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New details emerged today about Eric Frein's 48 days on the run from police, including how the survivalist charged with ambushing a Pennsylvania state police barracks used a laptop computer to go online. According to court documents released Tuesday, state police found Frein's laptop and two storage drives inside an abandoned airplane hangar near the spot where the suspected cop killer was captured Thursday night . Frein told authorities he used unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the Internet during his seven-week flight, documents said, raising the possibility he knew where police were focusing their search efforts each day. How he stayed connected: Suspected cop killer Eric Frein, pictured left and right after his capture last week, used a laptop and unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots to go online during his 48 days on the run . Hideout: An exterior view of the hangar within the abandoned Birchwood Resort, where Eric Frein was caught last Thursday. His laptop was discovered inside . Looking for clues: Police officers search the hanger Frein had call 'home' during his time on the run . Humble accomodations: A dirty mattress and sheet are seen in the hangar within the abandoned Birchwood Resort . It remains unknown how he kept the computer charged. Before his capture, state police had surmised Frein was breaking into cabins and unoccupied vacation homes for food and shelter. Experts will now analyze Frein's portable computer and thumb drives for Internet search terms, email including contacts, chat and messaging service, Internet browsing history, pictures, graphics files, movie files, text or Word documents, maps, diary or journal, timeline data and historical content of the laptop. Frein was unarmed when he surrendered to US marshals in an open field near the former Birchwood-Pocono Airpark. He told police a rifle and handgun were inside the hangar, according to an affidavit. The 31-year-old survivalist and expert marksman is charged with opening fire on the Blooming Grove state police barracks September 12, killing Cpl. Bryon Dickson and critically wounding Trooper Alex Douglass. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Frein has been assigned two public defenders. One of them, Michael Weinstein, is a former Pike County district attorney who has since gone on to a career in civil litigation and criminal defense. Victims: Frein is charged with the shooting that killed Cpl Byron Dickson (left) and seriously wounded State Trooper Alex Douglass (right) Frein is escorted by police out the Pike County Courthouse after his arraignment in Milford last Friday . Payback: Frein was shackled with handcuffs that once belonged to his alleged victim . Among his current clients is Rockne Newell, who's charged with fatally shooting three people at a municipal meeting last year. Frein's other lawyer is Robert Bernathy, Pike County's chief public defender. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12. Frein was prepared for falling temperatures, wearing an Old Navy gray thermal shirt, sweater and fleece jacket on the day he was caught, along with suspenders and eastern European military pants, according to documents. He also wore a Timex watch and a silver necklace with a pendant. Earlier this week, details contained in a note left by Frein while he was on the run from police were released to the public. The note read: 'Fri Sept 12th got a shot around 11pm and took it. He droped [sic]....I was surprised at how quick. I took a follow up shot on his head/kneck neck area. 'He was still and quiet after.....Another cop approached the one I just shot. As he went to kneel I took a shot at him and jumped in the door. His legs were visible and still.' 'I ran back to the jeep....I made maybe half a mile from the GL road and hit a road block. I didn't expect one so soon. It was only 15-20 min. 'I did a K turn ¼ a mile from them and pulled into a development I knew had unfinished acess [sic] road.... 'Hearing helos I just used my marker lights missed the train around a run off pool and drove straight into it. ! Disaster! 'Made half attempt to stash AK and ran.' Police later found the Jeep submerged in water. Police said they linked Frein to the ambush after a man walking his dog discovered his partly submerged SUV three days later in a swamp a few miles from the shooting scene. Inside, investigators found shell casings matching those found at the barracks as well as Frein's driver's license, camouflage face paint, two empty rifle cases and military gear. They pursued countless tips and closed in on an area around Frein's parents' home in Canadensis after he used his cellphone to try contacting them and the signal was traced to a location about 3 miles away. At times police ordered nearby residents to stay inside or prevented them from returning home. Trackers found items they believe Frein hid or abandoned in the woods — including soiled diapers, empty packs of Serbian cigarettes, an AK-47-style assault rifle and ammunition and two pipe bombs that were functional and capable of causing significant damage. They also discovered a journal, allegedly kept by Frein and found in a bag of trash at a hastily abandoned campsite, that offered a chilling account of the ambush and his subsequent escape into the woods. The journal's author described Dickson as falling "still and quiet" after being shot twice. Pennsylvania State Police SWAT officers stand by as Eric Frein arrives at the Pike County Courthouse for his arraignment in Milford October 31. Frein, was captured seven weeks after an ambush outside a barracks in northeastern Pennsylvania . Survival skills: Frein, 31, was prepared for falling temperatures, wearing a thermal shirt, sweater and fleece jacket on the day he was caught . Police spotted a man they believed to be Frein at several points during the manhunt, but it was always from a distance, with the rugged terrain allowing him to keep them at bay. Police said he appeared to be treating the manhunt as a game. Authorities believe Frein had been planning a confrontation with police for years, citing information they found on a computer used by him. Thursday’s quiet takedown of Frein, who kneeled and put his hands up when marshals approached him, ended weeks of tension and turmoil in the area, as authorities at times closed schools, canceled outdoor events and blockaded roads to pursue him. Frein has been charged with first-degree murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, attempted first-degree murder, possession of weapons of mass destruction, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and reckless endangerment. | Eric Frein, 31, was arrested last Thursday when he surrendered to US marshals in an open field near former Birchwood-Pocono Airpark . Suspect told officials he used unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots to connect to the Internet during his seven-week flight . Police seized his laptop and thumb drivers, which will now be analyzed by experts . Frein was prepared for cold weather, wearing thermal shirt, sweater and fleece jacket on the day he was caught . | 24d5a7fd285bf8393f1221fed873dbab976c3f70 |
By . Emily Crane . A teenage rugby player has died after suffering head injuries when he was knocked out during a match in New Zealand on Saturday. Triplet Jordan Kemp, 17, was taken to hospital via helicopter after the incident during a game in Whangarei, north of Auckland. He was put in an induced coma at the rugby grounds suffering from suspected bleeding on the brain, but died on Sunday afternoon at Auckland City Hospital. Tragedy: Jordan Kemp has died after suffering head injuries during a rugby match in New Zealand on Saturday . He collapsed after a suspected head clash during a game between his club the Otamatea Hawks and the Old Boys Marist. His sister Crishla posted updates on Jordan's condition when he was put on life support on Saturday night following surgery. 'They don't think he's gana make it over night. but my brother is fighter and has to make it he has to!!!!' she wrote. 'He's the other half of me and god only knows the plan he has for my brother but don't take him from us now!' Jordan, pictured here with his sisters Michaela and Crishla, was put in an induced coma at the rugby grounds suffering from suspected bleeding on the brain . Crishla, who was in the helicopter with Jordan when he was airlifted to hospital, posted an emotional tribute on Sunday afternoon saying that he had died at 3.45pm. 'The moment god took you from me... is the moment he took apart of me too,' she said. 'In the end your with us in spirit my bro I know you'll always be watching over us and I love you soooooo much you have no idea my bro save a spot for me up in heaven for me.' The teenager had been cleared to play five weeks ago after suffering a serious head injury at the start of the season, the Northern Advocate reports. Kevin Robinson, the president of Jordan's club Otamatea, was at the game and witnessed the teenager falling to the ground before getting back up on his feet. The teenager had been cleared to play five weeks ago after suffering a serious head injury at the start of the season . 'He fell down but then got up and staggered around before falling over again,' he said. 'He was looked after immediately and the game was called off.' Mr Robinson was also by Jordan's side when he was knocked out by a knee to the head several weeks ago. He had been 'blue-carded' at the start of the season - a system that gives referees the option to order concussed players off the field for three weeks - and had four weeks off from playing. 'That was awful. It was not nice to see,' Mr Robinson said, adding that Jordan had made a full recovery after the first hit. He had been 'blue-carded' at the start of the season - a system that gives referees the option to order concussed players off the field for three weeks - and had four weeks off from playing . The Northland Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby Union and the Rugby Foundation issued a statement on Sunday saying Jordan's injuries and death were being investigated. 'This is a tragedy for all concerned, in particular Jordan’s immediate whanau and friends,' the statement read. 'Jordan was a young man with a passion for life and for Rugby, he was a great guy from an awesome family and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. | Jordan Kemp died on Sunday at 3.45pm after being placed on life support at Auckland City Hospital . The 17-year-old was injured in a rugby match in Whangarei on Saturday . He put in an induced coma at the grounds before being airlifted to hospital . He had only been back playing for five weeks after he was knocked out by a knee to the head at the start of the season . | de33080d88bd1ed89405f65e04d912094378e135 |
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Blackwater USA guards have used deadly force weekly in Iraq and have inflicted "significant casualties and property damage," according to a congressional staff report released Monday that cites internal company and State Department documents. Blackwater's contractors fired their weapons 195 times -- or an average of 1.4 times a week -- from the beginning of 2005 through the second week of September, the Democratic staff of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee found. In over 80 percent of the cases, Blackwater reports that its forces fired first, according to the staff report. The committee will hear from Blackwater's CEO Erik Prince on Tuesday. Read Prince's prepared statement (PDF) Records of the company and State Department show Blackwater's use of force in Iraq has been "frequent and extensive," the report says. Though Blackwater is authorized to use force only defensively, "the vast majority of Blackwater weapons discharges are pre-emptive, with Blackwater forces firing first at a vehicle or suspicious individual prior to receiving any fire," the report states. A Blackwater contractor wrote an initial U.S. government report describing contractors' involvement in a September 16 incident in which Iraqi civilians were shot, government and industry sources told CNN. The Iraqi government claims Blackwater contractors, who were guarding a U.S. diplomatic convoy, killed as many as 20 civilians in western Baghdad's Nisoor Square. The incident elicited outrage in Iraq and raised questions about the accountability of foreign security personnel in the country who, under an order by the U.S.-led occupation government, are not subject to Iraqi law. Blackwater said its employees responded properly to an insurgent attack on a convoy, and the State Department "spot report" written by the Blackwater contractor underscores that and doesn't mention civilian casualties. However, the contractor's account is at odds with Iraqis' version of the incident. A senior Iraqi National Police official participating in the Iraqi governmental probe of the shooting said the Blackwater gunfire was unprovoked and random, killing and wounding several civilians. Blackwater contractor Darren Hanner drafted the two-page spot report on the letterhead of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for the embassy's Tactical Operations Center, said a source involved in diplomatic security at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Hanner, listed on the report as the center's watch officer, was working for Blackwater at the time the report was written -- just after the shooting occurred, said a highly placed industry source. He was to rotate out of Iraq last week, the source said. The center tracks and monitors all incidents and movements involving diplomatic security missions and has outsourced positions to Blackwater and another private firm, the embassy source said. Watch aftermath video of the shooting obtained by Newsweek » . The State Department is conducting an investigation, and deputy spokesman Tom Casey called the spot report "a first-blush account of those on the scene." He said the "report has no standing whatsoever." "It was not intended to be used as an analysis, investigation, review or any detailed assessment of the situation. To assert that is untrue," Casey said. A State Department agent took sworn statements from the participants in the shooting after receiving the spot report, the embassy source said. A joint U.S.-Iraqi commission is expected to examine security and safety issues and will receive results of the State Department investigation and a separate Iraqi investigation, the U.S. military said. The senior Iraqi police officer said Blackwater team members were questioned by Iraqi police immediately after the incident. The contractors first said they opened fire in response to a mortar attack, the officer said. However, the contractors then changed their story at least twice during the 90 minutes they were held, the officer said. Iraqi police released a video of the aftermath of the shooting which shows a car that had damage consistent with a rocket-propelled grenade. The video shows what appears to be the spent casing of a rifle-fired grenade, and the embassy source said the Blackwater guards were armed with a rifle-fired M-203 grenade. The embassy source said a New York Times story reporting investigators were told that at least one guard drew a weapon on a fellow guard who did not stop shooting after colleagues called for a cease-fire was "pretty much true." Blackwater previously denied reports that one Blackwater employee drew a gun on another. Learn more about private contractors working in Iraq » . The embassy source, meanwhile, said Blackwater is suffering a staffing shortage as it tries to meet its mission of guarding U.S. diplomats moving around Baghdad and other sections of Iraq. Anne Tyrrell, a spokeswoman for Blackwater, denied that assertion. "To my knowledge that's inaccurate," Tyrrell said. "I would urge caution in trusting the source." As State Department investigators arrived in Baghdad from Washington to investigate the shooting, many of the guards involved had ended their contracts with Blackwater and were leaving Iraq, the embassy source said, speaking anonymously because he is not authorized to speak to the media. The State Department official said as of Friday all guards that were involved in the incident were still in Iraq, except for one who had to be evacuated for medical reasons. "It would be hard to do an investigation without the principal players there," the official said, referring to the State Department inquiries into the issue. "We cannot take anybody out of the country during an investigation without U.S. government approval," Tyrrell said. "It is inaccurate that the 19 men being investigated have left Iraq." Several of the guards involved in the shooting have requested disability severance and others have not renewed their expiring contracts, the State Department source said. None of those involved are being sent on security missions, he said. The Iraqi government said it will file criminal charges against the Blackwater employees, according to Iraq's Interior Ministry. It's not clear how Iraqi courts would attempt to bring the contractors to trial. E-mail to a friend . CNN's Jomana Karadsheh in Baghdad, Zain Verjee in Washington and Suzanne Simons in Atlanta contributed to this report. | Report: "Vast majority of Blackwater weapons discharges are pre-emptive" Report is based on Blackwater and State Department internal documents . Sources: Contractor wrote U.S. "spot report" on September shooting . State Department: Report is "first-blush account" with "no standing" | a3fa826c0cfff813828f04002bf9698ca5ba4a16 |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor and Tamara Cohen . PUBLISHED: . 10:17 EST, 22 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:23 EST, 22 April 2013 . David Cameron’s plan to enshrine an increase in foreign aid into law has been shelved, it emerged yesterday. The Government is committed to fixing international development spending at 0.7 per cent of GDP, one of the highest levels in the Western world. Increasing foreign aid is an article of faith for the Prime Minister, but he is opposed by many Tory MPs who want it cut. Prime Minister David Cameron, pictured today during an Q&A session in Derbyshire, has promised to pass the 0.7% target into law before the 2015 election . All three main parties signed up to the policy before the last election and the Tories and Lib Dems wrote it into the coalition agreement in 2010. The Bill has been ready for more than a year, with ministers promising it will be introduced when time allows. The rumoured omission will delight many Tory MPs who have called for rises in foreign aid to be curbed and protections lifted at a time when other areas such as defence and police are suffering budget cuts. The Coalition’s Mid-Term Review, published in January, stated: ‘We have committed to increasing overseas aid to reach 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income from 2013.’ It would mean that future governments would have to change the law if they wanted to cut overseas aid below the United Nations target - met for the first time by the UK this year. Chancellor George Osborne announced in last month's Budget that Britain would meet the target this year . But campaigners fear that a failure to include it in the Government's agenda for the year ahead announced by the Queen on May 8 would indicate a waning commitment to fulfil the promise by the end of this Parliament. Mr Cameron's official spokesman today told a Westminster media briefing: ‘The position is as set out in the coalition agreement, which the mid-term review clearly restated. There is no change.’ The spokesman declined to comment on the contents of the Queen's Speech. In last month’s Budget, Chancellor George Osborne said that the UK was already meeting its target without it being set down in law. He told MPs: ‘We deliver in this coming year on this nation’s long-standing commitment to the world’s poorest to spend 0.7 per cent of our national income on international development. ‘We should all take pride, as I do, in this historic achievement for our country. As previously, the DfID budget will be adjusted to ensure we don’t spend more than 0.7 per cent.’ Melanie Ward, head of advocacy at development charity ActionAid, said: ‘News that the Government may be dropping its long-standing commitment to legislate to spend 0.7% of national income on aid is extremely disappointing. ‘To do so would break the promise made by all three political parties at the last general election to the British people and to the poorest people in the world. ‘We know that aid is most effective when it is predictable and so the certainty provided by legislation is crucial. Now is the time to enshrine that commitment in law, not to back away.’ The row comes as International Development Secretary Justine Greening said more UK aid money must be spent on 'disaster proofing' earthquake-prone countries. Today she visited British-funded projects in Haiti where a catastrophic tremor left 230,000 dead in 2010. In the wake of the Lushan County . earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, International Development Secretary Justine Greening promised more UK aid for quake-hit countries . Miss Greening said Saturday's deadly quake in rural China which killed at least 200 people and injured more than 11,000 was a fresh reminder of the fact that natural disasters tend to 'hit the poorest hardest'. Miss Greening said the UK could not just wait for the next natural disaster . She said: 'Britain is a world leader in humanitarian emergency response but it makes complete sense to invest in helping Haiti to take earthquakes and hurricanes in its stride. As the devastating earthquake in China this weekend has shown, natural disasters hit the poorest hardest. 'There is no point in getting involved only when the latest catastrophe hits if we know that simple improvements to infrastructure and training people to consider the risks of natural events mean that the country's development is not wiped out every time a major disaster strikes.' Miss Greening was in the Caribbean nation - one of the most natural disaster-prone on the planet - with former New Zealand prime minister and head of the United Nations Development Programme Helen Clark and UN Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Baroness Amos. Britain has devoted £10 million to dealing with the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake - almost a quarter of the 1.5 million displaced people remain in camps - and helping it prepare better for future disasters. Miss Greening used the visit to announce a £300,000 project to provide legal support and counselling for up to 500 victims of rape and violence and build 'safe spaces' for up to 300 girls aged 10-14. 'Improved rights and safety for women is just one ingredient necessary for Haiti to have a social, physical and financial infrastructure able to withstand setbacks and to continue on its path to development and growth,' she said. 'Haiti can only have a bright future if Haitians of both genders play a full and confident role in building prosperity.' | All main parties said it should be written into law to prevent cuts in future . Move is opposed by some Tory MPs at a time of austerity in Britain . Bill will not be included in next month's Queen's Speech, say reports . International Development Secretary Justine Greening says more money must be sent to earthquake-prone countries . | 1918d64a130518d3f252b43abbcd6884979d18bc |
By . Alison Smith Squire . PUBLISHED: . 03:50 EST, 22 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:58 EST, 22 June 2013 . A man who has had 54 cycles of chemotherapy for an inoperable brain tumour has defied doctors by naturally fathering a miracle baby girl. Ben Lindon, 34, was told the chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment to save his life would leave him infertile. But two years ago Ben met fiancée Kate McCreanor, 30, and, against all the odds, the couple are now proud parents to Martha, nine months. Miracle: Ben Lindon, 34, was told the chemotherapy to treat his inoperable brain tumour would leave him infertile but he defied doctors by fathering Martha, aged nine months, by wife Kate . Joy: Ben, Kate and Martha relax together, left, while the proud father takes his daughter on a trip to the beach . Ben, who doctors believe is the youngest person in the UK to have had so many rounds of chemotherapy, said: ‘Having such a beautiful baby daughter is just a dream come true. ‘When Kate told me she was pregnant I thought she must be mistaken. And when Martha was born it was the happiest day of my life. Now I am just overjoyed and loving every moment of being a dad.’ Ben’s nightmare began on March 2008 just before his 29th birthday. The former journalist was out running when his left arm suddenly went numb. ‘I obviously collapsed and blacked out because the next thing I remember is being picked up off the road and rushed to hospital.’ There, doctors told Ben he’d suffered a seizure, but that as he was fit, it was probably due to low blood sugar. However, further scans and tests revealed the worse news possible when he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour. Adorable: Martha stares longingly into the eyes of her father, who was struck down with his illness aged just 29 . Daddy's girl: Martha's birth was a miracle as doctors told Ben he would never have a child, which left him devastated and fearful he would never find love . A type of brain cancer, it affects two to three people per 100,000 in the United States and Europe. Doctors don’t know what causes it - but because the tumour was so close to the central part of Ben’s brain, operating on it carried such a high risk of death that surgery was impossible. ‘It was a terrible shock,’ he recalled, ‘especially when doctors said they couldn’t even operate. My only hope of survival, of stopping it growing more or spreading, was to have urgent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A side effect of the treatment was that it would leave me infertile – but doctors said there wasn’t time to freeze sperm. ‘Meanwhile I would need to take anti-seizure drugs to prevent fits for the rest of my life.’ After the first bouts of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Ben felt so upset about not being able to have children, he visited a fertility specialist and had a sample of sperm frozen. But by then he believed having already had so much treatment, it was too late. He admits he felt his life was over. ‘One day I’d been a fit young man who lived day to day to being someone who suddenly had no idea what the future would hold. ‘My future seemed bleak. Being told because of the treatment, I could never father a child was terrible – at my lowest point, I worried would any woman want me?’ However, within months he had decided to use the experience to reappraise his life. ‘I began running more to get myself into really good physical shape,’ he says, ‘at the same time I decided to give up my desk job as a journalist and retrain as a tree surgeon. Grueling: Ben prepares for another bout of chemotherapy. He has 54 treatments and is thought to be the youngest person in Britain to have had so many . ‘Being out in the fresh air was incredibly therapeutic.’ Then in April 2011 at a party he was introduced to Kate. She recalls: ‘Ben was a friend of a friend and I knew he’d been unwell but that was all. However as soon as we started chatting, we hit it off. Over the next few days the pair rang and spoke on Facebook. A few days later they met up again and within weeks they were a couple. Painful: Ben had a biopsy in order to diagnose his tumour, which left him with an enormous scar . ‘I knew very early on I’d met my soulmate,’ says Kate, ‘and when about a month into our relationship Ben explained to me about his brain tumour and that he couldn’t have kids, it didn’t bother me.’ Ben said: ‘I was really worried what Kate would think so I was incredibly relieved when she said it made no difference to our relationship.’ Three months later Ben moved in with Kate in Malvern, Worcestershire. But within five months she suspected she was pregnant. ‘For other health reasons I was also on the pill so at first it seemed a ridiculous thought,’ she says, ‘but I got a pregnancy test to check. I was stunned when it was positive.’ Ben was equally shocked – and then thrilled. However, the couple’s initial joy was shortlived when at five weeks, Kate started to bleed. ‘Doctors said it could be a miscarriage and I went for a scan,’ she says, ‘but it was too early to be able to see properly so I had to come back for another scan ten days later. ‘It was the most agonising wait for both of us so when we finally saw that little heartbeat on the screen, we were incredibly relieved.’ The couple were then worried all the drugs Ben has taken – including the maximum dose of radiotherapy and over 54 rounds of chemotherapy – might have affected his sperm and the baby in some way. Kate said: ‘The chemo is very strong and often Ben feels sick and tired taking it.’ However, following their threatened miscarriage, Kate’s pregnancy was straightforward and in September last year (2012), she gave birth to Martha who weighed a healthy 6Ib 15oz. The couple are now set to wed. ‘I proposed to Kate on a beach in Cornwall earlier this year and luckily she said yes,’ says Ben. He admits being diagnosed with a brain tumour has changed his outlook on life. ‘It’s taught me not to take anything for granted and I truly do appreciate every day.’ Little miracle: Kate had a miscarriage scare before Martha was born weighing 6lbs 15oz . But he’s determined to see Martha grow up: ‘Brain tumours are unpredictable. While some people live a normal life with a brain tumour for very many years, no-one knows what the future holds. ‘But having Martha has given me another reason to keep well and stay alive. And actually, despite everything, I feel lucky. I have a very fulfilling life, a wonderful fiance and amazingly, I’m a proud dad with a gorgeous little girl.’ Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour, Ben has competed in the Brighton Marathon, clocking up a time of 41/2 hours. He is now raising money for the charity, Brain Tumour Research, by competing in the Three Peaks Challenge – tackling the highest mountains in England Scotland and Wales over September 27-29. To . Sponsor Ben at www.justgiving.com/Ben-Lindon . | Ben Lindon, 34, told treatment would leave him infertile . But fiancée Kate, 30, miraculously gave birth to Martha, now aged nine months . Ben, from Malvern, Worcs., was struck down with the disease aged 29 . He is believed to be youngest person in UK to have had so much chemo . The former journalist still faces a battle to live but is determined to see daughter grow up . | b0d174d2a81678b36f600ba59fb28ae2f17aec38 |
(CNN) -- One year ago this week, President Barack Obama launched the Atrocities Prevention Board to find ways to get ahead of the kind of crisis we're seeing in Syria, and the kind we witnessed in Darfur and Rwanda. The board's aim is to shift U.S. foreign policy away from responding to atrocities to preventing them; to oversee the development of prevention and response policy, and to deal with urgent situations as they arise. The board is under the chairmanship of the National Security Council and is a result of a decades-long effort by the global anti-genocide community. It marks its one-year anniversary 10 years after the genocide began in Darfur, and nearly 20 years after Rwanda. Given the changing nature of warfare, the board -- and the 12 agencies that compose it, including State, Defense, Homeland Security, CIA, and the Agency for International Development -- also was charged with suggesting ways in which conflict prevention could be more nimble and effective. The problem, however, is that we're still using hardware to fix a software problem. And we're not particularly nimble. In a fast-moving, interconnected, and open-information world, anticipating and preventing armed conflict or mass atrocities requires tools that are equally as fast, flexible and high-impact as the modern perpetrators of violence. We don't need new targeted sanctions programs, visa bans, or expanded military authorizations. These are old tools, more reflective of an outdated, hard-powered and overly militarized approach to engagement than those needed to counter 21st-century security threats. The tools we need are people who are well-trained, technologically connected, fully empowered and well-resourced in hot spots throughout the world. These people, American and local, collect our intelligence, design and inform our early warning systems, quell political unrest through diplomacy and development, and train the next generation of leaders in conflict regions to read and write, legislate and litigate, reignite broken economies and repair eroded social fabric. What work did we do in the last 10 years in Syria or Libya to empower civil society in conflict prevention, invest robustly in strengthening governance, access to justice and the rule of law, and expand information networks and open communication? We did very little. This work -- building human capacity in countries in turmoil and expanding systems for information sharing -- is the single most cost-effective approach to atrocity prevention when the true objective is sustainable peace. And yet we have left meager footprints on these fronts in Afghanistan or Iraq. As the Atrocity Prevention Board begins its second year, the road ahead must be redesigned to better reflect these recommendations. If we want to prevent more situations like Syria, we must work closely with Congress to protect or increase funding for the State Department's Conflict Stabilization Operations and the Complex Crises Fund, international organizations, transition initiatives, and programs focused on access to justice, governance and security reform, human rights and social inclusion. How do we get Congress to fund this critical atrocities prevention work in the age of sequesters and cost-cutting measures? Engage the American public. The public will be essential for atrocities prevention efforts to succeed. The American public is behind us on this. According to a poll by the U.S. Holocaust Museum, seven in 10 Americans think the United States should prevent or stop genocide or mass atrocities from happening in another part of the world. Engagement with the American public is an untapped resource of support. Yet, a year after the board was established, a clear mechanism for civil society to engage in its work does not exist. We commend the Obama administration -- along with civil society, international institutions, think tanks and academics and activists in anti-genocide and prevention -- for their efforts to advance our national understanding of modern day conflict, and our ability to respond in a truly paradigm-shifting way. The Atrocities Prevention Board filled a major hole in U.S. foreign policy and sets a promising trajectory for increasing the U.S. and international community's ability to prevent mass atrocities. But more work is needed. Now it is time to take that commitment to the next level by issuing an executive order spelling out the U.S. government's strategy for preventing mass atrocities and the key tasks of those charged with making it happen. We can stop the next genocide. We can prevent the next violent conflict. But to do so, we have to commit the resources early, not after atrocities have already started. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. | President set up Atrocities Prevention Board to get ahead of potential genocides . The board's aim is to shift U.S. policy away from responding to atrocities to preventing them . Writers: Congress needs to put long-term efforts in place in potential hot spots . Writers: Sanctions, visa bans or military operations don't work in modern-day conflicts . | 41f91be12e6902f8419e235601c5e3994c4093b6 |
By . Laura Clark . PUBLISHED: . 16:50 EST, 22 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:50 EST, 22 August 2012 . No job or education: Nearly one million young people have no job or education place despite a drop in the number of 'Neets' on last year . Nearly one million young people have no job or education place, despite a drop in the number of ‘Neets’ on last year. Figures show that 968,000 school-leavers aged 16 to 24 were registered as ‘not in education, employment or training’ at the end of June. While the figure is down slightly from the same point in 2011, the Coalition admitted the number languishing in what has been called the ‘lost generation’ is too high. Labour said talent was ‘going to waste’ and highlighted a rise of 100,000 in the number of Neets since the general election in May 2010. The figure reached a record high in the third quarter of 2011, with 1,163,000 young people aged 16 to 24 out of education or work. The latest data shows that one in six 16 to 24-year-olds is classed as a Neet, with many living on benefits. Rising numbers of younger school-leavers – aged 16 to 18 – are falling into the category. A total of 191,000 are registered as Neets, up from 186,000 at the same point last year. The trends emerged as a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said employers had become increasingly reluctant to hire teenagers, particularly in London. Young people are three times as likely as older workers to have been made redundant last year, it said. Only 6 per cent of employers – 3 per cent in London – recruit straight from school. For most jobs, school-leavers must compete with more experienced workers. 'Lost generation': The Coalition has admitted the number of school-leavers aged 16 to 24 in the Neet group is too high . The reluctance of firms to hire school-leavers has increased over time, even though young people are generally better qualified in academic terms. The IPPR’s Tess Lanning said: ‘The statistics show that no real progress is being made in reducing the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training. ‘The question we need to answer is why young people today find it so much harder to find stable and well-paid work than their counterparts in the 1970s, despite the fact that they are far better educated. ‘This is rooted in the lack of high-quality training and work opportunities, particularly for non-graduates. ‘Young people are far more likely to work in casual, low-paid jobs, and many of the vocational training options available offer low-level training for a specific job.’ Wasted: Shadow education minister Karen Buck, right, said the Government is allowing too much talent go to waste while education secretary Michael Gove's, left, department says they are spending a record £126billion over three years . A Department for Education spokesman said: ‘We are spending a record £7.5billion on education and training for 16 to 19-year-olds. ‘We are spending £126million over the next three years on extra targeted support for the 55,000 16- and 17-year-olds most in need of education and training.’ But shadow education minister Karen Buck said: ‘The Government is allowing the talents of too many young people to go to waste. Now more than ever, we need to ensure our young people have the right skills, experience and opportunities to progress in education or the workplace.’ More than half of small businesses believe school-leavers lack a basic mastery of the three Rs. Fifty-nine per cent of firms said literacy skills were poor and 55 per cent questioned numeracy skills in a survey for the Federation of Small Businesses. | Nearly one million young people have no job or education place . School leavers, aged 16 to 24, registered as Neets . The Coalition has admitted number is too high . Labour says young talent is being 'wasted' Education Department will spend £126m on education over the next three years . | 95217d500c7d79148fee3f567859e784095c8a6d |
(CNN) -- In his first address since returning to Pakistan from self-exile, former President Pervez Musharraf declared his intention to run for office, saying he defied risks to "save" the country. Musharraf landed in Karachi on Sunday after more than four years in exile. He faces criminal charges, and the Taliban have vowed to unleash a "death squad" to assassinate him. However, he said, he does not plan to flee again. "I have put my life in danger and have come to Pakistan -- to you to be the savior of this country," he said at the airport. "I have come to save Pakistan." He chided people who had doubted that he would return. "There were rumors that I would not come -- where are those people now?" he asked. "I am here. I have returned." At the airport, crowds danced, waved the nation's green flag and chanted Musharraf's name. Some people carried giant posters, plastered with his face. "Inshallah (God willing) we will be successful if I have your support," he said. After his statement, he was whisked away to an undisclosed location for safety reasons. Police hovered nearby, guns slung from their shoulders. Complicated return . Musharraf resigned as president of the south Asian nation five years ago and went into exile in London and Dubai. He hopes to reassert his influence and lead his party in May elections. His return comes with complications. Government officials have said he would be arrested as soon as he sets foot in the nation while the Pakistani Taliban have vowed to assassinate him. However, his party says it has taken pre-emptive measures to ward off a potential arrest. "Musharraf has been granted bail in advance of his arrival to Pakistan. We have made sure that he is not arrested and his return home will be smooth," said Jawed Siddiqui, a member of the former president's party, All Pakistan Muslim League. His lawyers paid an unknown amount of bail, which means Musharraf will not be arrested for at least 15 days, but must appear in court. Fear of the unknown . Musharraf's return home comes with a lot of uncertainties. As he boarded a flight from Dubai International Airport, Musharraf said he was not nervous, but was concerned about the unknown. His wife, Sehba, had a different answer when asked if she was worried. "Who wouldn't be?" she said. Last year, he scuttled plans to return home after the military warned him not to. "There were indications that they didn't want me to come, and my own colleagues told me not to come," Musharraf said. "Therefore, I changed my mind." This time, he said, he will be protected by government security and his private security agents. Musharraf landed in Karachi on a commercial airline. He said in a statement he would be accompanied by 200 expatriates from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Arrest over Bhutto's killing . In 1999, Musharraf, then chief of Pakistan's army, became its president in a bloodless military coup. He remained in power until resigning five years ago, a period that included the U.S.-led invasion of neighboring Afghanistan. A few months before he left office, Benazir Bhutto -- who was Pakistan's first elected female prime minister -- was killed in a suicide bomb attack as she was wrapping up a campaign rally in Rawalpindi. The attack came months after she survived an assassination attempt in Karachi. Authorities want Musharraf arrested for not doing enough to protect Bhutto's life despite numerous threats. The former military ruler has denied having anything to do with the killing. A jail cell awaits . Last year, Pakistani authorities confiscated his property and froze his bank account. They have accused him of not declaring foreign bank accounts he had in his name. The Sindh province Home Ministry said last year that a jail cell awaited him in Karachi upon his return, . In Pakistan, the provincial Home Ministry, not the federal government, is responsible for such arrests. Musharraf defended his record last year, and said he did much to improve the nation's economy while he was in office. However, he has admitted to making mistakes. Disillusioned Pakistanis . Musharraf's popularity began declining in 2007 after he suspended the nation's Supreme Court chief justice for "misuse of authority." The move resulted in protests and accusations that he was attempting to influence the court's ruling on whether he could seek another five-year term. Although the chief justice was reinstated, the damage was done. Pakistanis were also disillusioned with Musharraf's policies that led to shortages of essential food items, power cuts and skyrocketing inflation. However, under his leadership, Pakistan attained respectable economic growth rates and established a generally favorable investment climate. Along with that came a growing middle class, more aggressive news media, and a more assertive judiciary. 'Death squad' threat . Pakistan also disapproved of the way Musharraf carried out his end of the "war on terror" and used it as a crutch to explain away many of his unpopular moves. After the September 11, 2001, terror attacks against the United States, Musharraf supported the American war on terror and targeted the Taliban. The militants have accused him of pushing an American agenda in Pakistan. An opportune time . Musharraf's return comes at an opportune time. Last week, Pakistan marked the first time a democratically elected government has served a full five-year term in the country's 65-year history. While the ruling Pakistan People Party rode to power on the back of discontent with Musharraf, it had to deal with the same problems that plagued Musharraf: food shortages and power cuts. Five years is often enough time for a populace to forgive and forget. On Sunday, election officials named former chief justice Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as interim prime minister. He will head the caretaker administration through the May elections. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan, now soured by the PPP's reign, will welcome Musharraf back with open arms. Explosives-packed water tanker targets Pakistani military checkpoint; 17 killed . CNN's Leone Lakhani contributed to this report from Karachi . | NEW: Musharraf vows to remain in Pakistan . He plans to lead his party in elections . He's been in self-imposed exile since resigning as president in 2008 . Pakistani authorities have vowed to arrest him on return; Taliban threaten to kill him . | a3bb5958a09d697dbd60feaa12f78cf5115a5800 |
An American car wash is employing women to soap down and rinse cars in their bikinis. Baywash Bikini Car Wash in Winter Park, Florida is open seven days a week and offers a variety of bikini-clad cleaning services ranging from $10 for a hand wash and dry to a $60 waxing. Owner Steve McMahon, 47, originally came up with the idea five years ago to help raise money for his daughter's school - but it has proven so popular that he now plans to open a chain of bikini-based car washes across America. Not everybody is impressed however - the local police force has now banned its officers making repeat visits to the car wash, where they have been taking advantage of free services. Scroll down for video . Service: Baywash Bikini Car Wash in Winter Park, Florida is open seven days a week and offers a variety of bikini-clad cleaning services ranging from a hand wash and dry for $10 to a full wash and wax for $60 . Smile: The car wash has become so popular the owner, Steve McMahon, plans to open branches across America . Skimpy: Not everybody is impressed, however - the local police force has banned its officers making repeat visits to the car wash, where they have been receiving free services . Scantily clad: Baywash Bikini Car Wash opened in 2009, initially as a fundraiser for the school attended by owner Mr McMahon's daughter . The name of the business is a play on the popular 1990s TV show about California lifeguards, Baywatch. Mr McMahon, 47 (right), came up with the idea five years agol . Mr McMahon first opened the controversial car wash in 2009. 'It started as a fundraiser for my daughter's school and it just evolved from there,' he said. Now we have a lot of high-end cars coming through - we've done Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys - we get a lot of nice cars here,' he added. Mr McMahon trains each employee in leather maintenance, how to dry windows with minimal streaking, wax coating and proper detailing methods. Baywash Bikini Car Wash services a lot of high-end vehicles - including Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys . Young employees service one of the many vehicles passing through the Baywash Bikini Car Wash . Tough work: Each employee is fully trained in leather maintenance, how to dry windows with minimal streaking, wax coating and proper detailing methods . Inside and out: There is some criticism the car wash objectifies women, but the vast majority of customers are happy with the work, Mr McMahon says . Critics have branded Baywash sexist, but the employees say they do not feel exploited . Jacki Orlando, 24, has worked at the car wash for three years. 'I enjoy working at Baywash. It is hard work as far as labor but it's a lot of fun at the end of the day,' she said. 'Some people can potentially view Baywash as sexist - but I don't view it that way. My boyfriend and family are fine with the fact that I work here - it's just my job,' she added. But not everyone thinks of the car wash as good, clean fun. 'When we opened up we offered free services for law enforcement because we appreciated their service,' Mr McMahon said. 'One day a female officer took a picture of sheriffs getting their cars washed - they quickly got an email from the captain saying "no more Baywash",'he added. A young woman washes the windscreen of a vehicle at Baywash Bikini Car Wash in Winter Park, Florida . Business is booming at the car wash, with plans to open more outlets at multiple locations in the future . Rinse and repeat: Customer TJ Reed said: 'They do an awesome job at Baywash - and you also get some great eye candy as well . Despite some criticising the car wash for objectifying women, the vast majority of customers are happy with the work. Customer TJ Reed said: 'They do an awesome job at Baywash - and you also get some great eye candy as well. 'If a young lady has to wear a bikini in 90-degree weather to make it through college or pay their bills - I don't think there's anything wrong with that.' And business is booming at the car wash - which will be opening in multiple locations in the future. 'I have a couple locations getting ready to open up in Altima and one in Miami,' Mr McMahon. | Baywash Bikini Car Wash in based in Winter Park, Florida . Employs six young women wearing only swimwear to wash vehicles . Owner Steve McMahon started business to raise money for local school . Has proven so successful he wants to open branches across U.S. Senior officers banned police from accepting any more free-wash offers . | f24767202df0804b252be8ba5f5854fd780d147b |
By . Becky Barrow . and Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 09:10 EST, 19 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:28 EST, 19 June 2013 . Postmen are poised to boycott delivery of half the country’s letters, leaving Britain’s mail system on the brink of chaos. An overwhelming majority voted for the measure, which raises the prospect of urgent mail such as debit cards, gas bills and bank statements being abandoned at Royal Mail delivery offices. One in two letters delivered each day are handled by one of Royal Mail’s rivals, TNT Post and UK Mail, which print their insignia on the envelope. Fury: A union ballot of Royal Mail staff has displayed their anger at plans to privatise the company. Workers could also refuse to work with competitor mail firms . Royal Mail is responsible only for the ‘final mile’ of the delivery – that is, putting the letter through your letterbox. In a consultative ballot, the . Communication Workers’ Union asked its members if they supported ‘the . boycott of competitors’ mail’. Billy Hayes, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union, says the message from Royal Staff to the Government is 'loud and clear' The results, published yesterday, were . clear. Of the 112,414 ballot papers which were sent out, 75,662 came . back with a ‘yes’, equal to a vote of 67 per cent. Just 6,996 said ‘no’. Yesterday the CWU did not name a date . for the boycott to begin, but warned it could last indefinitely. Its . impact could be devastating. Many of Britain’s biggest companies . use the services of Royal Mail’s rivals, including Santander, Barclays, . Lloyds Banking Group, Tesco, Npower, Sky, E.On, Thames Water and . TalkTalk. Royal Mail delivers around 58million . letters every day. The workers’ boycott would be unlawful if it went ahead in the next week - thanks to a High Court ruling. But if it eventually goes ahead, mountains of mail could . pile up in delivery offices around the country. CWU members were also . overwhelmingly against the privatisation of Royal Mail, with 70 per cent . of those balloted saying they were ‘opposed’. Ministers are planning to float the . business on the stock market, a move which even Margaret Thatcher . opposed. She said she was ‘not prepared to have the Queen’s head . privatised’. They have pledged to give 10 per cent . of Royal Mail shares to its workers, but the CWU yesterday dismissed the . prospect of free, or discounted, shares. Dave Ward, deputy general secretary of . the CWU, said: ‘Postal workers are not going to sacrifice their souls . for a so-called 10 per cent stake when they know their jobs, pensions . and conditions are once again under threat.’ Until January 2006, Royal Mail had a . monopoly on all mail in this country. Since this was axed, it has . rapidly lost its key business customers. A statement from Royal Mail said any industrial action could not only hurt the company financially but are also unlawful . At present, ‘around half of the daily . post bag’ is made up of mail which has been handled by a rival, . according to Royal Mail. Last year, TNT handled 3.8billion letters, . compared with 1.1billion in 2006. UK Mail said it handled around . 2.7billion. 'Postal workers are not going to sacrifice their souls for a so-called 10 per cent stake when they know their jobs, pensions and conditions are once again under threat' Dave Ward, Communication Workers' Union . Royal Mail is obliged to deliver every piece of mail to every address in the country, however remote. But its rivals can simply cherry pick . the best contracts, such as a high-street banking giant, without ever . having to worry about getting a second-class postcard from Cornwall to . Carlisle, for example. Many people already use the internet . to access their mobile phone and bank accounts. And yesterday a Royal . Mail spokesman warned the boycott would further encourage the public to . ditch letters in favour of emails. He said: ‘Any action against letters . [handled by rivals] and parcels would adversely impact on large numbers . of the general public and the postal industry as a whole by increasing . e-substitution. It would also severely impact on our business, our . reputation and that of our employees.’ Fears: The union says workers' jobs, pensions and conditions would be under threat if the privatisation plans went ahead . Business minister Michael Fallon said he was ‘disappointed’ by the result of the ballot opposing privatisation. 'Everyone agrees that Royal Mail needs to change if we are to protect the future of the six-day-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere service' Business minister Michael Fallon . He said: ‘Everyone agrees that Royal . Mail needs to change if we are to protect the future of the . six-day-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere service.’ A TNT spokesman said it ‘would work . with Royal Mail to minimise any disruption to our customers’ if the . threatened boycott goes ahead. After legal action by Royal Mail . yesterday, CWU has promised not to begin the boycott before June 28, . when a further High Court hearing will take place. | Mail services may be crippled as union vows to boycott third-party carriers . Vast majority also oppose Government privatisation plans . Business Minister Michael Fallon 'disappointed' with ballot result . | f441ec6d3e430bdbfe506d2afec2d0dcb64df645 |
As the European Union continues its expansion into Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Serbia's Prime Minister says he is "certain" his country will be the bloc's next member. Ivica Dacic told CNN: "We would like Serbia to become a member of the European Union as quickly as possible." Serbia is aiming to become the third country from former Yugoslavia to join Europe's political and economic union, following in the footsteps of Slovenia and neighbor Croatia, who joined earlier this year. But Dacic believes Serbia does not have "a lot of time to wait" as its economy has suffered "great consequences" following the breakup of former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Read more: Croatia looks to oil and gas fields in Adriatic Sea . "The rate of unemployment is the biggest problem," Dacic said, referring to Serbia's 25% unemployment rate, which sits below only Spain and Greece in the EU. He added that "discussing economic reforms in Serbia is futile" until industrial productivity increases. Dacic also highlighted the importance of foreign investment to country's economic prospects. Read more: Germany's modest Mutti Merkel is no Iron Lady Thatcher . "These foreign investments will not happen if Serbia is not a part of the modern world," Dacic said. Serbia's economy contracted 1.7% in 2012, according to Eurostat estimates, due to its close ties with embattled eurozone nations. Serbia, which has a lower minimum wage than China, is also struggling to cope with an exodus of skilled workers, as the country's young leave in search of work abroad. The phenomenon has left the country heavily reliant on remittance income. Read more: Croatia PM: We need Italy to recover . EU membership is a chance for Serbia to join the world's largest trading bloc and will offer access to funding for infrastructure projects and the country's poorer regions. But Dacic said: "We don't see the European Union accession as a straightforward financial aid package, or that it would enable our citizens to work in other countries across Europe." Despite Serbia's ambitions, accession can be a slow process. Croatia only joined the EU as its 28th member in July after talks to join officially opened in 2005. Read more: Did Croatia get lucky on EU membership? Although the EU never gives specific time frames on accession, Dacic is confident Serbia will join Europe's exclusive club within the next 10 years. Peter Stano, a spokesman for European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, told CNN that the speed of accession depends "solely" on Serbia. He said: "Serbia has already met the political and economic criteria needed to become candidate status and to start the negotiations." James Ker-Lindsay, a Balkans expert and author of 'Kosovo: The Path to Contested Statehood in the Balkans' estimates that the process will take eight to ten years. He told CNN: "It might well be the case that Montenegro, which has already started EU accession talks, is going to be the next one to join... getting Montenegro ready for membership is likely to be easier." Serbia also faces questions over Kosovo, after it declared independence in 2008. Serbia does not recognize the declaration, and the European Union is trying to encourage talks between the two sides. Dacic said: "We have always made it clear that we cannot and will not try to bring our problems to the EU with us. This is another reason why we are conducting this open dialogue in order to normalize the relationship and solve our problems before accession." Kosovo was plunged into war in the late 1990s, pitting Kosovo Albanian insurgents against Serb security forces and Belgrade-backed Kosovo Serb paramilitaries. William Bartlett, author of 'Europe's Troubled Region,' believes EU membership for Serbia will help ease some of the political tensions with Kosovo. He said: "By reducing political tensions, you are reducing country risk for investors and that will have a positive knock on effect for the economy." | In 2012, the Serbian economy posted negative growth of 1.7%, according to Eurostat estimates . Serbian Prime Minister Dacic said: European Union accession is not financial aid package . Serbia's unemployment rate is at 25%, only Greece and Spain are higher in Europe . | 14fdaaf09e08e8f11c9c9683a3ab4821bd46e177 |
(CNN) -- For the sorcerers who practice the dark arts of politics, the hot summer months are generally known for their focus on triviality, hyperbole and petty posturing. This "silly season" is marked mostly by frivolous debates over manufactured controversies as voters tune out and cook out in parks and backyards across the country. So it comes as no surprise that the latest bit of feigned outrage to embroil the United States Department of Agriculture involves an interoffice newsletter recommending that employees consider taking a modest stab at common sense. Joining the ranks of thousands of companies, restaurants, schools, average Americans and Oprah, a recent newsletter from the USDA made a humble suggestion for its employees to reduce their environmental footprints: Consider eating a meat-free lunch once per week. The agency was referring to "Meatless Monday," a project of Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Syracuse universities and supported by many other health-related organizations. After angry press releases from the meat industry and outraged tweets from Republicans in Congress, a USDA spokeswoman announced the agency does not endorse the "Meatless Monday" initiative and said the suggestion was posted on the agency's website "without proper clearance." Problem solved, I guess. But the rationale behind an idea like "Meatless Monday" is crystal clear. It's exactly the kind of step USDA should be endorsing. The reality is that it takes massive amounts of land, water, fertilizer, oil and other resources to produce meat, significantly more than it requires to grow other nutritious and delicious kinds of food. Because meat production is so resource intensive, livestock farming actually accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cattle farming alone consumes nearly 8% of global human water use. My own organization, Oxfam, an international relief and development organization, recently endorsed the idea of eating less meat and dairy as part of our GROW campaign to fight global hunger. We did a study and found that if a family of four decided to swap burgers or other beef for lentils just one meal a week, they could save about 12½ Olympic-size swimming pools of fresh water over the course of a year. If that seems like an astronomically large amount of water for such a small change, it's because it is. Meatless Mondays might seem like an unlikely cause for a humanitarian organization to champion. But Oxfam is working on this issue because as diets around the world change and the population swells to 9 billion over the coming decades, our planet will need to produce up to 70% more food even as we use fewer resources. If we don't reduce our environmental footprints as we increase production, poor people, particularly women, will be the first to suffer. Eating less meat is a simple way to reduce the pressure on global resources and help ensure that everyone has enough to eat. To say it simply, eating less meat helps fight hunger. The meat industry would argue that eating less meat would damage the bottom line of American farmers. But farmers are already struggling just to keep up with the spiking global demand for meat, which experts predict could nearly double by 2050. Eating less meat could help slow this unsustainable increase, but U.S. farms won't suffer as a result. Swapping out meat just once per week would also help reduce the emissions that are contributing to climate change and extreme weather. Farmers across the United States are facing the worst drought in a generation, leading the USDA to declare 1,369 counties in 31 states as disaster areas. The weather has caused massive crop failures, driving a significant spike in the price of corn. While it may be hard to know exactly what role climate change has played in causing the drought, there is no doubt that these kinds of events are exactly what we expect to experience more frequently and with greater severity because of the changing climate. Our study looked at what would happen if urban and suburban households in just four countries -- the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Brazil -- decided to swap beef for lentils just once a week. We found that the emissions reductions from this tiny step alone would be the equivalent of taking 3.7 million cars off the road for a year. Sadly, facts like these are not enough to avoid the silly season altogether, or to persuade the USDA to ignore the self-serving indignation of the meat industry and keep a reasonable suggestion on its site. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ben Grossman-Cohen. | USDA's newsletter suggesting employees forgo meat once a week causes uproar . Ben Grossman-Cohen: Meat industry, politicians slam USDA, so it backs off . It takes huge amounts of land, water, fertilizer, oil to produce meat, he writes . He says eating less meat reduces use of resources and ensures everyone gets fed . | 1836f65ca2ffe288ea0f100c221031b32c32ec67 |
A 32-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been arrested by anti-terror police in two separate probes linked to extremism in Syria. The man was arrested on suspicion of having visited a terrorist training camp following a series of raids in the South East today. Two houses, one in west London and another in south-west London, are now being searched by officers as part of that investigation. The man was arrested after a woman was detained and two addresses in Bedfordshire - including one in Kempston, a suburb of Bedford - were searched as part of a separate inquiry, which is also linked to Syria. A house in suburban Bedford was raided today as police arrested a woman on suspicion on terror offences . Police officers were seen searching the property throughout the day and removing computers and files . Announcing the latest arrest, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Officers from SO15 Counter Terrorism Command have today arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of attending a place used for terrorist training contrary to section 8 of Terrorism Act 2006. 'He has been taken to a central London police station where he remains in custody. 'An address in west London and an address in south-west London are being searched as part of the investigation under TACT. This investigation is Syria related.' Meanwhile, a uniformed police officer stood on duty outside an end of terrace house in Kempston, Bedford following an arrest in the area earlier in the day. Locals say a young woman and a man, who they believed are husband and wife, lived there, along with two small children, a boy and a girl. It is thought the occupants had been at the address for between 3 and 4 years. In the rear garden, a small child's toy bike could be seen. Neighbour Susan Robinson, 52, said she regularly saw the woman who lived in the house walking along the street with her two young children. Mrs Robinson said: 'When the lady first arrived in the street, she only had the one child. Since then, she's had another and I would see her walking past pushing a pram with her baby in and the toddler walking beside her.' The search of the property, and three others today, follows a series of similar raids in recent weeks, which have led to four men appearing in court. Today's arrests are not believed the be linked to earlier investigations . A van was spotted outside the house, which neighbours said belonged to a man who lived in the property . Mrs Robinson added that the woman's partner had not been seen at the property for the last couple of months. She described him as bearded and she said the woman always wore black, with a veil, so that just her eyes were visible. 'She did drive when she first arrived, but I've not seen her with a car for some time,' Mrs Robinson added. Authorities believe more than 500 Britons have gone to Syria to fight alongside extremists, half of whom may have returned. But police say that number will leap by 50 per cent within a year, despite the recent deaths of up to 30 British jihadis in the fighting. A child's bike was the only thing visible in the garden of the property, which neighbours said is occupied by a young family . The searches were the latest in a series of raids carried out by anti-terror police around the South East . Britain's top policeman, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said this week that at least five Britons a week are heading to the war-ravaged country to fight for Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists. Sir Bernard said: 'Those numbers are a minimum. There may be many more who set out to travel to another country and meandered over to Syria and Iraq in a way that is not always possible to spot when you have failed states and leaky borders.' As many as 60 of the Britons who have travelled to the region are thought to be women offering themselves as so-called 'jihadi brides' to those fighting Western and local forces. The women are thought to be travelling through Turkey before they are married off to extremists they have met through the internet. Mia Bloom, from the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies in the US, said: 'ISIS is recruiting these women in order to be baby factories. They are seeing the establishment of an Islamic state and now they need to populate the state.' Scotland Yard said the two arrests, that of a woman this morning and a man later today, are not linked . It is believed around 500 Britons may have travelled to Syria to join ISIS fighters like those pictured in Raqqa . Last week, a number of terror suspects were charged with plotting to kill policemen and soldiers in London drive-by shootings. Tarik Hassane, 21, Suhaib Majeed, 20, Nyall Hamlett, 24, and Momen Motasim, 21, all from London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court amid tight security as they were charged with an Islamic State-inspired gun plot. It was alleged to have been formulated in response to a fatwa by a senior ISIS terrorist. Earlier this month, two houses in Portsmouth - including the family home of Ifthekar Jaman, a British man who died in Syria - were among properties raided by counter-terrorism police. Officers from the South East Counter Terrorism Unit (Sectu) have been granted extra time to question two men aged 26 and 23, from Portsmouth, a 23-year-old woman from Farnborough and a 29-year-old woman from Greenwich who were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. Their detention is now authorised until October 28. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Man, 32, arrested on suspicion of attending a terrorist training camp . Two properties in London are being searched as part of investigation . Woman, 25, arrested in Bedfordshire this morning in separate inquiry . Scotland Yard say she was detained on suspicion of plotting 'terrorist acts' Both probes linked to Syria, where extremist group ISIS have set up enclave . Around 500 Britons are thought to have travelled to the region to fight . | 677ed919f0ec1bebc776611abe686a26dd81f0bc |
David Silva has backed Manchester City to stop Chelsea’s £32million goal machine Diego Costa in his tracks. The two title favourites clash at the Etihad on Sunday when City playmaker Silva will come up against his Spain teammates Costa and Cesc Fabregas. Costa has scored seven goals in four Premier League games since joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, but Silva is confident that that champions can become the first team to shut him out in the league. David Silva has backed Manchester City to stop Chelsea’s £32million goal machine Diego Costa in his tracks . Costa scored a hat-trick against Swansea City last weekend and is already on seven goals in a blue shirt . ‘Diego has made a huge impact,’ he said. ‘It is not easy to adapt but he has clearly done it very quickly. ‘He’s scored seven times so far so that record speaks for itself. That’s very important for Chelsea but not that good for us. But we’ve got a good defence and I believe we can stop him on Sunday. ‘I have a very good relationship with both players. I think Chelsea have made some fantastic signings this summer but our friendship will be set aside because we are going out to win. ‘I’ve known Cesc since we were 16-years-old and were in the Spanish youth squads together. ‘I’m looking forward to facing him but in pretty much every game now I seem to be up against a Spanish teammate – when we play Arsenal it’s Santi (Cazorla) or when it’s United it will be Juan Mata. ‘But it’s really all about how the team plays, and our aim as always is to go out and win the game.’ Costa’s impact has seen Chelsea set the early-season pace and they can move eight points ahead of City if they win tomorrow. Silva was talking at an event to raise awareness about Pallister Killian Syndrome (PKS) Costa should be back in the Chelsea starting XI when the teams face each other on Sunday . Silva added: ‘We need to win because otherwise the gap would be getting too big between the clubs.’ Meanwhile, City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes the death of Yaya Toure’s younger brother Ibrahim could be behind his loss of form after the Ivory Coast midfielder was widely criticised following the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich in midweek. It followed a turbulent summer in which Toure accused the club of not giving him compassionate leave to see his 28-year-old brother who died of cancer in June. ‘Maybe some of you think it’s strange why he is not in the best moment,’ said Pellegrini. ‘But we started the season and maybe he had a lot of personal problems with his brother – not what was said in the media, but in what he feels about it. ‘There are a lot of human things and maybe that is why he is not in his best performance at the moment. I think as a team, as a coach, as a club we must support him because he is a very important player and makes a difference. ‘But he is always being criticised. It is very easy to say he should score 20 goals but must also defend and have better pace, but I don’t think Yaya has any problem. I’m sure he will return to his best.’ Pellegrini added that new £32m centre-back Eliaquim Mangala has not made his debut yet because ‘he needs some time to understand the way we defend’. David Silva was speaking as an ambassador for Anfi, a luxury holiday company based in Gran Canaria who are leading a campaign called ‘A new home for Bailey’. It aims to raise £45,000 so the family of Bailey Stewart, a two-year-old boy with a rare condition that affects only five people in the UK, can adapt their home to meet his special needs. | Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been in blistering form . The Spain international already has seven Premier League goals . But David Silva believes Manchester City can stop the phenomenon . | 006537b761457f62b4f9602dfc149f93a730d562 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:48 EST, 3 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 17:35 EST, 3 February 2014 . A two-year-old boy has died after his mother accidentally gave him liquid methadone that she stored in a Gatorade bottle, police have said. Aiden Goff died and two of his siblings were hospitalized after their mother, Jill Goff, mistakenly served them the powerful drug in a sippy cup at their home in Tooele, Utah on Friday afternoon. Methadone is a pain reliever that can . also be used to help recovering addicts through withdrawal symptoms and its side effects can mimic . heroine. Police believe she obtained the drug legally but they have not said why it was in liquid form or stored in a drink bottle. Scroll down for video . Tragic: Aiden Goff, right, has died after his mother Jill Goff, left, accidentally served him methadone . Police were called to the home at 6pm . on Friday when the 32-year-old mother found Aiden not breathing. Emergency responders tried to save him, but he died at the home. Later that evening, the boy's eight-year-old brother and five-year-old sister went to the emergency room and both tested positive for methadone, police told the Salt Lake Tribune. The boy had broken out in a rash and his eyes were swollen, according to a probable cause statement. Both of the children survived. The Goffs have five children in total. The hospitalized children told relatives and detectives that their mother had given Aiden a drink but he did not like it, the probably cause statement said. When he complained that he did not . like it, the mother gave it to the five-year-old, who agreed it was . disgusting. The eight-year-old then tasted it and he said it tasted like . medicine, the Tribune reported. Loss: Aiden drank from the cup his mother gave him on Friday afternoon. She was unaware that she had given him liquid methadone, which was being stored in a pink Gatorade bottle . Mother and son: Two of her other children also tasted the liquid but they survived after treatment. After realizing her mistake, Jill Goff put Aiden down for a nap but he did not wake up . 'The children had told us there was a sippy cup passed around between the three of them that mom had prepared for them and it didn’t taste right,' Tooele Police Captain Paul Wimmer told KSL. Investigators believe that, rather than serving her child Gatorade, she inadvertently gave him methadone, which had been stored in the Gatorade bottle, Wimmer said. The mother then realized that she had switched the liquids and tried to get her two-year-old son to throw up, the statement said. She then gave him a bath and put him down for a nap. She told investigators that she did not call police because she was scared. A 14-year-old sibling went to wake Aiden, but he wasn't responsive. Goff called 911. She was arrested on suspicion of homicide, two counts of child abuse and endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult. She remained in the Tooele County jail. Mix up: She served him pink liquid methadone (left) - a strong pain killer that has similar side effects to heroin - that had been stored in a Gatorade bottle (right). It is not clear why the drug was stored in the bottle . Scene: Goff went for a nap with Aiden at the home, pictured, and later found him unresponsive . Police said Goff has no prior record and they believe she did not intend to kill her son. 'While we don’t have any evidence that suggests that she was trying to harm the children with it, there is a certain level of care that is required with such a dangerous substance and medication,' Wimmer said. Her . husband Cody described her as a loving mother, Fox 13 reported. The four other children - aged 5, 8, 11 and 14 - have been placed with relatives. Facebook images show her doting over the five children and proudly posing with Aiden. 'I want to let you all know my baby boy Aiden Goff passed away in his momma arms tonight,' she wrote on her Facebook page on Friday. See below for video . | Jill Goff 'served her two-year-old son Aiden a pink liquid in a sippy cup at their home in Tooele, Utah on Friday, thinking it was Gatorade' When he did not like it, 2 siblings tried it and said it tasted like medicine . Goff realized she had given them the drug but 'was too scared to call 911' Her son later died and the other 2 children were hospitalized . | 6881136987d01312263130ee208742a798a5b92e |
By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 05:36 EST, 25 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:32 EST, 25 February 2013 . When court staff in Glasgow were left disgusted by a mystery smell in the offices, they were determined to get to the bottom of what was causing it. Workers at the Procurator Fiscal Office in the Scottish city spent two weeks investigating what was causing the stench, even enlisting the help of pest control workers and drainage experts. Staff are believed to have spent a staggering £9,000 investigating the source, but were still none the wiser. But the cause of the offending odour . was eventually unmasked, when a disgruntled casual worker was caught . with a can of joke shop fart spray. Stench: Staff at the Procurator Fiscal office in Glasgow are believed to have spent a fortnight and £9,000 investigating a mystery smell in the office . It is believed that the worker had been refused an apprenticeship with the crown office, according to the Daily Record. Sources believe that the worker was after revenge for the snub. Cause: The stench is said to have been caused by a disgruntled casual worker with a can of joke shop fart spray . He is said to have been escorted from the building by security staff when he was found with the spray. A source told the newspaper: 'It smelled like something had died under the floorboards. 'Various drainage experts and pest control folk were brought in to try and sort out the problem, but they all failed to find anything. 'Then on Wednesday this guy was caught with a can of fart gas and everything fell into place.' A spokesman for the Crown Office said that workers had reported a strange smell. He confirmed that the matter had been investigated but was now resolved. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths and complaints against the police. | Took two weeks to find smell at Procurator Fiscal Office in Glasgow . Finger has been pointed at worker who was refused an apprenticeship . | 2f280e7fc4b94a50e2fb3c490685ae43180bd56a |
By . David Kent . Bacary Sagna is set to play his final Barclays Premier League game for Arsenal against Norwich on Sunday after claiming he is likely to leave the Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman, who has been at Arsenal since 2006 and current deal expires in the summer, is in the midst of a contract wrangle with the Gunners . Sagna is expected to enter talks with Manchester City after the FA Cup final against Hull in six days time. Waving goodbye: Bacary Sagna, at the Emirates last week, is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season . 'I'm out of contract, as everyone knows. I still consider myself as an Arsenal player at present,' Sagna told Europe1. 'But actually we had a small problem to agree with the club, and I don't think I'll stay at Arsenal at the end of the season.' Sagna’s advisers have already held talks with numerous overseas clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray and Inter Milan. But transfer regulations forbid discussions with clubs in the same country until the end of the season. In training: Sagna at Arsenal's London Colmey training base on Saturday ahead of their game against Norwich . Sagna, 31, intends to hold talks with City as soon as he is able to do so. Arsenal have made him a final offer of a three-year deal worth around £80,000 per week. But the deal falls short of his £100,000-per-week demands, with sources close to the defender insisting he will reject the deal on the table. | Bacary Sagna thinks his career at Arsenal is over after eight years . The France defender is out of contract in the summer . Manchester City will hold talks with Sagna after the FA Cup final . Sagna's advisers have already spoken to PSG, Galatasaray and Inter Milan . | 3a59d9cb387c23a342eac07e566ed5c886ad26a4 |
By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 09:15 EST, 12 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:46 EST, 12 November 2012 . The leader of Romania's top SWAT team has embarrassed his bosses after nude photographs of him during a training exercise leaked to the press. The elite team's commissioner-in-chief Emanoil Moraru is seen wearing nothing but a black wig, and a toy gun to cover his modesty, as officers in full protective gear surround him. The photos have caused enormous embarrassment to senior management, but FBI trained Commissioner Moraru is unrepentant. Mucking about: Naked cop Emanoil Moraru, commander-in-chief of the Romanian Special Operations Forces said it was all just a big joke among his 'gladiators' Refusing to apologise, Commissioner Moraru said: ‘In my squad we are gladiators and we're a bit more crazy.’ ‘The pictures were taken after a training session. We're not ashamed. We work hard and we train hard and sometimes we let off steam. ‘That gun is just a toy and the wig . was from one of the training dummies. I'm actually wearing some pants . but you can't see them in the picture,' he added. But this is not the first time Commissioner Moraru, who was trained by the FBI in hostage and terrorist negotiations, has played tricks on his colleagues in Constanta, eastern Romania. The cheeky commissioner-in-chief once went to work dressed as a . binman and on another occasion he dressed up as a plant - and sat quietly in a corner until someone discovered him. A lesson in disguise. Bare laughter: The pictures show the SWAT team chief donning a wig from a training dummy and covering his modesty with a toy gun . A colleague said: ‘He is a good professional who likes to have fun. You don’t get to be the head of special operations for nothing. ‘But I must admit, sometimes his antics do raise eyebrows. ‘When he came to work dressed up as a . plant it was pretty bizarre - especially as he just sat in a corner of . the squad room waiting to see if anyone noticed him.’ Despite his antics Moraru has a fearsome . reputation among criminals and colleagues say he is ruthless in his pursuit of justice. ‘When he gets on the trail of a criminal, he won’t stop until he has them behind bars,’ said one officer. ‘He likes to work hard and play hard. That’s the way he is,’ the colleague added. Commissioner Moraru is also . president of the National Policemen Body and holds the title of Honorary . Citizen of Constanta for his work with the community. | Romanian police chief causes embarrassment to the force after naked snaps are leaked to the media . SWAT commissioner Emanoil Moraru refuses to apologise saying his 'squad of gladiators' are not ashamed . | a40e4add4e3dad91df5e99e91aa370b35e26d802 |
Days after he left a nursing home, radio icon Casey Kasem was the subject of a welfare check at a residence in Washington state, officials said Thursday. Kitsap County sheriff's deputies went to an address provided by California Adult Protective Services, Scott Wilson, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, told CNN. Authorities on Tuesday afternoon found Casey Kasem and his wife, Jean, visiting longtime friends at the home. The couple was staying there on vacation, Wilson said. After staying 40 minutes and determining that Kasem was alert, not in distress and was receiving appropriate care, the deputies left. Kitsap County authorities would not release the address where they found Kasem, citing privacy reasons. The county is just west of Seattle. "We are grateful to local authorities for finding my Dad. We are one step closer to bringing him home," daughter Kerri Kasem said in a statement Wednesday night. The family still has "grave concerns about his medical care," the daughter's representative said in the statement. "The Kasem family will do everything in their power to bring their father home," Danny Deraney said. Family members, judge concerned . New guardianship . Kasem, 82, is suffering from Lewy body disease -- a common cause of dementia, a spokesman for his daughter told CNN on Tuesday. On Monday, a judge named Kerri Kasem the temporary conservator until a June 20 hearing. But she hadn't been able to take on the responsibility without knowing where he was. Kerri Kasem has said she feared her father may have been taken out of the country. Kerri and her sister, Julie Kasem, told CNN they last visited their father a week ago in the California nursing home where he was staying. When the daughters' attorney, Troy Martin, called the day after the visit to check up on Kasem, he was told by the nursing home that he had been removed overnight, Martin told CNN. When asked whether there had been any wrongdoing in the Washington state visit, Wilson said: "They're free adults. They can travel where they want." Daughters vs. wife . Julie Kasem and her husband, Dr. Jamil Aboulhosn, filed an earlier conservatorship petition claiming the retired radio host "has been isolated from his daughters, friends and other family" by his wife. "We tried everything to get her to let us see him when she stopped bringing him over to the house," Kerri Kasem told CNN in December. "She had an assistant bring him over to the house so we could see him every weekend. She stopped. My sister went there, knocked on the door, and she was escorted off the property." But the wife gave a very different take on the ordeal last November. "These children single-handedly and irreparably shattered the lives of their father, his wife and youngest daughter, the calm of their home and their neighborhood by engaging in uncalled for public demonstrations and personal attacks in the media," she said in court papers, according to CNN affiliate KCBS. "They are doing so with a professionally orchestrated media and legal campaign that has disgraced their father and vilified their stepmother." Last year, a judge ruled that Kasem was being well cared for by his wife. The judge denied a request by Kasem's children that a temporary conservator be appointed. Attempts to contact Jean Kasem's attorney this week have been unsuccessful. Jean Kasem, 60 this year, was an actress with roles in "Ghostbusters" and "Cheers." Decades of fame . Casey Kasem, who hosted radio music countdown shows "American Top 40" and "Casey's Top 40" for decades, retired in 2009. Besides the famed countdown shows, Kasem was also the voice of Shaggy in the cartoon "Scooby-Doo" and an announcer for NBC. He was a popular DJ and occasional actor before "American Top 40" began in 1970. His case has drawn attention to Lewy body dementia -- the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer's, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition can be hard to diagnose because Parkinson's and Alzheimer's cause similar symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health. All-time great DJs . | Couple free to go where they want, sheriff's official says . Washington deputies find Kasem in a home . Kasem, 82, is suffering from Lewy body disease . His daughters and his wife are in a feud over him . | 646601a97bd8154ec9a649c88097b3d2a48dc8b1 |
(CNN) -- John Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman, is up for parole for the sixth time, just months short of the 30th anniversary of the former Beatle's death. Chapman is scheduled to be interviewed by two members of the parole board during the week of August 9. Four letters were submitted against Chapman's release this year, according to a representative of the New York State Division of Parole, and there were two letters in support. The last time Chapman was up for parole, in 2008, the New York State Division of Parole issued a release saying Chapman's request was denied "due to concern for the public safety and welfare." He also was denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. Chapman, 55, is serving a sentence of 20 years to life in prison for the shooting death of Lennon outside Lennon's New York City apartment on December 8, 1980. He has served 29 years of his sentence at the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility, where he is held in a building with other prisoners who are not considered to pose a threat to him, according to officials with the state Department of Correctional Services. He has his own prison cell but spends most of his day outside the cell working on housekeeping and in the library, the officials said. For the past 20 years he has been allowed conjugal visits with his wife, Gloria. The visits are part of a state program called "family reunion" that allows inmates to spend up to 44 hours at a time with family members in a special setting. Inmates must meet certain criteria to receive the privilege. Chapman has not had an infraction since 1994, said Erik Kriss, spokesman for the Department of Corrections. "He goes about his business, doing his prison job and without any fanfare," Kriss said. Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, in previous years has submitted a letter requesting that parole be denied. Attempts to reach Ono's legal representative and publicist for comment have been unsuccessful. | Mark David Chapman will be interviewed by parole board members in August . In 2008 parole was denied "due to concern for the public safety and welfare" He has served 29 years of his sentence of 20 years to life . | 45ef0cef7e5adac3603456a431907e150453c360 |
(CNN) -- Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has confirmed that he expects AC Milan target Ronaldinho to leave the Nou Camp at the end of this season. Brazil forward Ronaldinho is expected to join Italian club AC Milan during the summer transfer window. The Brazilian's agent has had talks with the former European champions, but Barcelona have yet to agree a fee for the player. Rijkaard, whose own position is under some doubt after a poor domestic season, told Catalan television channel TV3 that Ronaldinho may feature in Barca's final Spanish league home match against Real Mallorca on May 11 if he recovers from injury. "Yes, it could be then," said the Dutchman. "He could yet play in the last game of the season in the Nou Camp. If he is to play again, he has to be fit," added Rijkaard. When asked whether former Paris St Germain star Ronaldinho would leave in the summer, Rijkaard replied: "You would have to think so. "I don't want people to forget what he's done for this club. I hope that he leaves with his head held high and that he demonstrates to the world of football just who he is." Ronaldinho has been sidelined by injuries several times this season, with his latest problem a hamstring complaint which has kept him out since the start of April. "One must remember everything the way it happened. I did not over-protect him. He is a player that never caused any problems," Rijkaard said, denying suggestions that he had fallen out with the two-time former World Player of the Year. When asked about his own job, Rijkaard said he was waiting for talks with the Barca board. "I am very excited and want to complete my task. Then we shall see. The club has always helped me a lot, but we will have to see what is best for everyone," he said. Barcelona's only hope of winning silverware this season is in the Champions League, with the club taking on Manchester United in the second leg of the semifinals at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. United held on to draw the first leg 0-0 at the Nou Camp last Wednesday after Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty for the English champions. "It is a difficult place to go and they have a strong team, but I believe we can qualify. United are a team that will not be afraid. They play like they know and have a strong mentality and a lot of talent," Rijkaard. "They do not complicate things. They will go forward more than in the Nou Camp and that could give us chances. Defending is not our style. We need to worry only about the way we play." United may be missing England striker Wayne Rooney and Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic. Both sat out Monday's training session after suffering injuries during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Premier League title rivals Chelsea. Vidic, who missed the first leg because of a stomach problem, lasted just eight minutes at Stamford Bridge before being stretchered off after being accidentally kneed in the face by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Rooney injured his hip before scoring the equalizer -- his 18th goal this season -- and was replaced in the 63rd minute by Cristiano Ronaldo. E-mail to a friend . | Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard confirms he expects Ronaldinho to leave club . The Brazil forward has been in talks with AC Milan but no fee has been agreed . Rijkaard says Ronaldinho may make a farewell outing if he recovers from injury . | 31494e5d6eda2042c4793ae68cea4b8304dfa0ad |
By . MailOnline Reporter . A 12-year-old girl was attacked by an otter while swimming at a Wisconsin lake on Saturday. Rory Kliewer was climbing out of Bone Lake when the 40-pound creature jumped on her, clawing and biting her face and body. I'm pretty traumatized,' the Minneapolis girl told TwinCities.com. 'I'm pretty positive I'll get back to swimming in pools, but I don't ever know if I'll ever get back to swimming in lakes.' Scroll down for video . Attacked: Rory Kliewer, 12, was chased and mauled by a 40-pound otter at Bone Lake in Wisconsin on Saturday . Injured: The 40-pound otter bit Rory Kliewer's face before pulling itself onto her and continuing to bite and scratch her body . Injured: After the attack, Rory Kliewer was taken to a local emergency room where her scratches and bruises were treated . Rory said she managed to throw the three-foot-long otter off her after it bit her thigh and backside. However the otter jumped onto the dock and chased her. When a family friend tried to scare off the otter, it rose up on its hind legs and hissed. The otter didn't back off until the owner of the cabin where Rory was staying yelled at it. 'As far as I'm concerned, this thing was literally trying to kill this kid,' Pat Hinschberger told TwinCities.com. Hinschberger said he's been going to Bone Lake his whole life and has never witnessed or heard about an otter attack. 'Nobody I have at our cabin is going in the water until those otters are gone - that's the way I look at it,' he said. 'I can't chance something like that happening again.' Scene: Rory Kliewer was attacked by the otter at Bone Lake in Wisconsin . Rory was taken to a local hospital where she received 10 shots and gashes on her torso and legs were treated. 'Afterwards, I was kind of amazed that in less than a minute it could do all of this, which was pretty scary,' Rory told CBS. 'I was wearing a life jacket. If I hadn’t been, it probably would’ve pushed me under and drowned me.' The news comes after a boy and his grandmother were viciously attacked by a male otter as they were swimming in a river near Seattle last week. | Rory Kliewer was chased and mauled by a 40-pound otter at Bone Lake on Saturday . The otter bit Rory's head before pulling itself onto her and scratching her whole body . | fca2e6847eb22eef8af530347073bce0bf2b1c21 |
I've wanted Rapunzel's hair from the age of five, and I want it just as much now, at the age of 27. Not just long hair, but endless tumbling waves that fall heavy over my shoulders and constantly get in the way with all their weighty glory. In the past, I've had extensions which always tended to look a bit straggly, and very obviously alien to the rest of my locks. And, I reasoned, if even the minted likes of Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears can't seem to get them right, then maybe no amount of money can buy that sort of hair. But one New York-based hair guru, Angelo David, claims to have mastered a 'couture' method so streamlined that Rapunzel hair really can be yours, and with not a single tell-tale sign of its fakery. Scroll down for video . Before and after: New York-based hair guru Angelo David claims to have mastered a 'couture' method so streamlined that Rapunzel hair really can be yours, and with not a single tell-tale sign of its fakery . With a stubborn dose of skepticism, I put my head of average-length hair in his hands and waited for a follicular miracle. Mr David has been in the business for more than 20 years, long before extensions really got popular, and is widely hailed these days as 'the Vera Wang of hair extensions.' He sources human locks from around the world and runs his own 'hair laboratory', where technicians match the color, the texture and the shape of every strand of hair to the samples he takes from his clients. Prices range from $500 to $4,000 and depend entirely on the type, color and amount of hair you want. Mine - 18 inches of premium European hair - are worth an eye-watering $3,600. Customized: Mr David (right) sources human locks from around the world and runs his own 'hair laboratory' which matches the extensions specifically to the client. Pictured, my 18 inches of 'premium European hair' Painstaking: The segments were fused to tiny sections of my hair and secured with thin metal 'micro-rings' bit-by-bit, layer-by-layer (pictured) Hidden: Mr David steered clear of the sections too close to my hair line so that I'd be able to tie my hair up without the rings being visible (pictured) Ta-da! The process took a lengthy five hours to complete, after which I was treated to a 'shaping' trim and a blowout (pictured) First came my consultation, during which I explained what I wanted in forensic detail - 'Rapunzel hair... literally, literally, Rapunzel hair' - while he tossed my mane around and took sneaky snippings as he went. It's important, Mr David says, to take samples from the front, the back, the top and the underneath of the hair, because most of us have different textures in different areas. I'd never noticed this before, but it is definitely true. Then we discussed the sort of wave I wanted, because apparently there are a plethora of those too. I opted for a 'loose S' variety. Finally, I was politely informed that my color was drab, and was whisked off to have it corrected by his colorist. It took a week for Mr David's lab team to prepare the hair, after which I was called in for my marathon application session. Volume: Mr David, a huge fan of 'voluptuous locks', ruffles and coils my hair as I seemingly ponder the meaning of human existence . Hair today, gone tomorrow: It's recommended I return within two to four months, depending on how I'm doing, to have the extensions removed . Options: Personally I prefer a reasonably natural finish (left) but if the urge ever does strike me, glossy ringlets can be mine too (right) The two ponytails Mr David presented me with were made up from hundreds of minute individual threads of hair, bonded at their 'roots'. The more of them they are, he says, the better they will blend in with my own hair. Next, after my hair was washed and dried thoroughly, it was time for the painstaking process of attaching someone else's locks - whomever they may be - to my own, which was always going to be a weird feeling. The segments were fused to tiny sections of my hair and secured with thin metal 'micro-rings' bit-by-bit, layer-by-layer. Mr David steered clear of the sections too close to my hair line so that I'd be able to tie my hair up without the rings being visible. It took five hours, but I was plied with a selection of beverages and kept comfortable throughout. Then and now: The extensions when I first had them done (left) and three months on, without styling (right) Once Mr David had finished, great hunks of thick hair reached my elbows, which felt heavenly but definitely looked wig-like. The final step, 'the shaping', he assured me, was the most important. Off he set in the manor of Edward Scissorhands, hacking into my extremely long hair so that it fell into subtle layers leaving tendrils scattered on the floor. True to his word, the finished result post-blowout - if a little coiffed and 'overdone' for my liking - was impressive. My hair was unfeasibly long and thick, and very much felt like my own. For two nights following the procedure, sleeping was excruciatingly painful; how it might feel to have hundreds of little goblins yanking incessantly on small chunks of your hair. Entirely normal, I hear. Pitfalls: Lindsay Lohan (left and right) tends to have extensions that fail to blend in with her own hair, particularly color-wise . On show: Britney Spears (left) has long been a wearer of blonde extensions, but often has them fitted too high-up and close to her hairline, as does Paris Hilton (center) and Amanda Bynes (right) Once the pain subsided, and after I'd washed my hair, I truly fell in love with the results. The extensions hang naturally, they're not poker straight nor artificially wavy, and they move with my own hair. I barely have to touch them with a styling implement to make them feel nice. In fact, I think they look best completely natural, which far from being high-maintenance like extensions I've had in the past, saves me a boatload of time and hassle. Mr David recommends I return within two to four months, depending on how I'm doing, to have them removed. Any longer and the hair grows too far out from the roots and gets tangled above the micro-rings. Getting it right: Sarah Jessica Parker's extensions match her natural hair perfectly (left) and Kate Beckinsale is rarely without hers, which are thick and luxurious (right) Faithful falsies: Alessandra Ambrosio wouldn't dream of charging down the Victoria's Secret runway without her wavy extensions in (left), and Blake Lively has been a fan of hers for years (right) Great lengths: Keira Knightley once rather successfully lengthened her locks (left) from a previously short, boyish cut, while Rihanna often appears with sudden fountains of wavy hair (right) For between $350 and $450, you can have the extensions re-applied when the time comes. If you opt for this, the salon removes them, washes and freshens up your natural hair and then reapplies them exactly as before, using new micro-rings, as well as throwing a few new sections in for volume. This can be done between two and four times in total, due to shedding over time, meaning that the most you get out of them is nine to 12 months. These extensions may be far from cheap, or be quite long enough for a prince to clamber up them, but the feeling of having locks long enough to fall into my soup, flop onto my keyboard, and genuinely get in my way feels exactly as good as I always hoped it would. | New York stylist Angelo David has a 'hair laboratory' where he matches his extensions to his clients' locks in microscopic detail . His 'couture' approach to false locks has led Mr David to be hailed 'the Vera Wang of hair extensions' Services cost between $500 and $4,000 depending on length and volume required . | b2a9aed62939ba213fcf23fe68e8f924f9c328eb |
By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 09:30 EST, 22 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:32 EST, 23 July 2013 . Her mother fell for the Rolling Stone's front man but it's the Beatles who make Georgia May Jagger go weak at the knees in a new advert. The model recreates Beatlemania in the latest campaign for make-up brand Rimmel. Dressed in a monochrome mini dress, the model swoons and screams she dances to a tune played by a band resembling John, Paul, George and Ringo in their heyday. Scroll down for video . Swoon! Georgia May Jagger screams for a Beatle-like band in the new Rimmel ad . Loving the Fab Four: The model channels a Sixties siren in a monochrome dress and beehive . Perfect pout: The daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger is currently in demand as a model . Sporting a beehive hairstyle and bold eyeliner, Georgia looks every inch the Sixties siren as she pouts and poses for the camera. At the age of 21, Georgia wasn't born when the Beatles first found fame and went on to rival her father Mick Jagger's band the Rolling Stones in the charts. Her mother, Jerry Hall, also a model, went on to win Mick's heart but it's the Fab Four who set Georgia's pulse racing in the advert. The star is currently one of the world's most in demand models with campaigns for Hudson, Louis Vuitton and Just Cavalli perfume already under her belt this year. In the genes: The model flashes the long legs she inherited from her mother . Drawing back the decades: At 21-years-old, Beatlemania was long before Georgia's time . Papa was a Rolling Stone: But it's this band resembling the Beatles that Georgia goes wild for in the campaign . The gap in her teeth, that she refused to correct with braces when she was younger, is one of her most famous traits but she told net-a-porter's The Edit magazine last month that she worries it will maker her look 'scary' when she's older. 'I still worry I'm going to look weird as I get older. I'll be a weird old woman with scary teeth,' she joked. While she always looks flawless in advert campaigns, like the one for Rimmel, she added that she's glad her gappy teeth show young girls that you don't have to look perfect to be beautiful. She said: 'There's this whole idea of perfection (in modeling). What younger girls don't realise is that these girls do have problems. It's good for people to realise everyone is human.' | Model wears monochrome mini-dress with beehive . Swoons at band resembling the Fab Four . | 789099f1f3f5a11ba9ba55bbaca5f1bc75379911 |
By . Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor . and Emma Innes . PUBLISHED: . 08:00 EST, 13 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:00 EST, 13 December 2013 . Tixylix medicines have become the latest in a string of products to be recalled over fears they may contain pieces of plastic. A number of Tixylix medicines, including some for toddlers and babies, have been recalled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). While no adverse effects have yet been noted in people who have taken the drugs, the health watchdog has issued a 'precautionary' recall. Tixylix medicines have become the latest in a string of products to be recalled over fears they may contain pieces of plastic . The news comes the day after Boots extended a medicine recall due to concerns over contamination with plastic cap parts. Tixylix manufacturer, Novartis, alerted officials to a possible fault in the manufacturing process of the seal that might have resulted in small pieces of plastic being found in the liquid medicines. Adam Burgess, the MHRA's head of Defective Medicines Reporting Centre, said: 'This is a precautionary recall and there is currently no evidence that people have had any problems with these medicines. 'If people have bought Tixylix we ask that they check the batch number on the bottle label next to the expiry date to see if it is one of the batches being recalled. If anyone has an affected batch they should return it to the place of purchase for a refund. 'If people do have any questions they can contact Novartis on 0800 854 100 or visit tixylix.co.uk' The batches being recalled are Tixylix Toddler Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150, Tixylix Toddler Syrup 150ml PL 00030/0150, Tixylix Baby Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150, Tixylix Blackcurrant Flavour Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150 and Tixylix Chesty Cough 100ml PL 00030/0082. The batches being recalled are Tixylix . Toddler Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150, Tixylix Toddler Syrup 150ml PL . 00030/0150, Tixylix Baby Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150, Tixylix Blackcurrant . Flavour Syrup 100ml PL 00030/0150 and Tixylix Chesty Cough 100ml PL . 00030/0082 . Yesterday, Boots extended a safety recall linked to thousands of bottles of children’s medicine to six more big-selling products. The . original recall was made two weeks ago and also came after the firm was . alerted to a manufacturing fault associated with the tamper-proof . plastic seals around the caps. The concern is that parts of the seal may have fallen into the medicine as a result, creating the risk of a choking hazard. The . new recall relates to products that are sold to very young babies, . including Boots Pharmaceuticals Gripe Mixture - 1 Month Plus (150ml); . and Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 3 Month Plus 120mg/5ml Suspension . Strawberry Flavour in 100ml and 200ml bottles. Also . being withdrawn are Boots Pharmaceuticals Tickly Cough Relief Oral . Solution (150ml); Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 6 Years Plus . 250mg/5ml Suspension (100ml) ; and Boots Pharmaceuticals Cough Syrup 3 . Months Plus (100ml). Danger: Boots has extended a mass-recall of children's medicine to six more products after faults are found with the machine that puts the plastic seal on the bottles . Customers are being asked to return the products to the store to claim a refund. A . spokesman said: ‘The health and safety of our customers and patients is . always our highest priority, with exceptional quality and care at the . heart of how we support them every day. ‘In . November 2013, we discovered a potential manufacturing fault with the . tamper seal on some Boots Pharmaceuticals liquid medicines, which might . result in small pieces of plastic being found in the medicine. ‘Following . further in-depth investigations, we have found that this issue may have . affected other products produced on the individual production line so . we have taken the precautionary action of asking customers to return . several other items. ‘Whilst . we’re still not currently aware of any customer incidences, nor have we . found any in our customer care database, we have taken the decision to . ask customers to return these products to our stores for a full refund. Three of the affected products are: Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 6 . years Plus 250mg/5ml Oral Solution 200ml, Boots Pharmaceuticals . Ibuprofen 3 Months plus 100mg/5ml Oral suspension Strawberry flavour and Boots Pharmaceuticals Chesty Cough Relief 100mg/5ml Oral Solution . ‘We’re . sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to offer our . reassurances that these actions are taken as a precaution only.’ Customers who have any questions or concerns can call Boots Customer Care on 0800 915 0004. The . original November recall related to Boots Pharmaceuticals Chesty . Cough Relief 100mg/5ml Oral Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Dry Cough . Relief Oral Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Mucus Cough Relief . 100mg/5ml Oral Solution, Boots Pharmaceuticals Paracetamol 6 years . Plus 250mg/5ml Oral Solution 200ml and Boots Pharmaceuticals Ibuprofen 3 . Months plus 100mg/5ml Oral suspension Strawberry flavour. TIXYLIX . BOOTS LATEST RECALL . BOOTS ORIGINAL RECALL . | Tixylix medicines, including some for babies and toddlers, have been recalled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency . The 'precautionary' recall has been issued because the medicines could be contaminated with parts of the bottle caps due to a manufacturing fault . Yesterday Boots extended its medicine recall over similar fears . | 1fedfc6aa5d495493180a73d64056be3ba09ce2e |
It is more than five months since George Groves left Wembley Stadium having been knocked out by Carl Froch. The Londoner had been felled by his bitter rival, who landed a huge punch to fell Groves, and left the ring that night devastated having lost to Froch for the second time. Many wrote the 26-year-old's career off there and then - but much has happened in those intervening months to revitalise the Brit's career, including an extremely impressive victory over Christopher Rebrasse. VIDEO Scroll down to watch George Groves on Douglin, Dirrell and DeGale . George Groves (right), pictured during his win over Christopher Rebrasse in September, believes that it is 'inevitable' he will become a world champion at some point during his boxing career . The Londoner also believes a third fight will happen between himself and Carl Froch once he is champion . Groves was promoting the launch of computer game Far Cry 4, which will be released on November 18 . Not only did that win ensure Groves became European super-middleweight champion, it also elevated him to mandatory challenger for the Anthony Dirrell's WBC world title. And that prize, a reinvigorated Groves insists, will soon be around his waist. 'It's an inevitability that I will be world champion - it will happen,' he told Sportsmail while promoting the launch of the new Far Cry 4 game, due to be released on November 18. 'I want to achieve the dream I have held since I was a child and I will, no doubt about it at all. 'We'll plough on through this next fight and then the dream could become a reality sooner than many ever thought it might.' And that next bout is only a week away, with American Denis Douglin facing Groves at Liverpool's Echo Arena on November 22. Groves (left) and Froch face up to each other following their rematch back in May . Groves, pictured after his win over Rebrasse, believes it is only a matter of time before he is world champion . Groves is extremely confident for the fight, though not complacent, and is adamant he will get the second rematch with Froch he so craves if - or more important in his words 'when' - he keeps on winning. 'I'm in great shape and I just can't wait to get out there so we can strut our stuff,' he added. 'Douglin's a southpaw and I have never been defeated by a southpaw so the confidence is flowing. 'After the loss to Froch last time it felt like life or death - as boxing does at times - but I've come back well and he is back on my radar. 'I would love a Froch III to happen and I think I would beat him. 'He is being indecisive about the whole thing, delaying who he will fight next, and we all know he doesn't like me. 'If I win a world title fight, which I know is going to happen, then I am almost certain, almost certain, that a third bout will happen.' Froch (right) knocked Groves out at Wembley in May but a third fight could happen in the future . Groves is the mandatory challengers for American Anthony Dirrell's world title and believe he will win it . But Froch is not the only potential future British opponent being touted for Groves, with James DeGale smarting for a chance to avenge his solitary defeat back in May 2011. Groves is coy about the possibility of an alternative British superfight but admits it is not totally outside the realms of possibility. He continued: 'If we both keep winning then our paths will cross again, that much is clear. I'm not thinking about him right now but he may come around again as a potential opponent in the future. 'If he wins a world title, and when I win my world title, then a huge unification fight could happen. Groves (right), pictured beating James DeGale back in 2011, thinks they could face each other again . Front cover of Far Cry 4, released on November 18 . 'We both have big personalities and there is an atmosphere between us as everyone know, so there would be nothing bigger than if we had a unification fight in the future.' Talk of British superfights are for the future, however, and Groves is concentrating on the present. Douglin is up next, with Dirrell to follow, and Groves is adamant he will improve on his current record of: 22 fights, 20 wins, two losses (both to Froch). 'I'm ready for the fight, and to be honest ready for the next one, but I will concentrate on winning in Liverpool first. 'The hard work is already banked so the next couple of weeks are slightly frustrating as it is all about having time to chill and having more time to myself. 'We always mean business and that means I intend for there to be a stoppage against Douglin. I won't go gung ho, it will be controlled, but I intend to knock him out.' And, if he does, Groves will be well along the road to finally achieving his dream. Groves is set to take on American boxer Denis Douglin in his next fight on November 22 . George Groves was appearing at a photo-shoot to celebrate the launch of Far Cry 4, the open-world shooter videogame from Ubisoft, out November 18th on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC. | George Groves vs Denis Douglin at Liverpool's Echo Arena, November 22 . The Londoner insists it is an 'inevitability' that he will be world champion . Groves believes once he is champion he'll fight Carl Froch for a third time . Froch has beaten Groves twice in past but second rematch could happen . Groves refused to rule out facing James DeGale, who he beat in May 2011, in a unification fight if both becomes world champions in the future . | 152d08cf00bdc46b5e5bd186aea5521e99f68eae |
George Osborne suffered a major setback in his pledge to balance the books today - after official figures showed borrowing had gone up over the past year. Borrowing spiked by £3.7billion – or 6.1 per cent – in the 12 months to October compared to the year before. It means Mr Osborne is well off the Government’s target to cut the deficit by 12 per cent this year. Britain's mounting debt pile has now hit £1.5 trillion - up £150 billion in just a year. Scroll down for video . George Osborne pledged to eliminate the deficit in five years, but has seen it rise over the past 12 months . The monthly figures from the Office for National Statistics are the last before the Chancellor delivers his autumn statement in a couple of weeks. October's data showed receipts from income tax and capital gains tax up 1.5 per cent on the same month last year. These are 0.4 per cent lower on the year-to-date, despite economic growth running at around 3 per cent and a surge in employment. The poor performance is blamed on the proportion of new jobs which are low-paid or part-time, meaning a lot of the new wages generated do not meet the £10,000 threshold for paying income tax. Central government current spending grew by £1.1 billion partly due to a £500 million increase in benefit spending which the Treasury said was a result of increases in the state pension. The UK's underlying debt was £1.449 trillion, a fall on the month before but higher when compared to the £1.352 trillion in October last year. It now represents 79.5 per cent of gross domestic product, down from September's 79.9 per cent but ahead of 77.7 per cent a year before. Labour's shadow chancellor Ed Balls has criticised the Government's record cutting the deficit . The overall scale of public sector debt was revised downwards as a result of Lloyds Banking Group being reclassified as a private sector body after the Government's share in it was reduced to 25 per cent. Net debt including the public sector banks had been £2.285 trillion in September or 125.8 per cent of GDP but this September figure has now been revised down by £522 billion to £1.763 trillion or 97 per cent of GDP. For October it fell slightly again to £1.761 trillion or 96.6 per cent. Chris Leslie MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responding to today’s public sector finance figures, said: ‘These figures are yet another damaging setback for George Osborne. ‘Borrowing so far this year is now £3.7 billion higher than the same period last year. George Osborne’s promise to balance the books by next year lies in tatters. As the OBR has said, stagnating wages and too many people in low-paid jobs are leading to more borrowing. ‘Labour will balance the books and get the national debt falling as soon as possible in the next Parliament, but we will do so in a fairer way. ‘Our economic plan will reverse the £3 billion tax cut for the top one£ of earners and stop paying the winter fuel allowance to the richest pensioners. We will raise child benefit by just one£ for two years and cut ministers’ pay by five. 'And our plan will deliver a recovery for the many not just a few, with the rising living standards and more good jobs we need to get the deficit down.’ But a Treasury spokesman said: ‘While today's public finance figures show borrowing is down this month compared to last year, the impact of the great recession is still being felt in our economy and the public finances. ‘At the same time, we have to recognise that the UK is not immune to the problems being experienced in Europe and other parts of the world economy. That's why we will continue working through the plan that is building a resilient British economy.’ | Borrowing increased by £3.7 billion in the 12 months to October . UK's debt pile has now hit £1.5 trillion up £150 billion in just a year . Debt now represents 79.5 per cent of Britain's entire economic output . | bf3d53f66fb554f5a58b29fa69e98236b4ab386c |
An Oklahoma police department's newest recruit is a total dummy - a repurposed CPR dummy, that is. Nicknamed the 'Plastic Popo,' the smooth-faced new cop makes a convincing foil when dressed in a blue police uniform and propped up in the front seat of a police car. He's the newest weapon in the cash-strapped Ada police department's battle against speeding. Desk duty: Plastic Popo takes a break from his regular job of slowing down speeding drivers . Effective: The Ada force can't afford to have an officer in every spot where speeding drivers are reported, but Plastic Popo works for free . 'We can't keep people in every neighborhood that they complain about speeders,' Ada Police Chief Mike Miller told News 9. 'But we can put that car there and let it sit all day and it will slow people down.' He's quickly become the Ada PD's most popular cop, with a dedicated Facebook page where people who have tracked him down post selfies with the unflappable fuzz. His popularity hasn't gotten in the way of his effectiveness though - if anything, it's increased it. After setting the Plastic Popo up in a car on a road, says one Ada motorist, next, 'they'll put a real cop in it, and they'll pull you over. They get everybody.' Sacrifice: Plastic Popo was injured after a drunk driver crashed into his patrol car as he waited on the shoulder of a road . Famous: A Facebook page dedicated to Plastic Popo selfies instructs fans not 'to do anything that will make the real Popos upset with you' Despite his relatively risk-free role as a traffic officer, Plastic Popo has seen his fair share of action in the line of duty. The dummy was in position sitting in the front seat of a police car when a drunk driver hit the vehicle head-on. 'He was 10 or 12 feet off the shoulder and a drunk driver came along and took out the car,' said Chief Miller. Being the strong, silent type, Plastic Popo never complained, despite being towed away in his damaged police vehicle. His colleagues put a bandaid over his cheek and as soon as there's another free patrol vehicle, Plastic Popo will be back out on he roads. | An Oklahoma police department is using a plastic CPR dummy to catch drivers speeding . 'Plastic Popo' is set up in a police car to scare drivers into slowing down . Although the town's drivers are aware a dummy is being used, they never know whether it's a real cop or not . He's got many fans in town who take selfies when they find him and post them to his Facebook page . The town's police chief says they couldn't afford to have more officers watching for speeding which is when the idea for Plastic Popo struck . | 1b75f528f7f7c12c859885d1d468a73fbb4fa221 |
By . Emma Innes . PUBLISHED: . 07:45 EST, 4 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:50 EST, 4 September 2013 . A toddler suffers from a rare genetic condition which means he cannot stop smiling. Ollie Petherick, two, from Devizes, Wiltshire, was born with Angelman syndrome - a chromosome disorder which causes severe learning difficulties – and puts a permanent smile on his face. Sufferers present a happy demeanour, so are often smiling or laughing, and tend to be easily excited. Ollie Petherick (pictured with his mother, Annie Campbell) has Angelman syndrome - a rare genetic condition that means he has severe learning disabilities but that he is also always smiling . The condition is so rare that less than 1,000 cases have been reported in the UK. Ollie’s mother, Annie Campbell, said: ‘Ollie’s smile and happy personality just makes everything worthwhile. ‘I can be seriously sleep deprived but his smile never fails to cheer me up - he has a knack of really making you feel his excitement and his giggle is just amazing. ‘The only thing any parent wants is for their child to be happy, and I know that with Ollie, I will always have that.’ Ms Campbell, 24, often receives compliments about her little boy’s beaming smile. She said: ‘We get a lot of comments about his smile when we’re out which his lovely - it really does make you happy when you see his grin. Ollie (pictured with his mother, Annie Campbell, and father, Iain) was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome after his mother noticed that he was not able to focus properly. There are only 1,000 known cases in the UK . Ms Campbell, said: 'Ollie's smile and happy personality just makes everything worthwhile. I can be seriously sleep deprived but his smile never fails to cheer me up.' Ollie is pictured as a baby . ‘He was a very relaxed and placid baby too - he’d always babble away to himself without a care in the world.’ Ms Campbell, who is now a full time carer for her son, only discovered Ollie’s condition when she noticed he couldn’t focus on things properly. She said: ‘Ollie was six-months-old when I started to notice that his development was delayed - his older brother was much more advanced at his age. ‘Then, one evening, I spent hours trying to get him to follow my finger with his eyes, and he just couldn’t do it. ‘I really started to worry, so the next morning I went to the GP to be on the safe side. Ollie's mother, Ms Campbell, says that people often comment on how lovely Ollie's smile is. She said: 'It really does make you happy when you see his grin' Ms Campbell says that she knew Ollie had Angelman syndrome before he was officially diagnosed as she had read about the condition and all of his symptoms matched those she read about . ‘We were referred to the hospital where they did eye tests, but we were eventually told that Ollie suffered from something neurological, but they weren’t quite sure what.’ Ms Campbell was then transferred to a second hospital where her little boy underwent more tests. Meanwhile, she had come across Angelman syndrome in a magazine, and was convinced it was what her son suffered from. She said: ‘I’d read an article in the magazine and the symptoms they were described were exactly the same as Ollie’s. Ms Campbell said: 'It was a relief to finally get a diagnosis. I just wanted to learn as much as I could about it so I knew how to help Ollie' ‘I rang his dad straight away and told him that Ollie had Angelman - I was certain of it. ‘I just knew that’s what he had, and then two days later - six weeks after our first appointment - it was confirmed by the doctors. ‘By this point, I’d already convinced myself he had Angelman, so it was a relief to finally get a diagnosis. I just wanted to learn as much as I could about it so I knew how to help Ollie. ‘I went online and tried to find out as much as possible. I read that Angelman was to do with a deletion of a chromosome – it’s funny how such a tiny thing like that can affect someone so much. Ms Campbell says that she worries about Ollie's future as he will not be able to walk or talk easily. However, she says that for now she just enjoys him as he is . ‘I found support groups and other mum’s who had children with Angelman too, that’s how I got the most help and information.’ Ms Campbell added: ‘Ollie won’t be able to speak or walk with ease when he grows up which is upsetting. ‘I do worry about him in the future - I wonder how I’ll know if he is ever upset or sad, when the Angelman makes him so happy all the time. ‘But at the moment I just enjoy the lovely little boy that I have.’ Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic condition first identified in 1965 by a British doctor, Harry Angelman. Dr Angelman had noticed similarities between a small number of previously undiagnosed children that seemed to indicate they had a common problem. After seeing a painting in the Castelvecchio museum in Verona, Italy, entitled A Boy with a Puppet, he was inspired to write a medical paper titled Puppet Children. The syndrome - originally called 'Happy Puppet Syndrome' because of the characteristic happy demeanour and stiff jerky movements of the children - was renamed Angelman syndrome in 1982. Although at first little was known and indeed few other cases identified, in recent years much more has been learned. During the 1980s advances in genetic medicine made it possible to diagnose increasing numbers of cases and also to start identifying the cause. Most AS children are diagnosed between the ages of three and seven when the characteristic physical and behavioural features become evident. For more information visit: www.angelmanuk.org/angelman_syndrome.html . | Ollie Petherick has the genetic condition Angelman syndrome . It causes severe learning difficulties but also means he is always smiling . He was diagnosed when his mother, Annie Campbell, noticed he was unable to focus properly . Ollie’s family have found comfort in the charity ASSERT, a support group which help families of children with the Angelman syndrome. | ad3d18ab8b3bce8dc722c2a9f643fc4033526574 |
By . Snejana Farberov . Oregon State Police acting on a tip tracked down a wanted murder suspect who was arrested Wednesday wearing nothing but a loin cloth and a crown of twigs. Lt. Gregg Hastings said 44-year-old Daniel Martinson, a suspect in the November 2013 murder of 39-year-old Aaron Clouser, was taken into custody at a Cave Junction park without incident. Police said last week that Martinson gave law enforcement officers the slip on a motorcycle during a manhunt in the forests near the California state line. Bizarre getup: This image provided by the Oregon State Police shows Daniel Martinson, a suspect in a 2013 murder, after his arrest Wednesday July 23 in Cave Junction, Oregon . Martinson is accused of stabbing to death his acquaintance Aaron Clouser, whose lifeless body was discovered in the middle of a street in Cave Junction November 5, 2013, according to the station KPTV. Police have not released a possible motive behind the killing. Once Martinson was named a suspect, state police detectives went to work handing out pictures of the wanted man and asking local residents to keep an eye out for the 44-year-old. He was described as 5-foot-6 and weighing 155lbs, with a shaved head, a missing front tooth and a distinctive pit bull tattoo on his back above the word 'outlaw.' The efforts of the investigators finally paid off Wednesday when a Good Samaritan called 911 just after 9am to report that he spotted Martinson in Cave Junction and recognized him. Victim: Aaron Clouser, 39 (left and right), an acquaintance of Mr Martinson, was found stabbed to death in the middle of a street in Cave Junction in November 2013 . Wanted man: Martinson was described as 5-foot-6 and weighing 155lbs, with a shaved head, a missing front tooth and a distinctive pit bull tattoo on his back above the word 'outlaw' The man was seen carrying a box filled with supplies from a food bank on South Junction Avenue. About 10 minutes later, detectives converged on Jubilee Park and arrested Martinson, who was found barefoot with a piece of yellow cloth tied around his waist and a crown of green branches on his head. ‘It sounds like he was just tired of running,’ Lt Hastings told Statesman Journal. At the height of the manhunt for Martinson last week, one of his friends created a Facebook page in support of the murder suspect. ‘Daniel Martinson Is not a cold blooded murder [sic]!’ a status update from last Thursday stated. ‘This man has a huge heart and often helped out those less fortunate than him.’ | Daniel Martinson, 44, is a suspect in November 2013 stabbing death of 39-year-old Aaron Clouser . The wanted man was chased by police a week ago but managed to get away near Oregon-California border . | 1058d5b8123dc1b5fcae6e63bf16afb243dd084a |
By . Ian Sparks . PUBLISHED: . 10:28 EST, 18 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:52 EST, 19 July 2012 . France's new socialist government is to pass a law making it illegal to arrest Britain-bound migrants flooding into Calais. The proposed legislation comes after the country's highest court ruled illegal immigrants cannot be held in custody for having no identity papers. It is feared the new rules - due to become law in the autumn - will unleash a fresh tide of migrants on the northern French coast hoping to sneak on lorries and ferries to Britain. France's new socialist government, led by President Francois Hollande (left), is to pass a law making it illegal to arrest Britain-bound migrants flooding into Calais. On Monday, Socialist MP Stéphane Saint-André (right) cut a red ribbon to declare a refugee camp dubbed 'mini-Sangatte' open . 'Mini-Sangatte': The wooden prefabricated huts currently have around 50 asylum seekers living in them . President Francois Hollande's ruling . left-wing party has also allowed the construction of 'refugee chalets' close to Calais which have been dubbed a new 'mini-Sangatte' - the . notorious Channel migrant camp closed down ten years ago. The . cluster of pre-fabricated buildings already have 50 migrants living in . them, and sources in the Pas de Calais department have said more migrant . chalets are set to be built. The . latest ruling by the Court of Cassation earlier this month means their . inhabitants are now free to make repeated attempts to sneak across the . Channel without fear of arrest. Originally a hangar for storing drilling equipment when the Channel Tunnel was under construction, the Sangatte camp began sheltering refugees in 1999 and was open for three years. The centre was initially handed over to the Red Cross to offer shelter to people, mainly families, fleeing the Balkans. That population was supplanted by people fleeing Afghanistan and subsequently Iraqi Kurds. Eurotunnel claimed it stopped 18,500 refugees trying to smuggle themselves into Britain in the first half of 2002 alone, the vast majority of whom were from the camp. In 2002 then home secretary David Blunkett and France interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy reached an agreement to shut it down. Despite the closure of the centre at the end of 2002, the problem remains, with refugees arriving in Sangatte every day. France's new interior minister Manuel Valls is keen to provide accommodation for the migrants in the area. After the election of the socialist government this spring work began on the new camp at Norrent-Fontes. Migrants can only be detained for up to six hours while police attempt to establish their identity. Even . if they are found to be in France illegally, the new law will state . they cannot held in secure detention centres but must be allowed to walk . free. The law will affect . around 1,000 illegal immigrants massed on the northern French coast, and . up to 60,000 across the whole of France. French . interior minister Manuel Valls said: 'The decision handed down by the . Court of Cassation forbids from now on placing people in custody on the . sole motive that they are here illegally. 'The prime minister has asked me to draw up a legal text as soon as possible to give this ruling a legal foundation.' The law would come before parliament in the autumn, a spokesman for Mr Valls added. The announcement has been hailed as a 'victory for human rights' by refugee groups in France. Agathe . Marin, spokeswoman for the Cimade refugees' association, said: 'Until . now, the police have been arresting and detaining immigrants on a . massive scale. 'After they . are detained, most of these people are released anyway. We hope that . this ruling will ensure that the police are respectful of immigrants' basic rights and stop treating them like criminals.' Since . the bulldozing of the Sangatte camp in 2002 - which acted as a stepping . stone for an estimated 50,000 migrants to reach Britain - numbers of . illegal immigrants in Calais have been gradually falling. The Red Cross-run centre which housed refugees at Sangatte, near the French terminal of the Channel tunnel was closed by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2002 . Waiting game: Refugees line up inside the former Red Cross-run housing center at Sangatte in 2000 . Former . president Nicolas Sarkozy ordered the destruction of a squalid woodland . camp known as the Jungle in 2009 and bussed almost 300 refugees out of . the area. A year later, another 100 migrants were removed from a woodland encampment in the Channel coast town of Teteghem. But . it is now feared the socialist's 'gentler' approach to illegal . immigration could see thousands more migrants flooding back to Calais. A . right-wing town councillor who asked not to be named said today: 'We . spent a decade trying to clear up this problem that has blighted our . town. 'Now with several strokes of the pen, the left-wingers in Paris and making it much more attractive for them all to return.' | Proposed legislation comes after France's highest court ruled illegal immigrants cannot be held in custody for having no identity papers . New rules due to become law in the autumn . Fears that fresh tide of migrants will sneak into Britain on lorries and ferries . | 1a838238d8908981fa58866d869bc17cf93dd450 |
Bounding up and down the football field dressed to the nines, this dog's certainly ready for some Super Bowl action. Munchkin the Instagram-famous Shih Tzu, is seen in a new video out on a playing field in Southern California wearing her comical teddy bear suit which has been adapted in preparation for Sunday's sporting event. The 8lb canine's red, blue and white ensemble indicates she's rooting for the New England Patriots. It includes white shorts, a red jersey with the number '00' and a padded safety helmet. A football also rests neatly Munchkin's paw. In one photograph, her outfit is topped off with a pair of football boots. The pup took to the spotlight last fall when she debuted a rather unscary Halloween bear costume. Her owner Cindy Roth crafted the fluffy ensemble out of a plush toy. She then posted photographs and videos of Munchkin online, with many fans likening the animal to an 'adorable' version of the Star Wars Ewoks. What a sport: Bounding up and down the football field dressed to the nines, this dog's certainly ready for some Super Bowl action . Instagram star: Munchkin the Shih Tzu is seen in a new video out on a playing field in Southern California . Ready for action: Her comical teddy bear suit has been adapted in preparation for Sunday's sporting event . An 11-second film shows Munchkin bounding up to the camera completely unaware of how funny she looks. To make the costume, Roth measured Munchkin up and selected an appropriately sized toy. She also picked a teddy with matching sandy-colored fur. She then cut the face, feet and back out of the soft bear and removed all of the stuffing except for the arms. To finish, Roth inserted Munchkin's front arms into the teddy's legs. Munchkin appears to have a penchant for dressing up and another photo shows her modeling a party hat, complete with pink feather trim. Her novel antics have secured her a burgeoning fan base, with her YouTube channel boasting more than ten million hits. Au naturel: The pup took to the spotlight last fall when she debuted a rather unscary Halloween bear costume made by her owner Cindy Roth - here she is seen at home without her outfit . Camera-ready: Munchkin's novel antics have secured her a burgeoning fan base, with her YouTube channel boasting more than ten million hits . Wrapped up: She appears to have a penchant for dressing up - here she models some winter gear . | The 8lb dog has found internet fame wearing a comical teddy bear suit . A new video shows her bounding along a football field in Southern California decked out in sports kit . | 4de5ae33f09eaa3d82dcbd6303745316d55b60a8 |
By . Hamish Mackay . Follow @@H_Mackay . While Manchester City were getting beaten by Arsenal on the pitch, more than £100million worth of talent was watching from the stands. Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Alvaro Negredo, Bacary Sagna, Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis and Frank Lampard were among those in the club's box. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini had refused to name any player that had made it past the group stages of the World Cup. But the Chilean manager may well be looking forward to their return after his side's disappointing performance in the Community Shield final. Box: Zabaleta, Kompany, Fernandinho, Negredo, Sagna, demichelis, Aguero and Lampard watch City lose . Old boy: Former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna watched his old side triumph in the Community Shield . An early goal from Santi Cazorla set the scene as he turned Gael Clichy and rifled the ball past Willy Caballero. Aaron Ramsey scored a second after being set up by Yaya Sanogo before Olivier Giroud added a gloss with a dipping, long-range third. The Premier League champions were uncharacteristically vulnerable at the back. Dedrick Boyata partnered Matija Nastasic in the centre while left-backs Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov played either side. Pellegrini will know the result means little, but the return of City's remaining players can't come too soon. Fitness: Both Frank Lampard and Alvaro Negredo were unavailable for selection today . Torrid: Those players who were involved endured a torrid afternoon at the hands of Arsene Wenger's men . CLICK HERE to start picking your Fantasy Football team NOW! There’s £60,000 in prizes including £1,000 up for grabs EVERY WEEK… . | Manchester City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield final . Manuel Pellegrini named a weak back four involving two left-backs . Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Alvaro Negredo, Bacary Sagna, Martin Demichelis, Sergio Aguero and Frank Lampard were in box . Chilean refused to name any player involved past World Cup group stages . | b4dc5394e3ab45660d887484dc01d0169a9989bb |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:25 EST, 24 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:34 EST, 6 June 2012 . The father whose three young daughters perished in a Christmas Day blaze at their mother's Connecticut home has spoken publicly for the first time since their deaths. Matthew Badger, father to nine-year-old Lily and seven-year-old twins Sarah and Gracie, revealed the grief he continues to suffer - and memories of the last time he ever saw his daughters alive. 'The experience of memories about their lives has been one of tears,' he told Good Morning America. 'And every time I open up my computer and look at pictures of them, I am moved.' Scroll down for video . Speaking out: Matthew Badger, whose three daughters were killed in a house fire on Christmas Day, has talked about his grief following their deaths - and how he has channelled it for good . Together: Mr Badger with his daughters (left to right) seven-year-old twins Gracie and Sarah and nine-year-old Lily. He recounted how happy they had been during Christmas celebrations before their deaths . But Mr Badger, who was estranged from the girls' mother, added that he has channelled his grief into something positive, setting up a fund for school arts programs in their names. The three girls died with their grandparents, Lomer and Pauline Johnson, as a fire sparked by fireplace embers tore through their mother's home in Stamford, Connecticut on December 25. Matthew Badger said he struggled to come to terms with the news: 'It was very difficult to see. Why did this happen? I mean, it doesn't make any sense. And I'd just seen them the day before.' He recounted the Christmas celebration they had enjoyed in his New York apartment a day earlier. Fun loving: Mr Badger has created a foundation in the memories of his daughters, (L-R) Lily, Sarah and Gracie . Legacy: The foundation raises funds for schools to incorporate art - a hobby the girls shared - into classes . 'I was with them for an entire week in . my apartment,' Badger said, smiling. 'It was . dancing. We had our own Christmas tree. We . had opened our presents [and] they were all very happy.' Just hours after the three giggling girls posed for photographs in front of the tree, they left for their mother's home. That night, with the youngsters concerned Santa Claus would not be able to get down the chimney, embers from the fireplace were put outside. Yet they were still hot and sparked the 5 a.m. blaze. The girls and their grandparents attempted to escape but were forced back inside. Later reports suggested the home had fire alarms, but they had been disconnected during renovations. Best friends: The girls were killed after a fire caused by fireplace embers ripped through their mother's home . Struggle: Mr Badger, holding an image of Sarah, has created tributes to his girls on the foundation's website . The girls' mother, Madonna Badger, and her boyfriend and the home's contractor, Michael Borcina, managed to escape the $1.7 million waterfront mansion with minor injuries. Mrs Badger, photographed weeping uncontrollably on the day of her daughters' funerals, reportedly attempted to commit suicide after the deaths. She is now in deep isolated mourning. Yet Matthew Badger has sought to come to terms with the deaths by creating something positive in his daughters' memories. He has set up the Lily Sarah Grace Fund to raise money for teachers in public schools to incorporate art into their teaching - a hobby his daughters, who were all dyslexic, loved. Tragic: The three girls (left) perished with their maternal grandparents Pauline and Lomer Johnson (pictured) Deadly: The girls died in their mother's Connecticut home, while Madonna Badger and her boyfriend escaped . 'It's really hard,' he told Good Morning America. 'People . treat their grief in different ways. Either they head straight into the . wind [or] some people hide behind a rock. 'I had a very hard time making sense . of what life was. The instinct of a father for me was . that I needed to love my children and that love I channelled into the . creation of the Lily Sarah Grace Fund. 'I need to try and make them have . made a mark on the planet, and not have just died in vain.' Badger said he had been inspired by New York public school teacher Amie Schindel, whom his daughter Gracie loved. Schindel said: 'I remember having her like it was yesterday. She just kind of shined.' Grief: Matthew Badger and his estranged wife Madonna break down on the day of their daughters' funerals . Badger continued: 'Ultimately, healing will be . when I walk into a classroom in the fall, and see one of those classes . that is being funded by this monument that I've created for my . children. 'And if we are able to do that, then . Lily, Sarah and Grace have done it. They've done it. It's beautiful. It's absolutely beautiful.' The investigation into the fire continues. For more information about the Lily Sarah Grace Fund, and for tributes to the girls from their father, visit www.lilysarahgracefund.org. See below for video . Father talks about fatal Stamford fire: wtnh.com . | Lily, 9, and Sarah and Grace, both 7, died in house fire in Connecticut . Blaze also killed grandparents but mother and her boyfriend escaped . Dad Matthew Badger recounted their last day together: 'They were happy' Has now created foundation in their memories . | 4e3f6ae9ce996d2470693fa5d215c9fbb9c1dae7 |
Blastoff for the spacecraft which could one day take humans to Mars is set for the final countdown as Nasa revealed the capsule has been completed. It will blast the experimental capsule in orbit using a huge Delta IV Heavy Rocket already waiting on the launchpad - although the rockets are then expected to be replaced by Nasa's even bigger Space Launch system. The assembled Orion crew module, service module, launch abort system and adapter will reside in Kennedy's Launch Abort System Facility until its scheduled rollout to the launch pad, set for Nov. 10. Scroll down for video . NASA's Orion spacecraft was completed Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014 in the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will reside there until Nov. 10, when it will be rolled out to Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station ahead of its Dec. 4 test flight. The three common booster cores are 134 feet in length and 17 feet in diameter. Each has an RS-68 engine that uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant producing 656,000 pounds of thrust. All totaled, the three Delta IV boosters collectively generate 1.96 million pounds of thrust. The second stage of the Delta IV rocket is 45 feet in length and 17 feet in diameter. It uses one RL10-B-2 engine, also burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant creating 25,000 pounds of thrust. At the launch pad, it will be lifted onto the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket that will carry it into space for its uncrewed flight test. 'This is just the first of what will be a long line of exploration missions beyond low earth orbit, and in a few years we will be sending our astronauts to destinations humans have never experienced,' said Bill Hill, deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development . 'It's thrilling to be a part of the journey now, at the beginning.' 'We've been working toward this launch for months, and we're in the final stretch,' said Kennedy Director Bob Cabana. Last month the Delta IV Heavy rocket, built by United Launch Alliance, made its move to nearby Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket's three Common Booster Cores were tested, processed and attached to each other to form the first stage that will connect to Orion's service module. It then was raised Wednesday from the horizontal position into its vertical launch configuration. 'Orion is almost complete and the rocket that will send it into space is on the launch pad. 'We're 64 days away from taking the next step in deep space exploration.' Orion was moved Sunday out of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as its launch abort system was fitted. This system is designed to protect astronauts if a problem arises during launch by pulling the spacecraft away from the failing rocket. During the December, uncrewed flight, the jettison motor, which separates the launch abort system from the crew module in both normal operations and emergency, will be tested. For Orion's dry run, the Lockheed Martin Corp.-built capsule will have hunks of aluminum in place of seats for ballast, and simulators instead of actual cockpit displays. Once the launch abort system is stacked on the completed crew and service modules, and the three systems are tested together, the Orion spacecraft will be considered complete. It then will wait inside the launch abort system facility until mid-November, when the Delta IV Heavy rocket is ready for integration with the spacecraft. The Delta IV Heavy rocket (left), built by United Launch Alliance, made its move Tuesday night, to nearby Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The three primary core elements of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket have now been put together, forming the first stage of the launch vehicle that will send Orion far from Earth to allow NASA to evaluate the spacecraft's performance in space. The three Delta IV Common Booster Cores were attached in ULA's Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF), at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The HIF building is located at Space Launch Complex 37 where the mission will lift off. During its Dec. 4 test flight, the unmanned capsule will shoot more than 3,600 miles into space. It will then take two big laps around Earth before re-entering the atmosphere at 20,000 mph and parachuting into the Pacific off the San Diego coast. During the two-orbit, four-hour mission, engineers will evaluate the systems critical to crew safety, the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The data gathered during the mission will influence design decisions and validate existing computer models. The flight also will reduce overall mission risks and costs for later Orion flights. The capsule will re-enter Earth's atmosphere at speeds approaching 20,000 mph, generating temperatures as high as 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The first booster was attached to the center rocket in June with the second one was attached in early August. 'The day-to-day processing is performed by ULA,' said Merri Anne Stowe of Nasa's Fleet Systems Integration Branch of the Launch Services Program (LSP). 'Nasa's role is to keep a watchful eye on everything and be there to help if any issues come up.' Stowe explained that during major testing experts from Nasa's Launch Services Program monitor the work on consoles in Hanger AE at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Hangar AE is home to the Kennedy Space Center's upgraded Launch Vehicle Data Center. The facility allows engineers to monitor voice, data, telemetry and video systems that support expendable launch vehicle missions. The huge Delta IV Heavy rocket w earlier this week put together for the first time at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida ahead of a first test flight of the Orion capsule in December, a mission known as Exploration Flight Test-1. NASA's Florida spaceport is also where Orion was built and is being processed. The Delta IV rocket stages were assembled at the ULA plant in Decatur, Alabama, about 20 miles west of Huntsville. After completion, the rocket components were shipped down the Tennessee River and Tombigbee Waterway, a canal, to the Gulf of Mexico. From there they traveled to Cape Canaveral, arriving on May 6. The elements of the rocket's first stage were then transported to the HIF for preflight processing. 'After the three core stages went through their initial inspections and processing, the struts were attached, connecting the booster stages with the center core,' Stowe said. For Orion's dry run, the Lockheed Martin Corp.-built capsule will have hunks of aluminum in place of seats for ballast, and simulators instead of actual cockpit displays. A Delta IV rocket will do the heavy lifting. It will eventually be launced by Nasa's new Space Launch System 'megarocket'. For its first flight test, SLS will be configured for a 70-metric-ton (77-ton) lift capacity and carry an uncrewed Orion spacecraft beyond low-Earth orbit. In its most powerful configuration, SLS will provide an unprecedented lift capability of 130 metric tons (143 tons), which will enable missions even farther into our solar system, including such destinations as an asteroid and Mars. When asked by a reporter, Cabana said he wishes Orion's flight pace was quicker. 'But it is what it is,' he said. 'Given the budget that we have, I think we've got the best program that you could imagine.' Orion has its roots in the post-Columbia shuttle era; it originated a decade ago as a crew exploration vehicle to get astronauts beyond low Earth orbit and managed to survive the cancellation of the Constellation moon project. | Three Delta IV boosters collectively generate 1.96 million pounds of thrust . Orion capsule will undergo first test flight in December . Comes as Nasa bosses reveal private contracts for shuttle replacement so they can concentrate on the project . | 7a08ba8f1e3443eb929b30e67c8d6548c002069f |
By . Harriet Hernando for MailOnline . A heavily tattooed German man whose face is embellished with hundreds of piercings and two horn implants was refused entry to Dubai - because officials thought he was a practitioner of black magic. Rolf Buchholz, 55, who holds the Guinness World Record for having the most piercings, was travelling to Dubai for the first time last week to appear at a circus-themed venue alongside sword swallowers and burlesque dancers. But he says he was barred from entering the conservative Islamic city by Emirate officials who were concerned he practised the dark arts. Scroll down for video . Scary: German Rolf Buchholz, 55, holds the Guinness World Record for the most piercings. But his appearance apparently put the wind up Dubai airport officials who barred him entry as they thought practised the dark arts . Mr Buchholz, who has 453 piercings, 278 of which are around his genitalia, had his passport stamped and approved at the airport, but was stopped before entering customs. He later tweeted: 'The immigration thought I am black magic. Stupid people.' [sic] and conceded that his appearance may have had something to do with it. 'I have two horns. I think that was also a problem for me in Dubai,' he said. As a result, the IT expert's scheduled appearance at the Cirque le Soir nightclub in Dubai's Fairmont Hotel on Friday was cancelled. The club opened in 2011 and promises a little bit of everything: 'Stilt walkers, midgets, contortionists, tattooed dancers, jugglers, drummers ... magicians and fire eaters,' according to its website. Alcohol flows freely in Dubai bars and clubs, which are typically attached to hotels, and revellers dress just as chicly and skimpily as they would in the West. But while Dubai is far more laid-back than nearby Saudi Arabia or Qatar, traditional Islamic values remain strong, particularly among members of the local population who are far outnumbered by foreign residents. Mr Buchholz was due to perform at the Cirque le Soir nightclub before he was barred entry to the Islamic city . Actions deemed insulting to local values, including public displays of affection, public intoxication and disrespect for religion, can lead to fines and jail time. Jad Lahoud, the executive director of Pragma Lifestyle, the company that runs the Dubai branch of the club, said in a statement that it was 'a shame that Rolf couldn't join us this time.' 'Cirque le Soir Dubai always strives to bring unique entertainment and concepts to the UAE, however we will always act in line with the laws that govern this nation,' he added. Buchholz tweeted shortly after he was ordered to leave that he would never come back to Dubai. But by Sunday, he seemed to be reconsidering. He said he would be happy to return if he had government assurance he'd be let in. Rolf Buchholz, who has 453 piercings and two horns, said he hoped he would be let into Dubai in the future . | Rolf Buchholz holds the Guinness World Record for the most piercings . He has two implanted horns in his head along with 453 piercings . Says airports officials barred him from the Gulf over black magic . | 51d74e555f780c92c5eae66deefe042936fbf4fb |
A year ago, Landon Jones stopped eating. Overnight, the 12-year-old's appetite disappeared without warning, hours after he devoured a pizza and bowl of ice cream. Waking up on the morning of October 14, 2013, Landon had lost all sense of hunger and thirst, The Des Moines Register reported. The once energetic youngster, who loved nothing more than going out on his bike and playing in the park with his friends and brother, stopped. He was sick and suffered dizziness almost 24 hours a day. Landon Jones, 12, from Waterloo, Iowa, lost his appetite last October. His parents Michael and Debbie have struggled to encourage him to eat every day for a year and are desperate for help to discover what is wrong with their son after tests at five different hospitals failed to offer a diagnosis . Today Landon's parents Michael and Debbie are at their wits end, desperate for help to discover what is wrong with their son. Their quest for a diagnosis has taken the family to five different cities across the US. The local pediatrician in Waterloo, Iowa, prescribed antibiotics - but still Landon would not eat or drink. Doctors in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Madison were consulted. And Mr and Mrs Jones took their son to Rochester in Minnesota where experts at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic examined Landon's case. But their frustrating search has, so far, produced no answers. The National Institutes of Health in the US is now considering offering Landon an appointment - they only examine the rarest of cases each year. In the last year Landon has shed almost 36lbs, plummeting from 104lbs to 68lbs, after he started to lose around 2lbs a week last autumn. Mr and Mrs Jones have tried everything they can think of to encourage their son to eat. But the 12-year-old rarely eats more than a bite of his sandwich at lunch and a few crisps. Experts at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester say they believe Landon's may be the first case of its kind in the world . While his younger brother Bryce, nine, bounds in from school each day to play with the family's dog, lethargic Landon prefers to lie on the sofa. In the last year he has missed 65 days of school. And his parents say he hasn't run for months, forced to watch his classmates from the sidelines. Repeatedly Landon's parents urge him to take a bite to eat, take a drink. The next step, they say, is to insert a feeding tube, to help nourish Landon directly through his stomach. Mr Jones said they believe their son's illness is linked to the hypothalamus in Landon's brain, malfunctioning. The size of a flattened pea, it regulates hunger and thirst as well as body temperature, blood pressure and sleep cycles. Dr Marc Patterson, a child neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, said Landon's may be the only case of its kind in the world. Mr Jones said another possible cause of Landon's illness is treatment he received three years ago for absence seizures. The then nine-year-old would sit and stare into the distance, oblivious to the world around him. Doctors prescribed him Depakote, commonly used to treat such seizures, and was on the drug for a year. The family doctor has now questioned whether there is a link between the drug and the suppression of Landon's appetite. But Dr Patterson said the drug is typically linked to increased hunger and weight gain. Now Mr and Mrs Jones' plea is simple, they are appealing for anyone who can help to get in contact. If you can help, email them at [email protected] . | Landon Jones, 12, lost his appetite and sense of thirst overnight . On October 14, last year he woke up with no desire to eat or drink . Once energetic youngster stopped running, cycling and playing with friends . Doctors at five different hospitals have failed to discover what is wrong . His parents Michael and Debbie are desperate for a diagnosis and treatment . But test after test has failed to offer any hope of answers to their questions . Experts believe Landon's may be the only case of its kind in the world . | 86c0e9049729d30ae6e86e24c4be98c68fbe294b |
By . Brett Zongker . , Associated Press . Scientists and art experts have found a hidden painting beneath one of Pablo Picasso's first masterpieces, The Blue Room, using advances in infrared imagery to reveal a bow-tied man with his face resting on his hand. Now the question that conservators at The Phillips Collection in Washington hope to answer is simply: Who is he? It's a mystery that's fuelling new research about the 1901 painting created early in Picasso's career while he was working in Paris at the start of his distinctive blue period of melancholy subjects. What lies beneath: The Blue Room, one of Pablo Picasso's first masterpieces, under a microscope at The Phillips Collection, Washington. Scientists and art experts have found a hidden painting beneath the painting . Curators and conservators revealed . their findings for the first time to The Associated Press last week. Over the past five years, experts from The Phillips Collection, National . Gallery of Art, Cornell University and Delaware's Winterthur Museum . have developed a clearer image of the mystery picture under the surface. It's a portrait of an unknown man painted in a vertical composition by . one of the 20th century's great artists. 'It's really one of those moments that really makes what you do special,' said Patricia Favero, the conservator at The Phillips Collection who pieced together the best infrared image yet of the man's face. 'The second reaction was, "well, who is it?" We're still working on answering that question.' Who is he? Patricia Favero, associate conservator at The Phillips Collection, points to the image found beneath The Blue Room, a bow-tied man with his face resting on his hand, with three rings on his fingers . The Blue Room beneath the microscope: Conservators long suspected there might be something under the surface of The Blue Room, which has been part of The Phillips Collection in Washington since 1927 . In 2008, improved infrared imagery . revealed for the first time a man's bearded face resting on his hand . with three rings on his fingers. He's dressed in a jacket and bow tie. A . technical analysis confirmed the hidden portrait is a work Picasso . likely painted just before The Blue Room, curators said. After the . portrait was discovered, conservators have been using other technology . to scan the painting for further insights. Conservators . long suspected there might be something under the surface of The Blue . Room, which has been part of The Phillips Collection in Washington since . 1927. Brushstrokes on the piece clearly don't match the composition . that depicts a woman bathing in Picasso's studio. A conservator noted . the odd brushstrokes in a 1954 letter, but it wasn't until the 1990s . that an x-ray of the painting first revealed a fuzzy image of something . under the picture. It wasn't clear, though, that it was a portrait. 'It's really one of those moments that really makes what you do special': Patricia Favero, the associate conservator who pieced together the best infrared image yet of the man's face, shows it on computer . 'When he had an idea, you know, he just had to get it down and realise it': Curator Susan Behrends Frank told the AP that Picasso could not afford to buy new canvasses every time he had an idea he wanted to pursue . The Blue Room in a vertical orientation in front of an infared camera: Suspicions were raised by brushstrokes on the piece which clearly don't match the composition that depicts a woman bathing in Picasso's studio . Ms Favero sets up an infared camera to view the image beneath the Blue Room: After the portrait was discovered, conservators have been using other technology to scan the painting for further insights . 'When . he had an idea, you know, he just had to get it down and realise it,' curator Susan Behrends Frank told the AP, revealing Picasso had . hurriedly painted over another complete picture. 'He could not afford to . acquire new canvasses every time he had an idea that he wanted to . pursue. He worked sometimes on cardboard because canvas was so much more . expensive.' Scholars are . researching who this man might be and why Picasso painted him. They have . ruled out the possibility that it was a self-portrait. One possible . figure is the Paris art dealer Ambrose Villard who hosted Picasso's . first show in 1901. But there's no documentation and no clues left on . the canvas, so the research continues. Masterpiece: Curators are planning the first exhibit focused on The Blue Room as a seminal work in Picasso's career for 2017. It will also examine the revelation of the man's portrait beneath the painting . Favero . has been collaborating with other experts to scan the painting with . multi-spectral imaging technology and x-ray fluorescence intensity . mapping to try to identify and map the colors of the hidden painting. They would like to recreate a digital image approximating the colors . Picasso used. Curators are . planning the first exhibit focused on The Blue Room as a seminal work in . Picasso's career for 2017. It will examine the revelation of the man's . portrait beneath the painting, as well as other Picasso works and his . engagement with other artists. For now, The Blue Room is part of a tour to South Korea through early 2015 as the research continues. ID check: One possible figure is the Paris art dealer Ambrose Villard who hosted Picasso's first show in 1901. But there's no documentation and no clues left on the canvas, so the research continues . Hidden treasures: Dorothy Kosinski, the director of The Phillips Collection, said new knowledge about Picasso and his process can be discovered through the high-tech collaboration among museums . Hidden . pictures have been found under other important Picasso paintings. A . technical analysis of La Vie at the Cleveland Museum of Art revealed . Picasso significantly reworked the painting's composition. And . conservators found a portrait of a mustached man beneath Picasso's . painting Woman Ironing at the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan. Dorothy . Kosinski, the director of The Phillips Collection, said new knowledge . about Picasso and his process can be discovered through the high-tech . collaboration among museums. 'Our . audiences are hungry for this. It's kind of detective work. It's giving . them a doorway of access that I think enriches, maybe adds mystery, . while allowing them to be part of a piecing together of a puzzle,' she . said. 'The more we can understand, the greater our appreciation is of its . significance in Picasso's life.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Figure of bow-tied man found beneath Picasso's masterpiece The Blue Room . Art specialists are now trying to figure out just who the man was . They hope to use more advanced techniques to recreate picture in colour . | f246e99000f2c6ae868f276feb87254e3ed0f9cf |
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama is planning to nominate at least three key members of his national security team at an event in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, including Sen. Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, according to two Democratic officials. Sen. Hillary Clinton will be nominated to be Barack Obama's secretary of state, sources say. The officials said Obama is also expected to confirm that he is keeping Defense Secretary Robert Gates in his current post and naming retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones as his national security adviser at the White House. The officials said that after much contemplation, Jones officially agreed to take the job in the past few days. All of the selections are hardly a surprise after weeks of fevered speculation. In fact, they're such an open secret that retiring Republican Sen. John Warner, a veteran member of the Armed Services Committee, released a statement Saturday night praising all three nominees before they have been officially named at Monday's rollout. "The triumvirate of Gates, Clinton and Jones to lead Obama's 'national security team' instills great confidence at home and abroad and further strengthens the growing respect for the president-elect's courage and ability to exercise sound judgment in selecting the 'best and the brightest' to implement our nation's security policies," Warner said. | President-elect to name key members of security team, Democratic officials say . Obama to keep Robert Gates as defense secretary, sources say . Retired Gen. Jim Jones to be named national security adviser . | 52c7e42143f935b190ebbb331992f321b1170229 |
A close friend and business associate of the murdered McStay family has been arrested after the victims were found buried in the desert. Charles 'Chase' Merritt, 57, has been arrested for the murders of businessman Joseph Chase, his wife Summer, and their children Gianni and Joseph Jr, aged three and four. He was taken into custody two days ago in Chatsworth, California, less than two hours' drive from the shallow graves where the beaten bodies were found. Merritt, long the prime suspect in the case, had previously told MailOnline exclusively that he was being wrongfully harassed over the case, even saying: 'All I want is for them to find the a******s who did this.' Scroll down for video . Arrested: Merritt, pictured center being led away after his arrest, was taken in on November 5 and will appear in court today . Prime suspect: Merritt has previously denied wrongdoing and said he hopes police find the 'a******s who did this' Victims: Summer McStay, left, her sons Joseph Jr McStay, four, (center left), Gianni McStay, three (center right) and Joseph McStay (right) were found in shallow graves in the southern California desert last year . The couple and their boys vanished in February 2010 from their Fallbrook home in San Diego County, and were thought missing until the bodies were found three years later. Corpses later identified as the McStays were dug up from a shallow grave. Investigations determined they had died of blunt force wounds, and now believe they were murdered at home. Authorities announced his arrest in a news conference today, ahead of his first appearance in court today. Merritt was due to be arraigned at Victorville Courthouse, California. But after a brief appearance the arraignment was pushed back to November 12. A statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff said: 'Chase Merritt was arrested without incident and transported to the West Valley Detention Center. He was booked for murder and is being held without bail. The District Attorney’s Office filed four counts of murder against Merritt.' Family and suspect: Michael McStay, brother to murdered Joseph, left, spoke tearfully at the conference announcing the arrest of Charles 'Chase' Merritt, pictured right in a police mugshot . Announcement: San Bernardino Sheriff John McMahon speaks during a news conference today . Murder scene? Investigators now believe the McStay family was killed at their home, pictured, in Fallbrook, California . Shallow graves: Workers are pictured filling in the holes where the McStays were found buried in the Mojave Desert almost a year ago . If found guilty of the murders, he could face the death penalty. Merritt was taken into custody on November 5, and is now in the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he is being held with no bail. Authorities refused to discuss motives for the killing. But in a recent interview with ABC10 News, Joseph McStay's father Patrick said it was 'all money'. He told the channel: 'We had information that took us straight to Merritt... It was all money... Joey had some big contracts he'd put together worth millions.' McStay and Merritt were in a similar line of business - according to CNN, Merrit would often sell custom-made water fountains to McStay's more general garden business. Investigators today said: 'Joseph McStay and Charles Merritt owned their own businesses, both related to waterfalls. 'They started working together and became friends.' Speaking at the conference, Mike Ramos, the district attorney for San Bernadino County, said: 'This is a cold and callous murder of an entire family.' He added that there is 'No reason, no motive for that ever to occur - especially for the young children, the most vulnerable victims.' Tearful members of the McStay family today remembered their loved ones and called for justice to be done over their killings. Family: Susan McStay, left, and Michael McStay, right, both spoke today demanding justice after Merritt's arrest. The two are pictured above at a press conference last year . Michael McStay, Joseph's brother, said: 'I just wanted to see it through to the end. 'Joseph was a great brother, a great father, he would've done anything to protect those boys and Summer and he tried to help Chase and provide work for this guy - and this is how he was repaid. 'I know he's in a better place - I know that sounds a little trite but this gives our family a little more closure, the opportunity to heal and move forward and he'll get what he's got coming to him.' Susan McStay, Michael's mother, added: 'My son and his family was a beautiful family that did not deserve this, Joey was so generous and kind to so many people - I always kept hope that we'd find him.' '...That phonecall [to say their bodies had been found] was the biggest shock of our lives. But I still had hope because I felt the strength and power from this team [of law enforcement officers]. They did a wonderful job. Defiant: Last year in an exclusive MailOnline interview, Merritt denied wrongdoing and hoped police would find the 'a******s who did this' 'Now I received that phonecall, and now there's a little more to our journey. I need justice from the law and the courts.' A year ago, their skeletons were found in the desert outside Victorville. The site was not far off heavily traveled Interstate 15, which connects San Diego and Las Vegas. Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry at the family's home or in their SUV, which was found parked near the U.S.-Mexico border. Neither Joseph nor Summer had told family or friends they were leaving. When they were reported missing, authorities went to the house and found eggs that had rotted on the kitchen counter and two pet dogs in the backyard, indicating the family hadn't prepared for an extended leave. Nothing was missing from the home, and the couple's credit cards and tens of thousands of dollars in bank accounts never were touched. Last November, Charles Merritt was eulogizing the McStay family, he spoke with his 'best friend' Joseph McStay multiple times a day and had an exciting business venture in the pipeline. Now, almost a year later, he has been charged with murdering McStay, his wife and his two children, aged three and four years old. Merritt, who said he took a lie detector test to remove himself from suspicion, spoke at length about the murdered family in an exclusive interview with MailOnline last year. Speaking from a restaurant in the Mojave Desert, he called for the law to catch whoever is responsible, and claimed he himself was 'the least violent man on the planet.' In words which take on a chilling meaning after he was today charged with four counts of murder, he said: 'I was the last person Joseph saw.' He then went on to describe a business meeting, and the last call from McStay's phone number - to him. Merritt said: 'He came to Rancho Cucamonga on February 4 to talk to me about a huge business deal we had going on in Saudi Arabia. ‘We met for an hour-and-a-half for lunch. He was so excited. We had the Saudi Arabian project and a few other things going on. 'The business had never been so good and we were looking forward to the future. He did nothing to suggest there was anything wrong or untoward. ‘We both left and went home and I spoke to him on the phone about two or three times on his drive back to Fallbrook, all standard business stuff. The last time I spoke to him was around 6 o’clock. ‘It has been reported that I spoke to him in the evening, but that isn’t true. He did call me at 8.28pm, but I was watching a movie with my girlfriend, looked at the phone and decided not to answer. 'When you talk to Joseph it takes about half an hour, so I thought I’d catch up with him in the morning. ‘I didn’t answer that call and I regret it to this day.’ Merritt also responded to widespread accusations he was behind the killings - fueled in part by the revelation he had a criminal record and had served two jail sentences. He eventually agreed to a lie detector test in a bid to shake off suspicion. Speaking of the crimes, he said: 'I regret it, but that doesn't give people the right to trash me, especially after I have lost my best friend. ‘Very soon after the disappearance, Lt Brugos who was leading the case, called me and asked if I would take a lie detector test, because he was convinced I knew where Joseph was. ‘I declined at first and got some advice from an attorney, who told me not to do it, because if anything at all shows up they will harass you. ‘But I spoke to my girlfriend about it extensively and decided, you know what, I’m just going to do the damn test, so they can forget about me and focus on something that might actually help find him. ‘About three of them came out to my attorney’s office in Palm Valley. They asked me whether I knew anything about the disappearance, and if I did know anything, would I tell them. ‘After I’d finished, Brugos’s partner said to me, "well there are a couple of inconsistencies" but that was just them trying to trick me into saying something. I didn’t hear any more about it after that. ‘Was I a suspect? Well, I don’t know if I’m the only one they asked to do a lie detector test, but I am the only one who actually agreed. They were certainly on my case.' He said: ‘I may not be the nicest person in the world, but I have only ever had Joseph’s best interests at heart. That’s all I have ever cared about, despite what had been written about me. ‘I am a normal man, trying to take care of my three kids and I have lost a very good friend. 'I wasn’t Joseph’s best friend, but he was mine. I didn’t have many people close to me, but we shared a lot.' | Charles Merritt, 57, has been arrested over murder of four family members . Joseph, Summer, Gianni and Joseph Jr McStay were found dead last year . In 2013 Merritt told MailOnline he wanted 'to find the a******s who did this' Will appear in court today, could face death penalty if guilty of murders . Tearful members of the McStay family called for justice to be done . Joseph McStay's father had suggested money is the motive in the killing . | 8a2e94ff8e61ae66196c29d84995e9445ee580e6 |
By . Ben Nagle for MailOnline . Former TOWIE star Amy Childs and Countdown's Rachel Riley were the main attraction at this afternoon's first ever Soccer Six Fest at Mile End Stadium. The event, billed as the 'biggest celebrity football tournament in the world', played host to a wide range of 'celebrities' including dancer Louie Spence, X Factor winner James Arthur, and singer Frankie Cocozza. Soccer Six was created in 1995, and has been played at various stadia around the UK, but 2014 sees the first ever Soccer Six Fest, combining both football and music. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Rachel Riley behind the scenes of football advert . Pout: Childs (left) and Riley (right) pose for the cameras at Soccer Six . Stretch: Childs (left) prepares for the event with some stretches, while Riley (right) laughs with photographers . Injury: Riley seeks medical attention during her match while Childs looks down at her opponent on the turf . The event took place at Mile End Stadium, the venue of the first ever Soccer Six match 19 years ago. Childs and Riley, two of the celebrities in attendance at Mile End, were quick to show off their football skills as they took to the pitch in Tower Hamlets. Childs has been a West Ham fan all her life, whereas Countdown star Riley is a huge Manchester United fan, and even got presented with a shirt live on the show by United legend Ryan Giggs. Winger: Riley makes a marauding run down the left flank . Warm-up: Childs stretches in her stripy socks before taking to the field . Run: Riley (left) and Childs (right) take a pre-match jog around the pitch, to the delight of onlookers . | Soccer Six was created in 1995 and the first match was at Mile End . Sunday marked the first ever Soccer Six Fest, combining football and music . Rachel Riley and Amy Childs were two of the star attractions . Other celebrities included Louie Spence and James Arthur . Childs is a West Ham fan, and Riley is a life-long Man United supporter . | c8b279d43c788aefaf58371bf27b29504c43c0ac |
Washington (CNN) -- Lina Stauffenberg stood on a corner outside the U.S. Supreme Court on a brilliant but unseasonably chilly early spring day and defined marriage as that between a man and a woman. "A father and a mother is best for children," she said. Laura De Nardis and Deborah Smith stood arm-in-arm near the same spot. "We want equality under the law," De Nardis said unequivocally as she wrapped an arm around her partner. 5 things we learned from the justices . Stauffenberg, De Nardis and Smith not only stood apart literally, but also sharply illustrated the divide making history inside the high court -- the question of whether same-sex marriage can be prohibited under the law. As the justices weighed legal arguments over an appeal of California's same-sex marriage ban, demonstrators packed sidewalks around the ornate Supreme Court building. They were jammed shoulder to shoulder as speeches rang out from a makeshift stage. Demonstrators from both sides pumped their fists waved homemade signs. Some broke into chants while others led a small parade that snaked between the crowd. The mood was festive overall. Police cleared the roads and maintained access to the court but otherwise kept a low profile. Grass ringing the court grounds was trampled to mud, which covered the sidewalk. Shoeprints were everywhere. The public sentiment outside the marble court seemed to mirror recent polling showing a growing awareness around the issue, and stronger support for same-sex marriage specifically. A decision that could change America . According to the CNN/ORC International survey, 57% say they have a family member or close friend who is gay or lesbian, up 12 points from 2007. Also, the number of Americans who support same-sex marriage has risen by almost the same amount over the same period - from 40% in 2007 to 53%. "It's time that gay and lesbian couples have the same rights as straight couples," says said Olga Liapis-Muzzy, who was outside the court with her partner of three years, Emily Gosnell. Some of those gathered recognized a momentous event. "It's a historic day. I want to be a part of history," said Scott Nelson, a New Jersey history teacher who arrived at the Supreme Court at 2 a.m. Someone yells to same-sex marriage supporters: "What do we want?" They respond: "Equality!" The person again implores: "When do we want it?" "Now!" is the answer. Same-sex marriage opponents were vocal, too. Hear and read the arguments in full . Chris Simon of Maryland owns a detailing company, and held a sign that read: "Say No to Same-Sex Marriage." "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. This is the way God planned it. Two men and two women can't reproduce. That's going against word of God," he said. Carl Boyd Jr., is a Christian Conservative radio host from Nashville. Dressed in a suit, Boyd debates a woman and a man and then walks away. He then stood on the edge of the crowd. "I am out here to stand with the institution of marriage between one man and one woman," he said. "Gay rights and civil rights are not the same thing," he added later. As he spoke, however, supporters for same-sex marriage continue to wave signs and cheer. Across the street music starts to play from a boom box and some of the younger supporters of same-sex marriage begin to dance. Soon, the arguments are over inside and lawyers and spectators walk out of the court. People begin to cheer and snap pictures. Those who were inside smiled back and took pictures of the crowd. The symbol that took over social media . | Both sides protest outside Supreme Court as justices weigh same-sex marriage . Festive mood dominates atmosphere outside of court, but both sides passionate . Protesters wave signs, make speeches, sing and dance . First of two days of arguments on issue with potential landmark implications . | 69c4b7906085be91898817ca4c283e16ac4e7c19 |
PUBLISHED: . 08:16 EST, 11 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:56 EST, 12 May 2013 . A standoff with an armed man who took multiple hostages inside a Trenton home has ended, and three children are safe, police said early Sunday. Word of the confrontation's conclusion came a short while after the standoff, which had had prompted the evacuation of nearby homes, entered its third day. 'The Trenton hostage situation is resolved, the three children are safe, and the area is secure,' state police Sgt. Adam Grossman told The Associated Press, delivering a joint statement also from Trenton police and county prosecutors. Scroll down for video . Pushed out: Residents from Grand Street in South Trenton were evacuated and waited in fear for the standoff's ultimate conclusion . Grossman said the standoff ended at . 3:45 a.m. Sunday but refused to reveal any more details, including how . it ended, what became of the gunman, any information about the children, . and if there were any other hostages. Grossman said more details will be released at a news conference later Sunday morning. The . man had been holed-up in a . two-story red brick house in South Trenton, authorities said. The . standoff began Friday afternoon. During . the standoff, police declined to give any details on the number of . people being held, their ages or relationship to the armed man. Armed: SWAT police personnel stand guard outside the South Trenton home where a man held several children hostage, having killed their mother and 13-year-old brother . Evacuated: Police evacuated the area and used flash bombs to secure the home, firing a single shot at the suspect before paramedics were called . Earlier, state police Lt. Stephen . Jones had described the standoff as an 'ongoing, tense situation' and . said police were working to 'bring this to a peaceful end.' Philadelphia's NBC10 reports that the mother has been identified by family members as Carmelita Stevenson. ‘They had a little misunderstanding and the guy killed her and my nephew,’ said Stevenson’s sister Tonya Kelly, who drove in Maryland when she heard the news. Kelly, who refers to the suspect as ‘Skip’ said three of her sister’s other children—aged 20, 18, and 4—were the other hostages, while another one of Stevenson’s sons, aged 19, was able to escape. On . Saturday, family members of a woman they said was among the hostages . grew angry, with some of them going under police tape and briefly . confronting officers about the situation. 'Do something! Do something!' screamed a man who said he was the woman's nephew. 'Make something happen!' Police presence: Police were first called Friday afternoon, when they entered the home and found the mother Carmelita Stevenson and her 13-year-old son dead . Watching & Waiting: New Jersey police officers stood guard on a street in Trenton, New Jersey. The gunman held two teen girls and a 4-year-old boy along with the dead mother and son . Drawn out: Police were called just before 3pm on Friday and were still in position early on Saturday morning until the ultimate conclusion early Sunday . Tense: Negotiations continued, but top no avail and police eventually chose to enter the home . Police were called to the home just before 3 p.m. Friday on reports that a man had barricaded himself inside. Authorities . said police entered the home and found the man brandishing a gun. Police retreated safely, and a SWAT team was called. Perimeter: Neighbours and local media were kept back as police conducted negotiations with the armed man . Police said an arson bomb unit also was on the scene. Police declined to say whether the man was making any demands. Homes . on the surrounding block had been evacuated as a precaution, and police . tape cordoned off the street in front of the house and nearby. An . ambulance was parked near the home but left the scene earlier Saturday. Shock: Neighbours were stunned by the news that a woman and her child had been shot. The couple had moved to the neighbourhood just four months ago . | Police evacuated nearby South Trenton homes Saturday night and later detonated several flash bombs, and fired a single shot before an ambulance was called early Sunday . Carmelita Stevenson and her 13-year-old son were found dead when police first entered the house Friday, before retreating to safety and calling in the SWAT team . Standoff began at 3:00pm on Friday afternoon and ended around 3:45am Sunday . | 9b7d724f6f911b5ed6c00d079596855238d15c85 |
(CNN) -- Third seed Maria Sharapova was stunned on her return to action at the Western and Southern Open, losing to American starlet Sloane Stephens. Four-time grand slam champion Sharapova had not played since crashing out in the second round at Wimbledon in June due to a hip injury. Former world No. 1 Sharapova looked on course to make a victorious comeback in Cincinnati when she took the first set 6-2 against her 17th-ranked opponent. But Stephens bounced back, recovering from 2-6 0-2 down to take the match 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 and register her second career victory over a top-three ranked player. "It definitely started out a little rough for me, but I'm glad I was able to turn it around and start playing some good tennis in the second and third sets," 20-year-old Stephens told the WTA's official website. "At the start of the second set I was just going to start going for my shots a little more and hoped they would just go in. I'm glad I started hitting and finding a rhythm. That kind of helped me out for the rest of the match. "Obviously when you're playing someone who's No.3 in the world, you know they're No.3 for a reason and they're going to be tough. You've got to go out and play your hardest. But when you think about it, you're like, 'Okay, I'm playing Sharapova.' Like, you've got to get your mind right." The match was Sharapova's first since hiring U.S. legend Jimmy Connors as her coach and, while quick to credit Stephens, she was disappointed she was unable to continue the form she showed in the match's opening set. "I didn't continue what I was doing well for the first set and a half, and that hurt me," explained the 26-year-old. "I stopped being patient. I started making a lot more errors, especially off the first ball. Just errors I shouldn't make. "Obviously I haven't played in a long time, but I've got to be ready from the first match. So it's disappointing, but that's how it goes in this game." Second seed Victoria Azarenka had no such problems, beating American Vania King 6-1 7-6 (8-6). Belarus' Azarenka missed last week's event in Toronto with a back injury, but showed she was in good shape by recovering from 0-3 in the second set to take the match in one hour and 41 minutes. Azarenka and Sharpova both entered the tournament at the second round stage. "I think the beginning of the second set wasn't very good for me," Azarenka said after advancing into the third round. "There were quite a few unforced errors and just really fast mistakes that didn't happen in the first set. It went kind of quickly, but I was glad that I could turn it around there and come back even stronger. "Then there was competitiveness. She was already in the game and playing at a much higher level than before, and going for her shots. So I had to stay with her and just take my opportunities, and I did. "There was a little bit of inconsistency today, but first matches can be tricky. I just want to think about what I need to improve for my next match. That's the most important thing for me going forward." Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki crashed out after losing her first-round match against former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic. Meanwhile 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer began his defense of the men's title with a battling 6-3 7-6 (9-7) win over Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber. The fifth seed, playing for the first time since losing to Kohlschreiber's compatriot Daniel Brands at a clay-court event in Gstaad, Switzerland, is bidding for a record sixth win at the Ohio event. "I think it was a match where I had to sort of just fight to come through," the 32-year-old told the ATP Tour's official website. "I was playing really well at times, and then sometimes it was maybe a bit up and down. "But assessing the performance overall, I'm very happy. It's good to be back and playing pain free. My mind's good. I was in a good place while I was playing, so it felt nice to win at the end." Third seed David Ferrer is also into the third round thanks to a hard-fought 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 6-4 win over U.S. wildcard Ryan Harrison. | Maria Sharapova loses to Sloane Stephens on her return from a hip injury . Sharapova had not played since crashing out in the second round at Wimbledon . Stephens beats a player ranked inside the top three for the second time in her career . Roger Federer and David Ferrer advance to the third round in Cincinnati . | 66aabacb27d1458679a2ad121fccc8713ba0ada9 |
David Kirchhoff, 45, labelled himself a 'slow learner' after becoming familiar with the company's calorie-counting system in 2000 . By . Kristie Lau . PUBLISHED: . 15:16 EST, 9 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:40 EST, 9 May 2012 . Shedding unwanted weight is a struggle many are familiar with and that includes the head of Weight Watchers. David Kirchhoff, the 45-year-old president and chief executive officer of Weight Watchers, has written a book that reveals how he struggled to adapt to the company's famous calorie-counting points system. Although he first learned of the system when he joined the company in 2000, the New York-based CEO told the Today show this morning that he was a 'slow learner' when it came to shedding his own unwanted weight. Now and then: David Kirchhoff, the CEO of Weight Watchers, has revealed his own weight loss battle in a new book titled Weight Loss Boss. It took him a long nine years to shed 40lbs . The book, titled Weight Loss Boss, details how it took Mr Kirchhoff, who has served as CEO since 2006, almost a decade to shed 40lbs. The weight loss finally came as a result of adapting to healthy eating habits rather than focusing on quick-fix solutions such as dieting. It is an ethos that Weight Watchers promotes. He said of the extensive struggle: 'Honestly, I . think because I was in the dieting mentality, which is to be hard-core . for two or three months and then… go back to my old life.' Mr Kirchhoff, who has weighed 203lbs for the past three years, believes the real key to weight loss is to address an individual's 'underlying behaviour' that may work as a contributor to weight gain. Weight loss king: He went on this morning's Today show (above) to speak about the book, which aims to educate people about healthy eating habits and how to stick to them . He . said: 'Establish routines and habits, try to avoid temptation, try to . rely less on willpower. These are the things I've learned… lessons that I . wasn't following for the first nine years that have been saving my skin . for the last three.' Motivational: The book (above) reveals his own personal weight weight loss awakening . The book also reveals how he put on 45lbs in one year of attending college. A doctor's appointment in 1999 sparked initial health concerns but it was not enough to push him to shed the weight entirely. He wrote in the book: 'My first shock was stepping . onto my doctor's scale. Watching the nurse slide weight after weight to . the right before finally landing on 242lbs was a punch to my expanding . gut. How did this happen? 'As a tall guy, I could carry my baggage pretty well, and I'd almost convinced myself that I didn't weigh all that much.' He was offered a job at Weight Watchers at the end of 1999 and while the role was less significant than the one he currently holds, the Weight Watchers work environment forced him to evaluate his unhealthy weight even further. He said: 'In taking the job, I thought it would be a nice perk to maybe lose that weight in the process. 'Nine years later - yes, that's right: nine years - I reached my goal weight.' He added that obesity is no longer just a women's issue. He said: 'Men suffer the same ill health effects that women do yet they're half as likely to do something about it.' | David Kirchhoff, 45, labelled himself a 'slow learner' after becoming familiar with the company's calorie-counting system in 2000 . | 01928db24484292eee7fab3a2b12140242d8e6b9 |
By . Ben Spencer . PUBLISHED: . 18:22 EST, 11 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:25 EST, 12 June 2013 . One in four children who try to get around parental controls on internet use are looking for pornography, research reveals. The data lays bare the scale of the problem of freely available pornography, as campaigners call for a greater understanding of the damage it can have on children. Web security firm Kaspersky said 23 per cent of searches its software blocked in the UK in the first five months of this year were for pornography. A quarter of children who try to get around parental controls on the internet are looking for porn (picture posed by model) The parent-installed software sends data to the company each time it blocks access to a malicious site if the customer has not opted out of supplying such information. Of nearly 30,000 blocked searches, 23.3 per cent were for porn sites, 19.6 per cent for online stores and 16.1 per cent for social networking sites. It also blocked online gaming sites (5.9 per cent), gambling sites (3.0 per cent) and information about weapons (2.9 per cent). The research, also carried out by Kaspersky on its international customer base, recorded more than 25million attempts to access online porn globally in the last month alone. Other subjects blocked included online gaming sites, gambling sites and information about weapons . The Mail is campaigning for internet providers to automatically block access to porn, with an optional opt-in, rather than parents having to rely on software such as Kaspersky to limit access. At a debate organised by think tank the Policy Exchange in London yesterday, politicians and medical professionals discussed the increasing harm unbridled access to porn is having on teenagers. John Woods, a consultant psychotherapist at the NHS Portman Clinic in London who treats young men and women addicted to porn, told the audience about a 16-year-old patient who sexually assaulted his younger next-door neighbour after becoming addicted to porn. ‘All day he was thinking about the imagery,’ he said. ‘He felt he was losing touch with reality. The relief only came when he switched his computer back on again.’ Gail Dines, professor of sociology and women’s studies at Wheelock College in Boston, said: ‘Asking a family to deal with the porn use of their child is like telling a mother that their children should not breathe in pollution.’ | Web security firm Kaspersky said 23 per cent of blocked searches in the UK were for porn and recorded 25million attempts to access porn globally . Gaming, gambling and social networking sites also blocked . Almost 3 per cent of blocked searches were for information about weapons . | 75ff58d1d9b5571918868521d1516ef41469e413 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:19 EST, 2 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:54 EST, 2 August 2012 . European Central Bank head Mario Draghi says the bank is ready to intervene in the bond market to drive down countries' high borrowing rates, and urged European leaders to get their bailout fund ready to intervene as well. Draghi said today the bank could buy bonds if the borrowing rates stop the ECB in its efforts to spread its low interest rates throughout the 17 countries that use the currency. Such a move could, crucially, lower the borrowing rates that are threatening to push Spain and Italy into financial disaster. Mario Draghi said today the bank could buy bonds if the borrowing rates stop the ECB in its efforts to spread its low interest rates throughout the 17 countries that use the currency . At a meeting earlier today Draghi . indicated that any ECB intervention would start at the earliest in . September and would depend on countries in trouble on bond markets . making a request and accepting strict conditions and supervision. He also indicated that German central . bank chief Jens Weidmann had expressed reservations about bond-buying . and further efforts would be needed to persuade the Bundesbank before a . final vote to take action. At a news conference following the . central bank's monthly meeting, Draghi said the bank would consider . other 'non-standard' measures to rein in the euro zone crisis. 'The Governing Council, within its . mandate to maintain price stability over the medium term and in . observance of its independence in determining monetary policy, may . undertake outright open market operations of a size adequate to reach . its objective,' Draghi said after the bank kept euro zone interest rates . at a record low 0.75 percent. The bank has already spent 210 billion . euros buying bonds under its now dormant Securities Markets Programme . (SMP) since May 2010, with limited impact, but Draghi said the new . effort would be different in scope and conditionality. Any new ECB action was conditional on euro zone governments using their EFSF and ESM bail out funds first, he said. Calling for action: U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the euro zone must cut borrowing costs . 'Governments must stand ready to . activate the ESM/EFSF in the bond market when exceptional financial . market circumstances and risks to financial stability exist,' he said. Financial markets seemed underwhelmed . by the announcements, with some investors having interpreted Draghi's . comments last week as a sign of imminent rather than future and . conditional action. Draghi said all members of the Governing Council endorsed today's statement with one exception - a reference to Bundsbank president Jens Weidmann . 'It is quite disappointing ... There . is a lack of any action so he has basically passed the buck back on to . politicians,' said Ioan Smith, strategist at Knight Capital. German bund futures extended gains, a . sign of investors seeking safety, and the euro fell by more than one . cent to below $1.22 at 1330 GMT. Other countries, especially the United States, have sought to raise pressure on the ECB to act over the Euro crisis. U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the euro zone must take steps to bring down borrowing costs in troubled member states. His comments in London last Thursday . that the ECB would do whatever it takes within its mandate to protect . the currency bloc from collapse - 'and believe me, it will be enough' - . had already eased tensions on the debt markets. Other countries, especially the . United States, have raised pressure on the ECB to act as the . two-and-a-half year old euro zone crisis weighs on global growth. The U.S. Federal Reserve dashed . expectations among some investors on Wednesday by taking no immediate . new measures to revive the economy. The Fed stopped short of offering new . monetary stimulus, though it signalled more strongly that further bond . buying could be in store to help a U.S. economic recovery that it said . had lost momentum this year. The future is bleak: Experts warn of months of uncertainty for the euro zone . ECB action, meanwhile, is hamstrung by . EU rules forbidding it from financing governments. The ECB issued a . legal opinion in March 2011 ruling out perhaps the biggest gun, giving . the ESM bailout fund rights to tap the ECB for funds to increase its . firepower. The ECB also has to find a way to get . any measures past Germany, the euro zone's largest economy and its . principal paymaster. The Bundesbank issues regular reminders of . inflationary dangers stemming from non-standard measures such as bond . purchases and the limits central banks face. Draghi said all members of the . Governing Council endorsed Thursday's statement with one exception - a . reference to Bundsbank president Jens Weidmann. 'The decision to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro as a stable currency has been unanimous,' Draghi said. 'It's clear and it's known that . (Germany's) Bundesbank have their reservations about the programme of . buying bonds. The idea is we now have the guidance, the monetary policy . committee, the risk committee and the markets committee will work on . this guidance and then (we) will take a final decision and the votes . will be counted.' His wording suggested he was prepared to outvote the German central banker if necessary. | Mario Draghi: ECB could buy bonds if the borrowing rates stop its efforts to spread its low interest rates throughout the 17 countries that use the currency . Move could lower the borrowing rates that are threatening to push Spain and Italy into financial disaster . Urged European leaders to get their bailout fund ready to intervene as well . | 04837d6e3d88e50f99831a5f3b3aab1ff14f74b9 |
Havana, Cuba (CNN) -- Alan Gross has reached his breaking point while serving a 15-year sentence in a Cuban prison, his wife told CNN. "He's not going to make it. He's going to do something drastic. I believe him when he tells me that," Judy Gross said Wednesday. Gross, 65, was arrested in 2009 for bringing banned satellite communications equipment to the island. A State Department subcontractor, Gross had traveled to Cuba as part of a U.S. government-financed project to help Cubans skirt their government's tight control of the Internet. Gross said he wasn't aware that he had violated the island's laws. But a Cuban court in 2011 convicted Gross of being involved in a plot to destabilize the country's single-party communist government. Judy Gross said that since the arrest she has visited her husband six times. The latest visit Tuesday showed his health was failing rapidly and that he was losing hope of ever returning to the United States, she said. "This one has been very different. His condition is the worst I have seen. He's flat, depressed, hopeless and in chronic pain," she said. According to Gross' attorney, Scott Gilbert, he has lost more than 100 pounds in prison and suffers from arthritis and depression. "Both governments need to know that Alan plans to end his life in an effort to end this agony," Gilbert said in a statement. In April, Gross went on a hunger strike to protest the lack of progress between the United States and Cuba over his case. Gross finally heeded his mother Evelyn's request to end the protest. This month, Evelyn Gross died from cancer. "They were so close," Judy Gross said. "[Before Gross' arrest] they literally talked twice a day." Cuban officials denied Gross' request for a furlough to travel to the United States to attend his mother's funeral. Gross said if allowed to travel he would have returned to his cell in a military hospital in Cuba. Cuban officials have said they wish to meet with U.S. government negotiators to discuss freeing Gross for three Cuban intelligence agents serving lengthy prison sentences in the United States. Rene Gonzalez, one of two Cuban intelligence agents who have completed their sentences and returned to Cuba, said he sympathized with Judy Gross' ordeal. "I would tell her that I regret her husband's situation," he said. "And when she sees Alan Gross to tell him that the next time he comes to Cuba he should come as a friend and not bring military and communications equipment. Come as a friend." Gonzalez is one of the "Cuban Five," men prosecuted for their roles as sleeper agents reporting on the Cuban exile community to the government of Fidel Castro. U.S. officials say they won't trade Gross for spies they accuse of playing a role in the 1996 shootdown that killed four people associated with the group Brothers to the Rescue. The Miami-based group of Cuban exiles flew hundreds of missions to spot Cuban rafters attempting to flee their island nations. Cuban fighter jets shot down two planes belonging to the groups. U.S. officials said Gross was merely trying to help Cubans bypass the island's stringent restrictions on Internet access and have said his imprisonment is one of the major obstacles to improved relations with Cuba. Despite the stalemate, Judy Gross she was encouraged by the swap in May that freed US. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from captivity in Afghanistan in exchange for five Taliban imprisoned at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo. "I am sure it was a complicated arrangement," Judy Gross said. "My thought is if they can do that, if they can follow through with something that complicated, surely they can figure out something they can do to get Alan home." | Alan Gross' wife, Judy, visits husband in Cuba a week after his mother's death . Gross is serving a 15-year sentence for bringing satellite equipment to island . Subcontractor's condition this week is the worst she has seen . | 4e1fe9ce7c4e20b091f46c43acc867a6ada67d88 |
A woman cyclist has been left fighting for her life after being crushed by a lorry in central London this morning. The rider, who is believed to be in her twenties, was ‘crushed’ under a large tipper truck at Ludgate Circus at about 11.30am today. London Ambulance Service found the woman in cardiac arrest and 'extensive efforts' were made at the scene to resuscitate her. The bike can be seen crushed under the large wheel of the truck following a collision at Ludgate Circus today . A woman cyclist was rushed to hospital where she is fighting for her life after collision with large tipper truck . She was taken to Royal London Hospital with serious injuries, where she remains fighting for her life. Witnesses at the scene say the cyclist was 'crushed' under the large lorry, which appeared to be turning left at the junction with Ludgate Hill and Farringdon Street. City of London Police closed roads surrounding Ludgate Circus and re-opened them at about 5pm this evening. The junction has become notorious for accidents - and is the second in a matter of months after Victor Manuel Ben Rodriguez was crushed under a lorry in April. The 32-year-old Spaniard had been on his bike on the way to a job interview when he was hit by a truck and suffered severe head injuries. London Assembly Green Party member Darren Johnson said there had been six cyclists killed or seriously injured at the junction between 2008 and 2012. Two cyclists look on at the crash scene, which is in a notorious spot where six other cyclists have been killed or injured between 2008 and 2012 . The scene in April when Victor Manuel Ben Rodriguez was killed after colliding with a lorry at the same spot . He added that Ludgate Circus had featured on Transport for London's original list of 100 junctions which it planned to overhaul following safety concerns, but that it had not featured on a revised list of 33 junctions where work would be carried out. People are now calling for something to be done and several have taken to Twitter in a bid to sort it out. Twitter users have called on Mayor of London Boris Johnson to do something about the junction . Jocelyn Bailey posted: 'Just walked past an awful bike v lorry incident at Ludgate Circus. How many times does this have to happen before we sort it out?' Callum Stott wrote: 'Horrible to hear of another HGV Vs Cyclist accident at Ludgate Circus again, sounds identical to the poor man who died there 3 months ago'. While others directed their tweets at Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. Sammy Lizard said: 'Boris you MUST step in the junction of Fleet & Ludgate Circus a killer for #cyclists stop anything turning at the junction!' Another tweeted him: 'another cyclist run over at Ludgate Circus. Twice in matter of months. Do something for cyclists & pedestrians.' The London Cycling Campaign wrote on their Facebook page: 'We're saddened to hear of a woman involved in a serious collision with an HGV at Ludgate Circus. 'We hope for the best for the victim and our thoughts are with her and her family.' A London Ambulance Service spokesman told the London Evening Standard: 'We were called at 11.30 to reports of a collision involving a lorry and a cyclist. 'A woman believed to be in her 20s was in cardiac arrest at the scene, and extensive efforts were made to resuscitate her. She was taken by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital as a priority.' City Police say no arrests have been made. | Rider, believed to be in her twenties, was 'crushed' under large truck . It happened at the notorious Ludgate Circus junction at 11.30am today . Witnesses say large tipper truck appeared to be turning left before crash . City of London Police, who closed road until 5pm, say no arrests made . Six cyclists said to have been killed or injured there between 2008 and 2012 . People have taken to Twitter to call on Boris Johnson to do something . | d8b1078fe252463dc95ff7bc27cf98e164bbc0ae |
By . Bianca London . Since Spain's King Juan Carlos abdicated his throne, all eyes have been on the country's most glamorous new Queen - Letizia. The . 41-year-old, who is married to Prince Felipe, has earned her spot as . one of the world's most stylish royals thanks to her impeccable wardrobe choices - and she's even managed to knock the once favoured Duchess of Cambridge from her top spot. And it's not just in the sartorial stakes that Queen Letizia is reigning. One gem hunter says that while both brunettes are fashion icons who hail from a middle-class background, the similarities end when it comes to the biggest indulgence of royal life - jewellery. Spot the difference: A gem expert says that the Duchess of Cambridge, left, and Queen Letizia's jewellery reveals that their choices are telling of huge personal and cultural differences between the two . Kings and queens have always showcased their status with the help of a jewel or two. Steve Bennett, gem hunter and founder of The Genuine Gemstone Company, believes our modern royals should continue this tradition. Casting his expert eye over Kate and Letizia’s sparkly accessories, Steve reveals that their jewellery choices are telling of huge personal and cultural differences between the two. He said: 'As stunning women who can afford to inject colour into her jewellery, Letizia confidently embraces vibrancy and variety, whereas Kate is rarely without her conventional pearls or diamonds. 'In fact, the Spanish royal family combine colour and drama in a way that seems alien to the more conservative Kate. Simple versus extravagant: The Duchess is looking very much the English Rose, assuming a more traditional style than her adventurous counterpart, right, who lets her jewels take centre stage . 'An outsider would be forgiven for mistaking Kate as the princess enduring Spain’s current economic crisis - the absence of a statement necklace is more credit crunch than royal lunch. Rival Letizia shows us how to pair a tiara with vibrant magenta gems in the true style of a queen.' Undoubtedly the best-known item in Kate's jewellery collection is her engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana. The blue sapphire, which sparkles with 14 diamonds, was bought at the former Crown jewellers Garrard of Mayfair for a staggering £28,500. When it comes to choosing her own accessories, Kate does, however, prefer more simple pieces like her £1,090 Annoushka Pearl Drop earrings and more modest £275 Links Hope earrings. She's even a fan of cheap but chic jewellery which she snapped up from Made . In Chelsea star Amber Atherton's myflashtrash website, which she wore while on her Diamond Jubilee tour of the . South Pacific. Wearing it with confidence: He believes that Queen Letizia wears her jewellery with the confidence gained during her colourful career as a journalist and her smile is as gleaming as her emeralds and showcases Spanish vitality to the world . Queen Letizia, however, is hardly . ever spotted without her Cartier diamond bracelet, which can cost in . excess of £25,000, as well as her favourite Bulgari Parentesi ring, . which can cost around £10,000. Steve goes on to explain that Letizia . lets her jewels take centre stage whilst Kate is keen not to shock, . adding that Letizia’s fashion forward choice of gemstones in daring . shades, worn with the confidence gained during her colourful career as a . journalist, is a 'breath of fresh air'. The . Duchess, meanwhile, is very much the English Rose, assuming a . more traditional style than her adventurous counterpart, he says. Cheap and chic: Amber Atherton and her team were thrilled to discover that Kate was a keen supporter of British jewellery . The collection: Kate bought the £86 Double Leaf Earrings and £420 Spread Your Wings Bracelets and a Conch Cuff from Zoraida on Amber's website . 'As both royals adopt a fairy-tale princess guise, the most important match in Spain vs. England history has a clear winner. 'Kate’s . most decadent display to date captures the zeitgeist of the British . monarchy, and underlines her position as a queen in waiting. Yet, she . misses her opportunity to truly assume her role as the modern day . princess, plumping for colourless, conservative diamonds instead of . adding a pop of colour to her outfit. 'Letizia’s smile, however, is as gleaming as her emeralds and showcases Spanish vitality to the world. 'Though . our adoration for the Duchess remains unchallenged, it would seem that . she could learn a thing or two from this budding Queen who boldly . embraces the trappings of royal life.' Sparkling drops: Kate wore the £36 Red Sponge Coral Earrings designed by Serretta Morris during the tour . | Says Queen Letizia boldly embraces colourful jewels confidently . Kate is modest English Rose with . more traditional style than adventurous counterpart . | 90afb7efbbd8fb68346ea5cb8ecaa8206dc23955 |
(CNN) -- Killing a 500-plus pound boar might sound like a big deal. But for one North Carolina man, it is just how he brings home the bacon. Jett Webb killed the massive animal last month in eastern North Carolina. When the amazing pictures of the animal and hunter recently circulated on the Internet, Webb started fielding calls from the media. Webb told CNN on Thursday that while many people were astonished by the kill, he shot a boar of a similar size two years ago. Still, friends and family were in awe. "They were blown away. It's not every day you see something that size," Webb said. "They can't believe something that big is running around the woods of eastern North Carolina." Webb, a firefighter in Conetoe, said the gigantic pig provided so much meat that it filled up his deep freezer. He gave a lot of meat away, but still has "a lot to last me a while." Webb, 34, said hunting isn't about bagging trophies for him. He has been hunting since he was 12 years old and says it relaxes him and provides food for his family. "The meat the pig provided and the memory that hunting provides is worth more than any trophy," he said. Webb and a few other of his fellow hunters at the White Oak Ranch Hunting Club had been tracking the massive hog since January on surveillance cameras they have placed throughout their hunting grounds. They just didn't realize how big a pig this was. On February 28, Webb had been in a tree stand in Bertie County for hours when he spotted the boar and took him down with one shot. Webb said he used an AR-10 with a .308-caliber round. He and a buddy tried to drag the hog out of the woods. That lasted a few feet. They had to go get a four-wheeler to drag it out. The scale only went to 500 pounds. It topped out, but Webb said he didn't think the boar weighed much more than 500 pounds. Michael Mansell, president of the hunting club, told North Carolina Sportsman magazine that he was there when the giant porker was weighed. Wild boar are not native to the United States -- they may have come with Christopher Columbus -- and didn't appear in North Carolina until 1912, the state's Department of Wildlife website says. Their average size is less than 180 pounds, the site says. In North Carolina, wild boar may be hunted year round during normal hunting hours. There is no closed season and no bag limit. In 2004, a hunter in Georgia killed an 800-pound boar dubbed Hogzilla. | Jett Webb plans to eat what he doesn't give away . He and others had been tracking the big pig on video cameras set up near their hunting lodge . Webb and another man tried to drag the boar out of the woods . Critters usually weigh 180 pounds, or less . | 0698fc150eb108db93bb21992451f24d86683a5f |
A wealthy businessman is being sued by his former secretary who claims she was forced to view e-mails containing pornographic photographs of strangers and even naked pictures of the man’s wife. The $4 million legal action has been filed against Bill Berkman, a managing partner in the private equity firm Associated Partners, by his former executive assistant Nancy Woods. According to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan’s Federal District Court she claims her job forced her ‘to review offensive, lewd e-mails and attachments which subjects were naked or scantily clad women’. Wealthy New York businessman Bill Berkman, left, is being sued by his former secretary who claims she was forced to view e-mails containing pornographic photographs of strangers and naked pictures of his wife Ronit Golan Berkman, right . She claims Berkman emailed these photos to his friend Gerald Cardinale, the former head of Goldman Sachs’ private-equity business, who in 2007 helped Alex Rodriguez negotiate a new $275 million contract with the New York Yankees. According to Wood's suit, e-mails between Berkman and Cardinale included ‘inappropriate pictures of random and unsuspecting women on the street from a favorite bench shared by Berkman and Cardinale, from the subway and from the East Hampton seaplane.’ The New York Post reports that photos in the lawsuit appear to been taken without the women’s knowledge and included young women in short skirts in Soho. One e-mail sent from Berkman to Cardinale allegedly included an image of wife Ronit Golan Berkman’s bottom along with the text, ‘Ronit in a bikini from our trip in Cabo.’ In her $4 million lawsuit, former executive assistant Nancy Woods, above, claims she was forced her 'to review offensive, lewd e-mails and attachments which subjects were naked or scantily clad women' Cardinale is alleged to have sent Berkman an email containing a nude photo of actress Lake Bell and a message that read, 'You need to take photos of Ronit in these poses... tonite!!' The lawsuit also claims that Berkman 'regularly sends pornographic material he maintains at Wickr, Top Secret Messenger.' Mail Online has reached out to Berkman for comment on the lawsuit. An attorney for Berkman told the Post: ‘Ms. Woods has worked for the company for six years. She was aware her employment was about to be terminated, and we believe she filed this lawsuit to retaliate against and embarrass her employer. ‘The referenced e-mails were personal ones between friends, which Ms. Woods should not have reviewed. Her claims are without merit and will be vigorously defended against.’ Associated Partners' managers, brothers David and Bill Berkman, are the scions of a Pittsburgh family that made a fortune in communications. The family business started selling greeting cards and went on to own radio and TV stations and eventually operate and sell off early cellular networks. Berkman's friend Gerald Cardinale, left, is alleged to have sent him an email containing a nude photo of actress Lake Bell, right . | Wealthy New York businessman Bill Berkman is being sued by his former secretary for $4 million . Nancy Woods claims she was forced to view e-mails containing pornographic photographs of strangers . She claims her job forced her 'to review offensive, lewd e-mails and attachments which subjects were naked or scantily clad women' Woods claims these photos were emailed to his friend Gerald Cardinale, the former head of Goldman Sachs' private-equity business . | 8f2e1d355b347a329d04965f6efb43cce869ea64 |
Magdalena, Colombia (CNN) -- To the unaccustomed eye, a man toting 120 books while riding a stubborn donkey would seem nothing short of a circus spectacle. But for hundreds of children in the rural villages of Colombia, Luis Soriano is far from a clown. He is a man with a mission to save rural children from illiteracy. "There was a time when many people thought that I was going crazy," said Soriano, a native of La Gloria, Colombia. "They'd yell, 'Carnival season is over.' ... Now I've overcome that." Soriano, 38, is a primary school teacher who spends his free time operating a "biblioburro," a mobile library on donkeys that offers reading education for hundreds of children living in what he describes as "abandoned regions" in the Colombian state of Magdalena. "In [rural] regions, a child must walk or ride a donkey for up to 40 minutes to reach the closest schools," Soriano said. "The children have very few opportunities to go to secondary school. ...There are [few] teachers that would like to teach in the countryside." Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes . At the start of his 17-year teaching career, Soriano realized that some students were having difficulty not just learning, but finishing their homework assignments. Most of the students falling behind lived in rural villages, where illiterate parents and lack of access to books prevented them from completing their studies. To help bridge the learning gap, Soriano decided to personally bring books to the children. "I saw two unemployed donkeys at home and had the idea [to use] them in my biblioburro project because they can carry a heavy load," Soriano said. "I put the books on their backs in saddles and they became my work tools." Every Wednesday at dusk and every Saturday at dawn, Soriano leaves his wife and three young children to travel to select villages -- up to four hours each way -- aboard a donkey named Alfa. A second donkey, Beto, follows behind, toting additional books and a sitting blanket. They visit 15 villages on a rotating basis. "It's not easy to travel through the valleys," Soriano said. "You sit on a donkey for five or eight hours, you get very tired. It's a satisfaction to arrive to your destination." At each village, some 40-50 youngsters await their chance to get homework help, learn to read or listen to any variety of tall tales, adventure stories and geography lessons Soriano has prepared. "You can just see that the kids are excited when they see the biblioburro coming this way. It makes them happy that he continues to come," said Dairo Holguin, 34, whose two children take part in the program. "For us, his program complements what the children learn in school. The books they do not have access to ... they get from the biblioburro." More than 4,000 youngsters have benefited from Soriano's program since it began in 1990. Soriano says countless others have been helped, too; parents and other adult learners often participate in the lessons. Soriano has spent nearly 4,000 hours riding his donkeys, and he's not traveled unscathed. In July 2008, he fractured his leg when he fell from one of the donkeys; in 2006, he was pounced on by bandits at a river crossing and tied to a tree when they found out he had no money. Despite these injuries, which left him with a limp, Soriano has no intention of slowing down. In addition to the biblioburro program, he and his wife built the largest free library in Magdalena next to their home. The library has 4,200 books, most of which are donated -- some from as far away as New York City. They also run a small community restaurant. Soriano's hope is that people will understand the power of reading and that communities can improve from being exposed to books and diverse ideas. "For us teachers, it's an educational triumph, and for the parents [it's] a great satisfaction when a child learns how to read. That's how a community changes and the child becomes a good citizen and a useful person," Soriano said. "Literature is how we connect them with the world." Want to get involved? Check out Luis Soriano's website at www.fundacionbiblioburro.com and see how to help. | Teacher uses donkeys to bring mobile library to children in rural Colombia . More than 4,000 youngsters have benefited since the program began in 1990 . Children get homework help, learn to read or listen to stories and geography lessons . Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes . | 0a9371b466754719948abc5118a9ce6638d9bacd |
A 5-year old boy outside of Atlanta set his grandmother's house on fire by playing with a cigarette lighter . The boy was secretly using the lighter in his bedroom and ran out when the flames began to spread . The child and his grandmother escaped from the house unharmed . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:20 EST, 24 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:20 EST, 24 May 2013 . A 5-year old boy outside of Atlanta set his grandmother's house ablaze after what started as innocent play with cigarette lighter quickly got out of control. Playing in his room with the lighter, the little boy panicked once the fire began to spread and ran out to alert his grandmother of the danger. Unable to extinguish the flames herself, she called in the local fire department, who arrived to see huge clouds of black smoke billowing from the house. A 5-year old boy accidentally set fire to his grandmother's house, pictured, by playing with a cigarette lighter. When firefighters arrived on scene, black smoke billowed from the house . 'The little boy came screaming out of his room that the house was on . fire,' a representative of the Cherokee County Fire Department told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His grandmother tried to put out the flames with a bucket of water, but they had already grown too large to be extinguished by her, the representative reported. An investigation by the department . later revealed that the fire was started by the boy playing with the . cigarette lighter in his bedroom closet on the first floor of the house. The firefighters were able to put out the blaze by entering the home through the second-story window. A firefighter from the Georgia Cherokee County Fire Department enters the grandmother's home through the second story window to put out the blaze set by her 5-year old grandson playing with a lighter . No one was injured, though the two-story house was damaged by the smoke, fire, and water. This incident comes a few months after another fire in the area, also caused by a child playing with a lighter, claimed the life of four children. This past January a blaze caused by a cigarette lighter quickly spread through a duplex and claimed the lives of 4 siblings, 8-month old Deon Glass, 3-year old Amoni Roberts, 7-year old . Dar'Shawn Glass, and 9-year old Ah'Dariya Glass. The children's mother, 28-year old Reba Glass, desperately tried to save her children, but only succeed in rescuing one of them. Glass managed to save her 6-year old son by throwing him out of a second floor window, according to a report from MyFoxAtlanta.com. She suffered severe burns on 40 percent of her body. It was later discovered by investigators that the 6-year old boy was the one who accidentally set the fire by playing with a lighter. No charges were pressed against the 6-year old boy. Instead he was turned over to the . Division of Family and Children Services for fire safety counseling, reported WSBTV.com. | A 5-year old boy outside of Atlanta set his grandmother's house on fire by playing with a cigarette lighter . The boy was secretly using the lighter in his bedroom and ran out when the flames began to spread . The child and his grandmother escaped from the house unharmed . | 1851e248ea418c1df81d997b9d9ff7ff26b3d553 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:34 EST, 23 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:01 EST, 23 September 2013 . A San Francisco strip club is suing Oracle after one of its employees ran up $33,540 in charges on a company credit card. The incident happened at the New Century Theater last October during the tech giant’s annual Oracle OpenWorld conference. The club originally reached out to Oracle about the unpaid bill, but when they refused to pay they started legal proceedings. The New Century Theater in San Francisco is suing Oracle after an employee called Jose Manuel Gomez Sanchez ran up a $33 unpaid tab last October . Despite the on-going legal action, the club is continuing to offer a discount to convention-goers at this week's Oracle event which started on Sunday . According to the lawsuit, the employee - identified as Jose Manuel Gomez Sanchez - used his Oracle-issued American Express card to charge $16,490 in unspecified ‘services’ during the early hours of Oct. 2 2012. The employee then returned two nights later and rang up another $17,050 in charges, reports SFGate. Oracle has declined to comment on the lawsuit, which was filed in San Francisco Superior Court, just as OpenWorld 2013 kicks off. The five-day conference is the most important educational and networking event of the year for Oracle technologists, customers, and partners. It brings an estimated 60,000 conventioneers into the city from over 144 countries. New Century bills itself as ‘San Francisco's premier all nude gentleman's club’ and is even offering a discount to convention-goers this year. CEO Larry Ellison delivers a keynote address during the 2012 Oracle OpenWorld conference, the event brings an estimated 60,000 conventioneers into the city from over 144 countries . | The New Century Theater is suing Oracle after an employee ran up a $33,540 unpaid bill last October . Jose Manuel Gomez Sanchez used his Oracle-issued American Express card on two separate nights while attending the tech giant's annual conference . Oracle has refused to pay the bill . The club is continuing to offer a discount to convention-goers at the week-long event which started on Sunday . | 3b208cf42e6e892babf6cae7fc6e6ab8be5f511c |
TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- One of Iran's most powerful clerics, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, called Friday for the release of people arrested after last month's disputed presidential election. Rafsanjani remains an influential figure in Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's circle. "There is no need to have these numbers of people in prison," the former Iranian president said during his highly anticipated Friday sermon. "Let them come back to their families. Let the enemy not laugh at us and criticize us. We must sympathize with those who have suffered damages." He warned: "The system cannot lose them. If the system reproaches them they will come back to us." Tens of thousands of people gathered in and around Tehran University as Rafsanjani spoke for about an hour, according to witnesses at the speech. Iranian police used tear gas to disperse some of the crowds. Many in the crowd chanted: "Iranians are dying and the nation will not tolerate it." Traditionally, the speaker before the sermon asks those gathered to yell "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." But on Friday, after being asked to curse those two countries, the crowd instead chanted, "Allaho Akbar," meaning "God is great" -- the signature chant of the opposition movement. It was a key moment of defiance, as thousands in the crowd signaled that they were there to protest, not to support the regime. Later, as Rafsanjani was speaking, he mentioned China and Russia -- two nations that have said they recognize Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the winner of the election. Some in the crowd began chanting, "Death to Russia" and "Death to China." Rafsanjani called on the people to stop, saying they should not call for death to anyone. Rafsanjani backs reformist Mir Hossein Moussavi, the opposition candidate who challenged Ahmadinejad in the June 12 election. Protesters say the election results were a sham, but the government stands by them. Watch more about Rafsanjani's sermon » . Moussavi was at the sermon Friday. The semi-official Islamic Student News Agency posted a photo of him in attendance. A Facebook page associated with Moussavi also said he was at the sermon. The news agency's photos also showed the two other opposition candidates from the election, Mehdi Karrubi and Mohsen Rezaie, at the sermon. There were reports, from people claiming to be witnesses, that Karrubi was attacked by members of the Basij, the paramilitary forces. CNN could not independently verify the reports because of the Iranian government's restrictions on international journalists. After weeks of silence, Rafsanjani recently became increasingly vocal in opposing the brutal crackdown on demonstrators who protested election results. Earlier this month, the Iranian Labor News Agency quoted him as saying: "People from across the county participated in the elections with excitement. But unfortunately, the events that occurred after that, and the difficulties created for some, left a bitter taste, and I don't think any wakened consciousness would be satisfied with the resulting situation." Rafsanjani was under pressure Friday to deliver public support for the Iranian establishment. Lawmaker Mohammad Karim Shahrzad was recently quoted by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency as saying: "After a monthlong silence, the position of Hashemi Rafsanjani will be very important for those of all political inclinations, particularly those who are aiming at the (destruction) of the unity of the system." Shahrzad called on Rafsanjani -- head of the Assembly of Experts, the council responsible for appointing or removing the supreme leader -- to "announce the support of the supreme leadership as the highest authority" in his speech. A member of parliament said Rafsanjani's sermon would be "historic." Moussavi's supporters took to the streets last month to protest the outcome of last month's election that gave Ahmadinejad an overwhelming victory. Rafsanjani's daughter, Faezeh, and four of his other relatives were detained briefly after taking part in one of those rallies. The widespread street protests and civil unrest led to the deaths of at least 20 demonstrators and the arrests of more than 1,000, according to Iran's state-run media. The numbers of casualties and arrests could not be independently verified by CNN because of restrictions on international journalists by the Iranian government. Rafsanjani remains an influential figure in Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's circle, but he has made "a real break with the supreme leader in this case," Iranian-American author Hooman Majd told CNN recently. Rafsanjani was missing when Iran's power brokers assembled on June 19 at Friday prayers to hear Khamenei declare Ahmadinejad the winner. Ahmadinejad is scheduled to be sworn in before parliament between August 2 and August 6, according to Islamic Republic News Agency . | Rafsanjani calls for release of those held after June 12 vote . Rafsanjani: "If the system reapproaches them they will come back to us" Former president backs opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi . Police used tear gas to disperse crowds attending the sermon . | ae6f5b5fd8bd9ab6ad71ba3c455ba06b83cce16f |
By . David Clough, Press Association . MS Dhoni has complained bitterly about the 'very hurtful decision' to fine Ravindra Jadeja for his alleged spat with James Anderson during the first Investec Test. Jadeja was fined 50 per cent of his match fee by the International Cricket Council, a sum in the region of £3,000, over the fracas reported in the Trent Bridge pavilion stairwell. England fast bowler Anderson will face a more stringent punishment - up to a four-Test ban - if he is found guilty at a hearing on Friday of the Level 3 charge of 'abusing and pushing' Jadeja. VIDEO Scroll down to watch India Cricket captain MS Dhoni describes Jadeja fine as 'hurtful' Unhappy: India captain MS Dhoni (left) said the decision to fine Ravindra Jadeja was 'very hurtful' Safe hands: Jadeja joined the Indian team for a practice session in Southampton on Saturday . Conference: Captain Dhoni and head coach Duncan Fletcher talk during Indian practice at the Ageas Bowl . India captain Dhoni has raised the stakes with his recollection of events which - as Jadeja's batting partner, when they made their way off for lunch on day two of the drawn match - is sure to be of interest to ICC judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis. Dhoni acknowledged, unlike the Board of Control for Cricket in India in a press release on Friday, that no right of appeal is available for the Level 1 judgment against Jadeja. But he was nonetheless highly critical of the process. 'To me, it is a very hurtful decision,' he said. 'I felt a lot of things were neglected in judging the case.' Dhoni stopped short of naming Anderson, but was otherwise very specific as he put evidence in the public domain at his press conference on the eve of the third Test in Southampton. Clash: Jadeja (left) and England's James Anderson (right) were involved in an incident at Trent Bridge . Incident: Jadeja (right) was found guilty of 'conduct contrary to the spirit of the game' by the ICC at his hearing . Verbals: Anderson and Jadeja have a frank exchange of views out in the middle on day two of the first Test . 'I would not like to take any other individual name in this,' he said. 'But we started walking and there is an individual who used foul language against Jadeja - and I had to step in the middle and by the time we reached the ropes, I thought the thing had defused. 'By the time we were through the members' area, I was ahead of Jadeja. He was a couple of yards behind me and again something happened.' Dhoni insists Jadeja was, throughout, an innocent party. 'Something was said to him, and he just turned to the individual - and after that he was pushed, and he barely gained his balance,' said Dhoni. 'He turned to see what is happening. On the basis of that, he is fined. The thing that was told is that it was against the spirit of the game - but what we have to say is that we can't ignore whatever has happened. Limbering up: India will be looking to build on their Lord's victory when the third Test begins on Sunday . Lining up: India captain Dhoni assesses the pitch at the Ageas Bowl on the eve of the third Test . 'If somebody is saying something to you from behind and you turn and you look, that is not aggressive.' India will resume the series on Sunday, with a 1-0 lead, harbouring evident grievances over the way Jadeja has been treated. Dhoni added: 'The bat was under his armpit throughout, right from lunch (being called on the pitch) until he entered the dressing room and not one word was spoken by him. 'I am not lying when it comes to the factual matter. I don't think there was a bit of aggression (from Jadeja) and that is the reason I am very hurt by the wording that has been given. I think it is very important.' India are frustrated at their inability to appeal against the decision made by match referee David Boon. Threat: Ishant Sharma will hope to continue his Lord's form, where he took seven wickets in second innings . Setting: England trained earlier in the day at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton ahead of the third Test . 'That's the "beauty" of it...you can't really appeal against it,' said Dhoni. 'The BCCI and the leaders are working things out, because we are definitely not at all happy with the wording. 'If we are going into the lobby and we are walking - and if I ask you 'excuse me' and you turn around, that can be an act of aggression from your side - especially if you have anything in your hand. If I push you, or you face me square on, that's an even worse act of aggression. 'Definitely to me, if I am here to judge, I don't think Jadeja committed anything. It also becomes slightly difficult - because tomorrow, if I ask any of my players 'don't say a word, we'll report it to the match referee' whatever happens, we will get fined 50 per cent. 'I am better off abusing the guy or whatever, because 50 per cent of my match money has gone on the other guy abusing me.' | Jadeja was involved in an incident with Anderson at Trent Bridge on July 10 . Jadeja found guilty of 'conduct contrary to the spirit of the game' by ICC . Anderson will learn if he too will be punished at ICC hearing on August 1 . India captain Dhoni says decision was 'hurtful' and 'a lot of things were neglected in judging the case' Third Test begins at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire on Sunday . | 896b233802f14055388918e753980f2210869d2a |
Tim Sherwood took charge of his first Aston Villa training session on Tuesday. The former Tottenham manager, 46 was officially unveiled at Villa Park 24 hours earlier after he signed a deal until 2018 to replace the sacked Paul Lambert. Sherwood watched Villa beat Leicester 2-1 in the FA Cup on Sunday and went into the dressing room at half-time to deliver a team-talk with the score 0-0. Tim Sherwood took charge of an Aston Villa training session for the first time on Tuesday . The former Spurs boss, pictured speaking to Alan Hutton, has signed a deal to manage the club until 2018 . Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner (second from the right) attended Sherwood's first training session . And with Villa in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, Sherwood appeared to adopt a similarly hands-on approach at Bodymoor Heath. The club's American owner, Randy Lerner, was also present to watch the new man in action. Sherwood, who has the highest win percentage of any Tottenham manager in Premier League history after his five-month tenure at White Hart Lane, was seen ordering his new side about. His side face Stoke City on Saturday in what is arguably a must-win encounter with Villa's future in the top flight in doubt. The Villains have only 22 points from 25 fixtures and have scored a dismal 12 goals. He took a hands-on approach at Bodymoor Heath with Aston Villa's future in the Premier League in doubt . Sherwood's side are in the bottom three in the Premier League and face Stoke City on Saturday . Sherwood replaces Paul Lambert who was given his marching orders with Villa struggling in the league . Sherwood will be desperate to get Christian Benteke back on form with Villa struggling for goals this term . Sherwood's arrival at Villa has been met by the departure of first-team coach Scott Marshall. Marshall had been in caretaker charge following the sacking of Paul Lambert last week and oversaw Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester. But, with Sherwood replacing Lambert, former Arsenal defender Marshall has now parted company with the Barclays Premier League strugglers. Villa chief executive Tom Fox told the club's official website: 'I'd like to thank Scott for his efforts during his time at the football club and especially under difficult circumstances at the weekend when he took the team for Sunday's FA Cup victory over Leicester City. 'We wish him all the best in the future.' | Tim Sherwood takes over from Paul Lambert after the Scot was sacked . The former Spurs boss appeared to adopt a hands-on approach in training . Villa are occupying the bottom three and face Stoke City on Saturday . Sherwood's arrival has been met by the depature of Scott Marshall . CLICK HERE for all the latest Aston Villa news . | 0221799f269241f371d404e6ef15b3e5081b3035 |
Michael Le Vell, pictured with girlfriend Louise Gibbons, shocked Coronation Street co-stars by admitting he likes watching porn, it was claimed . Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell shocked fellow cast members by openly confessing that he watches porn, it was reported today. The actor, 50, was on set when he revealed that he is a fan of porn website RedTube, it has been claimed. Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster, is said to have brought up the topic during a gap in filming, telling co-stars that the X-rated site is one of his 'favourites'. The actor - who has been dating girlfriend Louise Gibbons, 38, for a year - reportedly dismissed comments from surprised colleagues, saying: 'Oh God! I've been single for a long time you know.' A female co-worker is said to have replied: 'But you're not single now!' Le Vell responded: 'I know - but you still have the odd look at RedTube. I delete my search history.' The 'confession' was revealed to The Sun by an insider, who said: 'Everyone was so shocked that Michael was so open about his porn habits. There were lots of people around who heard him. 'It was a light-hearted conversation, and he clearly thought it was funny. 'But there were some people who felt his comments were a bit inappropriate.' The explicit website, which contains thousands of pornographic videos, says it offers 'hot sex straight to your browser window'. Le Vell returned to Coronation Street last July after being found not guilty of a number of alleged sex offences. Before returning to the ITV show, the star also underwent rehab and is now teetotal. Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster on the ITV soap, said he deletes his browsing history after watching X-rated videos . | Michael Le Vell said to have told Corrie co-stars that he watches porn . Actor was on set when he reportedly said he likes X-rated site RedTube . Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster, said it is one of his 'favourites' The soap star, 50, added that he makes sure to delete his search history . | 05217f06377b3d516be8b80b0ce447da0333ad01 |
(CNN) -- Veteran British actor Peter Capaldi is stepping into the blue police box as the 12th Doctor, the eccentric time traveler at the heart of the BBC's "Doctor Who," the network announced Sunday. Capaldi is the latest in a series of actors to play the universe-saving chrononaut since the series first aired in 1963. He'll replace Matt Smith, who has held the role since 2010, when Smith bows out at Christmas. In a televised BBC special announcing the pick, Capaldi described himself as a lifelong fan of the 50-year-old show -- "but I haven't really played Dr. Who since I was 9, on the playground." He said his daughter, also a fan, was reading speculation online about the producers' new pick and "was getting rather upset that they never mentioned me." After auditioning in secret, he said, his agent broke the news in a phone call by answering, "Hello, Doctor." It's not Capaldi's first trip in the Tardis, as the Doctor's time machine -- which appears from the outside to be a London police phone booth -- is known. Capaldi has appeared in a 2008 episode of the series and in its spinoff "Torchwood." But the Glasgow native is better known for his portrayal of the foul-mouthed spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the series "The Thick of It" and a 2009 film offshoot, "In the Loop." He also won an Academy Award in 1995 as the writer and director of the short film "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life." 'Doctor Who' celebrates 50 years with biopic and new Doctor . 2011: Joy for 'Doctor Who' fans as lost episodes materialize . | Peter Capaldi named the 12th Doctor on "Doctor Who" He'll replace current star Matt Smith after Christmas . He's appeared in previous episodes of the show and a spinoff . | a605ea0b5749760c7c3d0fdc0e7a99e042c9686a |
AN RSPCA whistleblower killed herself after publicly accusing the charity of killing thousands of healthy animals, an inquest heard yesterday. Animal welfare officer Dawn Aubrey-Ward, 43, was dismissed after arguing with her manager and later accused the organisation of putting down pets that could not be re-homed. Just five months after she helped reveal how the RSPCA had destroyed 53,000 animals in a year, the mother-of-four was discovered dead at home. Praised: Dawn Aubrey-Ward is given a certificate for rescuing a lamb while working for the animal welfare charity as an inspector . The inquest heard she was suffering . from depression after her partner Rob Colclough took his own life in . October 2011. She was also experiencing financial difficulties and had . issues with alcohol when she hanged herself at her home in Martock, . Somerset, on May 8. In a . statement read to the inquest in Wells, Somerset, her father Dennis . Aubrey said she was ‘deeply distressed’ by the whistleblowing furore. Summarising . the statement, coroner Tony Williams said: ‘Following time at the RSPCA . she was increasingly frustrated with her line manager. That led to . incidents and her being dismissed by the RSPCA. Animal lover: Ms Aubrey-Ward, 43, was found hanged at her home in Somerset in May . ‘She started a new relationship. She moved in with a new man in her life along with her children. 'Sadly in October 2011 he had himself taken his own life. 'He himself was battling with depression and that Dawn herself was devastated by that and became depressed and needed the support of family and friends around her.' Allegations: Dawn Aubrey-Ward, 43, said she was forced to put down healthy pets during two years working for the charity . Miss Aubrey-Ward publicly accused the charity of unnecessarily killing animals in an interview with The Mail on Sunday, published in late December last year. She had described her horror, during her time as an RSPCA inspector, at having to euthanise what she called ‘healthy animals’. Mr Aubrey added: 'Dawn expressed she was greatly distressed by that sequence of events.' She worked for the RSPCA between 2008 and 2010 and had a number of arguments with her line manager before she was dismissed. While details were not heard in the inquest, it was reported that Miss Aubrey-Ward was rebuked for refusing to issue a formal 'caution' to a devastated pensioner whose cat had contracted emphysema and was dying in his lap. She was also allegedly reprimanded for the theft of a tortoise, which she claimed to have taken home for safekeeping. She went public to tell of the horror she faced putting down animals because there was not enough room to house them in shelters. The RSPCA vigorously denied her claims and issued a statement seeking to discredit her account. In a statement issued in January, it said: 'Please be aware that Dawn Aubrey-Ward is a disgruntled former employee of the RSPCA who was subject to a disciplinary investigation for alleged theft of animals. She left the organisation with matters still pending.' Her mother Jean Newport wept as she heard about her daughter's final hours and was supported by her husband Michael and Dawn's father Dennis. Simon Ward, her husband, was also in court. The pair split up many years ago but were still married. The inquest heard her car had broken down and she had called her daughter from her first marriage Aimee Redfern-Ward, and asked her to pick up her two younger daughters from school. Meanwhile a friend gave her a lift home. She was also experiencing financial difficulties and had issues with alcohol when she took her own life at her hom . When Aimee arrived at the house with her two half-sisters, she discovered her mother's body. The inquest heard her suicide followed months of visits to her doctor, who prescribed anti-depressants and cognitive therapy sessions. Community mental health nurse Dee Holbourne said Miss Aubrey-Ward was struggling with bereavement, her finances, alcohol issues and a lack of sleep and appetite. She also thought she might be suffering from bi-polar disorder, she added. Recording a conclusion that she took her own life, coroner Mr Williams said: 'All of these pressures that were on her at the time and all of these issues for me go to that question of intent. 'Whilst I absolutely accept that in accordance with Mrs Newport's evidence that Dawn has acted on the spur of the moment without any formulated plan, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to conclude that Dawn did take her own life.' | Dawn Aubrey-Ward, 43, went public with her concerns about the charity . She was found hanged in her home in Martock, Somerset . The inquest heard she suffered from depression after her partner's suicide . For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. | fd4faa135f0f324e92472e41766001afd96450fd |
A mix of Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired confidence and utmost respect for an opponent that has won five European Cups summed up the mood in Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti’s team left the Spanish capital for Liverpool on Tuesday morning. Most Real Madrid supporters are aware that Liverpool are not the attacking force they were last season without the injured Daniel Sturridge and the departed Luis Suarez. But Liverpool's European Cup haul means they have always been revered at the home of the ten-times trophy winners and ever since the days of Rafa Benitez’s Spanish Liverpool there has also be no shortage of affection towards them. Cristiano Ronaldo makes his way off Real Madrid's plane after arriving at Liverpool John Lennon Airport . Ronaldo lost only one game at Anfield during his time with United, but never scored . Madrid’s Diario AS newspaper dedicated a page to an interview with Alan Kennedy, who scored the only goal of the game when Liverpool beat Madrid in the final in Paris in 1981. And much was made elsewhere of the fact that Real also lost their other two encounters against Liverpool, 1-0 and 4-0 in 2009. Kennedy is asked at length about Bob Paisley who Real Madrid manager Ancelotti equalled last season when he won the European Cup for the third time. Portuguese superstar Ronaldo has scored 20 goals for both club and country already this season . Hernandez (left) and Ronaldo (right) share a joke as Real Madrid arrive at Madrid airport . Aside from recalling the wit of his former manager – telling his full-back ‘they shot the wrong Kennedy in 1963’ after one of his poorer performances, Kennedy paid tribute to both men saying. ‘There is only one Paisley but I like Ancelotti. He’s very astute, he knows how to manage a dressing room and I have a lot of admiration for him.' Any confidence Madrid have ahead of the tie is also tempered by the fact that not only have they never beaten Liverpool in European football they have also never scored against them. Yossi Benayoun gets up to score Liverpool's winner at the Bernabeu in 2009 . In the return leg Liverpool then battered Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield; Steven Gerrard celebrates here . Ronaldo is averaging more than two goals a game in La Liga at the moment and is certainly on the kind of form to change that but traditionally he has his own problems when he goes to Anfield. Marca ran with the headline ‘The Anfield Curse’ on Monday and told readers that in five visits to Liverpool’s stadium Ronaldo had failed to score, registering only two goals against them at Old Trafford. The dark statistics cloud did have a silver lining however – Mario Balotelli has faced Iker Casillas twice and failed to score against him. For all of Liverpool's history one thing is certain – Ronaldo and Balotelli are both in frightening form but in very different senses. Alan Kennedy lifts the European Cup in 1981 after scoring the winner in Paris against Real Madrid . Ronaldo never scored at Anfield, and only scored twice overall against Man United's bitter rivals . | Liverpool and Real Madrid have won 15 European Cups between them . But Real have never even scored against their English opponents . They were beaten 5-0 on aggregate in 2009, and lost the 1981 final in Paris . Cristiano Ronaldo is currently averaging two goals a game in La Liga . But he never scored at Anfield in his five games for Manchester United . In Madrid, the newspapers are calling it 'The Curse of Anfield' | 5df71f91aef72b343793c1df68c7316e67d6f869 |
Kirani James was described as a 'specimen' by one of his 400 metres rivals on Tuesday and showed just why on a nippy Glasgow night 24 hours later, breaking the Commonwealth Games record with ease. The 21-year-old from Grenada is one of the athletics world's most impressive performers right now thanks to his fine displays in the one-lap sprint. James continued that incredible form this week at Hampden Park, where he cruised through the heats and semi-finals before breaking Iwan Thomas' Games record set in 1998. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Commonwealth Games: Day 7 review . Sparkling run: James pushed on in the final 100m to see off the challenge of South African Van Niekerk . Comfortable: The Grenada athlete has won every title available to him at the age of just 21 . Touch the sky: A tear runs down James' cheek as he points to the heavens after storming to 400m victory . Crossing the line in 44.24 seconds, his victory in the final saw him complete a full set of world youth, world junior, world, Olympic and Commonwealth titles - all staggeringly achieved in the space of five years. It is no wonder England's Martyn Rooney called him a 'specimen' on the eve of the final in Glasgow, where 400m world-record holder Michael Johnson was watching on from the stands. So, having broken the Commonwealth Games record, is he now eyeing the American's long-standing record of 43.18 secs? 'Not really,' James said after the race. 'I am going to be 22 in September. 'Michael Johnson set the record when he was 32 so I have got 10 years to work with. I've got a lot of things to work on. I've got to build up my power. 'You know, I just want to try and get better and just try to come here and represent my country.' Making his country proud: James holds a Grenada flag while doing a lap of honour at Hampden Park . VIDEO Commonwealth Games: Day 7 review . James has dipped under 44 seconds twice this year, including his Central American record run of 43.74 secs. That run in Lausanne earlier this month was the fastest 400m sprint of the year and he increasingly looks on the cusp of something special. 'My main thing is to come out here and represent my country,' James said. 'I don't really look at all of those other things. As long as I do that and win the title, I am happy with that.' Fortunately for the athletics fans of Britain, this victory is not the last time James will grace the track in Glasgow as he still has the 4x400m relay to come. Gone but not forgotten: Iwan Thomas, whose record Kirani James broke, tweeted congratulating him . Competitors and spectators alike will be hoping for slightly better weather when that comes around, although James does not seem to give a hoot. 'Everybody has to deal with the weather so you just have to do it and try your best,' he said. 'It is not anybody's fault that the weather is the way it is. It is just how it is. 'We just have to run through it, not to think about it. It is really just an excuse for guys who don't really believe in themselves and how they are going to perform.' That is certainly not something you could level at this precociously-talent Grenadian. | The 21-year-old Grenada athlete has now won every title available to him . James set a new Games record of 44.24secs at a chilly Hampden Park . The previous record was set by Welsh runner Iwan Thomas 16 years ago . South African Wayde van Niekerk grabbed silver, while England's Martyn Rooney finished in fourth . | 5eb4834e9beaa5198068cc33e2490df8a7fe73a4 |
By . Deborah Arthurs . It is one of those popular Beatles songs that appeals across generations. Octopus's Garden, like Maxwell's Silver Hammer or Yellow Submarine, have the sort of merry tunes and simple lyrics that please music lovers from nursery to nursing home and all those in between. When I play the song, from the 1969 Abbey Road album, to my three-year-old son Leo, the story-like lyrics captivate him. And now those lyrics, conjured up by Ringo Starr in 1968 while holidaying in Sardinia on Peter Sellers' yacht, have been turned into the words of a children's book. Colourful creation: Ringo Starr has teamed up with Ben Cort, illustrator of Aliens In Underpants, to create this bright literary take on his 1969 song . Illustrated by Ben Cort, the talented artist behind bestselling book series Aliens In Underpants, the book follows five children on an underwater adventure though the Octopus's garden. The children's fantasy journey sees them hide in giant whelk shells, swim with a blue whale and ride on the back of a fleet of turtles before joining the octopus in his garden and adorning him with jewels. The book comes with a CD featuring a reading by Ringo Starr and a never-before-heard version of the song. Fantasy journey: The five children in the story embark on an underwater adventure with a friendly octopus . Legend has it Ringo Starr came up with the idea for his song about this magpie of a sea creature when the captain on Seller's boat offered him freshly caught squid for lunch. One story goes that Starr ate the creature, declared it 'ok, just like chicken', and listened as the captain went onto tell him him how octopuses trawl the sea bed for shiny stones and objects to put in front of their caves, creating a sort of garden there. Others say Sellers did not eat the creature. Whatever, the truth, the tale piqued Starr's imagination and the song was born. Inspiration: Starr came up with the idea for the song Octopus's Garden, which featured on The Beatles' 1969 album Abbey Road, when dining on squid on Peter Sellers' yacht off the coast of Sardinia . Starr said today it is 'great' that Octopus's Garden is being brought to life for a whole new generation. 'Ben Cort's colourful illustrations really capture the feel of the song. I love it!' said Starr, adding, 'peace and love'. The 1970 Let It Be film shows fellow Beatle George Harrison helping Ringo Starr shape the melody on the piano. Since the song's release, it has been covered by the Muppets and The Punkels, made into a mash-up with Blondie's Heart Of Glass, called Glass Octopus, in 2007, and had its lyrics borrowed by Oasis. Delighted: Starr says it is 'great' that Octopus's Garden is being brought to life for another generation, adding that Ben Cort's illustrations 'really capture the feel of the song'. 'I love it,' he says . Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr and Ben Cort is published by Simon and Schuster will be released as a book and CD set on 24 October. | Illustrated by artist of bestselling series Aliens In Underpants . Published on 24 October in hardback with CD . Includes reading by Starr and previously unplayed recording of Octopus's Garden . | f1c8429293cb6ac97ee3965f7183572985c23db5 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:36 EST, 19 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:04 EST, 20 August 2013 . A family has been left without power after they received a surprise electricity bill for £64,000. Terry and Tracey Rust and their three children are living by candlelight as they claim they cannot afford to pay the massive bill for power at their farmhouse. The couple have been landed with the bill after they made a mistake when giving the power supplier details of their meter. Terry Rust in front of his farm house in North, Benfleet, Essex. He and wife Tracey have been left bemused as to how they racked up the huge debt . Terry Rust has lived in the North Benfleet farmhouse for 40 years. He says: 'npower have made me feel like a criminal' The first page of one of the bills Terry Rust has received - it keeps going up and up . When asked for the serial number of the main meter that serves their farm, Mr Rust gave the details of a prepayment meter that is only for part of the property. After the power company npower realised the mistake the sent Mr Rust a bill for the electricity. When he failed to pay it successfully applied for a warrant to cut off his power. Mrs Rust, 38, who lives with her husband and children aged 16, 14 and 12 at their poultry farm in North Benfleet, Essex, said: ‘I can’t do washing and we can’t have a bath - you just wouldn’t think this sort of thing would happen in England. ‘I am sick of crying and want to get back to normal, but there is no possible way in this world we can raise £61,000.’ Mr Rust, 61, said: ‘I’ve lived here for 40 years without a problem but now npower have made me feel like a criminal. ‘When they came to cut off our meter even the people they sent were shocked they could do this to a family with children. ‘My family is suffering because call centre staff confused our meters and messed up our billing. ‘We’re having to live by candle light which is madness in the 21st century. The second page of one of the bills Terry has received - £64,114.02 and rising . ‘I’ve offered a good will gesture of £10,000 and then monthly payments of £5,000 on top of that but they turned it down.’ Last . night power supplier npower said that Mr Rust did not pay anything . towards the energy use at his farm - which includes a large farmhouse, . stables, commercial units, poultry farm, equestrian centre and caravan . park - for over three years. A spokesman said: ‘Mr Rust called us in December 2008 to give us the serial number of the main meter for his house. ‘However, . instead he gave us details for a prepayment meter which only supplies . one unit on his property. The main meter supplies his house, stables, . two mobile home sites and an office. We updated his account to reflect . the information he gave us. Terry Rust in front of his home - but npower still says: 'We are not at fault here and have done everything we can for this customer' ‘When we discovered that this information was incorrect in 2010, we corrected his details and the account stood at £16,000. Mr Rust did not pay anything towards his energy use between July 2009 - October 2012. ‘He made three payments after October but since then, we have received sporadic payments. The account currently stands at £61,000. ‘We have been trying to resolve the situation with Mr Rust but he has given us conflicting VAT declarations confirming if the property is for domestic or commercial use.’ He added: ‘We are absolutely not at fault here.’ | Terry Rust claims he is a victim of poor record keeping by npower . Received a bill for £16,000 in July 2011 but that rose by January 2013 . npower says it is not at fault and Mr Rust gave 'conflicting information' | 9c20fe34aaaddc944e06223c77ff6dba4377ed56 |
By . Ian Laybourn, Press Association . Joel Tomkins has taken a pay cut to return to rugby league, the dual-code international has revealed. The 27-year-old centre or second rower cut short his stay in rugby union by signing a four-and-a-half year contract with his old club Wigan, who have paid an undisclosed transfer fee to Saracens. 'Obviously the salary cap in rugby union is bigger so the wages are bigger but my motivation in moving to rugby union was never financial,' Tomkins said. Change: Joel Tomkins has taken a pay cut to return to rugby league, the dual-code international has revealed . 'I wanted to try something different and I'm glad I did it. I've had some good experiences.' The Wigan-born Tomkins made three appearances for England during his three seasons in the 15-man code but admits he jumped at the chance to return to his roots, especially under his old mentor Shaun Wane. 'I left the club on really good terms,' he said. 'Me and (chairman) Ian (Lenagan) always said, if the time is right, there would be an opportunity to come back and the time feels right now. 'The top and bottom of it is that I feel I am a better rugby league player than I am a rugby union player. I enjoy playing rugby league more than rugby union. 'I'm 27 now and I feel I have a lot more to give still to the game and to this club. It's about repaying the club now for the confidence they've shown in me. 'It's the best rugby club in the world. One of my main regrets when I left was that I never got to play under Shaun in the first team. I've been with Shaun since I was 13 and it will be nice to work with him in the first team. 'All the family are really chuffed. We've got our first baby on the way so it's quite an exciting time for us off the field as well as on. I'm just looking forward to getting back it.' Wigan rolled out the red carpet, literally, to welcome Tomkins back to the fold at half-time in their 48-4 win over Widnes on Wednesday night that took them to the top of the First Utility Super League. Delighted: Wigan head coach Shaun Wane was pleased to welcome back Tomkins from a stint in rugby union . He came through the club's youth system to make 117 appearances for the senior team from 2005 up to his transfer in 2011, scoring 40 tries including a spectacular long-range effort in the Warriors' Challenge cup final win over Leeds three years ago. Wane said: 'I can't tell you how pleased I am I've got Joel back. He's a special friend and part of the family here. He's going to be a great asset to us and it's a shot in the arm for English rugby league as well.' Tomkins returns to Wigan with both younger brothers currently plying their trade elsewhere but it is conceivable that all three could be reunited at the DW Stadium. Logan, 21, is currently on loan at Salford but is expected to return to Wigan next season and Lenagan has not given up hope of welcoming back England full-back Sam from the NRL when his commitments are complete with New Zealand Warriors. 'I said when we announced Sam and Lee Mossop going that we expected Wigan players would go to the NRL or to rugby union and that two out of three of them would come back,' Lenagan said. 'It's great to see the first one back already and I think there will be a number of those who will do precisely the same when it is right for them and when they've been successful where they've been.' Tomkins, who is set to revert to the back row after turning out in the centre in rugby union, could be set to renew his rugby league international career, with England playing the Four Nations Series in New Zealand and Australia at the end of the season. His last appearance was alongside Sam in England's defeat by Australia in the 2010 Four Nations final at Elland Road. 'I think it will be in the back of the mind of every player who is eligible to play for England but my priority is to get back fit," added Tomkins, who is currently recovering from a bulging disc in his back. 'I've got four to six weeks rehab programme and then I'll work my way into this team. The young lads that have come in have played really well so there's a lot of competition for places. My goal is to get into this team before I start to think about the internationals.' | Head coach Shaun Wane is delighted to welcome him back to DW Stadium . Tomkins said he didn't move to union for financial reasons . | 925249c4ed60ecea950ce2b7c1e37f336ec23918 |
By . Andy Sims, Press Association . England shotgun ace Charlotte Kerwood blasted her way to Commonwealth Games glory in the double trap. The 27-year-old from Sussex was in devastating form at the Barry Buddon Centre in Dundee, nailing 94 of her 120 clays to claim her third individual Commonwealth gold medal. Kerwood won her first gold at Manchester 2002 aged just 15, and would probably have more in her collection had the event not been excluded in Delhi last time out. Shooting for gold: Charlotte Kerwood was in brilliant form in the double trap event . Easy peasy: Kerwood won her third Commonwealth Games gold medal in the double trap on Sunday . She finished two shots clear of India's Shreyasi Singh, who claimed silver. Rachel Parish, with whom Kerwood also won pairs gold at Melbourne 2006, made it a medal double for England by taking bronze. The 33-year-old from Nottingham finished level with Canada's Cynthia Meyer on 91 and triumphed in a sudden-death shoot-off. Kerwood led by five shots at the start of the final round and appeared relaxed, smiling and laughing, as the competitors lined up. But with Singh and Meyer closing in, she missed a pair halfway through the round and gave herself a dressing down before holding her nerve over the final few shots. 'It feels pretty good, I can't quite believe it,' Kerwood told Press Association Sport. 'The Commonwealth Games obviously like me, it's a good event to come to. 'I was laughing because I didn't realise I was five targets ahead at the start, so I thought 'no pressure!' Then I felt it was slipping away from me a little bit, which wasn't good. But now it feels amazing.' Congratulations: Kerwood gets a hug after easing to victory in the shooting double trap event . Kerwood will have little opportunity to celebrate, though, as she lines up in her favoured event, the Olympic trap, on Monday morning. 'That will be good experience for tomorrow because now I know what to expect with the crowd and everything. 'There's no time to celebrate yet. Tomorrow is what I have been training for. My coach thinks I was crazy going for this one as well but I'm going to be more confident now.' For Parish, who claimed silver behind Kerwood in the individual event eight years ago, it was also a test of nerve in the shoot-off. 'I've practised doing that before with the other England guys, I knew what was coming and I knew I'd done it before and I could do it again - and I did,' she said. 'I'm disappointed with the way I shot today, I know I can shoot a lot better than that, so I'm really pleased to have come away with a medal. 'I think there will be some champagne now. Possibly a lot!' | The 27-year-old nailed 94 of 120 clays to win third Commonwealth gold . Kerwood won her first gold at Manchester 2002 at the age of 15 . She finished two shots clear of India's Shreyasi Singh in Glasgow . Kerwood will compete in her favoured event, the Olympic trap, on Monday . | e6c8a88ea8f906670b9caa24fe259e07e188ddad |
President Barack Obama is marking the 44th Earth Day with a carbon-emitting extravaganza, spending more than 15 hours on Air Force One and 15 minutes aboard the Marine One helicopter. Not including his motorcades in Oso, Washington, the site of a recent devastating mudslide, his trip will consume an estimated 35,565 gallons of fuel. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistics arm of the Department of Energy, burning each gallon emits 21.1 pounds of carbon dioxide, bringing the president's Earth Day carbon footprint to more than 375.7 tons. The White House did not respond to a question about any measures it might be taking – planting trees, for instance – to offset those emissions. President Barack Obama boarded Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on Tuesday, en route to the state of Washington to visit with family members of victims of the deadly March 22 mudslide, and then on to Tokyo, Japan to meet Prime Minister Shinzo Abe . Air Force One, the president's private Boeing 747, burns about 5 gallons of jet fuel per minute, a rate that would have the typical car stranded halfway to the grocery store . Boeing's specifications for its 747 aircraft, which serves as Air Force One, include an estimate for fuel consumption of 5 gallons per mile. Tuesday's presidential travel will span more than 7,100 miles over two continents.– more than one-quarter of the way around the earth. Sikorsky, whose HV-3d Sea King helicopter flew Obama from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base, burns an additional 176.7 gallons of fuel per hour, requiring more than 44 gallons – about four times the size of a modern economy car's fuel tank – for the estimated 15-minute trip. A White House pool reporter noted that Marine One' landing on the South Lawn of the White House 'caused a flurry of hundreds of tree flower petals.' Mid-morning Tuesday, the White House issued a sweeping online essay calling for renewed awareness of threats from global warming. 'Our health, our economy, our security, and our planet’s future are once again threatened by pollution and environmental degradation,' the White House's official blog claimed. Warning: 'Our health, our economy, our security, and our planet¿s future are once again threatened by pollution and environmental degradation', the White said on its blog today . 'Our climate is changing, and that change is being driven by human activity. Every year, the United States pumps millions of tons of carbon dioxide pollution and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.' 'Earth Day is about taking action,' the White House declared. Obama's trip will have more than an environmental cost, draining $228,288 from the taxpayer-funded U.S. Treasury for every hour it's in the air. The Air Force's estimate brings the president's airfare to $3.47 million. The United States ranks 12th in the world among all nations for per capita carbon dioxide emissions. Obama is visiting the town of Oso, Washington, the site of a deadly March 22 mudslide. He will meet with victims' families as well as first responders. His trip to Tokyo will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a visit with the nation's emperor and empress. | President took Marine One chopper to Andrews Air Force Base and will fly to Washington state and Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday . 'Earth Day is about taking action,' the White House declared shortly after takeoff . Air Force One consumes 5 gallons of jet fuel for every mile it flies . The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that burning the fuel emits 21.1 pounds of CO2 per gallon . Total presidential fuel consumption for Earth Day, not including automobile motorcades, is an estimated 35,609 gallons . | 85c137cc58ba3bea13b1a1d9bebbf8df6573695a |
By . Sarah Griffiths . People have used a mouse to control their computers ever since the machines became mainstream enough to invade the home. But now there is a new batch of hands-free technology that claims to be more intuitive, accurate than fun than the handy hardware, which was invented around 70 years ago. A start-up called Thalmic Labs, based in Waterloo, Ontario in Canada, is about to release a smart armband that lets people control their computers by using hand gestures. The Myo band (pictured) lets people control their computers by using hand gestures - some of which are pre-set and others which will evolve over time . Software: Thin design housing an ARM Cortex M4 processor and haptic feedback . Communication: Bluetooth 4.0 low energy . Sensors: Proprietary EMG muscle activity sensors, and a three axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer . Power: Micro USB . Charging: Rechargeable lithium ion battery . Weight: 95grams . Colours: Black and white . Shipping date: September 2014 . Cost: $149 (£87) The Myo band can do this because it contains sensors that measure the motion and electrical activity in the wearer’s arm muscles. From this information, it can interpret certain hand gestures as well as movements to execute the relevant instructions on a computer screen. This is different to some competing controllers, such as Microsoft’s Kinect, which relies on a camera to monitor someone’s movements. A final version of the $149 (£87 plus shipping) device is set to be released in September and its makers claim it will work with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. The armband (pictured) lets people control their computer by using pre-set hand gestures . The armband can do this because it contains sensors that measure the motion and electrical activity in the wearer's arm muscles (illustrated) It connects with compatible computers and tablets via a Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy connection. The device contains a Lithium Ion battery, which can be recharged so that it can be used for a few days. Weighing in at around the same as a chunky wristwatch, the device is designed to fit almost any arm because it can be worn in different ways, as long as it is positioned on the upper forearm. ‘Our team has put countless hours into creating the sleek design, as well as the technology inside of it,’ said Stephen Lake, CEO and Co-founder of Thalmic Labs. ‘This final design is rugged, while also being lightweight, making it easy for the Myo armband to become a part of our everyday lives.’ The team of engineers who created the device have pre-set some gestures for users to learn, but these will be added to by developers. The firm says that with time, a number of apps will also be available after launch. It could be adapted to control TVs and radio-controlled cars, giving people a break from hunting for mislaid remote controls. A final version of the $149 (£87 plus shipping) device (pictured) is set to be released in September and its makers claim it will work with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices . The computer mouse has had a . good run, but almost 70 years since the design was first patented, it is . now under threat from a smart ‘thimble’. The . wearable 3D Touch device is fitted with an accelerometer and gyroscope, . and lets people control an onscreen mouse using just a wave of their . finger. The device, . created by engineers at the University of Wyoming, uses a 3D . accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope to orientate where the pointer . should be. The 'thimble' also uses optical flow sensors to track movement against a 2D surface. A button between the forefinger and thumb is used in place of the left-click button on a standard mouse. All . of this location data is streamed to a laptop and is used to move the . cursor, it can also be used with touchscreen-style gestures such as . double tap and long press. By . combining data from all of the sensors, the 3DTouch can more accurately . determine the location on the screen, and the researchers claim it can . be used to move a 3D object with a positioning error of only about 1 mm. | A start-up based in Waterloo, Ontario in Canada, is set to release its smart armband in September . It uses sensors to read electrical activity in a wearer's arm muscles . The Myo armband can interpret certain hand gestures and execute the relevant instructions on the computer screen . The device will work with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices . It can be pre-ordered for $149 (£87) | 79be9f7e2024e6b62a510a9fabf7abc139a25c62 |
By . Brendan Carlin . PUBLISHED: . 19:30 EST, 8 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:30 EST, 8 March 2014 . MPs are in line for an extra week off, adding to mounting evidence the Coalition is running out of things to do. Government sources last night confirmed they are considering giving MPs an additional week’s holiday, fuelling criticism that with so few laws to debate, and more than a year to go before the next election, the Commons and Lords are turning into a ‘Zombie Parliament’ of part-time politicians. It follows an announcement last week in the Lords, that peers are to get an extra five days off at Easter. Zombie Parliament: One analysis shows that MPs are doing less work on government business than at any time in the past decade, with a third less time spent on legislation than during last Labour government . Last night Labour seized on the news as proof the Coalition is ‘becalmed’. It means MPs may get 24 weeks off this year. The Mail on Sunday revealed in January that the Queen’s Speech is to be delayed from its planned date of May 7 because the Government is short of ‘exciting’ policies to put in the legislative programme. It will now take place on June 3. There have also been repeated claims that with so little to occupy them, many MPs are going home after the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions. One insider said: ‘Some MPs come down on Monday afternoon and leave by Wednesday afternoon. ‘Everyone keeps quiet about it because they know voters would be horrified.’ One analysis shows that MPs are doing less work on government business than at any time in the past decade, with a third less time spent on legislation than during last Labour government. By the middle of last year, MPs and peers spent 284 hours debating government legislation. That compares with 389 hours at the same point during Tony Blair’s second term. A quiet day in the Commons: By the middle of last year, MPs and peers spent 284 hours debating government legislation. That compares with 389 hours at the same point during Tony Blair¿s second term . An extra week’s holiday would mean MPs . are scheduled to sit in the Commons for a total of 140 working days in . 2014, equal to 28 weeks, or approximately seven months. It compares with . an average 224 working days for most people, who get an average five . weeks’ holidays. With so little to do at work, peers have instead turned their . minds to their stomachs by drafting in Anton Edelmann, Head Chef of the . Savoy for 21 years, to spruce up menus at the House of Lords. Mr . Edelmann, who now runs Anton’s restaurant in Hertfordshire – a mock . Tudor mansion with a champagne bar – serves up dishes such as crab . tortellini with cauliflower puree and quail salad with foie gras, king . prawns and mango. MPs have already been given an extra week off before the referendum on Scottish independence on September 18. Last . night, Westminster sources claimed the likeliest extra holidays would . come before the planned Whitsun’ recess which starts on May 22. Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Jonathan Ashworth said: ‘If you ever needed evidence that David Cameron’s government has run out of ideas, it is that the House of Commons may not sit for a week as planned because there is no legislation.’ But a Minister insisted: ‘It’s complete nonsense to say we are running out of steam. We have lots of ground-breaking ideas which will be outlined in the Queen’s Speech.’ | It follows announcement that peers will get five extra days off at Easter . Analysis shows MPs doing less work than any time in past decade . Some MPs arrive on Monday and leave on Wednesday, source says . | 50ecdd6f3d739433708d7d8042ef205c1176f3d4 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 8:46 PM on 23rd January 2012 . An investigative hearing has recommended that an American soldier be court-martialed over hazing that allegedly led to a fellow infantryman's suicide in Afghanistan, but dismissed the most serious charge against him. Specialist Ryan Offutt is one of eight soldiers charged in the death of 19-year-old Private Danny Chen, who shot himself on October 3 after what investigators say were weeks of physical abuse, humiliation and racial slurs. A native New Yorker of Chinese descent, Mr Chen had been in Afghanistan only two months when he shot himself in a guardhouse at a remote outpost in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Scroll down for videos . Death: Private Danny Chen, 19, of New York, was found dead in a guard tower at Combat Outpost Palace on October 3 after apparently committing suicide . Criminal: Specialist Ryan Offutt punched and choked his ex-girlfriend, stripping her, in a sadistic beating in 2001 . Mr Chen's family has said investigators told them that he was subjected to numerous racial slurs and forced to do excessive sit-ups, push-ups, runs and sprints carrying sandbags as punishment for not being as physically fit as the rest of the platoon. On the day that he killed himself, he forgot his helmet and water when he went to report to the guardhouse. His superiors forced him to crawl over 100 meters of gravel with all of his equipment when he returned, all the while having other soldiers throw rocks at him. The investigative hearing recommended . that Offutt, 32, be court-martialed on charges including assault, . negligent homicide, and reckless endangerment, a statement from U.S. military said after the hearing ended Sunday. The most serious charge Offutt now faces is negligent homicide, which carries a prison sentence of up to three years. Sadness: A portrait of U.S. Army Private Danny Chen is displayed during his funeral procession in New York on October 13 after his death in Afghanistan . Grieving: The casket of Private Danny Chen is carried by an honour guard during a funeral procession in New York two months ago . Offutt, from Greenville, who measured more than 6ft is thought to have been among the worst of the alleged bullies. The 32-year-old is one of four soldiers facing the most heinous charges . In October 2001 Offutt was charged with aggravated assault and attempted rape, the Daily News reported. His former girlfriend told police he beat her and ripped off her clothes. 'Offutt tried to have intercourse with her,' a criminal complaint alleged. She 'had to fight Offutt to escape.' The soldier's roommates woke up to the noise of the girl screaming, the complaint states. They found her 'naked and bleeding from the face.' Watch: Private Chen was found dead in October in a guard tower in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province (file picture) In that case, Offutt pleaded guilty . to simple assault and indecent assault and was sentenced to four months . to two years in prison. He was also obliged to attend drug and alcohol . treatment. Offutt joined the army in 2006 and is based at Fort Wainright, Alaska. The regional American military commander will make a final decision on any court-martial based on the hearing's recommendations, the U.S. statement said. Attorneys for Offutt could not immediately be contacted. Offutt, a native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, joined the Army in 2006 and served 14 months in Iraq before being deployed to Afghanistan. Seven other members of Mr Chen's unit will face similar hearings to Offutt’s over the next month at Kandahar Air Field, the sprawling base for U.S. and Nato operations in the south. In action: Sergeant Travis F. Carden was one of eight soldiers charged . One of those men- First Lt. Daniel Schwartz, the only officer charged with Chen’s death- also has a record, the Daily News reported. The 25-year-old Maryland man was arrested five years ago for possession of a controlled substance, according to records. The Army has identified the other soldiers charged as Staff Sargent Blaine G. Dugas, 35, of Port Arthur, Texas; Staff Sargent Andrew J. Van Bockel, 26, of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Sargent Adam M. Holcomb, 29, of Youngstown, Ohio; Sargent Jeffrey T. Hurst, 26, of Brooklyn, Iowa; Specialist Thomas P. Curtis, 25, of Hendersonville, Tennessee; and Sargent Travis F. Carden, 24, of Fowler, Indiana. All are members of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Conference: The OCA's Elizabeth OuYang speaks in New York on Wednesday while Private Chen's parents, Yan Tao Chen, left, and Su Zhen Chen, right, listen . Remembered: Danny Chen is pictured with his family in an emotional video which features his friends and relatives asking: 'What happened to Danny?' | Private Danny Chen, 19, found dead on duty in October . Bullied by other soldiers who racially teased him . | ce638880794b6baa10d561a0b0297511d78a119f |
Smartwatches and wearables such as Google Glass are designed to make life easier - but these cutting-edge gadgets require considerable investment. But now there’s a kit with a tiny screen that promises to turn everyday spectacles into smart glasses, and can be used to make a games console, smartwatch, remote control and more – from just $20 (£13). The makers of TinyScreen claim the screen can also be incorporated into jewellery to display ever-changing visuals. Scroll down for video . A kit with a tiny screen promises to turn every day spectacles into smart glasses (pictured left) and can be used to make a games console, smartwatch, (right) remote control and more – from just $20 (£13). What it is? Tinyscreen is a small customisable display . Uses: depending on the kit purchased, the screen can form part of a smartwatch, basic version of Google Glass, video player or necklace. Apps: It comes with a number of pre-loaded apps including a smartwatch app, video player and games, such as a clone version of Flappy Bird. Customisable: The watch can be configured with basic code to use different watch faces and a Bluetooth connection to 'talk' to Android or iOS devices. Notifications: Customisable notifications can inlcude incoming calls, tweets and texts, plus appointments. Cost: Between $20 (£13) and $460 (£288) depending on the kit. Delivery date: Kits are due to be shipped in January. They include: the screen itself ($20 or £13) basic kit ($55 or £34) video player kit ($65 or £41) video game kit ($75 or £47) smart watch kit ($90 or £56) and deluxe kit ($120 or £75). More complex kits to build robots, sensors and all of the ideas are available. Ohio-based company, Akron, is raising funds on Kickstarter to mass produce its device, which costs $20 (£13) for the screen alone, plus $90 (£56) for the smartwatch kit. The idea is proving popular, with more than $41,000 (£25,660) pledged so far. And with 22 days to go, the campaign has already exceeded the $15,000 (£8,388) goal set by the company. TinyScreen is a small customisable 16-bit colour, 96x64 pixel OLED display, that is not flexible. It has been designed to let people play games, get notifications from their phone, and display useful information on their wrist in the form of a smartwatch, for example. Once assembled, users will be able to fix the TinyScreen to a pair of spectacles to make a basic version of Google Glass. They will then be able to watch videos and view phone notifications easily. The firm claims that a number of pre-programmed apps will work right out of the box. These include a smartwatch app, video player app and a video game app - which the developers promise require no programming skills. With a little know-how, they explain that the smartwatch can be configured to use several different watch faces, as well as a Bluetooth connection to communicate with an iPhone or Android phone. An open source app will additionally allow people to set up the type of notifications that they can receive and display on the watch, like incoming phone calls, texts, tweets and appointments. TinyScreen is a small customisable 16-bit colour, 96x64 pixel OLED display which lets people play games, get notifications from their phone and display useful information on their wrist in the form of a smartwatch - after building their desired gadget from the parts in the kit. The games console kit with two tiny joysticks is shown . The smartwatch will be able to be configured to use several different watch faces, and works with Android or iOS phones. An open source app will additionally let people set up the type of notifications that they can receive and display on the watch, such as incoming phone calls (pictured left), texts and tweets (pictured right) People who adapt their screen to become part of a smartwatch will be able to download code so they can print a plastic casing using a 3D printer, or alternatively purchase different cases. Games will be able to be played on TinyScreen, using either the four buttons along the side of the screen, or with two tiny analog joysticks, which come in the gaming pack. Currently, games include a Flappy Bird clone and Asteroid, with more titles to come. Users will also be able to create their own games using the open source software library. People who adapt their screen to become part of a smartwatch will be able to download code so they can print a plastic casing (pictured left) using a 3D printer, or purchase different cases. A video player kit is shown right . | Kit costs between $20 (£13) and $460 (£288) depending on the parts included . They all have a customisable 16-bit colour, rigid 96x64 pixel OLED display . It can be used to make Google Glass, a smartwatch or video player . Kits can be programmed to provide phone notifications and play games . Ohio-based company has already met its funding goal on Kickstarter . | 5acc5c5d2b8a54e61440bde68ddc5c45b17f1203 |
A federal judge approved Monday a preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by thousands of former NFL players against the National Football League. The settlement will provide eligible retired players with baseline neurological exams and include monetary awards for diagnoses of ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and early and moderate dementia. There is no cap on the amount of funds available to pay these monetary awards and all valid claims will be paid in full for 65 years. "This is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families -- from those who suffer with neuro-cognitive illnesses today, to those who are currently healthy but fear they may develop symptoms decades into the future," said the two lead attorneys for the players, Christopher Seeger and Sol Weiss. The settlement also makes provisions for family members of some living and deceased players. "We are grateful to Judge (Anita) Brody for her guidance and her thoughtful analysis of the issues as reflected in the comprehensive opinion she issued today," said NFL Senior Vice President Anastasia Danias. Initially there was a $765 million figure on the settlement with $675 million capped. The judge declined in January to approve the deal, saying she was concerned about the amount of money. But the latest agreement reached two weeks ago eliminated a maximum for the monetary award fund. The NFL will use $75 million for medical tests to help determine if any retired players have brain damage and for treatment. The retired players could receive between $1.5 million and $5 million depending on their age and the severity of their cognitive impairment. Players with less than five years of experience will receive smaller awards. The league could pay up to $112.5 million in legal fees, according to the settlement. About 5,000 former players are involved in the class action but as many as 20,000 might be eligible. Current NFL players are not included in the agreement. A hearing to assess the fairness of the outcome of the case is scheduled for November 19. The judge will issue her final ruling after that and players can then begin to register for benefits. They will have two years to do so. | About 5,000 former players have sued the NFL over concussion issues . The league agreed to no cap on the amount of money to be paid out . A judge will issue her final ruling after a hearing in November . Active players are not included in the settlement . | d48f84262bfbf8a51fa8bf2942e776128608c170 |
By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 02:45 EST, 25 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:46 EST, 25 June 2013 . Killers: Mick and Mairead Philpott are currently serving prison sentences for the manslaughter of six of their children in a house fire . Two women claimed they were raped by child killer Mick Philpott as they gave evidence to police about the fire in which six of his children died. The 56-year-old is currently serving a life sentence in Wakefield prison for manslaughter after the blaze at a house fire in Derby last year. A woman who was being interviewed as a witness as part of the original investigation told detectives she had been raped by Philpott in his caravan after he drugged her tea in 2005. Officers took a separate statement from the alleged victim at the time. She told the Daily Mirror: 'It was rape. He makes my flesh crawl.' And now it has emerged a second woman also made a rape allegation against Philpott as she was speaking to officers investigating the fire. The woman told the Daily Mirror, Philpott forced himself on her as they slept in the downstairs bedroom of a relative's home in Derby in March, 1996. The two women will now be formally interviewed about the rape allegations. If detectives believe the claims warrant a new investigation they plan to interview Philpott in Wakefield prison. Philpott started the blaze with the help of wife Mairead and friend Paul Mosley while their six children were sleeping upstairs in May last year. They had hatched an elaborate plot in which Mick would save the children and the fire would be blamed on his estranged partner. The cramped three-bedroom semi-detached home in Derby was shared by Mick Philpott, his wife, mistress and all 11 children he had with both women . The six children perished when the fire tore through their home (above) in Derby, last May . Philpott was locked in a legal battle with her for custody of the four children they had together. Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers . Duwayne, 13, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six and Jayden, five, died . from the effects of smoke inhalation following the fire. Mick was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum 15 year term. Mairead and Mosley were jailed for 17 years for manslaughter and must serve at least half their sentence. In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: 'We can confirm that officers from Derbyshire Constabulary are making inquiries into allegations of further offences committed by Mick Philpott. 'These allegations came to light during the investigation into the fire in May last year in which his children died. He, his wife and their friend were later convicted of the manslaughter of six children. 'Investigations are continuing and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.' Philpott pictured with the six children, aged between five and 13, who perished in the house fire . Destroyed: The children perished when the fire tore through their home (above) in Derby, last May . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Philpott, 56, is serving life for manslaughter of six of his children . Two women were interviewed as witnesses during original investigation . Have made claims about sex attacks in 1996 and another in 2005 . Detectives will now take full statements before visiting Philpott in prison . | e90020f4450543b5b061cead0c03c2f000bd156e |
(CNN) -- Miley Cyrus is engaged to her off-and-on boyfriend of three years, "The Hunger Games" star Liam Hemsworth, a representative for Hemsworth said on Wednesday. "I'm so happy to be engaged and look forward to a life of happiness with Liam," the 19-year-old Cyrus told People magazine. Miley Cyrus: Sex is a beautiful, magical thing . The two met when they co-starred in "The Last Song" in 2009. They broke up the next year, then reunited less than a year later. Hemsworth, 22, proposed on May 31 with a 3.5-carat diamond in 18-karat gold with carved diamond floral motifs in an art nouveau pattern, according to Neil Lane Jewelry in Los Angeles. The center stone dates back to the late 19th century, the store said. 10 most non-traditional celebrity engagement rings . The couple sparked engagement rumors in March after Cyrus was seen wearing a diamond ring on her finger at an Arizona event, but representatives for both denied it. In February, Hemsworth told Details magazine he was smitten with Cyrus. "She makes me really happy," he said. "When you start (filming), you want to be professional, but when you're filming those scenes with someone and pretending to love them, you're not human if you don't feel something." Meanwhile, Cyrus expressed gratitude to her supporters Wednesday on Twitter. "thank you for all the love today :)" she tweeted. "i'm happy to share this news with you all. I feel like all my dreams are coming true." Cyrus is working on a new album, People reported, and Hemsworth is filming "Empire State" in New Orleans. He will also shoot a movie with Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman, called "Paranoia," before working on the next "Hunger Games" installment. "All I ever hoped for as a daddy was to see my kids reach their dreams," tweeted her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. "To find happiness...peace of mind...and someday know...true love." Recently engaged celebrities . Cyrus catapulted to international fame after starring in the "Hannah Montana" television series on the Disney Channel. She has also launched a recording career, selling out venues worldwide, and has appeared in several movies. Born Destiny Hope Cyrus, she earned the nickname "Smiley" as a child, which was shortened to Miley. In 2008, she legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus. Cyrus has been the subject of controversy. At 15, she apologized after Vanity Fair magazine published provocative photos of her, saying she was "so embarrassed." At 18, she acknowledged that smoking a bong filled with the herb salvia was "a bad decision" after a video surfaced. And last year, she dealt with fallout after joking that she was a "stoner." Hemsworth, a native of Melbourne, Australia, started acting in high school, according to an Internet Movie Database biography, and followed his brothers Chris and Luke into show business. He was cast last year in "The Hunger Games," which brought him international fame. CNN's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report. | "I feel like all my dreams are coming true," the singer tweets . People magazine reports the two got engaged May 31 . Liam Hemsworth proposed on May 31 with a 3.5-carat diamond . Cyrus and Hemsworth have been dating off and on for three years . | 4682076f9853594fe4bdb28d71fd64171ac3df64 |
By . Thomas Jacobs . Alex Pritchard is hoping to catch the eye of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino during his loan spell at Championship new-boys Brentford. The England Under 21 international was handed his Tottenham debut by Tim Sherwood in May following a successful stint at Swindon Town. Rising star: Spurs midfielder Alex Pritchard is gaining first-team experience with Brentford . Holding his own: Pritchard is coping with the physical demands of the Championship . Looking on: Pritchard is hoping to catch the eye of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino . However, the midfielder has been allowed to leave White Hart Lane to get regular first-team football, and Pritchard hopes his time with the Bees will boost his chances at his parent club. He said: 'I had my first full year of men's football at Swindon so I'm looking to continue that here. 'I felt I needed to make the step back up to Championship, where I've previously played with Peterborough. National service: Pritchard in action for England Under 21s this week . 'Hopefully people will be watching and I can show them what I can do. But you've just got to concentrate on your game and the rest will take care of itself. 'I'm a Brentford player now so I'll work hard for the team and whatever happens, happens. I've settled in really well. All the lads have made me feel welcome.' Pritchard has scored one goal in five starts since arriving at Griffin Park in the summer. | Midfielder made his Spurs debut in 3-0 victory against Aston Villa in May . Pritchard has scored once in five starts for Bees since arriving on loan . England U21 star has also had stints at Swindon and Peterborough . | 42c3a67e18335a3fdc9df91080d59b467cc84140 |
(CNN) -- Rescuers combed through mangled wreckage early Sunday searching for survivors after two passenger trains collided in southern Poland, leaving at least 16 dead. An American citizen was among the dead, said a spokesman with the U.S. Consulate in Krakow. In addition to the fatalities, the collision Saturday night injured at least 60 others, according to the Polish State Fire Brigade. Authorities are "almost sure there will be no living persons inside the wreckage," said Marcin Kopczynski, the duty officer. "We are using dogs to see if there are any living persons inside but no signs yet." A firefighter described the rescue operation at the crash site in Szczekociny as complicated. "The damage (to) the wagons is huge. We have contact with victims. We approach very cautiously," firefighter Jaroslaw Wojtasik told CNN's Polish affiliate TVN. More than 100 passengers who were not injured were evacuated to Warsaw, authorities said. CNN's Joyce Joseph contributed to this report. | NEW: A U.S. citizen is among the dead, consulate confirms . NEW: Finding more survivors is unlikely, duty officer says . At least 60 people are injured . The rescue operation is complicated, a firefighter says . | e7b37e7fe5d7e7db3d04276931ff80a1ead81b97 |
A sea exploration company said today . it has discovered yet another British wartime ship filled with silver, . which is lying 8,000ft beneath the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean. Odyssey . Marine Exploration Inc hit the headlines earlier this month by . discovering the Second World War-era SS Gairsoppa and its £155million . haul of silver on the ocean floor. Today . the company proudly announced that it found the remains of the British . SS Mantola, a First World War-era ship that sank on February 9, 1917. Spooky sight: The Odyssey Marine Exploration's ROV inspection of the SS Mantola site, showing the promenade railings . Excellent condition: Despite being sent to the bottom in 1917, and suffering the ravages of salt water and pressure, the Mantola is literally in ship shape at the bottom of the Atlantic . Open the hatches: Odyssey Marine Exploration intends to return in the spring to mine both the Mantola and the Gairsoppa around 100 miles away . Like the Gairsoppa but decades before, the Mantola fell victim to a German submarine, U-81. An Odyssey spokesman said the Mantola was insured to carry silver worth £110,000 when it sailed in 1917. That value would mean the ship could hold as much as 600,000 ounces of silver, based on silver prices in 1917. At current market prices, that much silver would be worth more than £12million. Odyssey will retain 80 per cent of the value of the silver that's recovered. Precious cargo: The SS Mantola, which was sunk by a German submarine in 1917 in the North Atlantic, carrying silver . The . company is planning a recovery expedition next spring. It said its . share of the proceeds will contribute significantly to funding its . future operations. The . shipwreck is about 100 miles away from the SS Gairsoppa which sank in 1941 carrying a reported cargo of up . to 7 million ounces of silver. Treasure hunter: Odyssey Marine Exploration's Odyssey Explorer, which is bristling with hi-tech gadgets, has hit pay dirt twice - first with the SS Gairsoppa and now with the SS Mantola . The Gairsoppa was steaming home from . India while in the service of the Ministry of War Transport when . she was torpedoed by a Nazi U-boat. She sank in icy seas more than three miles deep about 300 miles south west of Ireland. Only one of her 84 crew survived. Eerie: A ladder leads down to the cargo hold on the SS Gairsoppa as it lies on the sea bed 300 miles south of Galway . Well preserved: A brass part of the Gairsoppa is in good condition, suggesting that the cargo is also undamaged by its time beneath the waves . Sea bed: A sonar image of the SS Gairsoppa, sunk by German U-Boat in 1941 . In what is believed to be the deepest . and largest ever retrieval of a precious cargo, the firm will next . spring dive to recover a haul estimated to be worth £155million. The 412-ft steamship is sitting upright on the seabed, with . its holds open. Odyssey said a robot submersible . captured video footage showing tea chests, a sign that the heavier . consignment of silver was underneath. Hoard: The ship, which was torpedoed after breaking away from a convoy, was carrying silver . Uncovered: An intact toilet sits on the bridge deck of the SS Gairsoppa . Sunk: The SS Gairsoppa was a steel-hulled British cargo steamship that began her career in 1919 under the service of the British India Steam Navigation Company of London . Pick-up: Odyssey crew will use remotely operated vehicles to get to the wreck and unload its precious cargo . 'This should enable us to unload the . cargo through the hatches,’ chief executive Greg Stemm added. The . Gairsoppa is so deep the usual steel cable used in the grab mechanisms . will have to be replaced by synthetic fibres. The ship, recognisable by the . red-and-black paintwork of the British-India Steam Navigation Company . and the torpedo hole in its side, was sailing in a convoy from Calcutta . in 1941. Buffeted by high winds and running . low on coal, the captain decided he would not make it to Liverpool and . broke from the convoy to head for Galway. A single torpedo from U-101 sank her . in 20 minutes, on February 17, 1941. Three lifeboats were launched, but . only Second Officer Richard Ayres made it to land, reaching the Cornish . coast after 13 days. Odyssey said yesterday the UK . government was ‘desperately looking for new sources of income’ and was . urging it to find more British wrecks. It is also investigating HMS . Sussex, lost off Gibraltar with 10 tons of gold in 1694, and HMS . Victory, a precursor to Nelson’s flagship. In 2008 a U.S. judge ordered the firm . to hand back gold and silver coins worth £300million to Spain, which . said the treasure was taken from a frigate that sank in 1804. Odyssey said the wreck’s identity was unclear and had been found in international waters. Gaping: The torpedo hole in the SS Gairsoppa, where the U-boat Captain's log reported the ship was struck . | SS Mantola went down in 1917 with £12m of silver aboard . Both ships sunk by German submarines, but in different world wars . | 48a5884b2ca4f4d7793013935abc7a64c62e141a |
An NFL star has been caught on tape using the N-word at a Kenny Chesney concert. Pointing his finger aggressively at the crowd of the June 9 show, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper appears to say on the cell phone video: 'I will jump that fence and fight every n***** here.' The offensive remark came just minutes after Cooper was caught having a disagreement with another concert goer in the parking lot at the Lincoln Financial Field event, though the argument was broken up swiftly. Scroll down for video . Slur: Pointing his finger aggressively at the crowd and the camera, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper, pictured, launches into a racist tirade . The 25-year-old was quick to apologize for his behavior on Wednesday afternoon, after the video showing the racial slur went viral online. He took to Twitter to condemn the slur. 'I am so ashamed and disgusted with myself,' he said in an apology spread over several tweets. 'I want to apologize. I have been offensive. I have apologized to my coach, Jeffrey Lurie, and Howie Roseman and to my teammates. Press conference: Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper meets with the media at NFL football training camp on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, in Philadelphia . 'I owe an apology to the fans and to . this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses. What I did . was wrong and I will accept the consequences.' Cooper has been fined an undisclosed amount by the team and now awaits word on whether the NFL will offer up more discipline. On . top of his earlier tweets, the receiver spent nearly seven minutes . apologizing and answering questions at a press conference on Wednesday . evening outside the club. He said he intended to apologize later to his teammates, many of whom are African American. 'It's . going to be very difficult for me. I'm going to tell them, "I'm . extremely sorry," tell them exactly what I'm telling you guys. There was . a confrontation and I handled it extremely, extremely poorly,' Cooper . said. Aggressive: Cooper, pictured in the sleeveless red shirt, snaps at his companion as things get tense inside the venue . 'This is kind of the lowest of lows. This isn't the type of person I want to be portrayed as. This isn't the type of person that I am. 'I know no one in Philadelphia is happy with me right now. I accept that. I just hope they see the true me. And accept my apology.' NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to say if the league would take further discipline. 'The NFL stands for diversity and inclusion. Comments like this are wrong, offensive, and unacceptable,' Aiello said. The tape, obtained by Philadelphia sporting blog Crossing Broad, shows Cooper, dressed in a sleeveless red and black plaid shirt and with his blonde hair in a ponytail, push a man's hand off his shoulder before launching into the tirade. It's not clear what his companion said immediately prior to the remark. Apology: The 25-year-old, pictured on field, was quick to apologize for his behavior on Wednesday afternoon, after the video showing the racial slur went viral online . No excuses: 'I owe an apology to the fans and to this community. I am so ashamed, but there are no excuses. What I did was wrong and I will accept the consequences,' he tweeted . He then brushes his hand away again and turns around, at which point a bottle of beer is clearly visible in the footballer's hand. Afterwards, the country star pulled Cooper, teammate Jason Kelce and coach Chip Kelly on stage to perform 'Boys of Fall.' Cooper was a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He had 23 catches for 248 receiving yards last season for the Eagles. He is expected to compete for a starting wide receiver job to replace the injured Jeremy Maclin. | The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver appears to say on the cell phone video: 'I will jump that fence and fight every n***** here' Cooper made the offensive remark inside the June 9 show at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia . On Wednesday, the 25-year-old apologized for his 'disgusting' behavior on Twitter and said he will accept the consequences of his actions . | 74849eb3d21679cefcf8b0c1b5c487c18735ba88 |
After Cristiano Ronaldo caused a stir by letting out a scream in celebration after winning the Ballon d'Or, the Real Madrid forward has taken to greeting fans in the same way. The Portugal international was stopped in the street by an elderly supporter looking to have his picture taken with the star, before the pair let out the iconic scream in each other's direction. Ronaldo explained after the Ballon d'Or ceremony that the celebration was one that he often performs in training with his Real Madrid team-mates. After posing for a picture with the fan they shared a celebratory scream together . The supporter screamed back in Ronaldo's direction as the forward walked off . 'The scream? The players know I always do that shout when I score a goal or when we win - it's our team shout,' Ronaldo told a Spanish TV station. It was later revealed that Ronaldo was shouting 'Siiiii' and the forward now uses the scream to celebrate all his goals. Ronaldo won his third Ballon d'Or earlier this month, beating off competition from Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates winning the Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year with a loud scream . Spanish sports newspaper MARCA leads a picture of Ronaldo performing the scream . | Cristiano Ronaldo caused stir after letting out scream at Ballon d'Or Gala . The Real Madrid forward shouted 'siiii' in celebration upon winning award . Ronaldo shared the celebration with a supporter in the street . READ: Ronaldo scream is a Real Madrid celebration . | 8415954513a5249cffe3bb6621ffe71c5adaf5b7 |
Graeme McDowell was left to rue a poor finish despite setting the clubhouse target in the first round of the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai on Thursday. McDowell played his first 12 holes in seven under par at Sheshan International but dropped two shots in the last six to card an opening 67 in the second event of the European Tour's Final Series. Starting from the 10th, the Ryder Cup star birdied his opening hole and picked up further shots on the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th to race to the turn in 31, before birdies at the second and third took him well clear of a star-studded field featuring 40 of the world's top 50. Former US Open winner Graeme McDowell set the clubhouse target in the first round of the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai but could have been further ahead but for a poor back nine . McDowell takes a 'selfie' with three local fans as he competes in Shanghai . Ulsterman McDowell talks to caddie Ken Comboy on the fifth hole and the Sheshan International Golf Club . However, the former US Open champion dropped his first shot of the day on the fourth and paid the price for missing his only fairway of the round on the 603-yard eighth hole, a par-five which had so far given up just two birdies. At five under par, McDowell enjoyed a two-shot lead over Ryder Cup opponent Rickie Fowler and fellow American Chris Kirk, who were approaching the end of their rounds, with Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter safely in the clubhouse on two under. American Dustin Johnson claimed the title 12 months ago with a winning total of 24 under par, but Justin Rose - who was fifth last year - had correctly predicted heavier rough and firmer greens would make scoring more difficult. Rickie Fowler receives support from local fans as he tees off on the 15th hole in Shanghai . Lee Westwood in action completed a two under round on the opening day of the event in Shanghai . Ian Poulter watches his shot after teeing off on the fourth hole during the first round . Rose, who was fourth in the BMW Masters on Sunday, was level par after 13 holes, while the winner at Lake Malaren - Germany's Marcel Siem - was one over with three to play. Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, who took 13 on the ninth hole during his final round last week, struggled to an opening 78, while FedEx Cup winner Billy Horschel managed just one birdie in a round of 80. Fowler and Kirk duly completed rounds of 69 and were soon joined on three under by the likes of Brandt Snedeker, Tim Clark, 2011 winner Martin Kaymer and England's Tommy Fleetwood. Henrik Stenson looked set to expand that group still further but twice found sand on the ninth - his final hole - and almost thinned his third shot across the green and into the water. The resulting bogey left Stenson alongside Westwood and Poulter on two under, with world number two Adam Scott also completing an opening round of 70. | Graeme McDowell set the clubhouse target in first round of Shanghai event . But Ulsterman could have been further out in front at Champions event . Field features 40 of the world's top 50 players . McDowell carded a five under par first round, two shots ahead of Rickie Fowler and Chris Kirk . Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter completed two under rounds . | 766ef3c98c685b8b2bf628118a0bf00829a4fc40 |
By . Simon Tomlinson and Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 11:16 EST, 31 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:41 EST, 31 January 2013 . A woman whose body was pulled from a canal died in strikingly similar circumstances to her boyfriend's room-mate, it emerged today. Sarah Majoras, 39, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday leaving the same New Jersey bar as tragic musician David Anderson did 12 years ago before he was also found dead in a canal close to the frozen Delaware & Raritan Canal in . Lambertville. Anderson had left John and Peter's Bar in . New Hope before heading to the home he shared with room-mate Adam Baker, who . is Majoras' boyfriend. Scroll down for video . Macabre discovery: A body pulled from a canal in New Jersey is thought to be that of missing bartender Sarah Majoras (pictured), who disappeared after walking home alone in the early hours of last Saturday . Fearing the worst: Prosecutors said the body matches the 39-year-old's description, but say formal identification had yet to take place . Authorities reportedly found Anderson's body in the nearby canal three days later. His death was ruled as accidental. Prosecutors said the latest body, which was . found in the same stretch of water where the friend died 12 years ago, . matches Majoras' description, but said formal identification had yet to take . place. The discovery came after a boot thought to belong to Majoras was found in the canal and shortly after prosecutor Anthony Kearns made a renewed appeal for information about her disappearance. Kearns said they were investigating reports Majoras had been approached by a man hours before she was last seen. Last images: This surveillance footage released by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office shows Marjoras walking home from work in the early hours of Saturday shortly before she disappeared . Clue? Prosecutors said they were investigating reports Majoras had been approached by a man hours before she was last seen . Although he said foul play could have . been a factor in her death, he said there was no evidence of such as . yet, it was reported on www.lehighvalleylive.com. Local residents who recalled both incidents said that they, too, believed Baker's connection was simply a tragic coincidence and not something untoward, Philly.com reported. 'Everybody around here knows it's not a possibility,' said Joe Ujj, a community member helping to coordinate volunteer search efforts for Majoras. 'I work with Adam and have known him since high school. It's not that type of thing. I don't know how else to say it.' Messages of condolence have already . started pouring into the 'Find Sarah Majoras' Facebook page in a sign . that her friends and loved ones are braced for the worst. Kearns said her family were 'saddened and heartbroken'. Desperate search: Police divers cut holes in the ice of the frozen over canal on Sunday as they looked for a missing woman in Pennsylvania . Workplace: Majoras was last seen after leaving John & Peter's Bar (above), where she had been drinking and listening to music with friends on a night off . Marjoras was last seen on . surveillance video at about 2am on Saturday crossing into the city from . New Hope, where she had worked at John & Peter's Bar for 15 years. Cameras show her turning north onto Lambert Lane and walking toward her home in the 100 block of North Union Street. She was not working on Friday night, but had been drinking and listening to music with friends. Her boyfriend Adam Baker called the bar when she did not return home and she was reported missing at around 2pm on Saturday. Short journey: Miss Majoras was believed to have been walking the one-mile route to her home in the early hours of Saturday when she vanished . Specialist divers have been searching . the canal every day since her disappearance and a police helicopter has . also been assisting in the search. John & Peter's nightclub has also put up her missing poster on their website. Majoras is described as 5ft 4ins and weighing 140lb. She has blue eyes, blonde hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans, brown leather boots, white cap and a camouflage jacket. View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com. | Body matches description of 39-year-old Sarah Majoras, says prosecutor . Was last seen walking home alone after drinking with friends at a nightclub . | f07ebce1125c978d4b742c757f44de57ab577943 |
Deadliest year for tornadoes in the U.S. since 1925 . By . Associated Press . Last updated at 7:21 AM on 18th November 2011 . Six people have been killed, including a three-year-old girl, and dozens injured after 25 tornadoes tore across the Southeast. In North Carolina, the toddler was found buried under a pile of shattered furniture along with her 50-year-old grandmother. Their small house in a rural area of Lexington had been ripped clean from its foundations. The storms left at trail of . debris that stretched for at least seven miles, with a dozen . people taken to hospital. Scroll down for video . Torn apart: A roof is lifted clean off a home in the Southeast after tornadoes tore across the region yesterday, leaving six people dead . Firefighters and volunteers in Lexington searched for the child, whose name wasn't immediately released, for more than two hours. A neighbour Maegan Chriscoe said: 'She was just beautiful, big blue eyes and so sweet.' Some 25 tornadoes were reported in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina. Severe weather also hit Georgia, where one person died near Atlanta when a tree fell on his car. In South Carolina, three people were killed and five injured when a tornado swept through a rural community near Rock Hill. Ominous: A tornado can picked out in the distance forming into a deadly funnel in Opelika, Alabama . One resident Henry Taylor said he was . home watching television with his wife when he saw a tornado warning . flash on the screen. A minute later, he saw a funnel cloud out his . window. Mr Taylor, 50, said: 'It looked like . the 'Wizard of Oz. It was surreal, and for a moment, a split second, you . say to yourself ''This ain't real,'' then reality sets in, and you know . it is.' With the latest deaths, the number of . tornado fatalities for 2011 is 553, making it the deadliest year for tornadoes in the U.S. since 1925. In Mississippi, emergency director Don McKinnon said some residents were trapped in their homes after trees fell on them. Mr McKinnon said: 'There were no fatalities, so it's a good day.' Crushed: Student Tabitha Welch searches her home for anything that's left after it was destroyed by falling trees during a storm in Auburn, Alabama . Wiped out: Buildings were destroyed as tornadoes were reported across Georgia and other southern U.S. states . Ravaged: A fallen tree crashed through the roof of a house in Auburn, Alabama as the state was battered by tornadoes today . Mobile homes were tossed . off their foundations in the state, leaving around 15 people with injuries although only a few were taken to hospital. The National Weather Service confirmed a . tornado with winds between 85 and 90 miles an hour ripped through . Demopolis, Alabama yesterday. Homes were damaged in Alabama in the worst weather the state has seen since 250 people were killed in tornadoes in April. An elderly woman was hospitalised after a tree smashed through the roof of her home. The severe weather was a harsh . reminder for the state as many communities are still recovering from the . tornadoes earlier in the year. 'It . makes you sit up on the edge of the chair a little more,' said Tom . Perryman, who works for the school system in Tuscaloosa County. Ferocious: A man in his fifties, who has not yet been identified, was killed when a tree caved in the roof of his SUV in Georgia . Trapped: Firefighters survey a giant tree blown over in Alabama after storms battered the south . Raising the roof: Joe Wright surveys the damage caused by a severe storm at the Central Farmers Co-Op in Demopolis, Alabama . Power of nature: A giant tree is uprooted as the severe storm spooled out across the south and spread to the north and east . Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy . | Deadliest year for tornadoes in the U.S. since 1925 . | 357844c65af92ad3b99aa40f67e050047517af1b |
(CNN) -- When is a garden not a garden? When it's an avant garden. Designers of the past -- who were concerned with verdant lawns, traditional flowerbeds and tasteful ornaments -- would barely recognize the experimental gardens of today. "Garden design has always been quite a traditional discipline, says Madison Cox, a garden designer and part of the team behind a new book, The Gardener's Garden. "Gardens are in a constant state of flux, and you can only do what the plants allow you to do. So it changes less rapidly than painting, sculpture or architecture, as it takes longer to experiment." Plant vocabulary . There have been other restrictions, too. In the past, garden design was limited by the plants available, as it was difficult to access plants that did not grow indigenously. But now, says Cox, the "plant vocabulary" has increased. "Go to any garden center in England, Italy, America or elsewhere, and you'll find plants from all over the world," he says. This -- together with the influence of radical breakthroughs in the disciplines of painting, sculpture and music -- has allowed a new generation of gardeners to create spaces that owed more to the imagination than tradition. The birth of a new experimental art form . It started with experiments like Lotusland, an extravagant garden in Santa Barbara, California that was created in the latter half of the 20th Century by Madame Ganna Walska, an eccentric opera singer. It contains exotic plants from all over the world, set in fantasy contexts. "It's completely mad," says Cox. "The section called the Blue Garden, for instance, has many blue plants and blue-colored slag from a Coca-Cola bottling plant on the ground. The effect is this weird, underwater, blue light, that is at the same time eerie and soothing." Similarly, Marjorelle -- a public garden in Marrakech, Morocco, that attracts about 730,000 visitors a year -- showcases plants that are almost completely devoid of vivid color, and resembles a world of grays, light greens and pale blues. "The only color comes from things that are not natural, like painted surfaces and pottery," says Cox. Taking design to the next level . In Kent, England, the garden that belonged to movie director Derek Jarman eschews grass and traditional trees to embrace flotsam, weeds and found objects, creating a space that is in many ways closer to a movie set than a garden. Modern experimental designers have been taking things to another level. The Red Sand Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Australia, resembles a martian landscape, complete with rock circles, curving escarpments and striking forms and foliage. However, modern avant garde designers are not completely free from all constraints. "In today's world, we have other pressing environmental issues, such as water conservation," says Cox. "Designers need to consider what is appropriate to the specific climatic conditions they are working in. This is of vital importance." The heart of any garden . Ultimately, he says, a garden is a garden if it represents a retreat from the world. "In recent years there has been an explosion of creativity," he says, "but we have never lost that sense that garden is a paradise, a retreat from the world, and an alternative to our normal surroundings and chaotic lives. "That has always been the point of a garden, and that will never change." One hundred years since the 'Golden Age' of posters began . The enduring allure of steam trains: A nostalgic journey back in time . 9 maps that reveal London's secret history, from Shakespeare till today . | The Gardener's Garden showcases some of the most beautiful gardens from around the world . A new generation of gardeners are creating experimental spaces . Modern avant garde designers are considering climate change and water conservation . | c6e40663dfc3b3b0bc8a5d2d7c46a5f1401d1a42 |
By . Charlie Lankston . PUBLISHED: . 16:08 EST, 31 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:53 EST, 2 September 2013 . It’s the moment most men with a long-term girlfriend dread – the ‘quiet word’ with her mother about his future intentions. And Carole Middleton certainly wasn’t prepared to avoid the subject just because the man dating her daughter Kate was a future King. A new book by The Mail on Sunday’s Royal Editor Katie Nicholl reveals how ‘jittery’ Carole, worried about the absence of a ring on Kate’s finger, took Prince William aside to press him on his plans. Carole Middleton pressed William on his plans when she became worried about the absence of a ring on Kate's finger . William assured Carole that not only would there be an engagement and subsequent marriage, the couple hoped to have children . The meeting took place when William visited the Middleton family just before Christmas 2009. In . the book – Kate: The Future Queen – a family friend tells how Carole . expressed her fears to William. But he assured her that not only would . there be an engagement and subsequent marriage, the couple hoped to have . children – and he promised Carole that she would be fully involved in . their upbringing. William . stayed true to his word. The couple were engaged the following . November and since their son George was born on July 22, Carole has . become the most famous grandmother in Britain. Kate, right, in 1998 with friends at Marlborough. She stunned them by opting for St Andrews over Edinburgh . She and her husband, Michael, were the . first family members to visit the new baby after his birth – ahead of . Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall – while Kate and William have . even set aside a ‘granny flat’ for the Middletons at their lavish . Kensington Palace apartment. Another . of the Middletons’ friends, former neighbour George Brown, says: ‘It . was a condition when Kate and William got married that Carole and . Michael would be a part of the grandchildren’s lives.’ Kate paid tribute to ‘Granny’ Carole last week during her first public appearance since the birth. Moving closer: Undergraduates Kate and William together at St Andrews in 2003 . The new book also untangles the tale of how Kate came to choose St Andrews for her university . Carole looked after George when Kate . and William attended the start of a marathon on Anglesey on Friday. Kate’s presence at the event was a surprise – it was only revealed that . morning that she would attend. It is thought it could be one . of the couple’s last engagements on Anglesey before they leave their . home on the Welsh island next month to settle into a new life in London. The new book also untangles the tale . of how Kate came to choose St Andrews for her university – starting at . the same time as William and on the same course . The happy couple announced their engagement in 2010. Their official engagement photograph was shot by Mario Testino . Their fairytale wedding was broadcast across the globe, showing the Duchess in her stunning Alexander McQueen gown . Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge leaving the King Edward VII hospital in Central London after announcing the pregnancy . A beaming Prince William holds his new baby son as they leave the hospital. The Duchess was praised for her decision not to hide her 'mummy tummy' It . has previously been put down to mere coincidence, but it seems Kate . deliberately plotted to be there at the same time as the prince. Jasper . Selwyn, a careers adviser at Kate’s former school, Marlborough College, . and Joan Gall, her house tutor, confirm in the book that her first . choice was not St Andrews at all, but Edinburgh. Despite . achieving the required grades for Edinburgh, one of the country’s top . universities, she changed her mind after William’s own choice of . university was made public. In . a bold move, Kate turned down the place she had been offered at . Edinburgh, decided to take a gap year, just as William was doing, and . reapply for St Andrews – a risky strategy as there was no guarantee that . she would get a place. Since then, of course, their relationship has . flourished. The Duchess has become one of the family, pictured hear laughing with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cornwall . The pregnant Catherine looks happy and content pictured here with her husband and brother in law . In another . fascinating insight into the Royal romance, the book reveals that . although Kate has taken on a higher public profile since her marriage, . she in fact began doing secret charity work six years ago. In . 2007 the Queen quietly suggested to William that Kate get involved with . a charity, and they both considered it an excellent idea. The . Middletons’ family firm, Party Pieces, already had a connection with . Starlight, a children’s charity which grants terminally ill children a . once-in-a-lifetime wish. The Duchess of Cambridge said that Prince George has been very 'good'. The pair released this official photograph of their young family . Carole looked after George when Kate and William attended the start of a marathon on Anglesey on Friday . Kate arranged to meet the charity’s chief executive officer Neil Swan to see how she could help more. He . said: ‘Kate was working with Party Pieces at the time and she came up . with a clever idea for a party bag that doubled up as a colouring-in . gift. ‘She also designed some Starlight-themed crayons and other bits and pieces to go in the bags. To us, she was just Kate, and we would go and have meetings with her at Party Pieces, and sometimes she would come to us. In 2007 the Queen quietly suggested to William that Kate get involved with a charity, and they both considered it an excellent idea . ‘She came up with lots of creative ideas for parties that we were arranging for sick children, and she did a lot of work below the radar.’ It is also revealed that Kate made numerous secret visits to the Naomi House children’s hospice in Hampshire. She would drive to the hospice bearing gifts for the children, and would spend hours reading and playing with them. The Duchess was reassured by her mother that the split from Prince William would not be permanent . The couple's relationship was briefly put on hold after Kate confronted William about his partying, the book reveals. She . was left 'humiliated' after pictures were published of William with two . girls at a nightclub in Poole, where he had been posted for a tank . commander's course. There had also been earlier reports he had been dancing with another women at Boujis nightclub, in London. The new book reveals how Kate believed their relationship was finished unless she had his full commitment. But, at the age of 24, William was scared by commitment and was enjoying his lifestyle in the Army. In . April 2007 they decided to end their relationship - only for Carole to . reassure her daughter that the split would not be forever. Kate and William first met in the summer of 1999 in the 'den' at the prince's country estate, the new book reveals . Kate and William first met in the summer of 1999 in the 'den' at the prince's country estate, the new book reveals. Two . years before she went to St Andrews, Kate was introduced to the Glosse . Posse, a group of friends who regularly met at Highgrove, in . Gloucestershire. She was introduced to the group by her Marlborough College friend Emilia d'Erlanger. In . the book, Kate's house mistress Ann Patching explains how: 'We all knew . as teachers that that year group was moving in Royal circles, that they . were friends.' The . book also reveals how while working in the summer before she started at . university, Kate told a colleague how she had already met the Prince . ‘once or twice’. | Sensational revelations are in new book by Mail on Sunday Royal Editor . Carole pressed William on his plans when worried about absence of a ring . William assured her there would be a marriage and they hoped for children . | 745870ef8557d00e185d41fbd8028b07afbba153 |
(CNN) -- Note to self: When soliciting for drugs on Twitter, try a direct message. Facing another boring day at work, a Toronto car repair shop worker decided some weed would be just the thing to make the day fly by. Instead of reaching out by phone or walking to his friendly neighborhood drug dealer, the user, using the handle @Sunith_DB8R, tweeted that he needed a joint delivered to his workplace in Vaughan, just north of Toronto. Opinions on marijuana reaching tipping point . The York Regional Police, @YRP, caught a whiff of the request and enthusiastically -- perhaps too enthusiastically -- responded with, "Awesome! Can we come too?" You can imagine what happens next. The police forwarded the tweet to an account for a man listed on the board of directors for the repair shop chain. But it didn't end there. When oversharing online can get you arrested . The exchange was retweeted thousands of times. At one point it was a top trend in Toronto that Tuesday. The tweeter then tried a couple of different tactics. First, defiance. "Never knew weed smokers are more wanted in society than shooters & rapists. Big smh to all of y'all," said one tweet. Then, retreat. "People really think I'm serious with my tweets? MANNNNNNNN." Finally, shame. "Can't lie, stupid move but would y'all have noticed that tweet if YRP didn't retweet it?" Since the tweeter named the company, Mr. Lube, and the intersection where his shop was, the chain got involved. "Thank you to the York Regional Police for your help and great work. The matter has now been handled," it said in a tweet. Handled? "Just got the call of termination," tweeted the worker later that afternoon. Make that, the ex-worker. Canadian broadcaster CTV reached out to the manager of the repair shop, who said "there was an employee here by that name; he no longer works for us." The York Regional Police explained in a later tweet, "If you shouted on a busy street corner about illegal activity & we drove by, we'd intervene. Think of Twitter as a virtual street corner." And one final volley from the social media-savvy department. "At the end an interesting day, a reminder to our tweeps: the Internet is a public forum #tweetsafe #tweetclassy #imagineyourmamareadingit" Lesson learned? Probably. The next day, the man deleted his account. CNN's Ed Payne contributed to this report . | Tweeting for pot costs man his job . Police catch whiff of Twitter request for weed . Police: "Can we come too?" Retweeting request gains social media buzz . | 15faf65646406547d9d5340a098d86ef10924742 |
By . Katy Winter . As Murray mania picks up across Briton, one woman has to remain calm and collected. Devoted Kim Sears returned to Wimbledon once again to support boyfriend Andy Murray in the second round of his title defense after his spectacular win on Monday. Kim, 25, wore a summery blue and white swallow block dress from Hobbs which she paired with Burberry suede wedge sandals in a dusky rose colour. Scroll down for video . Kim wore a fresh summery blue and white swallow patterned dress . Kim was once again carrying her beloved Marylebone Aspinal cream tote bag and looked quietly confident as she strode into Wimbledon . Kim returned to Wimbledon for the second time this week to offer support to boyfriend of nine years Andy Murray . Perfectly combining high street with high end designers, Kim was once again carrying her beloved Marylebone Aspinal cream tote bag and her favourite Pandora charm bracelet, looked quietly confident as she strode into Wimbledon. With her long hair style its trademark sleek blow dry and natural make up, Kim looked the picture of health with deep tan. The tennis champ will be hoping to repeat his success in the match this afternoon against Blaz Rola, and as usual Kim will be there to cheer him on. Leaving her legs bare to show off her tan, Kim chose a pair of dusky rose coloured suede Burberry wedges . Kim, as usual, had her hair perfectly styled in a sleek blow dry . Tennis fans credit Kim with helping transform Murray into a calm, confident player, and boosting his image . Known for her expressive face on the side lines Kim seems to feel each minor victory and failure of her boyfriend through the match as keenly as he does. Crowds watching the game will likely be treated to a similar array of expressions this afternoon as on Monday. Kim was seen to both rejoice and agonize during Monday's match between Murray and Goffin . Kim grimaced and gasped her way through Andy’s match against Belgium's David Goffin. Having met Murray at just 17, Sears has followed Murray across the globe supporting him in his championship matches in an admirable show of affection. She is also a talented artist and has a website, Brushes and Paws, about her pet portraits. Tennis fans credit her with helping transform Murray into a calm, confident player, and boosting his image. | Kim at Wimbledon for the second time this week . There to support boyfriend Andy Murray in second match to defend title . Look calm as she walked in wearing blue and white summer dress . | cc008f61327161631430782ea5557fdf2390f6c6 |
Parts of the giant statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin have gone on sale online after it was toppled by anti-Russian demonstrators in Ukraine last week. The monument was pulled down on Sunday and still lies in Kharkiv's Freedom Square - but parts have started to go missing. The ear and other parts from the Communist's 30ft effigy have cropped up on VK, the Russian version of Facebook, and are being sold to raise funds for anti-Russian forces. Scroll down for video . The nose from Lenin's toppled statue in Kharkiv, Ukraine, is up for sale on the black market, as are the former Soviet Leader's ear and other body parts . The monument was pulled down by protesters on Sunday night and still lies in Kharkiv's Freedom Square . The ear and other parts from the Communist's 30ft effigy have cropped up on VK, the Russian version of Facebook, and are being sold to raise money for anti-Russian forces . Vitaly Kalinin claimed to have one of Lenin's large bronze ears, which he cut from the statue overnight. He posted online: 'Come and listen to the sound of change - through Lenin's ear.' One protester was seen taking the nose, which is 14in long, 14in wide and about 10in high, the night the statue was pulled down. A seller, only identifying himself as Oleksiy, claims to have the nose and said: 'If there is anyone who says, "I am ready, let’s say, to provide a battalion of soldiers with winter underwear and uniforms," then we will give him [the nose]. 'That is, if no one says, better yet, that he’s ready to provide two battalions with the things I have mentioned.' Local police - heavily criticised in Russia for doing nothing to stop the statue's destruction - have yet to open an inquiry. Protestors scaled the monument, carved 'Glory to Ukraine' into it and sawed off its legs, causing it fall over, before cutting off chunks. Local police spokesman Tikhon Belousov said: 'There were 25,000 people in Freedom Square the night the statue came down. 'What did people expect us do do, round them all up for questioning?' More than 160 monuments of Lenin have been toppled in the Ukraine since December 8. The main terminal of Donetsk airport was under siege by pro-Russian rebels today, where Ukrainian armed forces are holed up . Pro-Russian rebels watch as smoke rises from the airport following fierce artillery fire and shelling . Three tanks were seen firing on the airport today, just a day after a Red Cross worker was killed in the city . Residential areas in Donetsk have also been caught in the crossfire, with both sides refusing to take the blame for the shelling of the Red Cross' offices . Elsewhere in Ukraine today, pro-Russian rebels faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian government forces as they tried to seize Donetsk airport. Three rebel tanks were seen firing on the main terminal as sniper shots rang around the area. The pro-Russians have taken some buildings on the fringes of the airport but do not have overall control. Colonel Andriy Lysenko, Ukraine's national security and defense council spokesman said two Ukrainian servicemen had been killed and other nine wounded in the last 24 hours. Fighting for the airport has intensified this week, threatening to derail the truce declared on September 5. Residential areas in Donetsk have also been caught in the crossfire, with a member of the Red Cross killed on Thursday when the group's officer was shelled. The rebels said the shelling came from the Ukrainian side, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin blamed the blast on 'terrorists.' A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last night that the aid worker's death, along with the shelling of a school that killed three people earlier this week, 'underscore the fragility of the current cease-fire and the importance of ensuring a secure environment in south-eastern Ukraine that will allow humanitarian actors to carry out their work and deliver critical assistance to those most in need.' | The ear, nose and other body parts from Lenin's toppled statue are for sale . The monument in Kharkiv, Ukraine, was pulled down on Sunday evening . Lenin's ear is being advertised on VK - the Russian version of Facebook . One seller hopes the sale of the 30ft effigy's huge nose will raise army funds . Pro-Russian rebel tanks were seen firing on Donetsk airport today . Yesterday a Red Cross worker was killed by shelling in the city . | b0add8ee028a647e0d04a9a355f7c7f44261b4a9 |
By . Richard Arrowsmith . England World Cup stars put their club rivalries to one side as players from Liverpool and Manchester United competed in a basketball match. The game paired Wayne Rooney and Jordan Henderson against Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck - with an (over) enthusiastic video commentary from Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool striker became so involved in what was, in truth, an extraordinarily average exhibition of co-ordination between professional sportsmen that he even turned away picture hunters by squealing: 'Not now baby! I've gotta record this'. Scroll down for video . Clash of the titans? The game's highlight came when Rooney blocked a close-range shot from Sterling . B-boys: Rooney (L) and Henderson (C) take on Welbeck (2L) and Sterling at basketball . From downtown: None of the four Liverpool and Man United players managed to score a basket on video . It's the shoes! Rooney was playing with the disadvantage of playing barefoot! Sturridge may as well have taken time out for a few pictures since none of the four players on court managed to score a single basket - although Rooney's decision to play with bare feet can't have helped much. Nonetheless, England's talisman was involved in the game's only highlight when he blocked a shot from the equally diminutive Sterling - not quite clash of the titles but enough to send Sturridge into hysterics. Unfortunately, the video ends just as Rooney shoots from the three-point line with a nicely arced shot, the outcome of which may never be known. Not now baby! Video commentator Daniel Sturidge was so engrossed he turned away photo hunters . Up in the air: Rooney and Sterling at England's training session in Rio on Monday . Pointing the way to glory: Sterling could start for England against Italy in Manaus on Saturday . Low expectations: Henderson celebrates after Rooney manages to keep out Sterling's effort . | England stars staged a mixed basketball game between Manchester united and Liverpool players . Wayne Rooney and Jordan Henderson took on Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck with video commentary from Daniel Sturridge . World Cup stars didn't manage to score a basket during the video . Highlight came when Rooney blocked a close-range shot from Sterling . | 81098a426fa4b90d28e194879a492392cb0fcdf4 |
TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- Authorities have arrested a U.S. sailor on suspicion of robbery and murder in the death of a Japanese taxi driver. The U.S. military handed him over Thursday at Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo. A Yokosuka police spokesman identified the sailor as Olatunbosun Ogbogu, a 22-year-old Nigerian national. Taxi driver Masaaki Takahashi, 61, was found dead March 19 of stab wounds to the neck about a mile from the base in Yokosuka. The presence of U.S. in Japan has sparked controversy this year amid reports linking service members to crimes. In March, the U.S. military said it plans to court martial four Marines accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in Hiroshima last year. Authorities are also investigating allegations that a member of the U.S. military raped a Philippine woman on the island of Okinawa. And a U.S. Marine was detained in the rape of a 14-year-old girl until the girl dropped the allegations. As Ogbogu was arrested, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, Thomas Schieffer, met with Japan's foreign minister. "We're dealing with human beings that do criminal acts from time to time," Schieffer told reporters afterward. "And I think justice is going to be done in this matter because we've been able to work so closely together." Watch the U.S. ambassador to Japan discuss the case » . The U.S. military presence in Japan has at times bred resentment among locals, who have long complained about crime, noise and accidents. Anti-American sentiments boiled over in 1995 after three American servicemen kidnapped and gang-raped a 12-year-old Okinawan schoolgirl. Two years ago, a U.S. civilian military employee was jailed for nine years for raping two women. E-mail to a friend . | Japanese police arrest U.S. sailor for allegedly killing a Japanese taxi driver . U.S. Navy presence in Japan has been marred by reports of rape and crime . In 2006, U.S. civilian military staffer jailed for nine years for raping two women . | 6e63c8b1ae01ab91b4832222edaf4bb461b6c568 |
Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova swapped their tennis gear for formal wear on Sunday night when they attended the traditional Wimbledon Champions' Dinner. The 27-year-old Serb, fresh from his five-set victory over Roger Federer in the men's singles final, was joined by coach Boris Becker and wore a black suit as he arrived at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden. Kvitova was also in attendance following her 6-3, 6-0 victory over Canadian Eugenie Bouchard on Saturday afternoon at the All England Club. Both Djokovic and Kvitova won their second Wimbledon titles having first tasted glory on the lawns of SW19 three years ago in 2011. VIDEO Scroll down to watch champion Djokovic discuss his relationship with coach Becker . Golden couple: Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova poses with their trophies at the winners ball . Eyes on the prize:Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova share a joke as the pose for the cameras . Serving up a treat: Novak Djokovic was all smiles as he celebrated winning his second Wimbledon title . Suited and booted: Novak Djokovic arrives for the Wimbledon Champions' Dinner in Park Lane . Flying without wings: Djokovic beat Roger Federer in a five-set final on Centre Court earlier on Sunday . Growing family: Novak Djokovic poses with girlfriend Jelena Ristic and their two dogs before the dinner . Djokovic admitted doubting himself before securing his second Wimbledon title and the seventh grand slam of his career. The . Serbian denied Federer a record eighth Wimbledon crown, but conceded he . feared the match might slip away after failing to convert a match point . in the fourth set. 'Congratulations to Roger, he proved what a great champion he is once again here this year,' said Djokovic. 'I respect . your career and everything you've done Roger - thank you for letting me . win today! After dropping a fourth set it wasn't easy to regroup. I . tried to compose myself and find the necessary energy to win the fifth. I . don't know how I managed to do it. Duo: The Serb was joined by his coach and former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker (left) Invite: Women's singles champion Petra Kvitova arrives for the dinner in London's West End . Having a ball: Petra Kvitova and Annabel Croft (right) make their way to the dinner . Dream team: Becker and Djokovic . All smiles: Anne Keothavong took to Instagram to poses pictures with Petra Kvitova and Boris Becker . Representation: Britain's Anne Keothavong . No way through: Serbian star Djokovic leans to his right to ensure Federer doesn't add another ace to his tally . He's done it! Djokovic raises his arms in victory after winning his second title Wimbledon title in dramatic style . The best: The emotion gets to Djokovic as he lifts his Wimbledon trophy on Centre Court . VIDEO Djokovic wins second Wimbledon title . 'This is the tournament I always dreamed of winning. This is the best tournament in the world, the most valuable one.' After . thanking his family and his camp, Djokovic added: 'Last but not least, I . would like to dedicate this title to my first coach who taught me all . the basics of tennis shots and behaviour and everything I know about . tennis - Jelena Gencic - and she passed away last year, and this is for . her.' Djokovic knelt to the turf to eat some of the famous All England Club grass to greet his victory - just as in 2011. Leading the way: Novak Djokovic (centre) poses with his team, including Boris Becker (third left) and his wife . Again: Both Djokovic and Kvitova won their first Wimbledon titles in 2011 . Dressed to impress: 2013 champion Marion Bartoli . All smiles: Nine-time champion Martina Navratilova . All white on the night: Boris Becker's wife Lily and Virginia Wade (right) attended the dinner . The Belgrade native lost out in last summer's final to Andy Murray, and admitted it was a thrill to win again. 'The last time I won here was part of a fantastic year, and it's just amazing for it to happen again,' he said. Men's singles: Novak Djokovic (Serbia)Women's singles: Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic)Men's doubles: Jack Sock (United States) and Vasek Pospisil (Canada)Women's doubles: Roberta Vinci (Italy) and Sara Vinci (Italy)Mixed doubles: Sam Stosur (Australia) and Nenad Zimonjic (Serbia)Boys' singles: Noah Rubin (United States)Girls' singles: Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)Boys' doubles: Orlando Luz (Brazil) and Marcelo Zormann (Brazil)Girls' doubles: Tami Grende (Indonesia) and Qiu Yu Ye (China)Wheelchair men's doubles: Stephane Houdet (France) and Shingo Kunieda (Japan)Wheelchair women's doubles: Yui Kamiji (Japan) and Jordanne Whiley (Great Britain) | Wimbledon champions attend traditional dinner on London's Park Lane . Novak Djokovic joined by coach Boris Becker at Intercontinental Hotel . Serb beat Roger Federer in five sets to win second Wimbledon title . Petra Kvitova thrashed Eugenie Bouchard on Saturday in women's final . | 623c52552d48f15ddceab661964699859763cfd6 |
In order to understand the turbulent world of Thai politics, you have to start with one name: Thaksin Shinawatra. The former prime minister has dominated the country's political scene for more than a decade despite going into exile after his ouster in a 2006 coup. Back in 2010, deadly clashes took place between security forces and Thaksin supporters who had occupied central Bangkok. They were demanding his return. Now, his sister is in power and she recently tried to pass an amnesty law that could have allowed his return. The attempt failed, but it provided fuel for the current protests shaking the capital. Here's a quick primer to make sense of it all. 1. Who is Thaksin? He's a deeply polarizing figure -- a billionaire telecommunications mogul who built his political power on policies popular with Thailand's rural villagers. His success ruffled a lot of feathers among the country's established elites, and critics accused him of corruption and autocratic rule. He was prime minister between 2001 and 2006, when the military deposed him in a bloodless coup. 2. What happened in 2010? Thaksin's ouster spurred the protest movement that developed over the years into the widespread "red shirt" demonstrations that occupied upscale parts of Bangkok in 2010. By that stage, the movement had broadened to represent other issues, including resentment at the military's involvement in politics and economic inequality. The crackdown by security forces on the red shirts resulted in clashes that left around 90 people dead. It has been described as the worst civil violence in Thailand's history, and the country remains severely scarred by the experience. 3. Could the current protests lead to a repeat? The situation is different this time. Those protesting are opponents of Thaksin rather than his supporters. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is now prime minister. Her government is under pressure after widespread anger over its recent failed attempt to pass a bill that could have granted amnesty to Thaksin and others. Although the public has generally moved on from the conflict over the amnesty bill, the opposition Democrat Party is trying to use the issue to bring down Yingluck's government, says Paul Quaglia, director of the Bangkok-based risk assessment firm PQA Associates. "The government is facing probably a countdown until it will have to dissolve and hold new elections," Quaglia says. "But it doesn't look like it's a replay of 2010 when we're going to see violence in the streets and an extended takeover of central Bangkok." 4. What has Thaksin been up to? He has been living in exile in a number of different places, most recently Dubai, while continuing to play an active role in Thai politics. He briefly returned to Thailand in 2008. Later that year, he was convicted by a Thai court of corruption and sentenced in absentia to two years in prison over a controversial land deal. Courts have also frozen billions of dollars of his assets, but he is believed to still have a great deal of money held elsewhere. He's also stayed heavily involved in Thai politics over the years, communicating with supporters via social media and video messages. With his younger sister in power since 2011, his influence remains strong. Critics say Yingluck is Thaksin's puppet, but she insists she has always been independent. 5. What is happening this week? After weeks of demonstrations, thousands of protesters have gathered around government buildings in central Bangkok, occupying some of them for varying periods of time. Yingluck has expanded the area in and around Bangkok covered by an internal security law that gives police extra powers to disband protesters. In parliament, the Prime Minister is facing a "no confidence" motion against her. And police have issued an arrest warrant against protest leader, Suthep Thaugsuban. For most of Bangkok, business as usual despite protests . 6. What's at stake for the region? The demonstrations are bringing instability once again to Thailand, a key regional economy and popular tourist destination. The protests are centered on Bangkok, a vital transportation hub, especially for air travel. So far, the protests are concentrated in specific parts of the city. More than a dozen countries have issued travel warnings for citizens to avoid areas near protests in Bangkok. 7. What do the demonstrators want? Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister under the previous Democrat-led government, has said the demonstrations "will not stop until Thaksin's regime is wiped out." Such an aim seems ambitious. Yingluck's government was democratically elected and her Pheu Thai party retains support in its core areas. The current protests have echoes of 2008 when demonstrators opposed to a pro-Thaksin government occupied Bangkok's main airport and government offices. 8. Where are the protesters getting their support from? Opposition to Thaksin and Yingluck is strongest among the urban elites and middle class. That means the capital. "Bangkok is the ground zero for anti-Thaksin protest movements," Quaglia says. "The rest of the country, other than southern Thailand, is either in his camp or sort of politically neutral." That's why the recent demonstrations have been concentrated in the streets of the capital. 9. What's the government's support base? Thaksin's traditional support comes from the populous rural areas of north and northeast of Thailand. The government's botched amnesty move may have hurt its standing in those areas, but not fatally. "Despite the pictures of thousands of people in the street that doesn't necessarily mean the government will go -- or if it does go, that it will lose the next election," Quaglia says. 10. What is likely to happen next? Questions remain over the ability of Yingluck's government to maintain order in the capital and weather the heavy political pressure in Parliament. Some observers are concerned that government supporters, tens of thousands of whom rallied in Bangkok on Sunday, could clash with opposition demonstrators. Yingluck has said authorities would "absolutely not use violence" to disperse the demonstrators. Even if Yingluck survives the "no confidence" motion against her, the situation appears unlikely to calm down soon. "We're going to see political instability here for some time," Quaglia says. | At the heart of the unrest is the polarizing figure of Thaksin Shinawatra . His sister is now prime minister, and critics say she's his puppet . A recent move to grant amnesty to Thaksin and others caused anger . Protesters say they won't stop until "Thaksin's regime is wiped out" | 5a918134b0efbfc592cad4270064bdd1c9951bec |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 23:44 EST, 1 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:34 EST, 2 January 2014 . 'Deliberate inflation': Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint said the so-called Big Six paid £4billion more for power than the market rate . Energy firms ‘deliberately inflated’ the price they paid for electricity from their own power stations - leaving customers out of pocket by up to £150 over the last three years, it was claimed today. The so-called Big Six - British Gas, SSE, E.ON, EDF, npower, and Scottish Power - paid £4billion more for power than the market rate, according to shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint. The Labour politician accused the companies of paying over the odds to increase profits in other divisions of their companies or doing deals that were bad for customers. She told The Guardian: ‘These figures reveal the full extent of the way consumers have been overcharged for their electricity. ‘Energy companies always blame wholesale costs when they put up bills, but it now looks like they could have deliberately inflated prices to boost profits from their power stations. ‘The time has come for a complete overhaul of our energy market. Labour will break up the big energy companies, put an end to the secret deals and force them to do all of their trading on the open market.’ Labour's analysis compared the price paid for electricity by the energy giants, the weighted average cost of fuel, with the average market price a year ahead provided to them by small supplier First Utility. But Energy UK, which represents the big six suppliers, told The Guardian that Labour's research was wrong because the figures could not be compared. A spokesman said: ‘It also covers losses, the energy element of reconciliation-by-difference (RBD) costs and balancing and shaping costs incurred by the supply. ‘The additional costs included in the weighted average cost of fuel make them a totally different figure to the basic wholesale market price.' Ofgem, the government's watchdog for the energy industry, said today they were 'looking into' the accusations, but said the energy markets were so so difficult to analyse that they could not know for sue. Ian Marlee, a senior partner at the organisation, told the Today programme: 'What we identified in our recent work was that actually there isn’t enough transparency to be able to actually look at that.' However, he added that planned reforms to the industry would help eliminate any problems by increasing competition and removing the possibility for such loopholes. He said: 'We’ve effectively created more transparency... [before the reforms] there wasn't enough trading going on at the point at which people wanted to buy energy. 'We’re making it far easier for independent suppliers to buy the electricity they need to compete with the big six.' The accusation from Labour comes as Lib Dem Energy Secretary Ed Davey called for Britain to be part of a fully integrated European power market to bring bills down. The Liberal Democrat dismissed Labour's plans for a price freeze and insisted a giant network of underground and under-sea cables allowing energy to be shifted between the UK and mainland Europe would push down prices. He said there was an urgent need to build a giant network of electricity interconnectors across Europe, allowing vast amounts of energy to be moved between countries, driving down prices - shaving a possible 10 per cent off bills. Urgent need: Energy Secretary Ed Davey has called for Britain to be part of a fully integrated European power market to bring bills down . Mr Davey told The Independent: ‘Literally in the last three or four years, there has been a complete change in the differential between the North American price for gas and energy and the EU price for gas and energy. ‘That represents a strategic change in the terms of trade and is very significant. The EU needs to respond to this very quickly.’ Although there are some gas interconnectors already linking countries within Europe and electricity interconnectors between the UK and France, the Netherlands and Ireland, Mr Davey called for swift action to boost the system to ensure Britain can compete with the United States, where energy prices are far lower. ‘We need much better grid interconnectors around Europe to enable energy to flow across the EU. Connecting the UK with mainland Europe and different parts of the periphery of Europe with central Europe,’ he told the newspaper. The government's energy regulator has said that changes to energy bills coming into force today will show consumers that 'there are savings out there' and stop them being 'bamboozled' by complicated tariffs. 'Bamboozled' no more: Ian Marlee of Ofgem, pictured, said energy market reforms would help consumers . The changes brought in by watchdog Ofgem mean that a wide array of tiered plans and discounts - which often did not provide the savings people expected - have been banned. Now energy companies are limited to offering four tariffs for gas and four for electricity, which is meant to make it easier to compare companies and access the best deals. Hailing 'the most radical set of reforms to the retail and wholesale market since competition began', Ofgem senior partner Ian Marlee told the Today programme that 'this market is getting easier and there are savings out . there they can make. He said: 'We’re responding to what consumers have told us. What they want is that combination of choice and simplicity and that’s what we’re delivering. 'Putting all this package of reforms together is actually about making this market much more competitive so that there’s appropriate pressure on prices, profits and quality of service for consumers. 'The real message to consumers today is this market is getting easier and there are savings out there they can make.' However, Ofgem was criticised by consumer group Which? for not going far enough to help customers. A statement said that the reforms are 'a welcome step in the right direction', but 'do not go far enough... at a time when millions are struggling with the cost of living.' ‘This is why the Government should intervene with more radical measures including simpler pricing, greater transparency and scrutiny of the cost of energy policies, and the separation of supply from generation businesses. 'More must be done to keep prices in check and give consumers confidence that the price they pay for their energy is fair.’ | It's left customers out of pocket by up to £150 over the last three years . Caroline Flint says Big Six paid £4bn more for power than market rate . Firms accused of paying over odds to increase profits in other divisions . Energy regulator says they are 'looking into' accusation, but that the market is not 'transparent' enough to know for sure . | 9aba59196499c9d854b56ff7a6192617d3e105b4 |
By . Richard Shears . PUBLISHED: . 03:08 EST, 7 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:21 EST, 7 June 2013 . The seamstress who survived for 17 days in the rubble of a collapsed garment factory building in Bangladesh left hospital yesterday and announced: 'I've got a wonderful new job!' Reshma Begum had vowed never again to work in a garment factory after she was rescued from the wreckage of the eight-storey Rana Plaza building, where 1,129 people were killed in April in the clothing industry's worst disaster. The 19-year-old, who became an international heroine when she . managed to escape death and survived for more than two weeks on small . scraps of food and water leaking from a pipe, has accepted a job at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka. Reshma Begum, the 19-year-old seamstress who survived for 17 days in the rubble of a collapsed garment factory, has left hospital and is preparing to start a new job at a hotel . Pictures of Miss Begum's dramatic rescue were beamed around the world last month . 'I feel great now,' Miss Begum said at a ceremony held in her honour at the military facility which has been caring for her since May 10. 'I'm recovered mentally and physically.' But she said that she still suffered nightmares about her ordeal as she cried out for help from the wreckage of the collapsed building, despite the intensive care she had received. 'I still get frightened in the night. Whenever I think of those days I feel bad and frightened. 'I've forgotten most of what I did under the rubble.' Miss Begum was lucky not to have been crushed later by a large concrete slab which had crashed into place just above her following the building's collapse. Workers had all but given up hope of finding anyone alive after 17 days but heard her cries seconds before they were due to smash the concrete with heavy machinery, which would have brought the chunks falling down on her. Miss Begum spoke briefly to the media after being released from hospital and said she was fully recovered from her injuries . The teenager, from a remote village in the western district of Dinajpur, had started her £38-a-month job at the garment factory only three weeks before the building collapsed. 'I never thought I would get my life back again when I was trapped under the rubble,' she said in her first interview since being released from hospital. After her astonishing rescue made headlines around the world, job offers poured in from hotels and charities. Asim Shah, general manager of the Westin Hotel, said: 'We're sure this young girl will be exceptional in her new job. We have made her an ambassador in the house-cleaning department.' Miss Begum vowed never to work in a garment factory again following her ordeal . Authorities at the military hospital where Miss Begum was treated said she was fully recovered from the head injury she suffered in the collapse. The garment-manufacturing industry, which produces high street clothes for stores around the world, promised to clean up its act after the disaster. But hundreds of employees working in a factory making sweaters for Western brands fell ill this week after drinking suspected contaminated water in their workplace. | Reshma Begum, 19, was pulled out of the factory wreckage on May 10 . She survived on small scraps of food and water leaking from a pipe . Miss Begum has recovered from head injuries and will take up post in Dhaka . | afcb22c2f61f08bdc05483b77d3bfdf882303eab |
New Delhi, India (CNN) -- An Indian court in the western state of Gujarat has convicted 31 of the 94 people charged with conspiracy and murder for setting fire to a passenger train in 2002 which triggered widespread religious violence, resulting in the death of more than 1,000 people. Sixty-three of the accused, including one of the main conspirators, were acquitted Tuesday due to lack of evidence, prosecutors said. A suspected Muslim mob attacked the Sabarmati Express near the town of Godhra on 27 February, 2002, killing more than 50 people, most of whom were Hindu pilgrims. The Hindu pilgrims were returning from the north Indian town of Ayodhya where they had been demanding that the government build a temple on the ruins of a 16th century mosque. The train fire sparked days of rioting in which more than a thousand people, mostly Muslims, were killed. The cause of the train fire has long been disputed. Special security arrangements were made throughout the state ahead of the sensitive verdict to maintain peace. Indian authorities have also imposed restrictions on broadcasting video or photographs of the original carnage on the day of the verdict. So far, no violence has been reported following the verdict. | 63 others are acquitted because of lack of evidence . The torching of the train killed more than 50, mostly Hindu pilgrims . It sparked days of rioting in which most Muslims were killed . India takes special security steps ahead of the verdict . | c8ed4584f868e2de748c963b1ebcba176c843bf7 |
A father killed his seven-year-old daughter, girlfriend and girlfriend's mother before turning the gun on himself in a mass shooting at a family home in Queens, New York City, police said. The sole survivor, his 12-year-old daughter, called police after the attack on Saturday morning - despite having been shot in the head with a bullet through her eye, reports claim. Kayla Walker, 7, Shantai Hale, 31, and Viola Warren, 62, were found dead at 5.40am inside their Springfield Gardens home after each being shot in the head. The suspected gunman, 6'6" nightclub bouncer Jonathon Walker, was later found dead in his car having apparently shot himself in the head. Attack: Jonathon Walker, 34, (left) fatally shot his seven-year-old daughter Kayla Walker (right) in the head before killing his girlfriend and girlfriend's mother in a mass murder-suicide on Saturday morning . Tragic: Walker also killed his girlfriend, Kayla's mother, Shantai Hale in the outburst at their home in Queens . According to the New York Post, the surviving child managed to speak to police for 15 minutes despite her critical injuries as she was rushed to Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Officers then issued an appeal hunting gunman Walker, who was carrying a .45-caliber gun as he drove from the scene of the crime in a 2013 Silver GMC Acadia SUV. The car and his dead body were found in a wooded area near JFK Airport, the Post reported. Walker's girlfriend Shantai Hale, a computer analyst, was found dead in a bedroom with her slain mother Viola Warren, who worked at JFK Airport. Seven-year-old Kayla Walker was found in another bedroom. New York City Councilman Donovan Richards said Walker was with friends moments before the shooting, and said he was going home to watch Netflix. 'We’ve heard he was out with a friend. He told his friend he was going to get some beers and going home to watch Netflix with the family. We don’t know what made him snap when he came in,' Richards told the Post. Also killed: Viola Warren, his girlfriend's mother, was also fatally shot in the head in the outburst . It is not known what drove Walker to shoot his computer analyst girlfriend (left) and daughter (right) Shooting: The sole survivor, Walker's 12-year-old daughter, called police despite being shot in the head . | Kayla Walker, 7, Shantai Hale, 31, and Viola Warren, 62, shot in the head . 12-year-old girl was also shot in the head called 911 on Saturday morning . Nightclub bouncer Jonathan Walker, 34, later found dead in his car having apparently shot himself in the head . He 'told friends he was going home to drink beer and watch Netflix' | b8deb8fcfa71fddd9efba7368cf3d00de282bd36 |
If you’re running out of sockets for all your gadgets, there is now a simple solution. Midlands-based Group Gear is selling a power plate complete with two UK 3-pin sockets, as well as two built-in USB ports. The £20 device fits any backbox, up to a depth of 25mm, and is fitted by unscrewing the existing socket and replacing it with the new plate. The £20 USB socket, pictured, is available from Midlands-based firm Group Gear. The plate features two standard UK 3-pin sockets and two USB ports. It fits any backbox up to a depth of 25mm and USB ports are limited to 2 Amps, meaning only the required power is delivered to the devices . The 2 Amp Intelligent Split Power Supply gives a superior charging rate over other Standard USB Charging Plates. Rather than limiting the individual ports to half the overall allowance per port, resulting in slower charging times, the Group Gear USB Charging Plate can power up to 2 Amp from one port. It fits any standard double backbox with a minimum depth of 25mm. It is surge and spike protected, meaning it protects devices from damaging power increases. If no device is connected, the transformer shuts down and power is not supplied to the USB ports. Once a device is plugged in this activates the amplifier and power is supplied to the required USB ports. Many gadgets, from phones to tablets and cameras, feature a micro-USB to USB cable that either plugs into a laptop port, or connects to a 3-pin plug. Other devices feature a proprietary connector, including Apple's Lightning range, connected to a USB. This plate lets people charge four of these devices at the same time. And because the USB ports are limited to 2 Amps, only the required power is delivered to the individual gadgets. If the current exceeds this, it automatically trips off to protect the products. The 3-pin sockets have an output of 13A, 250V AC. ‘Fed up of running out of sockets? You need the revolutionary solution for USB charging’, explained Group Gear. ‘The . two USB ports [allow] you to free up your UK mains sockets for use with . other appliances. An easy swap and you’re set-up for fast USB . charging.’ If no device is connected, the transformer shuts down and power is not supplied to the USB ports (pictured). Once a device is plugged in this activates the amplifier and power is supplied to the required USB ports . Many gadgets, from phones to tablets and cameras, feature a micro-USB to USB cable that either plugs into a laptop port, or connects to a 3-pin plug. This plate, pictured, lets people charge four of these devices at the same time . Last month, images created by . Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, revealed how a new USB Type-C connector . is expected to look when it launches later this year. It . has been designed for use with thinner, sleeker devices, such as . tablets and ultrabooks, and solves the annoying problem of inserting . drives the wrong way up. Users of older devices will need an adapter to use the new Type-C plugs. Last month, images created by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, revealed how a new USB Type-C connector is expected to look when it launches later this year. It has been designed for use with thinner, sleeker devices, such as tablets and ultrabooks, and solves the annoying problem of inserting drives the wrong way up. Users of older devices will need an adapter to use the new Type-C plugs. The plate conforms to European Stand-by Mode and is BS and CE approved. Once a device is plugged in this activates the amplifier and power is supplied to the required USB ports. If no device is connected, the transformer shuts down and power is not supplied to the USB ports. The company said various metal finishes and a single faceplate with 2 USB ports will be available soon. | The USB socket is available from Midlands-based firm Group Gear . The plate features two standard UK 3-pin sockets and two USB ports . It fits any backbox up to a depth of 25mm and ports are limited to 2 Amps . This means only the required power is delivered to the devices . It is not known whether the company will branch out into foreign sockets . | 650fbba4e1c6ebf862d6a85f261e4158c77ea0c3 |
(CNN) -- Read this article in Spanish on CNN en Español . Hispanic teens are more likely to use illicit drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine, compared with their African-American and Caucasian counterparts, according to a new study. The study was released this month by the Partnership at Drug Free organization. It says that 54% of Hispanic teens reported having used an illicit drug, followed by African-American teens at 45%. Caucasians came third at 43%. Why? There is no definitive answer, but there are contributing factors involved, according to William Raikes, assistant director of consumer research at The Partnership at Drugfree.org. A larger percentage -- 62% of Hispanic teens -- have been offered drugs such as ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine at least once, compared with 53% of Caucasian teens and 46% of African-Americans. When it came to Hispanic parents, 21% said they were OK if their teen "smoked marijuana sometimes," compared with 11% of African-American parents and 6% of Caucasian parents. "Parental permissiveness is another factor we document as being linked to teen substance abuse. Hispanic parents appear to have some misconceptions regarding prescription drug misuse and abuse," Raikes said. "Both of these factors could have an influence on a child's substance abuse." Some of these factors are well-documented predictors of substance abuse, such as a teen's perceived risks and social disapproval, according to the study. "Perceived risks" weigh how risky a certain behavior -- such as substance abuse -- appears to a teen. "Social disapproval" measures a teen's approval of his or her peers' substance abuse. Both of these measures have been shown to precipitate actual substance abuse. Hispanic parents reported the highest rates of problems establishing rules that prohibit drug use. However, Hispanics adolescents received less punishment for their drug use, the report states. Hispanic parents are just as likely as others to have conversations with their children about the risks of addiction. The disparity between drug use and warnings are because the talks are focused on trying to prevent the abuse of these substances by their children and not on prevention, according to the study. Hispanic teens are more likely to encounter substance abuse in their daily lives. Specifically, having access to substances, to have friends who abuse substances, and to have been offered substances. This could influence a teen to perceive substance abuse as a normal behavior, increasing their chances to engage in the dangerous activity. This trend is occurring throughout the country, not one geographic area that is more susceptible to substance abuse than others. Although certain drugs have a tendency to be more prevalent in certain areas -- for instance marijuana is more prevalent on the West coast than in the Midwest. "Hispanic teen substance abuse however, is a national trend and Hispanic parents throughout the country should heed the call and talk to their kids," Raikes said. | Hispanic teens are more likely than African-Americans, Caucasians to use illicit drugs . Report: 54% of Hispanic teens reported having used an illicit drug . African-American teens came second at 45% and Caucasians at 43%. 21% of Hispanic parents said they were OK with teen smoking marijuana . | c845074a938780033defd8a163cfcb2a925485dc |
They had been back on Earth for a matter of hours. But that was no excuse for three International Space Station astronauts were who whipped into some colourful traditional Kazakh costumes for a press conference today after their Soyuz spacecraft landed in the country. Anton Shkaplerov, Anatoly Ivanishin and American Daniel Burbank had been in space for 163 days before jettisoning their capsule from the space station this morning. They were dragged form their capsule and were soon . This afternoon, Nasa tweeted: 'Soyuz capsule lands safely at 7:45 am EDT on the steppe of Kazakhstan. All 3 crew members are safe and adjusting to gravity.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Too weak to walk: Ground personnel carry U.S. astronaut Daniel Burbank shortly after landing outside the town of Arkalyk, Kazakhstan . Back on earth: Russia's space agency ground personnel check Soyuz TMA-22 capsule shortly after the landing and help Burbank from the craft . Out of this world: Anatoly Ivanishin, Anton Shkaplerov, Daniel Burbank, are given traditional Kazakh hats at a ceremony . The Soyuz capsule with Expedition 30 aboard lands in a remote area outside the town of Arkalyk in Kazakhstan today . Russia's space agency ground personnel check Soyuz TMA-22 capsule shortly after the landing near the town of Arkalyk . Tight squeeze: International Space Station crew members, US astronaut Dan Burbank, Russian cosmonauts, Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin sit inside the Soyuz capsule shortly after the landing . Nasa television broadcast vivid . images of the capsule carried by a parachute swaying slightly as it . floated downward in the clear skies while six all-terrain vehicles . approached the landing spot. Eight search-and-rescue helicopters circled the landing site to ensure a speedy recovery. Shkaplerov, in the capsule's central seat, was the first to be hauled out and hoisted into a reclining chair. While . medical personnel mopped his brow and checked his vital signs, the . astronaut smiled broadly and chatted with his colleagues. Ivanishin, and then a heartily laughing Burbank, went through the same procedure a few minutes later. One of the locals: US astronaut Daniel Burbank, wearing a traditional Kazakh costume, attends a press conference in Kazakhstan . They came from outer space: The three astronauts pose for the cameras . Grounded: U.S astronaut Dan Burbank (left), Russian cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov (centre) and Anatoly Ivanishin (right) rest shortly after the landing . High flyers: The three astronauts have been on board the Space Station for 163 days . Speaking from the touchdown site, Nasa spokesman Rob Navias called it 'a bullseye landing'. 'The spacecraft landed almost exactly where it was forecast to,' he told Nasa television. Earlier NASA TV showed footage today of the . departing crew saying their farewells to the three astronauts left . behind before being shut into their cramped capsule. 'Although I will miss this place and . this crew, I also am very happy to return home to my family,' Burbank . said. 'It is time for Expedition 30 to step aside and make way for . Expedition 31.' The capsule undocked and began a slow, gentle drift away from the space station as scheduled at 0818 GMT. Its landing was aided by the deployment of several parachutes, which slowed its descent. Three small engines also fired to soften the landing. Happy days: Burbank (left) Shkaplerov (right) and Ivanishin on board the Space Station . Chocks away! This Nasa graphics shows how the Soyuz craft separated from the Space Station . Gently does it: The Soyuz craft was slowed down by thrusters and three parachutes . The Soyuz TMA spacecraft is composed of three elements attached end-to-end - the Orbital Module, the Descent Module and the Instrumentation/Propulsion Module. The crew occupies the central element, the Descent Module. The other two modules are jettisoned prior to re-entry. They burn up in the atmosphere, so only the Descent Module returns to Earth. The Orbital Module provided the crew with extra living space during the two-day trip to the Station. It contains systems vital to rendezvous and docking with the Station's Pirs Docking Compartment or other port - a docking mechanism, a hatch and rendezvous antennas. Having shed two-thirds of its mass, the Soyuz reached 'Entry Interface' - a point 400,000 feet above the Earth, where friction due to the thickening atmosphere heated its outer surfaces - three hours after undocking. With only 23 minutes left before it landed on the grassy plains of central Asia, attention in the module would have turned to slowing its rate of descent. Eight minutes later, the spacecraft streaked through the sky at a rate of 755 feet per second (514mph). Before it touched down, its speed slowed to only five feet per second (3mph), and it landed at an even lower speed than that. As the Soyuz made its gradual descent, one unidentified ground control staff member remarked that 'Anatoly (Ivanishin) must be real hungry right now' and that he would be looking forward to 'soup and some meat'. The retirement of the U.S. shuttle fleet has left Russia's Soyuz spacecraft as the only means to deliver crews to the space outpost. Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko has now taken over as commander of the space station and will stay until July together with NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Holland's Andre Kuipers. They will now prepare for the arrival of first commercial cargo shipment to the space station in early May. The Space Exploration Technologies Corp., better known as SpaceX, launches its Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral on April 30, and the capsule will take a few days to get to the space station. It will be the first time a private company has launched space station supplies. The space station will then return to its standard six-person crew with the arrival of NASA astronaut Joe Acaba and Russian colleagues Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin, who will blast off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on May 17. The Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft seen at the launch pad after being raised into vertical position on November 11, 2011 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan . | Their Soyuz craft touched down on the steppes of Kazakhstan . | beb4a4864908c3abfb573c32d8614d58f4d53bfb |
(CNN) -- Former world player of the year Ronaldinho will return home to Brazil, according to his Italian club AC Milan. The 30-year-old has been targeted by the new owners of English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers, but he is now expected to rejoin his hometown club Gremio of Porto Alegre. "We are all sorry to lose a player of the quality of Ronaldinho. But he has made a life choice by going to Brazil," AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters ahead of the resumption of the Serie A program on Thursday. Ronaldinho is contracted to Milan until June, but is heading back to Rio de Janeiro as the two clubs seek to make a deal, according to Italian media. Who will be the best deals of the January sales? "If it were up to me, I would already be wearing the shirt of Gremio, even if at the cost of earning less. The problem is not what they offered me, but what Milan are asking for," he said in quotes reported by La Gazetta Della Sport. If Gremio cannot agree a fee, then Brazilian rivals Flamengo will step in to sign Ronaldinho, according to Radio Globo. He has been unable to resurrect his career since leaving Barcelona in 2008, losing his regular place this season following the arrival of compatriot Robinho and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ronaldinho's place in the Milan squad has gone to Italy international Antonio Cassano, but Allegri said the former Sampdoria player was not certain to feature even as a substitute in the league leaders' trip to Cagliari. Blackburn chase Ronaldinho and Beckham . The other big story of the January transfer window, David Beckham's proposed loan move to English club Tottenham, still remains in doubt. However, British media widely reported on Wednesday that his American owners the LA Galaxy will sanction an off-season switch. Tottenham's Premier League rivals Newcastle, who have also been linked with the 35-year-old former England captain along with Blackburn, tied up a permanent deal for France international Hatem Ben Arfa. The 23-year-old winger had been on loan from Marseille, but is now contracted until mid-2015 after impressing before the double leg break he suffered in October. "During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season," he told the club's website. Manchester City's long-rumored signing of Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko took another step forward as the Wolfsburg player arrived in England for a medical. City boss Roberto Mancini revealed on Tuesday that the German club had agreed to sell the 24-year-old, for a reported fee of around $40 million. Romania striker Adrian Mutu may be seeking a new club after his Italian side Fiorentina threatened to take action following his training-ground walkout on Wednesday. The club released a statement saying the 31-year-old would not play in Thursday's match against Bologna, and that he had left himself liable for possible legal action. Mutu has twice been banned for drug use, while with English club Chelsea in 2004 and last year at Fiorentina. | Italian Serie A leaders expect Ronaldinho to join a club in his native Brazil . The 30-year-old wants to return to his hometown club Gremio if a deal can be agreed . Milan coach unsure if new striker Antonio Cassano will face Cagliari on Thursday . English club Newcastle sign on-loan France winger Hatem Ben Arfa on a permanent deal . | 29e249af6bada1922d49a8e422b09cd0d9c4bc78 |
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