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(CNN) -- By now the story has become familiar, though it's no less gut-wrenching: A grown man is accused of hurling a racial insult at a crying toddler on an Atlanta-bound flight and then slapping the child when he won't quiet down. Joe Rickey Hundley of Idaho has been charged with assaulting 19-month-old Jonah Bennett and has lost his job. Hundley turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday and was released on bail. His first court appearance has not been set. Hundley's attorney, Marcia Shein, said her client is being unfairly portrayed. A good deal of the conversation surrounding the incident involves the fear that the youngster may be "traumatized forever." How likely is it that little Jonah will remember this incident or be affected by it long-term? Not very likely, according to experts. "He may remember it for a while, and he may be fearful, but a one-time experience won't have a long-term effect," said Atlanta pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. According to Shu, who has not treated the toddler, Jonah is too young to understand what is going on. The incident was shocking in the moment, says Shu. The toddler understands the slap and knows that someone hit him and that it hurt. But he doesn't know or comprehend the significance of what happened. Nor would he understand the meaning if ugly words were directed at him. Dr. Theodore Gaensbauer, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and author of the study "Emotional Expression in Infancy," agrees. "I would not say it will cause lifelong trauma, depending on how it's handled," observed Gaensbauer, who is a national expert on preschool trauma. The experience may, however, create a vulnerability for a period of time, perhaps months or up to a year or so. If something else happens that is reminiscent -- such as being subject to racially charged slurs and violence similar to the alleged incident -- he may be more vulnerable. Early childhood trauma is certainly a cause for concern. Dr. Rajita Sinha, director of the Yale Stress Center, told me last year that stressful experiences can effectively rewire the brain to respond to hardship by becoming more sensitized to stress. That is, the child becomes hard-wired to react much more strongly than someone who did not experience a lot of turmoil. As a result, the child may go on to have a permanently elevated level of stress, with its adverse implications for physical and psychological health. But challenging situations, even one as dramatic as the one little Jonah Bennett experienced, do not necessarily lead to lifelong issues. Sinha observed that it's stress that is sustained, uncontrollable and overwhelming that is damaging. "It is hard to be resilient that often," said Gaensbauer, who also has not examined Jonah Bennett. But even then, protective factors like social and family support, education and optimism and emotional self-regulation can provide a safety net for children. Both Shu and Gaensbauer observe that most children can work through and overcome a single traumatic episode without any obvious long-term effects, given supportive parenting and caretaking. "How secure is the child's relationship with his caregivers?" Shu asked. If he's had good relationships and solid attachments, that will make him more able to deal with traumatic situations like this. On the other hand, if he's had a lot of stress in his life already, it may make it harder. What's really important is how Jonah's family is dealing with the incident. Shu says that if the family is calm and reassuring, the child will be comforted by that. If they are stressed out and expressing their anxieties, particularly within the toddler's earshot, he is likely to respond by becoming stressed as well. After traumatic incidents, Gaensbauer always recommends that caregivers look out for subtle signs that children may be adversely affected: "Things like increased clinginess, bed-wetting or separation anxiety. He may need to be closer to his parents. He may have trouble sleeping, may be more hyper. Noises may make him fearful." The child may even hit others, cautions Gaensbauer. And in such an instance, it's important that parents do not react punitively or generalize in terms of their child being more aggressive. "What he's doing is imitating and reenacting what he experienced, in an attempt to understand it." Gaensbauer suggest that play therapy may be useful. Caregivers can use dolls, play materials and toy airplanes to create a scene that helps the child to conceptualize and develop a narrative around what happened. Over and above providing reassurance and empathy, caregivers need to help children understand that the experience was unique, "so they're not living with this undercurrent of anxiety that no matter where I am, suddenly, for reasons I don't understand, something terrible can happen, and someone can come along and hurt me." It's important to make the unconscious conscious, within the bounds of children's understanding, says Gaensbauer. At age 2, a child does not understand what happened, but with the wisdom, care and support of his loved ones, over time, he will. | Joe Rickey Hundley is accused of slapping 19-month-old Jonah Bennett on a flight . Hudley was charged with assault after incident, in which he allegedly used racial slur . Many CNN commenters wondered whether the child would be traumatized . Experts say a one-time incident of this nature is not likely to have lasting effects . | 32026a651a6987d23d1c36fa6f380fe903c11d7d |
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- There are a lot of Marys in Mary Jane McGill's extended family, so each one gets a special name. Mary who lives in Roslindale, Massachusetts, is "Mary Rozy." Mary from Everett, Massachusetts, is called "Mary Everett." And McGill? She's "Mary Google." When Mary Nee, back second from left. needed an in-home caregiver, her daughter turned to the Internet. "I use it for everything," McGill says of the search engine. "My family kids me about it." One day last week, McGill used Google in a way even she never dreamed of: to find care for her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease and suddenly needed someone living at her house 24/7. Her search quickly turned up a number of the many resources that can help you connect with in-home help for a parent who's aging, ill or both. And this week, Empowered Patient will save you some searching time. Up until last month, McGill's father, Tom Nee, had been taking care of his wife, but then he died of cancer. "He died sooner than we expected, and we were in a complete state of panic about who would take care of Mom," McGill says. "She can't be left alone. It would be like leaving a toddler alone. But we don't want her in a nursing home, either." McGill was relieved, then, to receive a phone call from her aunt, who said she knew of a woman who could care for her mother. "But then she came over, and I interviewed her, and she was horrible. She was like a prison guard," McGill says. "I thought to myself, 'I can't do this. I can't have this woman living with my mother.' " McGill didn't know what to do. "I went home and at 1 in the morning, through my tears, Googled 'caring parents Alzheimer's.' Up came this Web site that helps people find caregivers. I input all my information, and by 7 the next morning I had 10 e-mails, all from legitimate places," she says. Watch more on helpful Web sites » . Six days later, a "loving, wonderful" caregiver moved in with her mother 24 hours a day, five days a week. On the weekends, McGill and her siblings, who are all working, raising children or both, take turns being with their mother. The older woman is often confused, can't cook and can't drive to get anything she needs in her suburban Boston town. "I never dreamed I'd find someone on the Internet, because you have to really trust someone who's living in your mother's house, so you can walk away and sleep at night," McGill says. "I never would have thought you'd use such an impersonal tool to find something so personal." But these days, more and more people are using the Internet to find a caregiver instead of, or along with, traditional methods of finding care, such as asking friends and family. Here, from caregiving experts, are Web sites that link you to caregivers, plus sites that offer other services. 1. To find a caregiver in your area, visit these sites. McGill used Eldercarelink. Another, Home Health Compare, is run by Medicare and allows you to compare home health care agencies in your area. Assist Guide Information Services, or AGIS, can link you to home health care aides, nurses, doctors, nutritionists and more. 2. Tips for selecting a caregiver . So you've hooked up with caregivers in your area; now what? Caring from a Distance gives tips for evaluating what kind of care you need. AARP hosts Providing Care at Home, which gives tips for interviewing potential caregivers and checking references. 3. A geriatric care manager may help. Geriatric care managers help families care for older relatives while encouraging as much independence as possible. The National Association of Geriatric Care Managers can help you find a professional in your desired location. 4. Find home health care experts where you live. Looking for a caregiver can be emotionally overwhelming. There are a million questions and lots of emotions. The National Family Caregivers Association lists experts in your area who specialize in family caregiving issues. 5. Set up a Web site for your family. Have siblings far away who want to know how Mom or Dad is doing? Care Central allows you to set up a communications Web site so everyone knows what's going on. Many more sites offer general information about finding a home caregiver. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' ElderCare site has information on everything from health insurance counseling to prescription assistance. This site has good general information. Finally, here's an expert's list of five "do's" and five "don'ts" to remember when choosing home care. E-mail to a friend . Elizabeth Cohen is a correspondent with CNN Medical News. Senior producer Jennifer Pifer and associate producer Georgiann Caruso contributed to this report. | Internet can help you find qualified, trustworthy in-home care for aging parents . Empowered Patient this week does a lot of the searching for you . Government and privately run sites match service providers to your needs . | 239f350099abeda1d091eae4daeed53949690e5a |
(CNN) -- Those countries in the Middle East that have been spared political upheaval find themselves enmeshed in a different sort of battle of late. As Qatar, the UAE and Jordan split what's left of the region's tourists, each is fighting to pull in the lion's share. Their weapon of choice? Theme parks. Currently, Abu Dhabi and its scrappier sibling, Al Ain, are duking it out with Doha for the rights to build the region's first Angry Birds theme park. Not surprisingly, the Middle Eastern version of Angry Bird Land (there are already outlets in Finland, Singapore and the UK) would also be the world's largest. "[The competition] is getting quite fierce," says Nigel Cann, director of operations and development at Gebal Group, the local agents for Lappset, who first developed the brand's entertainment complex. Read more: The Middle East's changing butler class . "They all want to find a space for it, and to do it as soon as they can. They all want to be first." As one of the most downloaded apps of all times (the game has amassed 1.7 billion downloads since launching in 2010), Angry Birds' name recognition is almost unbeatable. Though is a global phenomenon, it's proved particularly popular in the region. Over a fifth of all downloads come from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Rovio Entertainment, the developers of the game, are even toying with the idea of creating a localized version of the game. "Everyone recognizes the game, from little kids to adults," notes Cann. "It's a brand new concept to the region. No one has it, and everyone wants it. They want to be ahead of their neighbors all the time -- they want to beat them at everything." At $60 million, the budget for Angry Birds Land is fairly modest, by entertainment complex standards. According to John Gerner, a theme park consultant and the managing director at Leisure Business Advisors, it makes for a fairly inexpensive investment. "It's really a great concept for the Middle East, especially for areas looking to grow their attractions," he says. "The scale is small, but it still has a brand name associated with it, and a very current one at that. It gives [whoever wins it] a name attraction without the risk of a more expensive brand." Read more: Dubai cops have Lamborghinis . Angry Birds Land is just one of several ambitious projects proposed in the region. Other cities are starting to come up with theme park concepts that are either branded, big, or bizarre. In addition to courting Angry Birds, Abu Dhabi has expressed interest in a Michael Jackson-themed resort. According to Abu Dhabi newspaper The National, Jermaine Jackson has been in talks to build it on Yas Island, adjacent to Ferrari World. Jordan, a country who relies more on cultural tourism than man-made gimmicks (UNESCO-listed Petra is the most popular destination, attracting over 600,000 visitors in 2011), seems to be taking a tip from its neighbor. RGH Themed Entertainment are developing a $1.5 billion entertainment resort in Aqaba, complete with Star Trek themed rides and a flight simulator attraction. Before the 2008 recession, Dubai had several entertainment-themed developments in the pipeline, mainly slated for the still undeveloped neigborhood of Dubailand. Though some -- like the largest Six Flags theme park outside of the United States -- were shelved in the downturn, others have found their legs in Dubai's recent economic resurgence. One of these projects includes IMG World of Adventure, which has a soft launch scheduled for December as part of the City of Arabia residential and commercial development. It plans to usurp Ferrari World as the world's largest indoor theme park, and will include four zones, which, separately, would be a massive undertaking. Perhaps the most unique is The Lost Valley, a Jurassic-themed segment that will include animatronic dinosaurs. Two other zones are dedicated to the characters of Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network. "We want this park to be one of the center points in the future of Dubai," explains Adam Alexander Page, the vice president of marketing for IMG Group, the developer behind the project. "As such, you don't want to build something that won't get global attention, and if that means it's big, that's what you do. There's no point in building it small." | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Doha are competing to for the rights to build the Middle East's first Angry Birds theme park. Though the details aren't finalized, the park will also be the biggest in the world. Dubai is also planning to open IMG World of Adventure, the world's biggest indoor theme park in December. The new park will feature animatronic dinosaurs, which walk and move around. | ad9d9a67cd9b02dd9ed759bd1c4c637199ef1eaf |
The world's biggest uterine tumour, weighing 30lbs and measuring 21 inches in diameter, has been removed from an Indian woman. Doctors in the southern city of Chennai performed a complex operation on a 52-year-old woman identified as Latha. She had been suffering breathlessness and fatigue for several years but had no idea the giant tumour - similar to the size of a watermelon - was growing inside her. Warning graphic content . Surgeons in India have removed what is thought to be the world's biggest ever uterine tumour. The giant growth was removed from the womb of a 52-year-old woman identified only as Latha . When Latha arrived at Chennai Hospital bleeding heavily last month, doctors performed a series of tests. They discovered a huge mass growing outside her uterus. The patient had no idea she had a tumour growing inside her . A month ago, the 52-year-old arrivied at Chennai's Kumaran Hospital, bleeding heavily. Doctors ran tests and discovered she was severely anaemic, before detecting a 'large fibroid' growth attached to the outer surface of the uterus, which was putting pressure on her body and causing her symptoms. Dr Mani Mekalai, head of the hospital's department of obstetrics and gynaecology, said the team were 'shocked' to find the massive growth. She said: 'In medical parlance, this is . called a super giant uterine fibroid and the largest one removed before . this, in Africa weight 21lbs. The giant tumour weighed 30lbs (15 kg) and measured 21 inches diameter . 'From the sheer size of it, the tumour could have easily been there for more than 20 years.' She said symptoms of tumours are normally linked to the location of the fibroid, but since this was outside the uterus, the patient was unaware it was growing. Latha was taken into the operating theatre within two days of being admitted to hospital. A team of four doctors performed the surgery, to remove the tumour. Surgical gastroenterologist Dr Shiva Kumar said: 'The surgery which went on for . three-and-a-half hours by itself was challenging as the fibroid, which . takes blood supply to grow, had a lot of blood vessels attached to it. 'It . was also stuck to the small bowel and omentum and was also pressing on . the uterus. 'We had to carefully slice through and detach it.' The team removed the uterus along with the fibroid - which measured 21 inches in diameter - to prevent it from re-growing. Latha has recovered and been discharged from hospital. Dr Mekalai explained that though . uterine tumours were common in women, the fibroid that was removed . recently was unusually large. 'Nearly . 25 per cent of women in the reproductive group are susceptible to such . fibroids and they usually come in multiples. 'High amounts of oestrogen . can cause these tumours,' she added. Dr Mani Mekalai, head of the hospital's department of obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'In medical parlance, this is called a super giant uterine fibroid and the largest one removed before this, in Africa weight 21lbs. From the sheer size of it, the tumour could have easily been there for more than 20 years.' | Surgeons operated on 52-year-old woman for more than three hours . Patient had no idea the giant tumour was invading her womb . Doctors say due to its size it could have been growing for two years . Tumour measured 21 inches in diameter - similar to the size of a watermelon . Woman, identified only as Latha, is recovering at home after her ordeal . | 2a92474f0a2ba77fd6859cd459a65274fcdc8588 |
Santiago, Chile (CNN) -- Joran van der Sloot, the suspect in a young woman's slaying this week in Peru and previously considered a suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba, was captured Thursday in Santiago, Chile, authorities said. Van der Sloot is the main suspect in this week's slaying of 21-year-old Stephany Flores Ramirez, who was found Wednesday in a Lima, Peru, hotel room registered to the Dutch man. Chilean police told CNN that paperwork showed that van der Sloot entered Chile on Wednesday. Peruvian Interior Minister Octavio Salazar Miranda said Thursday that Peru has made arrangements with Interpol to extradite van der Sloot. | Extradition to Peru arranged, interior minister says . Joran van der Sloot entered Chile on Wednesday, Chile says . Woman's body found Wednesday in his hotel room, police say . Van der Sloot previously a suspect in Alabama teen's disappearance . | ebc34b6a8a9e2a064461a7ac2082e725df5076b0 |
By . James Nye . PUBLISHED: . 11:10 EST, 26 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:50 EST, 26 September 2013 . Rapist: This Sept. 12, 2013 file photo released by the Montana State Prison shows Stacey Rambold, a 54-year-old teacher who is serving a 30-day sentence in prison for raping a former student who later killed herself . Prison officials have today released former high school teacher Stacey Rambold, 54, the man sentenced to just 30-days behind bars even after admitting raping a 14-year-old girl. His lenient punishment for the 2007 rape of Cherice Moralez, who killed herself three-years later, was handed down to him by District Judge Todd Baugh and the comments made by Baugh about Moralez sparked national outrage. Rambold, who was 48 when he committed the crimes in 2007, left the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge at around 9.30am local time. State prosecutors are appealing the sentence, saying Rambold should have received a minimum of two years. But barring new offenses, the former teacher has served his time and will stay out of prison pending the appeal.Rambold was picked up at the prison by a family member and was expected to return to Billings, prison spokeswoman Linda Moodry said. He has been registered as a level 1 sex offender - meaning he's considered a low risk to re-offend- and will remain on probation through 2028 unless the original sentence is overruled.Moralez's mother, Auliea Hanlon, said Rambold's release shows he is "still skating" justice six years after he assaulted her daughter. He served his month-long sentence at the Martz Diagnostic Intake Unit, a prison facility adjacent to the main prison grounds in Deer Lodge where new inmates are screened before being placed in a more permanent housing unit. It is understood he served his sentence with no incidents and there was no record of disciplinary issues. Ms Hanlon spoke on Tuesday of her hopes that the Montana Supreme Court would overturn Judge Baugh's decision and re-sentence the former Billings high school teacher. Indeed, the prosecutors in the case have appealed the sentence, claiming it is illegal and on Tuesday the Montana and Pennsylvania chapters of the National Organization of Womenfiled a complaint with a judicial review board on behalf of more than 140,000 who signed a petition against the sentence. The case attracted international attention when Baugh handed down a one-month sentence to Rambold and said that Moralez, 'seemed older than her chronological age" and she was "as much in control of the situation.' Hanlon told CNN's Anderson Cooper that she wants to avoid Rambold. 'I never saw him until we were in a courtroom all those years,' she said. 'I hope I never see him again. Blocked: . Montana Supreme Court voted 4-2 barring Judge Todd Baugh (pictured) from holding a hearing to possibly amend rapist's 30-day sentence' Disgusted: Auliea Hanlon told CNN's Anderson Cooper that she never wants to see Stacey Rombold, the man who raped her daughter and that she is yet to see justice for her daughters sexual assault . Earlier this month, Montana's highest court ruled today that a state judge does not have the authority to amend a controversial 30-day sentence he handed down to Rombold. The lenient jail term and the judge's provocative argumentation sparked widespread outrage among women's groups and victims’ advocates. Amid public outcry and growing pressure from the persecution, who vowed to appeal the sentence, Judge Baugh apologized earlier this month for his earlier remarks and called a hearing to re-examine and possibly amend Rambold's sentence - a move the state attorney general challenged as being outside Baugh's legal authority. On Friday 6th of September, Montana . Supreme Court agreed, ruling 4-2 against Baugh's planned unilateral . action, and paving the way for prosecutors to file an appeal. ‘We . conclude that the stated intent of the District Court (Baugh) to alter . the initially imposed oral sentence in today's scheduled hearing is . unlawful and that the proceeding should be arrested,’ the court ruled, . without commenting on the validity of the sentence itself. Horror: Cherice Moralez, pictured, shot herself dead in her mother's bed after being repeatedly raped by a teacher who will serve just 30 days in jail . The decision came down just hours before the state judge was to convene the hearing to reconsider the sentence. In a bizarre twist, the defense joined the prosecution in opposing the scheduled hearing , saying that it would be 'without legal authority.' The prosecution said the 54-year-old disgraced educator probably should have received a minimum of two years in prison instead of the 15-year-term with all but a month suspended that Baugh had given him. Earlier in September, Judge Baugh caused further outrage by claiming that his paltry sentence ‘actually upped’ the convicted rapist’s ‘debt to society’. In a written addendum to his sentence handed down in Billings District Court Monday the judge stated: ‘Had the defendant pleaded guilty or been convicted by a jury three years ago, he would have had a basis from which to argue for a minimum sentence.’ Victim Cherice Moralez committed suicide on February 6, 2010. She shot herself in her mother’s bed just three weeks before her 17th birthday. Teacher: Rambold, 54, lost his house, his job, his teaching license and his wife as a result of the charges. His lawyer suggested, and the judge seemed to agree on Monday, that he had been 'punished enough' According to her mother, Auliea Hanlon, the pending trial of teacher Stacey Rambold - 49 when the rapes were committed - and trauma of the abuse were ‘major factors’ in her daughter’s death. Speaking to MailOnline Mrs Hanlon said that her daughter had been ‘in hell,’ shunned by classmates and bullied following the revelations of the abuse. Her death complicated the prosecution of former Billings Senior High School teacher Rambold, now 54, who was arrested and charged with three counts of sexual intercourse without consent in 2008. Prosecutors who had sought to put Rambold behind bars instead settled for a three-year deferred prosecution. According to the terms of the agreement the case would be dismissed after this term if Rambold pleaded guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent and entered a three-stage sex offender treatment program. But in December 2012 the case was revived when it transpired that Rambold had violated the terms of the program, having contact with minors and engaging in a sexual relationship [not with a minor] without informing his counselor. In his written explanation Judge Baugh maintained that these violations were ‘not significant’. He stated: ‘There were violations of the treatment program, but involved no violence, no inappropriate sexual conduct, and no new criminal activity. ‘Defendant’s old treatment provider recommended that the Defendant still be assessed as a low risk offender and treatable in the community. Critic: Auliea Hanlon, Cherice's . mother criticized the judge's apology as 'meaningless' ‘Knowing that the Defendant had enrolled in another sexual offender treatment program, the Court is faced with deciding if the Defendant should go to prison for relatively minor infractions.’ Judge Baugh went on to state that there was other information that could not be publicly released but had played a part in the court’s decision: a July 2013 pre-sentence report from the Department of Corrections, an August 2009 psychological/psychosocial evaluation of Rambold, and two interviews with the victim in 2009. Judge Baugh was forced to apologize for his comments in court, in which he claimed that the victim was ‘older than her chronological years’ and ‘in control of the situation’ in which she was raped in Rambold’s car, his then marital home and on school premises. Similarly he drew fierce criticism when appearing to diminish the crime as, in defending his sentence, he said: ‘I think people have in mind that this was some violent, forcible, horrible rape ... but it wasn’t this forcible, beat up rape.’ In his addendum he conceded: ‘Rape under any circumstances is a horrible violent offense. Some involved physical beatings, broken bones. Others, as here, involve young victims legally not capable of consenting. All are traumatic and all are crimes.’ Though he stated that he believed a prison sentence to be ‘appropriate’ in this case Judge Baugh stood by his decision to suspend all but 31 days of Rambold’s 15 years plus one day’s credit for time served. He said: ‘Based on all circumstances, the Court upped Mr Rambold’s debt to society from the almost expired three years Deferred Prosecution Agreement to the 15 years suspended sentence.’ Rambold’s sentence puts him on probation for 15 years and requires him to finish sex-offender treatment and to register as a convicted sex offender. Yellowstone County prosecutor Scott Twito is still reviewing the sentence with a view to finding some legal grounds for appeal, and Judge Baugh’s explanation and defense of his decision will do little to silence the voices of those clamoring for his resignation. 'Bad form': Judge Baugh is running for re-election next year. Protestors vowed to ensure he doesn't receive a fifth term . Tens of thousands have signed an online petition calling for him to be removed from his post and yesterday hundreds protested his sentence outside Billings District Court House. Speaking to MailOnline Cherry’s mother said: ‘Rambold took away everything beautiful in my life and he just gets to walk away. He confessed. He did it. ‘With this sentence the judge just lets everyone off – he lets the school off and he lets him off.’ | Montana teacher Stacey Rambold, 54, was sentenced to 30 days in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl last month . Rambold admitted to raping the vulnerable teenager on several occasions in 2007 in his marital home, car and office . Judge Baugh gave . Rambold just 30 days in jail instead of maximum of life because Rambold . had 'suffered enough' and young Cherry was 'in control' Protests held and nationwide petition calling for judge's removal has 10,000 signatures . Cherice shot herself in her mother's bed when it became too much to bear . | bb5379b8d82276847822d2e9a4cfc0813d6308ac |
Bad blood between Manchester City and CSKA Moscow has spilled over into the dressing room after it emerged the controversial Russian club didn’t even feed Manuel Pellegrini’s players after last month’s game in Eastern Europe. City and Wednesday’s opponents Moscow have been at loggerheads since last season’s Champions League fixtures when the Barclays Premier League champions complained that midfielder Yaya Toure had been racially abused. Last month’s 2-2 draw at Arena Khimki was played behind closed doors as a result of UEFA-imposed punishment for that incident and others, although City subsequently complained that local fans had gained access by buying sponsors' tickets on the black market. Manchester City drew 2-2 in Moscow, with Sergio Aguero scoring the opening goal, but CSKA failed to provide Manuel Pellegrini's men with adequate levels of food after the match as the fued between the sides grows . Yaya Toure was a victim of racist chanting when City played CSKA Moscow in last season's competition . City fans held up banners during last season's match at the Etihad showing anger at racism in Moscow . Now it has emerged that CSKA took the petty feuding to new levels last time by refusing to provide anything substantial for City’s players to eat in the visitors’ dressing room two weeks ago. It is customary in football for the home club to provide hot food high in carbohydrate for both sets of players to snack on after a game to help them replace lost energy. This is particularly important in European games when teams often have long plane journeys home immediately after matches. In the modern age, clubs at this high level usually provide a range of food including pizza, pasta, muffins and doughnuts. CSKA, however, laid on only a few bits of fruit for City to eat, leaving Pellegrini and his players in a rage as they left the stadium. Last month's clash in Russia was played behind closed doors as punishment for CSKA's indiscretions . City and CSKA players stand with a 'No to racism' banner before the 2-2 draw in Moscow last month . Moscow players celebrate after scoring from the penalty spot against City last month . On Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium it is understood that City will not sink to CSKA’s level by retaliating in kind but Pellegrini’s players are sure to use it as motivation as they head in to a game they really must win if they are to have any chance of reaching the last eight. The atmosphere in the City boardroom is also bound to be less than cordial at the Etihad after recent incidents between the clubs. Last season CSKA’s top-ranking officials responded to City’s complaint about racism by turning up to an official reception before the subsequent game in Manchester wearing jeans, trainers and T-shirts. Usual custom would have seen both sets of directors in shirt and tie. CSKA Moscow fans were punished for hooliganism and racism but the club were not happy with it . CSKA were forced to hold matches behind closed door due to persistent hooliganism and racist abuse . City players celebrating after scoring their second goal in Moscow during last month's 2-2 draw . Last month, meanwhile, only one of City’s top brass - sporting director Txiki Begiristain - actually bothered to go the CSKA game. The next highest-ranking official on the trip was ambassador Mike Summerbee as the likes of chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano stayed at home. Since then the clubs have been in dispute again, with City complaining about the 300 fans they believe infiltrated the game at Khimki. Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. City score at the Etihad last season but they will be looking for a better result in the game on Wednesday . A feud has grown between the two clubs as an escalating number of incidents have occurred . Sergio Aguero (left) and Aleksandar Kolarov embrace after the opening goal in Russia last month . VIDEO 'Manchester City are Champions League contenders' - Pellegrini . | Manchester City host CSKA Moscow at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday . CSKA staff failed to adequately feed Manuel Pellegrini's men last month . It is customary for home teams to feed visiting sides in elite football . Feud began when City complained that midfielder Yaya Toure had been racially abused during Champions League clash in Moscow last season . CSKA officials turned up to a reception in T-shirts and jeans in protest . Only one City official, Txiki Begiristain, went to Moscow last month . | 977fb118e86bb379806fd45270e71852361e1f85 |
(CNN) -- Raphael Larrinaga was tired of sending out job applications and not getting a response, so he decided to try a different approach. No, he didn't embellish a job title or fabricate a master's degree on his résumé. Instead, he swapped out his Spanish first name for something with more "Americanized," something that people would expect from a guy with blond hair and blue eyes job-hunting in Utah in the 1980s. Almost instantly, Ray Larrinaga began getting calls back, he said. Within two weeks, he accepted a job with a bank and went back to the name his Spanish-born parents had given him. "People said I was paranoid, but I'm not exaggerating a bit," said Larrinaga, now a self-employed graphic designer. "I went from almost a zero response to my applications to over 50 percent response." In hindsight, the resident of Bountiful, Utah, said he's a little ashamed of his ploy. Sure, he could be a chameleon and scuttle his Spanish roots if he wanted to, but visible minorities can't get rid of their accent or change the color of their skin, he said. "That was a real eye opener for me, as I realized how tough it was for minorities in my mostly 'white' community to get an even break," said Larrinaga, who shared his story on iReport. "I think things have changed quite a bit for the better, but I can't help but wonder how many people still judge someone they've never met simply by what kind of name they have." Our names say a lot about us even before the first encounter, as Larrinaga and others can attest. Just ask Jessica Simpson, whose decision to name her daughter Maxwell Drew Johnson sparked criticism that she was condemning the child to a life of torture for having a traditionally male name. In America: What does your name say about you? CNN iReporters shared the good and the bad of living with a name that flouts convention. As children, they endured playground taunts and teases. By the time they reach adulthood, they've heard it all and spent countless hours patiently (or sometimes not so patiently) explaining their names to strangers. They're used to second takes from bank tellers and waiters, mail addressed to Mr. when it should be a Mrs., and vice-versa. "It's hard for me to figure out why a parent does this," iReporter Michael Howell said. "Are they looking for attention? Because the only attention the child's going to get is going to be negative attention. I'm curious as to why mothers do this." Howell never got a satisfactory answer from her mother as to why she gave her a boy's name. Howell said she could write a book about the lifetime of confusion and insults she has experienced because of her name, the hours spent convincing people that Michael is indeed her real name. No, she was not dodging the Vietnam War draft in the 1960s. No, she's never had a sex change. Yes, that really is her name, she tells clients who call the real estate office where she works. Really. Her children suffered a great deal for it, too, she said. They can laugh now at the cruel jokes, but at the time, it was devastating for them. Looking back, it made her a bit of a shut-in, she said. She avoided going out or engaging neighbors for fear of having to explain herself. But by the time she reached 55, she was over it, she said, and she hopes the world is kinder to Maxwell Drew. Otherwise, the best advice she can offer is to stick it out and stick close to people who are nice. "I've made it this far. What am I going to do, change my name? What would people who've known me all my life call me?" said Howell, now 67. "I came in with it, I'm going out with it." One benefit is that people rarely forget her name, she said, a common sentiment from those whose names defy societal norms. It might have been the worst thing ever as a child, but many say they have persevered and developed a thicker skin because of it. Some have even managed to embrace their traitorous names as a badge of honor that has shaped who they are. "It has helped me understand and appreciate that we are who we are and not what we are called or named," said Kim Manlove, who shared his story on iReport. The 60-year-old "decidedly heterosexual" male has experienced a fair share of taunts over the years. As a child, his last name was the bigger problem with "you must love men" being a common, if unimaginative refrain. As an adult, his first name tripped up people who assumed it must be short for Kimber or Kimball. And, he still can't get those callers looking for breast cancer research volunteers to take his name off the list, he said. "Despite a lifetime of teasing, snide comments and the occasional unwelcome advance, having the name Kim Manlove has helped instill in me a certain amount of humility and compassion. Compassion for others who through no fault or choice of their own may bear some disability or mark, seen or unseen, that draws the unwanted attention of others whose ignorance or prejudice leads them to make some hurtful or stigmatizing remark or gesture." A snide remark from a customer service rep once caught iReporter Ryan Babarsky off guard at the pet store. Being accustomed to the drill, she obliged when he asked to see her credit card to look up her rewards number. But she didn't have a response to his question, "Did your parents want you to be a boy?" "I'm not going to stand in the store and yell at somebody because they're narrow-minded," the 26-year-old business analyst said. "I share stories on my blog and tell my fiancé, just to have someone to confide in." Otherwise, she feels her name suits her. As a child she was a bit of a tomboy and people seemed to give her a pass because she had a boy's name, she said. As an adult, she enjoys standing out without really having to try, and wouldn't dream of changing her name. "I've learned a lot about people and expectations," she said. "You'd think in 2012 that people would be open about gender and names ... but apparently people still have special ideas about what names mean and who they belong to." | iReporters share stories of living with names associated with different race, gender . Playground bullies would ask Michael Howell's children why their mother had a sex change . Kim Manlove says being teased for his name taught him compassion for others . "People still have special ideas about what names mean," female Ryan Babarsky says . | 203c4ecbf67655e3da3e88fad4d352974de69f6c |
Two brothers have been kicked out of classes at school and made to study in isolation because they have spiky haircuts. Keiran Matthews, 16, and his 13-year-old brother Callum, returned for lessons at Marches School in Oswestry, Shropshire, last week proudly sporting their new styles. But teachers branded their haircuts 'extreme' and took them out of their classes and placed them in isolation instead. Keiran Matthews and his brother Callum, who were both taken out of classes at school because they have spiky hair . They said that the style, which is closely shaved on the sides but spiky on top, broke school rules and their policy on uniform. Today, the teens' father Tony, 44, told of his anger at the ban on the style, which is called the skinfade, as he says most children are sporting it these days. He explained: 'I understood the school has its policies that include hairstyles. 'But I’m just angry they seem to have been singled out. 'There are so many boys at the Marches that have the same haircut and they do not seem to have been sent to the pastoral room. The brothers were being made to study by themselves in isolation after teachers branded their hairstyles 'extreme' 'It’s an area where children are segregated from the rest of the school. 'They are not allowed to go outside for break and Callum had his lunch brought to him - a pizza that he said was cold and he couldn’t eat.' Mr Matthews said it was only when he mentioned that other boys, including his older son, had similar haircuts, that Keiran was also told to work in pastoral. He added: 'When they contacted me last week and said that yet again they were going into pastoral, then I went and picked them up from school. 'Keiran is in his last year at school and, with exams coming up, it is vital that he goes into lessons. The boys attend the Marches School in Oswestry, Shropshire, pictured, who say they have a clear uniform policy . 'The boys and I have talked about hairstyles and we have agreed that in the future they will not have hairstyles such as this.' Sarah Longville, headteacher at the school, which caters for 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18, said: 'We are unable to discuss individual cases involving students due to their age and vulnerability. 'We have clear policies at the school, that have been in place for many years, and parents/carers and students are made fully aware of these. 'We set high standards for all students and when our policies are not adhered to, we work supportively with parents and the appropriate action is taken.' | Keiran and Callum Matthews returned to Marches School with new haircuts . Spiky styles were branded 'extreme' and they were removed from class . Have been spending time in isolation for breaking school's uniform policy . Their father Tony has hit out saying his sons were singled out . Adds that most children these days are sporting the 'skinfade' style . Says that they have agreed not to have similar spiky styles in the future . | c2322d037add30c43956b6e280a40736bf946fab |
(CNN) -- A California elementary school principal, arrested in connection with her husband's death, was released from custody Tuesday after a court hearing for her was postponed and the time expired that she could be held without being charged. She was to be released with no formal charges filed as prosecutors waited for more information from the Kern County, California, sheriff's department, according to information confirmed by Kern County District Attorney David Zulfa. Leslie Jenea Chance, principal of an elementary school in Bakersfield, was arrested late Thursday. The body of her husband, Todd Chance, was found August 25 in an almond orchard in Bakersfield, a city about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. His black Ford Mustang was found abandoned in a residential area. "We do believe she is the person who drove that car to the neighborhood, then dropped it off, then walked away from the vehicle," Ray Pruitt, a spokesman for the Kern County Sheriff's Office, said after the arrest. An arraignment hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, but the hearing was postponed. Zulfa confirmed to CNN that Chance's release was pending Tuesday afternoon, with the time expiring that she could be held without formal charges filed. An operator at the Kern County Jail said Chance was freed about 6 p.m. (9 p.m. ET). Leslie Chance, 46, has been principal of Fairview Elementary School in Bakersfield for three years. She was married to Todd Chance, 45, for 17 years, according to his obituary in the Bakersfield Californian newspaper. Tuesday morning, Leslie Chance's name was still listed as the principal on the school website, even though she was being held in jail without bail at that time. CNN's Chuck Conder contributed to this report. | NEW: School principal arrested in connection with husband's death is released from jail . Todd Chance's body was found on August 25 . Leslie Chance, a school principal, was arrested . Deputies allege Chance abandoned her husband's car after the shooting . | ba8f83ac29da22462d297000fc0b33480df4a30e |
Apple and Samsung have spent years at loggerheads over various patent infringements, and despite calling a truce recently, the rivalry still runs deep it seems. Reports claim that Apple was recently in talks with PayPal to be the ‘preferred payment process’ for its new Apple Pay service. But, during talks, PayPal agreed to do a similar deal with Samsung, and this is said to have caused Apple to have called the whole thing off. Sources close to Apple and PayPal revealed that Apple had hoped to add PayPal to Apple Pay, but during talks, PayPal signed a deal with Samsung. Apple was said to be ‘absolutely furious’ and snubbed the service completely. Neither firm has responded to MailOnline’s request for comment . The news of Apple's snub comes as PayPal and eBay separated this week, 12 years after the auction site bought the payment firm for $1.5 billion (£1 billion). PayPal lets customers to pay online for goods and services while storing their card details on its own servers, rather than giving the details away to multiple websites. It is in 203 countries and is expected to process a billion payments online this year. Revenues last year were £4.5billion and are growing at 19 per cent a year. The move means PayPal can focus on growing its market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Sources close to both Apple and PayPal confirmed the reports to finance site Bank Innovation, which also reported on the talks last month. The site claims that PayPal’s former president David Marcus was ‘categorically against the Samsung deal’, because he feared it would jeopardise the firm’s relationship with Apple. But eBay’s chief executive John Donahoe is said to have pushed for the Samsung deal. Bank Innovation continued that Apple was said to be ‘absolutely furious’, and snubbed the service completely. Apple and PayPal have not responded to MailOnline’s request for comment. The news comes as PayPal and eBay split this week, 12 years after the auction site bought the payment firm for $1.5 billion (£1 billion). PayPal lets customers to pay online for goods and services while storing their card details on its own servers, rather than giving the details away to multiple websites. It is in 203 countries and is expected to process a billion payments online this year. Revenues last year were £4.5 billion ($7.2 billion) and are growing at 19 per cent a year. The move means PayPal can focus on growing its market share in an increasingly competitive environment. PayPal partnered with Samsung for the release of its Galaxy S5 in February (pictured). A finger scanner on the device authorises payments for goods, via PayPal, and acts as a password for accounts . The news of Apple's snub comes as PayPal and eBay separated this week, 12 years after the auction site bought the payment firm for $1.5 billion (£1 billion). PayPal lets customers to pay online for goods and services while storing their card details on its own servers, rather than giving the details away to multiple websites . A finger scanner on the device authorises payments for goods, via PayPal, and acts as a password for accounts. Rob Skinner, Director of PR, PayPal UK, said at the time: 'Combining Samsung's fingerprint authentication with PayPal means users will no longer need to remember passwords or login details when they shop. 'This new method strikes the perfect balance between convenience and security and we believe this will be the future for 2014 and beyond.’ | Sources close to Apple and PayPal revealed the plans to Bank Innovation . Apple hoped to make PayPal its ‘preferred payment process’ for Apple Pay . During these supposed talks, PayPal signed a deal with Samsung . PayPal is the service connected to the fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy S5 . It was said to have been the decision of eBay chief executive John Donahoe . PayPal and eBay split this week, 12 years after the two sites merged site . | 342796ced85eab06976e0b515c6daf98a4be3e64 |
By . Tara Brady . Updated: . 04:38 EST, 6 February 2012 . Eyewitnesses have described the harrowing moment when 'bombs fell like rain' during the worst violence seen in Syria since protesters began their uprising last year. More than 200 people, including women and children, were killed by President Bashar al-Assad's Syrian forces in the city of Homs which was battered by mortars and artillery overnight. Wounded civilians took refuge at a mosque in the Khalidiya district which took the brunt of the shells fired by government forces. Prayers: Residents attend a burial ceremony in Homs where 'bombs fell like rain' Dead: A stand-off in the city of Homs claimed the lives of more than 200 lives . Funerals: A burial ceremony for the victims of a shelling by the Syrian army . Residents including Omar Shakir . described a night of terror. He told the Sunday Times: 'It was like a . machine gun shooting randomly, only much, much heavier. 'The bombs fell like rain. You didn't know where they would fall. You could only pray.' Several hospitals treating the dead and dying were raided by security forces, according to activists' reports. The Syrian regime has denied the assault - accusing activists of engaging in a 'hysterical' propaganda campaign - while countries around the world spoke out against the atrocity. A UN Security Council resolution was vetoed by Russia and China just hours after fighting broke out. The vote saw all of the other 13 council members, including the UK, US and France, vote in favour of the resolution. Foreign Secretary William Hague said Russia and China now had 'blood on their hands'. The international community was 'not contemplating military action' however, he declared. Speaking to Sky News, he said: 'The main way forward now is for the Arab League to pursue their plan in any case. 'They do not need the permission of the United Nations, although it would have been good to have a clear mandate. 'They should pursue their plan, they should intensify their own pressure . on the Assad regime to stop the killing and allow a peaceful political . transition.' Mr Hague said the UK and allies had made 'huge efforts' to secure . support from Russia and China. Backlash against the east: Anti-Syrian regime protesters burn Russian and Chinese flags after the two countries vetoed a U.N. resolution . 'Disgusted': Russian representative Vitaly Churkin, centre, provoked international outrage after vetoing a . draft resolution backing an Arab League call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down . Shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander said the UN stalemate was 'a stain on the conscience of the world' - and called on Mr Hague to make a statement to MPs tomorrow. Immediate measures should include hardening asset and travel bans and economic sanctions, he suggested. And he said he 'would not rule out' joining any coordinated move to withdraw ambassadors. Meanwhile, former prime minister Sir . John Major told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show the UN should now not lead . international efforts over events in Syria. He said: '(Russia and China) are effectively giving the green light for a pretty bad regime to murder people. 'One needs to put it bluntly so they understand what they have done and so the world understands what they have done. 'If . China and Russia have vetoed it once, let us see if they will veto it . again as public pressure and international condemnation builds up.' Groups gather and chant in huge demonstrations against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Baba Amro, near Homs . Tunisia's prime minister said that . cutting ties with the Syrian regime is the 'least that we can do' in the . face of escalating violence, and asserted that Russia and China misused . their U.N. Security Council veto. Hamadi . Jebali spoke at an annual gathering of security officials in Germany, . where Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkul Karman also said Russia . and China bear moral responsibility for killings in Syria and urged . governments to expel Syrian ambassadors. The Syrian people 'are expecting deeds, they are expecting concrete measures," Jebali said at the Munich Security Conference. 'We have to expel the Syrian ambassadors from Arab countries and other countries. 'The very least that we can do is to cut our relations to the Syrian regime,' Jebali said. Rubble: Rasten, near Homs, have been damaged from shells . He also criticised the 'excessive use of the veto' in the U.N. Security Council. 'This is a right that was misused, and undoubtedly the international community has to reconsider this mechanism of decision taking.' Karman, one of the winners of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, had sharper words for Russia and China. 'Those two countries bear the moral and human responsibility for these massacres,' she said. 'I urge you in the name of the peaceful rebels to expel Syrian ambassadors from your countries and I urge you to call back your ambassadors in Damascus,' Karman said to delegates. That is the minimum you can do to punish this regime, and I also urge you to take the necessary measures to protect the Syrian people.' Protest: Police force back protesters at the Syrian Embassy in London this week . The Syrian authorities have responded to . anti-government protests with overwhelming military force since they . began in March 2011. Assad is trying to crush the revolt with a sweeping crackdown that has so far claimed thousands of lives, but neither the government nor the protesters are backing down and clashes between the military and an increasingly bold and armed opposition has meant many parts of the country have seen relentless violence. The U.N. said weeks ago that more than 5,400 people have been killed in violence since March. Hundreds more have been killed since that tally was announced. Violence erupted at the Syrian Embassy in London yesterday. Police using riot shields forced the demonstrators back after they broke through barriers. | Foreign Secretary William Hague accuses Russia and China of turning their backs on the Arab world . Former prime minister, Sir John Major, condemns veto . Nobel Peace Prize winner says Russia and China bear moral responsibility for killings in Syria . | 02c5c5b21d25970257a192f0ff7da5df4709cd4b |
From bunnies to fluffy baby chicks, Easter is synonymous with all things cute. But while chocolate Easter eggs are a relatively modern phenomenon, as these stunning vintage cards reveal, an appreciation for all things adorable is not. The Easter cards, which date from the early years of the 20th century, are festooned with delicately drawn rabbits, multicoloured chickens and rosy-cheeked cherubs galore. Others feature traditional Spring motifs such as daffodils and chicks, while more still include vividly coloured Easter eggs - not all of which are of the chocolate variety. Colourful chicks: This vintage Easter card featuring a country scene and five fluffy chicks would have certainly warmed the heart of its lucky recipient . Cracking: An rosy-faced cherub crawls out of an Easter Egg in this eye-catching card. Sadly, little angels such as this one are rarely spotted on modern cards . They blight the land and have caused chaos on farms, so it's no wonder Australians have chosen to swap bunnies for bilbies. First introduced in 1968, the Easter Bilby comes in chocolate form and decorates festive packaging. Originally intended to raise awareness of the endangered marsupial, bilbies are a firm favourte of Australian children come Easter. Although the origins of Easter are firmly rooted in Christianity, not every creature to appear on the cards can say the same. The Easter Bunny, for example, was associated with the Saxon goddess Ēostre and has its roots in pre-Christian festivities laid on to welcome the Spring Equinox. The exchange of Easter eggs also pre-dates Christianity, with elaborately decorated ostrich eggs discovered in 60,000-year-old African burial sites while 5000-year-old eggs made from gold and silver unearthed in the graves of ancient Sumerians and Egyptians. In Greece, the only eggs available are red-painted chicken eggs, some of which also bear a gold cross, and commemorate the early Christians of Mesopotamia who dyed eggs blood red to mark Jesus' sacrifice. But eggs and rabbits aren't the only way to celebrate Easter. Around the world, a variety of different customs have been adopted to mark the big day, with everything from whipping to iguana suppers included. In Colombia, the traditional Easter lunch includes roasted iguana and turtles, while women in Hungary risk being splashed with lucky water as they celebrate the big day. Easter Greetings: A charming Easter postcard showing an idyllic countryside farmhouse, which three adorable chicks and their mother appear intent on reaching . Traditional: The image of three angels holding an Easter Greetings banner is a much more traditional card that reflects the religious roots of the festival . Vintage: A pair of traditional Bavarian postcards dating from 1912 and featuring a pair of little girls enjoying their Easter Eggs . Other unusual traditions include a fertility ritual unique to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which sees women submit to being whipped with willow switches in the belief it makes them more beautiful and promotes fertility. An altogether more British tradition is that of the hot cross bun; a part of national life for more than two millennia and which, according to Anglo-Saxon chronicler, Bede, is linked to the goddess, Ēostre - the deity who also gave Easter its name. Once a year-round treat, in 1592 the London Clerk of Markets proclaimed that the buns could only be eaten on Good Friday, at Christmas and at funerals and their consumption was restricted further by James I. Despite his best efforts, the bun remains popular today. Thought to bring good luck, according to traditional superstition, the bun should be kissed before being eaten and if shared with a friend, will cement the relationship for the year to come. Bog off bunny! While Easter Bunnies such as this vintage example reign supreme in Europe and the USA, Australia has swapped the rabbit for the native bilby (above) Cute: Friends and relatives would have spread Easter joy by sending cards such as this hilarious scene of a driving coach steered by chicks and pulled by bunnines . Sweet: Estimated to date from the first decade of the 20th century, this card is less colourful than others but nods to the long history of rabbits and Easter . Charming: One of the earliest cards in this collection, this period piece dates back to 1890 and combines spring flowers, the Easter egg and the Easter bunny . Feast: Two fluffy (and beautifully dressed)friends munch their way through their own tasty-looking Easter feast in this late 19th century greeting card . | Earliest examples date from late 19th century and reveal that daffodils, chicks and rabbits have always been popular . Others focus on traditional religious scenes with the Easter message carried by rosy-cheeked cherubs and angels . The Easter Bunny is a popular choice for cards, although Australians have traded the bunny for a native bilby . | 574c135e5aa98cc115c9714ba45516d25983e859 |
A schoolteacher who narrowly avoided a prison sentence for seducing one of her pupils has told a court she is 'fully co-operating' with social workers after her 'ten days of madness'. Married Bernadette Smith, 35, escaped a jail sentence after she was convicted of kissing and cuddling 16-year-old schoolboy Gary Ralston at his home in Cowie, Stirlingshire, and at a park in Falkirk. The mother of three, who was sacked from her position at Bannockburn High School in Stirling over the incident, said she kept a tiny vest top on and did not have sex with the boy when she stayed over at his house in September last year. Married Bernadette Smith, 35, (pictured outside court left) escaped a jail sentence after she was convicted of kissing and cuddling 16-year-old Gary Ralston (right) at his home in Stirlingshire and at a park in Falkirk . At a review hearing at Stirling Sheriff Court today, Smith (pictured outside with friends) was said to be 'fully co-operating' with the case management process and was told she wasn't required to attend court again . She admitted her wrongdoing in February and was sentenced to a two-year supervision order and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register. Today, she appeared at Stirling Sheriff Court, for a community payback order review, and told the judge she was putting her life back in order after the scandal. The court was given a report prepared by officials responsible for her supervision and her lawyer, Alistair Milne, said she was fully co-operating. He said: 'The report is, in my submission, fully favourable, and there is a clear recommendation to allow the order to run its course. 'There has been a full level of co-operation on her part.' Smith, of Denny, Stirlingshire, who appeared in the dock today wearing a black and grey skirt, a black top and high-heeled ankle boots, avoided jail in February after Sheriff Robertson told her that her conduct was at the lesser end of the scale for the type of sex offence with which she was charged. At the time, the court heard how she told police and colleagues that she was 'in love' with Gary, who she had taught and also given after-school tuition. The affair started in Smith's classroom when she confessed her feelings to 16-year-old Gary and the pair later went to the park and kissed. That night, she went to his house and stayed over but did not have sex with him . The 16-year-old schoolboy (pictured in his bedroom) later said Smith was his favourite teacher and that he 'couldn't believe she was with me'. He said 'a lot of the boys fancied her' and said: 'She did me no harm' The court had heard how the affair started in Smith's classroom where she confessed her feelings to the boy, who has since waived his anonymity, before the pair went to a park and had their first kiss. That night, Smith visited the house Gary shared with his father, Richard, and she and the schoolboy spent the night together in Gary's bed. The pair were caught after Gary's grandmother found out and told the school, which suspended Smith immediately. At the time, Gary's father admitted to being ‘a bit’ proud of his son for catching the teacher’s eye. Prosecutor Ann Orr said: 'She admitted she met him on two occasions outside school and kissed him on the mouth and neck. 'She also admitted meeting at his home and told his father about her feelings and she stayed overnight in the boy's bedroom and that she had been wearing her jeans and a bra. 'She said during the interview that she loved the boy and they both wanted to be together.' Smith had claimed in court that her behaviour was sparked over her husband Brian's continued deceit over an affair. The English and history teacher claimed she started her affair after trying to be a ‘positive influence’ on Gary and said it evolved after she poured her heart out to him about her problems at home. Sentencing her, Sheriff Robertson told her: 'Some of course may say that had it not been detected it could have led to more serious activity towards the other end of the scale, but that is speculation. 'You have lost your reputation, your job and your career, and your marriage is at an end. 'You have caused distress to your immediate family, and with the media attention that this case has attracted, I suspect that your humiliation is complete.' Smith, 35, blamed her husband Brian's (together above) continued deceit as the reason for her behaviour . Gary's father (above) admitted to being ‘a bit’ proud of his son for catching the attractive teacher’s eye (right) In light of the incident, Smith was struck off by General Teaching Council for Scotland. After pleading guilty, Gary said Smith was always his favourite teacher and added: 'A lot of the boys fancied her. I couldn't believe she was with me. 'It was the last thing I expected. She said she thought she was going crazy but couldn't help the way she was feeling. 'She did me no harm and I'm fine. 'Looking back, I wish it hadn't happened. It was exciting but it wasn't worth it - not for her anyway.' During today's review hearing, Sheriff Wyllie Robertson said the order could now continue without any further court appearances. He told Smith: 'The purpose of this review was to ensure that there has been full and complete engagement with the order and I'm reassured in the terms of the report that you are participating fully in the case management process. 'I will allow the order to continue without any further review.' Smith was sacked from her position at Bannockburn High School in Stirling (pictured) over the incident . | Bernadette Smith, 35, kissed and cuddled Gary Ralson, 16, at his home . She spent night in his bed - but kept vest top on and they did not have sex . Teacher admitted engaging in sexual activity with student last September . Mother of three given supervision order and put on sex offenders' register . Review hearing today heard she was 'fully engaging' in case management . | 67de7519d5cc7da4c79cc127abf2a241d8ac5afe |
By . Harriet Arkell . PUBLISHED: . 10:44 EST, 3 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:44 EST, 3 May 2013 . This family of fluffy monkeys may look pretty bad-tempered, but appearances can be deceptive. Bez and Ksaka the Colobus monkeys are actually pictured below celebrating the arrival of their son Alan, the second ever of their species to be born at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire. Young Alan, who had white fur when he was born three months ago, is now slowly growing black fur to resemble his parents. When Alan the Colobus monkey was born at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Oxfordshire he had white fur . Look at me now: At three months old, baby Alan has started to develop the contrasting fur of his parents . And while he will probably end up looking as miserable as they do, for now he looks rather happy with his new look. Native to Africa, Colobus monkeys are actually extremely sociable, despite the colouration of their fur giving them an unhappy look. With the arrival of the new sunnier weather, Alan has been enjoying bouncing around his enclosure with his sibling, Christopher, and the rest of his family group. Park curator Jamie Craig said: 'The group now has two playful infants to keep an eye on as they make the most of the warm spring weather. 'All adults take a role in babysitting and luckily, Kasaka is a very patient dad.' The newest born was named after employee Alan Price, who has worked at Cotswold Wildlife Park since 1997 and says Colobus Monkeys are his favourite species. Alan as a new-born Colobus monkey clung to his mother, and had white fur which is all now turning black . He is bigger now, but he still enjoys a cuddle from mum in his enclosure at Cotswold Wildlife Park . They live in family groups comprising . one male, several females, and their offspring, and female Colobus . monkeys usually announce that they are ready to mate by tongue smacking. With females giving birth to a single offspring approximately every 20 months, Ksaka has got his work cut out for him. In the wild, males leave their birth groups before they are fully mature, either by choice or by force, and live alone or in small bachelor groups. Some will eventually take over a harem of their own. Each group has its own territory in the tree canopy that is well defined and defended. The word 'colobus' is derived from the Greek 'kolobus', meaning 'mutilated one'. It refers to their thumb, which is little more than a short stub. The Colobus monkeys are extremely sociable and live in large family groups comprising a male, the females he mates with, and their offspring . You're never too old for a cuddle: Despite being the grand old age of three months, Alan like a hug with his mother . The monkeys run on all fours along familiar routes through branches, and take turns sleeping at night so that one member of the troop is always awake and watching for predators. Males defend their group and territory from others with roars, tongue-clicks, chases, and an unusual stiff-legged display. | Colobus monkey Alan has shed white fur and is going dark like his parents . He is the second baby Colobus born at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford . | 59fa2ede6752c34e90fd12d26c02db892d00ceaf |
A new study has examined Americans' stress levels and the causes behind them - with money taking the top spot. The results were published in 'Stress in America: Paying with Our Health' by the American Psychological Association (APA) and released on Wednesday. To gather information, Harris Poll spoke with 3,068 American adults in August 2014. Americans' were most stressed by money, followed by work, family duties, and health issues, according to the data. The report said that the average stress level is lower than what was reported in first 'Stress in America' study published in 2007 - and now stands at 4.9 out of a possible 10 points. Issues: A new study has found that money is main cause of stress for Americans (file photo) Concerns: Work, family, and health issues trailed money as the issues that most stress out Americans . Gap: Lower-income households had a stress level of 5.2 - while higher-income households had a lower stress level at 4.2. Ten was the highest possible level in the study . According to the study, 'But it seems that parents, younger generations and those living in lower-income households (making less than $50,000 per year) have a different experience — they report higher levels of stress than Americans overall, especially when it comes to money, and those who have particularly high stress about money are more likely to say they engage in unhealthy behaviors to manage their stress. 'Women, who consistently report high levels of overall stress and unhealthy behaviors to manage stress, also report high levels of stress about money. What’s more, the gap between the percentage of those who appear to be doing well when it comes to managing their stress and the percentage of those who are not is growing.' The study found 72 percent of adults said money stressed them out sometimes, and that 26 percent of adults said they were stressed most or all the time due to money. What's more, 'Nearly 1 in 5 Americans say that they have either considered skipping or skipped going to the doctor in the past year when they needed health care because of financial concerns,' the report said. Needing a break: Millenials had the highest generational stress level, followed closely by Gen Xers . Gender gap: Women also said they felt more stress than men in the study . Habits: Pollsters found that parents had a higher chance of reporting they certain behaviors exhibiting than childless individuals . Wiped out: Millenials feeling a greater amount of financial stress were much more likely than peers with low money stress to browse online . 36 percent of lower-income household adults said money stressed them most or all the time - while just 18 percent of higher-income household adults did so, the study found. Out of 10 points possible, parents, millenials and Gen Xers also reported high levels of overall stress, with levels of 5.7, 5.5 and 5.4, respectively. When it came to money, parents had a 5.8 stress level, millenials had 5.4, and Gen Xers had 5.5. Non-parents, however, had a 4.4 stress level for money. Overall Americans had a 4.7 money stress level. Breaking down money stress by gender, woman had a 5.0 level and men had 4.3. 30 percent of women said money stresses them out all or most the time. 21 percent of men said the same. The report also discussed the role of finding emotional support for talking about money. It stated 'One in five Americans (21 percent) say they have no one to rely on for emotional support. A similar percentage of Americans (18 percent) say money is a taboo subject in their family and more than one-third (36 percent) say that talking about money makes them uncomfortable.' For the report's full findings, you can visit the APA's website. Choices: Women with higher financial stress also had higher participation rates in certain leisure activities . Decisions: Low-income Americans who said they felt extreme financial stress also had high participation in leisure activities as a way of coping . Exhausted: Certain parents also had a greater chance of engaging in sedentary activities . | A study has examined what American stress levels and their causes . Americans' were most stressed by money, followed by work, family duties, and health issues . The results were published by the American Psychological Association . Harris Poll spoke with 3,068 adults in August 2014 . The average stress level is now at 4.9, with 10 being the highest . Millenials had higher stress than any other generation . Researchers also found stress gaps between low- and high-income households, as well as gaps between men and women . | a2f6573c206107a76dbed58b1811df604f47de2f |
A fraternity at the University of Pennsylvania has been accused of racism after including a black blow-up sex-doll in their annual Christmas card. The picture meant to send holiday greetings from the Phi Delta Theta fraternity sparked outrage when recipients spotted the black doll among the overwhelmingly white group of young men. The Phi Delta Theta fraternity has now been forced to apologise for the Christmas card, saying that there was 'no justification for this act of poor judgement'. Accused: The Phi Delta Theta fraternity at University of Pennsylvania have apologised for including a black blow-up sex doll in their annual Christmas card . The picture was posted on the Phi Delta Theta's Facebook and shows 29 young University of Pennsylvania students posing in what appears to be a lounge room. Among the young smiling men with their arms on each other's shoulders is a plastic blow-up sex doll. According to fraternity brothers, the doll was a 'Beyoncé sex toy' that had been bought as a 'gag gift' for Secret Santa, and had been included in the photograph with no intention of causing offense. Shortly after the picture was posted on Facebook, several organisations on and off campus, including the university’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, accused the fraternity of racism. The picture has now been removed from the fraternity's page and all activities have been suspended while Phi Delta Theta's parent organisation investigates the incident. Apology: The fraternity said the doll had been included as a joke with no intention of causing offense . Bow down: The fraternity claim the plastic toy was a 'Beyoncé sex doll', but that the doll 'bore no resemblance to the artist beyond skin color adding to its offensive nature' Several organisations on University of Pennsylvania's campus, including the university’s chapter of the NAACP, accused the fraternity of racism . The fraternity has issued an apology, admitting that Beyoncé sex toy was 'distasteful' and that 'once removed from the packaging, it bore no semblance to the artist beyond skin color adding to its offensive nature,' The Daily Pennsylvanian reports. Phi Delta Theta added that 'the absence of racial motivation is no justification for this act of poor judgement and the decision not to include a sex toy in a holiday picture should have been an easy one.' 'We are deeply concerned by this image,' Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity VP Sean Wagner told The Daily Pennsylvanian. 'Phi Delta Theta is a values-based organization and the lack of judgment associated with this image indicates a disconnect from those same values.' This is the latest racist controversy surrounding sororities and fraternities at American universities. Last week, a sorority girl at the University of Maryland posed for a photograph with a racist birthday cake made of alcohol bottles that reads, 's*** a n**** d***' on her 21st birthday. The photo from Delta Gamma Sorority was posted online to Instagram along with an offensive hashtag comment that featured the 'n-word.' Delta Gamma posted a grovelling apology on their Facebook page, saying the sorority 'is a dynamic organization committed to diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious affiliation, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status or physical disability.' | Fraternity Christmas card included black blow-up doll 'as a joke' Group claimed the plastic doll had been labelled 'Beyoncé sex toy' University of Pennsylvania students forced to apologise for card . | 0267ed359ce2a415d5d1d4e2d4e36e353d7f9dac |
First Lady joined Disney stars in Orlando, Florida at end of whirlwind tour . By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 3:28 AM on 12th February 2012 . She admitted her daughters were embarrassed by her dancing - but Michelle Obama is not letting that put her off. After showing off her dance moves at sports events across the country for her campaign against childhood obesity, the First Lady has added yet another routine to her repertoire - the 'Platypus Walk' Performing alongside a large, fluffy platypus named Perry, from Disney's Phineas and Ferb TV show, Mrs Obama flapped her 'wings', wiggled and shuffled from left to right. Scroll down for video . Every day I'm shuffling: First Lady Michelle Obama dances with Disney actress Debby Ryan, far left, Perry the Platypus and choreographer Rosero McCoy, right, at the Walt Disney World Resort today in Orlando, Florida . Wacky moves: Mrs Obama has admitted that her dances move embarrass daughters Sasha and Malia . The First Lady tried out 'the platypus' today during a visit to Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The event was to mark the second anniversary of her Let's Move campaign. The publicity tour comes five years to the day that Senator Barack Obama announced he was running for president - and his wife's winning healthy eating drive can only serve to bolster his campaign for a second term in the White House. She told reporters on Friday: 'I want him to be my president for another four years.' She likes to move: The First Lady twisted and wiggled on the stage at the event in Florida . Michelle Obama was joined yesterday . by Disney actress Debby Ryan, choreographer Rosero McCoy, Perry the Platypus and professional athletes along with . local children and their families as she finished up the three-day tour . of Iowa, Texas, Arkansas and other parts of Florida. She told the cheering crowd: 'You guys know I like to dance, I haven't completely gotten the dance down but I'm going to watch you all.' The birthday tour of her Let's . Move! initiative kicked off in Des Moines, Iowa, where a raucous . crowd of 14,000 joined the 48-year-old in dancing the Interlude. Though a starring role in Glee may not be a likely option for the potential showbiz talent, . Mrs Obama's moves of late certainly give the impression that she is . auditioning for a coveted part in the Fox hit musical show. Political swing: First Lady Michelle Obama reacts to an errant swing from a boy as they play mini-tennis during a Let's Move! event in Florida . Fanfare: Michelle Obama jogs out to the field during her three-day national tour . The University of Northern Iowa . Interlude Dance routine has become a YouTube sensation, and the First . Lady was more than happy to back her claim that she is 'pretty much . willing to make a complete fool out of herself to get our kids . moving', as she told a keynote audience last November. Joined . by Rob Harper of Biggest Loser and sports stars including ice-skater . Michelle Kwan, gymnast Shawn Johnson and WNBA player Tamika Catchings at . the Wells Fargo Arena, she waved her arms in the air, swung her hips . and showed the screaming youngsters how the far-from-complicated dance . is done. Speaking to the packed house, Mrs Obama . told children, celebrities and state officials: 'This is so cool!... Happy birthday, Let’s Move!' Do the Interlude: The First Lady today once again proved she can shake her thing, leading an entire arena in a dance to celebrate the second anniversary of her campaign to lower childhood obesity in the U.S. Throwing shapes: The First Lady seems to relish dancing in public - though we doubt a career in showbiz is on the cards. She last month told CBS that her daughters are embarrassed by her dancing . Biggest mover: Joined by Rob Harper of Biggest Loser she waved her arms in the air, swung her hips and showed the screaming youngsters how the dance is done . Her enthusiasm didn't end there. 'I’m proud that you guys are eating your fruits and vegetables, I’m proud that you guys are walking to school instead of taking the bus.' Performances by the Isiserettes and American Idol contestant Katelyn Epperly kept the mood buoyant - even after a workout routine led by Mr Harper. Iowa has set itself the impressive goal . of becoming the healthiest state in the country by 2016 - with its . Republican Governor, Terry Branstad, hammering the message home by . proclaiming today 'Let's Move day' in the state known for its deep-fried . butter. If successful, the state's 99 counties will move 16 places up Gallup's healthiest states league table in just four years, according to the New York Times. Last month, Mrs Obama shook her stuff at Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax County, Virginia as she promoted a cameo on the Nickelodeon TV show iCarly. Boogy tonight: Jennette McCurdy, who plays Samantha on the show, praised the First Lady's moves, saying 'I think she showed everybody up in the dance department' Far from the 'angry black woman' label . she felt she had unfairly been given, Jennette McCurdy, who plays . Samantha on the show praised the First Lady's moves, saying: 'I think . she showed everybody up in the dance department'. The recent drive to reinvigorate the campaign has seen the First Lady encouraging Jay Leno to eat more vegetables, flexing muscles with Ellen DeGeneres and even jumping in a potato sack race through the White House with Jimmy Fallon. A recent survey by the Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation has found that eight out of ten Americans have heard of the campaign, though the newspaper says it is still too early to tell whether the efforts are having a lasting effect on consumption and exercise habits across the country. | First Lady joined Disney stars in Orlando, Florida at end of whirlwind tour . | f29dd2478dd7000ecce5d27fb9225c798572aec3 |
(CNN) -- When a website that claims more than a half-billion monthly visitors gets hacked, users pay attention. So when we wrote Thursday about hackers who published login information for more than 450,000 Yahoo users, readers had plenty to say about it. Dozens of your comments hovered around a central theme: Who still uses Yahoo anyway? Selendis said: "hmmm, I may be on that list. except that it would be so old, the email and password wouldn't get you anywhere. have not logged into a yahoo account in years. don't even remember what email address it would have had." Maekju80: "I'm surprised that many people still use Yahoo. Wonder if those same users still have 8-Track tapes too?" prelude066: "Who still has a yahoo account? Over 50 year old white guys who haven't checked it in 6 years... " Yahoo may not have the digital sex appeal it did back in the glory days of the '90s dotcom boom. And, to be sure, recent months have been tough on the venerable Web giant. The company cut 2,000 jobs in April as part of an overhaul by then-CEO Scott Thompson. Then, less than a month later, Thompson himself was out after the discovery that he had padded his resume with a phony college degree. But having been perhaps the Web's first major portal, Yahoo holds onto a massive worldwide base of users. Its e-mail service is the world's second-most popular, behind Microsoft's Hotmail, although Google's Gmail has been gaining big chunks of ground in recent years. Many of you blamed Yahoo for not having taken tougher security measures: . Sixnard: "What's annoying is that there are companies who do this right, but so many other companies who aren't paying attention. Amazon, for example, assumes that their systems will be broken into despite all precautions, and it stores personal information encrypted and on separate servers so multiple break-ins and extensive correlation would be needed to obtain useful information." They also report break-ins when they occur with full details, so anyone else who's interested can take steps to prevent further exploits. People know how to do this, they just chose not to. In a written statement Thursday, Yahoo said they were fixing the exploit the hackers used and changing the passwords of users who were hit. They said that less than 5% of the breached e-mail accounts had their active passwords attached to them. Some readers felt like the story was overblown and that hacks like this are, unfortunately, part of online life: . garyguy: "Seems only the biggies get headlines. Actually there were new reports today that an Android forum and an Nvidia forum were also hacked. It's getting to the point where you'll need a password to use your password." Cat Nippy: "There are always security risks in technology and communication. That doesn't mean we should all retreat to the Dark Ages and start sending out information on stone tablets. Over-react much?" And, of course, some of you decided to have some fun with it: . TwitHappens: "Now someone can finally respond to that Nigerian lawyer who wants give me $12 million if I just give him my checking acct number..." Richard Williams: "Oh great now someone is going to make fantasy football trades without my knowledge" Finally, on a more useful note, many readers wanted to know where they could find out if their account was one of the ones that was compromised. CNN Tech is not linking to the hackers' Web page. But security firm Sucuri Labs has created a page with a tool it says will tell users whether their e-mail address was leaked. | CNN readers respond to news of hackers who exposed 450,000 Yahoo accounts . Many felt Yahoo could have done more to prevent the leak . Others say the story was overblown, that hacks are a part of online life . Many jokesters say: People still use Yahoo? | 0c7f4c4cbebfe798bfa6a2f77e560b3a0547b909 |
We may not all possess her Victoria's Secret physique and model looks but we can take a page out of Candice Swanepoel's book when it comes to fashion thanks to @70sbabes. The Instagram account, which has more than 18,000 followers, is dedicated to vintage pictures of 70s boho beauties dressed in flares, peasant tops and short shorts, including all featured in this article. And the supermodel, 26, loves to reference the retro style feed when it comes to her own wardrobe choices - buying high-cut jeans in an attempt to emulate Farrah Fawcett, and even feathering her hair. All of Candice's jeans are high waisted because she thinks they make her look like Farrah Fawcett (pictured) Farrah Fawcett rocking billowing sleeves and feathered hairdo at the Dorchester Hotel in London, April 1978 . Candice Swanepoel in a pastel pink cropped jumper leaving the Victoria's Secret store in London . The 70s were a huge fashion story for designers this AW14/15 season, and @70sbabes reveals how the looks began. Speaking to Into The Gloss, Candice said: 'Most of my style inspiration comes from the 70s and the 80s. 'There's this Instagram account called 70sbabes that I love to reference and repost on my own account. 'All of my jeans are high waisted because I think they make me look like Farrah Fawcett - I'll try to feather my hair, too. But I also love the big curls of the '80s. 'My mom was an aerobics teacher back then and she permed her hair and wore these huge earrings and high-cut thong leotards. She had the best style.' Kate Bush looking 70s and festive (l) while Donna Summer looks cool in giant plastic shades and fur (r) Meryl Streep knew how to rock a hippie blouse on the subway in seventies New York . @70s babes post retro images including all featured in this article, as admired by Candice Swanepoel . Off-the-shoulder white top paired with high waist flared jeans and never-ending hair . Bianca Jagger at a fashion show at the Italian Embassy, and leaving for a Bahamas holiday with Mick Jagger . A blonde shows off the 'velvet in furs' trend in a velour onesie sitting in her car's fluffy interior . Candice reveals her low-key, relaxed style translates from fashion to beauty. 'I don't wear a ton of makeup when I'm not working,' she says, 'but beautiful eyebrows are really important. 'You can have nothing on as long as your eyebrow shape is good. But I do love makeup and Youtube tutorials and all that.' And the Victoria's Secret Angel reveals her favourite mascara is a Boots staple we can all afford. 'If I go to a festival or something, I really go for it and create a really dramatic eye. Maxfactor mascara is the best for that. I'll apply it really thick so it looks like I'm wearing false eyelashes. I swear by that stuff.' Style icon Jane Birkin in double denim sits with bombshell Brigitte Bardot in a retro pattern shirt dress . Debbie Harry rocks a plastic orange shirt onesie and embroidered leather belt . Debbie looking dazed in a fluffy peach sweater (l) and Romy Schneider rocking a white shirt (r) Goldie Hawn tucks into a treat and a cigarette on the set of The Sugarland Express . Debbie Harry in leopard print, 1979 (l) and on stage with Blondie in Rotterdam, 1978 (r) Michelle Pfeiffer looking stunning in a sparkling plunging halterneck dress with thick 70s bangs . Farrah Fawcett playing tennis in stylish adidas gear (l) and a fluffy fur coat worn with block heel boots (r) | Victoria's Secret Angel, 26, loves Farrah Fawcett's high-waist jeans look . Even feathers her hair or styles it in big curls to emulate retro style . References vintage pics of boho looks on @70sbabes Instagram account . | 3bdf5fc4c01d027422a68b930c003fa746e60a0b |
A two-year-old girl was shot to death by Syrian soldiers to prevent her from growing up to be a demonstrator, a United Nations probe said today. The toddler was one of hundreds of children who have been murdered by troops since the government in March started a crackdown on the protest movement that has swept through the Middle-East. As of early November, government forces have killed at least 256 children and committed other 'crimes against humanity', according to the report by a panel of independent experts. A giant portrait of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is carried in a sea of thousands of pro-government demonstrators in Damascus today. A UN report today claimed government forces have killed at least 256 children and committed other 'crimes against humanity' The study said that men and boys have been sexually tortured at military detention facilities. 'Torture was applied equally to adults and children,' said the panel's report to the UN Human Rights Council. Among its details were that 'numerous testimonies indicated that boys were subjected to sexual torture in places of detention in front of adult men.' The panel said government forces used excessive force to 'shoot indiscriminately at unarmed protesters' while snipers targeted others in the upper body and head. It found Syrian security forces cooperating with militias were given 'shoot to kill' orders to crush demonstrations. Paulo Pinheiro, a Brazilian professor and the panel's chairman, said: 'These crimes include murder, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence. We have a very solid body of evidence.' The panel's members and staff weren't . allowed into Syria. But the commission said that it had interviewed 223 . victims and witnesses, including defectors from Syria's military and . security forces, since September. Report: Paulo Pinheiro, who is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to lead an investigation of allegations of human rights abuses in Syria, reveals his team's findings at a press conference in Geneva . Supporters of Syria's President Bashar al-Assad attend a rally at al-Sabaa Bahrat square in Damascus . The UN Human Rights Council appointed Mr Pinheiro, Turkish women's rights expert Yakin Erturk and Karen Abu Zayd, a U.S. citizen and former head of UNRWA, the U.N. agency that aids Palestinian refugees to lead an international investigation of allegations of human rights abuses in Syria. The commission was asked to follow up on a report from the UN human rights office that crimes against humanity may have occurred during Syria's crackdown against anti-government protesters, and to find those responsible. Among the other findings listed in the report: . Show of support: Syrians chant the national anthem during the pro-government rally . Service: The coffins of 17 army members, who the Syrian government said were killed by armed groups, during a funeral in front of the military Abdul-Qadder Shaqfeh hospital in Homs on Saturday . The report came out as it today emerged Russia is sending a flotilla of warships to its naval base in Syria in a show of force which suggests Moscow is willing to defend its interests in the strife-torn country. Arab League sanctions and French calls for the establishment of humanitarian zones in Syria have increased international pressure on Assad to end bloodshed that the UN said has killed 3,500 people during nine months of protests against his rule. Russia, which has a naval maintenance base in Syria and whose weapons trade with Damascus is worth millions of dollars annually, joined China last month to veto a Western-backed UN Security Council resolution condemning Assad’s government. Izvestia newspaper today reported, citing retired Russian Admiral Viktor Kravchenko, that Russia plans to send its flagship aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, along with a patrol ship, an anti-submarine craft and other vessels . Admiral Kravchenko said: 'Having any military force apart from Nato is very beneficial for the region as it prevents the outbreak of armed conflict.' A navy spokesman quoted by the newspaper confirmed that the Russian warships would head to the maintenance base Russia keeps on the Syrian coast near Tartus but said the trip had nothing to do with the uprising against Assad. The paper said the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier would be armed with at least eight Sukhoi-33 fighters, several MiG-29K fighters and two helicopters. It will also have cruise and surface to air missiles, the paper said. Yegor Engelhart, an analyst with Moscow-based defence think-tank CAST, said Moscow did not want its position to be ignored while the Assad government was under pressure. 'At the very least Moscow wants to show that it is willing to defend its interests in Syria,' he said. | UN report: At least 256 children have been killed by government forces . Syrian soldiers have also committed other 'crimes against humanity' Russia sending flotilla of warships to its Syrian naval base . Moscow denies move has anything to do with uprising against Assad . Checkpoints had 'blacklists' of people wanted by authorities and orders to shoot demonstrators trying to pass . On April 25, in Dar'a, dozens of conscripts who fired into the air rather than follow an order to shoot directly at people's homes were themselves killed by security forces posted behind them . The injured people taken to military hospitals were beaten and tortured during interrogation. In Homs, they suffered at the hands of security forces dressed as doctors allegedly with the 'complicity' of real medical personnel . Arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions were widespread. Most of those arrested were blindfolded and handcuffed and denied food or medical help. Thousands more may have been abducted and disappeared. | 9c6d6d784c022ca937285e9dec407f6b1831b286 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 01:55 EST, 30 September 2011 . A Glaswegian grandmother has started speaking with an Italian accent after suffering a stroke, despite never having visited the country. Debbie McCann, 48, had a strong Glaswegian accent before the minor stroke in November last year. But in the weeks following her illness she lost the ability to speak at all only to regain a voice she didn't recognise as her own. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Diagnosed: Debbie McCann is thought to have Foreign Accent Syndrome, which left her speaking with a Chinese and then an Italian accent . ‘For the first two weeks, I couldn't speak and it was very frustrating,' said Ms McCann. 'When my voice came back, I sounded Chinese. I couldn't believe it. ‘Now, people say I sound more like I'm from Italy, yet, I've never been to either of those countries.’ She was diagnosed with Foreign Accent Syndrome in June after friends said they thought she had the condition after seeing a clip of a sufferer online. Foreign Accent Syndrome is an extremely rare medical condition that affects just 60 . people worldwide and leaves a person speaking in a different . accent due to a brain injury, stroke or migraine. The condition has left her embarrassed about speaking and is having a terrible impact on her life. Suffering: The condition has become a nightmare for Debbie McCann, who is now embarrassed to speak to people . ‘I'm having speech therapy and every day I wake up hoping my old voice will be back’, she said. ‘We laughed about it in the beginning but it's become a nightmare for me.’ She said it's only now she feels brave enough to go out on her own. The grandmother-of-two added: ‘It's made me very embarrassed to speak to people. I only go shopping where I used to work because everyone knows me there. ‘Otherwise I'm constantly having to explain myself. ‘I don't like speaking on the phone. When I called the Job Centre to apply for disability allowance, the lady asked me where I was from. ‘I said Glasgow and she said: 'No, where are you from originally?' I had to explain to her I had Foreign Accent Syndrome. 'As time has gone on though, I feel more comfortable.’ The former shop assistant was at home with her only daughter, Julieanne, when her hands started shaking and her speech became slurred. The 24-year-old sat her mother down in a chair but she slumped to one side and when she was taken to hospital a doctor said he believed she may have suffered a minor stroke. Tests, however, including an MRI scan, came back clear. Ms McCann has an appointment with a neurologist in November and she hopes they will confirm that she had a stroke. Since her illness she has been left with weakness on the right side of her body and she has been unable to drive. The condition also affects her facial movements and she not only talks in a foreign accent but writes in broken English - meaning she often misses out words like 'to' and 'a' from sentences. When she wrote to a friend that she had been referred for treatment to a stroke clinic, she actually wrote: ‘I been referred to stroke clinic.’ Her daughter, a residential children's worker said: ‘This time last year, she was a completely different person. She was so outgoing and would talk to anyone. ‘Now it's me that has to do a lot of the speaking when we go out. ‘It's been totally life changing. Her thick Glaswegian accent was part of her identity.’ The condition was first identified in the 1940s when a Norwegian woman was hit by shrapnel and started speaking with a strong German accent. Dr Anja Lowitt, an expert in the condition from Strathclyde University whom Ms McCann consulted about her speech, said: ‘Foreign Accent Syndrome is extremely rare and usually follows some kind of brain injury. In most cases a stroke, but it could potentially also be a head injury. ‘What happens is that the person's speech disorder mimics features of one or more foreign accents. ‘So it could be that the person's speech now contains a sound that exists in French, or a particular intonation pattern typical for Italian. ‘If the speech includes features from several accents, the listener often hears the one they are most familiar with. It's also the reason why we only hear common accents. ‘Unfortunately there is currently no cure for Foreign Accent Syndrome. With some people it disappears after a year or two, others will never lose it. ‘It depends on the initial severity of the speech problem and how well the brain recovers.’ Foreign Accent Syndrome from Lenny Warren / Warren Media on Vimeo. | She is one of only 60 sufferers in the world . First she sounded Chinese but then her voice changed . Condition has affected her life and left her afraid to talk . | bef2ebb897d6c87c86ee269063a70491e4b8fd7b |
(CNN) -- Manchester City's misfiring start to the English Premier League season continued on Saturday with a 2-1 loss to West Ham United at Upton Park. The disappointing league result comes off the back of another lackluster display in the Champions League in midweek which saw Manuel Pellegrini's side squander a 2-0 lead against CSKA Moscow to eventually draw the match 2-2. On Saturday, it was City who found themselves two goals down after West Ham's French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Diafra Sakho netted again with 15 minutes remaining. The Senegalese striker's sixth goal in as many league games ultimately sank City who managed to pull one back through David Silva but couldn't find an equalizer. "We had a lot of chances to score but it is difficult to win if you don't take them," City boss, Pellegrini said. "I don't think it was a fault of our team for the performance in the first half, it was more about the intensity of West Ham and you must credit them for that. We are just starting the season, we have 80 points left to play for. So it is early. "We will continue fighting because there is no title being handed out at the moment." The win keeps West Ham in fourth place with 16 points, one point behind City who failed to make up ground on league leaders Chelsea. Jose Mourniho's side will extend their advantage to eight points over City if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Elsewhere, there were wins for Southampton who rise to second place thanks to a 1-0 win over Stoke City. Ronald Koeman's side kept the winning habit with their sixth victory in seven league matches and now have 19 points from nine matches. Alexis Sanchez scored a brace to give Arsenal all three points against Sunderland -- the Black Cats have now conceded 10 goals in two matches after shipping eight last weekend. The win gave Arsene Wenger a first league win in four matches and lifts the Gunners up to fifth with Swansea City one place behind following a 2-0 win at Leicester City. Liverpool could only draw 0-0 at home to Hull City -- a result which sees Brendan Rodgers' side slip to seventh in the table. West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace also shared the points in a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns. Dortmund slump continues . Borussia Dortmund's nightmare start to the Bundesliga season continued with a fourth straight league defeat on Saturday against Hannover 96. Hiroshi Kiyotake's 62nd-minute winner consigned Jurgen Klopp's team to a third home defeat of the league season and a sixth loss in all. Their spectacular lack of league victories -- the latest defeat leaves Dortmund hovering above the relegation places in 15th -- is in stark contrast to the club's Champions League form where they are riding high in Group D with three wins from three matches. Compare that to a league run that has yielded one point in the last six games. "We can't do more, but we can do things better, Klopp said following the latest setback. "We aren't in a good situation in the Bundesliga and that's something we haven't come to terms with until now. We'll continue to fight, the opponent made a lot out of little, we made nothing out of a lot." There was little to lift the gloom at Werder Bremen either as their manager Roger Dutt was shown the door on Saturday following Friday's 1-0 loss to FC Cologne. Bremen are without a win this season and are currently anchored to the foot of the table with four points from nine matches. The club has appointed under-23 coach Viktor Skripnik as caretaker manager until a full time replacement can be found. There was joy, however, for Stuttgart who claimed all three points in a 5-4 win at Frankfurt. Martin Harnik and Christian Gentner both scored braces as the visitors leapfrogged Dortmund into 14th place. There were also wins for Augsburg who rise to ninth and Hertha Berlin who move up to 11th. At the business end, Hoffenheim move up to second after a 1-0 win over Paderborn while Leverkusen's 1-0 victory over Schalke lifts Roger Schmidt's side to fourth. Bayern Munich will go six points clear at the top of the table if they beat Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday. Read more: Was it wrong to ban Luis Suarez? | Man City slump to second league defeat of EPL season . Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho nets for sixth consecutive game to down Blues . Leaders Chelsea can extend gap over City to eight points with win against Man Utd . | 1b0a6f4c269d6586796314650ec970904e37bb4a |
The skies in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul have become a conspiracy theorist's delight as the skies swarm with black helicopters on a mysterious training exercise. The low-flying black helicopters - also known as Night Stalkers - are flying on the training exercise for the Department of Defense but no one at that agency will comment on the exercise's purpose. The only statement they will make regarding the appearance of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is to apologize for 'any alarm or inconvenience' they might cause. black helicopters . The military has declined any comment on the exercise beyond apologizing for any inconvenience . CBS Minnesota reports that the Night Stalkers Web site lists their motto as to 'guard my unit's mission with secrey, for my only true . ally is the night and the element of surprise.' They support special ops teams such as the Navy SEALS. It goes on to call the group 'highly trained and ready to accomplish the very toughest missions . in all environments, anywhere in the world, day or night, with . unparalleled precision.' But that secrecy doesn't sit well with the people watching from below. 'I think the scale of domestic military exercises is not a good . idea,' Minneapolis resident Daniel Feidt told CBS Minnesota. 'It’s a waste of . taxpayer money. It’s inappropriate for Special Forces to be operating in American cities.' St. Paul City Council . member Chris Tolbert also had strong words for the exercise. 'I think it's outrageous,' Tolbert told the Pioneer Press. 'We're going to have Black . Hawks flying at a low level over a densely populated urban area without . any notice at all? I had helicopters shaking my house at 11:57 last . night. They were right over the trees.' Police say the exercise has been planned for months but that they cannot release time or locations to the public over security concerns . Local police said the exercise has been planned for months but they were unable to inform the public of the times and locations due to security concerns. They also described the event as routine training. The military often puts pilots into unfamiliar surroundings so they are forced to adapt quickly, as they would during a real mission. | Department of Defense refuses to release information on the appearance of 'Night Stalker' black helicopters over downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul . Residents express fear and anger over the unexplained military action . Police say the exercise has been planned for months but they cannot release dates or locations for security reasons . | b42e56acbfbfb0fdb1879d44d4ef8c1f05a3a0b5 |
A journalist decided to test how safe the streets of Paris are for Jews - by wearing a religious skullcap and filming the public's reaction using a hidden camera. Zvika Klein, a reporter for Jewish news outlet NRG, silently walked in the city for ten hours wearing a kippah - also known as a yarmulke - on his head and a tzitzit (knotted ritual tassels). And the shocking hidden camera footage shows antisemitism is rife in the French capital as he is seen harassed and intimidated. As he wanders around neighbourhoods wearing the garments associated with the Jewish faith, he is spat at, threatened and even called a 'dog'. The clip shows the reporter for Jewish news outlet NRG as he is harassed, intimidated and even spat on . Zvika Klein is seen being followed and harassed by this man as he walked the streets wearing a kippah . Klein was inspired by a YouTube video in which a New York woman filmed the sexist remarks she endured in 10 hours of walking the streets of the Big Apple . After the attack on a kosher supermarket in Paris last month, where four Jews were murdered for their faith, he decided to record what life is really like for a Jew living in Paris. Posting the video on YouTube, he wrote: 'Welcome to Paris 2015, where soldiers are walking every street that houses a Jewish institution, and where keffiyeh-wearing men and veiled women speak Arabic on every street corner.' He spent a day in Paris with a bodyguard while photographer Dov Belhassen documented the day using a GoPro camera hidden in his backpack. He wandered through Jewish neighborhoods, around the Eiffel Tower, and then through mostly Muslim neighborhoods. Tourist areas were 'relatively calm' but in some areas, he received 'belligerent remarks' and was even spat at . Zvika Klein silently walked the streets of Paris for ten hours wearing a kippah and secretly filmed reactions . In an article accompanying the video, he said tourist attractions were 'relatively calm' - 'but the further from them we walked, the more anxious I became over the hateful stares, the belligerent remarks, and the hostile body language,' he wrote. Boys shouted 'Viva Palestine' and as he passes a group of youths, one remarks: 'I'm joking, the dog will not eat you'. Fingers were pointed at him in a cafe - and moments later, thugs awaited him on a street corner, he adds. A little boy was shocked at his appearance in his neighbourhood, he reports. 'What is he doing here Mommy?' he asked. 'Doesn’t he know he will be killed?' It comes as Isreali Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the mass emigration of Jews from Europe to escape the rising tide of antisemitic terror attacks. French President Francois Hollande (right) reacted angrily to comments from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left), who said Europe was no longer safe for Jews following attacks in Paris and Copenhagen . Netanyahu said Europe was no longer a safe haven for Jews following attacks in Paris and Copenhagen - adding that Israel is now the only country in the world where Jews can feel safe. His comments sparked fury from Jewish groups and were promptly refuted by the leaders of France, Germany and Denmark. But Mr Klein's video shows, in Paris, Jews 'are barred from entering certain areas'. 'Is this what life is like for Paris' Jews?' he reports. 'Is this what a Jew goes through, day in and day out, while walking to work or using public transportation?' He adds the majority of French Jews 'do not flaunt their religion' and Jewish community leaders have urged them to wear hats as they walk to and from work. But at night? 'Jews prefer to stay inside in the evening,' he says. 'It is safer at home.' | Zvika Klein, from Jewish news outlet NRG, silently walked for ten hours . The NRG reporter wore a kippah on his head and a tzitzit (ritual tassels) Clip shows antisemitism is rife in city as he is intimidated and even spat at . Comes as Israeli Prime Minister says Europe is no longer safe for Jews . | e0f7d76faa1f3cdfbde81c28df44efc5c5a31264 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:48 EST, 4 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:48 EST, 4 May 2012 . A teenager accused of bludgeoning his parents with a hammer before hosting a party at their home signs jailhouse autographs exclaiming 'It's hammer time,' calls himself 'hammer boy,' and says he has seen and talked to the devil, a fellow inmate told police. The inmate, Justin Toney, described 18-year-old Tyler Hadley's jailhouse fame in interviews outlined in investigative files released by prosecutors. Hadley has pleaded not guilty in the bludgeonings last July of Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley. Toney told investigators that Hadley is known as 'Hambo' and 'Bamm-Bamm' by other inmates and that he has given autographs, including some on news articles about his case. Charged: Tyler Hadley, seen here in his booking photo, has been charged as an adult for the killings of his parents . Every time a new inmate is admitted, Toney said in the February 21 interview, Hadley makes an introduction. 'What's up man?' Toney quoted Hadley as saying. 'You know who I am? I'm the hammer boy.' The inmate says Hadley has given differing accounts of why he allegedly committed the crimes. First, he said, Hadley blamed it on medication he was on. Later, though, he said Hadley explained it was because he wanted to have a party and knew his parents would not let him. 'All this to have a party?' Detective Kristin Meyer of the Port St. Lucie Police asked. 'That's what he said,' Toney replied. Parents: The bodies of Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley were found in their bedroom where they had been lying as their son held a rowdy party . Family: Hadley's mother Mary-Jo and father Blake were found beaten to death with a hammer, which was lying between their bodies . Toney said Hadley told him he had been contemplating the killings for about three weeks and had considered using a garden tool instead. 'He said he seen the devil,' Toney said. 'He said he talked to the devil and the devil talked to him.' Still, there are glimpses of a different Hadley in the files. Toney said Hadley would sometimes bring him a ramen noodle cup, and often expressed remorse for his alleged crimes. In a log of a jailhouse visit with his older brother, Ryan, Hadley tells his brother he loves him and tells him to tell others he says hello and loves them too. Kelly Reynolds, who was interviewed by police but whose relationship to Hadley was not made clear, said he was an altar boy. Hadley's public defender, Mark Harllee, did not return a call on Friday seeking comment. Hadley told a friend interviewed by police, Daniel Roberts, that his father had punched him in the face several times and had shown signs of injuries at times, according to the files. But Toney said Hadley told him he'd never been beaten or molested, and Ryan Hadley called his parents 'awesome' and his brother a 'pathological liar'. Murder weapon: Police believe Hadley battered his parents to death with this hammer . Police have said about 60 people, invited via Facebook, gathered for a party at Hadley's house after his parents were killed, playing beer pong, smoking cigars and drinking. Friends described Hadley as being in a good mood and hospitable as the bloody bodies of his parents was strewn across the floor of their bedroom. Toney said Hadley claimed to have spent $2,000 on drugs and alcohol for the party, describing it as 'so much fun'. He said Hadley knew he had 'shocked the world' and realised something about his parents as he allegedly attacked them with a hammer. 'I said, "Did they try to stop you?"' Toney asked about the attack. 'And he was like, "No, that's how I knew that they really loved me."' | Tyler Hadley had contemplated the killings for three weeks and had considered using a garden tool . The 18-year-old claims his parents loved him because they did not try to stop him from killing them . | 778886ce218b0bf8482efb5df408c8e6daf73779 |
Tour operator Thomas Cook has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 to a couple who says their dream getaway was ruined by ‘loutish yobs’ and filthy conditions at their resort. John and Tracey Erskine, who have been married for 20 years, were expecting a relaxing trip on the Mediterranean coast in Turkey when they splurged on the holiday in September 2012. But they say Thomas Cook didn’t deliver on its promise of an ‘outstanding holiday experience’ and their stay turned into a nightmare. Scroll down for video . John and Tracey Erskine took legal action against Thomas Cook after staying at the Voyage Torba in Turkey . Filthy: John and Tracey Erskine complained about dirty conditions, including mouldy walls, at their resort . The Erskines were awarded £2,120 in compensation plus court costs at Warrington County Court after a drawn-out fight with the travel company, but they insist the legal fight was not about the money. The grandparents, who represented themselves during the hearing, complained that they were verbally abused by ‘loutish yobs’ in an apartment just 15ft away and one man from the group performed a sex act on himself on the balcony. They were unhappy with their all-inclusive resort, the Voyage Torba in Turkey, because its toilets were leaking and the walls were mouldy and dirty. They booked the getaway after picking up a copy of the Thomas Cook Style Collection brochure, which claimed to showcase its 'top four-star and above hotels’. Legal fight: The Erskines were awarded £2,120 in compensation plus court costs . It was revealed in court that a Thomas Cook rep arranged for the couple to be moved rooms twice after they complained. But the Erskines felt there was still a ‘lack of care’ by the travel company and not enough was done to protect them from the ‘vile’ group of men. When they returned to their home near Winwick, Warrington, Cheshire, they wrote to Thomas Cook but their complaints were ignored. They started legal proceedings for £3,278 to cover the cost of the holiday and compensation. Rude: The couple says they were verbally abused by ‘loutish yobs’ in an apartment just 15ft away . Thomas Cook denied that it could be held accountable and said its rep had done ‘all she reasonably could' At the end of the drawn-out ordeal, Mrs . Erskine, a former member of Merseyside police, said: ‘I feel relieved . more than happy that it is finally over. ‘I am disappointed that we had to go to such great lengths for them to acknowledge what happened to us. It was never about the money - it was the principle of the matter.’ The Erskines booked the holiday as a belated 50th birthday present for John, now aged 53, following a traumatic year. Mrs Erskine, 51, said: ‘We were looking for a relaxing break where we could some spend time together. ‘We wanted peace and serenity and that's what we thought we were going to get.’ Obscene: John and Tracey Erskine say a neighbour performed a sex act on himself on the balcony . 'Lack of care': The Erskines felt Thomas Cook did not do enough to protect them from the ‘vile’ group of men . Josephine Scally, who represented Thomas Cook in court, admitted that it was a ‘horrendous’ experience but denied that the company could be held accountable for the problems and said the rep had done ‘all she reasonably could’. She said: ‘The fault lies with the management and the representative of the clearly unpleasant young men.’ A Thomas Cook spokesman said the company is ‘disappointed by the outcome’ but accepts the judge’s decision. He said: ‘This incident was very much an isolated occurrence and we are confident that those due to stay at the property will enjoy the quality holiday experience they would come to expect from Thomas Cook.’ | John and Tracey Erskine were expecting a relaxing getaway in Turkey . They were verbally abused by holidaymakers staying near them . Travel company denied that it could be held accountable for the problems . | b70f8c1f5bd1c9d0db1295cd038885908f525395 |
ABC has announced that Barbara Walters will have the first interview with UC-Santa Barbara shooter Elliot Rodger's father. Peter Rodger has not spoken out about his son's killing spree that left six dead and 13 others injured before killing himself. The special will mark the famed broadcaster's first return to television since she retired last month. His side of the story: Barbara Walters will tape an interview with Peter Rodger, the filmmaker father of Isla Vista killer Elliot Rodger, in her first return to television since her retirement last month . Final warning: Elliot Rodger posted a confessional video titled 'Retribution' shortly before going on a killing spree near the UC-Santa Barbara campus in May . ABC did not reveal when the interview will air, saying only that it will be an upcoming special edition of 20/20. The killer's mother, Li-Chin Rodger, was the first one to realize that something was awry at the time of his killing spree. Li-Chin, who have been divorced for many years, received an email from her 22-year-old son shortly after 9pm on May 25 which included a 140-page manifesto. She immediately went to Elliot's YouTube page and saw that he had uploaded a video called 'Retribution' wherein he describes how he plans to slaughter sorority girls. Treatment: A family spokesman previously said that Peter Rodger (right) and his ex-wife had made sure that Elliot (left) was receiving treatment . His mother knew something was horribly wrong and she called her ex, filmmaker Peter, and after they watched the video, they called 911. Both parents rushed to the scene separately and reportedly realized they were too late once they heard news reports of the ongoing rampage on the car radio. Neither parent has spoken out about the killings yet, and in the immediate aftermath they gave permission to a close friend to speak to the media on their behalf, explaining how Elliot had been receiving professional help for some time. '(His parents) were conscious and concerned about their son's health,' Simon Astaire told CNN. 'They thought he was in good hands.' Part of the deal: When Walters retired last month, she said that she would still come back to work from time to time on the 20/20 Interview Specials (pictured during one such interview in 2013) | Barbara Walters will sit down with Peter Rodger, the filmmaker father of Elliot Rodger . Will be the first time either of the 22-year-old killer's divorced parents speaks to the media following his May 25 rampage that left six dead . Walters retired from television in mid-May but said that she would return to ABC occasionally for special 20/20 interviews . Network has not released an air date . | 6c59f4dae8ec4a551354d0546aecd332f862984e |
By . Leon Watson . A teenager and a six-year-old girl have . been gang raped in separate incidents at their schools in the latest sex . attacks to shame India. Police said her body was found outside the school premises in the village of Bal Singh Khera, just 10 miles from a village former American President Bill Clinton is visiting today. Reports that a six-year-old girl was raped at a school in Bangalore have sparked protests among parents . Local police Superintendent Soumitra Yadav said: 'The exact cause of death can be established only after the postmortem report arrives. 'But according to our preliminary investigation, this is a being perceived as a case of gang rape.' Security is . being ramped up in the area due to the visit of President Clinton, 67, . who is visiting the neighbouring village of Mohanlalganj to promote the . work of his Clinton Foundation. Meanwhile, a younger . child was allegedly targeted by a security guard and a gym teacher at . an upmarket school in India's southern city of Bangalore. The . six-year-old's parents, from the eastern state of Odisha, only . discovered what happened a few days ago after their daughter complained . of a stomach ache and was taken to hospital. Two men have been arrested in connection with the July 2 attack that happened on the school campus during class hours. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton watches women clean pulses at a kitchen in Jaipur as part of his India tour. He is due to visit a village 10 miles from where a teenage girl was raped and murdered . (File picture) Schoolchildren in Bangalore, Karnataka, at dinner time. Reports emerged today that a six-year-old girl raped by a security guard and a gym teacher at an upmarket school in the state . A . gym instructor and a security guard were questioned by Karnataka . police, but a second identification parade is being held to confirm . their involvement. Bangalore's Deputy Commissioner of Police TD Pawar, who is leading the investigation, told The Times of India: 'We have a tough job on hand. There are 27 gym instructors in the school. 'The two we have now are suspects. The girl is traumatized and we are trying to check with her as to who harmed her.' Reports . of the rape sparked protests outside Vibgyor School, near the city's . Kundalahalli Gate, as hundreds of parents pulled down its gates and . shouted slogans. 'They have handled it very shoddily,' said Vivek Sharma, parent of a boy studying in the school. On . Thursday, school chairman Rustom Kerawala addressed a meeting of the . parents where he offered his 'sincere apologies' and promised 'full . cooperation' with the police in investigation. The . two cases are the latest in a series of sexual assaults that have made . headlines in India, a country where rape offences are reported every 21 . minutes on average. In . 2012 India saw an outpouring of grief and a new scrutiny of sexual . violence after a student was raped and killed on a bus in the capital . New Delhi. More recently, it emerged last week a 14-year-old . girl was dragged into a forest and raped on the orders of a village . council in remote eastern India in retaliation for a sex assault blamed . on her brother. The attack took place after midnight on Sunday in a small village in Jharkhand state's Bokaro district. Last . month, two teenage girls were allegedly raped before they were found . swinging from a mango tree in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The . new Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a zero tolerance approach . on crimes against women, but violence and discrimination against women . in remain deeply entrenched in society. | Police in the southern city of Bangalore child was attacked on July 2 . Girl's parents, from Odisha, only discovered it only a few days ago . School gym instructor and a security guard questioned by police . Meanwhile, 1,200 miles away a girl was attacked and then murdered . WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES . | ddc7f03533305927055df7234310f06e27503c9d |
By . Anna Hodgekiss . PUBLISHED: . 15:20 EST, 12 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:20 EST, 12 March 2013 . Gay men in same-sex marriages are living longer - but the same cannot be said for their female counterparts, according to new research. A Danish study has revealed that the death rate for men in same-sex . marriages has dropped markedly since the 1990s, yet women in same-sex . marriages have emerged as the group with the highest mortality. They are more likely to die . at a relatively young age as they are more likely to commit suicide or . succumb to cancer, the researchers said. The death rate for men in same-sex marriages has dropped markedly since the 1990s . Denmark implemented the world's first national law on registered same-sex partnerships in 1989. Mortality was markedly elevated among people in same-sex marriages for the first several years after, but since 1996, with the advent of effective treatment for HIV/AIDS, mortality among men married to men has dropped to a level below that of unmarried or divorced men. In contrast, the study also found that women married to women were at increased risk of mortality, most notably from suicide and cancer. Study leader author Morten Frisch, from Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, said: 'Lesbians may constitute a largely unnoticed high-risk population for suicide and breast cancer, so our findings call for efforts to identify the underlying factors responsible and ensure access to basic health care in this population.' Dr Frisch and statistician Jacob . Simonsen used Denmark's Civil Registration System to follow 6.5 million . adults who lived in Denmark for any period between January 1st, 1982, . and September 30th, 2011. In contrast, the study found that women married to women were at increased risk of death, most notably from breast cancer (pictured) and suicide . The most marked changes in mortality were seen among same-sex married persons. Between 2000 and 2011, same-sex married Danish women emerged as a group with particularly increased mortality. Marriage has long been known to be associated with a reduced risk of an early death and the research confirmed that being married to or living with someone of the opposite sex was the best way to live longer. But they added that there have been big changes in the marital status of Western populations over the past decades. While the proportion of people married to members of the opposite sex has declined, there has been an increase in the proportions of single and divorced people. However, being married itself isn't enough. Married couples who didn't live together didn't get the same benefits - in fact, they were twice as likely to die as those who lived with their spouse, the study reported. Dr Frisch added: 'It is a novel observation that being married was not always protective.' The findings were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. | Death rate for men in same-sex . marriages has dropped markedly since the 1990s, Danish research shows . But women in same-sex . marriages have emerged as the group with the highest mortality . Increased risk of cancer and suicide in female couples . | 6e84d34134a74678f8c473c210321a17d08e6c9e |
By . Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 05:55 EST, 30 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:56 EST, 30 October 2013 . Couples are divorcing each other to avoid a property tax imposed by the Chinese government. The number of married couples splitting up in Beijing has soared as people exploit a loophole in new tax legislation. In March, China brought in a 20 per cent tax on the profits owners make when they sell their homes. The number of married couples splitting up in Beijing has soared as people exploit a loophole in new tax legislation . This means couples that sell their marital home together will be stung by the property tax. But the law does not apply to divorced couples. This allows married couples with two properties to put one property into each name, divorce and then sell them tax-free. The couple are then allowed to re-marry. This gap in the statute is leading to thousands of people splitting up just to avoid the costly bills when selling their home. Nearly 40,000 couples divorced in the Chinese capital in the first nine months of this year, up 41 per cent on the same period in 2012, the Beijing Youth Daily said, citing official figures. Warning: A Shanghai marriage registration office, where divorce applications are also processed in China, has put out a sign saying: 'There are risks in the property market, think twice before you get divorced' The growth rate in divorces was 'far higher' than in the previous four years, the newspaper added. 'The exceptionally fast growth is related to tax evasion by some people taking advantage of a loophole in the (new) property purchase regulations introduced by the government,' Li Ziwei, a marriage expert and former civil affairs official in Beijing, said. Couples in other cities, where property prices have rocketed in recent years, have also turned to the practice to avoid the capital gains tax, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Homeowners were previously taxed at just one or two per cent of the sale price. A Shanghai marriage registration office, where divorce applications are also processed in China, has put out a sign saying: 'There are risks in the property market, think twice before you get divorced'. Property prices are a sensitive issue in China and authorities have sought for the past three years to control their rise. As well as the capital gains tax, other measures have included restrictions on purchases of second and third homes, higher minimum down-payments and taxes on multiple and non-locally owned homes in some cities. | China brought in 20 per cent property tax in March . New law doesn't apply if divorced couples with two homes put one in each name . Couples are then allowed to re-marry after they have sold their home . | 0723efb5e6da1a6ad943b9e8e1194bc3a73f97be |
Newly-obtained police reports have shown that Whitney Houston's daughter was involved in a traffic accident that injured two people days before she was hospitalized. Police in Roswell, Georgia, say Bobbi Kristina Brown was driving a Jeep Liberty on January 27 when she lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle. A passenger in the Jeep and the other car's driver were taken to the hospital. Four days later, on January 31, Brown was found unresponsive in her bathtub, and her family said she's been 'fighting for her life' since. Lost control of car: Bobbi Kristina Brown was driving a Jeep Liberty on January 27 when she lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle. She was found unresponsive on January 31. The 21-year-old is seen here in an undated selfie . Support: On Thursday, Bobbi Kristina's grandmother Cissy Houston was seen at Emory University Hospital, where the 21-year-old woman remains in a coma . By her side: Cissy Houston walks out of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday . Visiting: Bobbi Kristina's father Bobby Brown visits his daughter on Thursday . Records also show that Brown's partner, Nick Gordon, called police in July 2013 saying she had fallen and was unresponsive. The officer wrote at the time that she was disoriented and went to the hospital. The news of the car crash and the domestic call come after Bobbi Kristina's aunt said she believes Nick Gordon will '110 per cent' be charged with a crime related to Bobbi Kristina's injuries. Leolah Brown, Bobby Brown's sister, said she thinks Brown was involved with Bobbi Kristina being found face-down in a bathtub at the couple's townhouse over a week ago. No one has been charged in the incident or named as a suspect, and Gordon has not responded to the family's accusations. Bobbi Kristina has been on a ventilator in hospital since she was found, but Leolah Brown insisted she is 'doing good' and has even opened her eyes. Speaking out: Speaking to Fox News, Leolah Brown, Bobbi Kristina's aunt, has said she believes the young woman's boyfriend, Nick Gordon, should be charged in relation to her injuries . 'Fighting for life': Bobbi Kristina, who has been in a medically-induced coma for the last 12 days, was involved in a car crash just four days before she was rushed to hospital unresponsive . 'I saw this coming,' she told Fox 5 Atlanta. 'I told her not to trust anyone.' Gordon was taken in by Houston as a child and brought up as Bobbi Kristina's brother - but after Houston's death, they started a romantic relationship and last year, they claimed they had married. In the Fox interview, Leolah said she does not think Gordon has been a good influence on her niece. 'I have my reasons,' she said, without going into further detail. 'There are a lot of family reasons that have that same reason.' She went on: 'I believe Nick Gordon will be charged with this... I hope that he will be charged with this as well. Soon. I really do.' She added that she had lived with Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown and had helped them look after Bobbi Kristina, but never saw Gordon around the house. 'Signs of improvement': She said that Bobbi Kristina, pictured with Gordon, has opened her eyes and appears to be improving. Gordon has not responded to the family's accusations about his part in the incident . Scene: Gordon and a friend discovered Bobbi Kristina in the bathtub at their home in the neighborhood of Roswell, Georgia, pictured, on January 31. She has been in a medically-induced coma ever since . She also reiterated her brother's statement that the young couple are not married, despite their claims on social media last year, and hinted that they had been through some trouble. 'This is the man Krissi loved but she was a young girl,' she said. 'We stay.' Leolah also dismissed the idea that Bobbi Kristina would have hurt herself. 'Krissi would never do anything to herself,' she said. 'She loved life too much. She had too much going on. She had too much ahead of her.' As for her niece's current condition, she rubbished reports that Bobbi Kristina was brain dead. 'It's been very, very painful for everybody. Mainly Bobby, because that's his baby,' she said of her brother, Bobby Brown. But she added that they remain hopeful, especially because she has given them 'signs' that she'll recover, such as opening her eyes, she said. There is also no truth to the idea that Bobbi Kristina would be removed from life support today - the same day her mother died three years ago - she said. 'No,' she said, adding: 'Bobby's calling the shots.' The family has been at Bobbi Kristina's bedside in Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where she remains in a medically-induced coma after being found submerged in bathwater. On the scene: Max Lomas, seen in an old mug shot, was the one who found Bobbi Kristina in the bath . No one has been charged or named as a suspect in the January incident. Gordon has not commented publicly about his girlfriend's condition and has not responded to the family's accusations. Earlier this week, RadarOnline reported that bruises were found on Bobbi Kristina's body. Gordon told a friend that he caused them while performing CPR. It has also emerged that one of their neighbors reported a domestic dispute at her address the week before she was found, according to a 911 call made by her security guard on January 23. The caller told a 911 dispatcher that one of the neighbors had reported a fight at the address. They said they saw people 'hitting each other and swinging' outside the three bedroom townhouse. He did not give descriptions of how many people were fighting or who they were . The ongoing investigation and limited details being provided in Miss Brown's case have fueled speculation about her condition and the circumstances that led to her hospitalization. 'We continue to request privacy in this matter,' Bobby Brown said in a statement released through his lawyer, Christopher Brown. 'We thank everyone that supported the vigil for Bobbi Kristina. God is hearing our prayers.' | Car crash in Roswell, Georgia, was on January 27, new police reports show . Bobbi Kristina lost control of her Jeep and hit another car, police say . Her passenger and the other car's driver were hospitalized . She was found unresponsive and face-down in her bathtub on January 31 . Family have dismissed reports 21-year-old would have hurt herself . They say 'Krissi' is doing good and is opening her eyes . Bobby Brown's sister Leolah said in an interview Wednesday she believes Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend Nick Gordon will be charged in the incident . | d62c31c4ee0d850c153b83f602f0e2cd75a91a49 |
By . Associated Press . Don't blame the millennial generation for lackluster home sales. They are increasingly ethnically diverse, more educated and less likely to be married — all factors that make them less likely to own a home, said a new report released Wednesday by Trulia, the online real estate firm. After adjusting for these population changes, younger Americans are actually buying homes at the same rate as they did during the late-1990s. 'For at least the past 20 years, there have been significant demographic headwinds for homeownership for young people,' said Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia. A new report released by Trulia, the online real estate firm, suggests that the recession, for all its damage to the economy, did little to turn off millennials from the idea of owning a home compared to previous generations . The ownership rate among those younger than 35 has declined to 36.2 per cent from 38.6 per cent in 1997 . The analysis suggests that the recession — for all its damage to the economy — did little to turn off millennials from the idea of owning a home compared to previous generations. In fact, the report shows that the major group whose ownership rates suffered because of the downturn is middle-aged Americans. The easy credit offered during the housing bubble caused more young people to buy than they otherwise would and masked the impact of the demographic changes, according to Trulia. The bursting of that bubble and the resulting recession that began in 2007 then caused ownership to fall where it should be given the demographic shifts. Because a greater percentage of younger Americans are attending college and graduate school, they are settling down a few years later — which causes them to delay buying a home. Census figures show that the share of 18-34 year-olds who are married is 30 per cent, down from 47 per cent in 1983. Just 29 per cent of them live with children, compared to 39 per cent three decades ago. Since more people in the age range are single and childless, Trulia looked at the number of homeowners who are also identified as the head of their households. After adjusting for these population shifts, the share of people under 35-years old who own homes is the same as it was for 1997. Standard Census data, which aren't adjusted for these factors, show that the ownership rate among those younger than 35 has declined to 36.2 per cent from 38.6 per cent in 1997. Slightly less than 65 per cent of the country owns a home, down from a peak of 69 per cent in the middle of 2006. Because a greater percentage of younger Americans are attending college and graduate school, they are settling down a few years later ¿ which causes them to delay buying a home . While the weak economic rebound has affected home buying, Trulia's analysis puts more of an emphasis on demographics than much of the real estate industry has to explain poor sales. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, blames the lack of buying among younger people on the sluggish recovery, now entering its sixth year. 'It's principally the economic factors: jobs and student debt,' said Yun, noting the difficulty of saving for a down payment when earning modest wages and repaying college loans. The number of first-time homebuyers in May was near record lows at 27 per cent, versus a historic average of 40 per cent, the Realtors said last month. Yun says that as the economy continues to bounce back, so, too, will sales to first-time buyers. By contrast, Trulia found that homeownership really lags among a different age bracket: the middle-aged. After adjusting for demographic changes, it found that their ownership rate was the lowest since 1976, a clear casualty of the housing bust. That's because many Americans who are now middle-aged bought during the bubble at inflated prices with loans that they could not repay. 'It's the 35-54 year-olds who have fallen further behind,' Kolko said. | Study find younger Americans buying homes at the same rate as they did during the late-1990s . Young people delay buying homes as a greater percentage now attending college and graduate school and settle down later . Ownership rate among those younger than 35 has declined to 36.2 per cent from 38.6 per cent in 1997 . | 66af0fe06b7310a63a43751147b241467b7d4f74 |
Dismissive: Goalkeeper Richard Kingson said 'false spirits' had possessed his wife and forced her to make the embarrassing claims . The wife of a Premier League goalkeeper has claimed to be a witch who put a curse on him to sabotage his career. Richard Kingson - the most capped player in Ghana and former star at Birmingham, Wigan and Blackpool - has not played for his country or had a club since last year. Adelaide Tawiah Kingson went on Nigerian TV two weeks ago to say she had put a spell on her husband to wreck his form - and make him impotent too. The 34-year-old footballer, known as Olele, yesterday took to Facebook to deny that his wife was a witch and blame her comments on ‘false spirits’ that had entered her during a church service, according to News1ghana.com. Mrs Kingson also retracted her claim, which was made live on religious satellite channel Emmanuel TV - the station of SCOAN (The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations). A report from Ghanasoccer.net quoted her as saying: 'I myself had no foreknowledge that I had been possessed. I can’t even remember what took place in the church after I fell down... 'I was only told what the spirit that manifested had said after I regained consciousness. I am not a witch as it has been rumoured... 'My husband knows how inspirational I have been to him throughout his goalkeeping career.' Top level: Kingson, 34, in action for Ghana against Brazilian forward Ronaldo during the 2006 World Cup . Olele said that people who wanted to embarrass him had spiritually manipulated the wife to make the bizarre claims. Speaking at the church a week after the deliverance, Kingson and his wife said all was well in their matrimonial home and that peace and love were restored to their marriage. SCOAN leader, TB Joshua, prophesied to Olele that he would return to the church within a month to report a restoration of his career and encouraged him not to worry about what people said about his wife. Mrs Kingson was credited with saving Ghana's Black Stars from shame in 2006 when she advised her husband not to take a $300,000 bribe to let in two goals during a match against the Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Kingson admitted he had been tempted because the winning bonus for the match had only been $8,000, but was persuaded not to do it after his wife 'said that her love for me was not because of my money.' The goalie said he had been faithful to his spouse since they got engaged in 1997. | She made bizarre claims on a religious TV channel . Later said she had been 'possessed' and retracted comments . The former Birmingham and Wigan player has not had a club or played for his country since last year . He said his wife had been 'spiritually manipulated' Claimed she stopped him taking a bribe at World Cup . | 6b49f0118cae52880a008d6bff160d1b498b01f0 |
Former Watford boss Billy McKinlay admitted he was 'disappointed' and 'surprised' to lose his job after just eight days in charge at Vicarage Road. The 45-year-old replaced Oscar Garcia as head coach at the end of September and opened his account with a 2-1 victory over Brentford before drawing with Brighton last weekend. But McKinlay, who resigned from his role as Northern Ireland's assistant manager in order to concentrate on Watford, lasted only eight days, with Slavisa Jokanovic appointed as his successor last week. Billy McKinlay (above) was replaced as Watford manager after just eight days in the job and is 'disappointed' McKinlay recorded a win over Brentford and a draw at Brighton in his two games in charge . Former Chelsea and Serbia midfielder Slavisa Jokanovic has taken over at Vicarage Road from McKinlay . The former Dundee United midfielder told Sky Sports: 'I was disappointed. 'I was surprised to be appointed in the first place, but for it to only last as short as it did was a surprise to say the least.' When asked whether he would be returning to his role as Michael O'Neill's assistant, McKinlay said: 'That is something for another time.' McKinlay had made a decent start at Vicarage Road, winning one and drawing one of his two games in charge . Oscar Garcia stepped down as Watford boss on September 29 after a health scare . | Billy McKinlay lasted eight days as boss of Championship side Watford . He had resigned as Northern Ireland assistant manager to take the role . McKinlay won one and drew the other of his two matches in charge . He says he is 'disappointed' and 'surprised' to have lost his job so soon . Slavisa Jokanovic appointed as McKinlay's successor at Vicarage Road . | aa4d10c21ecf0d078e5bf1fa147c8c5e7e31e3f7 |
(CNN) -- The woman whose public accusation of sexual harassment helped push Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain out of the 2012 race called his decision to suspend the campaign "bittersweet" Monday. Sharon Bialek told CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" that she was happy Cain decided to halt his presidential bid -- "but it saddened me because even though he did so, he still has not spoken the truth." "He's trying to blame everything that's happened on everyone else except the one person that he should blame it on, and that's himself," she said. Cain ended his run for the White House on Saturday, saying he would focus instead on his family and on promoting his economic proposals from outside Washington. John King: Who gains with Cain's campaign suspended? He called the allegations against him "false and untrue," but said he was bowing out after assessing the impact allegations by Bialek and others were having on his wife, his family and his supporters. Earlier, Bialek told reporters during an appearance with her attorney, Gloria Allred, that she didn't feel sorry for Cain -- "not any more." "I did initially," she said. "But when he kept going on and on and lying and making me out to be some troubled woman, then I really stopped feeling sorry for that man." Cain, the former CEO of Godfather's Pizza and a radio talk-show host, vaulted to the front ranks of GOP contenders in October. But his campaign began to stumble when news emerged that two women had accused him of sexual harassment in the 1990s, when he was president of the National Restaurant Association. Wolf Blitzer: 9-9-9 is dead-dead-dead . In November, Bialek told reporters that after a 1997 dinner in which she had sought Cain's help finding a job, he unexpectedly put his hand on her leg beneath her skirt and pushed her head toward his crotch. She said Cain told her, "You want a job, right?" but stopped when she protested. One of the women who filed complaints at the restaurant association, Karen Kraushaar, decided to come forward soon after Bialek went public. Then on November 28, an Atlanta businesswoman, Ginger White, said she had a 13-year affair with Cain that lasted until shortly before he launched his presidential bid. Cain's campaign accused supporters of one of his Republican rivals, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, of planting the initial story. The candidate called Bialek a "troubled" woman put up to hurting his campaign by Democratic activists and said he had never met her. And while he admitted knowing White and helping her out financially, he said they were just friends. Bialek told CNN she would have regretted staying silent if Cain "had gone further in the race and perhaps been elected president." Political Ticker: No Cain endorsement soon . Watch Piers Morgan Tonight weeknights 9 p.m. ET. For the latest from Piers Morgan click here. | Cain has only himself to blame, Sharon Bialek says . She says she has no sympathy for the former contender . Cain suspended his campaign Saturday but denies any impropriety . | 7667cff34dadc30cab88975e7940b16069e6d88b |
A former Vietnam Army officer who blamed his PTSD for driving him to kill a cop spoke of his pride that he served his country before he was executed in Georgia last night. Andrew Howard Brannan, 66, was given a lethal injection by authorities and died in prison in the city of Jackson after his appeals for clemency were denied. He was executed for the 1998 murder of sheriff's deputy Kyle Dinkheller, 22, whom he shot nine times with a high-powered rifle after a traffic stop in Dudley, Georgia. Lawyers argued that Brannan's combat experiences caused his mental illness and drove him to kill - but neither the Supreme Court of Georgia nor the United States Supreme Court stayed his execution. Scroll down for video: Warning graphic content . Andrew Brannan, 66, pictured in a recent mugshot, was found guilty in 2000 of murdering 22-year-old sheriff's deputy Kyle Dinkheller (right) He was pronounced dead at 8.33pm Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison. In a prepared statement given to his lawyers, he said: 'I am proud to have been able to walk point for my comrades, and pray that the same thing does not happen to any of them.' In his official last statement, moments before the injection was administered, Brannan said: 'I extend my condolences to the Dinkheller family, especially Kyle's parents and his wife and his two children.' Before the execution, Brannan received visitors including five family members, a friend and a pastor, ate a last meal of eggs, biscuits and gravy and waffles, and recorded a final statement. He had been convicted in the 1998 slaying of 22-year-old Laurens County sheriff's deputy Kyle Dinkheller, a married father of a young daughter. Brennan, shown left during the Vietnam War, killed Dinkheller (right) in 1998 . A statement from the Georgia Department of Corrections last week detailed Brannan's requested final meal. It said: 'Brannan requested a last meal consisting of three eggs over easy, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, sausage, pecan waffles with strawberries, milk, apple juice, and decaffeinated coffee.' Dinkheller stopped Brannan after he was caught on January 12, 1998 driving at 98mph. The officer demanded he take his hands from his pockets after he pulled him over on a rural road. Brannan, who was 49 years old at the time, then began cursing, dancing in the street and saying 'shoot me' before he grabbed a gun, rushed at the deputy and shot him nine times while he attempted to call for backup. Lawyers for the Vietnam veteran said the shooting was tied to mental illness that can be traced directly to his military service and argued he should be spared execution - but lost their 11th hour appeal on Monday. In a statement to CBS, Brannan's family said they were 'profoundly disappointed' that the appeals to save his life had failed. Through his lawyers, they said that '[t]he death of Deputy Sheriff Kyle Dinkheller was a terrible tragedy. 'Executing a 66-year old decorated Vietnam veteran with no prior criminal record who was seriously ill at the time of the crime only compounds the tragedy.' According to the convict's lawyers, Brannan was diagnosed in 1991 as being '100-per cent disabled' by PTSD. Five years later, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder disorder, according to CBS. At the time of the shooting, the veteran was not on any medication, his current lawyers said, blaming his previous legal team for not making more of his mental history at his trial where a plea of insanity was rejected by the jury. The horrifying moment that Brannan shot dead the officer was caught on his patrol car's dashcam. On the tape, Dinkheller pulled Brannan's truck over for speeding in Laurens County, Georgia around 5.30pm. Officer Dinkheller repeatedly asked the suspect to remove his hand from his pockets - in response, Brannan danced around and sang, appearing to mock the deputy. The 66-year-old then cursed and yelled at the deputy and proclaimed that he was a 'goddamn Vietnam combat veteran'. The suspect then ducked inside his pickup truck, pulled out a M-1 carbine rifle and began firing at the deputy. The two men exchanged shots, leaving Brannan with a wound to the abdomen while Dinkheller was shot nine times. Dinkheller can be heard screaming on the dashcam tape as Brannan closed in on him and delivered one last shot at point-blank range before yelling: 'die f*****'. In a sickening image from the patrol car dashcam, the suspect can be seen sneaking around the car with his rifle to where the officer lay injured and firing again . Deputy Dinkheller was gunned down by Brannan in 1998 after he pulled the man over for speeding . The two exchanged shots and Brannan suffered a wound to the abdomen while Dinkheller was shot nine times, during the incident caught on the officer's dashcam . The suspect was found during a search the next morning and taken into custody. Officer Dinkheller left behind an expectant wife and 22-month-old daughter when he died on January 12, 1998. Deputy Dinkheller's son was born in early September 1998. Earlier this month, the fallen officer's father, Kirk Dinkheller, wrote on Facebook: 'January 12, 2015 it will be 17 years since my son Kyle was murdered in the line of duty and on January 13, 2015 his killer will finally be held accountable. 'Nothing will ever bring my son back, but finally some justice for the one who took him from his children and his family.' At his 2000 trial, Brannan, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty by reason of insanity. However a court-appointed psychiatrist said Brannan was in his right mind when he killed Dinkheller. The psychiatrist also said Brannan may have killed the 22-year-old officer because he felt he was being disrespectful. The veteran's own psychiatrist was not called as a witness at the trial. Brannan pleaded guilty by reason of insanity which was rejected by the jury. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. His attorneys have tried numerous times - three appeals, four petitions, and five motions - to avoid execution, saying that the veteran's damaged mental health led him to killing Dinkheller. Brannan served as a first lieutenant with the U.S. Army in Vietnam after volunteering in 1968. He received commendations and a Bronze Star for his service as an officer. According to CBS, he acted as a Forward Observer - directing fire at the enemy, near the Laos border. A fellow veteran, Ray Chastain, wrote a letter for his friend to the parole board. It read: 'During the period when Lieutenant Brannan served, the Forward Observer had the shortest life expectancy of any category of soldier in Vietnam.' Brannan (photographed) served as a first lieutenant with the Army in Vietnam and received commendations and a Bronze Star for his service as an officer . | Andrew Brannan, 66, died of lethal injection at 8.33pm Tuesday . Punishment for murdering Kyle Dinkheller, 22, after traffic stop in 1998 . Tried to argue he shouldn't die because he killed Dinkheller due to PTSD . Supreme Court of Georgia and U.S. Supreme Court denied his appeals . Recorded last statement, received visitors and ate final meal on last day . Asked for eggs over easy, biscuits and gravy, pecan waffles and more . Was visited by members of his family, a friend, a pastor and his attorney . Lawyers appealed, saying veteran was '100 per cent disabled' from PTSD . | 46a5418a2b743f9389b4af5f87f72d8d9f4a158b |
(CNN) -- For months now, the French-language twittersphere has lit up with a rash of racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic tweets using the hashtags #UnBonJuif (a good Jew), #SiMonFilsEstGay (if my son is gay), and #SiMaFilleRamèneUnNoir (if my daughter brings home a black guy). Last fall, under pressure from French advocacy group Union of Jewish Students (UEJF), Twitter agreed to remove some offensive tweets. In October 2012, at Berlin's request, Twitter also suspended a German neo-Nazi account based in the city of Hanover, the first time the company had responded to such a government request. However, at the time, the UEJF also wanted identifying information of the perpetrators, which Twitter was not prepared to give up. So the group went to court to force the issue. On Thursday, the Grand Instance Court in Paris ordered Twitter to identify the authors of anti-semitic tweets by creating a mechanism (Google Translate) to alert French authorities to "illegal content," on its French site "in a visible and easily-accessible [way]." If Twitter does not comply within two weeks, the American company faces fines of €1,000 ($1,336) per day. How "free" should "free speech" be? This isn't the first time that French courts and laws have butted heads over idiotic racism online. Less than a year ago, then-president Nicolas Sarkozy proposed a law that would make even viewing a hate site a crime. Here in the United States, we have a Constitutionally protected near-blanket right to free expression. Although incitement to violence is generally not protected, hate speech -- no matter how disgusting and awful -- is. As we've reported before, the operating principle in America has generally been that undesirable speech should be countered with more speech, not less. That's not the approach taken in Europe, where hate speech is most definitely not protected. Many European Union states (and even some non-EU countries in Europe) have various types of anti-hate speech legal mechanisms, in part to head off terrorism and far-right violence. "We're not able to identify the individuals, only Twitter can do so," Sacha Reingewirtz, UEJF's vice president, told the French broadcaster, RFI. "We've already tweeted the decision. And we see on Twitter that the decision has apparently triggered a new rise of anti-semitic messages directed against our organization, so there is still work to be done, both by us and Twitter, but we're happy the French justice is now changing the way it is." COPYRIGHT 2011 ARSTECHNICA.COM . | Twitter must identify posters of hate speech, French judge says . The site has been home of multiple racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic trends in French . Twitter already agreed to remove some offensive French tweets . Site must comply or pay $1,336 a day, judge ruled . | e03436961a46e5f6623ffaced1d1c09cc6909ff8 |
Matt Taylor will miss Burnley’s Premier League clash with his old club West Ham at Turf Moor on Saturday after being sent for surgery on an achilles problem. The 32-year-old midfielder left the Hammers on a free transfer in the summer and played in Burnley’s first four games of the season, but has not appeared since the goalless draw with Manchester United in August. The club’s medical staff hoped that rest would cure the condition but manager Sean Dyche revealed that Taylor is booked in for an operation on Monday. Burnley manager Sean Dyche (above) is without midfielder Matt Taylor for the home match against West Ham . Taylor (right) has not featured for Burnley since their 0-0 draw against Manchester United in August . ‘Matty Taylor unfortunately is going to have a minor operation,’ said Dyche. ‘He’s got a niggling achilles and it just hasn’t settled down. ‘We’re not sure how long he will be out for. We’ll know more after the operation but we’re hopeful that he’ll go in Monday. ‘It’s nothing too serious in the grand scheme of things, just something that’s niggling. It’s a small bony area at the back of his achilles which is irritating it, so that’s going to have to be done. ‘I always follow surgical opinion. That was the opinion to allow it time to settle down, but it just hasn’t settled to the level that you need to carry on what you’re doing. So we leave that one with the surgeons, that’s what they’re paid for.’ Burnley striker Danny Ings (left) challenges Branislav Ivanovic (right) of Chelsea for the ball . Kieran Trippier (above) should also return to bolster Burnley's defence . There was better news on the injury front for Dyche regarding five other players, including last season’s 26-goal top scorer Danny Ings who could return to action against West Ham. Ings has missed the last three games with a hamstring strain and Dyche said: ‘He’s had a good week with us so he’s certainly in the thinking which we’re pleased about. ‘He’s managed to get on the grass at the beginning of the week as well which is important because he’s fit to train with the group rather than throw him in at the last minute. We just thought it was important to give him a full week’s training so he definitely comes into the thinking.’ Kieran Trippier is fit despite being carried off with an ankle injury in the 2-2 draw at Leicester last time out, and David Jones, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane should all be available. The match at Turf Moor comes too soon for forward Sam Vokes, who is recovering from a serious knee injury . However, Sam Vokes is still not ready to return while Steven Reid and Dean Marney are unlikely to be fit to face West Ham. ‘Vokes is going really well,’ added Dyche. ‘There have been some remarks in the papers about him trying to be fit in a month, and I don’t think that’s the case. You never know but he’s going along really well. ‘There will certainly be no pressure from us. We want to make sure he’s right, fit and well in his own time.’ | Matt Taylor booked in for Monday op after rest fails to heal the problem . But Burnley manager Sean Dyche could have striker Danny Ings back . Saturday's game at home to West Ham comes too soon for Sam Vokes . | a0678d44ce2083da40b7ae72a0a701ac0d53a5af |
(EW.com) -- The title question posed by the fumbled romantic comedy "How Do You Know" is open to more readings than writer-director James L. Brooks probably had in mind. The simplest interpretation is, how do you know when you're really in love? That's the dilemma faced by Lisa (Reese Witherspoon), a 31-year-old professional athlete at the end of her softball career, who bounces between two men. Should this compact, upbeat go-getter give her heart to Matty (Owen Wilson), a rich and famous major league baseball player whose vanity is offset by his sunny guilelessness and who offers great sex and good times? Or is she better off with George (Paul Rudd), a sweet but anxious businessguy who, as the naïve target of a federal investigation into business shenanigans, is watching his life fall apart? Consider the character types, consider the familiar personas of the actors who play them -- Wilson the loopy blond operator, Rudd the cute brunet everyshlub -- and you've got your answer even before you buy a ticket. The deeper meaning of Brooks's title, meanwhile, is this: How do you know what the right thing to do is, both in the big picture of life and in the moment? Business ethics and family responsibilities challenge George and his father, Charles (Brooks regular Jack Nicholson, broadly over-spluttering), a hard-charging financial tycoon who also happens to be George's boss. Lisa needs to devise a new career plan now that her days at bat are over. Even George's loyal, very pregnant office assistant (Kathryn Hahn) wrestles with the ethics of sharing confidential information -- as well as with the terrors of impending single motherhood. All this to-ing and fro-ing, this trying and failing on the way to (excuse the shrink talk) self-actualization is rich material for an expansive romantic comedy of psychological substance -- the kind, indeed, that Brooks has made his feature-film specialty, from "Terms of Endearment" and the great "Broadcast News to the sour Spanglish." But something doesn't connect here. Scenes go flat, punchlines foul out. And a sympathetic but frustrated fan of the filmmaker's stories and characters is entitled to ask, why doesn't "How Do You Know" know what to do from scene to scene? The answer, I think, is partly structural and script-driven: the ''funny'' moments are whiffed, the dialogue is ''scene-y,'' and each reaction shot is held a second or ten too long, leaving the actors hanging. EW.com: See all of this week's reviews . But the bigger reason may be because only one character really fascinates Brooks, and that's Lisa the athlete. Her energy is palpable. Her suitors, in contrast -- especially Matty the player, who keeps a closet full of pink loungewear on his shelves for his many visiting ladies -- are more plot-functional than three-dimensional, even when Rudd gives adorable, well-meaning haplessness his best, Ruddiest shot. "How Do You Know" asks really good questions but doesn't so much answer them as toss the ball from player to player until the clock runs out. Release date: December 17, 2010 Starring: Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon EW.com rating: C+ . See the full article on EW.com . CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Reese Witherspoon plays a professional athlete at the end of her softball career . "Funny" moments are whiffed, the dialogue is "scene-y,'" reviewer says . Two male lead characters are more plot-functional than three-dimensional . | 756e4da03b47445214319bcbe191c114dea9986e |
(CNN) -- Manchester United produced a five star showing to book its place in the knockout phase of the Champions League Wednesday. The English champion cruised to a 5-0 away win at Bayer Leverkusen -- despite missing a whole host of players including striker Robin van Persie. United, which has endured a difficult start to the season under new manager David Moyes, was held to a disappointing draw at Cardiff in the Premier League at the weekend. But it gave a gentle reminder of its European pedigree with a fine victory as it racked up the club's biggest away win in the Champions League. More goals . "We could have scored more," Ryan Giggs told Sky Sports. "But we can't be too greedy. To score five anywhere in Europe is a great result. "Going into a game knowing a win puts us through is a carrot and the five goals and a clean sheet is a bonus. It was a pleasure." Antonio Valencia gave United the lead midway through the first half before an own goal from Emir Spahic doubled the visiting team's advantage. Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Portugal winger Nani added further strikes after the interval. "There were so many good performances," United manager Moyes told Sky Sports. "To come to Germany and get a such a good result, Leverkusen are second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich, it gives an idea of where our performance and result stood. "[The performance] was what I was hoping to get more often, there have been signs we are getting better but also signs we have been wasteful as well." Top spot . United still requires a point from its final fixture against Shakhtar Donestk to secure top spot in Group A. Shakhtar still boasts aspirations of claiming top spot after it defeated Real Sociedad 4-0 in Ukraine. But it will have to beat United at Old Trafford to win the group, while Leverkusen must beat Real and hope Shakhtar fail to win. The defeat was Leverkusen's first at home in 14 games since losing 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga back in March. "When you conceded five goals, there isn't much more to say," Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling told reporters. "We should never have allowed them so many chances to shoot." Real deal . Meanwhile, Real Madrid also qualified for the next stage following a 4-1 home win over Galatasaray. Deprived of its injured talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, Real's night threatened to unravel following the sending off of defender Sergio Ramos. But goals from Gareth Bale, Alvaro Arbeloa, Angel di Maria and Isco secured all three points. "The team was very, very good in the second half," Arbeloa told Canal Plus. "The coach was exactly right in the tactical changes he made and we were able to press them higher up the pitch." Galatasaray can still make it through to the last-16 but it must defeat Juventus in its final group game. Juventus needs just a point to take second place after it saw off FC Copenhagen 3-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Arturo Vidal. Cavani class . Also through to the next stage is Paris Saint-Germain, which left it late to see off Olympiakos 2-1 in the French capital. Despite being reduced to 10 men when Marco Verratti was sent off, PSG prevailed thanks to goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani. Olympiakos must now beat Anderlecht on December 10 and hope that Benfica fails to claim maximum points against PSG if it is to progress. Benfica edged out Anderlecht 3-2 in Belgium with Rodrigo netting a 90th minute winner. Record run . Elsewhere, defending champion Bayern Munich set a new Champions League record after winning a 10th consecutive game. The German side defeated CSKA Moscow 3-1 in Russia to eclipse the previous record of nine straight wins by Barcelona, which recorded the feat in 2002-3. "Getting 10 wins in a row is very hard and I am proud of my players, the club and everyone involved," Bayern manager Pep Guardiola told reporters. Arjen Robben fired Bayern ahead on 17 minutes before Mario Gotze netted a stylish second. Keisuke Honda pulled a goal back from the penalty spot just after the hour mark only for Thomas Muller to net Bayern's third. "It is a fantastic achievement to win 10 consecutive games in Europe especially if you consider we also played Barcelona and then Borussia Dortmund on the way to the final (last season)," Robben told reporters. "We have said we don't play for records, we play to win titles. But we have a great team and I am proud to be part of it." City slickers . In the group's other game, Manchester City eased to a 4-2 win over Czech side Viktoria Plzen. City, already through to the next stage, continued its goalscoring streak following the 6-0 Premier League win over Tottenham at the weekend. Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko were all on target. | Manchester United qualifies for second phase . Bayern Munich sets new Champions League record . Real Madrid and PSG also ease through . Juventus faces nervous last day wait for qualification . | b77aad82ab772df4290e24f97e5a79d1d600658b |
(CNN) -- People who go to Daytona Beach, Florida, by car this weekend will probably wish they hadn't -- they'll definitely stand out in a crowd. Bobby Mitchell, left, and Sheila Justin enjoy Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. The city is being taken over by half a million motorcycle enthusiasts enjoying Bike Week, which began Friday and will end Sunday. The economy may be in a recession, but bikers aren't passing up the chance to soak up some sun and rev up their engines for a few days in Florida for the biggest motorcycle event in the country. "Every indication we've had so far is that this year's going to be a good one," said Kevin Kilian, senior vice president of the Daytona Beach/Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber is the managing arm of the city's involvement in Bike Week, a 10-day event that Kilian said takes an entire year to prepare for. Events like Bike Week and its little brother, Biketoberfest, are what keep Daytona Beach running, Kilian said. With 8.5 million visitors each year, special events bring in about $1.3 billion. The two biker events alone generate $650 million of that, he said. The festival didn't always pack in a half-million people, though. In 1988, said Paul Crow, the Daytona Beach police chief at the time, the event had morphed into something very different from what it was when it started. He said he had to battle what he called "the 1 percent problem" -- the small group of gangs whose viciousness and threats against outsiders had allowed them to take over Bike Week. He decided he wouldn't have any more of their troublemaking, Crow said, so he created a task force that evolved into the office of special investigations for the Daytona Beach Police. Its specific purpose was to deal with the problem. Today, Bike Week has been restored as family-friendly event. The event has even drawn in other nearby Central Florida communities -- including Ormond Beach in the north and Port Orange and New Smyrna in the south -- giving bikers more events to attend and places to go. Bike Week caters to a wide demographic of people. "These are people with a lot of disposable income," Kilian said. "They can afford a $30,000 toy." Factors like the economy and this year's long hard winter probably got people more excited about Bike Week because it's a chance to get away, he said. "Everybody needs a break." Ken Logan, 50, a radio producer from Orlando, Florida, has been going to Bike Week for four years. He said he goes to "keep updated on motorcycle stuff as far as styles, what's done to them, meet people who enjoy bikes, to get patches and all the toy stuff, so to speak, and enjoy other people who enjoy the same thing." The ride from Orlando is only 35 minutes, and he said that's half the fun. "Everybody should go -- whether you have a bike or not -- at least once, just to take it in and see what it's about," Logan said. Bobby Mitchell, 52, also a radio producer in Orlando, grew up in Daytona Beach and has been going to Bike Week his entire life. He said it's been more fun in recent years, though. "It's more fun when you actually have a motorcycle," he said. "You get out there and ride alongside people. You're part of the roar, the noise." Not only is Bike Week becoming more family-friendly, but it's more diverse as well, with more women participants, said Kathleen Tolleson, president and CEO of Roar Motorcycles. There's even a "sisterhood bikeride" in which 35 to 50 women ride together. Daytona Beach-based Roar Motorcycles specifically markets accessories and motorcycles for women. This year, Tolleson said, the company is unveiling a new motorcycle designed by women and made specifically for women and their needs. "It's becoming more culturally acceptable, so more and more women are riding." she said. The bike has a lower seat so that a woman can use her legs and hips when picking the bike off the stand, and can put her feet firmly on the ground when stopped. Most bikes are designed for men, who have more upper body strength and longer limbs. "Women," she said, "need a lower center of gravity." The company is taking orders now, and the bikes will be available in six to nine months. | Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, began Friday and ends Sunday . Bike Week caters to a wide demographic of people . Bike Week and Biketoberfest generate $650 million, official says . | 9809c9cafc60c95c32c383cdad9f214a2488344d |
By . Sophie Jane Evans . PUBLISHED: . 05:30 EST, 16 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:52 EST, 16 November 2013 . With its snow-white coat and bright pink ears, this albino kangaroo stands out in stark contrast to its grey-coloured relatives. The rare animal, believed to be two years old, was spotted roaming bushland near Canberra, Australia. It has stunned wildlife experts - with albino kangaroos usually expected to die very young. Rare sighting: The albino kangaroo was spotted by a ranger at Namadgi National Park near Canberra, Australia . The marsupials' startling white coats are believed to attract a higher number of predators, including wild foxes, dogs and even eagles. Meanwhile, albino kangaroos are also more likely to develop skin cancer and sunburn, as well as having a genetic predisposition towards sight and hearing difficulties, according to The Canberra Times. The adorable animal, believed to be an eastern grey kangaroo, was spotted by a ranger at Namadgi National Park, 25 miles southwest of Canberra, last weekend. It is believed to be female, and has been nicknamed 'Renee' by staff at the 106,000-hectare park. Variant: The adorable animal, nicknamed 'Renee', differs in appearance from typical eastern greys, right . Ranger Brett McNamara told The Canberra Times he was surprised the albino kangaroo had survived for so long in the wild. 'Grey kangaroos are grey for a reason — they blend in with the rest of the environment,' he said. However, he said the animal’s close proximity to its family may have helped to protect it from potential dangers - adding: 'They do form very close-knit mobs within that valley'. Park rangers have refused to disclose the kangaroo's exact location - fearing that illegal hunters might view the rare creature as a prize souvenir. 'We are concerned about its ongoing welfare because of some illegal hunting activities that do occur in the park,' said Mr McNamara. Albinism - characterised by a lack of the pigment melanin - is extremely rare within the kangaroo species, similar to other species. | Kangaroo spotted at Namadgi National Park near Canberra, Australia . Unlike its grey-coloured relatives, it has a dazzling white coat and pink ears . | 8e46c9b80d64d65f48085411c28c11503ab68909 |
Monaco still want Arsene Wenger to return to the club, despite the Frenchman only signing a new contract with Arsenal in May . Arsene Wenger has revealed that Mesut Ozil heard a crack in his ruptured left knee before half-time in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on October 5. The Arsenal midfielder bravely battled through the pain barrier and played the full 90 minutes before German team doctors confirmed the full extent of his injury when he reported for international duty. In an exclusive interview with beIN Sports, which will be broadcast on Thursday and again on Saturday, Wenger said: ‘He had a little problem just before he went out at half-time. He had a little pain with his knee, he felt a crack. Mesut Ozil heard a crack in his left knee during the first half at Chelsea, Arsene Wenger has revealed . Ozil has been ruled out until 2015 with the ruptured left knee injury - adding to Arsenal's injury concerns . Wenger has been overseeing training with a reduced squad due to the injury problems the club have . Olivier Giroud - ankle - three months . Mesut Ozil - knee Injury -three months . Mathieu Debuchy - ankle - two months . Laurent Koscielny - achilles - three weeks . Aaron Ramsey - hamstring - two weeks . Yaya Sanogo - hamstring - Close to return . Mikel Arteta - calf strain - Close to return . Serge Gnabry - knee - Close to return . Theo Walcott - knee - Close to return . Nacho Monreal - back - Close to return . ‘I said to our physio to keep an eye on him and if there was anything wrong with him, tell me because when you’re 1-0 down, you want to keep your offensive players on the pitch. ‘I am deeply shocked. He wasn’t involved in a collision with anybody. ‘It was just after making a pass with the outside of his foot that he injured his leg so it’s very hard to believe that you can damage your ligament with just making a simple pass and it’s very difficult to take that he will be out for a while.’ Wenger has a lengthy injury list as he heads into this weekend’s fixture against Hull in the Barclays Premier League at the Emirates, but the Arsenal manager insists it is just a coincidence. He added: ‘I am not a great believer in coincidences but this time it really is coincidence. Ozil took a lot of criticism for an abject performance on the left wing as Arsenal lost 2-0 at Chelsea . Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas outshone the big-money signing from Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge . ‘You cannot say our injuries are preparation mistakes. The big injuries we have are really accidental. ‘Scientifically we are quite good. We have been hit hard after seven games. I would never have thought we would have had so many bad injuries.’ Wenger also apologised to Jose Mourinho earlier in the week for shoving the Chelsea manager during their fiery exchange on the touchline at Stamford Bridge. And the Arsenal manager claims Manchester City are the stronger team, but admitted the defeat at table-topping Chelsea was ‘traumatic’. Wenger has apologised for his touchline spat with Jose Mourinho during Arsenal's defeat by Chelsea . But Wenger thinks Manchester City are a better side than Mourinho's men . He also hit back at critics who claim Arsenal do not have a ‘Plan B’ after being left behind in the title race. Already they are nine points behind Chelsea after just seven games and four behind champions City. The Arsenal chief added: ‘That’s an old, ridiculous debate - I honestly never understand what is Plan A and Plan B and C. It’s a debate of another age. ‘I’ve watched the Chelsea game again and we were guilty of not taking the first chances which were there for us and guilty of making a defensive mistake on their goal, but there was very little between the two teams on the day. Ozil gets a hug from Chelsea boss Mourinho after the match at Stamford Bridge . ‘I think we came out angry and frustrated but also coming that we have an important part to play in this championship. ‘We can only look at ourselves and think if we want to get something out of the big games we cannot afford to make the mistakes we made on the two goals. ‘It was traumatic for me. The way we lost was very difficult to take. The quality of the team is to make the maximum with what you produce on the day and that’s where we failed.’ Wenger agreed that Arsenal had a 'massive' gap to make up on early leaders Chelsea . Wenger also claimed City are stronger going forward as he prepares for Saturday’s clash with last season’s beaten FA Cup finalists Hull. He added: ‘I believe that maybe going forward, City are a bit more complete. ‘City are more offensive. Chelsea defensively are better but it’s very difficult to say who will be in front but what we want to do is be in front of both of them. ‘It is massive, the nine points (gap) after seven games, I agree completely, but it is not lost.’ Eden Hazard scored from the penalty spot after Laurent Koscielny's foul on the Belgian playmaker . Diego Costa finished a Fabregas pass to send Arsenal to their first league defeat of the season . VIDEO Ozil out for up to 12 weeks with knee injury . | Mesut Ozil played through the pain to complete 90 minutes at Chelsea . Arsene Wenger says he was 'deeply shocked' by the incident . Ozil is expected to be out until early next year with the problem . Wenger says that his growing injury list is down to coincidence . | 78b2b17bd884fad2f91128f77221c7ebc137b287 |
Moorestown, New Jersey (CNN) -- Rosemary Hernandez was going through hard times, coping with financial woes after recently losing her job at an insurance company, all that coming years after an accident left her husband unable to work. Yet it was something else entirely on her mind when she and her daughter came weeping into their Moorestown, New Jersey, church Thursday, according to their pastor. "I knew it was something bad," Marantha Christian Fellowship church Senior Pastor George Bowen told CNN on Sunday. Hernandez told Bowen that police came to her door the previous day, saying their visit had "something to do with the Etan Patz case." The 6-year-old boy's sudden disappearance a block from his Manhattan home on May 25, 1979, spawned a national movement to raise awareness of missing children, including the then-novel approach of putting an image of the child's face on milk cartons. Her husband, Pedro Hernandez, ended up leaving the family home with police -- and, with his subsequent arrest, he hasn't returned. "She seemed absolutely shell-shocked," Bowen recalled Sunday of his conversation three days earlier with Rosemary Hernandez. "She was crying. She had an expression on her face like, 'How could this ever happen?'" That same day, police Commissioner Ray Kelly told reporters that Pedro Hernandez had admitted -- as a then-19-year-old clerk in a Manhattan bodega -- to luring Etan to the store with the promise of a soda, choking him and placing his body in the trash about a block and a half away. The Manhattan district attorney's office charged Pedro Hernandez with second-degree murder, finding his confession credible even given that authorities concede there is no physical evidence linking him and that Patz's body has never been found. Defense lawyer Harvey Fishbein claims his client -- who is on suicide watch at New York's Bellevue Hospital, according to a law enforcement source -- has a "long psychiatric history" including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and hallucinations. Hernandez has not entered a plea due to a pending psychiatric evaluation. Rosemary Hernandez is Pedro Hernandez's second wife. Bowen, the New Jersey pastor, said he got the impression Pedro Hernandez never mentioned anything about the Patz case or about killing anyone to his wife, while ceding he never posed the question directly to Rosemary Hernandez. What he did know for certain was that the Hernandez family attended the church regularly. The couple faithfully sat in the second row during services, the pastor said. Rosemary Hernandez and her daughter were active in church ministries. But Pedro Hernandez, who Kelly has said had been collecting disability payments since a 1993 accident prevented him from working, was more in the background. "He's very quiet, very shy," Bowen said, describing him as "socially awkward." The pastor said that his interactions with the husband typically consisted of brief greetings and little else. Once, the couple came to him for counseling -- for an issue he say was not related to their marriage or a crime -- and Rosemary Hernandez "did all the talking," Bowen said. For this Sunday's services, Rosemary Hernandez and her daughter were not in their regular spot in the second row. But they were on Bowen's mind, as was Pedro Hernandez's alleged victim and the boy's family. "Please pray for the Patz family, pray for Rosemary and (her daughter)," the pastor told his congregation. "Please pray for Pedro." | Rosemary Hernandez visited her pastor after her husband's arrest, the pastor says . She was weeping and confused that Pedro Hernandez was accused of murder . Police say her husband confessed to killing Etan Patz, 6, in 1979 . The pastor asks church members to pray for the Patz and Hernandez families . | d885c899dd8ad78032b3fde4433b6f37df010632 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . North Korea has denounced Seth Rogen and James Franco as 'terrorists' in a stern letter to the UN Secretary General over their new comedy which lampoons its leader. The secretive regime lodged a formal protest over The Interview, a farcical story of tabloid journalists hired by the CIA to assassinate Kim Jong Un. It stars Rogen and Franco as the two television reporters who turn assassin after landing an interview with Kim in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. Stepping into role: In the film American born Korean actor Randall Park plays Kim Jong-un . The North Korean Foreign Ministry had . previously warned the U.S. of 'stern' and 'merciless' retaliation if it . fails to block the release of the film, which is out on October 14. Now, . in a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, North . Korea's UN envoy Ja Song-Nam says allowing the film to be made and seen . constitutes 'the most undisguised sponsoring of terrorism as well as a . war action.' 'The US . authorities should take immediate and appropriate action to ban the . production and distribution of the film, otherwise it will be fully . responsible for encouraging and sponsoring terrorism,' the letter says. North . Korea asked that the letter be circulated as an official document to . members of the UN General Assembly and Security Council for their . consideration. International incident: James Franco and Seth Rogen's latest feature, The Interview, depicts the pair trying to kill the country's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un - and North Korea is not amused . Last month, . North Korea denounced the film as a 'wanton act of terror' and warned of . a 'merciless response' unless it was pulled from distribution. In . a statement carried by North Korea's official KCNA news agency, a . foreign ministry spokesman said the film was the work of 'gangster . moviemakers' and should never be shown. The . 'reckless U.S. provocative insanity' is triggering 'a gust of hatred . and rage' among North Korean people, the spokesman said, adding that its . release would be considered an 'act of war that we will never . tolerate'. Rogen poked fun . at the threat on Twitter, writing: 'People don't usually wanna kill me . for one of my movies until after they've paid 12 bucks for it.' In . the film's trailer, a secret agent played by Lizzy Caplan says Kim must . be stopped as his people believe anything he says including 'that he . speaks to dolphins and doesn't pee or poo.' Special access: James and Seth play talk show host and producer that have been chosen to interview the leader . Kim . Myong-chol, executive director of The Centre for North Korea-US Peace . and an unofficial spokesman for Pyongyang, told the Telegraph its . assassination plot represents America's foreign policy as a whole. 'There is a special irony in this storyline as it shows the desperation of the US government and American society,' he said. 'A . film about the assassination of a foreign leader mirrors what the U.S. has done in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine. And let us not forget . who killed [President John F.] Kennedy – Americans.' He added: 'In fact, President Obama should be careful in case the US military wants to kill him as well.' 'The Interview' is not the first Hollywood film to mock a North Korean leader. In . the 2004 satirical action comedy 'Team America,' Kim's father Kim . Jong-Il was portrayed as a speech-impaired, isolated despot. | North Korea sends letter to Ban Ki Moon accusing U.S. of a 'war action' It asks for the letter to be made an official document and circulated . The Interview is a farcical tale of two tabloid journalists' bid to kill Kim . | 2a8658be867cc5a29c2c22a12c60645ddcb52acd |
By . Jaya Narain . PUBLISHED: . 05:24 EST, 27 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:44 EST, 29 November 2012 . A dentist is facing up to five years in jail after she admitted sending a text message at the wheel as she knocked down and killed a dog-walker. Kay Nolan, 45, had pulled over in a lay-by to compose the message on her mobile phone but had set off again by the time she pressed ‘send’. As she did so, she ploughed into Stuart Mather, 60, a grandfather who was walking his Scottish terrier, Hamish. Kay Nolan, left, knocked down and killed Stuart Mather, right, while sending a text message in June last year . Both Mr Mather and his dog were then hit again by the car behind Nolan. Mr Mather was taken by air ambulance to hospital but died later. His dog also perished. Nolan, who works as a dentist at a . practice near Burnley, had been facing a charge of causing death by . dangerous driving – which carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence. But on the day she was due to stand . trial by jury, lawyers allowed her to plead guilty to the lesser charge . of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving. The charge carries a minimum sentence of 15 months and a maximum of five years. Last night the family of the victim were too upset to speak about the tragedy. 'It sends out the wrong message that taking and destroying lives on roads is treated leniently' But Richard Coteau, of road safety . charity Brake, said: ‘Brake believes it is inappropriate to prosecute . someone whose bad driving has killed or seriously injured for “careless” driving, because if you have killed or maimed through your bad driving, . your actions were by definition dangerous. ‘Brake is very concerned that fewer . and fewer road death cases are being prosecuted under the charge of . causing death by dangerous driving. ‘This means that in many cases people . who kill through their bad driving are receiving unduly low sentences . that do not reflect the harm they have caused, do not act as a deterrent . and send out the wrong message that taking and destroying lives on . roads is treated leniently.’ The tragedy occurred at 5.20pm on June . 6, 2011, as Nolan was on her way home to the village of . Thornton-in-Craven near Skipton, North Yorkshire. Mr Mather, a Campaign for Real Ale . member who had two sons and three grandchildren, was taking Hamish for . his regular walk. Nolan, in her silver Honda Jazz car, pushed the button . to send her text message as she drove down the road. Police said her . car then hit Mr Mather and his dog, who were both then hit again by a . Vauxhall Astra travelling behind. No one in either car was injured but . Mr Mather suffered horrendous injuries and despite the efforts of medics . at Royal Blackburn Hospital, he later died. Nolan was charged last January with . death by dangerous driving but Robert Elias, prosecuting, told Preston . Crown Court on Monday that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to . accept her guilty plea to the lesser charge after discussions with Mr . Mather’s family. Nolan, who has no previous convictions, will be sentenced on December 17. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Stuart Mather was hit by a car that was being driven by Kay Nolan as she was sending a text message. It also incorrectly stated that Miss Nolan was pulling out of a layby in Higham when in fact it was Padiham. And also that Miss Nolan had a collision with a Vauxhall Astra. Nor did Miss Nolan send a text seconds after the collision with Mr Mather. | Kay Nolan killed Stuart Mather and his dog, Hamish, in June 2011 . She admitted death by careless driving and faces up to five years in prison . Had pulled over to write message but didn't hit send until she was driving . | b38c0948ad1232ba569addf3a74607cc3f9da47e |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Accused: Shirley Clohessy Saslow, 41, allegedly beat her 75-year-old boyfriend when he took her credit card away . A 41-year-old woman has been accused of biting and beating her elderly boyfriend because he took her credit card away. The 75-year-old victim told police his live-in girlfriend, Shirley Clohessy Saslow, attacked him in their Boca, Florida home during an argument about 6pm Saturday. He told police he allowed . his girlfriend to use his credit card, but took it away because they . weren't getting along. The man said his younger lover became enraged and jumped on him, biting his body and scratching him. Saslow then allegedly knocked him to the floor of their West Silver Palm Road, which they had shared for five years, and kicked him in the face and chest. Sun Sentinel reported that police noted the man had several wounds, including bites on his right wrist and his stomach. Saslow has been charged with domestic battery and battery on a person older than 65 over. Scene: Saslow is accused of beating her boyfriend in their home on West Silver Palm Rd in Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday . | Shirley Clohessy Saslow, 41, charged with domestic battery . She is accused of assaulting her elderly live-in boyfriend in their Florida home on Saturday . | b450f95b4bb5a7d3e2a20ea677d858fa068fec88 |
By . John Stevens . Elderly patients could be given unhealthy treats to encourage them to eat, a leading doctor said . Junk food should be served to older patients on wards to prevent malnutrition, the health boss in charge of hospital food has said. Elderly people could be given unhealthy treats such as doughnuts, ice cream and chips in order to encourage them to eat as part of an overhaul of hospital food. Dr Liz Jones, head of environment at the Department of Health, who is responsible for policy on hospital food, said it was more important patients ate food they liked rather than leave healthy food uneaten. Ministers are also concerned at the high cost of the 30million uneaten meals that are thrown away annually. It is feared many uneaten dishes are recipes that elderly patients would not normally eat, such as Thai curry. Speaking at Age UK’s For Later Life . conference, the doctor warned that older people at risk of not eating enough had . become ‘terrified’ because of anti-obesity campaigns. Dr Jones said: ‘We know that patients need better nutritional care because if they do not eat enough they will get sicker quicker and better slower. ‘If we give them nice food it will make them feel better. 'When you’re poorly you almost always . lose your appetite. You might not lose it completely, but you will go . off certain things at least. There are virtually no serious illnesses . that lead to an increase in appetite. ‘We know that one hundred junk calories inside is a lot better than 500 healthy calories that you just look at.' Dr Jones, who is currently conducting a major review of hospital food, said promoting healthy eating was important but making sure patients ate is what ‘worries me’. She said: ‘We could say we should concentrate on making sure that people eat. It doesn’t matter what it is, just as long as they eat, even that food is unhealthy, we should concentrate on helping them to eat, because if we don’t they’ll get sicker. ‘But there’s also this thought that we have to consider, maybe we should concentrate on healthy food because people are affected by obesity and the NHS should set a good example. ‘They’re both important, but really it’s the first that worries me. It’s about getting patients to eat and particularly elderly patients.’ Dr Liz Jones said calories from items such as doughnuts, crisps and ice-cream were better for patients for nothing at all . She added that there was a risk that the elderly were put off eating because of healthy eating campaigns. She said: ‘I think there is an awful talked about obesity to the extent that people have become terrified of any kind of putting on weight, they see it as a bad thing.’ Dr Jones is drawing up national standards, which will be issued in September as part of the hospital food review by the government and Age UK. It follows concerns that a third of vulnerable patients are not being given enough help at meal times, risking malnutrition and dehydration. Many are too frail even to open cling-film or cardboard packaging and are left struggling as nursing staff move on to the next bed. Ministers are also concerned at the high cost of waste as 30 million uneaten meals are thrown away annually. It is feared many dishes consist of recipes that elderly patients would not normally eat, like Thai curry. Dianne Jeffrey, chairman of Age UK, who is chairing the review panel, told the conference: ‘Malnutrition is a word we often associate with developing countries, but actually there are a million older people living in our community who are already malnourished or at risk at becoming so. ‘When older people are malnourished they are much greater risk of poor health, more likely to go into hospital, and need more time to recover. ‘In many cases, malnutrition is preventable with the right help and support. This is a hugely serious and often hidden problem. ‘Older people and professionals tend to assume that losing weight and loss of appetite is a normal part of ageing, but that is not the case.’ | Dr Liz Jones said treats such as doughnuts should be given to patients . She said 100 calories of junk food was better than not eating at all . | 4699620153259e4f76cdb50be6f1b26762aca67d |
Teams often make wholesale changes for the FA Cup and Chelsea were no exception with eight. But Hull - who fell in a 2-0 loss against Arsenal - topped the Premier League teams with 10 changes from their previous starting XI. Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side saw eight changes following their 5-3 Premier League defeat to London rivals Tottenham on New Year's Day, as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Championship outfit Watford. Jose Mourinho made many changes to his Chelsea side, bringing in the likes of defender Kurt Zouma (right) Frenchman Loic Remy (second from right) also featured from the start, both getting on the score sheet . Substitute Willian (left) celebrates with compatriot Ramires, who did not start against Tottenham on Thursday . 10 - Birmingham, Hull . 9 - Derby, Swansea . 8 - Bournemouth, Chelsea . 7 - Middlesbrough, Leicester, Newcastle, Leeds, QPR, Stoke . 6 - Cardiff, Nottm Forest, Blackburn, Sunderland, Ipswich, Man City, Man Utd . 5 - Preston, Luton, Brentford, Millwall, C Palace, Sheff Utd, A Villa, Arsenal . 4 - Bristol C, Norwich, Wolves, Brighton, Bolton, West Brom, Rochdale, Wrexham, Sheff Wed . 3 - Cambridge, Reading, Rotherham, Blyth Spartans, Gateshead, Charlton, Blackpool, Yeovil, Watford . 2 - Barnsley, Fulham, Bradford, Tranmere, Huddersfield, Southampton . 1 - Colchester, Doncaster, Southport, Wigan . 0 - Dover . Manchester United and neighbours Manchester City both won after making six changes apiece to their previous starting XI's, although City boss Manuel Pellegrini was most critical of his players as he saw them come back from a goal down against Sheffield Wednesday thanks to two James Milner strikes. Pellegrini said: 'Yes I am relieved because we didn't play well.' Ronald Koeman altered just two of his Southampton players as Ipswich forced their top-tier opponents to an FA Cup replay. Bringing in Shane Long and goalscorer on the day Morgan Schneiderlin to replace Toby Alderweireld and Sadio Mane in the clash at St Mary's, the Tractor Boys held the Saints to a 1-1 draw to book themselves a rematch at Portman Road. Per Mertesacker wheels away in celebration after scoring against Steve Bruce's much-changed Hull side . Alexis Sanchez doubled the lead late in the second half after turning Curtis Davies on the edge of the box . James Milner gets his shot away while under pressure to get Manchester City back into the game . Ipswich goalkeeper Dean Gerken was unable to stop the effort of Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin . | Hull City made ten changes to the team that won 2-0 against Everton . Steve Bruce's much-changed side was eliminated from the FA Cup by Arsenal . Jose Mourinho made eight changes as Chelsea knocked out Watford . Manchester United and Manchester City made six alterations to their sides . | a6c591cd84eae7417860fc198fe56aac9ae93eaf |
By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 16:39 EST, 16 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:02 EST, 16 January 2013 . A lesbian confessed to her partner in a prison gym that she had tortured and killed a retired bus conductor in his bungalow, a court has heard. Kelly Barnes, 32, claimed that her civil partner Jodie Barnes, 31, made the admission to her when they were on remand, charged with murdering retired bus conductor Barry Reeve. The drug addict couple, who both deny murder, are accused of targeting Mr Reeve, 67, as they believed he had large sums of money. Accusations: Kelly Barnes, 32, right, claimed that her civil partner Jodie Barnes, 31, left, made the admission to her when they were on remand, charged with murdering retired bus conductor Barry Reeve . Norwich Crown Court heard how the pensioner was punched, stamped on and cut with a knife in an alleged attempt to ‘torture’ him and force him to disclose his PIN number. Mother-of-four Kelly admitted that they both visited Mr Reeve on February 9 last year after Jodie suggested that he might lend them or give them cash. But she told a jury that she had nothing to do with harming him and she claimed she did not see Jodie assaulting him at his home in Norwich, Norfolk. Kelly claimed that Jodie only confessed to her what she had done to Mr Reeve when they met up in the gym at a women’s prison in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. She said: 'I asked Jo die if she did it. She said she did. I was devastated. I don’t think I was angry. I was in shock in prison and did not know what to do.' Kelly said that Jodie had told her before they visited Mr Reeve that she had got to know the pensioner through her sister and he had previously given her money. Victim: The drug addict couple, who both deny murder, are accused of targeting Barry Reeve, 67, as they believed he had large sums of money . She admitted she was ‘staggering and light-headed’ when they went to his bungalow as she had taken drugs including heroin and had been drinking. Kelly said: 'Jodie knocked on the front door and it opened. She said, "Can my wife come in?’.'I went straight into the living room. Jodie was in the hallway with Barry. The living room door was partially open, but more shut. 'I heard her say, "Barry, can I have some money?’ I heard him say he didn’t have any.' Kelly admitted searching the living room for objects to steal and then did the same in Mr Reeve’s bedroom. But she insisted that she did not harm Mr Reeve and she was ‘positive’ that she didn’t see Jodie using any violence. She said she then saw Jodie looking through drawers in the pensioner’s kitchen and taking food from his freezer. Kelly said they took property away in five or six bags which they left in his garden by a tree. She said they went to a Sainsbury’s store where Jodie tried to use a bank card in a cash machine. She claimed that she did not know at the time that the card belonged to Mr Reeve. They then caught a taxi back to Mr Reeve’s home to collect the stolen property from his garden before returning to the Sainsbury’s store where Jodie tried used the cash machine again. Kelly added: 'I can remember Jodie saying that she had done something silly. I said, "What do you f*****g mean? I was a bit concerned. 'I don’t think she gave me any explanation to be fair.' Kelly admitted using Mr Reeve’s mobile phone after it was taken from his home. She claimed she did not know how Mr Reeve’s blood got on to her Nike trainers, but she said her clothing sometimes got ‘mixed up’ with Jodie’s clothes when they undressed at night. Under cross-examination by Mukhtar Hussain QC who is defending Jodie, she described the murder of Mr Reeve as ‘horrendous’. She also admitted that she had lied about some matters in the past including once falsely claiming that a social worker was a paedophile. Horrific: Norwich Crown Court, pictured, heard how the pensioner was punched, stamped on and cut with a knife in an alleged attempt to 'torture' him and force him to disclose his PIN number . Kelly denied that she was trying to shift the blame on to Jodie in revenge for her partner cheating on her. The court has heard that Mr Reeve might have been alive for at least 24 hours hours after being attacked. His body was found in his blood splattered home two weeks later after he had died of serious head injuries. He had also developed pneumonia. The court has heard that Mr Reeve’s blood was also found on a pair of jogging bottoms worn by Jodie. Mr Reeve lived off a pension and benefits but had been heard talking about having large sums of money, once claiming that he carried around £2,000 in cash. The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Kelly Barnes claimed her civil . partner Jodie Barnes made the admission . She said it came after they had been charged with murdering Barry Reeve . The drug addict couple are accused of targeting 67-year-old for money . | a4cd1700fc335203926730d333f1bc7595a2f84b |
Each day, CNN producers select a user-submitted photo to be our Travel Photo of the Day. Click through the gallery above to see stunning shots from around the world, and be sure to come back every day for a new image. Have a gorgeous travel photo of your own to share? Submit it for the gallery at CNN iReport! | See more iReport galleries: South of France, otherworldly landscapes . Follow us on Twitter @CNNTravel . | 2babfba569c051e8b78cfb14c02de2ef34451122 |
(CNN) -- Giorgia Boscolo spent hundreds of hours on the canals in Venice, Italy, learning the intricate waterways and how to handle and steer a distinctive banana-shaped boat, according to Italy's ANSA news agency. Her effort paid off. This week, Boscolo passed her final exam and is likely to become Venice's first female gondolier, the ANSA agency said, after she applies for her full license. Boscolo, 24, said she inherited her love for navigating the canals from her gondolier father, reported ANSA. The ancient profession used to be passed from father to son, making the group of Venetian gondoliers distinctly male. But now there are courses. "I'm so happy for Giorgia and in a little way share her joy because it was under my presidency that the first woman was admitted to the gondolier's course," Aldo Rosso, former head of the city's gondola group, told ANSA. The agency added two other women enrolled in the course, but did not pass the exam. Male gondoliers have often questioned whether women would be strong enough to control the large boats, but Boscolo dismissed her critics. "Childbirth is much more difficult," ANSA reported she said. | Giorgia Boscolo passed her final exam this week . She can ask next for her full license . Boscolo follows in the footsteps of her gondolier father . | 5a3f08e9037343006a69350a978c14a81d20011d |
Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani made a U-turn Saturday -- first declaring that the military offensive against Islamic militants in South Waziristan had ended, then saying there is no timeframe for its completion. The Pakistani army is conducting an intense operation to rout militants from their haven along the country's border with Afghanistan. The militants, in turn, have launched a series of deadly attacks in retaliation. Answering a question from a reporter who asked whether the government will engage in dialogue with the Taliban in South Waziristan, Gilani said the operation was over. "There was talk of dialogue even during the Malakand Operation. But now, the operation in South Waziristan is over. In fact, at the moment, there is talk of an operation in Orakzai Agency," he said. Malakand is another operation that the military is conducting in another region. Orakzai is one of seven districts that make up the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. Like South Waziristan, it is also considered rife with militants. Gilani's comments, made in the eastern city of Lahore, were aired on national television. But hours later, he backtracked. "It could have been in a different context," he told reporters in Karachi. These remarks were also aired on television. Gilani also declined to say when the offensive might end. "We will take military action wherever we get information about the presence of militants," he said. When reached for clarification, the prime minister's office pointed CNN to the second statement. The army did not comment on Gilani's remarks. A release it sends out daily made no mention of an end to the offensive on Saturday. Instead, Saturday's release provided the usual breakdown of operations in various parts of the country, including South Waziristan. CNN's Samson Desta and journalist Nasir Habib contributed to this report. | Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani tells reporter operation against Taliban is over . Hours later he backtracks on national television and declines to say when operation may end . Pakistani army conducting an intense operation to rout militants along Afghan border . | 4476284c92f02613d3f9fc2ec5777681431028f9 |
A pregnant survivor of the Sydney siege has revealed her unborn baby was unharmed by the crisis, as she paid tribute to her close friend who died in the incident. Barrister Julie Taylor, friend of the late hostage Katrina Dawson, today penned an emotional statement about this week's tragic events. Despite her grief, Ms Taylor, 35, said she had taken comfort from the huge floral memorial in Martin Place and the fact she and her husband will welcome a baby into their family in the coming months. Scroll down for video . The closest of friends: Julie Taylor, left, and her friend Katrina Dawson, right, were both trapped in the Sydney cafe siege. While Ms Taylor, who is pregnant, survived, Ms Dawson did not . Free at last: Julie Taylor, second from left, is pictured escaping the site of the Sydney cafe siege . Dash for freedom: Ms Taylor is pictured in the background escaping the Lindt cafe . Days after the floral tribute began, posies were continuing to pile up at Martin Place on Friday morning. Flowers are now laid at three different locations down the street . 'My husband and I have been told that our unborn baby is healthy and unharmed by this crisis,' she said. 'If all goes well, and there is no reason to think it won't, we will give birth to a precious baby in a few months.' Ms Taylor was visiting the Lindt cafe with Ms Dawson, her colleague at Eighth Floor Selborne chambers on Phillip Street, when Man Haron Monis took 18 people captive for more than 16 hours. Ms Dawson was killed after hostages staged an escape attempt around 2am on Tuesday morning. Police officers took Monis out in a hail of bullets. 'Katrina Dawson was the most wonderful person I have ever met,' Ms Taylor said. 'She was my closest friend, a role model and confidant. 'Her bravery and strength was, and continues to be, a comfort and inspiration for me. he invested every moment of her life in her friends and family, and will be greatly missed by everyone who has known her. 'My thoughts and sympathy are with her family, whom I have come to know and love.' She also paid tribute to Tori Johnson, the cafe manager who was the other victim of the siege. 'Although our acquaintance was forged under the worst imaginable circumstances, I feel privileged to have known you and I will always remember you as a kind, considerate, level-headed and courageous person' 'It was clear to me how much you loved your family and how much compassion you had for everyone you met'. Ms Taylor said she had also taken comfort from the huge outpouring of public support - particularly from the huge flower memorial that has been established in Martin Place. Tens of thousands of posies and handwritten messages have been placed at three sites across the plaza, in what has been dubbed 'Sydney's floral heart'. Among the messages was a note written by Ms Dawson's youngest daughter, Sasha, which said simply: 'I love you mum. Love Sasha'. Pictured: Sasha, the youngest daughter of Katrina Dawson, left this touching note to her late mother at the Martin Place memorial . Although words cannot describe the events of the last few days and the feelings that I have towards the survivors and victims of the Martin Place siege, there are a few things I would like to say. Katrina Dawson was the most wonderful person I have ever met. She was my closest friend, a role model and confidant. Her bravery and strength was, and continues to be, a comfort and inspiration for me. She invested every moment of her life in her friends and family, and will be greatly missed by everyone who has known her. My thoughts and sympathy are with her family, whom I have come to know and love. I would like to pay tribute to Tori Johnson. Although our acquaintance was forged under the worst imaginable circumstnaces, I feel privileged to have known you and I will always remember you as a kind, considerate, level-headed and courageous person. It was clear to me how much you loved your family, and how much compassion you had for everyone you met. I am grateful that you were with my throughout our ordeal. To the other hostages, thank you for the support and consideration that you gave me throughout our time together. I will always be grateful to you. Thank you to the police, ambulance staff and health professionals at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, who helped us throughout 15 and 16 December and afterwards. It is difficult to be positive at a time like this, but there are two things which provide comfort to me. The first is the overwhelming display of public support for everyone involved in this crisis, including me. My own visit to the Memorial at Martin Place gave me a strength for the coming weeks which I thought that I might not have, as have the messages and kindnesses that have been sent to me by everyone I know and many I don't. It is good to know that none of us is alone. Finally, my husband and I have been told that our unborn baby is healthy and unharmed by this crisis. If all goes well, and there is no reason to think that it won't, we will give birth to a precious baby in a few months. Although it is an emotional time, we are trying to keep ourselves healthy so that can occur. I thank members of the media for their respect of our privacy in this difficult time, and ask that you continue to do so. New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has confirmed the government will examine establishing a permanent memorial to the victims of the tragedy. In an interview with the ABC's 7.30 program on Thursday night, Mr Baird said he did not want the floral shrine to end. 'In many respects, Leigh, I don't want it to end. It's just so beautiful down there,' he said. 'And it's the people, it's the stories, it's the families. 'I mean, people, complete strangers are hugging, in tears, putting down the flowers, reflecting on the loss, the thankfulness, in some respects, for the hostages that are still with us and an overall sense in this city that we will get through this.' The coroner released Ms Dawson and Mr Johnson's bodies to their families on Thursday nights, who are beginning the process of planning memorial services for the dead. | Barrister Julie Taylor today penned an emotional statement about this week's tragic events . She paid tribute to her late friend, Katrina Dawson, 'the most wonderful person I have ever met' She also had kind words for the other Lindt cafe siege victim Tori Johnson . Ms Taylor revealed her unborn baby remains healthy and was unharmed by this week's crisis . | e82a29a4c2fcb1ecaed942c6fb550a14b916345a |
Gordon Brown is being urged by Labour MPs to make a return to frontline politics and take on Scotland's next First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Senior members of Ed Miliband's inner circle are increasingly alarmed at the performance of 'unimpressive' Scottish leader Johann Lamont and believe Mr Brown could write a 'new ending for his political career' in Holyrood. He could become 'the father of the nation', one insider suggested. Scroll down for video . Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown is being urged to return to frontline politics to take on new SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon . The pleas came as Miss Sturgeon made history yesterday after being lined up as the next First Minister - making her the first woman to reach the top of Scottish politics. As nominations for the job of SNP leader closed, it was confirmed that no Nationalist politician had been brave enough to challenge Miss Sturgeon, who will now enjoy an official coronation next month. In a move critics immediately branded 'unstatesmanlike', the leader-elect announced she will embark on a nationwide tour to speak to SNP supporters in the coming days - including an event at Glasgow's SSE Hydro. She also risked infuriating the majority of Scots who voted No in last month's referendum by claiming that Scotland will become independent 'well' within her lifetime. Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday wrote to Miss Sturgeon to congratulate her and said he looked forward to working with her. The three main parties at Holyrood will now be led by women but there are ongoing rumours about Miss Lamont's future. Although Scots strongly backed the Union in last month's referendum, the Yes campaign's triumph in Labour's heartlands of Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire - including in Miss Lamont's own seat of Glasgow Pollok - has alarmed the Westminster party. But Mr Brown is credited with revitalising the No campaign and made the most impressive speech of the referendum campaign on the eve of the poll. The Kirkcaldy and Cowhim. denbeath MP hinted during the referendum campaign that he could stand for the Scottish parliament, although he has since played down the prospects of a return. But a Shadow Cabinet source said: 'Everyone has come back from Scotland shocked by how bad things are in the party there. Johann Lamont is deeply unimpressive - she has got to go. 'My worry is that Nicola Sturgeon could be an even tougher opponent than Alex Salmond was. She has more appeal to women and we are going to find ourselves in real trouble unless we respond.' Miss Sturgeon made history yesterday after being lined up as the next First Minister - making her the first woman to reach the top of Scottish politics . The SNP angrily rejected comparisons between Nicola Sturgeon and Margaret Thatcher . Nationalist MPs reacted furiously yesterday after Scotland Office Minister David Mundell congratulated Nicola Sturgeon on 'emulating' Margaret Thatcher. Mr Mundell, Scotland's only Tory MP, cheekily told the SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson: 'I join the honourable gentleman in congratulating Nicola Sturgeon on emulating Margaret Thatcher and becoming the first female leader of her party. 'I most certainly look forward to working with her as the first female First Minister of Scotland. My previous experience of Nicola Sturgeon is that she has adopted a constructive approach to discussions with the UK Government.' But, speaking in the Commons yesterday, Mr Robertson replied: 'There is absolutely no comparison between Nicola Sturgeon and Margaret Thatcher. 'Nicola Sturgeon will be leading the most popular political party in Scotland. 'Margaret Thatcher destroyed the Tory party, and he [Mr Mundell] is the living proof of its having only one seat in Scotland.' Another senior Labour source said: 'Gordon could go to the Scottish parliament for four or five years and become the father of the nation, like Donald Dewar was. We need He is still hugely popular in Scotland. The SNP are running rings round Johann Lamont.' One Scots MP said: 'There is real concern that we don't have leadership in Scotland. It would delight many if Gordon would take control.' The Mail understands there was a 'gloomy' private meeting of Scottish Labour MPs in the Commons on Tuesday evening, in which the fall-out from last month's referendum was discussed. Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt yesterday said there had been a 'fracture in the Labour movement' in Scotland, which the party now needs to move quickly to heal. One insider said the party was 'fearful' of a 'drubbing' by the SNP at next year's General Election, which could force Miss Lamont to stand down. By then, 44-year-old Miss Sturgeon will be Scotland's fifth First Minister after replacing her 'mentor' Alex Salmond, who resigned after last month's humiliating referendum defeat. Miss Sturgeon joined the SNP at the age of 16 and stood - unsuccessfully - to be an MP when she was 21. She stood for the party's leadership in 2004 but was heading for defeat in the battle against Roseanna Cunningham, prompting Mr Salmond to come back on a 'dream ticket' with Miss Sturgeon as his deputy. She has been Deputy First Minister since the SNP's first election victory in 2007, also holding the role of Health Secretary until put in charge of the referendum fight. 'It is a privilege to have been chosen by the SNP to succeed Alex Salmond as party leader,' she said yesterday. 'Alex is a hard act to follow but I am determined to lead the SNP - and the country - from strength to strength. 'I will work to ensure that the Scottish parliament gets the extensive new powers that Scotland was promised before the referendum. 'I will always make the case for Scotland to be an independent country, but with the Westminster parties already backsliding on the delivery of new powers, my immediate job will be to hold them firmly to account - and I am today putting them on notice that I intend to do just that.' Speaking to the BBC News channel, she said: 'I believe Scotland will become an independent country. I believe that's the direction of travel.' Pressed when that would happen, she replied: 'I believe that would be well within my lifetime.' On the rise of women to lead Scotland's political parties, Miss Sturgeon said: 'It is significant - it sends a very powerful message... [but] I don't think we should assume it's job done on gender balance.' | Ex-PM being urged to return to frontline Labour politics in Scotland . Growing alarm about 'unimpressive' Labour leader Johann Lamont . Plea comes as Sturgeon made history being lined up as next First Minister . SNP insists their new leader is nothing like Margaret Thatcher . | 28c8ef0168c95fee324f0723cb89143913486524 |
Madrid, Spain (CNN) -- Hundreds of runners braved their luck Wednesday on the first day of the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona -- but just two men, an Australian and a Spaniard, were taken to hospital afterward with injuries, the Navarra regional government said. It was considered a thrilling but safe start to the annual tradition in Pamplona, which has tallied 14 deaths since record-keeping began in 1924, including the fatal goring of a Spanish man last year, and thousands of injuries. The run in Pamplona started 400 years ago and became popular worldwide after author Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in the 1920s in his book "The Sun Also Rises," also published under the title "Fiesta." It is now broadcast live across Spain by state television TVE, which estimated there were more than a thousand runners. An 18-year-old Australian man from Melbourne was taken to hospital with various injuries sustained on the narrow street that descends into the bullring. And a Spanish man, 20, from Zaragoza also went to hospital with an eye injury sustained on a street almost halfway through the run, the Navarra regional government said on its website. Both were initially listed in stable condition but under close observation, the website said. It took the six bulls and a pack of tame steers, which help guide the bulls, a full 17 seconds to emerge from the corrals after the opening rocket was fired to signal the start of the run. But the pack then moved swiftly through the cobblestone streets of old Pamplona along the 825-meter (902-yard) course to the bullring, where the bulls will die later in the day in a bullfight. The run lasted just 2 minutes and 23 seconds and the bull and steer pack stayed mainly together, which long-time observers say usually means a safer run -- unlike when a bull or bulls get separated, frightened and may charge directly into the runners. Television images showed mostly men dressed in the traditional white outfits with red handkerchiefs, but also a small number of women, and even one man with a football helmet, which is prohibited but was apparently not noticed by the hundreds of police officers who eject, before the run, people carrying cameras or who are drunk. The aim is safety, so that runners can focus on the run. Television images showed numerous runners making hard falls to the pavement, tripping over other runners or colliding with the bulls. The daily run continues for eight days, through July 14, at 8 a.m. (2 a.m. ET), and is the highlight of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona that attracts hundreds of thousands to the non-stop fiesta. | 1 Austrialian, 1 Spaniard taken to hospital . Run lasts 2 minutes 23 seconds . TV images show many runners making hard falls . Daily run continues until July 14 . | 6c2c6826a83145ffd45eb59c02943475882d5abb |
(CNN) -- The wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told CNN's Larry King on Wednesday that she is not offended by a much-publicized comment made toward her husband in Tuesday night's debate. Michelle Obama talks about Williams Ayers, Hillary Clinton and her husband's campaign on Larry King Live. In the presidential matchup at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, GOP nominee John McCain criticized his Democratic rival for supporting the 2007 Bush-Cheney energy bill. "It was an energy bill on the floor of the Senate, loaded down with goodies, billions for oil companies, and it was sponsored by Bush and Cheney. ... You know who voted for it? You might never know. That one," he said, gesturing toward Obama. "You know who voted against it? Me." When asked whether McCain's reference to Obama as "that one" was offensive, Michelle Obama simply said "No," adding that the issue has nothing to do with what's affecting average Americans hurting from the economic downturn. "I think there are two conversations that have been going on throughout this whole election. There's the conversation that's been happening with the pundits ... and then there's the conversation that's been happening on the ground," she said. Watch Michelle Obama talk about McCain's comment » . She said Americans "right now are scared" and "nervous about the economy." "They don't care about the back and forth between the candidates. ... They want real answers about how we're going to fix this economy and get the health care benefits on track so, you know, this is part of politics," she added. King asked Obama about the McCain camp bringing up her husband's ties to William Ayers. Ayers was a founding member of the Weather Underground, a 1960s radical group known for bombings of police stations, the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol. Fact Check: Is Obama 'palling around with terrorists'? Ayers is a university professor who lives on the South Side of Chicago, where Obama cut his political teeth. Michelle Obama said her husband served on a Chicago education board with Ayers. "I don't know anyone in Chicago who is heavily involved in education policy who doesn't know Bill Ayers," she said. "But, you know, again I go back to the point that, you know, the American people aren't asking these questions." "You don't think it affects the campaign?" King asked. "You know, I think that we've been in this for 20 months and people have gotten to know Barack. He's written a book, books have been written about him. He, like all of the other candidates have been thoroughly vetted. And I think people know Barack Obama. Watch Michelle Obama discuss William Ayers » . "They know his heart, they know his spirit, and the thing that I just encourage people is to judge Barack and judge all of these candidates based on what they do, their actions, their character, what they do in their lives rather than what somebody [else] did when they were 8." Michelle Obama was referring to the fact that Ayers allegedly committed his most radical acts when Barack Obama was a child. McCain's running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, has lobbed some intense attacks on Barack Obama over the Ayers issue. "Our opponent is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to pal around with terrorists who targeted their own country," Palin told a crowd of supporters this week. King played the clip and asked Michelle Obama if that statement made her "mad." Obama replied, "I don't watch it." "What do you make of her running for a vice president and having many kids and being a good parent and bouncing all the balls?" King asked. "I think she provides an excellent of example of all the different roles that women can and should play," Michelle Obama responded. "I'm a mother with kids and I've had a career and I've had to juggle. She's doing publicly what so many women are doing on their own privately. What we're fighting for is to make sure that all women have the choices that Sarah Palin and I have." At one point, King asked her if her husband likes McCain. "Do these two candidates, as has been reported, not like each other?" King asked. "I can only speak for Barack, and I know that Barack has the utmost respect for Sen. McCain. He said so on so many occasions," she said. "I think this has been a long, tough fight. And politics sometimes leads to things said between the candidates. But again, what we found is that people are really focused on who is going to -- who has got the vision that's going to take us to the next level?" She said campaigning is exhausting but she likes it more than she expected. "When I'm tired, I get more energy coming out of a rally where I get the -- get hugs and I see people on the rope lines tearing up because they never thought they'd see this moment," she said. "I see kids who are focused and engaged in a way that I've never seen before. That gives us both energy." Obama also talked about Sen. Hillary Clinton. "Are you happy with the way she's supporting your husband?" King asked. "She has been phenomenal. ...She has always been just cordial and open. I've called her, I've talked to her. She's given me advice about the kids," Obama said. Watch Michelle Obama call Hillary Clinton 'phenomenal' » . "We've talked at length about this kind of stuff -- how you feel, how you react. She has been amazing. She is a real pro and a woman with character." CNN political producer Ed Hornick contributed to this report. | Michelle Obama talks to Larry King in an interview Wednesday night . She responds to her husband being referred to as "that one" in Tuesday debate . Michelle Obama: Americans "don't care about the back and forth" | d9f7d0fae50bde4045794b624db59ac2ed14387f |
By . Tim Shipman and Matt Chorley . PUBLISHED: . 10:05 EST, 1 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:10 EST, 1 May 2013 . A bitter Cabinet battle over which ministers face a fresh round of deep spending cuts has turned into the ‘something from the Hunger Games’, government insiders claimed. The ring-fenced health and international aid budgets are being targeted by angry ministers in charge of unprotected departments told to find and extra £11.5billion. Across Whitehall ministries are trying to off-load some of their costs by reclassifying into areas with rising budgets in a political ‘battle to the death’. Government insiders have likened the Cabinet battle to the Hunger Games book and film, in which 24 people are pitched into a battle to the death . Insiders said a ‘battle to the death’ reminiscent of the film the Hunger Games has erupted in Whitehall, as ministers try to off-load some of their costs by reclassifying them into areas with rising budgets. It is a reference to the futuristic sci-fi book and film, starring Jennifer Lawrence, in which 24 people are pitched into a battle to the death. David Cameron today signalled that some defence spending could be shifted into the foreign aid budget to ease financial pressures on the armed forces. Food, health and education programmes could also be moved into the Department for International Development, the Prime Minister hinted. He said it was ‘right to ask the question about what does development actually consist of’. He told BBC Radio 4: ‘Of course there are vaccination programmes, there’s helping the poorest people in our world to grow food programmes, there’s helping people go to school programmes. ‘But there is an argument that one of the most fundamental parts of development is security; you don’t get development without peace and security.’ David Cameron hinted that spending from some unprotected areas could be shifted into the protected foreign aid budget . Mr Cameron yesterday admonished Defence Secretary Philip Hammond for leaking details of MoD plans to grab £200 million from the Department of Health and another £120 million from the school’s budget to pay for private schooling for the children of servicemen. At a Tory political cabinet yesterday morning, the Prime Minister called on ministers to ‘keep their thoughts to themselves’. The future of the NHS budget has now become a bitter battleground. The Ministry of Justice and Home Office both want to breach the NHS ring fence too. And the Mail revealed last week that NHS funds could be funnelled to councils to fund personal care. Deputy PM Nick Clegg defended protecting NHS spending . ‘It’s every man for himself now,’ said one ministerial aide. ‘It’s a battle to the death, like something from the Hunger Games.’ Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is refusing to accept any cuts to his budget. He will remind the Prime Minister that ringfencing the NHS budget was his personal pledge to voters and argue that great harm will come to the Tory brand if he backtracks. ‘We will be arguing for the retention of the ringfence,’ a DoH source said. ‘This was a pledge the Prime Minister made in opposition. It was a big call to make and it has proved to be right. ‘Demand is rising by 4 per cent a year in the NHS and having the budget means we can just about meet the requirements and plan ahead. There is a very strong case for maintaining the ringfence. It would undo much of the good work of the original pledge.’ He seems to have an ally in Mr Clegg, who defended the controversial decision to protect spending on foreign aid and the NHS. ‘We’ve decided we’re sticking with the protected departments,’ he said. ‘Now the unprotected departments are being weighed up to see what savings they can yield. ‘I am absolutely convinced that at a difficult time like this protecting our NHS spending, protecting our spending on schools, honouring our international contributions to developing countries around the world was a big decision, a controversial decision but was the right one to take.’ The Department of Education is also resisting the raid on its funds by Mr Hammond. Education Secretary Michael Gove will argue that deep cuts to his budget will threaten the government’s pledge to provide free childcare to 40 per cent of 2 year olds and mean cuts to school sport. One insider even said that if the Ministry of Defence wants money to send service children to private schools, Mr Gove should have some say over where they are stationed. ‘They don’t have to be posted to Germany,’ one irritated source said. ‘Perhaps Michael should be consulted about their deployments.’ The Mail has also learned that both the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office hope to seize funds from the department for International Development – plans Mr Cameron has previously endorsed. Foreign Office insiders say that further cuts will damage the British Council and lead to the closure of historic embassy buildings around the world. | Whitehall told to find an extra £11.5billion in 2015-16 beyond the election . But health, foreign aid and schools are ring-fenced from cuts . Unprotected departments try to off-load spending to areas which are rising . | 02810285a6a8d68f6672ede35be51bc4976456ce |
(CNN) -- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would hardly recognize America in 2013, the 50th anniversary year of his world-famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The efforts of King and countless others have not only made it possible for Barack Obama to become the first black president of the United States, but also created unprecedented opportunities for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and virtually anyone who had previously been given a check that has, as King put it, "come back marked 'insufficient funds.'" I personally cannot think of MLK Day without reflecting on my life as a product of post-civil rights America: I was conceived on the coattails of that movement to a single mother, absent father, horrific poverty, and despair and fear I would not wish upon anyone. Yet here I am, a direct beneficiary of King's legacy. I do not take the opportunities given to me lightly. Especially since my mother, born in South Carolina in the Jim Crow-era, has sickening memories of the racial oppression back in those days. Her family had no electricity, no indoor running water and no television. The day that King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, my mother turned 20. "We knew there was colored folks marching in Washington," my mother told me. "We just did not know what for exactly." The what for had everything to do with democracy, freedom, voting and citizenship rights, for a group longed blocked from the doors of the American dream. It means the only way we could ever come to "a beautiful symphony of brotherhood" that King spoke of is for each of us, no matter our background, to honor and recognize who we are, including very uncomfortable parts of our history, like slavery, which was depicted in recent films like Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." We cannot sit at the table of diversity and multiculturalism if we are not even clear what we are bringing to share. In King's speeches and writings in the last years of his life, he wanted people, including black people, to embrace and appreciate their culture and heritage. But it was never an either or for him. King worked for and loved Black America, and he worked for and loved America. From 1963 to the present, the United States has changed dramatically. When I attended integrated schools, I remember sitting elbow to elbow with children of different races, something my mother could not have fathomed in her childhood dominated by "Whites Only" and "Coloreds Only" signs everywhere. But the work is far from over. I think King would be saddened that the poverty and economic disparities he fought against at the end of his life are still here. He would be outraged by the kind of racism that routinely profiles young black and Latino males and fills our nation's prison system with black and brown bodies. He would be awestruck and angered by the visionless black leadership that has come to dominate black communities nationwide, more concerned with media moments and money than solutions. He would wonder how black culture has deteriorated from Harry Belafonte, Motown and Nina Simone to Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and reality TV shows that present utterly destructive black images. I think he would be disheartened by the numerous wars that have occurred since Vietnam and by the fact that more than one million Americans have died by gun violence since he himself was shot and murdered in Memphis on April 4, 1968. And moreover, he would be very outspoken about how some Americans treat immigrants, and our inability to see their plights as great civil rights issues of our time. But, King would smile broadly, in that way he did, as we witnessed the stunning rainbow coalition of Americans who voted Barack Obama into office in 2008, as a direct extension of King's prophetic dream. Despite the historical significance of electing Barack Obama into the Oval Office twice, and the great victories we accomplished together as a nation in the past 50 years, King would urge us to continue his work since a lot more needs to be done. The harsh reality is that Martin Luther King Jr. is never coming back. We have a federal holiday dedicated to him, we have the moral authority of his spoken and written words, and we have his mighty spirit hovering over our nation like an uninterrupted sheet of light. But I sincerely believe that if we are going to live up to the extraordinary vision of King, then we must open our hearts more to each other, as sisters and brothers, as part of the human family. We know, as he knew, that love must be a living and breathing thing. In celebration of his legacy, let's keep in mind that service to others must become as natural to us as breathing, for the good of America and for the good of all of us. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Kevin Powell. | Kevin Powell: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would hardly recognize America in 2013 . Powell: King and others made it possible for Barack Obama to be elected president . He says despite progress, King would find a lot more that needs to be done . Powell: In celebration of his legacy, let's treat each other with humanity and compassion . | 3aa9aee257ecfab6e4dc9b04e234f8123b192673 |
By . Lydia Warren . A 15-year-old girl who encouraged her autistic boyfriend to shave off his eyebrows, have sex with the family dog and walk across dangerously-thin ice on a frozen lake - all while filming him - has been sentenced to a maximum of six years in a state juvenile detention. The unnamed teen, who was reportedly dating the boy, received the sentence in St Mary's County, Maryland on Thursday after previously pleading guilty to second-degree assault and displaying an obscene photograph of a boy. She was arrested last month with a friend, 17-year-old Lauren Bush, after a classmate at Chopticon High School learned about the videos in which they allegedly tormented the boy. Bush has been charged as an adult with first-degree assault, false imprisonment and child-pornography solicitation. She faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted - but her parents and lawyers are battling for her to be charged as a juvenile instead. Scroll down for video . Scene: A former student of Chopticon High School in Morganza, Maryland has been sentenced to 6 years in a juvenile detention center for tormenting a 16-year-old autistic boy and filming it . Bush, who allegedly held a knife to the boy's throat, is undergoing several weeks of psychological examinations at a state juvenile detention center, the Washington Post reported. On Thursday, before the 15-year-old was sentenced, she had asked the judge to be placed in a community-based treatment program, rather than jail. 'I just feel a not-lockdown facility is going to be best for me,' the girl, dressed in a pink hoodie, said. 'Of course you do,' Judge Michael Stamm responded sarcastically, the Post noted. He ignored her pleas for leniency and branded her treatment of the boy 'horrific'. He said she posed a danger to the community. She will now remain at a secure juvenile facility until she is 21 - but she could be released before if authorities deem that her rehabilitation is progressing quickly, the Post reported. 'Cruel': Another girl, Lauren Bush, 17, also allegedly mistreated the boy and faces 80 years in prison . The sentencing comes days after the 16-year-old victim said he wanted the charges against the girls dropped. He said he considers Bush and the 15-year-old girl, who was his girlfriend, to be his friends. 'It really makes me upset that my parents want to see them in jail,' he told the Washington Post in an earlier interview. 'Because I really like them.' He said the girls never intended to kill him - even when they held a knife to his neck and led him to a frozen lake and persuaded him to fetch a basketball on the ice. Minutes later, he fell through the ice and screamed, but the girls did nothing to help, he said. Afterwards, they wouldn't allow him to ride with them and he returned home wet. 'They put me in the trunk,' he said. 'They didn't want to get the interior wet.' His parents, however, said they want Bush to be tried as an adult. 'My son is a staunch defender of his . tormentors; it’s embarrassing,' his father told the Post. 'He may be more disabled than I . convinced myself that he was and maybe more lost than I realized. That's . something I am going to have to deal with on a later day. Right now, I . am trying to get justice for him and others like him.' Their cruel treatment was uncovered after a fellow student heard about the videos and told school authorities. On March 10, . sheriff's deputies confiscated the younger girl's phone and both were arrested. Sheriff Tim Cameron told ABC7 that the allegations leveled against the girls are among the most disturbing he has dealt with in his career. 'Who . could harbor this ill will to do something so completely heinous?' said . Cameron. 'I don't know. It's hard to fathom, really.' Video: Two Maryland teens admit to assaulting boy with autism . | The girl and her friend 'kicked the boy, held a knife to his throat, made him walk on dangerously-thin ice on a lake - while filming it on their cells' The 15-year-old asked for leniency at her sentencing on Thursday but the judge branded her actions 'horrific' Her accomplice, 17-year-old Lauren Bush, was charged as an adult and faces 80 years behind bars if found guilty . She is undergoing psychological evaluation as her lawyers and parents fight for her to be charged as a juvenile instead . The boy previously said he wanted the charges dropped because the girls were his friends . | a5ee257e6bd26332154ba17821a0690b5d848add |
Gareth Bale finally helped Real Madrid fulfil the dream of 'La Decima', securing a memorable 10th Champions League triumph with an extra-time win against neighbours Atletico Madrid. Born in Wales, raised in Southampton and honed at Tottenham, the 24-year-old continued to make light of his world-record fee by scoring a goal that will write him into club history. Bale looked set to pay for a woeful first-half miss but instead capped a remarkable first season at Real by heading home to make it 2-1 in extra time, before Carlo Ancelotti's men eased away to a 4-1 win. Click here for the full match report . Real Madrid: . Atletico Madrid: . Host commentator . Europe's biggest club prize has been decided, but there is still another big tournament coming up very soon that you may have heard about. The Champions League final normally marks the end of the season, but with the World Cup fast approaching, don't forget to follow our live coverage of the finals in Brazil starting in just a couple of weeks. Thanks for following this evening and cheerio. 'La Decima' is officially marked then, as to a sea of confetti, Real Madrid players lift the Champions League trophy for the tenth time. What a final, what an end to the season... Diego Simeone has calmed a bit to collect his runners-up medal from a smiling Michel Platini, as the Real players and staff follow closely behind. It's taken 12 years but 'la decima' has finally arrived for Real Madrid. | Real Madrid secure 'La Decima' at the Estadio da Luz - their 10th European Cup . Gareth Bale headed Carlo Ancelotti's side ahead in extra period . Marcelo and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty added gloss to scoreline . Sergio Ramos equalised for Real Madrid in stoppage time . Diego Godin had nodded Atletico into lead after 36 minutes . Diego Costa limped off after just NINE minutes for Atletico . | 005bc076b52c401a579f1da45b0e5105dc5cc811 |
By . Rob Preece . PUBLISHED: . 06:20 EST, 2 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:03 EST, 2 August 2012 . A Lithuanian accountant who made Nazi salutes and aimed monkey chants at black players during an Olympic basketball match has insisted such behaviour is acceptable in his home country. Petras Lescinskas, 36, has been fined £2,500 after he was seen raising his arm several times while placing his other hand over his top lip to imitate Hitler's moustache. He was among a group of Lithuanians heard making obscene noises during their country’s match against Nigeria on Tuesday. His conviction came only three days after a Lithuanian was pictured making similar gestures at black stewards during their team's match against Argentina on Sunday. Repulsive: Petras Lescinkas's conviction comes only three days after another Lithuanian supporter was caught on camera making a Nazi salute towards black stewards . Lescinskas admitted racially aggravated behaviour when he appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court yesterday. His behaviour was so appalling that it forced some families to move seats inside the basketball arena, the court heard. But Lescinskas's solicitor told the hearing that his client believed his behaviour was acceptable in Lithuania and he had done it before at previous sports matches. The defence failed to impress District Judge Sonia Sims, who fined the Lithuanian £2,500 and ordered him to pay £85 costs. 'Your behaviour was despicable', the judge told him. 'You have been intolerant of a country in a racist fashion towards others who don’t deserve abuse for their race, colour or creed. Offensive: Another basketball fan (centre) gives a Nazi salute during his team's match against Argentina on Sunday. The court heard from Lescinskas that such behaviour was acceptable in Lithuania . 'As for the gesture, which has been described as a Nazi salute, it is a direct insult to all of those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and the affect on generations since. 'I do not accept that this is acceptable behaviour in your country. 'That behaviour I am sure is unacceptable to your fellow countrymen who no doubt want to distance themselves from your actions. 'The Olympics is a wondrous event not only for Great Britain but for all the nations who are competing, participating or watching on television. 'This type of conduct tarnishes the whole ethos of the Games.' The court heard that Lescinskas was part of a group of rowdy Lithuanian fans supporting their team against Nigeria in the Olympic Park on July 31. He admitted having a drink before the basketball match, which his country won 72-53, but insisted he was not drunk when the players stepped on court. Becky Owen, prosecuting, said other fans were forced to move seats because of his behaviour. She said: 'The defendant was one of a large number of Lithuanian supporters being generally loud and offensive. 'In particular the group were heard at times to be making monkey-style noises when the Nigeria team had possession of the ball. 'He was arrested because he was seen making a Nazi salute on a number of occasions while placing his finger across the top of his lip.' Clash: Lescinskas was among a group of Lithuanians heard making obscene noises during their country¿s match against Nigeria . Police officers at the scene could not confirm he directly made monkey noises - but the court heard it was accepted he was part of the group that made them. Lescinskas, still dressed in his green Lithuanian basketball supporter’s tank top in court, apologised for his behaviour in his native language. Through an interpreter, he said: 'I regret my actions, I am sorry.' Ms Gill, defending, said her client believed that his actions were acceptable in his country and he had done it before at previous sports games. She said: 'He says he has travelled to other countries and supported in this way. He has realised it is not appropriate to behave in this way. 'He regrets his actions and is deeply remorseful.' Lescinskas, who has a wife and children back in Lithuania, is due to return home when the Olympic Games finish on August 13. Outrage: Spectators at the basketball match between Lithuania and Nigeria moved seats because of Lescinskas's behaviour, the court was told . | Petras Lescinskas, 36, made offensive gestures during London 2012 match between Lithuania and Nigeria . He said such behaviour was acceptable in Lithuania and he'd done it before . 'Your behaviour was despicable,' district judge tells him . | 698714ecf6f8e0a109eafeb2817dd6b53d34d36a |
(CNN) -- Turkey's foreign minister continued Saturday to press for an apology from Israel over its forces killing nine Turkish activists, a day before the boat that set off the row between the two countries is scheduled to arrive in Istanbul. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticized Israel for not reciprocating his country's efforts to remedy relations, despite Turkey's "wish to reconcile with Israel," according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. "We are having difficulty, when we don't receive the same will from the other side," he said. "If our friendship with Israel is going to continue, an apology and compensation are the only possible ways for it." Turkey was once Israel's strongest ally among Muslim nations, but the relationship between the two nations has been chilly since May 31, when Israeli forces intercepted an aid flotilla headed to Gaza from Turkey. Violence broke out, and nine Turkish activists were killed. Tens of thousands of people are expected Sunday to greet the boat at the center of the controversy, the Mavi Marmara, when it arrives Sunday in Istanbul, according to a press release from Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief. Israel has maintained that its troops used force on the activists only after they were attacked by those on board one boat. But passengers on board insist Israeli troops fired on them without provocation. On Saturday, Davutoglu said that Tel Aviv's attempts to lay blame were unfounded. "Turkish citizens were killed in international waters," he told reporters, according to the Anadolu report. "Nothing can cover this fact. Turkey cannot be blamed." In September, the U.N. Human Rights Council concluded that Israeli forces committed serious violations of international law in the mid-sea interception. The 56-page report described the circumstances of the deaths of "at least six of the passengers" as being "consistent with ... an arbitrary and summary execution." Officials from Israel and Turkey met earlier this month in Geneva, Switzerland, in an attempt to reduce tensions. That meeting came days after Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan sent two firefighting planes to Israel to help combat a deadly wildfire, according to a Turkish foreign ministry official. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked Erdogan, then called him to thank him again, the official said. While on the telephone, Netanyahu said he hoped the two countries could discuss the state of their relationship in a different context. | Turkey's minister says Israel is not reciprocating his nation's efforts to remedy relations . The row began after Israeli forces killed nine Turkish activists on an aid flotilla . He says "an apology" is needed for Turkey's "friendship" with Israel to continue . Israel has said that its troops used force only after they were attacked themselves . | 7c1f9ca468becb1fd17fa5cfc9dd2ac907524ce9 |
Nasa has revealed one of the most complete maps of an asteroid ever created - and it helps reveal how the huge body was formed. Images from Nasa's Dawn Mission have been used to create a series of high-resolution geological maps of the large asteroid Vesta, revealing the variety of surface features in unprecedented detail. They show the towering mountains at the south pole — more than twice the height of Mount Everest, and huge craters that litter the surface. This high-resolution geological map of Vesta was made using data from the Dawn spacecraft. Brown colors represent the oldest, most heavily cratered surface. Purple colors in the north and light blue represent terrains modified by the Veneneia and Rheasilvia impacts, respectively. Light purples and dark blue colors below the equator represent the interior of the Rheasilvia and Veneneia basins. Greens and yellows represent relatively young landslides or other downhill movement and crater impact materials. Asteroids like Vesta are remnants of the formation of the solar system, giving scientists a peek at its history. Asteroids could also harbor molecules that are the building blocks of life and reveal clues about the origins of life on Earth. Vesta is one of the largest asteroids in the Solar System, with a mean diameter of 525 kilometres (326 mi). It was discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers on 29 March 1807 and is named after Vesta, the virgin goddess of home and hearth from Roman mythology. The peak of Vesta's tallest mountain rises up nearly 13 miles (22 kilometers) above the rough surrounding terrain. 'The geologic mapping campaign at Vesta took about two-and-a-half years to complete, and the resulting maps enabled us to recognize a geologic timescale of Vesta for comparison to other planets,' said David A. Williams of Arizona State University, who led the study. The mapping was carried out using images from NASA's Dawn spacecraft, which orbited Vesta between June 2011 and September 2012. The images let scientists create high-resolution geological maps, revealing the variety of Vesta's surface features in unprecedented detail. 'The geologic mapping campaign at Vesta took about two and a half years to complete,' says Williams. 'The resulting maps enabled us to construct a geologic time scale of Vesta for comparison to other planets and moons.' The geologic map and timescale appear in a paper by Williams and others in the December 2014 issue of the journal Icarus. Scientists discovered through these maps that impacts from several large meteorites have shaped Vesta's history. Asteroids like Vesta are remnants of the formation of the solar system, giving scientists a peek at its history. Asteroids could also harbor molecules that are the building blocks of life and reveal clues about the origins of life on Earth. Vesta's geologic timescale is determined by the sequence of large impact events, primarily by the Veneneia and Rheasilvia impacts in Vesta's early history and the Marcia impact in its late history. The oldest crust on Vesta pre-dates the Veneneia impact. A previous mission created these images of the Northern (left) and southern (right) hemispheres. The 'Snowman' craters are at the top of the left image; Rheasilvia and Veneneia (green and blue) dominate the right. Parallel troughs are seen in both. The relative timescale is supplemented by model-based absolute ages from two different approaches that apply crater statistics to date the surface. 'This mapping was crucial for getting a better understanding of Vesta's geological history, as well as providing context for the compositional information that we received from other instruments on the spacecraft: the visible and infrared (VIR) mapping spectrometer and the gamma-ray and neutron detector (GRaND),' said Carol Raymond, Dawn's deputy principal investigator at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The Dawn spacecraft is currently on its way to Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt. Dawn will arrive at Ceres in March 2015. The mappers found that Vesta's geologic time scale has been shaped by a sequence of large impact events. The biggest of these were the impacts that blasted the large Veneneia and Rheasilvia craters early in Vesta's history, and the Marcia crater late in its history. The towering mountain at the south pole — more than twice the height of Mount Everest — is visible at the bottom of the image. The set of three craters known as the 'snowman' can be seen at the top left. In mapping an extraterrestrial object, scientists begin by studying its surface features to develop a relative chronology of events. They look to see which feature interrupts or disturbs other features, thereby placing them in a relative time sequence. Then, crater by crater, fracture by fracture, scientists build up a chronology of events. 'Figuring out an actual date in years is a step-by-step-by-step process,' explains Williams. 'We work with rock samples from the moon, mostly from Apollo missions decades ago. 'These give actual dates for large lunar impacts.' The tricky part, he says, lies in creating a model that links the lunar impact time scale to the rest of the solar system. In the case of Vesta, scientists have developed two different models to estimate surface ages. One is based on the lunar impact rate, the other on the frequency of asteroid impacts. Thus scientists can use two approaches with crater statistics to date Vesta's surface, but these yield two different age ranges. Applying the models to Vesta, Williams' team concluded that the oldest surviving crust on Vesta predates the Veneneia impact, which has an age of 2.1 billion years (asteroid system) or 3.7 billion years (lunar system). The Rheasilvia impact likely has an age of around 1 billion years (asteroids) or 3.5 billion years (lunar). 'Vesta's last big event, the Marcia impact, has an age that's still uncertain,' says Williams. 'But our current best estimates suggest an age between roughly 120 and 390 million years.' The difference, he explains, comes from which cratering model is used. | Images from Nasa's Dawn Mission have been used to create a series of high-resolution geological maps . Show the towering 22km mountain at the south pole — more than twice the height of Mount Everest . Asteroids could harbor molecules that reveal clues about the origins of life on Earth . | 5deb8323a738815c4bb41cc1a2e619a7be753c00 |
A man who was feared dead after the truck he was driving exploded and tore apart a section of highway joked about having a headache when his rescuers arrived. The B-double truck, carrying more than 50 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, exploded on the Mitchell Highway in central Queensland last Friday night. The driver had crawled from the truck's cabin and was lying on the road wrapped in a torn blanket when a police officer responding to the explosion found him. Constable Kenric Head said he feared the man was dead until 'he blinked'. 'We tried to talk to him about the footy but he didn't follow the footy. But he did sort of joke with us, saying "I have got a f***ing headache",' he told the Courier Mail. Scroll down for video . A B-double truck, carrying more than 50 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, exploded on the Mitchell Highway in central Queensland last Friday night . The fire truck, which was called to the scene after reports a truck had driven off a bridge and into a creek, was destroyed when the B-double suddenly exploded . Four firefighters and a police officer were also injured after the truck exploded as they were responding to reports it had rolled over after driving off the bridge. The blast was so powerful it obliterated a fire truck and destroyed a bridge, hurling one 250kg chunk of reinforced concrete into the air causing it to land 350 metres away. Police who were on their way to the crash site were hit with sonic waves that felt like a 'kick to the chest' from more than a kilometre away. Geoscience Australia registered a 2.0 magnitude earthquake at 10.12pm initially thought to be due to the ferocity of the explosion. Charleville Police Station senior sergeant Adrian Rieck told Queensland Country Life it was a catastrophic explosion. 'It literally destroyed the road,' he said. 'We literally had 53 tonnes of ammonium nitrate go off – it was like having a 53 tonne bomb explode and those people who went into assist without fear for their lives should be commended.' The driver had crawled from the truck's cabin and was lying on the load wrapped in a torn blanket when a police officer responding to the explosion found him . The blast was so powerful it hurled a 250kg chunk of reinforced concrete into the air causing it to land 350 metres away . Part of the road was comletely destroyed in the inferno . A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokesman said two of the four injured firefighters were still recovering in hospital after the incident. The police officer, the two other firefighters and two men who witnessed the crash all received minor injuries and were taken to Charleville Hospital for treatment. The truck driver was airlifted to Brisbane hospital suffering serious but not life-threatening injuries. | B-double truck carrying 50 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded in central Queensland on Friday night . Truck driver had crawled from cabin and was lying on road in torn blanket when a police officer found him . Four firefighters and a police officer were also injured in the explosion . Crews were at the scene after the truck had rolled and driven off a bridge . Blast was so strong police a kilometre away were hit with sonic waves . | 614f3ee9c233aa61cf0135ada62011134abcf6a8 |
The loudspeaker at a nearby mosque warned Ifat Najeeb what was coming. Najeeb, 60, woke to warnings that a flood was imminent in the Gogjibagh region of Srinagar, Kashmir, where she and her husband live. Residents were advised to leave and move to safer areas. "I woke up suddenly and felt something was wrong," Najeeb told CNN. "Soon there was a thud and our main gate had been flung open by gushing waters which were rising alarmingly." Moments later, water was pouring into Najeeb's home. "Within no time our first floor was inundated. We rushed upstairs to the third floor as we watched dreadfully the waters covered the second floor in no time as well," Najeeb said. Najeeb and her husband were rescued by authorities, eventually relocating to an unaffected area in uptown Srinagar. They consider themselves lucky. "Mercifully, the waters did not rise beyond the second floor, otherwise I and my husband would not be alive to tell the story," she said. Recent flooding brought by heavy monsoon rains has wrought death and destruction in India and Pakistan since the rains began on September 2. Floods aren't uncommon in Kashmir, but these have been particularly severe in terms of damage and loss of life. Nearly 500 have lost their lives in both countries, officials tell CNN. At least 280 people have been killed in Pakistan and more than 500 others injured, the government there said. And at least 200 people have died in flooding in Indian-administered Kashmir, Indian Home Ministry spokesman Kuldeep Dhatwalia told CNN. Some volunteers in that country fear the toll could be much higher. "Our teams on the ground in Srinagar have seen a number of bodies floating. The casualty is believed to be much more than what his being officially reported," said Syed Zafar Mahmood, president of the nonprofit Zakat Foundation of India group. "A number of villages have been washed away." By Saturday, military and other emergency crews were able to rescue more than 276,000 people from parts of the flood-ravaged region under Indian control, according to officials. Home to 12 million people, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is India's 19th most populous province. South Asian monsoon's trail of destruction . Public anger . Indian officials said rescue efforts continued on a massive scale, but refused to confirm reports that hundreds of thousands of people still remained stranded a week after floods wreaked havoc in the Himalayan valley. Public anger has grown over the government response to the disaster in the restive mountain state, beset with decades-old militancy and a center of conflict between archrivals India and Pakistan. TV footage showed frustrated residents shouting slogans and heckling at least one senior Kashmiri politician, who visited a relief camp in Srinagar in the aftermath of the catastrophe. There have also been reports of sporadic attacks against rescuers. Many people are accusing the local government of a failure to deal with the disaster. "There was a complete breakdown of communication," said Sheikh Manzoor Ahmed, a New Delhi-based Kashmiri man whose ancestral house collapsed in Srinagar. "Hospitals got flooded. There was no one to coordinate locally with rescue teams arriving from other parts of the country. How can they be expected to know the topography of the valley?" Pakistani military delivers aid . In Pakistan, the flooding has affected more than 2 million people, the government said. The military has blown up dykes in the central part of the country to prevent overflowing rivers from swamping cities, according to the government. Meanwhile, the military is evacuating residents and dropping food by air in the districts of Multan, Muzaffargarh and Jhang, the Pakistani military said. Civilian and military officials have been using helicopters and boats to evacuate marooned people since September 3, the military said. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited flood-affected residents in Athara Hazari in Jhang district Saturday, according to his office. Sharif said the federal and provincial governments were working together to help the flood victims, adding that "this is not a favor, but the responsibility of the government to extend a helping hand to the calamity-hit people." | Pakistan's government says at least 280 citizens are dead and more than 500 injured . At least 200 people have died in India, its government says; some fear a higher toll . Public anger over the flood response is growing in India's state of Jammu and Kashmir . Pakistan's military has evacuated residents from flood-hit areas, dropped food by air . | 7044094f9e3910968d1462f8155cd66f2633c543 |
By . Press Association Reporter . Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback has pulled out of the England squad and will miss Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland through injury, manager Roy Hodgson has announced. Colback was unable to feature in Wednesday's 1-0 over Norway after receiving a kick on the calf in training on the eve of the game and the uncapped midfielder has now been sent back to Newcastle for treatment. As a result he will not be able to take part in Monday's game in Basle. Injured: England midfielder Jack Colback has been sent back to Newcastle after injuring his calf . New boy: Colback moved to Newcastle from rivals Sunderland on a free transfer at the beginning of June . 'Jack Colback has had to leave us,' the England manager said. 'He took a very nasty kick on the back of the calf. 'We were hoping he would train with us, but he can't do that, so it's better to send him back to Newcastle.' | The Newcastle midfielder missed England's 1-0 win against Norway . Jack Colback will also sit out the Three Lions' match in Switzerland . Roy Hodgson confirmed Colback has been sent back to Newcastle . | 2483cb55df23a6736ca4198527efca70f4968c5c |
(CNN) -- Former South African President Nelson Mandela has completed his recovery from a lung infection and gallstone surgery and is gradually getting back to his normal routine, a spokesman said Sunday. Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said Mandela, who has not appeared in public since 2010, continues to receive treatment at his home in Houghton, a suburb of Johannesburg. Mandela was hospitalized for a lung infection in early December and a week later underwent surgery for removal of gallstones. He was discharged from the hospital after a two-week stay . Keep Nelson Mandela in thoughts and prayers, Zuma says . During the time of apartheid in South Africa, Mandela was convicted of sabotage and was imprisoned for 27 years until 1990. He and former President F.W. de Klerk, who dismantled apartheid, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. A year later, Mandela became the nation's first black president. In November, South Africa issued banknotes bearing Mandela's picture. Despite his rare public appearances in recent years, Mandela retains his popularity and is considered a hero of democracy in the nation. Mandela's impact has extended far beyond the borders of his own country. After he left office in 1999, he was involved in mediating conflicts from Africa to the Mideast. Mandela, 94, also was treated for an acute respiratory infection in January 2011. The next month he had surgery for an abdominal hernia. Nelson Mandela timeline . | Mandela, 94, was in the hospital for two weeks in December . Spokesman says Mandela is gradually returning to his normal life . Mandela hasn't appeared in public since 2010 . | 11fd6d34d787a8a69dcd7780a739773cfea1eeca |
(CNN) -- The Washington Monument towers above the National Mall in Washington, directly between the U.S. Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. But Apple seems to think it lies several hundred yards to the south, near the Potomac River. The mistake appears to be one of many in Apple's new mobile maps, which replaced Google Maps as the default map application in iOS 6, the new operating system for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches. Apple has faced a chorus of complaints since iOS 6 was made available for download Wednesday, and the griping will likely grow louder as people get their hands Friday on new iPhone 5s. 5 big changes in iOS 6 . "What Apple has done with #iOS6 maps is like planning a mission to outer space and NOT TALKING TO NASA," tweeted tech-loving comedian Baratunde Thurston, a former digital director for The Onion. Apple announced earlier this year it was replacing its mobile map software from Google with a new Apple-designed system. All iPhone and iPad users are now forced to use the new map system when they update their software or buy the iPhone 5, which will come pre-loaded with the maps. But within minutes of the new software launch on Wednesday, iPhone users began to point out that a number of landmarks had been misplaced on Apple maps, incorrectly named and lost entirely. Screenshots posted online appear to show a museum located underneath a river, while the map service seems to deny the existence of the English town Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born. Other users say a search for London directed them to London, Ontario, in Canada, instead of the British capital. Many customers say they are upset that Apple has removed mentions of public transportation routes or stations from its new map service, a popular feature on the Google system which allowed users to see bus and train schedules at individual stations. Ireland's Minister for Justice expressed concern that the new Apple maps identify a working farm in a residential area of suburban Dublin as an airport, a potential hazard for pilots. The Apple's maps have already inspired a Tumblr feed, the ironically named "The Amazing iOS 6 Maps," filled with examples of mangled mapping. And some Twitter users pointed out the irony in that the new map system was unable to pinpoint an Apple store in Sydney, Australia, which it placed on the wrong side of the road. Tech blogger and entrepreneur Anil Dash was especially critical of the new maps, which he called "pretty but dumb," and of Apple for releasing what he said was a flawed product. "Apple made this maps change despite its shortcomings because they put their own priorities for corporate strategy ahead of user experience," he wrote. "That's a huge change for Apple in the post-iPod era, where they've built so much of their value by doing the hard work as a company so that things could be easy for users." iPhone 5: The wait is over . Apple is preaching patience. Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller told CNN, "Customers around the world are upgrading to iOS 6 with over 200 new features including Apple Maps, our first map service. We are excited to offer this service with innovative new features like Flyover and Siri integration, and free turn by turn navigation. We launched this new map service knowing that it is a major initiative and we are just getting started with it. We are continuously improving it, and as Maps is a cloud-based solution, the more people use it, the better it will get. We're also working with developers to integrate some of the amazing transit apps in the App Store into iOS Maps. We appreciate all of the customer feedback and are working hard to make the customer experience even better." Some tech bloggers on Thursday were advising owners of older iPhones not to upgrade to iOS 6 because of the maps. Meanwhile, Dutch satellite navigation company TomTom, which provided the data for the new map system, told CNN it is not responsible for the way the maps work. The poor reception for Apple's maps don't appear to have dented the popularity of the iPhone 5, however. Apple announced on Monday that pre-orders of the phone topped 2 million in just 24 hours and that its initial supply batch for the phone sold out in just an hour. iReport One-day mobile photo challenge . | Users complain about Apple's new maps feature for iPhones and iPads . Users say landmarks have been misplaced, incorrectly named and even lost . Apple's new maps replaced Google Maps as the default map application in iOS 6 . | d2b901e54ca6ccf48282e99b67c077a6701915ac |
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant,64, is the MP for the strait-laced Staffordshire cathedral city of Lichfield . There are colourful MPs. And there’s Michael Fabricant. His Commons office, preposterously modelled on the White House Oval Office, is a riot of red, white and blue giant Union Flags, Stars And Stripes banners. There is a ukulele on his desk. His hair is an ‘enhanced’ yellow, straw like thatch. He is wearing pink and blue socks. Even they pale into insignificance when he opens his mouth. He no sooner has a Technicolor thought than he blurts it out, or tweets it. It got him sacked as Tory vice chairman earlier this year when, bizarrely, he tweeted about having sex with a llama and disowned a Conservative Minister in an expenses scandal and the HS2 rail link. Simultaneously. Fabricant’s latest battle is with John Bercow who tried to ban him from a gay rights reception at the Speaker’s official residence a few weeks ago – only to be shamed into backing down by a Fab tweet. Fabricant saw it as a lame attempt by Bercow to repay him for exposing how the Speaker told a senior Commons official to ‘f*** off’. ‘One minute it was “you appalling little s***, don’t ever darken our door”, next it was “what we meant is, of course you’re welcome”.’ So perhaps I should not be surprised to be sitting in his Commons office as the exotic MP for the strait-laced Staffordshire cathedral city of Lichfield: . Openly discusses intimate details of his sex life and his relationship with soulmate Andy Street, boss of John Lewis. Reveals how ‘xenophobic and homophobic’ fellow Tory MPs made him want to vote for Tony Blair. Jokes about his ‘bromance’ with Michael Gove and the ‘Heinrich Himmler’ antics of Tory chairman Grant Shapps. Fabricant had cause to be annoyed by Bercow’s attempt to exclude him from the reception for Pink News. The gay rights website wanted to thank Fabricant for calling for curbs on gay blood donors to be scrapped. The MP puts it as only he can: ‘If you are a straight guy screwing three girls a night and never use a condom, you can give blood. But if you are a gay bloke in a monogamous relationship having safe sex, unless you sign an affidavit that you have been celibate for 12 months, you can’t. ‘I mean, come on!’ he guffaws. ‘Most gay people I know can barely be celibate for 12 hours.’ It is not always easy to tell Fabricant’s campaigns and quips apart. But there is no mistaking his loathing of Bercow – ‘petty and volatile, needs an anger management course’. Beneath his flamboyance and Twitterings, being the Jewish son of a Second World War intelligence officer who became a rabbi after learning of the Holocaust left its mark. Hear him scoff at the way he was fired by Shapps earlier this year: ‘He was only obeying orders, as Himmler would have said.’ Hitler’s henchman Heinrich Himmler ran the death camps that traumatised Fabricant’s father – though the jibe is clumsy, to say the least, bearing in mind Shapps is also from a Jewish family. Fabricant clammed up when asked about his hair, other than to admit that it was 'enhanced' On a slightly lesser scale, on entering politics in 1992 after making a pile selling equipment to foreign radio stations, Fabricant junior was shocked by the ‘xenophobic, misogynistic and homophobic’ Tory benches. Imitating a pukkah colonel’s voice, he recalls in disgust a debate on ending the ban on gays in the Armed Forces in which a fellow Conservative MP warned: ’We’ll have soldiers in pink feather boas proposing to each other.’ ‘If I hadn’t been a Tory MP in the 1997 Election, I would probably have voted for Tony Blair,’ he says. New Labour tried to tempt Fabricant to defect but he refused, saying, to derision from most, that he would wait until a ‘New Tory’ party came round to his ‘liberal’ views on gays, ethnic minorities and women’s rights. Eventually it did. Many at Westminster deride him as more twit than Twitter. But there was nothing silly about being among the first Tories to warn David Cameron of the ‘foolishness’ of dismissing Ukip as ‘fruitcakes, closet racists andloonies’. Or about his recent behind-the-scenes intervention to stop young Commons interns being preyed on. Fabricant, a preternaturally boyish 64, has never married, and shares a remote £300,000 Snowdonia holiday home with his very close friend of nearly 25 years, Andy Street, chief executive of John Lewis. Fabricant met Street, 13 years his junior, when Street heckled him during a speech at Oxford University. A mutual love of walking turned into a different type of John Lewis partnership – though Fabricant has been criticised for using his position as an MP to defend Street’s Middle England shopping empire. He loyally leapt to his defence on Twitter last month when the Street was forced to apologise for calling France ‘sclerotic, downbeat and hopeless.’ Fabricant (left) described John Lewis boss, Andy Street (left), who he shared a holiday home with, as a close friend . Are they an item? ‘No,’ laughs Fabricant. ‘Frankly, if we lived together we would murder each other!’ He reflects sincerely: ‘I have gone past the stage of wanting girlfriends and all the rest of it. I guess he’s someone I can rely on in life and he can rely on me.’ Before meeting Street, Fabricant had relationships with women, including an American girl who came back to the UK with him after he met her studying in California. But he has no regrets at not marrying. ‘I have always run away from responsibilities like babies and things. It’s rather selfish actually. In my 30s I was abroad a lot – and I enjoy the company of blokes. I’m not exclusively gay [though] I have certainly done things with a bloke.’ The unconventional and almost alarmingly candid Mr Fabricant states he has only had full sexual intercourse with women, not men, though the explicit terms he uses to describe it would make readers of Pink News blush, never mind The Mail on Sunday’s. He and Mr Street are content to have a relationship that does not involve such intimacy, he says. Fabricant, pictured in the House of Commons, revealed that he is having a 'bromance' with Michael Gove . ‘We can be friends without having him do things to my ****** or me to his, for God’s sake!’ he roars with metrosexual abandon. However, he is keen to point out he does have an active sex life. ‘I get it in one form or another quite regularly, I can tell you,’ he chuckles. ‘All my bits and pieces work… They haven’t fallen off through lack of use.’ But not with Mr Street. ‘I give Andy a hug occasionally and he stands there rigid with embarrassment,’ he laughs. Most people are not exclusively gay or straight, elaborates Mr Fabricant, but are ‘on a form of the [bisexual] spectrum, though whether they do anything about it is another matter.’ Unsurprisingly, his Cabinet favourites include fellow Tory free spirit and moderniser Michael Gove. ‘I’m having a bromance with Michael,’ he grins. Less predictably, another is close friend and bluff Derbyshire ex-miner Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, the least likely Tory Cabinet Minister to read Pink News. There is only one subject that makes Mr Fabricant clam up – his ludicrous barnet. More like flax than real hair, and a lurid yellow from a child’s paint box, MPs swear it is a wig. A telltale 2in gap appears between the stiff tufts on his collar and the nape of his neck when he leans forward. ‘It’s not as simple as that,’ he replies coyly. All he will say is that it is ‘enhanced’. Implants? Wig? Dyed? Bald silence. It is one area where he is not coming out. For all the Notting Hill modernity of today’s Conservatives, some traditionalists will share the view of Tory grandee Sir Anthony Royle, who interviewed young tyro Fabricant in the late 1970s. ‘You’d make a marvellous MP,’ he declaimed, somewhat to Fabricant’s surprise. ‘Have you tried the Liberal Party?’ Fabricant was sacked as Tory vice chairman earlier this year . | Michael Fabricant, 64, is the Tory MP for Lichfield, Staffordshire . He entered politics in 1992 after a career selling radio equipment . The former Tory vice chairman reveals intimate details of his sex life . Discusses his relationship with John Lewis boss Andy Street . Jokes about his 'bromance' with Tory free spirit Michael Gove . Says ‘Xenophobic and homophobic’ Tories made him want to vote for Blair . But clams up when asked about his straw like 'enhanced' yellow barnet . | aa164bae938a927cc325fe02eda8a0b2969236c3 |
Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool fans have promised him another famed European night at Anfield this evening. The Liverpool manager savoured the club's return to Champions League football after a five year absence with a 2-1 win against Ludogorets Razgrad last month. Yet tonight, when Liverpool take on European champions Real Madrid, Kopites have told Rodgers they will ramp up the atmosphere once again in the hope of inspiring his underdogs. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Liverpool host Real in European epic . Liverpool fans have a history of producing a brilliant atmosphere at Anfield on Champions League nights . Anfield welcomed back Europe's premier club competition with a clash against Ludogorets . 'The fans will be massive against Madrid,' Rodgers told the club's official website. 'I remember talking to a couple of fans a few weeks back and haven't forgotten what they said. They told me: ''Just wait until you see the Real Madrid game''. 'So I've bore that in mind ever since and I know it's going to be a special night for them. It's a reward for them for their loyalty and the patience that they've shown with the team over the last number of years.' Despite a 3-2 win at QPR on Sunday, Liverpool have been holding inquests about their form and fortunate nature of their victory but the Liverpool boss remains upbeat. 'Sometimes it's just about taking a step back. Last night I had a think about where we were when I came in and then realised that in a couple of nights' time we would be playing in the Champions League against Real Madrid. We're joint-fourth in the league and we haven't been near our form yet. There's lots to be positive about.' Brendan Rodgers is primed for another stunning atmosphere as Liverpool welcome Real Madrid to Anfield . Liverpool's opponents trained at a weather-beaten Anfield on Tuesday night, shortly after Rodgers' players were put through their paces. 'You have to be mindful that they are arguably the best attack in world football at the moment, so you can't go gung-ho, that's for sure,' said Rodgers. 'On the counter-attack they are absolutely clinical. We've seen that over the course of the last year or so. But the confidence that a victory over a team such as Real Madrid can give you would be great. For us it's important because of the points - we want to qualify from the group stages.' Rodgers hopes to have Lucas Leiva available for selection but confirmed that Mamadou Sakho will play no part in the fixture. 'We've obviously a couple of niggles from the game at the weekend but we'll see how that is,' said Rodgers. 'Lucas Leiva was out for the weekend, so we're hoping he'll be available for [Madrid]. Mamadou Sakho is still out, so he won't be available. Steven Gerrard trains in the rain before he leads out his side against the current holders . Cristiano Ronaldo (right) swapped the sun in Madrid for the typical British weather in Liverpool on Tuesday . VIDEO Liverpool host Real in European epic . | Liverpool host Real Madrid in the pick of the Champions League ties . Anfield will host its second match in this year's competition . Brendan Rodgers has been promised another famed atmosphere . Liverpool beat Ludogorets in their first home match . | 56046e9c34654ccb05bef7f8039f6719405a9ca5 |
Tokyo (CNN) -- A tsunami that followed a massive earthquake last month may have destroyed some of Japan's structures, but police say the honest practice of turning in lost items, especially cash, remains intact. Residents have turned in lost cash across the tsunami zone at a much higher rate than usual, the Miyagi Prefectural Police Department tells CNN. A police spokesman, who asked not to be identified, citing department policy, said he could not specify how much cash has been turned in to lost-and-found offices at police stations. But, he said, of the 24 police stations across Miyagi Prefecture, nine of them are on the Pacific coastline. Japan's cultural mores remain strong . Between March 12, the day following the earthquake and tsunami, and March 31, those nine police stations collected 10 times the amount of lost cash collected at the other 15 stations combined. Japanese children, from a young age, are taught to turn in any lost items, including cash, to police stations. The cultural practice of returning lost items and never keeping what belongs to a stranger has meant police departments like Tokyo's Metropolitan have an entire warehouse filled with lost shoes, umbrellas and wallets. Golfer donates winnings to Japan . In the tsunami zone, where personal items lie amid miles of rubble, it's meant that lost valuables have often gone directly to police, rather than the pocket of the finder. The lost cash hasn't been easy to handle, the Miyagi Prefectural Police Department says. Money found along with some identification is being returned, but officers have been able to return only 10% of the cash. Cash that wasn't in a wallet is left unclaimed at the police station. After three months, the person who turned in the cash is able to collect that lost money. But police say people are already waiving their rights to claim the cash when they turn it in. Flying drone peers into nuclear reactors . Unclaimed cash will eventually be sent to the Miyagi Prefectural Government, though police say they do not know how it will be used. Also found: Hundreds of safes that can't be opened. If the prefectural government allocates funding for opening the safes, police will start doing so. Prefectural police believe that these safes could contain not only currency, but bank books, stocks and land deeds, which could give a huge boost to the amount of lost money. | Japanese children are taught to return lost items to police . After three months, the finder can take the cash . People are waiving their rights to the money when they turn it in . | fafda01f139344b6e8ae2584c9c3a4deab19d6c2 |
By . John Stevens . and Jack Doyle . Back at home, his colleagues were campaigning furiously in the final hours before their party’s crucial by-election. Ukip leader Nigel Farage, meanwhile, seemed more interested in a different kind of party as he enjoyed a boozy night in the Mediterranean. But the 50-year-old was less than happy when pictures emerged of him returning to his hotel hand in hand with a blonde woman just before 4am. Yesterday, as he returned from the trip, Mr Farage angrily dismissed allegations of inappropriate behaviour as ‘fluff and nonsense’, saying: ‘I didn’t go to bed with her.’ Dinner guests: Nigel Farage says he is the victim of 'abhorrent mischief making' after he was photographed with Ande Soteri at 3.42am after a gala dinner in Malta . Helping hand: The MEP says his companion is disabled and says he was supporting her as she walked into the Hilton in Valletta . Married Mr Farage had jetted off to Malta to speak at a travel conference, despite it being the last days of campaigning in the crucial Newark by-election where Ukip had hoped to win its first seat in Westminster. While party activists were busy campaigning in the Nottinghamshire constituency, Mr Farage was more than 1,500 miles away at a gala dinner the night before his speech. After the meal, Mr Farage and the travel industry delegates went out drinking, before ending the night in a penthouse bar in the island’s tallest building. Fiona Jeffery, a former travel boss, took to Twitter to share a picture of the Ukip leader looking worse for wear and surrounded by a group of blonde women, adding the caption: ‘Nigel Farage gets up close to travel industry.’ Mr Farage was then photographed returning to his five-star hotel at 3:42am, holding hands with tourism boss Ande Soteri. Last night Mr Farage insisted that he had just been helping the 49-year-old, who was walking with the aid of a crutch, to make her way back to the hotel from the bar. 'Mischief-making': Nigel Farage, pictured today, . has called claims he had a late night liaison in Malta 'disgusting' after he was seen entering a hotel with Ande Soteri, right, holding . hands . Upset: Mr Farage looked tired and under strain as he removed a black suitcase from the boot of his car after saying any suggestion that he did anything improper is 'so ridiculous' He said: ‘The next time I see a disabled . person I am just ignoring them. She is a seriously disabled woman on a . crutch and I actually helped her by carrying her bag. ‘The allegations are just fluff and nonsense. She is a disabled woman who I helped back to the hotel.’ Asked if he had met her before, he said: ‘I haven’t even got her phone number.’ A . Ukip press officer added: ‘This is utterly, utterly ludicrous. This . woman walks with a stick and he was helping her to the front door of a . hotel. It is disgusting mischief-making [to suggest otherwise].’ As Mr Farage gave his speech at the conference on Wednesday, just hours after his pre-dawn partying came to an end, he joked to delegates that he had been up for most of the night drinking. He also appeared in a spoof party election broadcast shown at the conference for the ‘No-kip’ party, in which he said: ‘I’ve always thought sleep to be a terrible, shocking, awful waste of time. Evenings? What are they for? They’re for the excessive consumption of alcohol.' Night out: Mr Farage had been at a gala dinner in Malta and says he was simply supporting the disabled woman home . Claims: Former Ukip MEP Nikki Sinclaire, left, accused Mr . Farage in the European Parliament of paying both his wife and 'former . mistress' Annabelle Fuller using taxpayers' money. Mr Farage denies . having an affair . Miss Soteri, who is commercial . director for the conference organiser, yesterday denied that anything . improper had happened with Mr Farage. She said: ‘Yes, I was with Mr Farage. We are staying at the same hotel – there was no impropriety between us.’ MEP Godfrey Bloom, Mr Farage's Brussels flatmate, has claimed the Ukip leader's weakness is women . Mr Farage flew back to the UK and . returned for half an hour to his home in Kent, which he shares with his . German second wife Kirsten, before going on to Newark, where voters were . heading to the polls yesterday. Mrs Farage, 47, who married him in 1999 and now works as his secretary, refused to comment on the photographs. The political leader, who has four children from his two marriages, has been accused in the past of having extra-marital relations. In 2005, reports emerged of him having a seven-times-a-night tryst with a Latvian woman. He denied the claims but was allegedly presented with a can of 7UP by Ukip members. In March, former Ukip MEP Nikki Sinclaire challenged the Ukip leader in the European Parliament over accusations that he employs both his wife and alleged ‘former mistress’ Annabelle Fuller on his taxpayer-funded payroll. Both Mr Farage and Miss Fuller, a Ukip press aide, deny they had an affair, with Mr Farage dismissing the claims as ‘absolute nonsense’. There had been speculation that Mr Farage would stand as Ukip’s candidate in the Newark by-election, but since he ruled that out he has appeared to have distanced himself from the contest. However, while enjoying himself in Malta, he continued to post messages on Twitter encouraging party supporters to keep campaigning in the seat. The Ukip leader was surrounded by press today as he arrived in Newark for the election . The MEP sips his pint during a visit to the Queen's Head Pub in the Nottinghamshire town . Mr Farage grimaces while he sits with his drink this afternoon . | Pictures of Ukip leader with Ande Soteri entering Valletta hotel at 3.42am . Mr Farage says she is disabled and he was supporting her as she walked . Daily Mirror printed pictures under the headline: 'Did Ukip alone Nigel?' Ukip leader said: 'I've never heard anything so ridiculous in whole of my life' MEP arrived home from Malta today before heading to Newark by-election . | 110b3f61f490fc2ecb1e0d6e40fa73ad1ea9c696 |
By . David Richards . UPDATED: . 08:07 EST, 10 September 2011 . One minute it was there, the next it had gone. This 4ft-long snake was spotted under the bonnet of Errol Davis's BMW 318 when he opened it up to check the oil. Scared, like most of us, by the reptiles the father of four promptly handed the car to a garage in Harlow, Essex, and begged them to remove it. But it refused to come out and hid inside the chassis, engine and bodywork of the car for three weeks - even while it was being driven. The 4ft corn snake hid inside the chassis, engine and bodywork of the car for three weeks . Finally staff at MOTs R UZ forced the . Californian corn snake out of the car by spraying the vehicle with a . high-powered water hose. Mr Davis, a maintenance worker at . Mecca Bingo, said: 'I checked my oil and glanced to my right and saw . this bright orange thing and thought that doesn't belong in my engine. 'I realised it was a snake and screamed like a five-year-old girl, slammed down the bonnet and ran to the local garage. 'They rummaged around but couldn't find it and I said I'll need another car as I'm terrified of snakes. 'For the next three weeks every so . often they put the car on the ramp to look for it then when they valeted . it it must have woken it up. 'I just hate snakes. I don't think I will ever be able to open that bonnet on my own again.' Shaun Cope, 40, manager of MOTs R UZ, said he drove Mr Davis' car around Harlow hoping to wake the snake up. He said: 'It was hiding inside the chassis and we couldn't get it out. We knew it was in there but couldn't find it. 'When we jet washed the engine it . came back out. I don't mind snakes really, it was living there for three . weeks so it must have been nice and warm. 'I've seen some problems in engines before, but never had to deal with a snake.' Mr Cope and other mechanics used a tea towel to capture the snake and handed it over to the RSPCA on Thursday September 1. The cornsnake, believed to be an escaped pet, climbed into Mr Davis' car near his home in Harlow, Essex. | Californian corn snake first spotted under bonnet of car . | b61509dde89f9e326f8b280e66e3fb9e457e1ba4 |
By . Dominic King for the Daily Mail . Follow @@DominicKing_DM . Gareth Southgate has delivered a stark warning to England’s young hopefuls, saying they will have no international future unless they show total commitment to his project. The Under 21 head coach names his squad for the forthcoming Euro 2015 qualifiers against Lithuania and Moldova on Thursday but it is unlikely to contain Everton’s John Stones or Arsenal’s Calum Chambers. Both defenders are expected to be selected for senior duty. There will also be no place for Wilfried Zaha or Ravel Morrison. They were key players in Southgate’s early games in charge but have slipped out of contention, while others like Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey and Conor Wickham of Sunderland have never been selected. Warning: Gareth Southgate has told young England hopefuls they must show commitment to his project . Senior duty: Young defender Calum Chambers and John Stones are expected to be selected by England . Manchester United winger Zaha, who last week was caught speeding in his £188,000 Lamborghini Gallardo in Surrey, withdrew from the last squad Southgate selected to face Wales in May due to a minor injury, while West Ham midfielder Morrison has had his own fitness problems. But until the pair prove they are up to speed physically and ready to dedicate themselves, Southgate will stick with the group that has taken England to the brink of next summer’s tournament in the Czech Republic. ‘The door will always be open for lads to work their way back in,’ said Southgate. ‘But we want to be world champions and to get there it is going to take a certain mindset. We have a group of players who have that mindset. Penalty: Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha was caught speeding in his £188,000 Lamborghini Gallardo . ‘If players don’t match that mentality and people pull out of squads, others will come in. It will be hard to get back in. ‘We had some boys who over the course of last year did not necessarily buy into what we wanted to do. I am only prepared to work with players who are committed to being the best they can be. There has to be a commitment to the international programme and a recognition of the values. We are not running a community programme. This is an elite sporting environment. ‘Not everybody has wanted to be where Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole have been. That is why they have got 100 caps and won the Champions League; they have been prepared to commit to being the very best. They are world class for a reason.’ Gerrard believes Raheem Sterling has the potential to win 100 caps and Southgate feels the Liverpool winger has an outstanding chance of reaching that target because of his mentality. Sterling is still eligible for Under 21 duty but Southgate feels he has graduated to the seniors. ‘He is a boy who posts a picture of himself in the gym straight after coming back from the World Cup so that tells you what he is like and something about his mentality,’ said Southgate. ‘The way he has started with Liverpool tells you that he doesn’t think, “Oh that was good, I’ve made it”. ‘It looks like he has had a taste of it and he likes it and he wants to go again. He is a tough kid and he wants to be the best he can.’ Potential: Former England captain Steven Gerrard believes Raheem Sterling can win 100 caps for his country . | Gareth Southgate warns young England hopefuls they must show commitment to his project . England Under 21 boss will name squad for Euro 2015 qualifiers on Thursday . Defender Calum Chambers and John Stones unlikely to be called up as both are expected be selected for senior duty . | d56658a03d790c8365de624a21edd8d7541a5107 |
Cairo (CNN) -- For a second day, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy's home was not spared from the wrath of protesters who remain unconvinced of his defense of recent controversial decisions. Dozens of protesters threw rocks and glass bottles at the home in Sharkia province Friday and tried to push aside a police barrier, said Alaa Mahmoud, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. Two policemen and several protesters were injured, and four people were arrested. Protesters also made their message clear at the presidential palace in Cairo, where thousands broke through a barricade and sprayed graffiti on the palace walls. Guards at the palace did not engage the protesters. Crowds also gathered at Cairo's Tahrir Square but were largely calm, unlike the night before. In remarks Thursday night -- his latest since the bloodiest stretch in two weeks of political unrest -- Morsy refused to back off the controversial edict he issued or his nation's upcoming constitutional referendum, saying he respects peaceful opposition to his decisions but won't stand for violence. On Friday, Egyptian Vice President Mahmoud Mekki told CBC, a private Egyptian TV station, that Morsy would consider postponing the referendum, so long as there are no legal challenges to the postponement. The president has agreed to delay the vote for expatriates until Wednesday, said chief of staff Refaa El-Tahtawy. That vote was previously set for Saturday. During his Thursday speech, the president condemned those involved in the clashes -- referring specifically to those with weapons and who are backed by members of the "corrupt ... ex-regime." He promised they'd be held accountable. Opinion: Morsy miscalculating Egyptians' rage . "(They) will not escape punishment," the president said in a televised speech. Yet Morsy's threat not only failed to mollify many protesters on the streets, it further enraged them. Activists camped in the square chanted "Leave! Leave! Leave!" as the president talked. And minutes after the speech ended, the Muslim Brotherhood headquarters in Cairo was "ablaze," state TV reported, citing witnesses. The Islamist group said on its website and Twitter that the building had come under "a terrorist attack," with hundreds surrounding it. By early Friday, there was no sign of a fire or significant damage. The National Salvation Front, an umbrella group of opposition organizations, called for large-scale demonstrations against a government it says has "lost legitimacy," said the group, as reported by the semiofficial al-Ahram newspaper. Such a call for action -- and the sustained presence in Tahrir Square -- suggests activists are undaunted by threats from Morsy and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group tied to him. The group was banned under longtime President Hosni Mubarak but is now Egypt's dominant political force. On Twitter, the Brotherhood has said it will hold opposition figures "fully responsible for escalation of violence & inciting their supporters." iReport: Bloody clashes around Egyptian presidential palace . Adel Saeed, a spokesman for Egypt's newly appointed general prosecutor, said Friday morning that Hamdeen Sabahi, Mohamed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa are being investigated for allegedly "conspiring to topple" the government. All three are well-known internationally -- with ElBaradei being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Moussa a onetime head of the Arab League -- and are now being probed for their role in the opposition against Morsy, who defeated all three in this year's presidential election. ElBaradei said on Twitter: "I call upon all the national forces and figures not to participate in a dialogue that lacks all the basics of a truthful discourse. We support a dialogue that is not based on the policy of arm-twisting and forcing the status quo." During an interview with Al-Arabiya, an Arabic news network, ElBaradei called on Morsy to postpone the referendum vote and to "rescind the constitutional declaration." He added that "only then will the opposition engage in dialogue." Those taking part in the protests around the North African nation say the scenes are similar to those of the 2011 uprising that led to Mubarak's ouster. This time, they say, dissent is being vigorously stamped out by Morsy's backers in government and on the street. Specifically, they spoke of thugs with knives and rocks chasing activists, presidential backers belittling opponents and pressure from various quarters to go home and be quiet. "It's exactly the same battle," said Hasan Amin, a CNN iReporter. A November 22 edict by Morsy, in which he made his decisions immune to judicial oversight until a new constitution is voted upon, set off the latest wave of political unrest. And it's been growing -- and growing more violent -- in recent days. Opposition leaders have been clear in saying what would mollify them: Morsy must roll back his edict granting himself expanded presidential powers and must postpone a December 15 referendum on a proposed constitution, which they say doesn't adequately represent or protect all Egyptians. Morsy previously said the edict was necessary to defend the revolution, and his administration has insisted the proposed constitution was drafted legally. If people vote it down, the president said Thursday night that he'd form a new assembly to draft another constitution. Yet opposition activists haven't shown any indication that they trust Morsy on that or other counts. They accuse him of consolidating power for himself and the Muslim Brotherhood, in part by having an Islamist-dominated group push through the draft constitution. This internal strife has helped transform the area around the presidential palace in Cairo into a war zone. Streets littered with rubble and burned cars were defined by barbed-wire barricades, patrolling soldiers, parked tanks and armored personnel carriers. Read more: The factors driving Egypt's unrest . Beyond the popular unrest, Morsy's inner circle was shaken when Rafik Habib, the deputy head of the Freedom and Justice Party, resigned Thursday, party spokesman Ahmed Sobe said. Habib did not give a reason. His resignation brings to five the number of presidential advisers who have left in the past two days. It is the first, however, from the Freedom and Justice Party. Egyptian judges and media organizations also staged strikes to show their displeasure with the situation. And 11 organizations representing lawyers, journalists, writers, actors, musicians and tour guides said Morsy and the Muslim Brotherhood were behind the violence, al-Ahram reported. The group said it would call for Morsy's ouster if the administration failed to protect protesters and "fulfill the aspirations of the January 25 revolution," the newspaper said. Vice President Mekki asked critics Wednesday to submit their proposals for improving the constitution, and Morsy invited political opponents to a meeting Saturday at the presidential palace. If you're in Egypt, please send us your photos and videos and share your story, but stay safe . Reza Sayah and Ian Lee reported from Cairo; Greg Botelho reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Saad Abedine, Michael Pearson, Karen Smith, Amir Ahmed, and journalist Mohamed Fadel Fahmy also contributed to this report. | NEW: President Mohamed Morsy would reportedly consider postponing a referendum vote . Protesters break barricade at the presidential palace in Cairo . Dozens throw rocks and bottles at Morsy's home in Sharkia province . Morsy says those responsible for violence must be punished . | 16f3b02fecfdbf5a38384862fe5d770a0bc3e44f |
By . Adam Shergold . PUBLISHED: . 09:04 EST, 31 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:17 EST, 31 July 2012 . The Olympic dreams of British judoka Gemma Howell ended in tears and heartbreak today as she was controversially disqualified from her first round bout. There were boos from the partisan home crowd at the ExCeL Centre when Howell, 22, picked up a passivity penalty with two minutes remaining of her clash with reigning world and European champion Gevrise Emane of France. But things got worse when, with only 30 seconds to go, the fighters fell to the ground and video referees ruled that Howell had illegally grabbed her opponent's leg - meaning an automatic disqualification. Head in hands: Gemma Howell reacts with despair after her disqualification . Marching orders: An official breaks the bad news to Howell after video referees reviewed a tussle on the ground. They adjudged that Howell had grabbed the leg of her French opponent Gevrise Emane . Direct attacks to the legs have been outlawed under new rule changes introduced since the last Olympics. Howell, one of Sportsmail's Magnificent Seven whose progress this paper has tracked since 2005, had taken the fight to her opponent during the early stages at the start of her under-63kg category bout, roared on by the home crowd. But the judoka from Wolverhampton could have no complaints about the ruling. She said: 'I think it was the right decision. I was down a penalty towards the end of the fight and knew she was ahead on attacks, so I had nothing to lose. 'I felt it was a situation which a few years ago would have been fine, but it is not allowed any more. I went for it and I shouldn't have.' Howell and Emane grapple on the floor with 30 seconds remaining in their first round bout at the ExCeL Centre . Howell clearly has a hold of her opponent's foot as they try to score the winning points . Too late, Howell realises that she's committed a foul and is likely to be disqualified . Howell, who trains at the British Judo Performance Institute in Dartford, Kent, battled through injury in order to reach the Games and her bout with Emane represented a big step up in class. Nine months ago, she suffered anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which put her Olympics participation in severe doubt. She only resumed full training in March after surgery and months of rehabilitation, making the British team in June. She added: 'Maybe when I go home and look at it again I can be positive, but right now I am completely gutted. 'I didn't come here to fight hard, I came here to win it, so I didn't do what I wanted to. 'It's what makes being an Olympic champion in judo so special - that you do only get that one chance every four years. 'Rio will be the next big thing for me now, but I will just have to wait for that.' An official has the task of delivering the bad news to the home favourite after a referral to a video official . Despite facing the second seed, Howell had taken the fight to her opponent in the early stages, encouraged by a large and partisan crowd . Elsewhere, Euan Burton offered no . excuses after seeing his hopes of judo gold shattered with defeat to . Canadian Antoine Valois-Fortier in the men's under-81kg. Burton, . 33, had once been ranked as high as fourth in his weight division, but . last year struggled to make an impact at either the European or World . Championships. Valois-Fortier was not the expected . opposition for the Scotsman, after knocking out Elnur Mammadli of . Azerbaijan, the reigning European champion who won Olympic gold at . under-73kg in Beijing. However, . the Canadian again produced the goods, this time with an ippon throw to . end Burton's Olympic dream before it had the chance to get going. 'I . lost in the biggest tournament in the world, the biggest Britain is . ever going to see in my lifetime, I don't really know what else to say, . but that is judo, people can get caught,' said Burton, who was choking . back the tears afterwards. Howell bows out of the 2012 Olympics, but said she was already thinking about the next Games in Rio . Great Britain's Euan Burton (in blue) was defeated by Canada's Antonie Valois-Fortier in the men's 81kg category today . 'I have caught people quickly in the past, and people have caught me quickly before. The fight was pretty even up to that point, but I felt I was going to be able to dominate the fight. I did not feel any particular threat until then, but it was a beautiful bit of judo.' Burton felt he was in top condition to deliver. 'I felt fantastic, my preparation probably could not have gone any better, that is the most disappointing thing,' he said. 'If I had poor preparation, things had not gone well, then you can use all of the excuses, but there are no excuses. 'I came in feeling one million percent that I could win the tournament and that I was in the best shape of my life. 'If you are in the best shape of your life and you go out in the first round, then maybe that is telling you something.' Valois-Fortier (right), who had defeated the reigning European champion in the first round, won the bout by Ippon . Elsewhere on the fourth day of the Olympics in London, Britain picked up their fourth medal with silver in the equestrian three-day eventing. The British quintet, which includes the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips, finished second behind Germany. Tina Cook entered the final showjumping round knowing a run consisting of less than seven points would earn Team GB silver and she responded with just one time penalty to the delight of the home crowd. Their brave gold medal challenge ultimately came up short as European champions and Olympic title favourites Germany took gold, with New Zealand clinching bronze. David Florence crashed out of the canoe slalom after finishing below the cut-off qualification time for the final. The 29-year-old from Aberdeen is the world number one but his effort of 106.16 seconds, including a two second penalty, wasn't good enough. He has another chance of a medal when . he competes in the semi-final of the C2 - the two-man boat - on . Thursday with team-mate Richard Hounslow. Florence . said: 'I am very disappointed obviously that it didn't go well enough. I . have wanted to perform at this event for the last four years and not to . do so is very frustrating. 'But . it's part of the sport of canoe slalom - some days it doesn't go your . way. As far as I am aware, I didn't go fast enough anywhere on the whole . course. There wasn't one mistake that cost me time, it was the whole . way. 'All I was trying to do was put in a . great run the whole way and that is all I was really concentrating on. It's easy to say it was the pressure of the home crowd (that got to me) but this is a very up and down sport and today I wasn't good enough.' Highlights . later in the day include the women's team gymnastics final and the . women's football match at Wembley between GB and Brazil. Florence, the world number one, found it tough going in the C-1 canoe slalom heats and failed to qualify for the final . | British hope pulled up for grabbing her opponent's leg with 30 seconds of first round bout remaining . Howell, 22, had held her own against World and European champion Gevrise Emane of France . Rules had been changed since the last Olympics . Disappointment too for Euan Burton in the men's 81kg competition . | d531fb701e526b79c169d12cbb602e6170dc5a5b |
As Manchester United manager, he didn't always have much luck on the communication front. But David Moyes seems determined to show he has nailed the language barrier at his new place of employment - by reeling off the four most common words in Spanish. Faced with a room of Spanish journalists during a press conference, the new Real Sociedad coach temporarily ditched his mother tongue and attempted to count to four in the local language. In the toe-curling interview, he even appeared to follow in the notorious footsteps of Steve McLaren and Joey Barton by answering the question with an ever-so-slight Spanish accent. David Moyes attempted to show he had slotted into Spanish life during his Real Sociedad press conference by reeling off the four most common words in the Spanish language . The Sociedad boss said, 'they (B team) have been training with me uno, dos, tres, cuatro times' When asked about the B team's prospects, the 51-year-old Glaswegian told journalists that he had seen them train 'dos, tres, cuatro' times. But he couldn't quite keep up the charade, adding in English: 'But I have not seem them play.' The baffling interview comes after Moyes spent the first game of his new career in San Sebastian shouting 'Stefano' to his players - despite no-one in the squad bearing that name. A video of the press conference quickly spread online and the Scot was ridiculed for his bumbling efforts. Andy Jess wrote on Twitter: 'David Moyes trying to speak Spanish, it's like yer dad trying to order a meal on holiday... The waiter speaks better English than him.' Sergi Dominguez posted: 'Here's David Moyes attempting to speak Spanish. Couldn't have asked for a better laugh.' The baffling interview comes after Moyes spent his first game yelling out 'Stefano' to his players - despite no-one in the squad bearing that name . While Chris Schilling wrote: 'David Moyes' Spanish lessons are going well, I see.' And Max Sjoblom wrote: 'David moyes speaking Spanish reminds me of every hotel in Ibiza I've ever stayed in full of jocks'. The video prompted comparison with the excruciating Steve McLaren interview, which was carried out with Dutch media when he became a club boss there in 2008. In a television interview which became a huge hit on YouTube, McClaren appeared to emulate the great Dutch coaches Marco van Basten and Guus Hiddink by trying to sound like them. There was speculation that McClaren was deliberately speaking with a Dutch accent as a private joke but reports at the time suggested it was no prank - and that was how he spoke English over there. QPR midfielder Joey Barton was also ridiculed for his French accent at Marseille after a hilarious press conference in which he acknowledged that he sounded like a cast member of 'Allo 'Allo. In 2012, after making his debut for the club, Barton conducted his post-match press conference in English - but using a bizarre French accent . After the interview, Barton tweeted: 'Steve MaClaren (sic) eat your heart out...' He later added: 'In my defence, it is very difficult to do a press conference in Scouse for a room full of French journalists. 'The alternative is to speak like a 'Allo Allo!' character which is choose. Its simply a case of you had to be there. #youstupidwomen!' He even came up with a novel name for the language, and said: 'I am christening this new language Bartonese.' Moyes was appointed at Real Sociedad last month following his disastrous 10-month spell at Old Trafford. He is one of just a few British managers who have tried their luck abroad. The team drew Moyes's opening match, before winning 3-0 win against Elche in the second game. But he made an faux pas during his first game when the touchline camera revealed he was frantically shouting 'Stefano!' at one of his players - despite having 11 days to learn his players' names. As Moyes talked about Real Sociedad afterwards, it was also noticeable that he slipped between 'they' and 'we'. | David Moyes speaks in Spanish during Real Sociedad press conference . The former Manchester United boss counts to four to show his new skills . Comes after he mysteriously yelled 'Stefano!' at players during first match . Fellow boss Steve McClaren picked up a Dutch accent while in Holland . Joey Barton was also ridiculed for his French accent in Marseilles . | b4442b320049492f17d40d98924aa5f2314ea33a |
By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 14:03 EST, 2 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:24 EST, 3 September 2013 . A giant prehistoric amphibian once burrowed underground to become dormant when water was scarce, according to a new study. Metoposaurus diagnosticus weighed half a tonne and was 10 feet long, but its environment had only two seasons: wet and dry. The Metoposaurus needed water for its lifestyle, but researchers have discovered the extremely long dry season 230 million years ago drove the species to burrow underground and go dormant. Metoposaurus diagnosticus weighed half a tonne and was 10 feet long, but its environment had only two seasons: wet and dry. It needed water for its lifestyle, but researchers have discovered the extremely long dry season 230 million drove the species to burrow underground and go dormant . The burrowing behaviour of Metoposaurus was recently discovered by Dorota Konietzko-Meier, of the University of Opole in Poland and the University of Bonn in Germany, and Martin Sander, also of the University of Bonn. Their study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, examined both the overall structure of the skeleton of Metoposaurus as well as the microscopic structure of its bones. The broad, flat head, broad flat arm bones, wide hands, and large tail of Metaposaurus diagnosticus led the investigators to conclude that this species swam in lakes during the wet season. The broad, flat head (pictured), broad flat arm bones, wide hands, and large tail of Metaposaurus diagnosticus led the investigators to conclude that this species swam in lakes during the wet season . The Metoposaurus diagnosticus was thought to be a mostly aquatic animal. It had small limbs, sharp teeth and a large flat head. Its diet was mainly fish which it captured with its wide jaws lined. Metoposaurus could reach up to 3m (10 feet) long, weighed 454 kg and was one of the last large amphibians. Many Metoposaurus mass graves have been found. Researchers believe this was probably from creatures that grouped together in drying pools during drought. They also believe it used its broad, flat head and forearms to burrow under the ground when the dry season began. The conclusions were made following a study of cross-sections of Metoposaurus bones which have growth rings, called annuli. These annuli are similar to tree rings, where a band of light and a band of dark indicate one year of growth. In other early amphibians one annulus usually consists of a broad zone of rapid growth that indicates a wet season, followed by a thin band of slow growth, indicating a dry season. But in Metoposaurus, a period of prolonged slow growth was followed by a cessation of growth during the dry season. The study examined a cross-sections of Metoposaurus bones which have growth rings, called annuli. The above image shows annuli in femur samples of metoposaurus diagnosticus. A thick inner phase of fast growth is marked by zI and a broad phase of slow growth can be seen in the middle left image (a1) ‘The histology of Metoposaurus long bones seems to be unique,’ said lead author Doctor Konietzo-Meier. ‘In our interpretation it corresponds to the two-seasonal climate with a short, more favourable wet season and a long dry part of the year when life conditions were worse.’ Dr Michel Lauri, from the Musium National d'Histoire Naturelle who was not involved with this study said: ‘This interpretation is interesting, but problematic in some respects. ‘This animal was much larger than any extant burrowing species I know of, and if it dug, I suspect that the snout and tail played a far greater role than the limbs, as we observe in most extant aquatic vertebrates.’ Dr Michel Lauri, from the Musium National d'Histoire Naturelle said: 'This animal was much larger than any extant burrowing species I know of, and if it dug, I suspect that the snout (pictured) and tail played a far greater role than the limbs, as we observe in most extant aquatic vertebrates' The annuli also give an estimate of age. Co-author Dr Sander said: ‘A common problem with these large amphibians is that you can't tell from the shape of their bones if they are grown or not; sometimes the youngsters get described as a different species from the grown-ups.’ All of the specimens preserved at Krasiejsw in modern day Poland were juveniles. The smallest specimen was only one-year-old, while the largest specimen was four. Adulthood in these large amphibians was usually reached around year seven. The researchers do not know if this mode of life was unique to juveniles or if adults also burrowed. Dr Sander added: ‘It amazes me time and again how much we can learn from these extinct animals. ‘The techniques we used have been around since the 1840s, but only in the last 20 years have researchers asked the right questions and drawn comparisons with living animals.’ | Metoposaurus diagnosticus' burrowing behaviour was previously unknown . Researchers drew the conclusion after studying the amphibian's skeleton . They also analysed growth rings in the bones, known as annuli, which revealed a period of stunted growth during dry spells . | b72dfea3e67223b9ff68502532172aef327b775a |
(CNN) -- A New Hampshire teen who disappeared nine months ago is back home, the state attorney general's office said Monday. Neither the teen's family nor authorities offered any information about where she was during those months. The disappearance of 15-year-old Abigail Hernandez, who vanished on October 9 as she headed home from her high school in the town of Conway, according to the FBI, triggered nationwide media coverage and concerns by authorities then that she might have been abducted. At a news conference in December, New Hampshire Associate Attorney General Jane Young said the teen "is not out there alone. She has somebody who is either helping her, whether that be a friend or what we fear is a foe." At that news conference, authorities revealed that Abigail's mother had received a letter that appeared to be from her missing daughter. Although authorities did not reveal the contents of the letter, Young said "we believe in fact that it was written by Abby and was sent to her mother." Despite the concerns, her case was classified as a missing persons investigation during the months she was gone. Abigail was safely reunited with her family Sunday evening, according to a press release from the attorney general's office. Citing an ongoing investigation, authorities did not release any information about Abigail's disappearance. Her mother, Zenya Hernandez, told law enforcement officers that "today we are the happiest people on earth," according to the press release. Remains found in Mexico identified as those of missing American . Marine's wife disappears at national park . Police: Michigan boy's basement case to go to prosecutors . CNN's Leigh Remizowski and Julia Lull contributed to this report. | Fifteen-year-old Abigail Hernandez had been missing since October . After her disappearance, officials feared she might have been abducted . She was safely reunited with her family Sunday night . Neither the teen's family nor authorities gave details Monday about her disappearance . | fbced35522a3016fa031af891ac82e6f6f283560 |
The embattled Oregon Governor has said he will not resign over the fiancee scandal. Kitzhaber is under pressure to resign because of an influence-peddling scandal linked to his fiancee's work as a consultant. Cop cars and reporters continue to swarm outside his house following the rumors he would step down. Oregon State Police provides security for Kitzhaber, but sheriff's Sgt. Bob Ray says the agency requested extra help because of the large media presence after rumors he planned to step down - a rumor the governor said was false yesterday. Surrounded: State and local police patrol outside the home of Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber on Thursday . Cop cars and reporters continue to swarm outside his house following the rumors he would step down . Not stepping down: Yesterday the Oregon Governor told reporters he did not plan to resign from office . Scandal: Democrats urged Gov. John Kitzhaber to resign on Thursday amid a growing ethics scandal involving his fiancee Cylvia Hayes accused of using their relationship to land contracts for her business . Ray says troopers wanted to ensure they can freely come and go from the governor's home in southwest Portland. Four sheriff's vehicles are stationed in the area, but Ray says nobody expects any problems. Oregon's top Democrats urged Gov. John Kitzhaber to resign on Thursday, saying he cannot lead the state effectively amid a growing ethics scandal involving his fiancee, a green-energy consultant accused of using their relationship to land contracts for her business. Senate President Peter Courtney said he and House Speaker Tina Kotek asked Kitzhaber, a Democrat who recently started his fourth term, to step down. 'I finally said, 'This has got to stop,' Courtney told reporters after he and Kotek met with the governor. 'I don't know what else to do right now. It seems to be escalating. It seems to be getting worse and worse.' The state treasurer also joined in the call for Kitzhaber to relinquish his office. Strange meeting: Democratic Secretary of State Kate Brown (pictured) said she had a 'strange' and contradictory conversation with Kitzhaber about succeeding him as governor . Urging him to resign: Media gather around Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek as Oregon's top Democrats urged Governor John Kitzhaber to resign on Thursday . 'Unfortunately, the current situation has become untenable, and I cannot imagine any scenario by which things improve,' said Ted Wheeler, another Democrat. 'Oregon deserves a governor who is fully focused on the duties of state.' Their statements came hours after Democratic Secretary of State Kate Brown said she had a 'strange' and contradictory conversation with Kitzhaber about succeeding him as governor. Brown said the governor had asked her to fly back to Oregon from a conference in Washington, D.C., but when she arrived, he asked why she had returned. Scandals: Cylvia Hayes is accused of using her fiance's position to land clients for her business and she has confessed to marrying an immigrant in exchange for $5,000, and buying land for a pot farm . 'This is clearly a bizarre and unprecedented situation,' Brown said in a statement. She said Kitzhaber told her he's not resigning, but then began a discussion about a transition. Brown would automatically become governor if Kitzhaber steps aside. The governor supposedly told some of his aides he was resigning and summoned Brown from Washington, then changed his mind while she was traveling, according to three people with direct knowledge of the situation. They spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about private discussions. Questions about the governor's fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, have swirled for months, but the pressure on Kitzhaber intensified in recent weeks after newspapers raised questions about whether Hayes reported all her income to on her tax returns. Neither the governor nor Hayes, has been charged with any wrongdoing. But earlier this month, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said she was launching a criminal investigation. The governor issued a vague statement Wednesday explaining he was not resigning. 'I was elected to do a job for the people of this great state, and I intend to continue to do so,' Kitzhaber said. The allegations all arise from his fiancée, who met Kitzhaber in 2002 after enduring a rough-and-tumble life. She told The Oregonian in a 2011 profile that she grew up in a ramshackle house near Seattle and left home at 16, staying with friends until she finished high school. By the time she was 29, she was a twice-divorced graduate student at Evergreen State College. She supported herself in part with the proceeds of an illegal sham marriage to an Ethiopian immigrant in 1997 while plotting with a boyfriend to grow marijuana. Dancing with disaster: Cylvia Hayes, pictured dancing with the Oregon governor John Kitzhaber, apologized last October as she admitted to a sham marriage in the 1990s and buying land on a pot farm . Last year, she acknowledged buying property in rural Washington state for the pot scheme but said the grow effort never materialized. In 1998, while trying to escape a relationship she described as abusive, she went to her boyfriend's house carrying a stun gun. He beat her with it, according to court records. Hayes packed up her belongings and moved to central Oregon, living in a tent on federal land while finishing her thesis, according to the Oregonian profile. She set up an environmental nonprofit and got involved in politics, meeting influential people, and in 2002 was the Democratic nominee for a legislative district in Bend. She met Kitzhaber in the waning days of his second term as governor when he campaigned for her. Hayes lost her race. Kitzhaber left office at the beginning of 2003 and announced days later that he and his wife were divorcing. Later, he and Hayes reconnected, and their relationship became romantic despite a 20-year age difference. Blinded by love?: Asked whether he's been blinded by love, the Oregon governor said he does not believe he is and he said he still plans to marry Cyvlia Hayes . In 2010, after eight years out of office, Kitzhaber made a successful comeback bid and became Oregon's only governor to serve more than two terms. At his side was Hayes, who moved with him to the governor's mansion in Salem. Hayes took an active role in Kitzhaber's administration. She used the title 'first lady,' though the two have never married, and ran public initiatives targeting poverty and hunger. Privately, she was a frequent presence at meetings. Kitzhaber has said he and Hayes took steps to avoid conflicts of interest. A fiercely private person, the governor has been forced to answer embarrassing and personal questions about his relationship. At a news conference last month, he told reporters that he's in love with Hayes, but he's not blinded by it. Meanwhile, the Willamette Week newspaper reported Thursday that Kitzhaber's office last week requested that state officials destroy thousands of records from the governor's personal email accounts. A spokesman for the Department of Administrative Services, which has been handling public-records requests from reporters, said he could not confirm that. But Matt Shelby did say that the agency noticed that emails from Kitzhaber's personal account were among official emails stored on a state server, and the agency told Kitzhaber about it. The governor's office is going through those emails to determine which of them might be considered public records under Oregon law, Shelby said. | Reporters camped outside the home of Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber were joined by deputies from the Washington County Sheriff's Office . Oregon State Police provides security for Kitzhaber, but sheriff's Sgt. Bob Ray says he requested extra help because of the large media presence . Senate President Peter Courtney said he and House Speaker Tina Kotek asked Kitzhaber to step down . The governor supposedly told some of his aides he was resigning and summoned Brown from Washington, then changed his mind . 'I was elected to do a job for the people of this great state, and I intend to continue to do so,' Kitzhaber said . Fiance Clyvia Hayes is accused using her position to get private consulting work; earning money from companies that wanted to influence the state . | e6d2f76b51e574c9c95238823b1013c2121e06a7 |
Al Qaeda has called for a new generation of ‘lone wolf’ terrorists to blow up easyJet and British Airways planes using bombs made in their kitchens. The chilling call to arms in the terror group’s online magazine says the airlines should be targeted to gain headlines and ‘crush the enemy’s economy’. Released on Christmas Eve, the edition of Inspire names BA because it is the ‘flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom’ and the largest airline by number of planes. Scroll down for video . Chilling: Al-Qaeda's house magazine (above) calls for high-profile airlines including British Airways, easyJet, AA, Delta and United to be targeted by bombers to 'crush the enemy's economy'. Police are investigating . Targets: The sick magazine picks out British Airways and easyJet as targets for would-be terrorists . EasyJet is considered a good target because it ‘is a low cost carrier, hence has a large number of passengers’. Air France and US carriers American Airlines, United, Continental and Delta are also named, alongside high-profile American figures Bill Gates and former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. The article praises Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the so-called ‘underpants bomber’ jailed for life in the US in 2012 after he tried to bomb a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. The 300 passengers were saved partly because the bomb sewn into his underwear failed to detonate fully, prosecutors said at the time. The latest edition of the magazine contains supposed instructions for would-be suicide bombers who want to bypass airport security. It has been published four years after the first issue of Inspire contained a notorious explosives guide entitled Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom. It was suspected to have been the template for explosives which killed three and injured more than 250 in last year’s Boston marathon bombings. American Airlines, United, Continental and Delta are also named in the magazine - despite the fact that Continental Airlines stopped flying planes under its name two years ago after merging with United . Journal: The magazine has been connected to the Boston Marathon bombings in April last year . Its author, known only as the ‘Al Qaeda chef’, was re-interviewed this week as the magazine claimed the attacks were a ‘natural reaction’ to the ‘arrogance’ of the US. He said the ‘first priority’ for any of his terrorists would be the US, ‘then the United Kingdom, then France and so on’. And he called for the rise of the ‘lone wolf’ jihadist, saying: ‘It is hard to uncover, because none knows him but Allah. He has no relationship with any group or any individuals.’ The magazine also praised an axe attack on a group of policemen in New York in October as a ‘splendid’ example of a ‘lone wolf’. US navy veteran Zale Thompson was shot dead in the street after the brutal hatchet attack, which the FBI confirmed last month it was considering as an act of terror. FBI director James Comey said Thompson had been watching Islamic State beheading videos and other radical jihadist material online, adding there is ‘no doubt that played a role’ in the attack. Shock tactics: The magazine includes images of an airport departures board and, on its cover, a jumbo jet . Inspire is published by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, based primarily in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Its possession has led to arrests of potential terrorists in Britain. Four men were jailed for a combined 44 years in April 2013 after a court heard they had planned to follow instructions in the magazine to carry out an attack in Luton using a toy car. Other terrorists were convicted under section 58 of the 2000 Terror Act solely for possessing the magazine. Those who are found guilty can be jailed for up to ten years. A British Airways spokesman said: ‘The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority. ‘We continue to work closely with airports and governments around the world.’ He added: ‘We never comment on matters of security.’ An easyJet spokesman said: ‘The safety and security of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority. We are unable to comment further on matters of security.’ Growing fears of a plot to launch a ‘lone wolf’ terror attack have led to royal guards being moved behind metal gates at palaces. For the first time since the height of IRA terrorism, most of the soldiers of the Queen’s Guard are no longer allowed on sentry duty alone. The move comes after Islamic terrorists called on their followers to target British police officers and those on ceremonial duties. At Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, guardsmen have been relocated behind metal gates on The Mall. At St James’s Palace, the London home of Princesses Anne, Beatrice and Eugenie, two sentry boxes have been moved into a courtyard which cannot be seen from the public gate. In Horse Guards Parade, two guards have been joined by four police officers carrying Heckler and Koch carbine rifles, pistols and Tasers. And up to three armed officers now stand next to the lone sentry on the western side of Windsor Castle. The Metropolitan Police and Buckingham Palace said they do not comment on security matters. The Ministry of Defence said: ‘We routinely review security arrangements.’ | Terrorists' journal Inspire calls for 'hidden bomb' attacks on planes . British Airways and easyJet are named as targets for 'lone wolf' attacks . AA, United and Delta targeted in US, alongside Air France on Continent . Magazine contains supposed instructions for would-be suicide bombers . Inspire was linked to the Boston Marathon bombings in April last year . | 035c968a7995764ba7f3aaf92fa24e9a00448d1f |
A drama teacher has been banned from teaching for life after putting an explicit short story which described a man having sex with underage girls into a 12-year-old's textbook. John Salway, 67, intentionally put the self-written fantasy story into the pupil's textbook at Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, so she would find it, a professional conduct panel heard. The short story - which the panel heard demonstrated a 'deep-seated and harmful attitude to children' - detailed a man having sex with two 15-year-old girls. It also referred to the man having sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl. John Salway, 67, a drama teacher at Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire (pictured), wrote a graphic short story and slipped it into a 12-year-old girl's textbook . Mr Salway said he wrote the story 'as a sexual fantasy for my own private gratification' but could not explain how it ended up in the girl's book. After reading it, the Year Seven pupil became worried, distressed and uncomfortable and she showed the story to her mother and father, the panel was told. Her distraught parents complained to the school's headmaster and the teacher's career was brought to an end. Mr Salway, who taught drama between 2011 and 2014, admitted at the hearing last month that he had demonstrated unacceptable professional conduct that could bring the profession into disrepute. In a statement, he told the panel he had written the story 'as a sexual fantasy for my own private gratification' but did not explain how the story ended up in the book. Dr Robert Cawley, who chaired the panel run by the National College for Teaching and Leadership, said the allegations 'demonstrate a deep-seated attitude to children which could lead to harmful behaviour'. He added that it lead to a pupil being exposed to the behaviour in a harmful way. Mr Salway, who has now been banned from the classroom for life, said he wrote the story for his own gratification but could not say how the words ended up in the book . He said: 'The panel has determined that Mr Salway's actions were deliberate and there was no indication that he was acting under duress.' Dr Cawley said the teacher - who was not present at the hearing - had a previously good history and had shown remorse early on. But he said the case involved serious sexual misconduct and warranted an indefinite prohibition order. Alan Meyrick, acting on behalf of Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, said Mr Salway would be banned from the profession for life. He said: 'This case is a serious one which involves behaviours that fall considerably short of those expected by the public of a teacher. 'Mr Salway wrote a story which itself evidenced a deep-seated and harmful attitude to children. 'Furthermore, the panel found that he deliberately caused a young pupil to read this story, causing distress to her and to her parents.' Mr Salway, who was not present, was given 28 days in which to appeal against the decision to the High Court. Mount St Mary's College is a Roman Catholic independent boarding school which was founded in 1842. Past pupils have included the poet Gerald Manley Hopkins; Sir Denis Henry, Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland; Sir Diarmaid Conroy, former President of Industrial Tribunals for England & Wales; and Hugh Lofting, creator of Dr Doolittle. | John Salway, 67, wrote story for his 'own private gratification', panel told . He could not explain how it ended up in book at Mount St Mary's, Spinkhill . Story described a man having sex with two 15-year-olds and a 12-year-old . Panel said it demonstrated a 'deep-seated and harmful attitude to children' | cd3ea9cc87b3f9648137b7c5c5b199ef06a1c15c |
A nurse was murdered and mutilated by her ex-boyfriend after police failed to warn her that he had a history of attacks on women, a damning official report has found. Katie Cullen, 34, a highly respected hospital sister, was ‘badly let down’ by police who failed to protect her from Iman Ghaefelipour, 28. The Iranian, who had successfully claimed asylum in the UK, threatened to kill two previous girlfriends and burn down one of their houses. Scandal: Katie Cullen, 34, was stabbed 130 times in the head by Iranian-born asylum-seeker Iman Saeed Ghaefelipour, 28, but was never warned he had threatened to kill a previous ex-girlfriend . When Miss Cullen reported him to police for harassment and death threats, they investigated – but did not pass on the information. This was because she said he had spoken ‘in the heat of the moment’ and had never been violent, and there were no ‘warning markers’ for violence on his record, they claimed. Miss Cullen later agreed to meet him at her home, where he stabbed her more than 130 times in the face and neck, cut out her right eyeball and tried to sever her right hand. He was jailed for at least 23 years in 2010 after pleading guilty to the murder in October 2009. Yesterday a deeply critical report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found that had she been told of his past, Miss Cullen might be alive today. It said claims he set fires on an earlier partner’s property were not handled properly. Rachel Cerfontyne, IPCC deputy chairman, said police put her in danger by giving her ‘false reassurance’. She went on: ‘In my view, Katie was badly let down by Greater Manchester Police. Our investigation exposed a catalogue of inaction and missed opportunities. ‘Had arson offences against [his ex] been adequately investigated, it is possible Mr Ghaefelipour would have been convicted and not at liberty . . . [Miss Cullen] was passed from pillar to post.’ Her mother Diane, also a nurse, said: ‘We are distraught at what happened to Katie and utterly appalled at the lack of care she received at the hands of GMP. ‘It is inconceivable to us that the two police officers concerned should protect her assailant . . . rather than a vulnerable girl who lived on her own and who turned to them for help. By withholding such information from Katie they denied her the opportunity to protect herself. ‘She returned to her own home alone and vulnerable, ignorant of the dangerous situation she was in.’ She added: ‘Since Katie’s murder we have been plunged into unimaginable torture. ‘There isn’t a day goes by I don’t think about her.’ 2002: Killer Iman Ghaefelipour arrives in UK and claims asylum. 2007: Has relationship with woman but in August of that year after she broke it off, her car and front door was set alight. She called police but they failed to check out his alibi or CCTV so is freed without charged. If he had been convicted he would have been deported. 2008: Katie Cullen meets her killer at a Salsa class in March and embarks on relationship with him. Six months later she broke it off because he took £3,000 from her bank account without permission. May 2009: She started a new relationship but bumped into Ghaefelipour in a restaurant, where he threatened to kill her and her boyfriend and then made menacing phone calls. Miss Cullen went to police twice, she was subjected to 26 different procedural delays, before she was seen by two police officers.Their system showed no warning markers against his name - but a search after her death found them. October 2009: Ghaefelipour arrives at her house and says he has the £3,000 he owed her. He then tortured and murdered her. Ghaefelipour, of Urmston, Greater Manchester, claimed asylum in the UK in 2002 and was granted indefinite leave to remain. Miss Cullen, a senior sister in cardiology at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, started dating him in 2008 after they met at salsa-dancing classes. The six-month affair ended when she discovered that her jobless boyfriend had stolen more than £3,000 from her account. She went to police but did not press charges after he vowed to pay it back. In June 2009 Miss Cullen began another relationship. When Ghaefelipour learned this, he attacked her in a jealous rage. She reported it to police, but officers did not tell her about his past. In October that year, he went to her home in Stockport, Cheshire, on the pretext of discussing his debt. There, he fell into a violent rage and murdered her. Bereft: Patrick Cullen, brother of murdered nurse Katie Cullen reads a statement outside Manchester Crown Court, with his mother Diane, left, sister Alison and father Peter, after the damning report . The IPCC found that two constables and a sergeant had failed the nurse by poor and unsatisfactory performance. Greater Manchester Police is one of four forces identified by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary as giving cause for serious concern over its response to domestic abuse. Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Rumney, of GMP, said it accepted that it did not investigate the arson claims with enough ‘rigour’ and that officers in touch with Miss Cullen lacked ‘experience’. He added: ‘Had more been done to better understand the risk Ghaefelipour posed, GMP may have been able to assist Katherine to make more informed life choices.’ Polly Neate, of the charity Women’s Aid, said that many abusers continue their pattern of behaviour despite being reported to police. She added: ‘Repeatedly we see cases where women are killed because of poor police responses. We urge every police force to ensure that each officer has regular, specialist-led domestic violence training.’ Last year, a scheme was introduced in parts of England and Wales to allow people to check whether their partner had a violent past. Clare’s Law was brought in after Clare Wood was killed by her ex boyfriend George Appleton. A scheme giving people the 'right to know' if a partner has a history of domestic violence was rolled out to police forces across England and Wales in March. Clare's Law was created after 36-year-old Clare Wood, right, was murdered by a man who became known as the 'Facebook fugitive'. In the days after her brutal killing, detectives issued a warning that her ex-boyfriend George Appleton might attempt to communicate with other women via the internet. Unbeknown to Miss Wood, Appleton had a history of violence towards women and was known to prowl online dating websites and Facebook in search of partners, often using different aliases. The mother-of-one's body was discovered in the bedroom of her home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in February 2009. She had been strangled and set on fire. Police watchdogs concluded afterwards that she had been badly let down by 'individual and systemic' failures by Greater Manchester Police (GMP). In the months before her murder she had repeatedly contacted GMP alleging Appleton had caused criminal damage, harassed her, threatened to kill her and tried to rape her. Appleton, from Salford, was found six days later after her death, hanged in a derelict pub. Clare's father, Michael Wood, who has backed the campaign, later said he had taken an 'instant' dislike to Appleton. Miss Wood had told her father Appleton had a criminal record - though only for motoring offences. In fact he had been jailed for three years in 2002 for harassing another woman and for six months a year earlier after breaching a restraining order on another ex-girlfriend. Her father, a former prison officer from Batley, West Yorkshire, said at the hearing: 'My daughter wasn't stupid. Had she known about George Appleton's past she would have taken herself and my granddaughter out of there in a heartbeat.' | Katie Cullen, 34, stabbed 130 times in head by Iman Ghaefelipour in 2009 . Victim had gone to police in 2008 after he threatened to kill her after split . Officers failed to warn her he planned to set fire to previous partner in 2007 . Asylum seeker later went to Katie's home and tortured and murdered her . IPCC report damns Greater Manchester Police for handling of case . Officers gave her 'false assurances' about him and 'badly let her down' | d1ba5b67731712749a70a1420f5c5fc82033ea30 |
A Houston, Texas couple was horrified when the baby monitor in their young child’s room was taken over by a hacker who verbally attacked them and even used their daughter’s name. Marc Gilbert says he was doing the dishes following his birthday celebration when he heard strange sounds coming from 2-year-old Allyson’s bedroom. He discovered they were coming from the baby monitor as a stranger’s voice called his sleeping daughter an ‘effing moron’ and ‘little slut’ before he quickly unplugged it. Scroll down for video... Intrusion: This wireless baby monitor was taken over by a hacker who used profanity and verbally attacked 2-year-old girl and her parents . Appalling: Marc Gilbert heard sounds coming from his little girl's room and was horrified to find a stranger's voice coming from his daughter's baby monitor . The virtual intruder even knew Allyson by name because it was . written just above her head, on the wall over where she dozed. The hacker then yelled at Gilbert and his wife, using expletives in what they described as a ‘British or European accent.’ 'He said, 'Wake up Allyson, you little (expletive),'" Gilbert said. Allyson is deaf. Though she has a cochlear implant, it was turned off and she was never bothered by the shocking intrusion. Then things became even creepier. Helpless: Marc Gilbert says he believes his internet router was hacked and fears the intrusion has happened before without his or wife Lauren's knowledge . 'I see the camera move on us,' Gilbert said. ‘At that point I ran over and disconnected it and tried to figure out what happened,’ Gilbert told ABC News. The father of two did his research and now believes his home internet router was hacked and the monitor was subsequently accessed. ‘[I] couldn't see the guy. All you could do was hear his voice and he was controlling the camera,’ he said. Gilbert said it was no different a violation than if the hacker had actually entered his home. 'It felt like somebody broke into our house,' Gilbert told KTRK. Even worse, the Gilberts are forced to wonder if the hacking had occurred in the past. ‘It's quite possible that this had been going on more than one day,’ he said. ‘Security vulnerabilities exist.’ Making the creepy just plain scary: Gilbert said he took all the typical precautions to keep prying eyes out of his home. 'The router was password protected and the firewall was enabled,' Gilbert wrote in the comments section of the KTRK report. 'The IP camera was also password protected.' Like his sister Allyson, the couple's 3-year-old son . Ethan also managed not to hear the shameless intrusion. But . the terrifying experience has the Gilberts rattled enough to stop using . the monitor that Marc says they once ‘couldn’t live without.’ 'Wake up you little slut': The hacker even spoke the sleeping girl's name, which was written on the wall above her bed . Taking no chances: Now Marc Gilbert is forced to wonder if the hackers had ever struck before. The father of two has decided to permanently unplug the monitor, which he once said he and his wife couldn't live without . ‘I don't think it ever will be connected again,’ he said. The disturbing crime isn't unique, unfortunately. The newly-crowned Miss Teen USA recently revealed she was secretly photographed in her room after her computer's webcam was hacked. Cassidy Wolf, who took the crown on Saturday, said she was horrified to learn a stranger had hacked into her computer before trying to extort her on the promise the photos would not be leaked. The 19-year-old from Temecula, California now travels the country to tell her story and warn other teenagers about cyber-crime. For his part, Gilbert has plenty of reason to worry about the safety of his family, who have not appeared alongside him in reports of the camera hacking. He wanted to tell his story in order that other families know to be careful not to share the same terrible experience. 'As a father, I'm supposed to protect her against people like this. So it's a little embarrassing to say the least but it's not going to happen again,' Gilbert said. | The hacker cursed at Marc Gilbert and his wife and even used their sleeping daughter's name . Marc Gilbert ripped the monitor from the wall and says he won't be using it again soon . | 9e4ed4093093d9ab869f9e2f576e63f65dfabb55 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 20:17 EST, 12 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:20 EST, 13 December 2012 . Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher was memorialized as a 'humble, kind young man' at his funeral on Wednesday - despite brutally murdering the mother of his child before killing himself in front of his coaches. Several hundred mourners gathered for the NFL linebacker's funeral near his hometown on Long Island, New York. The 25-year-old Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, 22, on December 1, . then drove to the Chiefs practice facility and shot himself. The horrific murder suicide has shaken the NFL and begun a discussion of gun ownership and mental health issues. Paying respects: Hundreds of mourners memorialized Jovan Belcher at his funeral Wednesday - despite his murdering the mother of his child before committing suicide . Memorial: Jovan Belcher was eulogized as a 'humble, kind young man' by his mother as his family and friends grappled with the horror of what he did . At least seven players have given up their guns - handing them over to the security personnel for their teams, Sports Illustrated reports. At Upper Room Christian Church on Wednesday, relatives wore black - . and red, the Chiefs' color. Pastor Dawn Mixon shared that Belcher's . mother, Cheryl Shepherd, described him as a 'humble, kind young man.' He . had a soft spot for children and loved cartoons, she said. 'We may not understand the reasons why we are here or understand what caused this tragedy,' Pastor Mixon said. At a celebration of Belcher's life, there were hints of the way it ended. A photo slide show played on a large screen above the stage, with images from Belcher's childhood through his football careers at nearby West Babylon High School and the University of Maine. Tragic: Belcher is seen here with his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, 22, and their baby daughter Zoey. Belcher and Perkins argued before he shot her . Troubled: The murder-suicide has sparked debate in the NFL about gun ownership and the personal struggles of players . At least seven NFL players have turned over their weapons in the wake of the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide, according to Sports Illustrated reporter Peter King. The players have handed their guns over to their teams' security officers to dispose of them. One player gave up multiple firearms and told team officials he didn't trust himself with them. Then appeared the words 'In loving memory of' Belcher and Kasandra Perkins, the mother of his 3-month-old daughter Zoey. After a series of pictures of Perkins and baby Zoey came the message, 'Keep this little girl in your prayers.' 'The legacy we pass on to her will be good,' said his uncle, Davin Miles. Next to an open casket were collages of photos and mementos from Belcher's playing career. An array of flowers spelled out W.B. for his high school. Chiefs players and staff attended a memorial service for Belcher in Kansas City last week. On a Saturday morning, the day before the team's game against the Carolina Panthers, Belcher shot Perkins multiple times at their home. Police said Belcher and Perkins previously had been arguing. The funeral was at Upper Room Christian Church in Dix Hills, New York, near his hometown on Long Island . Belcher then drove to Arrowhead Stadium, where he thanked coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli for all they'd done for him. As police arrived, Belcher slipped behind a car and put the gun to his head. His path to becoming an NFL starter had been an unlikely one. Belcher did not play in college football's top division, and he wasn't drafted. But he made the Chiefs, becoming a full-time starter in 2010. Bishop Stephanie Green described Belcher as 'a man who did some awesome things - while other young men his age were out hustling, slinging and doing other things, he chose an education.' | At least seven players have reportedly given up their guns after the murder-suicide shocked the NFL . | d693e180ea99d9ca9f4c45b2316138abfe5b3aa1 |
AOKIGAHARA FOREST, Japan (CNN) -- Aokigahara Forest is known for two things in Japan: breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and suicides. Also called the Sea of Trees, this destination for the desperate is a place where the suicidal disappear, often never to be found in the dense forest. Japan's Aokigahara Forest is known as the "suicide forest" because people often go there to take their own lives. Taro, a 46-year-old man fired from his job at an iron manufacturing company, hoped to fade into the blackness. "My will to live disappeared," said Taro. "I'd lost my identity, so I didn't want to live on this earth. That's why I went there." Taro, who did not want to be identified fully, was swimming in debt and had been evicted from his company apartment. He lost financial control, which he believes to be the foundation of any stable life, he said. "You need money to survive. If you have a girlfriend, you need money. If you want to get married, you need it for your life. Money is always necessary for your life." Watch Taro describe why he wanted to die in "suicide forest" » . Taro bought a one-way ticket to the forest, west of Tokyo, Japan. When he got there, he slashed his wrists, though the cut wasn't enough to kill him quickly. He started to wander, he said. He collapsed after days and lay in the bushes, nearly dead from dehydration, starvation and frostbite. He would lose his toes on his right foot from the frostbite. But he didn't lose his life, because a hiker stumbled upon his nearly dead body and raised the alarm. Taro's story is just one of hundreds logged at Aokigahara Forest every year, a place known throughout Japan as the "suicide forest." The area is home to the highest number of suicides in the entire country. Japan's suicide rate, already one of the world's highest, has increased with the recent economic downturn. There were 2,645 suicides recorded in January 2009, a 15 percent increase from the 2,305 for January 2008, according to the Japanese government. The Japanese government said suicide rates are a priority and pledged to cut the number of suicides by more than 20 percent by 2016. It plans to improve suicide awareness in schools and workplaces. But officials fear the toll will rise with unemployment and bankruptcies, matching suicide spikes in earlier tough economic times. "Unemployment is leading to this," said Toyoki Yoshida, a suicide and credit counselor. "Society and the government need to establish immediate countermeasures to prevent suicides. There should be more places where they can come and seek help." Yoshida and his fellow volunteer, Norio Sawaguchi, posted signs in Aokigahara Forest urging suicidal visitors to call their organization, a credit counseling service. Both men say Japanese society too often turns a cold shoulder to the unemployed and bankrupt, and breeds a culture where suicide is still seen as an honorable option. Local authorities, saying they are the last resort to stop people from killing themselves in the forest, have posted security cameras at the entrances of the forest. The goal, said Imasa Watanabe of the Yamanashi Prefectural Government is to track the people who walk into the forest. Watanabe fears more suicidal visitors will arrive in the coming weeks. "Especially in March, the end of the fiscal year, more suicidal people will come here because of the bad economy," he said. "It's my dream to stop suicides in this forest, but to be honest, it would be difficult to prevent all the cases here." One year after his suicide attempt, Taro is volunteering with the credit counseling agency that helped him get back on his feet. He's still living in a shelter and looking for a job. He's ashamed, he said, that he still thinks about suicide. "I try not to think about it, but I can't say never. For now, the will to live is stronger." | Forest with stunning views of Mount Fuji is also known as place to die . Counselors now roam Aokigahara Forest, hoping to help the desperate . Suicides in Japan were 15 percent higher in January than a year earlier . Officials fear more people will kill themselves amid the tough economy . | a8b8a577e61618ccca964baffce52d2874874a7a |
By . Meghan Keneally . PUBLISHED: . 19:42 EST, 15 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:35 EST, 9 May 2013 . The hacker that has targeted political heavyweights like former President George W. Bush and his former Secretary of State Colin Powell has a new victim but this time from the other side of the aisle. A close confidante of both former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been added as the latest victim of a hacker who goes by the name 'Guccifer'. Sidney Blumenthal's email was allegedly hacked sometime this week and Guccifer was able to obtain email correspondence between Blumenthal and Mrs Clinton. Close connections: Sidney Blumenthal (right) was an aide to Bill Clinton when he was President, and now Blumenthal was the latest victim in a series of politically-targeted hacks . The other Clinton: The hacker may have been targeting emails Blumenthal exchanged with Hillary Clinton when she served as Secretary of State from 2009 to earlier this year . It is unclear what exactly the hacker was looking for or how many emails he was able to obtain, but the data in Mr Blumenthal's breached AOL account dates back to 2005. The timeline means that it is unlikely that any memos that Blumenthal sent to Clinton when he worked as a close advisor in the late 1990s and early 2000s were part of the hacked data. Though Mr Clinton was out of the White House by 2000, he stayed in touch with the powerful couple up to present day. Mr Blumenthal told The Smoking Gun that he only realized something was awry with his account when he could not log in Thursday morning. Other targets: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell (left) had his Facebook account hacked and emails sent by former President George Bush's relatives (right) were also breached . To outside observers, Mr Blumenthal seems like an odd target because his theorettical political heyday occurred when Mr Clinton was in the White House. In that wake it appears the hacker was looking for information exchanged with Mrs Clinton while she was in the post of Secretary of State from 2009 to earlier this year. That theory also fits the trend that the hacker's interest stem from a possible conspiracy theory or issue stemming to foreign relations. Other targets have included Senator Lisa Murkowski, former United Nations ambassador John Negroponte and unidentified members of the famed Rockefeller family. Republican General Powell had his Facebook page broken into and created several posts. Offensive: One of the bizarre posts made by the hacker included this one which read: 'You will burn in hell, Bush!' Bizarre: The hacker posted a series of rants on General Powell's page as well as a series of photos which are believed to have been taken from former President George W Bush's hacked email account . Apology: General Powell described the hacker's posts as 'stupid' and 'obscene' on his page yesterday . One post read: 'You will burn in hell, Bush!' In another bizarre post, the hacker ranted: 'Kill the illuminati! Tomorrow’s world will be a world free of illuminati or will be no more!' As well as the offensive posts, some of which insulted Powell himself, pictures were uploaded to Powell's Facebook page showing screen grabs of the hacker's previous access to email accounts of Mr Bush and his siblings Neil and Dorothy. | Sidney Blumenthal was an aide to President Clinton in the late 1990s . Stayed close with the Clintons and may have been targeted because he communicated with Hillary when she was Secretary of State . Comes just days after the same hacker posted a series of bizarre rants on General Powell's Facebook page . | 6ae825f91d17632735423c9ea7f7c324de14ba23 |
The man convicted of gunning down three Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers in a rampage was given life in prison, the country's harshest sentence in 50 years. The life sentence was handed down to Justin Bourque on Friday for the murder of three officers and wounding of two others in Moncton, New Brunswick, on June 4. Dressed in combat fatigues with a shotgun slung across his back, Bourque shot several Mounted Police officers with what he later testified was a semi-automatic rifle. Guilty: Justin Bourque, 24, was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 75 years, the country's harshest punishment since 1962 . Moncton, a city of nearly 70,000 was on lockdown for 30 hours as a manhunt followed before Bourque finally surrendered to law enforcement on a homeowner's lawn. His sentence will be the harshest in Canada since 1962, when two men were hanged for murder. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Roger Brown found the long sentence for Bourque a fitting punishment. 'This probably was one of the worst crimes that we've ever seen in our country,' Brown said. 'We saw three of our own gunned down because of the job they do.' Due to the first degree murder charge, Bourque was already facing a mandatory life sentence after being convicted. He will be 99 when he's first eligible for parole. First degree murder convicts in Canada are normally given life with no parole for 25 years, after which they can apply for parole. Sketch: A court sketch artist draws Bourque during his first court appearance in Moncton shortly after he was caught . Funeral: An officer holds the hat of Constable Dave Joseph Ross as he walks with Ross's K9 partner Danny to the funeral for the fallen Mounted Police . Procession: Royal Mounted Police Officers escort the bodies of the three fallen officers that were killed during the rampage . Loss: Constable 'Dave' Ross, 32, seen here on his wedding day with his wife Rachael, was one of the three slain officers who were fatally shot on Wednesday night in Moncton . Cryptic: Bourque posted cryptic poetry to Facebook leading up to the shooting, including this post hours before . The prosecution asked the court for the maximum sentence of 75 years based on an amended section of Canada's Criminal Code, while the defense argued for parole at 50 years. It was the second-deadliest attack on RMCP in 120 years, after the 2005 killing of four RMCP officers in Alberta. During his sentencing hearing, a video tape of Bourque saying he wanted to start an insurrection against the 'soldiers' defending federal institutions and protecting the rich. 'I know this is going to sound pretty messed up, but I felt pretty accomplished,' he told police. 'I miss my husband every minute of every day. He cannot ever be replaced,' said Rachael Ross, widow of one of the officers, said outside court. Nadine Larche said the sentence means their children will unlikely be subject to parole hearings. According to witnesses of the shooting, the first gunshots came from a wooded area about 100 yards from the trailer park where Bourque lives in the northwest part of the city. After the first shooting, police sighted the killer three times prowling the city, including once at 8am near Moncton's Costco. During another call Thursday afternoon, patrol cars and armored trucks surrounded a building in the area, presumably thinking Bourque was inside, but they later dispersed. 'We received some information and did a search and it was unfounded,' a RCMP spokesperson said. At one point, Bourque was seen coming in and out of a wooded area, said Commander Marlene Snowman, who added that Bourque was not known to police, meaning that he had never been seen as a cause for concern by officials before his rampage. Schools and government offices were closed, and the city pulled its buses off the roads. Mail delivery was suspended. Commanding Officer Roger Brown said the two wounded officers underwent surgery for non-life-threatening injuries Thursday and he met with their families. One was later released from hospital. Bourque finally surrendered to police in the lawn of Michelle Thibodeau, 21, who watched his arrest. She said she heard the suspect say, 'I'm done,' before officers, some with their guns drawn, arrested him. | Justin Bourque, 24, was sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 75 years . It was the country's harshest punishment since 1962 when it hanged two men . Bourque killed three officers and wounded two others in a shooting rampage on June 4 . During his sentencing hearing, Bourque said he wanted to start an uprising against the 'soldiers' protecting federal institutions and the rich . | 326a76385b2b2277e0a33da71997646f95b37c64 |
By . Australian Associated Press . and Sally Lee . The owner of a school bus that exploded into a fireball on a Queensland highway on Tuesday has warned that this could happen to more buses due to engine manufacturers being forced cut emissions. Passengers included students and teachers who managed to escape in time, minutes before the bus burst into flames on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane. The bus was engulfed by flames when firefighters arrived. Scroll down for video . The bus exploded into flames on a Queensland highway moments after 61 students and three teachers escaped . Firefighters attend to the dramatic scene of the fire on the Bruce Highway at Chevallum, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast . Paul West, of West National Coaches, says there had been a rise in the number of bus fires in not only Australia but also around the world. He believes such incidents could be the ramifications of a new environmental rule which forced engine manufacturers to reduce emissions. 'Because of the change, there is an enormous amount of pressure put on diese,' Mr West told The Queensland Times. 'Aviation fuel normally can't burn, but under pressures it burns beyond belief.' Michael Apps, executive director of Bus Industry Confederation, agreed with Mr West's comments. He says there's no doubt that newer low emission vehicles operate on higher temperatures. Consequently this increases the risk of the vehicle to catch fire after there has been leaking fluid such as coolant, he said. The 61 high school students and three teachers were on an excursion when the bus caught alight on the Bruce Highway, near Chevallum, before 1pm on Tuesday. The bus was taking a group of year 10 students from Maroochydore High School back to their school from a careers expo, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported. One of the students, Mason Hope, described the moment he called his grandmother to tell her why he'd be late home. '[I told her] the bus is on fire. We just heard bang after bang and explosion after explosion. It's crazy,' he told the Sunshine Coast Daily. Keeping a safe distance: Students heard 'explosion after explosion' as the bus turned into a fireball . When the fireball subsided the bus was nothing but a charred shell . Pictures show the large coach fully engulfed in flames and the charred remains as firefighters attend the scene. Plumes of black smoke can be seen billowing out from the site of the crash, backing up traffic for miles along the highway. Paramedics treated five passengers at the scene, including two who suffered smoke inhalation, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman said. The investigation into the cause is ongoing. | School bus caught fire on a Sunshine Coast highway in Queensland on Tuesday . Paul West, of West National Coaches, says there had been a rise in the number of bus fires in Australia and around the world . He says the cause could be the new regulations to cut emissions . Three teachers and 61 students escaped minutes before the coach exploded into flames . Plumes of black smoke billowed from the site of the explosion, which triggered miles of gridlock . | df3449ec57dd2a665acfc803e7c74c19556df309 |
Sir Cliff Richard is set to miss his annual trip to New York for the US Open while he faces underage sex abuse allegations. The tennis fan, 73, could be prevented from entering the United States while he is questioned by British detectives over accusations he sexually assaulted a boy in the 1980s. The singer visits Flushing Meadows for the tournament every year, but border officials could block him when he lands on US soil - even though he owns a flat in the city. Scroll down for video . Sir Cliff Richard, pictured at the US Open in 2012, is set to miss his annual trip to New York while he faces child sex assault allegations . Star: Sir Cliff Richard performs at the 1985 Christian rally in Sheffield where police sources say he is alleged to have molested a young boy. The singer will return to the UK within days . According to the US Embassy website, . suspects arrested 'for an offence or crime involving moral turpitude' will have their visa applications rejected. However those questioned . under caution are assessed on a 'case-by-case' basis. He can make a personal visit to the US Embassy to argue his case for a visa. However, a source told The Sun: 'You would be mad to try to get on a plane if you had a child abuse inquiry hanging over you.' A spokesman for the US Embassy in London told the newspaper: 'We do not comment on individuals.' Earlier this year Nigella Lawson was . prevented from travelling to Los Angeles after a court was told she . had taken to cocaine. Sir . Cliff has been assured he will not be arrested when he returns from his . vineyard in Portugal, but he will be interviewed under caution. Police . were yesterday forced to defend their decision to allow the BBC access . to their raid on Sir Cliff’s Sunningdale, Berkshire, home on Thursday. Singer: . Sir Cliff performed backstage for staff after the Billy Graham event at . Bramall Lane in 1985, together right - he strenuously denies any . wrongdoing . Concert: Cliff Richard stands alongside Billy Graham at the evangelical rally at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane Stadium in June 1985 . The pair were seen talking before Sir Cliff performed in front of 47,000 fans. The alleged assault was said to have taken place during the event . 'Completely . false': Sir Cliff, pictured at the FM Algarve studio on Sunday, has . vehemently denied a claim that he committed a sexual offence with a boy . under the age of 16 in the 1980s . The singer said he was angry that the first he knew of the operation was when he saw it on television. He accused officers of leaking information to ‘the Press’, mistakenly suggesting newspapers had also been tipped off. A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police, who are leading the investigation, said: ‘When a media outlet contacted South Yorkshire Police with information about an investigation, we took the decision to work with them in order to protect the integrity of that investigation. 'Since the search took place, a number of people have contacted the police to provide information and we must acknowledge that the media played a part in that, for which we are grateful.’ Spectacle: The singer watches the tournament at Flushing Meadows every year - but could be stopped by border officials when he steps onto US soil . Upset: Fans from all over the world have rushed to defend Sir Cliff after the allegations . 'For . many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic . impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are . completely false. 'Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen. 'However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except, it would appear, to the press. 'I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me. 'Beyond . stating that today's allegation is completely false it would not be . appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has . concluded.' Police refused to comment on the nature of the information they had received. Their investigation centres on claims that Sir Cliff sexually assaulted a boy at an event in Sheffield held by the American preacher Billy Graham in 1985. Sir Cliff, who has dismissed the accusations as ‘completely false’, is expected to cut short his holiday in Portugal to meet detectives within days. Officers said they were keen to speak to him ‘as soon as possible’. The singer’s lawyers are in talks with the police about a single allegation of serious sexual assault reported by a man in his 40s. Stung by criticism from Sir Cliff and his fans, Jonathan Munro, the BBC’s head of news-gathering, took the unusual step of going on Twitter to confirm that the source of its original story was not South Yorkshire Police, but refused to say who it was. Thames Valley Police, which provided five of the eight officers who searched Sir Cliff’s home over five hours, were also quick to deny any leak to media outlets. The Mail understands that a BBC producer acting on a tip-off phoned South Yorkshire Police, who confirmed the timing of the raid so that police could carry out their inquiries before the story broke. Detectives were concerned that any advance publicity would have given Sir Cliff prior warning, risking ‘the integrity of the investigation’. Old . friend: Sir Cliff’s former manager Bill Latham, pictured together, who . lived with the star for 30 years, denounced the allegations as . ‘fiction’. Support: . Sir Cliff's close friend Gloria Hunniford (pictured together at . Wimbledon in 2011) said yesterday: ‘I’ve never seen Cliff put a foot or a . word wrong in his life, never. He is a gorgeous man’ Sir . Cliff Richard was furious that members of the press appeared to find . out his luxury UK flat was being raided by police before he did. Crews for the BBC were positioned outside the private estate where the singer has a £3.1million property as police swooped in. And the BBC appeared to have a pre-recorded interview with a leading police officer involved in the case. In his statement, Sir Cliff pointedly said that he had been given no notice of the search. The . singer said: 'However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire . today without notice, except, it would appear, to the press. 'I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me.' He was in the Algarve when he learned of the raid, and his publicist promptly issued a strong denial of the claim. It is not clear if the singer plans to return to the UK. A spokesman from the BBC declined to comment on the source of their story. The force also provided the BBC with an exclusive interview with Detective Superintendent Matt Fenwick, which was broadcast within moments of the raid starting. Tory MP Nigel Evans said ‘questions have got to be answered’ about the BBC’s presence at Sir Cliff’s home. He told Good Morning Britain: ‘It appears the Press knew what was happening before he did and the world’s media were camped outside his doorstep. 'A Press helicopter was up before the police even arrived – he is quite right to be angry about that.’ The allegation against Sir Cliff first emerged in October 2012 when the alleged victim contacted Mark Williams-Thomas, an investigative journalist and former detective who worked on an ITV documentary exposing Jimmy Savile. Yesterday, Mr Williams-Thomas confirmed that he had also passed new information to the police about Sir Cliff in addition to the allegations he heard from the alleged victim. The singer has strenuously denied the claims but stressed that he would ‘co-operate fully should the police wish to speak to me’. He said: ‘For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. 'The allegations are completely false.’ Yesterday, the singer arrived at his £3million Algarve home with friends without stopping to make any comment to journalists. Portuguese police confirmed they have not been asked to search his holiday home. Home from home: Sir Cliff's property in the Algarve, where he is thought to be staying . Investigation: Stills from news footage showed police arriving at the home of Sir Cliff Richard near Sunningdale, Berkshire. A convoy of cars was seen entering the complex before leaving at around 3.30pm . Sir Cliff Richard bought his apartment in the prestigious Charters complex in Sunningdale, Berkshire, for £3.1million in 2008. Police were said to be searching the property in relation to an alleged historical sex offence . Search: People, thought to be police officers involved in the search, inside the property . Preacher: The allegation is understood to relate to a major stadium rally in Sheffield by US preacher Billy Graham in June 1985. Pictured: Cliff Richard with Billy Graham at a 1984 rally at Birmingham's Villa Park . 'Passionate': Sir Cliff with Una Stubbs . According to his biographer, Steve Turner, Sir Cliff has only had three significant partners. It has been widely reported that he lost his virginity at 18 to Carol Harris, the wife of Shadows bandmate Jet. In a biography he dismissed the affair as mere infatuation, claiming that what happened between them was 'not right', and painting her as his seductress. At 22, he had a passionate affair with actress Una Stubbs, then 24, on the set of the film Wonderful Life, released in 1964. In the early Eighties he enjoyed a three-year friendship with former Wimbledon ace Sue Barker, even at one point considering marriage. In 2010 a letter written by Sir Cliff to then girlfriend Delia wicks in 1961 emerged. In the Dear John letter, sent as he toured Australia, he wrote: 'Being a pop singer I have to give up one priceless thing – the right to any lasting relationship with any special girl. 'I've just had to make, probably, one of the biggest decisions I'm ever going to make and I'm hoping that it won't hurt you too much.' In the 1980s, he considered marriage to Sue Barker, the former tennis champion and host of the BBC's Question of Sport. Sir Cliff is often accompanied by his trusted companion and friend, former Roman Catholic priest John McElynn. Once an American missionary, Mr McElynn has been friends with the singer for more than a decade and looks after his property portfolio. Sir Cliff once said of him: 'He has become a companion, which is great, because I don't like living alone'. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Singer could be barred from travelling to New York by US border officials . The 73-year-old visits the city for the tournament every year . US Embassy look at visa applications on a 'case-by-case' basis . Faces allegation relating to an underage boy in the 1980s, police say . Alleged abuse is claimed to have taken place at a Sheffield stadium in 1985 . Pictures show Sir Cliff singing at event - but he furiously denies 'false' attack . Police officers have searched his £3.1m home in Sunningdale, Berkshire . Singer at his holiday home in Portugal's Algarve region but will return to UK . | 8bb21a6320d8cc279e69683f0e447d3eb21e252a |
By . Cherie Blair . PUBLISHED: . 20:02 EST, 15 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 20:03 EST, 15 February 2014 . Cherie Blair has launched a programme to help connect online mentors with women in developing countries trying to set up a businesses . Pope Francis was right. He recently said that the internet is a gift from God – and I couldn’t agree more. It is hard to imagine life without it. Available nearly 24-7 on our phones, in our homes, in public libraries, it has become a central part of everyday activities for most here in the UK – a modern necessity. When my barristers’ chambers first started using computers, I volunteered to teach myself to use the first word processor while I was on maternity leave. Two years later, I was the chair of the English Bar’s information technology committee, trying to convince my colleagues that access to a computer helped flexible working. I could do my legal work, not just in my chambers in London, but also when accompanying Tony to his constituency in Durham. Tony struggled initially, sticking to pen and paper while at No 10. I was jealous because he had a state-of-the-art computer on his desk which he never turned on. He did not even use a mobile phone when he had the wonderful No 10 switchboard to make his calls for him, which meant that when he stood down as Prime Minister, he was barely able to use his mobile. Sadly, he has now become a BlackBerry addict, which just goes to show that he still isn’t very up to date with the latest technology. Today, thanks to the internet, I can work anywhere in the world at times to suit my family demands. I can send emails at midnight, catch up with the day’s news, buy food or books or manage bank accounts – all online. But to many women in developing countries, the internet is much more than a convenience. It is a crucial lifeline which can mean the difference between success and failure. This is what Pope Francis was referring to – the ability to use the internet gives access to a whole new world of information and connections that can transform a person’s life. When I left Downing Street, I thought there must be a way to use the internet to connect women in a meaningful way. With the help of Google, my foundation developed a programme to connect online mentors with women who are trying to set up businesses in developing countries against the odds. Men don’t take them seriously. They have a hard time getting loans. Sometimes they lack the proper business training to succeed. Meanwhile, they are expected to carry out their household duties and look after the children. It can be a very lonely experience, so connecting to someone and being able to talk about these challenges can be a complete game-changer. Take Shilpa, a business owner in India. She had an arranged marriage at a young age and a family who were opposed to her attending university. She persisted and eventually completed a PhD programme in psychology. She set up a personality assessment system for businesses but was derided by male colleagues and taken advantage of by suppliers. Early adopter: Former prime minister Tony Blair sends Cherie a bunch of flowers using the internet in 1999 . Shilpa had good business sense and the right education but it was a very difficult environment to work in and she felt isolated and defeated. Then we connected her to two mentors – Priya, an engineer and IT consultant with Accenture, one of our first corporate partners providing more than 40 mentors, and Maha, a treasury sales executive with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where we have more than 100 employees involved in our mentoring programme. They met for only about two hours a month but those two hours changed Shilpa’s life. With Priya and Maha’s guidance, she was able to improve her website and develop a strategy to obtain clients. Perhaps most importantly, she gained a newfound self-confidence. The hostility and barriers she faces as a woman doing business in India remain but she now has a support system as she works to overcome them. 'Tony has now become a BlackBerry addict, which just goes to show that he still isn't very up to date with the latest technology' And it’s not just Shilpa who is benefiting. Her son will grow up to see a woman who is successful in business and who has become a role model for other women. Shilpa is fortunate to have internet access. For others, the infrastructure isn’t always there. Access can be prohibitively expensive – far more than our monthly contracts in the UK. For developed countries, internet access is about one to two per cent of monthly household income, but to access the internet in less developed countries, it costs closer to 30 per cent of the average monthly household income. It is no surprise then that less than a third of the population in developing countries are connected to the internet. There are organisations addressing these issues, such as the Alliance For Affordable Internet, a coalition of more than 50 organisations from the public, private and civil society sectors. Shilpa is one of nearly 1,000 women in more than 50 countries we have mentored online. The impact is far reaching – research shows that women tend to reinvest their profits back into their families and communities so the more we connect women worldwide, the better the world will be. As Pope Francis said: ‘It is not enough to be a passerby on the digital highways.’ Technology gives us the ability to give life-changing support with just a few hours of our time. I admit I have become a bit of a techie; always wanting the latest technology and lucky enough to be able to get it. But the internet is more than just gadgets. We can use it to stretch out a hand across the virtual world to help some really great women improve their lives and the lives of those around them. For more on becoming a Cherie Blair Foundation mentor, go to cherieblairfoundation.org/mentoring. | Cherie launches programme to help third-world women in business . Advisers help guide entrepreneurs through process using the internet . Nearly 1,000 women in more than 50 countries have been mentored . | 7d9872085b6d03c86e1e7207c8ff4d0a94c6868b |
A scientist at Nasa has converted data from the sun into sounds in a process called ‘sonification’. In a video they use data from Nasa’s Wind spacecraft to 'listen' to the solar magnetic field. As the solar wind changes in intensity, a shockwave can be heard passing over the spacecraft. A scientist at the University of Michigan has carried out 'sonification'. This involved turning spacecraft data into audible sounds (illustration shown). This resulted in short clips that revealed shock waves passing over the satellite. The data was gathered by Nasa's Wind satellite in 2007 . Robert Alexander, a PhD candidate in design science at the University of Michigan, performed the process. He is also a sonification specialist who trains heliophysicists at Nasa’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. ‘Sonification offers a promising supplement to standard visual analysis techniques,’ he said. The Wind satellite, which is in orbit around the sun, records electromagnetic fluctuations that can be converted directly to audio samples. Alexander and his team used custom written computer algorithms to convert those electromagnetic frequencies into sounds. The result is that when a fast stream of plasma - super hot, charged gas that fills space - passes the spacecraft, it creates a noticeable effect. Converting data from the Wind spacecraft into audio reveals an audible shock wave. The Wind satellite (right), which launched in 1994 and is still active today, is used to study radio and plasma that occur in the solar wind from the sun (left) before it reaches Earth. The Wind spacecraft has enough fuel to last in solar orbit for 60 years, during which time it could continue to gather useful data . In one example, Alexander's team analysed data points from the Wind satellite from November 2007, condensing three hours of real-time recording to a three second audio clip. While this 'sonification' process related to an event in 2007, a powerful solar flare blasting its way towards Earth could wreak havoc with communications and power systems in the coming days. Scientists have warned that the 'extreme' solar storm could affect power grids, satellites and radio transmissions when the flare arrives at the Earth's surface. But they said they are not 'scared of this one', as the worst of its power looks like it will miss the planet and not cause many problems. It should, however, lead to stunning auroras extending out from Earth's poles. To an untrained ear, the data sounds like a microphone recording on a windy day. When Alexander presented these sounds to a researcher, however, they could identify a distinct chirping at the beginning of the audio clip followed by a percussive event, culminating in a loud boom. Alexander translates the data into audio files through a process known as audification, a specific type of sonification that involves directly listening to raw, unedited satellite data. Translating this data into audio can be likened to part of the process of collecting sound from a person singing into a microphone at a recording studio with reel-to-reel tape. When a person sings into a microphone, it detects changes in pressure and converts the pressure signals to changes in magnetic intensity in the form of an electrical signal. The clips have three distinct sections, including a warble noise leading up to a short knock at slightly higher frequency followed by a quieter segment containing broadband noise that is both rising and hissing. The sound of a shock passing over the spacecraft can also be heard . The electrical signals are stored on the reel tape. Magnetometers on the Wind satellite measure changes in magnetic field directly creating a similar kind of electrical signal. Alexander writes a computer program to translate this data to an audio file. 'The tones come out of the data naturally,' he said. 'If there is a frequency embedded in the data, then that frequency becomes audible as a sound.' Listening to data in this way has been done before. In a study in 1982, researchers used audification to identify micrometeroids, or small ring particles, hitting the Voyager 2 spacecraft as it traversed Saturn's rings. The impacts were visually obscured in the data but could be easily heard - sounding like intense impulses, almost like a hailstorm. However, the method is not often used in the science community because it requires a certain level of familiarity with the sounds. For instance, the listener needs to have an understanding of what typical solar wind turbulence sounds like in order to identify atypical events. 'It's about using your ear to pick out subtle differences,' Alexander said. | A scientist at the University of Michigan has carried out 'sonification' This involved turning spacecraft data into audible sounds . Results in short clips that reveal shock waves passing over a satellite . Data was gathered by Nasa's Wind satellite in 2007 . Same technique was once used to listen to rocks hitting Voyager 2 . | 9530ee007616b3577773448372ed2150298d09e5 |
Roy Hodgson made a mistake by revealing Raheem Sterling told him he was feeling tired ahead of England’s game against Estonia, according to former England and Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. Sterling has come under fire after he was left on the bench for England’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Estonia. The 19-year-old was replaced by Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana in the staring XI, but he came on in the second half and played his part in England’s winning goal by winning the free kick from which Wayne Rooney scored. Raheem Sterling told England boss Roy Hodgson he was feeling tired ahead of the Estonia game . Sterling spent the first half of the game on the bench before coming on during the second half . But Murphy believes Hodgson would have been better to keep the conversation between him and Sterling to himself. 'I think Roy will regret putting it out there,’ Murphy said on talkSPORT. 'I think he [Hodgson] could have just maybe taken it on the chin and said, ‘I thought I’d give him a little breather', rather than put it on the lad. 'He wouldn’t have intentionally put it on him to create this, but I think Roy could have dealt with it differently. Sterling played his part in England's win as he won the free kick that Wayne Rooney scored from . Danny Murphy won nine caps for England and worked with Hodgson during his time at Fulham . 'I'm very surprised and if Roy could turn back the clock, I don't think he would do it and say it the way he did because he has caused Raheem a problem and he wouldn't want to do that.' And Murphy, who won nine caps for England, does not believe that Sterling deserves to be criticised for admitting he was tired. He added: ‘The way he plays, with that power and that speed, he gives everything and he needs to be on top of his game,” he continued. 'If he is genuinely tired and he was honest for the team, then fair play to him. ‘Let's not make it a great deal. The lad has expressed it, Roy has made the decision not to play him and we have won.' | Danny Murphy says he believes if Roy Hodgson could turn back the clock and not reveal the conversation with Raheem Sterling then he would . Sterling started the game against Estonia on the bench . England beat Estonia 1-0 in Tallinn with Wayne Rooney scoring the goal . | e6b6aff356388f0aa5b4519345c371b500c36250 |
When I visit Jerusalem and the West Bank, I frequently ask young Arabs about their views on Hamas. In almost every discussion, Christians and Muslims alike refuse to label Hamas as a "terrorist" organization. When I raise criticism of Hamas and its targeting of innocent civilians, my comments never register. The responses are some variation of "Israel has taken over our lands and killed thousands of Arab civilians over the years. Hamas is only resisting occupation and fighting for our rights." I hear similar sentiments in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and even non-Arab Pakistan. Al-Jazeera Arabic gives prominence to the popular Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who has repeatedly called suicide bombings against Israelis not terrorism, but "martyrdom." He argues that since Israelis all serve in the military, they are not civilians. Even children, he despicably argues, are not innocent. They would grow up to serve in the military. Qaradawi is not alone. I can name tens of Muslim clerics, important formulators of public opinion in a region dominated by religion, that will readily condemn acts of terrorism against the West, but will fall silent when it comes to condemning Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Put simply, support for violent resistance against Israel among Arab and Muslim-majority countries -- including allies of the United States such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia -- remains popular. Opinion: How this could be the last Gaza war . Hamas benefits from that support. From radical Iran to moderate Tunisia, Hamas' Prime Minister Ismail Haniyyeh was welcomed by vast cheering crowds during visits this year. In a new Middle East, where popular opinion matters more than ever before, to demand that people condemn Hamas is a political nonstarter. It won't happen. Israel's talk of Hamas terrorism has failed to convince the Muslim and Arab masses. And worse, the label of "terror" loses its importance when entire populations, essentially, see nothing wrong with Hamas's violent activities. In short, Israel's strategy has failed to win Muslim hearts and minds. In the long term, it cannot continue to rely on military superiority and Western support in the face of popular hostility. Israel is a nation in the Middle East, and it needs to find a home and place among its increasingly democratic neighbors. The old ideas of "we do not talk to terrorists" are not only strategically futile, but also untrue. Timeline: Israel-Gaza conflict . In order to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Israelis (in both official and unofficial capacities) negotiated with Hamas. In spite of the Netanyahu government's bluster about refusing to deal with Hamas now, securing a cease-fire involves doing exactly that with the help of Egypt's new Islamist government. In the past, Israel refused to talk with the PLO and Yasser Arafat, and in 1988, despite Israel's intransigence, the United States opened a dialogue with the PLO and thereby helped steer the organization to its nonviolent politics today. Similar examples abound in recent history from South Africa, where Margaret Thatcher once called the African National Congress and Nelson Mandela terrorists, to Northern Ireland's Sinn Fein. Opinion: Messages of Gaza violence -- Hamas can't be ignored . In short, when the political calculations shift, the actions of terrorists are altered. Lest we forget, George Washington was labeled a terrorist by the British. But that label carried little weight amid his support base in America. Today, Israel's labels of terrorist mean nothing to the people of the region. Newly empowered, their views and attitudes matter. Israel cannot continue to swim against the tide. For its own security, to strengthen the interests of the United States in the region and to show recognition of the changes that are sweeping the entire Middle East, Israel needs to change. It must talk directly with Hamas. The old game is over. Hamas is here to stay. In 2004 Israel killed its founder Ahmed Yassin, and then his successor Abdel Aziz Rantisi Rantissi and now the head of its military wing, Ahmed al-Ja'abar, each time vowing to weaken Hamas, only to see it return stronger. Those mistakes cannot be repeated again. To demand that Hamas abandon violence, change its charter, or recognize Israel is not the beginning, but should be the end results of a peace process that builds trust over a period of time. To impose these as preconditions and thereby exclude Hamas, while also neglecting the Fatah government in the West Bank, is to give a clear message to Arabs that no strategy (that of Fatah or Hamas) is to Israel's liking. Such perceived arrogance further alienates populations in important countries such as Turkey and Egypt, not to mention the Palestinians. The United States needs these newly emerging democracies on its side. Better relations with 300 million Arabs helps secure Israel too. A stronger America in the region is good news for Israel. A tiny nation of seven million cannot be allowed to damage ties between 360 million Americans and 300 million Arabs. Conversely, Arabs have a duty to recognize Israel as home to the children of Abraham, the descendants of Moses. Opinion: Israel's mission in Gaza is not about security . Across the Arab world, from Tunisia to Yemen, we are witnessing turmoil and the rise of violent Salafi organizations. Attacks on U.S. embassies recently served as a potent reminder of the forces that are being unleashed. Israel can help itself, its neighbors and the United States by at least ending its old tactics of war and embracing the Arab peace plan offered since 2002 by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by the Arab League. It is time for Israel to act like the democracy it claims to be and end the siege of Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank. | Ed Husain: In Middle East visits he notes clerics, young Arabs don't view Hamas as terrorist . Husain: There's support for violent resistance against Israel among Arab, Muslim countries . He says Israel's might won't bring peace; time to make Hamas part of process . Husain: Israel should end war tactics, embrace Arab peace plan offered since 2002 . | a324ee6dbca5ce16cee863415d9adf1f1cb96c58 |
Leicester City have announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer from Chelsea on a free transfer. The 42-year-old has joined on a one-and-a-half year deal and is likely to go straight into the team with regular number one with Kasper Schmeichel absent with a foot injury. Schwarzer was third choice at the Blues behind Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech and had not played for the west London club this season. Mark Schwarzer holds up the goalkeeper jersey of his new club Leicester after penning an 18-month deal . Schwarzer has left Chelsea for the Foxes after nearly 18 months on a free transfer . Leicester's first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (right) is currently out injured with a broken foot . In Schmeichel's absence Ben Hamer has filled the void - with the Foxes conceding seven goals in five games since. Schwarzer's experience will prove vital to the East Midlands outfit who sit four points adrift from safety at the bottom of the table. The former Australian international's departure from Chelsea also indicates that Petr Cech is likely to remain at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season at least. Cech has been linked with a January move away from west London after losing his place to Courtois in goal; but that possibility looks remote as Jose Mourinho's side continue to fight on four fronts for silverware. Schwarzer is hoping to get more first-team action at relegation threatened Leicester . Schwarzer explained his reason for choosing to sign for the Foxes telling the club's official website: 'Automatically, when I got here, I got a great buzz and feel about the club. 'The opportunity to work with Nigel Pearson, who I played with back at Middlesbrough, and to be more involved and play more football. 'At Chelsea I didn't play a lot and the last six months has been the toughest part when I haven't been involved at all at times. The Australian international signs a Leicester goalkeeper's jersey as his signing was confirmed on Tuesday . 'The opportunity of playing some games is very enticing for me.' The Australian international is part of an elite goalkeepers' group, alongside Petr Cech and David James, to have kept 150 Premier League clean sheets. The experienced stopper has also made over 500 Barclays Premier League appearances for Middlesbrough, Fulham and the Blues over an 18-year period. Schwarzer's departure means that Petr Cech is likely to stay at Chelsea at least until the end of the season . | Leicester announce signing of Mark Schwarzer from Chelsea . The 42-year-old has penned a deal until June 2016 . Schwarzer has not featured in any games for Chelsea this season . The Australian international will bolster Leicester's goalkeeping options . Current Foxes first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is out injured . | 760d0e1d50cbe074405e7089bb28dd91703ffb95 |
By . James Tozer and Liz Hull . UPDATED: . 19:01 EST, 6 January 2012 . Detectives hunting the hospital insulin poisoner yesterday arrested a male nurse as it emerged that a fourth patient has died in suspicious circumstances. They arrested a 46-year-old, named by sources as Victorino Chua, at his Stockport home, before revealing that another death – that of 82-year-old Bill Dickson on New Year’s Eve – was also being investigated as part of the inquiry. The dramatic development came after staff at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, reported that a patient had been given the wrong medicine on Monday evening and his medical notes tampered with. The fourth patient to die after being poisoned with saline was former Manchester Evening News journalist Bill Dickson . The patient was unharmed but police were immediately contacted. Police sources last night stressed . that there was not yet any link between the arrest and the contamination . of saline drips at the hospital last summer. But it is understood the man worked on the same acute care wards at the . time the patients died and had previously been spoken to by officers as . part of their complex inquiry. Last night, the suspect remained in police custody and was being . questioned on suspicion of unlawfully administering or . causing a person to take a noxious substance, or poison. Today, a spokesman for Unison, the public sector trade union, confirmed Mr Chua is a member. Police stand guard outside Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport in July 2011, shortly after the alarm was raised . His arrest comes four months after nurse Rebecca Leighton, 27, who spent . six weeks in jail accused of the poisonings, was released due to lack . of evidence. Police believe as many as 20 patients were deliberately poisoned when . saline solutions were injected with insulin on wards A1, A2 or A3 – . which care for seriously ill patients – between June 1 and July 15 last . year. 16 other patients are believed to have been poisoned at Stepping Hill hospital . Officers are continuing to probe the deaths of multiple sclerosis . sufferer Tracey Arden, 44, Arnold Lancaster, 71, Derek Weaver, 83, and . Mr Dickson, a former senior Daily Mail journalist, who all died after . suffering ‘hypoglycaemic episodes’ – a dangerous drop in blood sugar . levels. Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, of Greater Manchester . Police, said: ‘This is, and always has been, a search for the truth. ‘It is due to the diligence of staff at the hospital that we were made . aware about the potential tampering of medical records and everyone . should be reassured that, like the hospital, we initiated a swift . response and have consequently arrested a member of staff in relation to . this matter. ‘I must stress that at this time he is only being spoken to in relation . to these matters and, as we have previously said, we will not and cannot . rule out making further arrests in the coming days or weeks.’ The man arrested was held after another nurse noticed that medical . records of a patient on Ward A3 had been altered overnight between . January 2 and 3. The patient was given medicine he should not have received but was . carefully monitored once the error was realised and later discharged. It was unclear last night whether the man arrested was the same male . nurse reportedly spoken to by officers last year when his fingerprints . were discovered on damaged packets of saline solution. Since the scandal broke in July extra security measures have been put in . place at the hospital, including CCTV in some treatment rooms, two . additional nurses assigned for the preparation and handling of drugs and . security guards on 24-hour watch outside the wards affected. The case against Rebecca Leighton was dropped after she was investigated over the deaths of three patients at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport . Chris Burke, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which . runs the hospital, said he was ‘appalled by the malicious intent’ in the . latest incident. He added: ‘Thanks to the skill and experience of our . staff it was spotted and reported immediately, and most importantly we . ensured no patient suffered any ill-effects. ‘This criminal act does not reflect on the good care provided by . dedicated and committed staff and the effective working practices in our . hospital. The safety of our patients remains our highest priority.’ Police have been at pains to stress the complexity of the investigation . into the poisonings, which has seen them interview more than 650 people, . including doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff. Despite all criminal . charges being dropped against Miss Leighton, she was subsequently sacked . after she admitted stealing opiate-based drugs from the hospital. Mr Dickson was a former news editor at the Daily Mail. He joined in 1956 . and rose to become news editor of the North before leaving for the . Manchester Evening News in 1971. Mr Dickson retired from journalism in . 1991. His youngest son Drew, 42, also a journalist, remembered his . father as a ‘very funny’ man. He added: ‘None of his colleagues ever had . a bad word to say about him.’ Mr Dickson is survived by his wife, Jean, 80, their three children – Craig, 55, Kathy, 53 and Drew – and three grandchildren. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Death of 82-year-old at Stepping Hill Hospital on New Year's Eve is being investigated . Suspect, 46, held in separate inquiry after medical records tampered with . | 8a6550274a3460cad9870bdc543bc6231f1a71d1 |
By . Ellie Buchdahl . PUBLISHED: . 04:00 EST, 19 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:31 EST, 19 September 2013 . For years it was the pride of Britain's automobile industry. But hidden beneath Birmingham's Longbridge site lies a greater, even prouder British secret - and one that helped with the war against Nazi Germany. The ‘Shadow Factory Tunnels’ are the remnants of Lord Austin’s secret plans that were hatched to bolster British military might in the face of German military aggression in the arms race that led up to the start of the Second World War. Scroll down for video . Hidden depths: The abandoned Shadow Tunnels, built in the pre-war years, lie hidden beneath the Longbridge factory in Birmingham . This was where munitions workers produced the Merlin engines that powered the Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes used to regain control of the British skies during the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Shadow Scheme involved two parts - building nine new factories and extending existing factories - including the Longbridge plant. Australian-born industrialist and . Conservative MP, Lord Austin - also the founder of Austin Motors - had already contributed to the war effort in the First World War, turning his factories to munitions and engine production. He was appointed to lead the Shadow Scheme by the head of the Air Ministry, Lord Swinton, . after then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain vowed in the desperate . build-up to WW2 to rapidly expand UK production of war machines, . weaponry and ammunition. While . the factory at Longbridge was built underground to ensure the increase . in war production was well-protected from possible bombing. Video courtesy of Michael Scott at photoaddiction . Shadow plan: The Government scheme involved the development of nine different factories and extensions to existing factories - such as the site at Longbridge . War effort: At the peak of the scheme in the 1940s, there were 26 shadow factories operating in Britain, producing munitions and parts for war vehicles and aircraft . Mass production: Tens of thousands of workers across Britain worked in shadow factories during the peak years of the scheme, producing around one aircraft every hour . Automobiles: Most of the factories involved in the scheme, like Longbridge, were car factories . Redevelopment: Since the collapse of MG Rover in 2005, part of the Longbridge site has been turned to commercial and residential purposes . At peak production point in the mid-1940s, there were 26 shadow factories in operation in Britain. The factories employed tens of thousands of people, including munitions workers and sub-contractors. Urban explorer Tom Robinson, 20, from Stoke-on-Trent delved into the tunnels to bring back exclusive pictures of Great Britain’s hidden wartime heritage. 'In 1936 Austin became Chairman of a shadow factory scheme set up by the government. 'At Longbridge, a flight shed was built, which is distinctive for its interior space and impressive roof structure. 'Close by was a new Aero Factory which would become known as the East Works. 'My pictures show the series of tunnels was also prepared to provide shelter from air raids and a safe place to relocate manufacturing operations in case of heavy bombing.' Development: The 15-acre East Works site at Longbridge was built as part of a wider Government scheme, spearheaded by Lord Austin . Power: Coal-fired boilers with an underground cooling apparatus powered the East Works, where the engines were made for British planes . Cavernous: The tunnels stretch under most of the 15-acre site and had space for 10,000 workers . Equipment: Urban explorer Tom Robinson found much of the old machinery and lighting still in place when he photographed the tunnels . After the war, the factory returned to producing automobiles and the tunnels were abandoned. By the late 1960s, the Longbridge plant was the second largest car plant in the world, employing some 250,000 workers. But since the collapse of MG Rover, part of the site was redeveloped for housing and commercial purposes. It was bought by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation in late 2007 into 2008. Tom explained why he felt it important for Britain to better-preserve wartime sites like this. “It’s a travesty that nothing has been done to preserve any of the history of the Longbridge works, where British manufacturers such as Austin Motors and later MG Rover were based,” he said. Defence: Herbert Austin - Lord Austin - who became Chairman of the Government's shadow factory scheme in 1936, is pictured (right) visiting the shadow factory site at Longbridge in 1937 . Engine driver: Lord Austin (in foreground), an Australian-born industrialist, founded the Austin Motor Company - which had already turned its services to the war effort from 1914 to 1917 . 'There’s little to show what was once a huge employer in the area and a key player in the automotive industry. 'But I try to document what I’m seeing as I visit these places. 'I’m trying to give who ever looks at the photos a good insight into what there is to be seen.' Lord Austin died in May 1941, four years before the Allied forces finally defeated Germany in Europe thanks in part to his effort. Monarch of the skies: King George VI with J.W. Gillan in 1938, as he is shown a Hawker Hurricane. Many of the planes owed their engines to the shadow factories . ...and now: MG6 vehicles on an assembly line at the now Chinese owned MG factory in Longbridge, Birmingham in 2011 . Women of Britain: Hundreds of female workers were employed at the Longbridge shadow tunnels during the war when many men were sent to fight . Daily work: Even the warning signs, clocks and sinks are still in tact in the tunnels that made up the shadow factory . What lies beneath: The factory continued operating on the surface too, with more production going on below . Business as usual: At the end of the war, the Longbridge plant went back to producing automobiles - like the iconic Austin A40s shown here in 1948 . | Urban explorer photographs underground factory tunnels beneath Birmingham's Longbridge plant . 'Shadow Scheme' developed in pre-Second World War years to compete with German arms production . In peak war years underground factory employed around 10,000 workers - many of them women . Scheme run by Lord Austin - founder of Austin Motors - who died before war ended in 1941 . Factory above ground continues to produce cars under new Chinese management . | cfdbbb38cbb9617825adbb8a1e8eeecba1032e63 |
Hospitals were so busy last winter that staff advised patients to go to a supermarket for urgent medical treatment. They were directed to an Asda-based walk-in centre in Hereford when staff shortages forced two minor injury units to shut. The centres, in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, were closed after their nurses were drafted in to help at the A&E department in Hereford. Patients needing urgent medical care were told to go to an Asda-based walk-in centre in Hereford after two local minor injuries centres were closed due to staff shortages (file picture) Posters detailing alternative NHS services – including the Asda-based NHS walk-in centre – were put on the doors of the two units. Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the incident showed the NHS was in 'crisis' Last night Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said: ‘It’s clear the NHS is in crisis when it tells injured patients to go to Asda, not A&E.’ The incident, which took place in January, came to light after Freedom of Information requests about serious problems faced by hospitals last winter. A spokesman for Wye Valley NHS Trust said shutting the minor injury units temporarily had been an efficient use of staff in the circumstances. He added: ‘It’s not the Asda shop we are talking about – the NHS walk-in centre is just in the Asda building.’ | Hospitals were so busy last winter patients were told to go to an Asda walk-in centre for care . People were advised to visit Asda in Hereford due to staff shortages . Minor injury centres in Leominster and Ross-on-Wye were closed after nurses were drafted into Hereford A&E department . Shadow health secretart Andy Burnham says the incident shows NHS is in 'crisis' | 7edfc64ad862f3f9a286184184ff7c27ee6b48af |
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