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A washed up former professional footballer who masqueraded as a Premier League star to maintain his celebrity life of champagne and shopping sprees is facing a 'substantial' stretch in jail for fraud today. Medi Abalimba, 24, who once earned £4,000 a week and was tipped for stardom, was so ashamed at his career at top flight clubs floundering due to injury he falsely claimed to be multi-millionaire Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta to get drink and clothes on credit. During one incident he duped starstruck staff into running up a £25,000 bar tab on Cristal champagne in one West End Club in London claiming 'he was a Premier League star and good for the money'. He also ran up a £9,600 bill at three London luxury hotels, took a bar in Manchester for another £5,000, scrounged suites in luxury apartment complexes and spent £11,000 on limousines saying he had an American Express credit card. Scroll down for video . Medi Abalimba (left), the conman who posed as Chelsea footballer Gael Kakuta (right) to enjoy a champagne lifestyle in luxury hotels . Medi Abalimba duped staff at the Cirque du Soir burlesque club in Soho into giving him champagne after convincing them he had put his credit card behind the bar . Abalimba was caught after he attempted to buy clothing worth more than £20,000 from a store at the Trafford Centre near Manchester on a dodgy credit card only for staff to become suspicious and retain the items. He claimed his one-time massive weekly wage left him with a 'wholly unrealistic' understanding of money. Today at Manchester Crown Court, Abalimba, of Kings Cross, London, admitted three charges of fraud, taking a Range Rover without consent and making off without paying for £104 worth of petrol. Nearly all the offences involved him making false representations that he was Gael Kakuta. He was also appearing for sentence for five other counts of similar frauds in London and Derby in which he claimed to be the former Chelsea star. He asked for 19 other offences to be considered. Judge Robert Atherton agreed to an adjournment until later this month for the preparation of background reports but said: 'How will a pre-sentence report assist me in a case which will inevitably be a substantial prison sentence? I'm not planning a non-custodial sentence.' Abalimba, was born in the Congo and had begun his career as a midfielder in the youth teams of Crystal Palace and Fulham, before moving to Southend United where he was paid £1,000 a week at just 16 years old. He attracted attention from several Premier League clubs early in his career and was given trials at Manchester United and Manchester City. At Liverpool, he played for the reserves while the then manager Rafa Benitez watched from the stands and eventually signed for Derby County in 2009 for £1.2million. Abalimba was arrested again in July after he posed as Kakuta to buy clothing worth more than £20,000 from a store in the Trafford Centre near Manchester . He was paid £4,000 a week and received an appearance fee of £1,000 as a substitute, and £2,000 for starting a match. But his career was curtailed by injury and he was sent to Oldham Athletic on a free transfer in January 2011 having failed to make a competitive appearance. In August 2012 he was signed by Farnborough Town with a wage of just £300 a week and was forced to supplement his income with part-time work as a taxi firm controller. Fearing his friends would dump him, he took them for a night out in London where he duped staff at the Cirque du Soir burlesque club in Soho into giving him champagne after convincing them he had put his credit card behind the bar. When a waiter could not find the card, Abalimba said he was a Premier League footballer and was 'good for the money' by showing photos of himself posing in football shirts with Premier League stars. He then racked up the five-figure bar tab entertaining a table of 10 guests, buying bottles of champagne which cost up to £5,000 each - even offering to buy bubbly for a man at the next table. In all he ordered two jeroboams of Cristal, each equivalent to four regular bottles, and used a microphone to invite the entire club back to his house for a party. Born: October 4, 1992 . Position: Midfielder . Played for: Youth teams of Crystal Palace and Fulham, Southend United, Liverpool reserves, Derby County, Oldham Athletic and Farnborough Town . Earnings: £4,000 a week at Derby, £300 a week at Farnborough Town . Highest transfer fee: £1.2million . Born: June 21, 1991 . Position: Striker . Played for: Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Fulham, Bolton, French side Dijon, Vitesse in Holland, Lazio in Italy and Rayo Vallecano in Spain . Earnings: Currently an estimated £1million a year at La Liga club Rayo Vallecano . Highest transfer fee: £3.96 million . At the end of the night, it was discovered he could not pay the bill and police arrived to arrest him. At the time he claimed he had been given a credit card by his French football club but the court heard Abalimba had caused the waiter to become a laughing stock across London's nightlife. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court in February 2013 when his barrister Sean Caulfield claimed his client had a 'dramatic fall from grace' which his friends knew nothing about, adding: 'It's not that he was going somewhere he had never been before. It's the reverse - he was trying to live up to the expectations that his friends had of him.' He told the court that Abalimba's career as a professional football player had left him with a 'wholly unrealistic' understanding of money and added: 'There is some background to this, which may explain why Abalimba thinks it normal behaviour to go to a nightclub and spend such sums. 'It would appear that perhaps his understanding of adult life and finance was wholly unrealistic.' At the time Abalimba was given a six-month suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work and banned from entering West End nightclubs for a year. But he was arrested again in July after he posed as Kakuta to buy clothing worth more than £20,000 from a Trafford Centre store. But he flouted the suspended sentence on the weekend of Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2014, when a man purporting to be a Premier League footballer ran up a tab of about £5,000 at the city centre venue. The bill was paid for using compromised credit card details. He had also booked into the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hyde Park, after pretending to be Kakuta's agent but was subsequently caught by police after they found his fingerprints on a pair of Harvey Nichols shoes the fraudster had attempted to give out as a tip. He had also racked up a £9,600 tab at Corinthia in Whitehall and the Millennium Knightsbridge. He has previous convictions for burglary, going equipped for theft and shoplifting. Kakuta is now on his sixth loan spell away from Chelsea after agreeing a move to Rayo Vallecano in the summer. The 23-year-old has now been shipped out to Fulham, Bolton, Dijon, Vitesse and Lazio before heading to Spain. | Medi Abalimba, 24, claimed he was Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta . He duped staff into running up a £25,000 tab in a West End Club in London . He earned £4,000 a week at Derby but injury plagued his career . Abalimba was caught after attempting to buy clothing worth over £20,000 . | 173acf4fd6fe0c98689b8865a3a1699a0790fc73 |
A respected University of Pittsburgh researcher has been found guilty of first-degree murder by handing his wife a drink to boost her fertility - after lacing it with cyanide. Dr Robert Ferrante told his lab assistant to purchase 'the purest' cyanide on his corporate credit card overnight on April 15, 2013. Two days later, he prepared a drink of fertility booster Creatine for his wife, 41-year-old neurologist Dr Autumn Klein, who was desperate for a second child. By April 20, she was dead. On Friday, despite a lengthy legal battle in which he tried to claim Klein died of natural causes, Ferrante hung his head as prosecutors branded him a 'master manipulator' and the jury delivered a guilty verdict. It came after his near-perfect murder unraveled as police obtained evidence he searched cyanide poisoning on Google. His story also changed - from claiming he was upstairs when Klein drank the poison, to insisting he was downstairs. Guilty: Dr Robert Ferrante has been found guilty of first-degree murder by poisoning his wife Autumn Klein . Prosecutors said Ferrante concocted the plan to kill his wife after she pressured him to have a second child and because he may have feared she was having an affair or planned to divorce him. The jury deliberated for 15 hours over two days before agreeing with Allegheny County prosecutors that Klein had been murdered. It means he now faces a mandatory life sentence. Klein's relatives burst into tears upon hearing the guilty verdict. 'Justice for Autumn,' said her mother, Lois Klein, of Towson, Maryland, outside the courtroom later. The 66-year-old Ferrante denied poisoning his wife, insisting she died of natural causes. However, he changed his story a number of times and was found to have searched ways to cure cyanide poisoning online. His lawyers made the case that she might not have been poisoned at all, citing three defense experts who said that couldn't be conclusively proved. 'At a minimum we established very clear reasonable doubt,' defense attorney William Difenderfer said, referring primarily to testimony from celebrity pathologist Dr Cyril Wecht, who said he couldn't determine how Klein died because he thought a test that showed cyanide in her blood was unreliable. 'Master manipulator': Prosecutors said Ferrante has spent a year constructing his cover-up story . Motives? The jury heard Klein (right) wanted a second child and Ferrante (left) feared she might leave him . Ferrante said the cyanide he bought was for stem cell experiments he was conducting on Lou Gehrig's disease, because the toxin can be used to kill of neurological cells and thus simulate the disease in the lab. The key to the prosecution's case was a test on Klein's blood that revealed a lethal level of cyanide. The blood was drawn while doctors at UPMC Presbyterian hospital tried in vain for three days to save her life, though the results weren't known until after she died and her body was cremated. 'Justice for Autumn!': Klein's relatives wept and embraced as the guilty verdict was delivered . Jurors said they found the lab test showing the lethal level of cyanide in Klein's blood to be the most reliable test in evidence. They also said Ferrante's decision to testify may have been a mistake. Police said Ferrante told them he was downstairs in the kitchen and gave his wife a creatine drink before she collapsed, but on the witness stand Ferrante said he was upstairs when she got home, he didn't know if she drank anything and she collapsed after giving him a kiss on the cheek. The jurors said that Ferrante changing his story about where he was and what happened in his wife's final moments led them to believe he was lying. 'I think he had incredible coaches,' juror Helen Ewing said. 'I think he had a year to think about what story he wanted to tell.' Jurors also were moved by a recording of a 911 call Ferrante made while his wife was groaning, moaning and gasping for air in the background. Ewing said she was 'horrified' by Klein's suffering, while fellow juror Lance Deweese said, 'It got you in the gut. It got you in the heart.' Ferrante did online searches on cyanide poisoning and how it might be removed by the medical treatments Klein received or detected by a coroner after her death. He said that the queries were related to his research and that the other searches were made simply as he tried to understand the treatment his wife received. The life sentence is mandatory in any first-degree murder case. Prosecutors declined to pursue the death penalty because they said they found no aggravating circumstances that would have made it a capital offense. | Dr Robert Ferrante, 66, found guilty of murdering wife Dr Autumn Klein . He laced her fertility-boosting energy drink with cyanide bought at work . Respected neurologist branded 'master manipulator' by prosecutors . His lab assistant said he requested 'the purest' cyanide in overnight order . Jury deliberated for 2 days, Ferrante claimed Klein died of natural causes . | ff680dda385a9ac9b042dbfddc559819048861f5 |
By . Sophie Borland . Moving hospital beds further apart and having fewer patients on wards will prevent the spread of a new breed of superbugs, say experts. There should also be large windows for better air circulation as part of a ‘Victorian-style makeover’ to help cut the risk of infection. Scientists said such measures would buy medics crucial time as they attempt to develop new cures for antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Hospital beds should be moved further apart to help stop infection in hospitals, say experts (file picture) Last month the World Health Organisation warned that the threat was so high patients may soon die from scratches or grazes that become infected. Professor Kevin Kerr, from Hull York Medical School, told the Royal Society: 'We are talking about returning hospital wards to the type we had 100 years ago. ‘In the near future it is possible that a scratch from a rose thorn could become septic. ‘Without effective antibiotics, septicaemia could easily set in and result in death.’ Addressing a meeting of the Royal Society in London last week, which was attended by Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer, he added: ‘It is a terrible prospect, but a very real one. Scientists said such measures would buy medics crucial time as they attempt to develop new cures for antibiotic-resistant superbugs (file picture) ‘We are facing a return to the state of affairs that existed before antibiotics were discovered.’ The problem has been caused by the widespread use of antibiotics by doctors – and farmers on livestock - which has led to bacteria evolving so they are immune. At the same time, drug companies have . developed fewer, new antiobiotics as they are not as profitable as more . expensive treatments for diabetes and high blood pressure, for example. Professor Mark Kerr, from Kingston University, London, called on hospitals to employ ‘old school’ measures, adding: ‘We need to hold back the spread of resistant bacteria while finding ways to persuade pharmaceuticals to improve their output of new generations of antibiotics.’ Although rates of MRSA and C.difficile in hospitals are at record lows, scientists are deeply concerned about a new breed of antibiotic-resistant superbugs that includes strains of E. Coli. Last month Dr Keiji Fekuda, assistant director for health security at the World Health Organisation said: ‘The world is headed for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill. ‘We should anticipate to see many more deaths.’ ‘We are going to see people who have untreatable infections, we cant do anything about them. Or there will be people who will be treatable but it will take much longer to treat them.’ | Experts say the steps will prevent the spread of a new breed of superbugs . Added that there should be a return to 'Victorian style' hospital wards . World Health Organisation has warned of a 'post antibiotic' era . | f9b08fc1ed3168727a39e17d1e780458cf25ecda |
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- The Los Angeles County coroner's office has subpoenaed medical records from 20 doctors in its investigation into actor Corey Haim's death, a coroner investigator said. Haim, who died earlier this month, obtained drugs using prescriptions written under the names of these doctors in the past year, Los Angeles County Deputy Coroner Ed Winter told CNN on Friday. California drug investigators found evidence that Haim, who fought a decades-long battle with drug abuse, used at least one fake prescription to obtain a narcotic in the months before he died, California Attorney General Jerry Brown said last week. The coroner is waiting for toxicology results before deciding if drugs were involved in the death of the 1980s teen movie actor, Winter said. Those test results are several weeks away, he said. An autopsy revealed that Haim, 38, suffered from pneumonia, an enlarged heart and water in his lungs when he collapsed at his Los Angeles home on March 10, Winter said. "We get medical records all the time," Winter said. "What's kind of unusual in this is how many doctors are involved." Pharmacy records show the actor got thousands of potentially dangerous pills from multiple doctors in the past year, according to Brown. State investigators know that Haim obtained "massive amounts" of legal drugs "in what looks to me like a questionable manner because of so many doctors," Brown said. "How many people go to 10 or 15 or 20 doctors and then run around to 10, 12 and more pharmacies to go fulfill them and sometimes two different doctors in the same day?" Brown asked. Haim did not necessarily visit all of the doctors, but the prescriptions carried their names, he said. An arrest was made last week in connection with an "illegal and massive prescription drug ring" connected to at least one of Haim's prescriptions, Brown said. The ring involved the use of stolen identities from doctors to order official prescription pads, he said. "Once they get that prescription pad in the doctor's name, then they can write a prescription, or they can sell it to someone to write a prescription like Corey Haim," Brown said. "Then he can go into the pharmacy and get his legal drugs illegally." Although the actor's family said Haim had reduced his drug use to near zero, Brown said that he didn't see "any 'zero' pill consumption." "If he took all the pills that our records show he was prescribed over the last year and three months, he took very damaging assaults on his body," Brown said. Haim's most recent prescription was filled March 5 for Vicodin, he said. "In the weeks before that, more Vicodin, more Valium and other things," Brown said. "If you go back to 2009, you're talking thousands of pills," he said. "You're talking many, many doctors. I doubt if they know about each other. You're talking about many, many pharmacies." In recent years, the actor was reunited with longtime friend and frequent co-star Corey Feldman in a reality show. "The Two Coreys" ran for two seasons on the A&E Network before it was canceled. Haim's most famous role was in the 1987 movie "The Lost Boys," in which he also appeared with Feldman. Haim played a fresh-faced teenager whose brother becomes a vampire. | Coroner issues subpoenas for records of 20 doctors in Haim death inquiry . Attorney general says at least one of Haim's prescriptions linked to prescription drug ring . Haim, 38, had pneumonia, enlarged heart, water in lungs when he died March 10 . Toxicology results, which are weeks away, to help determine if drugs were involved in death . | 2a0fc2acb5c612597844f55d63fde5bd14581d68 |
By . Associated Press . An 89-year-old Nazi war crimes suspect died in custody hours before a U.S. ruling Wednesday that he should be extradited to Germany to face trial. Johann Breyer died Tuesday night at a Philadelphia hospital, where he had been transferred Saturday after a month in jail, his lawyer and the U.S. Marshals Service said. His death was disclosed Wednesday just as U.S. Magistrate Timothy Rice approved the extradition request, which would still have needed final U.S. government review. Pictured as a young Nazi in World War II and again in his declining years, Johann Breyer died Tuesday night in a Philadelphia hospital only hours before a U.S. ruling that he should be extradited to Germany for trial . Rice found probable cause that Breyer . was the person being sought by German authorities over his suspected . service as an SS guard at Auschwitz during World War II. 'No statute of limitations offers a safe haven for murder,' he wrote in his ruling. U.S. marshals had arrested Breyer in June outside his longtime home in Philadelphia. He was facing charges of aiding in the killing of 216,000 Jewish men, women and children at a Nazi death camp. 'As outlined by Germany, a death camp guard such as Breyer could not have served at Auschwitz during the peak of the Nazi reign of terror in 1944 without knowing that hundreds of thousands of human beings were being brutally slaughtered in gas chambers and then burned on site,' Rice wrote. 'A daily parade of freight trains delivered hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children, most of whom simply vanished overnight. Yet, the screams, the smells, and the pall of death permeated the air. The allegations establish that Breyer can no longer deceive himself and others of his complicity in such horror,' the judge said. Breyer claimed he was unaware of the massive slaughter at Auschwitz and then that he did not participate in it, but 'the German allegations belie his claims,' the judge wrote. Breyer died at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, according to his lawyer, Dennis Boyle, and the Marshals Service. The lawyer said Breyer's health had deteriorated in jail but he didn't know the cause of death. German authorities in the Bavarian town of Weiden issued a 2013 warrant charging Breyer with accessory to murder under the theory that the death camp's sole function was to kill people. The same legal strategy had been used to charge and convict former Ohio autoworker John Demjanjuk on charges he served as a death camp guard at Sobibor in occupied Poland. Demjanjuk died in a Bavarian nursing home in 2012 while appealing his 2011 conviction. The 2013 warrant accused Breyer of 158 counts of accessory to murder — one count for each trainload of victims brought to the Auschwitz death camp in occupied Poland from May to October 1944, when he was allegedly a guard there. 'It is particularly unfortunate that Breyer could not be brought to justice in view of the significant efforts that were invested in trying to hold him accountable for his service at the Auschwitz death camp,' said Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem. 'This setback should in no way discourage or hamper the efforts to bring other perpetrators to justice at this time.' Breyer told The Associated Press in a 2012 interview that while he was a guard at Auschwitz, he was assigned to a part of the camp that was not involved in the slaughter of Jews and others. 'I didn't kill anybody, I didn't rape anybody — and I don't even have a traffic ticket here,' he said. 'I didn't do anything wrong.' Breyer told The Associated Press in a 2012 interview that while he was a guard at Auschwitz, he was assigned to a part of the camp that was not involved in the slaughter of Jews and others . Breyer moved to Philadelphia after World War II and for decades lived a quiet, middle-class life with his wife, children and grandchildren. He had American citizenship because his mother was born in the U.S.; she later moved to Europe, where Breyer was born. In 1992, the U.S. government tried to revoke Breyer's citizenship after discovering his wartime background. The effort became a yearslong legal saga and appeared to end with a 2003 decision that found Breyer had joined the SS as a minor and could therefore not be held legally responsible for participating in it. Then he was arrested last month outside his home in northeast Philadelphia based on the German warrant. Officials say the arrest was delayed for a year because of the complexity of the extradition request. His lawyers had unsuccessfully argued that Breyer should remain at home pending the extradition hearing because of his frail health. They said he has mild dementia, heart conditions and has suffered strokes in recent years. Rice initially ruled that the federal prison system was capable of caring for Breyer, although he reversed himself Monday after what he called the 'emergency hospitalization' and granted bail. Breyer's wife and survivors could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. Messages left at his home were not immediately returned. 'This hurts. This hurts the families of the victims. This hurts anyone who is interested in justice,' Zuroff said. | Johann Breyer, 89, died in custody in the hospital he had been transferred to after a month in jail . Breyer told The Associated Press in a . 2012 interview that while he was a guard at Auschwitz, he was assigned . to a part of the camp that was not involved in the slaughter of Jews and . others . German authorities issued a 2013 warrant charging Breyer with accessory to murder . under the theory that the death camp's sole function was to kill people . | 0f3329cb7ebebaa8597446fa1f9b0f6bb8dc5e2f |
Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Sunday decrying the French president's plan to legalize same-sex marriage and adoptions. They converged near the Eiffel Tower, chanting and waving flags, posters and balloons. "I do not personally agree with gay marriage as I am a Christian and believe what the Bible says about marriage being between one woman and one man for a life time," said CNN iReporter Oluwasegun Olowu-Davies, who shot video of the march with his phone. "If your lifestyle doesn't allow you to conceive, there is a reason," he said. Extending the right to marry and adopt to same-sex couples was one of President Francois Hollande's electoral pledges in campaigning last year. After his win, the Cabinet approved a draft bill that is expected to go before the National Assembly and Senate soon. It is likely to be voted on in February or March. If passed, it would mark the biggest step forward for French gay rights advocates in more than a decade. The plan faces stiff opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and social conservatives. Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois, the archbishop of Paris, voiced his opposition at a meeting of French bishops in Lourdes last year. Same-sex marriage around the world . Opening up marriage to same-sex couples "would be a transformation of marriage that would affect everyone," he said. At the same time, failing to recognize gender difference within marriage and the family would be a "deceit" that would rock the foundations of society and lead to discrimination between children, he said. Other religious groups in France, including Muslims, Jews and Buddhists, have also expressed their concern over the draft bill, and more than 100 lawmakers are against the legislation, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV. Hundreds of mayors around the country have also voiced their opposition, which has won wide backing from gay rights advocates. The French gay, lesbian and transgender rights group Inter-LGBT said the law, if passed, "would be a major advance for our country in terms of equality of rights." Lawmakers have a "unique opportunity" to put an end to outdated discrimination, the group said in a statement. "The law must allow all couples to unite themselves as they wish and must protect all families, without discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity," it said. A law legalizing civil unions was introduced in 1999 in France under a previous Socialist government. Known in France as the PACS (pacte civil de solidarite), the civil union agreement can be entered into by gay or straight couples and confers many but not all of the rights of marriage. | A proposed bill would give same-sex couples new marriage and adoption rights . French President Francois Hollande pledged new legislation while campaigning . His plan faces stiff opposition from the Roman Catholic Church and social conservatives . | 10049e3d65ebe37ab013ce51ec185b32aa514105 |
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a plain-clothed police officer was 'mowed down during a car chase' in a busy west London street. The 24-year-old man was arrested for failing to stop and on suspicion of attempted murder after the policewoman was struck by a car in Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith, at about 3.30pm. Scotland Yard said the female police officer suffered a possible broken leg and concussion in the collision but confirmed she was now in a 'stable condition' at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington. Police were called to Shepherds Bush Road in Hammersmith, west London, after a plain-clothed officer was allegedly 'mowed down' by a car during a pursuit. A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder . The 24-year-old man was arrested near to the scene for failing to stop and on suspicion of attempted murder after the policewoman was struck by a car in Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith, at about 3.30pm today . Scotland Yard confirmed the police officer suffered a suspected broken leg and concussion in the collision . A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police notified the London Ambulance Service of a plain-clothed female police officer involved in collision with a car. 'The incident happened today, Thursday, 2 October, at Shepherds Bush Road, W6 at approximately 15:30hrs. 'The driver of the vehicle was stopped nearby. A 24-year-old man has been arrested for failing to stop and attempted murder. He is in custody pending further investigation. 'The injured officer is currently receiving medical attention at hospital for possible broken leg and concussion. She is in a stable condition. 'Officers are currently investigating the circumstances which led to the collision.' Witness Theresia Petersen 24, from Shoreditch, who was vising a friend in Hammersmith, said she saw the entire incident unfold and claimed an orange vehicle was involved in a police chase. She told GetWestLondon: 'A police car came behind us with his blue lights on chasing an orange car. The orange car then mounted the pavement to avoid the squad car blocking its path. 'Officers were running on foot from outside the police station to try and stop the car from getting away. This female police officer then ran out into the road to block his only exit and he literally mowed her down. Officers closed the road for some time while the incident was dealt with and police investigations carried out . Scotland Yard confirmed the 24-year-old suspect remained in custody this evening following the incident . Met Police Sergeant Steve Gilbert took to Twitter this afternoon to inform his followers about the incident . 'She went up onto his bonnet, flew into the air and then smashed her head against my car. She then landed in the road and she had her hands and arms over her head but then I think she passed out. 'The driver of the orange car literally just ran her over. He hit her at speed. It was just horrific. I hope to god she's ok.' The Met Police said the force could not comment due to 'operational reasons' on whether the motorist was being pursued by police at the time of crash. However, an officer posting updates on Twitter from the scene said the suspect was chased after the collision. Sergeant Steve Gilbert said: ‘Shepherd’s Bush rd closed Serious accident Officer run down. Suspect chased & arrested (sic).' He later added: 'Officer not serious although still receiving hospital treatment. Thanks for all the well wishes. I’ll pass them on! #getwellsoon (sic).' Scotland Yard confirmed the injured police officer was taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington (pictured) with a suspected broken leg and concussion. She is described as being in a 'stable condition' following the collision . The incident occurred in Shepherds Bush Road, Hammersmith, west London (pictured) at about 3.30pm today . Scotland Yard confirmed the incident had not been referred to the IPCC, the police watchdog. The incident happened outside Hammersmith Police Station and a police cordon was quickly put in place. Crowds could be seen gathered at the cordon this afternoon as officers carried out investigations at the scene. Traffic came to a standstill in the area as a result of the incident, with tailbacks reported as far as Kensington Olympia. London Ambulance Service confirmed one ambulance had been sent to reports of a collision and said one patient had been taken to St Mary's Hospital. The age and name of the injured police officer has not been released at this stage. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Plain-clothed female police officer struck by car in busy Hammersmith road . Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and failing to stop at scene . 24-year-old remains in custody pending further enquiries and investigation . | 7250d1669514f525cd6c46a5b7e638eb58612a0b |
(CNN) -- Barcelona's season has turned upside down after the club's first home league defeat in 25 matches, says "concerned" coach Gerardo Martinez. The Spanish champions face the prospect of losing the outright lead after a record 59-game run at the top following Saturday's shock 3-2 defeat by Valencia, in which key defender Jordi Alba was sent off against his former team. It left Barca level on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid, which hosts fourth-placed Real Sociedad on Sunday. Longtime rival Real Madrid, meanwhile, can move two points above the Catalan team with victory at sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao. "Now we're playing in a completely different competition," Martino said on Barca's website. "We will try to regain the ground that we will most likely lose this weekend. We still have to play against our direct rivals. "I'm concerned and I want to bounce back from this as soon as possible." Barcelona led through Alexis Sanchez but Daniel Parejo and Pablo Piatti put midtable Valencia head with goals either side of halftime. Lionel Messi leveled with his first La Liga goal in four months when a penalty was awarded despite the ball appearing to hit Ricardo Costa in the shoulder, not his arm, but Francisco Alcacer restored the lead in the 59th minute before fullback Alba collected his second booking. It was Barca's first league defeat at Camp Nou since April 2012, and only second in 22 league matches this season, leaving Martinez disconsolate. "We had the impression that the match was over after half an hour and we paid for that. I said that we will pay for our errors, and we committed errors today," said the Argentine, in his first season in charge. "Any error from now on out could cost us dearly. Their goal at the end of the first half hurt us and we lost confidence. Their second goal made us desperate." Barca will next play seventh-placed Sevilla, which conceded two late goals in a 3-2 defeat that eased Malaga's relegation fears. Former Portugal winger Duda scored the winning home side's first from the penalty and then the 83rd-minute decider. In Saturday's other games, there were 0-0 draws in the games between Levante and Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe vs. Valladolid -- which left all four clubs in the bottom half of the table. In Italy, fourth-placed Fiorentina will likely lose ground on the top Serie A teams following a 1-0 defeat at Cagliari. Leader Juventus plays fifth-placed Inter Milan on Sunday, while closest rival Roma hosts Parma and Napoli travels to Atalanta. Ninth-placed AC Milan came from behind to draw 1-1 at home to fellow Europa League qualification hopeful Torino as loan defender Adil Rami equalized, a result which ended new coach Clarence Seedorf's run of two successive wins. Meanwhile, Udinese moved away from the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Bologna. In Germany, second-placed Bayer Leverkusen ended a run of three losses by beating Stuttgart 2-1 at home. Switzerland international striker Eren Derdiyok headed a late winner as Leverkusen closed to within 10 points of leader Bayern Munich, which hosts Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. Leverkusen moved four points ahead of third-placed Borussia Dortmund, which won 2-1 at bottom club Eintracht Braunschweig on Friday. Schalke moved up to fourth after beating 10-man Wolfsburg 2-1 with a late winner from midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Borussia Monchengladbach dropped to fifth following a 3-1 loss at Hannover. In France, second-placed Monaco could only draw 2-2 at Lorient -- meaning next weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Paris Saint-Germain becomes even more important. Champions PSG hold a five-point advantage following Friday's 2-0 win at home to Bordeaux, and it could have been even more if Layvin Kurzawa had not scored a late leveler for Monaco. | Coach Gerardo Martino admits "concern" following end of Barcelona's unbeaten home run . Spanish champions could lose Spanish league lead for the first time in 60 matches . Jordi Alba is sent off in Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Valencia at Camp Nou . Madrid clubs Atletico and Real can both move above Barcelona on Sunday . | 73932e2f782c3baf0e51e3aadfb2a1c03a3c324c |
(CNN) -- Day-long clashes between police and rioters marked a controversial holiday march in Northern Ireland, leaving dozens of officers injured and widespread damage in Belfast. The violence began overnight, on the eve of July 12, known as "The Twelfth" by Protestants who march to celebrate the victory of English king William III over his ousted Catholic predecessor James II in 1689. More than 100 riot police removed Catholic protesters from a road in north Belfast to allow the march to take place, journalist Peter Taggart told CNN Monday. Rioters pelted police with Molotov cocktails and other explosives, and officers fired baton rounds and used water cannon in attempts to break up the crowds, police said. A policewoman was struck in the head by an object thrown at her, and ambulance crews who rushed to the scene were confronted by rioters, police said. Her condition was unknown. Several vehicles were carjacked and set afire, police said. Police have not yet released details of the number of arrests made, or the number of people injured. However, authorities earlier in the day reported that at least 27 police officers were injured in the clashes. The injuries are not thought to be serious, police spokesman John Anderson had said. The violence took place in two different parts of the city on the eve of a holiday often marked by tension between Catholics and Protestants. Tensions in Northern Ireland as marching season begins . The disruption began minutes before the start of the holiday -- also known as "Orangeman's Day." Because of the sectarian nature of the holiday, celebrations have sometimes been marred by violence in the past. "This is utterly wrong and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms," police district Chief Superintendent Mark Hamilton said in a statement early Monday. "Those involved in tonight's violence were intent on causing mayhem and destruction." Hamilton said police were investigating the incident. "We have appealed for calm in the run up to the Twelfth of July and we continue to do so," he said. "We would appeal to anyone with influence in the community to exert it to ensure that the next few days pass off without incident." On Saturday, police in Northern Ireland said a roadside bomb that exploded in a border caused significant damage to both a road and a nearby bridge. District Cmdr. Chief Alasdair Robinson said he believed that police officers were the target, and that the bomb was placed in the area in an attempt to injure or kill them. | Rioters attack police on historic Protestant holiday . At least 27 police injured in two different locations, including three hit by shotgun blast . People throw objects and explosives . Disruption began on eve of holiday . | 22c376d79c4cf310c3b4039407313eb4dd2b1ed7 |
London, England (CNN) -- British police questioned four members of the Pakistani national cricket team after allegations surfaced that gamblers fixed part of a match against England, the manager of the Pakistani team said Sunday. They arrested a different man in connection with the allegations late Saturday. The investigation comes after a British tabloid newspaper reported that two Pakistani players deliberately bowled "no balls" -- a foul -- while playing against England in London last week. A "no ball" is when the bowler -- the equivalent of a pitcher in baseball -- steps over the line as he throws the ball. The batting team gets a run when that happens. A chance lost for Pakistan's cricketers? The British tabloid News of the World posted what it said was a video of an undercover reporter meeting with a man identified as Mazhar Majeed, who tells the reporter exactly which bowlers would bowl "no balls" and when, then lays out 14 thick stacks of bills on a table. The video of the meeting -- which the newspaper said took place Wednesday, the day before the match between Pakistan and England began -- is intercut with clips from the following two days, where the players perform as Majeed said they would. The tabloid also says the alleged ringleader pocketed 150,000 British pounds (U.S. $232,800) in the scam. London's Metropolitan Police said a 35-year-old man was arrested late Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud bookmakers. A source familiar with the investigation named him as Mazhar Majeed. Without identifying the suspect by name, London police said Sunday in a brief statement that the 35-year-old man was released on bail "until a date in the future." No date for a hearing or further proceedings was given in the statement. No players or team officials have been arrested, the International Cricket Council said Sunday. But police questioned team captain Salman Butt, manager Yawar Saeed and two other players, Saeed told reporters Sunday. He did not name the other two players at the news conference, but Britain's Press Association earlier reported that he had said they were bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asaf. Police refused to confirm to CNN who was being questioned. Team captain Butt said Pakistan gave 100 percent throughout a match. "We have given our best," Butt said after his team lost to England. The team manager refused to comment on the report that Pakistani players intentionally committed three fouls during the . match. "No allegations are true until they are proved either way," said Saeed. "So that this point in time they are just allegations. Let's wait until the case is complete." England beat Pakistan in the four-day match at Lord's cricket ground, which ended Sunday afternoon, after the scandal broke. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari ordered an investigation into the scandal, his spokesman said Sunday. He directed the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board to submit a preliminary report "immediately," Farhatullah Babar said, adding that Zardari asked to be kept informed about any British investigations as well. Sam Peters, News of the World's cricket correspondent, told CNN that the tabloid did not "drive these events ... These events were going to happen regardless of whether the News of the World was involved." But, he said, staffers believed the story was in the public interest. "It's a legitimate story to get to the bottom of something that's been plaguing our sport," he said. "... It's swirled around, and the innuendo's been there." "People need to know this is going on," he said, "what they're watching when they're paying money to go to sports events ... it's not always what they believe it to be." However, Shakil Shaikh, president of the Islamabad Regional Cricket Association, told CNN that while he is "shocked" at the news, "no proof has been given of the involvement of these players in the match-fixing issue" and he has seen no concrete evidence against the cricketers. He said if evidence does surface, an investigation will be launched. It is the second allegation of corruption directed at the Pakistan cricket team this year. The International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit was set up in response to allegations against the captains of Pakistan, India and South Africa in 2000. All three were banned from the game for life. News of the World does not allege that gamblers fixed the results of the match -- only that specific moments in the match were fixed, a practice known as "spot-fixing" rather than "match-fixing." Betting on cricket matches is legal in England. International and local cricket officials will not be issuing further comment "as this is now subject to a police investigation," the council said in a statement. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told CNN the arrest came in response to information provided by the newspaper. Andrew Miller, a cricket expert and the U.K. editor for ESPN's Cricket website, told CNN on Sunday morning that since a major scandal involving match fixing between India and South Africa in 2000, things appear not to have changed much. "What we're discovering is that corruption has never gone away," Miller said via telephone from London. "It's resurfacing this year -- during the 10th anniversary of the biggest scandal ever to hit cricket." Miller said though it remains to be proven, it appears this newest scandal could be on par with the scandal from 10 years ago. He added that cricket's many aspects of play and rules make it susceptible to betting. And in a five-day test match, such as the one under way between Pakistan and England at the Lord's cricket ground, there are a lot of possibilities for placing bets that players can manipulate. "If you were going to invent a game that you could corrupt -- it would be cricket because you can bet on every aspect of the game," he continued. For example, there are up to 2,700 deliveries per game and if a gambler were to plop down $10,000 on the 827th delivery, predicting it correctly, the payoff for that particular bet could be handsome. "We believe this is really huge, and could be affecting other areas of cricket," Peters said. The News of the World report was co-authored by Mazher Mahmood, a controversial figure in British journalism who has exposed several previous scams. He was responsible for a report in May that revealed Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson offered to sell access to her former husband, Prince Andrew. According to the UK Press Association, the tabloid's reporters were able to gain access to the alleged ring by posing as "Far Eastern businessmen." CNN's Richard Allen Greene, Phil Black, Caroline Paterson, Bharati Naik, Les Neuhaus and Andreena Narayan contributed to this report. | NEW: London police say man arrested in case is released on bail . President of Pakistan orders an investigation . Everyone on the team gave "100 percent," captain Salman Butt says . The man arrested is the alleged fixer, a source familiar with the investigation says . | 020a64f74fdcdbacfba8095b51619f67016d2e22 |
By . Ryan Lipman . A year to the day after shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Pistorius has written an online tribute claiming her death was a 'devastating accident'. Pistorius, 27, known as Blade Runner, posted the letter on his official Oscar Pistorious website. 'No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved - and continues to love Reeva,' he said. One year on: New pictures have emerged of Pistorious and his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, and have brought back back old memories for the athlete, known as the 'blade runner', who has posted a tribute to Steenkamp on his website . No members of Steenkamp's immediate family have attended any of Pistorius' previous court dates . One of the many hearings in the court case of Oscar Pistorious and the murder of his girlfriend . Oscar Pistorius has used the anniversary of his girlfriend's murder to pen an online tribute to her on his official website . 'The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow. 'The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life - Oscar.' Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, was found lying on the bathroom floor with fatal gunshot wounds to her head, elbow and hip. Pistorius was charged with her murder and other fire-arm related charges. His trial starts on March 3 in the South African capital, Pretoria. Prosecutors say Pistorius killed Steenkamp in the pre-dawn hours of Valentine's Day after an argument. Peet Van Zyl, Pistorious' agent, who was keen to weigh in on the hearings . Pistorius was charged with Steenkamp's murder and other fire-arm related charges. Pistorius' trial for the murder of Steenkamp will start on March 3. Steenkamp's mother is planning to attend . Pistorius refutes this, saying he shot Steenkamp by mistake believing she was a nighttime intruder in his bathroom. Steenkamp's mother, June, plans to attend the trial. No members of Steenkamp's immediate family have attended any of Pistorius' previous court dates. Prior to the murder, Pistorius was a global sport star - the first double-amputee to run at the Olympics. His ascent to stardom climaxed when he competed at the 2012 London Olympics but following his murder charge, he has been unable to compete in athletic events and had lucrative endorsement deals cancelled including one with Nike. Pistorius in action at the start of his 400m semi final at the London 2012 Olympic Games . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Pistorius posts tribute to Steenkamp on his official website calling her death a 'devastating accident' A year ago today Pistorius fatally shot Steenkamp in the early hours of Valentine's Day . Pistorious was charged with Steenkamp's murder and other fire-arm related charges . His trial starts on March 3 in South African capital, Pretoria . | 929e1e838afc2ae77956281322a8965786cd483c |
Even at this late stage Roger Federer has plenty left to do in the 2014 season, whereas for Andy Murray it could be as good as over on Tuesday night. Federer looks set for another run into the last four of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals before trying to win the Davis Cup final for Switzerland, the one significant prize that eludes him. His partner in achieving that dream, Stan Wawrinka, got off to a flying start on Monday with a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Tomas Berdych. Andy Murray shows his dejection after losing to Kei Nishikori in his ATP World Tour Finals opener on Sunday . Novak Djokovic later then brushed aside US Open champion Marin Cilic by the same scoreline, completing a faintly embarrassing brace of one-sided matches which lasted a total of just one hour and 54 minutes. Murray plays Canada’s Milos Raonic on Tuesday evening and if he cannot overcome the world No 8 then his chances of survival to the weekend are almost certainly finished. Murray may be running out of opportunities to win this tournament on home soil. The O2 Arena is guaranteed as the venue next year but then it is up for grabs. World No 1 Novak Djokovic has his eye on the ball as he raced to victory over Marin Cilic on Monday . Stan Wawrinka gives a fist pump as he celebrates his comfortable victory against Tomas Berdych . Proposals from Moscow, Doha and Beijing are believed to be in the offing, while Rio de Janeiro has expressed interest in the past. In the other Group B match on Tuesday, Federer tackles Kei Nishikori. Wawrinka believes that his 33-year-old Swiss team-mate has the ability and fitness to do well here and then make the switch to clay for the Davis Cup final against France in Lille starting a week on Friday. The man known as ‘Stanimal’ said: ‘Roger is the best player ever to adapt to a different surface, it takes him one hour or one day maximum. I am sure he will find a way to play well on clay and be ready to win the Davis Cup.’ Roger Federer bids to claim the Davis Cup with Switzerland for the first time next week in France . | Andy Murray takes on Milos Raonic at the O2 Arena on Tuesday night . Roger Federer faces Kei Nishikori during Tuesday's afternoon session . Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka both raced to victory on Monday . | 6e284fc04ff19dd61e4bab8a39432e71df322b85 |
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has claimed Leicester have had a bid accepted for midfielder James McArthur. But Sportsmail understands there is still work to be done on the deal and Esteban Cambiasso has expressed a desire to join Nigel Pearson’s team. Whether both central midfield signings are concluded remains to be seen. Former Argentina international Cambiasso would arrive on a free transfer while McArthur could cost up to £6.5million. Wanted man: Leicester have had a bid accepted for Wigan midfielder James McArthur (right) On the move: Former Inter Milan midfielder Esteban Cambiasso could join the Foxes on a free transfer . Whelan told the Daily Telegraph: ‘Leicester came back in this morning and wanted a quick answer, it was all sorted out pretty quickly. ‘We are disappointed to lose James but he can play in the Premier League again which is what he deserves. Leicester have been an absolute credit throughout the negotiations. ‘The money will go towards bringing new signings and Uwe [Rosler, the manager] is already working on targets. Busy: Leicester boss Nigel Pearson (right) wants to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes . | Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has confirmed the club have accepted a bid for James McArthur from Leicester . The midfielder could cost the Foxes up to £6.5million . Nigel Pearson is also hoping to wrap up a deal for free agent Esteban Cambiasso . The former Inter Milan man is keen to join the newly-promoted side . | 47889753ec925e1b8735c7b6fafe5b0749d55957 |
The first breakthrough drug for pancreatic cancer in 20 years will not be available on the NHS. Hundreds of patients with advanced disease will be denied Abraxane, which extends life by two months when there are virtually no other options. Campaigners said draft guidance by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), the rationing watchdog for England, that the drug was not cost effective would leave patients in despair. Hundreds of patients with advanced forms of pancreatic cancer will be denied Abraxane, which extends life by two months when there are virtually no other options, after it was decided the drug is not cost effective . Ali Stunt, founder and CEO of the charity Pancreatic Cancer Action, said ‘We are outraged by the decision. ‘This is the first time Nice has looked at an effective treatment for the disease since 2001 and they have rejected it. ‘There is a real disparity between survival rates here, which have been unchanged for 40 years, and elsewhere in Europe where patients survive twice as long and this decision is a backward step.’ About 8,500 Britons are diagnosed annually with pancreatic cancer, which kills four in five sufferers within a year. Tumours are hard to detect because the pancreas is buried deep in the body so symptoms emerge when the disease is at an advanced stage. Pancreatic cancer claimed the lives of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and author Iain Banks, and was the disease which triggered the character Hayley Cropper in TV’s Coronation Street to kill herself. Pancreatic cancer claimed the lives of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs (pictured) and author Iain Banks . The drug is given as an intravenous injection costing £600 a week, with an average course of treatment costing £5,000. Trial data shows that Abraxane and chemotherapy increases average survival by two months, but also increases the number of patients alive after two years. Professor Will Steward, Professor of Medical Oncology in Leicester, said ‘This is very depressing news for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who already have very limited treatment options. ‘This negative Nice decision means that hundreds of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, who could potentially benefit from Abraxane, will not have access to it. ‘For a cancer which has such poor survival rates, this is a very sad decision by Nice and now leaves clinicians with limited treatment options.’ Abraxane is currently available through the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) in England, but could be axed as part of a cost-cutting review. Over 260 advanced pancreatic cancer patients have received it via the CDF since March. Mother of five Sandra Hukin, 54, who lives near Bedford with partner Roy, 50, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the end of August, after a short period of stomach symptoms. About 8,500 people in Britain are diagnosed annually with pancreatic cancer, which kills four in five sufferers within a year (Pictured is a cancer cell) Within a couple of weeks she was in excruciating pain and warned the cancer had spread to several sites in her body. She went on to Abraxane after her consultant at Bedford Hospital applied for funding and has felt well since. Ms Hukin, who was a nurse specialising in learning disability patients, says the drug meant she could enjoy Christmas with her family. ‘I’d been as fit as a fiddle until this summer, I’ve never had any call on the NHS until now and there is nothing else for someone like me. ‘It’s too distressing to imagine others will have to go without’ she added. London-based oncologist Dr Andrew Gaya said This is very disappointing news for both clinicians and patients. ‘A two month survival benefit in pancreatic cancer is actually extremely significant given the average survival for metastatic patients of 6 - 8 months. ‘If this negative review is upheld it would be a backwards step for pancreas cancer patients in England.’ Ms Alex Ford, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK charity, called on Nice to reconsider. She said ‘The Nice decision and the review by the CDF which could lead to Abraxane being removed from the CDF, is devastating news for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who currently have very few treatment options.’ Dr Adrian Kilcoyne, Medical Director, Celgene UK & Ireland which makes the drug, said ‘This decision is a serious setback for both clinicians and patients.’ Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE chief executive, said Abraxane was more effective than one of the treatment options currently available, but was also more expensive. | First drug for pancreatic cancer in 20 years won't be available on NHS . Hundreds of patients with advanced disease will be denied Abraxane . Drug extends life by two months when there are no other options left . But experts say the drug is not cost effective at £600 a week per patient . Campaigners say they are 'outraged' by the decision to not stock the drug . | e2f4559c82eb641177c9d456a747bbf6203d7def |
KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Civilian casualties resulting from Afghanistan's war have spiked, jumping some 24 percent above figures from last year, the United Nations reported Friday. An Afghan child allegedly hurt during a U.S.-led air strike earlier this year. The Human Rights Unit of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan announced it recorded 1,013 civilian deaths in Afghanistan during the first six months of this year. That compares to 818 Afghan civilians who were killed during the same period in 2008, while 684 civilians were killed during the first half of 2007. Insurgent roadside bombs and suicide attacks, as well as air strikes conducted by U.S. and NATO forces, are the two deadliest tactics being used in Afghanistan. Fifty-nine percent of this year's civilian casualties resulted from insurgent bombs. Western military airstrikes killed 30.5 percent of the civilians. The report concluded that Taliban insurgents are "basing themselves in civilian areas so as to deliberately blur the distinction between combatants and civilians, and as part of what appears to be an active policy aimed at drawing a military response to areas where there is a high likelihood that civilians will be killed." The UN highlighted a pattern of deadly Taliban attacks, targeting humanitarian workers, government employees, medical and educational staff... and in particular, girls' schools. Meanwhile, the UN noted that NATO forces have redrafted their tactical directives, in an effort to reduce civilian casualties. Despite the creation last year of a military commission to track civilian deaths, Western airstrikes "remain responsible for the largest percentage of civilian deaths" attributed to foreign troops in Afghanistan. The UN stated that these civilian casualties are counterproductive for the Western military coalition, because they are "undermining support for the continued presence of the international military forces and the international community generally." The United States has nearly doubled the number of American forces in Afghanistan since last year. US-NATO troops have mounted on of the biggest military operations of the eight year war, in an effort to route Taliban insurgents from safe havens in Southern Afghanistan, ahead of August 20th presidential elections. The intensified military activities have contributed to making June the deadliest month for Western forces for the war. At least 44 American service members died in the conflict zone this month, in addition to some 29 Coalition forces. | Civilian casualties in Afghanistan war have spiked by 24 percent . U.N.: 1,013 civilian deaths in Afghanistan during first six months of year . Western military airstrikes killed 30.5 percent of the civilians . | 209ff3be842d614cf6e56d09c0d69976e95b243f |
Vernon Kay looks ahead to Sunday night’s NFC East showdown between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are top of the NFC East with four wins from their opening five games this season, but the Giants draw level with their rivals with victory at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. When I saw that Channel 4 was covering this game, it brought back real fond memories of what the NFL to me is all about. This is one of the hardest and toughest rivalries that the league has to offer. The Giants and Eagles are pretty much neighbours in terms of states. It is a bitter rivalry that is on par with Liverpool against Manchester United. Over the years the Giants always seemed to come out on top when the likes of Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor were playing and Bill Parcells was their head coach. The Eagles had Randall Cunningham who, little did we know then, subliminally reinvented the quarterback position if you look at the quarterbacks we have now that can run and throw like Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III. Eli Manning's New York Giants take on the Philadelphia Eagles with a chance to go joint top of the NFC East . Nick Foles has been below-par with five interceptions so far this season and a banged up offensive line . New England at Buffalo, 6pm . Carolina at Cincinnati, 6pm . Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 6pm . Green Bay at Miami, 6pm . Detroit at Minnesota, 6pm . Denver at New York Jets, 6pm . Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 6pm . Jacksonville at Tennessee, 6pm . San Diego at Oakland, 9.05pm . Washington at Arizona, 9.25pm . Chicago at Atlanta, 9.25pm . Dallas at Seattle, 9.25pm . New York Giants at Philadelphia, 1.30am . At the moment, it is all much of a muchness in the NFC East. The rivalries within the NFC East are epic and this is always an exciting division. It’s a shame the Redskins can’t get up and running, but this division could be won by any one of the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants. I think it’s going to be even-steven all the way and whoever comes third might even have a shot at a Wild Card spot. Eli Manning has been on fire in the last few games for the Giants. He started the season a bit shaky and everyone was talking about him being prone to interceptions. But in the last two games he has scored more than 30 points in each game. His favourite target is his tight end Larry Donnell, which is interesting because the Giants very rarely use their tight ends. But, having said that, Victor Cruz is on form now as well and Odell Beckham Jr is coming into the frame too. Eli has got his haters. He is a bit like Tony Romo in the sense that you either like him or you loathe him. But he’s a proven Super Bowl winner. He has won more Super Bowls than his brother even though Peyton is smashing records. There is only one statistic that really matters in the NFL - how many Super Bowl rings you are wearing. Randall Cunningham during his time as quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1990 . Andre Williams celebrates a touchdown for the Giants in their win over the Atlanta Falcons . Unfortunately for the Giants, their running back Rashad Jennings is injured for this game. But they have another running back in Andre Williams stepping up. He is a big, powerful running back who can take the hits. On the flip side, the Eagles defense is not the best. They’ve allowed more than 400 yards per game, which is pretty shocking. Their secondary is pretty flaky as well and if Cruz, Donnell and Beckham Jr can get going for the Giants then it is going to be a high-scoring game. With the Eagles offense, everyone talked about Chip Kelly coming into the league with his spread formation and quick tempo. That seems to have slowed down now. Michael Vick has left and Nick Foles is at the helm, but he needs a good game against the Giants. He has an opportunity to really open up this New York secondary, but the problem is that his offensive line is pretty banged up. For this offense to work, he needs time to release the ball. Last year he only had two interceptions but he has had five already this season. I think that comes down to the fact that his offensive line is pretty banged up. Victor Cruz (right) and Rueben Randle (centre) celebrate a touchdown for the Giants . Running back Darren Sproles moved to Philadelphia from the New Orleans Saints . At running back, Darren Sproles is so small and fast and he makes it tough for the big defensive guys up front. LeSean McCoy doesn’t need any introduction because he has proven that he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. It depends on whether the offensive line for the Eagles is up to holding back the Giants defensive line. That is what this game will come down to because they have both got a shaky secondary. Vernon Kay presents NFL: The American Football Show, Mondays at 11.45pm on Channel 4. This Sunday night Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of the New York Giants at the Philadelphia Eagles. | New York Giants take on Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday night game . Eagles lead the way in NFC East with four wins from five in 2014 season . Dallas Cowboys also 4-1 with Giants one game back at 3-2 in tight division . Giants against Eagles is a bitter rivalry and one of my favourite in the NFL . Eli Manning has been on fire, and can take advantage of Eagles’ defense . Philadelphia offensive line must allow quarterback Nick Foles to perform . | 5c8e319c5821d7bf85737cc5bac45de7aa2d22a7 |
Oscar Garcia's reign as Watford head coach has come to an abrupt end following health concerns, with the club confirming Billy McKinlay has taken over. The former Fulham assistant, 45, has stepped in as Garcia stepped down after a sustained period of time in hospital over the past fortnight. The Spaniard was released from hospital last Sunday after undergoing tests on his heart and was at Watford's game against Blackburn on Saturday, albeit watching from the directors' box. Billy McKinlay has been appointed as Watford's head coach and was a former Fulham assistant . Oscar Garcia was undergoing tests on his heart and wasn't able to continue as manager . McKinlay was brought in as first team coach last week and the latest developments mark a sad end for Garcia after such promise when he arrived in August. 'I was closely involved with the appointment of Billy McKinlay, because I was aware that I may not be able to return,' Garcia said. 'I always wanted an experienced British coach within our set-up, because it's important to have that mix of cultures and experience with this squad. 'I would like to thank Watford's fans for their kindness during my time here at the club. I will be hoping to see you all as a Premier League club next season.' Hornets' CEO Scott Duxbury added: 'Everyone feels it is important that there is continuity in the coaching structure. Ruben Martinez and Javier Pereira will therefore continue as Billy McKinlay's assistants. 'We appreciate Oscar's candour in placing the best interest of Watford FC ahead of his own personal thoughts and we wish him well for his future in football. The ex-Watford boss joined a month ago as a replacement for Beppe Sannino . 'In Billy McKinlay, we have someone with the qualities and significant experience to build further on the foundations already laid for a successful season ahead.' Garcia, who only took over at Vicarage Road just over three weeks ago, has missed the Hornets' 1-0 win at Blackpool and last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, which should have been his first home match in charge. McKinlay was close to being appointed Blackburn manager two years ago but Rovers' global adviser Shebby Singh was warned to change his mind by supporters who protested against the plan. | Billy McKinlay will join the Watford backroom staff today . Oscar Garcia has spent time in hospital over the last fortnight . Garcia was at Saturday's game against Blackburn in the directors' box . | d1a2c11b7cc1fa14875b83ec5ba46427ed2bf245 |
By . Glen Owen . The family of the former BBC journalist whose imprisonment in Egypt has sparked global outrage made an impassioned plea last night to Tony Blair to use his relationship with the country’s dictator to secure the reporter’s release. Australian Peter Greste, 49, was one of three journalists with broadcaster Al-Jazeera who were jailed for seven years for spreading ‘false news’ helpful to the opposition Muslim Brotherhood. The Egyptian government, headed by the President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has ignored worldwide condemnation over the jailings. But last night, sources close to Mr Blair said he was working behind the scenes to secure the journalists’ release. Former BBC journalist Peter Greste pictured in the defendant's cage as he listened to the chilling verdict . The news came after Mr Greste’s brother Andrew asked Mr Blair – who is advising President al-Sisi on the economy – to use his influence. ‘I would like to think that in any meetings Mr Blair has with al-Sisi he raises Peter’s case and does everything he can to help not just Peter and his colleagues but all journalists whose right to free speech has been compromised,’ Andrew told The Mail on Sunday. Mr Greste’s father, Juris, added: ‘Let’s hope that with Blair’s involvement we can make some progress in the right direction.’ Human rights groups have criticised the convictions as a ‘witch-hunt’ to silence journalists in the crisis-ridden country. Mr Blair’s involvement with al-Sisi has proved highly controversial, with even the Labour-supporting Guardian saying: ‘Blair embodies corruption and war... now he’s advising the Egyptian dictatorship, his removal as Middle East peace envoy is a moral and democratic necessity.’ As The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this year, Alastair Campbell, Mr Blair’s former spin chief, has been to Cairo to advise the Egyptian government on its public image. | Former PM asked to intervene to help get Australian Peter Greste released . Journalist was jailed for seven years for spreading 'false news' in Egypt . His imprisonment was met with global outrage when announced last month . Sources say Tony Blair is working to try and help secure Greste's release . | 6ea85507bcb1aa49d5fd39c356e3a4c8aea99017 |
The manager at a Domino’s Pizza joint in Michigan has been fired after he was filmed repeatedly swearing at a customer. Cell phone footage shows the customer, Brandi Averill, confront the manager at the restaurant in Saginaw after he allegedly put the phone down on her and her son over an incorrect order. When Averill asks the man for the name of his supervisor, he calls her a ‘f****** retard.’ Scroll down for video . Chris Bernier, the manager at a Domino’s Pizza joint in Saginaw, Michigan, has been fired after repeatedly swearing at a customer in an argument over a wrong order . Brandi Averill, right, confront the manager at the restaurant in Saginaw after he allegedly put the phone down on her and her son over an incorrect order. Her daughter, left, film the incident on her phone . ‘My supervisors name is “go f*** yourself,”’ get the f*** outta here!’ says the manager in a shockingly bad example of customer service. According to Averill, the incident started after her son complained about receiving a pizza with ‘light sauce’ instead of the ‘white sauce’ they had ordered. ‘The guy hung up on (my son),’ she told WNEM. When the manager hung up on her too, she showed up in person, along with her daughter who recorded the incident on her cell phone. The manager, who has been identified as Chris Bernier, is immediately rude to the customer. Bernier, who has been fired, has said that he regrets the incident but also that the footage doesn't show everything that happened to provoke his abuse . The store's owner has said that he feels embarrassed by Bernier's behavior and Domino's Corporation have also released a statement to distance themselves from the outburst . 'Did you come here to get your money back because I really don’t care much for your opinion,’ he tells her. When Averill persistently asks for his supervisor's name, he unleashed his verbal tirade although the customer isn't shy about giving as good as she gets. 'Excuse me, I’m not the one in a pizza outfit when I’m 40 years old so don’t be calling me a retard,' she yelled at Bernier. As the incident came to light via social media, Bernier has been fired from his job as the store's general manager. 'I regret the language I used, but if people could see everything that happened, especially in the phone calls, they would not be sympathetic for this woman,' he told WNEM. Averill has also admitted that she wasn't completely innocent, but says the treatment she received was still uncalled for. 'I didn't go about any of this to get him fired. I just wanted his supervisor to know that you need to talk to customers nicely,' she said. The store's owner Rob Asmar has said he feels embarrassed by the incident and Domino's Corporation have released a statement to distance themselves from Bernier's behavior. 'The comments made by this person do not reflect those of Domino's Pizza. We apologize for how poorly this reflects on our local stores and we assure you corrective action will be taken as the franchise owner determines,' read the statement. | Chris Bernier has been fired as the manager at a Domino’s Pizza joint in Saginaw, Michigan, after he repeatedly swore at a customer . Brandi Averill decided to confront Bernier at the restaurant after he hung up on her . When Averill asked for the name of his supervisor, Bernier called her a 'f****** retard' Bernier has said that he regrets the incident but also claims that the footage doesn't show everything that happened to provoke him . | ebed410a97804c8dbf73c378ac7e281e01597e21 |
Your co-workers will bolt from work early today. Bars will make a killing. And even the most indifferent of your friends will feign a slight interest in the World Cup. For today, the United States begins its Brazil adventure when it goes toe-to-toe with its nemesis, Ghana. The Black Stars have knocked the U.S. out of competition the last two go-rounds -- in 2006 and 2010. Can the U.S. avoid a three-peat? It'd better, if it wants to see its World Cup ambitions stay alive. Because after Ghana, the U.S. takes on two giants: Germany and Portugal -- ranked by FIFA as the second- and fourth-best teams in the world. For its part, the U.S. is ranked 13th. Ghana is 37th. No wonder Group G -- the one the U.S. finds itself in -- has been nicknamed the "Group of Death." Why focus on the negative though? Sure, America's odds of lifting the most coveted soccer trophy in the world are 100 to 1. But the 23 players on the squad have dreamed of playing on the grandest stage of soccer since they were kids. Kyle Beckerman, 32, was one of them. As a child, he'd leave notes for his mom, signed, "Kyle Beckerman USA #15." Now, he signs autographs that way. This is their moment. "For one month every four years, the world stops, everybody is watching," said team captain Michael Bradley. "To have the opportunity to represent our country, to wear our colors, there's nothing else like it." WHY YOU SHOULD WORRY . Ghana hasn't been kind to America's World Cup soccer aspirations. It knocked out the U.S. from the group stage in 2006 with a 2-1 win. In 2010, the Americans gave them a run for the money. But alas, an extra-time goal from Ghana -- in the 93rd minute -- sent the U.S. packing once again, 2-1. Seven players from the 2010 Ghanaian team are back Monday, including the lightning-fast Asamoah Gyan, the team captain. They're unpredictable. And the U.S. will have to be ready for anything. WHY YOU SHOULDN'T WORRY . In the warm-up matches ahead of the tournament, the U.S. won all three of its games -- against Azerbaijan, Turkey and Nigeria. Ghana lost two of its three -- to Montenegro and the Netherlands. (It beat fellow World Cup participant South Korea handily.) Second, none of the U.S. players is hobbled by injury. One of Ghana's best, Michael Essien, is. He'll start the match against the U.S. on the bench as will Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored against the Americans in 2010. Finally, it's very, very wet and rainy in Natal, where the game will be played. "When there's rain in a soccer game, it means that it's pretty much an equalizer a lot of the time," says CNN correspondent Lara Baldesarra. "Anything can happen." WHO TO WATCH . Ghana's Ayew brothers. There are two of them: Andrew and Jordan. They're fast and they're a threat -- especially Jordan Ayew, who has worked his way into the starting lineup against the United States. When Ghana beat South Korea in the warm-up, he scored all the goals but one in the 4-0 wipeout. This, after coming in as a substitute! On the U.S. side, hopes are riding high on 26-year-old Michael Bradley, the best American midfielder of his generation. He's creative and attack-minded. Look for him to come up with some dazzling plays. Then there's goalie Tim Howard. He's one of the best in the world. Oh, and he scores too -- the way he did for Manchester United in a Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers. WHO WON'T BE THERE . Landon Donovan, the all-time top U.S. goal scorer (57). For fans, coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to leave him out doesn't add up. Klinsmann said other players were "a tiny little bit ahead of him," and though he didn't want to go into details, he alluded to the 32-year-old Donovan not having the speed and ankle-breaking one-on-one skills he once possessed. WHAT SHOULD YOU IGNORE . Klinsmann, a tough-talking German who won a World Cup himself, took over from Bob Bradley as the U.S. coach in 2011. All his work has been building up to this moment. So fans weren't too pleased when they heard him say this: . "For us now talking about winning a World Cup, it's just not realistic. First we've got to make it through the group. So let's keep our feet on the ground and say, let's get that group first done, and then the sky is the limit." There's another way to look at it. Maybe he's managing expectations. Or using reverse psychology. Best to ignore it. After all, Klinsmann himself struck a more optimistic note Sunday. "We wanna go far, that's definitely our goal," he said. "I booked my flight after the final." WHO WILL WIN . Depends on the counterattacks. The Ghana players are fast and nimble. The Americans are creative at seizing opportunities. So it'll come down to whichever team can disrupt possession and run with it. Our guess? It'll be a 1-1 draw. 5 things: What to watch for Monday at the World Cup . | One of Ghana's top players, Michael Essien, to start match on bench . Ghana has knocked U.S. out of competition the last two times . None of the U.S. players is hobbled by injury . Landon Donovan was left out of the U.S. team . | 6bc93f29991ae3808d2bff56126d0794dd127e22 |
(CNN Student News) -- April 29, 2013 . Media Literacy Question of the Day . Why is it important for a reporter to be clear about what information is known and what information isn't? How might a journalist convey information that isn't definite? Explain. * . * . Daily Discussion Questions . What questions do you think investigators might still have about the April 15th terror bombing in Boston? Why do authorities continue to investigate crimes after an arrest has been made? * . * . Who was Martin Richard? How did his Little League team honor his memory recently? What was your reaction to this story? * . * . Where was part of a plane that had been hijacked on September 11th, 2001 found recently? What does New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly say about the part and how it might have gotten there? How do you think authorities will investigate this? Why is that investigation important? * . * . What is a furlough? Why were some air traffic controllers recently furloughed? How did the U.S. Congress address this last week? In your view, was the impact of the furloughs significant? Explain. * . * . What do you know about the planet Saturn? What is significant about Saturn's current location? Why do you think some people are interested in studying the solar system? * . * . | Use these questions to help students understand today's featured news stories . Today's Daily Discussion includes the Media Literacy Question of the Day . | ff8cd0938fc42a06647764b4af90f8effa3bc552 |
(CNN) -- Despite the recent recall of potentially contaminated Romaine, lettuce lovers don't have to nix key ingredients from their BLTs or face lifeless, leafless salads -- they just need to go to seed. Food-borne illness has been tied to E. coli 0145 found in commercially-grown lettuce sold to wholesalers, food service outlets and some in-store salad bars and delis. Lettuce E. coli outbreak spreads to fourth state . Not only can at-home growers skip this risk -- they'll also save money, enjoy a nearly endless variety of organic and heirloom options and have fresh salads at their fingertips all year around -- even without an outdoor garden. Restaurants assure customers lettuce is safe amid recall . Supplies you need: . Seeds . Lettuce grows in several major formats: loose leaf (like Lolla Rossa and Black Seeded Simpson), crisphead (Iceberg and Great Lakes), butterhead (Bibb and Buttercrunch), Cos (also called Romaine) and stem (mostly used in Chinese cooking). For small container gardens and windowboxes, loose leaf is a solid bet, as it grows quickly and doesn't need to establish deep roots. Most hardware, garden and variety stores carry a range of popular seed varieties -- often for $1 or less -- but adventurous gardeners may wish to explore colorful, flavor-packed heirloom and certified organic single-seed packets and blends from online retailers. The Seed Savers Exchange and D. Landreth stock dozens, from blazing Mascara to deep, dark Red Velvet. Containers . Just about any will do, from store bought terracotta pots and plastic window boxes to take-out containers, foil pie pans, halved two-liter bottles and emptied-out plastic clamshells from the supermarket. The vessel just needs to be food-safe, several inches deep and perforated at the bottom to allow drainage. Starting head lettuce in peat pots inside containers allows the option for transplant into a larger garden space -- or even sharing the bounty with friends. Picture yourself: Cool gardens . Soil . If it's going into the food, it's going into you. If possible, opt for chemical-free or organic potting soil -- increasingly available at major hardware stores and home centers. Lighting . Lightly shaded outdoor areas are ideal, as tender young leaves are susceptible to burning in bright sunlight, but windowboxes and kitchen counters can also produce surprisingly robust crops. If natural light isn't available, cool white bulbs and fluorescent lights can successfully stimulate vegetative growth. The seedlings need about 12 hours of light a day, and gardeners may need to adjust the distance from bulb to soil to figure out what works best in their home. You will also need a spray bottle and some plastic wrap. Instructions: . Place at least 2 inches of moist, lightly-packed potting soil into a container with drainage holes. Sprinkle a sparse layer of seeds on top of the soil and follow that with a very light dusting of soil. Mist the soil with a few pumps from a water bottle, lightly cover the container with plastic wrap and place in a warm, bright spot. The seedlings should germinate in about five days. Once they have, remove the plastic wrap and keep the container in the light for around 12 hours a day. Keep the soil moist with the spray bottle or gentle watering from a can or cup. Make sure the soil is draining and not pooling at the bottom of the container. Most crops will be ready to harvest and enjoy within three to four weeks for leaf varieties, and longer for more robust heads. Just snip leaves directly into a colander, rinse and enjoy the fruits -- and vegetables -- of your labor. | Potentially contaminated Romaine lettuce recalled after E. coli outbreak . To avoid food-borne illnesses, you can grow your own lettuce . You will need, seeds, container, potting soil, light, plastic and spray bottle . Seedlings should germinate in about five days after planting seeds . | 63f4b85f374f98716fb9dc5f2a97d4d6620269c7 |
By . Eleanor Crooks, Press Association . Amelie Mauresmo will leave thoughts of the future until after Andy Murray completes the defence of his Wimbledon title. Murray has not dropped a set on his way to the quarter-finals, where he is likely to face his stiffest test against 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday. The defending champion's excellence means Mauresmo's first experience of being Murray's coach at a grand slam has been largely stress-free. Short term: Amelie Mauresmo (right) is focusing on Andy Murray's (left) Wimbledon title defence . Future: Murray's coach says she will see after the grass court season finishes where she stands . Decision: The relationship was originally agreed just for the grass court season but could be extended . VIDEO Murray training with Mauresmo . Murray and Mauresmo's partnership is initially just for the grass-court season, although the idea from the start was for it to develop into something long term provided both are happy with how things go. The pair have not had any discussions about the future yet, with Mauresmo saying: 'I think we are both focusing on what's going on here and we'll see for that later.' Mauresmo was thrust into the limelight immediately when Murray announced her as his new coach after losing in the semi-finals of the French Open. They have had to do their bonding largely in front of the cameras but both have seemed happy and relaxed on the practice courts and Mauresmo is delighted with how things are going. 'Things are smooth,' she said. 'Everyone has really made me welcome in the team and I've got to know them all much better now. Things are smoother and smoother, I would say.' Dimitrov has been hyped since he was a junior and that only increased when his then coach Peter Lundgren rated him as better than Roger Federer at 18. High flyer: Murray has yet to drop a set on his way to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon . Watching brief: Mauresmo watches her new charge Murray on Centre Court in the fourth round . The nickname of Baby Fed has proved hard to shake off but Dimitrov is starting to become a force in his own right. Since linking up with tough Australian coach Roger Rasheed last October, the 23-year-old has won titles on all surfaces and reached his first grand slam quarter-final at the Australian Open. He is now through to that stage for a second time and is on an eight-match winning streak after succeeding Murray as Queen's Club champion two weeks ago. Murray, who came close to hiring Rasheed as his coach in 2011 before plumping for Ivan Lendl, said: 'He's a more mature player now, I think. 'He makes better decisions on the court than he used to. Watching him play, his strokes and stuff, technically he hasn't made many changes to his game. Form: Murray has won his last 11 straight matches at Wimbledon and is the defending champion . On the move: Murray's bid to reach defend his Wimbledon title sees his face Grigory Dimitrov in the last eight . 'But he's playing higher-percentage tennis, making better decisions. That adds up to winning many more matches. 'He can obviously hit a lot of different shots. He has a lot of variety in his game. Sometimes it takes time to know how to use that properly. He's starting to do that now. 'He's starting to come into his prime. He's won a lot of matches this year. He's a tough player. It will be a hard match for me.' Hello sirs! Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and Sir Richard Branson (right) watched Murray win his last-16 tie . | Mauresmo initially signed up to be Murray's mentor for grass court season . If it is successful and they are both comfortable then could be extended . Murray has not dropped a set on his way to the quarter-finals . The Scot faces 11th seed Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday in the last eight . | 1cb4ee0a086835e2a1e5107dadb9778d6504e1a9 |
CRANWELL, England (CNN) -- Britain's oldest man and the oldest living veteran of World War I was celebrating his 112th birthday Friday with a party and a fly-past at an air force base. Henry Allingham at a 90th anniversary celebration of the Royal Air Force this year. Henry Allingham is the last surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service, which he joined in 1915. He saw action at the Battle of Jutland off Denmark the following year, according to the Ministry of Defense. Allingham is also the last surviving founding member of the Royal Air Force, which was created in 1918, nine months before the end of the war. He left the service a year later, the defense ministry said. Friday's events were happening at the Royal Air Force base in Cranwell, England, about 120 miles north of London. Friends of his at the base said Allingham, who arrived in a wheelchair, was looking "fresh." After a birthday lunch, aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, an aerial display team, planned to fly overhead, the base said. Members of the Falcons Parachute Display Team then planned to drop in and present Allingham with a birthday card from the chief of Britain's air staff. Allingham is Britain's oldest man and the oldest surviving member of the armed forces, according to Guinness World Records. The former aircraft engineer still travels and makes public appearances at military events and commemorations. In July, Allingham had a private audience with Queen Elizabeth and attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace. In November, he laid a wreath in St. Omer, France -- where he was stationed during the war -- to celebrate Armistice Day, the end of World War I. Allingham said last year that he remains active to emphasize the importance of remembering the conflict. "I don't do these things because I enjoy doing them but to keep the memory alive of all my comrades who fought and died in the First World War," he told the Ministry of Defense. | Britain's oldest man, oldest veteran from World War I, celebrates his 112th birthday . Henry Allingham last founding member of the Royal Air Force, formed in 1918 . Ex-aircraft engineer still travels, makes public appearances at military events . | 5e105dbe323aecdc99ead835bc418e38627e8312 |
By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 11:01 EST, 18 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:25 EST, 18 February 2014 . A classic restored Ferrari has been transformed back to original owner Steve McQueen's personal spec - thanks to its Le Mans-winning owner. The screen icon was the first owner of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 after he took delivery while on the set of Bullitt. King of Cool McQueen was a huge fan of the coupe, which is regarded by many as one of the ultimate Ferraris, and held on to it until 1971. Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 gtb/4 after restoration back to how he owned it in the Ferrari Museum in Italy . The classic restored Ferrari has been transformed back to original owner Steve McQueen's personal spec - thanks to its Le Mans-winning owner . McQueen was the first owner of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 after he took delivery while on the set of Bullitt . He had the original silver car re-sprayed to red and fitted the wheels from his Ferrari NART Spyder, which he had previously crashed. But a later owner decided to spend $10,000 controversially having it transformed from a coupe (Berlinetta) into a convertible (Spyder). The result was a stunning conversion - but the Ferrari had lost the McQueen factor. It was later resprayed yellow and then silver before it was bought in 2011 by Australian racing star Vern Schuppan. Mr Schuppan, a McQueen fan who won Le Mans in 1983, decided to ‘bite the Bullitt' and have the car returned to the identical condition as when his Hollywood hero owned it. He handed the car over to Ferrari and its Classiche department which certifies, restores and repairs special cars from the Italian marque. King of Cool: Screen icon Steve McQueen with the Ferrari before it was sold in the 1970s . Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 gtb/4 pictured in its original state in 1966 before McQueen resprayed it . Original condition: The motor was silver before McQueen had it sprayed red . Ferrari jumped at the chance to work on the McQueen 275 GTB/4, describing it as 'one of the more interesting cars ever to leave the factory'. They reproduced the roof and buttresses with hand-beaten steel panels, before respraying the car from silver to the dark red which The Great Escape star had opted for. Incredibly, the original rear deck, rear glass and chrome surround, internal rear pillars and other related pieces were reunited following its 1970s roof removal. Steve McQueen's Ferrari as a Spyder pictured some time in the 2000s when it was yellow . Vern Schuppan, pictured here with his wife, had the original silver car re-sprayed to red and fitted the wheels from his Ferrari NART Spyder, which he had previously crashed . Vern Schuppan with his son Kerrin who also helped to refit the car . Marco Arrighi, director of Ferrari Classiche, said: 'Ferrari Classiche's ethos is to assist clients and collectors in ensuring that their car accurately reflects how it was when it left the factory. 'As only ten NART Spiders were ever built, as you can imagine, over the years a number of coupes have been converted into replicas, so the client's decision to restore the car to its original configuration was one we welcomed with open arms.' After commissioning the restoration and making various trips back and forth from the factory, Vern was delighted with the results and loaned the Ferrari to its museum at the factory in Maranello, Italy. Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 gtb/4 during restoration work at Ferrari HQ in Italy . Mr Schuppan decided to ¿bite the Bullitt' and have the car returned to the identical condition as when his Hollywood hero owned it . Ferrari jumped at the chance to work on the McQueen 275 GTB/4, describing it as 'one of the more interesting cars ever to leave the factory' Under the bonnet of the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a 3.3-litre V12 engine which develops 300bhp . He said: 'I have always wanted a Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and the McQueen ownership of this one certainly added to the appeal. Aesthetically I think it is one of the most beautiful Ferraris. 'In my opinion, the decision to convert it back was a no brainer, I don't think any car from the 1960s was quite as beautifully done as it. 'The finished conversion is outstanding and I couldn't praise the Ferrari Classiche centre more.' Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 gtb/4 after restoration back to how he owned it in the Ferrari Museum in Italy with Luca di Montezemolo, the Ferrari boss . Under the bonnet of the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is a 3.3-litre V12 engine which develops 300bhp. This gives the sleek sports car a 0-60mph time of around 6.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 160mph. A Ferrari 275 GTB/4 with a Classiche certificate is typically worth around £1 to £1.5 million, but a world record £1.9 million was paid for a model at auction earlier this month. Steve McQueen took delivery of the car when he was on the set of Bullitt, which was released in 1968 . But adding the Steve McQueen factor helps sends values soaring. In 2011, the racing overall worn by McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans sold for more than £600,000 at auction. During the same year a Porsche 911 once owned by film star sold for £830,000 - more than 12 times its typical value. But Vern, an Adelaide-based Aussie who spends a lot of time in the UK, is more than happy that Ferrari has seen fit to put the car on show in the new wing of Ferraris Museum which was recently inaugurated by Luca di Montezemolo where it currently resides today. He added: 'At the moment it is in the Ferrari Museum and I am happy to leave it there.' Ferrari has announced record profits - by deliberately selling fewer cars. The Italian manufacturer delivered 6,922 cars in 2013, a reduction of around 5.4 per cent. But the sales drop allows the firm to 'maintain exclusivity' by selling fewer models to customers who spend more on optional extras. As a result, overall revenues were up five per cent to 2.3bn euros, with net profit of £246m euros, an increase of 5.4 per cent. The UK market grew slightly with 677 cars delivered, setting a new record to become Europe's leading market, overtaking Germany. With 2,035 deliveries, the USA was the largest market for Ferrari. The policy of pushing optional extras is paying off, with 100 per cent of cars sold undergoing some sort of personalisation. Options on Prancing Horse cars are notoriously expensive, with dustcaps costing £79 and little badges setting back owners £675. And the firm's Tailor Made programme, where buyers can deck their vehicles out with denim seats and other odd materials, continues to grow. Ferrari also confirmed its Classiche Programme was going from strength to strength. This part of the company deals with restoring and classifying cherished models such as Steve McQueen's Ferrari 275 GTB/4. Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president, said: 'This is a very important result that comes as a direct consequence of the huge effort made by everyone. 'We wanted to maintain a high level of exclusivity, designing amazing products such as the LaFerrari, the 458 Speciale and the just launched California T, the result of significant investment in product and technological innovation.' The LaFerrari is the Italian firm's fastest and most expensive road car ever. It is capable of 220mph and costs £1 million. But despite its price-tag, the 499 planned were quickly sold with desperate punters rumoured to be willing to pay a £500,000 premium to own one. | Screen icon was the first owner of the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 . He took delivery of the motor while on the set of film classic . But after the King of Cool sold it in 1971, the Ferrari was changed . A new owner had it sprayed yellow and made into a convertible . Then, in 2011 it was bought by Australian racing star Vern Schuppan . | 6cac73c25a380a2eff43a22d3b89e58affb9396a |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:13 EST, 31 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:33 EST, 1 June 2013 . One of the prostitutes who is defending the alleged father and son pimps in court, was given a black eye by one of them - but says she deserved it, according to a man who offered to help her. As the court heard about the spacious suburban homes with swimming pools in the back garden and BMWs in the drive that the prostitutes were given, they were also told the men would verbally abuse the women and, in one case, gave Desiree Ellis a black eye in 2007. In recorded phone calls played in court, George Jr was heard to say to the women: 'You . like being a cheap ho?' and 'I’m waxing your a** in the morning'. Violence: Desiree Ellis with a black eye, which the court was told was caused by Vincent George Jr . Former prosecutor David Novick told the court that when he asked Ms Ellis about her black eye at the time, 'She said she deserved it, and it wasn’t . a big deal'. Vincent George, 55, and his son Vincent George Jr, 35, have been charged with money laundering and sex trafficking for allegedly forcing five young women into prostitution, and then beating them and withholding money from them. The five blondes from Pennsylvania would drive into New York City and work eight-hour shifts, turning tricks for $300 each in the backseat of clients' cars or posh Manhattan hotel rooms, according to testimony. 'She, I thought, was moving towards wanting help, but ended up not going that way,' Mr Novick, who offered Miss Ellis help on July 27, 2007, said. 'I recall specifically her telling me that she got the black eye from her then pimp.' The 24-year-old however, denied she was a victim, and said she works 'with' not 'for' George Jr, according to the Daily News. Family business: Vincent George Jr and Vincent George Sr are accused of sex trafficking . Alleged abuse: The court is shown a picture of Desiree Ellis with a black eye. She denies her pimp did it . 'I had a bad date. The gentleman was unhappy with the service he had gotten and we got physical.' she testified, adding that she 'never stated' George Jr. hit her. Miss Ellis and two other women - Danielle Geissler and Heather Keith, who is eight months pregnant with another man's child - testified previously . of how happy they were with their lifestyles and the perks of the job, . which included spacious homes in Allentown, Pennsylvania, vacations and fridges full of food. Perks: Desiree Ellis shows a picture of the house she says she was given in Allentown, Pennsylvania . Secretly recorded conversations . between the Georges, who have admitted 47 years of pimping between . them, reveal how keeping their employees happy, or getting the 'b*****s to sit' as they described it, was just good business. 'I had a lot of b*****s, dad,' George Jr, is heard saying to his father, as he recalls past employees who left for other pimps or lifestyles. 'Dad, you been in this s*** twice the . time I’ve been in this s***, so I know your numbers [of former . employees] is stupid, you know what I mean?' he adds. George Jr adds. 'If them b*****s . would have sat ...' before his father interrupts and says: 'We’d be . f*****g rich, man.' Despite their lucrative earnings in . the sex trade, the women wanted regular lifestyles, with nice homes that . had swimming pools. 'They certainly had jewelry, too, and . nice clothes,' George Jr’s lawyer, David Epstein, told The New York Post. 'But . they weren’t "bling-bling" kind of women.' 'They would go to work at fancy . Manhattan hotels, but then come home and walk around in their slippers, . do their laundry, housecleaning,' he said. Despite the veneer of normality the prostitutes presented to the outside world, neighbors said they were suspicious of the women and the Georges, who lived about two miles from them. 'We knew something wasn’t normal because they didn’t keep their yard like everyone else,' a 73-year-old, who gave her name only as Judy, told The New York Post. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Secretly recorded calls reveal George family threatening prostitutes . Desiree Ellis denies pimp hurt her, saying unsatisfied client became angry . | b5ee1e8a0920ea4ce4c81552aaec1ea20a52ba37 |
By . Michael Seamark . The sister of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler yesterday attacked the ‘incestuous’ relationship between senior politicians and the Press. Gemma Dowler, 28, said she wanted to make sure ‘something good’ came out of the phone hacking scandal and called on David Cameron to keep his promises over press regulation. Revelations that the News of the World hacked Milly’s phone during the hunt for her sparked outrage and were a major factor in the decision to launch the Leveson Inquiry into Press standards. Scroll down for video . Anger: Gemma Dowler said: 'Ordinary people have suffered terribly from journalists' In a video released following the phone hacking verdicts, Miss Dowler said her family had remained silent to ensure the defendants got a fair trial. ‘But now that it’s over, I want to speak out about what I think should happen next to make sure that something good comes out of these terrible events,’ she said. ‘Ordinary people have suffered terribly from journalists who recklessly intruded into private grief.’ She described Ipso, the new watchdog backed by most of the industry, as meaningless, adding: ‘This is just the newspapers looking after themselves.’ The decision not to vet Andy Coulson to the highest level when he entered government was taken by top civil servant Sir Jeremy Heywood. Coulson received only a basic security check when he moved from his Opposition role at the Tory party headquarters into Downing Street as director of communications in May 2010. But he was not required to undergo ‘developed vetting’ which would have meant answering searching questions about his private life and time at the News of the World and The Sun. Civil servant Sir Jeremy was Downing Street’s permanent secretary, responsible for decisions on staff security screening. He took the view that full vetting was not required for Coulson, even though it had been for his predecessors. In November 2010 he changed his mind – but Coulson resigned in January 2011 before the developed vetting process was complete. News of the World proprietor Rupert Murdoch apologised to the Dowler family and they were given £2million in an agreed compensation settlement, with a further £1million to a charity in Milly’s memory. But the most shocking allegation made in the Guardian newspaper – that an employee of the now defunct tabloid deliberately deleted messages on her phone to make room for more, giving her family false hope she was alive – turned out to be untrue. Speaking on the video at a press conference organised by Hacked Off, which campaigns for state-imposed press regulation, Miss Dowler said: ‘There are other, equally worrying, problems. Most important and damaging of all is the incestuous relationship between our top politicians and the Press. ‘For example Tony Blair, the prime minister when Milly disappeared, didn’t phone us when he heard that Milly’s phone had been hacked. But when he heard that the police were investigating (former News of the World editor) Rebekah Brooks, he phoned her to offer his support. ‘Three long years have passed since my meeting with David Cameron and the other party leaders. ‘We were pleased that he was prepared to initiate the Leveson Inquiry into Press ethics. However, I have not forgotten the promises that were made.’ Mr Cameron’s official spokesman said: ‘His response ... will firstly be to acknowledge the pain, suffering and distress that victims have suffered.’ Murder victim: The family of Milly Dowler (pictured) received a payout, though the claim which forced the closure of the News of the World - that journalists deleted voicemails on her phone - turned out not to be true . ■ Kate Middleton’s mother Carole was the victim of phone hacking, it was reported yesterday. Mrs Middleton, the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of York were all targeted by hackers at the News of the World, the BBC claimed. | Murdered schoolgirl's sister called on PM to keep vows on press regulation . Miss Dowler said 'ordinary people have suffered terribly from journalists' She described new watchdog as 'newspapers looking after themselves' | 44d58f33f7da8d583e640cf767eae93ffb39b82d |
This aerial view of the battle-scarred Donetsk Airport shows how it has been reduced to a crumbling ruin two years since nearly £500million was spent making it the gateway to Euro 2012. The eery footage, which shows abandoned planes standing next to the shrapnel-covered runway, appears to have been recorded by a Ukrainian soldier with a portable drone. As it flies above the crater-riddled fields around the airport, the drone comes under fire from separatists. Bullets can be seen whizzing by but it is not hit. Scroll down for video . Aerial footage shows how Donetsk Airport has become a deserted wasteland and a crucial battleground . Abandoned planes stand beside a terminal building scarred by shrapnel during the bitter conflict . The drone shows the crater-riddled fields around the battle-torn airport that has been held by both sides . Donetsk Airport has become a symbol of Ukraine's fight against separatists and the airport remains a scene of fierce fighting almost every day. There has been two major battles at the airport, in late May and September, and it has been in the control of both sides at various points during the bitter conflict. It is located on the northern edge of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine's biggest city and is locked between the Ukrainian and separatist-controlled zones. Renovated only a couple of years ago, ahead of the Euro 2012 football championships co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland, the airport is estimated to have cost almost £500m. But now the airport that welcomed travelling football fans from across the globe has been reduced to a heap of twisted metal, and its runway is filled with burnt-out tanks and abandoned airliners. The main terminal building and the control tower lie in ruins as a result of fighting early last month. The airport in the north of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine's biggest city has been the scene of fierce fighting . The airport was rebuilt only two years ago for Euro 2012 but has been reduced to a battle-torn wasteland . The main terminal building and the control tower lie in ruins as a result of fighting early last month . 4,317 deaths since April, 957 of them since the September 5 ceasefire, and 9,921 people wounded . 466,829 internally displaced persons within Ukraine . 454,339 refugees living abroad, 387,355 of them in Russia . Today marks a year since Ukrainian protesters toppled the former pro-Kremlin regime in Kiev which resulted in President Viktor Yanukovych relinquishing power, but there is so far no end to the fighting in sight as the conflict in the east of the country drags on. On a visit to Kiev today, US Vice President Joe Biden said Russia should respect the ceasefire. He also said it should restore Ukrainian control over its own borders and remove 'illegal military formations, military equipment and militants'. He was speaking after holding talks with President Petro Poroshenko. Mr Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to carry out all of those actions, but none had taken place. US Vice President Joe Biden paid a visit to Kiev today and said Russia should respect September's ceasefire . Mr Biden spoke after holding talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (pictured) in Kiev . A firefighter tackles a blaze after shelling destroyed many houses in Kuibishevskiy near the airport yesterday . Rescue workers try to control the blaze in the district of Kuibishevskiy near the destroyed Donetsk Airport . Some 4,300 people are thought to have died in eastern Ukraine's conflict since April. UN human rights figures have said an average of 13 people have been killed every day in eastern Ukraine since the 5 September ceasefire came into place. Russia is regularly accused of arming separatist rebels, but its officials deny the allegations. | Footage shows how Donetsk Airport has been reduced to a crumbling ruin . The airport has become a symbol of Ukraine's fight against separatists . Has been a scene of fighting almost every day as well as two major battles . Almost £500m was spent rebuilding it when country was a Euro 2012 host . Today marks a year since protesters toppled former pro-Kremlin regime . Joe Biden said Russia should respect the ceasefire on visit to Kiev today . | a746400aba567697d2873e19cafd8e7d67802f10 |
(CNN) -- Police are investigating whether or what family issues might have prompted a California man to shoot six of his family members -- killing five -- before committing suicide. His wife was critically wounded. Authorities on Tuesday said Devan Kalathat, 42, shot his family Sunday night at his Santa Clara townhouse, killing two adults and three children. Kalathat killed his 11-year-old son, Akhil Dev; his 4-year-old daughter, Negha Dev; his 35-year-old brother-in-law Ashok Appu Poothemkandi; Poothemkandi's 25-year-old wife, Suchitra Sivaraman; and the couple's 11-month-old daughter, Ahana. Kalathat's 34-year-old wife, who was not identified, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition, said Lt. Phil Cooke. "Family dynamics and personal relationships may have played a factor," Cooke told reporters Tuesday. He said Kalathat was employed as an engineer and nothing indicated he was facing "layoff or financial crisis." Investigators believe Kalathat used two .45-caliber semi-automatic pistols, both of which he owned. Cooke said Kalathat bought one of the pistols in February and the other nearly two weeks ago -- roughly the same time his wife's brother, Poothemkandi, arrived in California from India with Suchitra Sivaraman and Ahana. Cooke noted that Poothemkandi was an "educated professional" with plans to stay in the Bay Area to work on a project for a high-tech firm. Police were called after a neighbor noticed Kalathat's wounded wife outside the home around 8:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m. ET), Cooke said. When police arrived, other victims were found around the kitchen and dining room in what Cooke described as "a very gruesome scene." The family shooting comes just two months after a Los Angeles father who, after he and his wife were fired from their jobs, killed her and their five young children before turning the gun on himself. | Devan Kalathat, 42, shot six of his family members before turning gun on himself . His wife, in critical condition, is the only survivor of the attack . Police: "Family dynamics and personal relationships may have played a factor" Police say man was not facing job loss or financial problems . | 08b3feac5825f766af065809e9759687273079e4 |
Every day Sportsmail takes a look at the European papers to see what are the biggest stories creating talking points on the continent. Germany duo Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos are making headlines in Spain as the recently-crowned World Cup winners appear to be closing in on moves to Arsenal and Real Madrid respectively. Madrid-based newspaper Marca lead with Kroos' impending move from Bayern Munich to the Bernabeu. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Real Madrid-bound Toni Kroos' best Bundesliga goals . German Galactico: Toni Kroos will join Real Madrid after deciding to leave Bayern Munich . Trading places: Kroos will head to Real Madrid while Sami Khedira could join Arsenal . Marca believe former Manchester United target Kroos will be presented as a Real player on Thursday after last season's Champions League winners agreed a £20million fee to sign the 24-year-old Germany star. The Spanish press believe Kroos' move to Madrid could see fellow countryman Khedira seal a £20million move to Arsenal. Khedira will be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu once Kroos is officially confirmed as a member of Carlo Ancelotti's squad. Mundo Deportivo, on the other hand, have an image of Mario Gotze posing with Lionel Messi after the World Cup final splashed on their front page - accompanied with the headline 'Gotze surrenders to Messi'. Unexpected exit: Antonio Conte left Juventus on Tuesday evening after three years in charge . Across Europe to Italy and La Gazzetta dello Sport reflect on Antonio Conte's decision to resign as Juventus coach. The Italian newspaper call Conte's decision to leave the Serie A giants a 'shock' and reveal former AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is the front runner to be Juve's new boss. French publication L'Equipe previews the upcoming Stage 11 of the Tour de France. Their headline translates to 'This year or never' - which relates to the fight for this year's yellow jersey. High stakes: Mario Gotze poses with Lionel Messi after Sunday's final (left) - while L'Equipe gear up for Stage 11 of the Tour de France (right) VIDEO No rest for Tour de France 'survivors' | Sami Khedira deemed surplus to requirements at Real Madrid . Toni Kroos moves closer to completing switch to the Santiago Bernabeu . Juventus manager Antonio Conte resigns from his post at Italian giants . | f68c34953406d878ef5695bdb0602a83d52b90ca |
Comments: Damian Hinds said the UK lagged behind international competitors . Social mobility in Britain is the worst in the Western world and the gap between rich and poor has become ingrained in children as young as three, MPs conclude today. They quote a study showing that the prospects of half of all children born in the UK can be almost entirely linked to the circumstances of their parents – compared to only 15 per cent of those in Denmark. Differences are also noticeable at a very young age, with toddlers doing far better in vocabulary tests if they grow up in a more affluent household. Controversially, the MPs call for more . intervention in the lives of under-threes. The report also shows that . despite all the money spent to get more teenagers into university, the . access gap between rich and poor has actually widened in recent years. Last . night Tory backbencher Damian Hinds, chairman of the All-Party Group on . Social Mobility, which wrote the report, said: ‘For a long time, we . have lagged behind our international competitors in ensuring all Britons . can realise their potential. ‘To . bridge the gap will require a shared commitment between schools, . universities and firms, government and the voluntary sector. The scale . of the challenge is immense.’ The . report quotes a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and . Development which compared the extent to which children’s prospects are . predictable from parents’ circumstances. In . the UK, the OECD says 50 per cent of children’s prospects are . predictable from the position of their parents – a sign of low social . mobility. This was worse than Italy (48 per cent), the US (47 per cent) and France (41 per cent). Poverty: Britain's failure means a poor child born in 1970 is less likely to have gone to university than one born in 1958, MPs say (file photo) The prospects of poorer children born in Australia (17 per cent) and Denmark (15 per cent) are much brighter. Britain’s failure means a poor child born in 1970 is less likely to have gone to university than one born in 1958, the MPs say. The report makes it clear the differences become ingrained as young as the age of three. Studies have shown that while only 42 per cent of parents in the poorest fifth of homes read to their children every day, 78 per cent of those in the richest fifth do so. Wealthier parents are also more likely to send their children to bed at a regular time. It has led to richer children being more likely to be deemed ‘ready’ for school at three. Better future: The prospects of poorer children born in Denmark (above) and Australia (below) are much brighter . They also perform much better in vocabulary tests at five. Children from poorer households are more likely to be hyperactive. The MPs called on the Government to consider ways of improving the education of those from poor backgrounds, such as means-testing fees at independent schools to get more poor people into top schools and sending more poor children to summer camps. But it failed to mention either the return of grammar schools or the assisted-places scheme for poorer families, which was abolished by the last Labour government. The MPs’ report concluded that the biggest impact on social mobility was the quality of parenting, whether the home environment was educational and whether the parents had good mental health. It says: ‘A child’s development from zero to three is the point of greatest leverage for social mobility. It is acknowledged that this is difficult territory for policy makers as it relates to parenting as well as what happens in childcare and nursery settings.’ The conclusion will be controversial because it could be used to support greater ‘nanny state’ interference into families. The MPs urged ministers to do more to encourage parents to read to children using techniques similar to the ‘five-a-day’ campaign which encourages people to eat more fruit and veg. The study also found that the gap between rich and poor on university access has widened. In 1981, children from the richest fifth of households were three times more likely than those from the poorest fifth to go to university. By the late 1990s, they were five times more likely to go. | Study shows prospects of half of UK children almost entirely linked to circumstances of parents . | bab9486967ef3c8d0399b9befb37f5bce1223fe1 |
This is the dramatic moment that a Syrian fighter jet was shot down by an Israeli missile. Israel said that the jet - identified as a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 - had crossed the battle . lines of Syria's civil war and flew over its Golan . Heights territory, perhaps by accident. The incident coincided with but did not appear to be . directly related to air strikes the United States and Gulf Arab . allies mounted on Islamic State strongholds in Syria. Scroll down for video . A Syrian fighter jet is seen in flames after it was hit by the Israeli military over the Golan Heights on Tuesday . But it presented another challenge to Israel's oft-stateddesire to stay on the sidelines of a conflict on its northerndoorstep, in which al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front rebels took overa border crossing on the Golan last month. The Israeli military said its U.S.-made Patriot missile air . defence system shot down a Syrian Russian-built Sukhoi fighter . plane that had 'infiltrated Israeli airspace' over the . territory, captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. It was the first time in three decades that Israel had . downed a Syrian warplane. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks . violence in the civil war, said the warplane had been bombing . areas outside Quneitra, a Syrian town near the Israeli-held side . of the frontier, at the time it was shot down. It said the pilot . had bailed out. Smoke rises from the Syrian village of Jubata al-Khashab after it was bombed by a Syrian fighter jet , moments before the jet was shot down by the Israeli military over the Golan Heights . Syria described the downing of the aircraft as an act of . aggression. Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, commenting on the . incident, said Israel 'will not allow any element - neither a . state nor a terrorist group - to threaten our security and . violate our sovereignty'. Israeli military sources said the plane apparently crossed . by accident into Israeli-controlled airspace. In his statement, Yaalon also seemed to raise that . possibility, saying Israel would respond strongly to perceived . threats 'whether they stemmed from a mistake or were . deliberate'. Israel has fired into Syrian territory on numerous occasions . in response to shelling on the Golan that the military has said . was largely spillover from fighting between rebels and the . Syrian Army. An Israeli Patriot missile destroyed a Syrian drone over the . Golan on August 31. Israel last downed a manned Syrian aircraft in . 1985, when Israeli fighters on a surveillance mission over . Lebanon destroyed two Syrian MiG-23s that approached them. The downing of the jet came as Israeli soldiers killed two Palestinians suspected of the abduction and murder of three Israeli teens - the crisis that spiralled into a seven-week assault on Gaza. Security forces had spent months hunting Marwan Kawasme and Amar Abu Aysha, militants in their 30s from the Hebron area, after naming them as the killers of the Israeli teens. Israeli military members stand over the body of a man shot during an Israeli security services operation in the southern West Bank city of Hebron . | Israel claims that a Syrian fighter jet strayed into its sovereign airspace . The incident did not appear to be related to U.S air strikes over Syria . The jet was shot down by a Patriot missile, with the pilot ejecting to safety . | 7b6de09e729e346478c278ec5025946888933272 |
By . Rob Preece . PUBLISHED: . 23:56 EST, 22 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:57 EST, 23 July 2012 . New home: Farnborough International Airshow is . home to a breeding pair of black redstarts, who have made a nest in a hospitality chalet . With the deafening sound of jet engines and the commotion caused by hundreds of thousands of visitors, it seems an unlikely place to bring up your brood. But Farnborough International Airshow is home to a breeding pair of black redstarts, who have made a nest to care for four chicks in the roof of a hospitality chalet. The birds, so rare that they are protected by law, stunned wildlife experts when they were found nesting at the festival in Farnborough, Hampshire. Organisers were due to take down the . chalet when the show finished last week, having attracted 227,000 . visitors and seen the sale of aircraft worth £46billion. But they decided to leave it up for an extra two weeks to avoid disturbing the chicks, which are only two weeks old. Experts believe there are only about 40 black redstarts in the country. Keith Betton, of Hampshire Ornithological Society, said the birds were brown with a red tail and a little bigger than a robin. 'Black redstarts are one of the ten rarest birds in Britain and a delight to watch,' he added. 'They have a tendency to nest in unusual places such as power stations and building sites but their new home is equally bizarre. 'This breeding pair have found a little hole in the side of a chalet and set up home for their chicks despite the bustling crowds and noisy aircraft. 'Once you are aware the birds are nesting it is a criminal offence to disturb them so the airshow have to leave them in peace.' Mr Betton has seen the breeding pair leaving the nest and returning every three or four minutes, collecting small insects to feed to their chicks. Airshow spokesman Philippa Ewart said the birds had nested in a chalet hired by The Blades aerobatic team. The chalet, which was put up in March, contains a kitchen, reception and lounge/dining area. Organisers were due to take down the . chalet when the show finished last week, having attracted 227,000 . visitors and seen the sale of aircraft worth £46billion. The nest location is circled . Ms Ewart said: 'We don't know . precisely when the birds occupied their chalet but we only found out . about their existence last week. 'On . average 60 people per day are hosted in a single unit. Then the flying . displays begin, which are incredibly noisy with the Vulcan aircraft and . other fast jets displaying on a daily basis. 'The birds seem totally unfazed by all the activity around them. 'They regularly pop in and out to feed the young chicks, which we believe to number four. 'I guess the parents got used to the daily activities around the show as it built up. 'Once the chicks were hatched I understand the bond is strong enough that the adult birds will not leave them.' Ms Ewart said the chicks would probably be ready to leave the chalet in about a week's time. An Aero L-39 Albatros (x7) takes off at the Farnborough Air Show - a seven-day international trade fair for the aerospace industry visited by hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts . She said organisers decided not to publicise the birds' presence when they first spotted them last week. She added: 'It would have been easy for them to be disturbed by people wanting to see the nest and catch a glimpse of the redstarts. 'The show is now closed and we have a secure and private environment for the birds to nest in - or as privately and undisturbed as they can be when the world's largest temporary exhibition is being de-rigged. 'We are usually plane spotters not bird spotters but this week we have taken a keen interest in nature's great flying machines. 'We are all really excited to have the birds with us on site and are keeping them as safe as we possibly can. 'It's fantastic they chose to nest with us.' | Black redstarts are nesting in chalet roof at Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire . Birds are so rare that only 40 have been found in Britain . | d6ba7fbf207e7eb2e0cdeecc886e9664506cc62f |
SEATTLE, Washington (CNN) -- Two U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers were killed by a homemade bomb while supporting anti-terror operations on an island in the southern Philippines, Army officials said Thursday. Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw were killed Tuesday. Sgt. 1st Class Christopher D. Shaw, 37, and Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, 26, died after a bomb exploded Tuesday near their Humvee on the island of Jolo, said Lt. Col. David King. Both soldiers were based at Fort Lewis, about 40 miles south of Seattle. King said the soldiers were working with members of the Filipino military on a project to build a school when they were killed. One Filipino soldier was also killed, and two more were wounded, he said. Tuesday's bombing, King said, was the second fatal attack on Americans working with the Filipinos. In 2002, a U.S. Marine was killed by a bomb set by the militant group Abu Sayyaff. It was Shaw's second deployment to the Philippines and the first for Martin, who served in Iraq, according to a news release from U.S. Army Special Forces Command. "We lost a husband, father, son, brother and uncle," Shaw's family said. "Chris was a man who deeply loved his family and believed that he was making a difference in the fight against terror." Shaw was married with five children, according to the Army release. Both men were awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal posthumously. Jolo is a well known stronghold for Abu Sayyaff, which is fighting to establish a separate Muslim state. The U.S. military is providing support and training to the Philippines in the battle against the terrorist group, which has ties to al Qaeda. King said it was not immediately clear who was responsible for the latest bombing. "Abu Sayyaff has not claimed responsibility," he said. "It's still being investigated if they were responsible, but the Filipino military is certainly going down that road." About 600 U.S. military personnel serve in the Philippines at any one time, King said. Their mission is to assist the Filipino military and build support among the civilian population, he said. U.S. soldiers taking part in the mission are not allowed to engage militants unless acting in self defense. "Despite what Hollywood portrays about Special Forces being the tip of the spear," King said, "a good part of the mission is developmental projects like helping local schools and building wells." | Christopher D. Shaw, 37, and Jack M. Martin III, 26, killed on island of Jolo . Both awarded Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal posthumously . Tuesday's bombing was second fatal attack on Americans working with Filipinos . One Filipino soldier was also killed, and two more were wounded . | 498aa77ef71bd68e0a4928a5668440c071edaeff |
(CNN) -- Lying low. Three of the key anti-war members of Congress are considering supporting expanded military action against ISIS -- but the key word there is "considering." Rep. Barbara Lee said she "can't say" if she'd oppose expanded military operations. The California Democrat was the only member of Congress to vote against giving President George W. Bush -- and subsequent presidents that would follow him -- nearly unlimited authority to wage war just days after the September 11 terror attacks. This time around, she said there's "no question" that ISIS needs to be stopped, but she's waiting to hear President Barack Obama's plan, which he's expected to unveil in an address Wednesday night. Analysis: Obama speech a do-over 'no strategy' comment . To get her support, Obama has to outline a plan that is "strategic, targeted and limited," Lee told CNN. Republican Walter Jones of North Carolina, who said he will go to his grave apologizing for his vote for war in 2002, couldn't commit his support -- or opposition -- to an expanded military operation either. "I've always regretted that vote," he told CNN of his vote that authorized U.S. intervention in Iraq. "I think here we go again." Jones said it "depends" on what the President says. "I'm opposed to spending money without a debate and a strategy." Rounding out the vocal antiwar trio, Massachusetts Democrat James McGovern, said he's "very uneasy" about the prospect of expanded war but stopped short of opposing it. He said he has "a million questions" about potential action in Syria, the role of regional partners and the cost to U.S. coffers. "I'm going to need more than a presidential speech and more than one briefing ... to make sure we know what we're doing," McGovern said. One thing these doves are insistent on, however, is that Congress be held accountable to their constituents and debate and vote on any proposal. They wrote a letter to House Speaker John Boehner in late August outlining such demands. Despite a resolution passed in July by 370 members -- 180 Republicans and 190 Democrats -- that says the President "shall not deploy or maintain ... a sustained combat role in Iraq without specific statutory authorization," Congressional leaders have not yet determined if they will force Congressional authorization -- less than two months before the midterm elections. 'Broad coalition' of nations will help fight ISIS, John Kerry says in Iraq . | Two anti-war members of Congress consider supporting expanded military action . Rep. Barbara Lee said she is waiting to hear the President's plan against ISIS . Rep. Walter Jones said his support "depends" on what the President says . A third member says he's "very uneasy" about the prospect of an expanding war . | ae3ab0f799b8a13555440b772770d3fe5abc241e |
There is something distasteful about shaking hands with a killer. What makes that sense of unease even worse is when you know that the person you are meeting was responsible for one of the worst atrocities of the Second World War. It was just such a situation I found myself in one weekday in June 2007, in a suburb of Rome. Standing at the door to his flat on the top floor of an apartment block was a kindly looking 93-year-old man, who I was to interview for a book I was writing on the hunt for Nazi war criminals. The old man’s name was Erich Priebke, and yesterday he died at his home in Italy at the age of 100. They say that only the good die young, and in this instance, the bad certainly died old. A row has raged for days over the officer's last burial place after because authorities fear the grave could become a site of pilgrimage for his neo-Nazi fanbase . For the man in front of me was a former Gestapo captain who had helped to organise and had participated in the notorious Ardeatine Caves massacre in 1944, in which 335 innocents were slaughtered on the orders of Adolf Hitler as a reprisal for a partisan ambush in Rome in which 33 SS troops had died. Our interview was conducted in English, which he had learnt while working as a waiter at the Savoy in London in the 1930s. As he ushered me into his flat, I thought of a document I had seen only recently in the National Archives back in London, in which Priebke had calmly told a British war crimes investigator how he had ‘killed a man with an Italian machine pistol’, and how towards the end of the massacre, he had ‘killed another man with the same machine pistol’. As well as taking part in the shootings, Priebke drew up the list of those who were going to be shot. He spent the whole night combing through the records of those whom the Germans were holding on suspicion of being in the Resistance. To get the numbers to the ten to one ratio that Hitler had demanded, Priebke even included political prisoners who had been arrested on the flimsiest of evidence. Some of those on the list were teenagers, with the youngest being just 15. Remorseless: Priebke picutred during a court appearance in 1996, he had previously been jailed for life by a military court for the massacre of 335 men and boys at the Ardeatine Caves near Rome . On the morning of March 24, 1944, the . prisoners were taken by the Gestapo and the SS to the Ardeatine Caves, . south of the centre of Rome. With their hands tied behind their backs, . they were led into the caves in groups of five, and then shot in the . back of the head. A report written by an Italian professor of legal medicine in September 1945 conveys the full horror of what took place. ‘The victims fell face downwards, and gradually, as the other condemned arrived, they were obviously made to climb up on the other bodies of the previous victims, otherwise the position of the bodies in layers and their almost uniform prone position could not be explained.’ In order to give his men the wherewithal to commit mass murder, the senior Gestapo officer provided them with a caseload of cognac. As the day wore on and the alcohol was imbibed, their shots became less accurate, thus even depriving their victims of a clean kill. This, then, was the savagery which Erich Priebke had helped to oversee. To my astonishment, on the day we met, even though it was only 10.30am, he wondered whether I might like to share a bottle of red wine. I hesitated. Could I accept such hospitality from such a man? In the end, I agreed, rationalising that superficial conviviality would make for a more revealing interview. As it happened, it did, and what took place that morning was, to the best of my knowledge, the last interview that Erich Priebke gave. Death: Erich Priebke, who carried out one of Italy's worst massacres, died today aged 100 . He told me about his childhood, and . how the early deaths of his parents meant that he had to work at 14. He . started working at a hotel in Berlin, later moving to the Savoy. He . walked to the hotel from his digs in Kensington, and was in the city . for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935. ‘People from all over the . world came,’ he said with fond recollection. ‘The Bengal Lancers and . people like that!’ But the war changed Priebke’s . trajectory, and his linguistic ability caught the eye of the Gestapo. Intelligent and able, he joined its leadership school, and by February . 1941, he had been made a police attaché in the German Embassy in Rome. During . our talk, it became clear that Priebke had no wish to discuss the . massacre. And there seemed little point asking him, as he had no doubt . rehearsed tired old lines about ‘following orders’. But . he did tell me how he had escaped from the British in 1946, and how he . and his wife and two children had been helped by members of the Roman . Catholic Church to start a new life in Argentina. Outrage: In the lead up to his birthday Jewish groups called for celebrations to be banned . Priebke . arrived in South America without a bean, but he built himself up to . become a pillar of the very Germanic town of Bariloche in Patagonia. Astonishingly, he lived openly under his own name, and he and his family . were even registered with the German Embassy. For half a century, Priebke lived . unmolested, until in 1994 he was accosted by Sam Donaldson, of ABC News. When the report was televised, the Italian public were incensed that . Priebke could walk around freely, and in 1996 he was extradited to . Italy, where he faced a series of trials that made headlines around the . world. In March 1998, he was . sentenced to life imprisonment. At the age of 84, he was too old for . prison, so he was detained in his apartment, where he would spend the . rest of his days, and where I would interview him. Appeal: Priebke is escorted by police as he is transferred to the Forte Boccea military prison in Rome in the 1990s . Fascist followers: Italian King Victor Emanuel III, (right) Adolf Hitler (centre) and Benito Mussolini (left) But despite his harmless appearance and the hospitality, there was . plenty of the unrepentant Nazi in Priebke. He told me that the then . Pope, Benedict, did not wish to help have him released because he was . ‘afraid of the Jews’. Priebke . also appeared to deny the Holocaust when he said to me – ‘We did not . act against them for practical reasons. We needed the railway cars for . other things.’ After more . than two hours, our conversation came to close. I left his flat, . retrieved my passport from the policeman who guarded the block, and . walked out into the sunshine. On a nearby wall I noticed some graffiti . which read, ‘Death to Nazi Priebke’. Yesterday, . that wish was finally granted – seven decades after so many men were . brutally executed while this dead-eyed monster picked his victims out . and pulled the trigger again and again. | Erich Priebke was convicted for his part in the massacre of 335 civilians . The men and boys were rounded up by his SS squad and shot . Priebke escaped to Argentina in 1946 and found work as a school teacher . He was deported to Italy and sentenced to life in prison in 1998 but because of his age was allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest . | b71e0ad118cd105055e123322eeebf203754b20f |
By . Ryan Gorman . PUBLISHED: . 15:11 EST, 8 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:11 EST, 8 March 2014 . Breach of trust: Jochen Teizer was revealed by Georgia Tech officials to have forced students to give him at least $20,000 in under the table payments . A graduate professor at Georgia Tech has been suspended after it was revealed he forced students into under the table payments despite earning a six-figure salary. Jochen Teizer, of Atlanta, lined his pockets with at least $20,000 in student money going as far back as 2011, the university disclosed in a statement. The school had first been made aware of the allegations in October but only went public Friday night after WSB called seeking comment, the station said. Teizer, an associate professor of construction engineering, is believed to have accepted $10,000 in payments in 2011 from one student alone, said the statement. He coerced mostly Asian current and former students into handing over the cash despite raking in about $125,000 in salary, the station said. Not all of his victims were fluent in English. Teizer has been placed on leave while the process to have him dismissed has begun, the school said. The students will also be fully refunded the amount of the nefarious payments made to Teizer, said the statement. The disgraced professor insisted off-camera to WSB he never spent the money and intended to use it for his research, the station reported. His biography was removed from the Georgia Tech website by Saturday morning, and messages left for comment were not returned. Teizer appeared to be a relatively-like professor on campus, he received 3.5 out of 5 stars in online ratings. Students said his classes were dry, but he was a reasonable professor – unless, of course, he demanded a kickback. It is not clear if Teizer will face criminal charges for his actions. | Jochen Teizer was revealed by school officials to have targeted 10 Asian students not fluent in English . He has been placed on leave until he can be permanently dismissed . | bb8090b395af39f91ec97c499ee3056c820b9d63 |
Google already offers storage for your emails, photos and documents. Now, it wants to take things a step further - and store your genetic information online. The firm hopes its Google Genome project will lead to personalised drugs -and will charge just £25 per person to store data on its servers. Scroll down for video . The goal of the system, Google says, is to 'explore genetic variation interactively.' This means allowing researchers to access millions of genomes and run batch analyses, easily. It hopes the service will be popular with hospitals, drug firms and researchers will use the service, taking advantage of Google's vast servers to compare information and find the cause of disease. 'We saw biologists moving from studying one genome at a time to studying millions,' David Glazer, the software engineer who led the effort and was previously head of platform engineering for Google+, the social network, told Technology Review. 'The opportunity is how to apply breakthroughs in data technology to help with this transition.' The goal of the system, Google says, is to 'explore genetic variation interactively.' 'Use Google's infrastructure and big data expertise,' it said. 'Store one genome or a million using Google Genomics and take advantage of the same infrastructure that powers Search, Maps, YouTube, Gmail and Drive.' This means allowing researchers to access millions of genomes and run batch analyses, easily. The National Cancer Institute said last month that it would pay $19 million to move copies of the 2.6 petabyte Cancer Genome Atlas into the cloud. The National Cancer Institute said last month that it would pay $19 million to move copies of the 2.6 petabyte Cancer Genome Atlas into the cloud. Copies of the data, from several thousand cancer patients, will reside both at Google Genomics and in Amazon’s data centers. Doctors also say the move coule lead to more personalised medicines. 'Our bird's eye view is that if I were to get lung cancer in the future, doctors are going to sequence my genome and my tumor's genome, and then query them against a database of 50 million other genomes,' said Deniz Kural, whose company, Seven Bridges, stores genome data with Amazon's cloud system. 'The result will be 'Hey, here's the drug that will work best for you.' ' | Search giant hopes service will be popular with drug firms and researchers . Can use Google's vast servers to compare information . National Cancer Institute moved its Cancer Genome Atlas onto service . | 6f4f3398f11df0b1668deabaa26b05a432146bb4 |
A female Olympic gold medalist has used her phenomenal strength to restrain four speeding motorbikes - each pulling with 1,050lbs of force in opposite directions – with her arms, as a part of her most recent extreme stunt. Juli Moody, a 37-year-old from California, has earned herself the nickname 'The Female Human Link' because of her extraordinary ability to stall moving motorcycles by pulling the vehicles' attached restraints with her crossed arms. And the former Olympic Power Lifting medal winner, who first hit the headlines after holding back two screaming Harley Davidsons in a haze of tire smoke and burning rubber, has now taken her daring trick up a notch by adding two more motorcycles to the original equation. Scroll down for video . Strong woman: Juli Moody, 37, can be seen restraining four moving motorcycles with her bulging biceps as a part of her latest extreme stunt . Sheer determination: The former Olympic Power Lifting gold medal winner is covered in a cloud of tire smoke as she holds on to the yellow restraints attached to the vehicles . Ms Moody held the four bikes for a little over a minute as they burned out in opposite directions - using no brakes. She is the only woman in the world to perform the stunt with one, two and four motorcycles, holding the official world record for all of three of the tricks. According to Ms Moody's website, she will soon attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the heaviest vehicle pulled 100ft by a female, as well as the longest time restraining two Cessna aircrafts by a female. Signature move: For Ms Moody's world record breaking stunt, she requires four motorcycles to burn out in opposite directions without braking as she uses her arm muscles to hold them in place . Mighty muscles: She is nicknamed 'The Female Human Link' because of her extraordinary ability to stall moving motorbikes by holding the vehicles' attached restraints with her crossed arms . Record breaker: Ms Moody is the only woman in the world to perform her signature stunt with one, two and four motorcycles, holding the official world record for all three of the tricks . Dead weight: Ms Moody can be seen pulling a yellow school bus as a part of her training . The latter is a new category for women, which the Guinness World Records organization only decided to open following her personal request. A video of Ms Moody having her bicep measured shows that her flexed upper arm has a circumference of more than 16 inches. 'I am pretty happy,' she said of the measurement. 'That's great.' When she isn't training or breaking world records, Ms Moody works as an integrative medical practitioner specializing in women's health issues. Work smile: Ms Moody can be seen pulling a car in the snow as a part of her intense training . Pretty pose: The athlete shows off her muscular frame in two form fitting dresses . Extreme sports: Ms Moody wears a black sleeveless shirt as she flexes her muscles in front of a dirt bike . Bend and snap: Ms Moody is pictured with her teammate for team USA as they lift 950lbs at The World's Fair in Barcelona, Spain . Ms Moody isn't the only woman who is testing the limits of her physical strength. Julia Vins, an 18-year-old from Russia, is known as 'muscle Barbie' because she has the face of a porcelain doll but a hulk-like body that enables her to deadlift 400lbs. The teen entered the World Powerlifting Championships in Moscow in 2014 and achieved three world records after squatting 396lbs, bench pressing 230lbs and deadlifting 364lbs. Miss Vins, who has said that she wants to get as big as possible, has nearly 50,000 Instagram followers. Serious stats: During a bicep measurement, Ms Moody's upper arm was shown to have a circumference of 16.25 inches . Strike a pose: The former Olympian proudly flaunts her biceps after having them measured . Day job: When she isn't training or breaking world records, Ms Moody works as an integrative medical practitioner specializing in women's health issues . Always working: Ms Moody takes a break to strike a pose during one of her many gym workouts . | Juli Moody, 37, is nicknamed 'The Female Human Link' because of her extraordinary ability to stall moving motorcycles using her sheer strength . The former power lifting champion is the only woman in the world to perform the stunt with one, two and four motorcycles . She holds the official world record for all of three of the tricks . | 79c088344cf79485141fa3bfe9921330d51266e9 |
By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 13:37 EST, 29 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:20 EST, 29 November 2012 . David Cameron went to ‘great lengths’ to woo Rupert Murdoch’s News International newspaper empire prior to the last general election, Lord Justice Leveson said today. The judge added the Prime Minister’s closeness to senior executives like Rebekah Brooks had created a problem of ‘public perception’, although he accepted there was no ‘deal’ of newspaper support for the expectation of policy favours. This prompted Mr Cameron to demand an apology from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown who said the Conservatives 'struck a deal' with Rupert Murdoch’s newspapers to gain positive coverage. Lord Leveson said the Prime Minister had been right to accept that politicians had ‘got too close to the media’ and that the relationship needed to be set on a ‘better footing’. 'Too close': Lord Leveson said that David Cameron's close relationship with Rebekah Brooks had caused problems with perception . Politicians will now have to record all contact they have with journalists and publish it. He said: ‘The problem is public perception. This section of the report has dealt with too many issues where the public, not knowing any more than it has (or, I might say, than what it reads in the newspapers), has been entitled to worry about the way things have been done and what has been going on. ‘A way of conducting relationships with the media which leads to a situation in which a public inquiry is needed to take an objective, not to say forensic, look at the matter in order to reassure the public cannot be considered as satisfactory or itself in the public interest. ‘Mr Cameron went to great lengths to secure meetings face-to-face with Mr Murdoch and other News International executives and editors. ‘The benefits of this may have played some part in the outcome but should not be overestimated. ‘The evidence does not, of course, establish anything resembling a ‘deal’ whereby News International’s support was traded for the expectation of policy favours.’ Failure: Jeremy Hunt (left) should have had more . control of his adviser Adam Smith (right) and his contact with News . Corporation lobbyist Fred Michel . Health minister Jeremy Hunt is the most senior politician to be directly criticised in the report. Mr Hunt was Culture Secretary in 2011 when he was handed responsibility for the News Corp bid to buy the whole of BSkyB. Spin: Lord Leveson also criticised New Labour's spin operation - led by Alastair Campbell . He is credited for putting in place ’wise and effective’ measures to prove he was handling the bid properly. But Mr Hunt is criticised for the way his special advisor Adam Smith had significant contact with News Corp lobbyist Fred Michel. ’Mr Smith already knew Mr Michel, and when faced with the intimacy, charm, volume and persistence of Mr Michel’s approaches, he was put in an extremely difficult position. Best practice... was not followed.’ Lord Leveson ’doubted the wisdom’ of giving Mr Smith the job. ’The consequential risks were then compounded by the cumulative effects of the lack of explicit clarity in Mr Smith’s role, the lack of express instruction that it was clear that he fully understood, and a lack of supervision by Mr Hunt.’ It all gave a ’perception of bias’, he added. Concerns over how badly New Labour's spin operations, led for many years by Alastair Campbell, damaged public confidence in political communications were also raised by Lord Justice Leveson today. In a bid to end the 'wilderness years' of the 1980s and 1990s Labour strayed into territory that some believed marked a breakdown of 'public trust engineered by political self-interest', the report said. It added: 'If New Labour did not invent 'spin', it nevertheless found itself in an unprecedented place in relation to news management as an agenda item in its own right. 'On the one hand, its election-winning strategy in 1997 explicitly had in mind the lessons to be learned from the recent past. 'On the other, there is an obvious question about the extent to which a media strategy of 'neutralising' those sections of the press which had been hostile to the party in the 1980s and in the run-up to the 1992 general election became a victim of its own success, and resulted in diminishing public confidence in political communications.' | Lord Leveson says PM's relationship with Rebekah Brooks was bad for 'public perception' Mr Cameron was 'too close' to News International, Leveson said, but he also slammed New Labour's culture of spin . His landmark report recommends all meetings between press and politicians should be recorded and published . | 8f60499b6210bae7e551b4d8fc47ba8612d3ade1 |
SAN DIEGO, California (CNN) -- More than 100 homes in an upscale San Diego community were evacuated after a landslide about 60 yards wide pulled the earth from beneath a three-lane road and some of the multimillion-dollar homes that adorn it. Gina Yarbrough sent this picture of the road that collapsed in Wednesday's landslide. Mayor Jerry Sanders declared a state of emergency, asking California and the federal government to help the La Jolla community recover from the Wednesday landslide. As of Thursday morning, he had already received offers of aid from legislators, the governor's office and the White House, he said. Officials warned for at least two weeks that the ground was shifting beneath the hillside community along Soledad Mountain Road. Holes were drilled into the unsettled hillside to investigate the cause and magnitude of the shift, which earlier ruptured a water line, and according to some media reports, began cracking Soledad Mountain Road in July. On Wednesday, a 20-foot-deep chasm opened beneath the road and homes. Holli Weld told San Diego's KGTV that she was walking her son to preschool when the street collapsed. Watch a resident recall how he had to grab his dogs and run » . "The street was sinking before our eyes," she said. Authorities told KGTV that most residents were at work and only seven people were in their homes when the landslide occurred. Evacuated homeowner Russell Moore told CNN he remembers hearing the earth "groan" in what he called a "slow avalanche." "The asphalt that should be under my feet was 8 feet in the air," Moore said. "We watched the trees snapping and cracking and more boulders come down to our feet and we were witnessing this move." See photos of the hole the landslide left in La Jolla » . At least 111 homes were evacuated, but Sanders said residents would be allowed to return to 75 of those houses by early Thursday morning. Several homes were damaged and at least one was destroyed, according to media reports. Nine homes are "red tagged," meaning no one is allowed to enter them, and 27 more are "yellow tagged," which means residents can return for necessities, but cannot stay, Sanders said. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the landslide downed power lines and caused a minor gas leak. More than 2,400 customers were briefly left without electricity, but most residents had their power restored by Thursday, KGTV reported. The Red Cross opened a shelter at La Jolla High School. Deputy city engineer Robert Hawk told the Union-Tribune that the hillside has slowly been slipping for years because the soil is unstable. Landslide incidents in the neighborhood date back to the 1960s, Hawk told the newspaper. Pat Abbott, a retired geological sciences professor at San Diego State University, told the Union-Tribune that Mount Soledad is made up of weak layers of rock and that the culprit in the landslide is nature. "Gravity pulling on the incline is pulling down masses of earth and those masses of earth have houses on top of them," Abbott told the paper. "It's a geologically bad site and should not have been built on to begin with." E-mail to a friend . | San Diego mayor declares state of emergency; White House, governor offer aid . Officials were investigating the shifting earth in the area for weeks . Residents can return to 75 of the 111 evacuated homes Thursday, mayor says . "We watched the trees snapping and cracking," says one evacuated resident . | 2fff2bc541ef34a6647dfa2e4294cdcc187e47b9 |
Former England centre Shontayne Hape has announced his retirement from the game after sustaining repeated concussions that led to a range of debilitating symptoms, including depression. Hape played his final match for French club Montpellier last year, but only this weekend revealed he was forced to hang up his boots because of the head trauma incurred during his league and union careers. The 33-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2010-11, suffered more than 20 concussions and was frequently knocked out, including several times in succession during the 2012-13 season at Montpellier. Calling it a day: Former England centre Shontayne Hape has announced his retirement from the game . Subsequent scans revealed his brain function had been reduced to just above that of someone with special needs and he was advised to retire. 'Things got so bad I couldn't even remember my pin number - my card got swallowed up twice. My memory was shot,' Hape told the New Zealand Herald. 'The specialist explained that my brain was so traumatised, had swollen so big, that even just getting a tap to the body would knock me out. I had to retire immediately. 'I was thinking I'd rest for a year and then make a come back. That's why I never told anyone I was retired. I still couldn't accept it was over.' Among the symptoms Auckland-born Hape felt were constant migraines, sensitivity to light and sound, irritability, depression and memory loss. Concussion: Hape's brain function had been reduced to just above that of someone with special needs . 'There was constant pressure from the coaches (to play),' the former New Zealand Warriors, Bradford, Bath and London Irish back said. 'Most coaches don't care what happens later on in your life. It's about the here and now. Everyone wants success. 'They just think, 'If we pay you this you are going to do this'. Players are just pieces of meat. 'When the meat gets too old and past its use by date, the club just buys some more.' | Former England international played final match for Montpellier last year . The 33-year-old suffered more than 20 concussions . Hape: 'Things got so bad I couldn't remember my pin number' Brain function has been reduced to just above those with special needs . | ae8a25bc43bbb2ff378891b571eddd9c4135d780 |
By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 05:43 EST, 15 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:25 EST, 15 May 2013 . Theresa May has today warned police there is a risk the public will be scared to dial 999 if they fear being sued by officers responding to emergency calls. The Home Secretary told the Police Federation national conference that she wanted to stop 'frivolous' claims being made by officers. WPC Kelly Jones triggered a furious backlash after it emerged she was suing a garage owner in Norfolk after tripping on a kerb while investigating a burglary. Compensation warning: Theresa May addresses the Police Federation annual conference today in Bournemouth where she warned there is a risk the public will be scared to dial 999 if they fear being sued by officers . The officer, 33, is also demanding compensation from Norfolk Constabulary for a knee injury sustained in an accident in a police car. The case prompted Mrs May to order a review of police compensation amid fears it may be deterring victims of crime from coming forward. In the latest example of police suing taking legal action for accidents at work, it emerged today that an unnamed South Yorkshire officer was awarded £8,000 compensation by their employers after slipping on ice and snow. Addressing the annual Police . Federation conference in Bournemouth, Theresa May also pledged to change . the law so criminals who kill police officers face minimum whole-life . jail terms. Receiving a more restrained reception . than last year, when she was confronted by heckling and calls to resign, . Mrs May also announced further prosecution powers for the police so . they can bring charges against minor shoplifters. Payouts: Theresa May, with Police Federation chairman Steve Williams, warned about the risks of a compensation culture in the police following a number of high profile claims . 'I know that the vast majority of you . are dedicated public servants of the best kind. But when a police . officer sues a member of the public because they slipped on private . property – that is simply not the sort of attitude police officers . should exhibit,' she said. 'I want to work with the Federation to make sure police officers don't make frivolous claims. 'Not least because it would be quite wrong if people become reluctant to call the police for fear of being sued.' Last . month it emerged PC Richard Seymour is suing a burglary victim after he . allegedly tore his Achilles tendon when he fell into a drain while . investigating a break-in in Surrey in 2012. He is suing for ‘loss of overtime’ during his six-month absence from work despite being on full pay. Outrage: WPC Kelly Jones took action against a garage owner after tripping on a kerb while responding to a 999 call . Today it was revealed an officer in South Yorkshire was awarded £8,162 after breaking a leg and damaging ligaments when slipping on black ice. Another worker received £1,000 after suffering a laceration putting a plug into a socket and two firearms officers received payouts after they were hit by spent cartridges during training. An officer was given £1,500 after a colleague accidentally shut a van door on his hand. Details of payouts worth £21,412 made to officers over a two-year period were released under freedom of information laws. Legal action: The garage where WPC Jones slipped on a kerb while responding to a burglary call . A police officer in South Yorkshire was awarded more than £8,000 compensation after slipping on ice, it emerged today. Since 2011, 14 payouts have been made to officers for injuries suffered at work, new figures have revealed. They included:- . Since 2011, 34 staff at South Yorkshire . Police have lodged compensation claims against their employer and 20 are . still outstanding. Addressing the conference today, Mrs May also said the Government is to . propose that the starting point for anyone convicted of the murder of a . police officer in the line of duty should be increased to whole life . without parole from a current minimum of 30 years. Receiving a round of applause from . officers in attendance, Mrs May said: 'The murder of a police officer is . a particularly appalling crime. To attack and kill a police officer is to attack the fundamental basis of our society.' She added: 'That is why I can . announce today that, subject to consultation with the Sentencing . Council, the Government will change the law so that the starting point . for anybody who kills a police officer should be a life sentence without . parole. 'We are clear - life should mean life for anyone convicted of killing a police officer.' There have been 12 direct killings of . police officers in the course of duty since 2000 - including the murder . of Pcs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in Greater Manchester last year. Mrs May said she wanted to increase . the number of police-led prosecutions to empower officers to deal with a . wider range of offences where people plead guilty. In the last year, police officers . have been given control over the prosecution of offences including drunk . and disorderly to criminal damage - rather than handing a file to the . Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). She said: 'I know that dealing with . the CPS on minor offences wastes a great deal of your time, and I know . how frustrating that can be. 'That’s why I can announce today that . I will increase the scope of police-led prosecutions to include . shoplifting of goods worth £200 or less. 'That means up to another 50,000 . prosecutions being led by the police - cases that will be dealt with . faster and more effectively.' | Home Secretary said she wants to stop officers making 'frivolous claims' WPC Kelly Jones is suing a garage owner after tripping on a kerb . PC Richard Seymour is taking action after falling into a drain on burglary call . Officer awarded £8,000 after slipping on ice in South Yorkshire . Mrs May also says police officer killers should spend whole life behind bars . | 7759476729b71ee911a3f869e970365d18815128 |
Australian universities are in the good books with eight tertiary institutions now ranked inside the world's top 200 - but there are warnings that the planned deregulation of fees could threaten the standard of the nation's education system. Australia has increased its representation in the 2014-15 Times Higher Education World University rankings, with most of the nation's top institutions improving their standings on last year. Melbourne University is still leading the local pack, climbing one spot from last year to be in 33rd place, ahead of the Australian National University (45) and University of Sydney (60). Melbourne University leads the Australian tertiary institutions in the latest world rankings and comes in at 33rd on the international ratings by Time Higher Education magazine . University of Melbourne has moved into 33rd spot and is best of the Australian tertiary institutions but the UK based report warns that the proposed deregulation of fees could sorely test the depth of Australian unis . Adelaide University is a new entrant to the top 200, moving ahead almost 40 places to 164. University of Melbourne 33 (34) Australian National University 45 (48) University of Sydney 60 (72) University of Queensland 65 (63) Monash University 83 (91) University of NSW 109 (114) University of WA 157 (168) University of Adelaide 164 (201) Time Higher Education (THE) is a weekly UK magazine (formerly newspaper) and website, which has been reporting on issues specific to higher education for almost 50 years. Its annual world rankings have been in place for more than a decade. Of Australia's eight universities in the top 200, only fourth-ranked Queensland University lost ground in the latest standings. Time Higher Education World University Rankings editor Phil Baty said the improvement, and the fact another 12 Australian universities were ranked in the 200 to 400 bracket, provides evidence of a world class university system. 'It's a really impressive performance,' Mr Baty said. 'I think the great thing for Australia is they've got great strength in depth. 'It's not just the eight in the top 200 but below the 200 there's a really healthy group of really interesting universities.' California Institute of Tech (US) 1 (1) Harvard University (US) 2 (2) University of Oxford (UK) 3 (2) Stanford University (US) 4 (4) University of Cambridge (UK) 5 (7) Massachusetts Inst of Tech (US) 6 (5) Princeton University (US) 7 (6) Uni of California, Berkeley (US) 8 (8) Imperial College London (UK) 9 (10) Yale University (US) 9 (11) While Australia's overall improvement was slight, Mr Baty said it could reflect the fact universities were making significant contributions in research, leading the world in international student recruitment and becoming more aware and strategic about global brand awareness. However, while he lauded the universities, Mr Baty issued a note of caution about Australia's future in tertiary studies. He said the government's plans to deregulate tuition fees from 2016 could reshape the landscape in the coming years. 'The big question is whether this admirable strength-in-depth can be maintained,' Mr Baty said. 'The reforms may help a small Australian elite protect or even improve their global standing, but what about the rest? It may mean the second-tier institutions are weakened. 'There is a lot at stake over the next few years.' The Australian National University remains the nation's second ranked Australian institution (up three spots to 45th overall) followed by Sydney University, which climbed several spots to be 60th. University of Sydney ranks 3rd of Australian tertiary institutions behind University of Melbourne and ANU but has moved up several places on world rankings to be in 60th place . University of Sydney ranks third of the Australian institutions, with eight of them in the world's top 200 including new addition in the University of Adelaide. The US and UK dominate the top 10 . California Institute of Technology held on to the world's top ranking for the fourth straight year ahead of Harvard University, with the US filling seven of the top 10 spots. The UK holds the other three, led by third-placed Oxford. Leading Asian institutions continue to rise with 24 universities in the top 200, an increase of 20 on last year. Best of the Asian schools is the University of Tokyo, in 23rd. The annual rankings index uses 13 objective performance indicators, including industry income, teaching, research influence and international outlook. | Eight Australian universities in world's top 200 . But UK report warns planned government forms may weaken the depth of Australia's tertiary institutions . University of Melbourne is best of the best across Australia . US fills seven places in top 10, the UK has the other 3 spots . | dcae24270d4fb6f9b3b5c4e9f2964acf54505217 |
By . Jeannette Kupfermann . Nursing both a badly broken arm and a fractured leg, you would think I could reasonably expect a little sympathy — especially in a doctor’s surgery. What I got was the opposite. Arriving at my GP practice for a check-up, I found that the cast on my arm plus the orthopaedic boot I was wearing made it difficult to use the touch-screen system to announce my arrival — so I queued to ask the receptionist if she would check me in at her computer instead. But rather than taking a few seconds to help me out, with a look of triumph in her eyes she sneered: ‘Why don’t you use your other hand?’ and sent me hobbling back to the screen. Left shaken: Jeannette Kupfermann was shocked by the callous treatment she received from her GP's receptionist . I was fairly shaken, but didn’t argue because so many GP’s receptionists appear to have diplomas in sour-faced indifference. The callous, supercilious, rude and apathetic attitude of many of them must surely top most people’s list of complaints against the NHS. When we are sick, vulnerable and anxious, the surgery is our first point of contact. Yet all too often the waiting-room staff are less guardian angels than dragons at the gate. I’ve heard complaint after complaint about the bad attitudes encountered by my friends and family. Many have spoken of their frustration at being fobbed off and even lied to. Many, like me, felt dehumanised and humiliated. None are surprised to read stories of people treated appallingly by their GP’s admin staff, such as the woman last month who was forced to wait outside by a busy road after a doctor’s receptionist said her sick 16-month-old baby was crying too loudly. Rarely, if ever, are these people challenged, as they hold us over a barrel. While I accept there are plenty of good, hard-working doctors’ receptionists out there who strive to help patients, I also know there are many who can be real battleaxes. An offended receptionist equals no appointment. But after my own upsetting experience, I told my doctor what had happened. He seemed at a loss to explain and apologised. I later wrote a strong letter to the practice manager, who told me that not all staff had received their full training yet, as if that were any excuse. But as we all know, this kind of attitude tends to be the rule — and for the elderly, in particular, it can be a nightmare. It often starts with a phone call you’ve been poised to make since dawn, as having your finger on the redial button the moment surgery phone lines open is your only chance of getting through. Each month, 23 million people (more than three times the population of London) visit their GP surgery or practice nurse . My friend Peggy, a 92-year-old widow from Kent who suffers from several painful illnesses that need continual monitoring, recently had a shocking experience. ‘I was ringing to get some blood test results,’ she told me. ‘It was difficult getting through, but eventually I spoke to a receptionist and told her I’d been asked to make an appointment to see or speak to the doctor about them. ‘She told me to hang on a moment while she spoke to the doctor. I waited and waited. A good 15 minutes passed before I had to hang up. ‘An hour later I rang again, and when I got the same woman I asked her why she’d left me hanging on the phone. She replied rudely: “Because I had nothing to tell you.” ’ Eventually, Peggy rang again and was put through to another receptionist who also put her on hold. Dragons: Like Ros from Monsters Inc. many waiting room staff leave patients feeling humiliated and dehumanised . ‘She promised me faithfully she’d call back,’ says Peggy. ‘But again I waited and waited. It’s been days now and I haven’t heard a thing.’ To me, this illustrates perfectly all that is going wrong at reception — especially with the elderly, who get anxious about problems but are brushed off like irritating flies. No wonder they are so disheartened and either give up — putting their health at risk — or go to A&E. And every busy working mother will identify with the frustration of Berkshire woman Elizabeth Harris.‘I’d managed to get an appointment about getting some acne lotion for my 14-year-old daughter,’ says Elizabeth, who is in her 40s. ‘I saw the doctor, got the prescription and went next door to the pharmacy, where I was told that the lotion wasn’t available any more. ‘I rushed back into the surgery — I was already late for work and had to fit in another appointment — but by then there was a long queue. ‘I explained what had happened to the receptionist and asked if there was any chance she could ask the doctor if she could write me another prescription. ‘She just said: “No, I can’t. You’ll have to ring in the morning to see the doctor again.” I pointed out that the next day was Saturday, when they took only emergencies, but I might as well have been talking to a brick wall.’ It’s no surprise that figures released in 2012 showed that complaints to family doctors were running at 1,000 a week, with a rise in grievances about surly receptionists. Complaints: Many others share Jeannette's frustrations . So what has gone wrong? ‘The NHS sometimes forgets that it’s a service provider and should put the patient first,’ says one senior nurse. ‘There are too many people trying to get into too few surgeries, and doctors condone their receptionists’ behaviour because it keeps the patients at bay. ‘It reflects the state of everything else in the NHS — but that doesn’t excuse their terrible manner.’Heather Adlam, a business trainer who runs workshops for GP receptionists to help them improve their communication skills, agrees. ‘We think we’re getting something free and don’t have the right to expect too much,’ she says. ‘But it’s not “free”. ‘It’s part of the insurance we took out with the Government — we’ve all paid an awful lot into it.’ As for me, I believe the situation simply reflects how impersonal GP surgeries have become. Providing forms to fill out, stating your level of satisfaction with all stages of a GP visit, might help.This way, patients could remain anonymous. After all, none of us wants to deal with confrontation and risk not getting an appointment. But until we do so — in a civilised way — and end the intimidation, this callousness will continue. | Nursing broken bones, Jeanette was shocked by callous GP receptionist . All too often waiting room staff are less guardian angels and more dragons . In 2012 complaints to family doctors were running at 1,000 per week . Many patients are left feeling dehumanised and humiliated . Getting an appointment becomes a frustrating struggle . | 4cfc628fb70eba29b28a2694e858eaf066855aa3 |
By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 23:22 EST, 26 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:12 EST, 27 November 2013 . A homeless man who came to New York City to find work woke up Saturday poor and despondent. But by the day's end the 53-year-old father-of-two was on his way back to his native Czech Republic thanks to a group of selfless strangers. Jaroslav Nemcovsky flew from his home outside Prague to Orlando, Florida, in September but lost his job and traveled to Manhattan in a desperate bid to find work. Once there however, things only worsened for the already down-on-his-luck immigrant when he was robbed after falling asleep charging his cell phone at Port Authority. Scroll down for video . Selfless: Brandon Levithan, center, and his girlfriend Simona Kanevsky, left, were able to help homeless man Jaroslav Nemcovsky, right, return to his native Czech Republic on the weekend . With no money, no passport and no shoes, Nemcovsky thought he would die on the harsh, and increasingly wintery, streets of the Big Apple. But all that changed when Brandon Levithan, owner of clothing company Thread Society, and his friends came across him sitting solemnly in Union Square last weekend. 'We didn't think he was homeless. We weren't sure we wanted to approach him,' Levithan, who was distributing warm clothes to the city's poor at the time, told the New York Daily News Tuesday. In a heartwarming YouTube video that has now gone viral, Levithan is seen approaching Nemcovsky, who doesn't speak English but was able to communicate with Levithan's girlfriend, Simona Kanevsky in Russian. 'I explained to him that we were a clothing company giving out sweatshirts, hats and gloves,' Kanevsky said. 'I asked if he wanted anything and all he responded with was, "I just want to go home... to Czech."' Help: The group took Nemcovsky to a hotel to get cleaned up and gave him new clothes and pizza . Barber: They then took him for a haircut and a shave . First things first, the couple, and their friends, took Nemcovsky, who hadn't showered for two weeks to a nearby hotel where they got him cleaned up, gave him new clothes and fed him some New York pizza. They then took him to a corner barber for a shave and a hair cut. He was a new man. 'He was so grateful, explaining to me that he has never had a beard so long in his life and hasn't been able to shave in two months,' Kanevsky told the Daily News. Back at the hotel, he elaborated on his struggles since arriving in the states. 'He was robbed of his phone, his passport. He had $1,000 -- they even took his shoes,' Levithan said. 'He said he went to police for help and they laughed at him.' Tears: Explaining his struggle, the 53-year-old teared up and was so grateful . Friends: The group left Nemcovsky at the hotel to rest for a while as they pondered how they could help fulfil his wish to return to Czech . The Czech Consulate were able to replace his passport, but gave him no other help in getting home.After 10 days of sleeping in a homeless shelter, he said he was kicked out and, when Levithan and his friends found him, he was sleeping in Union Square. Describing how he just wanted to get home and see his son and daughter, he teared up. The group left Nemcovsky at the hotel to rest for a while as they pondered how they could help fulfil his wish to return to Czech. When they returned, they surprised him with a one-way ticket leaving from JFK Airport early the next morning. Surprise: They then surprised him with a one-way ticket to his home in the Czech Republic, taking him to JFK airport, pictured . Flight: Levithan said they got him on the flight, pictured, around eight hours after they first met him, desperate and alone, in Union Square . 'I can only imagine being on the street, alone in a different country where nobody speaks the language. We just wanted to get him home with his family,' Levithan told the Daily News. Levithan said they got him on the flight around eight hours after they first met him, desperate and alone, in Union Square. And they're looking forward to hearing from him once he's settled back home, Levithan said, adding that they exchanged contact information. But for now, the group are just happy at the difference they were able to make in helping a complete stranger who was down on his luck, and hope their selfless actions inspire others to assist those less fortunate. 'It's the holiday season. We were there to do good. Giving shirts and warming people is really nice deed. Giving him a fresh start and getting him where he needs to be — that's what motivated us to go through with this,' said Levithan. 'I think I got more out of it than I thought I would.' | A homeless man who came to New York to find work woke up Saturday poor and despondent but by day's end, Jaroslav Nemcovsky, 53, was on his way back to the Czech Republic thanks to some selfless strangers . The father-of-two was sleeping in Union Square after a failed bid to find work was made worse when he was robbed while charging his cell phone at Port Authority . However, Brandon Levithan, owner of clothing company Thread Society, and his friends found him, cleaned him up, fed him and bought him a one-way ticket home . | b672011f3fdf7f5c15dd8a6e8f00daa4fa8a6797 |
Louis van Gaal has been named coach of the year in Holland after leading his country to the semi-finals of last summer's World Cup in Brazil. The Manchester United boss, who left his job with the national side to take over at Old Trafford, picked up his award at the Dutch Sports Gala in Amsterdam on Tuesday night. Van Gaal masterminded Holland's run to the last four in South America where they were defeated by Argentina on penalties. They then beat hosts Brazil 3-0 to secure third place. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal makes a speech after being named coach of the year in Holland . Van Gaal led Holland to third place at last summer's World Cup in Brazil during his second stint as manager . Van Gaal right high-fives Robin van Persie during Holland's 5-1 win against Spain at the World Cup . The 63-year-old, who was previously Holland boss between 2000 and 2002, moved to the Premier League for the first time in July with Guus Hiddink taking over the Oranje. The ex-Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss was not the only United employee to come away with an award as Robin van Persie was also honoured. The striker earned the Dutch sports moment of the year gong for his brilliant, looped header in Holland's 5-1 thrashing of Spain in their opening World Cup group game. Van Persie received his award from former Ajax defender Danny Blind, while his international team-mates Daley Blind and Jasper Cillessen were also on stage. Robin van Persie (centre) receives the Dutch sports moment of the year award from Danny Blind (second left) Van Persie and his wife Bouchra (left) pose as Daley Blind and his partner Candy Rae Fleur arrive . Van Persie was honoured after scoring this stunning header for Holland against Spain in the World Cup . The Dutchman's header drops into Spain's net as goalkeeper Iker Casillas looks on helplessly . And there was more recognition for a member of Holland's World Cup squad as Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben was named Sportsman of the Year. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star was unable to attend the ceremony as he was busy scoring in Bayern's 2-0 Bundesliga win against Freiburg. But he appeared on a big screen clutching the latest addition to his personal trophy cabinet to deliver an acceptance speech to those in attendance. Bayern Munich winger appears on a big screen to collect his Sportsman of the Year award on Tuesday night . Robben (right) celebrates scoring Bayern's opening goal against Freiburg with team-mate Franck Ribery . Holland legend Ruud Gullit poses with Dione de Graaff at the Sport Gala in Amsterdam on Tuesday night . Another award winner in Amsterdam was 17-year-old Max Verstappen, who will drive for Formula One team Toro Rosso from the start of next season. Verstappen, who was handed the young talent award, tweeted: 'Happy to have won the young talent award! That puts a crown on top of our work this year! Just a shame about the connection #Sportgala2014' Speed skater Ireen Wust was named sportswoman of the year after winning two gold medals and three silver medals at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi earlier this year. Max Verstappen, who will drive for F1 team Toro Rosso next season, was given the young talent award . Dutch speed skater Ireen Wust gives an acceptance speech after being named sportswoman of the year . | Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal honoured in Amsterdam on Tuesday . Manchester United manager led Holland to third place at the World Cup . Robin van Persie's goal against Spain named Dutch sports moment of 2014 . Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben named sportsman of the year . 17-year-old driver Max Verstappen wins young talent award . Speed skater Ireen Wust named 2014 sportswoman after Winter Olympics . | cc0d3213dba6b66d44c3bffba5b1659d40f497b7 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:14 EST, 16 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:53 EST, 21 October 2013 . A man who shot dead his wife before posting grisly photos of her corpse on Facebook may use Florida's 'stand your ground' defense, with new photos taken after the shoot-out showing bruises on his arm. Derek Medina, 31, claimed he shot Jennifer Alfonso, 26, after she viciously attacked him at their South Miami home on August 8. He then posted a picture of her dead body online to notify family members. Now Medina's attorney said his client may use Florida's 'stand your ground' self-defense law, with new photos taken eight days after the shooting showing small bruises on his arm. Scroll down for video . Self-defense: Photos taken eight days after the shooting show yellow bruises on Derek Medina's arm, which he claims proves he acted in self-defense . Victim? Derek Medina claims he killed his wife only after years of violence and abuse . These photos show a shirtless Medina with small, yellow-colored bruises on his arm . The photos from the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office show a shirtless Medina with small, yellow-colored bruises on his upper-left arm, but no other noticeable injuries, WPLG reported. A court last week denied Medina's request for bail. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder with a firearm. Medina's attorney, Saam Zanganeh, told the court his client may have feared bodily harm, even without having life threatening injuries. He said Florida's 'stand your ground' self-defense law and the Castle Doctrine, which permits force to be met with force inside a person's home, could apply in his client's case. 'She's the aggressor,' Zanganeh said, according to WPLG, during closing arguments. 'Her level of anger and distress and stewing in her own venom, it didn't get better, it got worse.' Derek Medina claims he fatally shot his wife in self defense and posted photos of his dead wife on Facebook to notify family members about what had happened . Prosecutors have also released a chilling 911 call made on the day of the shooting from the Gables Club Condominiums, where Medina worked. 'He (Medina) just shot his girlfriend 16 times, and he's on his way to the police department,' the caller - reportedly Medina's boss - said, according to audio broadcast by NBC Miami. 'He just said that it was too many years of abuse, and she started to hit him and I guess he snapped and shot her.' 'I need just a follow up that he is in . custody. If this guy has lost his marbles, I don't want him coming here . and going postal, you know what I mean? Medina later turned himself into a South Miami police station. Gruesome: Derek Medina was arrested after admitting to killing his wife on Facebook and posting a grisly photo of her body lying on the kitchen floor . While Medina has maintained he acted in self-defense, a police detective testifying on Tuesday said Alfonso was likely cowering and trying to defend herself . before she was killed. In . his hearing testimony, Detective Jonathan Grossman said an autopsy and . the position of Alonso's body indicates she was on her knees with one . arm raised in front of her face when she was shot on during an . argument. The trajectories of the 380-caliber bullets indicate they were fired from above her, he added. 'The . victim was very low to the ground at the time she was shot,' Grossman . testified. 'The victim appeared to be in a cowering position.' Grossman also said friends and family members told him that Medina had vowed to kill his wife if she ever cheated on him or attempted to leave him. Medina himself told police in his sworn statement that Alonso had threatened to leave that day and that she had told a friend the same thing earlier. The testimony came at a bail hearing for Medina, who sat silently in the courtroom wearing a red jail jumpsuit and a full, dark beard. Medina's attorney, Zanganeh, brought up several pieces of evidence indicating that Alonso could have been the aggressor in their fight. Medina claimed that he killed his wife in self-defense after she threatened him with a knife, following many previous abusive episodes . Her diary, which she titled 'The Diary of the Insane Women,' had several violence-laced entries, including one in which she said she thought about ripping Medina's eyes out because he looked at other women. 'The diary chronicles her thoughts and buttresses our position that she had violent thoughts against Mr. Medina,' Zanganeh said. Grossman testified under cross-examination that police had no previous domestic violence reports from the home. But he also said Medina had trained briefly at a mixed martial arts center and had boxed with the center's veteran instructor after challenging him. Assistant State Attorney J. Scott Dunn asked the detective whether, with Medina's apparent fighting abilities, it seemed plausible that he feared violence from his wife enough to fatally shoot her in self-defense. 'That's what he indicated. According to his statement, she was punching him,' Grossman replied. This image was taken from the Facebook page identified as belonging to Derek Medina . | Derek Medina is accused of killing his wife, Jennifer Alfonso, and posting gruesome photos of her corpse on Facebook in August . He told police he posted the photos online to notify her family . He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder with a firearm . Medina's attorney, Saam Zanganeh, said his client acted in self-defense . Photos taken eight days after the shooting shows bruises on Medina's arm . Medina's boss reported the shooting to police . In the 911 recording, the caller said Medina called into work at The Gables Club condominiums confessing to the crime . | b8ff335e700aba6ba2ab155c8892202aec7ee90c |
Clad only in underpants, socks and trainers, a boy of four stands shivering in the snow. At the sound of a barked command, the freezing child is forced to perform press-ups. Repeatedly he pleads to be allowed to stop and asks for his mother, but his entreaties fall on deaf ears. Incredibly, the adults responsible for the little boy’s pitiful ordeal were his own parents. Scroll down for video . Sparked outrage: Filmed on the Chinese New Year's Eve, the video shows a man identified only as 'eagle daddy' stripping his son to his underwear and forcing him to run around snow-covered streets in temperatures below freezing . Bitterly cold: As he stands shivering in the cold, he is seen pleading with his father 'Please give me a hug!' They are facing demands for their son . to be taken into care after footage of the disturbing incident was . placed on the video-sharing website YouTube. It is not clear who posted the 99-second clip, headed Chinese Eagle Dad Trains 4-year-old Son To Jog Naked in NYC’s Heavy Snow. In comments posted online, ‘eagle . daddy’ claims his son was born several months premature and doctors . worried he might suffer developmental difficulties. To counter those fears, the father, . said to be a businessman from the eastern city of Nanjing and apparently . visiting the U.S. for Chinese New Year, came up with a harsh regime to . build the boy’s strength and mental toughness. Distressed: After running around for five minutes, the boy is then encouraged to do a push-up on the snowy ground, but the distressed little boy cries out . Father and son: In comments posted by 'eagle daddy' online, it states his son was born several months early and doctors said that he might suffer developmental difficulties so he has developed a strict education plan for his son to help him grow up healthy . The clip begins with a shot of the boy, named as Ho Yide, standing in the snow in clear distress. He is then shown walking, fists . clenched against the cold, past parked cars covered in several inches of . snow. At one point he begs: ‘Please give me a hug.’ His mother can apparently be heard . laughing and encouraging him to endure the icy ordeal. One viewer wrote: . ‘The child would be better off in care. This father is a monster.’ But online comments from a woman . described as the father’s assistant said the child had agreed to run in . the snow: ‘This child has received all sorts of forms of training since . he was small.’ She said the father ‘doesn’t care what others say’, adding: ‘The fact that the child lived shows he has tenacious vitality.’ | Shocking video shows Ho Yide outside in -13 degrees Celsius . When he starts to shiver and cry, father makes him do push-ups . Ho Yide is seen pleading to his father 'Please give me a hug' Father says it is an education plan to counter developmental difficulties he was told his son may have to due to premature birth . | d7e7c2047a59d0b3399e051280d081e9ebb8e139 |
Louis van Gaal's arrival at Manchester United's Carrington training ground has hailed the dawning of a new era at England's biggest club, but the man that knows him best is relaxing in the knowledge he'll be top of the boss's team-sheet. Robin van Persie took time out after Holland's run to third in the World Cup under Van Gaal by visiting Barbados with his wife Bouchra and his children. The hitman even had a little reminder of his World Cup exploits, donning some bright orange shorts like those he excelled in in Brazil. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Van Persie playing tennis on the beach with Kluivert in Brazil . Best of friends: Thomas Vermaelen could soon be following in the footsteps Robin of van Persie by heading to Manchester . Causing a splash: Robin van Persie and his family attracted considerable attention on the beach . Fanfare: The Dutch captain took time out to pose for pictures and sign autographs . Van Persie was also happy to stop and chat to fans on the beach at the sandy lane resort, posing for pictures and signing shirts. The striker's coach for Holland, former Oranje striker Patrick Kliuvert, has meanwhile insisted his former No 1 Van Gaal will be targetting the Premier League in his opening season. ‘He’s a great coach and I know he’s looking forward to taking over at Manchester United,’ the former Barcelona frontman told TalkSport. Teammates: Thomas Vermaelen has been consistently linked with a move to Man Utd where he could link up with RVP . VIDEO Vermaelen could join Manchester United . ‘It will be a difficult year but I know he can do it. He can work well with the squad. ‘He’s absolutely going for the Premier League title. A club like Manchester United always has to go for the title and that’s what he wants in his first year. ‘They also need to get back into the Champions League.’ Celebration: Robin van persie and his wife Bouchra enjoy some time off on a jet ski . | Robin van Persie was spotted on the beach with Thomas Vermaelen . The Arsenal captain has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd . Louis van Gaal took his first training session in Manchester today . | 91922db65e2c0eb3d3552e956462a4f56723b0c5 |
By . James Nye . PUBLISHED: . 15:36 EST, 18 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:30 EST, 19 August 2012 . John Lennon's killer, Mark Chapman is up for parole for the seventh time and could have his hearing as early as Tuesday. The 57-year-old inmate Wende Correctional Facility is scheduled to be interviewed by members of the parole board this week. New York Department of Corrections member Linda Foglia has said that the board would make a decision on whether to release Lennon's murderer by Friday. Mark Chapman is going before the parole board for the seventh time this week and New York Department of Corrections member Linda Foglia has said that the board would make a decision on whether to release Lennon's murderer by Friday . Chapman shot Lennon in December 1980 outside the Manhattan apartment building where the 40-year old former Beatle lived. He was sentenced in 1981 to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Chapman was transferred in May from the Attica Correctional Facility in western New York to the nearby Wende Correctional Facility. Both are maximum security. The prison system doesn't disclose why inmates are transferred. John Lennon signs Mark Chapman's copy of 'Double Fantasy' outside the Dakota Building hours before Chapman opened fire on the former Beatle and killed him . The Dakota Apartments where British Musician and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death by Mark David Chapman on 08 December 1980 in New York City . Chapman was denied parole in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. He was last up for parole in 2010, but this was denied because his 'discretionary release remains inappropriate at this time and incompatible with the welfare of the community,' said the New York State Division of Parole. Chapman is currently being held in protective custody in a single-person cell and is allowed out for three hours each day. Following his transfer from Attica, Chapman applied to participate in a program called 'family reunion' which allows incarcerated inmates to spend more time with their family members. Distraught fans of ex-Beatle John Lennon gather outside his apartment building on December 8, after he was gunned down by a man identified as Mark David Chapman, 25, of Hawaii . Yoko Ono (centre) has requested that Mark Chapman not be granted parole in an email to the New York Department of Corrections . On his application for parole in 2010, Chapman said that he killed the much-loved musician because he wanted 'instant notoriety.' 'I made a horrible decision to end another human being's life, for reasons of selfishness, and that was my decision at that time,' said Mark David Chapman in 2010. 'I felt that by killing John Lennon I would become somebody, and instead of that I became a murderer and murderers are not somebodies.' Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, in previous years has submitted a letter requesting that parole be denied. Her attorney reiterated her position in an email to CNN Saturday. | Mark Chapman has been in prison for 31-years after killing the former Beatle in December 1980 . Has been refused parole six-times before . He was last refused parole in 2010 - the 30th anniversary of the musicians murder . | 3dee5a530652b995c161531f4f9d819fe05db2b1 |
(CNN) -- Braving bitter cold, Muscovites in favor of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and those convinced parliamentary election results were rigged took to the streets Saturday. The dueling rallies were held about six weeks after the last major anti-government demonstrations. Putin is seeking the presidency in the March elections and will represent his United Russia party. The move is the latest step toward Putin's reclaiming the presidency after switching to the prime minister's office because of a law barring him from serving more than two consecutive terms as president. Russia's third-richest man, billionaire New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, is running against him. Joining tens of thousands of marchers, Prokhorov told CNN Saturday the protesters "are my potential voters. And I will do my best to help them to live in an open, competitive Russia." The state-run Ria Novosti news agency, quoting police figures, said the opposition rally in Moscow gathered 33,000 participants, while the pro-government event was attended by 150,000. But anti-Putin organizers said their numbers were close to 160,000. The anti-Putin faction, calling for free and fair elections, carried banners, ribbons and signs. Among them was one depicting a rat with the message "Put in Trash." A pro-Putin rally in Ekaterinburg featured music and a wood-burning stove to help marchers deal with the subzero temperatures . Putin has brushed off widespread criticism that the December 4 parliamentary elections in Russia were falsified. He said their results "reflect the actual lineup of forces in the country, as well as the fact that the ruling force -- the United Russia party -- has lost certain positions." The results caused mass protests in December. At that time, President Dmitry Medvedev announced sweeping political reforms, an effort to address discontent. Speaking before the newly elected parliament members in the Kremlin's St. George Hall, Medvedev proposed that Russia return to direct elections of regional governors; simplify the registration of political parties and presidential candidates; and establish a new editorially independent national public TV channel. Medvedev also called for lifting many of the political restrictions imposed in the past several years by Putin. CNN's Phil Black contributed to this report. | Pro- and anti-government rallies are held in Moscow . Prime Minister Putin says parliamentary elections in December were fair . Opponents claim the results were rigged . Putin is running for president in March . | 657e7ffc5ac2aaa3f58475ec639522a9fff71645 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:38 EST, 20 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:43 EST, 21 November 2012 . This is the heartbreaking moment a terminally ill two-year-old boy - given just weeks to live - was his father's best man when he got married to his mother today. Brave leukaemia sufferer Charlie Harris-Beard brought tears to the eyes of the 300-strong congregation as he delivered the rings to his parents in his favourite remote controlled car. Bride Fiona Harris, 30, and groom Joe Beard, 30, decided to bring their wedding date forward after doctors broke the devastating news that Charlie only had weeks to live. Scroll down for video . Charlie Harris-Beard acts as best man during the wedding of his parents Fiona and Joe. Pictured also with his sister Ellie-Louise . Special day: Charlie with his mother (left) and arriving in his car with the rings (right) The couple tied the knot at St Mary’s Church in their home town of Kidderminster, Worcestershire, this morning. The emotional 45-minute service included the hymns ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’, as well as a solo performance of ‘You Are My Sunshine’ by a family friend. But brave Charlie stole the show when he was driven down the aisle in his remote control, blue Audi car - with the rings safe on a cushion on its bonnet. Despite his terminal illness, the lovable tot was lively throughout the service and smiled for pictures with guests. Speaking after he had married the emotional couple, Canon Owain Bell said: “It’s a completely unique wedding. 'It took place as quickly as could be and it could only have happened because people were willing to drop everything and be here. 'Charlie coming up in his car was amazing. They are going to treasure the photographs forever.There was a lot of love and a lot of joy in the church today.' Family photo: Couple Fiona and Joe (centre) with daughter Ellie-Louise, son Charlie and Charlie's Godfather Phil Senior . 'He's touched a lot of people's hearts': Charlie before his family found out he was ill (left) and in hospital during treatment (right) A family friend added: 'That was a beautiful service. It didn’t matter that it was arranged so quickly, it was just perfect. 'Charlie was as good as gold but we all knew he would be. He’s such a sweetheart and is an incredible fighter. 'It’s been a terrible time for the family but it was nice to have a day full of smiles to remember forever.' Charlie was best man at the wedding along with his godfather Phil Senior - while the couple’s daughter Ellie-Louise, 12, was one of six bridesmaids. Bride Fiona arrived at the church in a white old fashioned Rolls Royce minutes before the service began at 1.20pm and the married couple left in the car together at 2.45pm. Brave Charlie was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia on Easter Sunday last year.He returned home from hospital in January following a successful bone marrow transplant using using stem cells from an American baby’s umbilical cord. But last week, his devastated parents revealed on their Facebook page ‘Help save baby Charlie Harris-Beard’, which has 17, 000 followers, that the cancer had returned. Thumbs up! Charlie approves of the wedding. A family friend said: 'It didn¿t matter that it was arranged so quickly, it was just perfect' Star appeal: Charlie and father Joe met singer Peter Andre recently . Charlie with a nose tube (left) and with other best man and godfather Phil Senior (right) Doctors told the family the toddler has just weeks to live - causing Fiona and Joe to make the drastic decision of bringing their wedding forward. Despite being told the toddler’s cancer is terminal, dad Joe has vowed the family won’t give up and are ringing hospitals all over the world. Speaking before the wedding, Joe said: 'We hope and pray that they can do something out there. It’s a long shot but we’re trying to still keep going and see if we can find something. 'To find out the cancer had returned was absolutely devastating but we can’t give up. 'We will keep going and keep trying to find something. We’re trying to put as many smiles on his face as possible. 'We’ve been ringing hospitals all over the world trying to get through to different doctors.' Speaking about how brave his son has been, Joe added: 'He’s touched a lot of people’s hearts. He smiles all the time, even when he’s going through pain. That’s amazing to see. 'He’s got through a cancer which is really rare in children and he’s had all the adult treatment in terms of chemotherapy. 'He wakes up and the first thing he says is ‘Daddy can I go in my car?’ - he just wants to play. He’s been battling for 21 months so he’s put in a good battle. 'He’s worked hard and fought it a long time.' For more information on Charlie's fight visit https://www.facebook.com/Cords4Life . | Charlie acted as best man and drove the rings to his parents in a remote controlled car . Toddler was diagnosed with leukaemia on Easter Sunday 2011 . He returned home from hospital in January . following a successful bone marrow transplant using using stem cells . from an American baby’s umbilical cord . Last week his devastated parents revealed his cancer had returned and they were moving their wedding forward . | f644993f312574d0502e9a5737a7f77e2fdad602 |
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, the tweet fittingly declared, "goes from tabloid boss to tabloid prey." That's because the head of the powerful News Corp empire has declared his intention to split from his younger wife Wendi Deng . After the news emerged, the news-ravenous Twitterverse, gossip-hungry tabloids and every other blog started soaking up the latest celebrity divorce. Inquiring minds are dying to know why this power pair are getting unhitched. The rumor mill is grinding and the whiff of scandal and the hint of sleaze beckon. People who've got the answers aren't tattling. The New York Daily News said the reasons are "allegedly shocking." Its headline shouted -- "'Jaw-dropping'!" For now, people are having fun poking fun. One blogger quipped, "Wendi Deng to divorce Rupert Murdoch after he drops from #98 to #105 on rich list." Another tweet observed that "someone's #estateplan will be changing ... " Murdoch is 82 and Deng is 44, so the May-December age difference is duly noted: "If Deng starts dating a 60-sumpn billionaire, he'll still be 20 yrs younger than Rupert." Deng made headlines two years ago for forcefully defending Murdoch from a pie-throwing intruder in Britain's Parliament. That was Wendi Deng Murdoch's "greatest moment," one wit said. She's not just his wife; she's his "pie-deflecting" wife. "If a woman did karate chops for me, @rupertmurdoch, I'd never let her go bro," one tweeter said. Another said, "I bet rupert Murdoch wife wishes now she had let that custard pie smack him in the face." The Chinese-born, Yale-educated Deng was very accomplished in her own right pre-Murdoch, even though critics jabbed her as a "gold digger" through her marriage to the media mogul. Her husband runs one of the most powerful media conglomerates in the world -- one that includes 20th Century Fox, Fox television (including Fox News and FX), Sky news service, HarperCollins publishing and many newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Britain's Times and several publications in his native Australia. But Deng had stayed largely out of the public eye until July 2011. She was sitting behind Murdoch in Parliament in London, while he testified about his company's involvement in a phone-hacking scandal that rocked Britain. Comedian Jonnie Marbles came at Murdoch with a shaving-foam pie. Deng leaped into action, lunging at Marbles and smashing his hand with her own. "Mr. Murdoch," said parliamentarian Tom Watson, who minutes earlier had been particularly critical of the media titan, "your wife has a pretty good left hook." Social media erupted in response to what soon became known as "the slap heard round the world" and earned her the sobriquet "tiger wife." The reaction was particularly strong on Chinese microblogs, where many hailed Deng's reaction as a moment of pride for Asian women. Murdoch and Deng met at a Hong Kong cocktail party shortly after her graduation from Yale. Deng then went on to work at Star TV, a Hong Kong-based satellite television service that's under Murdoch's corporate umbrella. In a 2011 interview with his wife on CCTV, Murdoch recalled her interpreting for him while he toured the Chinese mainland. A fervent pursuit followed, though Deng didn't necessarily return all his affection. "I fell in love with her, and I asked her. She said no, and it took a long time to persuade her," Murdoch said. Their 1999 wedding occurred shortly after Murdoch filed for divorce from his second wife, Anna Torv Murdoch. (Anna Torv wed Murdoch in 1967, the same year he divorced his first wife and one year before Deng was born, according to multiple reports.) Shortly after the wedding, Murdoch announced his new wife would step down from her executive role at a News Corp. subsidiary in Hong Kong. He described her as "busy working on decorating the new apartment." A Wall Street Journal profile, published in 2000, hinted she didn't entirely leave the business world. Deng frequently accompanied her husband and stepson to meetings with high-ranking Chinese officials, where she'd sometimes intervene "to smooth over potentially awkward situations," according to that report. Over the past 12 years, she gave birth to and raised two girls, Grace and Chloe. (Murdoch has four other children from his two previous marriages, some of whom hold prominent posts at News Corp.) Her Yale profile notes she's a co-founder of Big Feet Productions, an independent studio in East London that makes applications and games for Apple operating systems according to its website. And in 2011, she produced, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," a film set in 19th century China centered on two girls who circumvent cultural restrictions on females. A divorce would end her union to Rupert Murdoch, and perhaps set up a battle over how much of his fortune -- which Forbes recently estimated at $11.2 billion -- she and her children will receive. This potential showdown comes at a tenuous time for News Corp., which recently approved a plan to split its operations into two publicly traded companies. Murdoch, the existing company's largest shareholder, is set to become chairman of the two new companies. It was not immediately known if Deng and Murdoch signed a prenuptial agreement prior to their wedding, and if so where they filed it. Michael Stutman, president of the New York chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, said he'd expect they did so in New York -- a state with a tendency to enforce terms of such agreements. "New York will apply those terms so long as they are not grossly unfair or unconscionable," Stutman said. "The same cannot be said about every other country in the world." One altruist actually tweeted: "Shouldn't we respect Rupert Murdoch's right to privacy during this difficult time?" Good luck with that! The "tabloid boss" is now "tabloid prey." | Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng married in 1999 . She famously defended her media mogul husband from a pie-thrower . Murdoch is filing for divorce from Deng, a Murdoch spokesman confirmed Thursday . That news has sparked furious activity on social media and in tabloids . | 47efb9dc46ccba4b5a23fa4fa33683ae7a41966c |
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) -- A recently retired Mexican army general whose bullet-riddled body was found Tuesday near Cancun had taken over as the area's top antidrug official less than 24 hours earlier, officials said. A soldier guards the forensics office where the body of a slain former general was taken in Cancun, Mexico. Retired Gen. Mauro Enrique Tello Quiñonez, his aide and a driver were tortured before being killed, said Quintana Roo state prosecutor Bello Melchor Rodriguez y Carrillo. He said there was no doubt Tello and the others were victims of organized crime. "The general was the most mistreated," Rodriguez said at a Tuesday night news conference monitored by El Universal newspaper. "He had burns on his skin and bones in his hands and wrists were broken." An autopsy revealed Tello also suffered broken knees and was shot 11 times, Mexico City's Excelsior newspaper said. Tello had just been appointed a special drug-fighting consultant for Gregorio Sanchez Martinez, the mayor of the Benito Juarez municipality, which includes the city of Cancun. Tello, who retired from the army in January at the mandatory age of 63, had moved to the resort area three weeks ago. The three victims were found inside a white Toyota pickup truck outside of Cancun on the road to Merida. The truck belongs to the Benito Juarez municipality, Excelsior said, citing Luis Raymundo Canche, an assistant prosecutor for Quintana Roo state. The three men were abducted Monday night, possibly in Cancun, tortured and then later shot to death, El Universal said, citing prosecutor Rodriguez. The bodies were found with their hands bound, the newspaper said. The killings happened around 4 a.m., the prosecutor said. The other two victims were identified as Lt. Julio Cesar Roman Zuniga, who was Tello's aide and the chief bodyguard for Mayor Martínez, and civilian driver Juan Ramirez Sanchez. Tello is the second high-ranking army officer to be killed in the area in the past few years. Lt. Col. Wilfrido Flores Saucedo and his aide were gunned down on a Cancun street in 2006. That crime remains unsolved. The killings come as Mexico grapples with the highest violent-death rates in its history -- around 5,400 slayings in 2008, more than double the 2,477 reported in 2007, according to Attorney General Eduardo Medina Mora. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has characterized the battle among drug cartels and with government authorities as a "civil war." On Tuesday, 12 men were gunned down in Chihuahua state in northern Mexico, Excelsior reported Wednesday. Eight other people were shot and killed in Chihuahua last weekend. More than 200 people have been killed this year in Ciudad Juarez, the largest city in Chihuahua and considered the most violent town in Mexico, El Tiempo newspaper said, citing local authorities. Last year, according to the National Commission on Human Rights, there were 1,900 organized crime killings in the state of Chihuahua. About 1,600 of those slayings occurred in Ciudad Juarez. | NEW: Retired general tortured before being killed, prosecutor says . NEW: Retired Gen. Mauro Enrique Tello Quiñonez shot 11 times, paper reports . NEW: Former general, 63, moved to Cancun area just weeks ago . | 8bc2356d06dd7900fc4f04bf2fae6001394421c8 |
Giant rats, the size of cows or even bigger, could one day fill a ‘significant chunk’ of Earth’s emptying ecospace. The terrifying scenario could become a reality as super-adaptable rats take advantage of larger mammals becoming extinct, an expert predicts. ‘Animals will evolve, over time, into whatever designs will enable them to survive and to produce offspring,’ said geologist Dr Jan Zalasiewicz, from the University of Leicester. Rats could grow to the size of cows or even bigger as they evolve to fill vacant ecological niches, it is claimed. Pictured here is the capybara - the largest rodent in the world . Rats are one of the best examples of a species that humans have helped spread around the world. They have successfully adapted to many of the new environments they . have found themselves in - they are now on most islands and continue to . prosper and adapt. The . result is that each island that rats are now present on is in effect a . laboratory of future evolution – and each will produce different . adaptive results over time. Dr . Zalasiewicz suggests that as ecospace empties, rats will continue to . re-fill a significant chunk of it in the mid to far geological future. Given enough time, rats could grow to be at least as large as the capybara, the world’s largest rodent. For instance, in the Cretaceous Period, when the dinosaurs lived, there were mammals, but these were very small, rat and mouse-sized, because dinosaurs occupied the larger ecological niches. Only once the dinosaurs were out of the way did these tiny mammals evolve into many different forms. ‘Given enough time, rats could probably grow to be at least as large as the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, that lives today, that can reach 80 kilos (17lb). ‘If the ecospace was sufficiently empty, then they could get larger still.’ The . largest extinct rodent known, Josephoartegasia monesi, which lived . three million years ago, was larger than a bull and weighed over a . tonne. Like its modern-day relative, the sheep-sized capybara, it lived in South America. A . hint of the nightmare to come can be seen on ‘rat islands’ - isolated . regions where rats introduced by humans have quickly risen to become the . dominant species. Dr Jan Zalasiewicz predicts that rats could one day become equal to, or bigger, than cows. The average cow is around 147 cm (58 inches) in height and 152cm (60 inches) in length . The largest extinct rodent known, Josephoartegasia monesi, which lived three million years ago, was larger than a bull and weighed over a tonne . Rat islands act as a ‘laboratory’ for studying the future evolution of the rodents, according to Dr Zalasiewicz. ‘Rats are one of the best examples of a species that we have helped spread around the world, and that have successfully adapted to many of the new environments that they found themselves in,’ he said. ‘They are now on many, if not most, islands around the world - and once there, have proved extraordinarily hard to eradicate. If giant rats sounds . far-fetched, imagine a world with giant snakes as long as buses that are . so fat that they can only just squeeze through the door. Turtles the size of SmartCars would hunt crocodiles, while horses as small as cats could be found roaming fields. This . was Earth around 55 million years ago, according to U.S. researchers . who have been studying the link between the size of animals, reptiles . and a change in climate. Last . year, scientists warned massive reptiles and shrinking mammals could be . found on our planet again if global warming takes hold. Jonathan . Bloch, a paleontologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History, told a . conference in Gainesville that there is a clear link between global . warming and unusual animal fossils. Dr Bloch has been looking at a period known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum which occurred around 55 million years ago. At this time global temperatures rose by about 6 °C over a period of 200,000 years. Dr . Bloch has seen evidence of these strange creature first hand. Last year . he helped discover 60-million-year-old South American giant turtle that . lived in what is now Colombia. Given enough time, rats could probably grow to be at least as large as the capybara, the world's largest rodent, that lives today. It can reach 80 kilos (17lb) and is shown in between the baby lama and runner duck . ‘They’re often there for good, essentially. Once there, they have out-competed many native species and at times have driven them to extinction. ‘As a result, ecospace is being emptied, and rats are in a good position to re-fill a significant chunk of it, in the mid to far geological future.’ Gigantism is a well-known evolutionary response that occurs when a small creature steps into an ecological niche left by a larger species. Fifty million years ago, a distant ancestor of the blue whale was the size of a wolf, Dr Zalasiewicz pointed out. He expected rats to adapt in a host of other ways, besides some of them growing to a large size. A hint of the nightmare to come can be seen on 'rat islands' - isolated regions where rats introduced by humans have quickly risen to become the dominant species . ‘Animals can evolve to smaller as well as larger sizes,’ he said. ‘This will depend on what particular circumstances they find themselves in and what the selective pressures on them are. ‘Each island that rats are now present on is in effect a laboratory of future evolution, and each will produce different results. ‘So there will be future thin rats, future fat rats, slow and heavy rats, fast and ferocious rats, probably future aquatic rats - the list goes on. ‘Other animals will likely follow the same pattern, such as domestic cats, rabbits, goats and more.; . He suspects that rats will have a major influence on the geological future of the Earth and over time were likely to produce ‘some remarkable descendants’. | Jan Zalasiewicz from Leicester University says rats will grow to 176lb . ‘If ecospace was sufficiently empty, then they could get larger still,' he said . A hint . of the nightmare to come can be seen on ‘rat islands’ - isolated . regions where rats have quickly risen to become the dominant species . Gigantism is a evolutionary . response that occurs when a small creature steps into an ecological . niche left by a larger species . | d5da6e15104c2c338468661e8499afed11267976 |
(RealSimple.com) -- A pair of flaming trousers (or a growing nose, à la Pinocchio) isn't the only sign that a person is spewing falsehoods. Here, five experts teach you how to smoke out a fibber. A person's demeanor or voice radically changes . As an investigator, I first try to assess how someone normally speaks. To do that, I begin an interview by asking questions that I know the answers to, like "What's your full name?" or "Where do you live?" Some folks are naturally animated and talk fast; others are more subdued. Once I know which type of talker a person is, I start asking him questions that I don't know the answer to. If his manner shifts abruptly -- going from calm to agitated or lively to mellow -- chances are he's not telling the truth. --Gregg McCrary is a retired FBI criminal profiler and a crime analyst in Fredericksburg, Virginia. RealSimple.com: What is your body language saying? A person avoids saying "I" In my research, I've discovered that when people fib about themselves, they tend to use I and me less often than people who are being truthful. Instead, they'll speak about themselves in the third person ("This is a girl who loves to ski") or even truncate their language ("Really into listening to jazz") -- anything to give themselves psychological distance from the lie. --Jeffrey Hancock is an associate professor of communication at Cornell University who studies online lying. RealSimple.com: 5 things worth admitting to . A person has an answer for everything . Ask most people what they were doing last week and they'll have to pause and think about it. That's even more true of teenagers, who generally don't have the capacity to tell an elaborate story on the fly. So when I call a child into my office and he seems totally rehearsed -- there's zero hesitation before he answers a question -- well, that's a dead giveaway. --Julia Chung has been an educator for 16 years, first as a high school teacher in Los Angeles and now as an assistant principal in Westchester County, New York. RealSimple.com: What does your handwriting say about you? A person fidgets and fusses for no reason . If someone keeps performing a random physical action that seems unnecessary -- cleaning her glasses excessively, retying her shoelaces, or dusting off the (clean) table in front of her she may be lying. The guilt and anxiety make her restless. That can be particularly true if she is lying to somebody she loves. When a person fibs to a traffic cop, she won't necessarily fidget a lot. But if she is deceiving her husband, she won't be able to sit still. --Barbara Mitchell has been a relationship therapist in New York City for 34 years. RealSimple.com: Banishing life's little annoyances . A person proclaims his honesty repeatedly . To sell us on the integrity of their answers, liars often use phrases emphasizing the validity of their statements, like "to tell the truth" and "to be perfectly honest." These verbal tip-offs frequently invoke religion. Think of expressions like "I swear on a stack of Bibles" and "as God is my witness." Most truthful people don't need to go that far. --Joseph Buckley is the president of John E. Reid and Associates, in Chicago, which trains law-enforcement investigators. Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE! Copyright © 2011 Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Lying experts share their tips for catching a fib . If his manner shifts abruptly, chances are he's lying, says retired FBI criminal profiler . People who lie use "I" and "me" less often than people who tell the truth . | 2893d1c3a40387f8ae3e93b58bde1c5cbeddce2f |
(CNN) -- Deep down on the bottom of the Baltic Sea, Swedish treasure hunters think they have made the find of a lifetime. The problem is, they're not exactly sure what it is they've uncovered. Out searching for shipwrecks at a secret location between Sweden and Finland, the deep-sea salvage company Ocean Explorer captured an incredible image more than 80 meters below the water's surface. At first glance, team leader and commercial diver Peter Lindberg joked that his crew had just discovered an unidentified flying object, or UFO. "I have been doing this for nearly 20 years so I have a seen a few objects on the bottom, but nothing like this," said Lindberg. "We had been out for nine days and we were quite tired and we were on our way home, but we made a final run with a sonar fish and suddenly this thing turned up," he continued. Using side-scan sonar, the team found a 60-meter diameter cylinder-shaped object, with a rigid tail 400 meters long. The imaging technique involves pulling a sonar "towfish" -- that essentially looks sideways underwater - behind a boat, where it creates sound echoes to map the sea floor below. On another pass over the object, the sonar showed a second disc-like shape 200 meters away. See also: Quest for Sir Francis Drake's remains . Lindberg's team believe they are too big to have fallen off a ship or be part of a wreck, but it's anyone's guess what could be down there. "We've heard lots of different kinds of explanations, from George Lucas's spaceship -- the Millennium Falcon -- to 'it's some kind of plug to the inner world,' like it should be hell down there or something. "But we won't know until we have been down there," said Lindberg. The Head of Archaeology at Sweden's Maritime Museums, Andreas Olsson, admits he's intrigued by the picture, but remains sceptical about what it could be. The reliability of one-side scan sonar images is one of his main concerns, making it difficult to determine if the object is a natural geological formation or something different altogether. "It all depends on the circumstances when you actually tow the [sonar] fish after the boat," he said. See also: World's oldest warship gets facelift . "What are the temperature conditions, the wave conditions, how deep is your fish in relation to the sea bed etcetera and all those parameters also affects what kind of image you have in the end," he explained. Even Lindberg agrees the image "isn't the best it could be." But his crew are still planning to return to the site in the calmer waters of spring to investigate their find. It's a risky and expensive business, and not one that always pays off. British maritime historian, Professor Andrew Lambert, says the costs of recovery are now too high for most. "If you want to stand in a cold shower tearing up £50 notes, go shipwreck hunting," he said. "Most shipwrecks are rotting away, or carrying dull things -- all the romance has been taken out of it." It's a problem Lindberg and his team are aware of. "It's a very difficult industry to be in -- it's money all the time," he confessed. "The best thing it could be, would be 60 meters of gold -- then I would be very happy." "This thing is very far out, it's really off-shore, so first of all we need a bigger ship... more equipment.. and we have to do bottom sampling, water sampling, to see if it is something poisonous." But even if the mystery object doesn't contain retrievable treasure the site could still prove to be a gold mine for the Ocean Explorer team, with tourists and private investors paying to see it up-close, in a submarine. See also: How to survive a shipwreck . "The object itself is maybe not valuable in the sense of money it can be very interesting whatever it is, historical or a natural anomaly," said Lindberg. In the North Atlantic, one American salvage company is also hoping to beat the odds. Odyssey Marine Exploration -- a company made up of researchers, scientists, technicians and archaeologists -- have at least 6,300 shipwrecks in their database that they are looking to find. Their latest discoveries include two British war-time shipwrecks off the coast of Ireland that could be laden with hundreds of tonnes of silver. Mark Gordon, president of Odyssey, says at least 100 ships on their watch-list are known to have values in excess of $50 million dollars. "When you think about the fact until the mid 20th century, the only way to transport wealth was on the oceans and a lot of ships were lost, it adds up to a formula where we have billions of dollars worth of interesting and valuable things on the sea floor," he said. The lure of treasure has lead to an increasing number of discoveries in recent years. But one which doesn't come without its dangers, warns Olsson. "I think recently we're entering a time of a lot of discoveries," he said of the technological advancements in finding shipwrecks. "The professional shipwreck discoverers are doing a great effort for cultural heritage management in the long run... what we don't support is the action of actually taking up items and selling them," he said. | Swedish treasure hunters have captured images of a mysterious object in the Baltic Sea . It's estimated around 100,000 objects, mostly shipwrecks, are littered throughout the Baltic . Deep-sea salvage company Ocean Explorer uses sonar imaging to search for wrecks . | 9f91d27e723764b56572a6220942ac5e5e12efe5 |
By . Matt Blake . PUBLISHED: . 03:13 EST, 27 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:01 EST, 27 June 2012 . Before it got so serious: Tim O'Leary in his now notorious bushy England wig picks up a woman in traditional Ukrainian dress in Donetsk , ahead of England's earlier match against Ukraine . The cheeky England fan who dropped . his pants in a last-ditch bid to put off Italy's winning penalty scorer . on Sunday has himself been exposed as a millionaire city high flyer. Tim . O'Leary had been sitting behind the goal watching the drama unfold in . an England goalkeeper's kit and red and white bushy wig when he realised . his time to represent his country had come. The . 35-year-old patriot stood with his trousers down and arms crossed and . sternly tried to catch the eye of Alessandro Diamanti at the crucial . moment he stepped up to take the shot. Speaking to the Mail Online today, he said: 'I just did it. I didn't think about it, it just happened in the spur of the moment. I was so desperate for England to win. 'I would have done anything for them. 'I don't think he (winning penalty taker Diamanti) spotted what I was doing.' Speaking from the gates of his luxurious five-bedroomed mansion house in leafy Surrey, he added: 'Roy Hodgson is a great choice as England manager. 'I'm a Fulham fan as well. He did a great job for us and he's got the England players playing as a team. 'We did as well as we could. The team looked like they were pulling in the same direction, which was the complete opposite to South Africa. 'This time lost on penalties and were undefeated in the tournament. 'Penalties are 90 per cent psychological and 10 per cent skill. 'I thought England's best player was my neighbour John Terry. He was top class.' Mr O'Leary said he and a friend had to sprint from one end of Kiev's Olympic Stadium to the other so he could watch the dramatic spot kicks from behind the goal. Scroll down for video . Rude: Cheeky: The England fan drops his trousers as he tries to put Alessandro Diamanti as he takes the final penalty during last night's shootout . Mr O'Leary, who owns a £6million . Surrey home near England’s John Terry, owns a trading company in the . City of London. He said his wife, Klara, who is eight-months pregnant . with twins, watched his antics from home which she found 'very, very . funny'. Diamanti gave Italy a 4-2 shootout win, sending them through to the semi-finals of Euro 2012. The supporter next to him appeared to also be dropping his trousers. The England team flew home on Monday after their dramatic penalties defeat. But they were given a somewhat low-key homecoming after no England fans turned up at Luton Airport to welcome them back. Six policemen who had been drafted in to deal with crowds were not needed and simply watched the squad arrive at the airport. But the team seemed in surprisingly . good spirits despite their loss. The poor welcome home party was in . marked contrast to the squad’s . departure to Euro 2012 nearly three weeks ago when fans waved and . cheered as they left. Before the tournament, expectations for the England team had been low, . but after wins in the initial stages fans had started to imagine a win . may be possible. About 6,000 England fans jetted out to watch the defeat in Kiev and . despite initial fears of racism and violence there were no major . problems. David Cameron said the players had made 'the country proud' with their performances at the tournament. Rude: Cheeky: The England fan drops his trousers as he tries to put Alessandro Diamanti as he takes the final penalty during last night's shootout . The Italian Job: Alessandro Diamanti holds his nerve and scores the penalty - despite the best efforts of the England fan to put him off . Victory for Italy: Alessandro Diamanti celebrates after scoring the winning penalty in the shoot-out last night to take the Italians through to the semi-finals where they will play Germany . The . Prime Minister said he watched the game but joked that as it wore on . there was a feeling that it would probably end on penalties. Ashley . Young and Ashley Cole missed the crucial spotkicks as England bowed out . of the competition. Italy will play Germany in the semi-finals tomorrow. Mr Cameron said Roy Hodgson’s men had put on a 'great display' by going through the group stages. Eliminated: We might have guessed that England's match with Italy was always going to come down to penalties . So close: Ashley Young's penalty crashes against the bar in the dramatic shoot-out . Despair: Ashley Young falls to the ground after missing a goalscoring chance and sums up how every England fan is feeling . He . said: 'I watched the match and I thought England showed a lot of heart, . and a lot of spirit and a lot of dogged determination, as you’d expect. 'There . were some brilliant individual performances and a real team effort but . sadly, as has happened before, you sort of felt as you were watching . that it will probably end on penalties and you knew how penalties may . probably end.' 'We haven't blown people away but we stuck together, fought hard and gave every inch of effort. It's a knockout: Ashley Cole has his crucial spotkick saved - leaving the Italians the task of scoring their final penalty to secure a semi-final spot . 'However, at times we have found it difficult to keep the ball. The possession stats speak for themselves. 'It tells you that moving forward as a nation, we do need to try and improve with the ball.' The shootout was watched by more than 23 million people - the highest peak TV audience for eight years. Mr Cameron said he was not convinced . by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s claim that he prepared for the . game by watching movies instead of studying England’s penalty-takers. 'I think he was concentrating a bit harder than that,' he said. Happy and glorious? England fans sing the national anthem before the quarter-final . Heartbreak: An England fan at the game . 'But . I would like to congratulate the team and the manager and all who . worked so hard with them and for them to put on a great display. 'They made the country proud to go through the group stage in the way that they did.' England . captain Steven Gerrard has vowed to lead the country to the 2014 . World Cup in Brazil after the penalty shootout heartbreak. 'We have given a good account of ourselves,' he said after the game. Overnight . viewing figures showed the BBC1 coverage of the Euro 2012 quarter-final . hit its height at 10.20pm with 23.2 million watching the deciding . shoot-out. An average . audience of 17.4 million watched the coverage, with its extra-time and . penalty climax - the highest audience of the tournament so far. The match, which saw England packed off home, drew three-quarters of all TV viewers during England’s penalty agony. It is the highest peak on any UK channel for eight years, since Euro 2004’s England v Portugal match - a game which similarly saw hopes dashed on penalties. England’s previous match in Euro 2012 - a 1-0 victory over Ukraine - drew a 16.1 million average audience. | Tim O'Leary had to sprint from one end of Kiev's Olympic Stadium to the other so he could watch the dramatic spot kicks from behind the goal . The city trader said: 'I was just trying to do my bit. I'd do anything to see England win' His wife, who is eight months pregnant from home found the stunt 'very, very funny' as she watched from home . Three quarters of TV viewers were watching the shootout - the highest audience share on any channel since Portugal beat England in Euro 2004 . | 1ba6456a0c814ab53b9cbadf9917b1d9655c9cd6 |
By . Jennifer Newton . The house in Kensington where Mayir Naturbhai Patel illegally extended his home . A man who extended his £2.8million home in one of Kensington's most exclusive streets without planning planning permission has been fined £40,000. Mayur Naturbhai Patel admitted breaching the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 after he made major rooftop alterations to his property without permission and did not comply with a council enforcement notice requiring them to be removed. The extension made room for a new staircase and an ensuite bedroom and could have added hundreds of thousands of pounds to the four-storey property. Sentencing was referred to Isleworth Crown Court as it has the power to deal with a proceeds of crime action instigated by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The authority wanted to prevent Patel, 54, from profiting financially from the additional floor space created by his illegal development. He was fined £15,000 and also had £23,350 confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act and was warned the faced 15 months in prison if he fails to pay the confiscation order in three months. In his closing remarks His Honour Judge Phillip Matthews said he did not ascribe shady motives when imposing the financial penalty, but thought Patel had acted with the 'utmost stupidity' and that it was no mitigation to say he relied on the advice of architects. Neighbours complained to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea after work began to build the extension . At his original hearing on last month, magistrates heard how Patel failed to comply with a planning enforcement notice served by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in November 2012. Enforcement officers issued the notice following complaints that major work was underway. One of Mr Patel's neighbours, Aaron Jessop, told the Evening Standard: 'It is as if it . happened overnight. Scaffolding was erected, screening went up to hide . the work and suddenly this thing started to grow up.' On inspection they discovered that the roof had been altered and that a large roof extension and a rear roof had been constructed, all of which is unauthorised development harming the appearance of the Norland Conservation Area where the property stands . Neighbour Aaron Jessop, pictured, said that scaffolding was erected and screening went up to hide the work . Despite the four months allowed under the notice to restore the property, and a number of reminders, most of the work required remains outstanding, but still needs to be undertaken to avoid potential further action by the council. In his defence Mr Patel claimed to have received verbal confirmation from his architect and a planning officer that the alterations would be acceptable. Councillor Timothy Coleridge, cabinet member for planning policy, said: 'I am very pleased that the court has made this ruling. 'We were determined that Mr Patel should not gain financially from his illegal development.' | Mayur Naturbhai Patel admitted he made rooftop alterations without consent . Extension was made to his home in an exclusive Kensington street . Was fined £15,000 and had over £23,000 confiscated under Proceeds of Crime Act . Council say work to restore the property still needs to be undertaken . | 537820a2b5e64d994b9a07309c6f58b47e8fadb8 |
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly two out of three Americans approve of the job Barack Obama is doing as president, according to an average of the most recent national polls. President Obama is still being evaluated on how he does his job, CNN's polling director says. In a CNN Poll of Polls compiled Thursday, 64 percent of those questioned in various surveys say they approve of how Obama is handling his duties as president. Twenty-eight percent disapprove. The president's approval rating also stood at 64 percent in a CNN Poll of Polls compiled in January, just after his inauguration. "Most polls have shown Obama getting fairly high marks on most of the issues he has handled so far," CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said. "One exception has been the way he has handled government assistance to failing banks and automakers. His numbers on the federal deficit are also low in comparison to his approval ratings on the economy and foreign policy." So how does Obama compare to his predecessors in the White House around the 100-day mark? George W. Bush stood at 62 percent in a CNN/USA Today Gallup poll in April 2001, Bill Clinton was at 55 percent in a CNN/USA Today Gallup poll in April 1993, George H.W. Bush stood at 58 percent in a Gallup poll from April 1989, and Ronald Reagan was at 67 percent in a Gallup poll taken in April 1981. Learn more about previous presidents' approval ratings » . "The hundred-day mark tends to fall during a period when Americans are still evaluating a new president. The danger period for most presidents comes later in their first year in office," Holland explained. "Bill Clinton, for example, still had good marks after his first 100 days, but his approval rating had tanked by June of 1993. Ronald Reagan's approval rating stayed over 50 percent until November of his first year in office, but once it slipped below that mark, it stayed under 50 percent for two years. So Obama's current rating certainly does not indicate that he is out of the woods yet." The CNN Poll of Polls is an average of three national surveys taken over the past week: Gallup Tracking, Pew and AP/GfK. | 64 percent of Americans in various polls approve of Obama's work so far . Rating is similar to recent predecessors' around 100-day mark . Approval tends to slip later in the year, CNN polling director says . | 86d512cbbef146fc5631a9ba08f33947665e29a8 |
Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog, has launched an investigation into a Channel 4 docudrama which led to more than 6,500 complaints after it depicted people rioting in the streets following an imagined Ukip election win. The broadcaster has been accused of election bias and scaremongering after it painted a country marred by race riots and mass unemployment under an imagined leadership by Nigel Farage in 'Ukip: The First 100 Days'. The watchdog confirmed it has launched an investigation to determine whether rules on impartiality and offensive material have been broken following the airing of the programme on February 16. Scroll down for video . A Channel 4 docudrama about an imagined Ukip victory at the general election is to be investigated by Ofcom and could receive a formal notification or even a fine after the watchdog received more than 5,000 complaints . Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog, has launched an investigation following the Channel 4 docu-drama . It could see Channel 4 face a fine of around £100,000 if it is found in breach and Ofcom finds this is so serious it requires a sanction. The First 100 Days has become the most complained about one-off programme in Britain this year, sparking 5,262 complaints to the watchdog. A further 1,300 complaints were received by Channel 4. A spokesman for the communications watchdog said: 'Ofcom has carefully assessed a number of complaints about Ukip: The First 100 Days on Channel 4. 'We are opening an investigation into the programme as it may raise issues under our rules on offensive material, misleadingness and due impartiality. We are also considering fairness and privacy complaints about the programme. ' Investigations usually take around 50 days, but because of the election in May, Ofcom is not likely to publish its conclusions until after May 7. Often an investigation ends in a formal notification to a broadcaster, which is seen as a 'black mark' against their name. But in more extreme and rarer circumstances, often when there has been a repeat of the breach Ofcom can make a sanction. This is frequently in the form of a fine. Fictional MP Deepa Kaur the party's only Asian MP, is left grappling with a difficult situation in Romford . Race riots were shown to break out throughout the country three months after the imagined Ukip victory . Nigel Farage criticised the show after other people said they felt it was biased and scaremongering . The programme was broadcast last week and has become the most complained about one-off this year . The 5,262 objections to Ukip: The First 100 Days make the docu-drama one of the most complained about in Ofcom's history. Here are a few shows which beat the tally. Celebrity Big Brother race row: 44,500 . Comments made by Jade Goody to Shilpa Shetty in 2007 attracted the most complaints in the regulator's history and forced Channel 4 to issue a public apology. Jerry Springer the Opera: 8,860 . The stage satire prompted outrage in 2005 after a TV version aired on the BBC, showing the chat show host in the bowels of hell and a troupe of dancing Ku Klux Klan members. The X Factor (2009): 5,975 . The vast majority of complaints came from viewers when Dannii Minogue commented on the sexuality of singer Danyl Johnson. The X Factor (2010): 5,957 . The talent show's 2010 run was dogged by controversies including racy outfits on stage, a contestant who led a double life as a prostitute and claims that ratings-grabbing acts were kept in the show at the expense of talented singers. For example last year Discovery was fined £100,000 after it broadcast violent footage about female murderers, at breakfast time during the school holidays. Ofcom refused to reveal whether Ukip had complained about the show, saying it did not reveal details of individual complainants. The Channel 4 docudrama lasted one hour and was watched by more than 1million people. It depicted rioting on the streets in the wake of a slim Ukip general election victory in May and combined archive footage with imagined scenes. It shows the country teetering on the edge of destruction just three months after Ukip are elected. It also weaves in the racism and sexism scandals which have dogged the party recently. The Channel 4 show featured actress Priyanga Burford playing the part of the party's only Asian woman MP. Her character is elected for Romford in an imagined landslide which puts Mr Farage in Number 10, but she is left grappling with her conscience as a factory closes in her constituency after the UK withdraws from the EU. The programme - which depicted riots between protesters for and against tough anti-immigration raids - was strongly condemned by party leader Mr Farage. 'Look like 100 Days of Ukip may well have backfired on Channel 4. A biased, partisan depiction of the only party that Believes in Britain,' he wrote on his Twitter feed. Following confirmation that Ofcom would investigate the broadcaster a spokesman for Ukip said: A spokesman said,'UKIP are not going to comment about the programme as we did not make a complaint, though we understand why others might have wished to do so.' Audiences branded the show a 'hatchet job' as a number voiced their criticisms on Twitter, including comedian Jason Manford who raised concerns about bias. One viewer said: 'This is so biased from a mainstream media [organisation], it makes me furious - and I don´t even support Ukip.' Mr Farage tweeted after the programme that it appeared the show 'may well have backfired on Channel 4' The film combined acted scenes with actual news footage and showed race riots breaking out in Britain . Another wrote: 'I'm no Ukip fan, but this hatchet job Channel 4 is doing on them is quite anti-democratic and quite outrageous.' Channel 4 has said 'a lot of research' went into the docudrama and that Mr Farage had been invited to watch it before it was broadcast and then to do an interview afterwards but he declined. The broadcaster said it ordered the drama - which criticised Ukip, its leaders and its supporters - as a way of engaging people in politics in the run-up to the May General Election. Channel 4's head of documentaries Nick Mirsky defended the controversial drama, saying it was fair and timing was not an issue. He said: 'Our job is to reflect and explore contemporary British life. Nothing represents what's different and unique in British political life now more than the rise of Ukip. 'This might be what you wake up to after May 7.' Anger: The documentary featured a 'far-Right' demonstration in which the only banner was Israel's flag . One scene that raised hackles was a far-right protest where the only visible banner was the flag of Israel. Sebastian Payne, digital managing editor of political magazine The Spectator, wrote: 'Did Channel 4 just show the flag of Israel to suggest a group of protesters are from the 'far right'?!' One Twitter user, Nathanever82, wrote: 'You HAD to show an Israel flag in the fascist demonstration. You morons'. The criticism added to complaints that the documentary had used broad sweeping generalisations about the ideas of political left and right. Though one user, Tom Deakin, wrote: 'I've been to EDL counter-protests before and seen EDL supporters flying Israel's flag.' And it was later said the footage was in fact archive material from a real far-right protest in Doncaster last year. Anger: Some Twitter users were unhappy about the Israeli flag being depicted in a 'far-Right' protest . | Channel 4 broadcast 'Ukip: The First 100 Days' imagining their election win . Show featured race riots and the economy crumbling after three months . It sparked 6,500 complaints to Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog . Viewers complained about bias and scaremongering from producers . Ofcom will investigate whether broadcaster broke impartiality rules . Investigation to take 50 days and could end in formal notification or a fine . Watchdog previously fined Discovery £100,000 for breaching the rules . | 74ff17f0eb881f7c29aec759db139d71e4565e45 |
By . Tara Brady . Plans for a new high street on the site of the old Battersea Power Station have been unveiled. The pedestrianised street, designed by architects Gehry Partners and Foster & Partners, will be called The Electric Boulevard and sit to the south of the power station. It will connect the Northern Line Extension station with the power station on the redeveloped 42-acre site in south London. Plans for a new high street on the site of the old Battersea power station have been unveiled . The ground-level shops to the east of the boulevard, designed by Gehry Partners, will be called Prospect Place and have double-height ceilings while two floors of retail units, created by Foster & Partners, will front on to the western side. This is the third phase of the planned regeneration for the former industrial site and is to include more than 1,300 homes in a range of sizes and styles in two zones on either side of the boulevard, a 160-room hotel and 350,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space plus additional leisure space. The new street would connect the Northern Line Extension station with the power station on the redeveloped 42-acre site in south London . Another 103 affordable homes, out of a total 517 affordable homes to be provided across the whole development, are part of these phase three plans. Gehry Partners founder Frank Gehry said: 'Our goal from the start has been to create a neighbourhood that connects into the historic fabric of the city of London, but one that has its own identity and integrity.' Grant Brooker, design director and senior partner at Foster & Partners, said: 'We moved our own office to Wandsworth almost 25 years ago - the borough is very important to us, so we were absolutely delighted to be chosen by the shareholders of Battersea power station to be part of this inspiring regeneration project. Another 103 affordable homes, out of a total 517 affordable homes to be provided across the whole development . 'It will transform the area and create a vibrant new district for south London that we can all be proud of.' Rob Tincknell, chief executive of the Battersea Power Station Development Company, added: 'We are determined to create a genuine sense of place, and developing landmark buildings in which people are proud to make their home and work in is vital to us achieving this aim.' Culture minister Ed Vaizey described Battersea power station as an 'iconic site' and hoped the new design would 'put Battersea on the world stage once again'. 'The plans for a new high street for the capital show that London continues to attract the best in terms of architecture, design and innovation,' he said. | Street designed by architects Gehry Partners and Foster & Partner . It will be called The Electric Boulevard and sit south of the power station . Culture minister Ed Vaizey said he hoped new design would 'put Battersea on the world stage once again' | 0eb3230f28e9044c7170c41c3b88ec9df80ef662 |
By . David Kent . Former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung announced his retirement from football on Wednesday, bringing the curtain down on a career that took him to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals and saw him become the first Asian to play in a UEFA Champions League final. Park's industry, energy and work ethic made him a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford and his performances in England and with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven helped raise the profile of Korean football around the world. The 33-year-old, who called time on his international career after the 2011 Asian Cup, said he could not continue to play at the highest level because of knee issues but added that he was leaving the game without any regrets. Calling it quits: Park Ji Sung has announced his retirement from football due to a knee injury . 'I didn't cry about it yesterday, and I'm not crying about it today, that means I'm leaving with no regrets,' he told a news conference at the Park Ji-sung Football Centre in Suwon, where he has a street named after him. 'I enjoyed playing football. I have achieved more than I have thought I would. I'm truly grateful for all the support I have received and I will live the rest of my life thinking how I can pay it back.' After leaving Manchester United in 2012, Park signed for Queen's Park Rangers but spent the last season on loan at PSV. Issues with his knee sidelined him for long spells over the last two years. 'I thought about getting an operation but even if I did it wouldn't mean the injury would be gone completely. Naturally, retirement was the option,' he added. Park grabbed the spotlight at the 2002 World Cup finals, which were co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. Under the tutelage of Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the shaggy-haired midfielder flourished on the game's biggest stage, scoring the winning goal against Portugal to seal Korea's place in the knockout stages for the first time. Time to go: Park tells a press conference in South Korea about his decision to quit football . Young fireman: Park as a child growing up in South Korea dressed up in a fireman's hat . Young friends: Park with a young female friend in South Korea . After the World Cup, Hiddink was appointed manager of PSV and brought Park with him, where, after a tough start, he won over the fans and caught the eye of then Manchester United manager Ferguson. Park, described by Ferguson as the 'ultimate professional', spent seven seasons at United, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008, though he was surprisingly omitted from the squad for the final. In 2009, he became the first Asian to play in the Champions League final when he started in United's 2-0 loss to Barcelona. Making his name in England: Park played for Manchester United for seven years . National hero: Park won 100 caps for South Korea before retiring from international football in 2011 . 'The proudest moment for me was of course the 2002 World Cup,' said Park, flanked by his father and his mother, who was in tears throughout the news conference. 'The most influential figure in my life is Guus Hiddink. He took me abroad after the World Cup and that was the turning point of my life. 'Ferguson also helped me play at the world's top level... the coaches I've spent time with are definitely my great asset.' Moving on: Park left Manchester United in 2012 and joined QPR but only played there for one season . Park gave himself a 'seven out of 10' for his career and said he would pull on the PSV uniform for the last time on May 28 when the Dutch side visit Korea to play in a charity match as a tribute to the victims of the recent ferry disaster. Park said if he had to choose only one team to play for it would be the national side.'I would choose to wear the national team uniform because it was my lifetime dream to wear it.' | Midfielder calls time on career due to knee problem . Park was the first Asian footballer to play in a Champions League final . Former United man won 100 caps for South Korea . Credits Guus Hiddink for taking him to Europe after 2002 World Cup . Says Sir Alex Ferguson helped him play at the world's top level . | 90a6fbfd728f67023ca7117bfbd720c16bb95e91 |
(CNN) -- When Kellogg's dumped its endorsement of Michael Phelps after a photograph surfaced of the Olympic gold medalist using a bong, the company was stuck with thousands of boxes of cereal featuring the swimmer's image. Kellogg's ended its Michael Phelps endorsement, so it sent two tons of cereal with his face on it to a food bank. No problem. The company, based in Battle Creek, Michigan, made short order of the already-printed and filled boxes, donating two tons of cereal to the San Francisco Food Bank late last month. With food banks across the country reporting shortages of food, the donation was a welcome one, said the food bank's director of development, Christopher Wiley. It took only two weeks for about 3,000 boxes to move through warehouse. "Thousands of families benefited from the donation" Wiley said. "It was a surprise to us. We were lacking a lot of cereal. It is a great product many low-income families really need." "The real story for us was not the box but what's inside the box. The food is so valuable for the community. It's making good from bad," Wiley said. The food bank has seen a 6 percent increase in its customer base since the beginning of the year, he said. Phelps, 23, won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He admitted "regrettable behavior" after a British newspaper published the controversial photograph in early February. The tabloid News of the World showed Phelps using the bong during what it said was a November party at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. A bong is a device commonly used to smoke marijuana. The Phelps box attracted considerable attention to the food bank. Administrators received several calls from people wanting to get the box as a novelty item. But, said Wiley, all the cereal went to food bank customers. Kellogg's was the only one of Phelps sponsors to drop the athlete, although U.S.A. Swimming, the nation's governing body for competitive swimming, suspended him for three months, withdrew financial support and barred him from competition during the period of his "reprimand." CNN's Jackie Castillo and Mayra Cuevas contributed to this report. | Kellogg's donated two tons of cereal to the San Francisco Food Bank . Company dumped the cereal boxes with Michael Phelps' face after bong incident . Food bank director: Helpful donation is "making good from bad" More than 3,000 boxes of cereal went to help those who were hungry . | 1fab471a88a6d7d6080303977b151ab059720093 |
For those flying home for Thanksgiving today can expect around 17 per cent of flights to be delayed. According to statistics averaged between 2005 and 2013, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving sees around 17 per cent of flights delayed, while those travelling on the Tuesday experience an average of 18 per cent of flights running behind schedule. And the most problematic part of the journey is returning home, with up to a quarter of flights delayed on average on the Monday following the holiday weekend. The statistics were gathered by eBay after analyzing average flight delays over key holiday periods. For those willing to travel on Thanksgiving itself, delays drop to around eight per cent on average with just six percent of airlines reporting delays on the Friday. But passengers travelling at Christmas can expect further hold-ups. The infographic, created by eBay, shows that the worst time to travel during the Christmas break is on December 22, when an average of 37 per cent of flights have experienced delays over the past eight years. The peak time for delays on flights is between December 20 and 23, while Christmas Day sees them drop to an average of 20 per cent. If you are about to fly home for Thanksgiving, you would do well to steer clear of American Airlines and United, which appear the highest average numbers of delays, according to the infographic. And America, Delta and JetBlue seem to experience the greatest delays over the Christmas period. For more information visit http://deals.ebay.com/blog/holiday-flight-delays/ . Scroll down for video . | December 22 is worst for delays with 38% of flights affected . December 19 the worst for cancellations with 4.6% of flights suffering . JetBlue has most flights affected by National Aviation System issues . Alaska Airlines and Southwest are safe bet for Christmas Day flights . | d5b5e11fdebf1a62f957e62f6ce25bc6e2f88006 |
By . Inderdeep Bains . PC Saheena Tegally, 35, is accused of swapping numbers and sending a Porsche 911 driver flirty texts after pulling him over on the road . A policewoman is accused of telling colleagues to let an uninsured Porsche driver off the hook after sending him a flirtatious message reading: ‘It’s really hot – I’m in my bikini.’ Saheena Tegally, 26, was on patrol with two other officers when she stopped Richard Myerson in his 911 turbo and asked for his insurance papers, a court heard yesterday. She then allegedly swapped numbers with him and later began sending ‘inappropriate’ texts and emails. Tegally is then said to have told a colleague to ‘rip up’ his notes on the incident after the driver asked her out on a date. The officer was seen ‘laughing and flirting’ with Mr Myerson before giving him her mobile number and asking him to return to the police station at 11am the next day to present his insurance documents, London’s Wood Green Crown Court heard. The following day, she allegedly told colleagues that he was in fact insured. She is said to have shown them part of an email chain to support this – but left out the bit explaining that his insurance had expired two months earlier. David Markham, prosecuting, said Tegally ‘seemed to be flirting’ during her first encounter with the driver in Highgate, North London, in July last year. ‘PC Tegally offered her personal mobile phone number to Mr Myerson,’ he added. Soon, the pair began messaging each other, the court heard. Tegally was asked in an email by Mr Myerson: ‘Is it hot in London?’ She responded: ‘It’s really hot. I’m in my bikini catching the sun.’ PC Glenn Smith, who was with her when they first pulled over the driver, told the court: ‘She was laughing and joking, over- friendly for someone we had just met and were investigating.’ Another colleague, PC Mike Cole, said he noticed she was receiving ‘quite a few’ texts while on duty the next day. He added: ‘I asked who they were from. She replied “Richard the Porsche man. He asked me out on a date.” I asked if she was going and she replied “no”.’ Tegally later showed her colleagues documents that appeared to indicate Myerson was insured, the court heard. 'Just rip it up': Tegally allegedly tried to get the driver off the hook for being uninsured . PC Saheena Tegally appeared at Wood Green Crown Court accused of perverting the course of justice in relation to insurance documents of a Porsche driver . When . PC Smith wanted details of his insurance to file a report, Tegally . allegedly told him: ‘Why are you doing the book? He’s insured, just rip . it up.’ PC Smith said he . reported the conversation to his managers, adding: ‘I had my suspicions. The text messages, the behaviour on the evening that the Porsche was . stopped. I didn’t want to believe he wasn’t insured.’ Myerson . was later convicted of driving without insurance. Tegally, who wore a . black blazer and a blue blouse in the dock, denies perverting the course . of justice. The officer, of London Colney in Hertfordshire, has been . suspended. The trial continues. Fast car: Richard Myserson was pulled over in his Porsche 911, like the one pictured, in Highgate, north London (file photo) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | PC Saheena Tegally 'began texting driver hours after pulling him over' She had been on patrol with two colleagues in Highgate, north London . Tegally is accused of concealing fact that a . car driven without insurance . The 35-year-old denies one charge of perverting the course of justice . | 3db209172241cb4372f60cfe1ab1c3936cabf56f |
By . Kieran Corcoran . Search: Detectives say they will be making 'substantial' efforts in their hunt to find missing Madeleine McCann over the coming weeks . Detectives looking for Madeleine McCann will begin 'substantial' work on their investigation in Portugal within weeks. Officers from the Metropolitan Police are working with Portuguese police during a fresh phase of their hunt for the missing girl, who disappeared aged three on a family holiday in the resort of Praia da Luz. Mark Rowley, the assistant commissioner of the force, said: 'In the forthcoming weeks we are going to be going to a substantial phase of operational activity on the ground in Portugal. 'A thorough serious crime investigation . works systematically through all the credible possibilities, and often . in an investigation you will have more than one credible possibility'. However, he warned that they may not come up with answers quickly - or at all. The announcement came weeks after detectives were spotted using a helicopter to take aerial photos in the holiday resort where Madeleine disappeared after being left in her room by parents Gerry and Kate McCann. Police were then preparing to excavate three areas in the resort in the hope of turning up clues. Though they were not given permission to conduct the dig themselves, experts were on hand to oversee the work - including those trained to detect bodies. British police officers have been negotiating with their Portuguese counterparts throughout the search. It is thought they have requested permission to question eight crucial witnesses in their investigation. However other requests - including plans to raid homes of prime suspects - were refused. Aerial . view: Specialist officers are expected to examine several sites in . Praia da Luz after permission to dig was granted by Portuguese . authorities, seven years after Maddie went missing from the area aged . three . Mr Rowley said: 'I want to be able to go back to Kate and Gerry at some stage in the future and tell them we’ve got to the bottom of this, or second best is to go back to them and say we’ve turned over every stone and we can’t get to an answer sometimes'. A number of officers from Scotland Yard are hoping to be involved in the latest phase of activity, though it is being led by the Portuguese. Mr and Mrs McCann have been briefed on the activity, but will not travel to Portugal while the work is being carried out. 'The activity in Portugal is led by the Portuguese, that’s absolutely crystal clear in law,' Mr Rowley said. 'We have some officers who would like to be helping with that on the ground in Portugal, doing some of the work we anticipate. We are putting the finishing touches to the plans to the Portuguese in the coming weeks'. He added: 'I anticipate a substantial phase of activity in forthcoming weeks including Portuguese and British officers but the detail of that is still being finalised with Portuguese colleagues and it will all be under Portuguese leadership.' Briefed: Gerry and Kate McCann, pictured at a prayer service earlier this month - have been told about the police plans, but will not visit the resort during the investigation . Hunt: Portuguese police initially searched the resort, but the Met will look for anything they might have missed . One line of inquiry for Scotland Yard is a lone male paedophile who staged a series of sex attacks on young British girls while they were on holiday in the Algarve. They are looking at nine sexual assaults and three 'near misses' on British girls aged six to 12 between 2004 and 2006, including one in 2005 on a 10-year-old girl in Praia da Luz, where Madeleine vanished two years later. Hundreds of people have already made contact with police in response to appeals to try to find the attacker. Mr Rowley warned that, after sifting through all the possible lines of inquiry, officers may draw a blank. 'There’s lots of potential lines of inquiry', he said. 'If we didn’t think there were any potentially fruitful lines of inquiry, we wouldn’t be where we are today; we would be saying there’s nowhere to go with this investigation. 'There are many potential fruitful lines of inquiry and the only way you get anywhere is to work through them all systematically. 'Within that may be the answer and the case may be potentially solvable. We may be able to work through potential lines of inquiry over a period of time with the Portuguese and all of them draw a blank, that can happen'. | Police have said that new work will begin soon in Praia de Luz, Portugal . Madeleine disappeared from the resort aged 3 on 3 May 2007 . This month police were seen taking aerial photographs with a helicopter . They are also thought to have asked permission to question crucial witnesses . But Metropolitan Police said the investigation must be led by Portuguese . | f2720b95b872d429604fcf2fb56bb4cb9a5ff051 |
Killed: An Audi driver, named locally as Delano Moore (pictured), died when his car hit a double-decker bus, injuring 13 people . An Audi driver who died when his car hit a double-decker bus, injuring 13 people was 'racing' another car at 110mph, according to the bus driver. The driver, named locally as father-of-three Delano Moore, 25, died when when his blue A4 was involved in an accident with a bus in Clapton, east London, at around 2.20am today. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, while his front seat passenger was fighting for his life in hospital tonight, where doctors described his condition as 'critical'. Two other men in their twenties, who were in the back of the car, were also taken to hospital after they had to be cut free from the wreckage of the car by firefighters. They are both described as 'serious but stable'. Ten people on the N38 bus were treated as 'walking wounded', Scotland Yard . said, and some were taken to hospital, including a man in his 60s who had injured his back. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, and are particularly keen to trace the driver of the second car involved. A colleague of the bus driver, who suffered a suspected broken leg and a cut to the head in the collision, said two cars were racing down Lea Bridge Road when one collided head on with the oncoming bus. In a text to other bus drivers, the colleague said: 'The N38 was travelling towards Walthamstow at 20mph. 'Two cars were racing at between 90mph and 110mph as the N38 was approaching an island. 'The gap was closing in as one car tried to take over another car, where the car went head on with the bus. 'One passenger in the car flew through the windscreen, the driver died and the passenger survived. 'The bus driver was left with a bleeding head, the car was demolished.' Another bus driver added: 'The driver of the N38 is fine, though he’s had a broken leg and a few stitches. 'It was in no way his fault.' Shondi Davis, the mother of Mr Moore's three daughters arrived at the crash scene with friends to pay tribute to him, laying flowers at the roadside along with bottles of Guinness in his memory. 'I got the call at 5am, I was crying, I'm still in shock. No one believes this has happened to him,' she said. 'I spoke to him yesterday on the phone. 'But he's at peace now, and we're here to pay our respects. 'He worked at Morrisons in Chingford. 'He was a loving father who'll never be forgotten. His daughters are the spitting image of him. Crash: Mr Moore died when when his blue A4 was involved in an accident with a bus in Clapton, east London, at around 2.20am today . 'He was a partier, he was always out enjoying himself, he was very loud. 'It was an accident as far as I know, I don't know if he was racing.' A message attached to flowers at the scene read: 'Larn, Babe, I got ya and the girls. Always with me Babe, love xx' Another read: 'To my darlin baby dad, I love you so much, me and your angels. Gone but never forgotten RIP xxx' The Metropolitan police have not commented on the racing claims. A . Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'Police were called at around 2.20am . today to reports of a car in collision with a Route N38 bus in Lea . Bridge Road with the junction of Essex Wharf. 'London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade were also called to the scene. 'The . male driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision. Another . man who was in the car was taken to an east London hospital where his . condition is described as critical. 'Two . further men who were in the back of the car suffered injuries. They are . in a serious but stable condition at an east London hospital. The four . men are believed to be in their early to mid-twenties. 'The bus was travelling toward Whipps Cross. Casualties: Three others in the car were also injured, one critically, while 10 people on the N38 bus were treated as 'walking wounded' 'Ambulance . crews also treated about 10 walking wounded who were passengers on the . bus. A number of those were taken to hospital by another bus supplied by . Transport for London. We await further details but it is thought they . all suffered minor injuries. 'It . is believed that the car was travelling with or closely behind another . vehicle along Lea Bridge Road. The driver of this second vehicle may be a . vital witness and is urged to contact police. 'The Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath is investigating. There have been no arrests.' Witnesses . said they heard a 'loud bang', that 'sounded like an explosion' before . seeing the Audi, alleged to have been speeding on the wrong side of the . road, 'practically under the bus'. The . three others in the car were also injured, one critically, while 10 . people on the N38 bus were treated as 'walking wounded', Scotland Yard . said, and some were taken to hospital. Wreck: One man in the car died, another was critically injured and the two men in the back had to be cut free by fire crews . A security guard at the former Lea Bridge Depot opposite the scene of the crash dialled 999 after he saw the crash. 'I heard a loud bang at about 1.55am and came out to investigate,' said the witness, who asked not to be named. 'I . saw a car had collided with a night bus on the opposite side of the . road. The car was practically under the bus on the driver’s side. The . driver was dead. 'It was chaos. There were people standing around injured and climbing out of the bus. 'I called the police and the paramedics and they came to the scene quickly.' According to police sources, the car may have been speeding on the wrong side of the road, with the crash coming as the bus swerved to avoid it. 'When officers arrived at the scene the bus was . very close to the verge, suggesting it may have swerved to try and avoid . the car,' said the source. Crash: The accident took place in Lea Bridge Road, at the junction with Essex Wharf in Clapton, east London. The N38 night bus was travelling towards Walthamstow Central when the accident took place . Asked if the car may have been trying to overtake another vehicle at speed, he said: 'We are not ruling out that possibility.' He added: 'This is another tragedy of someone dying on the nation’s roads. 'This was a very serious accident so it is too soon to apportion blame. 'We will be going through the evidence with a fine tooth comb before we reach any conclusions.' He added the road would be re-opened later today, once the clean-up operation was finished. Fire . crews from Homerton and Bethnal Green were also called to the crash . site, and had to cut free the two passengers from the back of the car. Roads . from Chatsworth Road with the junction of Lea Bridge Road to Orient Way . with the junction with Lea Bridge Road were closed and motorists were . advised to avoid the area. Anyone with information or who witnessed the collision is asked to call police on 101. Damage: Rose Friggi, a mother-of-two who lives near the crash site said the collision 'sounded like an explosion' This morning a wrecked blue car thought to be an Audi lay across a central reservation next to traffic lights close to the Lee Valley Ice Centre. The N38, with destination of Walthamstow Central on the front, stood nearby, its left front corner crumpled and its right side angled into a grassy verge. Rose Friggi, 32, a mother-of-two from nearby Paradise Park, said she heard what sounded like an explosion during the night. 'I was up in the night because my baby was sick,' she said. 'I heard what sounded like an explosion. My husband went to work at about 3am and he said there were police cars and a helicopter at the scene.' Mike Weston, TfL’s Director of Buses, said: 'Our sympathies go out to the family and friends of the person who died after a car collided with a route N38 double deck bus at around 2.20 this morning on Lea Bridge Road at the junction of Essex Wharf, Clapton, E5. 'The emergency services attended the scene. TfL, the bus operator (Arriva) and the police will now undertake a full investigation into this incident.' The road remained closed in both directions this morning, and four bus routes were diverted as a result of the closure. | Audi driver killed in crash named locally as Delano Moore, 25 . Accident happened in Clapton, east London at around 2.20am today . Bus driver tells colleagues Audi had been racing another car before crash . Car had been trying to overtake when it hit the bus, according to bus driver . Three others in the Audi were injured, the front seat passenger critically hurt . Two of the passengers had to be cut free from the wrecked car by fire crews . Ten people travelling on the N38 bus treated as 'walking wounded' Mother says night bus crash 'sounded like an explosion' Father-of-three Mr Moore described as a 'loving father' and a 'partier' | 986dbeadbaf33e7b3541596d72b9168017a27907 |
Buckets of snow falling in Boston. Ice cracking trees and bringing down power lines in the Northeast. Temperatures as much as 40 degrees below normal in the High Plains. Another day, another storm, in what's proving to be a wet, wild and nasty winter. From the Midwest to New England, more than 120 million people are yet again bundling up against cold, ice, snow or all three, according to CNN meteorologists. Some are taking it in stride. "Only perk of going to school in Boston: SNOW DAYSSSSSSSS," Facebook user Carla Torres posted. Others were ready for it to be all over. One item frequently shared Wednesday over social media was a picture of an angry-looking baby, with the words "What do you mean more snow ..." superimposed on it. Here's a look at what winter's bringing around the country: . Who's getting hit worst? For snow and ice, parts of the Midwest and Northeast in a band running from Illinois east all the way to Maine. For cold temperatures, it's the nation's midsection, from Montana east to Wisconsin all the way south to northern Texas. What's the forecast? It's going to be awfully cold in the Plains and High Plains -- as much as 40 degrees below average in some places, according to the National Weather Service. In Helena, Montana, for instance, Wednesday's high is forecast to be 3 degrees below zero. That compares with 2 degrees on Tuesday and the average high of 36. Snowy, icy conditions are expected from eastern Missouri into the Mid-Atlantic states and New England. Up to 2 inches of snow per hour may fall around Boston, with as much as a foot of snow predicted in parts of Massachusetts. Who's being affected? In New York, where heavy snows are taxing salt reserves, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared an emergency for the entire state and shut down Interstate 84. "New Yorkers in affected regions should stay off the roads, check on their neighbors and loved ones, and stay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed," he said in a statement. Transportation regulators waived rest rules for salt-truck drivers to get remaining salt stockpiles moved to where they are needed: New York City and Long Island. In Pennsylvania, Villanova University announced that it would be closed Thursday and Friday after the school's power provider projected an extended outage in the area. And in Kansas, authorities announced a third weather-related death from the storm: a 58-year-old man died overnight after a traffic accident Tuesday, the Kansas Highway Patrol said. In Boston, the weather seemed little nuisance. CNN iReporter Jenifer Schwartz, visiting from California, marveled at how the city handled the storm. "My flight home today is one of the many that was canceled, but getting a cab this morning to get to meetings around the city did not prove to be too much of a problem," she said. Relative Boston newcomer and native Southerner Josh Parsons was just trying to process it all. "Since this is my first winter in the North, the snow still feels like a novelty to me," he told CNN on Wednesday. "I enjoy seeing it falling and enjoy walking around in it right after the fresh snow. Having said that, I do not like some of the things that come along with the snow." Such as? Salt, slush and the simple fact all the snow just won't go away. "The roads get cleared, the sidewalks get cleared, but then there are just mounds or brown, dirty ice piled up everywhere," he said. Meanwhile, in Michigan, two Delta Air Lines aircraft got stuck in the snow in unrelated incidents at Detroit Metro Airport. This comes a day after a Southwest Airlines plane hit a snowbank as it was taxiing to a gate in Kansas City, Missouri, according to airline spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger. Nationwide, airlines had canceled nearly 2,800 flights, according to flight tracking website Flightaware.com. Most-affected among major airports include New Jersey's Newark Liberty International, New York's LaGuardia and Boston Logan International. The Federal Aviation Administration also reported significant delays at airports in Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina. Why all the severe weather this winter? Boston is about 8 inches ahead of its normal snowfall pace for the year, the National Weather Service said. In New York, the number is 23 inches. It's not unusual or unprecedented, Radley Horton, a climate scientist with Columbia University, told CNN's New Day. "If we look at winters in the past, we can get this kind of setup with a very wavy jet stream. Colder air spills into one side (while) the other side of the country has extremely warm weather," he said. But climate change -- particularly the way melting Arctic sea ice may be affecting jet stream patterns -- could be increasing the frequency and severity of such wild weather rides, he said. "There's always going to be variability," Horton said. "There's always going to be these waves in the jet stream. But it does seem, according to some research, as we lose that sea ice in the Arctic, one possible surprise could be more cold air spilling south, more warm air going north." | Third storm-related death announced in Kansas . Nearly 1 million homes and businesses are without power in four states . Governor declares an emergency in New York . Airlines have canceled more than 2,700 flights . | ea92ce9574f1c3048b3f540c903fcde4650d129b |
A $1.1 trillion compromise spending bill that funds the government through September won approval Wednesday from the Republican-led U.S. House and now goes to the Senate for consideration. The appropriations measure, approved 359-to-67, would roll back some past spending cuts, raise federal worker pay and touch the everyday life of all Americans. Compromise on the fiscal year 2014 spending bill is a break from years of congressional funding fights that included a government shutdown last October. The Senate is expected to also pass the so-called "omnibus" bill and send it to President Barack Obama to be signed into law. Wielding the power of one of the biggest purses in the world, the measure sets America's national and international priorities. In the partisan atmosphere of an election year, the spending bill may be the largest policy decision Congress makes in 2014. It calls for 1% increases in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, the first raises in three years for most agency workers. The spending measure also would protect disabled veterans and some military spouses from a pension cut set to go into effect in 2015. Appeal for both sides . Democrats like a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education from its recent low point after forced budget cuts last year. Half of the money will go to help children 3 years old and younger, touching on an Obama administration priority. For Republicans, the compromise reduces funding to two of their least-favorite agencies -- the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, federal spending would be lower than the final budget of President George W. Bush's administration. Changes at the airports may be the most visible Republican idea in the bill. The measure launches several policies aimed at forcing the Transportation Security Administration to get more low-risk passengers through security more quickly. Obamacare mostly untouched . Obama's signature health care reforms avoided any harsh cuts sought by conservative Republicans hoping to dismantle the 2010 Affordable Care Act. On another controversy, the spending plan requires Secretary of State John Kerry to certify the Libyan government is helping find those responsible for the 2012 attack that killed four Americans in Benghazi before any more foreign aid goes to the country. The bill also contains countless smaller provisions such as a ban on funding any new portraits of most officials. Current funding under a continuing resolution that extended spending at previous levels expires on Wednesday, and Congress passed a further three-day extension to give the Senate time to vote on the compromise 2014 bill later this week. Obama later signed the stopgap measure, which will fund the federal government through Saturday. | The appropriations bill now goes to the Senate for consideration . Congressional approval would fund the government through September . The measure reflects rare congressional compromise on the budget . It rolls back forced spending cuts previously agreed to by Congress . | 5d944a4e6d7062b7b8e1c06ca3bfafe7be2076e5 |
By . Christine Show and Nina Golgowski . PUBLISHED: . 11:50 EST, 20 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:30 EST, 20 December 2012 . A Colorado mother has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in her home closet - the first of two young victims' claims against her. Lynne Collette Freeman, 39, a mother of two and former parent volunteer at University Schools in Greeley, has pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault on a child following a plea deal. Police say a 14-year-old first reported a series of sexual assaults by Freeman before a second 16-year-old boy came forward with similar allegations earlier this year. Guilty! Lynne Freeman, 39, of Greeley, Colorado has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing one of two underage boys, one in her home closet and a second allegedly in the park and her basement . Freeman has two daughters who were aged seven and 13 at the time of her arrest in June. Freeman's attorney says she initially denied the assaults to police, having previously told the 14-year-old that it would ruin his aspiring baseball career if he told anyone. But when both boys called her to discuss what happened, police recorded the calls capturing what they described as a confession. According to the affidavit, it was in April that the 14-year-old was pulled into the closet while watching a movie at Freeman’s home with a friend. After the other child was asked to take the dog outside by Freeman, she pulled the 14-year-old into an upstairs closet, according to the arrest report. Freeman locked the door behind them, pulled off his pants, kissed him and performed oral sex on him, police said. Case: A court hearing is seen earlier this year for Freeman, a mother with two daughters whose seen in an orange jumpsuit on the left monitor . After the incident, the woman repeatedly told the boy to keep the sexual contact a secret. The victim contacted police in June after confiding in his father about the assault. The mother said she '100 percent trusted' the boy to keep the situation private because she would get in trouble. In the additional charges, the 16-year-old boy said he had sex with Freeman twice - once at a park and another time in her basement. He told police that Freeman's older daughter had walked in on her mother and boy during the act. Freeman is currently out on a $50,000 bail with her sentencing to take place on January 31. | Lynne Collette Freeman, 39, has pleaded guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault on a child . A second 16-year-old boy claims Freeman abused him in a park and in her home's basement . One of Freeman's two daughters allegedly walked in during one of the assaults . | 8eb3385a083970cd21cd3df98aacabacfe9f4320 |
(CNN) -- Michael Jackson was an international superstar, and many in the black community herald him for breaking down racial barriers in the music industry. Michael Jackson was one of the first black global superstars. "Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama," said the Rev. Al Sharpton. "Michael did with music what they later did in sports and in politics and in television. And no controversy will erase the historic impact." As the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson and his brothers "became a cutting-edge example of black crossover artists," said Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of black popular culture at Duke University's Department of African and African American Studies. "You basically had five working-class black boys with Afros and bell bottoms, and they really didn't have to trade any of that stuff in order to become mainstream stars," Neal said. Young Michael Jackson was the first black "bubblegum teen star" in the vein of Monkees singer Davy Jones, Neal said. Jackson continued as a pioneer in the black culture when he broke barriers by appearing on MTV, and by breaking sales records with the 1982 album, "Thriller." Timeline: The life of a "King" » . "At the time that he releases 'Thriller,' I always argue that MTV was arguably the best example of cultural apartheid in the United States," Neal said. The former president of CBS Records, Walter Yetnikoff, remembered with scorn that MTV would not play "Billie Jean" or "Beat It" because it billed itself as a rock station. Looking back on that era, a 1991 Los Angeles Times article quoted MTV founder and then-CEO Robert Pittman as saying the channel's format didn't lend itself to other musical styles, including R&B and country. And Pittman accused his critics of attempting to impose their musical pluralism on the channel's die-hard rock fans. But Yetnikoff said he threatened to pull videos of his other artists unless MTV played Jackson's videos. Watch Yetnikoff talk about getting Jackson's videos played » . Soon Jackson's videos were heavily in rotation on MTV. Showcasing a black artist paved the way for the popular show, "Yo! MTV Raps," and other black artists, Neal said. In turn, Jackson became one of the first African-Americans to be a global icon. He also influenced a new generation of black musicians, including Usher, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, according to Joycelyn Wilson, a professor of African-American studies at Morehouse College, who specializes in popular culture and hip-hop studies. Slideshow: Michael Jackson and his music » . Changing appearance . Jackson's changing physical appearance in the past two decades led to criticism he was trying to be less black. "Here's a man who started off looking very typically African-American and ended up looking like something few people would have recognized early in his career. His nose was trimmed, his lips were different ... his skin was different," said Cheryl Contee, who writes as Jill Tubman on Jack & Jill Politics, a blog centered on African-American issues. "The only thing that seemed to almost stay the same were his eyes," said Contee, who also called Jackson "a genius and more than a trailblazer." "I think [it] troubled a lot of people that he left his skin color behind and seemed somehow to be ashamed of who he was [when] he was born," Contee said. But during a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Jackson shot down rumors that he was dying his skin to make it lighter. He told the talk show host that he had vitiligo, a disorder that destroyed his skin pigmentation. Black popular culture professor Neal said Jackson's physical changes did not reflect his life on the whole. "I think if you solely pay attention to Michael Jackson's physicality, you actually miss something that's much more complex. ... Michael Jackson artistically and aesthetically never turned his back on blackness. His work was always in conversation with black culture both in the United States and more globally," said Neal. Neal said Jackson's changes were not to deny blackness, nor to become more white. "This was somebody who most of his career we read as being asexual. And I think that many of the changes to his face, particularly his skin tone, he was almost trying to achieve an a-raciality," said Neal. Contee upset some commenters on her blog when she highlighted both the positive and negative aspects of Jackson's life, or what she termed his "mixed legacy." "Some people were very offended that I would dare to mention some of the unfortunate aspects of his later years," she said. "But others [acknowledged] that they had mixed feelings about his legacy and what that meant to African-Americans." | Jackson 5 went mainstream and maintained black identity, professor says . MTV didn't play videos of black artists before Jackson . Expert: Despite his changing appearance, he was always in touch with black culture . | e28f2d1cf58f607debe8f33143fe340690a5d7d3 |
Searched: Tim Lambrinos, pictured, had his home in the northwest of the city searched by police on April 24, 2013 . A well-known Toronto City Hall lobbyist had his home raided in connection with the same police probe into embattled Mayor Rob Ford which resulted in the seizure of the now infamous video of him smoking crack cocaine. According to newly-released court documents Tim Lambrinos, former executive assistant to Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti who also lobbied local government on behalf of several exotic dance firms, had his home in the northwest of the city searched by police on April 24, 2013. But Lambrinos on Friday told the Toronto Star that the raid was simply a case of surveillance gone wrong . 'It's still a mystery,' said Lambrinos. He said officers used a battering ram to smash through his front door and aimed guns at him and his brother, Chris, while they were watching TV. 'They were there for two-and-a-half hours, came out, apologized,' said Lambrinos. 'In the end they didn't take anything.' He claimed that when he asked the police officers to show a warrant, the officers refused, according to the Star. The search warrant documents, released on Friday, detail police surveillance leading them to the area of Lambrinos’ home. The police monitored a red car they allege had picked up firearms in Windsor, a town to the south west of Toronto near the US border at Detroit. The vehicle had parked across the street from Lambrinos’ home. The document states that officers did not witness the occupants leaving the vehicle. Details of the raid emerged in amongst a series of documents related to search warrants executed as part of Project Traveller, a guns and gangs investigation that netted the infamous video of Ford. More than 50 people were arrested in several raids who now face charges of smuggling guns and drugs, and being a part of the Dixon City Bloods gang. Raid: Details of the raid emerged in a series of documents related to search warrants executed as part of Project Traveller, a guns and gangs investigation that netted the infamous video of Mayor Rob Ford, seen in this file image . | Tim Lambrinos, former executive assistant . to Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, had his home in the northwest of . the city searched by police on April 24, 2013 . Said officers used a battering ram to . smash through his front door and aimed guns at him and his brother, . Chris, while they were watching TV . Details of the raid emerged in amongst a . series of documents related to search warrants executed as part of . Project Traveller, a guns and gangs investigation that netted the . infamous video of Ford . | e4df476550eec8089d18fb4a0b6f0dedf38e0330 |
By . Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor . When high street stores first started selling bras in the 1920s they were more about providing upholstery than uplift. Today, as the nation’s men turn their minds to what to get their wives and girlfriends for Valentine’s Day, many will be looking for something racy and lacy. New material released by the Marks & Spencer Archive gives a fascinating insight into how lingerie has moved from being functional, through comfortable, to the sort of skimpy patches of cloth that might make a pole dancer blush. Racy: Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley is the face and body of M&S' current glamorous lingerie campaign . Demure: M&S's first attempt at bra design was white and functional . A lingerie collection by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is one of the few success stories for the M&S clothing range of recent years – and she certainly wears it well. However, generations of women of all shapes and sizes, not least Margaret Thatcher, have come to rely on M&S bras and knickers. M&S first began selling bras in 1926 with a simple, unstructured, white bra with delicate ribbon straps, while the only adornment was a tiny pink rose at the V of the cleavage. It was designed to suit the drop-waisted flapper style fashions that were the rage in the 1920s, as seen recently in The Great Gatsby and the latest series of Downton Abbey. The demure creation marked the start of a new chapter in M&S’ history, which subsequently became famed for the quality and technology packed in to its lingerie. The first uplift bras were introduced in 1932 under the slogan ‘A perfect figure guaranteed’, while the resourceful store made use of parachute silk in the 1940s to ensure no sagging in the morale of the nation’s women. Bizarrely, until the 1950s most bra retailers failed to recognise that women came in different shapes and sizes and produced bras in just one cup size. In 1951, M&S took the bold stance of introducing three - small, medium, large – and by 1953 the chain was selling some 125,000 a week. Glamorous: Different sizes first arrived in the 1950s and bras could be bought in small, medium and large . Advanced: The first nylon smalls arrived in the 1960s, as did the first wash-and-wear styles . 1970s style: Cup sizes were introduced at the beginning of the decade as was the bikini knicker . The idea of the bra as a fashion statement emerged in the 1950s and M&S began offering a range with embroidered shoulder straps, which might be occasionally peak out from beneath a dress, in 1955. Further innovation brought the first front-fastening bras in 1958. Advances in technology and the arrival of man-made fibres like nylon in the swinging 1960s allowed new innovations. In 1960, a lightweight range of easy to wash and dry bras, suspender belts and panty girdles became available. And in 1965, the first sheer nylon bra was introduced. As England were winning the World Cup in 1966 M&S was winning its own high street battle with luxury bras including lace option in white, pink and blue. The range outsold all others. While 1969 brought relief to women struggling with ill-fitting bras with the introduction of cup sizes A,B,C,D & DD. Daring: Knitted nylon and fine knitted cotton meant that more delicate, racier styles could be introduced . Cheap chic: The first ever 99p bra was launched at M&S in 1978 . The 1970s may not be renowned for its trend-setting fashions and style, however there was a revolution going on in stores and underwear drawers. The hot summer of 1976 coincided with the launch of matching tiny bra and bikini brief sets in knitted nylon or fine knitted cotton, while 1978 brought the 99p bra, a front fastening plunge option made from nylon. The idea of putting lingerie on display was something most retailers shied away from for decades, fearing embarrassment among customers, particularly men who were wandering through. In took until 1984 for M&S to start displaying its ‘Feathers’ range on hangers rather than the traditional boxed packs on shelves. The 1990s was dominated by the launch of practical designs. There was the first ‘mum to be’ collection, washable underwired bras and the first silk options which could be put in a washing machine. Practical: While the 1970s saw glamour increase, M&S always kept a more practical selection in stock . Inspiration: Modern smalls such as those by Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley take inspiration from the '20s . The first T-shirt bra arrived in 1997, a time when fitness work-outs and jogging became part of the daily routine for millions of women. In 2000, the M&S Secret Support range was introduced and went on to win the Queens Award for Innovation. The technology was fitted to T-shirts, tops and swimwear and allowed women to go without a bra at all. Today, the new collection by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley consists of luxury lingerie sets and takes just a little inspiration from the time when M&S sold its first bras with 1920s inspired rose prints. The 26-year-old British model and actress has proved to have something of a Midas touch with any products she is associated with, whether it is M&S or Burberry. At the same time, any prudishness that restricted the promotion, advertising and display of lingerie in the past has gone for good. The chain now promotes its ranges with video posters, moving billboards, that show the young actress turning and posing in front of a mirror wearing very little but a pout. The lingerie sold by the chain through the years is being displayed at the store’s Marks in Time exhibition in Leeds ahead of Valentine’s Day. | M&S sold its first bra, a white and functional affair, in 1926 . Generations of women, including Margaret Thatcher, have worn M&S . Most recent addition is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's glamorous collection . Archive to go on show for first time at M&S store in Leeds . | e89fbf3297d26e4e53bccb551065d5533e303ad8 |
Mexico City, Mexico (CNN) -- Mexican authorities said Tuesday they have arrested Jose Jorge Balderas, a suspect in last year's shooting of a Paraguayan soccer player in Mexico. Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head at a bar in late January 2010. He survived. According to police, Cabanas and Balderas had been arguing before the attack. Balderas, 34, was arrested in a wealthy neighborhood of Mexico City, Federal Police Section Chief Ramon Eduardo Pequeno told reporters. Balderas also is accused of having ties to Edgar Valdez Villarreal -- alias "La Barbie" -- an alleged U.S.-born drug kingpin arrested last year. Pequeno said Balderas told authorities he did not fire the shot that hit Cabanas. The suspect blamed the shooting on an accomplice, Francisco Jose Barreto. Authorities arrested Barreto in June. | Jose Jorge Balderas was arrested in Mexico City, an official says . Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head a year ago . The Paraguayan soccer player survived . Police arrested another suspect in June . | ddf61b598e485fc687f3097770e005a3c3c3fe3d |
With green spaces being replaced by building sites and large-scale developments around the world, architects are constantly looking for ways to replace them. One such concept, devised by a team Dutch-based architects, uses towering structures built with layers of green space in which flora and fauna could live. Called the Sea Tree, the structures would have space for birds and animals to live above ground, and would be bedded under the sea for fish and coral to inhabit. The Sea Tree concept (illustrated) was created by Dutch-based architects from Waterstudio. It was designed to add high density, green spots to towns and cities and each floating structure would be built using offshore technology and resources. The Sea Tree would be made up of layers in which flora and fauna could live . ‘Urbanisation and climate change put a lot of pressure on available space for nature in city centres,’ explained Waterstudio. ‘New initiatives for adding extra park zones to a city are rare. 'Yet these kind of additional habitats for birds, bees, bats and other small animals could bring a lot of positive green effects to the environment of a city.’ Waterstudio’s concept is called the Sea Tree and it was designed to add high density, green spots to towns and cities. According to designs, it would be a floating structure built using layers where animals and birds can live. To hold it in place, Waterstudio claims Sea Trees would be moored to the sea bed using a cable system. Under the water, (concept illustrated) the Sea Tree would provide a habitat for small water creatures or, if the climate allowed for it, artificial coral reefs . The structures would not accessible by man, and would be built using offshore technology and resources, quite similar to how oil storage towers are built and powered out at sea. The idea is that large oil companies would donate a Sea Tree, and the trees could be built on rivers, seas, lakes and harbours (illustrated). The height and depth of the Sea Tree could also be adjusted depending on where it was placed . The structures would not accessible by man, and would be built using offshore technology and resources, similar to how oil storage towers are built and powered out at sea. The Sea Tree concept was designed by architects at Waterstudio. The idea is that large oil companies would donate a Sea Tree, and the trees could be built on rivers, seas, lakes and harbours. The height and depth of the Sea Tree could also be adjusted depending on its location. To hold it in place, Waterstudio claims Sea Trees would be moored to the sea bed. Under the water, the Sea Tree would provide a habitat for small water creatures or, if the climate allows for it, artificial coral reefs. As well as providing a home for nature, the green structures could help reduce CO2 emissions produced by cities and towns. The idea is that large oil companies would donate a Sea Tree, and the trees could be built on rivers, seas, lakes and harbours. The height and depth of the Sea Tree could also be adjusted depending on where it was placed. To hold it in place, Waterstudio claims Sea Trees would be moored to the sea bed with a cable system. Under the water, the Sea Tree would provide a habitat for small water creatures or, if the climate allowed for it, artificial coral reefs. As well as providing a home for nature, the green structures could help reduce CO2 emissions produced by cities and towns. ‘The beauty of the design is that it provides a solution, and at the same time does not cost expensive space on land. ‘While the effect of the species living in the Sea Tree will affect a zone of several miles around the moored location. ‘For as we know, this floating tower will be the first floating object 100 per cent built and designed for flora and fauna.’ The firm said inspiration came from a project in Holland where ecologists asked them to provide habitats for animals which couldn’t be disturbed by people. The cost for the Sea Tree design is estimated at €1 million (£786,100), and this would depend on water depth, mooring facilities and transport from construction site to the chosen city. Further cost differences would depend on the preferred flora and fauna. Waterstudio said it is in the process of finalising the location of the trees, and discussing costs with oil companies. Once these are complete, they will start construction. As well as providing a home for nature, the green structures (illustrated) could help reduce CO2 emissions produced by cities and towns. The firm said inspiration came from a project in Holland where ecologists asked them to provide habitats for animals which couldn’t be disturbed by people . The cost for the shown Sea Tree design is estimated at €1 million (£786,100), and this would depend on water depth, mooring facilities and transport from construction site to the chosen city. This graphic shows how multiple trees could be built around a single location. Waterstudio said it is in the process of finalising the location of the trees, and discussing costs with oil companies. Once these are complete, they will start construction . | The Sea Tree concept was designed by Dutch-based Waterstudio to add high density, green spots to towns cities . Floating structure would be built by offshore technology and be made up of layers in which flora and fauna could live . The towering green structures could also help reduce CO2 emissions . To hold it in place, Waterstudio claims Sea Trees would be moored to the sea bed with a cable system . Under the water, the Sea Tree would also provide a habitat for small water creatures or artificial coral reefs . | 3a4d4d41bdb74cba25607c6bf19d1fae03fda781 |
A terrifying video has been released of the moment a pair of divers were almost submerged and eaten by two humpback whales. The once in a lifetime encounter happened as the pair casually bobbed in the water at Souza Rock, two miles from Morro Bay in California. Suddenly a ball of fish surrounded Shawn Stamback and Francis Antigua and began leaping out the water as the hungry predators swam towards them looking for dinner. Scroll down for video . Horrifying: This is the incredible moment a pair of divers were almost gobbled up by two humpback whales. The once in a lifetime encounter happened as the pair casually bobbed in the water at Souza Rock, two miles from Morro Bay in California . The 40 ton beasts exploded out of the water just inches from Mr Antigua and as they splashed back below the surface the divers quickly darted back to the safety of their boat. Mr Stamback said: 'We could see the whales feeding about a quarter of a mile away when we got into the water to pass time in between dives. 'As we were floating around in the water hoping to get some shots of the whales in the distance all of a sudden the sardines started going crazy. 'They weigh up to 40 tons and feed on schooling baitfish like these sardines. Unaware: Shawn Stamback said: 'We could see the whales feeding about a quarter of a mile away when we got into the water to pass time in between dives' Fear: 'As we were floating around in the water hoping to get some shots of the whales in the distance all of a sudden the sardines started going crazy,' said Mr Stamback . Trepidation: The sardines began to rush through the water as the whales approached where the two men were diving . They take in vast amounts of fish and sea water as they launch forwards. 'I . had a feeling the whales knew where we were in the water so missed us . intentionally - which is pretty lucky as I was right in the middle of . the meatball.' Friends . Jay Hebrard and Jeremy Bonnett captured the heart-in-mouth moment on . video from the safety of the boat which Shawn and Francis quickly swan . back to as they captured their breath. Mr Stamback added: 'It was a good moment to have the camera out - they captured the whales in full gulp-mode.' Horrifying: The whales emerge from the water as they chase the sardines. They take in vast amounts of fish and sea water as they launch forwards . Escape: The two men make a bid to get back to the boat safely as quickly as they can while a friend on the boat watches . Caught on camera: Friends Jay Hebrard and Jeremy Bonnett captured the heart-in-mouth moment on video from the safety of the boat which Shawn and Francis quickly swan back to as they captured their breath . 'I had a feeling the whales knew where we were in the water so missed us intentionally - which is pretty lucky as I was right in the middle of the meatball,' said Mr Stamback . | The once in a lifetime encounter . happened in the water at Souza Rock, two . miles from Morro Bay in California, USA . Ball of fish surrounded Shawn Stamback . and Francis Antigua and began leaping out the water . The hungry . predators swam towards them looking for dinner and the men got caught up as the whales emerged . | 643726127f21150e9bb5442eec10d90bc1856490 |
By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 11:50 EST, 26 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:51 EST, 26 September 2013 . Never mind two peas in a pod, these apples are quite literally joined at the hip. The unusual fruit consists of two apples that have latched on to one another from the side and grown together - creating a quirky mirror-image fruit. From the bottom, a bridge-like structure can be seen - which appears to be joining the two together. Odd: A homeowner found this strange conjoined fruit in his back garden . Joined: The two fruits appear to be joined by a strange bridge like piece of apple flesh . The fruit shares a single stalk, but has two cores and two sets of pips. Homeowner Ned Sparham certainly got two for the price of one when he discovered the bizarre conjoined apple in his garden. The keen gardener discovered the fruit . lying metres from an apple tree near to his home . in Bromley, south east London. Mr Sparham said: 'I'd been away on holiday and when I got back I found it [the apple] lying on the ground beneath the tree. Conjoined: The fruit has one stalk, but two cores and two sets of pips . 'I couldn't believe my eyes. In all the years I've lived here I've never seen such a strange looking apple. When I spotted it, it was a real case of cor blimey!' Mr Sparham decided the best thing to do with his conjoined find was to make a giant apple pie. The gardener's find was not a first, however. In 2010, another Siamese apple - with one fruit sprouting from the top of the other - was found in Slovakia by a farmer. Good use: The homeowner who found the fruit, Ned Sparham, made an apple pie with his quirky discovery . | Ned Sparham found the fruit in his garden in Bromley, south east London . Consists of two fruit joined from the side - with one stalk but two cores . | edfb72d5da869c01a37a4ece54ac99e0b32153fe |
These are the brightly coloured rainbow snails which are already facing extinction, despite having only just been discovered. Each unique to mountains in Thailand, the carnivorous creatures live in rock crevices, feeding on tinier snails, insect larvae and some earthworms species. But these beautiful animals are now at risk from extinction as their limestone habitat is destroyed by humans. One of the brightly coloured rainbow snails which are already facing extinction, despite having only just been discovered . They are at risk from extinction as their limestone habitat is destroyed by humans . They are among three new species from the genus Perrottetia, discovered in north and northeastern Thailand. The . species show extraordinary endemism, meaning they are unique to a . geographical area. Researchers say this 'one hill one species' is a very peculiar phenomenon. Each one of these snails is specific and the only one inhabiting a certain mountain range. Limestone ecosystems in the world are . now diminishing at an alarming rate as they are quarried for the stone, meaning areas like Thailand are losing . biodiversity resources. Limestone ecosystems in the world are now diminishing at an alarming rate as they are quarried for the stone, meaning areas like Thailand are losing biodiversity resources . Teams from Chulalongkorn . University, Bangkok and the Natural History Museum, London, have . published research on the brightly coloured molluscs, from the genus . Perrottetia. 'The three new Perrottetia species exhibit . distinct morphological characteristics, which make for a great example . for evolutionary studies in unstable environments. 'More than 50 per cent of limestone ecosystems in this . region have been or still are being destroyed. 'This astonishing case of . biodiversity persistence gives a valuable reason to put effort in the . conservation of this important world ecosystem.' | The creatures are each unique to just one mountain each in Thailand . But they now face extinction as their limestone habitats are quarried . | 826df10b9b5d5e7e6c1ebce47bb3e6874bc1ae93 |
(CNN) -- How do you follow a phenomenon like Frankel? It is 18 months in April since one of the greatest horses ever to grace the planet retired in a blaze of glory, with his 14th race win from 14 starts to take his career earnings just shy of £3 million ($5 million). It led to a rating of 147 from Timeform, making him the highest-rated horse since the records began. His trainer Henry Cecil, who passed away last year following a battle with cancer, said of the horse with a top speed of 42 mph: "He's the best I've ever seen. I'd be very surprised if there's ever been a better horse." Frankel was once described as a "lightning strike of genetics, which may not be repeated for 100 years." Jockey Tom Queally was on board for the duration of his career and likens him to the "Usain Bolt of horse racing." "Really, you can compare him to any of the greats in any sport, in fact in any walk of life and that's him. He was just head and shoulders above everyone else." Today, Frankel stands in a luxury stable at Banstead Manor Stud in southeast English county of Suffolk, fed and watered and walked out to breed with the world's fastest and most famous horses. The world's wealthiest horse owners pay £125,000 ($210,000) for every impregnation, as they try to unearth the next Frankel. In his first season alone, he covered 133 mares. Queally admits that part of him will be excited to get the opportunity to ride these offspring in future, but he is also under no illusions about the reality of life after Frankel. Following that last race, he asked: "Everything's going to be an anticlimax after Frankel isn't it?" In reality, he knew the answer. "No-one can compare to Frankel, no one will ever compare to him as every moment spent on his back was a special moment," the Irishman told CNN. "There's different eras in different sports and inevitably people will always make comparisons. But I'm a realist, I know I won't ever ride a horse like that again. It'll be fun to ride his impact. I think we'll still see Frankel's impact on horse racing in that regard. I think he'd like the idea he's still making a mark." Frankel's temperament is not quite like that of some of the great racehorses, who are often jittery, tetchy animals, highly sprung and highly strung. In contrast, Frankel has always been a fairly placid soul. But even a year and a half on from that moment he last delighted packed stands as he ripped up the turf at Ascot to win the Champions Stakes, Queally can still easily recall his majesty. "He was just a superstar, pure and simple," says Queally. "He had an enormous amount of ability and he just dominated simply because he was far superior to everyone else. He had a lovely temperament and was just very professional in every way imaginable. "He wasn't that easy to ride to start with -- he had a bit of a hold but he just got easier. I think part of it was down to his intelligence. He was such a quick learner and, by the end of it, I'd just push a button and he'd go. There was never once a time when I thought he'd lose." Life after Frankel has changed markedly for Queally and those around him. After Cecil passed away, aged 70, Queally -- who had been the official jockey at the trainer's Warren Place stables in Newmarket -- has since opted to go freelance. A once great team has dissipated but Frankel lives on, as does the memory of what he achieved. Queally's home is littered with memories of him, from the trophies to photographs of the pair's famous victories. However, Queally has seen him just once since their final day in action together, but there remains an indelible bond between jockey and horse. "I know it sounds strange but we got on well," he says. "I'd chat to him a lot when racing, trying to relax him or maybe just me. "It seemed important as there was always such hype when we raced. I wouldn't say there was pressure as I was always happy on his back, and really I always knew the result." But the issue for Queally is that he has achieved his career high, at least in terms of the absolute class of the horse that follows him. However, he now distances himself from that earlier "anticlimax" comment. "There's an element of anticlimax in that they'll never be another one like him, but then there's two other parts," he explains. "One is that I was very lucky to have ridden him in the first place but the other thing is that I have other career goals. "As a freelance rider, you hope to get some top rides. Basically how it works is my agent will get contacted about certain rides and then they get lined up. I still want to compete in the top races immaterial of who I'm riding, to win things like the Derby. "I'm looking forward to that and, in some ways, winning the races and championships tops what's gone before." However, one thing he is aware of is that should he ride another trailblazer of the track, the comparisons will inevitably come to the fore. "I know that the first question I'll be asked about will always be Frankel," he says. "And I'm okay with that." | It is 18 months since wonder horse Frankel retired from racing . Jockey Tom Queally admits he will never ride another like the "Usain Bolt of racing" Queally has visited Frankel just once but has moved on, targeting wins not horses . Frankel's trainer Henry Cecil, who died last year, called him "the best I've ever seen" | 205a52b151c46e7af79c98ece33d1974c3f39d6a |
By . Amanda Williams . Terry Admas, former head of an infamous crime family, has lost a High Court battle after a judge has rejected his claims he was too poor to pay back debts from his days of crime . The head of an infamous crime family has lost a High Court battle after a judge rejected his claims he was 'poncing off his wife' and was too poor to pay back debts from his days of crime. Terry Adams, the former boss of the north London Adams Family gang, argued he was too poor to meet a £650,000-plus debt. He told Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, sitting in London, that he was so poor that he felt 'like a ponce' living off his actress wife Ruth. He also denied having hidden assets that were funding a luxury lifestyle. Mrs Adams recently appeared in Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Adams applied to the judge for a 'certificate of inadequacy' to show that he lacked funds to meet his crime-linked debts - a preliminary step to getting them reduced or written off. But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) opposed his application and said there was 'a strong case' that Adams possessed 'substantial undisclosed assets' that continued to fund a luxury lifestyle. The CPS told . the High Court that Mr and Mrs Adams’ average 'identifiable' spending in . the three years from September 2010-2013 was £97,000 per annum - . 'nearly four times the national average'. The . CPS said the type of spending was 'inconsistent' with her husband’s . claim of having no assets and of being reliant on friends and family . loans for living expenses. The . CPS gave as examples Mrs Adams spending £12,044 on dental treatment and . £2,500 on a dietary programme during three months in 2013. In June 2010 she bought a spa membership at a North London country club for £3,850. The couple also spent nearly £15,000 on flights, hotels, restaurants and entertainment from August 2009 to September 2013. Another £5,351 had gone on parking charges, fines, and the congestion charge. Dismissing . his application for a certificate, the judge said she was 'not . satisfied that Terry Adams has provided full and frank disclosure to the . court' of the assets 'which fund his life and that of his wife'. Judge Davies refused Adams permission to appeal against her decision. Adams . owes the balance of a confiscation order of £750,000 imposed after his . conviction at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2007 for conspiring to conceal . the proceeds of criminal conduct over a six-year period. The . trial judge said he had accumulated a 'considerable fortune' from his . life as 'a highly successful career criminal' over a 'significant' period of time. He told Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, sitting in London, that he was so poor that he felt 'like a ponce' living off his actress wife Ruth Adams (pictured at an earlier hearing) Mrs Adams (second left) recently appeared in Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East . Described in the courts as once heading one of the most feared organised criminal gangs in the UK, he was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £50,000 and the £4.6 million bill for his publicly funded defence. Today the High Court rejected his claim that he was too poor to pay up on the confiscation order. The judge said that, when she heard his application at a three-day hearing in July, the amount outstanding on the order was £651,611, and interest was accruing at the rate of £83 a day. Dismissing his plea for a certificate of inadequacy, she said: 'I believe that there are financial matters known peculiarly to Terence Adams which are not before the court. 'Upon the evidence presented to the court on behalf of the applicant, I am not satisfied that the current assets of Terence Adams are worth less than the outstanding balance of the confiscation order. Accordingly this application is refused.' Barrister Ivan Krolick said on Adams’ behalf that he could not meet the confiscation order and added: 'He has committed crime and paid his price to society.' Mr Krolick said Adams became bitter after MI5 bugged his former London home for almost two years, recording the most intimate moments of his private life, including the sounds of him making love with his wife. Mr Krolick told the judge: 'You may have felt that Mr Adams is a somewhat bitter man. Rightly or wrongly, to put up with, or learn that, everything you said to your family and friends has been pored over by the authorities must make a person bitter. Dismissing his application for a certificate, the judge said she was 'not satisfied that Terry Adams has provided full and frank disclosure to the court' of the assets 'which fund his life and that of his wife' 'This is a man who has been living in a goldfish bowl. There is no element of his life that has not been exposed to the authorities.' He rejected accusations that Mrs Adams had been involved in the staging of sham loans. He suggested the CPS case was 'guesswork' and Adams’ claim of poverty was genuine. After today’s ruling, the CPS said the order against Adams, with interest, was 'now worth £653,947.74' - and steps would be taken to ensure that he met the debt and to show 'crime doesn’t pay'. The CPS said that, following the sale of his home in north London in 2009, Adams paid the court £234,166.21 and another £130,323.43 following the sale of other assets. In seeking to have the confiscation order reduced, it was Adams’s case that his current assets were worth less than the outstanding balance of the confiscation order. The CPS said: 'He claimed that he and his wife were living on expenses of £200 per week, paying rent of £250 and living on £23,000 - £24,000 per annum. 'However, visits to the Royal Opera House and expensive meals out, spa memberships at luxurious hotels, high cost dental treatments and other treatments at private clinics all indicated a very different lifestyle.' Nick Price, head of the CPS Proceeds of Crime department, said: 'Through a series of nefarious means, Terry Adams has consistently sought to hide the proceeds of his crimes. 'However, today’s judgment is proof of our determination to see that crime doesn’t pay and that those who seek to hide their wealth will be challenged and held to account. 'Mr Adams argued that he couldn’t afford to pay what he owed and yet his lavish lifestyle showed this was not the case. 'I’m pleased that, presented with our carefully gathered evidence, the judge has decided that Mr Adams does, in fact, have the ability to pay and has assets that he has not put before the court. 'We will now work hard to ensure that Mr Adams pays his confiscation order.' Mr Price said many criminals 'go to extraordinary lengths to avoid paying what is owed under confiscation orders, such as applying to the High Court to write off debt and hiding their assets. 'Depriving criminals of their ill-gotten gains disrupts organised crime and the new CPS National Proceeds of Crime Service is leading this fight across the country. 'Dedicated prosecutors will work tirelessly with investigators to claw back assets from those who seek to benefit from their crimes.' Head of the National Crime Agency’s Centurion Team, Mark Blackwell, said: 'Today’s judgment shows the real value of lifetime management and especially ancillary orders such as financial reporting orders (FROs). 'Terry Adams’ FRO remains in force until 2017 and his confiscation order will continue to incur interest until it is settled. The NCA, in partnership with the CPS, will monitor both these orders very closely.' | Terry Adams is the former boss of the north London Adams Family gang . He claimed he was so poor he was 'living like a ponce' off actress wife Ruth . Adams also denied having hidden assets that funded a luxury lifestyle . He owes balance of confiscation order of £750,000 after 2007 conviction . Today the High Court rejected his claim that he was too poor to pay up . | d1c518ccafc4643d5cecc4cdb789a1b4f5b14942 |
A woman is facing a felony aggravated assault charge in Wyoming after police say she bit off part of her boyfriend's chin during an argument. Lola Lauren Brush, 30, of Jackson was arrested on December 6 and faces the felony and a domestic battery charge. Brush faces a maximum of 10 and a half years in jail and a $10,750 fine if she pleads or is found guilty. Lola Lauren Brush of Jackson, Wyoming, is accused of biting off part of her boyfriend's chin during an argument and beat him with a SpongeBob Squarepants children's snow shovel . Police say Brush bit part of her boyfriend's chin off and beat the 30-year-old man with objects including a SpongeBob Squarepants children’s snow shovel and a wooden baseball bat during an argument. Doctors were unable to reattach the man's chin and he now must undergo plastic surgery, said Jackson police Lt. Cole Nethercott on Monday. Brush is out of jail on a $7,500 unsecured bond despite the concerns of Teton County Deputy Prosecutor Terry Rogers that she was a ‘very violent’ flight risk, reports the Jackson Hole News and Guide. Police were called to the apartment the two share after several neighbors called to report their loud shouting. Officers allegedly found a strip of flesh with part of the victim’s beard on it inside the apartment, and found blood in and around the apartment, as well as on the handle of a SpongeBob Squarepants shovel outside. The fight allegedly occurred while the couple were out at a hockey game, but continued when they returned. While she is out of jail, the judge has ordered Brush to take twice daily portable breath tests at the Teton County Jail and to refrain from possessing or drinking alcohol . The victim was transported to the hospital, where an emergency room doctor 'lost count' of how many stitches it took to close the bite wound on his chin, court files state. Brush’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. She is not allowed any contact with her boyfriend while the case makes its way through the courts. While she is out of jail, the judge has ordered Brush to take twice daily portable breath tests at the Teton County Jail and to refrain from possessing or drinking alcohol. She also is required to see a doctor and a therapist and file updates with the court to prove she is following their recommendations. | Lola Lauren Brush of Jackson, Wyoming, is accused of biting off part of her boyfriend's chin during an argument . She also beat the 30-year-old man with a SpongeBob Squarepants children's snow shovel and a wooden baseball bat . Faces a maximum of 10 and a half years in jail and a $10,750 fine if she pleads or is found guilty to felony aggravated assault and battery charges . Doctors were unable to reattach the man's chin and he now must undergo plastic surgery . | 0f9a1533445c5b8adc6a6c6e14ddb27f33b546f4 |
Jonny Wilkinson's 17-year career ended in glory on Saturday night when he kicked 15 points to help Toulon to an 18-10 victory over Castres in the Top 14 final at the Stade de France. And the World Cup winner delivered a trademark drop goal as a fitting reminder of his most famous kick which earned England success against Australia in 2003. Wilkinson last night landed the drop goal to go alongside three penalty goals in the first half and one after the interval. Trademark: Wilkinson kicked a field goal along with four penalties in the last game of his 17-year career . Double: Toulon celebrate the club's first Top 14 title since 1992 a week after their Heineken Cup win . Toulon’s final points came from Delon Armitage after Wilkinson decided the kick was out of his range. This . success completes a magnificent final season for the 35-year-old as . Toulon, the club he joined from Newcastle in 2009, also won the Heineken . Cup last week, against Saracens, in Cardiff. A . ferocious first half was dominated by the kicking of Wilkinson whose . three penalty goals and that drop goal had edged Toulon into a 12-10 . lead. Castres had little possession and only kept in touch thanks to a try off a counter-attack led by Scotland wing Max Evans. Final fling: Fly-half Wilkinson gets his left arm free for an offload in the French domestic final . Beloved: The Toulon fans give the England star a hero's send-off . Evans started and finished the move in the 11th minute which put Castres ahead after Wilkinson’s opening penalty goal. The . try also caused the match to erupt as Armitage, the Toulon full-back, . and Castres’ lead player Rory Kockott had a scuffle after Evans had . grabbed the ball to touch down. Kockott added the conversion, but he later missed three penalty goal attempts in contrast to the perfection of Wilkinson. A tetchy and nervous second half produced a penalty for Wilkinson and the late kick from Armitage. Contrast: Castres' kicker Rory Kockott missed three penalties as his side failed to repeat last year's upset win . Wilkinson . will join Toulon’s coaching staff next season, but he admits he is . unsure of how he will feel about ending his playing days. ‘That’s . the unknown for me, that’s the difficult bit — not really knowing if . I’m looking forward to it,’ he said in the build-up to the final in . Paris. In honour of Wilkinson, ‘God Save The Queen’ was played over the public address system when the final whistle went. Wilkinson said: ‘It’s impossible to say how I feel. I never thought when I joined Toulon we would have such success.’ | Wilkinson kicked four penalties and a field goal in his last game of rugby . His farewell after 17 years ended in Toulon's first French title since 1992 . Toulon players had 'merci Jonny' embroidered on their jerseys . Toulon's win follows their Heineken Cup victory in Cardiff last week . | bfc81e20647fff1ce6fe82d5a68f0c6cd5c9de1e |
By . Tara Brady . and Laura Cox . The BBC is sending 300 staff to cover Glastonbury festival – 28 more than it is sending to the World Cup in Brazil just weeks before. The astonishing number of employees will descend on the four-day music event to provide wall-to-wall television and radio coverage, at a time when the Corporation is under pressure to make budget cuts. Yesterday campaigners claimed the staffing plans were ‘overkill’ and amounted to little more than a ‘jolly’ for staff. The BBC will send more staff for its coverage of Glastonbury Festival. This year's presenting team including Chris Evans, Lauren Laverne and Jo Whiley . In total there will be 250 hours of . Glastonbury coverage, the same as last year when the BBC faced criticism . that it was giving the festival too much airtime. Headliners . for this year’s event are Arcade Fire, Kasabian and Metallica, with . acts such as Robert Plant and Dolly Parton also among those who will . play. It . will be spread across all BBC channels, as well as Radio One, Radio . Two, iPlayer, the red button and the BBC website, including an edition . of The One Show from the festival site in Somerset. Coverage will be . hosted by a team of 17 presenters including including Jo Whiley, Fearne Cotton, . Dermot O’Leary, Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq, Greg James, Stuart . Maconie, Pete Tong, Cerys Matthews and Mark Radcliffe, with Chris Evans . and Alex Jones hosting the Glastonbury edition of The One Show. The BBC . said the number of employees going to the festival is reflective of the . ‘demanding workload’ and that all 300 have a ‘clear and accountable’ role. The BBC is broadcasting 30 hours of TV coverage across its channels and more than 50 hours of radio . By comparison, this year’s World Cup coverage has seen a reduction in numbers on the 295 who staffed the South African contest. John O’Connell, . director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, branded it an ‘inappropriate’ use . of resources, saying: ‘Taxpayers will be deeply suspicious that their . money is being used to send staff on a jolly. ‘The . BBC is already sending 272 people to Brazil for the World Cup, and . sending another 300 to Glastonbury does seem like overkill. People will . be watching the coverage closely – it had better be worth the expense.’ Last year the BBC faced similar criticism after spending £2million sending a 296-strong team to the festival. There . were further complaints over the quality of broadcasts, with music fans . branding presenters ‘annoying’ and accusing them of filling time with . ‘boring chit chat’. BBC . music chief Bob Shennan yesterday defended this year’s staffing . decision, saying: ‘We’re sending the same number of people as last year . and, whilst some will inevitably still argue this is too many, I can . assure you that every member of staff on-site has a clear and . accountable role, working long hours to offer unparalleled coverage for . our audience. ‘We have worked hard in recent years to identify areas where resources can be shared or tasks more easily undertaken off-site.’ Metallica have proved a controversial headliner with some festival-goers unhappy they are topping the bill . 'Whilst we are working hard to ensure we are being as efficient as possible, we will not compromise the quality of our output and we have been robust in scrutinising our plans and minimising costs.' Metallica have proved a controversial booking for the event with some festival-goers unhappy that a hard rock act are topping the bill. Some have said the group’s inclusion is against the event’s environmental ethos, as frontman James Hetfield supports bear hunting. Mr Shennan said he hoped the BBC coverage of the band’s performance would do justice to their renowned 'powerful, pyrotechnical performances'. But he added: 'If metal isn’t your cup of tea however, there will be plenty of alternatives just a few clicks away on your tablets or interactive TVs.' A BBC . spokesman said: 'Broadcasting comprehensive, high-quality coverage of . major cultural events requires this level of resource and every member . of staff onsite has a clear and accountable role, working long hours to . offer more than 250 hours of unrivalled coverage across to audiences . across TV, radio and online. | This compares to 272 who are heading to Brazil for the World Cup . BBC said each member of staff had a 'clear and accountable role' It is broadcasting 250 hours of Glastonbury coverage . Headliners for this year’s event are Arcade Fire, Kasabian and Metallica . | c032770dedecc0dbe6f03da00f6f2ec9df27f09e |
The parents of a BBC journalist who is thought to have committed suicide after suffering alleged sexual harassment at work have blamed the corporation for failing to prevent his death. Radio reporter Russell Joslin, 50, whose father is a former chief constable, suffocated despite being on suicide watch at a psychiatric hospital. Close friends and relatives have told the Daily Mail he had been left a ‘shadow of his former self’ after feeling that bosses failed to act on his complaints about a senior woman colleague. Tragic: Russell Joslin, pictured left in 2008 and right, more recently, was being harassed by a female colleague . They said his descent into mental illness began after he allegedly spurned unwanted sexual advances by the woman broadcaster during a night out at a restaurant near his home in affluent Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Mr Joslin’s parents said he was forced to leave her in the restaurant because of her behaviour, after which she sent him a flurry of abusive phone messages which have been played to the Daily Mail and in which she swore and belittled him. Peter Joslin, the retired chief constable of Warwickshire, said that while questions need to be asked at the hospital over how his son was apparently able to take his own life, the BBC should hold an investigation into his treatment. Mr Joslin, 78, added: ‘There is some evidence to support accusations that Russell was being sexually harassed or bullied. ‘I am shocked to discover the apparent attitudes of certain individuals to their employees at the BBC. ‘I believe he was ignored by his bosses, despite outlining his concerns about the particular staff member he claimed had sexually harassed him. ‘He enjoyed his work at the BBC but in recent years the situation had become intolerable for him there.’ St Michael's hospital where Russell Joslin was admitted for help and later found dead . Mr Joslin, who lives with wife Kathy next door to their son’s home, retired in 1998 after 44 years’ service – the longest-serving policeman ever in the UK. He said his son’s alleged ‘sexual harassment’ by the female colleague at BBC Coventry and Warwickshire was the ‘trigger’ which caused his mental illness. There had been ‘plenty of opportunities’ for managers to intervene after he complained, but ‘nothing was done to help him’. Mr Joslin said he felt more should have been done to pick up the problems as his son was clearly quite distressed. Their son was admitted to St Michael’s psychiatric hospital in Warwick on Friday after suffering minor injuries when he walked in to the road and was hit by a bus in an apparent suicide attempt. Mr Joslin senior said the hospital ‘specialises in people who are at high risk of committing suicide and he was checked every 15 minutes.’ 'It's what he would have wanted': Joslin's Father, Peter, 78, a retired chief constable, welcomed the involvement of the Police . He was found choking on Sunday and taken to nearby Warwick Hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following afternoon. His family and his ex-girlfriend, Lucy Poulson, claimed that after propositioning him in the restaurant, the woman – no longer at the station – began targeting him in other ways at work, deliberately cutting him off while he was on air. It is understood that Mr Joslin, a bachelor who covered south Warwickshire for the station, first complained about her to management after she sent him an unpleasant email. He is thought to have approached bosses again early this year to complain about being sidelined at the station, concerned he had been overlooked for news reading and presenting opportunities. Miss Poulson said he then became consumed by worry and stress ‘because he knew that people don’t go very far by speaking out against organisations like the BBC’. He was diagnosed with depression and suffered a breakdown soon afterwards. Miss Poulson, 28, a freelance theatre director, told the Daily Mail that the BBC had paid for him to receive counselling. His GP and the corporation’s own occupational health specialist all advised him not to return to work at the station for the good of his health. But despite this bosses told him he would have to return full time before he could think about transferring to another station. Mr Joslin eventually went back to work three months later, but on a part-time basis. Miss Poulson said she split from Mr Joslin in 2010, after four years together, but the pair remained close. She said that in recent months he had been ‘the happiest I had known him’ and was considering returning to freelance journalism. She said that for years he felt unable to speak out against his tormentor. When he finally did pluck up the courage to speak out, she said the office climate left him fearful for his job and future. Miss Poulson added: ‘Russell told me that this woman treated many people badly at the station, but nothing was done because of her senior status. 'It seemed everybody was scared to tackle her. People need to know that this culture still exists – of allowing certain individuals to be in control, when others don’t seem to matter.’ Russell Joslin recorded the following three messages from his female colleague after he left her in the restaurant. ‘Thanks a lot, you’ve p***** on your chips. I’m trying to get a taxi to Coventry. Thanks for abandoning me. Don’t ever ever ever think of me as your mate again. Do what you have to at the BBC because you are a loser on 27 grand a year. But don’t ever ever encroach on me or my talent.’ ‘Hi, it’s me. I’m in a taxi from Kenilworth to Coventry. Russell, don’t ever count on me as a friend. I’m going home. Please don’t think you can rely on me – you’ve insulted me. You have left me stranded in Kenilworth. You are flaky, you are poor, you are weak. I don’t want anything to do with you except on the radio. Goodbye.’‘Hi, it’s 9.21. I’m back at my car. Don’t ever ever ever presume friendship with me again, all right? Goodbye.’ Neither Warwickshire Police, responsible for policing in Kenilworth, or West Midlands Police, which covers Coventry, could find any record of Mr Joslin reporting the alleged harassment. The woman he accused said there was never a complaint against her and she denied any wrongdoing. She said she was asked by managers to try to help him. She told the Daily Mail: ‘I got a message to say Russell had died. I’m really upset about it and can’t say any more.’ Told of the Joslin family’s allegations that his illness had been triggered by her alleged behaviour, she said: ‘I don’t know what you are talking about’ and put the phone down. Mr Joslin’s colleagues are being offered counselling by the BBC. His funeral is to be held on Wednesday. A BBC spokesman said: ‘Our thoughts and condolences are with Russell Joslin’s family at this sad time. 'This is a difficult time for everyone who knew him. 'The BBC is committed to working constructively with the family to ensure that their concerns are vigorously addressed. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the facts are established.’ An inquest into Mr Joslin’s death was opened yesterday at the Warwickshire Justice Centre in Leamington Spa. Coroner Sean McGovern was told the radio presenter died of ‘asphyxiation’ as a result of a ‘plastic bag in an airway’. Contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 if you need help or advice. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Russell Joslin, 50, 'had friendship with BBC colleague but she thought it was more than it was', says father Peter . BBC radio reporter was admitted to mental health hospital following failed suicide bid two days earlier . | b3c9b49fd9216b9cedf3d25b380bac82045756bd |
By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 14:22 EST, 20 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:28 EST, 20 February 2013 . The smallest known planet outside our solar system has been detected by NASA's alien-hunting Kepler space telescope. It is slightly larger than our Moon and orbits its host star every 13 days. The planet, named Kepler-37b, has a surface temperature of more than of 400 degrees centigrade, making water, and therefore life, impossible. An artist's conception for the planet Kepler-37b. This planet is slightly larger than our own Moon and orbits its host star every 13 days. It likely has a surface temperature of in excess of 400 deg C (700 deg F). Owing to its small size and hot surface the planet is very likely rocky with no significant atmosphere, similar to Mercury in our own Solar System. The newly discovered planets are located in a system called Kepler-37, about 210 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lyra. The smallest planet, Kepler-37b, is slightly larger than our moon, measuring about one-third the size of Earth. It is smaller than Mercury, which made its detection a challenge. Owing to its tiny size and hot surface, it is very likely rocky with no atmosphere, similar to Mercury in our own Solar System. It orbits the Sun-like star with two other planets, one slightly larger and the other twice as big as Earth. 'Even Kepler can only detect such a tiny world around the brightest stars it observes,' said Jack Lissauer, a planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center. 'The fact we've discovered tiny Kepler-37b suggests such little planets are common, and more planetary wonders await as we continue to gather and analyze additional data.' Kepler-37b is about 80 percent the size of Mercury and is the first 'exoplanet' to be found that is smaller than any in our own Solar System. Discoveries of exoplanets - those that lie outside the Solar System - have helped to increase our knowledge of planetary systems and have revealed they can look quite dissimilar to ours. Until recently, researchers had only been able to detect and probe larger exoplanets, and none had been found that are smaller than those seen in the Solar System. Astronomer Thomas Barclay, a research scientist at the NASA Ames Research Centre, said: 'Since the discovery of the first exoplanets, it has been known other planetary systems can look quite unlike our own. 'Until fairly recently, we have been able to probe only the upper range of the planet size distribution and, since last year, to detect planets that are the size of Earth or somewhat smaller. 'Hitherto, no planets have been found that are smaller than those we see in the Solar System. 'Here we report a planet significantly smaller than Mercury. Two of the three planets orbiting Kepler-37 are smaller than the Earth while the third is twice Earth's size. Kepler-37b is about 80% the size of Mercury and is the first exoplanet to be found that is smaller than any planet in our own Solar System. 'This tiny planet is the innermost of three that orbit the Sun-like host star, which we have designated Kepler-37. 'Owing to its extremely small size, similar to that of the moon, and highly irradiated surface, the planet, Kepler-37b, is probably rocky with no atmosphere or water, similar to Mercury.' He added: 'Although sub-Mercury-sized planets are expected from theory and their space-based detection has previously been predicted, our detection of Kepler-37b is remarkable given this transit signal would be detected in the data of fewer than 0.5% of the stars observed by Kepler. 'Although the detection of one planet cannot be used to determine occurrence rates, it does lend weight to the belief planet occurrence increases exponentially with decreasing planet size.' The Kepler space observatory, named after the 17th century German astronomer Johannes Kepler, was launched on 7 March 2009 to survey a portion of the Milky Way for Earth-size planets that could harbour life. In January astronomers used Kepler's data to estimate "at least 17 billion" such exoplanets reside in our galaxy. The research team used data from NASA's Kepler space telescope, which simultaneously and continuously measures the brightness of more than 150,000 stars every 30 minutes. When a planet candidate transits, or passes, in front of the star from the spacecraft's vantage point, a percentage of light from the star is blocked. This causes a dip in the brightness of the starlight that reveals the transiting planet's size relative to its star. The size of the star must be known in order to measure the planet's size accurately. To learn more about the properties of the star Kepler-37, scientists examined sound waves generated by the boiling motion beneath the surface of the star. They probed the interior structure of Kepler-37's star just as geologists use seismic waves generated by earthquakes to probe the interior structure of Earth. The science is called asteroseismology. The sound waves travel into the star and bring information back up to the surface. The waves cause oscillations that Kepler observes as a rapid flickering of the star's brightness. Like bells in a steeple, small stars ring at high tones while larger stars boom in lower tones. The barely discernible, high-frequency oscillations in the brightness of small stars are the most difficult to measure. This is why most objects previously subjected to asteroseismic analysis are larger than the sun. With the very high precision of the Kepler instrument, astronomers have reached a new milestone. 'The star Kepler-37, with a radius just three-quarters of the sun, now is the smallest bell in the asteroseismology steeple,' Nasa said. | The planet, named Kepler-37b, has a . surface temperature of more than 400 degrees centigrade, making life impossible . Discovered by Kepler telescope . Is the first 'exoplanet' to be found smaller than any in our own Solar System . | 7d827569b68ceb67374fe15657d2756c72e93786 |
A Far Right group used pictures of former television star Lynda Bellingham to attract visitors to its website. Britain First, a group which promotes fascist views with the slogan ‘Taking our country back’, posted pictures of Mrs Bellingham hours after her death and tricked users to like and share the pictures. Facebook users clicking 'like' on the pictures were not aware that they had been posted by Britain First, a splinter group of the British National Party. Online post: The Facebook sharing of the picture of Mrs Bellingham, with All Creatures Great and Small co-star Christopher Timothy, meant that Britain First's website attracted hundreds more views . The combined number of likes and shares reached more than 7,000. The Facebook sharing of the picture of Mrs Bellingham, with All Creatures Great and Small co-star Christopher Timothy, meant that Britain First’s website attracted hundreds more views. Posts on the page’s Facebook site include comments such as calls for British Muslims to be ‘wiped out’ and all non-whites deported. Mrs Bellingham, who starred in the OXO adverts and was a panellist on television programme Loose Women, died on Sunday at the age of 66 after a battle with colon cancer. She died in the arms of her husband Michael Pattemore, after the disease spread from her colon to other parts of her body. Praise: Prince Charles (left) said Lynda Bellingham (right) was 'not only a marvellous actress but also someone who worked tirelessly for others' Since her death, people across Britain have paid tribute to the former actress. Her final appearance on Loose Women, which aired on Wednesday, attracted two million views – double the television programme’s normal viewing figures. Yesterday, Prince Charles said: ‘She was not only a marvellous actress but also someone who worked tirelessly for others. So she really will be hugely missed.’ The heir to the throne added that he was ‘greatly saddened’ by her death. He made the comments at the launch of a report that found Britain must make better use of older workers. For the final two years of her life, Mrs Bellingham had been an ambassador for the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (Prime) which helps the over-50s start their own companies. The organisation is now part of Prince Charles’s charity Business In The Community. Prince Charles described Mrs Bellingham as a ‘wonderful ambassador for Prime’. | Britain First posted pictures of Mrs Bellingham hours after her death . Facebook users clicking 'like' on images did not know who posted them . Combined number of likes and shares on post reached more than 7,000 . Facebook page comments include calls for non-whites to be deported . | 00304598f909139cdfbb82c283ff2ba59f64c459 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 07:18 EST, 6 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:03 EST, 6 July 2012 . Two former dictators who oversaw the systematic stealing of babies from political prisoners in Argentina 30 years ago have been sentenced to a total of 65 years in prison. The convictions of Rafael Videla and Reynaldo Bignone has been seen as a big step in Argentina's effort to punish the human rights abuses of that era, although authorities say it is certainly not the last. At least 17 other major cases are before judges or are nearing trial. 'Historic day': Former Argentine dictators Rafael Videla (left) and Reynaldo Bignone (right) have been sentenced to 50 years and 15 years in prison respectively for the systematic thefts of babies from political prisoners . Among them is a 'mega-trial' involving the Navy Mechanics School, which became a feared torture center as the 1976-1983 military junta kidnapped and killed 13,000 opponents while trying to annihilate an armed leftist uprising. That case involves 65 defendants, nearly 900 victims, more than 100 witnesses and about 60,000 pages of evidence. A 'Never Again' commission formed shortly after Argentina's democracy was restored in 1983 documented thousands of crimes against humanity during the military regime, but hardly any of the violators were prosecuted until the late Nestor Kirchner was elected president 20 years later. Justice Minister Julio Alak said Thursday that Kirchner's wife and successor, President Cristina Fernandez, deserves credit for making the human rights cases a cornerstone of government. Sentenced: The former military leaders in court to hear their punishments after going on trial earlier this year for atrocities committed during the late 70s and early 80s . 'It's unthinkable that in a state of . law, the murderers of the people could be in any place but prison,' Alak . said after the verdicts were read. Videla, 86, was sentenced to 50 years in prison, while the 84-year-old Bignone got 15 years for their roles in the baby thefts. The . prison time is symbolic, though, because both men have been behind bars . for years following multiple convictions and life sentences for other . crimes against humanity. Seven . of their co-defendants were also convicted on charges involving the . theft of 34 babies, while two people were acquitted by a three-judge . panel. Despite the jailing . of Videla and Bignone, most people who have been convicted of rights . violations during the dictatorship remain free on appeal and many others . have yet to stand trial. Dictators: Videla (left) and Bignone . (right) during their time in charge of Argentina. Tens of thousands of . people vanished during their regime . Sworn in: Lieutenant General Jorge Rafael Videla (centre) takes an oath as President in March 1976 . According . to a March tally by Argentina's independent Center for Legal and Social . Studies, a total of 1,861 defendants have been named in cases of state . terror, but verdicts were reached for only 17 per cent of them - with 92 . per cent of those found guilty. Since . the trials began in 2006, at least 65 have resulted in sentences, but . only seven of these have exhausted an appeals process that takes more . than two years on average. Still, . Thursday's verdicts were a cause for celebration outside the federal . courthouse in Buenos Aires, where activists watched them being announced . on a huge television screen. 'This . is an historic day. Today legal justice has been made real - never . again the justice of one's own hands, which the repressors were known . for,' prominent rights activist Tati Almeida said. The . baby thefts set Argentina's military regime apart from all the other . juntas that ruled in Latin America at the time. Videla and other . military and police officials were determined to remove any trace of the . armed leftist guerrilla movement they said threatened the country's . future. Argentine President Jorge Rafael Videla (center) after he had presented the World Cup Trophy to Argentine's captain Daniel Passarella (number 19) in 1978 . Many pregnant . women detained as dissidents were 'disappeared' shortly after giving . birth in clandestine maternity wards, and their babies were handed over . to families trusted by military officials. In . his testimony, Videla denied there was any systematic program for . stealing babies, and accused prisoners of using their unborn children as . 'human shields' in their fight against the state. He . called himself a 'political prisoner,' labeled the trial a farce and . characterized his sentence as revenge by people who after being defeated . militarily now occupy positions in the government. Despite this, Videla said, he would accept his sentence 'in protest, as an act of service,' and with a clear conscience. Witnesses during the trial included former U.S. diplomat Elliot Abrams. He . was called to testify after a long-classified memo describing his . secret meeting with Argentina's ambassador was made public at the . request of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a human rights group . whose evidence-gathering efforts were key to the prosecution. The Mothers of the Disappeared group protest for their missing familiy members during the first March of the Resistance against the Argentine dictatorship . Abrams . testified from Washington that he secretly urged that Bignone reveal . the stolen babies' identities as a way to smooth Argentina's return to . democracy. 'We knew . that it wasn't just one or two children,' Abrams testified, suggesting . that there must have been some sort of directive from a high level . official - 'a plan, because there were many people who were being . murdered or jailed.' No . reconciliation effort was made. Instead, Bignone ordered the military . to destroy evidence of 'dirty war' activities, and the junta denied any . knowledge of baby thefts, let alone responsibility for the . disappearances of political prisoners. The U.S. government also revealed little of what it knew as the junta's death squads were eliminating opponents. The . Grandmothers have since used DNA evidence to help 106 people who were . stolen from prisoners as babies recover their true identities, and 26 of . these cases were part of this trial. Many were raised by military . officials or their allies, who falsified their birth names, trying to . remove any hint of their leftist origins. The . rights group estimates as many as 500 babies could have been stolen in . all, but the destruction of documents and passage of time make it . impossible to know for sure. The . trial featured gut-wrenching testimony from relatives who searched . inconsolably for their missing children, and from people who learned as . young adults that they were raised by some of the very people involved . in the disappearance of their birth parents. The . other seven defendants convicted and sentenced Thursday included former . Adm Antonio Vanek, 40 years; former marine Jorge 'Tigre' Acosta, 30; . former Gen Santiago Omar Riveros, 20; former navy prefect Juan Antonio . Azic, 14; and Dr Jorge Magnacco, who witnesses said handled some of the . births, 10. Former . Capt Victor Gallo and his ex-wife Susana Colombo were sentenced to 15 . and five years in jail, respectively, after their adopted son, now going . by his birth name Francisco Madariaga, testified against them. | Rafael Videla, 86, sentenced to 50 years behind bars . 84-year-old Reynaldo Bignone handed a 15-year term . Tried to remove traces of leftist guerrilla movement . Babies taken off detainees and handed to the military . DNA later used to reunite 106 people with their families . 'This is historic day', says prominent rights activist . At least 17 other major abuse cases before judges . One includes atrocities at torture centre from 1976-83 . | cececc0fce7c9f567cbcaa7f59ab924c712b091d |
The college friend of John Grisham who inspired the author to claim American men are wrongly being sent to prison for watching child porn - sparking international outrage - was caught sharing sexually explicit images of girls younger than 12 with other internet users, it has emerged. Michael B. Holleman, 59 - who graduated from law at the University of Mississippi with Grisham in 1981 - was arrested in 1997 after sending 13 child porn images featuring girls under 18 - some younger than 12 and depicting intercourse - to an undercover agent in Canada, who then tipped off the FBI. Grisham came under fire this week after saying in an interview that the US judicial system was 'crazy' for putting '60-year-old white men in prison who've never harmed anybody' but have viewed images or videos of children being sexually abused. The prolific novelist was defending an 'old buddy from law school' who, he said, drunkenly accessed pornography featuring '16-year-olds' one night and was caught in an FBI sting operation. Scroll down for video . Under fire: Author John Grisham, who sparked international outrage this week for saying men who watch child porn are sentenced too harshly, was defending a Mississippi friend caught on serious charges . That man has now been named as Michael Holleman - a father who still practices law in Mississippi - by The Telegraph, to whom Grisham first gave his controversial comments. The newspaper cited 'unseen' reports of Holleman's 1997 trial and quoted a US justice department lawyer, Kathy McLure. Prosecutors said Holleman may have faced additional of transmitting pornographic images to Maine, suggesting he had sent the porn to other people, if he hadn't pleaded guilty. Holleman was sentenced to 18 months in prison and disbarred after pleading guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. He claimed that he had been drinking heavily at his legal office when he accessed some 'publicly available computer images of child pornography on the internet'. Holleman thought he had deleted them from his computer and did not print them off, according to a petition to reinstate Holleman to practice law. However they were still on his hard drive after he was presented with a search warrant as part of the FBI investigation. Holleman had a three-year-old son at the time. His marriage fell apart as a result, according to the petition. Following his arrest, Holleman checked himself into COPAC, a renowned addictions treatment facility in Brandon, Mississippi, and also attended Alcoholics Anonymous. On May 19, 1998, Holleman reported to a federal correctional institution, but was released after 15 months after showing evidence of his rehabilitation. As part of his sentence, Holleman was not allowed to practice law for at least three years. Grisham wrote a letter of recommendation for Holleman so that be could be reinstated to the bar in 2002, Jezebel reported. Holleman was eventually reinstated and is currently practicing law in Mississippi. Many fans had already taken to social media to announce they would never buy Grisham's books again following the outlandish comments, especially since he made them while promoting his latest tome, Gray Mountain. 'Anyone who harms a child for profit or pleasure, or who in any way participates in child pornography—online or otherwise—should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,' Grisham said in a statement today. 'My comments made two days ago during an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph were in no way intended to show sympathy for those convicted of sex crimes, especially the sexual molestation of children. 'I can think of nothing more despicable. I regret having made these comments, and apologize to all.' In the original interview with The Telegraph, Grisham explained described his friend's situation: 'His drinking was out of control, and he went to a website. It was labelled ''sixteen-year-old wannabee hookers'' or something like that. 'So he went there. Downloaded some stuff - it was 16-year-old girls who looked 30. 'He shouldn't have done it. It was stupid, but it wasn't 10-year-old boys. Online reaction: Many 0commented that Grisham's claims don't take into account the victims of sexual abuse involved with child pornography . Outrage: Fans quickly reacted to the controversial comments made by John Grisham, who is currently promoting his latest book, legal thriller Gray Mountain, which will be released next week . 'He didn't touch anything. 'And God, a week later there was a knock on the door: ''FBI!'' and it was sting set up by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to catch people - sex offenders - and he went to prison for three years.' 'There's so many of them now. There's so many ''sex offenders'' - that's what they're called - that they put them in the same prison. 'Like they're a bunch of perverts, or something. 'We've gone nuts with this incarceration.' Grisham was sure to say that he has 'no sympathy for real pedophiles' and believes anyone caught committing such a crime should face harsh penalties. However he believes many men have been penalized too harshly for doing too little. Many readers immediately went online to criticize the author's stance. 'After being a firm favorite of mine for over 20 years, Mr Grisham, I can state with all certainty that I will never purchase another book of yours ever again,' Karen Hanna wrote online, according to stuff.co.nz. 'I am absolutely disgusted at the stance you have taken over child pornography and have lost all respect for you.' Another fan, Bernadine Denham wrote: 'So watching child porn isn't an offence? What a disgusting thing to say. You've lost me.' Grisham is a married father-of-two. He and his wife, Renee Jones, were wed in 1981. They split their time between homes in Oxford, Mississippi, and a Charlottesville, Virginia. Author John Grisham, wife Renee Grisham and family attend the Broadway opening night of A Time To Kill at The Golden Theatre on October 20, 2013 in New York City . | Novelist and lawyer John Grisham, 59, sparked outrage this week by claiming men are wrongly sent to prison for watching child porn . He referenced a friend from college who drunkenly watched child porn one night but was sent to prison after a FBI sting . The friend has now been named as Mississippi lawyer Michael B. Holleman . Holleman was arrested in 1997 sending 13 sexually explicit photos of underage girls to an undercover agent . He was sentenced to 18 months prison and disbarred . Grisham wrote a letter of recommendation for Holleman as part of a petition to enable Holleman to practice law again . Grisham has since said he 'regrets making the comments' and apologized . | 697b063855cae1c1ccb52cdc4d88af98f87b3245 |
(CNN) -- Newly released text messages reportedly from the morning of September 11, 2001, show panicked family members trying to contact loved ones and officials frantically trying to grasp what was happening. More than half a million messages, released by whistleblower site Wikileaks, reveal the panic, horror and pain of what happened that morning in the words of those who experienced it. On September 11, 2001, 19 hijackers commandeered four commercial jetliners, loaded with fuel for cross-country flights. Two were flown into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York, one crashed into the Pentagon, and another, headed for an unknown location, crashed in Pennsylvania when it was disrupted by passengers. A total of 2,976 people -- not including the hijackers -- were killed in the attacks. Some people witnessing the attacks reached out to loved ones out of fear there might have been more attacks coming and they might die. "The only thoughts I have are of Nicholas, Ian and you," read one text message. "I am terrified. I needed to tell you that I truly love you. always, diane." "I want to hold you now," one text message a minute later reads. "I know you have a new relationship and do not care about me. But just in case anything happens know I love you hon. Missed Ya good bye." The first indication of a problem comes at 8:50 a.m., five minutes aft.er the first plane hit the World Trade Center. "An aloha call is starting. This is for a fire at 2wt ..." Another text message references "a bomb detonation" in the World Trade Center and asks recipients of the message to report back assessments of their areas. A minute later, firsthand reports started flooding in. "The world trade center has just blow up, we seen the explosion outside our windows. Teresa ..." At 8:53 a.m. a message from the New York Police Department's operations division mobilizes officers toward the World Trade Center, telling them to meet at Church and Vessey streets. At 9:03 a.m. the second plane hit the World Trade Center. "It's a deliberate attack ... a second plane just few into the second tower," a message said 52 seconds later. By 9:25 a.m. the personal messages have grown more frequent and more frantic. Companies begin sending out messages asking for head counts on all employees. People begin sharing reports of what they are seeing and hearing on TV, including early reports of people jumping from the World Trade Center. Family members panicked, struggling to get through jammed phone lines to find out if their loved ones were OK. 9:25:40 a.m. "Please call my work as soon as you get in the office. Need to know you're safe." 9:29:38 a.m. "Wondering where you are. Are you okay. Give me a call back asap. I just need to know these things. Even if it's collect. Call me. Darryl" 11:32:56 a.m. "if i do not hear from you by high noon, i am going to pick laura up at school and tell her her father is dead." "goodbye my sweety.....im going to miss yo," another said. "Honey wanted to tell you how much i love you," one sender wrote. "I was a little worried. I Don't want to lose you now that I got you back. You mean everything to me. You have my whole heart and life. I love you so much." Some texts brought relief. "My dad survived! I got a call from stepmom's coworker saying my dad is alive, although that is all the info I have. I do not know if he is injured or unscathed." "Abroer's father is alive," one text proclaims. "survived WTC collapse. I am trying to contact family members to find out more." "urgent. It's tim. I'm okay. Call me at home...i was outside the building when it exploded, but i'm fine." Others have to wait and worry. Numerous messages simply read: "Are you okay?" "Where are you?" or "CALL ME NOW!" "pete is ok. He can't find his brother who works in the world financial center next to the trade center....." one message read. The messages also give insight to the federal government's scramble to evacuate buildings, bases and high-level officials. "Jim: DEPLOY TO MT. WEATHER NOW! Tom" reads one message, referring to Mount Weather, the underground bunker where high-level officials are taken in a national emergency and a command facility for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A message at 10:24 a.m. appears to show authorities working to secure the first family. "TWINKLE AND TURQ ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND SAFE," the message says. Twinkle and Turquoise were the code names used for then-president George W. Bush's twin daughters Jenna and Barbara. At 10:32 a.m. a Secret Service message said "ANONYMOUS CALL TO JOC REPORTING ANGEL IS TARGET" -- referring to a call to the Joint Operation's Center refering a threat made against Air Force One, which used a code name of Angel. A message from FEMA at 12:37 p.m. notes "we have no mission statements yet." A message from the Secret Service's New York field office sent conflicting messages about where agents should report. The messages also frantically pass along reports of more attacks. Some turned out to be rumors, others real. Rumors were rampant: . "There is a hijacked plane circling dulles airport. Please call me!" "unconfirmed reports of plane crash at camp david now." "think one more plane may have been hijacked and headed toward the capitol building...not sure." Wikileaks says it has verified some of the texts and says they all appear to be authentic. "I fully understand that this is very emotional material, but this does not mean that this is not part of our historic record," said spokesman Daniel Schmitt. "And from the publishing perspective of the Wikileaks perspective, that is what counts. We are helping to maintain an uncensorable part of this day's record in more detail than has ever been provided before." Wikileaks will not say if the source was in government, law enforcement, industry or was a private citizen with the capability to intercept messages. | Wikileaks site releases text message, pager messages from morning of September 11 . Messages reveal people panicking, trying to see if loved ones are OK . Text messages include firsthand accounts, many "I love you" messages . | 9604ce16d40e7fe3f2f0d431e1929ffb4cb3e117 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:17 EST, 24 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:07 EST, 25 October 2013 . Gruesome sight: Relatives of Christina Hammond, who died in 2007, said a mortuary left her body in the open with blood sipping out of her mouth . A Washington state family claim that the same funeral home that made national headlines this week after allegedly cremating the wrong body also mishandled the remains of their deceased relative. Brown Mortuary in Chehalis found itself in the center of a media storm after reports came out accusing the funeral home of mixing up the body of Jerry Moon with that of an elderly hospice patient, and then mistakenly cremating Moon in violation of his wishes. For Tracy Scott and her daughter Carrie Hammond, the story hit close to home, reminding them of a traumatic experience they had at the mortuary after the death of Scott’s eldest daughter, Christina. ‘We feel their pain. We know their pain and we care,’ Miss Scott told KOMO News of Jerry Moon’s family. ‘These kind of mistakes just can’t happen.’ In 2007, 28-year-old mother Christina Hammond went in for a routine gallbladder surgery, which resulted in her death when her heart stopped while she was on the operating table. When the family arrived at the mortuary ahead of Hammond's cremation, they said they were greeted by an arrogant employee who showed them no compassion in their hour of grief. But the worst part came when Scott and Carrie Hammond approached Christina's body, only to discover a grisly sight. Scroll down for video . No closure: The 28-year-old mother was cremated and her ashes were sent to her family along with a bag of jewelry that did not belong to her, leaving her family with unanswered questions . Young mother: Miss Hammond, pictured left and right with her son, died when her heart stopped during a gallbladder surgery in June 2007 . ‘She had blood running down her face and onto her shirt,’ Scott recalled. 'I went in and got the guy and he just laughed it off.’ Carrie said that even after her sister’s face had been wiped off, more blood continued trickling out of her mouth. Nightmare scenario: Miss Hammond's sister, Carrie, recalled being horrified at the sight of Christina's blood-spattered face . Miss Hammond said prior to that she . had never been in a funeral home, but she is certain a person's body is . not supposed to look the way her sister did in that moment. ‘It’s like a nightmare. That’s all you . see,’ she said. ‘The viewing is supposed to have closure, and when a . body looks that way...it’s no good.’ Following Miss Hammond's cremation, the family received her ashes from the mortuary along with a bag of jewelery. The valuables, however, did not belong to the deceased woman, leaving her relatives to wonder if the funeral home had cremated the wrong body. ‘Did we just get somebody else's jewelry, or did we get somebody else's remains?’ Scott said. Scott said she sent a complaint to Dignity Memorial, which owns Brown Mortuary, but did not receive a response. The revelations come just days after the family of Jerry Moon opened his casket to bid him a final farewell Monday, only to discover the body of a stranger with a plastic bag over his head. The mix-up appears to have happened when Brown Mortuary took possession of Moon's body after his death. Dead wrong: Jerry Moon's family was aghast when the found another man's body in their father's coffin . Around that same time, the mortuary also took possession of the body of a 97-year-old man who died in hospice care. Somehow, the bodies were mixed up. 'This makes me feel like he was treated as a number, not a person,' daughter Cheryl Moon told KIROTV.com. According to family members, Moon's funeral was a touching goodbye to the man they loved. At the end of the service, they opened the casket. Oops: It's believed the Brown Mortuary mistakenly put the body of a 97-year-old man in Moon's coffinAnother gruesome mix-up reported at Chehalis mortuary . 'I turned around and said to myself three times, '‘That’s not him, that’s not him, that’s not him,'” son Randy Moon told the station. Inside the casket was the other man - dressed in Jerry Moon's clothes and with a picture of Moon's wife tucked under the pillow in the coffin. Making things even worse, Moon was terrified of being cremated. But because of the mix-up, the funeral home cremated his body thinking it was that of the other man. Grieving: Moon's son Randy says he believes his father is in Heaven, regardless of who was in the casket . 'The only other thing I can say is we know where he really is,' Randy Moon said. 'We’re a believing family, and we believe he is in heaven.' | Christina Hammond, 28, died in 2007 during gallbladder surgery and was supposed to be cremated at Brown Mortuary in Chehalis, Washington . Her mother and sister say when they saw Hammond's body, blood was coming out of her mouth . Family received her ashes and a bag of jewelry that did not belong to Miss Hammond . Brown Mortuary is also accused of mixing up body of Jerry Moon with that of 97-year-old hospice patient . It's believed that the funeral home accidentally cremated Moon's - despite his lifelong fear of being cremated . The man in the casket was wearing Moon's clothes and had a picture of his wife tucked under the pillow in the coffin . | fe533e63b4a6f1e570cea783a62701d3e4434080 |
Wayne Rooney is poised to join an elite band of English footballers when he lines up for the Three Lions in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia. Just eight other players in England 142-year history have reached a century of caps - Peter Shilton, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Bobby Moore, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright - and it's only fitting to mark the landmark properly. That's why Rooney returned to his old primary school, Our Lady and St Swithin’s Catholic Primary School in Liverpool, for an exclusive Sportsmail photoshoot. Wayne Rooney returned to his old primary school, Our Lady and St Swithin's in Liverpool, for a picture to mark his 100th England cap . Bobby Moore posed with 99 children from St Edward's Roman Catholic school opposite Upton Park when he won his 100th cap in 1973 . Sportsmail recreated Moore's famous picture when Steven Gerrard won his 100th England cap back in November 2012 . Rooney talks to the children as they pose for a photo with the England captain ahead of his 100th cap on Saturday . The England captain posed with 99 schoolkids dressed in red and white replica shirts for a very special memento to mark the occasion. Inspiration for the photoshoot came from two previous occasions on which England legends have reached their century. Back in 1973, Moore posed with 99 boys from St Edward's Roman Catholic school opposite West Ham's Upton Park ground on the eve of his 100th England appearance. Each of the pupils wore a cap, some borrowed because Moore had not been awarded one for every game. And, inspired by that wonderful image, Sportsmail recreated the scene in November 2012 when Gerrard won his 100th cap. Gerrard went back to his old school, Huyton-with-Roby Church of England primary, for a picture with pupils . Three of the England caps awarded to Bobby Moore during his career - for the 1966 and 1970 World Cups and the 1972-1973 season . Gerrard is presented with a golden cap ahead of England's friendly against Brazil at Wembley in February 2013 . Steven Gerrard is presented with his first England cap by then manager Kevin Keegan back in 2000 . Bobby Charlton poses with his collection of England caps having racked up 100 appearances in May 1970 . Roy Hodgson presents Ashley Cole with a golden cap ahead of England's friendly match with Ireland at Wembley in May 2013 . David Beckham shares a joke with Sir Bobby Charlton after receiving his 100th cap ahead of England's friendly with the USA in May 2008 . Frank Lampard, accompanied by his daughters Luna and Isla, gets his golden cap ahead of England's World Cup qualifier with Ukraine . A big thanks goes to Pro-Direct Soccer for providing the Nike England kits for the shoot. For more info go to www.prodirectsoccer.com . The Liverpool midfielder went back to his old school, Huyton-with-Roby Church of England Primary, and sat amongst 99 kids each wearing one of his caps. Gerrard said of his return: 'It was brilliant to go back. When I was walking around and getting ready for the picture, it put my whole career into perspective. 'I went there when I was only four years of age and I couldn't help but think where I was then and where I have got to now, on the verge of 100 caps. 'It put everything into perspective. I couldn't help thinking how well things have gone and how lucky I have been. 'I had so many happy memories of being in school and it was just nice to go back and see what it was like again. It was really poignant. Join Wayne’s 40 million followers on social media. You can see more amazing pictures and videos at www.waynerooney.com and by following: . facebook.com/WayneRooney . Twitter - @WayneRooney . Instagram - @WayneRooney . | Wayne Rooney returned to his old school, Our Lady and St Swithin's in Liverpool, for a special picture . The England captain will win his 100th international cap in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia . He will become the ninth England player to reach the century milestone . The picture was inspired by Bobby Moore and Steven Gerrard's visits to their old schools when they reached 100 caps . | c86f14d5f5a66d8d03990502e4e758839e004701 |
Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev has been forced to publicly apologise for his slur against the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus. The International Tennis Federation came under fire from Martina Navratilova on Monday for failing to act after Tarpischev described the Williams' as 'brothers'. The Womens' Tennis Association responded swiftly to Tarpischev's remarks by banning him for a year and issuing a fine of 25,000 US dollars (£15,500). Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev has apologised to Serena and Venus Williams . Tarpischev faced a backlash after making the offensive remarks about Serena (left) and Venus (right) Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes Tarpischev's comments were a form of bullying . Navratilova, however, claimed the ITF's silence on the matter was 'pretty deafening'. The 59-times Grand Slam champion added: 'Certainly this kind of bullying comment cannot be tolerated from anyone, but particularly from a high-up official in the tennis world.' ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti, however, has now responded and made it clear to Tarpischev such comments will not be tolerated. Ricci Bitti believes Tarpischev's apology and the WTA's actions are a sufficient punishment. Bitti said: 'The ITF was very disappointed when it learned that Shamil Tarpischev, long-time President of the Russian Tennis Federation, made derogatory remarks about the gender of Serena and Venus Williams. 'What Mr Tarpischev said was wholly unacceptable to the ITF and, when we learned of the issue, we encouraged him to apologise immediately. Serena Williams, pictured with with the US Open trophy, described Tarpischev's remarks as sexist and racist . Venus Williams, pictured in action during the US Open, has been sent an apology by Tarpischev . 'Mr Tarpischev has taken an important step by sending his apology to the ITF, the WTA and to the Williams sisters. 'Although Mr. Tarpischev assured us his comment was meant as a joke, we made it clear to him what he said is inappropriate in any context. 'We were especially disappointed as Mr Tarpischev has a long and distinguished career in tennis, serving as Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain, and fostering the growth of tennis in Russia, including the development of many successful men and women players. 'We hope his acceptance of fault in this matter, which includes the penalty assessed by the WTA Tour, will allow all of us to move forward.' | Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev has issued an apology to the ITF, WTA and the Williams sisters . He called Serena and Venus 'brothers' in a TV interview . Tarpischev has been banned for a year and fined £15,500 . | 1d248402d868f2d115b217727645e058ff47e162 |
New York (CNN) -- "Expect us" is the favorite tag line for an endless stream of Web videos posted by the Internet collective known as Anonymous. It's a promise and a threat. In 2011, galvanized by the national Occupy movement, Anonymous delivered. "This is what happens when the people have had enough," said "Troy," a member of the collective who joined the street protests in New York. "This is what happens when greed goes unchecked. It's the closest thing to a global revolution we've ever gotten." From the inception of Occupy Wall Street, Anonymous has had a powerful impact on the movement, promoting it tirelessly through social media in the early days; driving it forward with Internet campaigns, known as "ops," targeting bankers and politicians; and ultimately acting as a savage and effective counterforce to what the group sees as a militarized police state. "Hopefully, he'll think twice before he pulls out his baton against somebody who's holding a sign saying we just want peace," said Troy, who spent weeks monitoring and videotaping New York Police Department officers during the height of the Occupy Wall Street protests. The list of police officers and agencies targeted by Anonymous is long. From New York to Oakland, California, cops had their Web sites hacked; personal information, including the home addresses of specific police officers, was posted online; and officers who used pepper spray on Occupy protesters, including NYPD Deputy Inspector Anthony Bologna and Lt. John Pike at the University of California-Davis, saw their entire life histories blasted out in Web videos and document dumps. "I think [police] see it as a form of vigilantism," said professor Gabriella Coleman, an anthropologist who studies Anonymous at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. The collective, Coleman said, "is pushing the boundaries of the law, but I think some of their actions also reveal the ways that private security companies or police are also acting outside of the boundaries of the law." The online intimidation is intended both to punish errant police and serve as a warning to riot cops facing difficult decisions in the heat of often chaotic protests. Police are reluctant to speak publicly about the collective's activities because Anonymous is so quick to target critics. But privately, they're furious, especially when Anonymous posts the names of family members. Occasionally, the battle between police and Anonymous erupts on Twitter. Last year, a Los Angeles homicide detective who goes by the name @LAMurderCop had his personal information dumped online, and he retaliated with a series of sarcastic tweets. "Let it be known to all," he wrote, "your mainly teenagers in your moms house. U have no skills." Anonymous is also the subject of several federal and state investigations, including one by the commonwealth of Massachusetts, which issued subpoenas to Twitter in an investigation of threats directed against Boston police after the department's website was hacked. Like police, members of Anonymous are also reluctant to speak publicly, both for their own security and because it runs counter to their deeply held belief that the positions held by the collective, expressed through the rolling democracy of the Internet, are far more important than the opinions of any individual anon, or person who participates in Anonymous activities. "Troy" agreed to talk to CNN on camera provided we not reveal his real identity. "There's no specific group or one person that talks for us," he says. "It's more like a hive; an idea is brought up and ... if the overwhelming majority of people agree with it, then we go with it." Monitoring and exposing what they see as police misconduct is one of the ideas that caught fire. In one Internet relay chat session, members of the collective who go by the online handle AnonymousIRC said police need to understand that the Internet is unpredictable and uncontrollable. "We cannot control or limit what some individual anon may or may not do, neither is it in our interest," they said. "If some cop finds it funny to mace innocent girls, Internet crowd will hate him. Which will include his family. Like it or not, it's just what happens." This year is expected to bring more protests centered on high-profile gatherings, such as the NATO and G8 summits in Chicago in May and the political conventions in late summer. In the past, those kinds of events have been marked by sometimes violent clashes between protesters and police. This time, Anonymous will be watching. | Member of hacker collective says people have been abused for too long . Group hacks websites of police officers it claims engaged in misconduct . Members rarely speak to the media . With big political events ahead this year, Anonymous promises to be watchful . | 9389435de9af3562336875880550c9fb08e31132 |
(CNN) -- President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney offered competing views on how to keep America safe in back-to-back speeches Thursday. President Obama says he is trying to clean up "a mess" left behind by the Bush administration. Obama said his administration is trying to clean up "a mess" left behind by the Bush administration. He defended his plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba, his ban on torture, the release of Bush-era interrogation memos and his objection to the release of prisoner photos. Cheney stood up for the Bush administration's security record, arguing that Obama has weakened the country's ability to combat al Qaeda and other extremists. He defended the use of enhanced interrogation techniques as a success that changed thousands of lives. He called the release of the Bush-era memos a reckless distraction and belittled Obama's decision to close Guantanamo "with little deliberation and no plan." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's spokesman wrote off Cheney's address as something more beneficial to Democrats than Republicans. "He is such a wildly unpopular figure trying to defend such discredited policies that Democrats would like to be able to find a way to pay him to give more of these kinds of speeches," Jim Manley said. In the past two months, the former vice president has become a frequent critic of the new administration in numerous national media interviews. But House Minority Leader John Boehner said Cheney's voice boosts his party's cause. "Listen, Dick Cheney has been around this town for the last 35 years -- 40 years. He knows how this town works, and frankly, he's very knowledgeable when it comes to the strategies that the administration took with regard to dealing with this terrorist threat. And having him out there, outlining those strategies and why we're engaged in this, I think, is helpful to the debate," Boehner said. Republicans were quick to side with Cheney on Obama's plan to close Guantanamo, with Rep. Lamar Smith charging that the president should "put Americans' safety ahead of an image problem he himself created by making a campaign promise to close Gitmo." "The administration asserts that transferring terrorists from a detention facility on an isolated island to a prison inside the U.S. will make Americans safer. The administration's claims are completely contrary to common sense. By the president's logic, we should close all other jails and prisons, too," Smith, R-Texas, said in a statement. Obama's plans to close the detention center have been met with opposition from both sides of the aisle in Congress. Following in the steps of House Democrats, Senate Democrats on Tuesday rejected the administration's request for $80 million to close the facility. They instead asked that Obama first submit a plan spelling out what the administration will do with the prisoners when it closes the prison. Both chambers of Congress also passed similar measures that would prevent the detainees from being transferred to the United States. Obama on Thursday pledged not to release any Guantanamo Bay detainees who threaten the United States. He also pointed out that no one has ever escaped from a federal "supermax" prison. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado, whose district houses a supermax prison, adamantly does not want detainees brought to that prison. "The president did not say where people would go who were convicted under military tribunals or who are to be released by courts or who are in the 'too dangerous to release' category, so his plan today really has a lot of gaps in it," he said. And Michael Steele, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, said it would be "dangerous, naive and a threat to America's national security" to put detainees on U.S. soil. But Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin said he thinks the U.S. can safely house terror detainees. Watch Durbin's suggestions on how to handle the detainees » . "The president is right in saying Guantanamo is more than a detention facility. It's become a symbol. And sadly, it's become an organizing tool around the world for terrorism. The sooner that we bring Guantanamo to a close, the better," he said. Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, accused the president of continuing to "to bow to world opinion" when it comes to Guantanamo. "Let me say emphatically: Mr. President, public safety comes before public relations. The American people don't want to know how closing Guantanamo Bay will make us more popular, they want to know how closing Guantanamo Bay will make us safer," he said. House Republican Whip Eric Cantor said closing the prison is "too complex an issue to rush to resolution." "At the end of the day, when it comes to terrorism, no detail is too small, and we must have only one priority: the safety and security of the American people," he said. Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said "political rhetoric has entirely drowned out reason and reality" in the debate over where to put the detainees. "Our criminal justice system handles extremely dangerous criminals, and more than a few terrorists, and it does so safely and effectively. We try very dangerous people in our courts and hold very dangerous people in our jails in Vermont and throughout the country. We have the best justice system in the world," he said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised Obama's address as "a sensible, balanced approach to the treatment of detainees and to the handling of state secrets." One decision that pleased some conservatives was Obama's move to restart former President Bush's military commissions. Former Navy lawyer Charles Swift, who won a landmark Supreme Court ruling that knocked down the Bush administration's system of military commissions, said U.S. laws already cover the "vast majority" of cases the Obama administration will face. "The previous administration sought ways around the law," he said. "This president seeks to follow the law and keep us safe, and he believes in the long haul -- as do I -- that following the law and following our values in conjunction with holding terrorists is absolutely essential to both winning the war and being safe." Swift said Cheney's defense of waterboarding "mystifies me." "I want to ascribe to people the best of motives, and I presume that the former vice president believes for whatever reason that force is the only thing that works," he said. "Unfortunately, that goes against all of the evidence." As far as former President Bush's thoughts on the dueling speeches, he didn't watch them. A source close to Bush said the former president was traveling at the time, en route to New Mexico, where he is the keynote speaker Thursday night at a fundraising dinner for a scholarship program for students at Artesia High School. | Reid says Cheney's speech helps Democrats; Boehner says Cheney helps GOP . Republicans slam Obama's plan to close Guantanamo Bay prison, seek details . Opinions differ on whether U.S. should house detainees in supermax prisons . Source: Former President Bush was traveling, missed the back-to-back speeches . | 0ca632ca59116d7cdb217d0d6cdcd0798f642dde |
Vic Emery filed three claims including one for mileage to attend the funerals of the crash's victims . The head of the organisation that oversees Police Scotland charged hundreds of pounds to the taxpayer to attend funerals of victims of the Clutha helicopter tragedy. Vic Emery was accused of leaving an ‘exceptionally bad taste’ after demanding money to pay his respects. Mr Emery, the £90,000-a-year chairman of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA), attended the funerals of pilot Captain David Traill, PC Tony Collins and PC Kirsty Nelis. He filed three claims, including one for £135, and another for £540, as well as mileage. He has since used the money to make a donation to the Clutha Trust, which supports disadvantaged young people. However, frontline officers were horrified that he ever thought it was appropriate to charge expenses. Brian Docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: ‘Hundreds of police officers willingly gave up their own time to attend the funerals and memorials of the Clutha victims and did so simply because it was the right thing to do.’ Mr Traill, who was attached to the Police Scotland air support unit, and the two constables were killed when the Eurocopter EC 135 crashed on to the Glasgow bar in November 2013. Patrons John McGarrigle, Mark O’Prey, Gary Arthur, Colin Gibson, Robert Jenkins and Samuel McGhee were killed and Joe Cusker later died in hospital, taking the death toll to ten. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is set to publish its conclusions into the cause of the crash soon. The funeral of Captain Traill was held at the University of Glasgow. PC Collins was buried on Arran and a funeral was held for PC Nelis at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Glasgow. The £90,000-a-year chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, pictured above at the funeral of Constable Tony Collins, said the services were 'professional commitments' Scores of uniformed officers attend the funeral of PC Collins. Critics said Mr Emery's actions were in 'exceptionally bad taste' However, the SPA chief defended his decision. Mr Emery said: ‘I felt it important to ensure that the SPA was represented at each of these occasions, and we all judged that these were professional responsibilities as well as personal commitments. ‘We will clearly reflect on these examples in considering our future commitments and will seek further clarity from the Scottish Government on what constitutes corporate and personal activities.’ A spokesman for the police watchdog said: ‘Senior police officers made attending these events a priority for their professional time. The SPA also shared that approach. ‘SPA members are non-executives and are remunerated at a day rate for their duties, plus travel expenses. ‘It is SPA’s view that all of the activities listed are appropriate activities for non-executive board members to have undertaken as corporate responsibilities and commitments, and to have included within the range of duties for which they are reimbursed.’ Ten people died as a result of the accident which saw the helicopter crash through the pub's ceiling (above) | Vic Emery filed three expenses claims over funerals of crash victims . Three people died when the Police Scotland aircraft crashed in 2013 . Mr Emery charged £675 as well as mileage to the taxpayer after services . Critics said the claims were in 'exceptionally bad taste' following tragedy . | b81d5d0886f78c0e9456abb4d603947ba5cc863b |
A disturbing video has been released showing the horrifying moment a Melbourne man in his 40's was knocked over by his own delivery van and pinned beneath its wheels. The footage, captured by CCTV from a nearby property in Balwyn, shows the man as he is pushed to the ground, before the van gathers speed and rolls over the top of him, dragging him into the street. The man had been delivering a fridge to the house, and it was in the back of the vehicle when it began to roll towards him. A man was knocked over by his van, and dragged into the street as the wheels ran over his chest and head . The van comes to a stop just before the front wheels roll over him, and he is shown trapped underneath the weight of the vehicle in the middle of the road. Despite the wheels rolling over man's upper body and head, he remained conscious and able to talk until ambulance officers arrived to rush him to hospital. 'The van began to roll, and he's attempted from the rear end to try and stop that himself, which didn't end too well,' Lindsay Bent from Ambulance Victoria told Channel Seven. The man's colleague jumped into the van in order to turn off the vehicle's engine and prevent it from moving further, before the footage shows a maxi taxi arriving just outside the property. Andrew McArthur, a local resident who had arrived back with his family from a holiday in Hong Kong, immediately try to assist by lifting the van off the man's body, reported The Herald Sun. The footage, captured by CCTV from a nearby property in Balwyn, shows the man pushed to the ground . The man, who is in his 40's, is shown trapped underneath the weight of the vehicle in the middle of the road . 'We stopped the car, got the jack out and jacked it up, took the pressure off and waited for the ambulance to arrive,' Mr McArthur said. 'We also chocked the van up with timber, just in case the jack slipped,' he said. Police confirmed that the man's head was pinned under the car, but believed that because of the angle of the road, the man's head was not under the expected amount of pressure. The man was trapped for 25 minutes, surrounded by those who had rushed to help him. Andrew McArthur, a local resident who had arrived back with his family from a holiday in Hong Kong, immediately try to assist by lifting the van off the man's body . The man was trapped for 25 minutes until ambulance and fire crews arrived . The man was taken to Alfred Hospital in a serious condition but is expected to make a full recovery . 'He was complaining it was getting increasingly more uncomfortable for him,' Mr McArthur told Channel Seven. 'He was saying his back was really sore and the pressure was getting to him.' The man suffered injuries to his pelvis and chest, and despite being taken to Alfred Hospital in a serious condition he is now stable and is expected to make a full recovery. The fridge in the back of the van stayed upright throughout the incident, shocking ambulance officers who said that his injuries could have been 'catastrophic'. 'Put the park break on whatever you do, and stay safe,' said Sergeant Charl Van Tonder. Ambulance officers said that the man's injuries could have been 'catastrophic' Police confirmed that the man's head was pinned under the car, but believed that because of the angle of the road, the man's head was not under the expected amount of pressure . | Footage shows a van backing over a Melbourne man's chest and head . The man had been delivering a van and attempted to stop the van rolling . He is pinned under the van and dragged down the driveway into the street . A colleague and a local family jack the van's wheels up to remove pressure . The man was trapped for 25 minutes and was conscious and talking . He was taken to hospital with serious injuries to his chest and pelvis . The man, who is in his 40's, is expected to make a full recovery . | de87b95c454213399936ff9d1b41bccc5dba4140 |
TV presenter: Qiu Yuanyuan declined treatment while pregnant to avoid it harming her unborn baby . A Chinese television presenter who refused chemotherapy treatment after discovering she had cancer when she was pregnant has died. Qiu Yuanyuan, 26, of Zhengzhou, Henan, who had declined treatment while pregnant to avoid it harming her unborn baby, died exactly 100 days after giving birth to her son, Niannian. The former chess game show host learned she was pregnant in March - but the results of a physical exam found she had a late-stage malignant tumour, according to reports in China. She decided to stop her treatment to protect her baby, but the cancer then spread around her body – and she was admitted to hospital in September when her conditioned worsened. There, she gave birth by Caesarean section in September to Niannian, who had only been in her womb for seven months and weighed about 3lbs upon his arrival. The mother then had an operation to remove the tumour and 20 days of chemotherapy - but it was too late to save her and she died last week, reported the South China Morning Post. Her husband Zhang Qixuan told the Zhengzhou Evening News: ‘After getting married, becoming a mother was her biggest wish. She chose to save our child. She understood that not everything in life can be perfect. And she said she had never regretted her decision.’ Death: The former chess game show host learned she was pregnant in March - but the results of a physical exam found she had a late-stage malignant tumour, according to reports in China . Memorial flowers: The fate of Qiu Yuanyuan (pictured centre) has sparked intense online debate in China . He added: ‘The only thing I can do now is to take care our child and her family. I hope everyone can silently bless her and our child, and smile at life - just as Yuanyuan did.’ The mother’s death came last Wednesday evening, after her family had held a special meal to celebrate the baby’s 100th day since birth - which is a traditional custom in China. Her fate has sparked intense online debate in the country, with more than 10million users viewing her story last Friday on Sina Weibo, a Chinese website similar to Twitter. Tears: Relatives cry during a funeral for Qiu Yuanyuan last Friday in Zhengzhou city, Henan province . Remembered: The mother had an operation to remove the tumour and 20 days of chemotherapy - but it was too late to save her and she died last week . However, many of those commenting questioned why she had sacrificed her life. One said: ‘I don't think it's good to give up on living, even if the mother's love is great. It's not a beautiful thing if a child is born with no care and love from its natural mother.’ But another added: ‘Even chemotherapy cannot cure cancer, can it? So she chose this way, wise and helpless.’ | Qiu Yuanyuan, 26, of Zhengzhou, had declined treatment while pregnant . Game show presenter died exactly 100 days after giving birth to her son . Husband says she 'understood that not everything in life can be perfect' | 6aab9641326d73f5276de53f1f58b7473b603270 |
By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 06:53 EST, 22 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:29 EST, 22 January 2014 . Angry: Sonita Claire, pictured, has been jailed for seven years after mowing down her ex-lover and his partner as they walked along the pavement in Derby last October . An aspiring actress has been jailed for seven years after she mounted a pavement and used her car 'as a weapon' to plough into her former lover and his partner. Sonita Claire smashed into Kevin O'Neill - the father of her child - and Mary Jane Kimble at 30mph, hitting them from behind as they walked hand-in-hand on a busy Derby street. The couple were thrown onto the roof of Claire's Ford Fiesta before falling to the road 40 yards from where they were struck. Mr O'Neill, 38, suffered a broken neck fractured vertebrae in his neck and a broken collar bone, while 33-year-old Miss Kimble sustained multiple cuts to her head and face and a broken collar bone. Both were knocked unconscious and left in pools of blood. Nottingham Crown Court heard they have since made good recoveries from their injuries, but neither has any recollection of what happened. Judge Michael Stokes QC, sentencing, told Claire: 'Heaven has no rage like love turned to hatred, nor hell a woman like a woman scorned.' He said the 28-year-old, whose profile is still available on acting directory The Casting Website, that she had committed a 'wicked' offence, adding: 'You had no control over whether they lived or died. 'This is a very unusual, if not bizarre, case. You were driven by a combination of jealousy and revenge.' Motive: The court heard that she had been driven by 'a combination of jealousy and revenge' when she smashed into the couple . The judge said that Claire 'couldn't cope' with the fact her ex-partner 'preferred another woman', and that her actions had been brought on by 'obsession and jealousy'. The court heard how Claire, kitchen worker Mr O'Neill, and Miss Kimble had been caught in a 'love triangle' which had left Claire 'bitter and hurt'. David Allan, prosecuting, said Mr O'Neill and Miss Kimble were going out together in 2004 when he had a short 'fling' with Claire. A year later he split from Miss Kimble and re-kindled his relationship with Claire - who gave birth to his son in 2006. But their relationship broke down last year, and Mr O'Neill and Miss Kimble got back together. Mr Allan said that in the days before the offence Claire had confronted her former lover and hit him with an umbrella. She also contacted Miss Kimble and threatened to run her over. Violence: Claire, who had threatened to run them over in the past, carried the victims nearly 40 metres before they fell off her car, leaving them with broken bones and lying in pools of blood . Knocked down: Claire mounted the pavement here in City Road, Derby, and hit the couple from behind. The markings on wall where the incident occurred . The hearing was told Claire followed through on her threat at 4.15pm October 6 last year. She targeted the couple as they strolled through Chester Green in Derby, using her car as a 'weapon'. As she ploughed into Mr O'Neill and Miss Kimble, one witness described Claire as 'totally expressionless and straight-faced, as though she was doing nothing wrong'. Mr Allan said several mothers with young children in pushchairs saw the horrific incident, after which Claire sped off. She handed herself in at a police station later that day. Claire, of Derby, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, which was accepted by the prosecution, but admitted two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Stuart Newsam, defending, said Claire, who has no previous convictions, had been made 'vulnerable by emotional strain' and on the day of the attack had been 'deeply upset' because Mr O'Neill had cancelled an appointment to see their son. Claire, who was also banned from driving for seven years, showed no emotion when she was sentenced. After the case, Detective Constable Annie Vernon, of Derbys Police, said: 'This is the first case I've dealt with where the weapon used was a motor vehicle as opposed to a fist or knife. In my experience it's fairly rare.' | Sonita Claire smashed into Kevin O'Neill and Mary Jane Kimble on path . Couple carried for 40 metres and left with broken bones in pools of blood . 'Heaven has no rage like love turned to hatred, nor hell a woman like a woman scorned,' judge told her as she was jailed for seven years . | 558aec45f1ca33fa61188311f9c9bf0333471759 |
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