China has become the poster boy for anti-family cruelty campaigners after being beaten black and blue by his violent stepmother. Bin Bin, a pupil at a primary school in Heyuan city in Guangdong province, was asked by his teacher why he seemed in pain every time he moved. The boy burst into tears, before admitting he did not want to go home as his stepmother would regularly tie him to a clothes rack so she could carry out savage beatings. Ten-year-old Bin Bin has become the poster boy for anti-family cruelty campaigners after pictures of his sickening injuries were leaked by education officials . Bin Bin was asked to show his injuries after he revealed to a teacher that his stepmother was beating him black and blue. His body was covered with lacerations and bruises and pictures of his injuries have sparked outrage on the Chinese internet . The case has sparked outrage after images of his sickening injuries were leaked by an education official. The youngster described how he was tied up for the attacks that happened on an almost daily basis. And when he was taken to the head teacher and asked to show his body, they found every inch covered in bruises. 'She beats me all the time,' he admitted, showing bruised and lacerated flesh. He said the most recent beating occurred because he got soaked in a downpour when going home from school. 'She said I had been playing in water and punished me with a leather strap,' he said. Photos were taken of his injuries by school authorities. It is thought education officials may have leaked the images to the media. Beaten black and blue: Bin Bin was taken to the head teacher's office to show his injuries and said his stepmother 'beats me all the time' The distressing images have caused indignation on the Chinese internet with many appalled by the domestic violence. His teacher Quiong Yang said: 'He is such a sweet and kind little boy. It broke my heart when he recounted this tale of cruelty. 'His stepmother is jealous of the boy's relationship to his dad and it seems she has not managed to have a child. 'She said he must help her do housework each day and if he misses any speck of dirt he gets another thrashing.' Police have become involved and a criminal probe has been opened. | Schoolboy Bin Bin tells teacher how his stepmother 'beats me all the time' Ten-year-old asked to show injuries as he was in pain whenever he moved . His body was covered head to toe in bruises and lacerations from beatings . Stepmother said to be jealous of youngster's relationship with his father . The domestic abuse case has sparked outrage on the Chinese internet . | bd8057e627b96981d927aaa1f173ff505966c127 |
Nearly three-quarters of Americans questioned in a CNN/ORC poll say they don't think Russia can be trusted to uphold the terms of the ceasefire agreement it recently reached with Ukraine. Seventy-three percent of the 1,014 Americans questioned said Russia can't be trusted to keep the terms of the ceasefire, while 24% said Moscow could be trusted to honor it. Although the two countries agreed to a ceasefire, spotty violence continues. Pro-Russian rebels killed 10 civilians in a rocket attack in eastern Ukraine Wednesday, according to the Ukrainian military. While many Americans are concerned about the situation in Ukraine -- with 72% saying they are either somewhat or very concerned -- they are fewer than the 78% who expressed similar sentiments in May. The declining concern may reflect the calmer situation in Ukraine, and the fact that Americans are becoming more concerned about the terror group ISIS as the United States gets more involved in trying to stop its activities in Iraq and Syria. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is in Washington Thursday, meeting with President Barack Obama and addressing Congress. The Ukraine issue appears to have a bipartisan consensus, with 71% of those who say they're concerned about it identifying themselves as Democrats and 75% of respondents saying they're Republicans. Read the full poll results . | 73% say they don't think Russia can be trusted to uphold terms of Ukraine ceasefire agreement . Fewer Americans are concerned with the situation in Ukraine now than they were in May . | 287a5bf12cae6a8a2b2cc8119ef63835ba40c4b3 |
Cristiano Ronaldo brought the house down with another one-man show at the Santiago Bernabeu and there was even some first-half theatre as he dived for a penalty, which of course he converted in Real’s 3-0 win over Celta. The Real Madrid striker has now scored 200 league goals in 178 games; has netted more hat-tricks, 23 in the league, than any player in La Liga history; and is on a run of scoring in his last 17 home league matches. He is now scoring at a rate nearly two goals a game in the league – 23 in 13 matches. It would be churlish to dwell to long on the nature of the first goal but a dive is a dive even when it’s Ronaldo. VIDEO Scroll down to see Sportsmail's big match stats: Real Madrid 3-0 Celta Vigo . Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his clinical hat-trick that sent records tumbling during a 3-0 victory at the Bernabeu . The 29-year-old forward celebrates with team-mates Sergio Ramos (left), Karim Benzema, Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale (right) Ronaldo took to Instagram after the game to celebrate his hat-trick with Real Madrid team-mate Pepe (right) Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Rodriguez (Arbeloa 53mins), Illarramendi, Kroos; Bale, Benzema (Coentrao 81'), Ronaldo (Hernandez 85') Booked: Rodriguez, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Illarramendi . Goals: Ronaldo (pen) 36' 65' 81' Celta Vigo: Sergio; Mallo, Cabral (Gomez 74'), Fontas, Jonny; Radoja, Hernandez, Krohn-Dehli (Mina 82'); Orellana (Fernandez 69'), Nolito, Larrivey . Booked: Cabral, Jonny, Nolito, Hernandez . Full-back Jonny Castro applied the slightest of touches to Ronaldo’s back as they both chased a Marcelo cross. There was no push from the defender but as the ball went beyond Ronaldo he dropped to the turf and referee Alberto Undiano pointed to the spot.The full-back was booked, as was forward Nolito, as Celta players surrounded the referee. Ronaldo coolly dispatched the spot-kick. It was his seventh penalty of the season. The only other player to score as many spot-kicks at this stage of the campaign was current Southampton manager Ronald Koeman in his Barcelona days. His first goal might have been unjust but it was only fair that Real went in at half time with the advantage having dominated the first 45 minutes. Celta Vigo had named the same team that beat Barcelona 1-0 a month ago but were under pressure from the start. Real should have taken the lead when Ronaldo headed goalwards, Celta Vigo keeper Sergio Alvarez pushed the ball out to Ramos, and he blasted wide from four yards out. Then Ronaldo had the ball taken off of his toe by full-back Jonny just as he was going to convert James Rodriguez’ cross and Gareth Bale joined the fun cutting in from the right but shooting straight at Alvarez. Ronaldo then bicycle-kicked onto the roof of the net with what would have been a sensational way to break the deadlock even by his standards. Alvarez pushed a Ronaldo shot around the post after the forward ran onto a long ball forward from Marcelo, and the keeper then held a shot from Rodriguez after he’d connected with a Ronaldo cross. Head here to Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. Real Madrid forward Ronaldo (right) vies for the ball with Celto Vigo's Argentinian defender Gustavo Cabral . Real Madrid's midfielder Toni Kroos (left) battles for possession with Celta Vigo's Chilean midfielder Pablo Hernandez . Real Madrid forward Ronaldo attempts an audacious bicycle kick during the first half against Celta Vigo . But Ronaldo's acrobatic effort just whistled over the bar of the away side at the Bernabeu on Saturday night . Ronaldo converted Real Madrid's opener from the spot after being fouled by Celta Vigo defender Jonny in the 36th minute . The 29-year-old Portuguese forward celebrates his opening strike with Welsh team-mate Bale (right) VIDEO Having Ronaldo is a bonus after bicentennial goal - Ancelotti . Just as it seemed Celta might reach half-time unscathed Undiano pointed to the spot after Jonny touched Ronaldo and the striker broke the deadlock. He got his second goal on 64 minutes after a wall-pass with Toni Kross and fine finish past Alvaraz. Ten minutes from time he completed his hat-trick with a left-foot finish from Marcelo’s cross. He hobbled off with five minutes left with an ankle knock and Rodriguez also went down with a calf injury and was immediately replaced by Arbeloa. Madrid will now wait anxiously for test results on both players – they are already without Luka Modric for the next two and a half months. Only injuries can derail this Ronaldo-inspired Madrid team. If they win in the week against Ludogorets in the Champions League and against Almeria next weekend they will go to the World Club Championship having won their last 20 matches. Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez went down injured early in the second half before being substituted . Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his second of the evening in what turned into a conclusive win at the Bernabeu . And he celebrated his hat-trick with team-mate Marcelo before being substituted in the closing stages of the match . | Cristiano Ronaldo nets superb trio to clinch a record 23rd hat-trick and 200th goal for Real Madrid in La Liga . The 29-year-old forward's goals extended Real's record winning run to 18 games in all competitions . His hat-trick meant that Ronaldo has now scored 200 La Liga goals in just 178 appearances . James Rodriguez went off injured early on in the second half of the conclusive win . | cd432b7e8ea2c69ad66a3a407f80309bd0547c07 |
(CNN) -- Spain's Champions League woes continued as Sevilla were beaten 2-1 at home by CSKA Moscow to go out at the first knockout stage 3-2 on aggregate. A disastrous goalkeeping error from their captain Andres Palop sealed Moscow's passage to the quarterfinals, the first time a Russian team has reached that stage in over a decade. With the tie level at 2-2, Palop made a hash of a long-range free kick from Keisuke Honda as he could tried to punch the ball away and saw it fly into his net. Sevilla pressed but could not find the two goals they then needed to avoid joining Spanish league leaders Real Madrid in exiting from Europe's premier club competition at the same stage. It leaves just holders Barcelona, who are in action against VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday, as Spain's last hope in the competition. Tomas Necid put CSKA ahead in the 39th minute lead only for Argentine Diego Perotti to equalize two minutes later and level the tie 2-2 on aggregate. But Palop's error proved decisive. "Of course it is a real shame to go out but we have to bounce back from this," home striker Alvaro Negredo told AFP. "CSKA deserve it and you have to congratulate them even though it hurts." Sevilla, who drew 1-1 in Moscow and looked favorites to go through, fielded a defensive line-up as coach Manolo Jimenez opted to leave the likes of Negredo and Mali star Frederic Kanoute on the bench. Brazilian Luis Fabiano was left as a lone striker but it was winger Jesus Navas who missed a glorious chance to put them ahead after only three minutes but he shot straight at goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. The Russians, who are just back in action after their midwinter break, went ahead when Necid curled his shot home, but Navas then assisted as Perotti equalized almost immediately. Sevilla had chances to move ahead before Palop's mistake which took the sting out of their challenge as CSKA reached the last eight of the Champions League for the first time. | CSKA Moscow beat Sevilla 2-1 to go through 3-2 on aggregate in Champions League . A blunder from Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop hands CSKA vital goal . It is the first time CSKA have reached quarterfinals of Europe's top club competition . | c5f84c5a63c3b607cf5fc19c748a6c696108709c |
Travis VanderZanden has been accused of stealing trade secrets from rideshare company Lyft . The former chief operating officer of Lyft is being sued by the rideshare company for allegedly stealing more than 1,400 sensitive documents before joining arch rival Uber. Travis VanderZanden has been accused of uploading the files to his personal Dropbox account before leaving Lyft in August. Weeks later, he joined competitor Uber as vice president of international growth. Lyft claims some of the documents contained extremely confidential information, including the company's strategic plan for 2014, financial plans through 2016, growth data and international expansion plans. The complaint, filed in San Francisco yesterday, alleges Mr VanderZanden has used the confidential data in his current employment with Uber, Bloomberg reports. 'We are disappointed to have to take this step, but this unusual situation has left us no choice but to take the necessary legal action to protect our confidential information,' Lyft said. 'We are incredibly proud of the dedicated and people-powered culture that we've fostered to support drivers, passengers and the entire Lyft community and we will not tolerate this type of behavior.' According to the complaint, Uber's lawyers told Lyft that Mr VanderZanden 'has no Lyft proprietary information in his possession, not now, not when he started at Uber, and not since he left Lyft'. It is thought Mr VanderZanden left Lyft after falling out with its co-founders, Logan Green and John Zimmer, over how the company was being run. Lyft, whose drivers sport distinctive pink moustaches on their cars, is seeking to have the confidential documents returned and destroyed from Mr VanderZanden’s personal computer or any other devices he might be able to use to access it. In addition, the company has accused Mr VanderZanden of soliciting Lyft employees to leave Lyft and to join Uber, including vice president of operations Stephen Schnell and fellow employee Ryan Fujiu. Mr VanderZanden quit Lyft, whose drivers sport iconic pink mustaches on their cars, last August reportedly over differences with the company founders about how the company should be run . Both Uber and Lyft use special apps to connect passengers who are their customers with drivers of vehicles for hire. The two San Francisco-based companies have battled in the taxi market since Lyft came onto the scene in 2012, three years after Uber. Their rivalry has been dogged with allegations of backstabbing, spying, turf wars and driver-poaching. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick openly acknowledged he tried to disrupt Lyft's funding efforts. He told the magazine: 'We knew that Lyft was going to raise a ton of money and we were going [to their investors saying], 'Just so you know, we're going to be fundraising after this, so before you decide whether you want to invest in them, just make sure you know that we are going to be fund-raising immediately after.' Uber CEO Travis Kalanick openly acknowledged that he tried to disrupt funding efforts of arch rival Lyft . | Travis VanderZanden accused of uploading documents to personal Dropbox . Weeks later, he left Lyft and joined competitor Uber . Lyft claims the 'sensitive and confidential' data is being used in his new job . Two San Francisco-based companies are locked in battle over taxi market . | 3fa51b04f0f7f12578b67d1766e7c876adb2c463 |
By . Katy Winter . PUBLISHED: . 12:16 EST, 12 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:16 EST, 12 August 2013 . Depending on why you buy things, materialism may actually increase your sense of loneliness . Many of us know the comfort of turning to a little retail therapy when we feel down or lonely. But while treating ourselves to something nice may improve our mood briefly, new research from the University of Chicago suggests that shopping as a cure for loneliness is futile - and could in fact make us feel more lonely. In fact, the very act of fending off loneliness by shopping can create a vicious cycle where one shops because they are lonely, feels more lonely because they have shopped, and continues shopping in a misguided attempt to cure the loneliness. The study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, analysed data from 2,500 consumers over six years and found that while loneliness does indeed contribute to materialism, the two have a bidirectional relationship. Defining materialism as the ‘importance consumers attach to acquiring and owning material possessions’ the study proposes that materialism can ‘crowd out’ social relationships and thus increase loneliness, which in turn increases materialism as a coping strategy. Before you throw out your credit card though, it is worth noting that the researchers found this vicious cycle only applied to two of the three sub-types of materialism: ‘Acquisition as source of happiness’ (where material possessions are a means to your happiness; you buy things in an attempt to fill an inner void of happiness) and ‘possession-defined success’ (using material things as a yardstick to measure how well you’re doing in life in comparison to other people) both increased loneliness over time. However the third type of materialism ‘acquisition centrality’ (buying nice or luxury things simply because owning them makes you happy) in fact decreased loneliness. Similarly, while being lonely increased both the first two types of materialism, it had no effect on acquisition centrality. The subtype of materialism 'acquisition centrality' can actually decrease your sense of loneliness- so just make sure you are shopping for the right reasons! If buying a new designer dress makes us happy because it's beautiful and we enjoyed choosing it, for instance, then the purchase may have the effect of making us feel somewhat less lonely. However . if we expect the dress to cure an inner sense of unhappiness, or . we want it to show friends and colleagues how well we are doing, then buying it may . ultimately lead to us feeling more lost and lonely than before the shopping trip. So while the study points at a wisdom in evaluating why we shop, it does not necessarily mean that we are all susceptible to the same pernicious cycle of materialism and loneliness. | Research by University of Chicago shows we shop when we are lonely . Also showed that materialism increased loneliness for most . Identified three sub-types of materialism, two of which make you more lonely . Shopping to fill a void, or to impress others can make you lonely . Those who shop purely for the pleasure of owning nice things are ok . | 119df7ef877da50ff8cdadbffadb2f1ced371e20 |
(CNN) -- English football star Steven Gerrard has admitted punching a man in a bar, but the Liverpool captain insisted in his court testimony that it was in self-defense. England international Steven Gerrard is in court defending his actions after a bar brawl late last year. The 29-year-old is facing a charge of affray after an incident in the early hours of December 29, when he attacked businessman Marcus McGee following a dispute about the music that was being played. If found guilty, Gerrard faces a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine of $7,200. Gerrard, who denies the charge, told a judge on Thursday that he was sorry about his actions in Southport's Lounge Inn, but at the time he thought McGee was going to attack him. They had been involved in an argument after Gerrard tried to change the music on the bar's sound system, but McGee would not let him, the UK Press Association reported. "I thought he was going to hit me," Gerrard said. "He was on his way forward to me and his behavior had changed from when I was having a discussion with him. I didn't know why." Gerrard said he was unaware that his friend John Doran had already punched McGee when he himself started to hit the 34-year-old. "I am certainly mistaken in thinking he was coming towards me to throw punches at me," the midfielder said. "Now I know, obviously, he had been struck, reacted and thought the strike was by me and he came into me and that's when I reacted. I am sorry about the whole incident. "I grabbed the back of his jumper as he moved forward to me. When I had hold of Marcus, I remember swinging my right hand two or three times. "I was trying to stop still and I felt I had arms all over me. I could see a melee around Marcus McGee. When I was getting pulled away I realized people were patting me, some of whom were my friends. "I wanted to help control the situation. I was worried the fight I had with Marcus was going to get worse because people were going past me in that direction." Gerrard said that his friends had earlier told him to "forget" the argument, but he felt he needed to confront McGee. "I couldn't understand why the guy had such a problem with me, why he was so aggressive," he said. "I was also concerned that if I did leave it I would not have been able to enjoy my night, he may have come over to me. "I wanted to see why he had such a problem with it, why a total stranger had such a problem with me putting my favorite songs on. I asked why I couldn't have an input in the music and tried to explain that I had permission from the manageress." "I asked Marcus what was the problem with the music machine and why he treated me like that. Very quickly he came off the bar stool and was in my face right by me." Gerrard had been celebrating after scoring two goals as Liverpool thrashed Newcastle 5-1 to remain top of the Premier League, and admitted that he had been drinking alcohol. "I certainly knew I had had a drink. I was certainly in control of how I felt in my surroundings," he said. The father of two said he had not been in trouble with the police since the age of 19, when he was banned from driving for nine months for drink-driving. | English football star Steven Gerrard has admitted punching a man in a bar . But the Liverpool captain says in court testimony that it was in self-defense . Gerrard, 29, denies charge of affray for attacking businessman Marcus McGee . If found guilty, he faces maximum penalty of six months in jail and $7,200 fine . | 51e3c471f80fd2ab80745f5ccaba412dc2145757 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:48 EST, 10 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:43 EST, 10 October 2013 . Pleased: The mother of a 6-year-old child who received an amended birth certificate looks at the new ID with the change in gender of her child . Argentina has granted a female identification card to a six-year-old boy who has been dressing like a girl for two years. Lulu . was born a boy named Manuel, but the young child has never identified . as such and has referred to herself as a girl all her life. On Wednesday, he received an amended birth certificate and a new ID with the change in gender. It's the first case of a gender . change on a document for a minor in Argentina since the approval of the . country's groundbreaking gender-identity law last year. The law lets people change their names and sexes on official documents without first getting approval from a judge or doctor. Her mother Gabriela says her child's new name is Luana. After receiving the documents, she thanked those who, in her words, . 'trusted the identity of my daughter' and 'respected her rights.' She has now been given new registration papers by the Buenos Aires provincial government, listing her as a girl. According to her mother Gabriela, Lulu . chose the gender as soon as she first learned to speak and has insisted . on being called Lulu since she was just four years old, local media . reported. Support: Cesar Cigliutti, president of the Argentine homosexual community, right, kisses mother Gabriela . Last year, . Argentina put in place liberal rules on changing gender, allowing people . to alter their gender on official documents without first having to . receive a psychiatric diagnosis or surgery. The term transgender refers to people who identifies with a different gender to that which he or she was born as. The . term transgender includes those who refer to themselves as transsexual, . trans, genderqueer etc. as well as both those who go through gender . reassignment surgery and take hormones and those who simply see . themselves as a different gender but do not want to go through any form . of therapy or physical change. Princess dreams: At the age of six, Lulu, a transgender girl from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has had her new identification granted by authorities . Identifying . as a different gender as the one which you were born into is called . gender dysphoria and in order to legally change identity in many . countries, a psychological diagnosis of gender dysphoria is needed. With the passing of the . Gender Recognition Act in 2004, British transgender are allowed to . apply to the gender recognition panel for legal recognition of their . acquired gender. Life as Lulu: Little Lulu is now officially recognised as a boy by the Buenos Aires provincial government . Just herself: Lulu has been referring to herself as a girl since she could speak and never identified with 'Manuel' or being a boy . | The boy was born Manuel but likes to be called 'Lulu' Received amended birth certificate and a new ID with the change in gender . Mother thanked those 'trusted the identity of my daughter' | bcf1e3dcafa3f119b04e07aadea7f5013f50849e |
Commuters encountered an unexpected passenger when they boarded a New York City subway train early Wednesday: a shark. A still wet 1-and-a-half foot shark carcass was discovered on the floor of a subway car at around midnight in downtown Manhattan. "I thought it was just a plush toy or a prank," passenger Juan Cano told CNN. "When I saw the teeth that's I knew it was real, it was no toy." The shark, described as weighing between five to 10 pounds, was discovered near a row of seats by passengers on the Queens-bound N train at the 14th Street stop. The shark had blood on its mouth, as though it has recently been punctured by a fishing hook, according to Cano. The shark quickly drew a crowd, as entering subway riders began to photograph and pose with the shark, even adding a subway fare card, soft drink can and a cigarette to the supine shark as props. After several stops, an MTA official entered the train at Queensboro Plaza, cleared it of passengers, and locked its doors, Metropolitan Transit Authority spokesmen Kevin Ortiz told CNN. The shark was removed later that night and disposed of. The shark's species was never identified. MTA officials were unable to "determine the shark's origin," according to Ortiz. This is not the first case of a mysterious shark appearance. In Nantucket last week, a 5-foot-long shark carcass was discovered outside the door of a bar on Water Street. "I have no idea how or why it got there." Sea Dog Brew Pub manager Jim Agnew told CNN. Asked whether anything out of the ordinary happened that evening, Agnew could only point to having to ask two people to leave, but those were "peaceful ejections" he said -- adding that the customs had since returned to the bar. Some have speculated that the appearance of sharks in mysterious places is a publicity stunt for the Discovery Channel's "Shark Week." Photos of the two mysterious sharks have exploded on social media using the hashtag #sharkweek. Discovery Channel denies any involvement. "Shark Week is all about conservation, so it deeply saddens us that someone would think that this was funny or in any way connected to our celebration of sharks," said spokeswoman Laurie Goldberg. MTA officials told CNN they have no plans to "continue investigating" how the shark got on the subway. | Shark carcass found on subway . Passengers pose for photos . MTA officials don't know how it got on board . | c78237909660d3fe0f6114f35177ff0104ca9beb |
America's Jordan Spieth cruised to a 10-shot victory at the Hero World Challenge in Florida on Sunday as his compatriot Tiger Woods capped a miserable tournament by finishing last. Spieth's triumph is his second in as many weeks after he won the Australian Open by six strokes last Sunday and he continued that impressive form in Isleworth to collect his second title of 2014. The 21-year-old finished on 26-under-par 262 which blew away his nearest rival Henrik Stenson and smashed the tournament record of 266 set by Woods in 2007. Jordan Spieth wins the Hero World Challenge at Isleworth with a course record low total of 26 under par . The 21-year-old American claimed his second tournament victory in as many weeks . Tiger Woods finished joint-last in the tournament he hosted after a dreadful first round . It also broke the record for the best winning margin at the event, which Woods set in the same year when he triumphed by seven shots. Woods, who was physically ill during his third round on Saturday, was unable to avoid finishing bottom of the 18-man standings as a 72 for even-par 288 saw the former world number one tied last with Hunter Mahan. Stenson was the closest challenger to Spieth, shooting a 69 for 272 while one shot behind the Swede were Patrick Reed and Keegan Bradley. Spieth was majestic during his final round on Sunday as he finished with a 10-shot victory . Woods looks on at the 18th green as he waits for his turn to putt on Sunday . Spieth shot a final round of six under par to ensure he claimed an impressive win at Isleworth . Woods hits hit tee shot down the second fairway at the Hero World Challenge on Sunday . Henrik Stenson, who finished second, eyes his tee shot on the 12th hole in Windermere, Florida on Sunday . | Jordan Spieth wins Hero World Challenge by 10 shots at Isleworth . The 21-year-old claimed his second tournament in as many weeks . He shot a final six-under round to set a course record total of 26 under par . Host of the event Tiger Woods finished joint-last, 26 shots behind Spieth . Henrik Stenson finished second, 10 shots behind Spieth . | 1bb78e9b4076d66452df69b615c4d932411c981b |
(CNN) -- Stranded in the unforgiving expanses of Niger's Sahara Desert after their vehicles broke down, scores of people, almost all of them women and children, slowly died of thirst. The migrants had been trying to reach Algeria, Azaoua Mahaman of the Synergie nongovernmental organization said Thursday. Instead, they died of dehydration, unable to escape the sandy wastes of the Sahel. A total of 92 bodies have been found, Niger security forces told CNN on Thursday. Synergie earlier put the number found at 87. Many of the bodies were severely decomposed and appeared to have been partially eaten by animals. The travelers were hoping to find a better life for themselves in Algeria, trying to escape the extreme poverty and economic hardships in Niger, said Mahaman. Their story is the latest tragedy to befall migrants trying to leave behind a woeful existence for opportunities elsewhere. Others who have survived the arduous journey from sub-Saharan Africa to the continent's northern shores have drowned as they tried to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats, with Europe in their sights. For many of Niger's 16 million or so people, life is not easy. The population is one of the fastest growing in the world, but the large, landlocked country is prone to political instability and natural disasters, according to the World Bank. Droughts, floods and locust infestation all contribute to the country's chronic food insecurity -- and the poverty rate is one of the highest in the world. The World Bank puts the annual per-capita income at just $360, and the country lies second from bottom in the U.N.'s Human Development Index. Less than 30% of adults are literate, and life expectancy is only 57.5 years. 'Extremely dry and difficult conditions' Faced with these tough conditions, many decide to leave. This has turned Niger's desert north into a major transit area for migrants, according to the International Organization for Migration, and many human smugglers operate there. Algeria and Libya are the final destinations for some travelers, while others seek to reach Europe, said Laura Lungarotti, migrant assistance regional specialist in the IOM's west and central Africa office in Senegal. Most are from Niger, although others also come from central and western Africa. Once they embark on their journeys, they face "extremely dry and difficult conditions," she said. Those who get stranded in the desert face a challenge to survive. Part of the problem is that many would-be migrants are stopped by Algerian or Libyan authorities and are expelled back over the border into Niger's desert, Lungarotti said. Some of those kicked out are transported directly to two transit centers run by the IOM -- outposts in the desert where the migrants can receive food, water and first aid. Others manage to make their own way there. Despite the dangers, the migrants' numbers have been increasing since the beginning of this year, Lungarotti said. Over the past 10 months, more than 15,000 from Niger and 1,300 from other countries have reached the two transit centers -- one in Arlit, closer to Algeria, and the other in Dirkou, nearer to the Libyan border. Some who've made their way back from Libya have told of being held in detention where they suffered harsh treatment, Lungarotti said. Before Libya's revolution overthrew the regime of strongman Moammar Gadhafi two years ago, many migrants from Niger worked in its construction and agricultural sectors. But the instability forced many out. The recent conflict in northern Mali also sent about 60,000 refugees over the border into Niger, according to the European Community Humanitarian Office, adding to the pressure on its meager resources. 220 km Sahara desert run: 'The toughest race on Earth' Journalist Ibbo Daddy Abdoulaye in Niger contributed to this report . | Bodies of 92 people have been found in the Sahara Desert, say security officials . Niger's northern desert has become a major transit area for migrants, says group . The migrants, almost all of them women and children, died of dehydration . Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, has a fast-growing population . | 5ca7342eb98fc85262f676ed761b187a766bac3f |
A beaming Prince Harry gave his royal approval to the Australian women's hockey side today after they trounced England in a 3-0 victory at the Commonwealth games. The royal seemed thrilled to be introduced to the triumphant athletes at the Glasgow National Hockey centre, and posed for photographs with the Aussie team, nicknamed the Hockeyroos. Despite England's loss, Harry, 29, seemed in a jovial mood and smiled as he mingled with the players, who are favourites to win gold in the games, having taken the top spot in Delhi in 2010 and Melbourne in 2006. Royal welcome: Members of the Australian hockey team - or the Hockeyroos - smile as Harry seems to crack a joke after their victory in Glasgow . Posed up: Members of the team, which beat England 3-0 today and are favourites to take home a gold medal for their performance . After shaking hands with the winning players, Harry went on to pose for photographs with his arms around them. The Prince, presumably in a gracious mood, also commiserated with the England team. Jodie Kenny and Emily Smith, who between them scored their teams' goals, looked particularly thrilled in the aftermath of their victory. The team took the royal visit as further proof of their world domination, later tweeting: 'Prince Harry is on board the #roovolution as meets @Anna_Flanagan and the girls after today's win over England' Giving some tips? The Australian team took home a gold medal at the games in Delhi in 2010 and Melbourne in 2006 . Laughing along: Prince William, left, was also in the frame today meeting the players after their game against England . Happy days: The two princes smiled in the sunshine today as they shook hands and posed with players from both teams . The game means Australia is safely through to the last four, securing the top place finish in Pool B with four wins from four and a goal record of 25 scored and 0 conceded. England began brightly as birthday girl Susannah Townsend found Ellie Watton and tried to attack the goal, but were blocked by Australian keeper Rachael Lynch. Two quick scores, however, had England on the back foot as first Kenny converted from a penalty corner on 17 minutes, before Smith capitalised on a mistake from captain Kate Richardson-Walsh shortly afterwards. Maddie Hinch in the England goal was forced to save two shots from Kenny before the break, while Lily Owsley fired a shot just wide of the mark. A green card for Laura Unsworth proved costly 13 minutes into the second half as shortly after she left the field, Kenny slotted home from another short corner. England kept pressing and earned two penalty corners of their own but on both occasions they couldn’t find the target – Sam Quek seeing an effort deflected behind. Georgie Twigg also made her return for England after missing their last game against Malaysia through the injury she sustained in the opening game. After the match, England coach Danny Kerry said: 'Australia were better than us defensively and offensively in both circles but I actually felt for large periods of the game we were playing the more constructive hockey. 'The reality is that we need to be much tougher in both circles and their corner execution was superior to ours today.' Group shot! Harry later posed with the England team, who were soundly defeated by their antipodean rivals . Undeterred: Harry looked pleased with his company today after the hockey game, which was part of a busy day in which he also watched boxing and gymnastics . | The royal, 29, met with the team at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after they beat the English team . Smiled and posed with players - nicknamed the Hockeyroos - in the wake of their 3-0 victory . Was later joined by Prince William, and seemed to joke with both the Aussie and Enlglish team at venue in Glasgow . | 3794f4a145eafc34b7ef0173f557df3171bd88fd |
By . Leon Watson . One of Britain's best teenage sailors was heard saying 'sod it' after being begged to 'Go Faster!' before a horrific speedboat crash, a court heard today. Great . Britain sailing international Nia Jones then accelerated moments before the night time collision, it was claimed. Jones . and friend Elleni Morus, 17, were taking schoolgirls back after a day . of sailing when their high-powered speedboats crashed in darkness. Trial: Elleni Morus, left, and Nia Jones, right, are accused of acting recklessly before a boat collision . Crash: This is one of the boats involved in the collision during a half-term sailing trip in October 2010 . A court heard Jones began speeding and weaving after being told: 'Go faster, go faster' by her young passengers. But . after weaving in the dark and jumping the wake of her friend Morus' speedboat - they collided and sent schoolgirls flying into the cold dark . water. Jones and Morus were . in charge of a party of 24 schoolgirls aged ten to 14 on a residential . sailing course during half term holidays. The . court heard they had taken the girls ice skating for a treat and were . returning to their hostel by boat late at night when the they crashed . into each other. One of the schoolgirls thrown into the water during the crash said Jones was begged to go faster by her young passengers. The girl, who appeared via videolink, said: 'We were urging Nia to go faster and she said: 'Sod it' - and then did it. Elleni Morus (left) and Nia Jones (right), two of Britain's best girl sailors who crashed their boats into each other in Cardiff Bay leaving another schoolgirl with brain damage from the sea accident . Danger: The other boat involved in the crash, which took place when the boats did not have lights attached . Experienced: Morus and Jones were aged just 17 at the time of the accident, but were among the top young sailors in the country . 'We . were excited but some people told Nia to slow down. She went over the . wake of the other boat a couple of times before we crashed. 'It was quite dark and our boat and the other boat turned into each others wakes and we crashed. 'I . could see the other boat the whole time. Just before we collided I . think we all knew we were going to crash but we didn't move or scream - . we didn't have time to.' The . schoolgirl, who was 11 at the time of the crash, said she didn't . remember being thrown out of the boat - but she came to in the dark . water. She said: 'I was in . there for a couple of minutes before they picked me up. I was really . cold and I was quite shocked so I couldn't swim back to the boat.' Prosecutor . Oliver Willmott told the court how four inflatable speed boats had . illegally set off across Cardiff Bay without any lights in the night of . the crash. Court: Morus and Jones pictured with friends and family outside Cardiff Crown Court . Holiday: The pair were supervising a group of schoolgirls doing a residential course at Cardiff Bay, pictured . Cardiff Crown Court heard in the previous days the boats had been used for 'wake jumping'. Mr . Willmott said: 'This is where each boat jumps the others wake for a . thrill road. It is also quite a potentially dangerous thing to do. 'There came a point where Jones came across the path of Morus and they collided. 'It . was a sufficiently violent collision to throw two people into the water . and to cause a third person to fall halfway into the water. 'A . fourth young girl was thrown from one boat and landed in the other. In . the most severe case a young girl suffered a brain injury of moderate . severity.' The court heard the young 11-year-old victim was not named. The . organisers of the sailing course - Nicholas Sawyer and Cardiff Bay . Yacht Club - have admitted offences in connection with the accident and . breaking Health and Safety regulations. The court heard Jones and Morus, both of Cardiff, were not qualified to drive the high-powered rigid inflatable boats at night. Morus and Jones, now both 20, admit piloting the boats without navigation lights on the night of 27 October 2010. But both deny failing to travel at a safe speed and failing to keep a proper lookout. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Court hears Nia Jones was told: 'Go faster, go faster' by passengers . Jones and Elleni Morus, then 17, were in charge of group of schoolgirls . They were travelling across Cardiff Bay in speedboats without lights . Their boats collided and threw four passengers into the water . It led to one of the passengers suffering a brain injury . Jones and Morus deny speeding and failing to keep a proper lookout . | 81495dfa5a268a1a6c7bc464521ce6ef57ed1599 |
Google has been hiring Arabic speakers to help crack down on jihadi groups using its YouTube video platform to radicalise recruits. The web search giant has been recruiting moderators around the globe to help prevent YouTube from being hi-jacked for propaganda by militants. The search giant will not disclose the number of new staff, but sources said it now has Arabic speakers in every time zone to deal with the problem. Google has been hiring Arabic speakers to help crack down on jihadi groups using its YouTube video platform to radicalise recruits . The 22-minute film of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh being burned alive was first uploaded to YouTube, where it remained for a number of hours before moderators removed it. However, by that time, images were already being circulated on Twitter. Jonathan Russell, of Quilliam, a counter-extremism think-tank, said the tactic has had a major effect in helping Islamic State to radicalise new followers. Hen said: 'They want to show that they're sticking it to the man, that they're fighting the West, and that they are willing to use violence. They want to show that they're not scared and that people are scared of them.' He added: 'People are flocking to IS because it is winning the branding war among jihadis. In every other sense [apart from violence], they act like a multinational corporation.' Mr Russell welcomed Google's decision to take action, saying that the American technology giant was among a number of major technology companies that had started taking more action against extremist content in the last six months. The 22-minute film of Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh (pictured) being burned alive was first uploaded to YouTube, where it remained for a number of hours before moderators removed it . 'I really see a sea change,' he said. 'It is pretty young still. It hasn't been long enough to see a shift in results, but I am [gratified] that they are tackling it in the right way.' Guidelines ban YouTube users from uploading videos that 'incites others to commit violent acts', but it does not filter content before it goes online. Instead, the general public can flag up controversial content. The company has also handed special powers to users such as the Home Office, which reliably flag extremist content, making it easy for them to report hundreds of controversial videos at a time. Google's army of moderators then comb through the content and decide whether it is suitable for YouTube, whether it needs to be removed, or censored with a warning or age-barrier. It allows 'graphic violence' to remain on the site if it is deemed to have enough documentary value - for example as a news source - but it deletes the most extreme footage and bars any accounts run by terrorist groups. A spokesman said: 'YouTube has clear policies, and we remove videos violating these policies when flagged by our users.' | Sources say search giant now has Arabic speakers in every time zone . Moaz al-Kasasbeh film was on YouTube for hours before being removed . Expert said tactic had major effect in helping ISIS radicalise new followers . | 9dfe910038835cd5fff5ad0b36115b38e5a1f667 |
(CNN) -- Ten climbers have died on two mountains in northern Japan, police said Friday. Hokkaido's mountains and scenery are a big drawcard for climbers and tourists. Eight of the climbers who died on Mount Tomuraushi were in a group organized by a tourist company, according to Yuji Kikuchi, a spokesman for Hokkaido police. A ninth man was climbing alone. One more climber died on Mount Biei, Kikuchi said. Another 10 people survived on both mountains in Hokkaido, according to Kikuchi. Except for a 32-year-old survivor, all the climbers were in their late 60s, the spokesman said. The cause of their deaths was not available. The area has experienced heavy rain and gusty winds in the past two weeks due to a persistent area of low pressure, CNN's meteorologist Jennifer Delgado said. The storm system has also brought flooding to North and South Korea, she added. CNN's Junko Ogura and Elizabeth Yuan contributed to this report. | 10 climbers have died on two mountains in northern Japan, police said Friday . Eight climbers who died on Mount Tomuraushi were in tourist group . Except for a 32-year-old survivor, all the climbers were in their late 60s . | 28717158f348f514fc107f80b8434020a070f980 |
Wipe-clean plastic bank notes earmarked to replace paper cash are a 'breeding ground' for superbugs, scientists claim. More durable than the cotton currently used for £5-£50 notes, polymer provides a welcome home for diseases such as E.coli and the MRSA superbug. The findings completely contradict Bank of England claims that hygiene lies at the core of their proposal. A team of scientists claim polymer holds bacteria for 24 hours and is easily rubs off on human hands . In a bombshell study on currency and bacteria, Turkish and Dutch scientists lathered seven currencies with bacteria including the euro, US dollar, Croatian kuna, and Romania's polymer leu. While the euro proved the cleanest - with no sign of passing bacteria - polymer leu notes held traces of MRSA for up to 24 hours, 21 hours longer than any other currency. Dr Habip Gedik, who led the research at the Okmeydani . Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, told the Independent: 'Banknotes containing . plastic substances are more likely to carry and transmit bugs. 'We never become ill just taking bugs from banknotes. But we should take into account that we can be contaminated and we should clean our hands after touching them and other probable contaminated material.' Team member Andreas Voss, of Radbound University Nijmegen in the Netherlands, said: 'I was amazed to see that some currencies act like breeding grounds for bacteria while others seem to be auto-sterilised.' Going ahead with a two-month consultation to gauge public opinion, the Bank of England is undeterred by the research. The Bank of England is determined to continue with their two-month roadshow around the UK . A spokesman told MailOnline the Bank is enthusiastic about the project, but refused to comment on Dr Gedik's study. He said: 'Polymer banknotes are cleaner, more secure and durable than paper notes. They are also cheaper and more environmentally friendly. 'They will last longer, if you spill something on it you can wipe it clean, and they fee so much smoother. 'They can even go for a wash cycle if you leave one in your pocket. 'We . still need to see exactly what people think of it, which we will do on . the roadshows. But essentially they are much cleaner.' The Bank of England claims the smaller polymer notes wipe clean and could even survive the washing machine. The new notes last for more than twice as . long, stay cleaner as they are resistant to dirt and moisture and are . almost impossible to tear. The move will save the Bank more than £100million over a ten-year period because of the new banknote’s improved durability. A typical £5 note currently lasts for two years. The new ones would last for just under six years, it was announced yesterday. In a two-month consultation, representatives of the Bank will take model versions to shopping centres around the country to gauge the public's verdict before a final decision is made in December. If they feedback is overwhelmingly negative, they will scrap the plans. If successful, the first £5, featuring Winston Churchill's face, would be rolled out in 2016. The new notes will be slightly smaller than the current note - currently 135mm by 70mm, the new £5 will measure just 125mm by 65mm. But they will continue to maintain ‘tiered-sizing’ – meaning that the higher the denomination, the bigger the note will be. Bank of England chief Mark Carney is enthusiastic about the polymer notes, already used in his native Canada . The . Bank of England has tested the polymer notes in a 90-degree washing . cycle which seemed to have only ‘a minimal effect’, unlike the current . notes which can be ‘substantially degraded’. They then ‘submerged them . in liquids, including red wine,’ and found they could be wiped clean, . unlike a normal note which stains or disintegrates. Polymer . notes are already used in more than 20 countries, including Australia, . New Zealand, Mexico, Singapore and Mauritius as well as in Canada. Question remain unanswered over how cash machines will work with the new cash. But . a spokesman for Link, the company which is behind 66,000 of Britain’s ATMs, said: ‘The ATM industry will work closely with the Bank . to ensure their effective introduction.’ The . public consultation on the introduction of the new notes is due to . finish on 15 November and a final decision will be announced in . December. | Polymer 'more likely to carry and transmit bugs' according to study . Experts in Turkish and Dutch research team found MRSA superbug sticks to polymer for 21 hours longer than any other currency . Bank of England refused to comment on the findings . | 6ece52228c5362686a63651e9f46fdb219301b46 |
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Supermodel and television host Tyra Banks said Sunday she's "concerned" about Saturday's melee at an "America's Next Top Model" audition at a New York hotel but said she didn't know what caused the disturbance. Supermodel Tyra Banks, who hosts "America's Next Top Model," says she's not certain what triggered the fight. "We are concerned by the events that occurred Saturday afternoon in the vicinity of the New York City casting call for the next cycle of 'America's Next Top Model,' " Banks, who hosts and produces the show, said in a joint statement with executive producer Ken Mok. "At this time, we still don't know all the details of what happened or what triggered the incident. We appreciate the efforts of the NYPD and will assist them in any way possible in this matter," the statement said. It remained unclear Sunday what happened in the crowd waiting for the audition at the Park Central New York Hotel in Manhattan. Three people were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot, police said. Six people were injured and two of them sought treatment at a hospital, authorities said. Watch police try to control the screaming crowd » . The audition was shut down after the incident, authorities said. Calls to Park Central management were not immediately returned Saturday. The "Top Model" competition, aired by the CW network, is in its 12th cycle. | Police: 3 people were arrested Saturday after melee at a TV show audition . "America's Next Top Model" audition was held at a New York hotel, police say . Tyra Banks, show's host, says she doesn't know what triggered the melee . Authorities: Six people were injured; two sought treatment at a hospital . | 37130325cfc7a6da21bfc8aa84c76163d3ae2fb0 |
NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- President George W. Bush called India's prime minister Thursday to push a proposed nuclear partnership that sparked an unsuccessful no-confidence vote against the Indian leader this week, a White House spokesman said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh won a confidence vote despite opposition to the nuclear deal. "Both leaders expressed their desire to see the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear issue move forward as expeditiously as possible," Gordon Johndroe said. The phone call took place two days after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh narrowly survived the no-confidence vote in the lower house of Parliament. The vote was sparked by concerns from the opposition that India was kowtowing to the U.S. The tentative deal was announced in 2006 and signed by Bush and Singh a year ago. Under the agreement, which will need to be approved by the U.S. Congress, India would have access to U.S. nuclear fuel and technology for its civilian nuclear power plants. That would happen even though New Delhi, which tested nuclear weapons in 1974 and 1998, has declined to join international non-proliferation agreements. In return, India has promised that it would not transfer the fuel and equipment to its weapons program, and it would allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect at least 14 of its 22 nuclear plants. The plan would also expand U.S.-Indian cooperation in energy and satellite technology. The plan was approved by India's Cabinet last year, and does not have to be ratified by the parliament. The leaders of India's two communist parties -- which hold about 60 seats in Parliament -- have accused Singh of surrendering India's sovereignty to the United States with the deal. A no-confidence vote would have forced Singh to resign, and required the government to hold early elections unless a new coalition could have been formed. The Congress Party-led coalition has governed India since 2004. Tuesday's 275-256 vote was so crucial to the survival of Singh's government that five members of parliament serving prison sentences were freed to cast votes -- under the watchful eyes of their jailers. Shortly after Singh survived the vote, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino praised the deal as "a good one for everybody." "It's good for India because it would help provide them a source for energy that they need, one that is nonpolluting and one that doesn't emit greenhouse gas emissions," she said. "And we think that we can move forward with this. If their legislature lets it move forward, then we can do the same here and then we'll be able to get this wrapped up." | President Bush calls India's PM to push a proposed nuclear partnership . Indian government won confidence vote in face of anger over U.S. nuclear deal . Five members of parliament serving prison sentences were freed to vote . | c977693b405a89cec98e53b05199e608fd6adeca |
Everton have received a boost in their hopes of re-signing Gerard Deulofeu as the attacking midfielder has failed to settle in at Sevilla. Deulofeu, who impressed Roberto Martinez during his season-long stay at Goodison Park, is yet to win over Sevilla boss Unai Emery. Emery has refused to play the on-loan Spaniard until he changes his attitude and improves on his performances at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Unai Emery has not been pleased with the performances of Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu . Deulofeu has been told he will not play for Sevilla again until he changes his attitude . The former Everton loanee, pictured celebrating against Sunderland with Seamus Coleman, is said to be attracting interest from Roberto Martinez . Deulofeu enjoyed his time under Martinez, pictured, and said he would welcome his compatriot at Barcelona . Barcelona could subsequently end Deulofeu's stay at Sevilla before loaning him back out to another side if they feel the 20-year-old is not benefiting from his spell away from the Nou Camp. The experienced La Liga boss, speaking to talkSPORT, said: 'Regardless of the contract, I only select my top XI. If for now he's playing a little less, it does not mean that next month he will play more. 'The club does not obligate me to do anything, all players are equal. His selection will come with the process of improvement. I hope he does, because it is a challenge we have set. 'We want him to improve his overall game - his team play and defensive actions.' Deulofeu scored three goals in 25 Premier League games before returning to Spain at the end of last season. | Gerard Deulofeu has failed to settle in at Sevilla following a season-long loan move from Barcelona . Roberto Martinez is said to be keen on linking back up with the midfielder . The 20-year-old impressed at Everton before returning to the Nou Camp . | cc5e1d35f0e587e3445797abec33689dfea49ae4 |
(LifeWire) -- When George Dello of San Diego was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told he had at best five months to live, he didn't immediately begin the chemotherapy treatments his doctor recommended. Instead, he and his wife, Pam, drove up the California coast and spent a week among the redwoods north of San Francisco. Expert: Family and friends can help the terminally ill by spending time with them. "These trees are 5 feet wide and 150 feet tall," said Dello, 43. "They still have another 150 feet to grow and are going to stick around for another 1,000 years. When I thought about that, I'm just a flea on the bark. It's unbelievable." The trip offered Dello, who worked in the auto repossession business, and his wife a chance to come to terms with the diagnosis in August 2008, and to scratch the trip to the redwood forests off his life "to do" list while he was still relatively healthy. He died four months later. The idea that dying well is as important as living well gained cultural currency last year when Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, delivered a final lecture a month after learning that his pancreatic cancer had spread and was inoperable. The lecture was viewed millions of times on the Internet and adapted into a best-selling book. "We cannot change the cards we are dealt," Pausch, who died in July at age 47, told his audience, "just how we play the hand." "Die the way you live" It's easy, experts say, for terminally ill patients and their loved ones to focus so much on their medical care and other important practical matters, including funerals and wills, that a "good" death eludes them. Health permitting, a trip like the one Dello took with his wife can help, as can visits from friends and family. "You're going to die the way you live," says Fran Moreland Johns, a former hospice volunteer and author of "Dying Unafraid." "Laughter, music, all of the things that have been important in your life -- if you put them to work for making your end times better, you can actually affect your dying days." "That's where Randy Pausch has set a wonderful example. He brought all of his skills to bear on living until the moment he died." Tony Wallace, a retired foreign service officer from Arlington, Virginia, went on a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Susan, after he learned in September 2004 that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. As his illness progressed, Wallace, a former adjunct professor of public policy at George Mason University, put his teaching and writing skills to work by starting a blog, "Navigating Through ALS," and using it as a platform to help others suffering from the disease. "I'm not a compiler of life lists of things I never got to do and places I never got to visit," Wallace wrote in December 2007. "I look back on my life to date and view it as a well-judged race -- like a NASCAR race in which you don't set the speed record, but you don't crash, handle the curves well, and deliver a respectable performance." Wallace died September 4, 2008 at age 67. Susan Wallace, a part-time editor, says her husband's illness, while painful and difficult, offered an opportunity of sorts. "If I had to choose between a long-term illness and an immediate death, I think I would go for a long-term illness, although it was hard on both of us," she says. "But the last four years have been incredible years, probably the best years of our marriage. We became closer than we ever were." For friends and family . Friends and family can help tremendously simply by showing up, says Kathy Brandt, vice president of professional leadership, consumer and caregiver services for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Often, she says, people worry so much about what to say to someone with a terminal illness -- or about saying the wrong thing -- that they just stay away. "We need to put aside our selfish fears," says Brandt. "That may sound a little harsh, but it's not really about us." One way to avoid saying the wrong thing is to steer clear of cliches, she says. "'God has a reason' or 'tomorrow will be another day' -- those kinds of things are trite, but they're also impersonal," says Brandt. "If the person wants to chat and talk, then just ask a question or two and let the person talk. If the person's not physically well enough to do a lot of talking, ask if they'd like to hear a story about something that happened at work, or saying, 'Would you like me to read a story to you?' It's all about figuring out where the person is at and meeting them where they are." Visits can be used to tie up loose ends or resolve old conflicts, says Brandt. Susan Wallace says her husband had time to repair one particularly nagging rift before he died, and Dello also took opportunities to resolve disputes with friends and former co-workers. "Most people at the end of their life need closure," says Brandt. "If they've offended someone or had an argument with somebody, they can say they're sorry. Oftentimes they like the opportunity to say goodbye to people. They may not say those words, but that's what those visits can be with friends and loved ones." In Johns' view, the biggest hurdle for most people is overcoming their fear of the unknown and realizing that, for most, death "is not the worst thing that's going to happen." "We don't know what dying is," says Johns. "Whatever your religious background, it's easier for us to ignore death and pretend that it doesn't happen than to accept it as an unknown with all the other unknowns -- in this day and age there are a lot of them -- and deal with what we can and not be so spooked." LifeWire provides original and syndicated content to Web publishers. William Lamb is a staff writer for The Record of Bergen County, New Jersey. His writing has appeared in Dwell, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Philadelphia Inquirer and at USATODAY.com. | Randy Pausch set an example of a good death for the terminally ill . Author: He used his skills to go on "living until the moment he died" Hospice official: People avoid the sick, worrying too much about what to say . Visits can be used by dying to tie up loose ends or heal rifts . | 0da3f054c52ea0dddd54e315756909c69e322914 |
By . Louise Atkinson . PUBLISHED: . 17:23 EST, 21 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:07 EST, 21 April 2013 . Dawn Simmonds always hated being 'a big girl'. But at 5ft 9in tall and weighing 13½ stone, that was how her friends and family referred to her — until now. Dawn, 47, lives in London with her husband, Dougie, 48, and their 23-year-old daughter, Kirsty. She bought the 2-Day Diet book in February when it was serialised in the Daily Mail and has stuck to it ever since. 'In the first week I lost 7lb,' she says. 'The change was so dramatic that it was almost frightening.' Slimline: Dawn is losing an astonishing 7lbs a week on the 2-day diet which advocates fasting twice a week . The 2-Day Summer Diet: All new recipes in your Mail . She has shed more than 21lb so far and is determined not to stop until she reaches her 11-stone goal. 'In fact, even when I get there I’m not going to stop,' she says. 'This has changed my life and this is how I eat now.' Her impetus to lose weight came when Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She had a mastectomy and was told by her GP that if she lost a bit of weight she could reduce the chance of the cancer returning. 'I tried WeightWatchers and Slimming World, but it never worked,' she says. Dawn works as a printer and the long hours and 6am starts meant she kept up her energy levels with chocolate, crisps and endless rounds of supermarket sandwiches. The 2-day diet meant changing her eating habits completely: 'Now I count out 15 squares of chocolate each week and wrap five squares in clingfilm in three portions — that’s my three treats for non-diet days if I want them. 'I cook brown pasta and smother it in chilli tomato sauce (I’ve never used so much chilli and garlic in my life!) and roast a load of vegetables and throw them into a frittata,' she says. 'I love not being "the big girl" any more, but the most incredible thing is how healthy I feel. I sleep brilliantly without waking up hungry, I’ve lost the hormonal mood swings and I feel so happy. 'This is by far the easiest diet I’ve ever done. It has changed my life. I just wish I’d known about it years ago.' Picky: With the 2-Day Diet you don't have to make difficult choices and allow yourself the odd treat . As spring finally breaks, it’s time to consign those boots, coats and jumpers to the attic and start thinking about a summer wardrobe — and a summer body. And if you’re keen to shed a few pounds, there’s no better way than the Daily Mail’s 2-Day Summer Diet. When we unveiled the 2-Day Diet earlier this year, thousands joined the revolution, losing weight and becoming healthier. Now, whether you’re already on the plan and want to give it a boost with fabulous new meal options, or you’re starting from scratch, the 2-Day Summer Diet is the perfect way to slim for summer parties and the beach. We began the new stage of the diet in Saturday’s Mail with a fabulous 32-page booklet packed with exciting recipes to tempt you. In today’s paper, we have even more dishes to keep you on the straight and narrow. The beauty is that you have to diet for only two consecutive days a week. Just 48 hours of low-carb, low-calorie meals in every seven days will help retrain your appetite for good. During the other five days you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean-style meals. The 2-Day Summer Diet is the brainchild of award-winning dietitian Dr Michelle Harvie, who specialises in food and exercise plans to prevent breast cancer, and renowned oncologist Professor Tony Howell, research director of the University of South Manchester’s Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre. Their diet is unique because it has been clinically tested and proven to be more effective at shifting fat and easier to stick to than daily calorie-counting. It also leads to dramatic health improvements. Dr Harvie and Prof Howell’s studies showed a reduction in cancer risk for those who tried the 2-Day Diet. They also found it triggered a more dramatic drop in the hormone insulin than a conventional all-week-long diet. Though insulin is vital for regulating sugar levels in the body, an excess is believed to be the root of many weight-related health problems — not just Type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, some cancers (particularly breast cancer) and possibly dementia. The 2-Day Diet has also been specifically designed to stop you feeling hungry and so you do not have to count calories. You just avoid certain foods and stick within portion limits on others. Diet days are low in carbohydrates (bread, pasta, potatoes), which can make you feel hungry. A low-carb diet also boosts fat-burning: when carbohydrates are kept to a minimum, your body quickly shifts from storing fat to burning it. On non-diet days, Dr Harvie and Professor Howell suggest you opt for healthy Mediterranean-style meals, which should include plenty of fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and dairy products. Their blueprint should re-educate you to eat in the healthiest way possible, boosting the benefits of diet days and establishing eating habits that should keep you trim — for ever. For more information and recipes galore, see today's Daily Mail . | At the start, Dawn Simmonds weighed 13.5 stone . She lost 7lbs in the first week and has now lost 21lbs . The 2-Day Diet includes two periods of fasting a week . | eb228b9ab89fd8f8c4c6ad034d70ac665348178e |
An 18-year-old from Michigan who faked her own disappearance and even put an ad on Craigslist to find an abductor has been placed on probation for three years. Hayley Turner of Temperance didn't speak in Monroe County Circuit Court on Thursday. She must perform 29 days of community service and pay $15,200 to the sheriff's office for the 17-hour search. Turner pleaded guilty to causing a false police report to be filed. She claimed to have been abducted at gunpoint on August 7 in Bedford Township, just north of the Ohio-Michigan border. She was found safe with a puppy, 16 hours later in Ecorse, near Detroit. Sentenced: Hayely Turner, seen here at sentencing Thursday, faked her own abduction and has been sentenced to three years probation and is responsible for the $15,200 her manhunt cost authorities . The 18-year-old girl whose disappearance sparked a large-scale manhunt was charged with falsifying a police report. Detectives claim Turner's story that she was held and assaulted for 16 hours in Monroe County, Michigan, last month unravelled during questioning. She was found 45 miles from her home in Bedford Township with slashes across her thighs after a multi-agency search involving helicopters, police dogs and multiple forces. But FBI agents drafted in to tackle the case concluded there were significant gaps in her account - and even insist the cuts on her thighs were self-inflicted to back up her story. Appearing at Monroe County District Court, Turner pleaded not guilty to the charge of filing a false police report. The charge, a felony, was punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. Probation: Seen here when first charged in September, Hayley Turner eventually pleaded guilty to filing a false police report after detectives claimed her story unravelled during questioning and even the cuts on her thighs appear to have been self-inflicted . Faced jail: The 18-year-old could have been sentenced to four years in jail if found guilty of filing a false police report . 'Not truthful': Lt Greg Blade, left, and Chief Michael Moore, right, said her story did not stand up to scrutiny . She was found 45 miles from her home in Bedford Township with slashes across her thighs after a multi-agency search involving helicopters, police dogs and multiple forces . Prosecutor William Nichols said: 'If convicted, the court may also order the defendant to reimburse the local unit of government for expenses incurred in the emergency response, police investigation and prosecution of the defendant.' Police claim Turner told her family she was going to a video store in Bedford Township, Monroe County, before her disappearance on August 6. She was then speaking to a friend on the phone when she said she was stopping to help someone by the side of a road, the sheriff's department said. After a few minutes, Turner told her friend that she was being followed by a man with a gun. Then the call was disconnected. Police were notified, sparking a multi-agency manhunt involving dogs, helicopters and a number of police departments. Her parents even spoke at a press conference and made a tearful appeal for her to come home. Turner's mother Christy Turner spoke at the conference, saying 'Hayley, please call. Call anybody. We miss you. We want you home.' When Turner was found 16 hours later about 45 miles from that spot in Ecorse, a suburb of Detroit, she told officials she had been abducted. However, initial questioning appeared to reveal gaps in her story. A Monroe sheriff's detective and an FBI agent re-interviewed Turner days later, while a team consulted phone records, computer records and other witnesses. Eventually, they appealed to the prosecutor to level charges against Turner. 'As a result of that interview, it was determined that the incident did not take place, as originally reported,' the sheriff's department said in a statement. It said the sheriff's department forwarded its report to prosecutors in Monroe County. Distraught: Turner's mother and father made an emotional appeal for her to come home during the manhunt . Scene: Turner told her parents she was going to this video store in Bedford Township before she disappeared . | Hayley Turner, 18, was missing for 16 hours in Bedford Township, Michigan earlier this year . She had told friend on the phone that she was being followed by armed man . A large-scale manhunt found her 45 miles away with a puppy . Her story unravelled during questioning by FBI agents . They say the cuts on her thighs were self-inflicted to back up her story . | 45d26bd333e86d4ff50bf50cd4834a23d46088fd |
By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 05:12 EST, 9 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:29 EST, 9 January 2013 . A young couple who found themselves longing for a simpler life decided to take the matter of their marital abode in their own hands - quite literally. Malissa and Christopher Tack live in a perfect miniature home which, despite the fact that their combined knowledge of construction amounted to bare minimum, they built themselves. The Tiny Tack House, as the pair have . named their cottage-on-wheels, is a 140 sqft wooden structure, complete with kitchen, . living room, bathroom and a sleeping loft in . Snohomish, Washington. Scroll down for video . Pro petite: The Tacks decided to downsize and do it properly - they now live on 140 sq ft . Malissa, a 3D artist, and Christopher, a graphic designer and photographer, stumbled upon the 'tiny homes' movement online and knew it held the key to their perfect home. Despite having little to no knowledge of how to build a house - or anything at all for that matter - they spent 800 hours over seven months to build their own home and everything within it. Thanks to Malissa’s skills as a 3D artist the pair were able to designed it themselves and make a virtual version of their future home, ahead of grabbing hammer and drill. ‘We just had some basic shop class skills from High School’, Malissa Tack explains on their website. Simple is good: Chris and Malissa Tack traded in the busy life for what they think is the good one - as small as it may seem . Welcome inside: As you enter the Tiny Tack House you walk straight into the living room and office with the bathroom on the left, and the sleeping loft above it and the small kitchen . Cramped kitchen: The couple say living small has made them more considerate and a better couple as there is no way squeezing past unnoticed in the kitchen . Ready, steady, cook: Although the pair relied on professional advice regarding electricity and plumbing, they installed it all themselves . ‘The work was done by Chris and myself. There was a few days where the parents flew in to help out with the roof. ‘We had advice help with the electrical and plumbing from a certified person. ‘Just about everyone we know thought we were crazy, but now, everyone loves the idea of the house!' The . house has four solar panels and is supplied by a 40 gallon fresh water . tank, making it environmentally, as well as financially, friendly. Meals on wheels: The pair fit their entire lives, work, sleep and eat in this petite cottage . Picturesque: The house has all the components of a dream home - although some may struggle with the size . The green stuff: The Tiny Tack House is parked on rented land and is partly powered by four solar panels . A . mere six months after the pair moved in to the Tiny Tack House they . reaped further benefit from their downsizing as Chris lost his job as a . ‘lead creative’ at Apple. Thanks to their choice to live small, . they are able to ride out the storm as both maintenance and building . costs were relatively low. The . Tacks expect to have paid it off completely within two-three years and . keep costs to bills and rent of the land where the Tiny Tack House is . parked. Nighty, night: The sleeping loft is located underneath the roof above the kitchen and bathroom . Looking down: A birds-eye view of the Tiny Tack House from the sleeping loft shortly after it was finished . Cat not included: The pair are now devoting a lot of their time to the tiny homes movement helping others in their bid to downsize and build their own home . Handy work: The married couple have built everything in the Tiny Tack House themselves (apart from the iMac double-functioning as a television) Back to nature: Despite working in high-tech fields, Malissa as a 3D animation artist and Chris previously at Apple, they wanted a simpler life outside their professions . ‘Without the substantially lower cost of living, we would be struggling financially,’ Chris Tack told the Huffington Post, . The Tacks add that living small made them stronger as a couple, and nicer to one another. The cramped situation forces them to respect the individual's right to their own space and to be more polite, as the tiny kitchen barely allows a squeeze-past. More about Chris and Malissa and the tiny homes movement can be found on their blog as well as Chris' photography page. | Chris and Malissa Tack dreamed living small - so built it themselves . Husband-and-wife team build house with minimal help despite no experience . Pair part of 'tiny homes' movement promoting downsizing . | c9f50819a761d9df228149f891c1050fd601e9e5 |
By . Daniel Martin . PUBLISHED: . 19:07 EST, 8 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:28 EST, 9 November 2012 . Law change: Adults would only be able to view porn if they specifically 'opt in'. (Posed by model) The fight for an automatic block on online porn will begin in earnest today, with a bid to bring in new laws. A senior peer will launch a bid to change the law obliging Britain’s internet giants to impose a filter to block access to all pornographic images. The private member’s bill from Baroness Howe - the wife of former Tory Chancellor Geoffrey Howe - would bring in a system whereby adults will only be able to see porn if they specifically ‘opt in’ after a strict age verification check. But the legislation faces opposition . from Liberal Democrat peers, who claim that an opt-in system is not the . best way to protect children online. Lady Howe, an independent Crossbench . peer who chaired juvenile courts earlier in her career, said action was . needed because of the ‘dangerous’ effect that sexual content was having . on relationships between boys and girls. She . warned that access to porn was giving children the wrong idea about . relationships and could lead to teenage boys treating girls as sex . objects. Baroness Howe told the Daily Mail that ISPs should take action because porn was such a ‘lucrative’ source of revenue for them. ‘The duty is on those who make extra profit from this sort of material to do all they can to protect under 18s,’ she said. She . added: ‘The amount of pornographic material which is now available . through all these new methods on the internet is really quite dangerous . for young people. ‘A lot of children now are far more savvy about the internet than their parents, so they are much more likely to come across this sort of material by mistake. ‘An opt-in system would rule out any concern people have about their children getting access to adult material by mistake.’ 'Dangerous': Baroness Howe said easy access to porn was affecting young people's relationships. (Posed by model) Her ‘Online Safety Bill’, received its first reading earlier this year but its second reading today is the first chance for debate. The legislation only has a chance of becoming law if it receives the support of ministers. Only when the Government grants enough Parliamentary time to debate a private members’ bill does it have any hope of passing into law. Lib Dem sources last night insisted they were keen to protect children online, but were still considering the results of a Government consultation on whether an opt-in system was the best way forward. The Daily Mail is campaigning for an ‘opt in’ system which would protect children from adult material on the web by restricting it to those over the age of 18 who specifically ask to see it. But ministers and the internet giants would prefer a less stringent ‘opt out’ scheme under which parents are offered the option of imposing a filter. In July, a huge petition calling for an opt-in system - containing 115,000 names - was handed in to Downing Street. And a government consultation on the issue attracted 3,500 responses by the time it finished in September. But despite the high response, ministers have not yet responded to the consultation or even revealed what the majority view was. Some campaigners claim the government is dragging its feet on the issue. Baroness Howe said her bill was an attempt to force ministers to act. The explanatory notes of the bill state that its objective is to ‘reduce the ability of children and young people to access inappropriate material online’. Under her plans: . Lady Howe said easy access to porn was affecting young people's relationships. ‘I am concerned about proper loving relationships between boys and girls, and that they have proper respect for one another,’ she said. ‘I am concerned about the harm that this sort of stuff can do.’ Baroness Howe said she hoped ISPs would take action voluntarily - but the bill would force them to impose filters if they do not ‘stir themselves to action’. ‘[Online porn] is quite a lucrative source of income for ISPs, who want to allow people to do what they like over the age of 18,’ she said. ‘If you’re over 18 then of course is your own business, but there are real concerns about the under 18s.‘The duty is on those who make extra profit from this sort of material to do all they can to protect under 18s,' she added. From knives to films to gambling, there is an age verification process... so why can't there be one for the internet? By BARONESS HOWE . The internet has opened up a communication and information highway making Skyping our children at university, booking a holiday and finding homework answers all possible within a few keystrokes. However, with its ascendancy there has also been the more disturbing element of unfettered access to explicit material for internet users. Young people and children can unwittingly stumble across pornographic material from an innocent Google search or be presented with multiple videos about how-to self-harm whilst viewing YouTube videos. With only 39 per cent of parents of children aged 5-15 using internet controls or filtering software we can be sure this is a widespread problem. Accessing the internet from the privacy of your own room as an under-18-year-old can cause unwarranted problems from harmful exposure to age-inappropriate material to cyber-bullying. When 66 per cent of young people aged 7-16 say that they use their laptops or other portable devices tucked away in their bedroom, the low take-up of filtering software is a significant cause for concern. Current legislation on online child safety is clearly deeply unsatisfactory. Children and young people are frequently viewing material which is not appropriate for them. There are no effective legal safeguards in place to protect them. In 2010, 11 per cent of UK children aged 9-16 had encountered sexual images online in the previous year. This heightened exposure has been found to impact conceptions of sexual norms, body image and behaviour within relationships amongst young people. The Government recently consulted with the public on three models of internet safety, one of which mirrored the system I propose in my Online Safety Bill – the opt-in model. The opt-in model would block pornographic adult content unless the user can demonstrate that they are 18 or over and they opt-in to access the content. It would also require device manufacturers to provide means of filtering other content (e.g. violence or gambling) at the time of purchase. By supporting my Bill, the Government could make it law for the industry, including internet service providers, mobile phone operators and device manufacturers, to help parents protect under-18s from exposure to harmful material. I was extremely concerned that the Government’s consultation did not even mention age verification. Every school in the country operates a default filter on age-inappropriate content for its pupils so we are in no doubt that the technology is available. There would be no technical obstacles to performing age verification online at 18. Mobile phone companies have been operating age verification since 2004 and we see many products and services from knives to films or even gambling restricted by age in our supermarkets, cinemas and on our high streets. Online gambling has been restricted by a system of age verification since the Gambling Act 2005 and this has proved to be a successful method to protect children and young people who are vulnerable to the risks that come with access to gambling. My Online Safety Bill therefore seeks to migrate to the online world practices which are commonplace, well understood and accepted in the real world, and have been for years. The industry has shown itself not willing to take all the necessary steps to provide protection for vulnerable minors off its own back. Now we need to get tough and force all those who provide internet services to act decisively on this issue. The law must be changed. We have a responsibility to future generations to do this today. | Proposed law change would oblige Britain's internet giants to impose a filter blocking access to porn . Baroness Howe wants to see a system whereby adults will only be able to see porn if they specifically 'opt in' Peer warns sexual content is having a 'dangerous' effect on young people's relationships . ISPs and mobile phone operators would be forced to provide an internet service without access to pornography. Adult subscribers would be able to opt in to receive adult content. They would have their age verified by the service provider. In addition, the manufacturers of computers and smart phones would also have to provide software at the time of purchase to enable people to filter internet content. The idea behind this additional filtering level is so that parents can choose to exclude material they deem inappropriate for their child at different ages. Mobile phone operators and ISPs would also have to provide prominent, easily accessible and clear information about online safety at the time of purchase - and to make such information available for the duration of the service. | de6216bd795779945e8341ccdb499064eda91f5e |
(CNN) -- The father of a 12-year-old Virginia girl, who police say was abducted and taken on a week-long, cross-country trek by the man considered a prime suspect in her mother's death, on Monday thanked law enforcement, the media and the California woman who alerted police after spotting the girl. Calling what had happened "nothing short of a miracle," Benjamin Smith said he was eagerly looking forward to reuniting with his daughter, Brittany Mae Smith, later Monday night or soon thereafter. "I thought that the happiest day of my life was when my daughter was born," said Smith, addressing reporters in Virginia for the first time since his daughter was reported missing a week ago. "Tonight has taken that number one spot." Benjamin Smith said he spoke with his daughter on Friday, shortly after she was recovered by San Francisco police. Not sure if it was her -- and knowing "there's probably 100 Brittany Smiths between here and California" -- he said he asked her his dog's and then her dog's name, before being convinced and overcome with emotion. "I don't think I said another word after that," he said, with a wide smile. The girl's father expressed gratitude to numerous people who worked on the case and who publicized the names and faces of Brittany and her alleged abductor, Jeffrey Scott Easley. He singled out Theresa Shanley, who recognized the pair outside a San Francisco supermarket, as "my hero." "There's not anything I could say to describe ... the way my heart feels about you," said Benjamin Smith, adding he hadn't yet spoken with Shanley though he wanted to. "A simple thank you and God bless you." Despite Amber Alerts being issued in several states, authorities had no positive sightings of the girl and Easley until Shanley pulled last Friday into a Safeway parking lot in the Richmond district of San Francisco -- about 2,500 miles from where they were last seen together, in a Walmart in Salem, Virginia. Shanley told HLN's Nancy Grace she saw a man begging for money outside the store. But what most got her attention was a girl sitting on a nearby cement ledge. "The hair on my arms stood up," recalled Shanley of that damp, cool afternoon. "She spotted me, and I spotted her. And we never took our eyes off each other. (I felt) something is wrong here, something isn't right." Shanley said she went inside the store, and asked a supermarket clerk to call police and tell them about the two. She told authorities that the girl might a missing child from Virginia and her alleged abductor. She said she believed she recognized the couple from pictures broadcast the previous night on "Nancy Grace." Shanley said she went back outside briefly, thinking she'd left her cell phone in the car, and again locked eyes with the girl, though the two never spoke. Later, after police arrived, she found out the girl was Brittany Smith, and the man was Easley. "Sure enough, it was her and him," Shanley said. "My intuition was right." Two detectives from Roanoke County escorted the girl from California back to Roanoke, Virginia, on Monday, Roanoke County spokeswoman Teresa Hall said in a statement. The girl was to be released to her family. Easley, 32, remains in custody near San Francisco after being charged with abduction, credit card theft and credit card fraud charges. And Roanoke County police Chief Ray Lavinder has called him a "very good suspect" in the death of Tina Smith, Brittany's mother. Police believe that 41-year-old Smith, who was Easley's girlfriend, was killed between the morning and evening of December 3, Lavinder said. On that day, surveillance video shows Easley and Brittany Smith shopping for a blue domed tent at a Wal-Mart in Salem. Lavinder said authorities believe that the two left Virginia, heading toward California, that night or early the next day. They traveled cross country in Tina Smith's silver 2005 Dodge Neon sedan, which was found in a parking lot adjacent to San Francisco International Airport after authorities had found Brittany Smith and Easley. The pair were holding up a cardboard sign and asking for money when they were spotted, Lavinder said. The Safeway was within walking distance of the makeshift campsite containing the tent in which Easley and Brittany Smith had been staying. Easley did not resist when police arrested him shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, San Francisco police Officer Albie Esparza said. And Brittany Smith had no visible injuries, according to Lavinder. The chief added Monday that the girl was told, after being recovered by San Francisco police, that her mother was dead. The chief has said Easley met Tina Smith online this summer and moved into the family home in October. Police issued an Amber Alert for Brittany on Monday after finding the body of her mother. Tina Smith's co-workers had called to express concern that she hadn't shown up for work. Authorities in Florida and Alabama followed suit with Amber Alerts in subsequent days, and notices went out to law enforcement nationwide. Authorities said they do not know whether the girl went willingly with Easley. Regardless, with Brittany Smith safe, Virginia authorities say, they have now turned their focus to the homicide investigation. They are also trying to get Easley back east, though an extradition hearing hasn't taken place in California courts. He could go to Virginia relatively soon if he waives extradition, or the process may be delayed weeks if he contests his return. | NEW: Benjamin Smith says he's excited to reunite with his daughter . A California woman says she locked eyes with Brittany Smith outside a store . The girl has headed back to Virginia, while her alleged abductor is in custody . The man is a "very good suspect" in the girl's mother's death, police say . | cbfec464a6b1d1eed81da4e5d4a3c9f9227bfbf2 |
Derby's march towards the Barclays Premier League stuttered as they fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at Fulham. The Sky Bet Championship leaders arrived at Craven Cottage unbeaten in seven matches, but were undone by a Fulham side previously without a win in six thanks to goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow. In a lacklustre display, it took the Rams over an hour to register an effort on target against a team who they had put 10 goals past in their previous two meetings this season. Nikolay Bodurov of Fulham scores the opener against Derby County at Craven Cottage . Bodurov celebrates after putting his side in front after 21 minutes against the league leaders . Fulham: Bettinelli, Richards, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis, Parker (Hoogland 79'), Tunnicliffe, Christensen (Kavanagh 43'), Ruiz, McCormack, Woodrow (Dembele 86'). Subs not used: Kiraly, Kacaniklic, Fofana, Burn . Booked: Tunnicliffe . Goals: Bodurov 31' Woodrow 45' Derby: Grant, Christie (Buxton 46'), Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth, Hendrick, Mascarell, Hughes, Ince, Bent (Bryson 64'), Lingard (Russell 46') Subs not used: Dawkins, Ward, Roos, Albentosa . Booked: Russell . Referee: Mike Jones . Former Fulham loanee Darren Bent fired an early shot wide for the Rams, but the hosts dominated the rest of the first half and had a two-goal lead at the break which they never looked like relinquishing. Ross McCormack and Ryan Tunnicliffe flashed shots wide, Shaun Hutchinson headed over and Lee Grant made a good save after Scott Parker's drive flicked off the head of Woodrow before Fulham made the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Bryan Ruiz skipped past Tom Ince on the left-hand side of the Derby area and when the Costa Rica forward's shot was blocked by Cyrus Christie, the ball looped up towards Bodurov on the corner of the six-yard box. The Bulgarian centre-half, not renowned for his finishing, had only stayed upfield following a corner but he expertly guided the ball over Grant with the outside of his right boot for his first goal since joining Fulham last summer. And on the stroke of half-time Woodrow, only in the starting line-up because of an injury to Hugo Rodallega, doubled Fulham's lead. Cauley Woodrow then headed home from close range to put Fulham 2-0 in front . Woodrow celebrates putting Fulham 2-0 in front just before half time . Parker won the ball in midfield and scampered forward before laying the ball off to McCormack, who chipped in an inviting cross for the onrushing Woodrow to nod in at the far post. Derby had come from two goals down to thrash Fulham 5-2 in the Capital One Cup in October but there was no sign a of a repeat performance, especially after Bent limped off holding his hamstring. Ryan Shotton headed an early chance wide while Ince's deflected shot finally gave Marcus Bettinelli something to do, before the Fulham keeper kept out a Jeff Hendrick header at the far post. But it was Fulham, who were starting to look anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation battle following their recent poor run, who came closest to scoring again. McCormack was denied by a last-ditch block by Craig Forsyth and a point-blank save from Grant before sub Moussa Dembele crashed a shot against the crossbar late on. | Championship leaders Derby County suffer damaging defeat . Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow strike in first half for Fulham . Rams stay top after promotion challengers Middlesbrough also lose . | f43fe31bb2bc41c87b75bf4a861e749e862007b8 |
Gore, Georgia (CNN) -- Duncan Shropshire stops at the edge of the treeline, where the meadow becomes a forest. His yellow linen shirt is misbuttoned and crooked, leaving the bottom of his belly slightly exposed. His 8-year-old daughter, Mia-Grace, stands a foot or so behind him, wiping her runny nose with the sleeve of her blue sweatshirt. After about a minute, she lets out a sigh of boredom. Shropshire, 51, clasps his daughter's hand and begins leading her into the Northwest Georgia forest. "This is where your ancestors are buried, back here," Shropshire says. "C'mon, I'll show you." And with a loving tug, Duncan Shropshire shares with his daughter a key piece of their family's history. Still holding hands, the pair weaves through the maze of thin pines, stepping over fallen oaks and basketball-sized sinkholes. Mia-Grace stays silent while her father seems singularly focused on moving forward. After five minutes, they reach a large clearing where rows of fist-sized rocks bulge out of the ground. Each rock sits atop small depressions in the ground. "You see those humps in the ground?" Shropshire asks. "Uh-huh," Mia-Grace replies. "Those are rows of graves. They're stacked like spoons here," Shropshire says. "There was a lot of people here. People of the 1800s are buried here. And I'm trying to keep it in your memory the way granddaddy kept it in mine so it won't be forgotten." The two crouch over a large, flat rock with the words "Lewis Dickson, 4" scratched into it. To the left of the marker is a row of 12 rocks. To the front, there are four other rows of stones, varying in number. "How long did they bury our kin here?" Mia-Grace asks. "They started in the early 1800s, baby," Shropshire answers. "They worked our people to death here. They were slaves. And probably about 1905 is when they stopped burying in this area. Your great-great-great grandfather, a (slave-owning) man named Wesley, he had five children by this slave woman, your great-great-great grandmother. She is buried over here on this side. Her name is Molly." Mia-Grace's light green eyes get big. "I'm worried I might step on them," she says. "Oh, baby," Shropshire says with a laugh, "they're gone. They're gone! They're sleeping right now, waiting for the Lord to come." A "rare" and "special" place . The Shropshire gravesite is in the Appalachian foothills outside Gore, Georgia. About 1,000 feet from the clearing is an old, abandoned church on a dusty dirt road. Experts say that if slaves or former slaves are buried at the site, it would be a unique archeological find. "In Appalachia, it would be extremely rare to have a black or slave graveyard," explained Ruth Little, co-author of "Sticks and Stones: Three Centuries of North Carolina Gravemarkers." "The farms in Appalachia were small, and there were fewer slaves." Little says slave cemeteries in the area would have been marked with field stones, like the rocks at the site, or wooden stakes that burned down. "It's very regional and very local," Little continued. "I've seen on the coastal area with graves marked with seashells." Other grave markers used in black burial cites throughout the Southeast include iron pipes, broken dishes, cups, bottles and live cedar trees, according to Chicora Foundation Executive Director Michael Trinkley. He specializes in cemetery preservation. "The problem with preserving these types of sites is that African-American cemeteries are hard to find," Trinkley said. "You can think of the people buried there as the invisible dead. And not knowing where they are, or how many there are, makes them susceptible to loss." Even if gravesites are recognized, they still might be destroyed for development. Trinkley points to the low country of South Carolina. "The areas that were used for burial grounds," Trinkley explained, "those areas were close to water. They were considered waste areas, places where burying slaves wasn't a significant loss to the planter. Those areas today are among the most sought-after for real estate." Officials in Chattooga County, where the site is located, say that they are unaware of any grave sites in the hills near Gore and that the site needs to be registered with the library as a cemetery before it can be considered for protection through local ordinances. Trinkley and Little both say the potential historical importance of grave sites warrant investigation by local or state officials. "What if in that grave was your mother or your child?" Trinkley asked. "It's an issue of respect and an issue of dignity. It's the last decision society and the individual make together." "There aren't many traceable slave graveyards, and each one is special in it's own way," Little added. She says the Shropshire family can point to that spot and say, "This is where we're from; this is where our roots are." Two cemeteries for two ancestors . Shortly before sunset, Mia-Grace and Duncan Shropshire head over to an old white cemetery about a mile from the forest gravesite. The dates on the gravestones suggest that it was used around the same time as the forest cemetery. There, Shropshire and Mia-Grace walk over to a marble headstone that tops 10 feet. In front of it is a small plastic Confederate flag flapping in the breeze. "This is Wesley Weatherspoon Shropshire. ... He was one of the colonels in the Civil War for the Confederacy," Shropshire says. "He had five children by way of a slave he owned by the name of Molly." "My great-great grandmother?" Mia-Grace asks. "Your great-great-great grandmother," Shropshire corrects her. He turns to point toward another grave site when Mia-Grace notices her father's misbuttoned shirt. She stops him mid-sentence and begins to fix the crooked buttons. "Why is Molly buried over there and Wesley over here?" she asks. "Because that's the way it was, Mia," Shropshire answers. Mia-Grace's face is filled with intense concentration as she tries to undo the bottom button on her father's shirt. Finally, she pries the button free. She looks up at her father and says assuredly, "But people are people. It doesn't matter what they are. They're all the same." "That's a good thing to think, but back then it wasn't like that, Mia," Shropshire tells her. "The dark-skinned people were buried way back over yonder, and the light-skinned people were buried here." Mia-Grace finally fixes her father's shirt, leaving it straight. Then, she skips over to the other end of the cemetery. Shropshire watches her race across the lot. "You can't do well in life if you don't know your history. Without your history, you're nothing," he says. Mia-Grace playfully hides behind a large headstone, calling for her daddy to chase her. A quarter-way toward her, he stops, turns around and yells back, "I reckon she'll be buried wherever she wants to." | Duncan Shropshire takes daughter Mia-Grave to see where ancestors are buried . The family grave dates to the 1800s, Shropshire says . Gravemarkers used in black burial sites include iron pipes, broken dishes, trees . People were buried in different parts of the cemetery based on skin color, Shropshire explains . | 4ffb7f4c896ab0651c61822a762a78767eada7ab |
Transgender model Andreja Pejic has launched a Kickstarter campaign in the hopes of funding Andrej(a), a documentary about her extraordinary transformation from an androgynous-leaning male to full-fledged female. The 23-year-old icy blonde chose to go public with the news of her sexual reassignment surgery earlier this year, and now reveals it was against the advice of her agents. It's still too soon, she says, to tell whether her career will suffer as a result. 'I hope that by sharing my humanity, pain, tears, laughter, joy, and biggest struggles on film, it will shed light on what it means to live as a transgender individual,' Miss Pejic says. Scroll down for video . Appeal: Transgender model Andreja Pejic (pictured) has launched a Kickstarter campaign in the hopes of funding Andrej(a), a film which will explore her life following her recent sexual reassignment surgery . Kickstart-it: The documentary is shot by her filmmaker friend Eric Miclette, and already consists of two years of footage leading up to, and during, her transition. The team need $200,000 to continue . Miss Pejic and her filmmaker friend Eric Miclette have already been shooting footage for the documentary for two years, covering her last few photo shoots as a male model, her sexual reassignment surgery and her big reveal to the public. In order to film the next six months, the team is appealing for $200,000 in funding, and have so far raised $16,733, with 32 days left on the clock. Miss Pejic - who rose to fame as an androgynous male model - is still unsure as to whether the fashion industry will accept her as a female, or whether much of her appeal will now be lost. This upcoming chapter, she says, will be crucial to the documentary. Then and now: Miss Pejic was born a boy and grew up in a war-torn refugee camp in Serbia (left). She later moved to Australia and was scouted while working at McDonald's. Pictured (right) two weeks ago . Defining moment: Miss Pejic chose to go public with the news of her sexual reassignment surgery earlier this year (pictured), and now reveals it was against the advice of her agents . A trailer for the film sees Miss Pejic look back upon her humble beginnings as a young boy growing up in a Serbian refugee camp, her family having been 'torn apart' by war. Miss Pejic later moved with her mother, with whom she is very close, to Australia; where she was discovered by a talent scout - true to cliché - working in McDonald's. After New York Magazine put her, (then, him) on its cover in 2011 and crowned her 'The Prettiest Boy in the World,' Miss Pejic's niche had seemingly been set in stone. Candid: 'I hope that by sharing my humanity, pain, tears, laughter, joy, and biggest struggles on film, it will shed light on what it means to live as a transgender individual,' Miss Pejic says . Looking good: Miss Pejic is still unsure as to whether the fashion industry will accept her as a female, instead of an androgynous male. Pictured last week (left) and in April (right) 'If she wanted to remain a success, she had to remain a boy,' her Kickstarter campaign reads. 'Her agents said it. The press said it. The world expected it. Most importantly, her family relied on it.' Speaking to The New York Times last week, Miss Pejic said: 'There are agents that would tell me: "Don’t ever do it. Don’t transition. You’ll lose everything”.' But transition she did, and this weekend, Miss Peijic announced she had left her former agency, DNA, to join The Society - an all woman's agency - as a solely female model. On Saturday, she posted her new photo card to her Instagram account with the caption: 'New agency! New life!' 'When I was little, I dreamed of being a girl. In fact that was my biggest dream,' Miss Pejic says in a scene from her trailer, seemingly shortly before her life-changing surgery. 'It's a goal I've had my whole life. It's all been kind of leading up to this.' In a following photo, she is sprawled out on a hospital bed, hooked up to an I.V., and in one scene, she is hunched up in a hotel room weeping, and muttering: 'I really miss my mom.' In another, Miss Pejic dives into her agonizing decision as to whether or not to tell people, her agent included, about her transition post surgery. Male past: At the height of her popularity, Miss Pejic was championed for appearing to exist between genders. Pictured in 2012 (left) and in 2013 (right) 'We live in a world that doesn't like, trust, or respect transgender people,' she says. 'It felt like there were two options for me. 'I could transition, forget about my past, hide it, live in fear. Or I could be proud, share my story with the world and hope that it does some good.' Ultimately, it was Eric Miclette who convinced Miss Pejic to not only tell her agent and her business associates, but to tell the whole world her story. 'This is a powerful part of an immensely courageous journey, we need to film this!' she recalls him telling her. 'You know how many trans people - and people in general - are out there hiding, forced to live as someone they are not? You could give them hope by going public about this.' Category defining: In 2011, Miss Pejic walked the runway during the Jean-Paul Gaultier women's show as part of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer show (pictured) Miss Pejic claims to have turned down offers from 'large global networks,' eager to swoop in on her story, but has opted to go down the road of independent film making instead, so as to 'maintain creative control.' She insists that she and her team are contributing their own money to finish the documentary, but can't afford to cover the full costs. Miss Pejic is offering a variety of rewards for healthy donations, including signed merchandise, a Google Hangout with herself; or, for pledges of $10,000 or more, tickets to attend a show with her at London Fashion Week. Whether Miss Pejic will appear in any of the shows herself, at this week's New York Fashion Week or in London, Paris or Milan, is a question left hanging. If all goes ahead with the documentary however, these are the sorts of answers we can expect to have answered in intimate detail as the next chapter of her life unfolds. | Miss Pejic was born a boy and raised in a Serbian refugee camp . She earned huge success as an androgynous model but following her sex change, she will only be modeling women's fashion . Miss Pejic is seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter to fund a film which tells her extraordinary story as it unfolds . | dc39f31672793754bf044b2fa387b7929563254a |
When bad things happen in good houses, there's only one man desperate homeowners should call: Randall Bell, Master of Disaster. Dr Disaster: Randall Bell is a real estate appraiser who specializes in properties where disaster has struck . Laguna Beach, California resident Bell, 54, works as a consultant in diminution value, or stigmatized real estate. In other words, he puts a price tag on properties that have been damaged by natural disasters or stigmatized by actual or perceived horrors, such as murders, suicides or, as in one recent case, accusations of being haunted by reality television shows. Bell's services don't come cheap - his rate is $375 an hour. He . provides his clients with reports - sometimes 100 pages thick, . with details on the property's problematic history, cases studies of . similar troubles and the unmatched expert's final appraisal. Bell's dominance and expertise in the field of stigmatized real estate has earned him the title of 'Master of Disaster.' He . has valued homes where some of the most infamous murders in U.S. history occurred, including Nicole Brown Simpson's condo, JonBenet . Ramsey's home and Charles Manson victim Sharon Tate's mansion. The father of four carved out his niche from a career in conventional property appraisal. After the 1992 Rodney King riots in LA he was called in to assess the damage . and found his calling, deciding to focus only on damaged property. 'I love a challenge - the biggest, baddest, bring it on,' Mr Bell told the LA Times. 'Every day of the week, there are new places to go and new disasters.' Stigmatized: Bell was called in to value the Rancho, Santa Fe mansion where police discovered the bodies of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult . Grisly assignments: Bell has consulted on the house in Boulder, Colorado where JonBenet Ramsey was killed . Media attention: The more notorious a case is, says Bell, the more a property's value will be damaged, as in the case of Nicole Brown Simpson's condo . He's in hot demand due to an uncommon skill-set: Bell has the ability to adjust for for stigma as well as physical damage when he values a property. The National Association of Realtors describes a stigmatized house as one 'that has been psychologically impacted by an event which occurred, or was suspected to have occurred, on the property, such event being one that has no physical impact of any kind.' Television show Ghost Adventures recently featured a Las Vegas mansion, the halls of which, they claimed, stalks a 'nasty, evil spirit.' This came as news to the property's owner Keith Resnick who wanted to sue the Travel Channel for damages for lost property value. Apart from the physical damage from ghost-hunting vandals who broke into the home (and performed satanic rituals in its rooms) Resnick had to account for the loss of value due to the stigma now attached to the house. Who was he going to call? Natural disaster: Bell also consults on property damaged by other means, such as houses affected by Hurricane Katrina . Damage control: Bell's research on environmental catastrophes has taken him from New Orleans (pictured) to Chernobyl . Bell visited the home four times before making his final appraisal, according to the LA Times. Ghost Adventures claimed the house was the site of mob murders, though Bell found no evidence of any such thing. But that fact made no difference - the property had been stigmatized by the claims, so Bell made his valuation as though the house had played host to grisly murders. Resnick eventually sold the house earlier this year, though the final figure of the damages he's suing for remains confidential. Terrorism: Randall Bell was called in to consult on the World Trade Center attacks in New York . Bell's skills are based on thorough research - he is uniquely qualified in his area of expertise, having traveled to every state in America, not to mention each continent in the world several times over, to observe the effects of disasters, terrorism, murder and suicide on properties.His work has taken him to Chernobyl, Hiroshima, the World Trade center site and the West Bank, where he was searching for comparisons of properties damaged by terrorists. Bell told the LA Times that near the city of Hebron, a man threatened to kill him and his guide with a machine gun. Before he could make good on his threats, an air-raid siren went off, a bomb exploded and machine-gun fire deafened him. 'I hit my limit with Hebron,' he says. New path: Bell's first taste of appraising damaged property came after the 1992 LA riots . His meticulous research makes him the go-to guy for governments and . organizations seeking put a figure on losses after mass disasters. Bell has consulted on . Hurricane Katrina, the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, the September . 11 attacks at the World Trade Center site, and the United Airlines . Flight 93 crash site in Pennsylvania. He explained to Today's Realtor that any reduction in value of a property due to stigma depends on the scope of the tragedy and the media attention it received. According to Bell, there is usually a 15- to-25 per cent decrease in value for two or three years after the event, which then diminishes over a one- to-25-year period. Some cases are special, though. The Milwaukee apartment building in which Jeffrey Dahmer lived and murdered his parents caused a mass exodus of the entire neighborhood. 'Dahmer's crimes were so horrific that not only the building was stigmatized but also the neighborhood, and that's very unusual,' he says. 'Occupancy went from 80 per cent to 20 per cent, as people in adjoining buildings wanted to leave the neighborhood.' The house was eventually demolished. Value restored: The home where Sharon Tate was murdered by the infamous Manson Family was eventually sold two decades after the murder . A seller is obliged to tell you if the roof leaks - but do they have to tell you about the dark event in the basement? Bell advises real estate agents that disclosure is the best policy. More . than 20 states have laws that clarify real-estate agents' duty to . disclose psychological stigma and protect sellers from liability. The . statutes vary from state to state - California's requires sellers to disclose a . murder, but only within three years of the crime, and there is no . requirement to disclose other felonies or suicide. In any case, says Bell, all stigmas eventually fade. He says the owner of the house where Sharon Tate was so brutally murdered along with her unborn baby held onto the house for 20 years, then sold it at market value without any trouble at all. | Randall Bell specializes in appraising properties where notorious events have taken place . Bell has consulted on the JonBenet Ramsey home, Nicole Brown Simpson's condo and the house Sharon Tate was murdered in . | d89098c2b5028e0951a8a691b5157517e25dec45 |
When a California care home shut down last year, at least 16 elderly residents were left behind, some of whom were sick and bedridden. But while most staff at the now-infamous Valley Springs Manor abandoned the facility when they stopped getting paid, two stayed on. Now, janitor Miguel Alvarez and cook Maurice Rowland have explained their reasons for remaining at the assisted living home in Castro Valley. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . 'Hero': Janitor Miguel Alvarez (pictured) and cook Maurice Rowland stayed behind at Valley Springs Manor in Castor Valley in Alameda County, California, after it was shut down and abandoned by its owners and staff . Care home: At least 16 elderly residents were left behind at the facility (pictured), some of whom were sick . Speaking to National Public Radio's 'Morning Edition', Mr Rowland, 35, said: 'There was about 16 residents left behind, and we had a conversation in the kitchen, "What are we going to do?"' 'If we left, they wouldn't have nobody,' 34-year-old Mr Alvarez concluded. Valley Springs Manor, which homed senior citizens with dementia and other ailments, was shut down on October 24, 2013, after its operator's license was suspended. The suspension was reportedly the result of a long list of violations, including failing to properly train employees or run criminal background checks and making false claims to regulators. Interior: Speaking to NPR, Mr Rowland, 35, said: 'There was about 16 residents left behind, and we had a conversation in the kitchen, "What are we going to do?"' Above, one of the rooms at the care home . Stepping up: Following the 'mass evacuation' of staff, Mr Rowland and Mr Alvarez (pictured in a Facebook photo with an unknown woman) were forced to work together to provide round-the-clock care for residents . Owners abandoned the Alameda County facility after placing a sign reading 'closed for business' on its front door, ABC 7 reported at the time. Although some residents were removed by their loved ones, at least 16 - as many as 19, according to a number of reports - were left behind with nowhere to go. Following the subsequent 'mass evacuation' of staff, Mr Rowland and Mr Alvarez were forced to work together to provide round-the-clock care for residents. This included frantically changing patients' diapers, as well as bathing and trying to feed them. 'I would only go home for one hour, take a shower, get dressed, then be there for 24-hour days,' said Mr Alvarez, a stay-at-home father of a son and a stepson. Closed: Valley Springs Manor was shut down on October 24, 2013, after its operator's license was suspended. Owners abandoned the facility after placing a sign reading 'closed for business' (pictured) on its front door . Mr Rowland added that many of the pensioners - who quickly became his 'family' - could not take care of themselves and may have been seriously injured if left alone. 'I just couldn't see myself going home - next thing you know, they're in the kitchen trying to cook their own food and burn the place down,' he said. The pair - who each earned around $8-an-hour at the care home, but were paid nothing after the facility's suspension - spent several days caring for residents. However, they decided to call 911 on October 26 out of concern for the pensioners' health and welfare, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Sheriff's deputies and firefighters shortly arrived at the scene, before rescuing residents from the home. Most of the patients were later taken to hospitals in the area. As the incident hit the headlines, police said officers and county social services officials had been assured that patients would be cared for over the weekend after the suspension was issued. They said they believed new places were being found for the residents, but this was not the case. Over the past year, Mr Alvarez and Mr Rowland have received a number of awards and commendations for their actions, which many have deemed 'heroic'. The shocking incident also prompted California authorities to create new legislation, known as the Residential Care for the Elderly Reform Act of 2014. The Act aims to ensure care home residents are not abandoned by owners and staff in the future. Response: Sheriff's deputies and firefighters arrived at the scene (pictured) after Mr Rowland and Mr Alvarez called 911 on October 26. Most of the home's elderly residents were later taken to hospitals in the area . | Valley Springs Manor was shut down in October 2013 following violations . At least 16 elderly residents were abandoned when staff and owners left . But janitor Miguel Alvarez and cook Maurice Rowland remained at facility . For several days, they changed patients' diapers and bathed and fed them . Now, pair have spoken of reasons for their 'heroic' choice to stay behind . Incident led to new legislation in California relating to care of the elderly . | b1a44ef78a74c29bdcc991add00d276e060255ae |
(CNN) -- Lionel Messi celebrated his second successive world player of the year award with a hat-trick as Spanish champions Barcelona crushed division two team Real Betis 5-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal on Wednesday night. The Argentina forward, who headed off clubmates Andres Iniesta and Xavi to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or on Monday, proved the difference after the visitors provided stern early resistance. The 23-year-old finally broke the deadlock a minute before halftime with a delightful chip, and the tie was effectively over ahead of next week's second leg when he completed his treble with 17 minutes to play. Betis deserved better for their first-half efforts, highlighted by Ruben Castro crashing a shot against the crossbar soon after Messi's opener. Why were EPL players snubbed in all-star selection? But in the end they had goalkeeper Casto to thank that the scoreline was not even greater as he bravely thwarted a succession of Barca attacks. As it was, Pedro made it 4-0 on 76 with his 13th goal in 14 games after Casto blocked Daniel Alves' initial effort, and Seydou Keita headed the fifth with seven minutes to play as he rose high to meet Iniesta's outrageous scooped cross. Midfielder Iniesta also had an assist with Messi's first, while the second came in the 62nd minute following a pass from David Villa as the diminutive hero of the Catalan crowd squeezed home from an acute angle after Casto beat out his first attempt. Messi took his tally to 31 for the season when he won a one-on-one duel with the keeper, but Casto denied him a fourth from a similar situation before he was substituted. Messi claims World Player of the Year award . Josep Guardiola's team, seeking a 26th King's Cup crown, are now unbeaten in 29 matches in all competitions since the shock loss to Hercules in early September. In Wednesday's other quarterfinal tie, cup holders Sevilla battled back to earn a 3-3 draw away to third-placed La Liga side Villarreal. The home team twice led by two goals, as Cani and Italy forward Giuseppe Rossi made it 2-0 inside the opening half hour. Striker Alvaro Negredo replied with the first of his two goals six minutes before halftime but Marco Ruben restored Villarreal's advantage 10 minutes after the break. Blatter hails La Liga as 'best in the world' Negredo leveled on the hour mark and defender Alexis Ruano grabbed a crucial third away goal ahead of the decider at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. On Thursday, 17-time winners Real Madrid host city rivals Atletico while Deportivo La Coruna travel to Almeria in a clash between two of La Liga's struggling teams. Inter Milan moved into the quarterfinals of the Italian Cup on Wednesday night as the defending champions won 3-2 at home to Genoa with two goals from striker Samuel Eto'o. The Cameroon star struck in the 15th minute and again just before halftime with a fierce half-volley for his 21st this season, but Genoa midfielder Houssine Kharja reduced the deficit nine minutes after the break with a penalty following a foul by debutant defender Andrea Ranocchia -- playing against his former club. Kenyan midfielder MacDonald Mariga restored Inter's two-goal advantage with a header from a corner five minutes later, and Giuseppe Sculli's reply in time added on was just a consolation. Palermo also progressed into the last eight of the Coppa Italia with a 1-0 win at home to Chievo, as Fabrizio Miccoli scored the only goal from the penalty spot with 10 minutes left. | World player of year Lionel Messi nets treble as Barcelona thrash second division Betis . Argentina forward helps put Barca 5-0 ahead in Spanish Cup quarterfinal tie . Inter |Milan through to last eight of Italian Cup after beating Genoa 3-2 . Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o scores twice for the defending champions . | 51381972291e763c376b966e7c27d9441489e311 |
To date, the overwhelming majority of astronauts have been men, with Russia as an example only recently sending a woman to space after an absence of female cosmonauts for several decades. But the first manned mission to Mars should be all women, a science writer who took part in a simulated mission to the red planet has claimed. She says that females require a lower calorific intake than men and thus need fewer resources, making an all-women mission to Mars cheaper and more feasible. Scroll down for video . A San Francisco writer says the first mission to Mars should be only women. Kate Greene for Slate took part in a simulated mission to the red planet called Hi-Seas (shown). She found that women needed much less resources than men. Most women burned less than 2,000 calories per day, but men regularly exceeded 3,000 . The argument was made by San Francisco-based writer Kate Greene for Slate. Last year she took part in a Nasa project called Hi-Seas (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation), which simulated a long-duration mission to Mars on Earth. Ms Greene and five other crewmembers - three men and three women in total - spent four months in a dome on Hawaii, only leaving the habitat in mock spacesuits. This was intended to simulate what an actual mission to Mars might be like, with the crew spending most of their time in a structure. On Mars any future mission will be subject to limited resources, meaning any attempt at such a mission will need to find ways to improve sustainability. And Ms Greene says sending only women to Mars could be the answer, based on her studies throughout the simulated mission. The £620,000 ($1 million) Hi-Seas (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) mission's crew spent four months 8,000 feet (2,440 metres) above sea level in a geodesic-dome habitat on the northern slope of the Mauna Loa volcano. The volcano is a barren landscape, an abandoned quarry with little vegetation that's as similar to Mars' landscape as planet Earth can get. The crew members live under Mars-like conditions. According to Hi-Seas 'communication latencies and blackouts, in close quarters, under strict water-use rules, etc' are part of the deal. The food study was designed to test food preparation strategies for long-term space exploration. Hi-Seas aims to address problems that may be encountered in future space missions by simulating exploration in areas of the world similar to space environments. The aim of the first mission in which Ms Greene took part, funded by Nasa's Human Research Program, the University of Hawaii and Cornell University, was to learn about living and cooking in Mars. The third and latest mission started on 17 October 2014, and will conclude on 15 July 2015. In December Nasa will fly the Orion spacecraft on an unmanned test for the first time. Orion will ultimately be used to take astronauts to and from Mars in the future, but Ms Greene argues that the first mission to the red planet should be composed of only women . 'Week in and week out, the three female crew members expended less than half the calories of the three male crew members. Less than half!' she says. 'We were all exercising roughly the same amount - at least 45 minutes a day for five consecutive days a week - but our metabolic furnaces were calibrated in radically different ways.' She says it was rare for a woman to burn more than 2,000 calories a day, whereas men regularly exceeded 3,000. Her conclusion is that sending women to Mars would be cheaper and more feasible than one with men. Most estimates for a mission to Mars tend to be around £60 billion ($100 billion), but she quotes former Nasa contractor Alan Drysdale as saying that smaller astronauts are a more attractive option than large men. 'Small women haven't been demonstrated to be appreciably dumber than big women or big men, so there's no reason to choose larger people for a flight crew when it's brain power you want,' said Drysdale. 'The logical thing to do is to fly small women.' Ms Greene adds that most astronauts prefer to work in diverse groups of men and women. 'Still, if the bottom line is what matters in getting to Mars, the more women the better,' she concludes. On Mars any future mission will be subject to limited resources, meaning any attempt at such a mission will need to find ways to improve sustainability. And Ms Greene says sending only women to Mars could be the answer, based on her studies throughout the simulated mission . | San Francisco writer says the first mission to Mars should be only women . Kate Greene for Slate took part in a simulated mission to the red planet . She found that women needed much less resources than men . Most women burned less than 2,000 calories per day, but men regularly exceeded 3,000 calories . Ms Greene says female astronauts, with typically smaller bodies than men, would thus be better suited for an expensive mission to Mars . | af6f6475ca2d51eff16abf91b923914ba89593cb |
Armed with her mobile phone, Temiloluwa Akinremi embarks on her daily online routine, scouring the internet to keep up-to-date with what's happening in her city of Lagos, Nigeria. But these days, along with her daily dose of news and e-mail, Akinremi's web expedition also involves one of her favorite pastimes: shopping. "I go online every day," says Akinremi, a 26-year-old store manager, "to check for something, to just see if I can get whatever I want to buy. Online shopping saves you time and money because it is cheaper and fast," she adds. Akinremi is among a growing generation of young, internet-savvy Africans who have embraced new technology, driving efforts in the continent to bridge the gap between the virtual and real worlds. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet-user penetration in sub-Saharan Africa has grown from 0.5% in 2000 to 10.6% last year. Although the figure is still far behind the world average of about 30%, an increasing number of Africans are becoming more familiar with online shopping. Both the proliferation of mobile phones and the rollout of faster internet networks -- like the fiber-optic cables launched in areas such as east Africa -- have helped the expansion of e-commerce activities in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. In South Africa, 51% of those with access to the internet are shopping online, according to a 2011 MasterCard Worldwide survey. In Kenya, a recent survey by TNS Research International and the Kenya ICT Board found that 18% and 24% of the 1,700 respondents go online to purchase music and movies, and electronic books. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, internet penetration is at about 28%,according to ITU figures, boosted by the rapid growth in the country's telecoms sector. In recent years, the number of mobile cellular subscriptions has skyrocketed from 30,000 in 2000 to over 87 million in 2010. Nigeria's untapped mobile market . Yet, the country's online buying culture is still in its infancy. "While internet usage has hugely increased in Nigeria over the past few years, the online shopping market is still quite small by world standards," says Loy Okezie, founder of Techloy.com, a Lagos-based technology news and research startup. "One would expect the Nigerian online shopping market to be huge and highly lucrative -- instead, the market is still at an infant stage, although with huge potential to explode in the next five years," he adds. It is this big potential that has prompted the emergence of a new crop of internet developers in the country, eager to tap the money-making opportunities available online. One of them is Sim Shagaya, a Nigerian technology entrepreneur who has founded DealDey, a Groupon style group-buying site that offers its members in Lagos discounted deals on a range of products and services. Every day DealDey sends an email to customers like Akinremi with all the latest discounts such as restaurant and spa offers. If the required amount of customers is reached, members receive a coupon along with details about their purchase's collection. Shagaya, who has also worked for Google and RealNetworks, says the model has struck a chord with customers looking to make the most out of the benefits of online shopping -- DealDey plans to expand to Abuja, Nigeria's capital, and claims to have over 50,000 members since its launch in March, adding about 1,000 people per day, Shagaya says. Yet, promoting e-commerce in a country with high internet costs, slow connectivity and a bad reputation for online scams does not come without its challenges. Shagaya says that building a strong logistics infrastructure is necessary for the growth of e-commerce in developing countries. For that reason DealDey has invested in in-house systems as well as pick-up points where customers can collect their items. "If you start an internet business in Nigeria, it's not about a web browser or a mobile phone browser," he says. "Many times the internet is an enabler of a business but you still need an offline component, strong logistics, you still need to be able to have a physical presence in front of the developing country customer to keep that customer thinking that you are real and are here for the long-run." Analysts say that a major problem confronting users in the country is the lack of a convenient and reliable electronic payment service that enables consumers to make payment for goods bought online -- the penetration of debit and credit cards is still low and in many cases online shoppers are still required to physically go to the bank and make a deposit to confirm their purchase. Okezie notes that Nigerian consumers with reliable internet access are still skeptical about shopping online, since there's a feeling that such transactions are risky and prone to fraud. "Consumers hardly want to make payments for goods via an online platform, especially since they wouldn't like to give out their personal details on the internet for fear of identity theft and other related issues," he says. "Most people still prefer to visit their favorite retail shops and make their purchases, where payments are usually made with cash," adds Okezie. Samuel Abdulazeez, head of Nigerian operations for Kalahari, a South Africa-based online retailer that expanded last year in Nigeria and Kenya, says that shifting consumer behavior toward e-commerce and building trust is a gradual process. "The experience has been that when people come in, they try to test with a little amount of order and then when we deliver to them they consider to buy and increase their amount," says Abdulazeez. "That shows us that a lot of people have that fear." Yet, despite all the challenges, analysts believe Nigeria's e-commerce sector has the potential to take off within the next few years as the market continues to develop at a fast pace. "I think that Nigerians would eventually embrace online shopping as long as it offers them an easy, safe and convenient way to shop online," says Okezie. And for some young shoppers like Akinremi, e-commerce is here to stay. "Online shopping has already become a success story in Nigeria, especially amongst the youth of today," she says. | A new crop of entrepreneurs are keen to tap the potential of Africa's online market . Logistics, high internet costs and consumer fears over scams are some of the challenges . Nigeria has one of the highest percentages of internet users in Africa . | 563a068703aa7207e7507d24044814cc27e6bca3 |
The Duchess of Cambridge joined Princes William and Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice to cheer on their cousin . The Duchess of Cornwall also attended with Zara's mother Princess Anne and her son Peter with his wife Autumn . Zara and Team GB took home silver . Phillips . made an early mistake in her showjumping round, adding to . penalties clocked up by Team GB . The Royal family returned to Greenwich Park today to cheer on the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips as Team GB took home a silver medal in the Eventing Team Jumping final of the three-discipline Olympic equestrian eventing competition. The Duchess of Cambridge along with Princes William and Harry joined Princess Anne and the Duchess of Cornwall to watch Zara compete. Zara Phillips and her team mates narrowly missed out on gold in the equestrian eventing today but spectators were still delighted. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Harry cheer and wave as Great Britain's Eventing team arrive to collect their medals during the Individual Eventing Jumping Final . William and Kate both cheered loudly, waving their hands in the air as it was announced that Zara and her team had taken home the silver medal . Prince William and his wife Catherine celebrate with Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, as Kristina Cook finishes competing in the Jumping Phase of the Eventing competition . Great Britain's Zara Phillips celebrates with her Silver medal during the Team Eventing Medal ceremony on day four of the London Olympic Games as the crowds cheer her on . Great Britain's (left to right) Nicola Wilson, Zara Phillips, William Fox-Pitt, Mary King and Kristina Cook with their silver medalsl during the Team Eventing Medal ceremony . Zara Phillips looked delighted as she galloped around Greenwich Park with her silver medal on High Kingdom . Zara Phillips wins a silver medal and gets a hug from her mother Princess Anne for GB in the team event . Zara Phillips and her team mates . narrowly missed out on gold in the equestrian eventing today but . spectators were still delighted. Phillips . made a heartbreaking early mistake in her showjumping round, adding to . penalties clocked up by Team GB in the previous three days of . competition, which cost them gold. Nicola . Wilson was given a tough score for her dressage on Saturday, while . William Fox-Pitt fell prey to time penalties in the cross country . yesterday. Phillips' mother, the Princess Royal, herself a former Olympian, is set to present her daughter with her team medal later today. The Queen's granddaughter was third up for the British equestrian eventing team this morning. Supporters . who had braved gloomy skies in Greenwich, south east London, fell into a . hushed silence as she tackled the course, which included jumps . featuring a miniature Nelson's column and bright red post boxes. But they erupted into enthusiastic cheers once she had finished, waving Union flags. Members . of the Royal family turned out again to support her, with the Duke and . Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry cheering her on. Harry . and William, both wearing white Team GB polo shirts, looked delighted . as the Britons secured silver, as did the Duchess, who was wearing a blue and white nautical striped top under the navy £500 Smythe blazer that she wore to yesterday's event. She accessorized her look with navy wedges and a navy clutch bag from high street brand Russell & Bromley. The Duchess of Cambridge left the event today carrying an umbrella after some rain showers earlier on. She wore a blue and white stripey top with a navy Smythe blazer, fitted navy jeans and blue cork wedges . Zara's brother Peter Phillips, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry seemed to be enjoying themselves as they laughed together in the stands . William and Kate seemed to be distracted by something up above whilst Harry concentrated on the event. Kate chose the same £500 navy blazer by Smythe as yesterday, this time teaming it with a chic Breton striped top . Great Britain's Zara Phillips celebrates with Tina Cook (centre) and Nicola Wilson (left) after they won silver in the Team Eventing Jumping Final on day four of the London Olympic Games at Greenwich Park, London . Zara Phillips celebrates with her husband Mike Tindall after her team won silver in the Team Eventing Jumping Final on day four of the London Olympic Games . There were still a small number of . empty seats in the arena, even though organisers had sold extra tickets . to fill unused spaces. Team GB began the day in second place . after Phillips and her four team mates put in fantastic performances in . the cross country yesterday. A number of riders fell on the tricky . course in historic Greenwich Park, but Phillips, Nicola Wilson, Mary . King and Kristina Cook all avoided penalties by finishing within a tough . time limit. William Fox-Pitt just missed out when his horse tired towards the end of the course. Phillips follows in the footsteps of . her Olympian parents Princess Anne, who competed in the 1976 games in . Montreal, and Mark Phillips, currently the US team's coach, who won . medals in 1972 and 1988. The 31-year-old, who was again watched by her mother today, said the crowd gave her a boost as she competed. She said: 'It's incredible, it gives . you a massive lift as you come into the arena. We're really grateful to . everyone who've come here to cheer us on.' Phillips recovered well after making an initial mistake and knocking a bar down on an early jump on her horse High Kingdom. She said: 'It was a bit slow in the beginning but after that he got faster, it was my fault, not his. I'm really proud of him.' Fans at the equestrian event were treated to spectacular views of the capital city taking in the historical Battersea Power Station, the modern towers of the financial district and St Paul's Cathedral . Kate and William cuddled up during the event but Harry didn't look as bemused as Kate as he sat with arms folded watching his cousin ride around the course . There were laughs all round for the young Royals as Kate and William cheered his cousin on in this afternoon's event . Things were tense on the course for 31-year-old Zara Phillips and her team but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked relaxed and happy haring a joke in the crowd . The gloomy skies couldn't dampen the couples' spirits as they watched William's cousin Zara and her eventing team push for gold in the in the final day of the equestrian event . She said performing in front of a home crowd did not increase the pressure on her. 'It's the pressure that you put on yourself trying to get the best score you can for your team.' Yesterday was the first anniversary of . her wedding to rugby player Mike Tindall, but when asked if she had had . a chance to celebrate, she laughed and said: 'No.' High Kingdom lost both his front shoes in the cross-country yesterday but recovered well, she said. 'I'm really happy with him to be able to do that today.' Phillips entered the arena to rapturous applause, quickly followed by silence as she tackled the jumps. She said: 'It makes the noise of the poles falling even louder.' Audience members today included former prime minister Sir John Major. Kate and Harry once again displayed how close they are as they leaned in for a chat and smiled together whilst William watched the horses . The couple looked very much in love as they chatted and grinned at each other throughout the afternoon's event. Kate was sporting her trademark tousled locks . Britain's Zara Phillips and her horse High Kingdom compete in the show-jumping phase of the equestrian, where her team took silver . Phillips added: 'There was a mistake . that we shouldn't have had because he's a good jumper and obviously it's . disappointing for a team sport, but generally I'm really happy with . him.' When asked if the competition had been an emotional experience for her, she joked: 'It's like an emotional rollercoaster.' Family members have come to support her every day of the eventing. She said: 'It's nice that they've managed to come and watch.' Fox-Pitt's wife Alice, who works as a . racing journalist under her maiden name Plunkett, watched with her . five-year-old son Thomas and gave a massive cheer as Tina Cook completed . her round, bringing Team GB their silver medal. She said her husband was 'ecstatic' with the result. 'Gold was there for the taking, obviously it's really disappointing that they didn't get it,' she said. 'It is not Zara's fault there were . little mistakes. It's a team, it isn't about one person. William's time . faults yesterday were expensive, there's a whole host of reasons - it's . never down to one person.' Mrs Fox-Pitt said the team was still 'thrilled' with their silver, adding: 'Obviously there's still the . individual medals to play for.' The Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips competing on High Kingdom to rapturous applause from the crowd during the Team Eventing Jumping Final on day four of the London Olympic Games at Greenwich Park . Resounding cheers from the Greenwich crowd left Zara visibly moved . The emotional Royal wipes away a tear after giving her all in the event . The Duchess of Cornwall and Zara's proud mother Princess Anne arrive to watch the Team Eventing Jumping Final. Camilla wore a rain mac in anticiption of heavy skies while Anne supported Team GB in style in branded accessories . In the stands William and Harry both . looked smart, with William donning a white shirt under a grey blazer and . Harry also wearing a white collared shirt. Kate and William showed their support to Team GB by wearing a gold and red Team GB badge fastened onto their blazers. The three young Royals laughed and joked together as they watched the event. Zara's mother Princess Anne sat with Camilla as they watched the riders gallop around the course. Anne looked extremely patriotic donning a Team GB bag and two Olympic pins on her navy blazer. Alongside . the family, Zara's brother Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn watched . on, both wearing full team GB gear, with matching hats. The Queen's granddaughter is one of five members of the team, who went into the final day of the competition in second place. The 31-year-old scored a . penalty-free ride through the treacherous cross-country event yesterday, . negotiating her horse, High Kingdom, over 28 obstacles and a slippery course that . claimed a dozen fallen riders. Bea and Eugenie showed their support for the second day running but today they didn't sit with their cousins and took a seat behind their mother and Camilla . Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York come and have a chat with the other young Royal family members at the event . Zara's brother and William lookalike Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn were also there to cheer on the team as they rode for gold, dressed patriotically in Team GB fleeces and caps . Showbiz Roundup! Kate & Kate gorgeous in grey plus Jackson family feud latest!... | The Duchess of Cambridge joined Princes William and Harry and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice to cheer on their cousin . The Duchess of Cornwall also attended with Zara's mother Princess Anne and her son Peter with his wife Autumn . Zara and Team GB took home silver . Phillips . made an early mistake in her showjumping round, adding to . penalties clocked up by Team GB . | e9f9d48954fb5089474e78d0e98394875b0b5372 |
By . Mark Nicol . Nearly 500 military personnel a month are asking to be treated for traumatic disorders after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. The impact of a decade of conflict on Britain’s hard-pressed Armed Forces is revealed in new Ministry of Defence figures. A study of the 1,472 new cases of Servicemen and women seeking help in the first three months of the year shows some clear trends. Female personnel are twice as likely to suffer mental ill-health, and lower ranks are more vulnerable than officers. Constant demands: Nearly 500 soldiers are seeking help for mental health issues each month due to the ceaseless rigours of the Afghan and Iraq conflicts, new figures reveal (file picture) Trends emerging: The study of 1,472 cases this year found that lower-ranked troops are more vulnerable to mental ill-health than officers (file picture) The figures are the first to be compiled since the launch of the ‘Don’t Bottle It Up’ campaign, an initiative by the Ministry of Defence intended to encourage more soldiers, sailors and airmen to seek help for mental or emotional issues. The campaign is intended to break the stigma around these issues. According to previous reports, soldiers have suffered ridicule and contempt from their colleagues for admitting they are struggling to cope. The findings by Defence Analytical Services and Advice, a research arm of the MoD, found that soldiers serving two or more tours of duty are six times more likely to suffer than those on one tour. Concern for the veterans of these long campaigns is underlined by the fact that more former servicemen have committed suicide since the 1982 Falklands War than died in battle, when 255 were killed. Earlier this year, Lance Sergeant Dan Collins, 29, committed suicide. In a note he described the guilt of surviving an incident in Afghanistan that killed two comrades. Collins was found hanged in a quarry near his home in Cardigan, West Wales. Taking its toll: Earlier this year, Lance Sergeant Dan Collins (right) committed suicide over the guilt of surviving an incident in Afghanistan that killed two comrades, including Lance Corporal Dane Elson (left) The MoD found that across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force, reservists show higher rates of mental problems than regular personnel. Yesterday, a former reservist soldier described his struggle to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and to get financial support. Lance Sergeant Jake Wood, 39, left his job as a business analyst for an investment bank to serve two tours of Iraq and one of Afghanistan. He admitted: ‘In Iraq, I shoved my pistol into my throat. I wanted to “check out”. Only my fears for my family stopped me. On the same tour, in 2004, a local kid pointed a weapon at me and I was so depressed I actually wanted him to shoot me. Warning: Former Army Colonel Bob Stewart, MP for Beckenham, Kent, said manpower cuts could trigger more cases of mental ill-health . ‘I went to Afghanistan in 2009 and my mental and emotional health got worse. I saw my mates die and we were outnumbered by the Taliban every day. ‘It wasn’t until December 2010 that I got the package of treatment and compensation I need. Getting help and support can be very difficult. I needed really good doctors and lawyers. The Ministry of Defence fought the case.’ L/Sgt Wood now receives 75 per cent of his salary at the time of his mobilisation. The Army is committed to cutting 20,000 soldiers before 2018. Many of those made redundant will be veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq and their places on the frontline are expected to be filled by reservists such as L/Sgt Wood. Military charity Combat Stress warned that more must be done to support reservists’ mental health. Andrew Cameron, the chief executive of Combat Stress, said: ‘Reservists are more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress than regular counterparts because they spent less time among their peers and must switch between the military and civilian communities quickly and regularly. ‘It is very important as we increase our reliance on reservists that these men and women are properly prepared and supported. This means before, during and after their deployments. Combat Stress has created two liaison officers to work specifically with reservists to ensure they receive the support they require.’ The manpower cuts could trigger more cases of mental ill-health, according to former Army Colonel Bob Stewart, MP for Beckenham, Kent. He said last night: ‘Soldiers want to be treated among their own. They always have done and they always will. Today’s problems seem to be obvious and as more soldiers leave the regimental system and find themselves in civilian life they will not have their friends close at hand. ‘Only they really appreciate the difficulties of spending so long on the frontline.’ The MoD said: ‘The mental health of service personnel is a top priority and we have robust systems in place to identify and treat those with mental health issues. 'We are also committed to reducing the stigma associated with mental illness such as through briefing Service personnel, their families and the chain of command.’ | New study reveals impact of conflicts on UK's hard-pressed Armed Forces . 1,472 new cases of troops needing treatment in first three months of 2012 . Female personnel twice as likely to suffer ill-health than male counterparts . First figures compiled since launch of MoD's 'Don't Bottle It Up' campaign . | 244861423ec8d8f4c247209bea24266c5d2735f4 |
PUBLISHED: . 08:17 EST, 6 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:35 EST, 6 June 2013 . Depriving yourself of your favourite things can make you obsessed with them, according to a new study. Researchers found that by forbidding a pleasure - such as a bar of chocolate - it heightened the brain’s awareness of it. But they also found that people did not become fixated if they knew that other people were not able to enjoy their favourite thing. Envious: The more we forbid an object - such as a specific food - the more our brain becomes focussed on it. Lead author Grace Truong of the University of British Columbia said: ‘Our findings show that when individuals are forbidden from everyday objects, our minds and brains pay more attention to them. ‘Our brains give forbidden objects the same level of attention as our own personal possessions.’ The study's most important finding, though, is that obsession is not as strong if others are also denied: when an object is forbidden to a group, the allure of the object reduces dramatically. Scientists say that this helps to explain why group diet techniques such as Weight Watchers can be more successful than dieting alone. Temptation: Scientists have discovered why dieting is so difficult . It also offers important insights for compulsive hoarding and parents seeking to help their children's attachment to toys and other possessions. For the study, entitled An unforgettable apple: Memory and attention for forbidden objects, participants were shown images of everyday objects and told the objects were either theirs, someone else's, forbidden to them or forbidden to everyone. Using electronic brain imaging and memory tests, researchers found the forbidden objects were recognised as well as self-owned objects. This was interpreted as a sign of unnecessary heightened concentration. ‘Since the days of Eve and the apple, scholars have been interested in [mankind's] attraction to items we should avoid,’ says Professor Todd Handy who also took part in the study. ‘Today, it is things like jumbo soft drinks, fatty foods and illicit substances. ‘These new findings help to explain how our brain processes forbidden objects and suggests that, for resisting temptation, there's strength in numbers. It's harder to go it alone.’ The findings are published in the journal Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience . | U.S. experts found that the more we try to ignore an object, the more our brain concentrates on it . But people are less obsessed with a forbidden item if they know that others can't indulge too . Researchers say this could explain why group diets such as Weight Watchers are so successful . | ba7ef29efe16913d4ef05754defeb5365d03dfe2 |
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Police say one thing was clear when authorities showed up at a house in Arizona looking for a California girl who had been missing for seven years. The family inside was hiding something. They were "evasive and untruthful," said Capt. Patrick Maxwell of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Norwalk Station. When family members were asked to produce a birth certificate or adoption papers for Amber Rose Nicklas, they could not. Maxwell says that is when they admitted the 7-year-old girl was not theirs. The child had been missing since September 2003. She was in the care of foster parents in Norwalk, California, when she was snatched by three of her aunts. Two of the aunts were caught at the time but a third got away with the infant. Maxwell says it appears Amber had been living with the same family in Phoenix, Arizona, for most of the time she was missing, but police are still investigating how she ended up with people who are not her biological family. Authorities got a tip that Amber could be at a home in Phoenix and went there with a court order Wednesday afternoon. When investigators tried to serve the court order, they found that a woman in the home had hidden the child in a shower under a pile of clothes and towels, said Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump. Amber's identity had been changed, including her name and date of birth, police said. Authorities confirmed Amber's real identity through footprints, photographs and DNA swabs. The child is in state custody in California and prosecutors will file charges, Crump said. CNN's Nick Valencia and Sonya Hamasaki contributed to this report. | Police say the Arizona family holding the girl was "evasive and untruthful" Amber Rose Nicklas is now in the custody of California authorities . Girl's identity is confirmed through footprints and a DNA swab . The girl was abducted from California in 2003 when she was a year old . | 4664c13494de85179e1f14b04d5615f0e66e0824 |
A former cop who posted a picture on Twitter of himself pointing a gun has denied the photo was a threat against anti-police violence protesters and claimed that the activists were 'blatant racists' for demonstrating in places they deemed 'white spaces'. John Cardillo, who served as an officer with the NYPD in the 1990s, is now a self-styled, right-wing media commentator and runs a data analytics company. On Sunday, demonstrators showed up at popular brunch spots in New York and California to protest the police killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Carrying banners, the chanting activists entered a number of venues that they had identified as 'white spaces'. In response, Mr Cardillo took a selfie in his American flag baseball cap, with the camera looking down the barrel of a gun. He added the words: 'I'm really enjoying these Eggs Benedict so move along now. #BlackBrunchNYC' Scroll down for video . Inflammatory: Former cop John Cardillo posted this picture on Twitter in response to anti-police violence protesters storming restaurants in New York and California on Sunday, organized by #BlackBrunchNYC . The chanting #BlackBrunchNYC activists entered a number of venues that they identified as 'white spaces' on Sunday to protest police violence, including the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner . Mr Cardillo, 45, who now lives in Florida, told Daily Mail Online on Tuesday that it was 'ludicrous' to suggest he was threatening protesters with a picture of himself raising and pointing the gun. He said: 'My photo is protected by the First Amendment. I was sitting in my own home, with no one else there, pointing an unloaded firearm. 'I published the photo as an experiment to expose the left-wing protest community - those people who support violence, encourage and cheer the murder of police officers, along with rioting and looting.' 'Those same people who were offended by my photograph, weren't offended by people being hurt in the real world.' Mr Cardillo said that he was a fan of legitimate protests - even if he didn't agree with the message. However he slammed the activists who descended on restaurants on Sunday. He said: 'I don't support what they were doing because they entered private businesses and harassed people. 'I found those protesters to be blatant racists because they targeted ''white faces.'' What is more racist than finding a place that certain races go to and targeting those places?' Mr Cardillo said on Tuesday that Sunday's protesters were blatant racists because they targeted 'white faces' 'A war on black lives': Alongside an image of protesters inside a New York restaurant, Sharmin Ultra (above) tweeted: 'We interrupt your brunch time to let you know there is a war on Black lives. We will not stay silent' Zane Jones offered a simple message to Mr Cardillo on Twitter following his gun selfie picture . Mr Cardillo added: 'You could argue because of the level of criminal harassment that their actions were hate crimes.' The former police officer went on to say that he did not believe that his Twitpic was inflammatory but was 'controversial', adding that it had brought him widespread media coverage. He said that he felt the image had nothing to do with his former job as a member of the NYPD. He added: 'It's my First Amendment right and was absolutely the right thing to do. I posted the picture to spark debate. It's controversial but harmless.' However some fellow Twitter users appeared to disagree with the former cop's defiant stance. @TillmanRaymond tweeted: 'should protesters take this as a threat for there lives? B/c it would taken as one for cops if they did this.' While @zanejones426 wrote: 'some people just don't get it there enough pain in the usa right now think I pray u and other just grow up.' A Twitter user called Ted wasn't pleased with the disruption and tweeted: 'How dare folks go out for an omelette with friends and family on a Sunday! #BlackBrunchNYC #BlackBrunch' Dozens of demonstrators stormed restaurants and targeted white diners in New York and California as part of a 'Black Brunch' protest against alleged police violence at the weekend. Once inside, they 'disrupted' customers' meals by reading out the names of African-Americans killed by police, including Michael Brown, 17, who was shot dead by officer Darren Wilson last August. Addressing staff and patrons, they shouted: 'Every 28 hours, a black person in America is killed by the police. These are our brothers and sisters. Today and every day, we honor their lives.' Throughout the day, many of the three dozen protesters - who also targeted 'predominantly white' restaurants in Oakland, California - posted photos of the 'Black Brunch' demonstration online. Alongside an image of protesters inside a New York restaurant, Sharmin Ultra, tweeted: 'We interrupt your brunch time to let you know there is a war on Black lives. We will not stay silent.' Although the demonstration were largely peaceful - with no arrests made - there were reports of protesters getting into heated discussions with staff and customers. And while many have applauded the nonviolent tactic online, other social media users mocked it and some have even criticized the protests as 'pathetic' and 'ridiculous'. Bob Owens said: '#BlackBrunchNYC is the most desperate and pathetic cry for relevance I've seen in a long time.' And a user called Ted added: 'How dare folks go out for an omelette with friends and family on a Sunday! #BlackBrunchNYC #BlackBrunch.' Bob Owens said the protest was 'the most desperate and pathetic cry for relevance I've seen in a long time' | John Cardillo, a former New York officer who served in the 1990s, is now a self-styled, right-wing media commentator . He posted a picture on Twitter pointing a gun and the message: 'I'm really enjoying these Eggs Benedict so move along now. #BlackBrunchNYC' Mr Cardillo, 45, who lives in Florida, said on Tuesday that it was 'ludicrous' to suggest he was threatening protesters by posting the photo . He also said of the protesters: 'I found those protesters to be blatant racists because they targeted ''white faces''' | d31d50256809d306665c454afe7f87c37e1f7dba |
Clearwater, Florida (CNN) -- After a second day of jury selection in the Casey Anthony murder trial, more prospective jurors facing weeks and possibly months away from home, family, work and school have been excused. While a few were dismissed for expressing opinions about the defendant, most were let go after revealing compelling hardship issues during questioning by the judge and lawyers from both sides. One woman in her 50s, who works at a hospice, said she cannot go weeks without an income. Her employer would not compensate her during the trial and she said she would not be able to pay her mortgage. Another woman said she is in school and would have no one to care for her 4-year-old daughter. The obstacles to serving represent a vivid cross-section of everyday struggles for Americans, especially in a fragile economic recovery. Financial difficulties, chronic illness, single parents trying to care for children while earning a living were among the excuses offered in court. The judge in the case, Belvin Perry, previously ruled that the jury would be sequestered throughout the trial. Perry wants to shield the panel of 12 and eight alternates from media coverage of the trial and other factors that could sway the outcome. "Black's Law Dictionary" defines jury sequestration as ''the custodial isolation of a trial jury to prevent tampering and exposure to publicity.'' Other major cases that have been sequestered in recent years include the O.J. Simpson double murder trial in Los Angeles and the trial of Mary Winkler, found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of her husband, a minister in Selmer, Tennessee. Casey Anthony's 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, disappeared in the Orlando area in 2008. After a protracted search amid national news coverage, a repairman found the toddler's remains in woods near her parents' home. That the case is so high-profile makes it difficult to find a jury without prejudices. Legitimate personal hardships -- universally considered grounds for dismissal in U.S. courts -- present an extra challenge. A male juror said Tuesday he is one of four nurses on a 24-hour rotation for treating heart attack patients. His co-workers would have to "scramble" without him on the job, he said. Others included a middle-aged woman who may need surgery; a man who runs group homes for delinquent youths and is getting married this summer; a man who wants to see his dying uncle in Puerto Rico, and a woman who is the sole caregiver for her disabled husband. She brings him to doctors and reminds him ''to take his pills.'' A woman in her 40s pays her children's college tuition and works two jobs to supplement her income. She said she would have to borrow money or ''pull funds from other places'' to avoid falling behind on her mortgage. But not every juror claiming hardship was released. A man in his 30s said he runs a family-owned Ace Hardware store. His father has had heart attacks and strokes over the past several years, leaving his son to manage the business on his own. The man, who has two dogs, no children and no wife because he hasn't ''found the right woman yet,'' said leaving the store for eight weeks would be a big problem, even though he has 34 employees. None of them are trained as managers, he said. However, when asked what else is on his calendar in the next several months, he said he has a business and pleasure trip to Panama. That's when he lost his argument. Cheney Mason, Anthony's lead defense attorney, said if the man can go to Panama, he has someone to take care of the store. According to authorities, Casey Anthony took about a month to report her daughter's disappearance to police. Widely known as "Tot Mom" from media coverage, Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She could face the death penalty if convicted. Anthony was transported to Clearwater, Florida, and booked into the Pinellas County Jail for jury selection. Perry is holding jury selection in this Tampa Bay Area city of more than 100,000 to avoid assembling a panel that is likely to be more familiar with the case. Anthony will return to Orlando, about 100 miles to the east, for the trial, which could kick off next week. Lawyers have also dismissed several potential jurors who expressed opinions about the case during voir dire, questioning to ensure jurors are not biased. The old French phrase means to speak the truth. Jury selection is scheduled to resume Wednesday morning. Belvin dismissed a panel of candidates on Tuesday, saying they were contaminated by a prospective juror overheard discussing the case. By sheer coincidence, the juror is a witness in the Anthony case and was serving in Pinellas County. After screening for hardship, the court will ask remaining prospective jurors about their knowledge of the case, whether they could set that aside and if they were to find her guilty could they impose the death penalty. In a moment of limited levity on Tuesday, Belvin asked one potential juror who planned to visit Savannah, Georgia, with his wife in June for their wedding anniversary whether he would ''be in the dog house'' if the trip were put on hold. ''I think she'd be a bit more upset than I would at this point,'' he said. | Casey Anthony case indicates how many need every paycheck . Others have no one else to care for child or spouse . Several dismissed for expressing opinions . | 18e27665f80c64beab0e0302879f6411376e148e |
JUAREZ, Mexico (CNN) -- Jose Molinar knew something wasn't right. He hadn't heard from his wife for a few hours, which was not sitting well with him. Marisella Molinar was killed while driving her boss, a target of cartels, across the border into El Paso, Texas. Marisella Molinar worked as a secretary for a top prosecutor in Juarez, Mexico, Jesus Huerta Yedra. She was employed in the office for more than 10 years and though she lived across the border in El Paso, Texas, with her husband, she drove about 20 minutes over the Juarez-El Paso border every day to the job she loved. The growing violence over rival drug cartels had concerned the couple, but Mexico was a part of their lives and they were sure the violence stayed between rival drug gangs, who were fighting over a lucrative drug route into the United States. Without fail, Marisella Molinar would call her husband every day when she arrived to work, went out for lunch and when she was leaving the office. But on December 3, 2008, by around 5:30 p.m., Jose Molinar still hadn't heard from his wife. He called the office in Mexico and was told she was giving her boss a ride over the border so he could do some Christmas shopping. Jose Molinar turned on his television, and his life changed forever. "As soon as the image came up, I saw her truck," said Molinar, who was watching the news out of Juarez, "and I knew what happened right then and there." Watch Jose Molinar talk about the moment he knew his wife was killed » . Marisella Molinar was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her passenger, Jesus Huerta Yedra, was a target of the cartels that day. As Molinar's car was about a mile away from the border crossing back to the United States, gunmen walked up to her car and fired 85 rounds from an AK-47 into their intended target. One shot hit Marisella Molinar, a mother of two and proud grandmother, in the chest, killing her instantly. "She wasn't involved, she didn't have anything to do with this!" said Jose Molinar in a recent interview with CNN. "She was the guy's secretary and she was giving him a ride to meet his wife here in El Paso who was Christmas shopping." But instead of making it home to help her husband hang Christmas lights, Marisella Molinar became yet another victim in the drug war taking place just steps from the U.S. border. The violence generated by the war of the drug cartels for control of drug routes translated last year into some 6,000 killings. More than 1,600 of them occurred in Juarez, three times more than the most murderous city in the United States. This year, in two months, the body count in Juarez is 400. Mexican military and police in riot gear now patrol the once popular streets of Juarez. Gone are the Americans shopping, dining and partying. The bars and restaurants are shuttered -- many closed for good. Americans don't come here anymore. In March 2008, the Mexican military joined with Mexican states and local law enforcement in the fight against drug cartels in border cities. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has waged a war against business as usual with the cartels who controlled drug routes through Mexico and into the United States. The fallout has led rival drug gangs to launch all-out war not only with the military, but also with each other, because the once-established drug routes are now up for grabs. The violence has been the worst in Juarez, where cartels have killed police officers, forced the chief of police to resign and threatened public officials. "They started killing police officers, and not when they were doing police work, but when they were coming out of their homes and getting into their cars to go to the police station," said Juarez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz, whose own family has recently received death threats. At the city's only morgue, bodies are piling up. The mayor said there are far too many dead for the small facility to handle. The majority of the dead are unidentified members of the cartels. Just last week, the mayor said, 50 corpses were buried in mass graves because no one claimed the bodies. Officials from both sides of the border said the drug war may go on for years. Beheadings, bodies riddled with gunfire and blood-stained streets will continue daily, they said. They added that the appetite for illegal drugs is too great in the United States, and the drug routes are too lucrative for the battles to end. "It's not going to be won quickly," said Enrique Torres, a spokesman for the Mexican government, adding that the Mexican president is committed to fighting the cartels. "He can't talk about a time frame in this type of situation. We know the monster is big, but we don't have an idea of how big it is." | Marisella Molinar, a secretary, was killed nearly a mile from her U.S. home . Husband: "She wasn't involved, she didn't have anything to do with this!" More than 1,600 deaths in Juarez last year, 400 already this year . Cartels have killed cops, forced police chief to resign, threatened public officials . | 89962faad9e856aeabc1a402d80544ba962d55e6 |
Facebook's purchase on Monday of the photo-sharing app Instagram had the Internet asking one question: . Will the Goliath of social networking make Instagram so uncool or so Facebook-y that it dies off entirely? Immediately after the reported $1 billion purchase was announced, some digi-pundits were already rushing to say just that -- with plenty offering advice on how Instagram users can delete their accounts and all of the photos they've uploaded with the app. Some cited Facebook-related privacy concerns. That line of thinking goes like this: Instagram, a mobile network where people share filter-altered, hipster-y photos with friends, feels small and intimate. By contrast, Facebook feels too big and tries harder to profit off of the data its users submit to the site. Here are a couple tweets to that effect: . @thisbrokenwheel: "Well, I guess I'll be spending the evening deleting ALL of my posted photos from @Instagram. Hate Facebook's creepy privacy issues." @sinabhfuil: "Must delete Instagram from my phone; don't want any sneaking doorways into Facebook privacy grabs" Will Facebook's purchase help or hurt Instagram? Share thoughts . As CNNMoney writes, Instagram hadn't monetized its app: "Instagram is a free app and doesn't charge for any of its services. The company's founders insisted that would come in time, once they'd built a sizeable user base." The tech blog TheNextWeb posted instructions for users to delete their entire Instagram accounts, just so Facebook can't get its hands on any data about their relationships on Instagram or on the photos they've submitted through the app. "There is no guarantee that Facebook will be using the data gathered by Instagram but we wouldn't bet against it in a million years," that blog writes. Others think the app will become far less cool under Facebook's care: . @TheCBurns: "What was once great is now crap." "A lot of users will stop using Instagram," predicted CNN iReporter Aline Alencar of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who posted a photo protesting the Facebook takeover. And there was quite a bit of non-analytical digital freakout happening: . "Nooooooooooooooo!" @_VickiV wrote. Another Twitter user said the app won't die, but it will wane in popularity over time: . @jameshritz: "For me, I won't ever delete or quit, it will just be a process of gradual abandonment (probably take a few months) ..." Still others are waiting for more details. In a posting on his Facebook page, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook will let Instagram operate as an "independent" entity -- albeit one that is owned by his social networking company. Instagram's 30 million-plus users still will be able to post photos to various online social networks, he said. That feature is one hallmark of Instagram, and another reason it became so popular, particularly in tech early adopter circles. With a single click, users can share photos on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Foursquare, Posterous and Tumblr. "We think the fact that Instagram is connected to other services beyond Facebook is an important part of the experience," Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page. "We plan on keeping features like the ability to post to other social networks, the ability to not share your Instagrams on Facebook if you want, and the ability to have followers and follow people separately from your friends on Facebook. "These and many other features are important parts of the Instagram experience and we understand that. We will try to learn from Instagram's experience to build similar features into our other products. At the same time, we will try to help Instagram continue to grow by using Facebook's strong engineering team and infrastructure." Color filters in the app also make anyone's mobile-phone photos look instantly more professional and vintage. In comments on Zuckerberg's post, plenty of Facebook users appeared to be thrilled about the integration. "This is damn interesting!! BIG NEWS!," one user wrote. "Woah...so cool! Great news for Instagramers + Facebookers :)" another said. Here's perhaps the most compelling comment on that post, as it hints at the increased popularity Instagram could see as it joins up with a network that is expected to hit 1 billion people this year: . "Now I don't have to explain what Instagram is to my Mom. I can just say 'It's Facebook!'" one Facebook user wrote. | Facebook buys Instagram, the mobile photo-sharing app, for $1 billion . Digital pundits worry Instagram could lose its cool . The photo-sharing app is popular with tech early adopters . It lets users apply color filters to photos and share them on multiple networks . | d73161716a00cf8dfb3d16209a0b6b76ba77a94e |
By . Emma Reynolds . PUBLISHED: . 08:24 EST, 20 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:25 EST, 20 August 2012 . Double standards: Inspector Mohammed Razaq, 52, was responsible for evicting anti-social tenants - but his own property was the scene of drinking, violence and drug-taking . A senior policeman who ran a 'zero tolerance' crackdown on nightmare tenants owned a house that became notorious for wild parties, drug taking and violence. While Inspector Mohammed Razaq, 52, was fighting to evict thugs from a council estate in Bolton, Greater Manchester, his ten-bedroom house five miles away had descended into chaos. Neighbours created a dossier of 49 incidents in which drunken tenants at the Victorian townhouse had thrown bricks at them in the street and jumped up and down on cars. One recalled how feral dogs belonging to the 'house from hell' would roam the street and an occasion when a woman threatened to throw herself from the second floor. Meanwhile, Insp Razaq was acting as a figurehead for a major police operation attempting to reduce anti-social behaviour including street drinking and vandalism. Now the Asbo laws he uses on his own beat have been called upon to have his house in Higher Broughton, near Salford, boarded up and the tenants moved on. A neighbour said today: 'Closing down that house will give us our first good nights sleep for several years. 'He may have been been the public face . of policing anti social behaviour on his beat but it is an absolute . disgrace that he can’t keep his own house in order - literally. 'There were always late night parties . going on there and at one time there was a woman threatening to jump . from the second floor. They had feral dogs roaming around the . neighbourhood and attacking other animals. 'At times the tenants themselves would . jump on my car and throw bricks out the window. It was a house from hell . - and I find it unbelievable it is owned by a senior police officer who . should know better.' Insp Razaq - one of Britain’s longest serving Asian officers and known as 'Mo' - has more than 33 years experience, including spells in CID, Tactical Aid, a firearms unit and on community cohesion projects. During the 1980s, he helped to police the Toxteth riots, and was part of the team which escorted the Moors Murderer Myra Hindley back to the Saddleworth Moor to locate victims’ bodies. He was eventually put in charge of policing the Johnson Fold estate in Bolton, where he introduced extra high visibility police patrols and more CCTV surveillance. Groups of youths were regularly stopped and asked to account for what they were doing. His use of dispersal orders helped cut anti-social behaviour in the area by a third. Insp Razaq was a regular at local area meetings and warned that problem tenants would be thrown out of their homes if they repeatedly brought misery to the community. After one eviction, Insp Razaq, who lives in the Great Lever area of Bolton, said: 'There has been a lot of anti-social behaviour, alcohol-fuelled problems and this house was the focal point. 'We’re sending out a strong message that if people engage in anti-social behaviour they can expect low-levels of tolerance from the police. We will do all we can to resolve the problem and if that means evicting people, then so be it.' Black-spot: The ten-bedroom house was boarded up by the council after neighbours recorded almost 50 incidents of trouble from tenants . But Insp Razaq had problems at his own property, for which his son Usman holds the landlord licence. Manchester City Magistrates' Court was told of almost 50 incidents involving tenants of the house between July last year and June this year. They included loud music being played at night, foul language, fights and repeated thefts from neighbours’ houses and the local shop. A dog from the house also mauled a passer-by. Salford City Council won a three-month closure order on the house after their legal application was supported by Insp Razaq’s colleagues at Greater Manchester Police. They said the property had a 'high turnover' of tenants and issues dated back to 2009. A council spokesman said: 'The Anti-Social Behaviour Team received reports of residents and their guests drinking at the front of the property, shouting, arguing, fighting, shop lifting from the local shop and even stealing from other residents at the address. 'There were also reports of rubbish being dumped around the property, dogs allowed to roam around and on one occasion of a dog attacking a passer-by. 'A meeting was called with all tenants to warn them of the implications of their behaviour. Serious problem: Magistrates heard that rubbish was dumped outside the house and neighbours' homes were burgled . 'When none of the tenants attended, Anti-Social Behaviour Officers then tried to work with the owner of the property to resolve the problem, but when this failed they took the decision to apply for a closure order.' Salford deputy mayor David Lancaster said: 'A trouble-making group of residents like this can terrorise a local community. 'In this particular case, local residents were left feeling threatened and unsafe in their own community, which is absolutely unacceptable. 'The work the Anti-Social Behaviour Team has done will move these individuals out of this house, meaning they can no longer pose a threat to this area. I hope this will also make the tenants see the error of their ways and make sure there is not a repeat of this behaviour in future.' The case is the first time an Asbo has been served on a property in Greater Manchester rather than an individual. Insp Razaq said he had been the victim of a ‘witch hunt’ on the evidence of just one witness. He said he and his son had fully complied with everything council officers had asked of them. Insp Razaq is currently suspended on full pay from his post after being arrested in May 2011 on suspicion of unrelated allegations of corruption and fraud. He was cleared of any wrongdoing on duty but was charged with six offences of fraud and three offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to insurance and mortgage fraud. It is alleged he exaggerated insurance claims following flood damage at his house and secured a mortgage at a lower rate by failing to disclose that he was buying to let. He will 'strenuously' deny all charges and is awaiting trial. | Neighbours said Inspector Razaq's tenants threw bricks at them and jumped on cars . Feral dogs from the townhouse roamed street and attacked a passer-by . There were fights and nearby homes were burgled . Case is first time an Asbo has been served on a property in Greater Manchester rather than an individual . Insp Razaq has 33 years' experience with the force . | b419c5477c4c79471fb99f7154b8d04dd916bf32 |
By . Lara Gould . PUBLISHED: . 17:11 EST, 16 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:06 EST, 18 February 2013 . Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone is to marry a former stockbroker banned from working in the City for trading without ‘honesty and integrity’. Jay Rutland, 31, proposed during a romantic holiday in Dubai following a whirlwind romance – and Miss Ecclestone has since been seen wearing a silver band on her ring finger. Last year Mr Rutland was banned by the Financial Services Authority, which found he used inside information to boost sales of shares, and ‘watered down’ warnings about the risks to investors. New love: Jay proposed to Tamara after a quick romance . The regulator ruled he ‘is not a fit and proper person [to be trading in the City] as his conduct demonstrates a lack of honesty and integrity’. They imposed a £160,000 fine but reduced it to £30,000 after hearing of ‘Mr Rutland’s financial circumstances including a debilitating illness affecting his ability to work’ – but gave no further details. Friends say he has come clean about his past with his new fiancee, whom he plans to marry as early as next year. A friend said: ‘Tamara knows all about Jay’s background. Jay has been honest from the start and she believes in people being given a second chance. ‘This all happened a long time ago.’ The FSA probed Mr Rutland’s sales methods when he worked for now defunct City trading firm Pacific Continental Securities in 2007. The engagement comes seven months after Miss Ecclestone split from businessman Omar Khyami, 41, after he was caught on a sex tape. Last year Mr Rutland was banned by the Financial Services Authority, which found he used inside information to boost sales of shares, and 'watered down' warnings about the risks to investors . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Jay Rutland, 31, proposed during a romantic holiday in Dubai following a whirlwind romance . Mr Rutland was banned by the Financial . Services Authority, which found he used inside information to boost . sales of shares . | b3445f21b9b9ec3c40f7d002744a17453b290054 |
(CNN) -- The protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, want justice for the unarmed black teenager shot and killed there by a police officer. But the protests also reflect broader patterns of racial injustice across the country, from chronic police violence and abuse against black men to the persistent economic and social exclusion of communities of color. In one sense, the unrest in Ferguson might be calmed if the government would simply release all the details of Michael Brown's death, bring charges against Officer Darren Wilson if appropriate and hold accountable those officials who unleashed a military-style assault on protesting citizens. Yet in another sense, the simmering anger that has bubbled over in Ferguson will never go away as long as the ugly conditions of racial bias in America go unaddressed. On August 9, a police officer in Ferguson shot and killed Brown, an unarmed, black 18-year-old boy. Just days earlier, on August 5, police in Beavercreek, Ohio, shot and killed John Crawford, a 22-year-old black father of two who was holding an air rifle inside a Walmart. On July 17, police choked and killed Eric Garner, a 43-year-old black father of six on Staten Island, New York, in what has now been ruled a homicide. These killings occurred against the backdrop of a long history of black men being suspiciously, recklessly, wantonly killed by police. This is in addition to everyday harassment by police to which young black men have become sadly accustomed. In New York in 2011, 25% of the NYPD's stop and frisks targeted young black men, who make up less than 2% of the city's overall population. In Ferguson last year, as Jeff Smith wrote in The New York Times, 86% of police stops, 92% of searches and 93% of arrests were of black folks -- despite the documented fact that cops there were less likely to find contraband on black drivers than on whites (for black drivers, it was 22% compared with 34% for whites). It shouldn't need pointing out, but for the record, white people in America commit more crimes than black people. But perhaps even more significant, as the historian David Levering Lewis has pointed out, is that "whites committed crimes but blacks are criminals." Despite the fact that the vast majority of mass shootings in America are perpetrated by white males, we don't condemn nor scrutinize white men nor white people as a group for the acts of these individuals. And yet we ascribe the criminal behavior of individual black people to the black community as a whole. In one study, subjects were shown a news story about a crime. No photo of the alleged perpetrator was shown, but 60% of the time subjects thought they had seen a photo. Of those, 70% thought the perpetrator was black. This is on top of the host of negative stereotypes and assumptions we lump on communities of color and black people in particular. Consider two infamously labeled photographs from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In one, a white couple is shown wading through chest-deep water with food taken from a grocery store. The caption says they "found" food from a local grocery store. In another picture, a black man is shown in the same scenario. The caption says he had been "looting a grocery store." Or consider that Americans who (incorrectly) believe that most welfare recipients are black think "lack of effort on their own part" is to blame. But among respondents who (correctly) think most people on welfare are white believe people are on welfare because of "circumstances beyond their control." In this context, disproportionate police violence against black communities, especially black men and boys, must be understood not as an issue of rogue cops or isolated incidents but as an extreme manifestation of the sort of implicit racial bias that courses through every aspect of our nation. In fact, cops who shoot unarmed black men have something in common with college students -- in video simulated research tests, both cops and college students, of all races, are far more likely to shoot at unarmed black men than unarmed white men. Every twist and turn of our society, our economy, our politics and our interpersonal interactions in America is tainted with racial bias. Sometimes it's subtle. Sometimes it's armed with a gun. But instead of talking about racial bias, and working to unravel this deep problem, we often bury our heads in the sand or — worse — attack those who try to talk about racial injustice as "race baiters." Meanwhile, communities of color who are already undeniably struggling in the face of racial bias have to endure the secondary injustice of having their experience and concerns dismissed, whether it's politicians suggesting that poverty is a "cultural problem" in communities of color or media figures arguing that black men are disproportionately arrested and locked up because "in certain ghetto neighborhoods, it's part of the culture." But the fact is that while white people use drugs more, black folks are more likely to be arrested for and face higher sentences for drug use. Blaming these and other egregious discrepancies on the black community instead of endemic racial bias is adding insult to injury. It also doesn't achieve anything -- except fanning more protests. We still don't know exactly what happened in Ferguson. What we do know is that an 18-year-old black boy who was supposed to start college this fall was gunned down by a police officer. Instead of releasing details about the shooting and giving the community the information it seeks, the Ferguson police have only cast suspicion on the victim and his character. This blame-the-victim response echoes the broader blame-the-black-community mentality that denies persistent racial bias while telling black folks they're to blame for the hurdles and inequities that racial bias causes. Instead, maybe it's time we once and for all face the reality of implicit racial bias in America and finally start trying to solve it. Michael Brown is dead. Unfortunately nothing we do in Ferguson or anywhere else can change that. But what we can change is the pattern of biased treatment at the hands of police as well as banks and schools and elected officials and throughout our society that actively, albeit often unwittingly, perpetuate racial injustice in America. If we do that, finally, then we might ensure that no more Michael Browns or Eric Garners or Oscar Grants or Trayvon Martins are killed. That is a vision -- in fact, a necessity -- for which it's worth protesting. | Ferguson protests reflect a larger picture of America's racial divide, writes Sally Kohn . The Michael Brown killing is part of a series of questionable killings by police, she says . Kohn: Bias pervades American life, with blacks often stigmatized unfairly . She says politicians make it seem as if crime, poverty are African-American problems only . | 9059d4bf3761561ca365dc249b9dacc1337437a1 |
South Korea has released pictures of a small rudimentary drone that landed on its soil in what is believed to be a bungled reconnaissance mission from North Korea. The wreckage - that looks more like a remote-controlled toy aeroplane than a piece of military hardware - was reported on April 3 after it was found by a 53-year-old wild ginseng digger. It is one of three which crashed on South Korean soil in the past fortnight, sparking fears that Kim Jong-Un's dictatorship could adapt the technology for terror attacks. Scroll down for video . Earlier this week South Korea released pictures of one of the small rudimentary drones found on a mountain in Samcheok, South Korea . North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (second from the right) looks at small drones in an image captured from a documentary that aired on Korean Central Television on June 16, 2013 . The latest unmanned aircraft was found in mountains near Samcheok, in South Korea's Gangwon Province. One had crashed in Paju, a city near the border with North Korea, on March 24. The other crashed on the island of Baengnyeong. The captured drones were basic, at best, South Korean experts told Hani.co.kr, but they if improved they could be used for terrorist attacks. The latest to crash was equipped with Japanese-made Canon cameras available on the internet for just a few hundred pounds. The Paju drone was also equipped with a Canon camera and the other one carried a Nikon camera. All three were painted sky blue and probably cost only a few thousand dollars to build. The two earlier drones were smaller, 55in wide by 71in long. The drone was 4ft long with a 6ft wingspan and weighed 15kg . The drone was equipped with Japanese-made cameras available on the internet for just a few hundred pounds . Officials said lettering on the . battery of the drone found at Paju and other forensic evidence suggest . it was of North Korean origin and it had enough fuel to return to North . Korea. In June last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was filmed looking at small . drones in an image captured from a documentary that aired on Korean . Central Television. According to the military, the third . drone was 4ft long with a 6ft wingspan and weighed 15kg. The site was . approximately 130km from the Military Demarcation Line, making this the . farthest south of the armistice line of any suspected North Korean . drones found to date. Ministry . of National Defense spokesman Kim Min-seok said the military was sent to the site where the . small drone was found after a report was received from a local resident. 'The location was 940 meters above sea level in the area of Cheongok Mountain in Samcheok's Hajang Township,' Kim said. 'The UAV was confirmed to be the same type as the triangular, sky-blue miniature UAV found in Paju,' he added. The camera's memory chip contained photographs, but these were no longer available after the man, called Lee, erased the device for personal use, the military reported. This reconnaissance picture shows an aerial view of Seoul's Jichuk Station: The discovery has prompted fears that South Korea's air defences are not up to the job of in the new era of drone warfare . Spying: This undated handout picture provided by the South Korean Defence Ministry shows an aerial image of Eunpyung New Town, Seoul, from a camera on the unmanned North Korean drone which crashed in Paju . Rudimentary: A suspected North Korean reconnaissance drone found near Paju . A military official quoted Lee as recalling that images of Donggwang Lake (near Samcheok) and coastal regions were present before the data was erased. However hundreds of images were found on the drone found at Paju, including the South Korean president's compound in Seoul. Security has been stepped up at the Blue . House in Seoul, the official residence of current President Park . Guen-hye and location of a 1968 assassination attempt by Pyongyang . against the then South Korean leader, since the discovery. The discovery has sparked fears that Kim Jong-Un's dictatorship could adapt the technology for terror attacks . The Ministry of National Defense said it plans to hold a meeting of major general commanders today to assess the security situation and present detailed guidelines for a firm response. The Joint Chiefs of Staff also plans to hold simultaneous reconnaissance patrols for all its units this week in case additional North Korean drones were deployed. 'If North Korea is determined to be responsible, we plan to respond sternly and in various ways, including possible legal action for the violation of our airspace,' said Kwon Oh-han, an Army major general and director of the JCS operational bureau. Meanwhile, North Korea made its first public mention of the drone controversy on April 5, twelve days after the discovery of the Paju drone was reported in the press on Mar. 25. But the statement neither confirmed nor denied South Korean authorities' claims of North Korea's responsibility for the drones. While criticising a recent missile test launch by South Korea, the statement from a North Korean strategic forces spokesman said Seoul had 'further damaged its already rock-bottom dignity with an out-of-nowhere drone situation.' It went on to say that 'unidentified drones were flying freely around downtown Seoul, including the Blue House and Gyeongbok Palace areas, and blithely traveling the skies over where Baengnyeong Island was being pummeled.' | Drone is one of three which crashed in the past fortnight . The latest aircraft was found in mountains near Samcheok . It was equipped with a cheap Japanese-made Canon camera . South Korean experts say the captured drone was basic, at best . | 85af0bf8a245436288a82601a00defecc011ba17 |
By . Tara Brady . A body discovered 40ft up a tree on a golf course after a dog found a human arm has been identified as a Lithuanian man who was missing for three years. Jurij Sliachtecov, a 21-year-old Lithuanian, was first reported missing in early May 2011. At first the police and his friends believed he had returned to his native Lithuania because he had taken his passport. Jurij Sliachtecov, a 21-year-old Lithuanian, was first reported missing in early May 2011 . He was last seen out with friends in Bournemouth in late April 2011. However, it was soon realised he had not returned home and a feature about his disappearance appeared on the Lithuanian version of Crimewatch. It was only when a dog emerged from a bush at Meyrick Park golf club, near Bournemouth, holding a human arm in its mouth on March 31 that police were called. The discovery sparked a massive police search and more remains were found that day 40ft up in the branches of a tree. Grizzly: A man points police in the direction of where he found the human bones in Bournemouth . The walker took police to where he found them but when they looked up they discovered more human remains . A man, who lived near the gold course, approached the officers the following day clutching two more human bones in a clear plastic bag. He had taken them home after finding them at the spot last year but did not tell anyone or call police. A spokesman for Dorset Police told the Western Daily Press that formal identification has not yet been carried out but they believe the body is that of the missing Lithanian. An inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned later this week and cause of death is yet to be established. At this stage the death is not being treated as suspicious. Discovery: A spokesman for Dorset Police said last night that officers had found 'additional human remains' A spokesman for Dorset Police said at the time that officers had found 'additional human remains' in an inaccessible place, high up in a tree. 'They have been found high up in a tree. The remains have not yet been identified,' the spokesman added. As the body decomposed, it is believed the bones fell to the ground. Teams of police forensic experts with tracker dogs worked in a large sealed off section of Meyrick Park golf course. The golf club remained open to players who were stopped from using just one hole by blue and white police tape . A private ambulance was called to the scene to take the hand away to be examined at a hospital mortuary. The golf club remained open to players who were stopped from using just one hole by blue and white police tape. A spokesman for Dorset Police said a pathologist confirmed the hand to be human, prompting a thorough search of the woodland with police sniffer dogs. It was described as being in 'fairly advanced' stage of decomposition. Police were left baffled today after discovering a badly decomposed body in woodlands at a golf course . The limb, which had been detached from just below the elbow, did not have any remnants of clothing or other type of covering on it, and had no distinguishing features. There were no rings on the fingers. Files on missing people were examined for clues about who the arm belonged to. Residents living near to the golf course regularly walk their dogs on the land surrounding the holes and were stopped by the investigation. One walker, who did not want to be named, said: 'Everyone who walks up here has said it’s an arm or a hand. It’s not very nice, it’s sad to think it’s been in that woodland without anyone knowing.' | Police were called to Meyrick Park, in Bournemouth, on March 31 . A dog emerged from woodland with a human arm in its mouth . The discovery sparked a massive police search . While officers were at the scene a man approached them with plastic bags . Inside the bags were two human leg bones which the man had taken home . Police visited spot where bones were found and discovered more remains . The body has been identified as Jurij Sliachtecov, 21, from Lithuania . For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details . | 9a706859645da14b8c115a38d95e93d7b5e59e0f |
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